rob roy volume 2 by sir walter scott

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Title:RobRoy,Volume2.Author:SirWalterScottReleaseDate:December2004[EBook#7024][Posted:February24,2003]

ROBROYBYSCOTT,V2

ROBROY

BySirWalterScott



VOLUMETWO

CHAPTERFIRST

Andhurry,hurry,offtheyrode,Asfastasfastmightbe;Hurra,hurra,thedeadcanride,Dostfeartoridewithme?Burger.

Thereisoneadvantageinanaccumulationofevils,differingincauseandcharacter,thatthedistractionwhichtheyaffordbytheircontradictoryoperationpreventsthepatientfrombeingoverwhelmedundereither.IwasdeeplygrievedatmyseparationfromMissVernon,yetnotsomuchsoasIshouldhavebeen,hadnotmyfather'sapprehendeddistressesforcedthemselvesonmyattention;andIwasdistressedbythenewsofMr.Tresham,yetlesssothaniftheyhadfullyoccupiedmymind.Iwasneitherafalselovernoranunfeelingson;butmancangivebutacertainportionofdistressfulemotionstothecauseswhichdemandthem;andiftwooperateatonce,oursympathy,likethefundsofacompoundingbankrupt,canonlybedividedbetweenthem.Suchweremyreflectionswhen

Igainedmyapartment--itseems,fromtheillustration,theyalreadybegantohaveatwangofcommerceinthem.

Isetmyselfseriouslytoconsideryourfather'sletter.Itwasnotverydistinct,andreferredforseveralparticularstoOwen,whomIwasentreatedtomeetwithassoonaspossibleataScotchtowncalledGlasgow;beinginformed,moreover,thatmyoldfriendwastobeheardofatMessrs.MacVittie,MacFin,andCompany,merchantsintheGallowgateofthesaidtown.Itlikewisealludedtoseveralletters,--which,asitappearedtome,musthavemiscarriedorhavebeenintercepted,andcomplainedofmyobduratesilence,intermswhichwouldhave,beenhighlyunjust,hadmylettersreachedtheirpurposeddestination.IwasamazedasIread.ThatthespiritofRashleighwalkedaroundme,andconjuredup

thesedoubtsanddifficultiesbywhichIwassurrounded,Icouldnotdoubtforoneinstant;yetitwasfrightfultoconceivetheextentofcombinedvillanyandpowerwhichhemusthaveemployedintheperpetrationofhisdesigns.Letmedomyselfjusticeinonerespect.TheevilofpartingfromMissVernon,howeverdistressingitmightinotherrespectsandatanothertimehaveappearedtome,sunkintoasubordinateconsiderationwhenIthoughtofthedangersimpendingovermyfather.Ididnotmyselfsetahighestimationonwealth,andhadtheaffectationofmostyoungmenoflivelyimagination,whosupposethattheycanbetterdispensewiththepossessionofmoney,thanresigntheirtimeandfacultiestothelabournecessarytoacquireit.Butinmyfather'scase,Iknewthatbankruptcywouldbeconsideredasanutterandirretrievabledisgrace,towhichlifewouldaffordnocomfort,anddeaththespeediest

andsolerelief.



Mymind,therefore,wasbentonavertingthiscatastrophe,withanintensitywhichtheinterestcouldnothaveproducedhaditreferredtomyownfortunes;andtheresultofmydeliberationwasafirmresolutiontodepartfromOsbaldistoneHallthenextdayandwendmywaywithoutlossoftimetomeetOwenatGlasgow.Ididnotholditexpedienttointimatemydeparturetomyuncle,otherwisethanbyleavingaletterofthanksforhishospitality,assuringhimthatsuddenandimportantbusinesspreventedmyofferingtheminperson.Iknewthebluntoldknightwouldreadilyexcuseceremony;andIhadsuchabeliefintheextentanddecidedcharacterofRashleigh'smachinations,thatIhadsomeapprehensionofhishavingprovidedmeanstointerceptajourneywhichwasundertakenwithaviewtodisconcertthem,ifmydeparturewerepubliclyannouncedatOsbaldistoneHall.

Ithereforedeterminedtosetoffonmyjourneywithdaylightontheensuingmorning,andtogaintheneighbouringkingdomofScotlandbeforeanyideaofmydeparturewasentertainedattheHall.Butoneimpedimentofconsequencewaslikelytopreventthatspeedwhichwasthesoulofmyexpedition.Ididnotknowtheshortest,norindeedanyroadtoGlasgow;andas,inthecircumstancesinwhichIstood,despatchwasofthegreatestconsequence,IdeterminedtoconsultAndrewFairserviceonthesubject,asthenearestandmostauthenticauthoritywithinmyreach.Lateasitwas,Isetoffwiththeintentionofascertainingthis

importantpoint,andafterafewminutes'walkreachedthedwellingofthegardener.

Andrew'sdwellingwassituatedatnogreatdistancefromtheexteriorwallofthegarden--asnugcomfortableNorthumbriancottage,builtofstonesroughlydressedwiththehammer,andhavingthewindowsanddoorsdecoratedwithhugeheavyarchitraves,orlintels,astheyarecalled,ofhewnstone,anditsroofcoveredwithbroadgreyflags,insteadofslates,thatch,ortiles.Ajargonellepear-treeatoneendofthecottage,arivuletandflower-plotofaroodinextentinfront,andakitchen-gardenbehind;apaddockforacow,andasmallfield,cultivatedwithseveralcropsofgrain,ratherforthebenefitofthecottagerthanforsale,announcedthewarmandcordialcomfortswhichOldEngland,even

athermostnorthernextremity,extendstohermeanestinhabitants.

AsIapproachedthemansionofthesapientAndrew,Iheardanoise,which,beingofanaturepeculiarlysolemn,nasal,andprolonged,ledmetothinkthatAndrew,accordingtothedecentandmeritoriouscustomofhiscountrymen,hadassembledsomeofhisneighbourstojoininfamilyexercise,ashecalledeveningdevotion.Andrewhadindeedneitherwife,child,norfemaleinmateinhisfamily."Thefirstofhistrade,"hesaid,"hadhadeneugho'thaecattle."But,notwithstanding,hesometimescontrivedtoformanaudienceforhimselfoutoftheneighbouringPapistsandChurch-of-Englandmen--brands,asheexpressedit,snatchedoutoftheburning,onwhomheusedtoexercisehisspiritualgifts,indefiancealikeofFatherVaughan,FatherDocharty,Rashleigh,andalltheworldof

Catholicsaroundhim,whodeemedhisinterferenceonsuchoccasionsanactofhereticalinterloping.Iconceiveditlikely,therefore,thatthewell-disposedneighboursmighthaveassembledtoholdsomechapelofease



ofthisnature.Thenoise,however,whenIlistenedtoitmoreaccurately,seemedtoproceedentirelyfromthelungsofthesaidAndrew;andwhenIinterrupteditbyenteringthehouse,IfoundFairservicealone,combatingashebestcould,withlongwordsandhardnames,andreadingaloud,forthepurposeofhisownedification,avolumeofcontroversialdivinity.

"Iwasjusttakingaspell,"saidhe,layingasidethehugefoliovolumeasIentered,"oftheworthyDoctorLightfoot."

"Lightfoot!"Ireplied,lookingattheponderousvolumewithsomesurprise;"surelyyourauthorwasunhappilynamed."

"Lightfootwashisname,sir;adivinehewas,andanotherkindofadivinethantheyhaenow-adays.Always,Icraveyourpardonforkeepingyestandingatthedoor,buthavingbeenmistrysted(gudepreserveus!)withaeboglethenightalready,Iwasdubiouso'openingtheyetttillIhadgaenthroughthee'eningworship;andIhadjustfinishedthefifthchapterofNehemiah--ifthatwinnagarthemkeeptheirdistance,Iwotnawhatwill."

"Trystedwithabogle!"saidI;"whatdoyoumeanbythat,Andrew?"

"Isaidmistrysted,"repliedAndrew;"thatisasmuckleastosay,fley'dwi'aghaist--Gudepreserveus,Isayagain!"

"Flay'dbyaghost,Andrew!howamItounderstandthat?"

"Ididnotsayflay'd,"repliedAndrew,"but_fley'd,_--thatis,Igotafleg,andwasreadytojumpouto'myskin,thoughnaebodyofferedtowhirlitaffmybodyasamanwadbarkatree."

"Ibegatrucetoyourterrorsinthepresentcase,Andrew,andIwishtoknowwhetheryoucandirectmethenearestwaytoatowninyourcountryofScotland,calledGlasgow?"

"Atownca'dGlasgow!"echoedAndrewFairservice."Glasgow'saceety,man.--Andis'tthewaytoGlasgowyewerespeeringifIken'd?--Whatsuldailmetokenit?--it'snothatdoomsfarfraemyainparishofDreepdaily,thatliesabittockfarthertothewest.ButwhatmayyourhonourbegauntoGlasgowfor?"

"Particularbusiness,"repliedI.

"That'sasmuckleastosay,Speernaequestions,andI'lltellyenaelees.--ToGlasgow?"--hemadeashortpause--"Iamthinkingyewadbethebettero'someanetoshowyoutheroad."

"Certainly,ifIcouldmeetwithanypersongoingthatway."

"Andyourhonour,doubtless,wadconsiderthetimeandtrouble?"

"Unquestionably--mybusinessispressing,andifyoucanfindanyguide



toaccompanyme,I'llpayhimhandsomely."

"Thisisnoadaytospeako'carnalmatters,"saidAndrew,castinghiseyesupwards;"butifitwerenaSabbathate'en,Iwadspeerwhatyewadbecontenttogietoanethatwadbearyepleasantcompanyontheroad,andtellyethenamesofthegentlemen'sandnoblemen'sseatsandcastles,andcounttheirkintoye?"

"Itellyou,allIwanttoknowistheroadImusttravel;Iwillpaythefellowtohissatisfaction--Iwillgivehimanythinginreason."

"Onything,"repliedAndrew,"isnaething;andthisladthatIamspeakingo'kensa'theshortcutsandqueerby-pathsthroughthehills,and"-

"Ihavenotimetotalkaboutit,Andrew;doyoumakethebargainformeyourownway."

"Aha!that'sspeakingtothepurpose,"answeredAndrew.--"Iamthinking,sincesaebethatsaeitis,I'llbetheladthatwillguideyoumysell."

"You,Andrew?--howwillyougetawayfromyouremployment?"

"Itell'dyourhonourawhilesyne,thatitwaslangthatIhaebeenthinkingo'flitting,maybeaslangasfraethefirstyearIcametoOsbaldistoneHall;andnowIamo'themindtogangingudeearnest-bettersoonassyne--betterafingeraffasayewagging."

"Youleaveyourservice,then?--butwillyounotloseyourwages?"

"Naedoubttherewillbeacertainloss;butthenIhaesillero'thelaird'sinmyhandsthatItookfortheapplesintheauldorchyard--andasairbargainthefolkhadthatboughtthem--awheengreentrash--andyetSirHildebrand'saskeentohaethesiller(thatis,thestewardisaspressingaboutit)asiftheyhadbeena'gowdenpippins--andthenthere'sthesillerfortheseeds--I'mthinkingthewagewillbeina

mannerdecentlymadeup.--ButdoubtlessyourhonourwillconsidermyriskoflosswhenwewintoGlasgow--andye'llbeforsettingoutforthwith?"

"Byday-breakinthemorning,"Ianswered.

"That'ssomethingo'thesuddenest--whareamItofindanaig?--Stay--Ikenjustthebeastthatwillanswerme."

"Atfiveinthemorning,then,Andrew,youwillmeetmeattheheadoftheavenue."

"Deilafearo'me(thatIsuldsaysae)missingmytryste,"repliedAndrew,verybriskly;"andifImightadvise,wewadbeafftwahours

earlier.Ikentheway,darkorlight,asweelasblindRalphRonaldson,that'stravelledowereverymoorinthecountry-side,anddisnakenthecolourofaheather-cowewhena'sdune."

IhighlyapprovedofAndrew'samendmentonmyoriginalproposal,andwe



agreedtomeetattheplaceappointedatthreeinthemorning.Atonce,however,areflectioncameacrossthemindofmyintendedtravellingcompanion.

"Thebogle!thebogle!whatifitshouldcomeoutuponus?--Idownaforgatherwi'thaethingstwiceinthefour-and-twentyhours."

"Pooh!pooh!"Iexclaimed,breakingawayfromhim,"fearnothingfromthenextworld--theearthcontainslivingfiends,whocanactforthemselveswithoutassistance,werethewholehostthatfellwithLucifertoreturntoaidandabetthem."

Withthesewords,theimportofwhichwassuggestedbymyownsituation,IleftAndrew'shabitation,andreturnedtotheHall.

Imadethefewpreparationswhichwerenecessaryformyproposedjourney,examinedandloadedmypistols,andthenthrewmyselfonmybed,toobtain,ifpossible,abriefsleepbeforethefatigueofalongandanxiousjourney.Nature,exhaustedbythetumultuousagitationsoftheday,waskindertomethanIexpected,andIstinkintoadeepandprofoundslumber,fromwhich,however,Istartedastheoldclockstrucktwofromaturretadjoiningtomybedchamber.Iinstantlyarose,struckalight,wrotetheletterIproposedtoleaveformyuncle,andleaving

behindmesucharticlesofdressaswerecumbrousincarriage,Idepositedtherestofmywardrobeinmyvalise,glideddownstairs,andgainedthestablewithoutimpediment.Withoutbeingquitesuchagroomasanyofmycousins,IhadlearnedatOsbaldistoneHalltodressandsaddlemyownhorse,andinafewminutesIwasmountedandreadyformysally.

AsIpaceduptheoldavenue,onwhichthewaningmoonthrewitslightwithapaleandwhitishtinge,IlookedbackwithadeepandbodingsightowardsthewallswhichcontainedDianaVernon,underthedespondentimpressionthatwehadprobablypartedtomeetnomore.Itwasimpossible,amongthelongandirregularlinesofGothiccasements,whichnowlookedghastlywhiteinthemoonlight,todistinguishthatoftheapartmentwhichsheinhabited."Sheislosttomealready,"thoughtI,as

myeyewanderedoverthedimandindistinguishableintricaciesofarchitectureofferedbythemoonlightviewofOsbaldistoneHall--"Sheislosttomealready,ereIhavelefttheplacewhichsheinhabits!Whathopeisthereofmymaintaininganycorrespondencewithher,whenleaguesshallliebetween?"

WhileIpausedinareverieofnoverypleasingnature,the"irontongueoftimetoldthreeuponthedrowsyearofnight,"andremindedmeofthenecessityofkeepingmyappointmentwithapersonofalessinterestingdescriptionandappearance--AndrewFairservice.

AtthegateoftheavenueIfoundahorsemanstationedintheshadowofthewall,butitwasnotuntilIhadcoughedtwice,andthencalled

"Andrew,"thatthehorticulturistreplied,"I'sewarrantit'sAndrew."

"Leadtheway,then,"saidI,"andbesilentifyoucan,tillwearepastthehamletinthevalley."



Andrewledthewayaccordingly,andatamuchbriskerpacethanIwouldhaverecommended.--andsowelldidheobeymyinjunctionsofkeepingsilence,thathewouldreturnnoanswertomyrepeatedinquiriesintothecauseofsuchunnecessaryhaste.Extricatingourselvesbyshortcuts,knowntoAndrew,fromthenumerousstonylanesandby-pathswhichintersectedeachotherinthevicinityoftheHall,wereachedtheopenheathandridingswiftlyacrossit,tookourcourseamongthebarrenhillswhichdivideEnglandfromScotlandonwhatarecalledtheMiddleMarches.Theway,orratherthebrokentrackwhichweoccupied,wasahappyinterchangeofbogandshingles;nevertheless,Andrewrelentednothingofhisspeed,buttrottedmanfullyforwardattherateofeightortenmilesanhour.Iwasbothsurprisedandprovokedatthefellow'sobstinatepersistence,forwemadeabruptascentsanddescentsovergroundofaverybreak-neckcharacter,andtraversedtheedgeofprecipices,whereaslipofthehorse'sfeetwouldhaveconsignedtheridertocertaindeath.Themoon,atbest,affordedadubiousandimperfectlight;butinsomeplacesweweresomuchundertheshadeofthemountainastobeintotaldarkness,andthenIcouldonlytraceAndrewbytheclatterofhishorse'sfeet,andthefirewhichtheystruckfromtheflints.Atfirst,thisrapidmotion,andtheattentionwhich,forthesakeofpersonalsafety,Iwascompelledtogivetotheconductofmyhorse,wasofservice,byforciblydivertingmythoughtsfromthevariouspainfulreflectionswhichmustotherwisehavepressedonmymind.

Butatlength,afterhallooingrepeatedlytoAndrewtorideslower,Ibecameseriouslyincensedathisimpudentperseveranceinrefusingeithertoobeyortoreplytome.Myangerwas,however,quiteimpotent.Iattemptedonceortwicetogetupalongsideofmyself-willedguide,withthepurposeofknockinghimoffhishorsewiththebutt-endofmywhip;butAndrewwasbettermountedthanI,andeitherthespiritoftheanimalwhichhebestrode,ormoreprobablysomepresentimentofmykindintentionstowardshim,inducedhimtoquickenhispacewheneverIattemptedtomakeuptohim.Ontheotherhand,Iwascompelledtoexertmyspurstokeephiminsight,forwithouthisguidanceIwastoowellawarethatIshouldneverfindmywaythroughthehowlingwildernesswhichwenowtraversedatsuchanunwontedpace.Iwassoangryatlength,thatIthreatenedtohaverecoursetomypistols,andsenda

bulletaftertheHotspurAndrew,whichshouldstophisfiery-footedcareer,ifhedidnotabateitofhisownaccord.Apparentlythisthreatmadesomeimpressiononthetympanumofhisear,howeverdeaftoallmymilderentreaties;forherelaxedhispaceuponhearingit,and,sufferingmetocloseuptohim,observed,"Therewasnamucklesenseinridingatsicadaft-likegate."

"Andwhatdidyoumeanbydoingsoatall,youself-willedscoundrel?"repliedI;forIwasinatoweringpassion,--towhich,bytheway,nothingcontributesmorethanthehavingrecentlyundergoneaspiceofpersonalfear,which,likeafewdropsofwaterflungonaglowingfire,issuretoinflametheardourwhichitisinsufficienttoquench.

"What'syourhonour'swull?"repliedAndrew,withimpenetrablegravity.

"Mywill,yourascal?--Ihavebeenroaringtoyouthishourtoride



slower,andyouhaveneversomuchasansweredme--Areyoudrunkormadtobehaveso?"

"Anitlikeyourhonour,Iamsomethingdullo'hearing;andI'llnodenybutImighthavemaybetaenastirrup-cupatpartingfraetheauldbiggingwhareIhaedweltsaelang;andhavingnaebodytopledge,naedoubtIwasobligedtodomysellreason,orelseleavetheendo'thebrandystouptothaepapists--andthatwadbeawaste,asyourhonourkens."

Thismightbeallverytrue,--andmycircumstancesrequiredthatIshouldbeongoodtermswithmyguide;Ithereforesatisfiedmyselfwithrequiringofhimtotakehisdirectionsfrommeinfutureconcerningtherateoftravelling.

Andrew,emboldenedbythemildnessofmytone,elevatedhisownintothepedantic,conceitedoctave,whichwasfamiliartohimonmostoccasions.

"Yourhonourwinnapersuademe,andnaebodyshallpersuademe,thatit'seitherhalesomeorprudenttotakthenightaironthaemoorswithoutacordialo'clow-gilliflowerwater,oratassofbrandyoraquavitae,orsic-likecreature-comfort.IhaetaenthebentowertheOtterscrape-riggahundredtimes,dayandnight,andnevercouldfindthewayunlessIhad

taenmymorning;mairbytokenthatIhadwhilestwabitso'ankerso'brandyonilksideo'me."-

"Inotherwords,Andrew,"saidI,"youwereasmuggler--howdoesamanofyourstrictprinciplesreconcileyourselftocheattherevenue?"

"It'samerespoilingo'theEgyptians,"repliedAndrew;"puirauldScotlandsufferseneughbythaeblackguardloonso'excisemenandgaugers,thathaecomedownonherlikelocustssincethesadandsorrowfu'Union;it'sthepartofakindsontobringherasoupo'somethingthatwillkeepupherauldheart,--andthatwilltheynillthey,theill-fa'ardthieves!"

Uponmoreparticularinquiry,IfoundAndrewhadfrequentlytravelledthesemountain-pathsasasmuggler,bothbeforeandafterhisestablishmentatOsbaldistoneHall--acircumstancewhichwassofarofimportancetome,asitprovedhiscapacityasaguide,notwithstandingtheescapadeofwhichhehadbeenguiltyathisoutset,Evennow,thoughtravellingatamoremoderatepace,thestirrup-cup,orwhateverelsehadsuchaneffectinstimulatingAndrew'smotions,seemednottotallytohavelostitsinfluence.Heoftencastanervousandstartledlookbehindhim;andwhenevertheroadseemedatallpracticable,showedsymptomsofadesiretoacceleratehispace,asifhefearedsomepursuitfromtherear.Theseappearancesofalarmgraduallydiminishedaswereachedthetopofahighbleakridge,whichrannearlyeastandwestforabouta

mile,withaverysteepdescentoneitherside.Thepalebeamsofthemorningwerenowenlighteningthehorizon,whenAndrewcastalookbehindhim,andnotseeingtheappearanceofalivingbeingonthemoorswhichhehadtravelled,hishardfeaturesgraduallyunbent,ashefirstwhistled,thensung,withmuchgleeandlittlemelody,theendofoneof



hisnativesongs-

"Jenny,lass!IthinkIhaeherOwerthemuiramangtheheather,Alltheirclanshallnevergether."

Hepattedatthesametimetheneckofthehorsewhichhadcarriedhimsogallantly;andmyattentionbeingdirectedbythatactiontotheanimal,IinstantlyrecognisedafavouritemareofThorncliffOsbaldistone."Howisthis,sir?"saidIsternly;"thatisMr.Thorncliff'smare!"

"I'llnosaybutshemayaiblinshaebeenhishonour'sSquireThorncliff'sinherday--butshe'sminenow."

"Youhavestolenher,yourascal."

"Na,na,sir--naemancanwytemewi'theft.Thethingstandsthisgate,yesee.SquireThorncliffborrowedtenpundso'metogangtoYorkRaces--deilaboddlewadhepaymebackagain,andspakeo'raddlingmybanes,asheca'dit,whenIaskedhimbutformyainbackagain;--nowIthinkitwillriddlehimorhegetshishorseowertheBorderagain--unlesshe

paysmeplackandbawbee,hesallneverseeahairo'hertail.IkenacannychieldatLoughmaben,abitwriterlad,thatwillputmeinthewaytosorthim.Stealthemear!na,na,farbethesino'theftfraeAndrewFairservice--Ihavejustarrestedher_jurisdictionisfandandycausey._Thaearebonnywriterwords--amaistlikethelanguageo'huzgardenersandotherlearnedmen--it'sapitythey'resaedear;--thaethreewordswerea'thatAndrewgotforalanglaw-pleaandfourankerso'asgudebrandyaswase'ercoupitowercraig--Hech,sirs!butlaw'sadearthing."

"Youarelikelytofinditmuchdearerthanyousuppose,Andrew,ifyouproceedinthismodeofpayingyourself,withoutlegalauthority."

"Houttout,we'reinScotlandnow(bepraisedfor't!)andIcanfindbaithfriendsandlawyers,andjudgestoo,asweelasonyOsbaldistoneo'thema'.Mymither'smither'sthirdcousinwascousintotheProvosto'Dumfries,andhewinnaseeadrapo'herbludewranged.Houtawa!thelawsareindifferentlyadministeredheretoa'menalike;it'snolikeonyonside,whenachieldmaybewhuppitawa'wi'aneo'ClerkJobson'swarrants,aforehekenswhereheis.Buttheywillhaelittleenoughlawamangthembyandby,andthatisaegrandreasonthatIhaegi'enthemgude-day."

IwashighlyprovokedattheachievementofAndrew,andconsidereditasahardfate,whichasecondtimethrewmeintocollisionwithapersonofsuchirregularpractices.Idetermined,however,tobuythemareofhim,

whenheshouldreachtheendofourjourney,andsendherbacktomycousinatOsbaldistoneHall;andwiththispurposeofreparationIresolvedtomakemyuncleacquaintedfromthenextpost-town.Itwasneedless,Ithought,toquarrelwithAndrewinthemeantime,whohad,afterall,actednotveryunnaturallyforapersoninhiscircumstances.Ithereforesmotheredmyresentment,andaskedhimwhathemeantbyhis



lastexpressions,thattherewouldbelittlelawinNorthumberlandbyandby?

"Law!"saidAndrew,"hout,ay--therewillbeclub-laweneugh.ThepriestsandtheIrishofficers,andthaepapistcattlethathaebeensodgeringabroad,becausetheydurstnabideathame,area'fleeingthickinNorthumberlande'enow;andthaecorbiesdinnagatherwithouttheysmellcarrion.Assureasyelive,hishonourSirHildebrandisgauntostickhishorninthebog--there'snaethingbutgunandpistol,swordanddagger,amangthem--andthey'llbelayingon,I'sewarrant;forthey'refearlessfulestheyoungOsbaldistonesquires,ayecravingyourhonour'spardon."

ThisspeechrecalledtomymemorysomesuspicionsthatImyselfhadentertained,thattheJacobiteswereontheeveofsomedesperateenterprise.But,consciousitdidnotbecomemetobeaspyonmyuncle'swordsandactions,Ihadratheravoidedthanavailedmyselfofanyopportunitywhichoccurredofremarkinguponthesignsofthetimes.-AndrewFairservicefeltnosuchrestraint,anddoubtlessspokeverytrulyinstatinghisconvictionthatsomedesperateplotswereinagitation,asareasonwhichdeterminedhisresolutiontoleavetheHall.

"Theservants,"hestated,"withthetenantryandothers,hadbeenall

regularlyenrolledandmustered,andtheywantedmetotakearmsalso.ButI'llrideinnaesiccantroop--theylittleken'dAndrewthataskedhim.I'llfightwhenIlikemysell,butitsallneitherbeforthehureo'Babylon,noranyhureinEngland."

CHAPTERSECOND.

Wherelongstofallyonriftedspire,Aswearyoftheinsultingair,-Thepoet'sthoughts,thewarrior'sfire,Thelover'ssighs,aresleepingthere.Langhorne.

AtthefirstScotchtownwhichwereached,myguidesoughtouthisfriendandcounsellor,toconsultupontheproperandlegalmeansofconvertingintohisownlawfulpropertythe"bonnycreature,"whichwasatpresenthisownonlybyoneofthosesleight-of-handarrangementswhichstillsometimestookplaceinthatoncelawlessdistrict.Iwassomewhatdivertedwiththedejectionofhislooksonhisreturn.Hehad,itseems,beenrathertoocommunicativetohisconfidentialfriend,theattorney;andlearnedwithgreatdismay,inreturnforhisunsuspectingfrankness,thatMr.Touthopehad,duringhisabsence,beenappointedclerktothepeaceofthecounty,andwasboundtocommunicatetojusticeallsuchachievementsasthatofhisfriendMr.AndrewFairservice.Therewasanecessity,thisalertmemberofthepolicestated,forarrestingthe

horse,andplacinghiminBailieTrumbull'sstable,thereintoremainat



livery,attherateoftwelveshillings(Scotch)perdiem,untilthequestionofpropertywasdulytriedanddebated.Heeventalkedasif,instrictandrigorousexecutionofhisduty,heoughttodetainhonestAndrewhimself;butonmyguide'smostpiteouslyentreatinghisforbearance,henotonlydesistedfromthisproposal,butmadeapresenttoAndrewofabroken-windedandspavinedpony,inordertoenablehimtopursuehisjourney.Itistrue,hequalifiedthisactofgenerositybyexactingfrompoorAndrewanabsolutecessionofhisrightandinterestinthegallantpalfreyofThorncliffOsbaldistone--atransferencewhichMr.Touthoperepresentedasofverylittleconsequence,sincehisunfortunatefriend,ashefacetiouslyobserved,waslikelytogetnothingofthemareexceptingthehalter.

Andrewseemedwoefulanddisconcerted,asIscrewedoutofhimtheseparticulars;forhisnorthernpridewascruellypinchedbybeingcompelledtoadmitthatattorneyswereattorneysonbothsidesoftheTweed;andthatMr.ClerkTouthopewasnotafarthingmoresterlingcointhanMr.ClerkJobson.

"Itwadnahaevexedhimhalfsaemuckletohaebeencheatedouto'whatmightamaistbesaidtobewonwiththeperilo'hiscraig,hadithappenedamangtheInglishers;butitwasanuncothingtoseehawkspikeouthawks'e'en,oraekindlyScotcheatanither.Butnaedoubtthings

werestrangelychangedinhiscountrysin'thesadandsorrowfu'Union;"aneventtowhichAndrewreferredeverysymptomofdepravityordegeneracywhichheremarkedamonghiscountrymen,moreespeciallytheinflammationofreckonings,thediminishedsizeofpint-stoups,andothergrievances,whichhepointedouttomeduringourjourney.

Formyownpart,Iheldmyself,asthingshadturnedout,acquittedofallchargeofthemare,andwrotetomyunclethecircumstancesunderwhichshewascarriedintoScotland,concludingwithinforminghimthatshewasinthehandsofjustice,andherworthyrepresentatives,BailieTrumbullandMr.ClerkTouthope,towhomIreferredhimforfartherparticulars.WhetherthepropertyreturnedtotheNorthumbrianfox-hunter,orcontinuedtobearthepersonoftheScottishattorney,it

isunnecessaryformeatpresenttosay.

Wenowpursuedourjourneytothenorth-westward,ataratemuchslowerthanthatatwhichwehadachievedournocturnalretreatfromEngland.Onechainofbarrenanduninterestinghillssucceededanother,untilthemorefertilevaleofClydeopeneduponus;and,withsuchdespatchaswemight,wegainedthetown,or,asmyguidepertinaciouslytermedit,thecity,ofGlasgow.Oflateyears,Iunderstand,ithasfullydeservedthename,which,byasortofpoliticalsecondsight,myguideassignedtoit.AnextensiveandincreasingtradewiththeWestIndiesandAmericancolonies,has,ifIamrightlyinformed,laidthefoundationofwealthandprosperity,which,ifcarefullystrengthenedandbuiltupon,mayonedaysupportanimmensefabricofcommercialprosperity;butinthe

earliertimeofwhichIspeak,thedawnofthissplendourhadnotarisen.TheUnionhad,indeed,openedtoScotlandthetradeoftheEnglishcolonies;but,betwixtwantofcapital,andthenationaljealousyoftheEnglish,themerchantsofScotlandwereasyetexcluded,inagreat



measure,fromtheexerciseoftheprivilegeswhichthatmemorabletreatyconferredonthem.Glasgowlayonthewrongsideoftheislandforparticipatingintheeastcountryorcontinentaltrade,bywhichthetriflingcommerceasyetpossessedbyScotlandchieflysupporteditself.Yet,thoughshethengavesmallpromiseofthecommercialeminencetowhich,Iaminformed,sheseemsnowlikelyonedaytoattain,Glasgow,astheprincipalcentraltownofthewesterndistrictofScotland,wasaplaceofconsiderablerankandimportance.ThebroadandbrimmingClyde,whichflowssonearitswalls,gavethemeansofaninlandnavigationofsomeimportance.Notonlythefertileplainsinitsimmediateneighbourhood,butthedistrictsofAyrandDumfriesregardedGlasgowastheircapital,towhichtheytransmittedtheirproduce,andreceivedinreturnsuchnecessariesandluxuriesastheirconsumptionrequired.

TheduskymountainsofthewesternHighlandsoftensentforthwildertribestofrequentthemartsofSt.Mungo'sfavouritecity.Hordesofwildshaggy,dwarfishcattleandponies,conductedbyHighlanders,aswild,asshaggy,andsometimesasdwarfish,astheanimalstheyhadincharge,oftentraversedthestreetsofGlasgow.Strangersgazedwithsurpriseontheantiqueandfantasticdress,andlistenedtotheunknownanddissonantsoundsoftheirlanguage,whilethemountaineers,armed,evenwhileengagedinthispeacefuloccupation,withmusketandpistol,sword,dagger,andtarget,staredwithastonishmentonthearticlesof

luxuryofwhichtheyknewnottheuse,andwithanaviditywhichseemedsomewhatalarmingonthearticleswhichtheyknewandvalued.ItisalwayswithunwillingnessthattheHighlanderquitshisdeserts,andatthisearlyperioditwasliketearingapinefromitsrock,toplanthimelsewhere.Yeteventhenthemountainglenswereover-peopled,althoughthinnedoccasionallybyfamineorbythesword,andmanyoftheirinhabitantsstrayeddowntoGlasgow--thereformedsettlements--theresoughtandfoundemployment,althoughdifferent,indeed,fromthatoftheirnativehills.Thissupplyofahardyandusefulpopulationwasofconsequencetotheprosperityoftheplace,furnishedthemeansofcarryingonthefewmanufactureswhichthetownalreadyboasted,andlaidthefoundationofitsfutureprosperity.

Theexteriorofthecitycorrespondedwiththesepromisingcircumstances.Theprincipalstreetwasbroadandimportant,decoratedwithpublicbuildings,ofanarchitectureratherstrikingthancorrectinpointoftaste,andrunningbetweenrowsoftallhouses,builtofstone,thefrontsofwhichwereoccasionallyrichlyornamentedwithmason-work--acircumstancewhichgavethestreetanimposingairofdignityandgrandeur,ofwhichmostEnglishtownsareinsomemeasuredeprived,bytheslight,insubstantial,andperishablequalityandappearanceofthebrickswithwhichtheyareconstructed.

InthewesternmetropolisofScotland,myguideandIarrivedonaSaturdayevening,toolatetoentertainthoughtsofbusinessofanykind.Wealightedatthedoorofajollyhostler-wife,asAndrewcalledher,-the

OstelereofoldfatherChaucer,--bywhomwewerecivillyreceived.

Onthefollowingmorningthebellspealedfromeverysteeple,announcingthesanctityoftheday.Notwithstanding,however,whatIhadheardof



theseveritywithwhichtheSabbathisobservedinScotland,myfirstimpulse,notunnaturally,wastoseekoutOwen;butoninquiryIfoundthatmyattemptwouldbeinvain,"untilkirktimewasower."Notonlydidmylandladyandguidejointlyassuremethat"therewadnabealivingsouleitherinthecounting-houseordwelling-houseofMessrs.MacVittie,MacFin,andCompany,"towhichOwen'sletterreferredme,but,moreover,"farlesswouldIfindanyofthepartnersthere.Theywereseriousmen,andwadbewherea'gudeChristiansoughttobeatsicatime,andthatwasintheBaronyLaighKirk."*

*[TheLaighKirkorCryptoftheCathedralofGlasgowservedformore*thantwocenturiesasthechurchoftheBaronyParish,and,foratime,was*convertedintoaburial-place.Intherestorationsofthisgrandbuilding*thecryptwasclearedout,andisnowadmiredasoneoftherichestspecimens*ofEarlyEnglisharchitectureexistinginScotland.]

AndrewFairservice,whosedisgustatthelawofhiscountryhadfortunatelynotextendeditselftotheotherlearnedprofessionsofhisnativeland,nowsungforththepraisesofthepreacherwhowastoperformtheduty,towhichmyhostessrepliedwithmanyloudamens.Theresultwas,thatIdeterminedtogotothispopularplaceofworship,asmuchwiththepurposeoflearning,ifpossible,whetherOwenhadarrivedinGlasgow,aswithanygreatexpectationofedification.Myhopeswere

exaltedbytheassurance,thatifMr.EphraimMacVittie(worthyman)wereinthelandoflife,hewouldsurelyhonourtheBaronyKirkthatdaywithhispresence;andifhechancedtohaveastrangerwithinhisgates,doubtlesshewouldbringhimtothedutyalongwithhim.Thisprobabilitydeterminedmymotions,andundertheescortofmyfaithfulAndrew,IsetforthfortheBaronyKirk.

Onthisoccasion,however,Ihadlittleneedofhisguidance;forthecrowd,whichforceditswayupasteepandrough-pavedstreet,tohearthemostpopularpreacherinthewestofScotland,wouldofitselfhavesweptmealongwithit.Onattainingthesummitofthehill,weturnedtotheleft,andalargepairoffoldingdoorsadmittedus,amongstothers,intotheopenandextensiveburying-placewhichsurroundstheMinsteror

CathedralChurchofGlasgow.Thepileisofagloomyandmassive,ratherthanofanelegant,styleofGothicarchitecture;butitspeculiarcharacterissostronglypreserved,andsowellsuitedwiththeaccompanimentsthatsurroundit,thattheimpressionofthefirstviewwasawfulandsolemnintheextreme.Iwasindeedsomuchstruck,thatIresistedforafewminutesallAndrew'seffortstodragmeintotheinteriorofthebuilding,sodeeplywasIengagedinsurveyingitsoutwardcharacter.

Situatedinapopulousandconsiderabletown,thisancientandmassivepilehastheappearanceofthemostsequesteredsolitude.Highwallsdivideitfromthebuildingsofthecityononeside;ontheotheritisboundedbyaravine,atthebottomofwhich,andinvisibletotheeye,

murmursawanderingrivulet,adding,byitsgentlenoise,totheimposingsolemnityofthescene.Ontheoppositesideoftheravinerisesasteepbank,coveredwithfir-treescloselyplanted,whoseduskyshadeextendsitselfoverthecemeterywithanappropriateandgloomyeffect.The



churchyarditselfhadapeculiarcharacter;forthoughinrealityextensive,itissmallinproportiontothenumberofrespectableinhabitantswhoareinterredwithinit,andwhosegravesarealmostallcoveredwithtombstones.Thereisthereforenoroomforthelongrankgrass,which,inmostcases,partiallyclothesthesurfaceofthoseretreatswherethewickedceasefromtroubling,andthewearyareatrest.Thebroadflatmonumentalstonesareplacedsoclosetoeachother,thattheprecinctsappeartobeflaggedwiththem,and,thoughroofedonlybytheheavens,resemblethefloorofoneofouroldEnglishchurches,wherethepavementiscoveredwithsepulchralinscriptions.Thecontentsofthesesadrecordsofmortality,thevainsorrowswhichtheypreserve,thesternlessonwhichtheyteachofthenothingnessofhumanity,theextentofgroundwhichtheysocloselycover,andtheiruniformandmelancholytenor,remindedmeoftherolloftheprophet,whichwas"writtenwithinandwithout,andtherewaswrittenthereinlamentationsandmourningandwoe."

TheCathedralitselfcorrespondsinimpressivemajestywiththeseaccompaniments.Wefeelthatitsappearanceisheavy,yetthattheeffectproducedwouldbedestroyedwereitlighterormoreornamental.ItistheonlymetropolitanchurchinScotland,excepting,asIaminformed,theCathedralofKirkwall,intheOrkneys,whichremaineduninjuredattheReformation;andAndrewFairservice,whosawwithgreatpridetheeffect

whichitproduceduponmymind,thusaccountedforitspreservation--"Ah!it'sabravekirk--naneo'yerewhig-maleeriesandcurliewurliesandopensteekhemsaboutit--a'solid,weel-jointedmason-wark,thatwillstandaslangasthewarld,keephandsandgunpowtheraffit.IthadamaistadouncomelangsyneattheReformation,whentheypu'ddounthekirksofSt.AndrewsandPerth,andthereawa',tocleansethemo'Papery,andidolatry,andimageworship,andsurplices,andsiclikeragso'themucklehurethatsittethonsevenhills,asifanewasnabraideneughforherauldhinderend.Saethecommonso'Renfrew,ando'theBarony,andtheGorbalsanda'about,theybehovedtocomeintoGlasgownofairmorning,totrytheirhandonpurgingtheHighKirko'Popishnick-nackets.Butthetownsmeno'Glasgow,theywerefearedtheirauldedificemightslipthegirthsingaunthroughsiccanroughphysic,sae

theyrangthecommonbell,andassembledthetrain-bandswi'tooko'drum.Bygoodluck,theworthyJamesRabatwasDeano'Guildthatyear-(andagudemasonhewashimself,madehimthekeenertokeepuptheauldbigging)--andthetradesassembled,andoffereddownrightbattletothecommons,ratherthantheirkirkshouldcoupthecransasothershaddoneelsewhere.Itwasnaforluveo'Paperie--na,na!--nanecouldeversaythato'thetradeso'Glasgow--Saetheysunecametoanagreementtotakea'theidolatrousstatuesofsants(sorrowbeonthem)outo'theirneuks--andsaethebitso'staneidolswerebrokeninpiecesbyScripturewarrant,andflungintotheMolendinarburn,andtheauldkirkstoodascrouseasacatwhentheflaesarekaimedaffher,anda'bodywasalikepleased.AndIhaeheardwisefolksay,thatifthesamehadbeendoneinilkakirkinScotland,theReformwadjusthaebeenaspureasitise'en

now,andwewadhaemairChristian-likekirks;forIhaebeensaelanginEngland,thatnaethingwilldrivedouto'myhead,thatthedog-kennelatOsbaldistoneHallisbetterthanmonyahouseo'GodinScotland."



Thussaying,Andrewledthewayintotheplaceofworship.

CHAPTERTHIRD.

--ItstrikesanaweAndterroronmyachingsight;thetombsAndmonumentalcavesofdeathlookcold,Andshootachillnesstothetremblingheart.

MourningBride.

Notwithstandingtheimpatienceofmyconductor,Icouldnotforbeartopauseandgazeforsomeminutesontheexteriorofthebuilding,renderedmoreimpressivelydignifiedbythesolitudewhichensuedwhenitshithertoopengateswereclosed,afterhaving,asitwere,devouredthemultitudewhichhadlatelycrowdedthechurchyard,butnow,enclosedwithinthebuilding,wereengaged,asthechoralswellofvoicesfromwithinannouncedtous,inthesolemnexercisesofdevotion.Thesoundofsomanyvoicesunitedbythedistanceintooneharmony,andfreedfromthoseharshdiscordanceswhichjartheearwhenheardmorenear,combiningwiththemurmuringbrook,andthewindwhichsungamongtheoldfirs,affectedmewithasenseofsublimity.Allnature,asinvokedby

thePsalmistwhoseversestheychanted,seemedunitedinofferingthatsolemnpraiseinwhichtremblingismixedwithjoyassheaddressedherMaker.IhadheardtheserviceofhighmassinFrance,celebratedwithallthe_e'clat_whichthechoicestmusic,therichestdresses,themostimposingceremonies,couldconferonit;yetitfellshortineffectofthesimplicityofthePresbyterianworship.Thedevotioninwhicheveryonetookashareseemedsosuperiortothatwhichwasrecitedbymusiciansasalessonwhichtheyhadlearnedbyrote,thatitgavetheScottishworshipalltheadvantageofrealityoveracting.

AsIlingeredtocatchmoreofthesolemnsound,Andrew,whoseimpatiencebecameungovernable,pulledmebythesleeve--"Comeawa',sir--comeawa';wemaunnabelateo'gaunintodisturbtheworship;ifwebideherethe

searcherswillbeonus,andcarryustotheguard-houseforbeingidlersinkirk-time."

Thusadmonished,Ifollowedmyguide,butnot,asIhadsupposed,intothebodyofthecathedral."Thisgate--thisgate,sir,"heexclaimed,draggingmeoffasImadetowardsthemainentranceofthebuilding-"There'sbutcauldrifelaw-workgaunonyonder--carnalmorality,asdow'dandasfusionlessasrueleavesatYule--Here'stherealsavourofdoctrine."

Sosaying,weenteredasmalllow-archeddoor,securedbyawicket,whichagrave-lookingpersonseemedonthepointofclosing,anddescendedseveralstepsasifintothefuneralvaultsbeneaththechurch.Itwas

evenso;forinthesesubterraneanprecincts,--whychosenforsuchapurposeIknewnot,--wasestablishedaverysingularplaceofworship.



Conceive,Tresham,anextensiverangeoflow-browed,dark,andtwilightvaults,suchasareusedforsepulchresinothercountries,andhadlongbeendedicatedtothesamepurposeinthis,aportionofwhichwasseatedwithpews,andusedasachurch.Thepartofthevaultsthusoccupied,thoughcapableofcontainingacongregationofmanyhundreds,boreasmallproportiontothedarkerandmoreextensivecavernswhichyawnedaroundwhatmaybetermedtheinhabitedspace.Inthosewasteregionsofoblivion,duskybannersandtatteredescutcheonsindicatedthegravesofthosewhowereonce,doubtless,"princesinIsrael."Inscriptions,whichcouldonlybereadbythepainfulantiquary,inlanguageasobsoleteastheactofdevotionalcharitywhichtheyemployed,invitedthepassengerstoprayforthesoulsofthosewhosebodiesrestedbeneath.Surroundedbythesereceptaclesofthelastremainsofmortality,Ifoundanumerouscongregationengagedintheactofprayer.TheScotchperformthisdutyinastandinginsteadofakneelingposture--more,perhaps,totakeasbroadadistinctionaspossiblefromtheritualofRomethanforanybetterreason;sinceIhaveobserved,thatintheirfamilyworship,asdoubtlessintheirprivatedevotions,theyadopt,intheirimmediateaddresstotheDeity,thatposturewhichotherChristiansuseasthehumblestandmostreverential.Standing,therefore,themenbeinguncovered,acrowdofseveralhundredsofbothsexes,andallages,listenedwithgreatreverenceandattentiontotheextempore,atleasttheunwritten,prayerofanagedclergyman,*whowasverypopularinthe

city.

*Ihaveinvainlabouredtodiscoverthisgentleman'sname,andtheperiodofhisincumbency.Idonot,however,despairtoseethesepoints,withsomeotherswhichmayeludemysagacity,satisfactorilyelucidatedbyoneorotheroftheperiodicalpublicationswhichhavedevotedtheirpagestoexplanatorycommentariesonmyformervolumes;andwhoseresearchandingenuityclaimmypeculiargratitude,forhavingdiscoveredmanypersonsandcircumstancesconnectedwithmynarratives,ofwhichImyselfneversomuchasdreamed.Educatedinthesamereligiouspersuasion,Iseriouslybentmymindtojoininthedevotionoftheday;anditwasnottillthecongregationresumedtheirseats,thatmyattentionwasdivertedtotheconsideration

oftheappearanceofallaroundme.

Attheconclusionoftheprayer,mostofthemenputontheirhatsorbonnets,andallwhohadthehappinesstohaveseatssatedown.AndrewandIwerenotofthisnumber,havingbeentoolateofenteringthechurchtosecuresuchaccommodation.Westoodamonganumberofotherpersonsinthesamesituation,formingasortofringaroundtheseatedpartofthecongregation.BehindandarounduswerethevaultsIhavealreadydescribed;beforeusthedevoutaudience,dimlyshownbythelightwhichstreamedontheirfacesthroughoneortwolowGothicwindows,suchasgiveairandlighttocharnel-houses.BythiswereseentheusualvarietyofcountenanceswhicharegenerallyturnedtowardsaScotchpastoronsuchoccasions,almostallcomposedtoattention,unless

whereafatherormotherhereandthererecallsthewanderingeyesofalivelychild,ordisturbstheslumbersofadullone.Thehigh-bonedandharshcountenanceofthenation,withtheexpressionofintelligenceand



shrewdnesswhichitfrequentlyexhibits,isseentomoreadvantageintheactofdevotion,orintheranksofwar,thanonlighterandmorecheerfuloccasionsofassemblage.Thediscourseofthepreacherwaswellqualifiedtocallforththevariousfeelingsandfacultiesofhisaudience.

Ageandinfirmitieshadimpairedthepowersofavoiceoriginallystrongandsonorous.Hereadhistextwithapronunciationsomewhatinarticulate;butwhenheclosedtheBible,andcommencedhissermon,histonesgraduallystrengthened,asheenteredwithvehemenceintotheargumentswhichhemaintained.TheyrelatedchieflytotheabstractpointsoftheChristianfaith,--subjectsgrave,deep,andfathomlessbymerehumanreason,butforwhich,withequalingenuityandpropriety,hesoughtakeyinliberalquotationsfromtheinspiredwritings.Mymindwasunpreparedtocoincideinallhisreasoning,norwasIsurethatinsomeinstancesIrightlycomprehendedhispositions.Butnothingcouldbemoreimpressivethantheeagerenthusiasticmannerofthegoodoldman,andnothingmoreingeniousthanhismodeofreasoning.TheScotch,itiswellknown,aremoreremarkablefortheexerciseoftheirintellectualpowers,thanforthekeennessoftheirfeelings;theyare,therefore,moremovedbylogicthanbyrhetoric,andmoreattractedbyacuteandargumentativereasoningondoctrinalpoints,thaninfluencedbytheenthusiasticappealstotheheartandtothepassions,bywhichpopular

preachersinothercountrieswinthefavouroftheirhearers.

AmongtheattentivegroupwhichInowsaw,mightbedistinguishedvariousexpressionssimilartothoseoftheaudienceinthefamouscartoonofPaulpreachingatAthens.HeresatazealousandintelligentCalvinist,withbrowsbentjustasmuchastoindicateprofoundattention;lipsslightlycompressed;eyesfixedontheministerwithanexpressionofdecentpride,asifsharingthetriumphofhisargument;theforefingeroftherighthandtouchingsuccessivelythoseoftheleft,asthepreacher,fromargumenttoargument,ascendedtowardshisconclusion.Another,withfiercerandsternerlook,intimatedatoncehiscontemptofallwhodoubtedthecreedofhispastor,andhisjoyattheappropriatepunishmentdenouncedagainstthem.Athird,perhapsbelongingtoa

differentcongregation,andpresentonlybyaccidentorcuriosity,hadtheappearanceofinternallyimpeachingsomelinkofthereasoning;andyoumightplainlyread,intheslightmotionofhishead,hisdoubtsastothesoundnessofthepreacher'sargument.Thegreaterpartlistenedwithacalm,satisfiedcountenance,expressiveofaconsciousmeritinbeingpresent,andinlisteningtosuchaningeniousdiscourse,althoughperhapsunableentirelytocomprehendit.Thewomeningeneralbelongedtothislastdivisionoftheaudience;theold,however,seemingmoregrimlyintentupontheabstractdoctrineslaidbeforethem;whiletheyoungerfemalespermittedtheireyesoccasionallytomakeamodestcircuitaroundthecongregation;andsomeofthem,Tresham(ifmyvanitydidnotgreatlydeceiveme),contrivedtodistinguishyourfriendandservant,asahandsomeyoungstrangerandanEnglishman.Astotherest

ofthecongregation,thestupidgaped,yawned,orslept,tillawakenedbytheapplicationoftheirmorezealousneighbours'heelstotheirshins;andtheidleindicatedtheirinattentionbythewanderingoftheireyes,butdaredgivenomoredecidedtokenofweariness.AmidtheLowland



costumeofcoatandcloak,IcouldhereandtherediscernaHighlandplaid,thewearerofwhich,restingonhisbasket-hilt,senthiseyesamongtheaudiencewiththeunrestrainedcuriosityofsavagewonder;andwho,inallprobability,wasinattentivetothesermonforaverypardonablereason--becausehedidnotunderstandthelanguageinwhichitwasdelivered.Themartialandwildlook,however,ofthesestragglers,addedakindofcharacterwhichthecongregationcouldnothaveexhibitedwithoutthem.Theyweremorenumerous,Andrewafterwardsobserved,owingtosomecattle-fairintheneighbourhood.

Suchwasthegroupofcountenances,risingtierontier,discoveredtomycriticalinspectionbysuchsunbeamsasforcedtheirwaythroughthenarrowGothiclatticesoftheLaighKirkofGlasgow;and,havingilluminatedtheattentivecongregation,lostthemselvesinthevacuityofthevaultsbehind,givingtothenearerpartoftheirlabyrinthasortofimperfecttwilight,andleavingtheirrecessesinanutterdarkness,whichgavethemtheappearanceofbeinginterminable.

IhavealreadysaidthatIstoodwithothersintheexteriorcircle,withmyfacetothepreacher,andmybacktothosevaultswhichIhavesooftenmentioned.Mypositionrenderedmeparticularlyobnoxioustoanyinterruptionwhicharosefromanyslightnoiseoccurringamongsttheseretiringarches,wheretheleastsoundwasmultipliedbyathousand

echoes.Theoccasionalsoundofrain-drops,which,admittedthroughsomecrannyintheruinedroof,fellsuccessively,andsplasheduponthepavementbeneath,causedmetoturnmyheadmorethanoncetotheplacefromwhenceitseemedtoproceed,andwhenmyeyestookthatdirection,Ifounditdifficulttowithdrawthem;suchisthepleasureourimaginationreceivesfromtheattempttopenetrateasfaraspossibleintoanintricatelabyrinth,imperfectlylighted,andexhibitingobjectswhichirritateourcuriosity,onlybecausetheyacquireamysteriousinterestfrombeingundefinedanddubious.MyeyesbecamehabituatedtothegloomyatmospheretowhichIdirectedthem,andinsensiblymymindbecamemoreinterestedintheirdiscoveriesthaninthemetaphysicalsubtletieswhichthepreacherwasenforcing.

Myfatherhadoftencheckedmeforthiswanderingmoodofmind,arisingperhapsfromanexcitabilityofimaginationtowhichhewasastranger;andthefindingmyselfatpresentsolicitedbythesetemptationstoinattention,recalledthetimewhenIusedtowalk,ledbyhishand,toMr.Shower'schapel,andtheearnestinjunctionswhichhethenlaidonmetoredeemthetime,becausethedayswereevil.Atpresent,thepicturewhichmythoughtssuggested,farfromfixingmyattention,destroyedtheportionIhadyetleft,byconjuringuptomyrecollectiontheperilinwhichhisaffairsnowstood.Iendeavoured,inthelowestwhisperIcouldframe,torequestAndrewtoobtaininformation,whetheranyofthegentlemenofthefirmofMacVittie&Co.wereatpresentinthecongregation.ButAndrew,wrappedinprofoundattentiontothesermon,onlyrepliedtomysuggestionbyhardpuncheswithhiselbow,assignals

tometoremainsilent.Inextstrainedmyeyes,withequallybadsuccess,toseeif,amongtheseaofup-turnedfaceswhichbenttheireyesonthepulpitasacommoncentre,Icoulddiscoverthesoberandbusiness-likephysiognomyofOwen.Butnotamongthebroadbeaversofthe



Glasgowcitizens,ortheyetbroaderbrimmedLowlandbonnetsofthepeasantsofLanarkshire,couldIseeanythingresemblingthedecentperiwig,starchedruffles,ortheuniformsuitoflight-browngarmentsappertainingtothehead-clerkoftheestablishmentofOsbaldistoneandTresham.Myanxietynowreturnedonmewithsuchviolenceastooverpowernotonlythenoveltyofthescenearoundme,bywhichithadhithertobeendiverted,butmoreovermysenseofdecorum.IpulledAndrewhardbythesleeve,andintimatedmywishtoleavethechurch,andpursuemyinvestigationasIcould.Andrew,obdurateintheLaighKirkofGlasgowasonthemountainsofCheviot,forsometimedeignedmenoanswer;anditwasonlywhenhefoundIcouldnototherwisebekeptquiet,thathecondescendedtoinformme,that,beingonceinthechurch,wecouldnotleaveittillservicewasover,becausethedoorswerelockedsosoonastheprayersbegan.Havingthusspokeninabriefandpeevishwhisper,Andrewagainassumedtheairofintelligentandcriticalimportance,andattentiontothepreacher'sdiscourse.

WhileIendeavouredtomakeavirtueofnecessity,andrecallmyattentiontothesermon,Iwasagaindisturbedbyasingularinterruption.Avoicefrombehindwhispereddistinctlyinmyear,"Youareindangerinthiscity."--Iturnedround,asifmechanically.

Oneortwostarchedandordinary-lookingmechanicsstoodbesideand

behindme,--stragglers,who,likeourselves,hadbeentoolateinobtainingentrance.Butaglanceattheirfacessatisfiedme,thoughIcouldhardlysaywhy,thatnoneofthesewasthepersonwhohadspokentome.Theircountenancesseemedallcomposedtoattentiontothesermon,andnotoneofthemreturnedanyglanceofintelligencetotheinquisitiveandstartledlookwithwhichIsurveyedthem.Amassiveroundpillar,whichwasclosebehindus,mighthaveconcealedthespeakertheinstantheutteredhismysteriouscaution;butwhereforeitwasgiveninsuchaplace,ortowhatspeciesofdangeritdirectedmyattention,orbywhomthewarningwasuttered,werepointsonwhichmyimaginationlostitselfinconjecture.Itwould,however,Iconcluded,berepeated,andIresolvedtokeepmycountenanceturnedtowardstheclergyman,thatthewhisperermightbetemptedtorenewhiscommunicationundertheideathat

thefirsthadpassedunobserved.

Myplansucceeded.Ihadnotresumedtheappearanceofattentiontothepreacherforfiveminutes,whenthesamevoicewhispered,"Listen,butdonotlookback."Ikeptmyfaceinthesamedirection."Youareindangerinthisplace,"thevoiceproceeded;"soamI--meetmeto-nightontheBrigg,attwelvepreceesely--keepathometillthegloaming,andavoidobservation."

Herethevoiceceased,andIinstantlyturnedmyhead.Butthespeakerhad,withstillgreaterpromptitude,glidedbehindthepillar,andescapedmyobservation.Iwasdeterminedtocatchasightofhim,ifpossible,andextricatingmyselffromtheoutercircleofhearers,Ialso

steppedbehindthecolumn.Alltherewasempty;andIcouldonlyseeafigurewrappedinamantle,whetheraLowlandcloak,orHighlandplaid,Icouldnotdistinguish,whichtraversed,likeaphantom,thedrearyvacuityofvaultswhichIhavedescribed.



Imadeamechanicalattempttopursuethemysteriousform,whichglidedawayandvanishedinthevaultedcemetery,likethespectreofoneofthenumerousdeadwhorestedwithinitsprecincts.Ihadlittlechanceofarrestingthecourseofoneobviouslydeterminednottobespokenwith;butthatlittlechancewaslostbymystumblingandfallingbeforeIhadmadethreestepsfromthecolumn.Theobscuritywhichoccasionedmymisfortune,coveredmydisgrace;whichIaccountedratherlucky,forthepreacher,withthatsternauthoritywhichtheScottishministersassumeforthepurposeofkeepingorderintheircongregations,interruptedhisdiscourse,todesirethe"properofficer"totakeintocustodythecauserofthisdisturbanceintheplaceofworship.Asthenoise,however,wasnotrepeated,thebeadle,orwhateverelsehewascalled,didnotthinkitnecessarytoberigorousinsearchingouttheoffender,sothatIwasenabled,withoutattractingfartherobservation,toplacemyselfbyAndrew'ssideinmyoriginalposition.Theserviceproceeded,andclosedwithouttheoccurrenceofanythingelseworthyofnotice.

Asthecongregationdepartedanddispersed,myfriendAndrewexclaimed,"See,yonderisworthyMr.MacVittie,andMrs.MacVittie,andMissAlisonMacVittie,andMr.ThamasMacFin,thattheysayistomarryMissAlison,ifa'bowlsrowright--she'llhaeahantlesiller,ifshe'snothatbonny."

Myeyestookthedirectionhepointedout.Mr.MacVittiewasatall,thin,elderlyman,withhardfeatures,thickgreyeyebrows,lighteyes,and,asIimagined,asinisterexpressionofcountenance,fromwhichmyheartrecoiled.IrememberedthewarningIhadreceivedinthechurch,andhesitatedtoaddressthisperson,thoughIcouldnotallegetomyselfanyrationalgroundofdislikeorsuspicion.

Iwasyetinsuspense,whenAndrew,whomistookmyhesitationforbashfulness,proceededtoexhortmetolayitaside."Speaktillhim-speaktillhim,Mr.Francis--he'snoprovostyet,thoughtheysayhe'll

bemylordneistyear.Speaktillhim,then--he'llgieyeadecentanswerforasrichasheis,unlessyewerewantingsillerfraehim--theysayhe'sdourtodrawhispurse."

Itimmediatelyoccurredtome,thatifthismerchantwerereallyofthechurlishandavariciousdispositionwhichAndrewintimated,theremightbesomecautionnecessaryinmakingmyselfknown,asIcouldnottellhowaccountsmightstandbetweenmyfatherandhim.ThisconsiderationcameinaidofthemysterioushintwhichIhadreceived,andthedislikewhichIhadconceivedattheman'scountenance.Insteadofaddressingmyselfdirectlytohim,asIhaddesignedtohavedone,IcontentedmyselfwithdesiringAndrewtoinquireatMr.MacVittie'shousetheaddressofMr.

Owen,anEnglishgentleman;andIchargedhimnottomentionthepersonfromwhomhereceivedthecommission,buttobringmetheresulttothesmallinnwherewelodged.ThisAndrewpromisedtodo.Hesaidsomethingofthedutyofmyattendingtheeveningservice;butaddedwithacausticitynaturaltohim,that"introth,iffolkcouldnakeeptheirlegsstill,butwadneedsbecoupingthecreelsowerthrough-stanes,asiftheywadraisetheverydeadfolkwi'theclatter,akirkwi'a



chimleyin'twasfittestforthem."

CHAPTERFOURTH.

OntheRialto,everynightattwelve,Itakemyevening'swalkofmeditation:Therewetwowillmeet.VenicePreserved.

Fullofsinisteraugury,forwhich,however,Icouldassignnosatisfactorycause,Ishutmyselfupinmyapartmentattheinn,andhavingdismissedAndrew,afterresistinghisimportunitytoaccompanyhimtoSt.Enoch'sKirk,*where,hesaid,"asoul-searchingdivinewastohaudforth,"Isetmyselfseriouslytoconsiderwhatwerebesttobedone.

*ThisIbelievetobeananachronism,asSaintEnoch'sChurchwasnotbuiltatthedateofthestory.[Itwasfoundedin1780,andhassincebeenrebuilt.]Ineverwaswhatisproperlycalledsuperstitious;butIsupposethatallmen,insituationsofpeculiardoubtanddifficulty,whentheyhaveexercisedtheirreasontolittlepurpose,areapt,inasortofdespair,toabandonthereinstotheirimagination,andbeguidedaltogetherby

chance,orbythosewhimsicalimpressionswhichtakepossessionofthemind,andtowhichwegivewayasiftoinvoluntaryimpulses.TherewassomethingsosingularlyrepulsiveinthehardfeaturesoftheScotchtrader,thatIcouldnotresolvetoputmyselfintohishandswithouttransgressingeverycautionwhichcouldbederivedfromtherulesofphysiognomy;while,atthesametime,thewarningvoice,theformwhichflittedawaylikeavanishingshadowthroughthosevaults,whichmightbetermed"thevalleyoftheshadowofdeath,"hadsomethingcaptivatingfortheimaginationofayoungman,who,youwillfartherpleasetoremember,wasalsoayoungpoet.

Ifdangerwasaroundme,asthemysteriouscommunicationintimated,howcouldIlearnitsnature,orthemeansofavertingit,butbymeetingmy

unknowncounsellor,towhomIcouldseenoreasonforimputinganyotherthankindintentions.Rashleighandhismachinationsoccurredmorethanoncetomyremembrance;--butsorapidhadmyjourneybeen,thatIcouldnotsupposehimapprisedofmyarrivalinGlasgow,muchlesspreparedtoplayoffanystratagemagainstmyperson.InmytemperalsoIwasboldandconfident,strongandactiveinperson,andinsomemeasureaccustomedtotheuseofarms,inwhichtheFrenchyouthofallkindsweretheninitiated.Ididnotfearanysingleopponent;assassinationwasneithertheviceoftheagenorofthecountry;theplaceselectedforourmeetingwastoopublictoadmitanysuspicionofmeditatedviolence.Inaword,Iresolvedtomeetmymysteriouscounselloronthebridge,ashehadrequested,andtobeafterwardsguidedbycircumstances.Letmenotconcealfromyou,Tresham,whatatthetimeI

endeavouredtoconcealfrommyself--thesubdued,yetsecretly-cherished



hope,thatDianaVernonmight--bywhatchanceIknewnot--throughwhatmeansIcouldnotguess--havesomeconnectionwiththisstrangeanddubiousintimationconveyedatatimeandplace,andinamannersosurprising.Shealone--whisperedthisinsidiousthought--shealoneknewofmyjourney;fromherownaccount,shepossessedfriendsandinfluenceinScotland;shehadfurnishedmewithatalisman,whosepowerIwastoinvokewhenallotheraidfailedme;whothenbutDianaVernonpossessedeithermeans,knowledge,orinclination,foravertingthedangers,bywhich,asitseemed,mystepsweresurrounded?Thisflatteringviewofmyverydoubtfulcasepresseditselfuponmeagainandagain.Itinsinuateditselfintomythoughts,thoughverybashfully,beforethehourofdinner;itdisplayeditsattractionsmoreboldlyduringthecourseofmyfrugalmeal,andbecamesocourageouslyintrusiveduringthesucceedinghalf-hour(aidedperhapsbytheflavourofafewglassesofmostexcellentclaret),that,withasortofdesperateattempttoescapefromadelusiveseduction,towhichIfeltthedangerofyielding,Ipushedmyglassfromme,threwasidemydinner,seizedmyhat,andrushedintotheopenairwiththefeelingofonewhowouldflyfromhisownthoughts.YetperhapsIyieldedtotheveryfeelingsfromwhichIseemedtofly,sincemystepsinsensiblyledmetothebridgeovertheClyde,theplaceassignedfortherendezvousbymymysteriousmonitor.

AlthoughIhadnotpartakenofmyrepastuntilthehoursofevening

church-servicewereover,--inwhich,bytheway,Icompliedwiththereligiousscruplesofmylandlady,whohesitatedtodressahotdinnerbetweensermons,andalsowiththeadmonitionofmyunknownfriend,tokeepmyapartmenttilltwilight,--severalhourshadstilltopassawaybetwixtthetimeofmyappointmentandthatatwhichIreachedtheassignedplaceofmeeting.Theinterval,asyouwillreadilycredit,waswearisomeenough;andIcanhardlyexplaintoyouhowitpassedaway.Variousgroupsofpersons,allofwhom,youngandold,seemedimpressedwithareverentialfeelingofthesanctityoftheday,passedalongthelargeopenmeadowwhichliesonthenorthernbankoftheClyde,andservesatonceasableaching-fieldandpleasure-walkfortheinhabitants,orpacedwithslowstepsthelongbridgewhichcommunicateswiththesoutherndistrictofthecounty.AllthatIrememberofthemwas

thegeneral,yetnotunpleasing,intimationofadevotionalcharacterimpressedoneachlittleparty--formallyassumedperhapsbysome,butsincerelycharacterisingthegreaternumber--whichhushedthepetulantgaietyoftheyoungintoatoneofmorequiet,yetmoreinteresting,interchangeofsentiments,andsuppressedthevehementargumentandprotracteddisputesofthoseofmoreadvancedage.Notwithstandingthenumberswhopassedme,nogeneralsoundofthehumanvoicewasheard;fewturnedagaintotakesomeminutes'voluntaryexercise,towhichtheleisureoftheevening,andthebeautyofthesurroundingscenery,seemedtoinvitethem:allhurriedtotheirhomesandresting-places.TooneaccustomedtothemodeofspendingSundayeveningsabroad,evenamongtheFrenchCalvinists,thereseemedsomethingJudaical,yet,atthesametimestrikingandaffecting,inthismodeofkeepingtheSabbathholy.

InsensiblyIfeltmymodeofsaunteringbythesideoftheriver,andcrossingsuccessivelythevariouspersonswhowerepassinghomeward,andwithouttarryingordelay,mustexposemetoobservationatleast,ifnottocensure;andIslunkoutofthefrequentedpath,andfoundatrivial



occupationformymindinmarshallingmyrevolvingwalkinsuchamannerasshouldleastrendermeobnoxioustoobservation.Thedifferentalleyslinedoutthroughthisextensivemeadow,andwhichareplantedwithtrees,liketheParkofSt.James'sinLondon,gavemefacilitiesforcarryingintoeffectthesechildishmanoeuvres.

AsIwalkeddownoneoftheseavenues,Iheard,tomysurprise,thesharpandconceitedvoiceofAndrewFairservice,raisedbyasenseofself-consequencetoapitchsomewhathigherthanothersseemedtothinkconsistentwiththesolemnityoftheday.ToslipbehindtherowoftreesunderwhichIwalkedwasperhapsnoverydignifiedproceeding;butitwastheeasiestmodeofescapinghisobservation,andperhapshisimpertinentassiduity,andstillmoreintrusivecuriosity.Ashepassed,Iheardhimcommunicatetoagrave-lookingman,inablackcoat,aslouchedhat,andGenevacloak,thefollowingsketchofacharacter,whichmyself-love,whilerevoltingagainstitasacaricature,couldnot,nevertheless,refusetorecogniseasalikeness.

"Ay,ay,Mr.Hammorgaw,it'se'enasItellye.He'snoa'thegithersaevoido'senseneither;hehasagloamingsighto'what'sreasonable--thatisanesandawa'--agliskandnaemair;buthe'scrack-brainedandcockle-headedabouthisnipperty-tippertypoetrynonsense--He'llglowratanauld-warldbarkitaik-snagasifitwereaqueezmaddaminfull

bearing;andanakedcraig,wi'abumjawingower't,isuntohimasagardengarnishtwithfloweringknotsandchoicepot-herbs.Thenhewadratherclaverwi'adaftqueantheyca'DianaVernon(weelIwettheymightca'herDianaoftheEphesians,forshe'slittlebetterthanaheathen--better?she'swaur--aRoman,amereRoman)--he'llclaverwi'her,oranyitheridleslut,ratherthanhearwhatmightdohimgudea'thedaysofhislife,fraeyouorme,Mr.Hammorgaw,oronyithersoberandsponsibleperson.Reason,sir,iswhathecannaendure--he'sa'foryourvanitiesandvolubilities;andheancetell'dme(puirblindedcreature!)thatthePsalmsofDavidwereexcellentpoetry!asiftheholyPsalmistthoughto'rattlingrhymesinablether,likehisainsillyclinkum-clankumthingsthatheca'sverse.Gudehelphim!--twalineso'DavieLindsaywoulddinga'heeverclerkit."

Whilelisteningtothispervertedaccountofmytemperandstudies,youwillnotbesurprisedifImeditatedforMr.Fairservicetheunpleasantsurpriseofabrokenpateonthefirstdecentopportunity.Hisfriendonlyintimatedhisattentionby"Ay,ay!"and"Is'te'ensae?"andsuchlikeexpressionsofinterest,attheproperbreaksinMr.Fairservice'sharangue,untilatlength,inanswertosomeobservationofgreaterlength,theimportofwhichIonlycollectedfrommytrustyguide'sreply,honestAndrewanswered,"Tellhimabito'mymind,quothye?WhawadbefulethenbutAndrew?He'sared-waddeevil,man--He'slikeGilesHeathertap'sauldboar;--yeneedbutshakeacloutathimtomakehimturnandgore.Bidewi'him,sayye?--Troth,IkennawhatforIbidewi'himmysell.Butthelad'snoabadladaftera';andheneeds

somecarefu'bodytolookafterhim.Hehasnatherightgripo'hishand--thegowdslipsthrough'tlikewater,man;andit'snothatillathingtobenearhimwhenhispurseisinhishand,andit'sseldomouto't.Andthenhe'scomeo'guidkithandkin--Myheartwarmstothepoor



thoughtlesscallant,Mr.Hammorgaw--andthenthepennyfee"-

Inthelatterpartofthisinstructivecommunication,Mr.FairserviceloweredhisvoicetoatonebetterbeseemingtheconversationinaplaceofpublicresortonaSabbathevening,andhiscompanionandheweresoonbeyondmyhearing.Myfeelingsofhastyresentmentsoonsubsided,undertheconvictionthat,asAndrewhimselfmighthavesaid,"Aharkeneralwayshearsabadtaleofhimself,"andthatwhoevershouldhappentooverheartheircharacterdiscussedintheirownservants'-hall,mustpreparetoundergothescalpelofsomesuchanatomistasMr.Fairservice.Theincidentwassofaruseful,as,includingthefeelingstowhichitgaverise,itspedawayapartofthetimewhichhungsoheavilyonmyhand.

