But after two , or maybe three , had given me the same look and the same answer , I began to take it in my head there was something strange about the Shaws itself . The better to set this fear at rest , I changed the form of my inquiries ; and spying an honest fellow coming along a lane on the shaft of his cart , I asked him if he had ever heard tell of a house they called the house of Shaws . He stopped his cart and looked at me , like the others . `` Ay '' said he . `` What for ? '' `` It 's a great house ? '' I asked . `` Doubtless , '' says he . `` The house is a big , muckle house . '' `` Ay , '' said I , `` but the folk that are in it ? '' `` Folk ? '' cried he . `` Are ye daft ? There 's nae folk there -- to call folk . '' `` What ? '' say I ; `` not Mr. Ebenezer ? '' `` Ou , ay '' says the man ; `` there 's the laird , to be sure , if it 's him you 're wanting . What 'll like be your business , mannie ? '' `` I was led to think that I would get a situation , '' I said , looking as modest as I could . `` What ? ''
cries the carter , in so sharp a note that his very horse started ; and then , `` Well , mannie , '' he added , `` it 's nane of my affairs ; but ye seem a decent-spoken lad ; and if ye 'll take a word from me , ye 'll keep clear of the XXXXX . ''
Ay Doubtless Ebenezer Mr. Ou Shaws business cart laird mannie