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diff --git a/45678.txt b/45678.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 39d3b82..0000000 --- a/45678.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,8394 +0,0 @@ - TALES OF THE COVENANTERS - - - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost -no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at http://www.gutenberg.org/license. - - - -Title: Tales of the Covenanters -Author: Ellen Jane Guthrie -Release Date: May 17, 2014 [EBook #45678] -Language: English -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF THE COVENANTERS *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines. - - - - - - TALES - - OF THE - - COVENANTERS - - - BY - - ELLEN JANE GUTHRIE - - - - ELEVENTH EDITION - - - - LONDON - SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KENT & CO - GLASGOW: THOMAS B. MORISON - 1920 - - - - - *CONTENTS.* - - -A Tale of Bothwell Bridge -The Laird of Culzean -Peden's Stone -The Murder of Inchdarnie -The Laird of Lag -The Sutor's Seat - - - - - *INTRODUCTION.* - - - The kings of old have shrine and tomb - In many a minster's haughty gloom; - And green along the ocean's side - The mounds arise where heroes died; - But show me on thy flowery breast. - Earth! where thy nameless martyrs rest! - - The thousands that, uncheer'd by praise, - Have made one offering of their days; - For Truth, for Heaven, for Freedom's sake. - Resigned the bitter cup to take; - And silently, in fearless faith, - Bowing their noble souls to death. - - Where sleep they, Earth?--by no proud stone - Their narrow couch of rest is known; - The still, sad glory of their name - Hallows no mountain into fame. - No--not a tree the record bears - Of their deep thoughts and lonely prayers. - - Yet haply all around lie strew'd - The ashes of that multitude. - It may be that each day we tread - Where thus devoted hearts have bled; - And the young flowers our children sow - Take root in holy dust below. - - O, that the many rustling leaves, - Which round our home the summer weaves, - Or that the streams, in whose glad voice - Our own familiar paths rejoice, - Might whisper through the starry sky, - To tell where those blest slumberers lie - - Would not our inmost Hearts be thrill'd - With notice of their presence fill'd, - And by its breathings taught to prize - The meekness of self-sacrifice?-- - But the old woods and sounding waves - Are silent of these hidden graves. - - Yet, what if no light footstep there - In pilgrim love and awe repair. - So let it be!--like him whose clay, - Deep buried by his Maker lay. - They sleep in secret--but their sod, - Unknown to man, is marked of God! - - Mrs. Hemans. - -Scotland is indeed a land of romance. Her mouldering ruins are linked -with legends and historical associations which must ever enhance their -interest in the eyes of those who love to gaze on these the - - Standing mementos of another age; - -and the pages of her history teem with deeds of chivalry and renown that -have won for Scotland a mighty name. Thus, while the annals of our -country are emblazoned with the deathless names of those mighty heroes -who fought and bled in defence of her freedom from spiritual bondage, -the nameless mound, or simple cairn of stones, still to be met with on -the solitary heath or sequestered dell, marks the spot where rests some -humble champion of her religious liberties. - -Although three hundred years have passed away--marked in their flight by -great and startling events--since the reign of persecution in Scotland, -yet the hearts of her peasantry cling with fondness to the remembrance -of those hallowed days sealed by the blood of her faithful martyrs. -Still is the name of Claverhouse execrated by them, and the story of -"John Brown" is related from children to children while seated around -the cottage hearth, in illustration of the lawless doings of the -Covenanters' foes. - -It must strike the mind of every unprejudiced observer, who reads the -various histories of that stirring time, that the shocking and barbarous -cruelties practised on the defenders of the Covenant by their relentless -enemies, will ever remain a stain on the memories of those who -countenanced or took an active part in such proceedings. Scarcely is -there a churchyard extant in Scotland, laying claim to antiquity, that -does not contain one or more stones, the half-obliterated inscriptions -of which attest the fact, that underneath lies some poor victim of -persecuting zeal. - -Having lately visited different parts of Scotland intimately connected -with many of the events which took place at that memorable time, I -experienced an inexpressible satisfaction in the reception I met with at -the different farm-houses in the neighbourhood, and hearing from the -lips of their simple inhabitants the story of the cruel wrongs inflicted -on the Covenanters in the days of their persecution. - -During these pleasant wanderings, I gathered information sufficient to -furnish the Tales contained in the present volume, in which the reader -will, I trust, find much that is calculated to awaken fresh interest in -those benefactors of our country, whose magnanimity and patient -endurance were worthy of all praise, and who, for the cause of Christ -and his Crown, laid down their lives on the scaffold or amidst the -burning faggots. - - - - - *THE SCOTTISH COVENANTERS.* - - - - *A TALE OF BOTHWELL BRIDGE.* - - -While staying at ----, in the parish of W----, I discovered that a -standard, borne by the Covenanters at Bothwell Bridge, was still to be -seen at the farm of Westcroft. Being very desirous of viewing this -interesting relic, I set off one fine morning in the hope of obtaining a -glimpse of the time-honoured banner. On reaching the village of H----, -which lay on my way, I observed a very portly-looking woman standing by -the side of the road, apparently enjoying the grateful breeze, as she -looked east and then west, evidently in search of something amusing or -exciting. Being now somewhat at a loss in what direction to turn my -steps, I crossed over to where she was standing, in the expectation of -obtaining from her the requisite information, when the following -dialogue ensued:-- - -"Would you be so kind as to tell me the way to Westcroft?" - -"That I will. I'll just go wi' you a step or two and show you the farm -itsel'. But what are ye wanting at Westcroft, if I may ask the -question?" - -"I wish to see Mr. Anderson, as I understand he has got a standard that -was borne at Bothwell Bridge." - -"He has that--he has that; but it's often away frae hame, ta'en to -Glasgow and the like, for ye see it's something to say, a body has seen -the like o' that." - -"From what I have heard, this seems to have been a great part of the -country for the Covenanters to take refuge in." - -"'Deed an' it was, but for my part I dinna ken much _aboot_ them; my -brother, again, was a great _antiquarian_, and rale ta'en up about these -auld affairs." - -"Does he live near here?" - -"Oh! mam, he's dead;" and after a short pause added, "Now, you see that -white house forenent the road?" - -"Yes." - -"Well, that's Westcroft; and if Willie Anderson be at hame, ye'll get -plenty o' cracks about the Covenanters, for he has lots o' bees in his -bonnet, him." - -After thanking the good humoured dame for her information--upon which -she replied I was welcome--I turned up the path leading to Westcroft. -In answer to my request to see Mr. Anderson, I was informed he was in -the fields; but that Mrs. A. was within, upon which a very -intelligent-looking woman came forward, and, on my expressing a wish to -see the standard, desired me to come ben, and I should have a sight o' -the colours. - -Following the mistress of the house, I was speedily ushered into a tidy -little room, the walls of which were adorned with pictures, the most -striking of which was one entitled "The Guardsman's Farewell," -representing a gallant son of Mars in a most gorgeous uniform, on -horseback, taking leave of a stout woman, attired in a yellow -polka-jacket and a crimson petticoat, who was gazing upwards in the face -of the departing soldier, with a look of agony impossible to describe. - -"Here are the colours!" and, as she spoke, Mrs. A. produced from a -drawer on old piece of linen covered with stains as dark as those -exhibited in Holyrood--the surface of which displayed unmistakable -bullet-holes, and bearing the following inscription in large red -letters:-- - - "For the parish of Shotts, - For Reformation of Church and State; - According to the Word of God, and - Our Covenants." - -Above was the thistle of Scotland, surmounted by a crown and an open -Bible. - -And this standard was borne at Bothwell Bridge! How my thoughts reverted -to that fearful time, when the plains of Scotland resounded with the -cries of the wounded and the oppressed; when men, embittered by party -spirit and misguided zeal, wrought deeds of cruelty and shame, over -which angels well might weep; when fathers were murdered in presence of -their wives and children; and the widow slain while weeping over the -dead body of her husband! - -In thought I was traversing the bloody plains of Bothwell, when----but -here I must present the reader with an account of that fearful fight, as -related by the Laird of Orfort to his brother, while standing on the -spot where was fought the last battle against the enemies of the good -old cause:-- - -"On that moor," said the Laird, who, after a long silence, and without -being conscious of it, by a kind of instinct, natural enough to a -soldier, had drawn his sword, and was pointing with it. "On that moor -the enemy first formed under Monmouth. There, on the right, Clavers led -on the Life Guards, breaching fury, and resolute to wipe off the -disgrace of the affair of Drumclog. Dalziel formed his men on that -knoll. Lord Livingstone led the van of the foemen. We had taken care to -have Bothwell Bridge strongly secured by a barricade, and our little -battery of cannon was planted on that spot below us, in order to sweep -the bridge. And we did rake it. The foemen's blood streamed there. -Again and again the troops of the tyrant marched on, and our cannon -annihilated their columns. Sir Robert Hamilton was our -commander-in-chief. The gallant General Hackston stood on that spot with -his brave men. Along the river, and above the bridge, Burley's foot and -Captain Nisbet's dragoons were stationed. For one hour we kept the -enemy in check; they were defeated in every attempt to cross the Clyde. -Livingstone sent another strong column to storm the bridge. I shall -never forget the effect of one fire from our battery, where my men -stood. We saw the line of the foe advance in all the military glory of -brave and beautiful men--the horses pranced--the armour gleamed. In one -moment nothing was seen but a shocking mass of mortality. Human limbs -and the bodies and limbs of horses were mingled in one huge heap, or -blown to a great distance. Another column attempted to cross above the -bridge. Some threw themselves into the current. One well-directed fire -from Burley's troops threw them into disorder, and drove them back. -Meantime, while we were thus warmly engaged, Hamilton was labouring to -bring down the different divisions of our main body into action; but in -vain he called on Colonel Clelland's troop--in vain he ordered -Henderson's to fall in--in vain he called on Colonel Fleming's. -Hackston flew from troop to troop--all was confusion; in vain he -besought, he entreated, he threatened. Our disputes and fiery misguided -zeal, my brother, contracted a deep and deadly guilt that day. - -"The Whig turned his arm in fierce hate that day against his own vitals. -Our chaplains, Cargil, and King, and Kid, and Douglas interposed again -and again. Cargil mounted the pulpit he preached concord; he called -aloud for mutual forbearance. 'Behold the banners of the enemy!' cried -he, 'hear ye not the fire of the foe, and of our own brethren? Our -brothers and fathers are falling beneath the sword! Hasten to their -aid! See the flag of the Covenant! See the motto in letters of -gold--"Christ's Crown and the Covenant." Hear the voice of your weeping -country! Hear the wailings fof the bleeding Kirk! Banish discord; and -let us, as a band of brothers, present a bold front to the foeman! -Follow me, all ye who love your country and the Covenant! I go to die -in the fore-front of the battle!' All the ministers and officers -followed him--amidst a flourish of trumpets--but the great body remained -to listen to the harangues of the factions. We sent again and again for -ammunition. My men were at the last round. Treachery, or a fatal -error, had sent a barrel of raisins instead of powder![#] My heart sank -within me--while I beheld the despair on the faces of my brave -fellows--as I struck out the head of the vessel. Hackston called his -officers to him. We throw ourselves around him. 'What must be done?' -said he, in an agony of despair. 'Conquer or die,' we said, as if with -one voice. 'We have our swords yet.' 'Lead back the men, then, to -their places, and let the ensign bear down the blue and scarlet colours. -Our God and our country be the word,' Hackston rushed forward. We ran -to our respective corps; we cheered our men, but they were languid and -dispirited. Their ammunition was nearly expended, and they seemed -anxious to husband what remained. They fought only with their -carabines. The cannons could no more be loaded. The enemy soon -perceived this. We saw a troop of horse approach the bridge. It was -that of the Life Guards; I recognised the plume of Clavers. They -approached in rapid march. A solid column of infantry followed. I sent -a request to Captain Nisbet to join his troops to mine. He was in an -instant with us. We charged the Life Guards. Our swords rang on their -steel caps.--Many of my brave lads fell on all sides of me. But we -hewed down the foe. They began to reel. The whole column was kept -stationary on the bridge. Clavers' dreadful voice was heard--more like -the yell of a savage than the commanding voice of a soldier. He pushed -forward his men, and again we hewed them down. A third mass was pushed -up. Our exhausted dragoons fled. Unsupported, I found myself by the -brave Nisbet, and Paton, and Hackston. We looked for a moment's space -in silence on each other. We galloped in front of our retreating men. -We rallied them. We pointed to the General almost alone. We pointed to -the white and scarlet colours floating near him. We cried, 'God and our -country!' They faced about. We charged Clavers once more. 'Torfoot,' -cried Nisbet, 'I dare you to the fore-front of the battle.' We rushed -up at full gallop. Our men seeing this, followed also at full speed. -We broke the enemy's line, bearing down those files which we -encountered. We cut our way through their ranks. But they had now -lengthened their front. Superior numbers drove us in. They had gained -entire possession of the bridge. Livingstone and Dalziel were actually -taking us on the flank. A band had got between us and Burley's -infantry. 'My friends,' said Hackston to his officers, 'we are last on -the field. We can do no more. We must retreat. Let us attempt, at -least, to bring aid to these deluded men behind us. They have brought -ruin on themselves and on us. Not Monmouth, but our own divisions have -scattered us.' At this moment, one of the Life Guards aimed a blow at -Hackston. My sword received it; and a stroke from Nisbet laid the -foeman's hand and sword in the dust. He fainted and tumbled from the -saddle. We reined our horses, and galloped to our main body. But what -a scene presented itself here! These misguided men had their eyes now -fully open to their own errors. The enemy were bringing up their whole -force against them. I was not long a near spectator of it; for a ball -grazed my courser. He plunged and reared, then shot off like an arrow. -Several of our officers drew to the same place. On a knoll we faced -about; the battle raged below us. We beheld our commander doing -everything that a brave soldier could do with factious men against an -overpowering foe. Burley and his troops were in close conflict with -Clavers' dragoons. We saw him dismount three troopers with his own -hand. He could not turn the tide of battle; but he was covering the -retreat of these misguided men. Before we could rejoin him, a party -threw themselves in our way. Hennoway, one of Clavers' officers, led -them on. 'Would to God that this was Grahame himself,' some of my -companions ejaculated aloud. 'He falls to my share,' said I, 'whosver -the officer be.' I advanced--he met me. I parried several thrusts. He -received a cut on the left arm; and the same sword, by the same stroke, -shore off one of the horse's ears; it plunged and reared. We closed -again. I received a stroke on the left shoulder. My blow fell on his -sword arm. He reined his horse around, retreated a few paces, then -returned at full gallop. My courser reared instinctively as his -approached. I received his stroke on the back of my Ferrar; and, by a -back stroke, I gave him a deep cut on the cheek. And, before he could -recover a position of defence, my sword fell with a terrible blow on his -steel cap. Stunned by the blow, he bent himself forward, and, grasping -the mane, he tumbled from the saddle, and his steed galloped over the -field. I did not repeat the blow. His left hand presented his sword; -his right arm was disabled; his life was given to him. My companions -having disposed of their adversaries (and some of them had two a-piece), -we paused to see the fate of the battle. Dalziel and Livingstone were -riding over the field, like furies, cutting down all in their way. -Monmouth was galloping from rank to rank, and calling on his men to give -quarter. Clavers, to wipe off the disgrace of Drumclog, was committing -fearful havoc. 'Can we not find Clavers?' said Haugh-head. 'No,' said -Captain Paton, 'the gallant Colonel takes care to have a solid guard of -his rogues around him. I have sought him over the field; but I found -him, as I now perceive him, with a mass of his Guards about him.' At -this instant we saw our General at some distance, disentangling himself -from the men who had tumbled over him in the mele. His face, and hands, -and clothes, were covered with gore. He had been dismounted, and was -fighting on foot. We rushed to the spot, and cheered him. Our party -drove back the scattered band of Dalziel. 'My friends,' said Sir -Robert, as we mounted him on a stray horse, 'the day is lost! But--you, -Paton; you, Brownlee of Torfoot; and you, Haugh-head, let not that flag -fall into the hands of these incarnate devils. We have lost the battle; -but, by the grace of God, neither Dalziel nor Clavers shall say that he -took our colours. My ensign has done his duty. He is down. This sword -has saved it twice. I leave it to your care: you see its perilous -situation.' He pointed with his sword to the spot. We collected some -of our scattered troops, and flew to the place. The standard-bearer was -down, but he was still fearlessly grasping the flag-staff; while he was -borne uprightly by the mass of men who had thrown themselves in fierce -contest around it. Its well-known blue scarlet colours, and its motto, -Christ's Crown and Covenant, in brilliant gold letters, inspired us with -a sacred enthusiasm. We gave a loud cheer to the wounded ensign, and -rushed into the combat. The redemption of that flag cost the foe many a -gallant man. They fell beneath our broad swords, and with horrible -execrations dying on their lips, they gave up their souls to their -Judge. Here I met in front that ferocious dragoon of Clavers, named Tom -Kalliday, who had more than once, in his raids, plundered my halls, and -had snatched the bread from my weeping babes. He had just seized the -white staff of the flag. But his tremendous oath of exultation had -scarcely passed its polluted threshold, when this Andro Ferrara fell on -the guard of his steel, and shivered it to pieces. 'Recreant loon,' said -I, 'thou shalt this day remember thy evil deeds.' Another blow on his -helmit laid him at his huge length, and made him bite the dust. In the -mele that followed, I lost sight of him. We fought like lions, but with -the hearts of Christians. While my gallant companions stemmed the tide -of battle, the standard, rent to tatters, fell across my breast. I tore -it from the staff, and wrapt it round my body. We cut our way through -the enemy, and carried our General off the field. - - -[#] The natives of Hamilton have preserved, by tradition, the name of -the merchant who did this disservice to the Covenanters. - - -"Having gained a small knoll, we beheld once more the dreadful spectacle -below. Thick volumes of smoke and dust rolled in a lazy cloud over the -dark bands mingled in deadly affray. It was no longer a battle, but a -massacre. In the struggle of my feelings, 'I turned my eyes on the -General and Paton. I saw in the face of the latter an indescribable -conflict of emotions. His long and shaggy eyebrows were drawn over his -eyes. His hand grasped his sword. I cannot yet leave the field,' said -the undaunted Paton; 'with the General's permission, I shall try to save -some of our wretched men beset by those hell-hounds. Who will go? At -Kilsyth I saw service. When deserted by my troops, I cut my way through -Montrose's men and reached the spot where Colonels Halket and Strachan -were. We left the field together. Fifteen Dragoons attacked us, we cut -down thirteen and two fled. Thirteen next assailed us. We left ten on -the field, and three fled. Eleven Highlanders next met us. We paused -and cheered each other. 'Now, Johnny,' cried Halket to me, 'put forth -your metal, else we are gone.' Nine others we sent after their -comrades, and two fled.[#] 'Now, who will join this raid?' 'I will be -your leader,' said Sir Robert, as we fell into the ranks. We marched on -the enemy's flank. 'Yonder is Clavers,' said Paton, while he directed -his courser on him. The bloody man was at that moment, nearly alone, -hacking to pieces some poor fellows already on their knees disarmed and -imploring him by the common feelings of humanity to spare their lives. -He had just finished his usual oath against their feelings of humanity, -when Paton presented himself. He instantly let go his prey and slunk -back into the midst of his troopers. Having formed them, he advanced. -We formed and made a furious onset. At our first charge his troop -reeled. Clavers was dismounted. But at that moment Dalziel assailed us -on the flank and rear. Our men fell around us like grass before the -mower. The buglemen sounded a retreat. Once more in the mele, I fell -in with the General and Paton. We were covered with wounds. We directed -our flight in the rear of the broken troops, By the direction of the -General I had unfurled the standard. It was borne off the field flying -at the sword's point. But that honour cost me much. I was assailed by -three fierce dragoons, five followed close in the rear. I called to -Paton--in a moment he was by my side. I threw the standard to the -General, and we rushed on the foe. They fell beneath our swords; but my -faithful steed, which had carried me through all my dangers, was -mortally wounded. He fell. I was thrown in among the fallen enemy. I -fainted. I opened my eyes on misery. I found myself in the presence of -Monmouth--a prisoner--with other wretched creatures, awaiting in awful -suspense their ultimate destiny." * * * - - -[#] This chivalrous defence is recorded in the life of Captain Paton. - - -And this standard had been borne at Bothwell Bridge; borne at early morn -by the Covenanters, when hopes of victory animated their souls, urging -them on to deeds of daring; and at evening, when the bright rays of the -setting sun fell upon the deserted bridge--deserted by all save the dead -and the dying--this banner blood-stained and riven, had been borne by -some weary, perchance, wounded Covenanter, from the disastrous field, -where perished the hopes of the Covenanting party. - -I was roused from my momentary fit of abstraction by hearing Mrs. -Anderson observe, as if in answer to her own thoughts, "Ay, it's rale -dirty! but I was on the point of washing it the other day, when my -husband said it was much better to let it remain as it was." Wash the -standard stained with the blood of her forefathers! Convert the -time-honoured relic into a clean piece of linen which would no longer -bear the slightest resemblance to a banner that had been engaged in -_such honourable service_! Surely she was joking. But no. There was no -twinkle of merriment in those large grey eyes, which were fixed on mine, -as if anticipating a glance of approbation for her thwarted intentions; -not the slightest approach to a smile at the corners of the mouth, that -had given utterance to the astounding declaration. I repressed a strong -desire to laugh, and answered with becoming gravity, that I thought on -the whole Mr. Anderson was right; and that it would be better to spare -it the cleansing process, upon which she said, "May be ay;" and the -venerable banner was replaced in the drawer. - -Observing an old sword suspended from a nail on the wall, I inquired of -Mrs. Anderson if there was any particular history attached to it? -"'Deed there is," she replied, taking it down from the wall and placing -it in my hands; that sword was employed in the killing o' two or three -Royalists down by M---- yonder in the time o' the persecution. You see, -the dragoons were drinking in a public-house that used to stand by the -side o' the road near till M----. They were going on the next day to -L---- to levy fines frae the Covenanters, a thing they had no business -to do. And as they drank, their hearts were opened, and they boasted to -the landlord that the wine-stoupa wadna contain the gold they should -bring wi' them on their return. - -"Now ye must know, that some one who was na' very friendly to their side -of the question, happened to be in the house at that time, and heard -their foolish talk; and what does he do, think ye, but rins awa' to some -o' the nearest farms and collects several others like himself; for ye -see people in these days were na' deterred by fear o' the laws frae just -doing as they liket; and they all marched to the public-house, with the -wicked intention o' killing the soldiers. Some say an old miller, o' -the name o' Baird, who lived near here, and who had been a sore enemy to -the Royalists, and had obtained a free pardon frae the Government, when -aince he fell into their hands, headed the party. Wi' blackened faces, -and guns, and swords, in their hands, they rushed into the room where -sat the men. One of them, on perceiving their entrance, caught up a -chair to defend hinself, but one o' the Covenanters thrust his sword wi' -such force through his body, that it stuck in the wall behind him; while -the others were finished wi' the butt-ends of their guns. Eh, sirs, but -these were wild times. And this part o' the country was