Eveninghadnowclosed,andthegrowingdarknessgavetothebroad,still,anddeepexpanseofthebrimfulriver,firstahuesombreanduniform--thenadismalandturbidappearance,partiallylightedbyawaningandpallidmoon.ThemassiveandancientbridgewhichstretchesacrosstheClydewasnowbutdimlyvisible,andresembledthatwhichMirza,inhisunequalledvision,hasdescribedastraversingthevalleyofBagdad.Thelow-browedarches,seenasimperfectlyastheduskycurrentwhichtheybestrode,seemedrathercavernswhichswallowedupthe

gloomywatersoftheriver,thanaperturescontrivedfortheirpassage.Withtheadvancingnightthestillnessofthesceneincreased.Therewasyetatwinklinglightoccasionallyseentoglidealongbythestream,whichconductedhomeoneortwoofthesmallparties,who,aftertheabstinenceandreligiousdutiesoftheday,hadpartakenofasocialsupper--theonlymealatwhichtherigidPresbyteriansmadesomeadvancetosocialityontheSabbath.Occasionally,also,thehoofsofahorsewereheard,whoserider,afterspendingtheSundayinGlasgow,wasdirectinghisstepstowardshisresidenceinthecountry.Thesesoundsandsightsbecamegraduallyofmorerareoccurrence;atlengththeyaltogetherceased,andIwaslefttoenjoymysolitarywalkontheshoresoftheClydeinsolemnsilence,brokenonlybythetollingofthesuccessivehoursfromthesteeplesofthechurches.

ButasthenightadvancedmyimpatienceattheuncertaintyofthesituationinwhichIwasplacedincreasedeverymoment,andbecamenearlyungovernable.IbegantoquestionwhetherIhadbeenimposeduponbythetrickofafool,theravingofamadman,orthestudiedmachinationsofavillain,andpacedthelittlequayorpieradjoiningtheentrancetothebridge,inastateofincredibleanxietyandvexation.Atlengththehouroftwelveo'clockswungitssummonsoverthecityfromthebelfryofthemetropolitanchurchofSt.Mungo,andwasansweredandvouchedbyalltheotherslikedutifuldiocesans.Theechoeshadscarcelyceasedtorepeatthelastsound,whenahumanform--thefirstIhadseenfortwohours-appearedpassingalongthebridgefromthesouthernshoreoftheriver.Iadvancedtomeethimwithafeelingasifmyfatedependedontheresult

oftheinterview,somuchhadmyanxietybeenwoundupbyprotractedexpectation.AllthatIcouldremarkofthepassengerasweadvancedtowardseachother,wasthathisframewasratherbeneaththanabovethemiddlesize,butapparentlystrong,thick-set,andmuscular;hisdressahorseman'swrappingcoat.Islackenedmypace,andalmostpausedasI



advancedinexpectationthathewouldaddressme.Buttomyinexpressibledisappointmenthepassedwithoutspeaking,andIhadnopretenceforbeingthefirsttoaddressonewho,notwithstandinghisappearanceattheveryhourofappointment,mightneverthelessbeanabsolutestranger.Istoppedwhenhehadpassedme,andlookedafterhim,uncertainwhetherIoughtnottofollowhim.Thestrangerwalkedontillnearthenorthernendofthebridge,thenpaused,lookedback,andturninground,againadvancedtowardsme.Iresolvedthatthistimeheshouldnothavetheapologyforsilencepropertoapparitions,who,itisvulgarlysupposed,cannotspeakuntiltheyarespokento."Youwalklate,sir,"saidI,aswemetasecondtime.

"Ibidetryste,"wasthereply;"andsoIthinkdoyou,Mr.Osbaldistone."

"Youarethenthepersonwhorequestedtomeetmehereatthisunusualhour?"

"Iam,"hereplied."Followme,andyoushallknowmyreasons."

"Beforefollowingyou,Imustknowyournameandpurpose,"Ianswered.

"Iamaman,"wasthereply;"andmypurposeisfriendlytoyou."

"Aman!"Irepeated;--"thatisaverybriefdescription."

"Itwillserveforonewhohasnoothertogive,"saidthestranger."Hethatiswithoutname,withoutfriends,withoutcoin,withoutcountry,isstillatleastaman;andhethathasalltheseisnomore."

"Yetthisisstilltoogeneralanaccountofyourself,tosaytheleastofit,toestablishyourcreditwithastranger."

"ItisallImeantogive,howsoe'er;youmaychoosetofollowme,ortoremainwithouttheinformationIdesiretoaffordyou."

"Canyounotgivemethatinformationhere?"Idemanded.

"Youmustreceiveitfromyoureyes,notfrommytongue--youmustfollowme,orremaininignoranceoftheinformationwhichIhavetogiveyou."

Therewassomethingshort,determined,andevenstern,intheman'smanner,notcertainlywellcalculatedtoconciliateundoubtingconfidence.

"Whatisityoufear?"hesaidimpatiently."Towhom,thinkye,isyourlifeofsuchconsequence,thattheyshouldseektobereaveyeofit?"

"Ifearnothing,"Irepliedfirmly,thoughsomewhathastily."Walkon--I

attendyou."

Weproceeded,contrarytomyexpectation,tore-enterthetown,andglidedlikemutespectres,sidebyside,upitsemptyandsilentstreets.



Thehighandgloomystonefronts,withthevariegatedornamentsandpedimentsofthewindows,lookedyettallerandmoresablebytheimperfectmoonshine.Ourwalkwasforsomeminutesinperfectsilence.Atlengthmyconductorspoke.

"Areyouafraid?"

"Iretortyourownwords,"Ireplied:"whereforeshouldIfear?"

"Becauseyouarewithastranger--perhapsanenemy,inaplacewhereyouhavenofriendsandmanyenemies."

"Ineitherfearyounorthem;Iamyoung,active,andarmed."

"Iamnotarmed,"repliedmyconductor:"butnomatter,awillinghandneverlackedweapon.Yousayyoufearnothing;butifyouknewwhowasbyyourside,perhapsyoumightunderlieatremor."

"AndwhyshouldI?"repliedI."Iagainrepeat,Ifearnoughtthatyoucando."

"NoughtthatIcando?--Beitso.Butdoyounotfeartheconsequencesofbeingfoundwithonewhoseverynamewhisperedinthislonelystreet

wouldmakethestonesthemselvesriseuptoapprehendhim--onwhoseheadhalfthemeninGlasgowwouldbuildtheirfortuneasonafoundtreasure,hadtheythelucktogriphimbythecollar--thesoundofwhoseapprehensionwereaswelcomeattheCrossofEdinburghaseverthenewsofafieldstrickenandwoninFlanders?"

"Andwhothenareyou,whosenameshouldcreatesodeepafeelingofterror?"Ireplied.

"Noenemyofyours,sinceIamconveyingyoutoaplace,where,wereImyselfrecognisedandidentified,irontotheheelsandhemptothecraigwouldbemybriefdooming."

Ipausedandstoodstillonthepavement,drawingbacksoastohavethemostperfectviewofmycompanionwhichthelightaffordedme,andwhichwassufficienttoguardagainstanysuddenmotionofassault.

"Youhavesaid,"Ianswered,"eithertoomuchortoolittle--toomuchtoinducemetoconfideinyouasamerestranger,sinceyouavowyourselfapersonamenabletothelawsofthecountryinwhichweare--andtoolittle,unlessyoucouldshowthatyouareunjustlysubjectedtotheirrigour."

AsIceasedtospeak,hemadeasteptowardsme.Idrewbackinstinctively,andlaidmyhandonthehiltofmysword.

"What!"saidhe--"onanunarmedman,andyourfriend?"

"Iamyetignorantifyouareeithertheoneortheother,"Ireplied;"andtosaythetruth,yourlanguageandmannermightwellentitlemeto



doubtboth."

"Itismanfullyspoken,"repliedmyconductor;"andIrespecthimwhosehandcankeephishead.--Iwillbefrankandfreewithyou--Iamconveyingyoutoprison."

"Toprison!"Iexclaimed--"bywhatwarrantorforwhatoffence?--Youshallhavemylifesoonerthanmyliberty--Idefyyou,andIwillnotfollowyouastepfarther."

"Idonot,"hesaid,"carryyouthereasaprisoner;Iam,"headded,drawinghimselfhaughtilyup,"neitheramessengernorsheriff'sofficer.Icarryyoutoseeaprisonerfromwhoselipsyouwilllearntheriskinwhichyoupresentlystand.Yourlibertyislittleriskedbythevisit;mineisinsomeperil;butthatIreadilyencounteronyouraccount,forIcarenotforrisk,andIloveafreeyoungblood,thatkensnoprotectorbutthecrosso'thesword."

Whilehespokethus,wehadreachedtheprincipalstreet,andwere

pausingbeforealargebuildingofhewnstone,garnished,asIthoughtIcouldperceive,withgratingsofironbeforethewindows.

"Muckle,"saidthestranger,whoselanguagebecamemorebroadlynationalasheassumedatoneofcolloquialfreedom--"Mucklewadtheprovostandbailieso'Glasgowgietohaehimsittingwithirongarterstohishosewithintheirtolbooththatnowstandswi'hislegsasfreeasthered-deer'sontheoutsideon't.Andlittlewaditavailthem;foraniftheyhadmetherewi'astane'sweighto'ironateveryankle,Iwouldshowthematoomroomandalostlodgerbeforeto-morrow--Butcomeon,whatstintyefor?"

Ashespokethus,hetappedatalowwicket,andwasansweredbyasharpvoice,asofoneawakenedfromadreamorreverie,--"Fa'stat?--Wha'sthat,Iwadsay?--andfatadeilwantyeatthishourate'en?--Cleanagainrules--cleanagainrules,astheyca'them."

Theprotractedtoneinwhichthelastwordswereuttered,betokenedthatthespeakerwasagaincomposinghimselftoslumber.Butmyguidespokeinaloudwhisper--"Dougal,man!haeyeforgottenHanunGregarach?"

"Deilabit,deilabit,"wasthereadyandlivelyresponse,andIheard

theinternalguardianoftheprison-gatebustleupwithgreatalacrity.AfewwordswereexchangedbetweenmyconductorandtheturnkeyinalanguagetowhichIwasanabsolutestranger.Theboltsrevolved,butwithacautionwhichmarkedtheapprehensionthatthenoisemightbeoverheard,andwestoodwithinthevestibuleoftheprisonofGlasgow,--asmall,butstrongguard-room,fromwhichanarrowstaircaseledupwards,andoneortwolowentrancesconductedtoapartmentsonthesamelevelwiththeoutwardgate,allsecuredwiththejealousstrengthofwickets,bolts,andbars.Thewalls,otherwisenaked,werenotunsuitablygarnishedwithironfetters,andotheruncouthimplements,whichmightbe



designedforpurposesstillmoreinhuman,interspersedwithpartisans,guns,pistolsofantiquemanufacture,andotherweaponsofdefenceand



offence.

Atfindingmyselfsounexpectedly,fortuitously,and,asitwere,bystealth,introducedwithinoneofthelegalfortressesofScotland,IcouldnothelprecollectingmyadventureinNorthumberland,andfrettingatthestrangeincidentswhichagain,withoutanydemeritsofmyown,threatenedtoplacemeinadangerousanddisagreeablecollisionwiththelawsofacountrywhichIvisitedonlyinthecapacityofastranger.

CHAPTERFIFTH.

Lookroundthee,youngAstolpho:Here'stheplaceWhichmen(forbeingpoor)aresenttostarvein;

Ruderemedy,Itrow,forsoredisease.

Withinthesewalls,stifledbydampandstench,

DothHope'sfairtorchexpire;andatthesnuff,

Ereyet'tisquiteextinct,rude,wild,andway-ward,

Thedesperaterevelriesofwilddespair,Kindlingtheirhell-borncressets,lighttodeedsThatthepoorcaptivewouldhavediederepractised,

Tillbondagesunkhissoultohiscondition.ThePrison,_SceneIII.ActI._

AtmyfirstentranceIturnedaneagerglancetowardsmyconductor;butthelampinthevestibulewastoolowinflametogivemycuriosityanysatisfactionbyaffordingadistinctperusalofhisfeatures.Astheturnkeyheldthelightinhishand,thebeamsfellmorefullonhisown

scarcelessinterestingfigure.Hewasawildshock-headedlookinganimal,whoseprofusionofredhaircoveredandobscuredhisfeatures,whichwereotherwiseonlycharacterisedbytheextravagantjoythataffectedhimatthesightofmyguide.InmyexperienceIhavemetnothingsoabsolutelyresemblingmyideaofaveryuncouth,wild,anduglysavage,adoringtheidolofhistribe.Hegrinned,heshivered,helaughed,hewasnearcrying,ifhedidnotactuallycry.Hehada"WhereshallIgo?--WhatcanIdoforyou?"expressionofface;thecomplete,surrendered,andanxioussubservienceanddevotionofwhichitisdifficulttodescribe,otherwisethanbytheawkwardcombinationwhichIhaveattempted.Thefellow'svoiceseemedchokinginhisecstasy,andonlycouldexpressitselfinsuchinterjectionsas"Oigh!oigh!--Ay!ay!--it'slangsinceshe'sseenye!"andotherexclamationsequallybrief,

expressedinthesameunknowntongueinwhichhehadcommunicatedwithmyconductorwhilewewereontheoutsideofthejaildoor.Myguidereceivedallthisexcessofjoyfulgratulationmuchlikeaprincetooearlyaccustomedtothehomageofthosearoundhimtobemuchmovedbyit,yetwillingtorequiteitbytheusualformsofroyalcourtesy.Heextendedhishandgraciouslytowardstheturnkey,withacivilinquiryof"How'sa'wi'you,Dougal?"

"Oigh!oigh!"exclaimedDougal,softeningthesharpexclamationsofhis



surpriseashelookedaroundwithaneyeofwatchfulalarm--"Oigh!toseeyouhere--toseeyouhere!--Oigh!--whatwillcomeo'yeginthebailiessuldcometogetwitting--tafilthy,guttyhallions,tattheyare?"

Myguideplacedhisfingeronhislip,andsaid,"Fearnothing,Dougal;yourhandsshallneverdrawaboltonme."

"Tatsalltheyno,"saidDougal;"shesuld--shewad--thatis,shewishesthemhackedaffbytheelbowsfirst--Butwhenareyegaunyonderagain?andye'llnoforgettoletherken--she'syourpuircousin,Godkens,onlyseventimesremoved."

"Iwillletyouken,Dougal,assoonasmyplansaresettled."

"And,byhersooth,whenyoudo,anitweretwalo'theSundayate'en,she'llflingherkeysattheprovost'sheadorshegiethemanitherturn,andthatoreverMondaymorningbegins--seeifshewinna."

Mymysteriousstrangercuthisacquaintance'secstasiesshortbyagainaddressinghim,inwhatIafterwardsunderstoodtobetheIrish,Earse,orGaelic,explaining,probably,theserviceswhichherequiredathishand.Theanswer,"Wi'a'herheart--wi'a'hersoul,"withagooddealofindistinctmutteringinasimilartone,intimatedtheturnkey's

acquiescenceinwhatheproposed.Thefellowtrimmedhisdyinglamp,andmadeasigntometofollowhim.

"Doyounotgowithus?"saidI,lookingtomyconductor.

"Itisunnecessary,"hereplied;"mycompanymaybeinconvenientforyou,andIhadbetterremaintosecureourretreat."

"Idonotsupposeyoumeantobetraymetodanger,"saidI.

"TononebutwhatIpartakeindoubly,"answeredthestranger,withavoiceofassurancewhichitwasimpossibletomistrust.

Ifollowedtheturnkey,who,leavingtheinnerwicketunlockedbehindhim,ledmeupa_turnpike_(sotheScotchcallawindingstair),thenalonganarrowgallery--thenopeningoneofseveraldoorswhichledintothepassage,heusheredmeintoasmallapartment,andcastinghiseyeonthepallet-bedwhichoccupiedonecorner,saidwithanundervoice,asheplacedthelamponalittledealtable,"She'ssleeping."

"She!--who?--canitbeDianaVernoninthisabodeofmisery?"

Iturnedmyeyetothebed,anditwaswithamixtureofdisappointmentoddlymingledwithpleasure,thatIsawmyfirstsuspicionhaddeceivedme.Isawaheadneitheryoungnorbeautiful,garnishedwithagreybeardoftwodays'growth,andaccommodatedwitharednightcap.Thefirst

glanceputmeateaseonthescoreofDianaVernon;thesecond,astheslumbererawokefromaheavysleep,yawned,andrubbedhiseyes,presentedmewithfeaturesverydifferentindeed--eventhoseofmypoorfriendOwen.Idrewbackoutofviewaninstant,thathemighthavetime



torecoverhimself;fortunatelyrecollectingthatIwasbutanintruderonthesecellsofsorrow,andthatanyalarmmightbeattendedwithunhappyconsequences.

Meantime,theunfortunateformalist,raisinghimselffromthepallet-bedwiththeassistanceofonehand,andscratchinghiscapwiththeother,exclaimedinavoiceinwhichasmuchpeevishnessashewascapableoffeeling,contendedwithdrowsiness,"I'lltellyouwhat,Mr.Dug-well,orwhateveryournamemaybe,thesum-totalofthematteris,thatifmynaturalrestistobebrokeninthismanner,Imustcomplaintothelordmayor."

"Shentlemanstospeakwi'her,"repliedDougal,resumingthetruedoggedsullentoneofaturnkey,inexchangefortheshrillclangofHighlandcongratulationwithwhichhehadwelcomedmymysteriousguide;and,turningonhisheel,helefttheapartment.

ItwassometimebeforeIcouldprevailupontheunfortunatesleeperawakeningtorecogniseme;andwhenhedidso,thedistressoftheworthycreaturewasextreme,atsupposing,whichhenaturallydid,thatIhadbeensentthitherasapartnerofhiscaptivity.

"O,Mr.Frank,whathaveyoubroughtyourselfandthehouseto?--Ithink

nothingofmyself,thatamamerecipher,sotospeak;butyou,thatwasyourfather'ssum-total--hisomnium,--youthatmighthavebeenthefirstmaninthefirsthouseinthefirstcity,tobeshutupinanastyScotchjail,whereonecannotevengetthedirtbrushedofftheirclothes!"

Herubbed,withanairofpeevishirritation,theoncestainlessbrowncoat,whichhadnowsharedsomeoftheimpuritiesofthefloorofhisprison-house,--hishabitsofextremepunctiliousneatnessactingmechanicallytoincreasehisdistress.--"OHeavenbegracioustous!"hecontinued."Whatnewsthiswillbeon'Change!TherehasnotthelikecometheresincethebattleofAlmanza,wherethetotaloftheBritishlosswassummeduptofivethousandmenkilledandwounded,besidesafloatingbalanceofmissing--butwhatwillthatbetothenewsthat

OsbaldistoneandTreshamhavestopped!"

IbrokeinonhislamentationstoacquainthimthatIwasnoprisoner,thoughscarceabletoaccountformybeinginthatplaceatsuchanhour.Icouldonlysilencehisinquiriesbypersistinginthosewhichhisownsituationsuggested;andatlengthobtainedfromhimsuchinformationashewasabletogiveme.Itwasnoneofthemostdistinct;for,howeverclear-headedinhisownroutineofcommercialbusiness,Owen,youarewellaware,wasnotveryacuteincomprehendingwhatlaybeyondthatsphere.

Thesumofhisinformationwas,thatoftwocorrespondentsofmyfather'sfirmatGlasgow,where,owingtoengagementsinScotlandformerlyalluded

to,hetransactedagreatdealofbusiness,bothmyfatherandOwenhadfoundthehouseofMacVittie,MacFin,andCompany,themostobligingandaccommodating.TheyhaddeferredtothegreatEnglishhouseoneverypossibleoccasion;andintheirbargainsandtransactionsacted,without



repining,thepartofthejackall,whoonlyclaimswhatthelionispleasedtoleavehim.Howeversmalltheshareofprofitallottedtothem,itwasalways,astheyexpressedit,"enoughforthelikeofthem;"howeverlargetheportionoftrouble,"theyweresensibletheycouldnotdotoomuchtodeservethecontinuedpatronageandgoodopinionoftheirhonouredfriendsinCraneAlley."

ThedictatesofmyfatherweretoMacVittieandMacFinthelawsoftheMedesandPersians,nottobealtered,innovated,orevendiscussed;andthepunctiliosexactedbyOwenintheirbusinesstransactions,forhewasagreatloverofform,moreespeciallywhenhecoulddictateit_excathedra,_seemedscarcelesssanctimoniousintheireyes.ThistoneofdeepandrespectfulobservancewentallcurrentlydownwithOwen;butmyfatherlookedalittlecloserintomen'sbosoms,andwhethersuspiciousofthisexcessofdeference,or,asaloverofbrevityandsimplicityinbusiness,tiredwiththesegentlemen'slong-windedprofessionsofregard,hehaduniformlyresistedtheirdesiretobecomehissoleagentsinScotland.Onthecontrary,hetransactedmanyaffairsthroughacorrespondentofacharacterperfectlydifferent--amanwhosegoodopinionofhimselfamountedtoself-conceit,andwho,dislikingtheEnglishingeneralasmuchasmyfatherdidtheScotch,wouldholdnocommunicationbutonafootingofabsoluteequality;jealous,moreover;

captiousoccasionally;astenaciousofhisownopinionsinpointofformasOwencouldbeofhis;andtotallyindifferentthoughtheauthorityofallLombardStreethadstoodagainsthisownprivateopinion.

AsthesepeculiaritiesoftemperrendereditdifficulttotransactbusinesswithMr.NicolJarvie,--astheyoccasionedattimesdisputesandcoldnessbetweentheEnglishhouseandtheircorrespondent,whichwereonlygotoverbyasenseofmutualinterest,--as,moreover,Owen'spersonalvanitysometimessufferedalittleinthediscussionstowhichtheygaverise,youcannotbesurprised,Tresham,thatouroldfriendthrewatalltimestheweightofhisinfluenceinfavourofthecivil,discreet,accommodatingconcernofMacVittieandMacFin,andspokeof

Jarvieasapetulant,conceitedScotchpedlar,withwhomtherewasnodealing.

Itwasalsonotsurprising,thatinthesecircumstances,whichIonlylearnedindetailsometimeafterwards,Owen,inthedifficultiestowhichthehousewasreducedbytheabsenceofmyfather,andthedisappearanceofRashleigh,should,onhisarrivalinScotland,whichtookplacetwodaysbeforemine,haverecoursetothefriendshipofthosecorrespondents,whohadalwaysprofessedthemselvesobliged,gratified,anddevotedtotheserviceofhisprincipal.HewasreceivedatMessrs.MacVittieandMacFin'scounting-houseintheGallowgate,withsomethinglikethedevotionaCatholicwouldpaytohistutelarsaint.But,alas!

thissunshinewassoonoverclouded,when,encouragedbythefairhopeswhichitinspired,heopenedthedifficultiesofthehousetohisfriendlycorrespondents,andrequestedtheircounselandassistance.MacVittiewasalmoststunnedbythecommunication;andMacFin,ereitwascompleted,wasalreadyattheledgeroftheirfirm,anddeeplyengagedintheverybowelsofthemultitudinousaccountsbetweentheirhouseandthatofOsbaldistoneandTresham,forthepurposeofdiscoveringonwhich



sidethebalancelay.Alas!thescaledepressedconsiderablyagainsttheEnglishfirm;andthefacesofMacVittieandMacFin,hithertoonlyblankanddoubtful,becamenowominous,grim,andlowering.TheymetMr.Owen'srequestofcountenanceandassistancewithacounter-demandofinstantsecurityagainstimminenthazardofeventualloss;andatlength,speakingmoreplainly,requiredthatadepositofassets,destinedforotherpurposes,shouldbeplacedintheirhandsforthatpurpose.Owenrepelledthisdemandwithgreatindignation,asdishonourabletohisconstituents,unjusttotheothercreditorsofOsbaldistoneandTresham,andveryungratefulonthepartofthosebywhomitwasmade.

TheScotchpartnersgained,inthecourseofthiscontroversy,whatisveryconvenienttopersonswhoareinthewrong,anopportunityandpretextforputtingthemselvesinaviolentpassion,andfortaking,underthepretextoftheprovocationtheyhadreceived,measurestowhichsomesenseofdecency,ifnotofconscience,mightotherwisehavedeterredthemfromresorting.

Owenhadasmallshare,asIbelieveisusual,inthehousetowhichheactedashead-clerk,andwasthereforepersonallyliableforallitsobligations.ThiswasknowntoMessrs.MacVittieandMacFin;and,withaviewofmakinghimfeeltheirpower,orratherinordertoforcehim,atthisemergency,intothosemeasuresintheirfavour,towhichhehad

expressedhimselfsorepugnant,theyhadrecoursetoasummaryprocessofarrestandimprisonment,--whichitseemsthelawofScotland(thereinsurelyliabletomuchabuse)allowstoacreditor,whofindshisconscienceatlibertytomakeoaththatthedebtormeditatesdepartingfromtherealm.UndersuchawarranthadpoorOwenbeenconfinedtoduranceonthedayprecedingthatwhenIwassostrangelyguidedtohisprison-house.

Thuspossessedofthealarmingoutlineoffacts,thequestionremained,whatwastobedoneanditwasnotofeasydetermination.Iplainlyperceivedtheperilswithwhichweweresurrounded,butitwasmoredifficulttosuggestanyremedy.ThewarningwhichIhadalreadyreceivedseemedtointimate,thatmyownpersonallibertymightbeendangeredby

anopenappearanceinOwen'sbehalf.Owenentertainedthesameapprehension,and,intheexaggerationofhisterror,assuredmethataScotchman,ratherthanruntheriskoflosingafarthingbyanEnglishman,wouldfindlawforarrestinghiswife,children,man-servant,maidservant,andstrangerwithinhishousehold.Thelawsconcerningdebt,inmostcountries,aresounmercifullysevere,thatIcouldnotaltogetherdisbelievehisstatement;andmyarrest,inthepresentcircumstances,wouldhavebeena_coup-de-grace_tomyfather'saffairs.Inthisdilemma,IaskedOwenifhehadnotthoughtofhavingrecoursetomyfather'sothercorrespondentinGlasgow,Mr.NicolJarvie?

"Hehadsenthimaletter,"hereplied,"thatmorning;butifthesmooth-tonguedandcivilhouseintheGallowgate*hadusedhimthus,what

wastobeexpectedfromthecross-grainedcrab-stockintheSalt-Market?

*[AstreetintheoldtownofGlasgow.]



Youmightaswellaskabrokertogiveuphispercentage,asexpectafavourfromhimwithoutthe_percontra._Hehadnoteven,"Owensaid,"answeredhisletterthoughitwasputintohishandthatmorningashewenttochurch."Andherethedespairingman-of-figuresthrewhimselfdownonhispallet,exclaiming,--"Mypoordearmaster!Mypoordearmaster!OMr.Frank,Mr.Frank,thisisallyourobstinacy!--ButGodforgivemeforsayingsotoyouinyourdistress!It'sGod'sdisposing,andmanmustsubmit."

Myphilosophy,Tresham,couldnotpreventmysharinginthehonestcreature'sdistress,andwemingledourtears,--themorebitteronmypart,astheperverseoppositiontomyfather'swill,withwhichthekind-heartedOwenforboretoupbraidme,roseuptomyconscienceasthecauseofallthisaffliction.

Inthemidstofourmingledsorrow,weweredisturbedandsurprisedbyaloudknockingattheoutwarddooroftheprison.Irantothetopofthestaircasetolisten,butcouldonlyhearthevoiceoftheturnkey,alternatelyinahightone,answeringtosomepersonwithout,andinawhisper,addressedtothepersonwhohadguidedmehither--"She'scoming--she'scoming,"aloud;theninalowkey,"Ohon-a-ri!Ohon-a-ri!what'llshedonow?--Ganguptastair,andhideyourselfahinttaSassenachshentleman'sped.--She'scomingasfastasshecan.--Ahellanay!

it'smylordprovosts,andtapailies,andtaguard--andtacaptain'scomingtoonstairstoo--Gotpressher!ganguporhemeetsher.--She'scoming--she'scoming--talock'ssairroosted."

WhileDougal,unwillingly,andwithasmuchdelayaspossible,undidthevariousfasteningstogiveadmittancetothosewithout,whoseimpatiencebecameclamorous,myguideascendedthewindingstair,andsprangintoOwen'sapartment,intowhichIfollowedhim.Hecasthiseyeshastilyround,asiflookingforaplaceofconcealment;thensaidtome,"Lendmeyourpistols--yetit'snomatter,Icandowithoutthem--Whateveryousee,takenoheed,anddonotmixyourhandinanotherman'sfeud--Thisgear'smine,andImustmanageitasIdow;butIhavebeenashardbested,andworse,thanIamevennow."

Asthestrangerspokethesewords,hestrippedfromhispersonthecumbrousuppercoatinwhichhewaswrapt,confrontedthedooroftheapartment,onwhichhefixedakeenanddeterminedglance,drawinghispersonalittlebacktoconcentratehisforce,likeafinehorsebroughtuptotheleaping-bar.Ihadnotamoment'sdoubtthathemeanttoextricatehimselffromhisembarrassment,whatevermightbethecauseofit,byspringingfulluponthosewhoshouldappearwhenthedoorsopened,andforcinghiswaythroughalloppositionintothestreet;--andsuchwastheappearanceofstrengthandagilitydisplayedinhisframe,andofdeterminationinhislookandmanner,thatIdidnotdoubtamomentbutthathemightgetclearthroughhisopponents,unlesstheyemployedfatalmeanstostophispurpose.Itwasaperiodofawfulsuspensebetwixtthe

openingoftheoutwardgateandthatofthedooroftheapartment,whenthereappeared--noguardwithbayonetsfixed,orwatchwithclubs,bills,orpartisans,butagood-lookingyoungwoman,withgrogrampetticoats,tuckedupfortrudgingthroughthestreets,andholdingalanterninher



hand.Thisfemaleusheredinamoreimportantpersonage,inform,stout,short,andsomewhatcorpulent;andbydignity,asitsoonappeared,amagistrate,bob-wigged,bustling,andbreathlesswithpeevishimpatience.Myconductor,athisappearance,drewbackasiftoescapeobservation;buthecouldnoteludethepenetratingtwinklewithwhichthisdignitaryreconnoiteredthewholeapartment.

"Abonnythingitis,andabeseeming,thatIshouldbekeptatthedoorhalfanhour,CaptainStanchells,"saidhe,addressingtheprincipaljailor,whonowshowedhimselfatthedoorasifinattendanceonthegreatman,"knockingashardtogetintothetolboothasonybodyelsewadtogetoutofit,couldthatavailthem,poorfallencreatures!--Andhow'sthis?--how'sthis?--strangersinthejailafterlock-uphours,andontheSabbathevening!--Ishalllookafterthis,Stanchells,youmaydependon't--Keepthedoorlocked,andI'llspeaktothesegentlemeninagliffing--ButfirstImaunhaeacrackwi'anauldacquaintancehere.--Mr.Owen,Mr.Owen,how'sa'wi'ye,man?"

"Prettywellinbody,Ithankyou,Mr.Jarvie,"drawledoutpoorOwen,"butsoreafflictedinspirit."

"Naedoubt,naedoubt--ay,ay--it'sanawfu'whummle--andforanethatheldhisheadsaehightoo--humannature,humannature--Ayay,we'rea'

subjecttoadowncome.Mr.Osbaldistoneisagudehonestgentleman;butIayesaidhewasaneo'themwadmakeaspuneorspoilahorn,asmyfathertheworthydeaconusedtosay.Thedeaconusedtosaytome,'Nick--youngNick'(hisnamewasNicolasweelasmine;saefolkca'dusintheirdaffin',youngNickandauldNick)--'Nick,'saidhe,'neverputoutyourarmfartherthanyecandrawiteasilybackagain.'IhaesaidsaetoMr.Osbaldistone,andhedidnaseemtotakeita'thegithersaekindasIwished--butitwasweelmeant--weelmeant."

Thisdiscourse,deliveredwithprodigiousvolubility,andagreatappearanceofself-complacency,asherecollectedhisownadviceandpredictions,gavelittlepromiseofassistanceatthehandsofMr.Jarvie.Yetitsoonappearedrathertoproceedfromatotalwantof

delicacythananydeficiencyofrealkindness;forwhenOwenexpressedhimselfsomewhathurtthatthesethingsshouldberecalledtomemoryinhispresentsituation,theGlaswegiantookhimbythehand,andbadehim"Cheerupagliff!D'yethinkIwadhaecomedoutattwalo'clockatnight,andamaistbrokentheLord'sday,justtotellafa'enmano'hisbackslidings?Na,na,that'snoBailieJarvie'sgate,norwas'thisworthyfather'sthedeaconaforehim.Why,man!it'smyrulenevertothinkonwarldlybusinessontheSabbath,andthoughIdida'IcouldtokeepyournotethatIgatthismorningouto'myhead,yetIthoughtmaironita'day,thanonthepreaching--Andit'smyruletogangtomybedwi'theyellowcurtainspreceeselyatteno'clock--unlessIwereeatingahaddockwi'aneighbour,oraneighbourwi'me--askthelass-queanthere,ifitisnaafundamentalruleinmyhousehold;andherehaeIsittenup

readinggudebooks,andgapingasifIwadswallowSt.EnoxKirk,tillitchappittwal,whilkwasalawfu'hourtogiealookatmyledger,justtoseehowthingsstoodbetweenus;andthen,astimeandtidewaitfornoman,Imadethelassgetthelantern,andcameslippingmywayshereto



seewhatcanbeduneanentyouraffairs.BailieJarviecancommandentranceintothetolboothatonyhour,dayornight;--saecouldmyfatherthedeaconinhistime,honestman,praisetohismemory."

AlthoughOwengroanedatthementionoftheledger,leadingmegrievouslytofearthatherealsothebalancestoodinthewrongcolumn;andalthoughtheworthymagistrate'sspeechexpressedmuchself-complacency,andsomeominoustriumphinhisownsuperiorjudgment,yetitwasblendedwithasortoffrankandbluntgood-nature,fromwhichIcouldnothelpderivingsomehopes.Herequestedtoseesomepapershementioned,snatchedthemhastilyfromOwen'shand,andsittingonthebed,to"resthisshanks,"ashewaspleasedtoexpresstheaccommodationwhichthatpostureaffordedhim,hisservantgirlheldupthelanterntohim,while,pshawing,muttering,andsputtering,nowattheimperfectlight,nowatthecontentsofthepacket,heranoverthewritingsitcontained.

Seeinghimfairlyengagedinthiscourseofstudy,theguidewhohadbroughtmehitherseemeddisposedtotakeanunceremoniousleave.Hemadeasigntometosaynothing,andintimated,byhischangeofposture,anintentiontoglidetowardsthedoorinsuchamannerastoattracttheleastpossibleobservation.Butthealertmagistrate(verydifferentfrommyoldacquaintance,Mr.JusticeInglewood)instantlydetectedandinterruptedhispurposes."Isay,looktothedoor,Stanchells--shutand

lockit,andkeepwatchontheoutside."

Thestranger'sbrowdarkened,andheseemedforaninstantagaintomeditatetheeffectinghisretreatbyviolence;buterehehaddetermined,thedoorclosed,andtheponderousboltrevolved.HemutteredanexclamationinGaelic,strodeacrossthefloor,andthen,withanairofdoggedresolution,asiffixedandpreparedtoseethescenetoanend,satehimselfdownontheoaktable,andwhistledastrathspey.

Mr.Jarvie,whoseemedveryalertandexpeditiousingoingthroughbusiness,soonshowedhimselfmasterofthatwhichhehadbeenconsidering,andaddressedhimselftoMr.Oweninthefollowingstrain:-"Weel,Mr.Owen,weel--yourhouseareawin'certainsumstoMessrs.

MacVittieandMacFin(shamefa'theirsouplesnouts!theymadethatandmairouto'abargainabouttheaik-woodsatGlen-Cailziechat,thattheytookoutatweenmyteeth--wi'helpo'yourgudeword,Imaunneedssay,Mr.Owen--butthatmakesnaeoddsnow)--Weel,sir,yourhouseawesthemthissiller;andforthis,andreliefofotherengagementstheystandinforyou,theyhaeputtenadoubleturno'Stanchells'mucklekeyonye.--Weel,sir,yeawethissiller--andmaybeyeawesomemairtosomeotherbodytoo--maybeyeawesometomyself,BailieNicolJarvie."

"Icannotdeny,sir,butthebalancemayofthisdatebebroughtoutagainstus,Mr.Jarvie,"saidOwen;"butyou'llpleasetoconsider"-

"Ihaenaetimetoconsidere'enow,Mr.Owen--SaenearSabbathate'en,andouto'ane'swarmbedatthistimeo'night,andasorto'drowintheairbesides--there'snaetimeforconsidering--But,sir,asIwassaying,yeawememoney--itwinnadeny--yeawememoney,lessormair,I'llstandbyit.Butthen,Mr.Owen,Icannaseehowyou,anactiveman



thatunderstandsbusiness,canreddoutthebusinessye'recomedownabout,andclearusa'aff--asIhavegritthopeyewill--ifye'rekeepitlyinghereinthetolboothofGlasgow.Now,sir,ifyoucanfindcaution _judiciosisti,_--thatis,thatyewinnafleethecountry,butappearandrelieveyourcautionwhenca'dforinourlegalcourts,yemaybesetatlibertythisverymorning."

"Mr.Jarvie,"saidOwen,"ifanyfriendwouldbecomesuretyformetothateffect,mylibertymightbeusefullyemployed,doubtless,bothforthehouseandallconnectedwithit."

"Aweel,sir,"continuedJarvie,"anddoubtlesssuchafriendwadexpectyetoappearwhenca'don,andrelievehimo'hisengagement."

"AndIshoulddosoascertainly,batingsicknessordeath,asthattwoandtwomakefour."

"Aweel,Mr.Owen,"resumedthecitizenofGlasgow,"Idinnamisdoubtye,andI'llproveit,sir--I'llproveit.Iamacarefu'man,asisweelken'd,andindustrious,asthehaletowncantestify;andIcanwinmycrowns,andkeepmycrowns,andcountmycrowns,wi'onybodyintheSautMarket,oritmaybeintheGallowgate.AndI'maprudentman,asmyfatherthedeaconwasbeforeme;--butratherthananhonestcivil

gentleman,thatunderstandsbusiness,andiswillingtodojusticetoallmen,shouldliebytheheelsthisgate,unabletohelphimselloronybodyelse--why,conscience,man!I'llbeyourbailmyself--Butye'llmindit'sabail_judiciosisti,_asourtown-clerksays,not_judicatumsolvi;_ye'llmindthat,forthere'smuckledifference."

Mr.Owenassuredhim,thatasmattersthenstood,hecouldnotexpectanyonetobecomesuretyfortheactualpaymentofthedebt,butthattherewasnotthemostdistantcauseforapprehendinglossfromhisfailingtopresenthimselfwhenlawfullycalledupon.

"Ibelieveye--Ibelieveye.Eneughsaid--eneughsaid.We'sehaeyourlegsloosebybreakfast-time.--Andnowlet'shearwhatthirchamber

chielso'yourshaetosayforthemselves,orhow,inthenameofunrule,theygothereatthistimeo'night."

CHAPTERSIXTH.

Hamecameourgudemanate'en,

Andhamecamehe,

Andtherehesawaman

Whereamansuldnabe.

"How'sthisnow,kimmer?

How'sthis?"quohe,-

"Howcamethiscarlehere

Withouttheleaveo'me?"

OldSong.



Themagistratetookthelightoutoftheservant-maid'shand,andadvancedtohisscrutiny,likeDiogenesinthestreetofAthens,lantern-in-hand,andprobablywithaslittleexpectationasthatofthecynic,thathewaslikelytoencounteranyespecialtreasureinthecourseofhisresearches.Thefirstwhomheapproachedwasmymysteriousguide,who,seatedonatableasIhavealreadydescribedhim,withhiseyesfirmlyfixedonthewall,hisfeaturesarrangedintotheutmostinflexibilityofexpression,hishandsfoldedonhisbreastwithanairbetwixtcarelessnessanddefiance,hisheelpattingagainstthefootofthetable,tokeeptimewiththetunewhichhecontinuedtowhistle,submittedtoMr.Jarvie'sinvestigationwithanairofabsoluteconfidenceandassurancewhich,foramoment,placedatfaultthememoryandsagacityoftheacuteinvestigator.

"Ah!--Eh!--Oh!"exclaimedtheBailie."Myconscience!--it'simpossible!-andyet--no!--Conscience!--itcannabe!--andyetagain--Deilhaeme,thatIsuldsaysae!--Yerobber--yecateran--yeborndeevilthatyeare,toa'badendsandnaegudeane!--canthisbeyou?"

"E'enasyesee,Bailie,"wasthelaconicanswer.

"Conscience!ifIamnacleanbumbaized--_you_,yecheat-the-wuddyrogue--_you_hereonyourventureinthetolbootho'Glasgow?--Whatd'ye

think'sthevalueo'yourhead?"

"Umph!--why,fairlyweighed,andDutchweight,itmightweighdownoneprovost's,fourbailies',atown-clerk's,sixdeacons',besidesstent-masters'"-

"Ah,yereivingvillain!"interruptedMr.Jarvie."Buttelloweryoursins,andprepareye,forifIsaytheword"-

"True,Bailie,"saidhewhowasthusaddressed,foldinghishandsbehindhimwiththeutmost_nonchalance,_"butyewillneversaythatword."

"AndwhysuldInot,sir?"exclaimedthemagistrate--"WhysuldInot?Answermethat--whysuldInot?"

"Forthreesufficientreasons,BailieJarvie.--First,forauldlangsyne;second,forthesakeoftheauldwifeayontthefireatStuckavrallachan,thatmadesomemixtureofourbluids,tomyownpropershamebeitspoken!thathasacousinwi'accounts,andyarnwinnles,andloomsandshuttles,likeameremechanicalperson;andlastly,Bailie,becauseifIsawasigno'yourbetrayingme,Iwouldplasterthatwa'withyourharnserethehandofmancouldrescueyou!"

"Ye'reabaulddesperatevillain,sir,"retortedtheundauntedBailie;

"andyekenthatIkenyetobesae,andthatIwadnastandamomentformyainrisk."

"Ikenweel,"saidtheother,"yehaegentlebluidinyourveins,andIwadbelaithtohurtmyainkinsman.ButI'llgangouthereasfreeasI



camein,ortheverywa'so'Glasgowtolboothshalltello'tthesetenyearstocome."

"Weel,weel,"saidMr.Jarvie,"bluid'sthickerthanwater;anditliesnainkith,kin,andally,toseemotesinilkaother'seenifothereenseethemno.ItwadbesairnewstotheauldwifebelowtheBenofStuckavrallachan,thatyou,yeHielandlimmer,hadknockitoutmyharns,orthatIhadkiltedyouupinatow.Butye'llown,yedourdeevil,thatwereitnoyourverysell,IwadhaegrippitthebestmanintheHielands."

"Yewadhaetried,cousin,"answeredmyguide,"thatIwotweel;butIdoubtyewadhaecomeaffwi'theshortmeasure;forwegang-there-outHielandbodiesareanunchancygenerationwhenyouspeaktouso'bondage.Wedownabidethecoercionofgudebraid-claithaboutourhinderlans,letabebreekso'free-stone,andgarterso'iron."

"Ye'llfindthestanebreeksandtheairngarters--ay,andthehempcravat,fora'that,neighbour,"repliedtheBailie.

"Naemaninacivilisedcountryeverplayedthepliskiesyehaedone--bute'enpickleinyourainpock-neuk--Ihaegi'enyewanting."

"Well,cousin,"saidtheother,"ye'llwearblackatmyburial."

"Deilablackcloakwillbethere,Robin,butthecorbiesandthehoodie-craws,I'segieyemyhandonthat.Butwhar'sthegudethousandpundScotsthatIlentye,man,andwhenamItoseeitagain?"

"Whereitis,"repliedmyguide,aftertheaffectationofconsideringforamoment,"Icannotjustlytell--probablywherelastyear'ssnawis."

"Andthat'sonthetapofSchehallion,yeHielanddog,"saidMr.Jarvie;"andIlookforpaymentfraeyouwhereyestand."

"Ay,"repliedtheHighlander,"butIkeepneithersnawnordollarsinmy

sporran.Andastowhenyou'llseeit--why,justwhenthekingenjoyshisainagain,astheauldsangsays."

"Warstofa',Robin,"retortedtheGlaswegian,--"Imean,yedisloyaltraitor--Warstofa'!--Wadyebringpoperyinonus,andarbitrarypower,andafoistandawarming-pan,andthesetforms,andthecurates,andtheauldenormitieso'surplicesandcerements?Yehadbettersticktoyourauldtradeo'theft-boot,black-mail,spreaghs,andgillravaging-betterstealingnowtethanruiningnations."

"Hout,man--whishtwi'yourwhiggery,"answeredtheCelt;"wehaeken'daneanithermonyalangday.I'setakecareyourcounting-roomisnocleanedoutwhentheGillon-a-naillie*cometoredduptheGlasgow

buiths,andclearthemo'theirauldshop-wares.

*Theladswiththekiltsorpetticoats.



And,unlessitjustfa'inthepreceesewayo'yourduty,yemaunnaseemeoftener,Nicol,thanIamdisposedtobeseen."

"Yeareadauringvillain,Rob,"answeredtheBailie;"andyewillbehanged,thatwillbeseenandheardtello';butI'sene'erbetheillbirdandfoulmynest,setapartstrongnecessityandtheskreighofduty,whichnomanshouldhearandbeinobedient.Andwhathedeevil'sthis?"hecontinued,turningtome--"Somegillravagerthatyehaelisted,Idaursay.Helooksasifhehadabauldhearttothehighway,andalangcraigforthegibbet."

"This,goodMr.Jarvie,"saidOwen,who,likemyself,hadbeenstruckdumbduringthisstrangerecognition,andnolessstrangedialogue,whichtookplacebetwixttheseextraordinarykinsmen--"This,goodMr.Jarvie,isyoungMr.FrankOsbaldistone,onlychildoftheheadofourhouse,whoshouldhavebeentakenintoourfirmatthetimeMr.RashleighOsbaldistone,hiscousin,hadthelucktobetakenintoit"--(HereOwencouldnotsuppressagroan)--"Buthowsoever"-

"Oh,Ihaveheardofthatsmaik,"saidtheScotchmerchant,interruptinghim;"itishewhomyourprincipal,likeanobstinateauldfule,wadmakeamerchanto',wadheorwadheno,--andtheladturnedastrolling

stage-player,inpuredisliketothelabouranhonestmanshouldliveby.Weel,sir,whatsayyoutoyourhandiwork?WillHamlettheDane,orHamlet'sghost,begoodsecurityforMr.Owen,sir?"

"Idon'tdeserveyourtaunt,"Ireplied,"thoughIrespectyourmotive,andamtoogratefulfortheassistanceyouhaveaffordedMr.Owen,toresentit.MyonlybusinessherewastodowhatIcould(itisperhapsverylittle)toaidMr.Oweninthemanagementofmyfather'saffairs.MydislikeofthecommercialprofessionisafeelingofwhichIamthebestandsolejudge."

"Iprotest,"saidtheHighlander,"IhadsomerespectforthiscallantevenbeforeIken'dwhatwasinhim;butnowIhonourhimforhis

contemptofweaversandspinners,andsic-likemechanicalpersonsandtheirpursuits."

"Ye'remad,Rob,"saidtheBailie--"madasaMarchhare--thoughwhereforeaharesuldbemadatMarchmairthanatMartinmas,ismairthanIcanweelsay.Weavers!Deilshakeyeouto'thewebtheweavercraftmade.Spinners!ye'llspinandwindyourselfabonnypirn.Andthisyoungbirkiehere,thatye'rehoyingandhoundingontheshortestroadtothegallowsandthedeevil,willhisstage-playsandhispoetrieshelphimhere,dyethink,onymairthanyourdeepoathsanddrawndirks,yereprobatethatyeare?--Will_Tityretupatulae,_astheyca'it,tellhimwhereRashleighOsbaldistoneis?orMacbeth,andallhiskernesandgalla-glasses,andyourawntoboot,Rob,procurehimfivethousand

poundstoanswerthebillswhichfallduetendayshence,weretheya'roupedattheCross,--basket-hilts,Andra-Ferraras,leathertargets,brogues,brochan,andsporrans?"

"Tendays,"Ianswered,andinstinctivelydrewoutDianaVernon'spacket;



andthetimebeingelapsedduringwhichIwastokeepthesealsacred,Ihastilybrokeitopen.Asealedletterfellfromablankenclosure,owingtothetrepidationwithwhichIopenedtheparcel.Aslightcurrentofwind,whichfounditswaythroughabrokenpaneofthewindow,waftedthelettertoMr.Jarvie'sfeet,wholiftedit,examinedtheaddresswithunceremoniouscuriosity,and,tomyastonishment,handedittohisHighlandkinsman,saying,"Here'sawindhasblownalettertoitsrightowner,thoughthereweretenthousandchancesagainstitscomingtohand."

TheHighlander,havingexaminedtheaddress,broketheletteropenwithouttheleastceremony.Iendeavouredtointerrupthisproceeding.

"Youmustsatisfyme,sir,"saidI,"thattheletterisintendedforyoubeforeIcanpermityoutoperuseit."

"Makeyourselfquiteeasy,Mr.Osbaldistone,"repliedthemountaineerwithgreatcomposure.--"rememberJusticeInglewood,ClerkJobson,Mr.Morris--aboveall,rememberyourverahumbleservant,RobertCawmil,andthebeautifulDianaVernon.Rememberallthis,anddoubtnolongerthattheletterisforme."

Iremainedastonishedatmyownstupidity.--Throughthewholenight,the

voice,andeventhefeaturesofthisman,thoughimperfectlyseen,hauntedmewithrecollectionstowhichIcouldassignnoexactlocalorpersonalassociations.Butnowthelightdawnedonmeatonce;thismanwasCampbellhimself.Hiswholepeculiaritiesflashedonmeatonce,--thedeepstrongvoice--theinflexible,stern,yetconsideratecastoffeatures--theScottishbrogue,withitscorrespondingdialectandimagery,which,althoughhepossessedthepowerattimesoflayingthemaside,recurredateverymomentofemotion,andgavepithtohissarcasm,orvehemencetohisexpostulation.Ratherbeneaththemiddlesizethanaboveit,hislimbswereformedupontheverystrongestmodelthatisconsistentwithagility,whilefromtheremarkableeaseandfreedomofhismovements,youcouldnotdoubthispossessingthelatterqualityinahighdegreeofperfection.Twopointsinhispersoninterferedwiththe

rulesofsymmetry;hisshouldersweresobroadinproportiontohisheight,as,notwithstandingtheleanandlathyappearanceofhisframe,gavehimsomethingtheairofbeingtoosquareinrespecttohisstature;andhisarms,thoughround,sinewy,andstrong,weresoverylongastoberatheradeformity.Iafterwardsheardthatthislengthofarmwasacircumstanceonwhichhepridedhimself;thatwhenheworehisnativeHighlandgarb,hecouldtiethegartersofhishosewithoutstooping;andthatitgavehimgreatadvantageintheuseofthebroad-sword,atwhichhewasverydexterous.Butcertainlythiswantofsymmetrydestroyedtheclaimhemightotherwisehavesetup,tobeaccountedaveryhandsomeman;itgavesomethingwild,irregular,and,asitwere,unearthly,tohisappearance,andremindedmeinvoluntarilyofthetaleswhichMabelusedtotelloftheoldPictswhoravagedNorthumberlandinancient

times,who,accordingtohertradition,wereasortofhalf-goblinhalf-humanbeings,distinguished,likethisman,forcourage,cunning,ferocity,thelengthoftheirarms,andthesquarenessoftheirshoulders.



When,however,Irecollectedthecircumstancesinwhichweformerlymet,Icouldnotdoubtthatthebilletwasmostprobablydesignedforhim.HehadmadeamarkedfigureamongthosemysteriouspersonagesoverwhomDianaseemedtoexerciseaninfluence,andfromwhomsheexperiencedaninfluenceinherturn.Itwaspainfultothinkthatthefateofabeingsoamiablewasinvolvedinthatofdesperadoesofthisman'sdescription;--yetitseemedimpossibletodoubtit.Ofwhatuse,however,couldthispersonbetomyfather'saffairs?--Icouldthinkonlyofone.RashleighOsbaldistonehad,attheinstigationofMissVernon,certainlyfoundmeanstoproduceMr.CampbellwhenhispresencewasnecessarytoexculpatemefromMorris'saccusation--Wasitnotpossiblethatherinfluence,inlikemanner,mightprevailonCampbelltoproduceRashleigh?Speakingonthissupposition,Irequestedtoknowwheremydangerouskinsmanwas,andwhenMr.Campbellhadseenhim.Theanswerwasindirect.

"It'sakittlecastshehasgienmetoplay;butyetit'sfairplay,andIwinnabaulkher.Mr.Osbaldistone,Idwellnotveryfarfromhence--mykinsmancanshowyoutheway--LeaveMr.OwentodothebesthecaninGlasgow--doyoucomeandseemeintheglens,andit'slikeImaypleasureyou,andsteadyourfatherinhisextremity.Iambutapoorman;butwit'sbetterthanwealth--and,cousin"(turningfrommetoaddressMr.Jarvie),"ifyedaurventuresaemuckleastoeatadishof

Scotchcollops,andalego'red-deervenisonwi'me,comeyewi'thisSassenachgentlemanasfarasDrymenorBucklivie,--ortheClachanofAberfoilwillbebetterthanonyo'them,--andI'llhaesomebodywaitingtoweiseyethegatetotheplacewhereImaybeforthetime--Whatsayye,man?There'smythumb,I'llne'erbeguilethee."

"Na,na,Robin,"saidthecautiousburgher,"IseldomliketoleavetheGorbals;*Ihavenaefreedomtogangamongyourwildhills,Robin,andyourkiltedred-shanks--itdisnabecomemyplace,man."

*[The_Gorbals_or"suburbs"aresituateonthesouthsideoftheRiver.]"Thedevildamnyourplaceandyoubaith!"reiteratedCampbell."Theonly

drapo'gentlebluidthat'sinyourbodywasourgreat-grand-uncle'sthatwasjustified*atDumbarton,andyousetyourselfuptosayyewadderogatefraeyourplacetovisitme!

*[Executedfortreason.]Harkthee,man--Iowetheeadayinharst--I'llpayupyourthousanpundScots,plackandbawbee,ginye'llbeanhonestfallowforanes,andjustdaikerupthegatewi'thisSassenach."

"Houtawa'wi'yourgentility,"repliedtheBailie;"carryyourgentlebluidtotheCross,andseewhatye'llbuywi't.But,ifI_were_tocome,wadyereallyandsoothfastlypaymethesiller?"

"Isweartoye,"saidtheHighlander,"uponthehalidomeofhimthat



sleepsbeneaththegreystaneatInch-Cailleach."*

*Inch-CailleachisanislandinLochlomond,wheretheclanofMacGregorwerewonttobeinterred,andwheretheirsepulchresmaystillbeseen.Itformerlycontainedanunnery:hencethenameofInch-Cailleach,ortheislandofOldWomen."Saynaemair,Robin--saynaemair--We'llseewhatmaybedune.ButyemaunnaexpectmetogangowertheHighlandline--I'llgaebeyondthelineatnorate.YemaunmeetmeaboutBucklivieortheClachanofAberfoil,-anddinnaforgettheneedful."

"Naefear--naefear,"saidCampbell;"I'llbeastrueasthesteelbladethatneverfaileditsmaster.ButImustbebudging,cousin,fortheairo'GlasgowtolboothisnothatowersalutarytoaHighlander'sconstitution."

"Troth,"repliedthemerchant,"andifmydutyweretobedune,yecouldnachangeyouratmosphere,astheministerca'sit,thisaeweewhile.--Ochon,thatIsudeverbeconcernedinaidingandabettinganescapefraejustice!itwillbeashameanddisgracetomeandmine,andmyveryfather'smemory,forever."

"Houttout,man!letthatfleestickinthewa',"answeredhiskinsman;

"whenthedirt'sdryitwillrubout--Yourfather,honestman,couldlookowerafriend'sfaultasweelasanither."

"Yemayberight,Robin,"repliedtheBailie,afteramoment'sreflection;"hewasaconsideratemanthedeacon;heken'dwehada'ourfrailties,andhelo'edhisfriends--Ye'llnohaeforgottenhim,Robin?"Thisquestionheputinasoftenedtone,conveyingasmuchatleastoftheludicrousasthepathetic.

"Forgottenhim!"repliedhiskinsman--"whatsuldailmetoforgethim?--awappingweaverhewas,andwroughtmyfirstpairo'hose.--Butcomeawa',kinsman,

Comefillupmycap,comefillupmycann,Comesaddlemyhorses,andcallupmyman;Comeopenyourgates,andletmegaefree,

IdaurnastaylangerinbonnyDundee."

"Whisht,sir!"saidthemagistrate,inanauthoritativetone--"liltingandsingingsaenearthelatterendo'theSabbath!Thishousemayhearyesinganithertuneyet--Aweel,wehaea'backslidingstoanswerfor--Stanchells,openthedoor."

Thejailorobeyed,andweallsalliedforth.Stanchellslookedwithsome

surpriseatthetwostrangers,wondering,doubtless,howtheycameintothesepremiseswithouthisknowledge;butMr.Jarvie's"Friendso'mine,Stanchells--friendso'mine,"silencedalldispositiontoinquiries.Wenowdescendedintothelowervestibule,andhallooedmorethanonceforDougal,towhichsummonsnoanswerwasreturned;whenCampbellobserved



withasardonicsmile,"ThatifDougalwastheladhekenthim,hewouldscarcewaittogetthanksforhisainshareofthenight'swark,butwasinallprobabilityonthefulltrottothepassofBallamaha"-

"Andleftus--and,abunea',me,mysell,lockedupinthetolbootha'night!"exclaimedtheBailie,inireandperturbation."Ca'forforehammers,sledge-hammers,pinches,andcoulters;sendforDeaconYettlin,thesmith,anlethimkenthatBailieJarvie'sshutupinthetolboothbyaHighlandblackguard,whomhe'llhangupashighasHaman"-

"Whenyecatchhim,"saidCampbell,gravely;"butstay--thedoorissurelynotlocked."

Indeed,onexamination,wefoundthatthedoorwasnotonlyleftopen,butthatDougalinhisretreathad,bycarryingoffthekeysalongwithhim,takencarethatnooneshouldexercisehisofficeofporterinahurry.

"Hehasglimmeringso'commonsensenow,thatcreatureDougal,"saidCampbell.--"heken'danopendoormighthaeservedmeatapinch."

Wewerebythistimeinthestreet.

"Itellyou,Robin,"saidthemagistrate,"inmypuirmind,ifyelivethelifeyedo,yesuldhaeaneo'yourgilliesdoor-keeperineveryjailinScotland,incaseo'thewarst."

"Aneo'mykinsmenabailieinilkaburghwilljustdoasweel,cousinNicol--So,gude-nightorgude-morningtoye;andforgetnottheClachanofAberfoil."

Andwithoutwaitingforananswer,hesprungtotheothersideofthestreet,andwaslostindarkness.Immediatelyonhisdisappearance,weheardhimgivealowwhistleofpeculiarmodulation,whichwasinstantly

repliedto.

"HeartotheHielanddeevils,"saidMr.Jarvie;"theythinkthemselvesontheskirtsofBenlomondalready,wheretheymaygangwhewingandwhistlingaboutwithoutmindingSundayorSaturday."Herehewasinterruptedbysomethingwhichfellwithaheavyclashonthestreetbeforeus--"Gudeguideuswhat'sthismairo't?--Mattie,haudupthelantern--Conscienceifitisnathekeys!--Weel,that'sjustasweel--theycosttheburghsiller,andtheremighthaebeensomeclaversaboutthelosso'them.O,anBailieGrahameweretogetwordo'thisnight'sjob,itwouldbeasairhairinmyneck!"

Aswewerestillbutafewstepsfromthetolboothdoor,wecarriedback

theseimplementsofoffice,andconsignedthemtotheheadjailor,who,inlieuoftheusualmodeofmakinggoodhispostbyturningthekeys,waskeepingsentryinthevestibuletillthearrivalofsomeassistant,whomhehadsummonedinordertoreplacetheCelticfugitiveDougal.

Havingdischargedthispieceofdutytotheburgh,andmyroadlyingthe



samewaywiththehonestmagistrate's,Iprofitedbythelightofhislantern,andhebymyarm,tofindourwaythroughthestreets,which,whatevertheymaynowbe,werethendark,uneven,andill-paved.Ageiseasilypropitiatedbyattentionsfromtheyoung.TheBailieexpressedhimselfinterestedinme,andadded,"ThatsinceIwasnaneo'thatplay-actingandplay-ganginggeneration,whomhissaulhated,hewadbegladifIwadeatareistedhaddockorafreshherring,atbreakfastwi'himthemorn,andmeetmyfriend,Mr.Owen,whom,bythattime,hewouldplaceatliberty."

"Mydearsir,"saidI,whenIhadacceptedoftheinvitationwiththanks,"howcouldyoupossiblyconnectmewiththestage?"

"Iwatna,"repliedMr.Jarvie;--"itwasabletherin'phrasin'chieldtheyca'Fairservice,thatcamate'entogetanordertosendthecrierthroughthetounforyeatskreigho'daythemorn.Hetell'tmewhaeyewere,andhowyeweresentfraeyourfather'shousebecauseyewadnabeadealer,andthatyemightnadisgraceyourfamilywi'gangingonthestage.AneHammorgaw,ourprecentor,broughthimhere,andsaidhewasanauldacquaintance;butIsentthembothawaywi'aflaeintheirlugforbringingmesicanerrand,onsicanight.ButIseehe'safule-creaturea'thegither,andcleanmistaenaboutye.Ilikeye,man,"hecontinued;"Ilikealadthatwillstandbyhisfriendsintrouble--Iayedidit

mysell,andsaedidthedeaconmyfather,restandblesshim!Butyesuldnakeepowermucklecompanywi'Hielandmenandthaewildcattle.Canamantouchpitchandnobedefiled?--ayemindthat.Naedoubt,thebestandwisestmayerr--Once,twice,andthricehaveIbackslidden,man,anddunethreethingsthisnight--myfatherwadnahaebelievedhiseenifhecouldhaelookedupandseenmedothem."

Hewasbythistimearrivedatthedoorofhisowndwelling.Hepaused,however,onthethreshold,andwentoninasolemntoneofdeepcontrition,--"Firstly,IhaethoughtmyainthoughtsontheSabbath-secondly,Ihaegi'ensecurityforanEnglishman--and,inthethirdandlastplace,well-a-day!Ihaeletanill-doerescapefromtheplaceofimprisonment--Butthere'sbalminGilead,Mr.Osbaldistone--Mattie,Ican

letmysellin--seeMr.OsbaldistonetoLuckieFlyter's,atthecornero'thewynd.--Mr.Osbaldistone"--inawhisper--"ye'lloffernaeincivilitytoMattie--she'sanhonestman'sdaughter,andanearcousino'theLairdo'Limmerfield's."

CHAPTERSEVENTH.

"Willitpleaseyourworshiptoacceptofmypoorservice?IbeseechthatImayfeeduponyourbread,thoughitbethebrownest,anddrinkofyourdrink,thoughitbeofthesmallest;forIwilldoyourWorshipasmuchserviceforfortyshillingsasanothermanshallforthreepounds."

Greene's_TuQuoque._



IrememberedthehonestBailie'spartingcharge,butdidnotconceivetherewasanyincivilityinaddingakisstothehalf-crownwithwhichIremuneratedMattie'sattendance;--nordidher"Fieforshame,sir!"expressanyverydeadlyresentmentoftheaffront.RepeatedknockingatMrs.Flyter'sgateawakenedindueorder,first,oneortwostraydogs,whobegantobarkwithalltheirmight;nexttwoorthreenight-cappedheads,whichwerethrustoutoftheneighbouringwindowstoreprehendmefordisturbingthesolemnityoftheSundaynightbythatuntimelynoise.WhileItrembledlestthethundersoftheirwrathmightdissolveinshowerslikethatofXantippe,Mrs.Flyterherselfawoke,andbegan,inatoneofobjurgationnotunbecomingthephilosophicalspouseofSocrates,toscoldoneortwoloiterersinherkitchen,fornothasteningtothedoortopreventarepetitionofmynoisysummons.

Theseworthieswere,indeed,nearlyconcernedinthefracaswhichtheirlazinessoccasioned,beingnootherthanthefaithfulMr.Fairservice,withhisfriendMr.Hammorgaw,andanotherperson,whomIafterwardsfoundtobethetown-crier,whoweresittingoveracogofale,astheycalledit(atmyexpense,asmybillafterwardsinformedme),inordertodevisethetermsandstyleofaproclamationtobemadethroughthestreetsthenextday,inorderthat"theunfortunateyounggentleman,"astheyhadtheimpudencetoqualifyme,mightberestoredtohisfriendswithoutfartherdelay.ItmaybesupposedthatIdidnotsuppressmy

displeasureatthisimpertinentinterferencewithmyaffairs;butAndrewsetupsuchejaculationsoftransportatmyarrival,asfairlydrownedmyexpressionsofresentment.Hisraptures,perchance,werepartlypolitical;andthetearsofjoywhichheshedhadcertainlytheirsourceinthatnoblefountainofemotion,thetankard.However,thetumultuousgleewhichhefelt,orpretendedtofeel,atmyreturn,savedAndrewthebrokenheadwhichIhadtwicedestinedhim;--first,onaccountofthecolloquyhehadheldwiththeprecentoronmyaffairs;andsecondly,fortheimpertinenthistoryhehadthoughtpropertogiveofmetoMr.Jarvie.Ihowevercontentedmyselfwithslappingthedoorofmybedroominhisfaceashefollowedme,praisingHeavenformysafereturn,andmixinghisjoywithadmonitionstometotakecarehowIwalkedmyownwaysinfuture.Ithenwenttobed,resolvingmyfirstbusinessinthe

morningshouldbetodischargethistroublesome,pedantic,self-conceitedcoxcomb,whoseemedsomuchdisposedtoconstitutehimselfratherapreceptorthanadomestic.

AccordinglyinthemorningIresumedmypurpose,andcallingAndrewintomy,apartment,requestedtoknowhischargeforguidingandattendingmeasfarasGlasgow.Mr.Fairservicelookedveryblankatthisdemand,justlyconsideringitasapresagetoapproachingdismission.

"Yourhonour,"hesaid,aftersomehesitation,"wunnathink--wunnathink"-

"Speakout,yourascal,orI'llbreakyourhead,"saidI,asAndrew,betweenthedoubleriskoflosingallbyaskingtoomuch,orapart,bystatinghisdemandlowerthanwhatImightbewillingtopay,stoodgaspingintheagonyofdoubtandcalculation.



Outitcamewithabolt,however,atmythreat;asthekindviolenceofablowonthebacksometimesdeliversthewindpipefromanintrusivemorsel.--"Aughteenpenniessterlingperdiem--thatis,bytheday--yourhonourwadnathinkunconscionable."

"Itisdoublewhatisusual,andtreblewhatyoumerit,Andrew;butthere'saguineaforyou,andgetaboutyourbusiness."

"TheLordforgi'eus!Isyourhonourmad?"exclaimedAndrew.

"No;butIthinkyoumeantomakemeso--Igiveyouathirdaboveyourdemand,andyoustandstaringandexpostulatingthereasifIwerecheatingyou.Takeyourmoney,andgoaboutyourbusiness."

"Gudesafeus!"continuedAndrew,"inwhatcanIhaeoffendedyourhonour?Certainlya'fleshisbutastheflowersofthefield;butifabedofcamomilehathvalueinmedicine,ofasuretytheuseofAndrewFairservicetoyourhonourisnothinglessevident--it'sasmuckleasyourlife'sworthtopartwi'me."

"Uponmyhonour,"repliedI,"itisdifficulttosaywhetheryouaremoreknaveorfool.SoyouintendthentoremainwithmewhetherIlikeitorno?"

"Troth,Iwase'enthinkingsae,"repliedAndrew,dogmatically;"forifyourhonourdisnakenwhenyehaeagudeservant,IkenwhenIhaeagudemaster,andthedeilbeinmyfeetginIleaveye--andthere'sthebriefandthelango'tbesidesIhaereceivednaeregularwarningtoquitmyplace."

"Yourplace,sir!"saidI;--"why,youarenohiredservantofmine,--youaremerelyaguide,whoseknowledgeofthecountryIavailedmyselfofonmyroad."

"Iamnojustacommonservant,Iadmit,sir,"remonstratedMr.Fairservice;"butyourhonourkensIquittedagudeplaceatanhour's

notice,tocomplywi'yourhonour'ssolicitations.Amanmightmakehonestly,andwi'aclearconscience,twentysterlingpoundsperannum,weelcountedsiller,o'thegardenatOsbaldistoneHall,andIwasnalikelytogi'eupa'thatforaguinea,Itrow--Ireckonedonstayingwi'yourhonourtotheterm'sendattheleasto't;andIaccountmywage,board-wage,feeandbountith,--ay,tothatlengtho'tattheleast."

"Come,come,sir,"repliedI,"theseimpudentpretensionswon'tserveyourturn;andifIhearanymoreofthem,IshallconvinceyouthatSquireThorncliffisnottheonlyoneofmynamethatcanusehisfingers."

WhileIspokethus,thewholematterstruckmeassoridiculous,that,

thoughreallyangry,IhadsomedifficultytoforbearlaughingatthegravitywithwhichAndrewsupportedapleasoutterlyextravagant.Therascal,awareoftheimpressionhehadmadeonmymuscles,wasencouragedtoperseverance.Hejudgeditsafer,however,totakehispretensionsa



peglower,incaseofoverstrainingatthesametimebothhispleaandmypatience.

"Admittingthatmyhonourcouldpartwithafaithfulservant,thathadservedmeandminebydayandnightfortwentyyears,inastrangeplace,andatamoment'swarning,hewasweelassured,"hesaid,"itwasnainmyheart,norinnotruegentleman's,topitapuirladlikehimself,thathadcomefortyorfifty,orsayahundredmilesouto'hisroadpurelytobearmyhonourcompany,andthathadnaehandingbuthispenny-fee,tosicahardshipasthiscomesto."

Ithinkitwasyou,Will,whooncetoldme,that,tobeanobstinateman,Iamincertainthingsthemostgullableandmalleableofmortals.Thefactis,thatitisonlycontradictionwhichmakesmeperemptory,andwhenIdonotfeelmyselfcalledontogivebattletoanyproposition,Iamalwayswillingtograntit,ratherthangivemyselfmuchtrouble.Iknewthisfellowtobeagreedy,tiresome,meddlingcoxcomb;still,however,Imusthavesomeoneaboutmeinthequalityofguideanddomestic,andIwassomuchusedtoAndrew'shumour,thatonsomeoccasionsitwasratheramusing.Inthestateofindecisiontowhichthesereflectionsledme,IaskedFairserviceifheknewtheroads,towns,etc.,inthenorthofScotland,towhichmyfather'sconcernswiththeproprietorsofHighlandforestswerelikelytoleadme.Ibelieveif

Ihadaskedhimtheroadtotheterrestrialparadise,hewouldhaveatthatmomentundertakentoguidemetoit;sothatIhadreasonafterwardstothinkmyselffortunateinfindingthathisactualknowledgedidnotfallverymuchshortofthatwhichheassertedhimselftopossess.Ifixedtheamountofhiswages,andreservedtomyselftheprivilegeofdismissinghimwhenIchose,onpayinghimaweekinadvance.Igavehimfinallyaseverelectureonhisconductoftheprecedingday,andthendismissedhimrejoicingatheart,thoughsomewhatcrestfallenincountenance,torehearsetohisfriendtheprecentor,whowastakinghismorningdraughtinthekitchen,themodeinwhichhehad"cuitledupthedaftyoungEnglishsquire."

Agreeabletoappointment,IwentnexttoBailieNicolJarvie's,wherea

comfortablemorning'srepastwasarrangedintheparlour,whichservedasanapartmentofallhours,andalmostallwork,tothathonestgentleman.Thebustlingandbenevolentmagistratehadbeenasgoodashisword.IfoundmyfriendOwenatliberty,and,consciousoftherefreshmentsandpurificationofbrushandbasin,wasofcourseaverydifferentpersonfromOwenaprisoner,squalid,heart-broken,andhopeless.Yetthesenseofpecuniarydifficultiesarisingbehind,before,andaroundhim,haddepressedhisspirit,andthealmostpaternalembracewhichthegoodmangaveme,wasembitteredbyasighofthedeepestanxiety.Andwhenhesatedown,theheavinessinhiseyeandmanner,sodifferentfromthequietcomposedsatisfactionwhichtheyusuallyexhibited,indicatedthathewasemployinghisarithmeticinmentallynumberingupthedays,thehours,theminutes,whichyetremainedasanintervalbetweenthe

dishonourofbillsandthedownfallofthegreatcommercialestablishmentofOsbaldistoneandTresham.Itwaslefttome,therefore,todohonourtoourlandlord'shospitablecheer--tohistea,rightfromChina,whichhegotinapresentfromsomeeminentship's-husbandatWapping--tohis



coffee,fromasnugplantationofhisown,asheinformeduswithawink,calledSaltmarketGrove,intheislandofJamaica--tohisEnglishtoastandale,hisScotchdriedsalmon,hisLochfineherrings,andeventothedouble-damasktable-cloth,"wroughtbynohand,asyoumayguess,"savethatofhisdeceasedfathertheworthyDeaconJarvie.

