" "Weel," resumed Macalister, "there was a bit o' chaff back and forrit between us, and next thing he did was to slap me across the face wi' his hand.

" At this speech the Heelandman lost a' patience, and lookit sae awfully fairce, that ance or twice I was on the nick of coming forrit, and explaining how matters really stood; but curiosity keepit me chained to the back shop, and I just thocht I would bide a wee, and see how the affair was like to end.

For it, which used to be pronounced forrit as one word, is now generally spoken faw it, as two.

Ye'll bide here for ten meenonts, and gin naebody comes forrit in that time, ye can gang awa' hame.

"I didn't think it was worth while, sir, as we had our ain ploughing forrit."