in a very -disturbed state about that time; for just before the battle o' Bothwell -Bridge, the royal army lay encamped all over the Muirhead up on the hill -yonder; for it being a high situation, they had a good view o' all the -country round; and whenever they ran out o' provisions, the soldiers -just gaed to a' the farm-houses round about, and took away cattle, meal, -butter, and everything they could lay their hands on without saying by -your leave, or thank ye kindly for what they got. Ye must know that -that standard belonged to the Telfords of Muirhead; it was one o' them -that carried it to the battle o' Bothwell Bridge, and my husband's -mother being one o' that family, he kens plenty _aboot_ the Covenanters. -Well, as I was saying, the dragoons went to all places they could think -on to procure provisions for themselves, and provender for their horses, -and they honoured Mrs. Telford often wi' a visit at these times--for she -was well off in this world's gear; and I've heard my husband say--he had -it from his mother, and she had it again from hers--that whenever the -soldiers found there was more meal than they could conveniently carry -away, they thought nothing o' tumbling the lave (remainder) a' doon the -hill, not caring one straw how _they were to be served_ that came ahint -them. "However," continued Mrs. Anderson with a laugh, "they sometimes -were cheated too, when they came to clear the byres and stables o' them -that could ill afford to lose their cattle, as ye will hear by the -following story o' the then mistress o' this house, who was sorely -troubled by visits frae the thieving dragoons, who were sure never to go -away empty-handed. Well, one day they came for the purpose o' stealing -her cattle, when, just as they were conveying them away, she ran after -them, telling them it was as much as their lives were worth, to take -away her cows, as she had an order frae one of their officers, -threatening with death the person who should touch them; so saying, she -displayed an old receipt. The soldiers, as the woman suspected, not -being able to read writing, and afraid of incurring the displeasure of -their superiors, allowed the receipt to pass unchallenged, and departed, -for once, empty-handed. Another time, they came to take her horses; and -after they had removed them out of the stable, all except one old horse, -which they did not consider worth the trouble of taking, and left them -standing at the door, they entered the house, for the purpose of -obtaining some refreshment. The mistress of the farm, on being informed -of their intentions, managed, on some pretext or other, to slip away, -after she had seen them seated round a loaded table, preparing to -discuss the good things set before them, and entering the stable, -loosened the sole remaining horse, and, mounting him, dashed off at a -gallop, the others following in the rear. The dragoons hearing the noise -attendant upon the departure of their stolen steeds, rushed out of the -house, but too late to recover possession of the coveted horses, which -in the most commendable manner followed their leader until they reached -a place of safety. The soldiers returned to the camp highly incensed at -being done out by a woman, and fully resolved never to venter near -Westcroft farm again." - -"Wicked people lived in these times," I observed. - -"Ay," said Mrs. Anderson, "and good ones too; for I mind well o' my -mother telling me, that even in her youth, people were far more strict -and better in their conduct, than they were in my young days--ay," she -added, with a shake of her head, "there is mony a strange sect started -up now; and if a' are right that think they are, we maun be far wrong. -But, as I was saying, my mother told me, that when young and able for -the walk, she thought nothing of going ten miles to church. And one day -she went to the kirk at O----, accompanied by a man and his wife; and -while they were walking along the road, the man was standing pretty -often, and looking at the crops, when his wife turned round and said--my -mother told me she would never forget it--'James, are you not ashamed of -yoursel', for casting your e'en at'oure the fields on the Lord's-day?' -And for my own part, I mind well as a child, never being allowed to be -seen out on a Sunday, binna it was when going to the kirk." - -"I suppose you have frequently read the 'Scotch Worthies?'" I inquired. - -"That I have, often and many a time," replied Mrs. Anderson, "eh, but -these were the noble men--it's hard to say who were the best, they were -all so good. There's Mr. Peden, what a bright example he gave to his -people! Oh, but they were privileged who could hear the gospel preached -by such a man! And eh, sirs, but he was sair, sair persecuted. I mind -o' my mother telling me, when a little bit lassie, she had been shown a -house near here, where that worthy man had a narrow escape for his life. -You see he was coming to preach at an appointed place on the moors, and -was spending the evening before-hand wi' a farmer who was a great friend -o' the persecuted clergy, and never was known to turn one frae his door, -even although certain death was the consequence o' its being found out. -Well, just as Mr. Peden was seated at his supper, in the best room, the -master o' the farm, frae the kitchen window, saw the red-coats advancing -in the direction of the house. 'Wife, wife,' cried he, 'Mr. Peden is -lost! Here are the dragoons come to take him. What can we do to save -him?' Ye see, Mr. Peden was held in great veneration by them a'. 'Oh,' -replied his wife, 'whenever the dragoons are within hearing, just you -call out, Jock, put on your smock frock, and go off instantly to B---- -for coals, and maybe the soldiers winna stop him.' The man did as he -was desired, at the same time throwing the smock into the room where Mr. -Peden was sitting. The latter perceiving the great danger he was in, -instantly put on the carter's frock, and pulling his cap down over his -forehead, put on as lubberly an appearance as possible, in order to look -like the character he was assuming; and in this way passed his enemies -without in the least exciting their suspicions; and very leisurely -yoking the horse to the cart, he set off on his expedition. Thus, while -the dragoons were searching the house for Mr. Peden, he was, through the -mercy of God, far beyond their reach. - -After a few remarks about the wicked deeds that were done in those days, -the conversation turned upon the murder of Archbishop Sharpe, which Mrs. -Anderson allowed was a cruel doing on the part of the Covenanters, -although the Archbishop himself had caused the destruction of many of -their body. "Ay," she said, "talking about that, I mind well o' a -minister coming in here one night, who had just come frae Fife, and he -told us that, in the house where he had been staying, the conversation -one evening had turned upon the Covenanters, and the murder o' the -Archbishop; and as they were speaking about him, the mistress o' the -house went till a drawer, and pulling out two letters frae the King to -Archbishop Sharpe, threw them on the table wi' a great air of -consequence--for ye must know that she prided herself on her descent -frae the Archbishop. The minister read the letters carefully, and -having observed the look of importance with which the woman had produced -them, he said to her, 'My good woman, I do not see any use in your -keeping letters that belonged to that evil man, who did our forefathers -such bad service; with your leave I shall put them into the fire.' 'You -shall do no such thing!' replied the woman; 'these letters hae been in -my possession this mony a day, and it's not very likely I kept them so -long to allow them to be burned in the end.' Now for my own part," said -Mrs. Anderson, "I think she did perfectly right; for losh pity me! if -people were to be condemned for the evil doings o' their ancestors, we -might a' hide our heads thegither; and besides, I think it a nice thing -to hae these auld relics in one's ain house: there, now, a gentleman was -very anxious, a short time ago, for me to send the banner and sword into -the Antiquarian Society in Edinburgh; but no, no, says I, I'll just e'en -keep them, were it only to show that my forefathers were fighting for -the good old cause; but here comes my husband, and he will be able to -tell ye plenty about the Covenanters." - -Scarcely had Mrs. Anderson finished speaking, when her husband entered. -"Here, Willie," she said, addressing him, "I am so glad you have come, -for this lady is very anxious to hear some of your stories about the -Covenanters." - -"Indeed, ma'm," replied Mr. Anderson, taking off his hat on observing -me, "it's not much that I know about them, but the little I have came -from my forefathers, and you're welcome to it, if you think it would -interest you; in the meantime," he added, "I suppose you have seen the -standard and sword?" - -"Indeed I have; it was the knowledge that you had such things that -brought me here to-day." - -Mr. Anderson smiled as he observed, that "the standard itself was -nothing to look at, being made of such humble materials, but that the -silk ones borne by the wealthy farmers and lairds were splendid indeed. -Now, for instance, there was Mr. G----, of Green Hill, the standard he -had was of the finest yellow silk, with the motto, 'Christ's Crown and -Covenant,' engraved in letters of gold; ay, but it was bonnie to see! -And I mind well, when the great meetings in connection with the Reform -Bill were held throughout the country, that there was one at B----, and -the people wished to get all the banners that could be procured, as -there was to be a grand procession. Well, as I knew of Mr. G---- having -this one, away I went to Green Hill, to see if he would let me have it -for the above purpose; and as I was not personally acquainted with him, -I got a line from the minister of the parish, testifying that I was -trustworthy. Armed with this, I made my request known to Mr. G----, who -received me very kindly, saying, that the banner was sadly torn and -destroyed, but, if I could manage to get it repaired, I was welcome to -it. Accordingly, I brought away the standard, and my wife having got it -patched up a little, I took it to B----; and, oh, had you but seen the -people's faces, as I laid before them the venerable banner: there was -not a dry eye in the whole assembly. Men, women, and children mourned -and wept; while gazing on the standard stained with the blood of their -forefathers, who nobly fought and died for the cause of the Covenant." - -"And who, pray, bore the standard, now in your possession, at Bothwell -Bridge?" - -"A young man of the name of Telford, who lived up at the Muirhead -yonder. My mother was one of that family, and they had many a thing -that belonged to the Covenanters; amongst other articles, the musical -instruments they made use of when going to battle. My mother kept them -until they fell to pieces with age; and the last time I saw the drum, it -was holding rowans that the children had gathered; while the bugles -which sounded the retreat at Bothwell were devoted to purposes equally -peaceful and innocent." - -"Can you give me any account of the young man who carried the standard -on that occasion?" - -"Yes ma'm," replied Mr. Anderson, and after a moment's pause, as if to -collect his thoughts, he furnished me with the particulars comprised in -the following story:-- - -On the evening of the 21st of June, 1679, while the royal army lay -encamped on Bothwell Moor, a young man might have been observed stealing -round the base of the hill, on which the farm of Muirhead was situated, -apparently anxious to avoid being seen by any of the hostile army that -lay around. He paused every few moments in his progress, as if to -assure himself that he remained undetected, and listened eagerly to -catch the least sound that gave warning of impending danger. But all was -silent. No sound broke in upon the almost Sabbath stillness of the -scene, save the voices of the sentinels as they went their solitary -rounds. - -Young Telford, for it was he, succeeded in gaining the farm-house in -safety, and gently raising the latch, was speedily clasped in the arms -of his mother, who had started to her feet, apprehensive of danger, on -hearing her house entered at that unseasonable hour. - -"My son! my son!" exclaimed the delighted woman, "'the Lord be praised, -who in his great mercy hath spared you to gladden my eyes once more; but -where is Thomas? Why came he not with you?" - -"He could not, mother," replied her son, "else had he flown to see you! -He stays to guard the banner committed to his care, and as we expect to -encounter the foe to-morrow, he charged me to tell you, that never while -he lives shall it fall into the hands of the enemy." The mother's eyes -glistened at this proof of bravery on the part of her absent son, and -gazing fondly in the face of the one now beside her, she inquired with a -faltering voice, "and where have you been since last we met? For it -seems to me an age since you and Thomas departed to join the ranks of -the Covenanters." - -"I have but shortly returned from Morayshire," replied her son, "where I -sped with the fiery cross through moor and valley, terrifying the -inhabitants with the false alarm that the Macdonalds were preparing to -descend upon them, in order to prevent them from advancing to aid the -royal forces. The peasant was aroused from his slumber, when the -unearthly glare streamed in at his cottage window, as onwards I sped. -Armed forces who were marching thitherward, swiftly returned to their -homes, on hearing the appalling cry! "the Macdonald's are coming!" The -bold Highlander turned pale with apprehension as I passed with the fatal -symbol of war and desolation, and the fond mother pressed still closer -to her bosom, the child who might soon be fatherless, on beholding the -fiery track of the herald of woe." - -"Oh, Willie!" cried Mrs. Telford, clasping her hands as she spoke. - -"Still onwards I sped. Terror was visible on the faces of all, as again -the warning voice proclaimed amidst the stillness of night the approach -of the Macdonalds. At that dread name, the alarm flew from house to -house; signal fires flamed upward from each mountain summit; all -thoughts of leaving their country were abandoned, and the King may in -vain expect men from thence." - -At this moment a low tap at the door interrupted young Telford in the -midst of his narration. Without one moment's hesitation, he darted -towards the entrance, and presently returned with his arm round the neck -of a young girl, whose lovely countenance was almost hid beneath the -shepherd's plaid which she had hastily donned to protect her head from -the cool breezes of evening. - -"Jeanie!" exclaimed Mrs. Telford, warmly embracing the blushing -stranger, "how fortunate! just to think you should chance to come -when----!" - -"It was no chance, mother," interrupted her son, "I durst not venture -near Jeanie's house, in case the soldiers might send a bullet after me; -so I bade a little boy go to the farm, and tell her that there was one -she might wish to see in this house to-night, and, as he could remain -but a few minutes, the sooner she came, the better for us both." - -"Oh, Willie!" sobbed the weeping girl, "could you but know the cruel -state of suspense I have been in these three months back, not knowing -where you were, or what might be your fate, you would never, never go -away again! Oh! say you winna leave me," she implored, gazing upwards -in his face with eager beseeching eyes, while tears coursed rapidly down -her cheeks; "say you winna go!" - -"Tempt me not, dearest," replied her lover in a voice expressive of the -deepest anguish, as he drew her fondly to his bosom, "I cannot--must not -remain. To-morrow we may chance to encounter the foe, and I could not -endure the thoughts of entering the field, without again obtaining a -mother's blessing, and one more glance from those bright eyes; so I -stole from the camp, while my brother remained behind to guard the -banner. And now I must return, for I may be missed; and I should not -like to be long absent at a time like this. Mother, your blessing on me -and my absent brother, that we prosper in the fight," so saying, he -knelt to receive the desired benediction. - -"May the God of battles, in whose hands are the issues of life and -death, be unto you both as a rock of defence in the hour of danger, and -restore you once more to me, my beloved son," exclaimed his mother, -placing her hands on his lowly bent head, and weeping as she spoke; "the -Lord knows," she continued, "the bitterness of my heart this night, and -yet why should I grudge you in so good a cause? Rise, my son, rise; and -may the Power above, who is able and willing to help us in the time of -need, guide you in all safety, and strengthen me in the hour of trial." - -Young Telford sprang to his feet, and clasping his betrothed in his -arms, was about to comfort her with assurances of his speedy return, -when he perceived she had fainted. - -"My poor Jeanie!" exclaimed Mrs. Telford tenderly, then pointing to the -door, she conjured her son to hasten away ere his betrothed recovered -her consciousness, and thus spare her the agony of witnessing his -departure. - -"Ay, far better it should be so, mother," replied her son, "and yet it -is hard to leave my Jeanie thus; but tell her I only went to spare her -further pain;" so saying, he placed the unconscious girl gently in a -chair, imprinted a kiss on her clay-cold forehead, wrung his mother's -hand, and was gone. - -Scarcely had he disappeared, ere Jeanie Irving, with a deep-drawn sigh -of anguish, opened her eyes, and fixing them with a wandering vacant -look upon Mrs. Telford, who had placed her upon her own bed, and was now -bending over her with almost maternal solicitude depicted upon her -benevolent countenance, inquired where she was, and if she had been only -dreaming he had seen her Willie. - -"'Deed and it was no fancy," replied Mrs. Telford; "Willie was here sure -enough, but don't speak any more about him just at present, like a dear, -good girl; he will be back to-morrow evening to tell you all about -himself, and where he has been; so just remain quiet for a little while, -and I will go to Mr. Irving and tell him that you will stay here a day -or two, to comfort me in the absence of my sons;" so saying, and without -tarrying for an answer, away she ran to execute her mission. - -Early on the following morning, Jeanie Irving, whom no reasoning on the -part of Mrs. Telford could induce to remain in bed, posted herself at -the door of the cottage, eager to obtain the first glimpse of him she -loved, should he return according to his promise. In the meantime the -royal army had advanced towards Bothwell, where the Covenanting party -was stationed, and soon the mighty roar of cannon proclaimed to the -startled ears of Jeanie that the fighting had commenced. In her wild -eagerness to ascertain the fate of her lover. she was about to rush -madly forward in the direction from whence the sounds proceeded, and the -almost frantic efforts of Mrs. Telford were scarce sufficient to -restrain her from executing her purpose. For a few hours the thunder of -the cannon, mingled with the firing of musketry, struck terror to the -hearts of the affrighted women, who clung to each other, pale and -speechless; while pealed forth the death-knell of many a gallant heart. -Then came a lull, even more dreadful in its terrific calmness, for it -proclaimed the battle was over--that the fate of their loved ones was -decided. And now might be seen riderless horses galloping wildly across -the plain, and mounted horsemen spurring their jaded steeds beyond their -powers of endurance; while more slowly, and dragging his weary steps -along, the wounded Covenanter strove to find safety in flight from the -disastrous field. With a scream of delight, Jeanie bounded forward on -observing the figure of a young man, evidently making towards them; but, -on nearing him, she found to her consternation it was Thomas, and not -William Telford, who now approached, staggering under the load of the -banner, which, soiled and torn, he laid at his mother's feet. - -"Thomas!" screamed Mrs. Telford; "but where is Willie? Oh! wherefore so -silent?" - -"Speak, I implore you, speak," gasped forth Jeanie Irving, "is he -killed? Is he wounded?" - -"He is a prisoner!" was the sad reply. - -"God be praised it is no worse!" fervently ejaculated the weeping girl; -"I shall yet save him, or perish in the attempt." - -"And you, Thomas, what of yourself?" demanded Mrs. Telford, observing -the ghastly expression of her son's face, while traces of blood were yet -apparent on his coat and hands. The young man, without a reply, -uncovered his head, and displayed, in so doing, a frightful gash on his -forehead. "My son, my son!" groaned forth the afflicted mother, "Oh! -this is hard--hard to bear. I thought I had taught myself to say with -resignation, 'the Lord's will be done;' but, oh my rebellious heart!" - -"'I said I should bring it back to you, mother, if life were spared me -to perform my promise, and I have done it," proudly exclaimed her son. -"I have brought it in safety; but, alas! from a dishonoured field. -Treachery has lost us the day, and ruined our cause for ever. But -Willie and I did our duty. While a ray of hope still animated the -bosoms of our leaders, we would not quit the field. Willie was mad with -rage. He fought like a lion. Every soldier he encountered fell beneath -his sword. My care was the banner. Three dragoons attacked me. -Encumbered with the standard, I called upon Willie for assistance. He -came hewing down all in his way. A musket was upraised to shoot him. I -struck it down, and, in so doing, received this wound on my forehead -from a cowardly ruffian, who took advantage of my being engaged with -another, to inflict the dastardly blow. I fell with the banner beneath -me. Then the dragoons, aided by two others, rushed upon Willie, and bore -him away. They would have killed him, but for the Duke of Monmouth, who -commanded them to spare his life. I struggled to regain my feet; but -fainted away through loss of blood. On recovering my senses, I observed -a dragoon stealing up to deprive me of my standard; but one blow from -the butt-end of my musket despatched him, and, grasping my banner in my -hand, I made another effort to rise, and succeeded. Captain Paton -advanced. 'My poor fellow,' he said, 'you are sadly wounded; get off -the field as swiftly as possible;' so saying, he took some herbs from -his pocket, and applying them to the wound, staunched the blood; then, -taking me by the arm, he moved onwards a few paces by my side, as though -to protect me from further injury--the road in this direction being -clear of the Royalists, who were murdering my comrades right and left at -the other end of the field. I thanked the noble Captain--whose eyes -gleamed with pleasure on observing the uncaptured standard--and -proceeded on my way in safety. Having ascended an eminence, I turned to -look on the bloody plain. There stood Captain Paton, as I had left him, -leaning on his sword, and gazing on the fearful scene around him, -apparently overwhelmed with grief. General Hamilton, with a party of -officers, was advancing towards him. I looked again. They were slowly -quitting the field. And I continued my solitary flight." - -Mrs. Telford, at the close of her son's narrative, threw her arms around -his neck, and wept aloud. "My poor Thomas," she exclaimed, "grateful -should I be to the Lord, who hath spared you to return this day to your -home; but, oh! when I think on my noble Willie a captive in the hands of -these cruel, blood-thirsty men, my heart feels like to burst with its -load of sorrow; and, yet, what can I do to save him?" - -"Mother," said Jeanie Irving, "for such you have been to me, do not -despair. A voice whispers in my heart that Willie will soon be -free--that he will yet live to bless and comfort us all. Do not give -way to grief, but trust in God, who, I feel assured, will grant the -wishes of our hearts in this matter." - -"The widow--for such Mrs. Telford was--soothed and comforted by the -earnest assurances of the kind-hearted and hopeful maiden, embraced her -warmly, and blessed her for her dutiful resignation to the will of -Providence. But a high and noble purpose had filled the loving heart of -the simple Scottish girl; and it was the determination to free her lover -that caused her eye to sparkle, and her cheek to burn, with the sweet -anticipations of hope, as she dwelt on the triumph of obtaining her -lover's pardon, even should she kneel at the feet of the Duke of -Monmouth to obtain it. Accordingly, at an early hour on the following -morning, when Mrs. Telford and her son were locked in the arms of -slumber, Jeanie Irving, acting on a previously adopted resolution, stole -gently from her couch and dressed herself hastily; then, kissing Mrs. -Telford silently on the forehead, she knelt down and prayed fervently -for guidance and protection during her absence; and, snatching a small -bundle of necessaries prepared over-night for her journey, and placing a -letter--informing Mrs. Telford of the step she was about to take--on the -table, she noiselessly opened the door, stood for one moment, while her -lips moved as if she was engaged in mental prayer, shut it slowly, and -departed. Having been informed by Thomas Telford that the prisoners were -to be taken to Edinburgh, thither Jeanie determined to proceed; but on -arriving at Linlithgow, she heard no tidings of their having passed that -way. Fearful lest some change had been made regarding their -destination, Jeanie Irving stood irresolute, not knowing what to do, -but, on second thoughts, she proceeded to the house of her aunt, a -sister of her mother, who resided in Linlithgow, there to await their -coming, lest something might have occurred to delay their progress. -Mrs. Johnstone--which was the name of her aunt--received her niece very -kindly; but on her expressing her surprise at seeing her enter so -unexpectedly, the long-sustained fortitude of Jeanie Irving gave way, -and she burst into a passionate flood of tears. Amazed and distressed -at the sight of her niece's grief, Mrs. Johnstone soothed and comforted -her to the best of her ability, and was rewarded for her kind sympathy -by the recital of Jeanie's hopes, fears, and intentions respecting her -lover's escape, which she confided to the willing ears of her aunt, when -her sorrow allowed her the power of utterance. - -"Oh, my dear lassie!" said Mrs. Johnstone, at the close of her niece's -narration, "you do not know the difficulty of the course you mean to -pursue; you never can succeed. Willie Telford will be so closely -guarded that you will not get near him; do not go on, but stay with me -at least until we hear something regarding the destination of the -unfortunate men." - -At this moment a distant murmur of voices