The Eskdale Herd-boy A Scottish Tale for the Instruction and Amusement of Young People   By: Mrs. (Martha) Blackford (-1846)

THE ESKDALE HERD BOY

A Scottish Tale

FOR THE INSTRUCTION AND AMUSEMENT OF YOUNG PERSONS

BY MRS. BLACKFORD

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

CHAP. I.

Description of Eskdale. History of Marion Scott and John Telfer. He loses his Parents. Mr. Martin, the Pastor, befriends him. John engaged by Mr. Laurie as his herd boy. Helen Martin's first attempt at horsemanship. Her mother points out the advantages of perseverance and self command.

CHAP. II.

Excursion towards the Glen. Beautiful scenery. Account of the Borderers . The Minister visits David Little's cottage Rustic manners. Canine sagacity. The visitors take their departure.

CHAP. III.

John gains the approbation of the Pastor. Visit to Mr. Elliott. His cottage delightfully situated. Helen cautioned by her father against affectation. Arrival at Minkirk. Visit at Craigie Hall. Mrs. Scott's hospitality. John dispatched on an errand. His unlucky disaster. The party returns by moonlight. Their arrival at the Manse relieves Mrs. Martin's anxiety.

CHAP. IV.

John's reflexions on entering service. Receives advice from the Minister for his future conduct. John's good intentions the cause of great anxiety.

CHAP. V.

Sunday morning. The family assembled for morning prayer. Interesting description of the villagers' manners on the Sabbath. Serious illnesses. John in an awkward dilemma. Hateful effects of intoxication. Miss Helen taken seriously ill. A curtain lecture.

CHAP. VI.

Uncertainty of human events. News of Captain Elliott. An agreeable present. John gains the approbation of the Minister for his activity.

CHAP. VII.

John enters Mr. Laurie's service. New companions. He receives instruction in his new employ. Surprising sagacity of the shepherds' dogs. Marion recovered.

CHAP. VIII.

Arrival of Capt. Elliott. Unfavourable character of William Martin. His hasty temper the cause of uneasiness to his parents. He is placed under the care of Mr. Lamont. Helen's amiability. The party take their departure for Kelso.

CHAP. IX.

Hospitable reception at Kelso. Interview between Capt. Elliott and his nephew William. The party return to the Manse . Helen's attachment to home. Capt. Elliott joins his vessel. Alarm of the family at the sudden disappearance of William Martin.

CHAP. X.

Mrs. Martin greatly distressed by William's thoughtless and undutiful conduct. Helen shrewdly guesses her brother's plans. Information received from Capt. Elliott that William has joined him. William solicits permission to accompany his uncle to sea. His parents reluctantly consent. Mrs. Martin's death ensues.

CHAP. XI.

Helen's grandmother takes charge of the household. Marion Scott resides with Helen at the Manse. John Telfer gradually improves himself. Capt. Elliott and his nephew arrive in England. Their anxiety to visit Eskdale again. Mrs. Elliott's repugnance at seeing her undutiful grandson causes her departure to Mr. Armstrong's.

CHAP. XII.

William's arrival, and interview with his sister. Affectionately received by his father. Marion narrowly escapes perishing in a snow storm. Intrepidity of William and John. The departure of Capt. Elliott and William the cause of distress and fearful forebodings. John accompanies them.

CHAP XIII.

Their arrival in the metropolis. And voyage to the Mediterranean. Sudden disappearance of William and the boat's crew at sea. A sea fight. Capt. Elliott killed, the vessel taken by the enemy, and the crew made prisoners. The news of these disasters cause the death of Mr. Martin.

CHAP XIV.

Helen vacates the parsonage, and joins Miss Maxwell's millinery establishment. They become greatly attached. John Telfer, after several years' captivity, makes his escape.

CHAP XV.