Our people like it , and I think we are a pretty canny set . '' Archie said this from the other coach-step , where he had perched , while the rest climbed up before and behind to join in the chat as they rested . `` I 'm Fitzjames and he 's Roderick Dhu , and we 'll give you the broadsword combat some day . It 's a great thing , you 'd better believe , '' added the Prince . `` Yes , and you should hear Steve play the pipes . He makes 'em skirl like a good one , '' cried Will from the box , eager to air the accomplishments of his race . `` Mac 's the fellow to hunt up the old stories and tell us how to dress right , and pick out rousing bits for us to speak and sing , '' put in Geordie , saying a good word for the absent Worm . `` And what do you and Will do ? '' asked Rose of Jamie , who sat beside her as if bound to keep her in sight till the promised gift had been handed over . `` Oh , I 'm the little foot-page , and do errands , and Will and Geordie are the troops when we march , and the stags when we hunt , and the traitors when we want to cut any heads off . '' `` They are very obliging , I 'm sure , '' said Rose , whereat the `` utility men '' beamed with modest pride and resolved to enact Wallace and Montrose as soon as possible for their cousin 's special benefit . `` Let 's have a game of tag , '' cried the Prince , swinging himself up to a beam with a sounding slap on Stevie 's shoulder . Regardless of his gloves , Dandy tore after him , and the rest swarmed in every direction as if bent on breaking their necks and dislocating their joints as rapidly as possible . It was a new and astonishing spectacle to Rose , fresh from a prim boarding-school , and she watched the active lads with breathless interest , thinking their antics far superior to those of Mops , the dear departed monkey . Will had just covered himself with glory by pitching off a high loft head first and coming up all right , when Phebe appeared with a cloak , hood , and rubbers , also a message from Aunt Plenty that `` Miss Rose was to come in directly . '' `` All right ; we 'll bring her ! '' answered Archie , issuing some mysterious order , which was so promptly obeyed that , before Rose could get out of the carriage , the boys had caught hold of the pole and rattled her out of the barn , round the oval and up to the front door with a cheer that brought two caps to an upper window , and caused Debby to cry aloud from the back porch , `` Them harum-scarum boys will certainly be the death of that delicate little creter ! '' But the `` delicate little creter '' seemed all the better for her trip , and ran up the steps looking rosy , gay , and dishevelled , to be received with lamentation by Aunt Plenty , who begged her to go and lie down at once . `` Oh , please do n't ! We have come to tea with our cousin , and we 'll be as good as gold if you 'll let us stay , auntie , '' clamoured the boys , who not only approved of `` our cousin '' but had no mind to lose their tea , for Aunt Plenty 's name but feebly expressed her bountiful nature .
`` Well , dears , you can ; only be quiet , and let XXXXX go and take her iron and be made tidy , and then we will see what we can find for supper , '' said the old lady as she trotted away , followed by a volley of directions for the approaching feast .
Debby Jamie Prince Rose broadsword creter first foot-page right skirl