was heard, mingled with the -trampling of many feet. Nearer came the sounds; louder swelled the -tumult, till none could mistake its meaning. Poor Jeanie turned as pale -as death; her heart told her the prisoners were approaching. Grasping -her aunt by the arm, she staggered towards the window, and what a dismal -sight greeted her eager eyes! Onwards came the dragoons--their plumes -waving--their horses prancing. Next advanced a body of men, to the -number of about five hundred, foot-sore and weary; wounded, and -prisoners. Jeanie Irving groaned in agony. The quick glance of -affection soon descried the stately form of William Telford. Amidst the -motley crowd, he walked erect and proudly, as though he were marching -onwards to victory--not to a prison--perchance to death. - -The eyes of Jeanie Irving seemed about to start from their sockets on -beholding the sad procession; but new horrors awaited her. She beheld -some of the sympathising spectators, while advancing with cups of cold -water to moisten the lips of the wounded portion of the prisoners, and a -morsel of bread to comfort their weary hearts, beaten back with oaths, -and contumely by the rude soldiers, who, insensible to all the softer -emotions of humanity, seemed determined to make their captives feel the -wretchedness of their lot. She saw her beloved William stunned by a blow -from the butt-end of a musket, while endeavouring to procure nourishment -for a sinking comrade. - -On beholding this outrage inflicted on the object of her affections, -Jeanie Irving screamed and struggled to free herself from her aunt's -grasp, as if for the purpose of springing out into the street, in order -to join her lover. Indeed, so excited did she become in her endeavours -to carry out her wishes, that her aunt, fearful of the consequences that -might ensue, should she be permitted to retain her station at the -window, seized her in her arms, and dragged her away from beholding the -dismal spectacle. On the disappearance of the melancholy cavalcade, -Mrs. Johnstone placed Jeanie Irving on her bed, and would on no account -hear of her attempting to rise until she had partaken of some repose; -and, indeed, poor Jeanie, overcome as she was with fatigue and anxiety, -felt the necessity of obeying her aunt's wishes in this respect. -Shortly after lying down she fell into a sleep, apparently broken at -first by the agitating thoughts that chased each other through her mind, -for she moaned and shivered in such a manner that Mrs. Johnstone grew -apprehensive lest the distress under which she laboured might yet throw -her into a fever. Gradually, however, she grew calmer, and at length, -to her aunt's delight, all the sad events of the day seemed forgotten in -a tranquil slumber. On her awaking, refreshed and strengthened from her -long repose, Mrs. Johnstone, who now perceived the danger of thwarting -her in her intentions of endeavouring to free William Telford, -represented the strong necessity there was of her remaining quiet, for a -few days longer, as, should she set off instantly on her journey, she -might get herself into trouble, and thus by her rashness lose the only -chance of saving her lover. This last argument, skillfully introduced -by Mrs. Johnstone, had great weight with her impatient niece; and she -accordingly remained with her aunt five days, during which period she -carefully abstained from alluding to the topic which so entirely -engrossed her thoughts. But on the morning of the sixth day she again -expressed her intention of proceeding to Edinburgh, in order to learn -the destination of the prisoners. This time Mrs. Johnstone threw no -obstacles in the way of her niece's departure, but going to a closet she -took from thence two bundles, one of which she handed to Jeanie Irving, -while the other she retained in her own possession. Jeanie eyed her -aunt with astonishment, while that worthy person proceeded very -leisurely to donn her bonnet and shawl, and at length ventured to -inquire the meaning of such preparations. - -"It is just this, my dear lassie," said Mrs. Johnstone in answer to her -niece's inquiry, "I am a lone widow with no one here to care for me, or -to mind whether I go or stay, so I have determined upon accompanying you -to Edinburgh, in order to protect and assist you as far as lies in my -power. When you came here and told me your sad story, I resolved upon -going with you, and laid my plans accordingly. Two days ago a boy was -dispatched to tell your father and Mrs. Telford where you were, and that -they need not feel anxious about you, as I should tend and love you as -though you were mine own child. Now, don't say one word against this, -Jeanie, for my mind is made up on this subject." - -Poor Jeanie Irving, quite overcome with this proof of affection and kind -interest on the part of her aunt, threw herself into her arms, and -sobbed aloud, thanking her through her tears for her promised -protection, which she assured her would prove invaluable, as she should -require a faithful guide and counsellor to cheer and advise her 'mid all -the trials and disappointments she was prepared to encounter. All being -thus satisfactorily arranged, Mrs. Johnstone proceeded to settle some -little household affairs prior to departing with her niece--such as -stopping the clock, locking up closets, throwing water on the fire, and -sundry other little arrangements which all careful housekeepers know to -be essential before leaving home. The rays of the setting sun were -gilding the towers of the ancient fortress of Dunedin, as Mrs. Johnstone -and her niece entered the Scottish capital. All was terror and -confusion. Dragoons marched along the streets with all the insolence of -petty power which subordinates know so well how to assume;--members of -the opposite faction stole noiselessly on their way, as if afraid of -attracting the notice of the swaggering soldiers, who seemed fully aware -of, and to enjoy the terror they inspired; while aged citizens, whose -care-worn faces betrayed the anxiety under which they laboured, stood -together in groups as if discussing the events of the day. Jeanie, with -the natural modesty of her sex, drew the shepherd's plaid still closer -around her, to screen her face in some measure from the insolent gaze of -the dragoons, some of whom peered underneath the covering as they passed -in the hopes of obtaining a glimpse of the carefully-shrouded face. - -"Pull it off her, George," said a soldier to his comrade, one of these -who failed in their attempts to get a look of Jeanie Irving, "pull it -off her, and let us see what she's like; what in the name of wonder -makes her hide her face in that manner? Pull it off her, I say." - -"No, no, don't do that: let the woman alone," exclaimed another of the -party, observing that the one named George was about to obey his -friend's instructions; "she is not annoying us; and see that party of -men, yonder, watching us with threatening looks, as if eager to take -advantage of the slightest provocation on our part, to commence an -affray. Come, let us be peaceful." The soldier thus admonished -abandoned his purpose, and allowed Jeanie and her aunt to pass on their -way unmolested. - -"Thank God!" inwardly ejaculated the trembling women on finding -themselves freed from the rude grasp of the dragoon, and quickening -their steps, they turned into a less noisy and crowded street. But soon -a new alarm struck fresh terror to their trembling souls, for the deep -roll of a drum was now, distinctly heard. Onwards it came; and Jeanie -Irving, trembling in every limb, fearing, she knew not what, grasped her -aunt by the arm, as she stood breathless and agitated, waiting the -result. Soon a large party of soldiers appeared in sight, one of them -bearing a huge drum, which he beat at regular intervals; while another -read aloud a proclamation, warning the citizens of Edinburgh, under pain -of death, to abstain from visiting the prisoners at present stationed in -the Greyfriars Church-yard, save when bringing them provisions, such as -should be approved of by the sentinels. Jeanie's heart beat wildly with -renewed hope on hearing that the prisoners were merely confined in an -open churchyard, and that their friends would be permitted to take them -food at stated intervals. It was true that sentinels were stationed -there, who would no doubt keep a strict watch over all comers; but what -can youth and ingenuity not achieve? Thus full of sanguine -anticipations respecting the ultimate success of her scheme, Jeanie -Irving accompanied her aunt to the house of a mutual friend, with whom -Mrs. Johnstone meant to stay during their sojourn in Edinburgh, which -she now devoutly hoped might prove a short one. Mrs. Hamilton received -her visitors very graciously; expressed her satisfaction when Mrs. -Johnstone informed her that their visit was likely to prove a longer one -than she, under present circumstances, could have wished; and -steadfastly refused all offers of remuneration, which Mrs. Johnstone was -anxious she should receive, to compensate in some measure for the -trouble they were likely to occasion her. - -"No, no, my dear friend," said Mrs. Hamilton, while she proceeded to -make preparations for her evening meal, "don't--if you please, say any -more on that subject; it's little I have, but, please God, that little -shall always be at the service of the few friends I have now remaining; -losh pity me, are you not my cousin, thrice removed on my mother's side, -and just to think o' one relation taking money off another? I never -heard tell o' such a like thing; no, no, stay wi' me as long as you -like, and welcome;" so saying, Mrs. Hamilton proceeded leisurely to put -one of her best damask cloths on the table, which she soon covered with -plates of bread and butter, some newly-made jelly, etc; in short, the -best of everything the house could afford, was brought forth to do -honour to her welcome guests. "Now, sit your ways down," said Mrs. -Hamilton, after she had completed the arrangements to her own -satisfaction, and, taking Mrs. Johnstone by the arm, she seated her at -the head of the table, motioning Jeanie to sit beside her, "sit your -ways down, and partake of what is before you." Mrs. Johnstone -proceeded, greatly to the delight of Mrs. Hamilton, to make an active -onslaught on the good things with which the table was abundantly -supplied. "That's right, my dear," exclaimed the hospitable widow, her -eyes beaming with pleasure, "but, Jeanie Irving, what has come over you, -lassie?" she enquired, astonished beyond measure on perceiving that the -maiden in question evinced not the slightest disposition to assist her -aunt in the arduous undertaking of demolishing the huge pile of bread -and butter placed so temptingly within her reach. Jeanie, by way of -answer to this anxious inquiry, hastened to assure Mrs. Hamilton that -she was indeed making an excellent meal; and wishing to turn the -conversation into another channel, she expressed a desire to know whose -was the sword hanging on the opposite wall. Mrs. Hamilton's good-natured -face lengthened considerably as she replied with a faltering accent, -that it had belonged to her husband, who perished at the battle o' -Pentland Hills. "Indeed," said Jeanie Irving, greatly interested in -hearing that her kind hostess had also been a sufferer from those sad -religious differences; "and pray"--here she suddenly stopped short, on -observing Mrs. Hamilton raise her apron to her eyes, and apparently wipe -away an unbidden tear. After a pause of a few moments, during which -time Jeanie Irving remained mute, with her eyes fixed on the sword, Mrs. -Hamilton inquired of her friend what it was that had brought her to -Edinburgh in these stormy times. In reply to this rather confusing -question, Mrs. Johnstone pressed Mrs. Hamilton's foot under the table, -at the same time darting a glance in the direction of her niece, who -entirely engrossed by her own sad thoughts, did not overhear the -question, as if to warn Mrs. Hamilton against alluding to that subject -in her presence. - -Shortly afterwards the eyelids of Jeanie Irving displayed symptoms of -closing, observing which, her thoughtful hostess offered to conduct her -to her sleeping apartment; a proposal which poor Jeanie, overcome as she -was with a load of anxiety and grief, but too gladly accepted; so, -bidding her aunt an affectionate good night, she followed Mrs. Hamilton, -who led the way into a small but neat bed-room, &c. After expressing -her wishes for the comfort of her guest, left her to repose. On Mrs. -Hamilton's return to the parlour, both she and Mrs. Johnstone drew in -their seats considerably nearer the hearth, with the evident intention -of enjoying a nice, comfortable gossip over the glowing embers; and Mrs. -Johnstone, as the reader will be prepared to hear, regaled her friend -with a long and circumstantial account of her niece's love-affair, -together with the sad circumstances attending it, which had occasioned -their sudden visit to the Scottish capital. "Wae's me," exclaimed Mrs. -Hamilton, at the close of her friend's sad recital; "to think o' a -bonnie young creature having gone through sae much sorrow already, and -likely to suffer a hantle more ere she's by wi' it! Oh! are'na the ways -o' Providence dark and unscrutable to the like o' us, poor blind mortals -as we are? Dearie me, Mrs. Johnstone, but I sadly fear your niece winna -get much to comfort her here. I fear it's a doomed boat she's embarked -in. Willie Telford will never be able to escape from his cruel captors. -Oh, but my heart's wae for the poor sweet lassie; and ye say her life's -bound up in his?" Mrs. Johnstone replied in the affirmative, adding, -"that it would be much better not to damp the bright hopes entertained -by Jeanie Irving regarding her lover's escape." "Don't be afraid o' me -saying anything that would harm the winsome bit lassie," interrupted -Mrs. Hamilton, raising the corner of her apron to her eyes, "no, no; I -know too well what it is to suffer, ever to add to the distress o' a' -fellow-creature. Well do I mind the day when my husband gaed awa to the -Pentlands. 'Jeanie,' says he, 'I feel uncommon sad at leaving you this -day, my woman,' says he; and says I, 'Why John?' for ye see I didna -quite take up his meaning, 'why should ye be so grieved, when ye're -going to fight a good fight for the Covenant?' says I. 'Oh,' quo' he, -'I feel as if I never should see you again,' says he; and wi' that I -took to the shivering all over. 'If that be your thought,' says I, -'John, do bide wi' me, for I've many a time heard people wiser than me -say, it's ill going away frae hame wi' sic gloomy thoughts in one's -mind.' 'Ah, na, Jeanie, my woman,' says he, 'may be it's a foolish -fancy on my part, an' it wadna do to yield to it;' an wi' that he gaed -awa, an' I never set my eyes on him since syne. Was'na that a sad, sad -thing! an' many's the time I've blamed mysel' since then for not making -him bide at hame, but ye see, it was a' in the cards, an' what will be -maun be." Thus having testified her submission to the stern decrees of -fate, Mrs. Hamilton turning to Mrs. Johnstone, abruptly demanded of her -if she was a believer in dreams? - -"Well," said Mrs. Johnstone in reply, "I really do not know what to say -on that point, for I have had one or two very strange dreams in my -lifetime, which have been fulfilled to the very letter; but whether it -was that my mind had been running so much on these matters during the -day-time, and that this caused them to form the subjects of my dreams by -night; or, that they were sent to me as warnings of what was to happen, -I cannot tell; but what makes you ask that question, Mrs. Hamilton?" - -"Oh, nothing, but just that I had a most extraordinary dream the night -before I heard tell o' my husband's death, which, if you will not laugh -at me for relating such a thing, I should like to tell you." - -On Mrs. Johnstone assuring her that the opinion she herself entertained -on the subject of her own dreams was much too serious for her ever to -ridicule those narrated by other people, Mrs. Hamilton commenced as -follows:-- - -"Well, as I told you before, it was the night preceding the day on which -I heard tell o' the death of my husband, and I could not well account -for it; but the whole o' that day I had been rale douie and dispirited, -just as one often feels before hearing bad news o' some sort or other; -so much so, that I gaed away early to my bed, in hopes that a good sleep -would do me good. For a long time, not one wink o' sleep could I get, do -what I could, until at length, in a fit of desperation, I sprang out of -bed, and took a turn or two up and down the room, to see if that would -cool the fever of my blood. It did so, and shortly after I fell into a -deep slumber. Well, Mrs. Johnstone, during that sleep I had the -following dream, which even yet impresses me more than I should like to -tell. Methought the door of my room suddenly opened, and in stepped a -figure all clad in white, and o' a fair and beauteous countenance, -which, approaching the side o' my bed, said in a sweet mournful voice, -which sounded just like the sighing wind, 'Jeanie Hamilton, you must -this instant rise and follow me!' Upon which I replied, 'And wherefore -am I to follow you?' 'Ask no questions,' said the beautiful vision, -'but come away.' Well, wi' that I raise out o' my bed, almost as it -were in spite o' myself, and away I gaed after the figure, which seemed -to me to flee swiftly as a soul, when freed from its mortal coil, would -cleave the air in its passage to another world. Onwards we went, until -we came to a dark dismal plain; and never did I see anything so dreary -as the aspect o' that place! Then my guide stopt, and taking me by the -hand, said, 'now I must lead you; our way lies through this moor;' and I -thought in my sleep that I trembled all over, as hand in hand with the -radiant figure I traversed the desolate-looking plain, which to my -horror I perceived to be thickly strewn with dead bodies. Oh, how my -heart sickened at that fearful sight! there they lay, the old and the -young, all huddled together, sleeping the last long sleep of death. -'Stop, stop,' I said to my guide; 'oh, do let me turn back--I cannot go -onwards; what means this? why have you brought me here?' The vision -smiled sadly, and without a reply, still motioned me onwards. I could -not resist. A mysterious indescribable power, as it were, impelled me -to follow, until at length it paused, and pointing to the prostrate form -of a man, whom to my horror I discovered to be my husband, lying cold -and stiff, with a deep wound on his forehead, said, 'It was to take a -last look of him you loved so well that I brought you here,' and with -that it disappeared. The cry of anguish which I uttered on hearing this -awoke me from my slumber: and oh, Mrs. Johnstone, you cannot think what -I suffered from the remembrance of that dream, for, from that moment, I -felt convinced that my husband had perished on the battle field. Well, -in the course of the following day, when a near neighbour, who had been -at the Pentlands, came to apprise me of John Hamilton's death, I told -him, so convinced was I of the truth of my dream of the previous night, -before ever he had spoken a word, that I knew he had come to tell me o' -my husband's death. The man stood staring at me in breathless -astonishment, apparently at a loss to comprehend my meaning, until I -told him o' the strange dream I had had; and what do you think, Mrs. -Johnstone," added Mrs. Hamilton, sinking her voice to a whisper, "my -husband had been killed on the previous day, and by a sabre wound on his -forehead." - -"Bless me," exclaimed Mrs. Johnstone, at the close of her friend's -narration, "that is the most singular thing I ever heard; undoubtedly it -was a warning sent to prepare you for the sad news you were about to -hear." - -"That is just my own opinion on the matter," said Mrs. Hamilton, as she -proceeded to put a huge piece o' coal on the top of the smouldering -embers; after which signal of preparation for departure, the friends -retired to rest. - -Immediately after partaking of breakfast on the following morning, -Jeanie Irving expressed her intention of at once proceeding to the -Greyfriars' Church-yard, to see if she could by any means obtain -admittance to William Telford. Accordingly, accompanied by her aunt, -who would on no account permit her to go forth alone--and carrying in -her hand a small basket of provisions, which the kindness of Mrs. -Hamilton supplied--she set forth on her mission. The nearer they -advanced towards their destination, the more did poor Jeanie Irving's -heart sink within her; for the first time since leaving home she dwelt -cooly and calmly on the arduous undertaking before her, and realized the -real difficulty of the task she had determined to achieve. Mrs. -Johnstone perceiving how much her niece was engrossed by her own -thoughts, abstained from addressing her until they arrived at the -Greyfriars' Church-yard, the gate of which was surrounded by a numerous -crowd of men and women clamorous to obtain admission to the prisoners. - -The sentinels apparently took advantage of their situation to annoy and -insult the trembling petitioners, many of whom they bade go about their -business, after having deprived them of the provisions they carried; -others, again, they permitted to enter, but not until they had taken -from them the greater portion of the food and clothing they had brought -to comfort and assist their friends. With a trembling heart and -faltering steps, Jeanie Irving was advancing towards the sentinels, when -a sweet feminine voice whispered in her ear, "For God's sake! leave that -worthy woman behind, and take me with you; three going in at once would -excite suspicion, and there is one in that church-yard I must see -to-day, yet I lack courage to venture in alone." Jeanie Irving turned -and looked on the speaker, whom, although clad in the meanest attire, -and having her face concealed beneath a coarse woollen shawl, she -perceived by her graceful bearing to be some person of consequence, and -being of a kind sympathising nature, she at once acceded to the wishes -of the stranger, and turning to her aunt, explained the necessity there -was of her remaining without until she returned. Mrs. Johnstone, who -had also arrived at her own conclusions regarding the individual who was -addressing her niece, expressed her willingness to comply with her -request; accordingly, Jeanie Irving, whose arm was instantly grasped by -the trembling hand of her new acquaintance, continued her way towards -the gate. Fortunately, the sentinel who stood nearest the shrinking -maidens proved to be less strict than the others, and allowed them to -enter the church-yard without interruption. With eager eyes did Jeanie -Irving and her companion scan each group of men as they passed, in order -to discover the faces of those so fondly loved. Apparently the stranger -soon discovered him she sought, for suddenly disengaging her arm from -that of Jeanie's, she bade God bless her! for her kindness, and darted -towards an elegant young man, evidently of high birth, who stood a -little way apart from the others. Jeanie Irving paused for a few -seconds to witness the rapturous greeting exchanged between the pair, -and again continued her wistful search. - -In the meantime, William Telford was standing in a remote corner of the -church-yard engaged in earnest conversation with three others, when the -trembling shrinking form of a young girl advancing towards them caught -his eye. One glance was sufficient; and Jeanie Irving was that instant -clasped in the arms of her lover. - -"Jeanie," gasped forth William Telford, as again and again he kissed the -cold lips of her who lay speechless on his shoulder. He could say no -more. Both were overcome with an excess of joy almost painful in its -intensity, but hearts and eyes were busy during the time that speech was -denied them. - -Those individuals who were standing near them, respecting the feelings -of the lovers, withdrew a little aside, in order that they might enjoy -uninterrupted intercourse. - -"Willie!" at length Jeanie Irving found voice to say. "is it only a -dream, or am I indeed gazing once more on your dear face, which has -never for one moment been absent from me? it has haunted my thoughts by -day, and my dreams by night; but oh, Willie," she continued, "I must and -will get you from hence; my heart will break in twain should you remain -much longer in this damp unwholesome place; but how can it be managed?" - -"Think not of such a thing, my dearest girl," replied William Telford; -"any efforts on your part would only entail destruction on your own -head, and add fresh misery to that I am called upon to endure." - -Perceiving an expression of intense anguish pass across the face of the -disappointed maiden, as he attempted to dissuade her from her purpose, -William Telford forbore saying any more on the subject, but turned the -conversation into another channel, by demanding of Jeanie Irving how she -had been since last he saw her, and whether his mother and brother were -well. To these inquires on the part of her lover, Jeanie replied, by -giving him a detailed account of all that had happened since his -departure; dwelling on the grief she experienced on beholding the sad -procession pass along the streets of Linlithgow, and how she longed to -spring from the window to embrace him again, and, if need be, share his -imprisonment. To all of which proofs of love on the part of her he -idolised, William Telford could only reply, by straining her still -closer to his bosom, and imprinting a dozen kisses on her forehead and -lips. - -"My poor Willie, how thin and pale you are!" said Jeanie Irving, gazing -tenderly in her lover's face, while tears ran down her cheeks as she -spoke, "but sit your ways down and partake of what I have brought you, -for it is easy to see from your appearance that many suns have risen and -set since you have eaten a good meal;" so saying, she uncovered her -basket, and making William Telford seat himself on a neighbouring mound, -supplied him with eatables from her store. "And now," she said after -her lover had finished his repast, "you must in your turn inform me how -you and your companions have been treated since you came to this horrid -place." - -"Like brute beasts," was the indignant reply, "and not like men -possessing immortal souls. Night after night have we been forced to lie -in the open air without a covering of any kind to protect us from the -rain or the unwholesome dews of evening. And should any of us chance to -raise our heads, in order to change our position, or to look about us, -we are fired at immediately. Only last night there was a poor fellow -shot beside me for merely raising his head, forgetful for a moment of -the savages who were near him watching with lynx eyes his slightest -movement." - -"Oh, Jeanie," continued her lover, "many and many a time