Havingconciliatedourgood-humouredhostbythoselittleattentionswhicharegreattomostmen,Iendeavouredinmyturntogainfromhimsomeinformationwhichmightbeusefulformyguidance,aswellasforthesatisfactionofmycuriosity.Wehadnothithertomadetheleastallusiontothetransactionsoftheprecedingnight,acircumstancewhichmademyquestionsoundsomewhatabrupt,when,withoutanypreviousintroductionofthesubject,Itookadvantageofapausewhenthehistoryofthetable-clothended,andthatofthenapkinswasabouttocommence,toinquire,"Pray,bytheby,Mr.Jarvie,whomaythisMr.RobertCampbellbe,whomwemetwithlastnight?"

Theinterrogatoryseemedtostrikethehonestmagistrate,tousethevulgarphrase,"allofaheap,"andinsteadofanswering,hereturnedthequestion--"Whae'sMr.RobertCampbell?--ahem!ahay!Whae'sMr.RobertCampbell,quo'he?"

"Yes,"saidI,"Imeanwhoandwhatishe?"

"Why,he's--ahay!--he's--ahem!--WheredidyemeetwithMr.RobertCampbell,asyeca'him?"

"Imethimbychance,"Ireplied,"somemonthsagointhenorthofEngland."

"Outhen,Mr.Osbaldistone,"saidtheBailie,doggedly,"ye'llkenasmuckleabouthimasIdo."

"Ishouldsupposenot,Mr.Jarvie,"Ireplied;--"youarehisrelation,itseems,andhisfriend."

"Thereissomecousin-redbetweenus,doubtless,"saidtheBailiereluctantly;"butwehaeseenlittleo'ilkothersinceRobgaetipthecattle-lineo'dealing,poorfallow!hewashardlyguidedbythemmighthaeusedhimbetter--andtheyhaenamadetheirplackabawbeeo'tneither.There'smonyanethisdaywadrathertheyhadneverchasedpuirRobinfraetheCrosso'Glasgow--there'smonyanewadratherseehimagainatthetaleo'threehundredkyloes,thanattheheado'thirtywaurcattle."

"Allthisexplainsnothingtome,Mr.Jarvie,ofMr.Campbell'srank,habitsoflife,andmeansofsubsistence,"Ireplied.

"Rank?"saidMr.Jarvie;"he'saHielandgentleman,naedoubt--better

rankneednanetobe;--andforhabit,IjudgehewearstheHielandhabitamangthehills,thoughhehasbreeksonwhenhecomestoGlasgow;--andasforhissubsistence,whatneedswecareabouthissubsistence,saelangasheasksnaethingfraeus,yeken?ButIhaenaetimefor



claveringabouthime'ennow,becausewemaunlookintoyourfather'sconcernswi'allspeed."

Sosaying,heputonhisspectacles,andsatedowntoexamineMr.Owen'sstates,whichtheotherthoughtitmostprudenttocommunicatetohimwithoutreserve.IknewenoughofbusinesstobeawarethatnothingcouldbemoreacuteandsagaciousthantheviewswhichMr.Jarvieentertainedofthematterssubmittedtohisexamination;and,todohimjustice,itwasmarkedbymuchfairness,andevenliberality.HescratchedhisearindeedrepeatedlyonobservingthebalancewhichstoodatthedebitofOsbaldistoneandTreshaminaccountwithhimselfpersonally.

"Itmaybeadeadloss,"heobserved;"and,conscience!whate'eraneo'yourLombardStreetgoldsmithsmaysaytoit,it'sasnellaneintheSaut-Market*o'Glasgow.Itwillbeaheavydeficit--astaffouto'mybicker,Itrow.

*[TheSaltmarket.Thisancientstreet,situateintheheartofGlasgow,hasoflatebeenalmostentirelyrenovated.]Butwhatthen?--Itrustthehousewunnacoupthecranefora'that'scomeandganeyet;andifitdoes,I'llneverbearsaebaseamindasthaecorbiesintheGallowgate--anIamtolosebyye,I'sene'erdenyIhaewonbyyemonyafairpundsterling--Sae,anitcometothewarst,I'se

eenlaytheheado'thesowtothetailo'thegrice."*

*_Anglice,_theheadofthesowtothetailofthepig.IdidnotaltogetherunderstandtheproverbialarrangementwithwhichMr.Jarvieconsoledhimself,butIcouldeasilyseethathetookakindandfriendlyinterestinthearrangementofmyfather'saffairs,suggestedseveralexpedients,approvedseveralplansproposedbyOwen,andbyhiscountenanceandcounselgreatlyabatedthegloomuponthebrowofthatafflicteddelegateofmyfather'sestablishment.

AsIwasanidlespectatoronthisoccasion,and,perhaps,asIshowedsomeinclinationmorethanoncetoreturntotheprohibited,andapparentlythepuzzlingsubjectofMr.Campbell,Mr.Jarviedismissedme

withlittleformality,withanadviceto"gangupthegatetothecollege,whereIwadfindsomechieldscouldspeakGreekandLatinweel-atleasttheygotplentyo'sillerfordoingdeilhaetelse,iftheydidnadothat;andwhereImightreadaspello'theworthyMr.ZacharyBoyd'stranslationo'theScriptures--betterpoetryneednanetobe,ashehadbeentell'dbythemthatken'dorsuldhaeken'daboutsicthings."Butheseasonedthisdismissionwithakindandhospitableinvitation"tocomebackandtakeparto'hisfamily-chackatanepreceesely--therewadbealego'mutton,and,itmightbe,atup'shead,fortheywereinseason;"butaboveall,Iwastoreturnat"aneo'clockpreceesely--itwasthehourheandthedeaconhisfatherayedinedat-theypatitofffornaethingnorfornaebody."



CHAPTEREIGHTH.

SostandstheThracianherdsmanwithhisspearFullinthegap,andhopesthehuntedbear;Andhearshimintherustlingwood,andseesHiscourseatdistancebythebendingtrees,

Andthinks--Herecomesmymortalenemy,Andeitherhemustfallinfight,orI.PalamonandArcite.

Itooktheroutetowardsthecollege,asrecommendedbyMr.Jarvie,lesswiththeintentionofseekingforanyobjectofinterestoramusement,thantoarrangemyownideas,andmeditateonmyfutureconduct.Iwanderedfromonequadrangleofold-fashionedbuildingstoanother,andfromthencetotheCollege-yards,orwalkingground,where,pleasedwiththesolitudeoftheplace,mostofthestudentsbeingengagedintheirclasses,Itookseveralturns,ponderingonthewaywardnessofmyowndestiny.

Icouldnotdoubt,fromthecircumstancesattendingmyfirstmeetingwith

thispersonCampbell,thathewasengagedinsomestrangelydesperatecourses;andthereluctancewithwhichMr.Jarviealludedtohispersonorpursuits,aswellasallthesceneoftheprecedingnight,tendedtoconfirmthesesuspicions.YettothismanDianaVernonhadnot,itwouldseem,hesitatedtoaddressherselfinmybehalf;andtheconductofthemagistratehimselftowardshimshowedanoddmixtureofkindness,andevenrespect,withpityandcensure.SomethingtheremustbeuncommoninCampbell'ssituationandcharacter;andwhatwasstillmoreextraordinary,itseemedthathisfatewasdoomedtohaveinfluenceover,andconnectionwith,myown.IresolvedtobringMr.Jarvietoclosequartersonthefirstproperopportunity,andlearnasmuchaswaspossibleonthesubjectofthismysteriousperson,inorderthatImightjudgewhetheritwaspossibleforme,withoutprejudicetomyreputation,

toholdthatdegreeoffarthercorrespondencewithhimtowhichheseemedtoinvite.

WhileIwasmusingonthesesubjects,myattentionwasattractedbythreepersonswhoappearedattheupperendofthewalkthroughwhichIwassauntering,seeminglyengagedinveryearnestconversation.Thatintuitiveimpressionwhichannouncestoustheapproachofwhomsoeverweloveorhatewithintensevehemence,longbeforeamoreindifferenteyecanrecognisetheirpersons,flasheduponmymindthesureconvictionthatthemidmostofthesethreemenwasRashleighOsbaldistone.Toaddresshimwasmyfirstimpulse;--mysecondwas,towatchhimuntilhewasalone,oratleasttoreconnoitrehiscompanionsbeforeconfrontinghim.Thepartywasstillatsuchdistance,andengagedinsuchdeep

discourse,thatIhadtimetostepunobservedtotheothersideofasmallhedge,whichimperfectlyscreenedthealleyinwhichIwaswalking.Itwasatthisperiodthefashionoftheyoungandgaytowear,intheirmorningwalks,ascarletcloak,oftenlacedandembroidered,abovetheirotherdress,anditwasthetrickofthetimeforgallantsoccasionally



todisposeitsoastomuffleapartoftheface.Theimitatingthisfashion,withthedegreeofshelterwhichIreceivedfromthehedge,enabledmetomeetmycousin,unobservedbyhimortheothers,exceptperhapsasapassingstranger.IwasnotalittlestartledatrecognisinginhiscompanionsthatveryMorrisonwhoseaccountIhadbeensummonedbeforeJusticeInglewood,andMr.MacVittiethemerchant,fromwhosestarchedandsevereaspectIhadrecoiledontheprecedingday.

Amoreominousconjunctiontomyownaffairs,andthoseofmyfather,couldscarcehavebeenformed.IrememberedMorris'sfalseaccusationagainstme,whichhemightbeaseasilyinducedtorenewashehadbeenintimidatedtowithdraw;IrecollectedtheinauspiciousinfluenceofMacVittieovermyfather'saffairs,testifiedbytheimprisonmentofOwen;--andInowsawboththesemencombinedwithone,whosetalentformischiefIdeemedlittleinferiortothoseofthegreatauthorofallill,andmyabhorrenceofwhomalmostamountedtodread.

Whentheyhadpassedmeforsomepaces,Iturnedandfollowedthemunobserved.Attheendofthewalktheyseparated,MorrisandMacVittieleavingthegardens,andRashleighreturningalonethroughthewalks.Iwasnowdeterminedtoconfronthim,anddemandreparationfortheinjurieshehaddonemyfather,thoughinwhatformredresswaslikelytoberenderedremainedtobeknown.This,however,Itrustedtochance;and

flingingbackthecloakinwhichIwasmuffled,Ipassedthroughagapofthelowhedge,andpresentedmyselfbeforeRashleigh,as,inadeepreverie,hepaceddowntheavenue.

Rashleighwasnomantobesurprisedorthrownoffhisguardbysuddenoccurrences.Yethedidnotfindmethusclosetohim,wearingundoubtedlyinmyfacethemarksofthatindignationwhichwasglowinginmybosom,withoutvisiblystartingatanapparitionsosuddenandmenacing.

"Youarewellmet,sir,"wasmycommencement;"Iwasabouttotakealonganddoubtfuljourneyinquestofyou."

"Youknowlittleofhimyousoughtthen,"repliedRashleigh,withhisusualundauntedcomposure."Iameasilyfoundbymyfriends--stillmoreeasilybymyfoes;--yourmannercompelsmetoaskinwhichclassImustrankMr.FrancisOsbaldistone?"

"Inthatofyourfoes,sir,"Ianswered--"inthatofyourmortalfoes,unlessyouinstantlydojusticetoyourbenefactor,myfather,byaccountingforhisproperty."

"Andtowhom,Mr.Osbaldistone,"answeredRashleigh,"amI,amemberofyourfather'scommercialestablishment,tobecompelledtogiveanyaccountofmyproceedingsinthoseconcerns,whichareineveryrespectidentifiedwithmyown?--Surelynottoayounggentlemanwhoseexquisite

tasteforliteraturewouldrendersuchdiscussionsdisgustingandunintelligible."

"Yoursneer,sir,isnoanswer;IwillnotpartwithyouuntilIhave



fullsatisfactionconcerningthefraudyoumeditate--youshallgowithmebeforeamagistrate."

"Beitso,"saidRashleigh,andmadeasteportwoasiftoaccompanyme;thenpausing,proceeded--"WereIinclinedtodosoasyouwouldhaveme,youshouldsoonfeelwhichofushadmostreasontodreadthepresenceofamagistrate.ButIhavenowishtoaccelerateyourfate.Go,youngman!amuseyourselfinyourworldofpoeticalimaginations,andleavethebusinessoflifetothosewhounderstandandcanconductit."

Hisintention,Ibelieve,wastoprovokeme,andhesucceeded."Mr.Osbaldistone,"Isaid,"thistoneofcalminsolenceshallnotavailyou.Yououghttobeawarethatthenamewebothbearneversubmittedtoinsult,andshallnotinmypersonbeexposedtoit."

"Youremindme,"saidRashleigh,withoneofhisblackestlooks,"thatitwasdishonouredinmyperson!--andyouremindmealsobywhom!DoyouthinkIhaveforgottentheeveningatOsbaldistoneHallwhenyoucheaplyandwithimpunityplayedthebullyatmyexpense?Forthatinsult--nevertobewashedoutbutbyblood!--forthevarioustimesyouhavecrossedmypath,andalwaystomyprejudice--fortheperseveringfollywithwhichyouseektotraverseschemes,theimportanceofwhichyouneitherknownorarecapableofestimating,--forallthese,sir,youowemealong

account,forwhichthereshallcomeanearlydayofreckoning."

"Letitcomewhenitwill,"Ireplied,"Ishallbewillingandreadytomeetit.Yetyouseemtohaveforgottentheheaviestarticle--thatIhadthepleasuretoaidMissVernon'sgoodsenseandvirtuousfeelinginextricatingherfromyourinfamoustoils."

Ithinkhisdarkeyesflashedactualfireatthishome-taunt,andyethisvoiceretainedthesamecalmexpressivetonewithwhichhehadhithertoconductedtheconversation.

"Ihadotherviewswithrespecttoyou,youngman,"washisanswer:"lesshazardousforyou,andmoresuitabletomypresentcharacterandformer

education.ButIseeyouwilldrawonyourselfthepersonalchastisementyourboyishinsolencesowellmerits.Followmetoamoreremotespot,wherewearelesslikelytobeinterrupted."

Ifollowedhimaccordingly,keepingastricteyeonhismotions,forIbelievedhimcapableoftheveryworstactions.Wereachedanopenspotinasortofwilderness,laidoutintheDutchtaste,withclippedhedges,andoneortwostatues.Iwasonmyguard,anditwaswellwithmethatIwasso;forRashleigh'sswordwasoutandatmybreastereIcouldthrowdownmycloak,orgetmyweaponunsheathed,sothatIonlysavedmylifebyspringingapaceortwobackwards.Hehadsomeadvantageinthedifferenceofourweapons;forhissword,asIrecollect,waslongerthanmine,andhadoneofthosebayonetorthree-corneredblades

whicharenowgenerallyworn;whereasminewaswhatwethencalledaSaxonblade--narrow,flat,andtwo-edged,andscarcelysomanageableasthatofmyenemy.Inotherrespectswewereprettyequallymatched:forwhatadvantageImightpossessinsuperioraddressandagility,wasfully



counterbalancedbyRashleigh'sgreatstrengthandcoolness.Hefought,indeed,morelikeafiendthanaman--withconcentratedspiteanddesireofblood,onlyallayedbythatcoolconsiderationwhichmadehisworstactionsappearyetworsefromtheairofdeliberatepremeditationwhichseemedtoaccompanythem.Hisobviousmalignityofpurposeneverforamomentthrewhimoffhisguard,andheexhaustedeveryfeintandstratagempropertothescienceofdefence;while,atthesametime,hemeditatedthemostdesperatecatastrophetoourrencounter.

Onmypart,thecombatwasatfirstsustainedwithmoremoderation.Mypassions,thoughhasty,werenotmalevolent;andthewalkoftwoorthreeminutes'spacegavemetimetoreflectthatRashleighwasmyfather'snephew,thesonofanuncle,whoafterhisfashionhadbeenkindtome,andthathisfallingbymyhandcouldnotbutoccasionmuchfamilydistress.Myfirstresolution,therefore,wastoattempttodisarmmyantagonist--amanoeuvreinwhich,confidinginmysuperiorityofskillandpractice,Ianticipatedlittledifficulty.Ifound,however,Ihadmetmymatch;andoneortwofoilswhichIreceived,andfromtheconsequencesofwhichInarrowlyescaped,obligedmetoobservemorecautioninmymodeoffighting.BydegreesIbecameexasperatedattherancourwithwhichRashleighsoughtmylife,andreturnedhispasseswithaninveteracyresemblinginsomedegreehisown;sothatthecombathadalltheappearanceofbeingdestinedtohaveatragicissue.Thatissue

hadnearlytakenplaceatmyexpense.MyfootslippedinafullloungewhichImadeatmyadversary,andIcouldnotsofarrecovermyselfascompletelytoparrythethrustwithwhichmypasswasrepaid.Yetittookbutpartialeffect,runningthroughmywaistcoat,grazingmyribs,andpassingthroughmycoatbehind.ThehiltofRashleigh'ssword,sogreatwasthevigourofhisthrust,struckagainstmybreastwithsuchforceastogivemegreatpain,andconfirmmeinthemomentarybeliefthatIwasmortallywounded.Eagerforrevenge,Igrappledwithmyenemy,seizingwithmylefthandthehiltofhissword,andshorteningmyownwiththepurposeofrunninghimthroughthebody.Ourdeath-grapplewasinterruptedbyamanwhoforciblythrewhimselfbetweenus,andpushingusseparatefromeachother,exclaimed,inaloudandcommandingvoice,"What!thesonsofthosefatherswhosuckedthesamebreastsheddingeach

othersbluidasitwerestrangers'!--Bythehandofmyfather,Iwillcleavetothebrisketthefirstmanthatmintsanotherstroke!"

Ilookedupinastonishment.ThespeakerwasnootherthanCampbell.Hehadabasket-hiltedbroadsworddrawninhishand,whichhemadetowhistlearoundhisheadashespoke,asifforthepurposeofenforcinghismediation.RashleighandIstaredinsilenceatthisunexpectedintruder,whoproceededtoexhortusalternately:--"Doyou,MaisterFrancis,opinethatyewillre-establishyourfather'screditbycuttingyourkinsman'sthrapple,orgettingyourainsneckitinsteadthereofintheCollege-yardsofGlasgow?--Ordoyou,MrRashleigh,thinkmenwilltrusttheirlivesandfortuneswi'ane,that,wheninpointoftrustandinpointofconfidencewi'agreatpoliticalinterest,gangsabout

brawlinglikeadrunkengillie?--Nay,neverlookgashorgrimatme,man--ifye'reangry,yekenhowtoturnthebuckleo'yourbeltbehindyou."

"Youpresumeonmypresentsituation,"repliedRashleigh,"oryouwould



havehardlydaredtointerferewheremyhonourisconcerned."

"Hout!tout!tout!--Presume?Andwhatforshoulditbepresuming?--Yemaybethericherman,Mr.Osbaldistone,asismaistlikely;andyemaybethemairlearnedman,whilkIdisputenot:butIreckonyeareneitheraprettiermannorabettergentlemanthanmysell--anditwillbenewstomewhenIhearyeareasgude.And_dare_too?Muckledaringthere'saboutit--Itrow,hereIstand,thathaeslashedashetahaggisasonyo'thetwao'ye,andthoughtnaemuckleo'mymorning'swarkwhenitwasdune.Ifmyfootwereontheheatherasit'sonthecauseway,orthispicklegravel,that'slittlebetter,IhaebeenwaurmistrystedthanifIweresettogieyebaithyourser'ingo't."

Rashleighhadbythistimerecoveredhistempercompletely."Mykinsman,"hesaid,"willacknowledgeheforcedthisquarrelonme.Itwasnoneofmyseeking.IamgladweareinterruptedbeforeIchastisedhisforwardnessmoreseverely."

"Areyehurt,lad?"inquiredCampbellofme,withsomeappearanceofinterest.

"Averyslightscratch,"Ianswered,"whichmykindcousinwouldnotlonghaveboastedofhadnotyoucomebetweenus."

"Introth,andthat'strue,MaisterRashleigh,"saidCampbell;"forthecauldironandyourbestbluidwereliketohaebecomeacquaintwhenImasteredMr.Frank'srighthand.Butneverlooklikeasowplayinguponatrumpfortheluveofthat,man--comeandwalkwi'me.Ihaenewstotellye,andye'llcoolandcometoyourself,likeMacGibbon'scrowdy,whenhesetitoutatthewindow-bole."

"Pardonme,sir,"saidI."Yourintentionshaveseemedfriendlytomeonmoreoccasionsthanone;butImustnot,andwillnot,quitsightofthispersonuntilheyieldsuptomethosemeansofdoingjusticetomyfather'sengagements,ofwhichhehastreacherouslypossessedhimself."

"Ye'redaft,man,"repliedCampbell;"itwillserveyenaethingtofollowuse'enow;yehaejustenowo'aeman--wadyebringtwaonyourhead,andmightbidequiet?"

"Twenty,"Ireplied,"ifitbenecessary."

IlaidmyhandonRashleigh'scollar,whomadenoresistance,butsaid,withasortofscornfulsmile,"Youhearhim,MacGregor!herushesonhisfate--willitbemyfaultifhefallsintoit?--Thewarrantsarebythistimeready,andallisprepared."

TheScotchmanwasobviouslyembarrassed.Helookedaround,andbefore,andbehindhim,andthensaid--"Thene'erabitwillIyieldmyconsent

tohisbeingill-guidedforstandingupforthefatherthatgothim--andIgieGod'smalisonandminetoa'sorto'magistrates,justices,bailies.,sheriffs,sheriff-officers,constables,andsic-likeblackcattle,thathaebeentheplagueso'puirauldScotlandthishunder



year.--itwasamerrywarldwheneverymanheldhisaingearwi'hisaingrip,andwhenthecountrysidewasnafashedwi'warrantsandpoindingsandapprizings,anda'thatcheatrycraft.AndancemairIsayit,myconsciencewinnaseethispuirthoughtlessladill-guided,andespeciallywi'thatsorto'trade.Iwadratheryefelltill'tagain,andfoughtitoutlikedoucehonestmen."

"Yourconscience,MacGregor!"saidRashleigh;"youforgethowlongyouandIhaveknowneachother."

"Yes,myconscience,"reiteratedCampbell,orMacGregor,orwhateverwashisname;"Ihaesuchathingaboutme,MaisterOsbaldistone;andthereinitmayweelchancethatIhaethebettero'you.Astoourknowledgeofeachother,--ifyekenwhatIam,yekenwhatusageitwasmademewhatIam;and,whateveryoumaythink,Iwouldnotchangestateswiththeproudestoftheoppressorsthathaedrivenmetotaktheheather-bushforabeild.What_you_are,MaisterRashleigh,andwhatexcuseyehaeforbeing_what_youare,isbetweenyourainheartandthelangday.--Andnow,MaisterFrancis,letgohiscollar;forhesaystruly,thatyeareinmairdangerfromamagistratethanheis,andwereyourcauseasstraightasanarrow,hewadfindawaytoputyouwrang--Soletgohiscraig,asIwassaying."

Hesecondedhiswordswithaneffortsosuddenandunexpected,thathefreedRashleighfrommyhold,andsecuringme,notwithstandingmystruggles,inhisownHerculeangripe,hecalledout--"Takethebent,Mr.Rashleigh--Makeaepairo'legsworthtwapairo'hands;yehaedunethatbeforenow."

"Youmaythankthisgentleman,kinsman,"saidRashleigh,"ifIleaveanypartofmydebttoyouunpaid;andifIquityounow,itisonlyinthehopeweshallsoonmeetagainwithoutthepossibilityofinterruption."

Hetookuphissword,wipedit,sheathedit,andwaslostamongthebushes.

TheScotchman,partlybyforce,partlybyremonstrance,preventedmyfollowinghim;indeedIbegantobeofopinionmydoingsowouldbetolittlepurpose.

"AsIlivebybread,"saidCampbell,when,afteroneortwostrugglesinwhichheusedmuchforbearancetowardsme,heperceivedmeinclinedtostandquiet,"Ineversawsaedaftacallant!Iwadhaegienthebestmaninthecountrythebreadtho'hisbackginhehadgienmesicakempingasyehaedune.Whatwadyedo?--Wadyefollowthewolftohisden?Itellye,man,hehastheauldtrapsetforye--Hehasgotthecollector-creatureMorristobringupa'theauldstoryagain,andyemaunlookfornaehelpfraemehere,asyegotatJusticeInglewood's;-itisnagoodformyhealthtocomeinthegateo'thewhigamorebailie

bodies.Nowgangyourwayshame,likeagudebairn--joukandletthejawgaeby--Keepouto'sighto'Rashleigh,andMorris,andthatMacVittieanimal--MindtheClachanofAberfoil,asIsaidbefore,andbythewordofagentleman,Iwunnaseeyewranged.Butkeepacalmsoughtillwe



meetagain--ImaungaeandgetRashleighouto'thetownaforewaurcomeso't,forthenebo'him'sneverouto'mischief--MindtheClachanofAberfoil."

Heturneduponhisheel,andleftmetomeditateonthesingulareventswhichhadbefallenme.Myfirstcarewastoadjustmydressandreassumemycloak,disposingitsoastoconcealthebloodwhichfloweddownmyrightside.Ihadscarcelyaccomplishedthis,when,theclassesofthecollegebeingdismissed,thegardensbegantobefilledwithpartiesofthestudents.Ithereforeleftthemassoonaspossible;andinmywaytowardsMr.Jarvie's,whosedinnerhourwasnowapproaching,Istoppedatasmallunpretendingshop,thesignofwhichintimatedtheindwellertobeChristopherNeilson,surgeonandapothecary.Irequestedofalittleboywhowaspoundingsomestuffinamortar,thathewouldprocuremeanaudienceofthislearnedpharmacopolist.Heopenedthedoorofthebackshop,whereIfoundalivelyelderlyman,whoshookhisheadincredulouslyatsomeidleaccountIgavehimofhavingbeenwoundedaccidentallybythebuttonbreakingoffmyantagonist'sfoilwhileIwasengagedinafencingmatch.WhenhehadappliedsomelintandsomewhatelsehethoughtpropertothetriflingwoundIhadreceived,heobserved--"Thereneverwasbuttononthefoilthatmadethishurt.Ah!youngblood!youngblood!--Butwesurgeonsareasecretgeneration--Ifitwerenaforhotbloodandillblood,whatwadbecomeofthetwalearned

faculties?"

Withwhichmoralreflectionhedismissedme;andIexperiencedverylittlepainorinconvenienceafterwardsfromthescratchIhadreceived.

CHAPTERNINTH.

Anironracethemountain-cliffsmaintain,Foestothegentlergeniusoftheplain.*Whowhiletheirrockyrampartsroundtheysee,Theroughabodeofwantandliberty,Aslawlessforcefromconfidencewillgrow,

Insulttheplentyofthevalesbelow.Gray.

"Whatmadeyesaelate?"saidMr.Jarvie,asIenteredthedining-parlourofthathonestgentleman;"itischappitanethebestfeeko'fiveminutesby-gane.Mattiehasbeentwiceatthedoorwi'thedinner,andweelforyouitwasatup'shead,forthatcannasufferbydelay.Asheep'sheadowermuckleboiledisrankpoison,asmyworthyfatherusedtosay--helikitthelugo'aneweel,honestman."

Imadeasuitableapologyformybreachofpunctuality,andwassoonseatedattable,whereMr.Jarviepresidedwithgreatgleeand



hospitality,compelling,however,OwenandmyselftodorathermorejusticetotheScottishdaintieswithwhichhisboardwascharged,thanwasquiteagreeabletooursouthernpalates.Iescapedprettywell,fromhavingthosehabitsofsocietywhichenableonetoeludethisspeciesofwell-meantpersecution.ButitwasridiculousenoughtoseeOwen,whoseideasofpolitenessweremorerigorousandformal,andwhowaswilling,inallactsoflawfulcompliance,toevincehisrespectforthefriendofthefirm,eatingwithruefulcomplaisancemouthfulaftermouthfulofsingedwool,andpronouncingitexcellent,inatoneinwhichdisgustalmostoverpoweredcivility.

Whentheclothwasremoved,Mr.Jarviecompoundedwithhisownhandsaverysmallbowlofbrandy-punch,thefirstwhichIhadeverthefortunetosee.

"Thelimes,"heassuredus,"werefromhisownlittlefarmyonder-awa"(indicatingtheWestIndieswithaknowingshrugofhisshoulders),"andhehadlearnedtheartofcomposingtheliquorfromauldCaptainCoffinkey,whoacquiredit,"headdedinawhisper,"'asmaistfolkthought,amongtheBuccaniers.Butit'sexcellentliquor,"saidhe,helpingusround;"andgoodwarehasaftencomefraeawickedmarket.AndasforCaptainCoffinkey,hewasadecentmanwhenIkenthim,onlyheusedtoswearawfully--Buthe'sdead,andgaentohisaccount,andI

trusthe'saccepted--Itrusthe'saccepted."

Wefoundtheliquorexceedinglypalatable,anditledtoalongconversationbetweenOwenandourhostontheopeningwhichtheUnionhadaffordedtotradebetweenGlasgowandtheBritishColoniesinAmericaandtheWestIndies,andonthefacilitieswhichGlasgowpossessedofmakingupsortablecargoesforthatmarket.Mr.JarvieansweredsomeobjectionwhichOwenmadeonthedifficultyofsortingacargoforAmerica,withoutbuyingfromEngland,withvehemenceandvolubility.

"Na,na,sir,westandonourainbottom--wepickleinourainpock-neuk--WehaeourStirlingserges,Musselburghstuffs,Aberdeenhose,Edinburghshalloons,andthelike,forourwoollenorworstedgoods--and

wehaelinensofa'kindsbetterandcheaperthanyouhaeinLunnonitsell--andwecanbuyyournortho'Englandwares,asManchesterwares,Sheffieldwares,andNewcastleearthenware,ascheapasyoucanatLiverpool--Andwearemakingafairspellatcottonsandmuslins--Na,na!leteveryherringhingbyitsainhead,andeverysheepbyitsainshank,andye'llfind,sir,usGlasgowfolknosaefarahintbutwhatwemayfollow.--Thisisbutpoorentertainmentforyou,Mr.Osbaldistone"(observingthatIhadbeenforsometimesilent);"butyekencadgersmaunayebespeakingaboutcart-saddles."

Iapologised,allegingthepainfulcircumstancesofmyownsituation,andthesingularadventuresofthemorning,asthecausesofmyabstractionandabsenceofmind.InthismannerIgainedwhatIsought--an

opportunityoftellingmystorydistinctlyandwithoutinterruption.IonlyomittedmentioningthewoundIhadreceived,whichIdidnotthinkworthyofnotice.Mr.Jarvielistenedwithgreatattentionandapparentinterest,twinklinghislittlegreyeyes,takingsnuff,andonly



interruptingmebybriefinterjections.WhenIcametotheaccountoftherencounter,atwhichOwenfoldedhishandsandcastuphiseyestoHeaven,theveryimageofwoefulsurprise,Mr.Jarviebrokeinuponthenarrationwith"Wrangnow--cleanwrang--todrawaswordonyourkinsmanisinhibitedbythelawso'Godandman;andtodrawaswordonthestreetsofaroyalburghispunishablebyfineandimprisonment--andtheCollege-yardsarenaebetterprivileged--theyshouldbeaplaceofpeaceandquietness,Itrow.TheCollegedidnagetgudeL600ayearouto'bishops'rents(sorrowfa'thebroodo'bishopsandtheirrentstoo!),noryetaleaseo'thearchbishoprico'Glasgowthesello't,thattheysuldletfolktuilzieintheiryards,orthewildcallantsbickertherewi'snaw-ba'sastheywhilesdo,thatwhenMattieandIgaethrough,wearefaintomakeabaikandabow,orruntherisko'ourharnsbeingknockedout--itsuldbelookedto.*--Butcomeawa'wi'yourtale--whatfellneist?"

*TheboysinScotlandusedformerlytomakeasortofSaturnaliainasnow-storm,bypeltingpassengerswithsnowballs.Butthoseexposedtothatannoyancewereexcusedfromitontheeasypenaltyofabaik(courtesy)fromafemale,orabowfromaman.Itwasonlytherefractorywhounderwentthestorm.OnmymentioningtheappearanceofMr.Campbell,Jarviearoseingreatsurprise,andpacedtheroom,exclaiming,"Robinagain!--Robert'smad-clean

wud,andwaur--Robwillbehanged,anddisgracea'hiskindred,andthatwillbeseenandheardtello'.Myfatherthedeaconwroughthimhisfirsthose--Od,IamthinkingDeaconThreeplie,therape-spinner,willbetwistinghislastcravat.Ay,ay,puirRobinisinafairwayo'beinghanged--Butcomeawa',comeawa'--let'shearthelaveo't."

ItoldthewholestoryaspointedlyasIcould;butMr.Jarviestillfoundsomethinglackingtomakeitclear,untilIwentback,thoughwithconsiderablereluctance,onthewholestoryofMorris,andofmymeetingwithCampbellatthehouseofJusticeInglewood.Mr.Jarvieinclinedaseriouseartoallthis,andremainedsilentforsometimeafterIhadfinishedmynarrative.

"UponallthesemattersIamnowtoaskyouradvice,Mr.Jarvie,which,Ihavenodoubt,willpointoutthebestwaytoactformyfather'sadvantageandmyownhonour."

"Ye'reright,youngman--ye'reright,"saidtheBailie."Ayetakethecounselofthosewhoareaulderandwiserthanyourself,andbinnalikethegodlessRehoboam,whotooktheadviceo'awheenbeardlesscallants,neglectingtheauldcounsellorswhohadsateatthefeeto'hisfatherSolomon,and,asitwasweelputbyMr.Meiklejohn,inhislectureonthechapter,weredoubtlesspartakersofhissapience.ButImaunhearnaethingabouthonour--wekennaethingherebutaboutcredit.Honourisahomicideandabloodspiller,thatgangsaboutmakingfraysinthestreet;butCreditisadecenthonestman,thatsitsathameandmakesthepat

play."

"Assuredly,Mr.Jarvie,"saidourfriendOwen,"creditisthesumtotal;



andifwecanbutsavethat,atwhateverdiscount"-

"Yeareright,Mr.Owen--yeareright;yespeakweelandwisely;andItrustbowlswillrowright,thoughtheyareaweeajeee'enow.ButtouchingRobin,Iamofopinionhewillbefriendthisyoungmanifitisinhispower.Hehasagudeheart,puirRobin;andthoughIlostamattero'twahundredpundswi'hisformerengagements,andhaenamuckleexpectationevertoseebackmythousandpundsScotsthathepromisesmee'enow,yetIwillneversaybutwhatRobinmeansfairbymen."

"Iamthentoconsiderhim,"Ireplied,"asanhonestman?"

"Umph!"repliedJarvie,withaprecautionarysortofcough--"Ay,hehasakindo'Hielandhonesty--he'shonestafterasort,astheysay.Myfatherthedeaconusedayetolaughwhenhetauldmehowthatby-wordcameup.AneCaptainCostlettwascrackingcrouseabouthisloyaltytoKingCharles,andClerkPettigrew(ye'llhaeheardmonyataleabouthim)askedhimafterwhatmannerheservedtheking,whenhewasfightingagainhimatWor'sterinCromwell'sarmy;andCaptainCostlettwasareadybody,andsaidthatheservedhim_afterasort._Myhonestfatherusedtolaughweelatthatsport--andsaetheby-wordcameup."

"Butdoyouthink,"Isaid,"thatthismanwillbeabletoservemeafterasort,orshouldItrustmyselftothisplaceofrendezvouswhichhehasgivenme?"

"Franklyandfairly,it'sworthtrying.Yeseeyourselfthere'ssomeriskinyourstayinghere.ThisbitbodyMorrishasgottenacustom-houseplacedounatGreenock--that'saportontheFirthdounbyhere;andtho'a'theworldkenshimtobebutatwa-leggitcreature,wi'agoose'sheadandahen'sheart,thatgoesaboutonthequayplaguingfolkaboutpermits,andcockits,anddockits,anda'thatvexatioustrade,yetifhelodgeaninformation--ou,naedoubtamaninmagisterialdutymaunattendtoit,andyemightcometobeclappedupbetweenfourwa's,whilkwadbeill-convenienttoyourfather'saffairs."

"True,"Iobserved;"yetwhatserviceamIlikelytorenderhimbyleavingGlasgow,which,itisprobable,willbetheprincipalsceneofRashleigh'smachinations,andcommittingmyselftothedoubtfulfaithofamanofwhomIknowlittlebutthathefearsjustice,andhasdoubtlessgoodreasonsfordoingso;andthat,forsomesecret,andprobablydangerouspurpose,heisincloseleagueandalliancewiththeverypersonwhoisliketobetheauthorofourruin?"

"Ah,butyejudgeRobhardly,"saidtheBailie,"yejudgehimhardly,puirchield;andthetruthis,thatyekennaethingaboutourhillcountry,orHielands,asweca'them.Theyarecleananithersetfraethelikeo'huz;--there'snaebailie-courtsamangthem--naemagistratesthat

dinnabeartheswordinvain,liketheworthydeaconthat'sawa',and,Imaysay't,likemysellandotherpresentmagistratesinthiscity--Butit'sjustthelaird'scommand,andtheloonmaunloup;andtheneveranotherlawhaetheybutthelengtho'theirdirks--thebroadsword'spursuer,orplaintiff,asyouEnglishersca'it,andthetargetis



defender;thestoutestheadbearslangestout;--andthere'saHielandpleaforye."

Owengroaneddeeply;andIallowthatthedescriptiondidnotgreatlyincreasemydesiretotrustmyselfinacountrysolawlessashedescribedtheseScottishmountains.

"Now,sir,"saidJarvie,"wespeaklittleo'thaethings,becausetheyarefamiliartooursells;andwhere'stheuseo'vilifyingane'scountry,andbringingadiscreditonane'skin,beforesouthronsandstrangers?It'sanillbirdthatfilesitsainnest."

"Well,sir,butasitisnoimpertinentcuriosityofmine,butrealnecessity,thatobligesmetomaketheseinquiries,Ihopeyouwillnotbeoffendedatmypressingforalittlefartherinformation.Ihavetodeal,onmyfather'saccount,withseveralgentlemenofthesewildcountries,andImusttrustyourgoodsenseandexperiencefortherequisitelightsuponthesubject."

Thislittlemorselofflatterywasnotthrownoutinvain."Experience!"saidtheBailie--"Ihaehadexperience,naedoubt,andIhaemadesomecalculations--Ay,andtospeakquietlyamangoursells,IhaemadesomeperquisitionsthroughAndrewWylie,myauldclerk;he'swi'MacVittie&

Co.now--buthewhilesdrinksagillontheSaturdayafternoonswi'hisauldmaster.AndsinceyesayyearewillingtobeguidedbytheGlasgowweaver-body'sadvice,Iamnothemanthatwillrefuseittothesonofanauldcorrespondent,andmyfatherthedeaconwasnanesicaforeme.Ihavewhilesthoughto'lettingmylightsburnbeforetheDukeofArgyle,orhisbrotherLordIlay(forwhereforeshouldtheybehiddenunderabushel?),butthelikeo'thaegritmenwadnamindthelikeo'me,apuirwabsterbody--theythinkmairo'whasaysathing,thano'whatthethingisthat'ssaid.Themair'sthepity--mair'sthepity.NotthatIwadspeakonyillofthisMacCallumMore--'Cursenottherichinyourbedchamber,'saiththesonofSirach,'forabirdoftheairshallcarrytheclatter,andpint-stoupshaelanglugs.'"

Iinterruptedtheseprolegomena,inwhichMr.Jarviewasapttobesomewhatdiffuse,byprayinghimtorelyuponMr.Owenandmyselfasperfectlysecretandsafeconfidants.

"It'snoforthat,"hereplied,"forIfearnaeman--whatforsuldI?--Ispeaknaetreason--OnlythaeHielandmenhaelanggrips,andIwhilesgangaweebituptheglenstoseesomeauldkinsfolks,andIwadnawillinglybeinbadbludewi'onyo'theirclans.Howsumever,toproceed--yemaununderstandIfoundmyremarksonfigures,whilkasMr.Owenhereweelkens,istheonlytruedemonstrablerootofhumanknowledge."

Owenreadilyassentedtoapropositionsomuchinhisownway,andouroratorproceeded.

"TheseHielandsofours,asweca'them,gentlemen,arebutawildkindofwarldbythemsells,fullofheightsandhowes,woods,caverns,lochs,rivers,andmountains,thatitwadtiretheverydeevil'swingstoflee



tothetapo'them.Andinthiscountry,andintheisles,whilkarelittlebetter,or,tospeakthetruth,ratherwaurthanthemainland,thereareabouttwahunderandthirtyparochines,includingtheOrkneys,where,whethertheyspeakGaelicornoIwotna,buttheyareanuncivilisedpeople.Now,sirs,Isallhaudilkparochineatthemoderateestimateofeighthunderexaminablepersons,deductingchildrenundernineyearsofage,andthenaddingone-fifthtostandforbairnsofnineyearsauld,andunder,thewholepopulationwillreachtothesumof--letusaddone-fifthto800tobethemultiplier,and230beingthemultiplicand"-

"Theproduct,"saidMr.Owen,whoentereddelightedlyintothesestatisticsofMr.Jarvie,"willbe230,000."

"Right,sir--perfectlyright;andthemilitaryarrayofthisHielandcountry,werea'themen-folkbetweenaughteenandfifty-sixbroughtoutthatcouldbeararms,couldnacomeweelshortoffifty-seventhousandfivehundredmen.Now,sir,it'sasadandawfu'truth,thatthereisneitherwark,northeveryfashionnorappearanceofwark,forthetaehalfofthaepuircreatures;thatistosay,thattheagriculture,thepasturage,thefisheries,andeveryspeciesofhonestindustryaboutthecountry,cannotemploytheonemoietyofthepopulation,letthemworkas

lazilyastheylike,andtheydoworkasifapleughoraspadeburnttheirfingers.Aweel,sir,thismoietyofunemployedbodies,amountingto"-

"Toonehundredandfifteenthousandsouls,"saidOwen,"beingthehalfoftheaboveproduct."

"Yehae't,Mr.Owen--yehae't--whereoftheremaybetwenty-eightthousandsevenhundredable-bodiedgilliesfittobeararms,andthatdobeararms,andwilltouchorlookatnaehonestmeansoflivelihoodeveniftheycouldgetit--which,lack-a-day!theycannot."

"Butisitpossible,"saidI,"Mr.Jarvie,thatthiscanbeajustpictureofsolargeaportionoftheislandofBritain?"

"Sir,I'llmakeitasplainasPeterPasley'spike-staff.Iwillallowthatilkparochine,onanaverage,employsfiftypleughs,whilkisagreatproportioninsicmiserablesoilasthaecreatureshaetolabour,andthattheremaybepastureenoughforpleugh-horses,andowsen,andfortyorfiftycows;now,totakecareo'thepleughsandcattle,we'seallowseventy-fivefamiliesofsixlivesinilkfamily,andwe'seaddfiftymairtomakeevennumbers,andyehaefivehundredsouls,thetaehalfo'thepopulation,employedandmaintainedinasorto'fashion,wi'somechanceofsour-milkandcrowdie;butIwadbegladtokenwhattheotherfivehunderaretodo?"

"InthenameofGod!"saidI,"what_do_theydo,Mr.Jarvie?Itmakesmeshuddertothinkoftheirsituation."

"Sir,"repliedtheBailie,"yewadmaybeshuddermairifyewerelivingnearhandthem.For,admittingthatthetaehalfofthemmaymakesome



littlethingforthemsellshonestlyintheLowlandsbyshearinginharst,droving,hay-making,andthelike;yehaestillmonyhundredsandthousandso'lang-leggedHielandgilliesthatwillneitherworknorwant,andmaungangthiggingandsorning*aboutontheiracquaintance,orlivebydoingthelaird'sbidding,be'trightorbe'twrang.

*_Thigging_and_sorning_wasakindofgenteelbegging,orrathersomethingbetweenbeggingandrobbing,bywhichtheneedyinScotlandusedtoextortcattle,orthemeansofsubsistence,fromthosewhohadanytogive.Andmairespecially,monyhundredso'themcomedowntothebordersofthelowcountry,wherethere'sgeartogrip,andlivebystealing,reiving,liftingcows,andthelikedepredations--athingdeplorableinonyChristiancountry!--themairespecially,thattheytakeprideinit,andreckondrivingaspreagh(whilkis,inplainScotch,stealingaherdofnowte)agallant,manlyaction,andmairbefittingofpretty*men(assicreiverswillca'themselves),thantowinaday'swagebyonyhonestthrift.

*Theword_pretty_isorwasusedinScotch,inthesenseoftheGerman _prachtig,_andmeantagallant,alertfellow,promptandreadyathisweapons.Andthelairdsareasbadastheloons;foriftheydinnabidthemgae

reiveandharry,thedeilabittheyforbidthem;andtheyshelterthem,orletthemshelterthemselves,intheirwoodsandmountains,andstrongholds,wheneverthething'sdune.Andeveryaneo'themwillmaintainasmonyo'hisanename,orhisclan,aswesay,ashecanrapandrendmeansfor;or,whilk'sthesamething,asmonyascaninonyfashion,fairorfoul,mainteenthemsells.Andtheretheyarewi'gunandpistol,dirkanddourlach,readytodisturbthepeaceo'thecountrywheneverthelairdlikes;andthat'sthegrievanceoftheHielands,whilkare,andhaebeenforthisthousandyearsby-past,abikeo'themaistlawlessunchristianlimmersthateverdisturbedadouce,quiet,God-fearingneighbourhood,likethiso'oursinthewesthere."

"Andthiskinsmanofyours,andfriendofmine,isheoneofthosegreat

proprietorswhomaintainthehouseholdtroopsyouspeakof?"Iinquired.

"Na,na,"saidBailieJarvie;"he'snaneo'yourgreatgrandeeso'chiefs,astheyca'them,neither.Thoughheisweelborn,andlineallydescendedfraeauldGlenstrae--Ikenhislineage--indeedheisanearkinsman,and,asIsaid,ofgudegentleHielandblude,thoughyemaythinkweelthatIcarelittleaboutthatnonsense--it'sa'moonshineinwater--wastethreadsandthrums,aswesay--ButIcouldshowyelettersfraehisfather,thatwasthethirdaffGlenstrae,tomyfatherDeaconJarvie(peacebewi'hismemory!)beginning,DearDeacon,andending,yourlovingkinsmantocommand,--theyareamaista'aboutborrowedsiller,saethegudedeacon,that'sdeadandgane,keepitthemasdocumentsandevidents--Hewasacarefu'man."

"Butifheisnot,"Iresumed,"oneoftheirchiefsorpatriarchal



leaders,whomIhaveheardmyfathertalkof,thiskinsmanofyourshas,atleast,muchtosayintheHighlands,Ipresume?"

"Yemaysaythat--naenamebetterken'dbetweentheLennoxandBreadalbane.Robinwasanceaweel-doing,painstakingdrover,asyewadseeamangtenthousand--Itwasapleasuretoseehiminhisbeltedplaidandbrogues,wi'histargetathisback,andclaymoreanddirkathisbelt,followingahundredHighlandstots,andadozeno'thegillies,asroughandraggedasthebeaststheydrave.Andhewasbaithcivilandjustinhisdealings;andifhethoughthischapmanhadmadeahardbargain,hewadgiehimaluck-pennytothemends.Ihaeken'dhimgiebackfiveshillingsouto'thepundsterling."

"Twenty-fivepercent,"saidOwen--"aheavydiscount."

"Hewadgieitthough,sir,asItellye;mairespeciallyifhethoughtthebuyerwasapuirman,andcouldnastandbyaloss.Butthetimescamhard,andRobwasventuresome.Itwasnamyfaut--itwasnamyfaut;hecannawyteme--Iayetauldhimo't--Andthecreditors,mairespeciallysomegritneighbourso'his,grippedtohislivingandland;andtheysayhiswifewasturnedouto'thehousetothehill-side,andsairmisguidedtotheboot.Shamefu'!shamefu'!--Iamapeacefu'manandamagistrate,butifonyanehadguidedsaemuckleasmyservantquean,Mattie,asit's

liketheyguidedRob'swife,Ithinkitsuldhaesettheshabble*thatmyfatherthedeaconhadatBothwellbriga-walkingagain.

*Cutlass.Weel,Robcamhame,andfanddesolation,Godpityus!whereheleftplenty;helookedeast,west,south,north,andsawneitherhauldnorhope--neitherbeildnorshelter;saehee'enpu'dthebonnetowerhisbrow,beltedthebroadswordtohisside,tooktothebrae-side,andbecameabrokenman."*

*Anoutlaw.Thevoiceofthegoodcitizenwasbrokenbyhiscontendingfeelings.Heobviously,whileheprofessedtocontemnthepedigreeofhisHighland

kinsman,attachedasecretfeelingofconsequencetotheconnection,andhespokeofhisfriendinhisprosperitywithanoverflowofaffection,whichdeepenedhissympathyforhismisfortunes,andhisregretfortheirconsequences.

"Thustemptedandurgedbydespair,"saidI,seeingMr.Jarviedidnotproceedinhisnarrative,"Isupposeyourkinsmanbecameoneofthosedepredatorsyouhavedescribedtous?"

"Nosaebadasthat,"saidtheGlaswegian,--"noa'thegitherandoutrightsaebadasthat;buthebecamealevierofblack-mail,widerandfartherthaneveritwasraisedinourday,athroughtheLennoxandMenteith,anduptothegateso'StirlingCastle."

"Black-mail?--Idonotunderstandthephrase,"Iremarked.



"Ou,yesee,Robsoongatheredanuncobando'blue-bonnetsathisback,forhecomeso'aroughnamewhenhe'skentbyhisain,andanamethat'shelditsainformonyalangyear,baithagainkingandparliament,andkirktoo,foraughtIken--anauldandhonourablename,forassairasithasbeenworriedandhaddendownandoppressed.MymotherwasaMacGregor--Icarenawhakensit--AndRobhadsoonagallantband;andasitgrievedhim(hesaid)toseesic_hership_andwasteanddepredationtothesoutho'theHielandline,why,ifonyheritororfarmerwadpayhimfourpundsScotsoutofeachhundredpundsofvaluedrent,whilkwasdoubtlessamoderateconsideration,Robengagedtokeepthemscaithless;--letthemsendtohimiftheylostsaemuckleasasingleclootbythieving,andRobengagedtogetthemagain,orpaythevalue--andheayekeepithisword--Icannadenybuthekeepithisword--a'menallowRobkeepshisword."

"Thisisaverysingularcontractofassurance,"saidMr.Owen.

"It'scleanagainourstatutelaw,thatmustbeowned,"saidJarvie,"cleanagainlaw;thelevyingandthepayingblack-mailarebaithpunishable:butifthelawcannaprotectmybarnandbyre,whatforsuldInoengagewi'aHielandgentlemanthatcan?--answermethat."

"But,"saidI,"Mr.Jarvie,isthiscontractofblack-mail,asyoucall

it,completelyvoluntaryonthepartofthelandlordorfarmerwhopaystheinsurance?orwhatusuallyhappens,incaseanyonerefusespaymentofthistribute?"

"Aha,lad!"saidtheBailie,laughing,andputtinghisfingertohisnose,"yethinkyehaemethere.Troth,Iwadadviseonyfriendso'minetogreewi'Rob;for,watchastheylike,anddowhattheylike,theyaresairapttobeharried*whenthelangnightscomeon.

*Plundered.Someo'theGrahameandCohoongentrystoodout;butwhatthen?--theylosttheirhaillstockthefirstwinter;saemaistfolksnowthinkitbesttocomeintoRob'sterms.He'seasywi'a'bodythatwillbeeasy

wi'him;butifyethrawhim,yehadbetterthrawthedeevil."

"Andbyhisexploitsinthesevocations,"Icontinued,"Isupposehehasrenderedhimselfamenabletothelawsofthecountry?"

"Amenable?--yemaysaythat;hiscraigwadkentheweighto'hishurdiesiftheycouldgethaudo'Rob.Buthehasgudefriendsamangthegritfolks;andIcouldtellyeo'aegritfamilythatkeepshimupasfarastheydecentlycan,tobeatheminthesideofanother.Andthenhe'ssicanauld-farranlang-headedchieldasnevertookupthetradeo'cateraninourtime;monyadaftreikhehasplayed--mairthanwadfillabook,andaqueeraneitwadbe--asgudeasRobinHood,orWilliamWallace--a'fu'o'venturesomedeedsandescapes,sicasfolktelloweratawinter

ingleinthedaftdays.It'saqueerthingo'me,gentlemen,thatamamano'peacemysell,andapeacefuman'sson--forthedeaconmyfather



quarrelledwi'naneoutothetown-council--it'saqueerthing,Isay,butIthinktheHielandbludeo'mewarmsatthaedafttales,andwhilesIlikebettertohearthemthanawordo'profit,gudeforgieme!Buttheyarevanities--sinfu'vanities--and,moreover,againthestatutelaw--againthestatuteandgospellaw."

Inowfollowedupmyinvestigation,byinquiringwhatmeansofinfluencethisMr.RobertCampbellcouldpossiblypossessovermyaffairs,orthoseofmyfather.

"Why,yearetounderstand,"saidMr.Jarvieinaverysubduedtone--"Ispeakamangfriends,andundertherose--Yearetounderstand,thattheHielandshaebeenkeepitquietsincetheyearaughty-nine--thatwasKilliecrankieyear.Buthowhaetheybeenkeepitquiet,thinkye?Bysiller,Mr.Owen--bysiller,Mr.Osbaldistone.KingWilliamcausedBreadalbanedistributetwentythousandoudepundssterlingamangthem,andit'ssaidtheauldHielandEarlkeepitalanglugo'tinhisainsporran.AndthenQueenAnne,that'sdead,gaethechiefsbitso'pensions,saetheyhadwherewithtosupporttheirgilliesandcateransthatworknaewark,asIsaidafore;andtheylaybyquieteneugh,sayingsomespreagherieontheLowlands,whilkistheiruseandwont,andsomecuttingo'thrapplesamangthemsells,thatnaecivilisedbodykensorcaresonythinganent.--Weel,butthere'sanewwarldcomeupwi'this

KingGeorge(Isay,Godblesshim,forane)--there'sneitherliketobesillernorpensionsgaunamangthem;theyhaenathemeanso'mainteeningtheclansthateatthemup,asyemayguessfraewhatIsaidbefore;theircredit'sganeintheLowlands;andamanthatcanwhistleyeupathousandorfeifteenhundredlinkingladstodohiswill,wadhardlygetfiftypundsonhisbandattheCrosso'Glasgow--Thiscannastandlang-therewillbeanoutbreakfortheStuarts--therewillbeanoutbreak-theywillcomedownonthelowcountrylikeaflood,astheydidinthewaefu'warso'Montrose,andthatwillbeseenandheardtello'ereatwalmonthgangsround."

"Yetstill,"Isaid,"IdonotseehowthisconcernsMr.Campbell,muchlessmyfather'saffairs."

"Robcanlevyfivehundredmen,sir,andthereforewarsuldconcernhimasmuckleasmaistfolk,"repliedtheBailie;"foritisafacultythatisfarlessprofitableintimeo'peace.Then,totellyethetruth,Idoubthehasbeentheprimeagentbetweensomeo'ourHielandchiefsandthegentlemeninthenortho'England.Wea'heardo'thepublicmoneythatwastaenfraethechieldMorrissomewhereaboutthefito'CheviotbyRobandaneo'theOsbaldistonelads;and,totellyethetruth,wordgaedthatitwasyoursellMr.Francis,--andsorrywasIthatyourfather'ssonsuldhaetaentosicpractices--Na,yeneednasayawordaboutit--IseeweelIwasmistaen;butIwadbelieveonythingo'astage-player,whilkIconcludedyetobe.Butnow,Idoubtna,ithasbeenRashleighhimselforsomeothero'yourcousins--theyarea'tarredwi'

thesamestick--rankJacobitesandpapists,andwadthinkthegovernmentsillerandgovernmentpaperslawfu'prize.AndthecreatureMorrisissicacowardlycaitiff,thattothishourhedaurnasaythatitwasRobtooktheportmanteauaffhim;andtrothhe'sright,foryourcustom-houseand



excisecattleareillliketona'sides,andRobmightgetaback-handedlickathim,beforetheBoard,astheyca't,couldhelphim."

"Ihavelongsuspectedthis,Mr.Jarvie,"saidI,"andperfectlyagreewithyou.Butastomyfather'saffairs"-

"Suspectedit?--it'scertain--it'scertain--IkenthemthatsawsomeofthepapersthatweretaenaffMorris--it'sneedlesstosaywhere.Buttoyourfather'saffairs--Yemaunthinkthatinthaetwentyyearsby-gane,someo'theHielandlairdsandchiefshaecometosomesma'senseo'theiraininterest--yourfatherandothershaeboughtthewoodsofGlen-Disseries,GlenKissoch,Tober-na-Kippoch,andmonymairbesides,andyourfather'shousehasgrantedlargebillsinpayment,--andasthecredito'OsbaldistoneandTreshamwasgude--forI'llsaybeforeMr.Owen'sface,asIwadbehindhisback,that,batingmisfortuneso'theLord'ssending,naemencouldbemairhonourableinbusiness--theHielandgentlemen,holderso'thaebills,haefoundcreditinGlasgowandEdinburgh--(ImightamaistsayinGlasgowwholly,forit'slittlethepridefu'Edinburghfolkdoinrealbusiness)--forall,orthegreaterpartofthecontentso'thaebills.Sothat--Aha!d'yeseemenow?"

IconfessedIcouldnotquitefollowhisdrift.

"Why,"saidhe,"ifthesebillsarenotpaid,theGlasgowmerchantcomesontheHielandlairds,whaehaedeilaboddleo'siller,andwilllikeilltospewupwhatisitema'spent--Theywillturndesperate--fivehundredwillrisethatmighthaesittenathame--thedeilwillgaeowerJockWabster--andthestoppingofyourfather'shousewillhastentheoutbreakthat'sbeensaelangbidingus."

"Youthink,then,"saidI,surprisedatthissingularviewofthecase,"thatRashleighOsbaldistonehasdonethisinjurytomyfather,merelytoacceleratearisingintheHighlands,bydistressingthegentlementowhomthesebillswereoriginallygranted?"

"Doubtless--doubtless--ithasbeenonemainreason,Mr.Osbaldistone.Idoubtnabutwhatthereadymoneyhecarriedoffwi'himmightbeanother.Butthatmakescomparativelybutasma'parto'yourfather'sloss,thoughitmightmakethemaistparto'Rashleigh'sdirectgain.Theassetshecarriedoffareofnaemairusetohimthanifheweretolighthispipewi'them.HetriedifMacVittie&Co.wadgiehimsilleronthem--thatIkenbyAndroWylie--buttheywereowerauldcatstodrawthatstraeaforethem--theykeepitaff,andgaefairwords.RashleighOsbaldistoneisbetterken'dthantrustedinGlasgow,forhewashereaboutsomejacobiticalpapisticaltrokinginseventeenhundredandseven,andleftdebtahinthim.Na,na--hecannapitaffthepaperhere;folkwillmisdoubthimhowhecamebyit.Na,na--he'llhaethestuffsafeatsomeo'theirhauldsintheHielands,andIdaursaymycousinRobcould

getatitginheliked."

"Butwouldhebedisposedtoserveusinthispinch,Mr.Jarvie?"saidI."YouhavedescribedhimasanagentoftheJacobiteparty,anddeeplyconnectedintheirintrigues:willhebedisposedformysake,or,ifyou



please,forthesakeofjustice,tomakeanactofrestitution,which,supposingitinhispower,would,accordingtoyourviewofthecase,materiallyinterferewiththeirplans?"

"Icannapreceeselyspeaktothat:thegrandeesamongthemaredoubtfu'o'Rob,andhe'sdoubtfu'o'them.--Andhe'sbeenweelfriendedwi'theArgylefamily,whastandforthepresentmodelofgovernment.Ifhewasfreedo'hishorningsandcaptions,hewouldratherbeonArgyle'ssidethanhewadbeonBreadalbane's,forthere'sauldill-willbetweentheBreadalbanefamilyandhiskinandname.Thetruthis,thatRobisforhisainhand,asHenryWyndfeught*--he'lltakethesidethatsuitshimbest;ifthedeilwaslaird,Robwadbeforbeingtenant;andyecannablamehim,puirfallow,consideringhiscircumstances.

*Twogreatclansfoughtoutaquarrelwiththirtymenofaside,inpresenceottheking,ontheNorthInchofPerth,onorabouttheyear1392;amanwasamissingononeside,whoseroomwasfilledbyalittlebandy-leggedcitizenofPerth.Thissubstitute,HenryWynd--or,astheHighlanderscalledhim,_GowChrom,_thatis,thebandy-leggedsmith-foughtwell,andcontributedgreatlytothefateofthebattle,withoutknowingwhichsidehefoughton;--so,"Tofightforyourownhand,likeHenryWynd,"passedintoaproverb.[Thisincidentformsaconspicuouspartofthesubsequentnovel,"TheFairMaidofPerth."]

Butthere'saethingsairagainye--Robhasagreymearinhisstableathame."

"Agreymare?"saidI."Whatisthattothepurpose?"

"Thewife,man--thewife,--anawfu'wifesheis.Shedownabidethesighto'akindlyScot,ifhecomefraetheLowlands,farlessofanInglisher,andshe'llbekeenfora'thatcansetupKingJames,anddingdownKingGeorge."

"Itisverysingular,"Ireplied,"thatthemercantiletransactionsofLondoncitizensshouldbecomeinvolvedwithrevolutionsandrebellions."

"Notata',man--notata',"returnedMr.Jarvie;"that'sa'yoursillyprejudications.Ireadwhilesinthelangdarknights,andIhaereadinBaker'sChronicle*thatthemerchantso'LondoncouldgartheBankofGenoabreaktheirpromisetoadvanceamightysumtotheKingo'Spain,wherebythesailingoftheGrandSpanishArmadawasputaffforahaillyear--Whatthinkyouofthat,sir?"

*[_TheChronicleoftheKingsofEngland,_bySirRichardBaker,with

continuations,passedthroughseveraleditionsbetween1641and1733.Whetheranyofthemcontainthepassagealludedtoisdoubtful.]"Thatthemerchantsdidtheircountrygoldenservice,whichoughttobehonourablyrememberedinourhistories."

"Ithinksaetoo;andtheywaddoweel,anddeservewealbaitho'thestateando'humanity,thatwadsavethreeorfourhonestHieland



gentlemenfraeloupingheadsowerheelsintodestruction,wi'a'theirpuirsackless*followers,justbecausetheycannapaybackthesillertheyhadreasontocountuponastheirain--andsaveyourfather'scredit--andmyaingudesillerthatOsbaldistoneandTreshamawesmeintothebargain.

*Sackless,thatis,innocent.Isay,ifanecouldmanagea'this,Ithinkitsuldbedoneandsaiduntohim,evenifhewereapuirca'-the-shuttlebody,asuntoonewhomthekingdelightethtohonour."

"Icannotpretendtoestimatetheextentofpublicgratitude,"Ireplied;"butourownthankfulness,Mr.Jarvie,wouldbecommensuratewiththeextentoftheobligation."

"Which,"addedMr.Owen,"wewouldendeavourtobalancewitha_percontra,_theinstantourMr.OsbaldistonereturnsfromHolland."

"Idoubtna--Idoubtna--heisaveryworthygentleman,andasponsible,andwi'someo'mylightsmightdomucklebusinessinScotland--Weel,sir,iftheseassetscouldberedeemedouto'thehandso'thePhilistines,theyaregudepaper--theyaretherightstuffwhentheyareintherighthands,andthat'syours,Mr.Owen.AndI'sefindyethree

meninGlasgow,foraslittleasyemaythinko'us,Mr.Owen--that'sSandieSteensonintheTrade's-Land,andJohnPirieinCandleriggs,andanotherthatsallbenamelessatthispresent,salladvancewhatsoumsaresufficienttosecurethecreditofyourhouse,andseeknaebettersecurity."

Owen'seyessparkledatthisprospectofextrication;buthiscountenanceinstantlyfellonrecollectinghowimprobableitwasthattherecoveryoftheassets,ashetechnicallycalledthem,shouldbesuccessfullyachieved.

"Dinnadespair,sir--dinnadespair,"saidMr.Jarvie;"Ihaetaensaemuckleconcernwi'youraffairsalready,thatitmauneenbeowershoon

owerbootswi'menow.Iamjustlikemyfatherthedeacon(praisebewi'him!)Icannameddlewi'afriend'sbusiness,butIayeendwi'makingitmyain--Sae,I'lle'enpitonmybootsthemorn,andbejoggingowerDrymenMuirwi'Mr.Frankhere;andifIcannamakRobhearreason,andhiswifetoo,Idinnakenwhacan--Ihaebeenakindfreendtothemaforenow,tosaynaethingo'ower-lookinghimlastnight,whennaminghisnamewadhaecosthimhislife--I'llbehearingo'thisinthecouncilmaybefraeBailieGrahame.andMacVittie,andsomeo'them.TheyhaecoostupmykindredtoRobtomealready--setuptheirnashgabs!ItauldthemIwadvindicatenaeman'sfaults;butsetapartwhathehaddoneagainthelawo'thecountry,andthehershipo'theLennox,andthemisfortuneo'somefolklosinglifebyhim,hewasanhonestermanthanstoodononyo'theirshanks--AndwhatforsuldImindtheirclavers?IfRobisanoutlaw,

tohimsellbeitsaid--thereisnaelawsnowaboutresetofinter-communedpersons,astherewasintheilltimeso'thelastStuarts--ItrowIhaeaScotchtongueinmyhead--iftheyspeak,I'se



answer."

ItwaswithgreatpleasurethatIsawtheBailiegraduallysurmountthebarriersofcaution,undertheunitedinfluenceofpublicspiritandgood-naturedinterestinouraffairs,togetherwithhisnaturalwishtoavoidlossandacquiregain,andnotalittleharmlessvanity.Throughthecombinedoperationofthesemotives,heatlengtharrivedatthedoughtyresolutionoftakingthefieldinperson,toaidintherecoveryofmyfather'sproperty.Hiswholeinformationledmetobelieve,thatifthepaperswereinpossessionofthisHighlandadventurer,itmightbepossibletoinducehimtosurrenderwhathecouldnotkeepwithanyprospectofpersonaladvantage;andIwasconsciousthatthepresenceofhiskinsmanwaslikelytohaveconsiderableweightwithhim.IthereforecheerfullyacquiescedinMr.Jarvie'sproposalthatweshouldsetoutearlynextmorning.

Thathonestgentlemanwasindeedasvivaciousandalertinpreparingtocarryhispurposeintoexecution,ashehadbeenslowandcautiousinformingit.HeroaredtoMattieto"airhistrot-cosey,tohavehisjack-bootsgreasedandsetbeforethekitchen-fireallnight,andtoseethathisbeastbecorned,anda'hisridinggearinorder."Havingagreedtomeethimatfiveo'clocknextmorning,andhavingsettledthatOwen,whosepresencecouldbeofnousetousuponthisexpedition,should

awaitourreturnatGlasgow,wetookakindfarewellofthisunexpectedlyzealousfriend.IinstalledOweninanapartmentinmylodgings,contiguoustomyown,and,givingorderstoAndrewFairservicetoattendmenextmorningatthehourappointed,Iretiredtorestwithbetterhopesthanithadlatelybeenmyfortunetoentertain.

CHAPTERTENTH.

Farastheeyecouldreachnotreewasseen,

Earth,cladinrusset,scornedthelivelygreen;Nobirds,exceptasbirdsofpassageflew;Nobeewasheardtohum,nodovetocoo;

Nostreams,asambersmooth-asamberclear,Wereseentoglide,orheardtowarblehere.

ProphecyofFamine.

Itwasinthebracingatmosphereofaharvestmorning,thatImetbyappointmentFairservice,withthehorses,atthedoorofMr.Jarvie'shouse,whichwasbutlittlespacedistantfromMrs.Flyter'shotel.Thefirstmatterwhichcaughtmyattentionwas,thatwhateverwerethedeficienciesoftheponywhichMr.Fairservice'slegaladviser,ClerkTouthope,generouslybestoweduponhiminexchangeforThorncliff'smare,hehadcontrivedtopartwithit,andprocureinitssteadananimalwith

socuriousandcompletealameness,thatitseemedonlytomakeuseofthreelegsforthepurposeofprogression,whilethefourthappearedasifmeanttobeflourishedintheairbywayofaccompaniment."Whatdoyoumeanbybringingsuchacreatureasthathere,sir?andwhereisthe



ponyyourodetoGlasgowupon?"weremyverynaturalandimpatientinquiries.

"Isell'tit,sir.Itwasaslinkbeast,andwadhaeeatenitsheadaff,standingatLuckieFlyter'satlivery.AndIhaeboughtthisonyourhonour'saccount.It'sagrandbargain--costbutapundsterlingthefoot--that'sfoura'thegither.Thestringhaltwillgaeaffwhenit'sgaenamile;it'saweel-ken'dganger;theycallitSoupleTam."

"Onmysoul,sir,"saidI,"youwillneverresttillmysupple-jackandyourshouldersbecomeacquainted,Ifyoudonotgoinstantlyandprocuretheotherbrute,youshallpaythepenaltyofyouringenuity."

Andrew,notwithstandingmythreats,continuedtobattlethepoint,ashesaiditwouldcosthimaguineaofrue-bargaintothemanwhohadboughthispony,beforehecouldgetitbackagain.LikeatrueEnglishman,thoughsensibleIwasdupedbytherascal,Iwasabouttopayhisexactionratherthanlosetime,whenforthsalliedMr.Jarvie,cloaked,mantled,hooded,andbooted,asifforaSiberianwinter,whiletwoapprentices,undertheimmediatedirectionofMattie,ledforththedecentamblingsteedwhichhadthehonouronsuchoccasionstosupportthepersonoftheGlasgowmagistrate.Erehe"clombetothesaddle,"anexpressionmoredescriptiveoftheBailie'smodeofmountingthanthatof

theknights-erranttowhomSpenserappliesit,heinquiredthecauseofthedisputebetwixtmyservantandme.HavinglearnedthenatureofhonestAndrew'smanoeuvreheinstantlycutshortalldebate,bypronouncing,thatifFairservicedidnotforthwithreturnthethree-leggedpalfrey,andproducethemoreusefulquadrupedwhichhehaddiscarded,hewouldsendhimtoprison,andamercehiminhalfhiswages."Mr.Osbaldistone,"saidhe,"contractedfortheserviceofbothyourhorseandyou--twabrutesatance--yeunconscionablerascal!--butI'selookweelafteryouduringthisjourney."

"Itwillbenonsensefiningme,"saidAndrew,doughtily,"thathasnaagreygroattopayafinewi'--it'silltakingthebreeksaffaHielandman."

"Ifyehaenaepursetofine,yehaefleshtopine,"repliedtheBailie,"andIwilllookweeltoyegettingyourdesertsthetaewayorthetither."

TothecommandsofMr.Jarvie,therefore,Andrewwascompelledtosubmit,onlymutteringbetweenhisteeth,"Owermonymaisters,--owermonymaisters,asthepaddocksaidtotheharrow,wheneverytoothgaeheratig."

ApparentlyhefoundnodifficultyingettingridofSuppleTam,andrecoveringpossessionofhisformerBucephalus,forheaccomplishedtheexchangewithoutbeingmanyminutesabsent;nordidIhearfurtherofhis

havingpaidanysmart-moneyforbreachofbargain.

Wenowsetforward,buthadnotreachedthetopofthestreetinwhichMr.Jarviedwelt,whenaloudhallooingandbreathlesscallof"Stop,



stop!"washeardbehindus.Westoppedaccordingly,andwereovertakenbyMr.Jarvie'stwolads,whoboretwopartingtokensofMattie'scareforhermaster.Thefirstwasconveyedintheformofavoluminoussilkhandkerchief,likethemainsailofoneofhisownWest-Indiamen,whichMrs.Mattieparticularlydesiredhewouldputabouthisneck,andwhich,thusentreated,headdedtohisotherinteguments.Thesecondyoungsterbroughtonlyaverbalcharge(IthoughtIsawtheroguedisposedtolaughashedeliveredit)onthepartofthehousekeeper,thathermasterwouldtakecareofthewaters."Pooh!pooh!sillyhussy,"answeredMr.Jarvie;butadded,turningtome,"itshowsakindheartthough--itshowsakindheartinsaeyoungaquean--Mattie'sacarefu'lass."Sospeaking,heprickedthesidesofhispalfrey,andweleftthetownwithoutfartherinterruption.

