midday
Thus I fished , now wading to the knees in the rapid stream , now sitting on a large stone readjusting my flies . Before noon the rain fell heavily , but by the time that I reached the Bridge of Waithe my basket was full , and I walked along the road as far as Clouston , the dog following in the wet with drooping , draggling tail , and ears dripping with the rain . My clothes were wet through and I was cold , and , wishing for shelter and a bite of food , I turned across the heath to Jack Paterson 's croft . I opened the door of the little cottage without knocking , and found Jack and his wife Jean at home , with their family of six waiting for their midday meal . Hilda , the eldest girl , was arranging some wooden dishes on the table ready for the potatoes . Poor as the place was , I received a true and simple welcome , and I was glad of the shelter and the warmth , for the wind was whistling round the eaves and the heavy rain pelting against the little window . Jack Paterson was a poor crofter , who added to his scanty means by going to the deep-sea fishing , or , out of the fishing season , by burning kelp .