have I lain -down cold and supperless, with nought in the world to comfort me but -thoughts of you; when the calm cold stars shone above my head like so -many bright spirits watching over and pitying us in our loneliness and -misery. Oft have I for hours gazed and gazed, while my companions -around me were locked in slumber, wishing myself an inhabitant of the -brighter world beyond. But now, dearest Jeanie, the sight of your sweet -face has in a great measure restored me to myself, and I would fain live -for your sake." - -"And you shall live," passionately exclaimed the enthusiastic girl; "I -will throw myself at the feet of the Duke of Monmouth, nor rise from -that posture until he has granted my request." - -"You would never be allowed to see him," sadly replied her lover; "there -are those around the Duke's person who would jealously exclude any of -our party from the presence of his Grace. He is a noble fellow," -continued William Telford, "and were every one like him, we should not -have been pining here like so many cattle in a pen." - -"Promise me, Willie," suddenly interrupted Jeanie Irving, "that should I -contrive means of escape from this horrid place, you will take advantage -of them." - -William Telford paused one moment ere he replied, but at length he said, -placing his hand in hers, "For your sake, clearest, and that of my -widowed mother, I will; but oh, take care, Jeanie, both for your own -sake and mine, what you do; consider how precious you are to me; plunge -not yourself into difficulties on my account; it may be that our captors -may relent, and and I may yet be free." - -"Trust them not," replied Jeanie Irving, "they resemble the tiger, which -once having tasted blood, thirsteth for more; no, no, my Willie," she -continued, "a woman's wit must save you here; so trust to me for speedy -deliverance--but in the meantime I must be going, for I left my kind -aunt at the gate, who will necessarily feel anxious should I not return -soon." - -"Why came she not in with you?" inquired her lover. - -Whereupon, Jeanie Irving recounted to him the singular adventure she had -met with at the gate, and asked of him who the handsome young man was -the stranger had flown to, on entering the church-yard, but William -Telford could afford her no information on the subject. - -After a warm embrace, and an assurance on the part of Jeanie Irving that -she should, without fail, return on the morrow, the lovers parted, and -hastening past the sentinels, who did not seek to detain her, Jeanie -rejoined her aunt, who was awaiting her return with the utmost -impatience. On the following morning. Mrs. Johnstone and her niece -again set off for the Greyfriars' Church-yard, the latter with a heart -lightened of half its former load of grief, and indulging in sweet -anticipations respecting the approaching interview. On nearing the -gate, they observed groups of people standing conversing together, -evidently discussing some important piece of news, many of them with -smiles of satisfaction on their faces, while the sentinels walked their -rounds with gloomy dissatisfied countenances, as if something had -occurred to make them more than usually sullen. Mrs. Johnstone having -inquired of a bystander the reason of the prevailing excitement, was -informed that, on the previous evening, young Lord C---- had escaped -from the church-yard, disguised as a female, and that the sentinels were -dreadfully annoyed at the occurrence, as they had received particular -directions regarding his safety. The thoughts of Jeanie Irving -instantly reverted to the interesting couple of the preceding day; and -she fervently thanked the Almighty that she had in some measure been -instrumental in the young man's escape, while the idea, instantly -occurred to her, that in a similar manner might William Telford be -conveyed from thence. This time, on advancing to the gate to seek -admittance, the sentinels gathered round them, uncovered the basket, -helped themselves pretty largely to a portion of its contents, and -examined both women closely in order to as certain that they carried no -disguises about with them after which precautions they permitted them to -pass. Jeanie Irving immediately made her lover acquainted with the -escape of Lord C----, and informed him as to her intentions, of taking -him from thence in a similar disguise. Sick and enfeebled from his -close confinement in the damp church-yard, William Telford listened -eagerly to Jeanie's proposals, and it was finally agreed upon between -them that she should watch well her opportunity when the attention of -the sentinels was otherwise occupied, to steal in with a bundle of -women's clothes, array her lover in the feminine garb, and embrace a -favourable moment to lead him forth. In pursuance of this arrangement, -each morning beheld Jeanie Irving stationed near the gate watching with -eager eyes the least symptom of abated vigilance on the part of the -sentinels to venture in. During the space of five days no suitable -opportunity presented itself, but on the morning of the sixth the -sentinels being attracted from their posts by a street broil, Jeanie -darted past them with the rapidity of lightning, and flew towards her -beloved William, bearing the precious burthen. Withdrawing a little -apart from his companions, young Telford was speedily arrayed in his -disguise, and many of those who witnessed the proceeding bade God bless -and prosper him in his attempt. All being now in readiness, Jeanie -Irving, whose nerves were strung up to the highest degree of tension, -took the arm of her lover and advanced toward the outer gate. Oh, what -a moment was this! They had passed two of the sentinels in safety, but -just as they arrived within reach of the other, whose back was at that -moment turned towards them, he wheeled suddenly round, and staring -Jeanie full in the face, advanced towards her, exclaiming, "So, ho, my -pretty maiden, you would fain retreat without paying toll; come now, -don't be in such haste, but just tarry a moment, and let us become -better acquainted." So saying, the soldier put his arm around her waist -and attempted to snatch a kiss. At sight of this indignity offered to -the woman he loved, the blood rushed to William Telford's brow, and -darting on the brutal fellow, he dealt him such a blow on the head as -felled him to the ground. - -"What, ho, treachery, treachery!" shouted the other sentinels, suddenly -apprized of the real state of affairs, and darting upon William Telford, -they tore off his disguise, and dragged him back to the church-yard, -kicking and swearing at him the while. Pale and speechless, with horror -at the failure of her scheme, Jeanie Irving attempted to rejoin her -lover, but was rudely pushed back by the infuriated sentinels, who -threatened that, if she ever dared to show her face there again, they -should tear her limb from limb. In an agony of feeling impossible to -describe, Jeanie Irving dragged her fainting steps to her temporary -home, and scarcely had she crossed the threshold ere her trembling limbs -gave way, and she fell senseless on the floor. With a cry of grief, Mrs. -Johnstone flew to her side, and raising her tenderly in her arms, with -the assistance of Mrs. Hamilton, conveyed her to her bed, and strove by -every means in her power to soothe and comfort her in her distress. But -the fearful excitement the poor girl had undergone during the last few -weeks proved to have been too much for her delicate nature to sustain; -reason forsook her throne, and for weeks her life trembled in the -balance. We must now leave Jeanie Irving stretched on her bed of -sickness, and return once more to her unfortunate lover, whose situation -was rendered even more wretched than before on account of the brutal -treatment of his captors, who incensed beyond measure at his attempted -escape, strove by every possible means to embitter his already -unbearable lot. - -About this time a bond, by permission of the king, was presented for the -prisoners to sign, certifying that they should under no pretext whatever -take up arms in future against His Majesty; and those who appended their -names to this document were instantly to be set free. Many of the poor -men pining for their homes, and weary of their long confinement, signed -it readily, in order to obtain their freedom. - -Yet a numerous body, amongst whom was William Telford, refused to sign -the paper, and, indeed, many of them were denied the opportunity of -doing so. Then an order arrived from King Charles, to the effect, that -thirteen of the ringleaders of the rebellion, and who approved of the -murder of Archbishop Sharpe, were to be placed in prison for a time, and -then executed. Twelve had been already selected from amongst the -prisoners, and either accidentally or designedly, the fatal paper was -placed in the hands of young Telford; he took it with an untrembling -hand, and with the fear of death before his eyes, wrote, that he could -not on his conscience declare that he esteemed himself wrong in taking -up arms in the cause of the Covenant, or, that he considered the killing -of the perjured prelate, Archbishop Sharpe, a murder; and this done, he -was marched off with his companions. The determination of these devoted -men to suffer death in support of their opinions created a great -sensation among the more moderate portion of their party; and -immediately on their arrival at the prison, they were awaited upon by -several of their clergymen, who impressed upon them the folly, not to -say criminality, of sacrificing their lives, when, by merely signing the -required bond, they might long be spared to comfort their weeping -friends. Eleven of them, persuaded by their ministers, appended their -names to the document, but the remaining two, one of whom was William -Telford--whose pride would not allow him to retract his -opinions--remained firm in their determination to suffer death rather -than yield the required submission. - -These two prisoners were supported in their inflexible resolution by -their companions, who while visiting them in prison, expressed their -sorrow and repentance at having signed the bond, stating that since -then, they had neither known peace nor happiness as their inhuman -adversaries treated them, in consequence of their having done so, with -the utmost cruelty and contempt, styling them turn-coats, and doing all -in their power to render them wretched at the thoughts of what they had -done. - -Shortly afterwards, the companion of William Telford was publicly -executed, while he himself, from some unknown cause, was led back to his -old quarters in the Greyfriars' Church-yard. - -Months rolled on, and as the winter advanced the prisoners began to -experience the bad effects of their long exposure in the open air; -indeed, so sick and enfeebled did they become, that the public -authorities at once saw the necessity of adopting means for their -removal. A memorial to that effect was despatched to the King, who gave -orders that a ship should immediately be provided to transport the -prisoners to Barbadoes, where they were to be sold as slaves; yet so -little were His Majesty's orders obeyed in this respect, that it was the -fifteenth of November ere the captain declared the ship in readiness to -receive them. In order to get the prisoners removed to the ship without -the knowledge of their friends, they were conveyed away at an early hour -in the morning, and on their arrival on deck they were instantly stowed -away under the hatches, which were carefully chained and locked, in -order to prevent their escape. Twelve days was the ship detained in -Leith Roads, and during that time the poor men were treated with the -greatest inhumanity. - -The narrow space in which they were enclosed was scarcely of size -sufficient to contain a hundred men, and yet nearly thrice that number -were thrust in by their unfeeling jailors; men, regardless alike of the -safety and misery of those entrusted to their care. Several of the poor -fellows were so dreadfully ill, that their more robust companions were -obliged to stand upright, in order to afford their sick companions room -to stretch their tortured limbs. The prayers and entreaties addressed -to the captain by the almost stifled prisoners that some of their party -might be allowed to go upon deck, were for a long time unheeded, until -at length he was obliged, from the continued indisposition of the men, -to accede to their request. Accordingly, about fifty of the strongest -were removed to upper deck, where they soon recovered from the sad -effects of their late confinement. The weather hitherto had been -favourable for their voyage, but soon a succession of fearful storms -arose, and the ship seemed entirely at the mercy of the waves. On the -tenth of December the crew found themselves lying off Orkney, a coast -dreaded by sailors, on account of the stormy sea surrounding it. -Perceiving for the first time the full extent of their danger, the -captain, as the ship was already within reach of the shore, ordered the -sailors to cast anchor, which being done, they awaited with impatience -the abating of the storm. But towards evening the hurricane increased -in intensity, and about ten o'clock at night the sea, lashed into fury -by the terrific violence of the wind, forced the ill-fated ship from its -anchor, and dashed it in twain on the rocks. Hearing the dreadful crash, -the wretched prisoners, fearing shipwreck, implored to be put on shore, -wherever the captain pleased, but their request was denied; and the -sailors in terror and dismay tore down the mast, and laying it between -the vessel and the rocks, prepared to save themselves from impending -shipwreck. "My God," exclaimed William Telford, who was one of those -placed upon deck, horrified on seeing that the crew made no attempts to -open the hatches, which, chained and locked, confined the suffering -inmates in a living tomb, "are you going to leave your prisoners thus?" -At this instant a huge wave dashed over the ship, and overwhelming -several of the men exposed to its fury in its fearful embrace, consigned -them to a watery grave. "Men, fiends!" reiterated young Telford, making -frantic efforts to break open the hatches as he spoke, "there will be a -fearful reckoning to pay for this night's work." With shouts of -derisive laughter, the sailors crossed the prostrate mast, and reached -the shore in safety. Some of the poor fellows who imitated their -example were thrown back by them into the sea, but about forty, in spite -of all efforts made to destroy them, wore successful in their attempt. - -Perceiving the imminent danger in remaining where he was, William -Telford, having abandoned all hopes of freeing the prisoners, prepared -to follow his companions along the mast. On his reaching the beach, one -of the sailors strove to prevent his landing, but greatly his superior -in strength and agility, young Telford seized the ruffian by the throat, -and dashed him senseless on the ground. And now was accomplished one of -the most fearful tragedies ever recorded in history. The storm at this -moment seemed to have reached the climax of its fury; the thunder -rolled, and the blue lightning danced around the sinking vessel, while -foam crested waves rose mountains high, and then dashed with terrific -violence over her yielding spars. But louder than the crash of the -pealing thunder--far above the roaring of the mighty billows was heard -the death-wail of the wretched prisoners, as they sunk beneath the -heaving tallows; there to remain until that dread day when the murdered -and their murderers shall stand before the great white throne--when the -sea, at the command of its Creator, shall yield up the dead which have -slept for ages in its mighty depths. - -Months have elapsed since the fearful event we have just narrated took -place, and Jeanie Irving is once more seated by her father's fireside, -still pale and exhausted from the effects of her late severe illness. -She has heard of the fatal shipwreck--she knows that her lover is no -more, and has learned to say with resignation, "Not my will, but thine -be done!" It is Sunday evening, and the grey-haired father is seated at -the table with the Bible before him, from which he reads aloud words of -joy and consolation. It is the fourteenth chapter of John, and Jeanie, -her eyes filled with tears, is listening with breathless attention to -the beautiful words of inspiration, when a low tap at the door arrests -their attention. No answer is vouchsafed in return to the invitation to -enter, but a quick step is heard in the passage, it approaches nearer, -the door opens, and Jeanie Irving falls fainting into the arms of -William Telford. - -Now, added Mr. Anderson, at the conclusion of his story, you must not -imagine, although I have dwelt at a considerable length on the -sufferings causelessly inflicted on the Covenanters, that I altogether -take their part, far from it; as I think in some instances they were -much to blame. For instance, when they assembled together for the -purpose of having divine worship, instead of going quietly and -respectably with only their Bibles in their hands as beseemeth -Christians, there they were armed with swords and guns, only too ready -to use them should occasion require, that was entirely going against the -doctrine of St. Paul, who says, "For though we walk in the flesh, we do -not war after the flesh. (For the weapons of our warfare are not -carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.") -Why, if we were to assemble in that way now-a-days, singing psalms of -defiance in the glens, with fire-arms beside us, wouldn't the present -government be down upon us in no time? and quite right too, say I; for I -am quite of opinion they were as much to blame as the royalists, and if -they could, would have been quite as cruel. Look, for instance, at the -murder of Archbishop Sharpe, although there can be no doubt he was a -cruel, relentless foe to their cause, yet they should have respected his -grey hairs, and spared him at the request of his daughter. And, again, I -do not believe all the stories told in the Scotch Worthies, such as that -one of Peden and some of his friends being saved while on the moors, -just at the moment the dragoons were coming down upon them, by his -praying that a mist might surround them to the discomfiture of their -enemies, and that instantly, on his ceasing to pray, they were enveloped -in a fog. I do not mean to say that a mist did not conceal them from -their enemies, but that it was chance, and not a miracle, as they -pretended. For many a time, when on the heights myself, have I been -overtaken by these fogs, which come down so suddenly that there is no -escaping from them, and very disagreeable things they are when one is -far removed from a house of any kind, and there is not light sufficient -to guide one on one's way. - -"Ay, ay," said Mrs. Anderson, addressing her husband, "but for all that -ye say, Mr. Peden was a great prophet;" then turning towards me, she -continued. "when I was a little girl I resided for some time wi' a -farmer who lived on the celebrated farm of Wellwood, near Airdsmoss, and -used to hear a great deal about Mr. Peden. You must know that he is -buried at Cumnock. He was first interred in the Laird of Affleck's -aisle (Auchenleck), a mile distant, but was lifted, as he predicted, by -soldiers, and conveyed to the foot of Cumnock gallows, which stands near -the village. That spot soon came to be used as the public -burying-grouud, and, in my younger days, was a very pretty rustic -graveyard. But it is said that before his death, Peden stated that -after his second burial a _thorn bush_ should grow at his head, and an -_ash tree_ at his feet; and when the branches of each met, there should -be a bloody battle in Shankson wood (about a mile distant), where the -blood would be up to the horse's bridles. The thorn did grow, and is -there yet, I believe, and many slips have been taken from it by -strangers, but the ash is said to have been pulled up ere it was large -enough to touch the thorn, so the battle never took place. And I mind -weel o' a strange epitaph that was on an ancient tomb-stone beside -Peden's grave, which, if I remember rightly, was something like -this:--'Here lies David Dun and Simon Paterson, who _was_ shot in this -place for their adherence to the word of God and the covenanting work of -reformation, 1685,' (the black year.) There was also another stone, -just in front of Peden's grave, but I forget the precise words; they -ran, however, nearly as follows:-- - - 'Halt, passengers, and I will tell to thee - For what and how I here did dee, - For always in my station. - Adhering to the work of reformation, - I was in on time of prayer - By Douglas (Colonel) shot; - O, cruelty, ne'er to be forgot.' - -Now ye see," she continued, "there are no less than three poor men, -there may be more for all that I mind o', lying in Cumnock -burying-ground who were shot by the royalists, and I think, Willie," she -said, again addressing her husband, "seeing that your own forefathers -all fought in the good cause, you need'na say just sae much in favour o' -their adversaries." - -"Dear me," said Mr. Anderson, in reply to this rebuke, "I am not denying -that there were many cruel actions done in these sad times, but I am -just saying that I don't believe all the stories told in the Scots' -Worthies: do you imagine for one moment that I can credit that one about -open, open to the Duke o' Drumlanrig? No, nor any other sensible -person." - -"What one was that?" I inquired. - -"Oh, just some idle tale not worth repeating----" - -"Here it is; let the lady read it," interrupted Mrs. Anderson, taking as -she spoke a book from the shelf, which, after cleansing off a vast -accumulation of dust she handed to me, saying as she did so, "maybe it -is true, and maybe it is no, but the like o' us canna pretend to ken -onything about it." - -After a little research, in which I was aided by Mrs. Anderson's -directions, I at length came to the following:--"Concerning the death of -the Duke of Drumlanrig _alias_ Queensbury, we have this curious -relation--that a young man, perfectly well acquainted with the Duke, -(probably one of those he had formerly banished,) being now a sailor, -and in foreign countries, while the ship was upon the coast of Naples or -Sicily, near one of the burning mountains, one day espied a coach and -six all in black going towards the mount with great velocity; when it -passed them they were so near that they could perceive the dimensions -and features of one that sat in it. - -"The young man said to the others, 'If I could believe my own eyes, or -if ever I saw one like another, I would say, that is the Duke.' In an -instant they heard an audible voice echo from the mount, 'Open to the -Duke of Drumlanrig!' upon which the coach, now near the mount, -evanished. - -"The young man took pen and paper, and marked down the month, day, and -hour of the apparition; and upon his return, found it exactly answer the -day and hour the Duke died." - - - - - *THE LAIRD OF CULZEAN.