The tinkler-gypsies . rboured unmolested, as the crows thatroosted in the old ash-trees around them. They hadbeen such long occupants that they were considered insome degree as proprietors of the wretched shealingswhich they inhabited. This protection they were saidanciently to have repaid, by service to the laird in war,or more frequently, by infesting or plundering the landsof those neighbouring barons with whom he chanced tobe at feud. Latterly their services were of a more pacificnature. The women spun mittens for the lady, andknitted boot hose for the laird, which were annuallypresented a
The tinkler-gypsies . rboured unmolested, as the crows thatroosted in the old ash-trees around them. They hadbeen such long occupants that they were considered insome degree as proprietors of the wretched shealingswhich they inhabited. This protection they were saidanciently to have repaid, by service to the laird in war,or more frequently, by infesting or plundering the landsof those neighbouring barons with whom he chanced tobe at feud. Latterly their services were of a more pacificnature. The women spun mittens for the lady, andknitted boot hose for the laird, which were annuallypresented at Christmas with great form. The aged sibylsblessed the bridal bed of the laird when he married, andthe cradle of the heir when born. The men repaired herladyships cracked china, and assisted the laird in hissporting parties, wormed his dogs, and cut the ears of histerrier puppies. The children gathered nuts in thewoods, and cranberries in the moss, and mushrooms onthe pastures, for tribute to the Place. These acts of. Barholm Castle ( Ellangowan). Photr, by Wm. Hunter & Son. 96 The Tinkler-Gypsies. voluntary service and acknowledgmenls of dependencewere rewarded by protection on some occasions, conniv-ance on others, and broken victuals, ale and brandy,when circumstances called for a display of generosity ;and this mutual intercourse of good offices, which liadbeen carried on for at least two centuries, rendered theinhabitants of Derncleugh a kind of privileged retainersupon the estate of Ellangowan. The knaves were thelairds exceeding good friends ; and he would havedeemed himself very ill-used if his countenance could notnow and then have borne them out against the law of thecountry and the local magistrate. But this friendly unionwas soon to be dissolved. Then Sir Walter humorously describes thechange in Mr Bertrams attitude towards hiserstwhile friends—owing to his advancement tothe office of Justice of the Peace :— But these halcyon days were now to have an end,and a
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