Whilewepacedeasilyforward,byaroadwhichconductedusnorth-eastwardfromthetown,Ihadanopportunitytoestimateandadmirethegoodqualitiesofmynewfriend.Although,likemyfather,heconsideredcommercialtransactionsthemostimportantobjectsofhumanlife,hewasnotweddedtothemsoastoundervaluemoregeneralknowledge.Onthecontrary,withmuchoddityandvulgarityofmanner,-withavanitywhichhemademuchmoreridiculousbydisguisingitnowandthenunderathinveilofhumility,anddevoidashewasofalltheadvantagesofalearnededucation,Mr.Jarvie'sconversationshowed

tokensofashrewd,observing,liberal,and,totheextentofitsopportunities,awell-improvedmind.Hewasagoodlocalantiquary,andentertainedme,aswepassedalong,withanaccountofremarkableeventswhichhadformerlytakenplaceinthescenesthroughwhichwepassed.Andashewaswellacquaintedwiththeancienthistoryofhisdistrict,hesawwiththeprospectiveeyeofanenlightenedpatriot,thebudsofmanyofthosefutureadvantageswhichhaveonlyblossomedandripenedwithinthesefewyears.Iremarkedalso,andwithgreatpleasure,thatalthoughakeenScotchman,andabundantlyzealousforthehonourofhiscountry,hewasdisposedtothinkliberallyofthesisterkingdom.WhenAndrewFairservice(whom,bytheway,theBailiecouldnotabide)chosetoimputetheaccidentofoneofthehorsescastinghisshoetothedeterioratinginfluenceoftheUnion,heincurredasevererebukefrom

Mr.Jarvie.

"Whisht,sir!--whisht!it'sill-scrapedtongueslikeyours,thatmakemischiefatweenneighbourhoodsandnations.There'snaethingsaegudeonthissideo'timebutitmighthaebeenbetter,andthatmaybesaido'theUnion.NanewerekeeneragainstitthantheGlasgowfolk,wi'theirrabblingsandtheirrisings,andtheirmobs,astheyca'themnow-a-days.Butit'sanillwindblawsnaebodygude--Letilkaaneroosethefordastheyfindit--IsayletGlasgowflourish!whilkisjudiciouslyandelegantlyputtenroundthetown'sarms,bywayofby-word.--Now,sinceSt.MungocatchedherringsintheClyde,whatwaseverliketogarusflourishlikethesugarandtobaccotrade?Willonybodytellmethat,andgrumbleatthetreatythatopenedusaroadwest-awa'yonder?"

AndrewFairservicewasfarfromacquiescingintheseargumentsofexpedience,andevenventuredtoenteragrumblingprotest,"ThatitwasanuncochangetohaeScotland'slawsmadeinEngland;andthat,forhis



share,hewadnafora'theherring-barrelsinGlasgow,anda'thetobacco-caskstoboot,haegienuptheridingo'theScotsParliament,orsentawa'ourcrown,andoursword,andoursceptre,andMonsMeg,*tobekeepitbythaeEnglishpock-puddingsintheTowero'Lunnon.

*NoteG.MonsMeg.WhatwadSirWilliamWallace,orauldDavieLindsay,haesaidtotheUnion,orthemthatmadeit?"

Theroadwhichwetravelled,whiledivertingthewaywiththesediscussions,hadbecomewildandopen,assoonaswehadleftGlasgowamileortwobehindus,andwasgrowingmoredrearyasweadvanced.Hugecontinuousheathsspreadbefore,behind,andaroundus,inhopelessbarrenness--nowlevelandinterspersedwithswamps,greenwithtreacherousverdure,orsablewithturf,or,astheycalltheminScotland,peat-bogs,--andnowswellingintohugeheavyascents,whichwantedthedignityandformofhills,whiletheywerestillmoretoilsometothepassenger.Therewereneithertreesnorbushestorelievetheeyefromtherussetliveryofabsolutesterility.Theveryheathwasofthatstintedimperfectkindwhichhaslittleornoflower,andaffordsthecoarsestandmeanestcovering,which,asfarasmyexperienceenablesmetojudge,motherEarthiseverarrayedin.Livingthingwesawnone,exceptoccasionallyafewstragglingsheepofastrangediversityof

colours,asblack,bluish,andorange.Thesablehuepredominated,however,intheirfacesandlegs.Theverybirdsseemedtoshunthesewastes,andnowonder,sincetheyhadaneasymethodofescapingfromthem;--atleastIonlyheardthemonotonousandplaintivecriesofthelapwingandcurlew,whichmycompanionsdenominatedthepeasweepandwhaup.

Atdinner,however,whichwetookaboutnoon,atamostmiserablealehouse,wehadthegoodfortunetofindthatthesetiresomescreamersofthemorasswerenottheonlyinhabitantsofthemoors.Thegoodwifetoldus,that"thegudemanhadbeenatthehill;"andwellforusthathehadbeenso,forweenjoyedtheproduceofhis_chasse_intheshapeofsomebroiledmoor-game,--adishwhichgallantlyekedouttheewe-milk

cheese,driedsalmon,andoatenbread,beingallbesidesthatthehouseafforded.Someveryindifferenttwo-pennyale,andaglassofexcellentbrandy,crownedourrepast;andasourhorseshad,inthemeantime,discussedtheircorn,weresumedourjourneywithrenovatedvigour.

Ihadneedofallthespiritsagooddinnercouldgive,toresistthedejectionwhichcreptinsensiblyonmymind,whenIcombinedthestrangeuncertaintyofmyerrandwiththedisconsolateaspectofthecountrythroughwhichitwasleadingme.Ourroadcontinuedtobe,ifpossible,morewasteandwildthanthatwehadtravelledintheforenoon.Thefewmiserablehovelsthatshowedsomemarksofhumanhabitation,werenowofstillrareroccurrence;andatlength,aswebegantoascendanuninterruptedswellofmoorland,theytotallydisappeared.Theonly

exercisewhichmyimaginationreceivedwas,whensomeparticularturnoftheroadgaveusapartialview,totheleft,ofalargeassemblageofdark-bluemountainsstretchingtothenorthandnorth-west,which



promisedtoincludewithintheirrecessesacountryaswildperhaps,butcertainlydifferinggreatlyinpointofinterest,fromthatwhichwenowtravelled.Thepeaksofthisscreenofmountainswereaswildlyvariedanddistinguished,asthehillswhichwehadseenontherightweretameandlumpish;andwhileIgazedonthisAlpineregion,Ifeltalongingtoexploreitsrecesses,thoughaccompaniedwithtoilanddanger,similartothatwhichasailorfeelswhenhewishesfortherisksandanimationofabattleoragale,inexchangefortheinsupportablemonotonyofaprotractedcalm.ImadevariousinquiriesofmyfriendMr.Jarvierespectingthenamesandpositionsoftheseremarkablemountains;butitwasasubjectonwhichhehadnoinformation,ordidnotchoosetobecommunicative."They'retheHielandhills--theHielandhills--Ye'llseeandheareneughaboutthembeforeyeseeGlasgowCrossagain--Idownalookatthem--Ineverseethembuttheygarmegrew.It'snoforfear--noforfear,butjustforgrief,forthepuirblindedhalf-starvedcreaturesthatinhabitthem--butsaynaemairaboutit--it'sillspeakingo'Hielandmensaeneartheline.Ihaeken'dmonyanhonestmanwadnahaeventuredthislengthwithouthehadmadehislastwillandtestament--Mattiehadill-willtoseemesetawa'onthisride,andgratawee,thesillietawpie;butit'snaemairferlietoseeawomangreetthantoseeagoosegangbarefit."

Inextattemptedtoleadthediscourseonthecharacterandhistoryof

thepersonwhomweweregoingtovisit;butonthistopicMr.Jarviewastotallyinaccessible,owingperhapsinparttotheattendanceofMr.AndrewFairservice,whochosetokeepsocloseinourrearthathisearscouldnotfailtocatcheverywordwhichwasspoken,whilehistongueassumedthefreedomofminglinginourconversationasoftenashesawanopportunity.ForthisheoccasionallyincurredMr.Jarvie'sreproof.

"Keepback,sir,asbestsetsye,"saidtheBailie,asAndrewpressedforwardtocatchtheanswertosomequestionIhadaskedaboutCampbell.--"yewadfainridethefore-horse,anyewisthow.--Thatchield'sayeforbeingouto'thecheese-fathewasmouldedin.--Now,asforyourquestions,Mr.Osbaldistone,nowthatchield'soutofear-shot,I'lljusttellyouit'sfreetoyoutospeer,andit'sfreetometoanswer,orno

--GudeIcannasaymuckleo'Rob,puirchield;illIwinnasayo'him,for,forbythathe'smycousin,we'recomingnearhisaincountry,andtheremaybeaneo'hisgilliesahinteverywhin-bush,forwhatIken-Andifye'llbeguidedbymyadvice,thelessyespeakabouthim,orwherewearegaun,orwhatwearegauntodo,we'llbethemairlikelytospeedusinourerrand.Forit'slikewemayfa'inwi'someo'hisunfreends--therearee'enowermonyo'themabout--andhisbonnetsitsevenonhisbrowyetfora'that;butIdoubtthey'llbeupsideswi'Robatthelast--airdayorlateday,thefox'shidefindsayetheflayingknife."

"Iwillcertainly,"Ireplied,"beentirelyguidedbyyourexperience."

"Right,Mr.Osbaldistone--right.ButImaunspeaktothisgabblingskytetoo,forbairnsandfulesspeakattheCrosswhattheyhearattheingle-side.--D'yehear,you,Andrew--what'syourname?--Fairservice!"



Andrew,whoatthelastrebuffhadfallenagoodwaybehind,didnotchoosetoacknowledgethesummons.

"Andrew,yescoundrel!"repeatedMr.Jarvie;"here,sirhere!"

"Hereisforthedog."saidAndrew,comingupsulkily.

"I'llgieyoudog'swages,yerascal,ifyedinnaattendtowhatIsayt'ye--WearegaunintotheHielandsabit"-

"Ijudgedasmuckle,"saidAndrew.

"Haudyourpeace,yeknave,andhearwhatIhavetosaytillye--WearegaunabitintotheHielands"-

"Yetauldmesaealready,"repliedtheincorrigibleAndrew.

"I'llbreakyourhead,"saidtheBailie,risinginwrath,"ifyedinnahaudyourtongue."

"Ahaddentongue,"repliedAndrew,"makesaslabberedmouth."

ItwasnownecessaryIshouldinterfere,whichIdidbycommandingAndrew,withanauthoritativetone,tobesilentathisperil.

"Iamsilent,"saidAndrew."I'sedoa'yourlawfu'biddingwithoutanay-say.Mypuirmotherusedayetotellme,

Beitbetter,beitworse,Beruledbyhimthathasthepurse.

Saeyemaye'enspeakaslangasyelike,baiththetaneandthetithero'you,forAndrew."

Mr.Jarvietooktheadvantageofhisstoppingafterquotingtheaboveproverb,togivehimtherequisiteinstructions."Now,sir,it'sasmuckleasyourlife'sworth--thatwadbedearo'littlesiller,tobesure--butitisasmuckleasa'ourlivesareworth,ifyedinnamindwhatIsaetoye.Inthispublicwharwearegaunto,andwharitislikewemayhaetostaya'night,meno'a'clansandkindred--HielandandLawland--takuptheirquarters--AndwhilestherearemairdrawndirksthanopenBiblesamangthem,whentheusquebaughgetsuppermost.Seeyeneithermeddlenormak,norgienaeoffencewi'thatclaveringtongueo'yours,butkeepacalmsough,andletilkacockfighthisainbattle."

"Muckleneedstotellmethat,"saidAndrew,contemptuously,"asifIhad

neverseenaHielandmanbefore,andken'dnaehowtomanagethem.NaemanalivecancuitleupDonaldbetterthanmysell--Ihaeboughtwi'them,sauldwi'them,eatenwi'them,druckenwi'them"-

"Didyeeverfightwi'them?"saidMr.Jarvie.

"Na,na,"answeredAndrew,"Itookcareo'that:itwadillhaesetme,



thatamanartistandhalfascholartomytrade,tobefightingamangawheenkiltedloonsthatdinnakenthenameo'asingleherborflowerinbraidScots,letabeeintheLatintongue."

"Then,"saidMr.Jarvie,"asyewadkeepeitheryourtongueinyourmouth,oryourlugsinyourhead(andyemightmissthem,forassaucymembersastheyare),Ichargeyetosaynaeword,gudeorbad,thatyecanweelgetby,toonybodythatmaybeintheClachan.Andye'llspeciallyunderstandthatye'renotobebleezingandblastingaboutyourmaster'snameandmine,orsayingthatthisisMr.BailieNicolJarvieo'theSautMarket,sono'theworthyDeaconNicolJarvie,thata'bodyhasheardabout;andthisisMr.FrankOsbaldistone,sonofthemanagingpartnerofthegreathouseofOsbaldistoneandTresham,intheCity."

"Eneuehsaid,"answeredAndrew--"eneuehsaid.WhatneedyethinkIwadbespeakingaboutyournamesfor?--Ihaemonythingso'mairimportancetospeakabout,Itrow."

"It'sthaeverythingsofimportancethatIamfearedfor,yebletheringgoose;yemaunnaspeakonything,gudeorbad,thatyecanbyanypossibilityhelp."

"Ifyedinnathinkmefit,"repliedAndrew,inahuff,"tospeaklike

itherfolk,giememywagesandmyboard-wages,andI'segaebacktoGlasgow--There'ssma'sorrowatourparting,astheauldmearsaidtothebrokencart."

FindingAndrew'sperversenessagainrisingtoapointwhichthreatenedtooccasionmeinconvenience,Iwasunderthenecessityofexplainingtohim,thathemightreturnifhethoughtproper,butthatinthatcaseIwouldnotpayhimasinglefarthingforhispastservices.Theargument _adcrumenam,_asithasbeencalledbyjocularlogicians,hasweightwiththegreaterpartofmankind,andAndrewwasinthatparticularfarfromaffectinganytrickofsingularity.He"drewinhishorns,"tousetheBailie'sphrase,ontheinstant,professednointentionwhatevertodisoblige,andaresolutiontobeguidedbymycommands,whateverthey

mightbe.

Concordbeingthushappilyrestoredtooursmallparty,wecontinuedtopursueourjourney.Theroad,whichhadascendedforsixorsevenEnglishmiles,begannowtodescendforaboutthesamespace,throughacountrywhichneitherinfertilitynorinterestcouldboastanyadvantageoverthatwhichwehadpassedalready,andwhichaffordednovariety,unlesswhensometremendouspeakofaHighlandmountainappearedatadistance.Wecontinued,however,torideonwithoutpauseandevenwhennightfellandovershadowedthedesolatewildswhichwetraversed,wewere,asIunderstoodfromMr.Jarvie,stillthreemilesandabittockdistantfromtheplacewhereweweretospendthenight.

CHAPTERELEVENTH.



BaronofBucklivie,

Maythefoulfienddriveye,Anda'topiecesriveye,Forbuildingsicatown,

Wherethere'sneitherhorsemeat,Norman'smeat,Norachairtositdown.ScottishPopularRhymesonabadInn.

Thenightwaspleasant,andthemoonaffordedusgoodlightforourjourney.Underherrays,thegroundoverwhichwepassedassumedamoreinterestingappearancethanduringthebroaddaylight,whichdiscoveredtheextentofitswasteness.Themingledlightandshadowsgaveitaninterestwhichnaturallydidnotbelongtoit;and,liketheeffectofaveilflungoveraplainwoman,irritatedourcuriosityonasubjectwhichhadinitselfnothinggratifying.

Thedescent,however,stillcontinued,turned,winded,leftthemoreopenheaths,andgotintosteeperravines,whichpromisedsoontoleadusto

thebanksofsomebrookorriver,andultimatelymadegoodtheirpresage.Wefoundourselvesatlengthonthebankofastream,whichratherresembledoneofmynativeEnglishriversthanthoseIhadhithertoseeninScotland.Itwasnarrow,deep,still,andsilent;althoughtheimperfectlight,asitgleamedonitsplacidwaters,showedalsothatwewerenowamongtheloftymountainswhichformeditscradle."That'stheForth,"saidtheBailie,withanairofreverence,whichIhaveobservedtheScotchusuallypaytotheirdistinguishedrivers.TheClyde,theTweed,theForth,theSpey,areusuallynamedbythosewhodwellontheirbankswithasortofrespectandpride,andIhaveknownduelsoccasionedbyanywordofdisparagement.IcannotsayIhavetheleastquarrelwiththissortofharmlessenthusiasm.Ireceivedmyfriend'scommunicationwiththeimportancewhichheseemedtothinkappertainedtoit.Infact,

Iwasnotalittlepleased,aftersolonganddullajourney,toapproacharegionwhichpromisedtoengagetheimagination.Myfaithfulsquire,Andrew,didnotseemtobequiteofthesameopinion,forhereceivedthesolemninformation,"ThatistheForth,"witha"Umph!--anhehadsaidthat'sthepublic-house,itwadhaebeenmairtothepurpose."

TheForth,however,asfarastheimperfectlightpermittedmetojudge,seemedtomerittheadmirationofthosewhoclaimedaninterestinitsstream.Abeautifuleminenceofthemostregularroundshape,andclothedwithcopsewoodofhazels,mountain-ash,anddwarf-oak,intermixedwithafewmagnificentoldtrees,which,risingabovetheunderwood,exposedtheirforkedandbaredbranchestothesilvermoonshine,seemedtoprotectthesourcesfromwhichtheriversprung.IfIcouldtrustthe

taleofmycompanion,which,whileprofessingtodisbelieveeverywordofit,hetoldunderhisbreath,andwithanairofsomethinglikeintimidation,thishill,soregularlyformed,sorichlyverdant,andgarlandedwithsuchabeautifulvarietyofancienttreesandthrivingcopsewood,washeldbytheneighbourhoodtocontain,withinitsunseencaverns,thepalacesofthefairies--araceofairybeings,whoformedanintermediateclassbetweenmenanddemons,andwho,ifnotpositively



malignanttohumanity,wereyettobeavoidedandfeared,onaccountoftheircapricious,vindictive,andirritabledisposition.*

*NoteH.FairySuperstition."Theyca'them,"saidMr.Jarvie,inawhisper,"_DaoineSchie,_--whilksignifies,asIunderstand,menofpeace;meaningtherebytomaketheirgudewill.Andwemaye'enasweelca'themthattoo,Mr.Osbaldistone,forthere'snaegudeinspeakingillo'thelairdwithinhisainbounds."Butheaddedpresentlyafter,onseeingoneortwolightswhichtwinkledbeforeus,"It'sdeceitso'Satan,aftera',andIfearnatosayit--forwearenearthemansenow,andyonderarethelightsintheClachanofAberfoil."

IownIwaswellpleasedatthecircumstancetowhichMr.Jarviealluded;notsomuchthatitsethistongueatliberty,inhisopinion,withallsafetytodeclarehisrealsentimentswithrespecttothe_DaoineSchie,_orfairies,asthatitpromisedsomehours'reposetoourselvesandourhorses,ofwhich,afterarideoffiftymilesandupwards,bothstoodinsomeneed.

WecrossedtheinfantForthbyanold-fashionedstonebridge,veryhighandverynarrow.Myconductor,however,informedme,thattogetthroughthisdeepandimportantstream,andtoclearallitstributary

dependencies,thegeneralpassfromtheHighlandstothesouthwardlaybywhatwascalledtheFordsofFrew,atalltimesdeepanddifficultofpassage,andoftenaltogetherunfordable.Beneaththesefords,therewasnopassofgeneralresortuntilsofareastasthebridgeofStirling;sothattheriverofForthformsadefensiblelinebetweentheHighlandsandLowlandsofScotland,fromitssourcenearlytotheFirth,orinletoftheocean,inwhichitterminates.ThesubsequenteventswhichwewitnessedledmetorecallwithattentionwhattheshrewdnessofBailieJarviesuggestedinhisproverbialexpression,that"ForthbridlesthewildHighlandman."

Abouthalfamile'sriding,afterwecrossedthebridge,placedusatthedoorofthepublic-housewhereweweretopasstheevening.Itwasa

hovelratherworsethanbetterthanthatinwhichwehaddined;butitslittlewindowswerelightedup,voiceswereheardfromwithin,andallintimatedaprospectoffoodandshelter,towhichwewerebynomeansindifferent.Andrewwasthefirsttoobservethattherewasapeeledwillow-wandplacedacrossthehalf-opendoorofthelittleinn.Hehungbackandadvisedusnottoenter."For,"saidAndrew,"someoftheirchiefsandgritmenarebirlingattheusquebaughinbythere,anddinnawanttobedisturbed;andtheleastwe'llget,ifwegangramstaminonthem,willbeabrokenhead,tolearnusbetterhavings,ifwedinnacomebythelengthofacaulddirkinourwame,whilkisjustaslikely."

IlookedattheBailie,whoacknowledged,inawhisper,"thatthegowkhadsomereasonforsinging,anceintheyear."

Meantimeastaringhalf-cladwenchortwocameoutoftheinnandtheneighbouringcottages,onhearingthesoundofourhorses'feet.Noone



badeuswelcome,nordidanyoneoffertotakeourhorses,fromwhichwehadalighted;andtoourvariousinquiries,thehopelessresponseof"HanielSassenach,"wastheonlyanswerwecouldextract.TheBailie,however,found(inhisexperience)awaytomakethemspeakEnglish."IfIgieyeabawbee,"saidhetoanurchinofabouttenyearsold,withafragmentofatatteredplaidabouthim,"willyouunderstandSassenach?"

"Ay,ay,thatwillI,"repliedthebrat,inverydecentEnglish."Thengangandtellyourmammy,myman,there'stwaSassenachgentlemencometospeakwi'her."

Thelandladypresentlyappeared,withalightedpieceofsplitfirblazinginherhand.Theturpentineinthisspeciesoftorch(whichisgenerallydugfromouttheturf-bogs)makesitblazeandsparklereadily,sothatitisoftenusedintheHighlandsinlieuofcandles.Onthisoccasionsuchatorchilluminatedthewildandanxiousfeaturesofafemale,pale,thin,andratherabovetheusualsize,whosesoiledandraggeddress,thoughaidedbyaplaidortartanscreen,barelyservedthepurposesofdecency,andcertainlynotthoseofcomfort.Herblackhair,whichescapedinuncombedelf-locksfromunderhercoif,aswellasthestrangeandembarrassedlookwithwhichsheregardedus,gavemetheideaofawitchdisturbedinthemidstofherunlawfulrites.Sheplainlyrefusedtoadmitusintothehouse.Weremonstratedanxiously,and

pleadedthelengthofourjourney,thestateofourhorses,andthecertaintythattherewasnotanotherplacewherewecouldbereceivednearerthanCallander,whichtheBailiestatedtobesevenScotsmilesdistant.HowmanythesemayexactlyamounttoinEnglishmeasurement,Ihaveneverbeenabletoascertain,butIthinkthedouble_ratio_maybeprettysafelytakenasamediumcomputation.Theobduratehostesstreatedourexpostulationwithcontempt."Bettergangfartherthanfarewaur,"shesaid,speakingtheScottishLowlanddialect,andbeingindeedanativeoftheLennoxdistrict--"Herhousewastaenupwi'themwadnaliketobeintrudedonwi'strangers.Shedidnakenwhamairmightbethere-red-coats,itmightbe,fraethegarrison."(Theselastwordsshespokeunderherbreath,andwithverystrongemphasis.)"Thenight,"shesaid,"wasfairabunehead--anightamangtheheatherwadcallerourbloods--we

mightsleepinourclaes,asmonyagudebladedoesinthescabbard-therewasnamuckleflowmossintheshaw,ifwetookupourquartersright,andwemightpitupourhorsestothehill,naebodywadsaynaethingagainstit."

"But,mygoodwoman,"saidI,whiletheBailiegroanedandremainedundecided,"itissixhourssincewedined,andwehavenottakenamorselsince.Iampositivelydyingwithhunger,andIhavenotastefortakingupmyabodesupperlessamongthesemountainsofyours.Ipositivelymustenter;andmakethebestapologyyoucantoyourguestsforaddingastrangerortwototheirnumber.Andrew,youwillseethehorsesputup."

TheHecatelookedatmewithsurprise,andthenejaculated--"Awilfu'manwillhaehisway--themthatwilltoCuparmauntoCupar!--ToseethaeEnglishbelly-gods!hehashadaefu'mealthedayalready,andhe'llventurelifeandliberty,ratherthanhe'llwantahetsupper!Set



roastedbeefandpuddingontheoppositesideo'thepito'Tophet,andanEnglishmanwillmakaspangatit--ButIwashmyhandso't--Followmesir"(toAndrew),"andI'seshowyewheretopitthebeasts."

IownIwassomewhatdismayedatmylandlady'sexpressions,whichseemedtobeominousofsomeapproachingdanger.Ididnot,however,choosetoshrinkbackafterhavingdeclaredmyresolution,andaccordinglyIboldlyenteredthehouse;andafternarrowlyescapingbreakingmyshinsoveraturfbackandasaltingtub,whichstoodoneithersideofthenarrowexteriorpassage,Iopenedacrazyhalf-decayeddoor,constructednotofplank,butofwicker,and,followedbytheBailie,enteredintotheprincipalapartmentofthisScottishcaravansary.

Theinteriorpresentedaviewwhichseemedsingularenoughtosoutherneyes.Thefire,fedwithblazingturfandbranchesofdriedwood,blazedmerrilyinthecentre;butthesmoke,havingnomeanstoescapebutthroughaholeintheroof,eddiedroundtheraftersofthecottage,andhunginsablefoldsattheheightofaboutfivefeetfromthefloor.Thespacebeneathwaskeptprettyclearbyinnumerablecurrentsofairwhichrushedtowardsthefirefromthebrokenpanelofbasket-workwhichservedasadoor--fromtwosquareholes,designedasostensiblewindows,throughoneofwhichwasthrustaplaid,andthroughtheotheratatteredgreat-coat--andmoreover,throughvariouslessdistinguishableapertures

inthewallsofthetenement,which,beingbuiltofroundstonesandturf,cementedbymud,letintheatmosphereatinnumerablecrevices.

Atanoldoakentable,adjoiningtothefire,satthreemen,guestsapparently,whomitwasimpossibletoregardwithindifference.TwowereintheHighlanddress;theone,alittledark-complexionedman,withalively,quick,andirritableexpressionoffeatures,worethetrews,orclosepantaloonswoveoutofasortofchequeredstockingstuff.TheBailiewhisperedme,that"hebehovedtobeamanofsomeconsequence,forthatnaebodybuttheirDuinhe'wasselsworethetrews--theywereilltoweaveexactlytotheirHighlandpleasure."

Theothermountaineerwasaverytall,strongman,withaquantityof

reddishhair,freckledface,highcheek-bones,andlongchin--asortofcaricatureofthenationalfeaturesofScotland.Thetartanwhichheworedifferedfromthatofhiscompanion,asithadmuchmorescarletinit,whereastheshadesofblackanddark-greenpredominatedinthechequersoftheother.Thethird,whosateatthesametable,wasintheLowlanddress,--abold,stout-lookingman,withacastofmilitarydaringinhiseyeandmanner,hisriding-dressshowilyandprofuselylaced,andhiscockedhatofformidabledimensions.Hishangerandapairofpistolslayonthetablebeforehim.EachoftheHighlandershadtheirnakeddirksstuckuprightintheboardbesidehim,--anemblem,Iwasafterwardsinformed,butsurelyastrangeone,thattheircomputationwasnottobeinterruptedbyanybrawl.Amightypewtermeasure,containingaboutanEnglishquartofusquebaugh,aliquornearlyasstrongasbrandy,which

theHighlandersdistilfrommalt,anddrinkundilutedinexcessivequantities,wasplacedbeforetheseworthies.Abrokenglass,withawoodenfoot,servedasadrinkingcuptothewholeparty,andcirculatedwitharapidity,which,consideringthepotencyoftheliquor,seemed



absolutelymarvellous.Thesemenspokeloudlyandeagerlytogether,sometimesinGaelic,atothertimesinEnglish.AnotherHighlander,wraptinhisplaid,reclinedonthefloor,hisheadrestingonastone,fromwhichitwasonlyseparatedbyawispofstraw,andsleptorseemedtosleep,withoutattendingtowhatwasgoingonaroundhim,Healsowasprobablyastranger,forhelayinfulldress,andaccoutredwiththeswordandtarget,theusualarmsofhiscountrymenwhenonajourney.Cribstherewereofdifferentdimensionsbesidethewalls,formed,someoffracturedboards,someofshatteredwicker-workorplaitedboughs,inwhichslumberedthefamilyofthehouse,men,women,andchildren,theirplacesofreposeonlyconcealedbytheduskywreathsofvapourwhicharoseabove,below,andaroundthem.

Ourentrancewasmadesoquietly,andthecarousersIhavedescribedweresoeagerlyengagedintheirdiscussions,thatweescapedtheirnoticeforaminuteortwo.ButIobservedtheHighlanderwholaybesidethefireraisehimselfonhiselbowasweentered,and,drawinghisplaidoverthelowerpartofhisface,fixhislookonusforafewseconds,afterwhichheresumedhisrecumbentposture,andseemedagaintobetakehimselftothereposewhichourentrancehadinterrupted,

Weadvancedtothefire,whichwasanagreeablespectacleafterourlateride,duringthechillnessofanautumneveningamongthemountains,and

firstattractedtheattentionoftheguestswhohadprecededus,bycallingforthelandlady.Sheapproached,lookingdoubtfullyandtimidly,nowatus,nowattheotherparty,andreturnedahesitatinganddoubtfulanswertoourrequesttohavesomethingtoeat.

"Shedidnaken,"shesaid,"shewasnasuretherewasonythinginthehouse,"andthenmodifiedherrefusalwiththequalification--"thatis,onythingfitforthelikeofus."

Iassuredherwewereindifferenttothequalityofoursupper;andlookingroundforthemeansofaccommodation,whichwerenoteasilytobefound,Iarrangedanoldhen-coopasaseatforMr.Jarvie,andturneddownabrokentubtoserveformyown.AndrewFairserviceentered

presentlyafterwards,andtookaplaceinsilencebehindourbacks.Thenatives,asImaycallthem,continuedstaringatuswithanairasifconfoundedbyourassurance,andwe,atleastImyself,disguisedaswellaswecould,underanappearanceofindifference,anysecretanxietywemightfeelconcerningthemodeinwhichweweretobereceivedbythosewhoseprivacywehaddisturbed.

Atlength,thelesserHighlander,addressinghimselftomesaid,inverygoodEnglish,andinatoneofgreathaughtiness,"Yemakeyourselfathome,sir,Isee."

"Iusuallydoso,"Ireplied,"whenIcomeintoahouseofpublicentertainment."

"Anddidshenasee,"saidthetallerman,"bythewhitewandatthedoor,thatgentlemanshadtakenupthepublic-houseontheirainbusiness?"



"IdonotpretendtounderstandthecustomsofthiscountrybutIamyettolearn,"Ireplied,"howthreepersonsshouldbeentitledtoexcludeallothertravellersfromtheonlyplaceofshelterandrefreshmentformilesround."

"There'snaereasonfor't,gentlemen,"saidtheBailie;"wemeannaeoffence--butthere'sneitherlawnorreasonfor't;butasfarasastoupo'gudebrandywadmakeupthequarrel,we,beingpeaceablefolk,wadbewilling."

"Damnyourbrandy,sir!"saidtheLowlander,adjustinghiscockedhatfiercelyuponhishead;"wedesireneitheryourbrandynoryourcompany,"andupherosefromhisseat.Hiscompanionsalsoarose,mutteringtoeachother,drawinguptheirplaids,andsnortingandsnuffingtheairafterthemarineroftheircountrymenwhenworkingthemselvesintoapassion.

"Itauldyewhatwadcome,gentlemen,"saidthelandlady,"anyewadhaebeentauld:--getawa'wi'yeouto'myhouse,andmakenaedisturbancehere--there'snaegentlemanbedisturbedatJeanieMacAlpine'sanshecanhinder.AwheenidleEnglishloons,gaunaboutthecountryundercloudo'night,anddisturbinghonestpeaceablegentlementhataredrinkingtheirdrapdrinkatthefireside!"

AtanothertimeIshouldhavethoughtoftheoldLatinadage,

"Datveniamcorvis,vexatcensurecolumbas"-

ButIhadnotanytimeforclassicalquotation,fortherewasobviouslyafrayabouttoensue,atwhich,feelingmyselfindiginantattheinhospitableinsolencewithwhichIwastreated,Iwastotallyindifferent,unlessontheBailie'saccount,whosepersonandqualitieswereillqualifiedforsuchanadventure.Istartedup,however,onseeingtheothersrise,anddroppedmy.cloakfrommyshoulders,thatImightbereadytostandonthedefensive.

"Wearethreetothree,"saidthelesserHighlander,glancinghiseyesatourparty:"ifyebeprettymen,draw!"andunsheathinghisbroadsword,headvancedonme.Iputmyselfinapostureofdefence,andawareofthesuperiorityofmyweapon,arapierorsmall-sword,waslittleafraidoftheissueofthecontest.TheBailiebehavedwithunexpectedmettle.AshesawthegiganticHighlanderconfronthimwithhisweapondrawn,hetuggedforasecondortwoatthehiltofhis_shabble,_ashecalledit;butfindingitlothtoquitthesheath,towhichithadlongbeensecuredbyrustanddisuse,heseized,asasubstitute,onthered-hotcoulterofaploughwhichhadbeenemployedinarrangingthefirebywayofapoker,andbrandisheditwithsucheffect,thatatthefirstpasshesettheHighlander'splaidonfire,andcompelledhimtokeeparespectful

distancetillhecouldgetitextinguished.Andrew,onthecontrary,whooughttohavefacedtheLowlandchampion,had,Igrievetosayit,vanishedattheverycommencementofthefray.Buthisantagonist,crying



"Fairplay,fairplay!"seemedcourteouslydisposedtotakenoshareinthescuffle.Thuswecommencedourrencontreonfairtermsastonumbers.Myownaimwas,topossessmyself,ifpossible,ofmyantagonist'sweapon;butIwasdeterredfromclosing,forfearofthedirkwhichheheldinhislefthand,andusedinparryingthethrustsofmyrapier.MeantimetheBailie,notwithstandingthesuccessofhisfirstonset,wassorelybested.Theweightofhisweapon,thecorpulenceofhisperson,theveryeffervescenceofhisownpassions,wererapidlyexhaustingbothhisstrengthandhisbreath,andhewasalmostatthemercyofhisantagonist,whenupstartedthesleepingHighlanderfromtheflooronwhichhereclined,withhisnakedswordandtargetinhishand,andthrewhimselfbetweenthediscomfitedmagistrateandhisassailant,exclaiming,"HernainsellhaseatenthetownpreadattheCrosso'Glasgow,andpyhertrothshe'llfightforBailieSharvieattheClachanofAberfoil--tatwillshee'en!"Andsecondinghiswordswithdeeds,thisunexpectedauxiliarymadehisswordwhistleabouttheearsofhistallcountryman,who,nothingabashed,returnedhisblowswithinterest.Butbeingbothaccoutredwithroundtargetsmadeofwood,studdedwithbrass,andcoveredwithleather,withwhichtheyreadilyparriedeachother'sstrokes,theircombatwasattendedwithmuchmorenoiseandclatterthanseriousriskofdamage.Itappeared,indeed,thattherewasmoreofbravadothanofseriousattempttodousanyinjury;fortheLowlandgentleman,who,asImentioned,hadstoodasideforwantofanantagonist

whenthebrawlcommenced,wasnowpleasedtoactthepartofmoderatorandpeacemaker.

"Handyourhands!haudyourhands!--eneughdone!--eneughdone!thequarrel'snomortal.Thestrangegentlemenhaveshownthemselvesmenofhonour,andgienreasonablesatisfaction.I'llstandonminehonouraskittleasonyman,butIhateunnecessarybloodshed."

Itwasnot,ofcourse,mywishtoprotractthefray--myadversaryseemedequallydisposedtosheathehissword--theBailie,gaspingforbreath,mightbeconsideredas_horsdecombat,_andourtwosword-and-bucklermengaveuptheircontestwithasmuchindifferenceastheyhadenteredintoit.

"Andnow,"saidtheworthygentlemanwhoactedasumpire,"letusdrinkandgreelikehonestfellows--Thehousewillhaudusa'.Iproposethatthisgoodlittlegentleman,thatseemssairforfoughen,asImaysay,inthistuilzie,shallsendforatasso'brandyandI'llpayforanother,bywayofarchilowe,*andthenwe'llbirlourbawbeesa'roundabout,likebrethren."

"Andfa'stopaymynewponnieplaid,"saidthelargerHighlander,"wi'aholeburntin'tanemightputakail-patthrough?Saweveronybodyadecentgentlemanfightwi'afirebrandbefore?"

"Letthatbenaehinderance,"saidtheBailie,whohadnowrecoveredhis

breath,andwasatoncedisposedtoenjoythetriumphofhavingbehavedwithspirit,andavoidthenecessityofagainresortingtosuchhardanddoubtfularbitrament--"GinIhaebrokenthehead,"hesaid,"Isallfindtheplaister.Anewplaidsallyehae,ando'thebest--yourain



clan-colours,man,--anyewilltellmewhereitcanbesentt'yefraeGlasco."

"Ineednanamemyclan--Iamofaking'sclan,asisweelken'd,"saidtheHighlander;"butyemaytakabito'theplaid--figh!shesmellslikeasingitsheep'shead!--andthat'lllearnyethesett--andagentleman,that'sacousino'myain,thatcarrieseggsdounfraeGlencroe,willca'for'taboutMartimas,anyewilltellherwhereyebide.But,honestgentleman,neisttimeyefight,anyehaeonyrespectforyourathversary,letitbewi'yoursword,man,sinceyewearane,andnowi'thaehetcultersandfireprands,likeawildIndian."

"Conscience!"repliedtheBailie,"everymanmaundoashedow.MyswordhasnaseenthelightsinceBothwellBrigg,whenmyfatherthat'sdeadandgane,wareit;andIkennaweelifitwasforthcomingtheneither,forthebattlewaso'thebriefest--Atonyrate,it'sgluedtothescabbardnowbeyondmypowertopartthem;and,findingthat,Ie'engrippitatthefirstthingIcouldmakeafendwi'.Itrowmyfightingdaysisdone,thoughIlikeilltotakethescorn,fora'that.--Butwhere'sthehonestladthattuikmyquarrelonhimselfsaefrankly?--I'sebestowagillo'aquavitaeonhim,anIsuldneverca'foranither."

*Archilowe,ofunknownderivation,signifiesapeace-offering.

Thechampionforwhomhelookedaroundwas,however,nolongertobeseen.HehadescapedunobservedbytheBailie,immediatelywhenthebrawlwasended,yetnotbeforeIhadrecognised,inhiswildfeaturesandshaggyredhair,ouracquaintanceDougal,thefugitiveturnkeyoftheGlasgowjail.IcommunicatedthisobservationinawhispertotheBailie,whoansweredinthesametone,"Weel,weel,--Iseethathimthatyekeno'saidveryright;there_is_someglimmeringo'commonsenseaboutthatcreatureDougal;Imaunseeandthinko'somethingwilldohimsomegude."

Thussaying,hesatdown,andfetchingoneortwodeepaspirations,bywayofrecoveringhisbreath,calledtothelandlady--"Ithink,Luckie,nowthatIfindthatthere'snaeholeinmywame,whilkIhadmuckle

reasontodoubtfraethedoingso'yourhouse,Iwadbethebettero'somethingtopitintill't."

Thedame,whowasallofficiousnesssosoonasthestormhadblownover,immediatelyundertooktobroilsomethingcomfortableforoursupper.Indeed,nothingsurprisedmemore,inthecourseofthewholematter,thantheextremecalmnesswithwhichsheandherhouseholdseemedtoregardthemartialtumultthathadtakenplace.Thegoodwomanwasonlyheardtocalltosomeofherassistants--"Steekthedoor!steekthedoor!killorbekilled,letnaebodypassouttilltheyhaepaidthelawin."Andasfortheslumberersinthoselairsbythewall,whichservedthefamilyforbeds,theyonlyraisedtheirshirtlessbodiestolookatthefray,ejaculated,"Oigh!oigh!"inthetonesuitabletotheirrespective

sexandages,andwere,Ibelieve,fastasleepagain,ereourswordswerewellreturnedtotheirscabbards.



Ourlandlady,however,nowmadeagreatbustletogetsomevictualsready,and,tomysurprise,verysoonbegantoprepareforusinthefrying-panasavourymessofvenisoncollops,whichshedressedinamannerthatmightwellsatisfyhungrymen,ifnotepicures.Inthemeantimethebrandywasplacedonthetable,towhichtheHighlanders,howeverpartialtotheirnativestrongwaters,showednoobjection,butmuchthecontrary;andtheLowlandgentleman,afterthefirstcuphadpassedround,becamedesiroustoknowourprofession,andtheobjectofourjourney.

"Wearebitso'Glasgowbodies,ifitpleaseyourhonour,"saidtheBailie,withanaffectationofgreathumility,"travellingtoStirlingtogetinsomesillerthatisawingus."

Iwassosillyastofeelalittledisconcertedattheunassumingaccountwhichhechosetogiveofus;butIrecollectedmypromisetobesilent,andallowtheBailietomanagethematterhisownway.Andreally,whenIrecollected,Will,thatIhadnotonlybroughtthehonestmanalongjourneyfromhome,whicheveninitselfhadbeensomeinconvenience(ifIweretojudgefromtheobviouspainandreluctancewithwhichhetookhisseat,orarosefromit),buthadalsoputhimwithinahair's-breadthofthelossofhislife,Icouldhardlyrefusehimsuchacompliment.Thespokesmanoftheotherparty,snuffinguphisbreaththroughhisnose,

repeatedthewordswithasortofsneer;--"YouGlasgowtradesfolkshaenaethingtodobuttogangfraethetaeendo'thewesto'Scotlandtotheither,toplaguehonestfolksthatmaychancetobeaweeahintthehand,likeme."

"Ifourdebtorswerea'sichonestgentlemenasIbelieveyoutobe,Garschattachin,"repliedtheBailie,"conscience!wemightsaveourselvesalabour,fortheywadcometoseekus."

"Eh!what!how!"exclaimedthepersonwhomhehadaddressed,--"asIshalllivebybread(notforgettingbeefandbrandy),it'smyauldfriendNicolJarvie,thebestmanthatevercounteddounmerksonabandtilladistressedgentleman.Wereyenacomingupmyway?--wereyenacomingup

theEndricktoGarschattachin?"

"Trothno,MaisterGalbraith,"repliedtheBailie,"Ihadothereggsonthespit--andIthoughtyewadbesayingIcamtolookabouttheannualrentthat'sdueonthebitheritablebandthat'sbetweenus."

"Damntheannualrent!"saidthelaird,withanappearanceofgreatheartiness--"Deilawordo'businesswillyouorIspeak,nowthatye'resonearmycountry.Toseehowatrot-coseyandajosephcandisguiseaman--thatIsuldnakenmyauldfealfriendthedeacon!"

"TheBailie,ifyeplease,"resumedmycompanion;"butIkenwhatgarsyemistak--thebandwasgrantedtomyfatherthat'shappy,andhewas

deacon;buthisnamewasNicolasweelasmine.Idinnamindthatthere'sbeenapaymentofprincipalsumorannualrentonitinmyday,anddoubtlessthathasmadethemistake."



"Weel,thedeviltakethemistakeandallthatoccasionedit!"repliedMr.Galbraith."ButIamgladyeareabailie.Gentlemen,fillabrimmer--thisismyexcellentfriend,BailieNicolJarvie'shealth--Iken'dhimandhisfatherthesetwentyyears.Areyea'clearedkeltyaff?--Fillanither.Here'stohisbeingsuneprovost--Isayprovost--LordProvostNicolJarvie!--andthemthataffirmsthere'samanwalkstheHie-streeto'Glasgowthat'sfitterfortheoffice,theywilldoweelnottoletme,DuncanGalbraithofGarschattachin,hearthemsaysae--that'sall."AndtherewithDuncanGalbraithmartiallycockedhishat,andplaceditononesideofhisheadwithanairofdefiance.

ThebrandywasprobablythebestrecommendationoftherecomplimentarytoaststothetwoHighlanders,whodrankthemwithoutappearinganxioustocomprehendtheirpurport.TheycommencedaconversationwithMr.GalbraithinGaelic,whichhetalkedwithperfectfluency,being,asIafterwardslearned,anearneighbourtotheHighlands.

"Iken'dthatScant-o'-graceweeleneughfraetheveryoutset,"saidtheBailie,inawhispertome;"butwhenbludewaswarm,andswordswereoutatonyrate,whakenswhatwayhemighthaethoughto'payinghisdebts?itwillbelangorhedoesitincommonform.Buthe'sanhonestlad,andhasawarmhearttoo;hedisnacomeoftentotheCrosso'Glasgow,butmonyabuckandblackcockhesendsusdounfraethehills.AndIcanwant

mysillerweeleneugh.MyfatherthedeaconhadagreatregardforthefamilyofGarschattachin."

Supperbeingnownearlyready,IlookedroundforAndrewFairservice;butthattrustyfollowerhadnotbeenseenbyanyonesincethebeginningoftherencontre.Thehostess,however,saidthatshebelievedourservanthadgoneintothestable,andofferedtolightmetotheplace,sayingthat"noentreatiesofthebairnsorherscouldmakehimgiveanyanswer;andthattrulyshecarednatogangintothestableherselfatthishour.Shewasalonewoman,anditwasweelken'dhowtheBrownieofBen-ye-gaskguidedthegudewifeofArdnagowan;anditwasayejudgedtherewasaBrownieinourstable,whichwasjustwhatgarr'dmegieowerkeepinganhostler."

As,however,shelightedmetowardsthemiserablehovelintowhichtheyhadcrammedourunluckysteeds,toregalethemselvesonhay,everyfibreofwhichwasasthickasanordinarygoose-quill,sheplainlyshowedmethatshehadanotherreasonfordrawingmeasidefromthecompanythanthatwhichherwordsimplied."Readthat,"shesaid,slippingapieceofpaperintomyhand,aswearrivedatthedooroftheshed;"IblessGodIamrido't.BetweensogersandSaxons,andcateransandcattle-lifters,andhershipandbluidshed,anhonestwomanwadlivequieterinhellthanontheHielandline."

Sosaying,sheputthepine-torchintomyhand,andreturnedintothehouse,

CHAPTERTWELFTH.



Bagpipes,notlyres,theHighlandhillsadorn,MacLean'sloudhollo,andMacGregor'shorn.JohnCooper'sReplytoAllanRamsay.

Istoppedintheentranceofthestable,ifindeedaplacebeentitledtothatnamewherehorseswerestowedawayalongwithgoats,poultry,pigs,andcows,underthesameroofwiththemansion-house;although,byadegreeofrefinementunknowntotherestofthehamlet,andwhichIafterwardsheardwasimputedtoanoverprideonthepartofJeanieMacAlpine,ourlandlady,theapartmentwasaccommodatedwithanentrancedifferentfromthatusedbyherbipedcustomers.Bythelightofmytorch,Idecipheredthefollowingbillet,writtenonawet,crumpled,anddirtypieceofpaper,andaddressed--"ForthehonouredhandsofMr.F.O.,aSaxonyounggentleman--These."Thecontentswereasfollows:-

"Sir,

"Therearenight-hawksabroad,sothatIcannotgiveyouandmyrespectedkinsman,B.N.J.,themeetingattheClachanofAberfoil,whilkwasmypurpose.Iprayyoutoavoidunnecessarycommunicationwiththoseyoumayfindthere,asitmaygivefuturetrouble.Thepersonwhogivesyouthis

isfaithfulandmaybetrusted,andwillguideyoutoaplacewhere,Godwilling,Imaysafelygiveyouthemeeting,whenItrustmykinsmanandyouwillvisitmypoorhouse,where,indespiteofmyenemies,IcanstillpromisesiccheerasaneHielandmanmaygiehisfriends,andwherewewilldrinkasolemnhealthtoacertainD.V.,andlooktocertainaffairswhilkIhopetobeyouraidancein;andIrest,asiswontamonggentlemen,

yourservanttocommand,

R.M.C."Iwasagooddealmortifiedatthepurportofthisletter,whichseemedtoadjourntoamoredistantplaceanddatetheservicewhichIhadhoped

toreceivefromthismanCampbell.Still,however,itwassomecomforttoknowthathecontinuedtobeinmyinterest,sincewithouthimIcouldhavenohopeofrecoveringmyfather'spapers.Iresolved,therefore,toobeyhisinstructions;and,observingallcautionbeforetheguests,totakethefirstgoodopportunityIcouldfindtoprocurefromthelandladydirectionshowIwastoobtainameetingwiththismysteriousperson.

MynextbusinesswastoseekoutAndrewFairservice,whomIcalledseveraltimesbyname,withoutreceivinganyanswer,surveyingthestableallround,atthesametime,notwithoutriskofsettingthepremisesonfire,hadnotthequantityofwetlitterandmudsogreatlycounterbalancedtwoorthreebunchesofstrawandhay.Atlengthmyrepeatedcriesof"AndrewFairservice!Andrew!fool!--ass!whereare

you?"producedadoleful"Here,"inagroaningtone,whichmighthavebeenthatoftheBrownieitself.Guidedbythissound,Iadvancedtothecornerofashed,where,ensconcedintheangleofthewall,behinda



barrelfullofthefeathersofallthefowlswhichhaddiedinthecauseofthepublicforamonthpast,IfoundthemanfulAndrew;andpartlybyforce,partlybycommandandexhortation,compelledhimforthintotheopenair.Thefirstwordshespokewere,"Iamanhonestlad,sir."

"Whothedevilquestionsyourhonesty?"saidI,"orwhathavewetodowithitatpresent?Idesireyoutocomeandattendusatsupper."

"Yes,"reiteratedAndrew,withoutapparentlyunderstandingwhatIsaidtohim,"Iamanhonestlad,whatevertheBailiemaysaytothecontrary.Igrantthewarldandthewarld'sgearsitsowernearmyheartwhiles,asitdoestomonyaane--ButIamanhonestlad;and,thoughIspako'leavingyeinthemuir,yetGodknowsitwasfarfraemypurpose,butjustlikeidlethingsfolksayswhenthey'redrivingabargain,togetitasfartotheirainsideastheycan--AndIlikeyourhonourweelforsaeyoungalad,andIwadnapartwi'yelightly."

"Whatthedeuceareyoudrivingatnow?"Ireplied."Hasnoteverythingbeensettledagainandagaintoyoursatisfaction?Andareyoutotalkofleavingmeeveryhour,withouteitherrhymeorreason?"

"Ay,--butIwasonlymakingfashionbefore,"repliedAndrew;"butit'scomeonmeinsairearnestnow--Loseorwin,Idaurgaenaefartherwi'

yourhonour;andifye'lltakmyfoolishadvice,ye'llbidebyabrokentryste,ratherthangangforwardyoursell.Ihaeasincereregardforye,andI'msureye'llbeacredittoyourfriendsifyelivetosawoutyourwildaits,andgetsomemairsenseandsteadiness--ButIcanfollowyenaefarther,evenifyesuldfounderandperishfromthewayforlackofguidanceandcounsel.TogangintoRobRoy'scountryisameretemptingo'Providence."

"RobRoy?"saidI,insomesurprise;"Iknownosuchperson.Whatnewtrickisthis,Andrew?"

"It'shard,"saidAndrew--"veryhard,thatamancannabebelievedwhenhespeaksHeaven'struth,justbecausehe'swhilesowercome,andtells

leesalittlewhenthereisnecessaryoccasion.YeneednaaskwhaeRobRoyis,thereivinglifterthatheis--Godforgieme!Ihopenaebodyhearsus--whenyehaealetterfraehiminyourpouch.Iheardaneo'hisgilliesbidthatauldrudasjaudofagudewifegieyethat.TheythoughtIdidnaunderstandtheirgibberish;but,thoughIcannaspeakitmuckle,IcangieagudeguessatwhatIhearthemsay--Ineverthoughttohaetauldyethat,butinafrighta'thingscomeoutthatsuldbekeepitin.O,MaisterFrank!a'youruncle'sfollies,anda'yourcousin'spliskies,werenaethingtothis!Drinkcleancapout,likeSirHildebrand;begintheblessedmorningwithbrandysops,likeSquirePercy;swagger,likeSquireThorncliff;rinwudamangthelasses,likeSquireJohn;gamble,likeRichard;winsoulstothePopeandthedeevil,likeRashleigh;rive,rant,breaktheSabbath,anddothePope'sbidding,likethema'put

thegither--But,mercifulProvidence!takecareo'youryoungbluid,andgangnaenearRobRoy!"

Andrew'salarmwastoosinceretopermitmetosupposehecounterfeited.



Icontentedmyself,however,withtellinghim,thatImeanttoremaininthealehousethatnight,anddesiredtohavethehorseswelllookedafter.Astotherest,Ichargedhimtoobservethestrictestsilenceuponthesubjectofhisalarm,andhemightrelyuponitIwouldnotincuranyseriousdangerwithoutdueprecaution.Hefollowedmewithadejectedairintothehouse,observingbetweenhisteeth,"Mansuldbeservedaforebeast--Ihaenahadamorselinmymouth,buttheroughlegso'thatauldmuircock,thishaillblessedday."

Theharmonyofthecompanyseemedtohavesufferedsomeinterruptionsincemydeparture,forIfoundMr.GalbraithandmyfriendtheBailiehighindispute.

"I'llhearnaesiclanguage,"saidMr.Jarvie,asIentered,"respectingtheDukeo'Argyleandthenameo'Campbell.He'saworthypublic-spiritednobleman,andacredittothecountry,andafriendandbenefactortothetradeo'Glasgow."

"I'llsaenaethingagainstMacCallumMoreandtheSlioch-nan-Diarmid,"saidthelesserHighlander,laughing."IliveonthewrangsideofGlencroetoquarrelwithInverara."

"Ourlochne'ersawtheCawmillymphads,"*saidthebiggerHighlander.

*_Lymphads._ThegalleywhichthefamilyofArgyleandothersofthe*ClanCampbellcarryintheirarms.

"She'llspeakhermindandfearnaebody--ShedoesnavalueaCawmilmairasaCowan,andyemaytellMacCallumMorethatAllanIverachsaidsae-It'safarcrytoLochow."*

*Lochowandtheadjacentdistrictsformedtheoriginalseatofthe*Campbells.Theexpressionofa"farcrytoLochow"wasproverbial.

Mr.Galbraith,onwhomtherepeatedpledgeswhichhehadquaffedhadproducedsomeinfluence,slappedhishandonthetablewithgreatforce,

andsaid,inasternvoice,"There'sabloodydebtduebythatfamily,andtheywillpayitoneday--ThebanesofaloyalandagallantGrahamehaelangrattledintheircoffinforvengeanceonthaeDukesofGuileandLordsforLorn.Therene'erwastreasoninScotlandbutaCawmilwasatthebottomo't;andnowthatthewrangside'suppermost,whabuttheCawmilsforkeepingdowntheright?Butthiswarldwinnalastlang,anditwillbetimetosharpthemaiden*forshearingo'craigsandthrapples.Ihopetoseetheauldrustylasslinkingatabluidyharstagain."

*ArudekindofguillotineformerlyusedinScotland."Forshame,Garschattachin!"exclaimedtheBailie;"fyforshame,sir!Wadyesaysicthingsbeforeamagistrate,andbringyoursellinto

trouble?--Howd'yethinktomainteenyourfamilyandsatisfyyourcreditors(mysellandothers),ifyegangoninthatwildway,whichcannotbutbringyouunderthelaw,totheprejudiceofa'that's



connectedwi'ye?"

"D--nmycreditors!"retortedthegallantGalbraith,"andyouifyebeaneo'them!Isaytherewillbeanewwarldsune--AndweshallhaenaeCawmilscockingtheirbonnetsaehie,andhoundingtheirdogswheretheydaurnacomethemsells,norprotectingthieves,normurderers,andoppressors,toharryandspoilbettermenandmairloyalclansthanthemsells."

TheBailiehadagreatmindtohavecontinuedthedispute,whenthesavouryvapourofthebroiledvenison,whichourlandladynowplacedbeforeus,provedsopowerfulamediator,thathebetookhimselftohistrencherwithgreateagerness,leavingthestrangerstocarryonthedisputeamongthemselves.

"Andtat'strue,"saidthetallerHighlander--whosenameIfoundwasStewart--"forwesuldnabeplaguedandworriedherewi'meetingstopitdownRobRoy,iftheCawmilsdidnagiehimrefutch.Iwasaneo'thirtyo'myainname--partGlenfinlas,andpartmenthatcamedownfraeAppine.WeshasedtheMacGregorsasyewadshaserae-deer,tillwecameintoGlenfalloch'scountry,andtheCawmilsraise,andwadnaletuspursuenaefarder,andsaewelostourlabour;butherwadgietwaandaplacktobeasnearRobasshewastatday."

Itseemedtohappenveryunfortunately,thatineverytopicofdiscoursewhichthesewarlikegentlemenintroduced,myfriendtheBailiefoundsomematterofoffence."Ye'llforgiemespeakingmymind,sir;butyewadmaybehaegienthebestbowlinyourbonnettohaebeenasfarawaefraeRobasyearee'ennow--Od!myhetpleugh-culterwadhaebeennaethingtohisclaymore."

"Shehadbetterspeaknaemairaboutherculter,or,byG--!herwillgarhereatherwords,andtwahandfulso'cauldsteeltodrivethemowerwi'!"And,withamostinauspiciousandmenacinglook,themountaineerlaidhishandonhisdagger.

"We'llhaenaequarrelling,Allan,"saidhisshortercompanion;"andiftheGlasgowgentlemanhasonyregardforRobRoy,he'llmaybeseehimincauldironsthenight,andplayingtricksonatowthemorn;forthiscountryhasbeenowrelangplaguedwi'him,andhisraceisnear-handrun--Andit'stime,Allan,weweregangingtoourlads."

"Houtawa,Inverashalloch,"saidGalbraith;--"Mindtheauldsaw,man-It'sabauldmoon,quothBennygask--anotherpint,quothLesley;--we'llnostartforanotherchappin."

"Ihaehadchappinseneugh,"saidInverashalloch;"I'lldrinkmyquartofusquebaughorbrandywi'onyhonestfellow,butthedeiladrapmairwhenIhaewarktodointhemorning.And,inmypuirthinking,

Garschattachin,yehadbetterbethinkingtobringupyourhorsementotheClachanbeforeday,thatwemayaystartfair."

"Whatthedeevilareyeinsicahurryfor?"saidGarschattachin;"meat



andmassneverhinderedwark.Anithadbeenmydirecting,deilabito'mewadhaefashedyetocomedowntheglenstohelpus.ThegarrisonandourainhorsecouldhaetaenRobRoyeasilyenough.There'sthehand,"hesaid,holdinguphisown,"shouldlayhimonthegreen,andneveraskaHielandmano'yea'forhishelp."

"Yemighthaelootusbidestillwherewewere,then,"saidInverashalloch."Ididnacomesixtymileswithoutbeingsentfor.Butanye'llhaemyopinion,Ireddyekeepyourmouthbettersteekit,ifyehopetospeed.Shoredfolklivelang,andsaemayhimyekeno'.Thewaytocatchabirdisnotoflingyourbannetather.Andalsothaegentlemenhaeheardsomethingstheysuldnahaeheard,anthebrandyhadnabeenowerbauldforyourbrain,MajorGalbraith.Yeneednacockyourhatandbullywi'me,man,forIwillnotbearit."

"Ihaesaidit,"saidGalbraith,withasolemnairofdrunkengravity,"thatIwillquarrelnomorethisnighteitherwithbroadclothortartan.WhenIamoffdutyI'llquarrelwithyouoronymanintheHielandsorLowlands,butnotonduty--no--no.Iwishweheardo'thesered-coats.IfithadbeentodoonythingagainstKingJames,wewadhaeseenthemlangsyne--butwhenit'stokeepthepeaceo'thecountrytheycanlieasloundastheirneighbours."

Ashespokeweheardthemeasuredfootstepsofabodyofinfantryonthemarch;andanofficer,followedbytwoorthreefilesofsoldiers,enteredtheapartment.HespokeinanEnglishaccent,whichwasverypleasanttomyears,nowsolongaccustomedtothevaryingbrogueoftheHighlandandLowlandScotch.--"Youare,Isuppose,MajorGalbraith,ofthesquadronofLennoxMilitia,andthesearethetwoHighlandgentlemenwithwhomIwasappointedtomeetinthisplace?"

Theyassented,andinvitedtheofficertotakesomerefreshments,whichhedeclined.--"Ihavebeentoolate,gentlemen,andamdesiroustomakeuptime.Ihaveorderstosearchforandarresttwopersonsguiltyoftreasonablepractices."

"We'llwashourhandso'that,"saidInverashalloch."Icameherewi'mymentofightagainsttheredMacGregorthatkilledmycousin,seventimesremoved,DuncanMacLaren,inInvernenty;*butIwillhaenothingtodotouchinghonestgentlementhatmaybegaunthroughthecountryontheirainbusiness."

*This,asappearsfromtheintroductorymattertothisTale,isananachronism.TheslaughterofMacLaren,aretainerofthechiefofAppine,bytheMacGregors,didnottakeplacetillafterRobRoy'sdeath,sinceithappenedin1736."NorIneither,"saidIverach.

MajorGalbraithtookupthemattermoresolemnly,and,premisinghis

orationwithahiccup,spoketothefollowingpurpose:-

"IshallsaynothingagainstKingGeorge,Captain,because,asit



happens,mycommissionmayrininhisname--Butonecommissionbeinggood,sir,doesnotmakeanotherbad;andsomethinkthatJamesmaybejustasgoodanameasGeorge.There'sthekingthatis--andthere'sthekingthatsuldofrightbe--Isay,anhonestmanmayandsuldbeloyaltothemboth,Captain.ButIamoftheLordLieutenant'sopinionforthetime,asitbecomesamilitiaofficerandadepute-lieutenant--andabouttreasonandallthat,it'slosttimetospeakofit--leastsaidissunestmended."

"Iamsorrytoseehowyouhavebeenemployingyourtime,sir,"repliedtheEnglishofficer--asindeedthehonestgentleman'sreasoninghadastrongrelishoftheliquorhehadbeendrinking--"andIcouldwish,sir,ithadbeenotherwiseonanoccasionofthisconsequence.Iwouldrecommendtoyoutotrytosleepforanhour.--Dothesegentlemenbelongtoyourparty?"--lookingattheBailieandme,who,engagedineatingoursupper,hadpaidlittleattentiontotheofficeronhisentrance.

"Travellers,sir,"saidGalbraith--"lawfultravellersbyseaandland,astheprayer-bookhathit."

"Myinstructions."saidtheCaptain,takingalighttosurveyuscloser,"aretoplaceunderarrestanelderlyandayoungperson--andIthinkthesegentlemenanswernearlythedescription."

"Takecarewhatyousay,sir,"saidMr.Jarvie;"itshallnotbeyourredcoatnoryourlacedhatshallprotectyou,ifyouputanyaffrontonme.I'seconveneyebaithinanactionofscandalandfalseimprisonment--Iamafreeburgessandamagistrateo'Glasgow;NicolJarvieismyname,saewasmyfather'saforeme--Iamabailie,bepraisedforthehonour,andmyfatherwasadeacon."

"Hewasaprick-earedcur,"saidMajorGalbraith,"andfoughtaganetheKingatBothwellBrigg."

"Hepaidwhatheoughtandwhathebought,Mr.Galbraith,"saidtheBailie,"andwasanhonestermanthaneverstudeonyourshanks."

"Ihavenotimetoattendtoallthis,"saidtheofficer;"Imustpositivelydetainyou,gentlemen,unlessyoucanproducesomerespectablesecuritythatyouareloyalsubjects."

"Idesiretobecarriedbeforesomecivilmagistrate,"saidtheBailie-"thesherraorthejudgeofthebounds;--Iamnotobligedtoanswereveryred-coatthatspeersquestionsatme."

"Well,sir,Ishallknowhowtomanageyouifyouaresilent--Andyou,sir"(tome),"whatmayyournamebe?"

"FrancisOsbaldistone,sir."

"What,asonofSirHildebrandOsbaldistoneofNorthumberland?"

"No,sir,"interruptedtheBailie;"asonofthegreatWilliam



OsbaldistoneoftheHouseofOsbaldistoneandTresham,Crane-Alley,London."

"Iamafraid,sir,"saidtheofficer,"yournameonlyincreasesthesuspicionsagainstyou,andlaysmeunderthenecessityofrequestingthatyouwillgiveupwhatpapersyouhaveincharge."

IobservedtheHighlanderslookanxiouslyateachotherwhenthisproposalwasmade.

"Ihadnone,"Ireplied,"tosurrender."

Theofficercommandedmetobedisarmedandsearched.Tohaveresistedwouldhavebeenmadness.Iaccordinglygaveupmyarms,andsubmittedtoasearch,whichwasconductedascivillyasanoperationofthekindwellcould.TheyfoundnothingexceptthenotewhichIhadreceivedthatnightthroughthehandofthelandlady.

"ThisisdifferentfromwhatIexpected,"saidtheofficer;"butitaffordsusgoodgroundsfordetainingyou.HereIfindyouinwrittencommunicationwiththeoutlawedrobber,RobertMacGregorCampbell,whohasbeensolongtheplagueofthisdistrict--Howdoyouaccountforthat?"

"SpiesofRob!"saidInverashalloch."Wewadservethemrighttostrapthemuptilltheneisttree."

"Wearegauntoseeaftersomegearo'ourain,gentlemen,"saidtheBailie,"that'sfa'enintohishandsbyaccident--there'snaelawaganeamanlookingafterhisain,Ihope?"

"Howdidyoucomebythisletter?"saidtheofficer,addressinghimselftome.

Icouldnotthinkofbetrayingthepoorwomanwhohadgivenittome,andremainedsilent.

"Doyouknowanythingofit,fellow?"saidtheofficer,lookingatAndrew,whosejawswerechatteringlikeapairofcastanetsatthethreatsthrownoutbytheHighlander.

"Oay,Ikena'aboutit--itwasaHielandloongiedthelettertothatlang-tonguedjaudthegudewifethere;I'llbeswornmymaisterken'dnaethingaboutit.Buthe'swilfu'togangupthehillsandspeakwi'Rob;andoh,sir,itwadbeacharityjusttosendawheeno'yourred-coatstoseehimsafebacktoGlasgowagainwhetherhewillorno-AndyecankeepMr.Jarvieaslangasyelike--He'sresponsibleenoughforonyfineyemaylayonhim--andso'smymasterforthatmatter;forme,I'mjustapuirgardenerlad,andnoworthyoursteering."

"Ibelieve,"saidtheofficer,"thebestthingIcandoistosendthesepersonstothegarrisonunderanescort.Theyseemtobeinimmediatecorrespondencewiththeenemy,andIshallbeinnorespectanswerable



forsufferingthemtobeatliberty.Gentlemen,youwillconsideryourselvesasmyprisoners.Sosoonasdawnapproaches,Iwillsendyoutoaplaceofsecurity.Ifyoubethepersonsyoudescribeyourselves,itwillsoonappear,andyouwillsustainnogreatinconveniencefrombeingdetainedadayortwo.Icanhearnoremonstrances,"hecontinued,turningawayfromtheBailie,whosemouthwasopentoaddresshim;"theserviceIamongivesmenotimeforidlediscussions."

"Aweel,aweel,sir,"saidtheBailie,"you'rewelcometoatuneonyourainfiddle;butseeifIdinnagaryedancetill'taforea'sdune."

AnanxiousconsultationnowtookplacebetweentheofficerandtheHighlanders,butcarriedoninsolowatone,thatitwasimpossibletocatchthesense.Sosoonasitwasconcludedtheyallleftthehouse.Attheirdeparture,theBailiethusexpressedhimself:--"ThaeHielandmenareo'thewestlandclans,andjustaslight-handedastheirneighbours,ana'talesbetrue,andyetyeseetheyhaebroughtthemfraetheheado'Argyleshiretomakewarwi'puirRobforsomeauldill-willthattheyhaeathimandhissirname.Andthere'stheGrahames,andtheBuchanans,andtheLennoxgentry,a'mountedandinorder--It'sweelken'dtheirquarrel;andIdinnablamethem--naebodylikestolosehiskye.Andthenthere'ssodgers,puirthings,hoyedoutfraethegarrisonata'body'sbidding--PuirRobwillhaehishandsfu'bythetimethesuncomesower

thehill.Weel--it'swrangforamagistratetobewishingonythingaganethecourseo'justice,butdeilo'meanIwadbreakmyhearttohearthatRobhadgienthema'theirpaiks!"

CHAPTERTHIRTEEN.

--General,Hearme,andmarkmewell,andlookuponmeDirectlyinmyface--mywoman'sface-Seeifonefear,oneshadowofaterror,Onepalenessdareappear,butfrommyanger,

Tolayholdonyourmercies.Bonduca.

Wewerepermittedtoslumberouttheremainderofthenightinthebestmannerthatthemiserableaccommodationsofthealehousepermitted.TheBailie,fatiguedwithhisjourneyandthesubsequentscenes--lessinterestedalsointheeventofourarrest,whichtohimcouldonlybeamatteroftemporaryinconvenience--perhapslessnicethanhabithadrenderedmeaboutthecleanlinessordecencyofhiscouch,--tumbledhimselfintooneofthecribswhichIhavealreadydescribed,andsoonwasheardtosnoresoundly.Abrokensleep,snatchedbyintervals,whileIrestedmyheaduponthetable,wasmyonlyrefreshment.Inthecourse

ofthenightIhadoccasiontoobservethatthereseemedtobesomedoubtandhesitationinthemotionsofthesoldiery.Menweresentout,asiftoobtainintelligence,andreturnedapparentlywithoutbringingany



satisfactoryinformationtotheircommandingofficer.Hewasobviouslyeagerandanxious,andagaindespatchedsmallpartiesoftwoorthreemen,someofwhom,asIcouldunderstandfromwhattheotherswhisperedtoeachother,didnotreturnagaintotheClachan.

Themorninghadbroken,whenacorporalandtwomenrushedintothehut,draggingafterthem,inasortoftriumph,aHighlander,whomIimmediatelyrecognisedasmyacquaintancetheex-turnkey.TheBailie,whostartedupatthenoisewithwhichtheyentered,immediatelymadethesamediscovery,andexclaimed--"Mercyonus!theyhaegrippitthepuircreatureDougal.--Captain,Iwillputinbail--sufficientbail,forthatDougalcreature."

Tothisoffer,dictatedundoubtedlybyagratefulrecollectionofthelateinterferenceoftheHighlanderinhisbehalf,theCaptainonlyansweredbyrequestingMr.Jarvieto"mindhisownaffairs,andrememberthathewashimselfforthepresentaprisoner."

"Itakeyoutowitness,Mr.Osbaldistone,"saidtheBailie,whowasprobablybetteracquaintedwiththeprocessincivilthaninmilitarycases,"thathehasrefusedsufficientbail.It'smyopinionthatthecreatureDougalwillhaveagoodactionofwrongousimprisonmentanddamagesaganehim,undertheActseventeenhundredandone,andI'llsee

thecreaturerighted."

Theofficer,whosenameIunderstoodwasThornton,payingnoattentiontotheBailie'sthreatsorexpostulations,institutedaverycloseinquiryintoDougal'slifeandconversation,andcompelledhimtoadmit,thoughwithapparentreluctance,thesuccessivefacts,--thatheknewRobRoyMacGregor--thathehadseenhimwithinthesetwelvemonths--withinthesesixmonths--withinthismonth--withinthisweek;infine,thathehadpartedfromhimonlyanhourago.Allthisdetailcamelikedropsofbloodfromtheprisoner,andwas,toallappearance,onlyextortedbythethreatofahalterandthenexttree,whichCaptainThorntonassuredhimshouldbehisdoom,ifhedidnotgivedirectandspecialinformation.

"Andnow,myfriend,"saidtheofficer,"youwillpleaseinformmehowmanymenyourmasterhaswithhimatpresent."

Dougallookedineverydirectionexceptatthequerist,andbegantoanswer,"Shecannajustbesureaboutthat."

"Lookatme,youHighlanddog,"saidtheofficer,"andrememberyourlifedependsonyouranswer.Howmanyrogueshadthatoutlawedscoundrelwithhimwhenyoulefthim?"

"Ou,noaboonsaxrogueswhenIwasgane."

"Andwherearetherestofhisbanditti?"

"Ganewi'theLieutenantaganetawestlandcarles."

"Againstthewestlandclans?"saidtheCaptain."Umph--thatislikely



enough;andwhatrogue'serrandwereyoudespatchedupon?"

"Justtoseewhatyourhonourandtagentlemenred-coatsweredoingdounhereattaClachan."

"Thecreaturewillprovefause-hearted,aftera',"saidtheBailie,whobythistimehadplantedhimselfclosebehindme;"it'sluckyIdidnapitmyselltoexpensesanenthim."