* - - -"I think," said Mrs. Anderson, as she carefully restored the Scots' -Worthies to its late position on the book-shelf, "that whoever got the -disposal of the souls and bodies of these persecutors after their death -seems to have treated them wi' a' the respect becoming their high -station in this world, for it was always coaches and six, and coaches -and four that came for them. You see, it was a coach and six that came -for the Duke o' Drumlanrig, and there was the Laird of Culzean, a -wickeder old fellow never lived, and just the same kind o' thing -occurred at the time o' his death." - -"Tush, nonsense, wife," interrupted Mr. Anderson. - -"But it's no nonsense," rejoined the dame, "for my forefathers lived a -long time near Culzean Castle, and many and many a time have they told -me when a child of what was seen the night the Laird died; and as the -lady seems to wish to hear all she can about these things, I'll just -give her the account given me by my grandfather, who was as decent an -old man as ever lived, though I say it that shouldna' say it." - -Having expressed the pleasure I should feel in listening to her story, -Mrs. Anderson put away her sewing, and, resting her arms comfortably on -her knees, related the following wild tale, which, illustrating as it -does the strange superstitions of the times in which these men lived, I -here render as nearly as possible in the words of the narrator:-- - -The old Castle of Culzean, standing as it does on a rock rising two or -three hundred feet above the level of the sea, is probably one of the -finest marine seats in the kingdom. At the foot of the rock on which -the castle stands, there are some romantic caves, more familiarly known -as the "Fairy coves of Culzean." Many and many a night have I played -about there, when the setting sun caused the dancing waves to glitter -like gold, as they rippled over the pebbled beach towards the entrance -to the caves. It was said that King Robert Bruce and his followers took -refuge there, after landing from Arran, until all was in readiness for -their enterprise. They are also particularly mentioned by Burns in his -well-known "Hallowe'en." But still, for all that they were so -beautiful, there were few o' the country people that cared to venture -near them after it was dark, on account of the many strange things that -were said to have been done there during the time of the wicked Laird of -Culzean. Ay, but it was he that was the cruel man! It would make the -very hairs on your head stand on end could ye but hear tell of all the -cruelties he practised towards the Covenanters, while permitted to -remain on earth. Oh, dearie me, how people in these days could dare to -ask the Almighty's blessing on their dark deeds beats my comprehension -altogether; but now to begin wi' my tale:--In the parish of Kirkmichael -there lived an aged widow, called Mrs. M'Adam, who had an only son named -Gilbert; and a nice quiet young man he was, and greatly beloved of his -mother, for she was a lone woman, and had no one in the world to look to -but him; and well did he repay her affection, poor lad, for there was -nothing he thought too good for his mother. When these dreadful -religious disturbances broke out, like many other young men who were at -all given to think seriously about their spiritual welfare, Gilbert -M'Adam was a Covenanter; but he did not join the body, as numbers did, -merely for diversion, or from a hatred to the higher authorities, but -simply from a sincere belief in the soundness of their doctrine and -sympathy for their wrongs. His mother was also o' that way o' thinking, -and, being a godly living person, she was greatly respected in the -neighbourhood where she resided. Well, one wild stormy night, as Mrs. -M'Adam and her son were seated by the side of the kitchen fire, the door -opened and in entered their minister, a most worthy man, who had been -forced, like many others, to leave his church, and wander up and down -the country, teaching and ministering to the spiritual wants of his -people whenever an opportunity presented itself. Greeting them with the -blessing of peace, Mr. Weir--I think that was the minister's -name--proceeded to encumber himself of his dripping cloak, while Gilbert -flew to place a chair for him near the blazing hearth, and Mrs. M'Adam -proceeded to put on the table the best her store afforded, to succour -her esteemed guest. After having partaken of the eatables set before -him, Mr. Weir informed his kind entertainers that he intended holding a -prayer meeting on the following morning, in a retired glen near -Kirkmichael, where he expected a numerous attendance, as the inhabitants -of the surrounding districts had been apprized of his intention, and -expressed great joy at the intelligence, as they had lately been like -sheep without a shepherd. In reply to some anxious inquiries on the -part of Mrs. M'Adam, regarding the aspect of affairs throughout the -country. Mr. Weir informed her that as yet the hand of the smiter was -not stayed, but rather on the contrary, as their persecutors seemed more -than ever zealous in their bloody work; and that, in the course of his -wanderings in Dumfriesshire, many cruel murders had come under his -knowledge, two of which, from the melancholy circumstances attending -them, had made an indelible impression on his mind. At the request of -Mrs. M'Adam, Mr. Weir related the following:-- - -"Late one evening, during the month of last February, while an aged -woman of the name of Martin, who resides in the parish of Barr, was -sitting by her hearth conversing with her son David, and a young man -named Edward Kyan, who had but recently come from Galloway, a party of -dragoons, under the command of Lieutenant Douglas, surrounded the house. -Kyan, on being made aware of their approach, leaped through a side -window, and took refuge behind the wall of the cottage. But his retreat -being discovered by the soldiers, they dragged him forth into an -adjoining yard. After being asked where he lived, without any further -questions, or even being allowed to prepare for eternity, the said -lieutenant shot him through the head, and then discharging his other -pistol, shot him again as he lay on the ground quivering in the agonies -of death. Not contented with this, one of the dragoons, pretending he -was still alive, shot him again. After having glutted their vengeance -on this unfortunate youth--whose only crime was that of concealing -himself--the dragoons rushed into the house, and, bringing forth David -Martin, tore off his coat, and placed him beside the mangled body of his -friend. One of the soldiers more compassionate than the others, and -moved at the sight of the mother's tears, besought his officer to spare -him another day, and stepped in between the kneeling man and his -executioners, who stood with their pieces levelled, awaiting the signal -of destruction. After much entreaty, the lieutenant was prevailed upon -to spare his life; but so great was the terror of the poor man, that he -lost his reason, and is now a helpless bed-ridden maniac. And now," -continued Mr. Weir, "the other sad affair I am about to relate--the -particulars of which came under my own observation--will serve, in some -measure, to enlighten you as to the manner in which these cruel men -perform their bloody work:-- - -"In the course of the same month, I went with a friend, in whose house I -was then staying, to attend communion service in a secluded part of the -parish of Irongray. The morning was cold and damp, and a dull leaden -mist overshadowed the landscape, as if nature had donned her saddest -garments on this melancholy occasion--still the meeting was numerously -attended. It was indeed an impressive sight to witness these poor -people--many of whom seemed overcome with fatigue from the distance they -had travelled--assembled on this sequestered heath, to hear the word of -God, and partake of his blessed ordinance. - -"The service had just commenced, when the sentinels stationed on the -heights gave notice that a party of dragoons were approaching. - -"On receipt of this warning, the meeting instantly dispersed. Some fled -towards the banks of the Cairn, and others towards the moor of -Lochen-Kit, in the parish of Uir. Here the six poor men who suffered on -this occasion were captured by their pursuers. Four of them were shot -dead on the spot. The other two, whose names were Alexander M'Cubbin, -of the parish of Glencairn, and Edward Gordon, from Galloway, were taken -by the captain to the bridge of Orr, where the Laird of Lag was busily -employed in carrying on the work of persecution. Immediately on their -arrival, Lag wished to pass sentence of death upon them, because they -refused to swear; but the captain insisted that, as four of them had -been summarily despatched, an assize should be called to judge and -condemn them. Lag swore fiercely that he should call no assizes, still -the captain got the matter deferred till another day. On the following -morning they were conveyed to the parish of Irongray, by Lag and his -party, and hanged on an oak tree near the church of Irongray, at the -foot of which they lie interred. When about to suffer death, an -acquaintance of M'Cubin's inquired of him if he had any message to send -to his wife, upon which he answered, that he commended her and his two -children to the care of a merciful God; and, having bestowed his -forgiveness on the person employed to hang him, he, with his companion, -suffered death with much cheerfulness. - -"Immediately on the departure of the soldiers, the bodies of these -martyrs received Christian burial, and a simple stone was erected on the -solitary heath to mark the spot where they fell."[#] - - -[#] Epitaph upon a stone in a moor near Lochon-Kit, on the grave of John -Gordon, William Stuart, William Heron, and John Wallace, shot by Captain -Bruce:-- - -"Behold here in this Wilderness we lie, -Four Witnesses of hellish cruelty. -Our eyes and blood could not their ire assuage -But when we're dead they did against us rage, -That match the like we think ye scarcely can; -Except the Turks, or Duke de Alva's men." - -Epitaph on the grave-stone lying on Edward Gordon, and Alexander -M'Cubin, executed at the Church of Irongray, at the command of the laird -of Lag and Captain Bruce:-- - -"As Lag and bloody Bruce command, -We were hung up by hellish hand, -And thus their furious rage to stay, -We died at Kirk of Irongray. -Here now in peace sweet rest we take, -Once murder'd for religion's sake." - - - -"Puir murdered things," sobbed forth Mrs. M'Adam at the close of the -minister's narration, raising her handkerchief to her eyes as she spoke. -"Oh dear, dear! is'na it sad to think that religion, whilk ought to make -men sae peaceful and godly in their lives, should, in many cases, just -hae the contrary effect. See now at the present time, a' men are set by -the ears, and what is it all about?--a mere trifle--just a difference o' -opinion. How true are the words of Him that knew all things, 'I am come -not to bring peace on earth, but a sword!'" - -"Yes," was the reply, "but I am afraid religion is often made a cloak to -cover bitter feelings engendered by party strife. No one possessing the -meek Christian feeling of brotherly love and charity towards all men, -could thus wantonly imbrue his hands in the blood of a fellow-creature." - -"'Deed no, Mr. Weir, you say very true; they are no' the richt sort o' -Christians who delight in bloodshed and warfare; a wheen apostates are -they; wolves in sheep's clothing, whom we are expressly warned -against----" - -Here Gilbert, who knew from experience that whenever his mother got upon -these topics she could continue, without pausing to draw her breath, -until pretty near midnight, suggested to her the propriety of Mr. Weir -retiring early to rest, as he would need to rise betimes in the -following morning. The worthy minister, homeless and ill-provided for -as he was, accepted with gratitude the humble accommodation offered to -him by the poor but hospitable widow, and shortly afterwards withdrew to -his sleeping apartment. By the early hour of six o'clock, Mr. Weir, -accompanied by Mrs. M'Adam and her son, was on his way to the place of -meeting. The morning was fine, and a numerous concourse of people, many -of whom had come from a great distance, were assembled to hear their -beloved Clergyman. The incense of praise had been offered up, and Mr. -Weir was about to commence his sermon, when a party of soldiers appeared -in sight. These proved to be a body of militia, under the command of -Sir Archibald Kennedy of Culzean, then scouring the country in search of -prey. Mr. Weir on perceiving their approach, closed his Bible, and -exhorting his hearers to remain quietly in their seats, went forward to -meet the hostile band. - -"Why come ye thus to interrupt us in our devotions?" he inquired, when -the rapid advance of the soldiers brought them within hearing. - -"You shall soon see that, you old canting hypocrite," thundered forth -Sir Archibald Kennedy in his fiercest tones. "I'll teach you to come -here with your psalm-singing, dismal faced companions. Come, be off -with you, or I will this instant send a brace of bullets through that -thick head-piece of yours!" - -"Not at thy command, thou man of Belial," said Mr. Weir, "shall I -abandon my post in the hour of danger! These are the souls the Lord -hath committed to my charge, and woe be unto me or any other of my -brethren who shall neglect their sacred trust----" - -"Cease your prating, you old dotard: soldiers, do your duty;" so saying, -the fiery leader wheeled his horse round, and stood with his back -purposely placed towards Mr. Weir, who, seizing him by the arm, -exclaimed, "Do unto me even as ye list, but let these go their way. Oh, -slay them not!" - -"Men, do your duty!" was the only answer vouchsafed to this request; and -Sir Archibald Kennedy, as if to set an example to his followers, drew -his sword from its scabbard, and advanced towards the Covenanters, who, -in accordance with their minister's wishes, had remained quietly seated, -awaiting the issue in breathless suspense. - -"Fly, my children, fly!" cried Mr. Weir, perceiving that offensive -measures were about to be taken by the soldiers. "Oh God! it is too -late," he exclaimed, as the blood-thirsty men rushed eagerly on the -helpless group; and covering his face with his hands, to shut out the -bloody scene about to ensue, he remained for a few moments motionless as -a statue, while his lips moved, as though he was engaged in prayer. - -In the meantime, Gilbert M'Adam, armed with a stout walking-stick, -prepared to defend his aged mother, who clung to his arm in an agony of -terror; but just as he raised it to ward off a blow from the butt-end of -a musket, it was stricken from his grasp, and he was left at the mercy -of his foe. Fortunately for his safety, a man stationed near him that -instant darted on the soldier, and wrenched the gun out of his hand, -which went off in the struggle, wounding a woman standing near the -combatants. Perceiving the folly of attempting self-defence, Gilbert -M'Adam seized his mother in his arms, and, making his way out of the -affray, ran hastily towards a hill, situated a little way off. He had -gained the foot of the eminence, when the clatter of a horse's feet -behind them causing the young man to turn round, a pistol bullet, -discharged by the advancing horseman, entered his brain, and Gilbert -M'Adam fell dead at his mother's feet. With a loud laugh of insolent -triumph, Sir Archibald Kennedy--for it was he who fired the deadly -shot--was about to return to the scene of action, when, with a scream -that in its agony resembled nothing earthly, the frenzied mother, with a -strength almost supernatural, seized the horse's bridle, and compelled -him to remain stationary, while she burst forth thus:-- - -"Hence to your stronghold, you cruel bird of prey! Back to your proud -towers, ye accursed of the Lord! but think not, in the pride of your -heart, that this day's work will pass unavenged, for a day of -retribution awaits you. In the silence of the night, when the meanest -hind in the land is locked in slumber, shall a mother's curse ring in -your ears till ye madden at the thought. From this day henceforward -life shall be a burden to you: then--then, when the hour of death -approaches, shall your horrors be redoubled ten-fold. No priest will be -able to quench the ceaseless flames which burn in your bosom, and no -words of affection soothe your dying pillow; for the torments of a lost -soul will be yours, and in your last moments let the thoughts of this -day's work add another drop to your cup of misery." - -[Illustration: "Having given vent to these terrible maledictions, Mrs -M'Adam withdrew her hand from the horse's bridle, and motioning Sir -Archbald Kennedy to begone, threw himself sobbing and screaming on the -corpse of her son."] - -Having given vent to these terrible maledictions, Mrs. M'Adam withdrew -her hand from the horse's bridle, and motioning Sir Archibald Kennedy to -begone, threw herself sobbing and screaming on the corpse of her son. -It was noticed by many then present that Sir Archibald looked scared and -discomposed on his return to join his men; and that, contrary to his -general mode of acting, he contented himself with taking a few -prisoners, and rode off at a much slower and more thoughtful pace, than -was his wont. Well, the persecuting work went on with unabated zeal, -and Sir Archibald Kennedy, or, as he was more commonly styled, the Laird -o' Culzean, was a noted man among them all. Wherever blood was to be -shed, there was the Laird, grim and dark, wi' the marks o' an evil -conscience on his face. (Some people said that the older he got, the -more crimes he committed, just to drown his remorse for some cruel deeds -he had done in his youth; but if that was the case, it was a queer way -he took to do it, for as the old proverb has it, "every single stick -adds to a burden.") Although the Laird was, to all outward appearances, -as bold and daring like as ever, yet the servants about the house said -it was a very different thing wi' him when alone; for many and many a -time in the long winter nights, did they see him pacing up and down his -hall, as if he would fain, by the loudness of his step, drown the voice -of conscience within; and often, when the wind rose louder than usual, -and moaned and shrieked through the passages, he would start hastily -from his seat and demand in a furious tone what woman it was who dared -to scream so within the walls o' Culzean Castle. These are the kind o' -things his servants told about him, so my grandfather said; but whether -they were true or false, I canna pretend to say. Well, time rolled on, -and the decree was sent forth that the wicked Laird o' Culzean must -prepare to meet his Maker--a summons which the now aged persecutor -seemed in no way anxious to obey, for them that were near him declared -that he threatened to knock off the doctors' heads, because they couldna -promise him that he should get better. The people who went about his -room at that time, recalled to mind the curse of the bereaved widow, -for, somehow or another, the story had got about, and many wondered when -it came to the push, how the Laird would meet his end. Sir Archibald, -as Mrs. M'Adam prophesied, seemed in his last moments to derive comfort -from nothing. In vain the physicians exercised their skill to the -utmost; in vain the attendant clergymen whispered words of consolation -and hope, he scorned them all, and drove them from the room because they -could not quench the flames which burned in his breast. (You see the -widow's curse was beginning to work.) As the hour of death approached -his agony was fearful. The drops of perspiration stood like beads on -his brow; and his eyes which seemed like to start from their sockets wi' -mortal agony, were fixed wi' a horrible stare on the foot o' his bed. -Some who were present at that time said they were convinced that -something, not meant for other e'en to see, was standing there, for -every now and again he pointed wi' his finger and laughed; but the laugh -was like that o' ane in despair. At length he died, and the night o' -his death was one of the most fearful that ever occurred in the memory -of man. The wind roared round the castle wi' a force that threathened -to lay it in ruins; while the thunder rolled, and the lightning flashed -in a manner awful to witness. The servants always maintained that the -powers of darkness were let loose that night; for at the moment the -Laird died, such shrieks of laughter, mingled with wild screams of -agony, rang through the whole house, that overwhelmed with fear, they -fell on their knees and prayed for protection against the horrors which -surrounded them. Then came the day of his funeral; and, by all -accounts, sair, sair work they had to get the hearse from the door. -First there were four white horses put to the bier; but no sooner were -they yoked-to, than one of them fell dead on the spot, and the others -kicked and plunged so, they had to be taken out. Then four black ones -were put in their place; but still they wadna go, until the coffin was -taken from the hearse, and the priest muttered some prayers over it. -Then, when they had proceeded a few steps wi' their burden, a dreadful -tempest of thunder arose to the terror and amazement of all -present--many of whom talked of returning; but the storm having now -ceased, they were dissuaded from doing so. However, on nearing the -place of interment, it again burst forth in such a fearful manner that -the flashes of fire seemed to run along the coffin. Owing to the -extreme lightness of the bier after this terrific outburst of the -elements, it was conjectured, either that the body had been consumed by -the lightning, or that it had been taken away by the master whom the -Laird served so well while on earth, from among their hands, ere ever -they got to the church-yard. - -But now I must tell you o' what took place on the night o' the Laird's -death, to the great horror of a ship's crew who chanced to be at sea. -Just as they were sailing past the coves of Culzean, the fearful -tempest, I mentioned before, arose, and the ship was tossed by the waves -in such a manner, that the sailors gave themselves up for lost. Well, -in the very midst of this awful turmoil o' the elements, when even the -mightiest vessel was in danger of perishing, the man at the helm cried -aloud, "a boat, a boat!" - -"Nonsense," replied the Captain, "what boat could live in a night like -this?" - -Just as they were speaking, a fearful flash of lightning lit up the -darkness, thereby permitting the terror-stricken crew to perceive a -coach and four coming along the sea. Again the blue lightning flew down -the mast, while onward pranced the horses, whose black plumes waved, as -the ghastly-looking driver urged them onwards. The hair of each -individual sailor stood on end as he gazed on the appalling sight; when, -just as they were passing the side of the vessel, the Captain hailed the -spectral-looking coachman with, "From whence to were?" - -And the answer was, "From h--ll to Culzean's burial!" - -"Well done," said Mr. Anderson, at the close of this harrowing -narration; "this is indeed a most probable story, and quite in keeping -with 'open, open to the Duke of Drumlanrig.' Surely," he added more -seriously, "you do not believe any such nonsense?" - -"Never you mind whether I do or not," replied Mrs. Anderson, evidently -enjoying her husband's look of astonishment; "but just go your ways to -that small drawer on the left there, and bring me the little box tied -round wi' red tape, which you will find in the farthest back corner." - -Mr. Anderson, in obedience to his wife's request, proceeded to the -drawer, and in a few seconds placed in her hands the wished-for article. - -After fumbling for a short space of time amongst its varied contents, -Mrs. Anderson succeeded in fishing out, from its mysterious depths, a -sheet of paper carefully folded up, which she opened and placed in my -hands, saying, "there now, that was written by a friend of mine while -studying at the College of Edinburgh." Glancing my eyes over the -verses, I perceived that they bore immediate reference to the legend -Mrs. A. had just been narrating, and so wrote them down, as an -appropriate finish to the Legend of Culzean:-- - - THE LAIRD OF CULZEAN. - - Around Culzean Castle the wild winds did howl, - And the trees bent like leaves to the blast; - Whilst the heavens looked black with an angry scowl, - The wild clouds were careering on fast. - - Dark, dark was that night, and yet darker the hour - When Culzean's lord did yield up his breath; - You'd have thought that the fiends of hell had power - To preside o'er the wizard's death! - - The thunder roll'd loud, while the lightning flashed, - And by tempest the Castle was shook; - Wild shrieks of despair echo'd loud in the blast, - And from fear none dared upward to look. - - The dying man toss'd, and oft did he turn, - But for him was no rest or sleep; - Fierce flames of remorse in his breast did burn, - And his curses were loud and deep. - - When reverend fathers sought to cheer, - And smooth down the way to heaven, - He mocked them all with a taunt and jeer; - They from the room were driven. - - He died--though for him the black banner wav'd - And nodded the sable plume; - By no rich nor poor was a blessing craved - For him who that night met his doom. - - * * * * * - - The wild winds rag'd and the lightnings flashed, - While the sea ran mountains high; - And the good ship's crew all stood aghast - As they gaz'd on the stormy sky. - - "Haste haste, my men," the bold Captain cried, - "Haste, haste! make no delay! - We'll bravely steer through the foaming tide, - And trust in God our stay." - - The death lights do burn this night in Culzean, - The old lord is dead at last; - And the powers of darkness are there I ween. - Careering on the blast! - - With a crash the thunder o'er them peal'd, - And its harsh and sullen roar; - Though to fear the sailors hearts were steel'd, - Caus'd them tremble more and more. - - "A boat! a boat!" the steersman cried, - "I see by the flashes bright." - "NO BOAT," the Captain quick replied, - "Could live on this awful night!" - - Then the heavens burst, and a flood of light - Lit up all with its ghastly glare; - And the ship's crew gaz'd on a fearful sight, - For a funeral train was there! - - Four coal-black horses drew each coach, - And they pranced upon the sea; - As each driver caus'd them swift approach, - What a ghastly look had he! - - Soon as they reach'd the vessel's side, - That awful train funereal, - "FROM WHENCE--to where?" the Captain cried - "From H--ll to Culzean's burial!" - - - - - *PEDEN'S STONE.* - - -Having been informed that a stone, familiarly known throughout the -country as "Peden's Stone," from the fact that that prime favourite of -the Scottish peasantry used there to delight his hearers with his -eloquence, was still to be seen on the moor, I determined upon paying a -visit to this sequestered spot. It was on a lovely morning in the month -of September that I started on my expedition. The sun was shining -brightly, and the air was of that exhilarating nature which blends the -softness of summer with the least possible tinge of autumn coolness. -The Robin red-breast, sole remaining songster of the grove, poured its -gushing notes of melody from hedge-row and tree, while, with each motion -of the breeze, the now yellow leaves fell trembling on my path. - -The reapers, in many places, were yet busy in the fields--the harvest -being generally late in this part of Scotland--and their merry bursts of -laughter sounded gaily from amid the fields of waving corn. My way -again lay through H---- village, near the entrance of which, on -precisely the same spot as formerly, stood the previously mentioned -pleasant-looking dame, but not alone. Two little olive branches clung -for protection to the parent stem, in a manner beautiful to witness. I -could not resist a smile as my quondam acquaintance came forward with -outstretched hand, exclaiming, while a broad laugh sat upon her honest -features, "Losh me, isn't it funny we twa should always foregather on -the same bit?" - -"Indeed it is!" was the reply. - -"And you are still gaun about here?" - -"Yes; and picking up all the information I can get about the -Covenanters." - -"Oh, mam!" was the pathetic response, "had my brother only been -living!--but that's by; eh sirs me, but that makes an unco difference -wi' us a'! And where may ye be gaun the day?" - -"To visit Peden's Stone; likewise to call on a Mr. Brown, who, I -understand, is able to give me some information regarding it." - -"Peden's Stone," re-echoed Mrs. Black--such she afterwards informed me -was her designation--"a weel, mam, it's just up by there, an' a solitary -bit it is. Many a one has gone to visit Peden's Stone. There's my -daughter; a few weeks ago she was spending the day with some friends -that live near there, and they took her away to see it. On her return -home, she says to me, 'Oh, mother! just to think o' my being twenty -years old, and never to have been at Peden's Stone afore.' 