Produced by Ted Garvin, S.R. Ellison, Charles Franks, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team 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.