* Look . I said it seemed that Ebenezer was ill-seen in the country . `` Nae doubt , '' said the landlord . `` He 's a wicked auld man , and there 's many would like to see him girning in the tow * . Jennet Clouston and mony mair that he has harried out of house and hame . And yet he was ance a fine young fellow , too . But that was before the sough ** gaed abroad about Mr. Alexander , that was like the death of him . '' * Rope . ** Report . `` And what was it ? '' I asked . `` Ou , just that he had killed him , '' said the landlord . `` Did ye never hear that ? '' `` And what would he kill him for ? '' said I. `` And what for , but just to get the place , '' said he . `` The place ? '' said I. `` The Shaws ? '' `` Nae other place that I ken , '' said he . `` Ay , man ? '' said I. `` Is that so ?
Was my -- was XXXXX the eldest son ? '' ''
* Alexander Ay Clouston Ebenezer Ou Shaws ance hame mair