'Hoots, -lassie!' says I, 'I'm a hantle mair than that, and I have never seen it! -ha, ha, ha!' And so you're going to Sandy Brown's to get information; -weel I'll no say but he'll be able to tell you something canny, for -folks say that he speaks like ony minister. Aweel, aweel, I mind the -day when I could have told you lots o' stories mysel'; but that's a' by! -And you're rale ta'en up about the Covenanters, are you?" demanded the -loquacious dame, and, without waiting for an answer, away she went on. -"Ay, weel, so was I at ae time o' my life; for when I was at the -sewing-school in Strathaven, I was rale anxious to see Loudon hill--may -be you'll ken Loudon hill, where the battle o' Drumclog was fought? Ay, -I thought sae; it's a queer-looking place, I fancy, and I was many a -time going to see it, but I never could win, and the time just gaed by. -Losh me, but there was a curious story told about that hill--a most -ex-tre-orner thing indeed; for, when I was at the sewing-school, many -and many a time ha'e I heard tell o' a heap o' siller being buried -there; and when any person went to dig it up, an awful voice ahint them -cried--'Clog's in a low!' and on their turning round to see what was -wrong, the sight o' a great bull rushing at them gar'd them rin, and the -hole instantly closed, so that they couldna win at it again. But maybe -you'll think that's a lee; and I wadna say but it is." - -"Is it true," I inquired, "that your brother, who lives near here, has a -sword that belonged to Captain Paton?" - -"He has that, he has that! but stop noo, I'm foolish to say sae"--here -Mrs. Black put her finger into her mouth and appeared to reflect a -little--"Did you say Captain Paton?" - -"Yes." - -"Weel, I'm no sae sure about that; but I ken brawly he has an '_Andrew -Ferrara_' that belonged to some o' thae fechting folk. However, ye -should just gang and ask him about it, he'll be blythe to see ye, and -I'll show ye a heap o' curiosities, for he is rale ta'en up about -auld-fashioned things. And ye can just say I sent ye." - -Thanking Mrs. Black for her instructions, I proceeded towards the house -indicated, and Mr. Graham being within, I was ushered into a room, where -a huge sword lay upon the table. From its appearance, I should have -judged it rather to be a relic of the forty-five than of the days of -persecution. Mr. Graham, in answer to my inquiries, stated that it was -said to have been one of Captain Paton's swords, but that he could not -give me any true account of it, as it had formerly belonged to his -brother, and at his death came into the hands of its present possessor. -Amongst other curiosities, Mr. G. produced two coins of the reign of -David the First, which had been found with a great many more at the foot -of a hill, about a mile or two on the moor at the back of his house. -The tradition told concerning them in the neighbourhood is, that a man, -whose Christian name was Tom, while returning at that remote period of -time from a marriage party, missed his footing, and fell over a quarry -which lay in his path, and was killed on the spot, the money falling out -of his pocket during his too rapid descent. In consequence of this sad -disaster, the spot is known as "Tam's leap" to this day. - -While speaking about the persecuting times Mr. Graham informed me that a -particular part of the moor was known by the name of the "Headless -Cross," and that the circumstance which gave rise to its singular -designation was this:--A persecutor of that name, who had rendered -himself particularly obnoxious to the Covenanting party, on account of -his many cruelties, took refuge from their anger in this part of the -moor. The Covenanters, having been apprised of his whereabouts, set off -instantly in pursuit of their intended victim. On arriving at the place -where they expected to find their enemy, their astonishment may be -conceived on seeing him without his head! It appeared that the -unfortunate man had fallen into the hands of another hostile party, who, -depriving him of his head, rendered him in truth a "Headless Cross." A -large stone, likewise on the moor, familiarly known as "Pack Stone," was -said to have been thrown down there by the celebrated wizard, Michael -Scott, when in4 company with his Satanic majesty. These worthies, it is -believed, were employed in carrying stones suitable for the erection of -a bridge over the Firth of Forth. During this benevolent employment, a -dispute took place between them--words ran high; and Michael Scott, in a -fit of rage, threw down the stone then borne on his back, declaring that -not one foot further should he carry it. How the quarrel ended is not -related; but the stone, which is of an immense size, still remains in -confirmation of the truth of this legend. The most probable version of -the story is, that there the wearied pedlar used to rest with his pack -while journeying between Glasgow and Edinburgh, as the wheel tracts of -the old Glasgow Road are still visible near the spot. - -After a minute inspection of Mr. Graham's little museum, I set off to -visit Mr. Brown. The farm towards which I directed my steps was -prettily situated near a "gleaming wood," the trees of which, now clad -in autumn's russet brown, peacefully waved over the cottage roof, before -the grateful breeze, as it sped along the moor on its trackless way; -while a few plants of Indian cress, trained up against the wall evinced -a greater predilection for neatness than is generally to be seen in the -farm-houses of Scotland. A cleanly-dressed, pleasant-looking -woman--whom I afterwards ascertained to be Mrs. Brown--was standing near -the entrance; and on my inquiring if Mr. Brown was within, she invited -me to take a seat, as he was in the fields, and should be in presently. -Availing myself of the kind invitation, I entered, and taking possession -of the proffered chair, I amused myself with inspecting the cottage -interior, until the arrival of Mr. Brown. It presented the nicest -little picture of a moorland farm I had ever seen. Rows of -nicely-cleaned dishes, bright pewter plates, and spotless chairs, all -indicated the careful housewife. - -In a few minutes Mr. Brown entered; and on my informing him of the -nature of my visit, he said, with a smile, that he did know a little -regarding these times, and should only be too happy were it in his power -to give me any information that might chance to be of service. This was -encouraging, so I at once began the conversation by remarking, "that -this seemed to have been a great part of the country for the Covenanters -in former times." Upon which he replied that it was, more particularly -the west end of the parish, where Peden and Cargill used to preach, -adding, "I suppose you have seen Peden's Stone?" On my informing him -that I was then on my way to visit it, he said it was not above a mile -distant. - -On my inquiring if there had been many conventicles held about there, -Mr. Brown informed me of several, more particularly mentioning one held -near Bathgate, where a Mr. Riddel officiated. There was a large -assemblage present, and just as they were in the middle of their -devotions the cry arose that the dragoons were upon them. The soldiers, -however, not making their appearance, the Covenanters thought it had -been a false alarm, and continued their religious exercises in fancied -security. Scarcely had a few minutes elapsed ere a large party of -red-coats, under the command of Lieutenant Inglis, then stationed at -Mid-Calder, galloped swiftly up to the place of meeting. On perceiving -their approach, many of the Covenanters fled through a moss where no -horse could follow. But not to be outwitted, the soldiers remained on -the opposite side, and fired promiscuously amongst the helpless group, -thereby wounding many. One of their bullets pierced the head of an -heritor in the parish of Bathgate, named John Davie, and killed him on -the spot. Then they carried a great many men and women as prisoners, -with an immense quantity of booty, back with them to Mid-Calder, the -same as if they had been attacking a foreign enemy, and not men born on -British soil. - -"Oh, dear me! but the Covenanters were hardly used in these times--were -they not, mam?" inquired Mrs. Brown, appealing directly to me, "for you -see, a very great number of those who suffered were poor bits o' -innocent creatures who had neither the power nor the inclination to do -harm to any one. And the power with which Dalziel, Claverhouse, and -many others of these cruel men were invested was really dreadful. No -person was safe while in their hands. There are men who think that some -of the Covenanters were too strict in their opinions, still, as I have -often read, it was then that Scotland earned for herself a distinguished -name; for at the King's return, every parish had a minister, every -village had a school, every family almost had a Bible, and all children -of age could read. Now, that was just as it should be." - -"I fancy you will have heard all about the murder of Kennoway and -Stuart, two of the lifeguard's-men, at Swine Abbey, just down by -yonder?" inquired Mr. Brown, at the conclusion of his wife's remarks. - -I replied "that I had heard it slightly mentioned, and should be very -glad to hear a more lengthened account of the affair," upon which he -commenced thus:-- - -"About Stuart very little or nothing is known, but Kennoway was -universally detested on account of his horrid cruelties and shameless -exactions from poor people who could but ill afford to pay his unjust -demands. Kennoway had displayed great activity under General Dalziel at -Pentland, and he it was who captured that zealous preacher Hugh M'Kail, -who was executed at the cross of Edinburgh in the twenty-sixth year of -his age. He likewise surprised numerous conventicles, and treated the -Covenanters with great barbarity. On one occasion he attacked a party -of unarmed people who were quietly hearing sermon in a field near -East-Calder, and shot one through the leg, beating and robbing several -others. At the meeting which took place near Bathgate, his was the hand -that shot John Davie; in short, so zealous did he show himself in the -cause of persecution that the government showed him great favour, and -gave him several commissions to execute. Each day he scoured the -country in search of prey, and those unfortunate enough to fell into his -hands were treated with such brutality that several people went into -Edinburgh to complain to the General of his cruelty. On receipt of a -letter from his superior officer threatening him with punishment for his -illegal acts, he forced an aged man, whom he had abused most shamefully, -under pain of death, to sign a paper, stating that Thomas Kennoway had -never injured him in any way whatever. Being greatly addicted to -liquor, he would remain for days at the public-house, called Swine -Abbey, indulging his evil propensity until all the money he had was -spent. On one occasion having imbibed more than he had money to pay -for, and the landlord pressing him for a settlement, he went out to the -road, along which an old man was coming with a heavy load of oats on his -back. Kennoway at once seized on the bag, and threatening the bearer -with all manner of punishments if he dared to look after his property, -returned to Swine Abbey, and discharged his bill with part of the -proceeds, reserving the remainder for the further indulgence of his -favourite vice. In the month of November he went into Edinburgh, from -whence he returned bearing with him a roll which contained the names of -one hundred and fifty persons he was commissioned to apprehend. On -alighting at Livingstone he encountered his ill-fated companion, Stuart, -to whom he displayed the roll, boasting that in a few days he should be -as rich as any laird in the country. On their way to Swine Abbey, he -pointed out to Stuart the lands he meant to possess. Arriving there, -they commenced drinking, and continued doing so until pretty near the -end of the month, when they were killed one night as they were leaving -the house. Some thought they had been slain in self-defence, but it was -generally supposed that, roused to madness by the continued persecutions -of Kennoway, a party of people in the neighbourhood had planned his -destruction. So violent were many of the blows exchanged on this -occasion that the stone above the door was almost cleft in twain. I -have heard it said," continued Mr. Brown, "that one or two persons -suspected of having had a hand in the murder were openly rebuked by -others of the Covenanting body, for thus having sent a man laden with -such crimes into the presence of his Maker without one moment's warning, -when long years of penitence would scarce suffice to atone for the evil -he had wrought." - -"It was a cruel deed," I said in reply to Mr. Brown's inquiry as to what -I thought of the affair, "and one of those blameable acts on the part of -some of the Covenanters which made their enemies say that a suitable -opportunity would have found them only too ready to shed blood." - -"Oh, no," was the reply; "that would never have been the case! The -thoughts of the Covenanters did not dwell much on the shedding of blood; -but rather on the restoration of their rights. No doubt, as there are -good and bad in every class, so the Covenanters were not exempted from -the rest in this respect; but had amongst them men who thought it no sin -to pour forth the blood of the wicked. But still, as a whole, they were -a harmless suffering body of Christians." - -"Don't you think, mam," said Mrs. Brown, "that some of the clergy did -not conduct themselves altogether with the meek Christian spirit -becoming their high vocation? for I have often heard it said that, had -they evinced a more forbearing disposition towards those--whose only -fault consisted in their preferring to hear their own ministers--things -would not have gone so hard with the Covenanters. Now, for instance, -take Mr. Honeyman, who was at that time curate in Livingstone; what kind -of example did he set those who were neither so learned, nor pretended -to be so good as himself? one which no real Christian would ever seek to -follow." - -"Did you ever hear," inquired her husband, "an account of the manner in -which he treated some of his parishioners who came to him for assistance -in the time of their distress?" - -Replying in the negative, Mr. Brown related the following:--"Mr. -Honeyman, the then curate in Livingstone, was in truth a terrible -scourge to those of his hearers who did not attend his meetings as he -could have wished. Whenever any of his flock came under his -displeasure, away went an order to Bathgate, and out came, in return, a -troop of dragoons, who apprehended all marked down in the curate's black -book, as it was styled. The parishes of Livingstone, Calder, Carnwath, -and several others, were diligently ransacked by these men; and many -remarkable instances occurred in which the Lord heard the prayers of the -oppressed, and delivered them from their persecutors. I have heard tell -of one young man who escaped from among their hands, for whose -apprehension Honeyman had offered a large sum of money. Well, amongst -others upon whom Mr. Honeyman sent down the soldiers, the Russels of -Fallhouse--whose descendants are still living there--were particularly -mentioned in the black book as being worthy of stripes. Fortunately, -their horses contented the fierce Highlanders, and they themselves were -uninjured. In great distress at the loss of their valuable cattle, the -Russels came to Mr. Honeyman, who was their minister--indeed one of them -was an elder in his congregation--and besought his interference in their -behalf. At first, Mr. Honeyman abused and threatened them most -dreadfully for their not appearing at courts, or taking the oath, -thereby setting such a bad example to others. The suppliants bore this -tirade with great patience; but insisted that he should use his -influence for the recovery of their property. After a little while he -appeared to yield, and wrote a letter to the commander of the forces -stationed at Lanark, which, he gave to them, desiring that they should -themselves deliver it. Overjoyed at having succeeded so well with their -minister, the Russels set off immediately for Lanark; but, on arriving -at Carluke, they chanced to encounter some acquaintances, and adjourned -with them to a public-house, in order to procure some refreshment. -Having informed their friends of the nature of their errand, these men, -being rather suspicious as to the good intentions of Mr. Honeyman, -advised the Russels, before proceeding farther, to open the letter. -They did so, and found to their consternation, that instead of -containing what they expected, namely, an order for the restoration of -their horses, it was an injunction to the General to hold the bearers -fast, as being two notorious rebels, from whom all that was taken was -too little. In a mighty rage against their perfidious minister, and yet -thankful to Providence that they had escaped his snare, the Russels -speedily returned home, nor did they ever again enter Curate Honeyman's -church, except on compulsion." - -"Eh, dear!" exclaimed Mrs. Brown at the conclusion of this amusing -anecdote, "wasna that an unco like thing for any minister to do, more -especially one living in a Christian country; but 'deed these werena' -Christian times, so that they may serve as some excuse for the man!" - -"By all accounts, the district about Linlithgow seems to have been a -great part of the country for conventicles," said I, addressing Mr. -Brown, who replied--"Ay, but Linlithgow itself hadna much to boast of in -these days; that was indeed a sad falling away!" - -"How?" I inquired; "what occurred to distinguish Linlithgow from the -other parts of Scotland?" - -"What!" exclaimed Mr. Brown, staring at me in amazement, "have you never -heard of the disgraceful ceremony of the burning of the Solemn League -and Covenant which took place within its walls on the 29th of May, 1661, -it being the anniversary of King Charles the Second's birth-day?" - -"Never," I replied; upon which Mrs. Brown at once proceeded to the -book-shelf, and taking from thence a little old book, she placed it in -my hands, saying, "there now, mam; read the two last pages of this work, -and see if you can approve of that proceeding." - -The book was entitled, "A Cloud of Witnesses for the Royal Prerogatives -of Jesus Christ." And turning over to the part indicated, the following -description of the affair mentioned by Mr. Brown met my gaze. It was -headed, "A Dismal Account of the form of Burning the Solemn League and -National Covenant with God and one another, at Linlithgow, May 29th, -1661, being the Birth-day of King Charles the Second," and ran as -follows:-- - -"Divine service being ended, the streets were so filled with bonfires on -every side, that it was not without hazard to go along them. The -magistrates about four o'clock in the afternoon went to the Earl of -Linlithgow's lodging, inviting his Lordship to honour them with his -presence at the solemnity of the day. So he came with the magistrates, -accompanied by many gentleman, to the market-place, where a table was -covered with confections. Then the curate met them, and prayed, and -sang a psalm, and so eating some of the confections, they threw the rest -among the people; the fountain all that time running French and Spanish -wine of divers colours, and continued running for three or four hours. -The Earl, the magistrates, and gentlemen, did drink the King and Queen -their good health, and all royal healths, not forgetting His Majesty's -Commissioner his health, Lord Middleton, and breaking several baskets -full of glasses. At the market-place was erected an arch standing upon -four pillars, on the one side whereof was placed a statue in form of an -old hag mare, having the Covenant in her bands, with this -superscription, 'A Glorious Reformation;' on the other side was placed a -statue in form of a whiggie mare, having the Remonstrance in her hands, -with this superscription, 'No Association with Malignants;' within the -arch, on the right hand, was drawn a Committee of Estates, with this -superscription, 'An Act for delivering up the King;' upon the left hand -was drawn the Commission of the Kirk, with this superscription, 'A -Commission of the Kirk, and Committee of Estates, and Act of the West -Kirk of Edinburgh;' and upon the top of the arch stood the devil as an -angel of light, with this superscription, 'Stand to the Cause;' and on -the top of the arch hung a tablet with this-- - - 'From Covenantors, with their uplifted hands; - From Remonstrators, with their associate bands; - From such Committees as govern this nation; - From Kirk Commissions, and from their possession. - Good Lord deliver us.' - - -"On the pillar of the arch, beneath the Covenants, were drawn -kirk-stools, rocks, and reels; upon the pillar, beneath the -Remonstrance, were drawn brechams, cogs, and spoons; on the back of the -arch was drawn a picture of rebellion in a religious habit, with turned -up eyes and with a fanatic gesture, and in its right hand holding _Lex -Rex_, that infamous book maintaining defensive arms, and in the left -hand holding that pitiful pamphlet, 'The Causes of God's Wrath,' and -about its waste lying all the Acts of Parliament, Committee of Estates, -and Acts of General Assemblies, and Commissions of the Kirk, their -Protestations and Declarations during these twenty-two years' -rebellion,' and above with this superscription, 'Rebellion is as the Sin -of Witchcraft.' Then, at the drinking of the King's health, fire was -put to the frame, which gave many fine reports, and soon burnt all to -ashes; which being consumed, there suddenly appeared a table supported -by two angels, carrying this superscription-- - - 'Great Britain's Monarch on this day was born, - And to his kingdom happily restored; - His Queen's arrived, the matter now is known. - Let us rejoice, this day is from the Lord: - Flee hence all traitors that did mar our peace; - Flee hence all schismatics who our church did rent; - Flee hence Covenanting, Remonstrating race; - Let us rejoice that God this day hath sent.' - - -"Then the magistrates accompanied the noble Earl to his palace, where -the said Earl had a bonfire very magnificent. Then the Earl and -magistrates, and all the rest, did drink the King and Queen and all -royal healths; then the magistrates made procession through the burgh, -and saluted every man of account, and so they spent the day rejoicing in -their labour." - -"Surely," I said, after having perused the above account, "the people of -Linlithgow were anything but friends to the cause of the Covenant." - -"That they were not," replied Mrs. Brown; "but is it not an -extraordinary thing that, some years afterwards, Linlithgow should lose -its liberties as a burgh, entirely on account of some of the poor -prisoners, while passing through the town on their way from Bothwell to -Edinburgh, having been treated with some degree of kindness by the more -tender-hearted portion of its inhabitants." - -"That was indeed very cruel." - -"It was that, mam," replied Mr. Brown, "and just shows the terrible -degree of animosity entertained by the government towards the -Covenanting party and all inclined to be friendly to it, which is not a -thing to be admired." - -"Ay, you see," replied her husband, "the Presbyterians made themselves -enemies among the great of the land, and there's no doubt but that they -were represented to King Charles, who was himself an easy tempered man, -as being much more unmanageable and rebellious than they really were, so -that he fancied the more severe his measures were, the sooner would all -things be put to rights." - -After a few general observations, the conversation turned upon Peden, -who seems to have retained a strong hold on the affections of the -Scottish peasantry. It is universally allowed by them that he possessed, -to an uncommon degree, the spirit of prophecy, and many anecdotes are -still current of his wonderful foreknowledge of things, either occurring -at a considerable distance at the time he was prophecying concerning -them, or which were to take place at some future period. As an instance -of his extraordinary gift:--In the year 1684, he spent a few days in the -house of one John Slowan, who resided in the parish of Conert, in the -county of Antrim. One evening while seated by the fire-side conversing -with some friends, he suddenly started to his feet, exclaiming--"Go hide -yourself, Sandy, for Colonel ---- is coming to this house to apprehend -you; and I advise every one here to do the same, and that speedily, for -they will be here within the hour." Which accordingly came to pass. -After the soldiers had made a most diligent search without and within -the house, actually passing in their eagerness the very bush where he -was lying praying, and want off without their prey, Mr. Peden came in -and said, "And this gentleman giving poor Sandy such a fright; for this -night's work God will give him such a blow within a a very few days that -all the physicians on earth shall not be able to cure." Which also took -place, for Colonel ---- soon afterwards died in great misery. - -Likewise, on the 22d of June, 1679, that day so fatal to the Covenanting -party, Mr. Peden was at a place near the borders, distant about sixty -miles from Bothwell Bridge. While there, some one came to inform him -that vast crowds of people were collected in the hopes of his preaching, -it being the Lord's-day, upon which he gave utterance to these -remarkable words:--"Let the people go to their prayers; for me, I -neither can nor will preach any this day; for our friends are fallen and -fled before the enemy at Hamilton, and they are hashing and hagging them -down, and their blood is running down like water." - -Peden is likewise regarded by his humble admirers as having been -peculiarly favoured by the Master whom he so zealously served on earth; -and they relate, with sparkling eyes, how the Lord was pleased, at his -earnest entreaties, to fill the lagging sails of a boat, which was -destined to convey him and several of his companions from Ireland to the -then bloody shores of Scotland, with a favourable breeze, whereby they -arrived at their destination in safety; while, on his cry to the Lord -that the cloak of his almighty power might once more be thrown around -him, and those who were then listening to the voice of his petition, -when about to fall into the hands of the dragoons, who were rapidly -advancing towards them, a thick mist descended on the face of the -mountains, and effectually shielded them from their enemies. - -Having received from Mr. Brown the necessary directions for finding my -way to Peden's Stone, I once more resumed my walk. After leaving the -high-road, my way lay along a wide extent of moor, whose only -inhabitants were the curlews and pee-wits which flew around my head in -rapid circles, uttering their wild and solitary cries. I experienced an -indescribable feeling of nameless horror, although it was broad -day-light, on arriving at a post stuck in the centre of four cross roads -which marked--a suicide's grave. There is something revolting in the -idea, that there lies a human being, one like ourselves, who, by the -commission of an act, perhaps executed while labouring under a temporary -fit of insanity, is put as it were without the pale of humanity. The -wretched woman thus consigned to a nameless, dishonoured grave, was the -wife of a smith who resided a few miles distant from the spot where she -was interred. For a few days before the sad occurrence, which took -place some thirty or forty years ago, she was observed by those around -her to be rather drooping in spirits, but on the morning of her -perpetrating the rash act, she seemed restored to her former -cheerfulness, and set about putting the house in order. Towards the -middle of the day, one of her children came running into its father's -workshop, exclaiming, "Oh, father! come and look at mother, she's -standing on the kirn." The smith immediately ran to ascertain the truth -of the child's statement, and to his unspeakable horror found his wife -hanging suspended by the neck, with her feet resting on the churn. -Immediately in the vicinity of her lonely grave, there resided a doctor, -who, for the benefit of science, caused her bones to be dug up and -conveyed under the cloud of night to his residence, in the garden of -which they lay bleaching for days. This circumstance was of itself -quite sufficient to excite the superstitious fear of the country people, -and immediately that place was invested with "shadows wild and quaint." -Indeed, the woman