Now she must come out to get home again, for there
was no back-way; so by Alec's orders they dispersed a little to avoid
observation, and drew gradually between the entrance of the inn-yard,
and the way Juno would take to go home.
The town was ordinarily lighted at night with oil lamps, but moonlight
and snow had rendered them for some time unnecessary.
"Here she is! Here she is!" cried several at once in a hissing whisper
of excitement. "Lat at her!"
"Haud still!" cried Alec. "Bide till I tell ye. Dinna ye see there's
Lang Tam's dog wi' her, an' he's done naething. Ye maunna punish the
innocent wi' the guilty."
A moment after the dogs took their leave of each other, and Juno went,
at a slow slouching trot, in the direction of her own street.
"Close in!" cried Alec.
Juno found her way barred in a threatening manner, and sought to pass
meekly by.
"Lat at her, boys!" cried the General.
A storm of stones was their answer to the order; and a howl of rage and
pain burst from the animal. She turned; but found that she was the
centre of a circle of enemies.
"Lat at her! Haud at her!" bawled Alec.
And thick as hail the well-aimed stones flew from practised hands;
though of course in the frantic rushes of the dog to escape, not half
of them took effect.
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