PREFACE

"Telling the Truth" is a habit which has grown upon me since I first learned to talk. In fact, in my earliest days, this trait was a source of constant anxiety to my faither and mither.

Nevertheless, I have found Truth a most profitable commodity, for in depicting characters on the stage my success has always been largely attributable to the fact of their all being true studies from life.

So, too, in this little volume of Scottish stories, which I humbly submit to my friends of all nationalities, I shall endeavor to show a few real characters, which are true to life. I hope, therefore, that I shall be forgiven for the lies I am about to tell.

Harry Lauder.

CONTENTS

1. "A Hamely Crack"
2. The Old Philosopher
3. The Miner's Bairn
4. Mrs. M'Minn's Second Man
5. Andy "Broon's Love Affair
6. Two "Deserters"
7. "Billy the Brasher"
8. The Boiling Stone
9. The Heatin' o' the Hoose
10. "Doon the Water"