"Andnow,myfriend,"saidtheCaptain,"letusunderstandeachother.Youhaveconfessedyourselfaspy,andshouldstringuptothenexttree--Butcome,ifyouwilldomeonegoodturn,Iwilldoyouanother.You,Donald--youshalljust,inthewayofkindness,carrymeandasmallpartytotheplacewhereyouleftyourmaster,asIwishtospeakafewwordswithhimonseriousaffairs;andI'llletyougoaboutyourbusiness,andgiveyoufiveguineastoboot."

"Oigh!oigh!"exclaimedDougal,intheextremityofdistressandperplexity;"shecannadotat--shecannadotat;she'llratherbe

hanged."

"Hanged,then,youshallbe,myfriend"saidtheofficer;"andyourbloodbeuponyourownhead.CorporalCramp,doyouplayProvost-Marshal--awaywithhim!"

ThecorporalhadconfrontedpoorDougalforsometime,ostentatiouslytwistingapieceofcordwhichhehadfoundinthehouseintotheformofahalter.Henowthrewitabouttheculprit'sneck,and,withtheassistanceoftwosoldiers,haddraggedDougalasfarasthedoor,when,overcomewiththeterrorofimmediatedeath,heexclaimed,"Shentlemans,

stops--stops!She'lldohishonour'sbidding--stops!"

"Awa'wi'thecreature!"saidtheBailie,"hedeserveshangingmairnowthanever;awa'wi'him,corporal.Whydinnayetakhimawa'?"

"It'smybeliefandopinion,honestgentleman,"saidthecorporal,"thatifyouweregoingtobehangedyourself,youwouldbeinnosuchd--dhurry."

Thisby-dialoguepreventedmyhearingwhatpassedbetweentheprisoner

andCaptainThornton;butIheardtheformersnivelout,inaverysubduedtone,"Andye'llaskhertogangnaefartherthanjusttoshowyewheretheMacGregoris?--Ohon!ohon!"

"Silenceyourhowling,yourascal--No;IgiveyoumywordIwillaskyoutogonofarther.--Corporal,makethemenfallin,infrontofthehouses.Getoutthesegentlemen'shorses;wemustcarrythemwithus.Icannotspareanymentoguardthemhere.Come,mylads,getunderarms."



Thesoldiersbustledabout,andwerereadytomove.Wewereledout,alongwithDougal,inthecapacityofprisoners.Asweleftthehut,IheardourcompanionincaptivityremindtheCaptainof"tafoivekuineas."



"Heretheyareforyou,"saidtheofficer,puttinggoldintohishand;"butobserve,thatifyouattempttomisleadme,Iwillblowyourbrainsoutwithmyownhand."

"Thecreature,"saidtheBailie,"iswaurthanIjudgedhim--itisawarldlyandaperfidiouscreature.Othefilthylucreofgainthatmengiesthemsellsupto!Myfatherthedeaconusedtosay,thepennysillerslewmairsoulsthanthenakedswordslewbodies."

Thelandladynowapproached,anddemandedpaymentofherreckoning,includingallthathadbeenquaffedbyMajorGalbraithandhisHighlandfriends.TheEnglishofficerremonstrated,butMrs.MacAlpinedeclared,if"shehadnatrustedtohishonour'snamebeingusedintheircompany,shewadneverhaedrawnthemastoupo'liquor;forMr.Galbraith,shemightseehimagain,orshemightno,butweeldidshewotshehadsma'chanceofseeinghersiller--andshewasapuirwidow,hadnaethingbuthercustomtorelyon."

CaptainThorntonputastoptoherremonstrancesbypayingthecharge,whichwasonlyafewEnglishshillings,thoughtheamountsoundedveryformidableinScottishdenominations.ThegenerousofficerwouldhaveincludedMr.Jarvieandmeinthisgeneralacquittance;buttheBailie,disregardinganintimationfromthelandladyto"makeasmuckleofthe

Inglishersaswecould,fortheyweresuretogieusplagueeneugh,"wentintoaformalaccountingrespectingourshareofthereckoning,andpaiditaccordingly.TheCaptaintooktheopportunitytomakeussomeslightapologyfordetainingus."Ifwewereloyalandpeaceablesubjects,"hesaid,"wewouldnotregretbeingstoptforaday,whenitwasessentialtotheking'sservice;ifotherwise,hewasactingaccordingtohisduty."

Wewerecompelledtoacceptanapologywhichitwouldhaveservednopurposetorefuse,andwesalliedouttoattendhimonhismarch.

IshallneverforgetthedelightfulsensationwithwhichIexchangedthedark,smoky,smotheringatmosphereoftheHighlandhut,inwhichwehad

passedthenightsouncomfortably,fortherefreshingfragranceofthemorningair,andthegloriousbeamsoftherisingsun,which,fromatabernacleofpurpleandgoldenclouds,weredartedfullonsuchasceneofnaturalromanceandbeautyashadneverbeforegreetedmyeyes.Totheleftlaythevalley,downwhichtheForthwanderedonitseasterlycourse,surroundingthebeautifuldetachedhill,withallitsgarlandofwoods.Ontheright,amidaprofusionofthickets,knolls,andcrags,laythebedofabroadmountainlake,lightlycurledintotinywavesbythebreathofthemorningbreeze,eachglitteringinitscourseundertheinfluenceofthesunbeams.Highhills,rocks,andbanks,wavingwithnaturalforestsofbirchandoak,formedthebordersofthisenchantingsheetofwater;and,astheirleavesrustledtothewindandtwinkledinthesun,gavetothedepthofsolitudeasortoflifeandvivacity.Man

aloneseemedtobeplacedinastateofinferiority,inascenewherealltheordinaryfeaturesofnaturewereraisedandexalted.Themiserablelittle_bourocks,_astheBailietermedthem,ofwhichaboutadozen



formedthevillagecalledtheClachanofAberfoil,werecomposedofloosestones,cementedbyclayinsteadofmortar,andthatchedbyturfs,laidrudelyuponraftersformedofnativeandunhewnbirchesandoaksfromthewoodsaround.Theroofsapproachedthegroundsonearly,thatAndrewFairserviceobservedwemighthaveriddenoverthevillagethenightbefore,andneverfoundoutwewerenearit,unlessourhorses'feethad"ganethroughtheriggin'."

Fromallwecouldsee,Mrs.MacAlpine'shouse,miserableaswerethequartersitafforded,wasstillbyfarthebestinthehamlet;andIdaresay(ifmydescriptiongivesyouanycuriositytoseeit)youwillhardlyfinditmuchimprovedatthepresentday,fortheScotcharenotapeoplewhospeedilyadmitinnovation,evenwhenitcomesintheshapeofimprovement.*

*NoteI.ClachanofAberfoil.Theinhabitantsofthesemiserabledwellingsweredisturbedbythenoiseofourdeparture;andasourpartyofabouttwentysoldiersdrewupinrankbeforemarchingoff,wewerereconnoitredbymanyabeldamfromthehalf-openeddoorofhercottage.Asthesesibylsthrustforththeirgreyheads,imperfectlycoveredwithclosecapsofflannel,andshowedtheirshrivelledbrows,andlongskinnyarms,withvariousgestures,shrugs,andmutteredexpressionsinGaelicaddressedtoeachother,my

imaginationrecurredtothewitchesofMacbeth,andIimaginedIreadinthefeaturesofthesecronesthemalevolenceoftheweirdsisters.Thelittlechildrenalso,whobegantocrawlforth,somequitenaked,andothersveryimperfectlycoveredwithtattersoftartanstuff,clappedtheirtinyhands,andgrinnedattheEnglishsoldiers,withanexpressionofnationalhateandmalignitywhichseemedbeyondtheiryears.Iremarkedparticularlythattherewerenomen,norsomuchasaboyoftenortwelveyearsold,tobeseenamongtheinhabitantsofavillagewhichseemedpopulousinproportiontoitsextent;andtheideacertainlyoccurredtome,thatwewerelikelytoreceivefromthem,inthecourseofourjourney,moreeffectualtokensofill-willthanthosewhichloweredonthevisages,anddictatedthemurmurs,ofthewomenandchildren.Itwasnotuntilwecommencedourmarchthatthemalignityof

theelderpersonsofthecommunitybrokeforthintoexpressions.Thelastfileofmenhadleftthevillage,topursueasmallbrokentrack,formedbythesledgesinwhichthenativestransportedtheirpeatsandturfs,andwhichledthroughthewoodsthatfringedthelowerendofthelake,whenashrillysoundoffemaleexclamationbrokeforth,mixedwiththescreamsofchildren,thewhoopingofboys,andtheclappingofhands,withwhichtheHighlanddamesenforcetheirnotes,whetherofrageorlamentation.IaskedAndrew,wholookedaspaleasdeath,whatallthismeant.

"Idoubtwe'llkenthatowersune,"saidhe."Means?ItmeansthattheHighlandwivesarecursingandbanningthered-coats,andwishingill-lucktothem,andilkaanethateverspoketheSaxontongue.Ihave

heardwivesflyteinEnglandandScotland--it'snaemarveltohearthemflyteonygate;butsicill-scrapittonguesasthaeHighlandcarlines'-andsicgrewsomewishes,thatmenshouldbeslaughteredlikesheep--and



thattheymaylappertheirhandstotheelbowsintheirheart'sblude-andthattheysulddeethedeathofWalterCumingofGuiyock,*whahadnaasmuckleo'himleftthegitheraswouldsupperamessan-dog--sicawsomelanguageasthatIne'erheardouto'ahumanthrapple;--and,unlessthedeilwadriseamangthemtogiethemalesson,Ithinknathattheirtalentatcursingcouldbeamended.

*Agreatfeudaloppressor,who,ridingonsomecruelpurposethroughtheforestofGuiyock,wasthrownfromhishorse,andhisfootbeingcaughtinthestirrup,wasdraggedalongbythefrightenedanimaltillhewastorntopieces.Theexpression,"WalterofGuiyock'scurse,"isproverbial.Thewarsto'tis,theybidusayeganguptheloch,andseewhatwe'lllandin."

AddingAndrew'sinformationtowhatIhadmyselfobserved,Icouldscarcedoubtthatsomeattackwasmeditateduponourparty.Theroad,asweadvanced,seemedtoaffordeveryfacilityforsuchanunpleasantinterruption.Atfirstitwindedapartfromthelakethroughmarshymeadowground,overgrownwithcopsewood,nowtraversingdarkandclosethicketswhichwouldhaveadmittedanambuscadetobeshelteredwithinafewyardsofourlineofmarch,andfrequentlycrossingroughmountaintorrents,someofwhichtookthesoldiersuptotheknees,andranwith

suchviolence,thattheirforcecouldonlybestemmedbythestrengthoftwoorthreemenholdingfastbyeachother'sarms.Itcertainlyappearedtome,thoughaltogetherunacquaintedwithmilitaryaffairs,thatasortofhalf-savagewarriors,asIhadheardtheHighlandersassertedtobe,might,insuchpassesasthese,attackapartyofregularforceswithgreatadvantage.TheBailie'sgoodsenseandshrewdobservationhadledhimtothesameconclusion,asIunderstoodfromhisrequestingtospeakwiththecaptain,whomheaddressednearlyinthefollowingterms:-"Captain,it'snotofleechonyfavourouto'ye,forIscornit--andit'sunderprotestthatIreservemyactionandpleasofoppressionandwrongousimprisonment;--but,beingafriendtoKingGeorgeandhisarmy,Itakethelibertytospeer--Dinnayethinkyemighttakabettertimetogangupthisglen?IfyeareseekingRobRoy,he'sken'dtobebetter

thanhalfahundermenstrongwhenhe'satthefewest;anifhebringsintheGlengylefolk,andtheGlenfinlasandBalquhidderlads,hemaycometogieyouyourkailthroughthereek;andit'smysincereadvice,asaking'sfriend,yehadbettertakbackagaintotheClachan,forthaewomenatAberfoilarelikethescartsandseamawsattheCumries--there'sayefoulweatherfollowstheirskirting."

"Makeyourselfeasy,sir,"repliedCaptainThornton;"Iamintheexecutionofmyorders.AndasyousayyouareafriendtoKingGeorge,youwillbegladtolearnthatitisimpossiblethatthisgangofruffians,whoselicensehasdisturbedthecountrysolong,canescapethemeasuresnowtakentosuppressthem.Thehorsesquadronofmilitia,commandedbyMajorGalbraith,isalreadyjoinedbytwoormoretroopsof

cavalry,whichwilloccupyallthelowerpassesofthiswildcountry;threehundredHighlanders,underthetwogentlemenyousawattheinn,areinpossessionoftheupperpart,andvariousstrongpartiesfromthe



garrisonaresecuringthehillsandglensindifferentdirections.OurlastaccountsofRobRoycorrespondwithwhatthisfellowhasconfessed,that,findinghimselfsurroundedonallsides,hehaddismissedthegreaterpartofhisfollowers,withthepurposeeitheroflyingconcealed,orofmakinghisescapethroughhissuperiorknowledgeofthepasses."

"Idinnaken,"saidtheBailie;"there'smairbrandythanbrainsinGarschattachin'sheadthismorning--AndIwadna,anIwereyou,Captain,restmymaindependenceontheHielandmen--hawkswinnapikeouthawks'een.Theymayquarrelamongthemsells,andgieilkitherillnames,andmaybeaslashwi'aclaymore;buttheyaresuretojoininthelangrun,againsta'civilisedfolk,thatwearbreeksontheirhinderends,andhaepursesintheirpouches."

ApparentlytheseadmonitionswerenotaltogetherthrownawayonCaptainThornton.Hereformedhislineofmarch,commandedhissoldierstounslingtheirfirelocksandfixtheirbayonets,andformedanadvancedandrear-guard,eachconsistingofanon-commissionedofficerandtwosoldiers,whoreceivedstrictorderstokeepanalertlook-out.Dougalunderwentanotherandverycloseexamination,inwhichhesteadfastlyassertedthetruthofwhathehadbeforeaffirmed;andbeingrebukedonaccountofthesuspiciousanddangerousappearanceoftheroutebywhich

hewasguidingthem,heansweredwithasortoftestinessthatseemedverynatural,"Hernainselldidnamaktaroad;anshentlemanslikitgrandroads,shesuldhaepidedatGlasco."

Allthispassedoffwellenough,andweresumedourprogress.

Ourroute,thoughleadingtowardsthelake,hadhithertobeensomuchshadedbywood,thatweonlyfromtimetotimeobtainedaglimpseofthatbeautifulsheetofwater.Buttheroadnowsuddenlyemergedfromtheforestground,and,windingclosebythemarginoftheloch,affordedusafullviewofitsspaciousmirror,whichnow,thebreezehavingtotallysubsided,reflectedinstillmagnificencethehighdarkheathymountains,hugegreyrocks,andshaggybanks,bywhichitisencircled.Thehills

nowsunkonitsmarginsoclosely,andweresobrokenandprecipitous,astoaffordnopassageexceptjustuponthenarrowlineofthetrackwhichweoccupied,andwhichwasoverhungwithrocks,fromwhichwemighthavebeendestroyedmerelybyrollingdownstones,withoutmuchpossibilityofofferingresistance.Addtothis,that,astheroadwindedroundeverypromontoryandbaywhichindentedthelake,therewasrarelyapossibilityofseeingahundredyardsbeforeus.Ourcommanderappearedtotakesomealarmatthenatureofthepassinwhichhewasengaged,whichdisplayeditselfinrepeatedorderstohissoldierstobeonthealert,andinmanythreatsofinstantdeathtoDougal,ifheshouldbefoundtohaveledthemintodanger.Dougalreceivedthesethreatswithanairofstupidimpenetrability,whichmightariseeitherfromconsciousinnocence,orfromdoggedresolution.

"IfshentlemanswereseekingtaRedGregarach,"hesaid,"tobesuretheycouldnaexpecttofindherwithoutsomeweedanger."



JustastheHighlanderutteredthesewords,ahaltwasmadebythecorporalcommandingtheadvance,whosentbackoneofthefilewhoformedit,totelltheCaptainthatthepathinfrontwasoccupiedbyHighlanders,stationedonacommandingpointofparticulardifficulty.Almostatthesameinstantasoldierfromtherearcametosay,thattheyheardthesoundofabagpipeinthewoodsthroughwhichwehadjustpassed.CaptainThornton,amanofconductaswellascourage,instantlyresolvedtoforcethepassinfront,withoutwaitingtillhewasassailedfromtherear;and,assuringhissoldiersthatthebagpipeswhichtheyheardwerethoseofthefriendlyHighlanderswhowereadvancingtotheirassistance,hestatedtothemtheimportanceofadvancingandsecuringRobRoy,ifpossible,beforetheseauxiliariesshouldcomeuptodividewiththemthehonour,aswellastherewardwhichwasplacedontheheadofthiscelebratedfreebooter.Hethereforeorderedtherearguardtojointhecentre,andbothtocloseuptotheadvance,doublinghisfilessoastooccupywithhiscolumnthewholepracticablepartoftheroad,andtopresentsuchafrontasitsbreadthadmitted.Dougal,towhomhesaidinawhisper,"Youdog,ifyouhavedeceivedme,youshalldieforit!"wasplacedinthecentre,betweentwogrenadiers,withpositiveorderstoshoothimifheattemptedanescape.Thesamesituationwasassignedtous,asbeingthesafest,andCaptainThornton,takinghishalf-pikefromthesoldierwhocarriedit,placedhimselfattheheadofhislittledetachment,andgavethewordtomarchforward.

ThepartyadvancedwiththefirmnessofEnglishsoldiers.NotsoAndrewFairservice,whowasfrightenedoutofhiswits;andnotso,iftruthmustbetold,eithertheBailieorImyself,who,withoutfeelingthesamedegreeoftrepidation,couldnotwithstoicalindifferenceseeourlivesexposedtohazardinaquarrelwithwhichwehadnoconcern.Buttherewasneithertimeforremonstrancenorremedy.

Weapproachedwithinabouttwentyyardsofthespotwheretheadvancedguardhadseensomeappearanceofanenemy.Itwasoneofthosepromontorieswhichrunintothelake,androundthebaseofwhichtheroadhadhithertowindedinthemannerIhavedescribed.Inthepresentcase,however,thepath,insteadofkeepingthewater'sedge,sealedthe

promontorybyoneortworapidzigzags,carriedinabrokentrackalongtheprecipitousfaceofaslatygreyrock,whichwouldotherwisehavebeenabsolutelyinaccessible.Onthetopofthisrock,onlytobeapproachedbyaroadsobroken,sonarrow,andsoprecarious,thecorporaldeclaredhehadseenthebonnetsandlong-barrelledgunsofseveralmountaineers,apparentlycouchedamongthelongheathandbrushwoodwhichcrestedtheeminence.CaptainThorntonorderedhimtomoveforwardwiththreefiles,todislodgethesupposedambuscade,while,atamoreslowbutsteadypace,headvancedtohissupportwiththerestofhisparty.

Theattackwhichhemeditatedwaspreventedbytheunexpectedapparitionofafemaleuponthesummitoftherock.

"Stand!"shesaid,withacommandingtone,"andtellmewhatyeseekinMacGregor'scountry?"



Ihaveseldomseenafinerormorecommandingformthanthiswoman.Shemightbebetweenthetermoffortyandfiftyyears,andhadacountenancewhichmustoncehavebeenofamasculinecastofbeauty;thoughnow,imprintedwithdeeplinesbyexposuretoroughweather,andperhapsbythewastinginfluenceofgriefandpassion,itsfeatureswereonlystrong,harsh,andexpressive.Sheworeherplaid,notdrawnaroundherheadandshoulders,asisthefashionofthewomeninScotland,butdisposedaroundherbodyastheHighlandsoldiersweartheirs.Shehadaman'sbonnet,withafeatherinit,anunsheathedswordinherhand,andapairofpistolsathergirdle.

"It'sHelenCampbell,Rob'swife,"saidtheBailie,inawhisperofconsiderablealarm;"andtherewillbebrokenheadsamangusorit'slang."

"Whatseekyehere?"sheaskedagainofCaptainThornton,whohadhimselfadvancedtoreconnoitre.

"Weseektheoutlaw,RobRoyMacGregorCampbell,"answeredtheofficer,"andmakenowaronwomen;thereforeoffernovainoppositiontothe

king'stroops,andassureyourselfofciviltreatment."

"Ay,"retortedtheAmazon,"Iamnostrangertoyourtendermercies.Yehaveleftmeneithernamenorfame--mymother'sboneswillshrinkasideintheirgravewhenminearelaidbesidethem--Yehaveleftmeneitherhousenorhold,blanketnorbedding,cattletofeedus,orflockstoclotheus--Yehavetakenfromusall--all!--Theverynameofourancestorshaveyetakenaway,andnowyecomeforourlives."

"Iseeknoman'slife,"repliedtheCaptain;"Ionlyexecutemyorders.Ifyouarealone,goodwoman,youhavenoughttofear--ifthereareany

withyousorashastoofferuselessresistance,theirownbloodbeontheirownheads.Moveforward,sergeant."

"Forward!march!"saidthenon-commissionedofficer."Huzza,myboys,forRobRoy'sheadandapurseofgold."

Hequickenedhispaceintoarun,followedbythesixsoldiers;butastheyattainedthefirsttraverseoftheascent,theflashofadozenoffirelocksfromvariouspartsofthepasspartedinquicksuccessionanddeliberateaim.Thesergeant,shotthroughthebody,stillstruggledtogaintheascent,raisedhimselfbyhishandstoclamberupthefaceof

therock,butrelaxedhisgrasp,afteradesperateeffort,andfalling,rolledfromthefaceofthecliffintothedeeplake,whereheperished.Ofthesoldiers,threefell,slainordisabled;theothersretreatedontheirmainbody,allmoreorlesswounded.

"Grenadiers,tothefront!"saidCaptainThornton.--Youaretorecollect,thatinthosedaysthisdescriptionofsoldiersactuallycarriedthatdestructivespeciesoffireworkfromwhichtheyderivetheirname.Thefourgrenadiersmovedtothefrontaccordingly.Theofficercommandedthe



restofthepartytobereadytosupportthem,andonlysayingtous,"Looktoyoursafety,gentlemen,"gave,inrapidsuccession,thewordto



thegrenadiers--"Openyourpouches--handleyourgrenades--blowyourmatches--fallon."

Thewholeadvancedwithashout,headedbyCaptainThornton,--thegrenadierspreparingtothrowtheirgrenadesamongthebusheswheretheambuscadelay,andthemusketeerstosupportthembyaninstantandcloseassault.Dougal,forgotteninthescuffle,wiselycreptintothethicketwhichoverhungthatpartoftheroadwherewehadfirsthalted,whichheascendedwiththeactivityofawildcat.Ifollowedhisexample,instinctivelyrecollectingthatthefireoftheHighlanderswouldsweeptheopentrack.Iclambereduntiloutofbreath;foracontinuedspatteringfire,inwhicheveryshotwasmultipliedbyathousandechoes,thehissingofthekindledfuseesofthegrenades,andthesuccessiveexplosionofthosemissiles,mingledwiththehuzzasofthesoldiers,andtheyellsandcriesoftheirHighlandantagonists,formedacontrastwhichadded--Idonotshametoownit--wingstomydesiretoreachaplaceofsafety.Thedifficultiesoftheascentsoonincreasedsomuch,thatIdespairedofreachingDougal,whoseemedtoswinghimselffromrocktorock,andstumptostump,withthefacilityofasquirrel,andIturneddownmyeyestoseewhathadbecomeofmyothercompanions.Bothwerebroughttoaveryawkwardstandstill.

TheBailie,towhomIsupposefearhadgivenatemporaryshareof

agility,hadascendedabouttwentyfeetfromthepath,whenhisfootslipping,ashestraddledfromonehugefragmentofrocktoanother,hewouldhaveslumberedwithhisfatherthedeacon,whoseactsandwordshewassofondofquoting,butforaprojectingbranchofaraggedthorn,which,catchingholdoftheskirtsofhisriding-coat,supportedhiminmid-air,wherehedanglednotunliketothesignoftheGoldenFleeceoverthedoorofamercerintheTrongateofhisnativecity.

AsforAndrewFairservice,hehadadvancedwithbettersuccess,untilhehadattainedthetopofabarecliff,which,risingabovethewood,exposedhim,atleastinhisownopinion,toallthedangersoftheneighbouringskirmish,while,atthesametime,itwasofsuchaprecipitousandimpracticablenature,thathedaredneithertoadvance

norretreat.Footingitupanddownuponthenarrowspacewhichthetopofthecliffafforded(verylikeafellowatacountry-fairdancinguponatrencher),heroaredformercyinGaelicandEnglishalternately,accordingtothesideonwhichthescaleofvictoryseemedtopredominate,whilehisexclamationswereonlyansweredbythegroansoftheBailie,whosufferedmuch,notonlyfromapprehension,butfromthependulouspostureinwhichhehungsuspendedbytheloins.

OnperceivingtheBailie'sprecarioussituation,myfirstideawastoattempttorenderhimassistance;butthiswasimpossiblewithouttheconcurrenceofAndrew,whomneithersign,norentreaty,norcommand,norexpostulation,couldinspirewithcouragetoadventurethedescentfromhispainfulelevation,where,likeanunskilfulandobnoxiousministerof

state,unabletoescapefromtheeminencetowhichhehadpresumptuouslyascended,hecontinuedtopourforthpiteousprayersformercy,whichnooneheard,andtoskiptoandfro,writhinghisbodyintoallpossibleanticshapestoavoidtheballswhichheconceivedtobewhistlingaround



him.

Inafewminutesthiscauseofterrorceased,forthefire,atfirstsowellsustained,nowsunkatonce--asuresignthattheconflictwasconcluded.TogainsomespotfromwhichIcouldseehowthedayhadgonewasnowmyobject,inordertoappealtothemercyofthevictors,who,Itrusted(whicheversidemightbegainers),wouldnotsufferthehonestBailietoremainsuspended,likethecoffinofMahomet,betweenheavenandearth,withoutlendingahandtodisengagehim.Atlength,bydintofscrambling,Ifoundaspotwhichcommandedaviewofthefieldofbattle.Itwasindeedended;and,asmymindalreadyaugured,fromtheplaceandcircumstancesattendingthecontest,ithadterminatedinthedefeatofCaptainThornton.IsawapartyofHighlandersintheactofdisarmingthatofficer,andthescantyremainderofhisparty.Theyconsistedofabouttwelvemenmostofwhomwerewounded,who,surroundedbytrebletheirnumber,andwithoutthepowereithertoadvanceorretreat,exposedtoamurderousandwell-aimedfire,whichtheyhadnomeansofreturningwitheffect,hadatlengthlaiddowntheirarmsbytheorderoftheirofficer,whenhesawthattheroadinhisrearwasoccupied,andthatprotractedresistancewouldbeonlywastingthelivesofhisbravefollowers.BytheHighlanders,whofoughtundercover,thevictorywascheaplybought,attheexpenseofonemanslainandtwowoundedbythegrenades.AllthisIlearnedafterwards.AtpresentIonlycomprehended

thegeneralresultoftheday,fromseeingtheEnglishofficer,whosefacewascoveredwithblood,strippedofhishatandarms,andhismen,withsullenanddejectedcountenanceswhichmarkedtheirdeepregret,enduring,fromthewildandmartialfigureswhosurroundedthem,theseveremeasurestowhichthelawsofwarsubjectthevanquishedforsecurityofthevictors.

CHAPTERFOURTEEN.

"Woetothevanquished!"wassternBrenno'sword,WhensunkproudRomebeneaththeGallicsword-"Woetothevanquished!"whenhismassivebladeBoredownthescaleagainstherransomweigh'd;

Andonthefieldoffoughtenbattlestill,Woeknowsnolimitssavethevictor'swill.TheGaulliad.

IanxiouslyendeavouredtodistinguishDougalamongthevictors.Ihadlittledoubtthattheparthehadplayedwasassumed,onpurposetoleadtheEnglishofficerintothedefile,andIcouldnothelpadmiringtheaddresswithwhichtheignorant,andapparentlyhalf-brutalsavage,hadveiledhispurpose,andtheaffectedreluctancewithwhichhehadsufferedtobeextractedfromhimthefalseinformationwhichitmust

havebeenhispurposefromthebeginningtocommunicate.Iforesawweshouldincursomedangeronapproachingthevictorsinthefirstflushoftheirsuccess,whichwasnotunstainedwithcruelty;foroneortwoofthesoldiers,whosewoundspreventedthemfromrising,wereponiardedby



thevictors,orratherbysomeraggedHighlandboyswhohadmingledwiththem.Iconcluded,therefore,itwouldbeunsafetopresentourselveswithoutsomemediator;andasCampbell,whomInowcouldnotbutidentifywiththecelebratedfreebooterRobRoy,wasnowheretobeseen,Iresolvedtoclaimtheprotectionofhisemissary,Dougal.

Aftergazingeverywhereinvain,IatlengthretracedmystepstoseewhatassistanceIcouldindividuallyrendertomyunluckyfriend,when,tomygreatjoy,IsawMr.Jarviedeliveredfromhisstateofsuspense;andthoughveryblackintheface,andmuchderangedinthegarments,safelyseatedbeneaththerock,infrontofwhichhehadbeensolatelysuspended.Ihastenedtojoinhimandoffermycongratulations,whichhewasatfirstfarfromreceivinginthespiritofcordialitywithwhichtheywereoffered.Aheavyfitofcoughingscarcepermittedhimbreathenoughtoexpressthebrokenhintswhichhethrewoutagainstmysincerity.

"Uh!uh!uh!uh!--theysayafriend--uh!uh!--afriendstickethcloserthanabrither--uh!uh!uh!WhenIcameuphere,MaisterOsbaldistone,tothiscountry,cursedofGodandman--uh!uh--Heavenforgiemeforswearing--onnaeman'serrandbutyours,d'yethinkitwasfair--uh!uh!uh!--toleaveme,first,tobeshotordrownedatweenred-wadHighlandersandred-coats;andnexttobehungupbetweenheavenandearth,likean

auldpotato-bogle,withoutsaemuckleastrying--uh!uh!--saemuckleastryingtorelieveme?"

Imadeathousandapologies,andlabouredsohardtorepresenttheimpossibilityofmyaffordinghimreliefbymyownunassistedexertions,thatatlengthIsucceeded,andtheBailie,whowasasplacableashastyinhistemper,extendedhisfavourtomeoncemore.Inexttookthelibertyofaskinghimhowhehadcontrivedtoextricatehimself.

"Meextricate!ImighthaehungtheretillthedayofjudgmentorIcouldhaehelpedmysell,wi'myheadhingingdownonthetaeside,andmyheelsonthetother,liketheyarn-scalesintheweigh-house.ItwasthecreatureDougalthatextricatedme,ashedidyestreen;hecuttitaffthe

tailso'mycoatwi'hisdurk,andanothergillieandhimsetmeonmylegsascleverlyasifIhadneverbeenaffthem.Buttoseewhatathinggudebraidclaithis!HadIbeeninonyo'yourrottenFrenchcamletsnow,oryourdrab-de-berries,itwouldhaescreededlikeanauldragwi'sicaweightasmine.Butfairfa'theweaverthatwroughtthewefto't-Iswungandbobbityonderassafeasagabbart*that'smooredbyathree-plycableattheBroomielaw."

*AkindoflighterusedintheriverClyde,--probablyfromtheFrench* _abare._

Inowinquiredwhathadbecomeofhispreserver.

"Thecreature,"sohecontinuedtocalltheHighlandman,"contrivedtoletmekentherewadbedangeringaunneartheleddytillhecameback,andbademestayhere.Iamo'themind,"hecontinued,"thathe'sseekingafteryou--it'saconsideratecreature--andtroth,Iwadswearhe



wasrightabouttheleddy,asheca'sher,too--HelenCampbellwasnaneo'themaistdoucemaidens,normeekestwivesneither,andfolksaythatRobhimsellstandsinaweo'her.Idoubtshewinnakenme,forit'smonyyearssincewemet--IamclearforwaitingfortheDougalcreatureorwegangnearher."

Isignifiedmyacquiescenceinthisreasoning;butitwasnotthewilloffatethatdaythattheBailie'sprudenceshouldprofithimselforanyoneelse.

AndrewFairservice,thoughhehadceasedtocaperonthepinnacleuponthecessationofthefiring,whichhadgivenoccasionforhiswhimsicalexercise,continued,asperchedonthetopofanexposedcliff,tooconspicuousanobjecttoescapethesharpeyesoftheHighlanders,whentheyhadtimetolookalittlearoundthem.Wewereapprizedhewasdiscovered,byawildandloudhalloosetupamongtheassembledvictors,threeorfourofwhominstantlyplungedintothecopsewood,andascendedtherockysideofthehillindifferentdirectionstowardstheplacewheretheyhaddiscoveredthiswhimsicalapparition.

ThosewhoarrivedfirstwithingunshotofpoorAndrew,didnottroublethemselvestoofferhimanyassistanceintheticklishpostureofhisaffairs,butlevellingtheirlongSpanish-barrelledguns,gavehimto

understand,bysignswhichadmittedofnomisconstruction,thathemustcontrivetocomedownandsubmithimselftotheirmercy,ortobemarkedatfrombeneath,likearegimentaltargetsetupforball-practice.Withsuchaformidablehintforventurousexertion,AndrewFairservicecouldnolongerhesitate;themoreimminentperilovercamehissenseofthatwhichseemedlessinevitable,andhebegantodescendthecliffatallrisks,clutchingtotheivyandoakstumps,andprojectingfragmentsofrock,withanalmostfeverishanxiety,andneverfailing,ascircumstanceslefthimahandatliberty,toextendittotheplaidedgentrybelowinanattitudeofsupplication,asiftodeprecatethedischargeoftheirlevelledfirearms.Inaword,thefellow,undertheinfluenceofacounteractingmotiveforterror,achievedasafedescentfromhisperilouseminence,which,Iverilybelieve,nothingbutthefear

ofinstantdeathcouldhavemovedhimtoattempt.TheawkwardmodeofAndrew'sdescentgreatlyamusedtheHighlandersbelow,whofiredashotortwowhilehewasengagedinit,withoutthepurposeofinjuringhim,asIbelieve,butmerelytoenhancetheamusementtheyderivedfromhisextremeterror,andthesuperlativeexertionsofagilitytowhichitexcitedhim.

Atlengthheattainedfirmandcomparativelylevelground--orrather,tospeakmorecorrectly,hisfootslippingatthelastpointofdescent,hefellontheearthathisfulllength,andwasraisedbytheassistanceoftheHighlanders,whostoodtoreceivehim,andwho,erehegainedhislegs,strippedhimnotonlyofthewholecontentsofhispockets,butofperiwig,hat,coat,doublet,stockings,andshoes,performingthefeat

withsuchadmirablecelerity,that,althoughhefellonhisbackawell-clothedanddecentburgher-seemingserving-man,hearoseaforked,uncased,bald-pated,beggarly-lookingscarecrow.Withoutrespecttothepainwhichhisundefendedtoesexperiencedfromthesharpencounterof



therocksoverwhichtheyhurriedhim,thosewhohaddetectedAndrewproceededtodraghimdownwardtowardstheroadthroughalltheinterveningobstacles.

Inthecourseoftheirdescent,Mr.JarvieandIbecameexposedtotheirlynx-eyedobservation,andinstantlyhalf-a-dozenofarmedHighlandersthrongedaroundus,withdrawndirksandswordspointedatourfacesandthroats,andcockedpistolspresentedagainstourbodies.Tohaveofferedresistancewouldhavebeenmadness,especiallyaswehadnoweaponscapableofsupportingsuchademonstration.Wethereforesubmittedtoourfate;andwithgreatroughnessonthepartofthosewhoassistedatourtoilette,wereintheactofbeingreducedtoasunsophisticatedastate(touseKingLear'sphrase)astheplume-lessbipedAndrewFairservice,whostoodshiveringbetweenfearandcoldatafewyards'distance.Goodchance,however,savedusfromthisextremityofwretchedness;for,justasIhadyieldedupmycravat(asmartSteinkirk,bytheway,andrichlylaced),andtheBailiehadbeendisrobedofthefragmentsofhisriding-coat--enterDougal,andthescenewaschanged.Byahightoneofexpostulation,mixedwithoathsandthreats,asfarasIcouldconjecturethetenorofhislanguagefromtheviolenceofhisgestures,hecompelledtheplunderers,howeverreluctant,notonlytogiveuptheirfurtherdepredationsonourproperty,buttorestorethespoiltheyhadalreadyappropriated.Hesnatchedmycravatfromthefellowwhohadseizedit,

andtwistedit(inthezealofhisrestitution)aroundmyneckwithsuchsuffocatingenergyasmademethinkthathehadnotonlybeen,duringhisresidenceatGlasgow,asubstituteofthejailor,butmustmoreoverhavetakenlessonsasanapprenticeofthehangman.HeflungthetatteredremnantsofMr.Jarvie'scoataroundhisshoulders,andasmoreHighlandersbegantoflocktowardsusfromthehighroad,heledthewaydownwards,directingandcommandingtheotherstoaffordus,butparticularlytheBailie,theassistancenecessarytoourdescendingwithcomparativeeaseandsafety.Itwas,however,invainthatAndrewFairserviceemployedhislungsinobsecratingashareofDougal'sprotection,oratleasthisinterferencetoprocurerestorationofhisshoes.

"Na,na,"saidDougalinreply,"she'snaegentlepody,Itrow;herpettershaegangedparefoot,orshe'smucklemista'en."And,leavingAndrewtofollowathisleisure,orratheratsuchleisureasthesurroundingcrowdwerepleasedtoindulgehimwith,hehurriedusdowntothepathwayinwhichtheskirmishhadbeenfought,andhastenedtopresentusasadditionalcaptivestothefemaleleaderofhisband.

Weweredraggedbeforeheraccordingly,Dougalfighting,struggling,screaming,asifhewerethepartymostapprehensiveofhurt,andrepulsing,bythreatsandefforts,allthosewhoattemptedtotakeanearerinterestinourcapturethanheseemedtodohimself.Atlengthwewereplacedbeforetheheroineoftheday,whoseappearance,aswellasthoseofthesavage,uncouth,yetmartialfigureswhosurroundedus,

struckme,toownthetruth,withconsiderableapprehension.IdonotknowifHelenMacGregorhadpersonallymingledinthefray,andindeedIwasafterwardsgiventounderstandthecontrary;butthespecksofbloodonherbrow,herhandsandnakedarms,aswellasonthebladeofher



swordwhichshecontinuedtoholdinherhand--herflushedcountenance,andthedisorderedstateoftheravenlockswhichescapedfromundertheredbonnetandplumethatformedherhead-dress,seemedalltointimatethatshehadtakenanimmediateshareintheconflict.Herkeenblackeyesandfeaturesexpressedanimaginationinflamedbytheprideofgratifiedrevenge,andthetriumphofvictory.Yettherewasnothingpositivelysanguinary,orcruel,inherdeportment;andsheremindedme,whentheimmediatealarmoftheinterviewwasover,ofsomeofthepaintingsIhadseenoftheinspiredheroinesintheCatholicchurchesofFrance.Shewasnot,indeed,sufficientlybeautifulforaJudith,norhadshetheinspiredexpressionoffeatureswhichpaintershavegiventoDeborah,ortothewifeofHebertheKenite,atwhosefeetthestrongoppressorofIsrael,whodwelledinHaroshethoftheGentiles,boweddown,fell,andlayadeadman.Nevertheless,theenthusiasmbywhichshewasagitatedgavehercountenanceanddeportment,wildlydignifiedinthemselves,anairwhichmadeherapproachnearlytotheideasofthosewonderfulartistswhogavetotheeyetheheroinesofScripturehistory.

Iwasuncertaininwhattermstoaccostapersonagesouncommon,whenMr.Jarvie,breakingtheicewithapreparatorycough(forthespeedwithwhichhehadbeenbroughtintoherpresencehadagainimpededhisrespiration),addressedherasfollows:--"Uh!uh!&c.&c.Iamveryhappytohavethis_joyful_opportunity"(aquaverinhisvoicestronglybelied

theemphasiswhichhestudiouslylaidonthewordjoyful)--"thisjoyfuloccasion,"heresumed,tryingtogivetheadjectiveamoresuitableaccentuation,"towishmykinsmanRobin'swifeaverygoodmorning--Uh!uh!--How'sa'wi'ye?"(bythistimehehadtalkedhimselfintohisusualjog-trotmanner,whichexhibitedamixtureoffamiliarityandself-importance)--"How'sa'wi'yethislangtime?Ye'llhaeforgottenme,Mrs.MacGregorCampbell,asyourcousin--uh!uh!--butye'llmindmyfather,DeaconNicolJarvie,intheSautMarketo'Glasgow?--anhonestmanhewas,andasponsible,andrespectityouandyours.Sae,asIsaidbefore,Iamrightgladtoseeyou,Mrs.MacGregorCampbell,asmykinsman'swife.Iwadcravethelibertyofakinsmantosaluteyou,butthatyourgillieskeepsuchadolefu'fasthaudo'myarms,and,tospeakHeaven'struthandamagistrate's,yewadnabethewaurofacogfu'o'

waterbeforeyewelcomedyourfriends."

Therewassomethinginthefamiliarityofthisintroductionwhichillsuitedtheexaltedstateoftemperofthepersontowhomitwasaddressed,thenbusiedwithdistributingdoomsofdeath,andwarmfromconquestinaperilousencounter.

"Whatfellowareyou,"shesaid,"thatdaretoclaimkindredwiththeMacGregor,andneitherwearhisdressnorspeakhislanguage?--Whatareyou,thathavethetongueandthehabitofthehound,andyetseektoliedownwiththedeer?"

"Idinnaken,"saidtheundauntedBailie,"ifthekindredhaseverbeen

weelreddouttoyouyet,cousin--butit'sken'd,andcanbeprov'd.Mymother,ElspethMacFarlane,wasthewifeofmyfather,DeaconNicolJarvie--peacebewi'thembaith!--andElspethwasthedaughterofParlaneMacFarlane,attheSheelingo'LochSloy.Now,thisParlaneMacFarlane,



ashissurvivingdaughterMaggyMacFarlane,_alias_MacNab,whamarriedDuncanMacNabo'Stuckavrallachan,cantestify,stoodasneartoyourgudeman,RobertMacGregor,asinthefourthdegreeofkindred,for"-

Theviragoloppedthegenealogicaltree,bydemandinghaughtily,"Ifastreamofrushingwateracknowledgedanyrelationwiththeportionwithdrawnfromitforthemeandomesticusesofthosewhodweltonitsbanks?"

"Veratrue,kinswoman,"saidtheBailie;"butfora'that,theburnwadbegladtohaethemilldambackagaininsimmer,whenthechuckie-stanesarewhiteinthesun.IkenweeleneughyouHielandfolkhaudusGlasgowpeoplelightandcheapforourlanguageandourclaes;--buteverybodyspeakstheirnativetonguethattheylearnedininfancy;anditwouldbeadaft-likethingtoseemewi'myfatwameinashortHielandcoat,andmypuirshorthoughsgarteredbelowtheknee,likeaneo'yourlang-leggedgillies.Mairbytoken,kinswoman,"hecontinued,indefianceofvariousintimationsbywhichDougalseemedtorecommendsilence,aswellasofthemarksofimpatiencewhichtheAmazonevincedathisloquacity,"Iwadhaeyetomindthattheking'serrandwhilescomesinthecadger'sgate,andthat,forashighasyemaythinko'thegudeman,asit'srighteverywifeshouldhonourherhusband--there'sScripture

warrantforthat--yetashighasyehaudhim,asIwassaying,IhaebeenserviceabletoRoberenow;--forbyeaseto'pearlinsIsentyourselfwhenyewasgauntobemarried,andwhenRobwasanhonestweel-doingdrover,andnaneo'thisunlawfu'wark,wi'fighting,andflashes,andfluff-gibs,disturbingtheking'speaceanddisarminghissoldiers."

Hehadapparentlytouchedonakeywhichhiskinswomancouldnotbrook.Shedrewherselfuptoherfullheight,andbetrayedtheacutenessofherfeelingsbyalaughofmingledscornandbitterness.

"Yes,"shesaid,"you,andsuchasyou,mightclaimarelationtous,whenwestoopedtobethepaltrywretchesfittoexistunderyourdominion,asyourhewersofwoodanddrawersofwater--tofindcattlefor

yourbanquets,andsubjectsforyourlawstooppressandtrampleon.Butnowwearefree--freebytheveryactwhichleftusneitherhousenorhearth,foodnorcovering--whichbereavedmeofall--ofall--andmakesmegroanwhenIthinkImuststillcumbertheearthforotherpurposesthanthoseofvengeance.AndIwillcarryonthework,thisdayhassowellcommenced,byadeedthatshallbreakallbandsbetweenMacGregorandtheLowlandchurls.HereAllan--Dougal--bindtheseSassenachsneckandheeltogether,andthrowthemintotheHighlandLochtoseekfortheirHighlandkinsfolk."

TheBailie,alarmedatthismandate,wascommencinganexpostulation,whichprobablywouldhaveonlyinflamedtheviolentpassionsofthepersonwhomheaddressed,whenDougalthrewhimselfbetweenthem,andin

hisownlanguage,whichhespokewithafluencyandrapiditystronglycontrastedbytheslow,imperfect,andidiot-likemannerinwhichheexpressedhimselfinEnglish,pouredforthwhatIdoubtnotwasaveryanimatedpleadinginourbehalf.



Hismistressrepliedtohim,orrathercutshorthisharangue,byexclaiminginEnglish(asifdeterminedtomakeustasteinanticipationthefullbitternessofdeath)--"Basedog,andsonofadog,doyoudisputemycommands?ShouldItellyetocutouttheirtonguesandputthemintoeachother'sthroats,totrywhichwouldtherebestknapSouthron,ortotearouttheirheartsandputthemintoeachother'sbreasts,toseewhichwouldtherebestplottreasonagainsttheMacGregor--andsuchthingshavebeendoneofoldinthedayofrevenge,whenourfathershadwrongstoredress--ShouldIcommandyoutodothis,woulditbeyourparttodisputemyorders?"

"Tobesure,tobesure,"Dougalreplied,withaccentsofprofoundsubmission;"herpleasuresuldbedone--tat'sbutreason;butanitwere--tatis,anitcouldbethoughtthesametohertocouptheill-fauredloonoftared-coatCaptain,andhimscorporalCramp,andtwathreeo'thered-coats,intotheloch,herselfwaddo'twi'mucklemairgreatsatisfactionthantohurttahonestcivilshentlemansaswerefriendstotheGregarach,andcameupontheChiefsassurance,andnottodonotreason,asherselfcouldtestify."

Theladywasabouttoreply,whenafewwildstrainsofapibrochwereheardadvancinguptheroadfromAberfoil,thesameprobablywhichhadreachedtheearsofCaptainThornton'srear-guard,anddeterminedhimto

forcehiswayonwardratherthanreturntothevillage,onfindingthepassoccupied.Theskirmishbeingofveryshortduration,thearmedmenwhofollowedthismartialmelody,hadnot,althoughquickeningtheirmarchwhentheyheardthefiring,beenabletoarriveintimesufficienttotakeanyshareintherencontre.Thevictory,therefore,wascompletewithoutthem,andtheynowarrivedonlytoshareinthetriumphoftheircountrymen.

Therewasamarkeddifferencebetwixttheappearanceofthesenewcomersandthatofthepartybywhichourescorthadbeendefeated--anditwasgreatlyinfavouroftheformer.AmongtheHighlanderswhosurroundedtheChieftainess,ifImaypresumetocallhersowithoutoffencetogrammar,weremenintheextremityofage,boysscarceabletobearasword,and

evenwomen--all,inshort,whomthelastnecessityurgestotakeuparms;anditaddedashadeofbittershametothedefectionwhichcloudedThornton'smanlycountenance,whenhefoundthatthenumbersandpositionofafoe,otherwisesodespicable,hadenabledthemtoconquerhisbraveveterans.ButthethirtyorfortyHighlanderswhonowjoinedtheothers,wereallmenintheprimeofyouthormanhood,activeclean-madefellows,whoseshorthoseandbeltedplaidssetouttheirsinewylimbstothebestadvantage.Theirarmswereassuperiortothoseofthefirstpartyastheirdressandappearance.ThefollowersofthefemaleChiefhadaxes,scythes,andotherantiqueweapons,inaidoftheirguns;andsomehadonlyclubs,daggers,andlongknives.Butofthesecondparty,mosthadpistolsatthebelt,andalmostallhaddirkshangingatthepoucheswhichtheyworeinfront.Eachhadagoodguninhishand,anda

broadswordbyhisside,besidesastoutroundtarget,madeoflightwood,coveredwithleather,andcuriouslystuddedwithbrass,andhavingasteelspikescrewedintothecentre.Thesehungontheirleftshoulderduringamarch,orwhiletheywereengagedinexchangingfirewiththe



enemy,andwerewornontheirleftarmwhentheychargedwithswordinhand.

Butitwaseasytoseethatthischosenbandhadnotarrivedfromavictorysuchastheyfoundtheirill-appointedcompanionspossessedof.Thepibrochsentforthoccasionallyafewwailingnotesexpressiveofaverydifferentsentimentfromtriumph;andwhentheyappearedbeforethewifeoftheirChieftain,itwasinsilence,andwithdowncastandmelancholylooks.Theypausedwhentheyapproachedher,andthepipesagainsentforththesamewildandmelancholystrain.

Helenrushedtowardsthemwithacountenanceinwhichangerwasmingledwithapprehension.--"Whatmeansthis,Alaster?"shesaidtotheminstrel--"whyalamentinthemomentofvictory?--Robert--Hamish--where'stheMacGregor?--where'syourfather?"

Hersons,wholedtheband,advancedwithslowandirresolutestepstowardsher,andmurmuredafewwordsinGaelic,athearingwhichshesetupashriekthatmadetherocksringagain,inwhichallthewomenandboysjoined,clappingtheirhandsandyellingasiftheirliveshadbeenexpiringinthesound.Themountainechoes,silentsincethemilitarysoundsofbattlehadceased,hadnowtoanswerthesefranticanddiscordantshrieksofsorrow,whichdrovetheverynight-birdsfromtheir

hauntsintherocks,asiftheywerestartledtohearorgiesmorehideousandill-omenedthantheirown,performedinthefaceofopenday.

"Taken!"repeatedHelen,whentheclamourhadsubsided--"Taken!-captive!--andyoulivetosayso?--Cowarddogs!didInurseyouforthis,thatyoushouldspareyourbloodonyourfather'senemies?orseehimprisoner,andcomebacktotellit?"

ThesonsofMacGregor,towhomthisexpostulationwasaddressed,wereyouths,ofwhomtheeldesthadhardlyattainedhistwentiethyear. _Hamish,_orJames,theelderoftheseyouths,wasthetallestbyahead,andmuchhandsomerthanhisbrother;hislight-blueeyes,withaprofusionoffairhair,whichstreamedfromunderhissmartbluebonnet,

madehiswholeappearanceamostfavourablespecimenoftheHighlandyouth.TheyoungerwascalledRobert;but,todistinguishhimfromhisfather,theHighlandersaddedtheepithet_Oig,_ortheyoung.Darkhair,anddarkfeatures,witharuddyglowofhealthandanimation,andaformstrongandwell-setbeyondhisyears,completedthesketchoftheyoungmountaineer.

Bothnowstoodbeforetheirmotherwithcountenancescloudedwithgriefandshame,andlistened,withthemostrespectfulsubmission,tothereproacheswithwhichsheloadedthem.Atlengthwhenherresentmentappearedinsomedegreetosubside,theeldest,speakinginEnglish,probablythathemightnotbeunderstoodbytheirfollowers,endeavouredrespectfullytovindicatehimselfandhisbrotherfromhismother's

reproaches.Iwassonearhimastocomprehendmuchofwhathesaid;and,asitwasofgreatconsequencetometobepossessedofinformationinthisstrangecrisis,IfailednottolistenasattentivelyasIcould.



"TheMacGregor,"hissonstated,"hadbeencalledoutuponatrystingwithaLowlandhallion,whocamewithatokenfrom"--hemutteredthenameverylow,butIthoughtitsoundedlikemyown."TheMacGregor,"hesaid,"acceptedoftheinvitation,butcommandedtheSaxonwhobroughtthemessagetobedetained,asahostagethatgoodfaithshouldbeobservedtohim.Accordinglyhewenttotheplaceofappointment"(whichhadsomewildHighlandnamethatIcannotremember),"attendedonlybyAngusBreckandLittleRory,commandingnoonetofollowhim.WithinhalfanhourAngusBreckcamebackwiththedolefultidingsthattheMacGregorhadbeensurprisedandmadeprisonerbyapartyofLennoxmilitia,underGalbraithofGarschattachin."Headded,"thatGalbraith,onbeingthreatenedbyMacGregor,whouponhiscapturemenacedhimwithretaliationonthepersonofthehostage,hadtreatedthethreatwithgreatcontempt,replying,'Leteachsidehanghisman;we'llhangthethief,andyourcatheransmayhangthegauger,Rob,andthecountrywillberidoftwodamnedthingsatonce,awildHighlanderandarevenueofficer.'AngusBreck,lesscarefullylookedtothanhismaster,contrivedtoescapefromthehandsofthecaptors,afterhavingbeenintheircustodylongenoughtohearthisdiscussion,andtobringoffthenews."

"Anddidyoulearnthis,youfalse-heartedtraitor,"saidthewifeofMacGregor,"andnotinstantlyrushtoyourfather'srescue,tobringhim

off,orleaveyourbodyontheplace?"

TheyoungMacGregormodestlyreplied,byrepresentingtheverysuperiorforceoftheenemy,andstated,thatastheymadenopreparationforleavingthecountry,hehadfallenbackuptheglenwiththepurposeofcollectingabandsufficienttoattemptarescuewithsometolerablechanceofsuccess.Atlengthhesaid,"themilitiamenwouldquarter,heunderstood,intheneighbouringhouseofGartartan,ortheoldcastleintheportofMonteith,orsomeotherstronghold,which,althoughstronganddefensible,wasneverthelesscapableofbeingsurprised,couldtheybutgetenoughofmenassembledforthepurpose."

Iunderstoodafterwardsthattherestofthefreebooter'sfollowerswere

dividedintotwostrongbands,onedestinedtowatchtheremaininggarrisonofInversnaid,apartyofwhich,underCaptainThornton,hadbeendefeated;andanothertoshowfronttotheHighlandclanswhohadunitedwiththeregulartroopsandLowlandersinthishostileandcombinedinvasionofthatmountainousanddesolateterritory,whichlyingbetweenthelakesofLochLomond,LochKatrine,andLochArd,wasatthistimecurrentlycalledRobRoy's,ortheMacGregorcountry.Messengersweredespatchedingreathaste,toconcentrate,asIsupposed,theirforces,withaviewtothepurposedattackontheLowlanders;andthedejectionanddespair,atfirstvisibleoneachcountenance,gaveplacetothehopeofrescuingtheirleader,andtothethirstofvengeance.ItwasundertheburninginfluenceofthelatterpassionthatthewifeofMacGregorcommandedthatthehostageexchangedforhissafetyshouldbe

broughtintoherpresence.Ibelievehersonshadkeptthisunfortunatewretchoutofhersight,forfearoftheconsequences;butifitwasso,theirhumaneprecautiononlypostponedhisfate.Theydraggedforwardathersummonsawretchalreadyhalfdeadwithterror,inwhoseagonised



featuresIrecognised,tomyhorrorandastonishment,myoldacquaintanceMorris.

HefellprostratebeforethefemaleChiefwithanefforttoclaspherknees,fromwhichshedrewback,asifhistouchhadbeenpollution,sothatallhecoulddointokenoftheextremityofhishumiliation,wastokissthehemofherplaid.Ineverheardentreatiesforlifepouredforthwithsuchagonyofspirit.Theecstasyoffearwassuch,thatinsteadofparalysinghistongue,asonordinaryoccasions,itevenrenderedhimeloquent;and,withcheekspaleasashes,handscompressedinagony,eyesthatseemedtobetakingtheirlastlookofallmortalobjects,heprotested,withthedeepestoaths,histotalignoranceofanydesignonthepersonofRobRoy,whomhesworehelovedandhonouredashisownsoul.Intheinconsistencyofhisterror,hesaidhewasbuttheagentofothers,andhemutteredthenameofRashleigh.Heprayedbutforlife-forlifehewouldgiveallhehadintheworld:itwasbutlifeheasked--life,ifitweretobeprolongedundertorturesandprivations:heaskedonlybreath,thoughitshouldbedrawninthedampsofthelowestcavernsoftheirhills.

Itisimpossibletodescribethescorn,theloathing,andcontempt,withwhichthewifeofMacGregorregardedthiswretchedpetitionerforthepoorboonofexistence.

"Icouldhavebidyelive,"shesaid,"hadlifebeentoyouthesamewearyandwastingburdenthatitistome--thatitistoeverynobleandgenerousmind.Butyou--wretch!youcouldcreepthroughtheworldunaffectedbyitsvariousdisgraces,itsineffablemiseries,itsconstantlyaccumulatingmassesofcrimeandsorrow:youcouldliveandenjoyyourself,whilethenoble-mindedarebetrayed--whilenamelessandbirthlessvillainstreadontheneckofthebraveandthelong-descended:youcouldenjoyyourself,likeabutcher'sdogintheshambles,batteningongarbage,whiletheslaughteroftheoldestandbestwentonaroundyou!Thisenjoymentyoushallnotlivetopartakeof!--youshalldie,basedog!andthatbeforeyoncloudhaspassedoverthesun."

ShegaveabriefcommandinGaelictoherattendants,twoofwhomseizedupontheprostratesuppliant,andhurriedhimtothebrinkofacliffwhichoverhungtheflood.Hesetupthemostpiercinganddreadfulcriesthatfeareveruttered--Imaywelltermthemdreadful,fortheyhauntedmysleepforyearsafterwards.Asthemurderers,orexecutioners,callthemasyouwill,draggedhimalong,herecognisedmeeveninthatmomentofhorror,andexclaimed,inthelastarticulatewordsIeverheardhimutter,"Oh,Mr.Osbaldistone,saveme!--saveme!"

Iwassomuchmovedbythishorridspectacle,that,althoughinmomentaryexpectationofsharinghisfate,Ididattempttospeakinhisbehalf,but,asmighthavebeenexpected,myinterferencewassternlydisregarded.Thevictimwasheldfastbysome,whileothers,bindinga

largeheavystoneinaplaid,tieditroundhisneck,andothersagaineagerlystrippedhimofsomepartofhisdress.Half-naked,andthusmanacled,theyhurledhimintothelake,thereabouttwelvefeetdeep,withaloudhallooofvindictivetriumph,--abovewhich,however,hislast



death-shriek,theyellofmortalagony,wasdistinctlyheard.Theheavyburdensplashedinthedark-bluewaters,andtheHighlanders,withtheirpole-axesandswords,watchedaninstanttoguard,lest,extricatinghimselffromtheloadtowhichhewasattached,thevictimmighthavestruggledtoregaintheshore.Buttheknothadbeensecurelybound--thewretchedmansunkwithouteffort;thewaters,whichhisfallhaddisturbed,settledcalmlyoverhim,andtheunitofthatlifeforwhichhehadpleadedsostrongly,wasforeverwithdrawnfromthesumofhumanexistence.

CHAPTERFIFTEEN.

Andbehesaferestoredereeveningset,Or,ifthere'svengeanceinaninjuredheart,Andpowertowreakitinanarmedhand,

Yourlandshallachefor't.OldPlay.

Iknownotwhyitisthatasingledeedofviolenceandcrueltyaffectsournervesmorethanwhentheseareexercisedonamoreextendedscale.I

hadseenthatdayseveralofmybravecountrymenfallinbattle:itseemedtomethattheymetalotappropriatetohumanity,andmybosom,thoughthrillingwithinterest,wasaffectedwithnothingofthatsickeninghorrorwithwhichIbeheldtheunfortunateMorrisputtodeathwithoutresistance,andincoldblood.Ilookedatmycompanion,Mr.Jarvie,whosefacereflectedthefeelingswhichwerepaintedinmine.Indeedhecouldnotsosuppresshishorror,butthatthewordsescapedhiminalowandbrokenwhisper,-

"Itakeupmyprotestagainstthisdeed,asabloodyandcruelmurder--itisacurseddeed,andGodwillavengeitinhisduewayandtime."

"Thenyoudonotfeartofollow?"saidthevirago,bendingonhimalookofdeath,suchasthatwithwhichahawklooksathispreyerehepounces.

"Kinswoman,"saidtheBailie,"naemanwillinglywadcutshorthisthreadoflifebeforetheendo'hispirnwasfairlymeasuredoffontheyarn-winles--AndIhaemuckletodo,anIbespared,inthiswarld-publicandprivatebusiness,asweelthatbelongingtothemagistracyastomyainparticular;andnaedoubtIhaesometodependonme,aspuirMattie,whaisanorphan--She'safar-awa'cousino'theLairdo'Limmerfield.Saethat,layinga'thisthegither--skinforskin,yeaallthatamanhath,willhegiveforhislife."

"AndwereItosetyouatliberty,"saidtheimperiousdame,"whatnamecouldyougivetothedrowningofthatSaxondog?"

"Uh!uh!--hem!hem!"saidtheBailie,clearinghisthroataswellashe



could,"Isuldstudytosayaslittleonthatscoreasmightbe--leastsaidissunestmended."

"Butifyouwerecalledonbythecourts,asyoutermthem,ofjustice,"sheagaindemanded,"whatthenwouldbeyouranswer?"

TheBailielookedthiswayandthatway,likeapersonwhomeditatesanescape,andthenansweredinthetoneofonewho,seeingnomeansofaccomplishingaretreat,determinestostandthebruntofbattle--"Iseewhatyouaredrivingmetothewa'about.ButI'lltellyou'tplain,kinswoman,--Ibehovedjusttospeakaccordingtomyainconscience;andthoughyouraingudeman,thatIwishhadbeenhereforhisainsakeandmine,aswoolasthepuirHielandcreatureDougal,cantellyethatNicolJarviecanwinkashardatafriend'sfailingsasonybody,yetI'setellye,kinswoman,mine'sne'erbethetonguetobeliemythought;andsoonerthansaythatyonderpuirwretchwaslawfullyslaughtered,Iwadconsenttobelaidbesidehim--thoughIthinkyearethefirstHielandwomanwadmintsicadoomtoherhusband'skinsmanbutfourtimesremoved."

ItisprobablethatthetoneandfirmnessassumedbytheBailieinhislastspeechwasbettersuitedtomakeanimpressiononthehardheartofhiskinswomanthanthetoneofsupplicationhehadhithertoassumed,asgemscanbecutwithsteel,thoughtheyresistsoftermetals.She

commandedusbothtobeplacedbeforeher."Yourname,"shesaidtome,"isOsbaldistone?--thedeaddog,whosedeathyouhavewitnessed,calledyouso."

"Myname_is_Osbaldistone,"wasmyanswer.

"Rashleigh,then,Isuppose,isyourChristianname?"shepursued.

"No,--mynameisFrancis."

"ButyouknowRashleighOsbaldistone,"shecontinued."Heisyourbrother,ifImistakenot,--atleastyourkinsmanandnearfriend."

"Heismykinsman,"Ireplied,"butnotmyfriend.Wewerelatelyengagedtogetherinarencontre,whenwewereseparatedbyapersonwhomIunderstandtobeyourhusband.Mybloodishardlyyetdriedonhissword,andthewoundonmysideisyetgreen.Ihavelittlereasontoacknowledgehimasafriend."

"Then,"shereplied,"ifastrangertohisintrigues,youcangoinsafetytoGarschattachinandhispartywithoutfearofbeingdetained,andcarrythemamessagefromthewifeoftheMacGregor?"

IansweredthatIknewnoreasonablecausewhythemilitiagentlemenshoulddetainme;thatIhadnoreason,onmyownaccount,tofearbeingintheirhands;andthatifmygoingonherembassywouldactasa

protectiontomyfriendandservant,whowerehereprisoners,"Iwasreadytosetoutdirectly."Itooktheopportunitytosay,"ThatIhadcomeintothiscountryonherhusband'sinvitation,andhisassurancethathewouldaidmeinsomeimportantmattersinwhichIwasinterested;



thatmycompanion,Mr.Jarvie,hadaccompaniedmeonthesameerrand."

"AndIwishMr.Jarvie'sbootshadbeenfu'o'boilingwaterwhenhedrewthemonforsicapurpose,"interruptedtheBailie.

"Youmayreadyourfather,"saidHelenMacGregor,turningtohersons,"inwhatthisyoungSaxontellsus--Wiseonlywhenthebonnetisonhishead,andtheswordisinhishand,heneverexchangesthetartanforthebroad-cloth,butherunshimselfintothemiserableintriguesoftheLowlanders,andbecomesagain,afterallhehassuffered,theiragent-theirtool--theirslave."

"Add,madam,"saidI,"andtheirbenefactor."

"Beitso,"shesaid;"foritisthemostemptytitleofthemall,sincehehasuniformlysownbenefitstoreapaharvestofthemostfoulingratitude.--Butenoughofthis.Ishallcauseyoutobeguidedtotheenemy'soutposts.Askfortheircommander,anddeliverhimthismessagefromme,HelenMacGregor;--thatiftheyinjureahairofMacGregor'shead,andiftheydonotsethimatlibertywithinthespaceoftwelvehours,thereisnotaladyintheLennoxbutshallbeforeChristmascrythecoronachforthemshewillbeloathtolose,--thereisnotafarmerbutshallsingwell-a-waoveraburntbarnyardandanemptybyre,--there

isnotalairdnorheritorshalllayhisheadonthepillowatnightwiththeassuranceofbeingalivemaninthemorning,--and,tobeginaswearetoend,sosoonasthetermisexpired,IwillsendthemthisGlasgowBailie,andthisSaxonCaptain,andalltherestofmyprisoners,eachbundledinaplaid,andchoppedintoasmanypiecesastherearechecksinthetartan."

Asshepausedinherdenunciation,CaptainThornton,whowaswithinhearing,added,withgreatcoolness,"Presentmycompliments--CaptainThornton'softheRoyals,compliments--tothecommandingofficer,andtellhimtodohisdutyandsecurehisprisoner,andnotwasteathoughtuponme.IfIhavebeenfoolenoughtohavebeenledintoanambuscadebytheseartfulsavages,Iamwiseenoughtoknowhowtodieforitwithout

disgracingtheservice.Iamonlysorryformypoorfellows,"hesaid,"thathavefallenintosuchbutcherlyhands."

"Whist!whist!"exclaimedtheBailie;"areyewearyo'yourlife?--Ye'llgie_my_servicetothecommandingofficer,Mr.Osbaldistone--BailieNicolJarvie'sservice,amagistrateo'Glasgow,ashisfatherthedeaconwasbeforehim--andtellhim,hereareawheenhonestmeningreattrouble,andliketocometomair;andthebestthinghecandoforthecommongood,willbejusttoletRobcomehiswa'suptheglen,andnaemairaboutit.There'sbeensomeillduneherealready;butasithaslightedchieflyonthegauger,itwinnabemuckleworthmakingastirabout."

Withtheseveryoppositeinjunctionsfromthepartieschieflyinterestedinthesuccessofmyembassy,andwiththereiteratedchargeofthewifeofMacGregortorememberanddetaileverywordofherinjunctions,Iwasatlengthsufferedtodepart;andAndrewFairservice,chiefly,Ibelieve,



togetridofhisclamoroussupplications,waspermittedtoattendme.Doubtful,however,thatImightusemyhorseasameansofescapefrommyguides,ordesiroustoretainaprizeofsomevalue,IwasgiventounderstandthatIwastoperformmyjourneyonfoot,escortedbyHamishMacGregor,theelderbrother,who,withtwofollowers,attended,aswelltoshowmetheway,astoreconnoitrethestrengthandpositionoftheenemy.Dougalhadbeenatfirstorderedonthisparty,buthecontrivedtoeludetheservice,withthepurpose,asweafterwardsunderstood,ofwatchingoverMr.Jarvie,whom,accordingtohiswildprinciplesoffidelity,heconsideredasentitledtohisgoodoffices,fromhavingonceactedinsomemeasureashispatronormaster.

Afterwalkingwithgreatrapidityaboutanhour,wearrivedataneminencecoveredwithbrushwood,whichgaveusacommandingprospectdownthevalley,andafullviewofthepostwhichthemilitiaoccupied.Beingchieflycavalry,theyhadjudiciouslyavoidedanyattempttopenetratethepasswhichhadbeensounsuccessfullyessayedbyCaptainThornton.Theyhadtakenuptheirsituationwithsomemilitaryskill,onarisinggroundinthecentreofthelittlevalleyofAberfoil,throughwhichtheriverForthwindsitsearliestcourse,andwhichisformedbytworidgesofhills,facedwithbarricadesoflimestonerock,intermixedwithhugemassesofbreecia,orpebblesimbeddedinsomesoftersubstancewhichhashardenedaroundthemlikemortar;andsurroundedbythemorelofty

mountainsinthedistance.Theseridges,however,leftthevalleyofbreadthenoughtosecurethecavalryfromanysuddensurprisebythemountaineersandtheyhadstationedsentinelsandoutpostsatproperdistancesfromthismainbody,ineverydirection,sothattheymightsecurefulltimetomountandgetunderarmsupontheleastalarm.Itwasnot,indeed,expectedatthattime,thatHighlanderswouldattackcavalryinanopenplain,thoughlateeventshaveshownthattheymaydosowithsuccess.*

*TheaffairsofPrestonpansandFalkirkareprobablyalludedto,which*marksthetimeofwritingtheMemoirsassubsequentto1745.

WhenIfirstknewtheHighlanders,theyhadalmostasuperstitiousdread

ofamountedtrooper,thehorsebeingsomuchmorefierceandimposinginhisappearancethanthelittlesheltiesoftheirownhills,andmoreoverbeingtrained,asthemoreignorantmountaineersbelieved,tofightwithhisfeetandhisteeth.Theappearanceofthepiequetedhorses,feedinginthislittlevale--theformsofthesoldiers,astheysate,stood,orwalked,invariousgroupsinthevicinityofthebeautifulriver,andofthebareyetromanticrangesofrockwhichhedgeinthelandscapeoneitherside,--formedanobleforeground;whilefartotheeastwardtheeyecaughtaglanceofthelakeofMenteith;andStirlingCastle,dimlyseenalongwiththeblueanddistantlineoftheOchilMountains,closedthescene.

Aftergazingonthislandscapewithgreatearnestness,youngMacGregor

intimatedtomethatIwastodescendtothestationofthemilitiaandexecutemyerrandtotheircommander,--enjoiningmeatthesametime,withamenacinggesture,neithertoinformthemwhohadguidedmetothatplace,norwhereIhadpartedfrommyescort.Thustutored,Idescended



towardsthemilitarypost,followedbyAndrew,who,onlyretaininghisbreechesandstockingsoftheEnglishcostume,withoutahat,bare-legged,withbroguesonhisfeet,whichDougalhadgivenhimoutofcompassion,andhavingatatteredplaidtosupplythewantofalluppergarments,lookedasifhehadbeenplayingthepartofaHighlandTom-of-Bedlam.Wehadnotproceededfarbeforewebecamevisibletooneofthevidettes,who,ridingtowardsus,presentedhiscarabineandcommandedmetostand.Iobeyed,andwhenthesoldiercameup,desiredtobeconductedtohiscommanding-officer.Iwasimmediatelybroughtwhereacircleofofficers,sittinguponthegrass,seemedinattendanceupononeofsuperiorrank.Heworeacuirassofpolishedsteel,overwhichweredrawntheinsigniaoftheancientOrderoftheThistle.MyfriendGarschattachin,andmanyothergentlemen,someinuniform,othersintheirordinarydress,butallarmedandwellattended,seemedtoreceivetheirordersfromthispersonofdistinction.Manyservantsinrichliveries,apparentlyapartofhishousehold,werealsoinwaiting.

Havingpaidtothisnoblemantherespectwhichhisrankappearedtodemand,IacquaintedhimthatIhadbeenaninvoluntarywitnesstotheking'ssoldiershavingsufferedadefeatfromtheHighlandersatthepassofLoch-Ard(suchIhadlearnedwasthenameoftheplacewhereMr.Thorntonwasmadeprisoner),andthatthevictorsthreatenedeveryspeciesofextremitytothosewhohadfallenintotheirpower,aswellas

totheLowCountryingeneral,unlesstheirChief,whohadthatmorningbeenmadeprisoner,werereturnedtothemuninjured.TheDuke(forhewhomIaddressedwasofnolowerrank)listenedtomewithgreatcomposure,andthenreplied,thatheshouldbeextremelysorrytoexposetheunfortunategentlemenwhohadbeenmadeprisonerstothecrueltyofthebarbariansintowhosehandstheyhadfallen,butthatitwasfollytosupposethathewoulddeliveruptheveryauthorofallthesedisordersandoffences,andsoencouragehisfollowersintheirlicense."Youmayreturntothosewhosentyou,"heproceeded,"andinformthem,thatIshallcertainlycauseRobRoyCampbell,whomtheycallMacGregor,tobeexecuted,bybreakofday,asanoutlawtakeninarms,anddeservingdeathbyathousandactsofviolence;thatIshouldbemostjustlyheldunworthyofmysituationandcommissiondidIactotherwise;thatIshall

knowhowtoprotectthecountryagainsttheirinsolentthreatsofviolence;andthatiftheyinjureahairoftheheadofanyoftheunfortunategentlemenwhomanunluckyaccidenthasthrownintotheirpower,Iwilltakesuchamplevengeance,thattheverystonesoftheirglensshallsingwoeforitthishundredyearstocome!"

