`` Did ye take heed of the lass we bought this of ? '' says he , tapping on the bread and cheese . `` To be sure , '' said I , `` and a bonny lass she was . '' `` Ye thought that ? '' cries he . `` Man , David , that 's good news . '' `` In the name of all that 's wonderful , why so ? '' says I. `` What good can that do ? '' `` Well , '' said Alan , with one of his droll looks , `` I was rather in hopes it would maybe get us that boat . '' `` If it were the other way about , it would be liker it , '' said I. `` That 's all that you ken , ye see , '' said Alan . `` I do n't want the lass to fall in love with ye , I want her to be sorry for ye , David ; to which end there is no manner of need that she should take you for a beauty . Let me see '' -LRB- looking me curiously over -RRB- . `` I wish ye were a wee thing paler ; but apart from that ye 'll do fine for my purpose -- ye have a fine , hang-dog , rag-and-tatter , clappermaclaw kind of a look to ye , as if ye had stolen the coat from a potato-bogle . Come ; right about , and back to the change-house for that boat of ours . '' I followed him , laughing . `` David Balfour , '' said he , `` ye 're a very funny gentleman by your way of it , and this is a very funny employ for ye , no doubt . For all that , if ye have any affection for my neck -LRB- to say nothing of your own -RRB- ye will perhaps be kind enough to take this matter responsibly . I am going to do a bit of play-acting , the bottom ground of which is just exactly as serious as the gallows for the pair of us . So bear it , if ye please , in mind , and conduct yourself according . '' `` Well , well , '' said I , `` have it as you will . ''
As we got near the clachan , he made me take his arm and hang upon it like one almost helpless with weariness ; and by the time he pushed open the XXXXX door , he seemed to be half carrying me .
Alan Balfour David change-house clappermaclaw fall liker paler potato-bogle rag-and-tatter