Good At A Pinch
A SEVERE snow-storm in the Highlands, which lasted for several weeks,
having stopped all communication betwixt neighboring hamlets,
snuff-takers were reduced to their last pinch. Borrowing and begging
from all the neighbors within reach were resorted to, but this soon
failed, and all were alike reduced to the extremity which unwillingly
abstinent snuffers alone know. The minister of the parish was amongst
the unhappy n
mber; the craving was so intense, that study was out of
the question. As a last resort, the beadle was despatched through the
snow, to a neighboring glen in the hope of getting a supply; but became
back as unsuccessful as he went. What's to be dune, John? was the
minister's pathetic inquiry. John shook his head, as much as to say that
he could not tell; but immediately thereafter started up, as if a new
idea had occurred to him. He came back in a few minutes, crying, Hae.
The minister, too eager to be scrutinizing, took a long, deep pinch, and
then said, Whaur did you get it?--I soupit[B] the poupit, was
John's expressive reply. The minister's accumulated superfluous Sabbath
snuff now came into good use.
[B] Swept.