Cover of The Men of the Moss-Hags

The Men of the Moss-Hags

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  • 8 hours to read
  • 57 chapters
  • Reading level: 6th grade

"The Men of the Moss-Hags" by S. R. Crockett is a historical novel written in the late 19th century. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of William Gordon, the central character, as he recollects his youth amidst the turbulent times of the Covenanters in Scotland, focusing on friendship, childhood adventures, and the impact of conflict on his family and community. The book pays homage to the past while exploring themes of loyalty, courage, and the complexities of familial love in a time of strife. The opening of the novel introduces William Gordon and his close bond with his cousin, Maisie May, as they play games on the picturesque hills overlooking the Black Water of Dee. The idyllic setting is juxtaposed with the grim realities of their time, where fear of soldiers and violence looms ever-present. As they navigate their childhood games that mimic the harshness of their world, William's father rides to the Duchrae for a Covenanting meeting, highlighting their engagement in the larger conflicts of society, which foreshadows the challenges and sacrifices that will deeply affect William's family and future. The stage is set for the story to evolve around themes of adventure, camaraderie, and the harsh truths of a nation in conflict.

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  • Covenanters
  • Scotland · History · 17th century

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Chapter I

MY GOSSIP, MAISIE MAY.

It was upon the fair green braes that look over the Black Water of Dee near by where it meets the clear Ken, that Maisie May and I played many a morning at Wanderers and King's men. I mind it as it were yesterday, for the dales and holms were pranked out with white hawthorn and broad gowans, and by our woodland hiding-places little frail wildflowers grew, nodding at us as we lay and held our breath.

Now Maisie Lennox (for that was her proper given name) was my cousin, and had been gossip of mine ever since we came to the age of five years; Sandy, my elder brother, making nothing of me because I was so much younger and he ever hot upon his own desires. Neither, if the truth must be told, did I wear great love upon him at any time. When we fell out, as we did often, he would pursue after me and beat me; but mostly I clodded him with pebble stones, whereat I had the advantage, being ever straight of eye and sure of aim. Whereas Sandy was gleyed[1] and threw stones like a girl, for all the stoutness of his arm.

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Contents

Show all 57 chapters
  1. Front Matter
  2. Chapter I
  3. Chapter II
  4. Chapter III
  5. Chapter IV
  6. Chapter V
  7. Chapter VI
  8. Chapter VII
  9. Chapter VIII
  10. Chapter IX
  11. Chapter X
  12. Chapter XI
  13. Chapter XII
  14. Chapter XIII
  15. Chapter XIV
  16. Chapter XV
  17. Chapter XVI
  18. Chapter XVII
  19. Chapter XVIII
  20. Chapter XIX
  21. Chapter XX
  22. Chapter XXI
  23. Chapter XXII
  24. Chapter XXIII
  25. Chapter XXIV
  26. Chapter XXV
  27. Chapter XXVI
  28. Chapter XXVII
  29. Chapter XXVIII
  30. Chapter XXIX
  31. Chapter XXX
  32. Chapter XXXI
  33. Chapter XXXII
  34. Chapter XXXIII
  35. Chapter XXXIV
  36. Chapter XXXV
  37. Chapter XXXVI
  38. Chapter XXXVII
  39. Chapter XXXVIII
  40. Chapter XXXIX
  41. Chapter XL
  42. Chapter XLI
  43. Chapter XLII
  44. Chapter XLIII: The Vengeance of "Yon."
  45. Chapter XLIV
  46. Chapter XLV
  47. Chapter XLVI
  48. Chapter XLVII
  49. Chapter XLVIII
  50. Chapter XLIX
  51. Chapter L
  52. Chapter LI
  53. Chapter LII
  54. Chapter LIII
  55. Chapter LIV
  56. Chapter LV
  57. Chapter LVI

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About this edition

This free edition of The Men of the Moss-Hags by S. R. Crockett comes from Project Gutenberg eBook #32137, released 2010-04-25. It is in the public domain in the United States, so you can read it here in full at no cost, on any phone, tablet or computer. Genre: Historical Novels, Adventure, British Literature.

Summary provided by Project Gutenberg (automatically generated).

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