Together, Betty and Sandy had dreamed and planned the day when together they would view their piper laddie on parade.
For Sandy had dwelt in the village of Aberfoyle these many years. While he had piped for his living, he had taught another piper, who was now to cover his old teacher with glory.
In the large audience there was still another, whose blue eyes danced with joy. Her hands were clasped together with excitement as she awaited the approach of her boyhood friend. It was little Elsie Campbell, now grown to womanhood. Elsie was among those who thrilled to see the "wee Scotch piper," as he marched along that day.
Who knows with what feelings of pride the lad looked up as he pa.s.sed that grand stand? Who knows his feelings of love, on seeing those dear faces smiling and nodding at him?
And as he marched and played, he seemed to see before him a little schoolboy marching and playing. That boy was himself, trudging the streets of a wee village, followed by a bleating lamb!
[Ill.u.s.tration]