The thought of a separation ran always the stronger in my mind ; and the more I approved of it , the more ashamed I grew of my approval . It would be a fine , handsome , generous thing , indeed , for Alan to turn round and say to me : `` Go , I am in the most danger , and my company only increases yours . '' But for me to turn to the friend who certainly loved me , and say to him : `` You are in great danger , I am in but little ; your friendship is a burden ; go , take your risks and bear your hardships alone -- '' no , that was impossible ; and even to think of it privily to myself , made my cheeks to burn . And yet Alan had behaved like a child , and -LRB- what is worse -RRB- a treacherous child . Wheedling my money from me while I lay half-conscious was scarce better than theft ; and yet here he was trudging by my side , without a penny to his name , and by what I could see , quite blithe to sponge upon the money he had driven me to beg . True , I was ready to share it with him ; but it made me rage to see him count upon my readiness . These were the two things uppermost in my mind ; and I could open my mouth upon neither without black ungenerosity . So I did the next worst , and said nothing , nor so much as looked once at my companion , save with the tail of my eye . At last , upon the other side of Loch Errocht , going over a smooth , rushy place , where the walking was easy , he could bear it no longer , and came close to me . `` David , '' says he , `` this is no way for two friends to take a small accident . I have to say that I 'm sorry ; and so that 's said . And now if you have anything , ye 'd better say it . '' `` O , '' says I , `` I have nothing . '' He seemed disconcerted ; at which I was meanly pleased . `` No , '' said he , with rather a trembling voice , `` but when I say I was to blame ? '' `` Why , of course , ye were to blame , '' said I , coolly ; `` and you will bear me out that I have never reproached you . '' `` Never , '' says he ; `` but ye ken very well that ye 've done worse . Are we to part ? Ye said so once before . Are ye to say it again ?
There 's hills and heather enough between here and the two seas , XXXXX ; and I will own I 'm no very keen to stay where I 'm no wanted . ''
Alan David Errocht Ye accident burn course danger rushy ungenerosity