Ihumblybeggedleavetoremonstraterespectingthehonourablemissionimposedonme,andtouchedupontheobviousdangerattendingit,whenthenoblecommanderreplied,"thatsuchbeingthecase,Imightsendmyservant."

"Thedeilbeinmyfeet,"saidAndrew,withouteitherhavingrespecttothepresenceinwhichhestood,orwaitingtillIreplied--"thedeilbe

inmyfeet,ifIgangmytae'slength.DothefolkthinkIhaeanotherthrappleinmypouchafterJohnHighlandman'ssneekedthisanewi'hisjoctaleg?orthatIcandivedounatthetaesideofaHighlandlochandriseatthetother,likeashell-drake?Na,na--ilkaneforhimsell,and



Godforusa'.Folkmayjustmakeapageo'theirainage,andservethemsellstilltheirbairnsgrowup,andgangtheirainerrandsforAndrew.RobRoynevercameneartheparishofDreepdaily,tostealeitherpippinorpearfraemeormine."

Silencingmyfollowerwithsomedifficulty,IrepresentedtotheDukethegreatdangerCaptainThorntonandMr.Jarviewouldcertainlybeexposedto,andentreatedhewouldmakemethebearerofsuchmodifiedtermsasmightbethemeansofsavingtheirlives.IassuredhimIshoulddeclinenodangerifIcouldbeofservice;butfromwhatIhadheardandseen,Ihadlittledoubttheywouldbeinstantlymurderedshouldthechiefoftheoutlawssufferdeath.

TheDukewasobviouslymuchaffected."Itwasahardcase,"hesaid,"andhefeltitassuch;buthehadaparamountdutytoperformtothecountry--RobRoymustdie!"

IownitwasnotwithoutemotionthatIheardthisthreatofinstantdeathtomyacquaintanceCampbell,whohadsooftentestifiedhisgood-willtowardsme.NorwasIsingularinthefeeling,formanyofthosearoundtheDukeventuredtoexpressthemselvesinhisfavour."Itwouldbemoreadvisable,"theysaid,"tosendhimtoStirlingCastle,andtheredetainhimacloseprisoner,asapledgeforthesubmissionand

dispersionofhisgang.Itwereagreatpitytoexposethecountrytobeplundered,which,nowthatthelongnightsapproached,itwouldbefoundverydifficulttoprevent,sinceitwasimpossibletoguardeverypoint,andtheHighlandersweresuretoselectthosethatwereleftexposed."Theyadded,thattherewasgreathardshipinleavingtheunfortunateprisonerstothealmostcertaindoomofmassacredenouncedagainstthem,whichnoonedoubtedwouldbeexecutedinthefirstburstofrevenge.

Garschattachinventuredyetfarther,confidinginthehonourofthenoblemanwhomheaddressed,althoughheknewhehadparticularreasonsfordislikingtheirprisoner."RobRoy,"hesaid,"thoughakittleneighbourtotheLowCountry,andparticularlyobnoxioustohisGrace,andthoughhemaybecarriedthecatherantradefartherthanonymano'

hisday,wasanauld-farrandcarle,andtheremightbesomemeansofmakinghimhearreason;whereashiswifeandsonswererecklessfiends,withouteitherfearormercyaboutthem,and,attheheadofa'hislimmerloons,wouldbeaworseplaguetothecountrythaneverhehadbeen."

"Pooh!pooh!"repliedhisGrace,"itistheverysenseandcunningofthisfellowwhichhassolongmaintainedhisreign--amereHighlandrobberwouldhavebeenputdowninasmanyweeksashehasflourishedyears.Hisgang,withouthim,isnomoretobedreadedasapermanentannoyance--itwillnolongerexist--thanawaspwithoutitshead,whichmaystingonceperhaps,butisinstantlycrushedintoannihilation."

Garschattachinwasnotsoeasilysilenced."Iamsure,myLordDuke,"hereplied,"IhavenofavourforRob,andheaslittleforme,seeinghehastwicecleanedoutmyainbyres,besideskaithamangmytenants;but,however"-



"But,however,Garschattachin,"saidtheDuke,withasmileofpeculiarexpression,"Ifancyyouthinksuchafreedommaybepardonedinafriend'sfriend,andRob'ssupposedtobenoenemytoMajorGalbraith'sfriendsoverthewater."

"Ifitbeso,mylord,"saidGarschattachin,inthesametoneofjocularity,"it'snothewarstthingIhaveheardofhim.ButIwishweheardsomenewsfromtheclans,thatwehavewaitedforsaelang.IvowtoGodthey'llkeepaHielandman'swordwi'us--Ineverken'dthembetter--it'silldrawingbootsupontrews."

"Icannotbelieveit,"saidtheDuke."Thesegentlemenareknowntobemenofhonour,andImustnecessarilysupposetheyaretokeeptheirappointment.Sendouttwomorehorse-mentolookforourfriends.Wecannot,tilltheirarrival,pretendtoattackthepasswhereCaptainThorntonhassufferedhimselftobesurprised,andwhich,tomyknowledge,tenmenonfootmightmakegoodagainstaregimentofthebesthorseinEurope--Meanwhileletrefreshmentsbegiventothemen."

Ihadthebenefitofthislastorder,themorenecessaryandacceptable,asIhadtastednothingsinceourhastymealatAberfoiltheeveningbefore.Thevidetteswhohadbeendespatchedreturnedwithouttidingsoftheexpectedauxiliaries,andsunsetwasapproaching,whenaHighlander

belongingtotheclanswhoseco-operationwasexpected,appearedasthebearerofaletter,whichhedeliveredtotheDukewithamostprofoundconge'.

"NowwillIwadahogsheadofclaret,"saidGarschattachin,"thatthisisamessagetotellusthatthesecursedHighlandmen,whomwehavefetchedhereattheexpenseofsomuchplagueandvexation,aregoingtodrawoff,andleaveustodoourownbusinessifwecan."

"Itisevenso,gentlemen,"saidtheDuke,reddeningwithindignation,afterhavingperusedtheletter,whichwaswrittenuponaverydirtyscrapofpaper,butmostpunctiliouslyaddressed,"Forthemuch-honouredhandsofAneHighandMightyPrince,theDuke,"&c.&c.&c."Ourallies,"

continuedtheDuke,"havedesertedus,gentlemen,andhavemadeaseparatepeacewiththeenemy."

"It'sjustthefateofallalliances,"saidGarschattachin,"theDutchweregauntoserveusthesamegate,ifwehadnotgotthestartofthematUtrecht."

"Youarefacetious,air,"saidtheDuke,withafrownwhichshowedhowlittlehelikedthepleasantry;"butourbusinessisratherofagravecutjustnow.--Isupposenogentlemanwouldadviseourattemptingtopenetratefartherintothecountry,unsupportedeitherbyfriendlyHighlanders,orbyinfantryfromInversnaid?"

Ageneralanswerannouncedthattheattemptwouldbeperfectmadness.

"Norwouldtherebegreatwisdom,"theDukeadded,"inremainingexposed



toanight-attackinthisplace.IthereforeproposethatweshouldretreattothehouseofDuchrayandthatofGartartan,andkeepsafeandsurewatchandwarduntilmorning.Butbeforeweseparate,IwillexamineRobRoybeforeyouall,andmakeyousensible,byyourowneyesandears,oftheextremeunfitnessofleavinghimspaceforfartheroutrage."Hegaveordersaccordingly,andtheprisonerwasbroughtbeforehim,hisarmsbelteddownabovetheelbow,andsecuredtohisbodybyahorse-girthbuckledtightbehindhim.Twonon-commissionedofficershadholdofhim,oneoneachside,andtwofileofmenwithcarabinesandfixedbayonetsattendedforadditionalsecurity.

Ihadneverseenthismaninthedressofhiscountry,whichsetinastrikingpointofviewthepeculiaritiesofhisform.Ashock-headofredhair,whichthehatandperiwigoftheLowlandcostumehadinagreatmeasureconcealed,wasseenbeneaththeHighlandbonnet,andverifiedtheepithetof_Roy,_orRed,bywhichhewasmuchbetterknownintheLowCountrythanbyanyother,andisstill,Isuppose,bestremembered.Thejusticeoftheappellationwasalsovindicatedbytheappearanceofthatpartofhislimbs,fromthebottomofhiskilttothetopofhisshorthose,whichthefashionofhiscountrydressleftbare,andwhichwascoveredwithafellofthick,short,redhair,especiallyaroundhisknees,whichresembledinthisrespect,aswellasfromtheirsinewyappearanceofextremestrength,thelimbsofared-colouredHighland

bull.Uponthewhole,betwixttheeffectproducedbythechangeofdress,andbymyhavingbecomeacquaintedwithhisrealandformidablecharacter,hisappearancehadacquiredtomyeyessomethingsomuchwilderandmorestrikingthanitbeforepresented,thatIcouldscarcerecognisehimtobethesameperson.

Hismannerwasbold,unconstrainedunlessbytheactualbonds,haughty,andevendignified.HebowedtotheDuke,noddedtoGarschattachinandothers,andshowedsomesurpriseatseeingmeamongtheparty.

"Itislongsincewehavemet,Mr.Campbell,"saidtheDuke.

"Itisso,myLordDuke;Icouldhavewishedithadbeen"(lookingatthe

fasteningonhisarms)"whenIcouldhavebetterpaidthecomplimentsIowetoyourGrace;--butthere'sagudetimecoming."

"Notimelikethetimepresent,Mr.Campbell,"answeredtheDuke,"forthehoursarefastflyingthatmustsettleyourlastaccountwithallmortalaffairs.Idonotsaythistoinsultyourdistress;butyoumustbeawareyourselfthatyoudrawneartheendofyourcareer.Idonotdenythatyoumaysometimeshavedonelessharmthanothersofyourunhappytrade,andthatyoumayoccasionallyhaveexhibitedmarksoftalent,andevenofadispositionwhichpromisedbetterthings.Butyouareawarehowlongyouhavebeentheterrorandtheoppressorofapeacefulneighbourhood,andbywhatactsofviolenceyouhavemaintainedandextendedyourusurpedauthority.Youknow,inshort,thatyouhave

deserveddeath,andthatyoumustprepareforit."

"MyLord,"saidRobRoy,"althoughImaywelllaymymisfortunesatyourGrace'sdoor,yetIwillneversaythatyouyourselfhavebeenthewilful



andwittingauthorofthem.MyLord,ifIhadthoughtsae,yourGracewouldnotthisdayhavebeensittinginjudgmentonme;foryouhavebeenthreetimeswithingoodrifledistanceofmewhenyouwerethinkingbutofthereddeer,andfewpeoplehaveken'dmemissmyaim.ButasforthemthathaveabusedyourGrace'sear,andsetyouupagainstamanthatwasanceaspeacefu'amanasonyintheland,andmadeyournamethewarrantfordrivingmetoutterextremity,--Ihavehadsomeamendsofthem,and,fora'thatyourGracenowsays,Iexpecttolivetohaemair."

"Iknow,"saidtheDuke,inrisinganger,"thatyouareadeterminedandimpudentvillain,whowillkeephisoathifheswearstomischief;butitshallbemycaretopreventyou.Youhavenoenemiesbutyourownwickedactions."

"HadIcalledmyselfGrahame,insteadofCampbell,Imighthaveheardlessaboutthem,"answeredRobRoy,withdoggedresolution.

"Youwilldowell,sir,"saidtheDuke,"towarnyourwifeandfamilyandfollowers,tobewarehowtheyusethegentlemennowintheirhands,asIwillrequitetenfoldonthem,andtheirkinandallies,theslightestinjurydonetoanyofhisMajesty'sliegesubjects."

"MyLord,"saidRoyinanswer,"noneofmyenemieswillallegethatIhavebeenabloodthirstyman,andwereInowwi'myfolk,IcouldrulefourorfivehundredwildHielandersaseasyasyourGracethoseeightortenlackeysandfoot-boys--ButifyourGraceisbenttotaketheheadawayfromahouse,yemaylayyouraccounttherewillbemisruleamangthemembers.--However,comeo'twhatlike,there'sanhonestman,akinsmano'myain,mauncomebynaeskaith.IsthereonybodyherewaddoagudedeedforMacGregor?--hemayrepayit,thoughhishandsbenowtied."

TheHighlanderwhohaddeliveredthelettertotheDukereplied,"I'lldoyourwillforyou,MacGregor;andI'llgangbackuptheglenonpurpose."

Headvanced,andreceivedfromtheprisoneramessagetohiswife,which,beinginGaelic,Ididnotunderstand,butIhadlittledoubtitrelatedtosomemeasurestobetakenforthesafetyofMr.Jarvie.

"Doyouhearthefellow'simpudence?"saidtheDuke;"heconfidesinhischaracterofamessenger.Hisconductisofapiecewithhismaster's,whoinvitedustomakecommoncauseagainstthesefreebooters,andhavedesertedussosoonastheMacGregorshaveagreedtosurrendertheBalquhidderlandstheyweresquabblingabout.

Notruthinplaids,nofaithintartantrews!Chameleon-like,theychangeathousandhues."

"Yourgreatancestorneversaidso,myLord,"answeredMajorGalbraith;-"and,withsubmission,neitherwouldyourGracehaveoccasiontosayit,wadyebutbeforbeginningjusticeatthewell-head--Giethehonestmanhismearagain--Leteveryheadwearit'sanebannet,andthedistractions



o'theLennoxwadbemendedwi'themo'theland."

"Hush!hush!Garschattachin,"saidtheDuke;"thisislanguagedangerousforyoutotalktoanyone,andespeciallytome;butIpresumeyoureckonyourselfaprivilegedperson.PleasetodrawoffyourpartytowardsGartartan;IshallmyselfseetheprisonerescortedtoDuchray,andsendyouorderstomorrow.Youwillpleasegrantnoleaveofabsencetoanyofyourtroopers."

"Here'sauldorderingandcounter-ordering,"mutteredGarschattachinbetweenhisteeth."Butpatience!patience!--wemayaedayplayatchangeseats,theking'scoming."

Thetwotroopsofcavalrynowformed,andpreparedtomarchofftheground,thattheymightavailthemselvesoftheremainderofdaylighttogettotheireveningquarters.Ireceivedanintimation,ratherthananinvitation,toattendtheparty;andIperceived,that,thoughnolongerconsideredasaprisoner,Iwasyetundersomesortofsuspicion.Thetimeswereindeedsodangerous,--thegreatpartyquestionsofJacobiteandHanoveriandividedthecountrysoeffectually,--andtheconstantdisputesandjealousiesbetweentheHighlandersandLowlanders,besidesanumberofinexplicablecausesoffeudwhichseparatedthegreatleadingfamiliesinScotlandfromeachother,occasionedsuchgeneralsuspicion,

thatasolitaryandunprotectedstrangerwasalmostsuretomeetwithsomethingdisagreeableinthecourseofhistravels.

Iacquiesced,however,inmydestinationwiththebestgraceIcould,consolingmyselfwiththehopethatImightobtainfromthecaptivefreebootersomeinformationconcerningRashleighandhismachinations.IshoulddomyselfinjusticedidInotadd,thatmyviewswerenotmerelyselfish.Iwastoomuchinterestedinmysingularacquaintancenottobedesirousofrenderinghimsuchservicesashisunfortunatesituationmightdemand,oradmitofhisreceiving.

CHAPTERSIXTEEN.

Andwhenhecametobrokenbrigg,Hebenthisbowandswam;Andwhenhecametograssgrowing,Setdownhisfeetandran.GilMorrice.

Theechoesoftherocksandravines,oneitherside,nowrangtothetrumpetsofthecavalry,which,formingthemselvesintotwodistinctbodies,begantomovedownthevalleyataslowtrot.ThatcommandedbyMajorGalbraithsoontooktotherighthand,andcrossedtheForth,forthepurposeoftakingupthequartersassignedthemforthenight,whentheyweretooccupy,asIunderstood,anoldcastleinthevicinity.They

formedalivelyobjectwhilecrossingthestream,butweresoonlostinwindingupthebankontheoppositeside,whichwasclothedwithwood.



Wecontinuedourmarchwithconsiderablegoodorder.Toensurethesafecustodyoftheprisoner,theDukehadcausedhimtobeplacedonhorsebackbehindoneofhisretainers,called,asIwasinformed,EwanofBrigglands,oneofthelargestandstrongestmenwhowerepresent.Ahorse-belt,passedroundthebodiesofboth,andbuckledbeforetheyeoman'sbreast,rendereditimpossibleforRobRoytofreehimselffromhiskeeper.Iwasdirectedtokeepclosebesidethem,andaccommodatedforthepurposewithatroop-horse.Wewereascloselysurroundedbythesoldiersasthewidthoftheroadwouldpermit,andhadalwaysatleastone,ifnottwo,oneachside,withpistolinhand.AndrewFairservice,furnishedwithaHighlandpony,ofwhichtheyhadmadepreysomewhereorother,waspermittedtorideamongtheotherdomestics,ofwhomagreatnumberattendedthelineofmarch,thoughwithoutfallingintotheranksofthemoreregularlytrainedtroopers.

Inthismannerwetravelledforacertaindistance,untilwearrivedataplacewherewealsoweretocrosstheriver.TheForth,asbeingtheoutletofalake,isofconsiderabledepth,evenwherelessimportantinpointofwidth,andthedescenttothefordwasbyabrokenprecipitousravine,whichonlypermittedonehorsemantodescendatonce.Therearandcentreofoursmallbodyhaltingonthebankwhilethefrontfilespasseddowninsuccession,producedaconsiderabledelay,asisusualonsuchoccasions,andevensomeconfusion;foranumberofthoseriders,

whomadenoproperpartofthesquadron,crowdedtothefordwithoutregularity,andmadethemilitiacavalry,althoughtolerablywelldrilled,partakeinsomedegreeoftheirowndisorder.

ItwaswhilewewerethushuddledtogetheronthebankthatIheardRobRoywhispertothemanbehindwhomhewasplacedonhorseback,"Yourfather,Ewan,wadnahaecarriedanauldfriendtotheshambles,likeacalf,fora'theDukesinChristendom."

Ewanreturnednoanswer,butshrugged,asonewhowouldexpressbythatsignthatwhathewasdoingwasnoneofhisownchoice.

"AndwhentheMacGregorscomedowntheglen,andyeseetoomfaulds,a

bluidyhearthstone,andthefireflashingoutbetweentherafterso'yourhouse,yemaybethinkingthen,Ewan,thatwereyourfriendRobtothefore,youwouldhavehadthatsafewhichitwillmakeyourheartsairtolose."

EwanofBrigglandsagainshruggedandgroaned,butremainedsilent.

"It'sasairthing,"continuedRob,slidinghisinsinuationssogentlyintoEwan'searthattheyreachednootherbutmine,whocertainlysawmyselfinnoshapecalledupontodestroyhisprospectsofescape--"It'sasairthing,thatEwanofBrigglands,whomRoyMacGregorhashelpedwithhand,sword,andpurse,suldmindagloomfromagreatmanmairthanafriend'slife."

Ewanseemedsorelyagitated,butwassilent.--WeheardtheDuke'svoicefromtheoppositebankcall,"Bringovertheprisoner."



Ewanputhishorseinmotion,andjustasIheardRoysay,"NeverweighaMacGregor'sbluidagainstabrokenwhango'leather,fortherewillbeanotheraccountingtogieforitbaithhereandhereafter,"theypassedmehastily,anddashingforwardratherprecipitately,enteredthewater.

"Notyet,sir--notyet,"saidsomeofthetrooperstome,asIwasabouttofollow,whileotherspressedforwardintothestream.

IsawtheDukeontheotherside,bythewaninglight,engagedincommandinghispeopletogetintoorder,astheylandeddispersedly,somehigher,somelower.Manyhadcrossed,somewereinthewater,andtherestwerepreparingtofollow,whenasuddensplashwarnedmethatMacGregor'seloquencehadprevailedonEwantogivehimfreedomandachanceforlife.TheDukealsoheardthesound,andinstantlyguesseditsmeaning."Dog!"heexclaimedtoEwanashelanded,"whereisyourprisoner?"and,withoutwaitingtoheartheapologywhichtheterrifiedvassalbegantofalterforth,hefiredapistolathishead,whetherfatallyIknownot,andexclaimed,"Gentlemen,disperseandpursuethevillain--AnhundredguineasforhimthatsecuresRobRoy!"

Allbecameaninstantsceneofthemostlivelyconfusion.RobRoy,disengagedfromhisbonds,doubtlessbyEwan'sslippingthebuckleofhisbelt,haddroppedoffatthehorse'stail,andinstantlydived,passing

underthebellyofthetroop-horsewhichwasonhislefthand.Butashewasobligedtocometothesurfaceaninstantforair,theglimpseofhistartanplaiddrewtheattentionofthetroopers,someofwhomplungedintotheriver,withatotaldisregardtotheirownsafety,rushing,accordingtotheexpressionoftheircountry,throughpoolandstream,sometimesswimmingtheirhorses,sometimeslosingthemandstrugglingfortheirownlives.Others,lesszealousormoreprudent,brokeoffindifferentdirections,andgallopedupanddownthebanks,towatchtheplacesatwhichthefugitivemightpossiblyland.Thehollowing,thewhooping,thecallsforaidatdifferentpoints,wheretheysaw,orconceivedtheysaw,somevestigeofhimtheywereseeking,--thefrequentreportofpistolsandcarabines,firedateveryobjectwhichexcitedtheleastsuspicion,--thesightofsomanyhorsemenridingabout,inandout

oftheriver,andstrikingwiththeirlongbroadswordsatwhateverexcitedtheirattention,joinedtothevainexertionsusedbytheirofficerstorestoreorderandregularity,--andallthisinsowildascene,andvisibleonlybytheimperfecttwilightofanautumnevening,madethemostextraordinaryhubbubIhadhithertowitnessed.Iwasindeedleftalonetoobserveit,forourwholecavalcadehaddispersedinpursuit,oratleasttoseetheeventofthesearch.Indeed,asIpartlysuspectedatthetime,andafterwardslearnedwithcertainty,manyofthosewhoseemedmostactiveintheirattemptstowaylayandrecoverthefugitive,were,inactualtruth,leastdesirousthatheshouldbetaken,andonlyjoinedinthecrytoincreasethegeneralconfusion,andtogiveRobRoyabetteropportunityofescaping.

Escape,indeed,wasnotdifficultforaswimmersoexpertasthefreebooter,assoonashehadeludedthefirstburstofpursuit.Atonetimehewascloselypressed,andseveralblowsweremadewhichflashedin



thewateraroundhim;thescenemuchresemblingoneoftheotter-huntswhichIhadseenatOsbaldistoneHall,wheretheanimalisdetectedbythehoundsfromhisbeingnecessitatedtoputhisnoseabovethestreamtoventorbreathe,whileheisenabledtoeludethembygettingunderwateragainsosoonashehasrefreshedhimselfbyrespiration.MacGregor,however,hadatrickbeyondtheotter;forhecontrived,whenverycloselypursued,todisengagehimselfunobservedfromhisplaid,andsufferittofloatdownthestream,whereinitsprogressitquicklyattractedgeneralattention;manyofthehorsemenwerethusputuponafalsescent,andseveralshotsorstabswereavertedfromthepartyforwhomtheyweredesigned.

Oncefairlyoutofview,therecoveryoftheprisonerbecamealmostimpossible,since,insomanyplaces,theriverwasrenderedinaccessiblebythesteepnessofitsbanks,orthethicketsofalders,poplars,andbirch,which,overhangingitsbanks,preventedtheapproachofhorsemen.Errorsandaccidentshadalsohappenedamongthepursuers,whosetasktheapproachingnightrenderedeverymomentmorehopeless.Somegotthemselvesinvolvedintheeddiesofthestream,andrequiredtheassistanceoftheircompanionstosavethemfromdrowning.Others,hurtbyshotsorblowsintheconfusedmele'e,imploredhelporthreatenedvengeance,andinoneortwoinstancessuchaccidentsledtoactualstrife.Thetrumpets,therefore,soundedtheretreat,announcingthatthe

commandingofficer,withwhatsoeverunwillingness,hadforthepresentrelinquishedhopesoftheimportantprizewhichhadthusunexpectedlyescapedhisgrasp,andthetroopersbeganslowly,reluctantly,andbrawlingwitheachotherastheyreturned,againtoassumetheirranks.Icouldseethemdarkening,astheyformedonthesouthernbankoftheriver,--whosemurmurs,longdrownedbytheloudercriesofvengefulpursuit,werenowheardhoarselyminglingwiththedeep,discontented,andreproachfulvoicesofthedisappointedhorsemen.

HithertoIhadbeenasitwereamerespectator,thoughfarfromanuninterestedone,ofthesingularscenewhichhadpassed.ButnowIheardavoicesuddenlyexclaim,"WhereistheEnglishstranger?--ItwashegaveRobRoytheknifetocutthebelt."

"Cleevethepock-puddingtothechafts!"criedonevoice.

"Weizeabraceofballsthroughhisharn-pan!"saidasecond.

"Drivethreeinchesofcauldairnintohisbrisket!"shoutedathird.

AndIheardseveralhorsesgallopingtoandfro,withthekindpurpose,doubtless,ofexecutingthesedenunciations.Iwasimmediatelyawakenedtothesenseofmysituation,andtothecertaintythatarmedmen,havingnorestraintwhateverontheirirritatedandinflamedpassions,wouldprobablybeginbyshootingorcuttingmedown,andafterwardsinvestigatethejusticeoftheaction.Impressedbythisbelief,Ileapedfrommy

horse,andturninghimloose,plungedintoabushofalder-trees,where,consideringtheadvancingobscurityofthenight,Ithoughttherewaslittlechanceofmybeingdiscovered.HadIbeennearenoughtotheDuketohaveinvokedhispersonalprotection,Iwouldhavedoneso;buthehad



alreadycommencedhisretreat,andIsawnoofficerontheleftbankoftheriver,ofauthoritysufficienttohaveaffordedprotection,incaseofmysurrenderingmyself.Ithoughttherewasnopointofhonourwhichcouldrequire,insuchcircumstances,anunnecessaryexposureofmylife.Myfirstidea,whenthetumultbegantobeappeased,andtheclatterofthehorses'feetwasheardlessfrequentlyintheimmediatevicinityofmyhiding-place,wastoseekouttheDuke'squarterswhenallshouldbequiet,andgivemyselfuptohim,asaliegesubject,whohadnothingtofearfromhisjustice,andastranger,whohadeveryrighttoexpectprotectionandhospitality.WiththispurposeIcreptoutofmyhiding-place,andlookedaroundme.

Thetwilighthadnowmeltednearlyintodarkness;afewornoneofthetrooperswereleftonmysideoftheForth,andofthosewhowerealreadyacrossit,Ionlyheardthedistanttrampleofthehorses'feet,andthewailingandprolongedsoundoftheirtrumpets,whichrungthroughthewoodstorecallstragglers,Here,therefore,Iwasleftinasituationofconsiderabledifficulty.Ihadnohorse,andthedeepandwheelingstreamoftheriver,renderedturbidbythelatetumultofwhichitschannelhadbeenthescene,andseemingyetmoresounderthedoubtfulinfluenceofanimperfectmoonlight,hadnoinvitinginfluenceforapedestrianbynomeansaccustomedtowaderivers,andwhohadlatelyseenhorsemenweltering,inthisdangerouspassage,uptotheverysaddle-laps.Atthe

sametime,myprospect,ifIremainedonthesideoftheriveronwhichIthenstood,couldbenootherthanofconcludingthevariousfatiguesofthisdayandtheprecedingnight,bypassingthatwhichwasnowclosingin,_alfresco_onthesideofaHighlandhill.

Afteramoment'sreflection,IbegantoconsiderthatFairservice,whohaddoubtlesscrossedtheriverwiththeotherdomestics,accordingtohisforwardandimpertinentcustomofputtinghimselfalwaysamongtheforemost,couldnotfailtosatisfytheDuke,orthecompetentauthorities,respectingmyrankandsituation;andthat,therefore,mycharacterdidnotrequiremyimmediateappearance,attheriskofbeingdrownedintheriver--ofbeingunabletotracethemarchofthesquadronincaseofmyreachingtheothersideinsafety--or,finally,ofbeing

cutdown,rightorwrong,bysomestraggler,whomightthinksuchapieceofgoodserviceaconvenientexcusefornotsoonerrejoininghisranks.Ithereforeresolvedtomeasuremystepsbacktothelittleinn,whereIhadpassedtheprecedingnight.IhadnothingtoapprehendfromRobRoy.Hewasnowatliberty,andIwascertain,incaseofmyfallinginwithanyofhispeople,thenewsofhisescapewouldensuremeprotection.Imightthusalsoshow,thatIhadnointentiontodesertMr.Jarvieinthedelicatesituationinwhichhehadengagedhimselfchieflyonmyaccount.Andlastly,itwasonlyinthisquarterthatIcouldhopetolearntidingsconcerningRashleighandmyfather'spapers,whichhadbeentheoriginalcauseofanexpeditionsofraughtwithperilousadventure.IthereforeabandonedallthoughtsofcrossingtheForththatevening;and,turningmybackontheFordsofFrew,begantoretracemystepstowards

thelittlevillageofAberfoil.

Asharpfrost-wind,whichmadeitselfheardandfeltfromtimetotime,removedthecloudsofmistwhichmightotherwisehaveslumberedtill



morningonthevalley;and,thoughitcouldnottotallydispersethecloudsofvapour,yetthrewtheminconfusedandchangefulmasses,nowhoveringroundtheheadsofthemountains,nowfilling,aswithadenseandvoluminousstreamofsmoke,thevariousdeepgullieswheremassesofthecompositerock,orbreccia,tumblinginfragmentsfromthecliffs,haverushedtothevalley,leavingeachbehinditscoursearentandtornravineresemblingadesertedwater-course.Themoon,whichwasnowhigh,andtwinkledwithallthevivacityofafrostyatmosphere,silveredthewindingsoftheriverandthepeaksandprecipiceswhichthemistleftvisible,whileherbeamsseemedasitwereabsorbedbythefleecywhitenessofthemist,whereitlaythickandcondensed;andgavetothemorelightandvapouryspecks,whichwereelsewherevisible,asortoffilmytransparencyresemblingthelightestveilofsilvergauze.Despitetheuncertaintyofmysituation,aviewsoromantic,joinedtotheactiveandinspiringinfluenceofthefrostyatmosphere,elevatedmyspiritswhileitbracedmynerves.Ifeltaninclinationtocastcareaway,andbiddefiancetodanger,andinvoluntarilywhistled,bywayofcadencetomysteps,whichmyfeelingofthecoldledmetoaccelerate,andIfeltthepulseofexistencebeatprouderandhigherinproportionasIfeltconfidenceinmyownstrength,courage,andresources.Iwassomuchlostinthesethoughts,andinthefeelingswhichtheyexcited,thattwohorsemencameupbehindmewithoutmyhearingtheirapproach,untilonewasoneachsideofme,whentheleft-handrider,pullinguphishorse,

addressedmeintheEnglishtongue--"Soho,friend!whithersolate?"

"TomysupperandbedatAberfoil,"Ireplied.

"Arethepassesopen?"heinquired,withthesamecommandingtoneofvoice.

"Idonotknow,"Ireplied;"IshalllearnwhenIgetthere.But,"Iadded,thefateofMorrisrecurringtomyrecollection,"ifyouareanEnglishstranger,Iadviseyoutoturnbacktilldaylight;therehasbeensomedisturbanceinthisneighbourhood,andIshouldhesitatetosayitisperfectlysafeforstrangers."

"Thesoldiershadtheworst?--hadtheynot?"wasthereply.

"Theyhadindeed;andanofficer'spartyweredestroyedormadeprisoners."

"Areyousureofthat?"repliedthehorseman.

"AssureasthatIhearyouspeak,"Ireplied."Iwasanunwillingspectatoroftheskirmish."

"Unwilling!"continuedtheinterrogator."Wereyounotengagedinitthen?"

"Certainlyno,"Ireplied;"Iwasdetainedbytheking'sofficer."

"Onwhatsuspicion?andwhoareyou?orwhatisyourname?"hecontinued.



"Ireallydonotknow,sir,"saidI,"whyIshouldanswersomanyquestionstoanunknownstranger.Ihavetoldyouenoughtoconvinceyouthatyouaregoingintoadangerousanddistractedcountry.Ifyouchoosetoproceed,itisyourownaffair;butasIaskyounoquestionsrespectingyournameandbusiness,youwillobligemebymakingnoinquiriesaftermine."

"Mr.FrancisOsbaldistone,"saidtheotherrider,inavoicethetonesofwhichthrilledthrougheverynerveofmybody,"shouldnotwhistlehisfavouriteairswhenhewishestoremainundiscovered."

AndDianaVernon--forshe,wrappedinahorseman'scloak,wasthelastspeaker--whistledinplayfulmimicrythesecondpartofthetunewhichwasonmylipswhentheycameup.

"GoodGod!"Iexclaimed,likeonethunderstruck,"canitbeyou,MissVernon,onsuchaspot--atsuchanhour--insuchalawlesscountry--insuch"-

"Insuchamasculinedress,youwouldsay.--Butwhatwouldyouhave?ThephilosophyoftheexcellentCorporalNymisthebestafterall;thingsmustbeastheymay--_paucaverba._"

Whileshewasthusspeaking,Ieagerlytookadvantageofanunusuallybrightgleamofmoonshine,tostudytheappearanceofhercompanion;foritmaybeeasilysupposed,thatfindingMissVernoninaplacesosolitary,engagedinajourneysodangerous,andundertheprotectionofonegentlemanonly,werecircumstancestoexciteeveryfeelingofjealousy,aswellassurprise.TheriderdidnotspeakwiththedeepmelodyofRashleigh'svoice;histonesweremorehighandcommanding;hewastaller,moreover,ashesateonhorseback,thanthatfirst-rateobjectofmyhateandsuspicion.Neitherdidthestranger'saddressresemblethatofanyofmyothercousins;ithadthatindescribabletoneandmannerbywhichwerecogniseamanofsenseandbreeding,eveninthefirstfewsentenceshespeaks.

Theobjectofmyanxietyseemeddesiroustogetridofmyinvestigation.

"Diana,"hesaid,inatoneofmingledkindnessandauthority,"giveyourcousinhisproperty,andletusnotspendtimehere."

MissVernonhadinthemeantimetakenoutasmallcase,andleaningdownfromherhorsetowardsme,shesaid,inatoneinwhichaneffortatherusualquaintlightnessofexpressioncontendedwithadeeperandmoregravetoneofsentiment,"Yousee,mydearcoz,Iwasborntobeyourbetterangel.Rashleighhasbeencompelledtoyielduphisspoil,andhadwereachedthissamevillageofAberfoillastnight,aswepurposed,IshouldhavefoundsomeHighlandsylphtohavewaftedtoyouallthese

representativesofcommercialwealth.Butthereweregiantsanddragonsintheway;anderrant-knightsanddamselsofmoderntimes,boldthoughtheybe,mustnot,asofyore,runintouselessdanger--Donotyoudosoeither,mydearcoz."



"Diana,"saidhercompanion,"letmeoncemorewarnyouthattheevening

waxeslate,andwearestilldistantfromourhome."

"Iamcoming,sir,Iamcoming--Consider,"sheadded,withasigh,"howlatelyIhavebeensubjectedtocontrol--besides,Ihavenotyetgivenmycousinthepacket,andbidhimfare-well--forever.Yes,Frank,"shesaid,"forever!--thereisagulfbetweenus--agulfofabsoluteperdition;--wherewego,youmustnotfollow--whatwedo,youmustnotsharein--Farewell--behappy!"

Intheattitudeinwhichshebentfromherhorse,whichwasaHighlandpony,herface,notperhapsaltogetherunwillingly,touchedmine.Shepressedmyhand,whilethetearthattrembledinhereyefounditswaytomycheekinsteadofherown.Itwasamomentnevertobeforgotten-inexpressiblybitter,yetmixedwithasensationofpleasuresodeeplysoothingandaffecting,asatoncetounlockalltheflood-gatesoftheheart.Itwas_but_amoment,however;for,instantlyrecoveringfromthefeelingtowhichshehadinvoluntarilygivenway,sheintimatedtohercompanionshewasreadytoattendhim,andputtingtheirhorsestoabriskpace,theyweresoonfardistantfromtheplacewhereIstood.

Heavenknows,itwasnotapathywhichloadedmyframeandmytonguesomuch,thatIcouldneitherreturnMissVernon'shalfembrace,norevenanswerherfarewell.Theword,thoughitrosetomytongue,seemedtochokeinmythroatlikethefatal_guilty,_whichthedelinquentwhomakesithisplea,knowsmustbefollowedbythedoomofdeath.Thesurprise--thesorrow,almoststupifiedme.Iremainedmotionlesswiththepacketinmyhand,gazingafterthem,asifendeavouringtocountthesparkleswhichflewfromthehorses'hoofs.Icontinuedtolookaftereventhesehadceasedtobevisible,andtolistenfortheirfootstepslongafterthelastdistanttramplinghaddiedinmyears.Atlength,tearsrushedtomyeyes,glazedastheywerebytheexertionofstrainingafterwhatwasnolongertobeseen.Iwipedthemmechanically,andalmostwithoutbeingawarethattheywereflowing--buttheycamethicker

andthicker;Ifeltthetighteningofthethroatandbreast--the _hystericapassio_ofpoorLear;andsittingdownbythewayside,Ishedafloodofthefirstandmostbittertearswhichhadflowedfrommyeyessincechildhood.

CHAPTERSEVENTEEN.

_Dangle._--Egad,Ithinktheinterpreteristhehardertobeunderstoodofthetwo.Critic.

Ihadscarcegivenventtomyfeelingsinthisparoxysm,erewasashamed

ofmyweakness.IrememberedthatIhadbeenforsometimeendeavouringtoregardDianaVernon,whenherideaintrudeditselfonmyremembrance,



asafriend,forwhosewelfareIshouldindeedalwaysbeanxious,butwithwhomIcouldhavelittlefurthercommunication.Butthealmostunrepressedtendernessofhermanner,joinedtotheromanceofoursuddenmeetingwhereitwassolittletohavebeenexpected,werecircumstanceswhichthrewmeentirelyoffmyguard.Irecovered,however,soonerthanmighthavebeenexpected,andwithoutgivingmyselftimeaccuratelytoexaminemymotives.IresumedthepathonwhichIhadbeentravellingwhenovertakenbythisstrangeandunexpectedapparition.

"Iamnot,"wasmyreflection,"transgressingherinjunctionsopatheticallygiven,sinceIambutpursuingmyownjourneybytheonlyopenroute.--IfIhavesucceededinrecoveringmyfather'sproperty,itstillremainsincumbentonmetoseemyGlasgowfrienddeliveredfromthesituationinwhichhehasinvolvedhimselfonmyaccount;besides,whatotherplaceofrestcanIobtainforthenightexceptingatthelittleinnofAberfoil?Theyalsomuststopthere,sinceitisimpossiblefortravellersonhorsebacktogofarther--Well,then,weshallmeetagain-meetforthelasttimeperhaps--ButIshallseeandhearher--Ishalllearnwhothishappymaniswhoexercisesoverhertheauthorityofahusband--Ishalllearnifthereremains,inthedifficultcourseinwhichsheseemsengaged,anydifficultywhichmyeffortsmayremove,oraughtthatIcandotoexpressmygratitudeforhergenerosity--forherdisinterestedfriendship."

AsIreasonedthuswithmyself,colouringwitheveryplausiblepretextwhichoccurredtomyingenuitymypassionatedesireoncemoretoseeandconversewithmycousin,Iwassuddenlyhailedbyatouchontheshoulder;andthedeepvoiceofaHighlander,who,walkingstillfasterthanI,thoughIwasproceedingatasmartpace,accostedmewith,"Abrawnight,MaisterOsbaldistone--wehavemetatthemirkhourbeforenow."

TherewasnomistakingthetoneofMacGregor;hehadescapedthepursuitofhisenemies,andwasinfullretreattohisownwildsandtohisadherents.Hehadalsocontrivedtoarmhimself,probablyatthehouseofsomesecretadherent,forhehadamusketonhisshoulder,andtheusual

Highlandweaponsbyhisside.Tohavefoundmyselfalonewithsuchacharacterinsuchasituation,andatthislatehourintheevening,mightnothavebeenpleasanttomeinanyordinarymoodofmind;for,thoughhabituatedtothinkofRobRoyinratherafriendlypointofview,IwillconfessfranklythatIneverheardhimspeakbutthatitseemedtothrillmyblood.Theintonationofthemountaineersgivesahabitualdepthandhollownesstothesoundoftheirwords,owingtothegutturalexpressionsocommonintheirnativelanguage,andtheyusuallyspeakwithagooddealofemphasis.TothesenationalpeculiaritiesRobRoyaddedasortofhardindifferenceofaccentandmanner,expressiveofamindneithertobedaunted,norsurprised,noraffectedbywhatpassedbeforehim,howeverdreadful,howeversudden,howeverafflicting.Habitualdanger,withunboundedconfidenceinhisownstrengthand

sagacity,hadrenderedhimindifferenttofear,andthelawlessandprecariouslifeheledhadblunted,thoughitsdangersanderrorshadnotdestroyed,hisfeelingsforothers.AnditwastoberememberedthatIhadverylatelyseenthefollowersofthismancommitacruelslaughter



onanunarmedandsuppliantindividual.

Yetsuchwasthestateofmymind,thatIwelcomedthecompanyoftheoutlawleaderasarelieftomyownoverstrainedandpainfulthoughts;andwasnotwithouthopesthatthroughhismeansImightobtainsomeclewofguidancethroughthemazeinwhichmyfatehadinvolvedme.Ithereforeansweredhisgreetingcordially,andcongratulatedhimonhislateescapeincircumstanceswhenescapeseemedimpossible.

"Ay,"hereplied,"thereisasmuchbetweenthecraigandthewoodie*asthereisbetweenthecupandthelip.Butmyperilwaslessthanyoumaythink,beingastrangertothiscountry.

*_i.e._Thethroatandthewithy.Twigsofwillow,suchasbindfaggots,wereoftenusedforhaltersinScotlandandIreland,beingasageeconomyofhemp.Ofthosethatweresummonedtotakeme,andtokeepme,andtoretakemeagain,therewasamoiety,ascousinNicolJarviecallsit,thathadnaewillthatIsuldbeeithertaen,orkeepitfast,orretaen;andoftothermoiety,therewasashalfwasfearedtostirme;andsoIhadonlylikethefourthpartoffiftyorsixtymentodealwithal."

"Andenough,too,Ishouldthink,"repliedI.

"Idinnakenthat,"saidhe;"butIken,thatturneveryill-willerthatIhadamangthemoutuponthegreenbeforetheClachanofAberfoil,Iwadfindthemplaywithbroadswordandtarget,onedownandanothercomeon."

Henowinquiredintomyadventuressinceweenteredhiscountry,andlaughedheartilyatmyaccountofthebattlewehadintheinn,andattheexploitsoftheBailiewiththered-hotpoker.

"LetGlasgowFlourish!"heexclaimed."ThecurseofCromwellonme,ifIwadhaewishedbettersportthantoseecousinNicolJarviesingeIverach'splaid,likeasheep'sheadbetweenapairoftongs.ButmycousinJarvie,"headded,moregravely,"hassomegentleman'sbluidin

hisveins,althoughhehasbeenunhappilybreduptoapeacefulandmechanicalcraft,whichcouldnotbutbluntanyprettyman'sspirit.--YemayestimatethereasonwhyIcouldnotreceiveyouattheClachanofAberfoilasIpurposed.TheyhadmadeafinehosenetformewhenIwasabsenttwaorthreedaysatGlasgow,upontheking'sbusiness--ButIthinkIbrokeuptheleagueabouttheirlugs--they'llnobeabletohoundoneclanagainstanotherastheyhaedune.Ihopesoontoseethedaywhena'Hielandmenwillstandshouthertoshouther.Butwhatchancednext?"

IgavehimanaccountofthearrivalofCaptainThorntonandhisparty,andthearrestoftheBailieandmyselfunderpretextofourbeingsuspiciouspersons;anduponhismorespecialinquiry,Irecollectedthe

officerhadmentionedthat,besidesmynamesoundingsuspiciousinhisears,hehadorderstosecureanoldandyoungperson,resemblingourdescription.Thisagainmovedtheoutlaw'srisibility.



"Asmanlivesbybread,"hesaid,"thebuzzardshavemistaenmyfriendtheBailieforhisExcellency,andyouforDianaVernon--O,themostegregiousnight-howlets!"

"MissVernon?"saidI,withhesitation,andtremblingfortheanswer-"Doesshestillbearthatname?Shepassedbutnow,alongwithagentlemanwhoseemedtouseastyleofauthority."

"Ay,ay,"answeredRob,"she'sunderlawfu'authoritynow;andfulltime,forshewasadafthempie--Butshe'samettlequean.It'sapityhisExcellencyisathoughteldern.Thelikeo'yourself,ormysonHamish,wadbemairsortableinpointofyears."

Here,then,wasacompletedownfallofthosecastlesofcardswhichmyfancyhad,indespiteofmyreason,sooftenamusedherselfwithbuilding.AlthoughintruthIhadscarcelyanythingelsetoexpect,sinceIcouldnotsupposethatDianacouldbetravellinginsuchacountry,atsuchanhour,withanybutonewhohadalegaltitletoprotecther,Ididnotfeeltheblowlessseverelywhenitcame;andMacGregor'svoice,urgingmetopursuemystory,soundedinmyearswithoutconveyinganyexactimporttomymind.

"Youareill,"hesaidatlength,afterhehadspokentwicewithout

receivingananswer;"thisday'swarkhasbeenowermuckleforanedoubtlessunusedtosicthings."

Thetoneofkindnessinwhichthiswasspoken,recallingmetomyself,andtothenecessitiesofmysituation,IcontinuedmynarrativeaswellasIcould.RobRoyexpressedgreatexultationatthesuccessfulskirmishinthepass.

"Theysay,"heobserved,"thatking'schaffisbetterthanotherfolk'scorn;butIthinkthatcannabesaido'king'ssoldiers,iftheyletthemselvesbebeatenwi'awheenauldcarlesthatarepastfighting,andbairnsthatarenocometill't,andwiveswi'theirrocksanddistaffs,theverywally-draigleso'thecountryside.AndDougalGregor,too--wha

wadhaethoughttherehadbeenasmucklesenseinhistatty-pow,thatne'erhadabettercoveringthanhisainshaggyhassockofhair!--Butsayaway--thoughIdreadwhat'stocomeneist--formyHelen'sanincarnatedevilwhenherbluid'sup--puirthing,shehasowermucklereason."

IobservedasmuchdelicacyasIcouldincommunicatingtohimtheusagewehadreceived,butIobviouslysawthedetailgavehimgreatpain.

"Iwadratherthanathousandmerks,"hesaid,"thatIhadbeenathame!Tomisguidestrangers,andforbyea',myainnaturalcousin,thathadshowedmesickindness--IwadrathertheyhadburnedhalftheLennoxintheirfolly!Butthiscomeso'trustingwomenandtheirbairns,thathaveneithermeasurenorreasonintheirdealings.However,it'sa'owingto

thatdogofagauger,whabetrayedmebypretendingamessagefromyourcousinRashleigh,tomeethimontheking'saffairs,whilkIthoughtwasveryliketobeanentGarschattachinandapartyoftheLennoxdeclaring



themselvesforKingJames.Faith!butIken'dIwascleanbeguiledwhenIheardtheDukewasthere;andwhentheystrappedthehorse-girthowermyarms,Imighthaejudgedwhatwasbidingme;forIken'dyourkinsman,being,wi'pardon,aslipperyloonhimself,ispronetoemploythoseofhisainkidney--Iwishhemaynahaebeenatthebottomo'theployhimsell--IthoughtthechieldMorrislookeddevilishqueerwhenIdeterminedheshouldremainawad,orhostage,formysafeback-coming.ButI_am_comeback,naethankstohim,orthemthatemployedhim;andthequestionis,howthecollectorloonistowinbackhimsell--Ipromisehimitwillnotbewithoutaransom."

"Morris,"saidI,"hasalreadypaidthelastransomwhichmortalmancanowe."

"Eh!What?"exclaimedmycompanionhastily;"whatd'yesay?Itrustitwasintheskirmishhewaskilled?"

"Hewasslainincoldbloodafterthefightwasover,Mr.Campbell."

"Coldblood?--Damnation!"hesaid,mutteringbetwixthisteeth--"Howfellthat,sir?Speakout,sir,anddonotMaisterorCampbellme--myfootisonmynativeheath,andmynameisMacGregor!"

Hispassionswereobviouslyirritated;butwithoutnoticingtherudenessofhistone,IgavehimashortanddistinctaccountofthedeathofMorris.Hestruckthebuttofhisgunwithgreatvehemenceagainsttheground,andbrokeout--"IvowtoGod,suchadeedmightmakeoneforswearkin,clan,country,wife,andbairns!Andyetthevillainwroughtlongforit.Andwhatisthedifferencebetweenwarslingbelowthewaterwi'astaneaboutyourneck,andwaveringinthewindwi'atetherroundit?-it'sbutchokingaftera',andhedreesthedoomheettledforme.Icouldhavewished,though,theyhadratherputtenaballthroughhim,oradirk;forthefashionofremovinghimwillgiverisetomonyidleclavers--Buteverywighthashisweird,andwemauna'deewhenourdaycomes--AndnaebodywilldenythatHelenMacGregorhasdeepwrongstoavenge."

Sosaying,heseemedtodismissthethemealtogetherfromhismind,andproceededtoinquirehowIgotfreefromthepartyinwhosehandshehadseenme.

Mystorywassoontold;andIaddedtheepisodeofmyhavingrecoveredthepapersofmyfather,thoughIdarednottrustmyvoicetonamethenameofDiana.

"Iwassureyewadgetthem,"saidMacGregor;--"theletteryebroughtmecontainedhisExcellency'spleasuretothateffectandnaedoubtitwasmywilltohaveaidedinit.AndIaskedyeupintothisglenontheveryerrand.Butit'slikehisExcellencyhasforegatheredwi'Rashleigh

soonerthanIexpected."

Thefirstpartofthisanswerwaswhatmostforciblystruckme.



"WastheletterIbroughtyou,then,fromthispersonyoucallhisExcellency?Whoishe?andwhatishisrankandpropername?"

"Iamthinking,"saidMacGregor,"thatsinceyedinnakenthemalreadytheycannabeo'muckleconsequencetoyou,andsaeIshallsaynaethingonthatscore.ButweelIwottheletterwasfraehisainhand,or,havingasortofbusinessofmyainonmyhands,being,asyeweelmaysee,justasmuchasIcanfairlymanage,IcannasayIwouldhaefashedmysellsaemuckleaboutthematter."

Inowrecollectedthelightsseeninthelibrary--thevariouscircumstanceswhichhadexcitedmyjealousy--theglove--theagitationofthetapestrywhichcoveredthesecretpassagefromRashleigh'sapartment;and,aboveall,IrecollectedthatDianaretiredinordertowrite,asIthenthought,thebillettowhichIwastohaverecourseincaseofthelastnecessity.Herhours,then,werenotspentinsolitude,butinlisteningtotheaddressesofsomedesperateagentofJacobiticaltreason,whowasasecretresidentwithinthemansionofheruncle!Otheryoungwomenhavesoldthemselvesforgold,orsufferedthemselvestobeseducedfromtheirfirstlovefromvanity;butDianahadsacrificedmyaffectionsandherowntopartakethefortunesofsomedesperateadventurer--toseekthehauntsoffreebootersthroughmidnightdeserts,withnobetterhopesofrankorfortunethanthatmimicryofbothwhich

themockcourtoftheStuartsatSt.Germainshadintheirpowertobestow.

"Iwillseeher,"Isaidinternally,"ifitbepossible,oncemore.Iwillarguewithherasafriend--asakinsman--ontherisksheisincurring,andIwillfacilitateherretreattoFrance,whereshemay,withmorecomfortandpropriety,aswellassafety,abidetheissueoftheturmoilswhichthepoliticaltrepanner,towhomshehasunitedherfate,isdoubtlessbusiedinputtingintomotion."

"Iconclude,then,"IsaidtoMacGregor,afteraboutfiveminutes'silenceonbothsides,"thathisExcellency,sinceyougivemenoothernameforhim,wasresidinginOsbaldistoneHallatthesametimewith

myself?"

"Tobesure--tobesure--andintheyounglady'sapartment,asbestreasonwas."Thisgratuitousinformationwasaddinggalltobitterness."Butfew,"addedMacGregor,"ken'dhewasdernedthere,saveRashleighandSirHildebrand;foryouwereouto'thequestion;andtheyoungladshaenawiteneughtoca'thecatfraethecream--Butit'sabra'auld-fashionedhouse,andwhatIspeciallyadmireistheabundanceo'holesandboresandconcealments--yecouldputtwentyorthirtymeninaecorner,andafamilymightliveaweekwithoutfindingthemout--whilk,naedoubt,mayonoccasionbeaspecialconvenience.Iwishwehadthelikeo'OsbaldistoneHallonthebraeso'Craig-Royston--Butwemaungarwoodsandcavesservethelikeo'uspuirHielandbodies."

"IsupposehisExcellency,"saidI,"wasprivytothefirstaccidentwhichbefell"-



Icouldnothelphesitatingamoment.

"YeweregoingtosayMorris,"saidRobRoycoolly,forhewastoomuchaccustomedtodeedsofviolencefortheagitationhehadatfirstexpressedtobeoflongcontinuance."Iusedtolaughheartilyatthatreik;butI'llhardlyhaethehearttodo'tagain,sincetheill-far'daccidentattheLoch.Na,na--hisExcellencyken'dnoughto'thatploy-itwasa'managedatweenRashleighandmysell.Butthesportthatcameafter--andRashleigh'sshifto'turningthesuspicionaffhimselfuponyou,thathehadnaegritfavourtofraethebeginning--andthenMissDie,shemaunhaeussweepupa'ourspiders'websagain,andsetyououto'theJustice'sclaws--andthenthefrightenedcravenMorris,thatwasscaredouto'hissevensensesbyseeingtherealmanwhenhewaschargingtheinnocentstranger--andthegowkofaclerk--andthedrunkencarleofajustice--Ohon!ohon!--monyalaughthatjob'sgienme--andnow,a'thatIcandoforthepuirdevilistogetsomemessessaidforhissoul."

"MayIask,"saidI,"howMissVernoncametohavesomuchinfluenceoverRashleighandhisaccomplicesastoderangeyourprojectedplan?"

"Mine!itwasnoneofmine.NomancansayIeverlaidmyburdenonotherfolk'sshoulders--itwasa'Rashleigh'sdoings.But,undoubtedly,shehad

greatinfluencewi'usbaithonaccountofhisExcellency'saffection,asweelasthatsheken'dfarowermonysecretstobelightliedinamattero'thatkind.--Deiltakhim,"heejaculated,bywayofsummingup,"thatgieswomeneithersecrettokeeporpowertoabuse--fulesshouldnahaechapping-sticks."

Wewerenowwithinaquarterofamilefromthevillage,whenthreeHighlanders,springinguponuswithpresentedarms,commandedustostandandtellourbusiness.Thesingleword_Gregaragh,_inthedeepandcommandingvoiceofmycompanion,wasansweredbyashout,orratheryell,ofjoyfulrecognition.One,throwingdownhisfirelock,claspedhisleadersofastroundtheknees,thathewasunabletoextricatehimself,muttering,atthesametime,atorrentofGaelicgratulation,whichevery

nowandthenroseintoasortofscreamofgladness.Thetwoothers,afterthefirsthowlingwasover,setoffliterallywiththespeedofdeers,contendingwhichshouldfirstcarrytothevillage,whichastrongpartyoftheMacGregorsnowoccupied,thejoyfulnewsofRobRoy'sescapeandreturn.Theintelligenceexcitedsuchshoutsofjubilation,thattheveryhillsrungagain,andyoungandold,men,women,andchildren,withoutdistinctionofsexorage,camerunningdownthevaletomeetus,withallthetumultuousspeedandclamourofamountaintorrent.WhenIheardtherushingnoiseandyellsofthisjoyfulmultitudeapproachus,IthoughtitafittingprecautiontoremindMacGregorthatIwasastranger,andunderhisprotection.Heaccordinglyheldmefastbythehand,whiletheassemblagecrowdedaroundhimwithsuchshoutsofdevotedattachment,andjoyathisreturn,aswerereallyaffecting;nordidhe

extendtohisfollowerswhatalleagerlysought,thegrasp,namely,ofhishand,untilhehadmadethemunderstandthatIwastobekindlyandcarefullyused.



ThemandateoftheSultanofDelhicouldnothavebeenmorepromptlyobeyed.Indeed,Inowsustainednearlyasmuchinconveniencefromtheirwell-meantattentionsasformerlyfromtheirrudeness.Theywouldhardlyallowthefriendoftheirleadertowalkuponhisownlegs,soearnestweretheyinaffordingmesupportandassistanceupontheway;andatlength,takingadvantageofaslightstumblewhichImadeoverastone,whichthepressdidnotpermitmetoavoid,theyfairlyseizeduponme,andboremeintheirarmsintriumphtowardsMrs.MacAlpine's.

Onarrivalbeforeherhospitablewigwam,IfoundpowerandpopularityhaditsinconveniencesintheHighlands,aseverywhereelse;for,beforeMacGregorcouldbepermittedtoenterthehousewherehewastoobtainrestandrefreshment,hewasobligedtorelatethestoryofhisescapeatleastadozentimesover,asIwastoldbyanofficiousoldman,whochosetotranslateitatleastasoftenformyedification,andtowhomIwasinpolicyobligedtoseemtopayadecentdegreeofattention.Theaudiencebeingatlengthsatisfied,groupaftergroupdepartedtotaketheirbedupontheheath,orintheneighbouringhuts,somecursingtheDukeandGarschattachin,somelamentingtheprobabledangerofEwanofBrigglands,incurredbyhisfriendshiptoMacGregor,butallagreeingthattheescapeofRobRoyhimselflostnothingincomparisonwiththeexploitofanyoneoftheirchiefssincethedaysofDougalCiar,thefounderofhisline.

Thefriendlyoutlaw,nowtakingmebythearm,conductedmeintotheinteriorofthehut.MyeyesrovedrounditssmokyrecessesinquestofDianaandhercompanion;buttheywerenowheretobeseen,andIfeltasiftomakeinquiriesmightbetraysomesecretmotives,whichwerebestconcealed.TheonlyknowncountenanceuponwhichmyeyesrestedwasthatoftheBailie,who,seatedonastoolbythefireside,receivedwithasortofreserveddignity,thewelcomesofRobRoy,theapologieswhichhemadeforhisindifferentaccommodation,andhisinquiriesafterhishealth.

"Iamprettyweel,kinsman,"saidtheBailie--"indifferentweel,Ithankye;andforaccommodations,anecannaexpecttocarryabouttheSaut

Marketathistail,asasnaildoeshiscaup;--andIamblythethatyehaegottenouto'thehandso'yourunfreends."

"Weel,weel,then,"answeredRoy,"whatis'tailsye,man--a'sweelthatendsweel!--thewarldwilllastourday--Come,takeacupo'brandy--yourfatherthedeaconcouldtakeaneatanorratime."

"Itmightbehemightdosae,Robin,afterfatigue--whilkhasbeenmylotmairwaysthananethisday.But,"hecontinued,slowlyfillingupalittlewoodenstoupwhichmightholdaboutthreeglasses,"hewasamoderatemanofhisbicker,asIammysell--Here'swussinghealthtoye,Robin"(asip),"andyourweelfarehereandhereafter"(anothertaste),"andalsotomycousinHelen--andtoyourtwahopefu'lads,ofwhommair

anon."

Sosaying,hedrankupthecontentsofthecupwithgreatgravityanddeliberation,whileMacGregorwinkedasidetome,asifinridiculeof



theairofwisdomandsuperiorauthoritywhichtheBailieassumedtowardshimintheirintercourse,andwhichheexercisedwhenRobwasattheheadofhisarmedclan,infullasgreat,oragreaterdegree,thanwhenhewasattheBailie'smercyintheTolboothofGlasgow.Itseemedtome,thatMacGregorwishedme,asastranger,tounderstand,thatifhesubmittedtothetonewhichhiskinsmanassumed,itwaspartlyoutofdeferencetotherightsofhospitality,butstillmoreforthejest'ssake.

AstheBailiesetdownhiscupherecognisedme,andgivingmeacordialwelcomeonmyreturn,hewaivedfarthercommunicationwithmeforthepresent.--"Iwillspeaktoyourmattersanon;Imaunbegin,asinreason,wi'thoseofmykinsman.--Ipresume,Robin,there'snaebodyherewillcarryaughto'whatIamgauntosay,tothetown-councilorelsewhere,tomyprejudiceortoyours?"

"Makeyourselfeasyonthathead,cousinNicol,"answeredMacGregor;"thetaehalfo'thegillieswinnakenwhatyesay,andthetotherwinnacare--besidesthat,Iwadstowthetongueouto'theheado'anyo'themthatsuldpresumetosayoweragainonyspeechheldwi'meintheirpresence."

"Aweel,cousin,sicbeingthecase,andMr.Osbaldistoneherebeingaprudentyouth,andasafefriend--I'seplainlytellye,yearebreeding

upyourfamilytoganganillgate."Then,clearinghisvoicewithapreliminaryhem,headdressedhiskinsman,checking,asMalvolioproposedtodowhenseatedinhisstate,hisfamiliarsmilewithanaustereregardofcontrol.--"Yekenyourselfyehaudlightbythelaw--andformycousinHelen,forbyethatherreceptiono'methisblessedday--whilkIexcuseonaccountofperturbationofmind,wasmuckleonthenorthsideo' _friendly,_Isay(outputtingthispersonalreasonofcomplaint)Ihaethattosayo'yourwife"-

"Say_nothing_ofher,kinsman,"saidRob,inagraveandsterntone,"butwhatisbefittingafriendtosay,andherhusbandtohear.Ofmeyouarewelcometosayyourfullpleasure."

"Aweel,aweel,"saidtheBailie,somewhatdisconcerted,"we'seletthatbeapass-over--Idinnaapproveofmakingmischiefinfamilies.Buthereareyourtwasons,HamishandRobin,whilksignifies,asI'mgientounderstand,JamesandRobert--Itrustyewillcallthemsaeinfuture-therecomesnaegudeo'Hamishes,andEachines,andAngusses,exceptthatthey'rethenamesaneayechancestoseeintheindictmentsattheWesternCircuitsforcow-lifting,attheinstanceofhismajesty'sadvocateforhismajesty'sinterest.Aweel,butthetwalads,asIwassaying,theyhaenasaemuckleastheordinargrunds,man,ofliberaleducation--theydinnakentheverymultiplicationtableitself,whilkistherootofa'usefu'knowledge,andtheydidnaethingbutlaughandfleeratmewhenItauldthemmymindontheirignorance--It'smybelief

theycanneitherread,write,norcipher,ifsicathingcouldbebelievedo'ane'sainconnectionsinaChristianland."

"Iftheycould,kinsman,"saidMacGregor,withgreatindifference,"theirlearningmusthavecomeo'freewill,forwharthedeilwasItogetthem



ateacher?--wadyehaehadmeputonthegateo'yourDivinityHallatGlasgowCollege,'Wanted,atutorforRobRoy'sbairns?'"

"Na,kinsman,"repliedMr.Jarvie,"butyemighthaesenttheladswhartheycouldhaelearnedthefearo'God,andtheusagesofcivilisedcreatures.Theyareasignorantasthekyloesyeusedtodrivetomarket,ortheveryEnglishchurlsthatyesauldthemto,andcandonaethingwhatevertopurpose."

"Umph!"answeredRob;"Hamishcanbringdounablack-cockwhenhe'sonthewingwi'asinglebullet,andRobcandriveadirkthroughatwa-inchboard."

"Saemucklethewaurforthem,cousin!--saemucklethewaurforthembaith!"answeredtheGlasgowmerchantinatoneofgreatdecision;"antheykennaethingbetterthanthat,theyhadbetternokenthatneither.Tellmeyourself,Rob,whathasa'thiscutting,andstabbing,andshooting,anddrivingofdirks,whetherthroughhumanfleshorfirdeals,duneforyourself?--andwerenayeahappiermanatthetailo'yournowte-bestial,whenyewereinanhonestcalling,thaneveryehaebeensince,attheheado'yourHielandkernesandgally-glasses?"

IobservedthatMacGregor,whilehiswell-meaningkinsmanspoketohimin

thismanner,turnedandwrithedhisbodylikeamanwhoindeedsufferspain,butisdeterminednogroanshallescapehislips;andIlongedforanopportunitytointerruptthewell-meant,but,asitwasobvioustome,quitemistakenstrain,inwhichJarvieaddressedthisextraordinaryperson.Thedialogue,however,cametoanendwithoutmyinterference.

"Andsae,"saidtheBailie,"Ihaebeenthinking,Rob,thatasitmaybeyeareowerdeepintheblackbooktowinapardon,andowerauldtomendyourself,thatitwadbeapitytobringuptwahopefu'ladstosicagodlesstradeasyourain,andIwadblythelytakthemforprenticesattheloom,asIbeganmysell,andmyfatherthedeaconaforeme,though,praisetotheGiver,Ionlytradenowaswholesaledealer--And--and"-

HesawastormgatheringonRob'sbrow,whichprobablyinducedhimtothrowin,asasweetenerofanobnoxiousproposition,whathehadreservedtocrownhisowngenerosity,haditbeenembracedasanacceptableone;--"andRobin,lad,yeneednalooksaeglum,forI'llpaytheprentice-fee,andneverplagueyeforthethousandmerksneither."

"_Ceademilliadiaoul,_hundredthousanddevils!"exclaimedRob,risingandstridingthroughthehut,"Mysonsweavers!--_Milliamolligheart!_-butIwadseeeveryloominGlasgow,beam,traddles,andshuttles,burntinhell-firesooner!"

WithsomedifficultyImadetheBailie,whowaspreparingareply,

comprehendtheriskandimproprietyofpressingourhostonthistopic,andinaminuteherecovered,orreassumed,hisserenityoftemper.

"Butyemeanweel--yemeanweel,"saidhe;"sogiemeyourhand,Nicol,andifeverIputmysonsapprentice,Iwillgieyoutherefusalo'them.



And,asyousay,there'sthethousandmerkstobesettledbetweenus.-Here,EachinMacAnaleister,bringmemysporran."

Thepersonheaddressed,atall,strongmountaineer,whoseemedtoactasMacGregor'slieutenant,broughtfromsomeplaceofsafetyalargeleathernpouch,suchasHighlandersofrankwearbeforethemwheninfulldress,madeoftheskinofthesea-otter,richlygarnishedwithsilverornamentsandstuds.

"Iadvisenomantoattemptopeningthissporrantillhehasmysecret,"saidRobRoy;andthentwistingonebuttoninonedirection,andanotherinanother,pullingonestudupward,andpressinganotherdownward,themouthofthepurse,whichwasboundwithmassivesilverplate,openedandgaveadmittancetohishand.Hemademeremark,asiftobreakshortthesubjectonwhichBailieJarviehadspoken,thatasmallsteelpistolwasconcealedwithinthepurse,thetriggerofwhichwasconnectedwiththemounting,andmadepartofthemachinery,sothattheweaponwouldcertainlybedischarged,andinallprobabilityitscontentslodgedinthepersonofanyone,who,beingunacquaintedwiththesecret,shouldtamperwiththelockwhichsecuredhistreasure."This,"saidhetouchingthepistol--"thisisthekeeperofmyprivypurse."

Thesimplicityofthecontrivancetosecureafurredpouch,whichcould

havebeenrippedopenwithoutanyattemptonthespring,remindedmeoftheversesintheOdyssey,whereUlysses,inayetruderage,iscontenttosecurehispropertybycastingacuriousandinvolvedcomplicationofcordagearoundthesea-chestinwhichitwasdeposited.

TheBailieputonhisspectaclestoexaminethemechanism,andwhenhehaddone,returneditwithasmileandasigh,observing--"Ah!Rob,haditherfolk'spursesbeenasweelguarded,Idoubtifyoursporranwadhaebeenasweelfilledasitkythestobebytheweight."

"Nevermind,kinsman,"saidRob,laughing;"itwillayeopenforafriend'snecessity,ortopayajustdue--andhere,"headded,pullingoutarouleauofgold,"hereisyourtenhundredmerks--countthem,and

seethatyouarefullandjustlypaid."

Mr.Jarvietookthemoneyinsilence,andweighingitinhishandforaninstant,laiditonthetable,andreplied,"Rob,Icannatakit--Idownaintromitwithit--therecannaegudecomeo't--Ihaeseenowerweelthedaywhatsortofagateyourgowdismadein--ill-gotgearne'erprospered;and,tobeplainwi'you,Iwinnameddlewi't--itlooksastheremightbebluidon't."

"Troutsho!"saidtheoutlaw,affectinganindifferencewhichperhapshedidnotaltogetherfeel;"it'sgudeFrenchgowd,andne'erwasinScotchman'spouchbeforemine.Lookatthem,man--theyarea'louis-d'ors,brightandbonnieasthedaytheywerecoined."

"Thewaur,thewaur--justsaemucklethewaur,Robin,"repliedtheBailie,avertinghiseyesfromthemoney,though,likeCaesarontheLupercal,hisfingersseemedtoitchforit--"Rebellioniswaurthan



witchcraft,orrobberyeither;there'sgospelwarrantfor't."

"Nevermindthewarrant,kinsman,"saidthefreebooter;"youcomebythegowdhonestly,andinpaymentofajustdebt--itcamefromtheoneking,youmaygieittotheother,ifyelike;anditwilljustserveforaweakeningoftheenemy,andinthepointwherepuirKingJamesisweakesttoo,for,Godknows,hehashandsandheartseneugh,butIdoubthewantsthesiller."

"He'llnogetmonyHielandersthen,Robin,"saidMr.Jarvie,as,againreplacinghisspectaclesonhisnose,heundidtherouleau,andbegantocountitscontents.

"NorLowlandersneither,"saidMacGregor,archinghiseyebrow,and,ashelookedatme,directingaglancetowardsMr.Jarvie,who,allunconsciousoftheridicule,weighedeachpiecewithhabitualscrupulosity;andhavingtoldtwiceoverthesum,whichamountedtothedischargeofhisdebt,principalandinterest,hereturnedthreepiecestobuyhiskinswomanagown,asheexpressedhimself,andabracemoreforthetwabairns,ashecalledthem,requestingtheymightbuyanythingtheylikedwiththemexceptgunpowder.TheHighlanderstaredathiskinsman'sunexpectedgenerosity,butcourteouslyacceptedhisgift,whichhedepositedforthetimeinhiswell-securedpouch.

TheBailienextproducedtheoriginalbondforthedebt,onthebackofwhichhehadwrittenaformaldischarge,which,havingsubscribedhimself,herequestedmetosignasawitness.Ididso,andBailieJarviewaslookinganxiouslyaroundforanother,theScottishlawrequiringthesubscriptionoftwowitnessestovalidateeitherabondoracquittance."Youwillhardlyfindamanthatcanwritesaveourselveswithinthesethreemiles,"saidRob,"butI'llsettlethematteraseasily;"and,takingthepaperfrombeforehiskinsman,hethrewitinthefire.BailieJarviestaredinhisturn,buthiskinsmancontinued,"That'saHielandsettlementofaccounts.Thetimemightcome,cousin,wereItokeepa'thesechargesanddischarges,thatfriendsmightbebroughtintotroubleforhavingdealtwithme."

TheBailieattemptednoreplytothisargument,andoursuppernowappearedinastyleofabundance,andevendelicacy,which,fortheplace,mightbeconsideredasextraordinary.Thegreaterpartoftheprovisionswerecold,intimatingtheyhadbeenpreparedatsomedistance;andthereweresomebottlesofgoodFrenchwinetorelishpastiesofvarioussortsofgame,aswellasotherdishes.IremarkedthatMacGregor,whiledoingthehonoursofthetablewithgreatandanxioushospitality,prayedustoexcusethecircumstancethatsomeparticulardishorpastyhadbeeninfringedonbeforeitwaspresentedtous."Youmustknow,"saidhetoMr.Jarvie,butwithoutlookingtowardsme,"youarenottheonlygueststhisnightintheMacGregor'scountry,whilk,doubtless,yewillbelieve,sincemywifeandthetwaladswould

otherwisehavebeenmaistreadytoattendyou,asweelbeseemsthem."