from whom I had the above account, assured me most -solemnly that while residing in that neighbourhood, she had frequently -observed strange lights dancing about in the woods, when the more -natural light of day had departed. Hurrying past the spot with a -nervous shudder, I proceeded as swiftly as possible across the moor. -The day, as is often the case at this advanced period of the year, had -changed considerably since the morning; dark clouds now scudded along -the face of the sky, and wild gusts of wind careered over the heath. Not -one human being appeared in sight, save a solitary figure clad in the -now almost obsolete scarlet mantle of Scotland, who, considerably in -advance of me, walked briskly onwards, looking peculiarly witch-like as -the voluminous folds of her cloak swayed backwards and forwards in the -wind. Had it been Hallowe'en, I should certainly have mistaken her for -one of those merry old ladies, who, wearied of the monotony of walking, -cleave the air on broomsticks in a manner wonderful to behold; but as -that (to children) enchanting day had not yet arrived, I concluded that -it was some aged dame either returning from her market-making in H---- -village, or bound, like myself, on a pilgrimage to Peden's Stone. The -rapid pace at which she was walking soon carried her beyond the range of -my vision, and I pursued my way lost in conjecture as to who or what she -might be. - -Nothing more than an incident of this kind serves to illustrate the -startling difference between town and country. Hundreds of such beings -might pass and re-pass along the crowded streets of a great city -unnoticed and uncared for, and yet one such individual, seen on a quiet -country road or solitary heath, often affords matter for speculation and -amusement during an entire day. Having now arrived at the farm-house to -which I was specially directed as being near the spot where stood the -memorable stone, I requested of a female, then busily engaged in farming -operations, that I might be shown the precise locality of this venerable -relic. Being kindly invited to take a seat until a guide could be -procured to conduct me thither, I entered, and certainly was not a -little astonished at the unwonted aspect of the interior. The roof of -the kitchen consisted entirely of huge beams of wood placed across each -other while the chimney, also built of wood, reminded one forcibly of -those now seldom seen, save in the ruined halls of bygone generations, -so capacious were its dimensions; and on one side of the grate, which -was sufficiently distant from the chimney to prevent the catastrophe of -ignition, was placed the settle, one reads of in Scottish story. It was -indeed a veritable "inglenook." As if in answer to the look of -astonishment with which I was regarding the enormous chimney, the female -who had followed my footsteps said, with an air of complacency, "Ay, -it's no every day ye'll see sic a hoose as this; it's rale -auld-fashioned!" Shortly afterwards the young woman who was to act as -my conductor on this occasion made her appearance, and we set off on our -expedition. Having pointed out to me the locality where lay the object -of my search, she returned to the farm, while I pursued my way along the -side of Benharr Burn, on the banks of which stood Peden's Stone. It was -indeed a solitary spot, and one well suited for the secret meetings of -the persecuted Covenanters. No sound broke in upon the almost -oppressive silence that reigned around, save the rippling of the water, -which washed the base of the huge piece of rock on which formerly stood -the mighty preacher. Surrounding heights concealed this sequestered dell -from the observation of those seemingly intent on their destruction, and -there would the sentinels be stationed who were to apprise those engaged -in this forbidden mode of worship of the approach of their foes. There -is something in the aspect of this little ravine which must speak -forcibly to the imaginations and feelings of those who love to -contemplate aught that is connected with a vanished time. The cold grey -stone on which I was now gazing seemed to me a link uniting the remote -past and the present, over the mighty gulf that intervened. Nearly two -hundred years have passed away since this green turf was pressed by the -foot of one who stood foremost amongst the champions of the Covenant. -Here, as we are told--it might have been on a lovely summer's morn, when -even to breathe the free air of heaven seemed happiness too exquisite -for sinful man to enjoy--when the blue vault of heaven formed a glorious -canopy over their pastor's head, and all nature breathed sweet harmony -around; or it might be in the more sober season of autumn, when the -deepening russet of the surrounding moor, the falling leaf, and the -stillness of the atmosphere--so often perceptible in that season which -harbingers the coming winter--seemed more in unison with the gloom which -pervaded the Covenanters' souls, there assembled a mighty crowd to -listen to the truths which fell from the lips of Peden. And what spot -more suited to their holy purpose! On all sides were they surrounded by -scenes famous for their connection with the stirring events of that -stormy period. Directly opposite, the mighty Grampians towered -majestically in the distance, amid whose solitudes, according to the -traditions of the times, the Covenanters, while listening to an -impassioned discourse of the zealous Wellwood, were protected from their -enemies' bullets by a man of lofty stature, who stood in the air with -his drawn sword extended over the heads of the panic-stricken hearers of -the Word of God; while, stretching away on their right hand, the blue -range of the Pentlands, so linked with the misfortunes of the devoted -party of the Covenant, stood out in bold relief against the sky; and on -their left lay the disastrous plain of Bothwell. The whole scene was -pictured as though in a mirror before me. Here stood the dauntless -preacher of the Word, his grey hairs floating on the breeze, his eye -bright with sacred enthusiasm, and his hand, which clasped the sacred -Scriptures, raised aloft to heaven as though invoking the presence of -Him who hath promised to bless the assemblies of His servants, while the -surrounding heights were peopled by a dense mass of human beings, hushed -into breathless silence, save when aroused to passionate bursts of -sorrow, as the speaker brought home to their hearts the sufferings of -those who fought and bled in defence of the Church of Scotland. While -indulging thus in reminiscences of the past, I was somewhat startled by -the pressure of a hand on my shoulder, and, turning suddenly round, to -my no small astonishment I found myself confronted by the wearer of the -scarlet mantle, who, coming from what direction I knew not, proceeded to -inquire, while she peered up in my face with two small penetrating eyes, -"Whether I had come any great distance that morning?" - -Having satisfied her curiosity upon that point, I proceeded to make some -reflections on the subject of Peden, evidently to the great delight of -the antiquated-looking stranger, for, seizing me by the arm, she -exclaimed, with kindling eyes-- - -"O, mam, it does my old heart good to meet with one in these degenerate -days who professes an interest in the old Covenanting stock; for, alas! -new-fangled notions are rapidly taking possession of people's minds, old -customs are abolished, a love for those sacred rites, so revered by our -forefathers, is entertained now but by few, and (a deep sigh) times are -changed in Scotland. - -"What!" I said, "do you not esteem it an unspeakable blessing that in -these days each one is permitted, nay, invited, to enter the house of -God, there to worship Him without incurring the risk of imprisonment, -ay, even death for doing so?" - -The old woman shook her head as she replied, "To say truly, liberty is -indeed granted to all who choose to accept of the gracious invitation to -hear the Word of God, but few, few there are who avail themselves of the -gracious privilege afforded them. Look at your mighty cities; see the -multitudes there who never enter a church-door. And of those who do -attend, note the very few attracted thither by sentiments of real -devotion. No, no; the old spirit of religion is fast dying out of -Scotland, and when it becomes extinct, then may we weep for our country. -Far different was it thirty years ago," continued the old woman. "Oh, -well do I mind one bonnie summer's morning, when the sky was without a -cloud, and the caller air cam' blithely over the heather, while the lark -was singing sae cheerily aboon our heads, as if it too was joining in -the hymn of praise, at that instant ascending from the lips of three -thousand people then assembled on this very spot to hear a sermon -preached in remembrance of Peden. Oh, that was indeed a glorious sight, -and one never to be forgotten. There was the minister, the saut tears -trickling down his cheeks as he spoke of him in honour of whose memory -they were that day gathered together--of his zeal, and his love for the -mighty cause he had espoused; and there were the hearers, so absorbed in -listening to his pious exhortations, that a pin might have been heard to -fall in that vast assemblage." Here the old woman paused for an -instant, and then continued: "Ay, ay, there was mair religion in one's -thoughts when seated on the bonnie hill-side, or aneath the shade o' a -nodding beach, imbibing the pure gospel truths as given them by some -persecuted servant of God, than when seated between four walls of stone -and lime, the perishable work o' men's hands." - -Here I broke in upon the stranger's half-muttered observations by -inquiring of her "if she belonged to that part of the country?" - -"Oh, no!" she replied, "I come from Fifeshire, (I no longer wondered at -her resemblance to a broomstick lady,) but am at present on a visit to -some friends who reside near here." - -"Indeed," I said; "yours was a noted part of the country in the time of -the Covenanters; no wonder you still retain a strong predilection for -aught that savours of the Covenant. And, pray, to what district of -Fifeshire do you belong?" - -"To the parish of Kinlassie," was the reply. - -"Then you will know Inchdarnie?" - -"Do I not," replied the old woman, her eyes sparkling with pleasure; -"that name recalls to my remembrance all that was pleasing in the time -gone by. It is linked with the sweet days of childhood, and the faces of -those long vanished from my sight; ay, many and many a day have I roamed -along the winding banks of the Lochty, and listened to the songs of the -birds in the woods of Inchdarnie; oh, it is a bonnie, bonnie spot!" - -"Was there not," I inquired, "a young gentleman of the name of Ayton, -who was implicated in the murder of Archbishop Sharpe----?" - -"He knew nought of it," interrupted the stranger. "Andrew Ayton was as -innocent of that deed, or of any circumstance connected with it, as the -babe unborn; no, no," she continued; "poor young man! he hadna the -weight of blood on his soul when he gaed to his long account; oh but his -was a cruel death!" - -"In what light is the memory of Archbishop Sharpe regarded in -Fifeshire?" I inquired. - -"As that of a Judas; as that of one who was a traitor to the very cause -he swore to protect." - -"Then you approve of his death?" - -"No," said the stranger, "I winna say that; for it is a fearful thing -to shed blood. And although he merited but small mercy at the hands of -those he would fain have crushed and trampled under foot as one would a -poisonous reptile, yet they should have spared his grey hairs and left -him to his God; but ye mauna think," she continued, "that those who -suffered on account of his death had in reality anything to do with the -perpetration of the crime; no. The stone which is still to be seen on -Magus Moor covers the bodies of four murdered men, whose souls will yet -cry aloud for vengeance on their murderers, for they were indeed -innocent. My great-grandfather," pursued the old woman, "was one of the -number, and until very lately I had in my possession a letter which -effectually cleared his memory of the stain of having shed the blood of -the treacherous prelate. Have you ever seen the stone?" she abruptly -demanded after a moment's pause. - -"No." - -"Then you'll not know the epitaph inscribed thereon?" - -I answered in the negative, upon which she recited the following:-- - - "'Cause we at Bothwell did appear, - Perjurious oaths refused to swear; - 'Cause we Christ's cause would not condemn, - We were sentenc'd to death by men - Who rag'd against us in such fury, - Our dead bodies they did not bury, - But upon poles did hing us high, - Triumphs of Babel's victory. - Our lives we fear'd not to the death, - But constant prov'd to the last breath." - - -"And you say these men are buried in Magus Moor?" I inquired, while -noting the inscription down in my pocket-book. - -"They lie in an adjacent field," replied the old woman; "and many's the -time I have stood by the stone when the winter's wind was howling along -the heath in such a wild key that I could almost have fancied the -spirits of the dead were murmuring around me, and conversing----" - -"Probably with the murdered Archbishop!" I ventured to remark. - -"May be," said the lady in the scarlet mantle, quite seriously; "there -is no saying what takes place in the unseen world!" - -I then inquired "if she was at all acquainted with any stories relating -to the persecuting period?" - -"That I am," said the old woman in reply, then passing her hand -thoughtfully across her brow, she exclaimed sadly, "No, no, I daurna -trust to my memory--that too has deserted me. Come to Fifeshire," she -added after a moment's pause, "and you will gather much information -about young Inchdarnie, that may chance to prove interesting!" On a -subsequent occasion, I acted on the old woman's suggestion, and the -following story is the result of my gleanings. - - - - - *THE MURDER OF INCHDARNIE.* - - -It was evening, and the rays of the setting sun were gilding the lofty -spires of the ancient city of St. Andrews, causing the windows of the -venerable university to glance like diamonds in the golden light; while -the huge waves, gradually decreasing as they rolled along, broke with a -gentle murmur on the shore, creating a harmony in unison with the -pensive beauty of the hour. Apparently enjoying this interval of calm -repose, a young man--whose extreme youthfulness of features contrasted -strangely with the dejection seated on his brow--might have been -observed seated in a musing attitude amongst the rocks on the seashore. -The eyes of this solitary being were fixed with a melancholy earnest -gaze alternately on the setting sun, which, having completed its -appointed journey, descended rapidly into the empurpled west, and on the -swiftly gliding vessels as they passed proudly on their way, their white -sails flapping in the evening breeze. This dreaming youth--for he -numbered only seventeen years of age--was Andrew Ayton, younger of -Inchdarnie, then studying at the ancient university of St. Andrews. He -was a young man possessed of graceful and winning manners--upright and -honourable in his conduct; while his constant attention to his studies, -and fervent, unobtrusive piety, endeared him alike to his instructors -and to his fellow-students. His thoughts, at the moment of his being -introduced to the reader, seemed not of that gentle kind which one might -have expected from the soft serenity of the surrounding scene, for -alternately his face flushed, and then waxed pale as death, according to -the nature of the images presented to his mind. - -"Oh, my unhappy country!" at length he exclaimed aloud in impassioned -anguish, "how long are thy saints called upon to endure the miseries -heaped upon them? How long must they continue to fall beneath the -oppressor's rod----?" - -At this moment a loud derisive burst of laughter grated harshly on his -ear, interrupting him in the midst of his reverie. Starting hastily -from his seat--his face covered with blushes in being thus detected in -his solitary musings--young Ayton turning an inquiring eye in all -directions in order to spy out the mocking intruder. For some little -time his endeavours proved fruitless, and he was on the point of giving -up the search, when a head cautiously protruded from behind a jutting -piece of rock disclosed to view the laughing face of his cousin, William -Auchmutie, who, perceiving himself detected, came forward and addressed -young Ayton thus:-- - -"Come, come, my gentle coz; art not done dreaming yet, that thou starest -so strangely on me, thy well beloved and right trusty cousin, as if -forsooth I had indeed come with the intention of shedding some of the -precious blood thou wert raving about, as I chanced, so opportunely, to -stumble upon thy secret lurking-place? for I am certainly of opinion -that another instant had seen thee plunge thyself in the boiling waters, -in order to obtain an effectual remedy for thy hapless state of mind. -Why, what new crotchet is this that has taken such forcible possession -of thy most worshipful brain, that thou seemest so utterly prostrated in -soul and body? Art thou rehearsing some bloody ode to excite the -commiseration of thy lady-love? or has she turned a deaf ear to thy -tenderly-urged suit? Speak, most valiant sir, and----" - -"A truce to thy nonsense, William," interrupted his less volatile -cousin; "thou knowest right well the reason for my clouded brow--look on -this unhappy land----" - -Here William Auchmutie gave utterance to a loud laugh, at the same time -exclaiming, "and what hast thou got to do with this unhappy country? -Dost thou imagine that thy single arm can in any way stay the course of -bloodshed, or turn aside the inevitable shafts of fate? Pooh, pooh; -give up thy day-dreaming--join in the sports of other young men, and -leave thy countrymen to fight it out as they best can." - -"Thou talkest foolishly, William," said young Ayton mildly, "can any one -possessed of the least spark of religious feeling stand by a careless -and unmoved spectator of the fearful scenes daily enacted around him? -Look at the sufferings of the poor Covenanters; see how nobly they stand -up in defence of their rights and liberties; behold them, as it were, -with one voice, one heart, declaring their mighty purpose of suffering -death rather than yield submission to the cruel laws imposed upon them. -Oh, how I admire and venerate such noble heroism! Trusting in a -strength not their own, the brave defenders of a national Covenant go -forth from their homes rejoicing in the race set before them, and -committing their weeping wives and helpless babes to the care of One who -has promised to be a father to the fatherless, and a husband to the -widow; relying, I say, on His gracious promise, these soldiers of the -cross go forth to fight beneath the banners of the Covenant, and woe be -to the man who shall despise them, or the cause for which they fight!" - -"Andrew," exclaimed his cousin, scornfully, "thou an what I have long -suspected thee to be--a heretic! No true churchman would ever espouse -the side of these canting hypocrites, men whom, for my own part, I -utterly despise. I have spent too many years in merry England not to -have arrived at pretty correct notions regarding the Puritans, and -should feel delighted beyond measure were the whole race exterminated -from the face of the earth." - -"I speak not of the English Puritans," replied young Ayton; "with -Cromwell and his party I have little or no sympathy; it is of the poor -simple peasantry of Scotland, than whom a more peaceable and orderly -class of men does not exist, and yet they are represented by some knaves -in office as being all that is vile and despicable, for whom hanging is -too good. It is of such wanton cruelties as are now being perpetrated -that I complain, outrages which must yet bring a fearful retaliation on -the heads of those who so mercilessly use the lash of power----" - -"Lash of power," re-echoed William Auchmutie in a deriding tone, "I -would it were in my hands for a few short hours, then I would show thee -the esteem in which I hold all such rebellious hypocrites. What -business have they, I should like to know, with laws and regulations of -their own! Anything which the King proposes for their benefit is only -too good for the like of them; a set of cropped-eared malignants, whose -long dismal faces would sour all the cream in the country----" - -"Hold!" cried young Ayton warmly; "use not such intemperate language in -my presence; if thou canst not respect the privileges of dear old -Scotland, which if not the country of thy birth, is entitled to thy -esteem as being the land of thy forefathers, decry them not for love of -me. William Auchmutie," continued his cousin, "thou wert born and -reared for some few years in England, during which time thou hast -imbibed notions and adopted opinions at variance with the more simple -manners and customs of our northern clime; but for me--I glory in the -land of my birth. Every breeze that is wafted over her heath-clad hills -breathes but of freedom and renown. As I gaze on the wild emblem of my -country, surrounded by its glorious motto, and reflect, that in defence -of that country heroes and patriots died, my heart swells and throbs -within me exulting in the thought. Wallace, that mighty chieftain of -old, who perished in defence of our civil liberties, has left a glorious -example for us to follow. He rose as a giant in his strength, and, -under the guidance and protection of a far mightier arm, burst asunder -the iron shackles of slavery, which till then had crushed the souls and -weighed down the heads of his wretched countrymen. In like manner shall -the present defenders of the Covenant, trusting in the righteousness and -justice of their cause, trample once more on the tyrant's chains." - -"Whom term ye a tyrant?" demanded William Auchmutie haughtily. - -"Charles the Second," replied his cousin firmly. - -"And wherefore?" - -"On account of his base desertion of a party whom he had sworn to -protect and maintain to the best of his ability; and for the cruel and -heartless measures he has adopted for their destruction. Oh, William," -pursued his cousin eagerly, "do not defend such iniquitous proceedings -as are now taking place at the instigation of the government! What has -Charles' conduct been throughout but one mass of treachery and deceit? -Look how the poor Presbyterians rejoiced at his return to the throne of -his fathers; who more than they were eager to testify their love and -loyalty, trusting as they did in his specious promises; and how were -they repaid? by foul treachery and calumny!" - -"Thou ravest, Andrew," was the cold reply; and after a short pause, -during which each seemed engrossed with his own thoughts, William -Auchmutie continued: "And I, as thou sayest, not having been born on -Scottish soil, cannot boast of that mighty love for her glorious -institutions--since thou must needs have them termed such--which seems -to animate thy bosom; no, I was born in a more kindly, liberal land, and -feel that, to me, the fertile plains of glorious old England are fairer -and dearer than the barren hills of gloomy, fanatical Scotland. But -hark ye, Andrew," added his cousin, laughing gaily, "a truce to this -nonsense; it was not to argue on the merits of either country or cause -that I sought out thy tragedy face, O most wise philosopher! but to -acquaint thee with the glorious news that my father hath at length -consented to my becoming a soldier, and next year I am to don the -buff-coat, the lengthy rapier, the steel helmet, and the waving plume of -a Scottish cavalier! Ha, there's for you!" exclaimed the exulting -youth, tossing his cap up in the air and catching it on the point of his -foot as it fell; "oh, won't I make my good sword rattle on the backs of -these sour-faced loons, till they bellow, like so many pigs in the -shambles, for quarter, but none shall be given them, no; and if I chance -to encounter thy worthy self some of these odd mornings, cousin Andrew," -pursued the thoughtless boy, "I shall kill thee just for thy having -espoused so rascally a cause." - -As William Auchmutie gave utterance to these heedless words, a strange, -unaccountable feeling took possession of young Ayton's soul, while a -cold shiver passed through his frame, and he remained motionless and -unable to speak. His emotion was not lost upon his companion, who -instantly exclaimed-- - -"Good gracious, Andrew, what is the matter with thee? thou lookest as -scared as though I had spoken in good earnest." - -Young Ayton smiled faintly, and muttered some few words by way of a -reply, but they were unheard and unheeded by his thoughtless cousin, who -at that instant was threading his way up among the rocks, humming some -popular cavalier song. - -Andrew Ayton remained stationary a while, gazing after the retreating -figure of William Auchmutie, until rousing himself, as with a mighty -effort, from his momentary fit of abstraction, he murmured, half aloud, -"and now for a bitter task;" then pulling his cap still lower over his -forehead, he strode off rapidly in a contrary direction to that pursued -by his cousin. After proceeding a short distance along the sea-shore, -he struck into a narrow path amongst the rocks, which led towards a fine -old avenue surrounded by aged elms, whose dusky foliage lent an air of -sadness to the scene, in keeping with the impressive silence which -reigned around. - -The house approached by this avenue was an ancient, venerable-looking -edifice, which, during the time of the haughty Cardinal Beaton, had been -the residence of one of the popish dignitaries then holding office in -the cathedral of St. Andrews. There was an air of monastic seclusion -about the mansion which accorded well with the gloomy nature of the -approach. The walls were overgrown with ivy, whose luxuriant growth -almost concealed from view the windows designed to impart light to its -inhabitants, while the dreamy murmurs of a fountain stationed near the -entrance attuned the heart of the listener to melancholy yet pleasing -reflection. Andrew Ayton stood still a while beneath the shade of one -of the lofty elms, to gaze unseen on this picture of peaceful seclusion, -until finding his thoughts too painful for long indulgence, he walked -hastily onwards, and opening a wicker-gate which stood at some little -distance from the mansion, was admitted into the old-fashioned garden -belonging to the place, where a youthful maiden was seated, working -embroidery, under the umbrageous boughs of one of the apple-trees with -which the garden abounded. At sight of the intruder the young girl -uttered a cry of joy, and bounded eagerly forward, exclaiming-- - -"Why so late, Andrew, why so late? Here have I been seated all alone -for hours in this dreary old garden, which, with its quaint devices, -reminds me so forcibly of the one