I do hope the boys will be at home , '' said Rose , with a sigh of relief , as they wound yet higher up the hill to Aunt Jessie 's . `` I left this for the last call , so that we might find the lads just in from school . Yes , there is Jamie on the gate watching for us ; now you 'll see the Clan gather ; they are always swarming about together . '' The instant Jamie saw the approaching guests he gave a shrill whistle , which was answered by echoes from meadow , house and barn , as the cousins came running from all directions , shouting , `` Hooray for Uncle Alec ! '' They went at the carriage like highwaymen , robbed it of every parcel , took the occupants prisoners , and marched them into the house with great exultation . `` Little Mum ! little Mum ! here they are with lots of goodies ! Come down and see the fun right away ! Quick ! '' bawled Will and Geordie amidst a general ripping off of papers and a reckless cutting of strings that soon turned the tidy room into a chaos . Down came Aunt Jessie with her pretty cap half on , but such a beaming face below it that one rather thought the fly-away head-gear an improvement than otherwise . She had hardly time to greet Rose and the doctor before the boys were about her , each clamouring for her to see his gift and rejoice over it with him , for `` little Mum '' went halves in everything . The great horns skirmished about her as if to toss her to the ceiling ; the war clubs hurtled over her head as if to annihilate her ; an amazing medley from the four quarters of the globe filled her lap , and seven excited boys all talked to her at once . But she liked it ; oh dear , yes ! and sat smiling , admiring , and explaining , quite untroubled by the din , which made Rose cover up her ears and Dr. Alec threaten instant flight if the riot was not quelled . That threat produced a lull , and while the uncle received thanks in one corner , the aunt had some little confidences made to her in the other . `` Well , dear , and how are things going with you now ? Better , I hope , than they were a week ago . '' `` Aunt Jessie , I think I 'm going to be very happy , now uncle has come .
He does the queerest things , but he is so good to me I ca n't help loving him '' ; and , nestling closer to little Mum , XXXXX told all that had happened , ending with a rapturous account of the splendid box .
Alec Clan Jessie Rose head-gear highwaymen left quarters right war