WEIRD SISTERS, i-jf 



no bairn of his would come to grief while Mam-Willa 

 was on the premises. 



It was double jubilee when we were allowed to go 

 and spend a day at her cottage. Sometimes our mother 

 was set on a pony and — escorted by a troop of us — 

 made a welcome descent upon Cloogan. 



Mam-Willa was never taken unawares by such 

 visitations ; her hospitality was always ready and full ; 

 and if she herself chanced to be from home, one of 

 her daughters was there to give hearty welcome to 

 all who came. 



What rare basins of curds and cream and "kirn- 

 milk " were ladled out for us on such occasions ! 

 What splendid scones and briinies were baked and 

 covered with rich sweet butter ! What delicious 

 cream-cheeses and fresh eggs were put up for us 

 to carry home ! 



Sometimes Mam-Willa's man would take us for 

 a paddle in his little boat, or — if the tide were out 

 — would escort us into the isle of Hoonie, where we 

 were free to pick up the eggs of sea-fowl, shells and 

 other ocean treasures. 



When we were grown and wished to make a picnic 

 for our visitors from far lands, we knew no more 

 delightful locality for the purpose than the vicinity 

 of Mam-Willa's home. Her blithe girls would boil 

 our potatoes, and brew our tea in the cottage, while 

 she sat among us not the least loved and honoured 

 of our guests. 



Our eldest (living) brother was her favourite, for 



