Awfu' work we had getting them into the
tower under cloud o' night, for ye maun think it wasna everybody could
be trusted wi' sic kittle jobs. But if ye will gae hame to your supper,
I will tell you a' about it as ye gang down."
"And these wretched boys," said Ravenswood, "is it your pleasure they
are to sit there all night, to wait for the blowing up of a tower that
is not even on fire?"
"Surely not, if it is your honour's pleasure that they suld gang hame;
although," added Caleb, "it wadna do them a grain's damage: they wad
screigh less the next day, and sleep the sounder at e'en. But just as
your honour likes."
Stepping accordingly towards the urchins who manned the knolls near
which they stood, Caleb informed them, in an authoritative tone, that
their honours Lord Ravenswood and the Marquis of A---- had given orders
that the tower was not to be blow up till next day at noon. The boys
dispersed upon this comfortable assurance. One or two, however, followed
Caleb for more information, particularly the urchin whom he had cheated
while officiating as turnspit, who screamed, "Mr.
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