BailieJarvielookedasifhefeltgladatanycircumstancewhichoccasionedtheirabsence;andIshouldhavebeenentirelyofhisopinion,



haditnotbeenthattheoutlaw'sapologyseemedtoimplytheywereinattendanceonDianaandhercompanion,whomeveninmythoughtsIcouldnotbeartodesignateasherhusband.

Whiletheunpleasantideasarisingfromthissuggestioncounteractedthegoodeffectsofappetite,welcome,andgoodcheer,IremarkedthatRobRoy'sattentionhadextendeditselftoprovidingusbetterbeddingthanwehadenjoyedthenightbefore.Twooftheleastfragileofthebedsteads,whichstoodbythewallofthehut,hadbeenstuffedwithheath,theninfullflower,soartificiallyarranged,that,theflowersbeinguppermost,affordedamattressatonceelasticandfragrant.Cloaks,andsuchbeddingascouldbecollected,stretchedoverthisvegetablecouch,madeitbothsoftandwarm.TheBailieseemedexhaustedbyfatigue.Iresolvedtoadjournmycommunicationtohimuntilnextmorning;andthereforesufferedhimtobetakehimselftobedsosoonashehadfinishedaplentifulsupper.Thoughtiredandharassed,Ididnotmyselffeelthesamedispositiontosleep,butratherarestlessandfeverishanxiety,whichledtosomefartherdiscoursebetwixtmeandMacGregor.

CHAPTEREIGHTEENTH.

Ahopelessdarknesssettleso'ermyfate;

I'veseenthelastlookofherheavenlyeyes,-I'veheardthelastsoundofherblessedvoice,-I'veseenherfairformfrommysightdepart;

Mydoomisclosed.CountBasil.

"Ikennotwhattomakeofyou,Mr.Osbaldistone,"saidMacGregor,ashepushedtheflasktowardsme."Youeatnot,youshownowishforrest;andyetyoudrinknot,thoughthatflaskofBourdeauxmighthavecomeoutofSirHildebrand'saincellar.Hadyoubeenalwaysasabstinent,youwould

haveescapedthedeadlyhatredofyourcousinRashleigh."

"HadIbeenalwaysprudent,"saidI,blushingatthesceneherecalledtomyrecollection,"Ishouldhaveescapedaworseevil--thereproachofmyownconscience."

MacGregorcastakeenandsomewhatfierceglanceonme,asiftoreadwhetherthereproof,whichheevidentlyfelt,hadbeenintentionallyconveyed.HesawthatIwasthinkingofmyself,notofhim,andturnedhisfacetowardsthefirewithadeepsigh.Ifollowedhisexample,andeachremainedforafewminuteswraptinhisownpainfulreverie.Allinthehutwerenowasleep,oratleastsilent,exceptingourselves.

MacGregorfirstbrokesilence,inthetoneofonewhotakesuphisdeterminationtoenteronapainfulsubject."MycousinNicolJarviemeanswell,"hesaid,"buthepressesowerhardonthetemperandsituationofamanlikeme,consideringwhatIhavebeen--whatIhave



beenforcedtobecome--and,aboveall,thatwhichhasforcedmetobecomewhatIam."

Hepaused;and,thoughfeelingthedelicatenatureofthediscussioninwhichtheconversationwaslikelytoengageme,Icouldnothelpreplying,thatIdidnotdoubthispresentsituationhadmuchwhichmustbemostunpleasanttohisfeelings.

"Ishouldbehappytolearn,"Iadded,"thatthereisanhonourablechanceofyourescapingfromit."

"Youspeaklikeaboy,"returnedMacGregor,inalowtonethatgrowledlikedistantthunder--"likeaboy,whothinkstheauldgnarledoakcanbetwistedaseasilyastheyoungsapling.CanIforgetthatIhavebeenbrandedasanoutlaw--stigmatisedasatraitor--apricesetonmyheadasifIhadbeenawolf--myfamilytreatedasthedamandcubsofthehill-fox,whomallmaytorment,vilify,degrade,andinsult--theverynamewhichcametomefromalongandnoblelineofmartialancestors,denounced,asifitwereaspelltoconjureupthedevilwith?"

Ashewentoninthismanner,Icouldplainlysee,that,bytheenumerationofhiswrongs,hewaslashinghimselfupintoarage,inordertojustifyinhisowneyestheerrorstheyhadledhiminto.In

thisheperfectlysucceeded;hislightgreyeyescontractingalternatelyanddilatingtheirpupils,untiltheyseemedactuallytoflashwithflame,whilehethrustforwardanddrewbackhisfoot,graspedthehiltofhisdirk,extendedhisarm,clenchedhisfist,andfinallyrosefromhisseat.

"Andthey_shall_find,"hesaid,inthesamemutteredbutdeeptoneofstifledpassion,"thatthenametheyhavedaredtoproscribe--thatthenameofMacGregor--_is_aspelltoraisethewilddevilwithal._They_shallhearofmyvengeance,thatwouldscorntolistentothestoryofmywrongs--ThemiserableHighlanddrover,bankrupt,barefooted,--strippedofall,dishonouredandhunteddown,becausetheavariceofothersgraspedatmorethanthatpoorallcouldpay,shallburstontheminanawful

change.Theythatscoffedatthegrovellingworm,andtrodeuponhim,maycryandhowlwhentheyseethestoopoftheflyingandfiery-moutheddragon.--ButwhydoIspeakofallthis?"hesaid,sittingdownagain,andinacalmertone--"Onlyyemayopineitfretsmypatience,Mr.Osbaldistone,tobehuntedlikeanotter,orasealgh,orasalmonupontheshallows,andthatbymyveryfriendsandneighbours;andtohaveasmanysword-cutsmade,andpistolsflashedatme,asIhadthisdayinthefordofAvondow,wouldtryasaint'stemper,muchmoreaHighlander's,whoarenotfamousforthatgudegift,asyemayhaeheard,Mr.Osbaldistone.--Butasthingbideswi'meo'whatNicolsaid;--I'mvexedforthebairns--I'mvexedwhenIthinko'HamishandRobertlivingtheirfather'slife."Andyieldingtodespondenceonaccountofhissons,whichhefeltnotuponhisown,thefatherrestedhisheaduponhishand.

Iwasmuchaffected,Will.AllmylifelongIhavebeenmoremeltedbythedistressunderwhichastrong,proud,andpowerfulmindiscompelledtogiveway,thanbythemoreeasilyexcitedsorrowsofsofter



dispositions.Thedesireofaidinghimrushedstronglyonmymind,notwithstandingtheapparentdifficulty,andevenimpossibility,ofthetask.

"Wehaveextensiveconnectionsabroad,"saidI:"mightnotyoursons,withsomeassistance--andtheyarewellentitledtowhatmyfather'shousecangive--findanhonourableresourceinforeignservice?"

Ibelievemycountenanceshowedsignsofsincereemotion;butmycompanion,takingmebythehand,asIwasgoingtospeakfarther,said-"Ithank--Ithankye--butletussaynaemairo'this.IdidnotthinktheeyeofmanwouldagainhaveseenatearonMacGregor'seye-lash."Hedashedthemoisturefromhislonggrayeye-lashandshaggyredeye-browwiththebackofhishand."To-morrowmorning,"hesaid,"we'lltalkofthis,andwewilltalk,too,ofyouraffairs--forweareearlystartersinthedawn,evenwhenwehavethelucktohavegoodbedstosleepin.Willyenotpledgemeinagracecup?"Ideclinedtheinvitation.

"Then,bythesoulofSt.Maronoch!Imustpledgemyself,"andhepouredoutandswallowedatleasthalf-a-quartofwine.

Ilaidmyselfdowntorepose,resolvingtodelaymyowninquiriesuntilhismindshouldbeinamorecomposedstate.Indeed,somuchhadthis

singularmanpossessedhimselfofmyimagination,thatIfeltitimpossibletoavoidwatchinghimforsomeminutesafterIhadflungmyselfonmyheathmattresstoseemingrest.Hewalkedupanddownthehut,crossedhimselffromtimetotime,mutteringoversomeLatinprayeroftheCatholicchurch;thenwrappedhimselfinhisplaid,withhisnakedswordononeside,andhispistolontheother,sodisposingthefoldsofhismantlethathecouldstartupatamoment'swarning,withaweaponineitherhand,readyforinstantcombat.Inafewminuteshisheavybreathingannouncedthathewasfastasleep.Overpoweredbyfatigue,andstunnedbythevariousunexpectedandextraordinaryscenesoftheday,I,inmyturn,wassoonoverpoweredbyaslumberdeepandoverwhelming,fromwhich,notwithstandingeverycauseforwatchfulness,Ididnotawakeuntilthenextmorning.

WhenIopenedmyeyes,andrecollectedmysituation,IfoundthatMacGregorhadalreadyleftthehut.IawakenedtheBailie,who,aftermanyasnortandgroan,andsomeheavycomplaintsofthesorenessofhisbones,inconsequenceoftheunwontedexertionsoftheprecedingday,wasatlengthabletocomprehendthejoyfulintelligence,thattheassetscarriedoffbyRashleighOsbaldistonehadbeensafelyrecovered.Theinstantheunderstoodmymeaning,heforgotallhisgrievances,and,bustlingupinagreathurry,proceededtocomparethecontentsofthepacketwhichIputintohishands,withMr.Owen'smemorandums,muttering,ashewenton,"Right,right--therealthing--BailieandWhittington--where'sBailieandWhittington?--sevenhundred,six,andeight--exacttoafraction--PollockandPeelman--twenty-eight,seven-exact--

Praisebeblest!--GrubandGrinder--bettermencannotbe--threehundredandseventy--Gliblad--twenty;IdoubtGliblad'sganging--Slipprytongue;Slipprytongue'sgaen--buttheyaresma'sums--sma'sums--therest'sa'right--Praisebeblest!wehavegotthestuff,andmayleave



thisdolefulcountry.IshallneverthinkonLoch-Ardbutthethoughtwillgarmegrewagain"

"Iamsorry,cousin,"saidMacGregor,whoenteredthehutduringthelastobservation,"IhavenotbeenaltogetherinthecircumstancestomakeyourreceptionsicasIcouldhavedesired--natheless,ifyouwouldcondescendtovisitmypuirdwelling"-

"Muckleobliged,muckleobliged,"answeredMr.Jarvie,veryhastily--"Butwemaunbeganging--wemaunbejogging,Mr.Osbaldistoneandme--businesscannawait."

"Aweel,kinsman,"repliedtheHighlander,"yekenourfashion--fostertheguestthatcomes--furtherhimthatmaungang.ButyecannotreturnbyDrymen--ImustsetyouonLochLomond,andboatyedowntotheFerryo'Balloch,andsendyournagsroundtomeetyethere.It'samaximofawisemannevertoreturnbythesameroadhecame,providinganother'sfreetohim."

"Ay,ay,Rob,"saidtheBailie,"that'saneo'themaximsyelearnedwhenyewereadrover;--yecarednatofacethetenantswhereyourbeastshadbeentakingarugoftheirmoorlandgrassintheby-ganging,andIdoubt

yourroad'swaurmarkednowthanitwasthen."

"Themairneednottotravelitoweroften,kinsman,"repliedRob;"butI'sesendroundyournagstotheferrywi'DougalGregor,whaisconvertedforthatpurposeintotheBailie'sman,coming--not,asyemaybelieve,fromAberfoilorRobRoy'scountry,butonaquietjauntfromStirling.See,hereheis."

"Iwadnahaeken'dthecreature,"saidMr.Jarvie;norindeedwasiteasytorecognisethewildHighlander,whenheappearedbeforethedoorofthecottage,attiredinahat,periwig,andriding-coat,whichhadoncecalledAndrewFairservicemaster,andmountedontheBailie'shorse,andleadingmine.Hereceivedhislastordersfromhismastertoavoid

certainplaceswherehemightbeexposedtosuspicion--tocollectwhatintelligencehecouldinthecourseofhisjourney,andtoawaitourcomingatanappointedplace,neartheFerryofBalloch.

Atthesametime,MacGregorinvitedustoaccompanyhimuponourownroad,assuringusthatwemustnecessarilymarchafewmilesbeforebreakfast,andrecommendingadramofbrandyasaproperintroductiontothejourney,inwhichhewaspledgedbytheBailie,whopronouncedit"anunlawfulandperiloushabittobeginthedaywi'spirituousliquors,excepttodefendthestomach(whilkwasatenderpart)againstthemorningmist;inwhilkcasehisfatherthedeaconhadrecommendedadram,bypreceptandexample."

"Verytrue,kinsman,"repliedRob,"forwhichreasonwe,whoareChildrenoftheMist,havearighttodrinkbrandyfrommorningtillnight."

TheBailie,thusrefreshed,wasmountedonasmallHighlandpony;anotherwasofferedformyuse,which,however,Ideclined;andweresumed,under



verydifferentguidanceandauspices,ourjourneyoftheprecedingday.

OurescortconsistedofMacGregor,andfiveorsixofthehandsomest,bestarmed,andmostathleticmountaineersofhisband,andwhomhehadgenerallyinimmediateattendanceuponhisownperson.

Whenweapproachedthepass,thesceneoftheskirmishoftheprecedingday,andofthestillmoredirefuldeedwhichfollowedit,MacGregorhastenedtospeak,asifitwererathertowhatheknewmustbenecessarilypassinginmymind,thantoanythingIhadsaid--hespoke,inshort,tomythoughts,andnottomywords.

"Youmustthinkhardlyofus,Mr.Osbaldistone,anditisnotnaturalthatitshouldbeotherwise.Butremember,atleast,wehavenotbeenunprovoked.Wearearudeandanignorant,anditmaybeaviolentandpassionate,butwearenotacruelpeople.Thelandmightbeatpeaceandinlawforus,didtheyallowustoenjoytheblessingsofpeacefullaw.Butwehavebeenapersecutedgeneration."

"Andpersecution,"saidtheBailie,"makethwisemenmad."

"Whatmustitdothentomenlikeus,livingasourfathersdidathousandyearssince,andpossessingscarcemorelightsthantheydid?Canweviewtheirbluidyedictsagainstus--theirhanging,heading,hounding,andhuntingdownanancientandhonourablename--asdeservingbettertreatmentthanthatwhichenemiesgivetoenemies?--HereIstand,havebeenintwentyfrays,andneverhurtmanbutwhenIwasinhetbluid;andyettheywadbetraymeandhangmelikeamasterlessdog,atthegateofonygreatmanthathasanillwillatme."

Ireplied,"thattheproscriptionofhisnameandfamilysoundedinEnglishearsasaverycruelandarbitrarylaw;"andhavingthusfarsoothedhim,Iresumedmypropositionsofobtainingmilitaryemploymentforhimself,ifhechoseit,andhissons,inforeignparts.MacGregorshookmeverycordiallybythehand,anddetainingme,soastopermitMr.Jarvietoprecedeus,amanoeuvreforwhichthenarrownessoftheroadservedasanexcuse,hesaidtome--"Youareakind-heartedandanhonourableyouth,andunderstand,doubtless,thatwhichisduetothefeelingsofamanofhonour.ButtheheatherthatIhavetrodeuponwhenliving,mustbloomowermewhenIamdead--myheartwouldsink,andmyarmwouldshrinkandwitherlikeferninthefrost,wereItolosesightofmynativehills;norhastheworldascenethatwouldconsolemeforthelossoftherocksandcairns,wildastheyare,thatyouseearound

us.--AndHelen--whatcouldbecomeofher,wereItoleaveherthesubjectofnewinsultandatrocity?--orhowcouldshebeartoberemovedfromthesescenes,wheretheremembranceofherwrongsisayesweetenedbytherecollectionofherrevenge?--IwasoncesohardputatbymyGreatenemy,asImaywellca'him,thatIwasforcede'entogiewaytothetide,andremovedmyselfandmypeopleandfamilyfromourdwellingsinournativeland,andtowithdrawforatimeintoMacCallumMore'scountry--andHelenmadeaLamentonourdeparture,asweelasMacRimmon*himsellcouldhaeframedit--andsopiteouslysadandwaesome,thatourheartsamaistbrokeaswesateandlistenedtoher--itwaslikethe



wailingofonethatmournsforthemotherthatborehim--thetearscamedowntheroughfacesofourgilliesastheyhearkened;andIwadnothavethesametouchofheartbreakagain,no,nottohaveallthelandsthateverwereownedbyMacGregor."

*TheMacRimmonsorMacCrimondswerehereditarypiperstothechiefsofMacLeod,andcelebratedfortheirtalents.ThepibrochsaidtohavebeencomposedbyHelenMacGregorisstillinexistence.SeetheIntroductiontothisNovel."Butyoursons,"Isaid--"theyareattheagewhenyourcountrymenhaveusuallynoobjectiontoseetheworld?"

"AndIshouldbecontent,"hereplied,"thattheypushedtheirfortuneintheFrenchorSpanishservice,asisthewontofScottishcavaliersofhonour;andlastnightyourplanseemedfeasibleeneugh--ButIhaeseenhisExcellencythismorningbeforeyewereup."

"Didhethenquartersonearus?"saidI,mybosomthrobbingwithanxiety.

"Nearerthanyethought,"wasMacGregor'sreply;"butheseemedratherinsomeshapetojalouseyourspeakingtotheyoungleddy;andsoyousee"-

"Therewasnooccasionforjealousy,"Ianswered,withsomehaughtiness;--"Ishouldnothaveintrudedonhisprivacy."

"Butyemustnotbeoffended,orlookoutfromamangyourcurlsthen,likeawildcatoutofanivy-tod,foryearetounderstandthathewishesmostsincereweeltoyou,andhasprovedit.Andit'spartlythatwhilkhassettheheatheronfiree'ennow."

"Heatheronfire?"saidI."Idonotunderstandyou."

"Why,"resumedMacGregor,"yekenweeleneughthatwomenandgearareatthebottomofa'themischiefinthiswarld.Ihaebeenmisdoubtingyour

cousinRashleighsinceeverhesawthathewasnatogetDieVernonforhismarrow,andIthinkhetookgrudgeathisExcellencymainlyonthataccount.Butthencamethesploreaboutthesurrenderingyourpapers--andwehaenowgudeevidence,that,saesoonashewascompelledtoyieldthemup,heradeposttoStirling,andtauldtheGovernmentallandmairthanall,thatwasgaundoucelyonamangushill-folk;and,doubtless,thatwasthewaythatthecountrywaslaidtotakehisExcellencyandtheleddy,andtomakesicanunexpectedraidonme.AndIhaeaslittledoubtthatthepoordeevilMorris,whomhecouldgarbelieveonything,waseggedonbyhim,andsomeoftheLowlandgentry,totrepanmeinthegatehetriedtodo.ButifRashleighOsbaldistonewerebaiththelastandbestofhisname,andgrantingthatheandIeverforgatheragain,thefiendgodownmyweasandwithabarebladeathisbelt,ifwepart

beforemydirkandhisbestbludeareweelacquaintedthegither!"



Hepronouncedthelastthreatwithanominousfrown,andtheappropriategestureofhishanduponhisdagger.

"Ishouldalmostrejoiceatwhathashappened,"saidI,"couldIhopethatRashleigh'streacherymightprovethemeansofpreventingtheexplosionoftherashanddesperateintriguesinwhichIhavelongsuspectedhimtobeaprimeagen."

"Trowyenathat,"saidRobRoy;"traitor'swordneveryethurthonestcause.Hewasowerdeepinoursecrets,that'strue;andhaditnotbeenso,StirlingandEdinburghCastleswouldhavebeenbaithinourhandsbythistime,orbrieflyhereafter,whilkisnowscarcetobehopedfor.Butthereareowermonyengaged,andfarowergudeacausetobegienupforthebreathofatraitor'stale,andthatwillbeseenandheardofereitbelang.Andso,asIwasabouttosay,thebestofmythankstoyouforyourofferanentmysons,whilklastnightIhadsomethoughtstohaveembracedintheirbehalf.ButIseethatthisvillain'streasonwillconvinceourgreatfolksthattheymustinstantlydrawtoahead,andmakeablowforit,orbetaenintheirhouses,coupleduplikehounds,anddrivenuptoLondonlikethehonestnoblemenandgentlemenintheyearseventeenhundredandseven.Civilwarislikeacockatrice;--wehavesittenhatchingtheeggthathelditfortenyears,andmighthaesittenonfortenyearsmair,whenincomesRashleigh,andchipsthe

shell,andoutbangsthewonderamangus,andcriestofireandsword.NowinsicamatterI'llhaeneedo'a'thehandsIcanmak;and,naedisparagementtotheKingsofFranceandSpain,whomIwishveryweelto,KingJamesisasgudeamanasonyo'them,andhasthebestrighttoHamishandRob,beinghisnatural-bornsubjects."

Ieasilycomprehendedthatthesewordsbodedageneralnationalconvulsion;and,asitwouldhavebeenalikeuselessanddangeroustohavecombatedthepoliticalopinionsofmyguide,atsuchaplaceandmoment,Icontentedmyselfwithregrettingthepromiscuoussceneofconfusionanddistresslikelytoarisefromanygeneralexertioninfavouroftheexiledroyalfamily.

"Letitcome,man--letitcome,"answeredMacGregor;"yeneversawdullweatherclearwithoutashower;andiftheworldisturnedupsidedown,why,honestmenhavethebetterchancetocutbreadoutofit."

IagainattemptedtobringhimbacktothesubjectofDiana;butalthoughonmostoccasionsandsubjectsheusedafreedomofspeechwhichIhadnogreatdelightinlisteningto,yetuponthatalonewhichwasmostinterestingtome,hekeptadegreeofscrupulousreserve,andcontentedhimselfwithintimating,"thathehopedtheleddywouldbesooninaquietercountrythanthiswasliketobeforonewhile."Iwasobligedtobecontentwiththisanswer,andtoproceedinthehopethataccidentmight,asonaformeroccasion,standmyfriend,andallowmeatleastthesadgratificationofbiddingfarewelltotheobjectwhichhad

occupiedsuchashareofmyaffections,somuchbeyondevenwhatIhadsupposed,tillIwasabouttobeseparatedfromherforever.

WepursuedthemarginofthelakeforaboutsixEnglishmiles,througha



deviousandbeautifullyvariegatedpath,untilweattainedasortofHighlandfarm,orassemblyofhamlets,neartheheadofthatfinesheetofwater,called,ifImistakenot,Lediart,orsomesuchname.HereanumerouspartyofMacGregor'smenwerestationedinordertoreceiveus.Thetasteaswellastheeloquenceoftribesinasavage,or,tospeakmoreproperly,inarudestate,isusuallyjust,becauseitisunfetteredbysystemandaffectation;andofthisIhadanexampleinthechoicethesemountaineershadmadeofaplacetoreceivetheirguests.IthasbeensaidthataBritishmonarchwouldjudgewelltoreceivetheembassyofarivalpowerinthecabinofaman-of-war;andaHighlandleaderactedwithsomeproprietyinchoosingasituationwherethenaturalobjectsofgrandeurpropertohiscountrymighthavetheirfulleffectonthemindsofhisguests.

Weascendedabouttwohundredyardsfromtheshoresofthelake,guidedbyabrawlingbrook,andleftontherighthandfourorfiveHighlandhuts,withpatchesofarablelandaroundthem,sosmallastoshowthattheymusthavebeenworkedwiththespaderatherthantheplough,cutasitwereoutofthesurroundingcopsewood,andwavingwithcropsofbarleyandoats.Abovethislimitedspacethehillbecamemoresteep;andonitsedgewedescriedtheglitteringarmsandwavingdraperyofaboutfiftyofMacGregor'sfollowers.Theywerestationedonaspot,therecollectionofwhichyetstrikesmewithadmiration.Thebrook,hurlingitswaters

downwardsfromthemountain,hadinthisspotencounteredabarrierrock,overwhichithadmadeitswaybytwodistinctleaps.Thefirstfall,acrosswhichamagnificentoldoak,slantingoutfromthefartherbank,partlyextendeditselfasiftoshroudtheduskystreamofthecascade,mightbeabouttwelvefeethigh;thebrokenwaterswerereceivedinabeautifulstonebasin,almostasregularasifhewnbyasculptor;andafterwheelingarounditsflintymargin,theymadeasecondprecipitousdash,throughadarkandnarrowchasm,atleastfiftyfeetindepth,andfromthence,inahurried,butcomparativelyamoregentlecourse,escapedtojointhelake.

Withthenaturaltastewhichbelongstomountaineers,andespeciallytotheScottishHighlanders,whosefeelings,Ihaveobserved,areoften

alliedwiththeromanticandpoetical,RobRoy'swifeandfollowershadpreparedourmorningrepastinascenewellcalculatedtoimpressstrangerswithsomefeelingsofawe.Theyarealsonaturallyagraveandproudpeople,and,howeverrudeinourestimation,carrytheirideasofformandpolitenesstoanexcessthatwouldappearoverstrained,exceptfromthedemonstrationofsuperiorforcewhichaccompaniesthedisplayofit;foritmustbegrantedthattheairofpunctiliousdeferenceandrigidetiquettewhichwouldseemridiculousinanordinarypeasant,has,likethesaluteofa_corps-de-garde,_aproprietywhentenderedbyaHighlandercompletelyarmed.Therewas,accordingly,agooddealofformalityinourapproachandreception.

TheHighlanders,whohadbeendispersedonthesideofthehill,drew

themselvestogetherwhenwecameinview,and,standingfirmandmotionless,appearedinclosecolumnbehindthreefigures,whomIsoonrecognisedtobeHelenMacGregorandhertwosons.MacGregorhimselfarrangedhisattendantsintherear,and,requestingMr.Jarvieto



dismountwheretheascentbecamesteep,advancedslowly,marshallingusforwardattheheadofthetroop.Asweadvanced,weheardthewildnotesofthebagpipes,whichlosttheirnaturaldiscordfrombeingmingledwiththedashingsoundofthecascade.Whenwecameclose,thewifeofMacGregorcameforwardtomeetus.Herdresswasstudiouslyarrangedinamorefemininetastethanithadbeenontheprecedingday,butherfeaturesworethesamelofty,unbending,andresolutecharacter;andasshefoldedmyfriendtheBailieinanunexpectedandapparentlyunwelcomeembrace,Icouldperceivebytheagitationofhiswig,hisback,andthecalvesofhislegs,thathefeltmuchliketoonewhofeelshimselfsuddenlyinthegripeofashe-bear,withoutbeingabletodistinguishwhethertheanimalisinkindnessorinwrath.

"Kinsman,"shesaid,"youarewelcome--andyou,too,stranger,"sheadded,releasingmyalarmedcompanion,whoinstinctivelydrewbackandsettledhiswig,andaddressingherselftome--"youalsoarewelcome.Youcame,"sheadded,"toourunhappycountry,whenourbloodswerechafed,andourhandswerered.Excusetherudenessthatgaveyouaroughwelcome,andlayitupontheeviltimes,andnotuponus."Allthiswassaidwiththemannersofaprincess,andinthetoneandstyleofacourt.Norwastheretheleasttinctureofthatvulgarity,whichwenaturallyattachtotheLowlandScottish.Therewasastrongprovincialaccentuation,but,otherwise,thelanguagerenderedbyHelenMacGregor,

outofthenativeandpoeticalGaelic,intoEnglish,whichshehadacquiredaswedolearnedtongues,buthadprobablyneverheardappliedtothemeanpurposesofordinarylife,wasgraceful,flowing,anddeclamatory.Herhusband,whohadinhistimeplayedmanyparts,usedamuchlesselevatedandemphaticdialect;--buteven_his_languageroseinpurityofexpression,asyoumayhaveremarked,ifIhavebeenaccurateinrecordingit,whentheaffairswhichhediscussedwereofanagitatingandimportantnature;anditappearstomeinhiscase,andinthatofsomeotherHighlanderswhomIhaveknown,that,whenfamiliarandfacetious,theyusedtheLowlandScottishdialect,--whenseriousandimpassioned,theirthoughtsarrangedthemselvesintheidiomoftheirnativelanguage;andinthelattercase,astheyutteredthecorrespondingideasinEnglish,theexpressionssoundedwild,elevated,

andpoetical.Infact,thelanguageofpassionisalmostalwayspureaswellasvehement,anditisnouncommonthingtohearaScotchman,whenoverwhelmedbyacountrymanwithatoneofbitterandfluentupbraiding,replybywayoftaunttohisadversary,"YouhavegottentoyourEnglish."

Bethisasitmay,thewifeofMacGregorinvitedustoarefreshmentspreadoutonthegrass,whichaboundedwithallthegoodthingstheirmountainscouldoffer,butwascloudedbythedarkandundisturbedgravitywhichsatonthebrowofourhostess,aswellasbyourdeepandanxiousrecollectionofwhathadtakenplaceontheprecedingday.Itwasinvainthattheleaderexertedhimselftoexcitemirth;--achillhungoverourminds,asifthefeasthadbeenfunereal;andeverybosomfelt

lightwhenitwasended.

"Adieu,cousin,"shesaidtoMr.Jarvie,aswerosefromtheentertainment;"thebestwishHelenMacGregorcangivetoafriendis,



thathemayseehernomore."

TheBailiestruggledtoanswer,probablywithsomecommonplacemaximofmorality;--butthecalmandmelancholysternnessofhercountenanceboredownanddisconcertedthemechanicalandformalimportanceofthemagistrate.Hecoughed,--hemmed,--bowed,--andwassilent.

"Foryou,stranger,"shesaid,"Ihaveatoken,fromonewhomyoucannever"-

"Helen!"interruptedMacGregor,inaloudandsternvoice,"whatmeansthis?--haveyouforgottenthecharge?"

"MacGregor,"shereplied,"Ihaveforgottennoughtthatisfittingformetoremember.Itisnotsuchhandsasthese,"andshestretchedforthherlong,sinewy,andbarearm,"thatarefittingtoconveylove-tokens,werethegiftconnectedwithaughtbutmisery.Youngman,"shesaid,presentingmewitharing,whichIwellrememberedasoneofthefewornamentsthatMissVernonsometimeswore,"thiscomesfromonewhomyouwillneverseemore.Ifitisajoylesstoken,itiswellfittedtopassthroughthehandsofonetowhomjoycanneverbeknown.Herlastwordswere--Lethimforgetmeforever."

"Andcanshe,"Isaid,almostwithoutbeingconsciousthatIspoke,"supposethatispossible?"

"Allmaybeforgotten,"saidtheextraordinaryfemalewhoaddressedme,-"all--butthesenseofdishonour,andthedesireofvengeance."

"_Seidsuas!_"*criedtheMacGregor,stampingwithimpatience.

*"Strikeup."Thebagpipessounded,andwiththeirthrillingandjarringtonescutshortourconference.Ourleaveofourhostesswastakenbysilentgestures;andweresumedourjourneywithanadditionalproofonmypart,

thatIwasbelovedbyDiana,andwasseparatedfromherforever.

CHAPTERNINETEENTH.

Farewelltothelandwherethecloudslovetorest,Liketheshroudofthedead,onthemountain'scoldbreastTothecataract'sroarwheretheeaglesreply,Andthelakeherlonebosomexpandstothesky.

Ourroutelaythroughadreary,yetromanticcountry,whichthedistressofmyownmindpreventedmefromremarkingparticularly,andwhich,therefore,Iwillnotattempttodescribe.TheloftypeakofBenLomond,

herethepredominantmonarchofthemountains,layonourrighthand,andservedasastrikinglandmark.Iwasnotawakenedfrommyapathy,until,



afteralongandtoilsomewalk,weemergedthroughapassinthehills,andLochLomondopenedbeforeus.Iwillspareyoutheattempttodescribewhatyouwouldhardlycomprehendwithoutgoingtoseeit.Butcertainlythisnoblelake,boastinginnumerablebeautifulislands,ofeveryvaryingformandoutlinewhichfancycanframe,--itsnorthernextremitynarrowinguntilitislostamongduskyandretreatingmountains,--while,graduallywideningasitextendstothesouthward,itspreadsitsbasearoundtheindenturesandpromontoriesofafairandfertileland,affordsoneofthemostsurprising,beautiful,andsublimespectaclesinnature.Theeasternside,peculiarlyroughandrugged,wasatthistimethechiefseatofMacGregorandhisclan,--tocurbwhom,asmallgarrisonhadbeenstationedinacentralpositionbetwixtLochLomondandanotherlake.Theextremestrengthofthecountry,however,withthenumerouspasses,marshes,caverns,andotherplacesofconcealmentordefence,madetheestablishmentofthislittlefortseemratheranacknowledgmentofthedanger,thananeffectualmeansofsecuringagainstit.

Onmorethanoneoccasion,aswellasonthatwhichIwitnessed,thegarrisonsufferedfromtheadventurousspiritoftheoutlawandhisfollowers.Theseadvantageswereneversulliedbyferocitywhenhehimselfwasincommand;for,equallygood-temperedandsagacious,heunderstoodwellthedangerofincurringunnecessaryodium.Ilearnedwith

pleasurethathehadcausedthecaptivesoftheprecedingdaytobeliberatedinsafety;andmanytraitsofmercy,andevenofgenerosity,arerecordedofthisremarkablemanonsimilaroccasions.

Aboatwaitedforusinacreekbeneathahugerock,mannedbyfourlustyHighlandrowers;andourhosttookleaveofuswithgreatcordiality,andevenaffection.BetwixthimandMr.Jarvie,indeed,thereseemedtoexistadegreeofmutualregard,whichformedastrongcontrasttotheirdifferentoccupationsandhabits.Afterkissingeachotherverylovingly,andwhentheywerejustintheactofparting,theBailie,inthefulnessofhisheart,andwithafalteringvoice,assuredhiskinsman,"thatifeveranhundredpund,oreventwahundred,wouldputhimorhisfamilyinasettledway,heneedbutjustsendalinetotheSaut-Market;"andRob,

graspinghisbasket-hiltwithonehand,andshakingMr.Jarvie'sheartilywiththeother,protested,"thatifeveranybodyshouldaffronthiskinsman,anhewouldbutlethimken,hewouldstowhislugsoutofhishead,werehethebestmaninGlasgow."

Withtheseassurancesofmutualaidandcontinuedgood-will,weboreawayfromtheshore,andtookourcourseforthesouth-westernangleofthelake,whereitgivesbirthtotheriverLeven.RobRoyremainedforsometimestandingontherockfrombeneathwhichwehaddeparted,conspicuousbyhislonggun,wavingtartans,andthesingleplumeinhiscap,whichinthosedaysdenotedtheHighlandgentlemanandsoldier;althoughIobservethatthepresentmilitarytastehasdecoratedtheHighlandbonnetwithaquantityofblackplumageresemblingthatwhichisbornebefore

funerals.Atlength,asthedistanceincreasedbetweenus,wesawhimturnandgoslowlyupthesideofthehill,followedbyhisimmediateattendantsorbodyguard.



Weperformedourvoyageforalongtimeinsilence,interruptedonlybytheGaelicchantwhichoneoftherowerssunginlowirregularmeasure,risingoccasionallyintoawildchorus,inwhichtheothersjoined.

Myownthoughtsweresadenough;--yetIfeltsomethingsoothinginthemagnificentscenerywithwhichIwassurrounded;andthought,intheenthusiasmofthemoment,thathadmyfaithbeenthatofRome,Icouldhaveconsentedtoliveanddiealonelyhermitinoneoftheromanticandbeautifulislandsamongstwhichourboatglided.

TheBailiehadalsohisspeculations,buttheywereofsomewhatadifferentcomplexion;asIfoundwhen,afteraboutanhour'ssilence,duringwhichhehadbeenmentallyengagedinthecalculationsnecessary,heundertooktoprovethepossibilityofdrainingthelake,and"givingtoploughandharrowmanyhundred,ay,manyathousandacres,fromwhilknomancouldgetearthlygudee'enow,unlessitwereagedd,*oradishofperchnowandthen."

*Apike.Amidstalongdiscussion,whichhe"crammedintomineearagainstthestomachofmysense,"Ionlyremember,thatitwaspartofhisprojecttopreserveaportionofthelakejustdeepenoughandbroadenoughforthepurposesofwater-carriage,sothatcoal-bargesandgabbardsshouldpass

aseasilybetweenDumbartonandGlenfallochasbetweenGlasgowandGreenock.

Atlengthwenearedourdistantplaceoflanding,adjoiningtotheruinsofanancientcastle,andjustwherethelakedischargesitssuperfluouswatersintotheLeven.TherewefoundDougalwiththehorses.TheBailiehadformedaplanwithrespectto"thecreature,"aswellasuponthedrainingofthelake;and,perhapsinbothcases,withmoreregardtotheutilitythantothepracticalpossibilityofhisscheme."Dougal,"hesaid,"yeareakindlycreature,andhaethesenseandfeelingo'whatisduetoyourbetters--andI'me'enwaeforyou,Dougal,foritcannabebutthatinthelifeyeleadyousuldgetaJeddartcast*aedaysunerorlater.Itrust,consideringmyservicesasamagistrate,andmyfather

thedeacon'saforeme,Ihaeinteresteneughinthecounciltogarthemwinkaweeatawaurfautthanyours.

*["ThememoryofDunbar'slegal(?)proceedingsatJedburghispreservedintheproverbialphrase_JeddartJustice,_whichsignifiestrial_after_execution."--_MinstrelsyoftheBorder,_Preface,p.lvi.]SaeIhaebeenthinking,thatifyewillgangbacktoGlasgowwi'us,beingastrong-backitcreature,yemightbeemployedinthewarehousetillsomethingbettersuldcastup."

"HernainsellmuckleobligedtilltheBailie'shonour,"repliedDougal;"butteilbeinhershanksfanshegangsonacause-way'dstreet,unlessshebedrawnuptheGallowgatewi'tows,asshewasbefore."

Infact,IafterwardslearnedthatDougalhadoriginallycometoGlasgow



asaprisoner,frombeingconcernedinsomedepredation,buthadsomehowfoundsuchfavourintheeyesofthejailor,that,withratheroverweeningconfidence,hehadretainedhiminhisserviceasoneoftheturnkeys;ataskwhichDougalhaddischargedwithsufficientfidelity,sofaraswasknown,untilovercomebyhisclannishprejudicesontheunexpectedappearanceofhisoldleader.

Astonishedatreceivingsoroundarefusaltosofavourableanoffer,theBailie,turningtome,observed,thatthe"creaturewasanatural-bornidiot."ItestifiedmyowngratitudeinawaywhichDougalmuchbetterrelished,byslippingacoupleofguineasintohishand.Henosoonerfeltthetouchofthegold,thanhesprungtwiceorthricefromtheearthwiththeagilityofawildbuck,flingingoutfirstoneheelandthenanother,inamannerwhichwouldhaveastonishedaFrenchdancing-master.Herantotheboatmentoshowthemtheprize,andasmallgratuitymadethemtakepartinhisraptures.Hethen,touseafavouriteexpressionofthedramaticJohnBunyan,"wentonhisway,andIsawhimnomore."

TheBailieandImountedourhorses,andproceededontheroadtoGlasgow.Whenwehadlosttheviewofthelake,anditssuperbamphitheatreofmountains,Icouldnothelpexpressingwithenthusiasm,mysenseofitsnaturalbeauties,althoughIwasconsciousthatMr.Jarviewasaveryuncongenialspirittocommunicatewithonsucha

subject.

"Yeareayounggentleman,"hereplied,"andanEnglishman,anda'thismaybeveryfinetoyou;butforme,whaamaplainman,andkensomethingo'thedifferentvaluesofland,IwadnagiethefinestsightwehaeseenintheHielands,forthefirstkeeko'theGorbalso'Glasgow;andifIwereancethere,itsuldnabeeveryfule'serrand,beggingyourpardon,Mr.Francis,thatsuldtakemeouto'sighto'SaintMungo'ssteepleagain!"

Thehonestmanhadhiswish;for,bydintoftravellingverylate,wearrivedathisownhousethatnight,orratheronthesucceedingmorning.Havingseenmyworthyfellow-travellersafelyconsignedtothechargeof

theconsiderateandofficiousMattie,IproceededtoMrs.Flyter's,inwhosehouse,evenatthisunwontedhour,lightwasstillburning.ThedoorwasopenedbynolessapersonthanAndrewFairservicehimself,who,uponthefirstsoundofmyvoice,setupaloudshoutofjoyfulrecognition,and,withoututteringasyllable,ranupstairstowardsaparlouronthesecondfloor,fromthewindowsofwhichthelightproceeded.JustlyconceivingthathewenttoannouncemyreturntotheanxiousOwen,Ifollowedhimuponthefoot.Owenwasnotalone,therewasanotherintheapartment--itwasmyfather.

Thefirstimpulsewastopreservethedignityofhisusualequanimity,-"Francis,Iamgladtoseeyou."Thenextwastoembracemetenderly,-"Mydear--dearson!"--Owensecuredoneofmyhands,andwetteditwith

histears,whilehejoinedingratulatingmyreturn.Thesearesceneswhichaddressthemselvestotheeyeandtotheheartratherthantotheear--Myoldeye-lidsstillmoistenattherecollectionofourmeeting;butyourkindandaffectionatefeelingscanwellimaginewhatIshould



finditimpossibletodescribe.

Whenthetumultofourjoywasover,IlearntthatmyfatherhadarrivedfromHollandshortlyafterOwenhadsetoffforScotland.Determinedandrapidinallhismovements,heonlystoppedtoprovidethemeansofdischargingtheobligationsincumbentonhishouse.Byhisextensiveresources,withfundsenlarged,andcreditfortified,byeminentsuccessinhiscontinentalspeculation,heeasilyaccomplishedwhatperhapshisabsencealonerendereddifficult,andsetoutforScotlandtoexactjusticefromRashleighOsbaldistone,aswellastoputordertohisaffairsinthatcountry.Myfather'sarrivalinfullcredit,andwiththeamplemeansofsupportinghisengagementshonourably,aswellasbenefitinghiscorrespondentsinfuture,wasastunningblowtoMacVittieandCompany,whohadconceivedhisstarsetforever.Highlyincensedattheusagehisconfidentialclerkandagenthadreceivedattheirhands,Mr.Osbaldistonerefusedeverytenderofapologyandaccommodation;andhavingsettledthebalanceoftheiraccount,announcedtothemthat,withallitsnumerouscontingentadvantages,thatleafoftheirledgerwasclosedforever.

Whileheenjoyedthistriumphoverfalsefriends,hewasnotalittlealarmedonmyaccount.Owen,goodman,hadnotsupposeditpossiblethatajourneyoffiftyorsixtymiles,whichmaybemadewithsomuchease

andsafetyinanydirectionfromLondon,couldbeattendedwithanyparticulardanger.Buthecaughtalarm,bysympathy,frommyfather,towhomthecountry,andthelawlesscharacterofitsinhabitants,werebetterknown.

Theseapprehensionswereraisedtoagony,when,afewhoursbeforeIarrived,AndrewFairservicemadehisappearance,withadismalandexaggeratedaccountoftheuncertainstateinwhichhehadleftme.Thenoblemanwithwhosetroopshehadbeenasortofprisoner,had,afterexamination,notonlydismissedhim,butfurnishedhimwiththemeansofreturningrapidlytoGlasgow,inordertoannouncetomyfriendsmyprecariousandunpleasantsituation.

Andrewwasoneofthosepersonswhohavenoobjectiontothesortoftemporaryattentionandwoefulimportancewhichattachesitselftothebearerofbadtidings,andhadthereforebynomeanssmootheddownhistaleinthetelling,especiallyastherichLondonmerchanthimselfprovedunexpectedlyoneoftheauditors.HewentatgreatlengthintoanaccountofthedangersIhadescaped,chiefly,asheinsinuated,bymeansofhisownexperience,exertion,andsagacity.

"Whatwastocomeofmenow,whenmybetterangel,inhis(Andrew's)person,wasremovedfrommyside,itwas,"hesaid,"sadandsairtoconjecture;thattheBailiewasnaebetterthanjustnaebodyatapinch,orsomethingwaur,forhewasaconceitedbody--andAndrewhatedconceit--butcertainly,atweenthepistolsandthecarabinesofthetroopers,

thatrappitaffthetaneafterthetotherasfastashail,andthedirksandclaymoreso'theHielanders,andthedeepwatersandweilso'theAvondow,itwastobethoughttherewadbeapuiraccountoftheyounggentleman."



ThisstatementwouldhavedrivenOwentodespair,hadhebeenaloneandunsupported;butmyfather'sperfectknowledgeofmankindenabledhimeasilytoappreciatethecharacterofAndrew,andtherealamountofhisintelligence.Strippedofallexaggeration,however,itwasalarmingenoughtoaparent.Hedeterminedtosetoutinpersontoobtainmylibertybyransomornegotiation,andwasbusiedwithOwentillalatehour,inordertogetthroughsomenecessarycorrespondence,anddevolveonthelattersomebusinesswhichshouldbetransactedduringhisabsence;andthusitchancedthatIfoundthemwatchers.

Itwaslateereweseparatedtorest,and,tooimpatientlongtoendurerepose,Iwasstirringearlythenextmorning.Andrewgavehisattendanceatmylevee,asindutybound,and,insteadofthescarecrowfiguretowhichhehadbeenreducedatAberfoil,nowappearedintheattireofanundertaker,agoodlysuit,namely,ofthedeepestmourning.Itwasnottillafteroneortwoqueries,whichtherascalaffectedaslongashecouldtomisunderstand,thatIfoundouthe"hadthoughtitbutdecenttoputonmourning,onaccountofmyinexpressibleloss;andasthebrokeratwhoseshophehadequippedhimself,declinedtoreceivethegoodsagain,andashisowngarmentshadbeendestroyedorcarriedoffinmyhonour'sservice,doubtlessIandmyhonourablefather,whomProvidencehadblessedwi'themeans,wadnasufferapuirladtositdownwi'theloss;astando'claeswasnaegreatmattertoanOsbaldistone(be

praisedfor't!),especiallytoanoldandattachedservanto'thehouse."

AstherewassomethingofjusticeinAndrew'spleaoflossinmyservice,hisfinessesucceeded;andhecamebyagoodsuitofmourning,withabeaverandallthingsconforming,astheexteriorsignsofwoeforamasterwhowasaliveandmerry.

Myfather'sfirstcare,whenhearose,wastovisitMr.Jarvie,forwhosekindnessheentertainedthemostgratefulsentiments,whichheexpressedinveryfew,butmanlyandnervousterms.Heexplainedthealteredstateofhisaffairs,andofferedtheBailie,onsuchtermsascouldnotbutbebothadvantageousandacceptable,thatpartinhisconcernswhichhadbeenhithertomanagedbyMacVittieandCompany.TheBailieheartily

congratulatedmyfatherandOwenonthechangedpostureoftheiraffairs,and,withoutaffectingtodisclaimthathehaddonehisbesttoservethem,whenmatterslookedotherwise,hesaid,"Hehadonlyjustactedashewadbedoneby--that,astotheextensionoftheircorrespondence,hefranklyaccepteditwiththanks.HadMacVittie'sfolkbehavedlikehonestmen,"hesaid,"hewadhaelikedilltohaecomeinahintthem,andoutaforethemthisgate.Butit'sotherwise,andtheymaune'enstandtheloss."

TheBailiethenpulledmebythesleeveintoacorner,and,afteragaincordiallywishingmejoy,proceeded,inratheranembarrassedtone--"Iwadheartilywish,MaisterFrancis,theresuldbeaslittlesaidaspossibleaboutthequeerthingswesawupyonderawa.There'snaegude,

unlessanewerejudiciallyexaminate,tosayonythingaboutthatawfu'jobo'Morris--andthememberso'thecouncilwadnathinkitcreditableinaneoftheirbodytobefightingwi'awheenHielandmen,andsingeing



theirplaidens--Andabunea',thoughIamadecentsponsibleman,whenIamonmyrightend,IcannabutthinkImaunhaemadeaqueerfigurewithoutmyhatandmyperiwig,hingingbythemiddlelikebawdrons,oracloakflungoweracloak-pin.BailieGrahamewadhaeanuncohairinmyneckanhegotthattalebytheend."

IcouldnotsuppressasmilewhenIrecollectedtheBailie'ssituation,althoughIcertainlythoughtitnolaughingmatteratthetime.Thegood-naturedmerchantwasalittleconfused,butsmiledalsowhenheshookhishead--"Iseehowitis--Iseehowitis.Butsaynaethingaboutit--there'sagudecallant;andchargethatlang-tongued,conceited,upsettingservingmano'yours,tosaenaethingneither.IwadnaforeversaemucklethateventhelassockMattieken'donythingaboutit.Iwadneverhearanendo't."

Hewasobviouslyrelievedfromhisimpendingfearsofridicule,whenItoldhimitwasmyfather'sintentiontoleaveGlasgowalmostimmediately.Indeedhehadnownomotiveforremaining,sincethemostvaluablepartofthepaperscarriedoffbyRashleighhadbeenrecovered.Forthatportionwhichhehadconvertedintocashandexpendedinhisownoronpoliticalintrigues,therewasnomodeofrecoveringitbutbyasuitatlaw,whichwasforthwithcommenced,andproceeded,asourlaw-agentsassuredus,withalldeliberatespeed.

Wespent,accordingly,onehospitabledaywiththeBailie,andtookleaveofhim,asthisnarrativenowdoes.Hecontinuedtogrowinwealth,honour,andcredit,andactuallyrosetothehighestcivichonoursinhisnativecity.AbouttwoyearsaftertheperiodIhavementioned,hetiredofhisbachelorlife,andpromotedMattiefromherwheelbythekitchenfiretotheupperendofhistable,inthecharacterofMrs.Jarvie.BailieGrahame,theMacVitties,andothers(forallmenhavetheirenemies,especiallyinthecouncilofaroyalburgh),ridiculedthistransformation."But,"saidMr.Jarvie,"letthemsaytheirsay.I'llne'erfashmysell,norlosemylikingforsaefecklessamatterasaninedays'clash.Myhonestfatherthedeaconhadabyword,

Brentbrowandlilyskin,

Alovingheart,andalealwithin,

Isbetterthangowdorgentlekin.

Besides,"ashealwaysconcluded,"Mattiewasnaeordinarylassock-quean;shewasakintotheLairdo'Limmerfield."

Whetheritwasowingtoherdescentorhergoodgifts,Idonotpresumetodecide;butMattiebehavedexcellentlyinherexaltation,andrelievedtheapprehensionsofsomeoftheBailie'sfriends,whohaddeemedhisexperimentsomewhathazardous.Idonotknowthattherewasanyother

incidentofhisquietandusefullifeworthyofbeingparticularlyrecorded.



CHAPTERTWENTIETH.

"Comeyehithermy'six'goodsons,

GallantmenItrowyebe,Howmanyofyou,mychildrendear,WillstandbythatgoodEarlandme?"

"Five"ofthemdidanswermake-"Five"ofthemspokehastily,"Ofather,tillthedaywedie,

We'llstandbythatgoodEarlandthee."TheRisingintheNorth.

OnthemorningwhenweweretodepartfromGlasgow,AndrewFairservicebouncedintomyapartmentlikeamadman,jumpingupanddown,andsinging,withmorevehemencethantune,

Thekiln'sonfire--thekiln'sonfire-The

kiln'sonfire--she'sa'inalowe.

WithsomedifficultyIprevailedonhimtoceasehisconfoundedclamour,andexplaintomewhatthematterwas.Hewaspleasedtoinformme,asifhehadbeenbringingthefinestnewsimaginable,"thattheHielandswerecleanbrokenout,everymano'them,andthatRobRoy,anda'hisbreeklessbands,wadbedownuponGlasgowortwenty-fourhourso'theclockgaedround."

"Holdyourtongue,"saidI,"yourascal!Youmustbedrunkormad;andifthereisanytruthinyournews,isitasingingmatter,youscoundrel?"

"Drunkormad?naedoubt,"repliedAndrew,dauntlessly;"ane'sayedrunkormadifhetellswhatgritfolksdinnaliketohear--Sing?Od,theclanswillmakeussingonthewrangsideo'ourmouth,ifwearesaedrunkormadastobidetheircoming."

Iroseingreathaste,andfoundmyfatherandOwenalsoonfoot,andinconsiderablealarm.

Andrew'snewsprovedbuttootrueinthemain.ThegreatrebellionwhichagitatedBritainintheyear1715hadalreadybrokenout,bytheunfortunateEarlofMar'ssettingupthestandardoftheStuartfamilyinanill-omenedhour,totheruinofmanyhonourablefamilies,bothinEnglandandScotland.ThetreacheryofsomeoftheJacobiteagents

(Rashleighamongtherest),andthearrestofothers,hadmadeGeorgetheFirst'sGovernmentacquaintedwiththeextensiveramificationsofaconspiracylongprepared,andwhichatlastexplodedprematurely,andinapartofthekingdomtoodistanttohaveanyvitaleffectuponthecountry,which,however,wasplungedintomuchconfusion.

ThisgreatpubliceventservedtoconfirmandelucidatetheobscureexplanationsIhadreceivedfromMacGregor;andIcouldeasilyseewhythewestlandclans,whowerebroughtagainsthim,shouldhavewaivedtheirprivatequarrel,inconsiderationthattheywereallshortlytobe



engagedinthesamepubliccause.Itwasamoremelancholyreflectiontomymind,thatDianaVernonwasthewifeofoneofthosewhoweremostactiveinturningtheworldupsidedown,andthatshewasherselfexposedtoalltheprivationsandperilsofherhusband'shazardoustrade.

Weheldanimmediateconsultationonthemeasuresweweretoadoptinthiscrisis,andacquiescedinmyfather'splan,thatweshouldinstantlygetthenecessarypassports,andmakethebestofourwaytoLondon.IacquaintedmyfatherwithmywishtooffermypersonalservicetotheGovernmentinanyvolunteercorps,severalbeingalreadyspokenof.Hereadilyacquiescedinmyproposal;forthoughhedislikedwarasaprofession,yet,uponprinciple,nomanwouldhaveexposedhislifemorewillinglyindefenceofcivilandreligiousliberty.

WetravelledinhasteandinperilthroughDumfriesshireandtheneighbouringcountiesofEngland.Inthisquarter,gentlemenoftheToryinterestwerealreadyinmotion,musteringmenandhorses,whiletheWhigsassembledthemselvesintheprincipaltowns,armedtheinhabitants,andpreparedforcivilwar.Wenarrowlyescapedbeingstoppedonmoreoccasionsthanone,andwereoftencompelledtotakecircuitousroutestoavoidthepointswhereforceswereassembling.

WhenwereachedLondon,weimmediatelyassociatedwiththosebankersand

eminentmerchantswhoagreedtosupportthecreditofGovernment,andtomeetthatrunuponthefunds,onwhichtheconspiratorshadgreatlyfoundedtheirhopesoffurtheringtheirundertaking,byrenderingtheGovernment,asitwere,bankrupt.Myfatherwaschosenoneofthemembersofthisformidablebodyofthemoniedinterest,asallhadthegreatestconfidenceinhiszeal,skill,andactivity.HewasalsotheorganbywhichtheycommunicatedwithGovernment,andcontrived,fromfundsbelongingtohisownhouse,oroverwhichhehadcommand,tofindpurchasersforaquantityofthenationalstock,whichwassuddenlyflungintothemarketatadepreciatedpricewhentherebellionbrokeout.Iwasnotidlemyself,butobtainedacommission,andlevied,atmyfather'sexpense,abouttwohundredmen,withwhomIjoinedGeneralCarpenter'sarmy.

Therebellion,inthemeantime,hadextendeditselftoEngland.TheunfortunateEarlofDerwentwaterhadtakenarmsinthecause,alongwithGeneralFoster.Mypooruncle,SirHildebrand,whoseestatewasreducedtoalmostnothingbyhisowncarelessnessandtheexpenseanddebaucheryofhissonsandhousehold,waseasilypersuadedtojointhatunfortunatestandard.Beforedoingso,however,heexhibitedadegreeofprecautionofwhichnoonecouldhavesuspectedhim--hemadehiswill!

BythisdocumenthedevisedhisestatesatOsbaldistoneHall,andsoforth,tohissonssuccessively,andtheirmaleheirs,untilhecametoRashleigh,whom,onaccountoftheturnhehadlatelytakeninpolitics,hedetestedwithallhismight,--hecuthimoffwithashilling,and

settledtheestateonmeashisnextheir.Ihadalwaysbeenratherafavouriteoftheoldgentleman;butitisprobablethat,confidentinthenumberofgiganticyouthswhonowarmedaroundhim,heconsideredthedestinationaslikelytoremainadeadletter,whichheinsertedchiefly



toshowhisdispleasureatRashleigh'streachery,bothpublicanddomestic.Therewasanarticle,bywhichhe,bequeathedtothenieceofhislatewife,DianaVernon,nowLadyDianaVernonBeauchamp,somediamondsbelongingtoherlateaunt,andagreatsilverewer,havingthearmsofVernonandOsbaldistonequarterlyengravenuponit.

ButHeavenhaddecreedamorespeedyextinctionofhisnumerousandhealthylineage,than,mostprobably,hehimselfhadreckonedon.Intheveryfirstmusteroftheconspirators,ataplacecalledGreen-Rigg,ThorncliffOsbaldistonequarrelledaboutprecedencewithagentlemanoftheNorthumbrianborder,tothefullasfierceandintractableashimself.Inspiteofallremonstrances,theygavetheircommanderaspecimenofhowfartheirdisciplinemightbereliedupon,byfightingitoutwiththeirrapiers,andmykinsmanwaskilledonthespot.HisdeathwasagreatlosstoSirHildebrand,for,notwithstandinghisinfernaltemper,hehadagrainortwoofmoresensethanbelongedtotherestofthebrotherhood,Rashleighalwaysexcepted.

Perceval,thesot,diedalsoinhiscalling.Hehadawagerwithanothergentleman(who,fromhisexploitsinthatline,hadacquiredtheformidableepithetofBrandySwalewell),whichshoulddrinkthelargestcupofstrongliquorwhenKingJameswasproclaimedbytheinsurgentsatMorpeth.Theexploitwassomethingenormous.Iforgettheexactquantity

ofbrandywhichPercieswallowed,butitoccasionedafever,ofwhichheexpiredattheendofthreedays,withtheword,_water,water,_perpetuallyonhistongue.

DickonbrokehisnecknearWarringtonBridge,inanattempttoshowoffafounderedblood-marewhichhewishedtopalmuponaManchestermerchantwhohadjoinedtheinsurgents.Hepushedtheanimalatafive-barredgate;shefellintheleap,andtheunfortunatejockeylosthislife.

Wilfredthefool,assometimesbefalls,hadthebestfortuneofthefamily.HewasslainatProudPreston,inLancashire,onthedaythatGeneralCarpenterattackedthebarricades,fightingwithgreatbravery,thoughIhaveheardhewasneverableexactlytocomprehendthecauseof

quarrel,anddidnotuniformlyrememberonwhichking'ssidehewasengaged.Johnalsobehavedveryboldlyinthesameengagement,andreceivedseveralwounds,ofwhichhewasnothappyenoughtodieonthespot.

OldSirHildebrand,entirelybrokenheartedbythesesuccessivelosses,became,bythenextday'ssurrender,oneoftheunhappyprisoners,andwaslodgedinNewgatewithhiswoundedsonJohn.

Iwasnowreleasedfrommymilitaryduty,andlostnotime,therefore,inendeavouringtorelievethedistressesofthesenewrelations.Myfather'sinterestwithGovernment,andthegeneralcompassionexcitedbyaparentwhohadsustainedthesuccessivelossofsomanysonswithinso

shortatime,wouldhavepreventedmyuncleandcousinfrombeingbroughttotrialforhightreason.Buttheirdoomwasgivenforthfromagreatertribunal.JohndiedofhiswoundsinNewgate,recommendingtomeinhislastbreath,acastofhawkswhichhehadattheHall,andablack



spanielbitchcalledLucy.

Mypooruncleseemedbeatendowntotheveryearthbyhisfamilycalamities,andthecircumstancesinwhichheunexpectedlyfoundhimself.Hesaidlittle,butseemedgratefulforsuchattentionsascircumstancespermittedmetoshowhim.Ididnotwitnesshismeetingwithmyfatherforthefirsttimeforsomanyyears,andundercircumstancessomelancholy;but,judgingfrommyfather'sextremedepressionofspirits,itmusthavebeenmelancholyinthelastdegree.SirHildebrandspokewithgreatbitternessagainstRashleigh,nowhisonlysurvivingchild;laiduponhimtheruinofhishouse,andthedeathsofallhisbrethren,anddeclared,thatneitherhenortheywouldhaveplungedintopoliticalintrigue,butforthatverymemberofhisfamily,whohadbeenthefirsttodesertthem.HeonceortwicementionedDiana,alwayswithgreataffection;andoncehesaid,whileIsatebyhisbedside--"Nevoy,sinceThorncliffandallofthemaredead,Iamsorryyoucannothaveher."

Theexpressionaffectedmemuchatthetime;foritwasausualcustomofthepooroldbaronet's,whenjoyouslysettingforthuponthemorning'schase,todistinguishThorncliff,whowasafavourite,whilehesummonedtherestmoregenerally;andtheloudjollytoneinwhichheusedtohollo,"CallThornie--callallofthem,"contrastedsadlywiththewoebegoneandself-abandoningnoteinwhichheutteredthedisconsolate

wordswhichIhaveabovequoted.Hementionedthecontentsofhiswill,andsuppliedmewithanauthenticatedcopy;--theoriginalhehaddepositedwithmyoldacquaintanceMr.JusticeInglewood,who,dreadedbynoone,andconfidedinbyallasakindofneutralperson,hadbecome,foraughtIknow,thedepositaryofhalfthewillsofthefightingmenofbothfactionsinthecountyofNorthumberland.

Thegreaterpartofmyuncle'slasthourswerespentinthedischargeofthereligiousdutiesofhischurch,inwhichhewasdirectedbythechaplainoftheSardinianambassador,forwhom,withsomedifficulty,weobtainedpermissiontovisithim.Icouldnotascertainbymyownobservation,orthroughthemedicalattendants,thatSirHildebrandOsbaldistonediedofanyformedcomplaintbearinganameinthescience

ofmedicine.Heseemedtomecompletelywornoutandbrokendownbyfatigueofbodyanddistressofmind,andratherceasedtoexist,thandiedofanypositivestruggle,--justasavessel,buffetedandtossedbyasuccessionoftempestuousgales,hertimbersoverstrained,andherjointsloosened,willsometimesspringaleakandfounder,whentherearenoapparentcausesforherdestruction.

Itwasaremarkablecircumstancethatmyfather,afterthelastdutieswereperformedtohisbrother,appearedsuddenlytoimbibeastronganxietythatIshouldactuponthewill,andrepresenthisfather'shouse,whichhadhithertoseemedtobethethingintheworldwhichhadleastcharmsforhim.Butformerly,hehadbeenlikethefoxinthefable,contemningwhatwasbeyondhisreach;and,moreover,Idoubtnot

thattheexcessivedislikewhichheentertainedagainstRashleigh(nowSirRashleigh)Osbaldistone,wholoudlythreatenedtoattackhisfatherSirHildebrand'swillandsettlement,corroboratedmyfather'sdesiretomaintainit.



"Hehadbeenmostunjustlydisinherited,"hesaid,"byhisownfather-hisbrother'swillhadrepairedthedisgrace,ifnottheinjury,byleavingthewreckofhispropertytoFrank,thenaturalheir,andhewasdeterminedthebequestshouldtakeeffect."

Inthemeantime,Rashleighwasnotaltogetheracontemptiblepersonageasanopponent.TheinformationhehadgiventoGovernmentwascriticallywell-timed,andhisextremeplausibility,withtheextentofhisintelligence,andtheartfulmannerinwhichhecontrivedtoassumebothmeritandinfluence,had,toacertainextent,procuredhimpatronsamongMinisters.WewerealreadyinthefulltideoflitigationwithhimonthesubjectofhispillagingthefirmofOsbaldistoneandTresham;and,judgingfromtheprogresswemadeinthatcomparativelysimplelawsuit,therewasachancethatthissecondcourseoflitigationmightbedrawnoutbeyondtheperiodofallournaturallives.

Toavertthesedelaysasmuchaspossible,myfather,bytheadviceofhiscounsellearnedinthelaw,paidoffandvestedinmypersontherightstocertainlargemortgagesaffectingOsbaldistoneHall.Perhaps,however,theopportunitytoconvertagreatshareofthelargeprofitswhichaccruedfromtherapidriseofthefundsuponthesuppressionoftherebellion,andtheexperiencehehadsolatelyhadoftheperilsofcommerce,encouragedhimtorealise,inthismanner,aconsiderablepart

ofhisproperty.Atanyrate,itsochanced,that,insteadofcommandingmetothedesk,asIfullyexpected,havingintimatedmywillingnesstocomplywithhiswishes,howevertheymightdestineme,IreceivedhisdirectionstogodowntoOsbaldistoneHall,andtakepossessionofitastheheirandrepresentativeofthefamily.IwasdirectedtoapplytoSquireInglewoodforthecopyofmyuncle'swilldepositedwithhim,andtakeallnecessarymeasurestosecurethatpossessionwhichsagessaymakesninepointsofthelaw.

AtanothertimeIshouldhavebeendelightedwiththischangeofdestination.ButnowOsbaldistoneHallwasaccompaniedwithmanypainfulrecollections.Still,however,Ithought,thatinthatneighbourhoodonlyIwaslikelytoacquiresomeinformationrespectingthefateofDiana

Vernon.IhadeveryreasontofearitmustbefardifferentfromwhatIcouldhavewishedit.ButIcouldobtainnopreciseinformationonthesubject.

ItwasinvainthatIendeavoured,bysuchactsofkindnessastheirsituationadmitted,toconciliatetheconfidenceofsomedistantrelationswhowereamongtheprisonersinNewgate.ApridewhichIcouldnotcondemn,andanaturalsuspicionoftheWhigFrankOsbaldistone,cousintothedouble-distilledtraitorRashleigh,closedeveryheartandtongue,andIonlyreceivedthanks,coldandextorted,inexchangeforsuchbenefitsasIhadpowertooffer.ThearmofthelawwasalsograduallyabridgingthenumbersofthosewhomIendeavouredtoserve,andtheheartsofthesurvivorsbecamegraduallymorecontractedtowardsall

whomtheyconceivedtobeconcernedwiththeexistingGovernment.Astheywereledgradually,andbydetachments,toexecution,thosewhosurvivedlostinterestinmankind,andthedesireofcommunicatingwiththem.I



shalllongrememberwhatoneofthem,NedShaftonbyname,repliedtomyanxiousinquiry,whethertherewasanyindulgenceIcouldprocurehim?"Mr.FrankOsbaldistone,Imustsupposeyoumeanmekindly,andthereforeIthankyou.But,byG--,mencannotbefattenedlikepoultry,whentheyseetheirneighbourscarriedoffdaybydaytotheplaceofexecution,andknowthattheirownnecksaretobetwistedroundintheirturn."

Uponthewhole,therefore,IwasgladtoescapefromLondon,fromNewgate,andfromthesceneswhichbothexhibited,tobreathethefreeairofNorthumberland.AndrewFairservicehadcontinuedinmyservicemorefrommyfather'spleasurethanmyown.AtpresentthereseemedaprospectthathislocalacquaintancewithOsbaldistoneHallanditsvicinitymightbeuseful;and,ofcourse,heaccompaniedmeonmyjourney,andIenjoyedtheprospectofgettingridofhim,byestablishinghiminhisoldquarters.Icannotconceivehowhecouldprevailuponmyfathertointeresthimselfinhim,unlessitwerebytheart,whichhepossessedinnoinconsiderabledegree,ofaffectinganextremeattachmenttohismaster;whichtheoreticalattachmenthemadecompatibleinpracticewithplayingallmanneroftrickswithoutscruple,providingonlyagainsthismasterbeingcheatedbyanyonebuthimself.

WeperformedourjourneytotheNorthwithoutanyremarkableadventure,andwefoundthecountry,solatelyagitatedbyrebellion,nowpeaceful

andingoodorder.ThenearerweapproachedtoOsbaldistoneHall,themoredidmyheartsinkatthethoughtofenteringthatdesertedmansion;sothat,inordertopostponetheevilday,IresolvedfirsttomakemyvisitatMr.JusticeInglewood's.

Thatvenerablepersonhadbeenmuchdisturbedwiththoughtsofwhathehadbeen,andwhathenowwas;andnaturalrecollectionsofthepasthadinterferedconsiderablywiththeactivedutywhichinhispresentsituationmighthavebeenexpectedfromhim.Hewasfortunate,however,inonerespect;hehadgotridofhisclerkJobson,whohadfinallylefthimindudgeonathisinactivity,andbecomelegalassistanttoacertainSquireStandish,whohadlatelycommencedoperationsinthosepartsasajustice,withazealforKingGeorgeandtheProtestantsuccession,

which,verydifferentfromthefeelingsofhisoldpatron,Mr.Jobsonhadmoreoccasiontorestrainwithintheboundsofthelaw,thantostimulatetoexertion.

OldJusticeInglewoodreceivedmewithgreatcourtesy,andreadilyexhibitedmyuncle'swill,whichseemedtobewithoutaflaw.Hewasforsometimeinobviousdistress,howheshouldspeakandactinmypresence;butwhenhefound,thatthoughasupporterofthepresentGovernmentuponprinciple,Iwasdisposedtothinkwithpityonthosewhohadopposeditonamistakenfeelingofloyaltyandduty,hisdiscoursebecameaverydivertingmedleyofwhathehaddone,andwhathehadleftundone,--thepainshehadtakentopreventsomesquiresfromjoining,andtowinkattheescapeofothers,whohadbeensounluckyastoengagein

theaffair.

Wewere_tete-a'-tete,_andseveralbumpershadbeenquaffedbytheJustice'sspecialdesire,when,onasudden,herequestedmetofilla



_bonafide_brimmertothehealthofpoordearDieVernon,theroseofthewilderness,theheath-bellofCheviot,andtheblossomthat'stransplantedtoaninfernalconvent.

"IsnotMissVernonmarried,then?"Iexclaimed,ingreatastonishment."IthoughthisExcellency"-

"Pooh!pooh!hisExcellencyandhisLordship'sallahumbugnow,youknow--mereSt.Germainstitles--EarlofBeauchamp,andambassadorplenipotentiaryfromFrance,whentheDukeRegentofOrleansscarceknewthathelived,Idaresay.ButyoumusthaveseenoldSirFrederickVernonattheHall,whenheplayedthepartofFatherVaughan?"

"GoodHeavens!thenVaughanwasMissVernon'sfather?"

"Tobesurehewas,"saidtheJusticecoolly;--"there'snouseinkeepingthesecretnow,forhemustbeoutofthecountrybythistime-otherwise,nodoubt,itwouldbemydutytoapprehendhim.--Come,offwithyourbumpertomydearlostDie!

Andletherhealthgoround,around,around,

Andletherhealthgoround;Forthoughyourstockingbeofsilk,Yourkneesnearkisstheground,aground,aground."*

*Thispithyverseoccurs,itisbelieved,inShadwell'splayofBuryFair.Iwasunable,asthereadermayeasilyconceive,tojoinintheJustice'sjollity.MyheadswamwiththeshockIhadreceived."Ineverheard,"Isaid,"thatMissVernon'sfatherwasliving."

"ItwasnotourGovernment'sfaultthatheis,"repliedInglewood,"forthedevilamanthereiswhoseheadwouldhavebroughtmoremoney.Hewas

condemnedtodeathforFenwick'splot,andwasthoughttohavehadsomehandintheKnightsbridgeaffair,inKingWilliam'stime;andashehadmarriedinScotlandarelationofthehouseofBreadalbane,hepossessedgreatinfluencewithalltheirchiefs.TherewasatalkofhisbeingdemandedtobegivenupatthepeaceofRyswick,butheshammedill,andhisdeathwasgivenpubliclyoutintheFrenchpapers.Butwhenhecamebackhereontheoldscore,weoldcavaliersknewhimwell,--thatistosay,Iknewhim,notasbeingacavaliermyself,butnoinformationbeinglodgedagainstthepoorgentleman,andmymemorybeingshortenedbyfrequentattacksofthegout,Icouldnothavesworntohim,youknow."

"Washe,then,notknownatOsbaldistoneHall?"Iinquired.

"Tononebuttohisdaughter,theoldknight,andRashleigh,whohadgotatthatsecretashedidateveryoneelse,andhelditlikeatwistedcordaboutpoorDie'sneck.Ihaveseenheronehundredtimesshewouldhavespitathim,ifithadnotbeenfearforherfather,whoselifewouldnothavebeenworthfiveminutes'purchaseifhehadbeendiscoveredtotheGovernment.--Butdon'tmistakeme,Mr.Osbaldistone;I



saytheGovernmentisagood,agracious,andajustGovernment;andifithashangedone-halfoftherebels,poorthings,allwillacknowledgetheywouldnothavebeentouchedhadtheystaidpeaceablyathome."

