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.



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