Waivingthediscussionofthesepoliticalquestions,IbroughtbackMr.Inglewoodtohissubject,andIfoundthatDiana,havingpositivelyrefusedtomarryanyoftheOsbaldistonefamily,andexpressedherparticulardetestationofRashleigh,hehadfromthattimebeguntocoolinzealforthecauseofthePretender;towhich,astheyoungestofsixbrethren,andbold,artful,andable,hehadhithertolookedforwardasthemeansofmakinghisfortune.Probablythecompulsionwithwhichhehadbeenforcedtorenderupthespoilswhichhehadabstractedfrommyfather'scounting-housebytheunitedauthorityofSirFrederickVernonandtheScottishChiefs,haddeterminedhisresolutiontoadvancehisprogressbychanginghisopinionsandbetrayinghistrust.Perhapsalso-forfewmenwerebetterjudgeswherehisinterestwasconcerned--heconsideredtheirmeansandtalentstobe,astheyafterwardsproved,greatlyinadequatetotheimportanttaskofoverthrowinganestablishedGovernment.SirFrederickVernon,or,ashewascalledamongtheJacobites,hisExcellencyViscountBeauchamp,had,withhisdaughter,somedifficultyinescapingtheconsequencesofRashleigh'sinformation.HereMr.Inglewood'sinformationwasatfault;buthedidnotdoubt,sincewehadnotheardofSirFrederickbeinginthehandsofthe

Government,hemustbebythistimeabroad,where,agreeablytothecruelbondhehadenteredintowithhisbrother-in-law,Diana,sinceshehaddeclinedtoselectahusbandoutoftheOsbaldistonefamily,mustbeconfinedtoaconvent.TheoriginalcauseofthissingularagreementMr.Inglewoodcouldnotperfectlyexplain;butheunderstooditwasafamilycompact,enteredintoforthepurposeofsecuringtoSirFredericktherentsoftheremnantofhislargeestates,whichhadbeenvestedintheOsbaldistonefamilybysomelegalmanoeuvre;inshort,afamilycompact,inwhich,likemanyofthoseundertakenatthattimeofday,thefeelingsoftheprincipalpartiesinterestedwerenomoreregardedthaniftheyhadbeenapartofthelive-stockuponthelands.

Icannottell,--suchisthewaywardnessofthehumanheart,--whetherthis

intelligencegavemejoyorsorrow.Itseemedtome,that,intheknowledgethatMissVernonwaseternallydividedfromme,notbymarriagewithanother,butbyseclusioninaconvent,inordertofulfilanabsurdbargainofthiskind,myregretforherlosswasaggravatedratherthandiminished.Ibecamedull,low-spirited,absent,andunabletosupportthetaskofconversingwithJusticeInglewood,whoinhisturnyawned,andproposedtoretireearly.Itookleaveofhimovernight,determiningthenextday,beforebreakfast,torideovertoOsbaldistoneHall.

Mr.Inglewoodacquiescedinmyproposal."Itwouldbewell,"hesaid,"thatImademyappearancetherebeforeIwasknowntobeinthecountry,themoreespeciallyasSirRashleighOsbaldistonewasnow,heunderstood,atMr.Jobson'shouse,hatchingsomemischief,doubtless.Theywerefit

company,"headded,"foreachother,SirRashleighhavinglostallrighttomingleinthesocietyofmenofhonour;butitwashardlypossibletwosuchd--drascalsshouldcolloguetogetherwithoutmischieftohonestpeople."



Heconcluded,byearnestlyrecommendingatoastandtankard,andanattackuponhisvenisonpasty,beforeIsetoutinthemorning,justtobreakthecoldaironthewords.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIRST.

Hismaster'sgone,andnoonenowDwellsinthehallsofIvor;Men,dogs,andhorses,allaredead,Heisthesolesurvivor.Wordsworth.

Therearefewmoremelancholysensationsthanthosewithwhichweregardscenesofpastpleasurewhenalteredanddeserted.InmyridetoOsbaldistoneHall,IpassedthesameobjectswhichIhadseenincompanywithMissVernononthedayofourmemorableridefromInglewoodPlace.Herspiritseemedtokeepmecompanyontheway;andwhenIapproachedthespotwhereIhadfirstseenher,Ialmostlistenedforthecryofthehoundsandthenotesofthehorn,andstrainedmyeyeonthevacantspace,asiftodescrythefairhuntressagaindescendlikeanapparitionfromthehill.Butallwassilent,andallwassolitary.WhenIreachedtheHall,thecloseddoorsandwindows,thegrass-grownpavement,the

courts,whichwerenowsosilent,presentedastrongcontrasttothegayandbustlingsceneIhadsooftenseenthemexhibit,whenthemerryhuntersweregoingforthtotheirmorningsport,orreturningtothedailyfestival.Thejoyousbarkofthefox-houndsastheywereuncoupled,thecriesofthehuntsmen,theclangofthehorses'hoofs,theloudlaughoftheoldknightattheheadofhisstrongandnumerousdescendants,wereallsilencednowandforever.

WhileIgazedroundthesceneofsolitudeandemptiness,Iwasinexpressiblyaffected,evenbyrecollectingthosewhom,whenalive,Ihadnoreasontoregardwithaffection.Butthethoughtthatsomanyyouthsofgoodlypresence,warmwithlife,health,andconfidence,werewithinsoshortatimecoldinthegrave,byvarious,yetallviolentand

unexpectedmodesofdeath,affordedapictureofmortalityatwhichthemindtrembled.Itwaslittleconsolationtome,thatIreturnedaproprietortothehallswhichIhadleftalmostlikeafugitive.Mymindwasnothabituatedtoregardthescenesaroundasmyproperty,andIfeltmyselfanusurper,atleastanintrudingstranger,andcouldhardlydivestmyselfoftheidea,thatsomeofthebulkyformsofmydeceasedkinsmenwere,likethegiganticspectresofaromance,toappearinthegateway,anddisputemyentrance.

WhileIwasengagedinthesesadthoughts,myfollowerAndrew,whosefeelingswereofaverydifferentnature,exertedhimselfinthunderingalternatelyoneverydoorinthebuilding,calling,atthesametime,foradmittance,inatonesoloudastointimate,that_he,_atleast,was

fullysensibleofhisnewlyacquiredimportance,assquireofthebodyto



thenewlordofthemanor.Atlength,timidlyandreluctantly,AnthonySyddall,myuncle'sagedbutlerandmajor-domo,presentedhimselfatalowerwindow,wellfencedwithironbars,andinquiredourbusiness.

"Wearecometotakyourchargeaffyourhand,myauldfriend,"saidAndrewFairservice;"yemaygieupyourkeysassuneasyelike--ilkadoghashisday.I'lltaktheplateandnaperyaffyourhand.Yehaehadyouraintimeo't,Mr.Syddall;butilkabeanhasitsblack,andilkapathhasitspuddle;anditwilljustsetyouhenceforthtositattheboard-end,asweelasitdidAndrewlangsyne."

Checkingwithsomedifficultytheforwardnessofmyfollower,IexplainedtoSyddallthenatureofmyright,andthetitleIhadtodemandadmittanceintotheHall,asintomyownproperty.Theoldmanseemedmuchagitatedanddistressed,andtestifiedmanifestreluctancetogivemeentrance,althoughitwascouchedinahumbleandsubmissivetone.Iallowedfortheagitationofnaturalfeelings,whichreallydidtheoldmanhonour;butcontinuedperemptoryinmydemandofadmittance,explainingtohimthathisrefusalwouldobligemetoapplyforMr.Inglewood'swarrant,andaconstable.

"WearecomefromMr.JusticeInglewood'sthismorning,"saidAndrew,toenforcethemenace;--"andIsawArchieRutledge,theconstable,asIcame

upby;--thecountry'snotobelawlessasithasbeen,Mr.Syddall,lettingrebelsandpapistsgangonastheybestlisted."

Thethreatofthelawsoundeddreadfulintheoldman'sears,consciousashewasofthesuspicionunderwhichhehimselflay,fromhisreligionandhisdevotiontoSirHildebrandandhissons.Heundid,withfearandtrembling,oneoftheposternentrances,whichwassecuredwithmanyaboltandbar,andhumblyhopedthatIwouldexcusehimforfidelityinthedischargeofhisduty.--Ireassuredhim,andtoldhimIhadthebetteropinionofhimforhiscaution.

"SaehavenotI,"saidAndrew;"Syddallisanauldsneck-drawer;hewadnabelookingaswhiteasasheet,andhiskneesknockingthegither,unless

itwereforsomethingmairthanhe'sliketotellus."

"Lordforgiveyou,Mr.Fairservice,"repliedthebutler,"tosaysuchthingsofanoldfriendandfellow-servant!--Where"--followingmehumblyalongthepassage--"wherewoulditbeyourhonour'spleasuretohaveafirelighted?Ifearmeyouwillfindthehouseverydullanddreary--ButperhapsyoumeantoridebacktoInglewoodPlacetodinner?"

"Lightafireinthelibrary,"Ireplied.

"Inthelibrary!"answeredtheoldman;--"nobodyhassattherethismanyaday,andtheroomsmokes,forthedawshavebuiltinthechimneythisspring,andtherewerenoyoungmenabouttheHalltopullthemdown."

"Ourainreekesbetterthanotherfolk'sfire,"saidAndrew."Hishonourlikesthelibrary;--he'snaneo'yourPapishers,thatdelightinblindedignorance,Mr.Syddall."



Veryreluctantlyasitappearedtome,thebutlerledthewaytothelibrary,and,contrarytowhathehadgivenmetoexpect,theinterioroftheapartmentlookedasifithadbeenlatelyarranged,andmademorecomfortablethanusual.Therewasafireinthegrate,whichburnedclearly,notwithstandingwhatSyddallhadreportedofthevent.Takingupthetongs,asiftoarrangethewood,butratherperhapstoconcealhisownconfusion,thebutlerobserved,"itwasburningclearnow,buthadsmokedwoundilyinthemorning."

Wishingtobealone,tillIrecoveredmyselffromthefirstpainfulsensationswhicheverythingaroundmerecalled,IdesiredoldSyddalltocalltheland-steward,wholivedataboutaquarterofamilefromtheHall.Hedepartedwithobviousreluctance.InextorderedAndrewtoprocuretheattendanceofacoupleofstoutfellowsuponwhomhecouldrely,thepopulationaroundbeingPapists,andSirRashleigh,whowascapableofanydesperateenterprise,beingintheneighbourhood.AndrewFairserviceundertookthistaskwithgreatcheerfulness,andpromisedtobringmeupfromTrinlay-Knowe,"twatrue-bluePresbyterianslikehimself,thatwouldfaceandout-facebaiththePope,theDevil,andthePretender--andblythewillIbeo'theircompanymysell,fortheverylastnightthatIwasatOsbaldistoneHall,theblightbeonilkablossominmybityard,ifIdidnaseethatverypicture"(pointingtothe

full-lengthportraitofMissVernon'sgrandfather)"walkingbymoonlightinthegarden!ItauldyourhonourIwasfleyedwi'aboglethatnight,butyewadnalistentome--IayethoughttherewaswitchcraftanddeevilryamangthePapishers,butIne'ersaw'twi'bodilyeentillthatawfu'night."

"Getalong,sir,"saidI,"andbringthefellowsyoutalkof;andseetheyhavemoresensethanyourself,andarenotfrightenedattheirownshadow."

"Ihaebeencountedasgudeamanasmyneighbourserenow,"saidAndrew,

petulantly;"butIdinnapretendtodealwi'evilspirits."Andsohemadehisexit,asWardlawtheland-stewardmadehisappearance.

Hewasamanofsenseandhonesty,withoutwhosecarefulmanagementmyunclewouldhavefounditdifficulttohavemaintainedhimselfahousekeepersolongashedid.Heexaminedthenatureofmyrightofpossessioncarefully,andadmitteditcandidly.Toanyoneelsethesuccessionwouldhavebeenapoorone,somuchwasthelandencumberedwithdebtandmortgage.Mostofthese,however,werealreadyvestedinmyfather'sperson,andhewasinatrainofacquiringtherest;hislargegainsbytherecentriseofthefundshavingmadeitamatterofeaseandconvenienceforhimtopayoffthedebtwhichaffectedhispatrimony.

ItransactedmuchnecessarybusinesswithMr.Wardlaw,anddetainedhimtodinewithme.Wepreferredtakingourrepastinthelibrary,althoughSyddallstronglyrecommendedourremovingtothestone-hall,whichhehadputinorderfortheoccasion.MeantimeAndrewmadehisappearancewithhistrue-bluerecruits,whomherecommendedinthehighestterms,as"soberdecentmen,weelfoundedindoctrinalpoints,and,aboveall,as



boldaslions."Iorderedthemsomethingtodrink,andtheylefttheroom.IobservedoldSyddallshakehisheadastheywentout,andinsisteduponknowingthereason.

"Imaybecannotexpect,"hesaid,"thatyourhonourshouldputconfidenceinwhatIsay,butitisHeaven'struthforallthat--AmbroseWingfieldisashonestamanaslives,butifthereisafalseknaveinthecountry,itishisbrotherLancie;--thewholecountryknowshimtobeaspyforClerkJobsononthepoorgentlementhathavebeenintrouble--Buthe'sadissenter,andIsupposethat'senoughnow-a-days."

Havingthusfargivenventtohisfeelings,--towhich,however,Iwaslittledisposedtopayattention,--andhavingplacedthewineonthetable,theoldbutlerlefttheapartment.

Mr.Wardlawhavingremainedwithmeuntiltheeveningwassomewhatadvanced,atlengthbundleduphispapers,andremovedhimselftohisownhabitation,leavingmeinthatconfusedstateofmindinwhichwecanhardlysaywhetherwedesirecompanyorsolitude.Ihadnot,however,thechoicebetwixtthem;forIwasleftaloneintheroomofallothersmostcalculatedtoinspiremewithmelancholyreflections.

Astwilightwasdarkeningtheapartment,Andrewhadthesagacityto

advancehisheadatthedoor,--nottoaskifIwishedforlights,buttorecommendthemasameasureofprecautionagainstthebogleswhichstillhauntedhisimagination.Irejectedhisproffersomewhatpeevishly,trimmedthewood-fire,andplacingmyselfinoneofthelargeleathernchairswhichflankedtheoldGothicchimney,IwatchedunconsciouslythebickeringoftheblazewhichIhadfostered."Andthis,"saidIalone,"istheprogressandtheissueofhumanwishes!Nursedbythemeresttrifles,theyarefirstkindledbyfancy--nay,arefeduponthevapourofhope,tilltheyconsumethesubstancewhichtheyinflame;andman,andhishopes,passions,anddesires,sinkintoaworthlessheapofembersandashes!"

Therewasadeepsighfromtheoppositesideoftheroom,whichseemedto

replytomyreflections.Istartedupinamazement--DianaVernonstoodbeforeme,restingonthearmofafiguresostronglyresemblingthatoftheportraitsooftenmentioned,thatIlookedhastilyattheframe,expectingtoseeitempty.Myfirstideawas,eitherthatIhadgonesuddenlydistracted,orthatthespiritsofthedeadhadarisenandbeenplacedbeforeme.Asecondglanceconvincedmeofmybeinginmysenses,andthattheformswhichstoodbeforemewererealandsubstantial.ItwasDianaherself,thoughpalerandthinnerthanherformerself;anditwasnotenantofthegravewhostoodbesideher,butVaughan,orratherSirFrederickVernon,inadressmadetoimitatethatofhisancestor,towhosepicturehiscountenancepossessedafamilyresemblance.Hewasthefirstthatspoke,forDianakepthereyesfastfixedontheground,andastonishmentactuallyrivetedmytonguetotheroofofmymouth.

"Weareyoursuppliants,Mr.Osbaldistone,"hesaid,"andweclaimtherefugeandprotectionofyourrooftillwecanpursueajourneywheredungeonsanddeathgapeformeateverystep."



"Surely,"Iarticulatedwithgreatdifficulty--"MissVernoncannotsuppose--you,sir,cannotbelieve,thatIhaveforgotyourinterferenceinmydifficulties,orthatIamcapableofbetrayinganyone,muchlessyou?"

"Iknowit,"saidSirFrederick;"yetitiswiththemostinexpressiblereluctancethatIimposeonyouaconfidence,disagreeableperhaps-certainlydangerous--andwhichIwouldhavespeciallywishedtohaveconferredonsomeoneelse.Butmyfate,whichhaschasedmethroughalifeofperilsandescapes,isnowpressingmehard,andIhavenoalternative."

Atthismomentthedooropened,andthevoiceoftheofficiousAndrewwasheard--"A'mbringin'inthecaunles--Yecanlightthemginyelike--Candoiseasycarriedaboutwi'ane."

Irantothedoor,which,asIhoped,Ireachedintimetopreventhisobservingwhowereintheapartment,Iturnedhimoutwithhastyviolence,shutthedoorafterhim,andlockedit--theninstantlyrememberinghistwocompanionsbelow,knowinghistalkativehumour,andrecollectingSyddall'sremark,thatoneofthemwassupposedtobeaspy,IfollowedhimasfastasIcouldtotheservants'hall,inwhichtheywereassembled.Andrew'stonguewasloudasIopenedthedoor,butmy

unexpectedappearancesilencedhim.

"Whatisthematterwithyou,youfool?"saidI;"youstareandlookwild,asifyouhadseenaghost."

"N--n--no--nothing,"saidAndrew.--"butyourworshipwaspleasedtobehasty."

"Becauseyoudisturbedmeoutofasoundsleep,youfool.Syddalltellsmehecannotfindbedsforthesegoodfellowstonight,andMr.Wardlawthinkstherewillbenooccasiontodetainthem.Hereisacrown-pieceforthemtodrinkmyhealth,andthanksfortheirgood-will.YouwillleavetheHallimmediately,mygoodlads."

Thementhankedmeformybounty,tookthesilver,andwithdrew,apparentlyunsuspiciousandcontented.IwatchedtheirdepartureuntilIwassuretheycouldhavenofurtherintercoursethatnightwithhonestAndrew.AndsoinstantlyhadIfollowedonhisheels,thatIthoughthecouldnothavehadtimetospeaktwowordswiththembeforeIinterruptedhim.Butitiswonderfulwhatmischiefmaybedonebyonlytwowords.Onthisoccasiontheycosttwolives.

Havingmadethesearrangements,thebestwhichoccurredtomeuponthepressureofthemoment,tosecureprivacyformyguests,Ireturnedtoreportmyproceedings,andadded,thatIhaddesiredSyddalltoanswereverysummons,concludingthatitwasbyhisconnivancetheyhadbeen

secretedintheHall.Dianaraisedhereyestothankmeforthecaution.

"Younowunderstandmymystery,"shesaid;--"youknow,doubtless,how



nearanddearthatrelativeis,whohassooftenfoundshelterhere;andwillbenolongersurprisedthatRashleigh,havingsuchasecretathiscommand,shouldrulemewitharodofiron."

Herfatheradded,"thatitwastheirintentiontotroublemewiththeirpresenceasshortatimeaswaspossible."

Ientreatedthefugitivestowaiveeveryconsiderationbutwhataffectedtheirsafety,andtorelyonmyutmostexertionstopromoteit.Thisledtoanexplanationofthecircumstancesunderwhichtheystood.

"IalwayssuspectedRashleighOsbaldistone,"saidSirFrederick;"buthisconducttowardsmyunprotectedchild,whichwithdifficultyIwrungfromher,andhistreacheryinyourfather'saffairs,mademehateanddespisehim.InourlastinterviewIconcealednotmysentiments,asIshouldinprudencehaveattemptedtodo;andinresentmentofthescornwithwhichItreatedhim,headdedtreacheryandapostasytohiscatalogueofcrimes.Iatthattimefondlyhopedthathisdefectionwouldbeoflittleconsequence.TheEarlofMarhadagallantarmyinScotland,andLordDerwentwater,withForster,Kenmure,Winterton,andothers,wereassemblingforcesontheBorder.AsmyconnectionswiththeseEnglishnobilityandgentrywereextensive,itwasjudgedproperthatIshouldaccompanyadetachmentofHighlanders,who,underBrigadierMacIntoshof

Borlum,crossedtheFirthofForth,traversedthelowcountryofScotland,andunitedthemselvesontheBorderswiththeEnglishinsurgents.Mydaughteraccompaniedmethroughtheperilsandfatiguesofamarchsolonganddifficult."

"Andshewillneverleaveherdearfather!"exclaimedMissVernon,clingingfondlytohisarm.

"IhadhardlyjoinedourEnglishfriends,whenIbecamesensiblethatourcausewaslost.Ournumbersdiminishedinsteadofincreasing,norwerewejoinedbyanyexceptofourownpersuasion.TheToriesoftheHighChurchremainedingeneralundecided,andatlengthwewerecoopedupbyasuperiorforceinthelittletownofPreston.Wedefendedourselves

resolutelyforoneday.Onthenext,theheartsofourleadersfailed,andtheyresolvedtosurrenderatdiscretion.Toyieldmyselfuponsuchterms,weretohavelaidmyheadontheblock.Abouttwentyorthirtygentlemenwereofmymind:wemountedourhorses,andplacedmydaughter,whoinsistedonsharingmyfate,inthecentreofourlittleparty.Mycompanions,struckwithhercourageandfilialpiety,declaredthattheywoulddieratherthanleaveherbehind.WerodeinabodydownastreetcalledFishergate,whichleadstoamarshygroundormeadow,extendingtotheriverRibble,throughwhichoneofourpartypromisedtoshowusagoodford.Thismarshhadnotbeenstronglyinvestedbytheenemy,sothatwehadonlyanaffairwithapatrolofHoneywood'sdragoons,whomwedispersedandcuttopieces.Wecrossedtheriver,gainedthehighroadtoLiverpool,andthendispersedtoseekseveralplacesofconcealment

andsafety.MyfortuneledmetoWales,wheretherearemanygentlemenofmyreligiousandpoliticalopinions.Icouldnot,however,findasafeopportunityofescapingbysea,andfoundmyselfobligedagaintodrawtowardstheNorth.Awell-triedfriendhasappointedtomeetmeinthis



neighbourhood,andguidemetoaseaportontheSolway,whereasloopispreparedtocarrymefrommynativecountryforever.AsOsbaldistoneHallwasforthepresentuninhabited,andunderthechargeofoldSyddall,whohadbeenourconfidantonformeroccasions,wedrewtoitastoaplaceofknownandsecurerefuge.Iresumedadresswhichhadbeenusedwithgoodeffecttoscarethesuperstitiousrustics,ordomestics,whochancedatanytimetoseeme;andweexpectedfromtimetotimetohearbySyddallofthearrivalofourfriendlyguide,whenyoursuddencominghither,andoccupyingthisapartment,laidusunderthenecessityofsubmittingtoyourmercy."

ThusendedSirFredericksstory,whosetalesoundedtomelikeonetoldinavision;andIcouldhardlybringmyselftobelievethatIsawhisdaughter'sformoncemorebeforemeinfleshandblood,thoughwithdiminishedbeautyandsunkspirits.Thebuoyantvivacitywithwhichshehadresistedeverytouchofadversity,hadnowassumedtheairofcomposedandsubmissive,butdauntlessresolutionandconstancy.Herfather,thoughawareandjealousoftheeffectofherpraisesonmymind,couldnotforbearexpatiatinguponthem.

"Shehasenduredtrials,"hesaid,"whichmighthavedignifiedthehistoryofamartyr;--shehasfaceddangeranddeathinvariousshapes;-shehasundergonetoilandprivation,fromwhichmenofthestrongest

framewouldhaveshrunk;--shehasspentthedayindarkness,andthenightinvigil,andhasneverbreathedamurmurofweaknessorcomplaint.Inaword,Mr.Osbaldistone,"heconcluded,"sheisaworthyofferingtothatGod,towhom"(crossinghimself)"Ishalldedicateher,asallthatisleftdearorprecioustoFrederickVernon."

Therewasasilenceafterthesewords,ofwhichIwellunderstoodthemournfulimport.ThefatherofDianawasstillasanxioustodestroymyhopesofbeingunitedtohernowashehadshownhimselfduringourbriefmeetinginScotland.

"Wewillnow,"saidhetohisdaughter,"intrudenofartheronMr.Osbaldistone'stime,sincewehaveacquaintedhimwiththecircumstances

ofthemiserableguestswhoclaimhisprotection."

Irequestedthemtostay,andofferedmyselftoleavetheapartment.SirFrederickobserved,thatmydoingsocouldnotbutexcitemyattendant'ssuspicion;andthattheplaceoftheirretreatwasineveryrespectcommodious,andfurnishedbySyddallwithalltheycouldpossiblywant."Wemightperhapshaveevencontrivedtoremainthere,concealedfromyourobservation;butitwouldhavebeenunjusttodeclinethemostabsoluterelianceonyourhonour."

"Youhavedonemebutjustice,"Ireplied.--"Toyou,SirFrederick,Iambutlittleknown;butMissVernon,Iamsure,willbearmewitnessthat"-

"Idonotwantmydaughter'sevidence,"hesaid,politely,butyetwithanaircalculatedtopreventmyaddressingmyselftoDiana,"sinceIampreparedtobelieveallthatisworthyofMr.FrancisOsbaldistone.



Permitusnowtoretire;wemusttakereposewhenwecan,sinceweareabsolutelyuncertainwhenwemaybecalledupontorenewourperilousjourney."

Hedrewhisdaughter'sarmwithinhis,andwithaprofoundreverence,disappearedwithherbehindthetapestry.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SECOND.

Butnowthehandoffateisonthecurtain,Andgivesthescenetolight.DonSebastian.

Ifeltstunnedandchilledastheyretired.Imagination,dwellingonanabsentobjectofaffection,paintshernotonlyinthefairestlight,butinthatinwhichwemostdesiretobeholdher.IhadthoughtofDianaasshewas,whenherpartingteardroppedonmycheek--whenherpartingtoken,receivedfromthewifeofMacGregor,auguredherwishtoconveyintoexileandconventualseclusiontheremembranceofmyaffection.Isawher;andhercoldpassivemanner,expressiveoflittleexceptcomposedmelancholy,disappointed,and,insomedegree,almostoffendedme.

Intheegotismofmyfeelings,Iaccusedherofindifference--ofinsensibility.Iupbraidedherfatherwithpride--withcruelty--withfanaticism,--forgettingthatbothweresacrificingtheirinterest,andDianaherinclination,tothedischargeofwhattheyregardedastheirduty.

SirFrederickVernonwasarigidCatholic,whothoughtthepathofsalvationtoonarrowtobetroddenbyanheretic;andDiana,towhomherfather'ssafetyhadbeenformanyyearstheprincipalandmovingspringofthoughts,hopes,andactions,feltthatshehaddischargedherdutyinresigningtohiswill,notaloneherpropertyintheworld,butthedearestaffectionsofherheart.ButitwasnotsurprisingthatIcould

not,atsuchamoment,fullyappreciatethesehonourablemotives;yetmyspleensoughtnoignoblemeansofdischargingitself.

"Iamcontemned,then,"Isaid,whenlefttorunoverthetenorofSirFrederick'scommunications--"Iamcontemned,andthoughtunworthyeventoexchangewordswithher.Beitso;theyshallnotatleastpreventmefromwatchingoverhersafety.HerewillIremainasanoutpost,and,whileundermyroofatleast,nodangershallthreatenher,ifitbesuchasthearmofonedeterminedmancanavert."

IsummonedSyddalltothelibrary.Hecame,butcameattendedbytheeternalAndrew,who,dreamingofgreatthingsinconsequenceofmytakingpossessionoftheHallandtheannexedestates,wasresolvedtolose

nothingforwantofkeepinghimselfinview;and,asoftenhappenstomenwhoentertainselfishobjects,overshothismark,andrenderedhis



attentionstediousandinconvenient.

HisunrequiredpresencepreventedmefromspeakingfreelytoSyddall,andIdarednotsendhimawayforfearofincreasingsuchsuspicionsashemightentertainfromhisformerabruptdismissalfromthelibrary."Ishallsleephere,sir,"Isaid,givingthemdirectionstowheelnearertothefireanold-fashionedday-bed,orsettee."Ihavemuchtodo,andshallgolatetobed."

Syddall,whoseemedtounderstandmylook,offeredtoprocuremetheaccommodationofamattressandsomebedding.Iacceptedhisoffer,dismissedmyattendant,lightedapairofcandles,anddesiredthatImightnotbedisturbedtillsevenintheensuingmorning.

Thedomesticsretired,leavingmetomypainfulandill-arrangedreflections,untilnature,wornout,shouldrequiresomerepose.

IendeavouredforciblytoabstractmymindfromthesingularcircumstancesinwhichIfoundmyselfplaced.FeelingswhichIhadgallantlycombatedwhiletheexcitingobjectwasremote,werenowexasperatedbymyimmediateneighbourhoodtoherwhomIwassosoontopartwithforever.HernamewaswrittenineverybookwhichIattemptedtoperuse;andherimageforceditselfonmeinwhatevertrainofthought

Istrovetoengagemyself.ItwasliketheofficiousslaveofPrior'sSolomon,-

AbrawasreadyereInamedhername,AndwhenIcalledanother,Abracame.

Ialternatelygavewaytothesethoughts,andstruggledagainstthem,sometimesyieldingtoamoodofmeltingtendernessofsorrowwhichwasscarcenaturaltome,sometimesarmingmyselfwiththehurtprideofonewhohadexperiencedwhatheesteemedunmeritedrejection.IpacedthelibraryuntilIhadchafedmyselfintoatemporaryfever.Ithenthrew

myselfonthecouch,andendeavouredtodisposemyselftosleep;--butitwasinvainthatIusedeveryefforttocomposemyself--thatIlaywithoutmovementoffingerorofmuscle,asstillasifIhadbeenalreadyacorpse--thatIendeavouredtodivertorbanishdisquietingthoughts,byfixingmymindonsomeactofrepetitionorarithmeticalprocess.Mybloodthrobbed,tomyfeverishapprehension,inpulsationswhichresembledthedeepandregularstrokesofadistantfulling-mill,andtingledinmyveinslikestreamsofliquidfire.

AtlengthIarose,openedthewindow,andstoodbyitforsometimeintheclearmoonlight,receiving,inpartatleast,thatrefreshmentanddissipationofideasfromtheclearandcalmscene,withoutwhichtheyhadbecomebeyondthecommandofmyownvolition.Iresumedmyplaceon

thecouch--withaheart,Heavenknows,notlighterbutfirmer,andmoreresolvedforendurance.Inashorttimeaslumbercreptovermysenses;still,however,thoughmysensesslumbered,mysoulwasawaketothepainfulfeelingsofmysituation,andmydreamswereofmentalanguishandexternalobjectsofterror.



Irememberastrangeagony,underwhichIconceivedmyselfandDianainthepowerofMacGregor'swife,andabouttobeprecipitatedfromarockintothelake;thesignalwastobethedischargeofacannon,firedbySirFrederickVernon,who,inthedressofaCardinal,officiatedattheceremony.NothingcouldbemorelivelythantheimpressionwhichIreceivedofthisimaginaryscene.Icouldpaint,evenatthismoment,themuteandcourageoussubmissionexpressedinDiana'sfeatures--thewildanddistortedfacesoftheexecutioners,whocrowdedarounduswith"moppingandmowing;"grimaceseverchanging,andeachmorehideousthanthatwhichpreceded.Isawtherigidandinflexiblefanaticismpaintedinthefaceofthefather--Isawhimliftthefatalmatch--thedeadlysignalexploded--Itwasrepeatedagainandagainandagain,inrivalthunders,bytheechoesofthesurroundingcliffs,andIawokefromfanciedhorrortorealapprehension.

Thesoundsinmydreamwerenotideal.Theyreverberatedonmywakingears,butitwastwoorthreeminutesereIcouldcollectmyselfsoasdistinctlytounderstandthattheyproceededfromaviolentknockingatthegate.Ileapedfrommycouchingreatapprehension,tookmyswordundermyarm,andhastenedtoforbidtheadmissionofanyone.Butmyroutewasnecessarilycircuitous,becausethelibrarylookednotuponthequadrangle,butintothegardens.WhenIhadreachedastaircase,thewindowsofwhichopenedupontheentrancecourt,Iheardthefeebleand

intimidatedtonesofSyddallexpostulatingwithroughvoices,whichdemandedadmittance,bythewarrantofJusticeStandish,andintheKing'sname,andthreatenedtheolddomesticwiththeheaviestpenalconsequencesifherefusedinstantobedience.Eretheyhadceased,Iheard,tomyunspeakableprovocation,thevoiceofAndrewbiddingSyddallstandaside,andlethimopenthedoor.

"IftheycomeinKingGeorge'sname,wehavenaethingtofear--wehaespentbaithbluidandgowdforhim--Wedinnaneedtodarnourselveslikesomefolks,Mr.Syddall--weareneitherPapistsnorJacobites,Itrow."

ItwasinvainIacceleratedmypacedownstairs;Iheardboltafterboltwithdrawnbytheofficiousscoundrel,whileallthetimehewasboasting

hisownandhismaster'sloyaltytoKingGeorge;andIcouldeasilycalculatethatthepartymustenterbeforeIcouldarriveatthedoortoreplacethebars.DevotingthebackofAndrewFairservicetothecudgelsosoonasIshouldhavetimetopayhimhisdeserts,Iranbacktothelibrary,barricadedthedoorasIbestcould,andhastenedtothatbywhichDianaandherfatherentered,andbeggedforinstantadmittance.Dianaherselfundidthedoor.Shewasreadydressed,andbetrayedneitherperturbationnorfear.

"Dangerissofamiliartous,"shesaid,"thatwearealwayspreparedtomeetit.Myfatherisalreadyup--heisinRashleigh'sapartment.Wewillescapeintothegarden,andthencebythepostern-gate(IhavethekeyfromSyddallincaseofneed.)intothewood--Iknowitsdinglesbetter

thananyonenowalive.Keepthemafewminutesinplay.And,dear,dearFrank,oncemorefare-thee-well!"

Shevanishedlikeameteortojoinherfather,andtheintruderswere



rappingviolently,andattemptingtoforcethelibrarydoorbythetimeIhadreturnedintoit.

"Yourobberdogs!"Iexclaimed,wilfullymistakingthepurposeoftheirdisturbance,"ifyoudonotinstantlyquitthehouseIwillfiremyblunderbussthroughthedoor."

"Fireafule'sbauble!"saidAndrewFairservice;"it'sMr.ClerkJobson,withalegalwarrant"-

"Tosearchfor,take,andapprehend,"saidthevoiceofthatexecrablepettifogger,"thebodiesofcertainpersonsinmywarrantnamed,chargedofhightreasonunderthe13thofKingWilliam,chapterthird."

Andtheviolenceonthedoorwasrenewed."Iamrising,gentlemen,"saidI,desiroustogainasmuchtimeaspossible--"commitnoviolence--givemeleavetolookatyourwarrant,and,ifitisformalandlegal,Ishallnotopposeit."

"GodsavegreatGeorgeourKing!"ejaculatedAndrew."ItauldyethatyewouldfindnaeJacobiteshere."

Spinningoutthetimeasmuchaspossible,Iwasatlengthcompelledtoopenthedoor,whichtheywouldotherwisehaveforced.

Mr.Jobsonentered,withseveralassistants,amongwhomIdiscoveredtheyoungerWingfield,towhom,doubtless,hewasobligedforhisinformation,andexhibitedhiswarrant,directednotonlyagainstFrederickVernon,anattaintedtraitor,butalsoagainstDianaVernon,spinster,andFrancisOsbaldistone,gentleman,accusedofmisprisionoftreason.Itwasacaseinwhichresistancewouldhavebeenmadness;Itherefore,aftercapitulatingforafewminutes'delay,surrenderedmyselfaprisoner.

IhadnextthemortificationtoseeJobsongostraighttothechamberof

MissVernon,andIlearnedthatfromthence,withouthesitationordifficulty,hewenttotheroomwhereSirFrederickhadslept."Theharehasstolenaway,"saidthebrute,"butherformiswarm--thegreyhoundswillhaveherbythehaunchesyet."

Ascreamfromthegardenannouncedthatheprophesiedtootruly.Inthecourseoffiveminutes,RashleighenteredthelibrarywithSirFrederickVernonandhisdaughterasprisoners.

"Thefox,"hesaid,"knewhisoldearth,butheforgotitcouldbestoppedbyacarefulhuntsman.--Ihadnotforgotthegarden-gate,SirFrederick--or,ifthattitlesuitsyoubetter,mostnobleLordBeauchamp."

"Rashleigh,"saidSirFrederick,"thouartadetestablevillain!"

"Ibetterdeservedthename,SirKnight,ormyLord,when,underthedirectionofanabletutor,Isoughttointroducecivilwarintothe



bosomofapeacefulcountry.ButIhavedonemybest,"saidhe,lookingupwards,"toatoneformyerrors."

Icouldholdnolonger.Ihaddesignedtowatchtheirproceedingsinsilence,butIfeltthatImustspeakordie."Ifhell,"Isaid,"hasonecomplexionmorehideousthananother,itiswherevillanyismaskedbyhypocrisy."

"Ha!mygentlecousin,"saidRashleigh,holdingacandletowardsme,andsurveyingmefromheadtofoot;"rightwelcometoOsbaldistoneHall!--Icanforgiveyourspleen--Itishardtoloseanestateandamistressinonenight;forweshalltakepossessionofthispoormanor-houseinthenameofthelawfulheir,SirRashleighOsbaldistone."

WhileRashleighbraveditoutinthismanner,Icouldseethatheputastrongforceuponhisfeelings,bothofangerandshame.ButhisstateofmindwasmoreobviouswhenDianaVernonaddressedhim."Rashleigh,"shesaid,"Ipityyou--for,deepastheeviliswhichyouhavelabouredtodome,andtheevilyouhaveactuallydone,IcannothateyousomuchasIscornandpityyou.Whatyouhavenowdonemaybetheworkofanhour,butwillfurnishyouwithreflectionforyourlife--ofwhatnatureIleavetoyourownconscience,whichwillnotslumberforever."

Rashleighstrodeonceortwicethroughtheroom,cameuptotheside-table,onwhichwinewasstillstanding,andpouredoutalargeglasswithatremblinghand;butwhenhesawthatweobservedhistremor,hesuppresseditbyastrongeffort,and,lookingatuswithfixedanddaringcomposure,carriedthebumpertohisheadwithoutspillingadrop."Itismyfather'soldburgundy,"hesaid,lookingtoJobson;"Iamgladthereissomeofitleft.--Youwillgetproperpersonstotakecareofoldbutler,andthatfoolishScotchrascal.Meanwhilewewillconveythesepersonstoamoreproperplaceofcustody.Ihaveprovidedtheoldfamilycoachforyourconvenience,"hesaid,"thoughIamnotignorantthateventheladycouldbravethenight-aironfootoronhorseback,weretheerrandmoretohermind."

Andrewwrunghishands.--"Ionlysaidthatmymasterwassurelyspeakingtoaghaistinthelibrary--andthevillainLancietobetrayanauldfriend,thatsangaffthesamePsalm-bookwi'himeverySabbathfortwentyyears!"

Hewasturnedoutofthehouse,togetherwithSyddall,withoutbeingallowedtoconcludehislamentation.Hisexpulsion,however,ledtosomesingularconsequences.Resolving,accordingtohisownstory,togodownforthenightwhereMotherSimpsonwouldgivehimalodgingforoldacquaintance'sake,hehadjustgotclearoftheavenue,andintotheoldwood,asitwascalled,thoughitwasnowusedasapasture-groundratherthanwoodland,whenhesuddenlylightedonadroveofScotchcattle,whichwerelyingtheretoreposethemselvesaftertheday'sjourney.At

thisAndrewwasinnowaysurprised,itbeingthewell-knowncustomofhiscountrymen,whotakecareofthosedroves,toquarterthemselvesafternightuponthebestunenclosedgrass-groundtheycanfind,anddepartbeforeday-breaktoescapepayingfortheirnight'slodgings.But



hewasbothsurprisedandstartled,whenaHighlander,springingup,accusedhimofdisturbingthecattle,andrefusedhimtopassforwardtillhehadspokentohismaster.ThemountaineerconductedAndrewintoathicket,wherehefoundthreeorfourmoreofhiscountrymen."And,"saidAndrew,"Isawsunetheywereowermonymenforthedrove;andfromthequestionstheyputtome,Ijudgedtheyhadothertowontheirrock."

TheyquestionedhimcloselyaboutallthathadpassedatOsbaldistoneHall,andseemedsurprisedandconcernedatthereporthemadetothem.

"Andtroth,"saidAndrew,"Itauldthema'Iken'd;fordirksandpistolswerewhatIcouldneverrefuseinformationtoina'mylife."

Theytalkedinwhispersamongthemselves,andatlengthcollectedtheircattletogether,anddrovethemcloseuptotheentranceoftheavenue,whichmightbehalfamiledistantfromthehouse.Theyproceededtodragtogethersomefelledtreeswhichlayinthevicinity,soastomakeatemporarybarricadeacrosstheroad,aboutfifteenyardsbeyondtheavenue.Itwasnowneardaybreak,andtherewasapaleeasterngleammingledwiththefadingmoonlight,sothatobjectscouldbediscoveredwithsomedistinctness.Thelumberingsoundofacoachdrawnbyfourhorses,andescortedbysixmenonhorseback,washeardcominguptheavenue.TheHighlanderslistenedattentively.ThecarriagecontainedMr.

Jobsonandhisunfortunateprisoners.TheescortconsistedofRashleigh,andofseveralhorsemen,peace-officersandtheirassistants.Sosoonaswehadpassedthegateattheheadoftheavenue,itwasshutbehindthecavalcadebyaHighland-man,stationedthereforthatpurpose.Atthesametimethecarriagewasimpededinitsfartherprogressbythecattle,amongstwhichwewereinvolved,andbythebarricadeinfront.Twooftheescortdismountedtoremovethefelledtrees,whichtheymightthinkwerelefttherebyaccidentorcarelessness.Theothersbeganwiththeirwhipstodrivethecattlefromtheroad.

"Whodareabuseourcattle?"saidaroughvoice.--"Shoothim,Angus!"

Rashleighinstantlycalledout--"Arescue!arescue!"and,firinga

pistol,woundedthemanwhospoke.

"_Claymore!_"criedtheleaderoftheHighlanders,andascuffleinstantlycommenced.Theofficersofthelaw,surprisedatsosuddenanattack,andnotusuallypossessingthemostdesperatebravery,madebutanimperfectdefence,consideringthesuperiorityoftheirnumbers.SomeattemptedtoridebacktotheHall,butonapistolbeingfiredfrombehindthegate,theyconceivedthemselvessurrounded,andatlengthgallopedofindifferentdirections.Rashleigh,meanwhile,haddismounted,andonfoothadmaintainedadesperateandsingle-handedconflictwiththeleaderoftheband.Thewindowofthecarriage,onmyside,permittedmetowitnessit.AtlengthRashleighdropped.

"WillyouaskforgivenessforthesakeofGod,KingJames,andauldfriendship?"saidavoicewhichIknewrightwell.

"No,never!"saidRashleigh,firmly.



"Then,traitor,dieinyourtreason!"retortedMacGregor,andplungedhisswordinhisprostrateantagonist.

Inthenextmomenthewasatthecarriagedoor--handedoutMissVernon,assistedherfatherandmetoalight,anddraggingouttheattorney,headforemost,threwhimunderthewheel.

"Mr.Osbaldistone,"hesaid,inawhisper,"youhavenothingtofear--Imustlookafterthosewhohave--Yourfriendswillsoonbeinsafety-Farewell,andforgetnottheMacGregor."

Hewhistled--hisbandgatheredroundhim,and,hurryingDianaandherfatheralongwithhim,theywerealmostinstantlylostinthegladesoftheforest.Thecoachmanandpostilionhadabandonedtheirhorses,andfledatthefirstdischargeoffirearms;buttheanimals,stoppedbythebarricade,remainedperfectlystill;andwellforJobsonthattheydidso,fortheslightestmotionwouldhavedraggedthewheeloverhisbody.Myfirstobjectwastorelievehim,forsuchwastherascal'sterrorthathenevercouldhaverisenbyhisownexertions.Inextcommandedhimtoobserve,thatIhadneithertakenpartintherescue,noravailedmyselfofittomakemyescape,andenjoinedhimtogodowntotheHall,andcallsomeofhisparty,whohadbeenleftthere,toassistthewounded.-ButJobson'sfearshadsomasteredandcontrolledeveryfacultyofhis

mind,thathewastotallyincapableofmoving.Inowresolvedtogomyself,butinmywayIstumbledoverthebodyofaman,asIthought,deadordying.Itwas,however,AndrewFairservice,aswellandwholeaseverhewasinhislife,whohadonlytakenthisrecumbentposturetoavoidtheslashes,stabs,andpistol-balls,whichforamomentortwowereflyinginvariousdirections.Iwassogladtofindhim,thatIdidnotinquirehowhecamethither,butinstantlycommandedhisassistance.

Rashleighwasourfirstobject.HegroanedwhenIapproachedhim,asmuchthroughspiteasthroughpain,andshuthiseyes,asifdetermined,likeIago,tospeaknowordmore.Weliftedhimintothecarriage,andperformedthesamegoodofficetoanotherwoundedmanofhisparty,whohadbeenleftonthefield.IthenwithdifficultymadeJobsonunderstand

thathemustenterthecoachalso,andsupportSirRashleighupontheseat.Heobeyed,butwithanairasifhebuthalfcomprehendedmymeaning.AndrewandIturnedthehorses'headsround,andopeningthegateoftheavenue,ledthemslowlybacktoOsbaldistoneHall.

SomefugitiveshadalreadyreachedtheHallbycircuitousroutes,andalarmeditsgarrisonbythenewsthatSirRashleigh,ClerkJobson,andalltheirescort,savetheywhoescapedtotellthetale,hadbeencuttopiecesattheheadoftheavenuebyawholeregimentofwildHighlanders.Whenwereachedthemansion,therefore,weheardsuchabuzzasariseswhenbeesarealarmed,andmusteringintheirhives.Mr.Jobson,however,whohadnowinsomemeasurecometohissenses,foundvoiceenoughtomakehimselfknown.Hewasthemoreanxioustobereleasedfromthe

carriage,asoneofhiscompanions(thepeace-officer)had,tohisinexpressibleterror,expiredbyhissidewithahideousgroan.



SirRashleighOsbaldistonewasstillalive,butsodreadfullywoundedthatthebottomofthecoachwasfilledwithhisblood,andlongtracesofitleftfromtheentrance-doorintothestone-hall,wherehewasplacedinachair,someattemptingtostopthebleedingwithcloths,whileotherscalledforasurgeon,andnooneseemedwillingtogotofetchone."Tormentmenot,"saidthewoundedman--"Iknownoassistancecanavailme--Iamadyingman."Heraisedhimselfinhischair,thoughthedampsandchillofdeathwerealreadyonhisbrow,andspokewithafirmnesswhichseemedbeyondhisstrength."CousinFrancis,"hesaid,"drawneartome."Iapproachedhimasherequested.--"IwishyouonlytoknowthatthepangsofdeathdonotalterIoneiotaofmyfeelingstowardsyou.Ihateyou!"hesaid,theexpressionofragethrowingahideousglareintotheeyeswhichweresoontobeclosedforever--"Ihateyouwithahatredasintense,nowwhileIliebleedinganddyingbeforeyou,asifmyfoottrodeonyourneck."

"Ihavegivenyounocause,sir,"Ireplied,--"andforyourownsakeIcouldwishyourmindinabettertemper."

"You_have_givenmecause,"herejoined."Inlove,inambition,inthepathsofinterest,youhavecrossedandblightedmeateveryturn.Iwasborntobethehonourofmyfather'shouse--Ihavebeenitsdisgrace--andallowingtoyou.Myverypatrimonyhasbecomeyours--Takeit,"hesaid,

"andmaythecurseofadyingmancleavetoit!"

Inamomentafterhehadutteredthisfrightfulwish,hefellbackinthechair;hiseyesbecameglazed,hislimbsstiffened,butthegrinandglareofmortalhatredsurvivedeventhelastgaspoflife.Iwilldwellnolongeronsopainfulapicture,norsayanymoreofthedeathofRashleigh,thanthatitgavemeaccesstomyrightsofinheritancewithoutfartherchallenge,andthatJobsonfoundhimselfcompelledtoallow,thattheridiculouschargeofmisprisionofhightreasonwasgotuponanaffidavitwhichhemadewiththesolepurposeoffavouringRashleigh'sviews,andremovingmefromOsbaldistoneHall.Therascal'snamewasstruckoffthelistofattorneys,andhewasreducedtopovertyandcontempt.

IreturnedtoLondonwhenIhadputmyaffairsinorderatOsbaldistoneHall,andfelthappytoescapefromaplacewhichsuggestedsomanypainfulrecollections.MyanxietywasnowacutetolearnthefateofDianaandherfather.AFrenchgentlemanwhocametoLondononcommercialbusiness,wasintrustedwithalettertomefromMissVernon,whichputmymindatrestrespectingtheirsafety.

ItgavemetounderstandthattheopportuneappearanceofMacGregorandhispartywasnotfortuitous.TheScottishnoblesandgentryengagedintheinsurrection,aswellasthoseofEngland,wereparticularlyanxioustofurthertheescapeofSirFrederickVernon,who,asanoldandtrustedagentofthehouseofStuart,waspossessedofmatterenoughtohave

ruinedhalfScotland.RobRoy,ofwhosesagacityandcouragetheyhadknownsomanyproofs,wasthepersonwhomtheypitchedupontoassisthisescape,andtheplaceofmeetingwasfixedatOsbaldistoneHall.Youhavealreadyheardhownearlytheplanhadbeendisconcertedbytheunhappy



Rashleigh.Itsucceeded,however,perfectly;forwhenonceSirFrederickandhisdaughterwereagainatlarge,theyfoundhorsespreparedforthem,and,byMacGregor'sknowledgeofthecountry--foreverypartofScotland,andofthenorthofEngland,wasfamiliartohim--wereconductedtothewesternsea-coast,andsafelyembarkedforFrance.ThesamegentlemantoldmethatSirFrederickwasnotexpectedtosurviveformanymonthsalingeringdisease,theconsequenceoflatehardshipsandprivations.Hisdaughterwasplacedinaconvent,andalthoughitwasherfather'swishsheshouldtaketheveil,hewasunderstoodtoreferthematterentirelytoherowninclinations.

Whenthesenewsreachedme,Ifranklytoldthestateofmyaffectionstomyfather,whowasnotalittlestartledattheideaofmymarryingaRomanCatholic.Buthewasverydesiroustoseeme"settledinlife,"ashecalledit;andhewassensiblethat,injoininghimwithheartandhandinhiscommerciallabours,Ihadsacrificedmyowninclinations.Afterabriefhesitation,andseveralquestionsaskedandansweredtohissatisfaction,hebrokeoutwith--"IlittlethoughtasonofmineshouldhavebeenLordofOsbaldistoneManor,andfarlessthatheshouldgotoaFrenchconventforaspouse.Butsodutifuladaughtercannotbutproveagoodwife.Youhaveworkedatthedesktopleaseme,Frank;itisbutfairyoushouldwivetopleaseyourself."

HowIspedinmywooing,WillTresham,Ineednottellyou.Youknow,too,howlongandhappilyIlivedwithDiana.YouknowhowIlamentedher;butyoudonot--cannotknow,howmuchshedeservedherhusband'ssorrow.

Ihavenomoreofromanticadventuretotell,nor,indeed,anythingtocommunicatefarther,sincethelatterincidentsofmylifearesowellknowntoonewhohasshared,withthemostfriendlysympathy,thejoys,aswellasthesorrows,bywhichitssceneshavebeenchequered.IoftenvisitedScotland,butneveragainsawtheboldHighlanderwhohadsuchaninfluenceontheearlyeventsofmylife.Ilearned,however,fromtimetotime,thathecontinuedtomaintainhisgroundamongthemountainsofLochLomond,indespiteofhispowerfulenemies,andthatheeven

obtained,toacertaindegree,theconnivanceofGovernmenttohisself-electedofficeofprotectoroftheLennox,invirtueofwhichheleviedblack-mailwithasmuchregularityastheproprietorsdidtheirordinaryrents.Itseemedimpossiblethathislifeshouldhaveconcludedwithoutaviolentend.Neverthelesshediedinoldageandbyapeacefuldeath,sometimeabouttheyear1733,andisstillrememberedinhiscountryastheRobinHoodofScotland--thedreadofthewealthy,butthefriendofthepoor--andpossessedofmanyqualities,bothofheadandheart,whichwouldhavegracedalessequivocalprofessionthanthattowhichhisfatecondemnedhim.

OldAndrewFairserviceusedtosay,that"Thereweremanythingsowerbadforblessing,andowergudeforbanning,likeRobRoy."

_Heretheoriginalmanuscriptendssomewhatabruptly.Ihavereasontothinkthatwhatfollowedrelatedtoprivateaaffairs._



POSTSCRIPT.

ThesecondarticleoftheAppendixtotheIntroductiontoRobRoycontainstwocuriouslettersrespectingthearrestofMr.GrahameofKillearnbythatdaringfreebooter,whilelevyingtheDukeofMontrose'srents.TheseweretakenfromscrollcopiesinthepossessionofhisGracethepresentDuke,whokindlypermittedtheuseoftheminthepresentpublication.--TheNovelhadbutjustpassedthroughthepress,whentheRightHonourableMr.Peel--whoseimportantstateavocationsdonotaverthisattentionfromtheinterestsofliterature--transmittedtotheauthorcopiesoftheoriginallettersandenclosure,ofwhichhepossessedonlytheroughdraught.TheoriginalswerediscoveredintheStatePaperOffice,bytheindefatigableresearchesofMr.Lemon,whoisdailythrowingmorelightonthatvaluablecollectionofrecords.FromthedocumentswithwhichtheAuthorhasbeenthuskindlyfavoured,heisenabledtofilluptheaddresseswhichwerewantinginthescrolls.Thatofthe21stNov.1716isaddressedtoLordViscountTownshend,andisaccompaniedbyoneofthesamedatetoRobertPringle,Esquire,Under-SecretaryofState,whichishereinsertedasrelativetosocuriousanincident:-

_LetterfromtheDukeofMontrose,toRobertPringle,Esq.,

Under-SecretarytoLordViscountTownshend._

"Sr,_Glasgow,_21_Nov._1716.

"Haveinghadsomanydispatchestomakethisnight,Ihopeye'lexcusemethatImakeuseofanotherhandtogiveyowashortaccountoftheoccasionofthisexpress,bywhichIhavewrittentomyLd.DukeofRoxburgh,andmyLordTownshend,whichIhopeye'lgettcarefullydeleivered.

"Mr.Graham,youngerofKillearn,beingonMundaylastinMenteithattacountryhouse,collectingmyrents,wasaboutnineo'clockthatsamenightsurprisedbyRobRoywithapartyofhismeninarms,whohaveing

surroundedthehouseandsecuredtheavenues,presentedtheirgunsinatthewindows,whilehehimselfenteredtheroomwithsomeotherswithcoktpistolls,andseasedKillearnwithallhismoney,books,papers,andbonds,andcarryedallawaywithhimtothehills,atthesametimeorderingKillearntowritealettertome(ofwhichyehavethecopyinclosed),proposeingaveryhonourabletreatytome.Imustsaythisstorywasassurprisingtomeasitwasinsolent;anditmustbringaverygreatconcernuponme,thatthisgentleman,mynearrelation,shouldbebroughttosufferallthebarbaritysandcrueltys,whichrevengeandmallicemaysuggesttothesemiscreants,forhishaveingactedafaithfullpartintheserviceoftheGovernment,andhisaffectiontomeinmyconcerns.

"Ineednotbemoreparticulartoyou,sinceIknowthatmyLettertomyLordTownshendwillcomeintoyourhands,soshallonlynowgiveyouthe



assurancesofmybeing,withgreatsincerity,

"Sr,yrmosthumbleservant,(Signed)"Montrose."

"IlongexceedinglyforareturnofmyformerdispatchestotheSecretary'saboutMethvenandColllUrquhart,andmywife'scousins,BalnamoonandPhinaven.

"Imustbegyow'llgivemyhumbleservicetoMr.SecretaryMethven,andtellhimthatImustreferrhimtowhatIhavewrittentoMyLordTownshendinthisaffairofRobRoy,believingitwasneedlesstotroublebothwithletters."

Examined,Robt.Lemon, _DeputyKeeperofStatePapers._

STATEPAPEROFFICE, _Nov._4,1829

Note.--TheenclosurereferredtointheprecedingletterisanothercopyoftheletterwhichMr.GrahameofKillearnwascompelledbyRobRoytowritetotheDukeofMontrose,andisexactlythesameastheoneenclosedinhisGrace'slettertoLordTownshend,datedNovember21st,1716.

R.L.

ThelastletterintheAppendixNo.II.(28thNovember),acquaintingtheGovernmentwithKillearn'sbeingsetatliberty,isalsoaddressedtotheUnder-SecretaryofState,Mr.Pringle.

TheAuthormayalsohereremark,thatimmediatelyprevioustotheinsurrectionof1715,heperceives,fromsomenotesofinformationgiventoGovernment,thatRobRoyappearstohavebeenmuchemployedandtrustedbytheJacobiteparty,evenintheverydelicatetaskoftransportingspecietotheEarlofBreadalbane,thoughitmighthavesomewhatresembledtrustingDonRaphaelandAmbrosedeLamelawiththechurchtreasure.

NOTESTOROBROY.

NoteA.--TheGreyStoneofMacGregor.

Ihavebeeninformedthat,atnoveryremoteperiod,itwasproposedto



takethislargestone,whichmarksthegraveofDugaldCiarMhor,andconvertittothepurposeofthelintelofawindow,thethresholdofadoor,orsomesuchmeanuse.AmanoftheclanMacGregor,whowassomewhatderanged,tookfireatthisinsult;andwhentheworkmencametoremovethestone,plantedhimselfuponit,withabroadaxeinhishand,swearinghewoulddashoutthebrainsofanyonewhoshoulddisturbthemonument.Athleticinperson,andinsaneenoughtobetotallyregardlessofconsequences,itwasthoughtbesttogivewaytohishumour;andthepoormadmankeptsentinelonthestonedayandnight,tilltheproposalofremovingitwasentirelydropped.

NoteB.--DugaldCiarMhor.

TheaboveistheaccountwhichIfindinamanuscripthistoryoftheclanMacGregor,ofwhichIwasindulgedwithaperusalbyDonaldMacGregor,Esq.,lateMajorofthe33dregiment,wheregreatpainshavebeentakentocollecttraditionsandwrittendocumentsconcerningthefamily.Butanancientandconstanttradition,preservedamongtheinhabitantsofthecountry,andparticularlythoseoftheclanMacFarlane,relievesDugaldCiarMhoroftheguiltofmurderingtheyouths,andlaystheblameonacertainDonaldorDuncanLean,whoperformedtheactofcruelty,withtheassistanceofagilliewhoattendedhim,namedCharlioch,orCharlie.Theysaythatthehomicidesdarednotagainjointheirclan,butthat

theyresidedinawildandsolitarystateasoutlaws,inanunfrequentedpartoftheMacFarlanes'territory.Heretheylivedforsometimeundisturbed,tilltheycommittedanactofbrutalviolenceontwodefencelesswomen,amotheranddaughteroftheMacFarlaneclan.Inrevengeofthisatrocity,theMacFarlaneshuntedthemdown,andshotthem.Itissaidthattheyoungerruffian,Charlioch,mighthaveescaped,beingremarkablyswiftoffoot.Buthiscrimebecamehispunishment,forthefemalewhomhehadoutragedhaddefendedherselfdesperately,andhadstabbedhimwithhisowndirkinthethigh.Hewaslamefromthewound,andwasthemoreeasilyovertakenandkilled.

Ialwaysinclinedtothinkthislastthetrueeditionofthestory,andthattheguiltwastransferredtoDugaldCiarMhor,asamanofhigher

name,butIhavelearnedthatDugaldwasintruthdeadseveralyearsbeforethebattle--myauthoritybeinghisrepresentative,Mr.GregorsonofArdtornish.[Seealsonotetointroduction,"LegendofMontrose,"vol.vi.]

NoteC.--TheLochLomondExpedition.

TheLochLomondexpeditionwasjudgedworthytoformaseparatepamphlet,whichIhavenotseen;but,asquotedbythehistorianRae,itmustbedelectable.

"Onthemorrow,beingThursdaythe13th,theywentontheirexpedition,andaboutnooncametoInversnaid,theplaceofdanger,wherethePaisley



menandthoseofDumbarton,andseveraloftheothercompanies,tothenumberofanhundredmen,withthegreatestintrepidityleaptonshore,gotuptothetopofthemountains,andstoodaconsiderabletime,beatingtheirdrumsallthewhile;butnoenemyappearing,theywentinquestoftheirboats,whichtherebelshadseized,andhavingcasuallylightedonsomeropesandoarshidamongtheshrubs,atlengththeyfoundtheboatsdrawnupagoodwayontheland,whichtheyhurleddowntotheloch.Suchofthemaswerenotdamagedtheycarriedoffwiththem,andsuchaswere,theysankandhewedtopieces.ThatsamenighttheyreturnedtoLuss,andthencenextdaytoDumbarton,fromwhencetheyhadatfirstsetout,bringingalongwiththemthewholeboatstheyfoundintheirwayoneithersideoftheloch,andinthecreeksoftheisles,andmooringthemunderthecannonofthecastle.Duringthisexpedition,thepinnacesdischargingtheirpatararoes,andthementheirsmall-arms,madesuchathunderingnoise,throughthemultipliedreboundingechoesofthevastmountainsonbothsidesoftheloch,thattheMacGregorswerecowedandfrightedawaytotherestoftherebelswhowereencampedatStrathFillan."--_Rae'sHistoryoftheRebellion,_4to,p.287.

NoteD.--Author'sExpeditionagainsttheMacLarens.

TheAuthorisuncertainwhetheritisworthwhiletomention,thathehadapersonalopportunityofobserving,eveninhisowntime,thatthe

king'swritdidnotpassquitecurrentintheBrassofBalquhidder.TherewereveryconsiderabledebtsduebyStewartofAppin(chieflytotheauthor'sfamily),whichwerelikelytobelosttothecreditors,iftheycouldnotbemadeavailableoutofthissamefarmofInvernenty,thesceneofthemurderdoneuponMacLaren.

Hisfamily,consistingofseveralstrappingdeer-stalkers,stillpossessedthefarm,byvirtueofalonglease,foratriflingrent.Therewasnochanceofanyonebuyingitwithsuchanencumbrance,andatransactionwasenteredintobytheMacLarens,who,beingdesiroustoemigratetoAmerica,agreedtoselltheirleasetothecreditorsforL500,andtoremoveatthenexttermofWhitsunday.Butwhethertheyrepentedtheirbargain,ordesiredtomakeabetter,orwhetherfroma

merepointofhonour,theMacLarensdeclaredtheywouldnotpermitasummonsofremovaltobeexecutedagainstthem,whichwasnecessaryforthelegalcompletionofthebargain.Andsuchwasthegeneralimpressionthattheyweremencapableofresistingthelegalexecutionofwarningbyveryeffectualmeans,noking'smessengerwouldexecutethesummonswithoutthesupportofamilitaryforce.AnescortofasergeantandsixmenwasobtainedfromaHighlandregimentlyinginStirling;andtheAuthor,thenawriter'sapprentice,equivalenttothehonourablesituationofanattorney'sclerk,wasinvestedwiththesuperintendenceoftheexpedition,withdirectionstoseethatthemessengerdischargedhisdutyfully,andthatthegallantsergeantdidnotexceedhispartbycommittingviolenceorplunder.Andthusithappened,oddlyenough,thattheAuthorfirstenteredtheromanticsceneryofLochKatrine,ofwhich

hemayperhapssayhehassomewhatextendedthereputation,ridinginallthedignityofdanger,withafrontandrearguard,andloadedarms.The



sergeantwasabsolutelyaHighlandSergeantKite,fullofstoriesofRobRoyandofhimself,andaverygoodcompanion.Weexperiencednointerruptionwhatever,andwhenwecametoInvernenty,foundthehousedeserted.Wetookupourquartersforthenight,andusedsomeofthevictualswhichwefoundthere.Onthemorningwereturnedasunmolestedaswecame.

TheMacLarens,whoprobablyneverthoughtofanyseriousopposition,receivedtheirmoneyandwenttoAmerica,where,havinghadsomeslightshareinremovingthemfromtheir_pauperaregna,_Isincerelyhopetheyprospered.

TherentofInvernentyinstantlyrosefromL10toL70orL80;andwhensold,thefarmwaspurchased(IthinkbythelateLairdofMacNab)atapricehigherinproportionthanwhateventhemodernrentauthorisedthepartiesinterestedtohopefor.

NoteE.--AllanBreckStewart.

AllanBreckStewartwasamanlikelyinsuchamattertokeephisword.JamesDrummondMacGregorandhe,likeKatherineandPetruchio,werewellmatched"foracoupleofquietones."AllanBrecklivedtillthebeginningoftheFrenchRevolution.About1789,afriendofmine,then

residingatParis,wasinvitedtoseesomeprocessionwhichwassupposedlikelytointeresthim,fromthewindowsofanapartmentoccupiedbyaScottishBenedictinepriest.Hefound,sittingbythefire,atall,thin,raw-boned,grim-looking,oldman,withthepetitcroixofSt.Louis.Hisvisagewasstronglymarkedbytheirregularprojectionsofthecheek-bonesandchin.Hiseyesweregrey.Hisgrizzledhairexhibitedmarksofhavingbeenred,andhiscomplexionwasweather-beaten,andremarkablyfreckled.SomecivilitiesinFrenchpassedbetweentheoldmanandmyfriend,inthecourseofwhichtheytalkedofthestreetsandsquaresofParis,tillatlengththeoldsoldier,forsuchheseemed,andsuchhewas,saidwithasigh,inasharpHighlandaccent,"Deilaneo'thema'isworththeHieStreetofEdinburgh!"Oninquiry,thisadmirerofAuldReekie,whichhewasnevertoseeagain,provedtobeAllanBreck

Stewart.Heliveddecentlyonhislittlepension,andhad,innosubsequentperiodofhislife,shownanythingofthesavagemoodinwhichheisgenerallybelievedtohaveassassinatedtheenemyandoppressor,ashesupposedhim,ofhisfamilyandclan.

NoteF.--TheAbbessofWilton.

ThenunneryofWiltonwasgrantedtotheEarlofPembrokeuponitsdissolution,bythemagisterialauthorityofHenryVIII.,orhissonEdwardVI.OntheaccessionofQueenMary,ofCatholicmemory,theEarlfounditnecessarytoreinstatetheAbbessandherfairrecluses,whichhedidwithmanyexpressionsofhisremorse,kneelinghumblytothevestals,andinductingthemintotheconventandpossessionsfromwhich



hehadexpelledthem.WiththeaccessionofElizabeth,theaccommodatingEarlagainresumedhisProtestantfaith,andasecondtimedrovethenunsfromtheirsanctuary.TheremonstrancesoftheAbbess,whoremindedhimofhispenitentexpressionsontheformeroccasion,couldwringfromhimnootheranswerthanthatinthetext--"Gospin,youjade!--Gospin!"

NoteG.--MonsMeg.

MonsMegwasalargeold-fashionedpieceofordnance,agreatfavouritewiththeScottishcommonpeople;shewasfabricatedatMons,inFlanders,inthereignofJamesIV.orV.ofScotland.Thisgunfiguresfrequentlyinthepublicaccountsofthetime,wherewefindchargesforgrease,togreaseMeg'smouthwithal(toincrease,aseveryschoolboyknows,theloudnessofthereport),ribandstodeckhercarriage,andpipestoplaybeforeherwhenshewasbroughtfromtheCastletoaccompanytheScottisharmyonanydistantexpedition.AftertheUnion,therewasmuchpopularapprehensionthattheRegaliaofScotland,andthesubordinatePalladium,MonsMeg,wouldbecarriedtoEnglandtocompletetheodioussurrenderofnationalindependence.TheRegalia,sequesteredfromthesightofthepublic,weregenerallysupposedtohavebeenabstractedinthismanner.AsforMonsMeg,sheremainedintheCastleofEdinburgh,till,byorderoftheBoardofOrdnance,shewasactuallyremovedtoWoolwichabout1757.TheRegalia,byhisMajesty'sspecialcommand,havebeenbrought

forthfromtheirplaceofconcealmentin1818,andexposedtotheviewofthepeople,bywhomtheymustbelookeduponwithdeepassociations;and,inthisverywinterof1828-9,MonsMeghasbeenrestoredtothecountry,wherethat,whichineveryotherplaceorsituationwasameremassofrustyiron,becomesoncemoreacuriousmonumentofantiquity.

NoteH.---FairySuperstition.

ThelakesandprecipicesamidstwhichtheAvon-Dhu,orRiverForth,hasitsbirth,arestill,accordingtopopulartradition,hauntedbytheElfinpeople,themostpeculiar,butmostpleasing,ofthecreationsofCelticsuperstitions.TheopinionsentertainedaboutthesebeingsaremuchthesamewiththoseoftheIrish,soexquisitelywellnarratedby

Mr.CroftonCroker.Aneminentlybeautifullittleconicalhill,neartheeasternextremityofthevalleyofAberfoil,issupposedtobeoneoftheirpeculiarhaunts,andisthescenewhichawakens,inAndrewFairservice,theterroroftheirpower.Itisremarkable,thattwosuccessiveclergymenofthisparishofAberfoilhaveemployedthemselvesinwritingaboutthisfairysuperstition.TheeldestofthesewasRobertKirke,amanofsometalents,whotranslatedthePsalmsintoGaelicverse.HehadformerlybeenministerattheneighbouringparishofBalquhidder,anddiedatAberfoilin1688,attheearlyageofforty-two.

HewasauthoroftheSecretCommonwealth,whichwasprintedafterhisdeathin1691--(aneditionwhichIhaveneverseen)--andwasreprintedinEdinburgh,1815.Thisisaworkconcerningthefairypeople,inwhose



existenceMr.Kirkeappearstohavebeenadevoutbeliever.HedescribesthemwiththeusualpowersandqualitiesascribedtosuchbeingsinHighlandtradition.

Butwhatissufficientlysingular,theRev.RobertKirke,authorofthesaidtreatise,isbelievedhimselftohavebeentakenawaybythefairies,--inrevenge,perhaps,forhavingletintoomuchlightuponthesecretsoftheircommonwealth.Welearnthiscatastrophefromtheinformationofhissuccessor,thelateamiableandlearnedDr.PatrickGrahame,alsoministeratAberfoil,who,inhisSketchesofPerthshire,hasnotforgottentotouchuponthe_DaoineSchie,_ormenofpeace.

TheRev.RobertKirkewas,itseems,walkinguponalittleeminencetothewestofthepresentmanse,whichisstillhelda_DunShie,_orfairymound,whenhesunkdown,inwhatseemedtomortalsafit,andwassupposedtobedead.This,however,wasnothisrealfate.

"Mr.KirkewasthenearrelationofGrahamofDuchray,theancestorofthepresentGeneralGrahamStirling.Shortlyafterhisfuneral,heappeared,inthedressinwhichhehadsunkdown,toamedicalrelationofhisown,andofDuchray.'Go,'saidhetohim,'tomycousinDuchray,andtellhimthatIamnotdead.Ifelldowninaswoon,andwascarriedintoFairyland,whereInowam.Tellhim,thatwhenheandmyfriendsare

assembledatthebaptismofmychild(forhehadlefthiswifepregnant),Iwillappearintheroom,andthatifhethrowstheknifewhichheholdsinhishandovermyhead,Iwillbereleasedandrestoredtohumansociety.'Theman,itseems,neglected,forsometime,todeliverthemessage.Mr.Kirkeappearedtohimasecondtime,threateningtohaunthimnightanddaytillheexecutedhiscommission,whichatlengthhedid.Thetimeofthebaptismarrived.Theywereseatedattable;thefigureofMr.Kirkeentered,buttheLairdofDuchray,bysomeunaccountablefatality,neglectedtoperformtheprescribedceremony.Mr.Kirkeretiredbyanotherdoor,andwasseennowore.Itisfirmlybelievedthatheis,atthisday,inFairyland."--(_SketchesofPerthshire,_p.254.)

[ThetreatisebyRobertKirke,herementioned,waswrittenintheyear1691,butnotprintedtill1815.]

NoteI.--ClachanofAberfoil.

IdonotknowhowthismightstandinMr.Osbaldistone'sday,butIcanassurethereader,whosecuriositymayleadhimtovisitthescenesoftheseromanticadventures,thattheClachanofAberfoilnowaffordsaverycomfortablelittleinn.IfhechancestobeaScottishantiquary,itwillbeanadditionalrecommendationtohim,thathewillfindhimselfinthevicinityoftheRev.Dr.PatrickGrahame,ministerofthegospelatAberfoil,whoseurbanityincommunicatinginformationonthesubjectofnationalantiquities,isscarceexceededevenbythestoresoflegendary

lorewhichhehasaccumulated.--_OriginalNote._Therespectableclergymanalludedtohasbeendeadforsomeyears.[SeenoteH.]



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rob roy volume 2 by sir walter scott

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