attached to the convent where I -resided in France, only"--but here, for the first time, observing the -sad, troubled expression of young Ayton's face, she paused in her -description to inquire what ailed him, adding, "I am sure you study far -too closely at that nasty university; aunt says so too, but she has been -noticing how wretchedly out of spirits you have been for some time past, -and wonders what can be the reason of it; do tell me, Andrew," she -implored, placing her hand confidingly in his, while two of the -loveliest eyes in the world were fixed on his face with a look of tender -entreaty impossible to withstand. Andrew Ayton smiled faintly, and -pleading some slight excuse for his apparent depression of spirits, -passed his hand caressingly over her luxuriant black tresses, which hung -in massy folds over her swan-like neck, while he led her towards a seat -placed beneath an old yew-tree, whose mournful hue harmonised well with -the nature of the communication he was about to make. - -"Oh, not there, not there!" exclaimed the young maiden shudderingly, -dragging young Ayton away from the tree as she spoke. - -"Wherefore?" was the inquiry. - -"O, it is so gloomy, and there is a strange tradition told in connection -with it which makes me shudder whenever I look on it." - -"And pray what is the tradition?" inquired Andrew Ayton, endeavouring by -every means in his power to delay the moment of explanation. - -"I know not the circumstances which gave rise to the prediction," -replied the maiden, "but it bodes approaching death to one or both of -those who beneath its venerable boughs breathe of aught save of that -pertaining to holy things." - -"Why, then, have a seat placed there at all?" said young Ayton, smiling -at the strange superstition. - -"It has been there from time immemorial," was the reply, "and no one -would be found hardy enough to attempt its removal." Then evidently -with a wish to change the subject, she said, in a livelier tone, "but -come hither, you lagging knight, and see what I have been doing for you -in your absence." So saying, she led him by the hand towards the tree -where she had herself been seated, and holding up for his admiration the -piece of embroidery she had just finished on his entrance, representing -a Venetian lady singing her evening hymn to the Virgin, said laughingly, -"I have worked this at the request of my worthy aunt, who desires that -you will immediately hang it up in your chamber at the university, in -order that, by feasting your eyes on this holy subject, and your mind -with the thoughts it must give rise to, you may be preserved from the -fatal errors of Protestantism." - -The lips of her lover--for that Andrew Ayton was such the reader must by -this time have discovered--became ashen white during this playful sally -of the merry-hearted girl, and, seizing her by the hand, he constrained -her to seat herself by his side, while he exclaimed, in a voice rendered -husky by intense emotion-- - -"Mary Cunninghame, is it not true that we have loved each other since -the days of our childhood?" - -"Yes," was the faint reply of the startled maiden, who sat with her eyes -rivetted on the pale face of the inquirer, awaiting the issue of this -strange address, in speechless anxiety. - -"Ere ever you went to France," continued her lover, "when we roamed hand -in hand through the bonnie woods of Craigeholm, seeking for wild flowers -with which to adorn thy curling tresses, I sighed for the day which I -hoped would see us united. I thought of it--dreamed of it. When you -left me to go to France, then was I miserable indeed. My only happiness -consisted in re-visiting the old familiar haunts of my happier hours. -And yet they seemed changed to me, for the angel presence which diffused -a charm around these hallowed spots was gone; and I fled with an aching -heart from those scenes which reminded me so forcibly of you. Every -trifle bestowed by you on me in these halcyon days was treasured up by -me as a gem of the most priceless value. They were watered by my -tears--they were the confidants of my sorrows; and look, Mary, I have -worn this even till now." So saying, young Ayton took from off his neck -a narrow piece of blue ribbon, to which was attached a small amber -cross. Mary Cunninghame gazed on this small token of affection with -eyes suffused with tears, and, unable to speak, motioned her lover to -proceed with his disclosure, which he did as follows:-- - -"Such being my constancy during your absence, you will in some measure -be able to guess the intensity of my happiness on your return. You were -restored to me more beautiful than ever--my wildest dreams had never -dared to picture aught so fair; and oh, what pleased me more than all, -was the knowledge you were still unchanged towards me. I read your -affection in one glance of those sweet truthful eyes, and I was -overwhelmed with joy. As you may remember, shortly alter your return I -came hither, and you--from a desire to be near me, and to enliven with -your bright smiles the hours not devoted to study--accepted your aunt's -invitation to stay with her during the absence of your parents in -England. You came, and expressed your surprise at the change which had -taken place in me in the space of the few months we had been separated; -then, Mary, was the commencement of the struggle between duty and my -love for you. Formerly I was a sincere believer in the doctrines of the -Romish Church, and would have repelled the charge with indignation had -any one ventured to assert that I should yet be a Protestant. But now -things are altered. I chanced one day, during my leisure hours, to take -up a pamphlet entitled, 'The Sufferings of God's Children,' and opening -it carelessly, I read one or two pages, without reflecting on what I was -reading; suddenly a passage struck me with overwhelming force, and -becoming then deeply interested, I went on and on, and the farther I -proceeded, the more I was convinced of the truth of the statements -therein contained. I read of the dreadful cruelties inflicted on the -hapless members of the Church of Scotland; how her children are driven -to the wilds and fastnesses of their native country, there to worship, -in silence and in solitude, the God of their fathers. I wept over the -numberless atrocities that have been committed, and I arose from the -perusal of the book with the firm resolution of inquiring farther into -the doctrines of the Protestant Church, persuaded, as I then was, that -they must be of a truly elevating and comforting character thus to -render their holders superior to all attempts made to torn them from -their revered yet simple faith. Mary," continued young Ayton, "from -that day I have been an altered being. At first I was torn with doubts -and apprehensions as to the line of conduct I should pursue, knowing, as -I did, the love you entertained for the Romish religion; but a voice -kept always whispering in mine ear--search, search, and I did search -until I found peace and consolation in the blessed light of -Protestantism. Mary, I am now a Protestant; are we to part?" - -With a sharp cry as though an adder had stung her, Mary Cunninghame -darted from her lover's side, her lips quivering with emotion, and her -face white as marble, so overcome was she by the shock she had received -on hearing this communication. - -"Oh!" she wildly exclaimed, pressing her hand to her heart as though to -still its beatings, "tell me anything--anything but that. Say you are a -beggar; convince me, if you will, that you are no longer worthy of my -affection, my esteem, yet I should regard you as I have ever done, but -oh! not that you have abandoned the only true Church. Tell me," she -continued, the rapidity of her utterance attesting the intense -excitement under which she laboured, "that it is false--that you have -wilfully, cruelly deceived me, and I shall bless you for the -words--speak!" - -"Mary," said her lover, calmly and sorrowfully. "I have indeed told you -the truth: I am now a convert to Protestantism; and God alone knows the -agony I have endured while telling you this, knowing, for I see it in -your eyes, that we must part. But Mary, ever fondly-beloved Mary, we -are both young; let us therefore pray to God that he may grant us time, -and a portion of his Holy Spirit, to do that required of us. You"--here -he paused for a moment overcome with emotion--"will be courted by the -rich and the great of your own faith, and may soon find one to console -you for the lover lost, while I----" - -"You!" scornfully interrupted Mary Cunninghame, her eyes flashing with -indignation as she spoke, "will, I suppose, comfort yourself in a -similar manner; the recreant in religion will soon prove a recreant in -love; but learn this, fair sir, that from this day henceforward, Mary -Cunninghame ceases to regard Andrew Ayton in any other light than that -of a base apostate, and will tear him from her heart as easily as she -now tramples under foot what hitherto she had valued above anything in -her possession." So saying, the indignant girl hastily withdrew from -its hiding-place a ribbon similar to that worn by her lover, to which -was attached a small gold heart, a present from him in younger and -happier days, and dashed it with violence on the ground. - -The lips of Andrew Ayton trembled with agitation during this proceeding -on the part of her he loved so fondly, and more than once he was on the -point of throwing himself at her feet and surrendering all save his -hopes of her, but a higher power restrained him, and he muttered half -audibly, "far better thus; if she deems me so faithless she will forget -me all the sooner. Poor Mary, she knows not what I suffer; God grant me -strength to bear the burden imposed on me." Then turning to Mary -Cunninghame, who, more than half repenting of what she had done, stood -gazing on the beloved and till that day cherished ornament, as it lay -bruised upon the ground, addressed her thus:--"God bless you, my darling -Mary, and grant you a lighter heart than I bear away with me this night; -and oh! if in his great goodness and mercy he sees fit to turn you from -that Church to which you now so fondly cling, send for me, should you -feel your heart in any degree softened towards one whose only grief at -this moment is his losing you;" so saying, he darted towards her, and -seizing her hand ere ever she was made aware of his intention, he -pressed it again and again to his lips, gazed for a moment wildly in her -face--and tore himself away. For days after this occurrence, Andrew -Ayton remained shut up in his chamber, permitting no one to intrude on -his privacy save William Auchmutie, who came to take leave of him before -quitting St. Andrews. This latter personage was as gay and lively as -ever, but not even his brilliant sallies of wit could extract from his -cousin the faintest shadow of a smile, so that he soon withdrew in -indignation at his failure. Young Ayton was indeed almost -broken-hearted at what had taken place. He felt as many others do when -similarly situated, that he never knew the real extent of his love for -Mary Cunninghame until she was lost to him for ever. The circumstance -of her having so carefully preserved the little golden heart he had -placed round her neck on the morning of her departure for France, -affected him deeply, and the look of indignant grief with which she tore -it from its sanctuary during their last interview, was indelibly -engraven on his imagination. His only resort now was the sea-shore, -where he would sit for hours gazing with vacant eyes on the mighty waves -as they dashed with violence against the rock on which the ancient -castle of St. Andrews is situated. - -One day, while indulging in his wonted reverie, he observed an aged man -coming swiftly down amongst the rocks who, when he had seated himself on -a neighbouring stone, fixed his eyes with a melancholy gaze on the -brilliant sunbeams as they danced on the heaving waters. There was -something in the appearance of the stranger at once striking and -commanding. In figure he was tall and slender, while a slight stoop at -the shoulders indicated a tendency to constitutional delicacy, in some -measure counteracted by the bronzed hue of his cheek, which betokened -constant exposure to the elements; while the vigorous strides with which -he had descended the tortuous path leading to the shore, proved his -capabilities for undergoing great and enduring fatigue. Andrew Ayton -felt as if attracted by some invisible power towards the venerable -stranger, and he gazed on him with a feeling of awe and reverence for -which he was in some measure unable to account. After the lapse of a -few moments spent thus in meditation, the stranger turned his mild yet -penetrating eye full on the face of his companion, and pointing with the -stick which he held in his hand towards the glittering sunbeams, -addressed him thus:-- - -"Young man, these sparkling messengers resemble the hopes and joyful -aspirations of youth, gladdening with their presence the dull waters of -life. The spring-time of existence beneath their bright influence is -indeed as a beautiful dream, but ah! how different the awakening. The -youthful traveller goes forth into the world eager to run the race and -win the goal. All nature seems to rejoice with him in his sweet -anticipations regarding the future. The blue sky smiles above him--the -green earth teems with glowing beauties around him--the song of the -birds is more thrilling and tender; all serves as it were, to feed the -fond delusions of youth. But soon there comes a change. Dark -threatening clouds obscure the bright sunbeams. The aspect of the -heavens is changed; fierce storms arise, the smooth waters swell into -mighty billows, and man awakes from the dreams of his youthful hours to -arm him for the combat--is it not so?" - -"Yes, father," said young Ayton with a deep-drawn sigh, for he felt the -full force of the simile. - -The dejected air with which these simple words were uttered did not -escape the observation of the stranger, for he quickly resumed, eyeing -his companion keenly as he spoke: "But, on the other hand again, youth -is prone to be easily dejected. According to the bright and sanguine -anticipations of that season of hope, so is there a corresponding amount -of depression, should anything occur to mar or lessen the amount of -happiness we expected to enjoy in our progress through life. But he is -not worthy of the prize who thus faints and succumbs at the outset of -his career; no, the youthful warrior, like the Christian of old, must -arm him for the fight. He must rise superior to all the crosses and -afflictions he is called upon to endure. He must fix his thoughts on -the mighty end to be achieved, which will guide him as a beacon through -the darkness and difficulties which surround his path; and although the -object to be attained may seem far beyond his reach, yet assuredly he -will triumph in the end." - -Andrew Ayton recognised the justice of the stranger's observations, and -being desirous to repose implicit confidence in one who seemed, from the -wisdom of his counsels, to be able to direct him as to his future walk -in life, he recounted to him the history of his love and subsequent -conversion to Protestantism. - -"My son," exclaimed the stranger, warmly grasping the hand of his -companion, "God has indeed been gracious to you in bringing you thus -early in life to a knowledge of what is to be desired above all earthly -things, and although the sacrifice of your youthful affections may -appear at first a burden hard and grievous to be borne, yet He is -faithful who promised we will not be tempted above that we we able to -bear. We are all called upon to suffer; and it is the duty of the -Christian to say with resignation, 'The Lord's will be done.' None of -us are exempted from sorrow and trial, and it is wisely ordained that it -should be so, in order that we may be prepared for another and a -brighter world." - -Here the stranger paused for a moment, and then resumed with inquiry, -"perhaps you are not aware, my son, that I am a minister of the -suffering Church of Scotland?" - -"I deemed, father, that you belonged to the Covenanting body," said -young Ayton, "from the air of deep sadness seated on your brow." - -"Yes," said the stranger sadly; "every true member of the Presbyterian -religion must, in these fearful times, bear on their countenances the -tokens of a sorrowing heart within. Oh! my son," continued the aged -man, "unite with me in prayer that the destruction which at present -menaces our beloved Church may be averted, and that God in the greatness -of his strength may visit and relieve his people." - -Andrew Ayton, deeply overcome at sight of the old man's sorrow, knelt -with him on the sand, and prayed that He who had promised grace to help -in every time of need might look down from his throne on high, and -strengthen those about to go forth in defence of their Covenants. - -"O God of Battles," exclaimed the venerable stranger aloud, in the -fervour of his devotion, "behold and visit us in our affliction; stretch -out thy right hand and save us from the dangers which threaten us, that -a remnant may be saved to worship thee according to the ways of our -fathers. O heavenly Father, the mighty ones of the earth are arrayed -against us, but if thou, our Father, art with us, what have we to fear -from the hate and malice of our enemies." The petitioner then went on -to pray for those appointed to suffer martyrdom in the cause of their -religion, that their faith might be strengthened in the last hours of -their sojourn on earth, that no tortures inflicted on them by their -merciless persecutors might have the power of inducing them in their -agony to yield up their glorious privileges; that those ministers -unjustly deprived of their churches might be enabled to preach the -blessed doctrine of salvation with comfort and edification to those who -hungered and thirsted after the truths of the gospel amongst the -mountains and valleys of Scotland; and that the Almighty would be -graciously pleased to hear the prayers and petitions of his children. -Towards the conclusion of his supplication, he besought the blessing of -the Lord on the head of him who had so recently become a convert to -Protestantism--that he might long be spared to labour in the Lord's -vineyard, and his hands be strengthened for the work he had yet to -perform; but if the Almighty, in his wisdom, was pleased to remove him -from thence in the spring-time of life, that there might be laid up for -him a crown of glory, such as is promised to those who have fought the -good fight. Thus prayed the venerable stranger; and it was an affecting -sight to view the grey-haired soldier of the cross, who had grown aged -in the battles of the Lord, and the golden-haired youth, who had newly -donned his armour for the fight, kneeling side by side on the solitary -shore, with no ear to hearken to the voice of their petition, save His -to whom all hearts are open--all desires known; and no sound to disturb -the tenor of their thoughts save the wild roar of ocean, as it rolled -along, obedient to the commands of its creator--"Thus far shalt thou -come and no farther." - -"By what name shall I for the future address one with whom I have become -so singularly acquainted?" inquired the stranger on rising from his -kneeling posture. - -"I am Andrew Ayton; and you?" - -"Am styled Walter Denoon." - -Young Ayton was delighted beyond measure at having formed a friendship -with one whom he had so frequently heard, and expressed an earnest -desire that the acquaintanceship so auspiciously commenced might be -continued during their lifetime. Mr. Denoon save utterance to a similar -wish, adding that he had but a few days to remain in St. Andrews, -whither he had come for the purpose of visiting some near and dear -friends, before proceeding to Morayshire, where he had much labour to -accomplish. In the course of conversation, Andrew Ayton ventured to -express a hope that the cause of the Church of Scotland was not so -desperate as they had been led to imagine; but in reply to this, Mr. -Denoon informed him that, instead of the accounts they had received -having been exaggerated, they had in many cases come far short of the -sad reality; and the sanguinary acts on the part of the government had -everywhere filled men's minds with terror and consternation. As an -example of what he alluded to, Mr. Denoon proceeded to make his -companion acquainted with much that had taken place during the time he -had remained in retirement; how government had placed the price of four -hundred pounds sterling on the heads of the most celebrated -field-preachers, and issued letters of intercommuning against all those -persons who had neglected or declined to appear in court and take the -oath of abjuration. How the father was forced to give evidence against -the son, and the son against the father--the daughter against the -mother, and the husband against the wife; and that driven to madness by -the inveterate persecution of the government, the people had forsaken -their homes and fled to the wilds and solitudes of their country, or -sought in a foreign land that peace and safety no longer to be found in -Scotland; preferring to encounter any degree of hardship, even death -itself, to the horrors of miserable incarceration in dungeons, or the -tortures of perpetual apprehension. "The King," continued Mr. Denoon, -"is evidently dreadfully embittered against the Covenanting party, -regarding them as morose, sullen, blood-thirsty fanatics, on whom all -his benefits are entirely thrown away. He has been led to believe by -the prelatic body that the hierarchy is in danger, and is therefore -determined to bear the Presbyterians down by every means in his power. -They are, as he terms them, the enemies of his unhallowed pleasures, and -must needs suffer for being so." - -Young Ayton sighed deeply on being made aware of the gloom and dejection -which pervaded his beloved country. "Alas!" he cried, "that such things -are permitted to take place; but surely," he continued, "sooner or later -there must come a day of reckoning." - -"There will come a day of retribution," said Mr. Denoon solemnly, "and -the consequences thereof may be dreadful. The persecuted adherers of -the Covenant may indeed suffer long, but in the end they will turn on -their oppressors, and a general rising take place throughout Scotland to -repel the invaders of their rights; but God grant that such a fearful -alternative may be avoided, and Scotland spared the horrors of a bloody -civil war." - -"Amen," said his companion; "but should necessity require it, may every -true Scotchman be found enrolled beneath the banner of the Covenant!" -then he quickly added, while the faltering tones of his voice betrayed -his agitation, "Reverend father, I would to heaven you could ever meet -with Mary Cunninghame, so persuaded am I that you might under the mercy -of God, be the instrument of her conversion. She is young and -enthusiastic; ardent and zealous, it is true, in favour of her religion, -but then, what other has she ever known? All her friends are Roman -Catholics, and have early inculcated in her youthful mind the doctrines -of their Church, to the exclusion of all others: but were she instructed -by some sincere and devoted servant of God in the pure and glowing -truths of our simple faith, she might indeed become a sincere -Protestant. Oh, father," he continued, "do this, and you will overwhelm -me with gratitude, for every moment that passes over my head is fraught -with sweet remembrance of her!" - -"My son," said Mr. Denoon in a tone of tender sympathy, "you are very -young, and your heart and affection still retain all the exquisite -tenderness of one's early days, while the generous feelings of your -nature are aroused within you at the thought that she whom you so deeply -love must regard you as faithless, and unworthy of the confidence -formerly reposed in you; but who amongst us have not, at some period of -their lives, been liable to misconception? In many cases all has been -made right in the end; and please God, should I have an opportunity, -Mary Cunninghame shall not remain long in ignorance of your real worth -and steadfast devotion towards her. Remember, however, as I told you -before, affliction falls to the lot of every man on earth; and as for -me, sorrow has been my companion since childhood. I too loved a maiden -with all the fervour of youth, but it pleased the Almighty to remove her -from this scene of trial ere ever I had called her mine; while one by -one my parents and brethren fell around me, until I stood alone, even as -the oak survives the stormy blast which laid its companions prostrate in -the dust. But," continued the venerable patriarch, raising his hat -reverently as he spoke, and allowing his grey hairs to float in the -breeze, "even in the midst of my afflictions I recognised the wisdom and -goodness of the hand that smote me; for, deprived at one fell stroke of -all whom I loved, perchance too well, on earth, I but clung the more -closely to Him who sticketh closer than a brother. Yes, my son, it is -when bowed down beneath a load of sorrow, such as seemeth to mortal eyes -too grievous to be borne, that the real confiding Christian experiences -the unspeakable blessings to be derived from a firm belief in the -doctrines of Christianity. Amid the darkness and gloom which surrounds -him, he beholds his Father's face bright with pitying love; he -recognises the benevolence of the motive even while smarting under the -weight of the infliction, and is supported amid the dangers and -difficulties which encompass his path through life by the comforting -assurance to be derived from the gracious words, 'whom the Lord loveth -he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.'" - -Just at the moment Andrew Ayton had framed a suitable reply to this -address on the part of his companion, the hour of three rung out from -the city churches. Uttering an exclamation of regret at the arrival of -the hour when he must return to the university, he darted hastily from -his seat, and expressing his disappointment at this unseasonable -interruption to their conference, ventured to express a hope that it -would be resumed on the following day. Mr. Denoon having cheerfully -responded to the wish, they shook hands and parted. - -At an early hour on the following morning, Inchdarnie once more retraced -his steps to the sea-shore, where he was shortly afterwards joined by -Mr. Denoon. In the course of conversation, Andrew Ayton informed his -companion that it was his intention at once to quit the university of -St. Andrews, and to endeavour, by every means in his power, to aid those -whose cause he now so warmly espoused; adding that it was his most -earnest desire that Presbyterian ministers might be induced to visit -Fifeshire, in order that those poor people who were deprived of all -opportunity of hearing Episcopalian clergymen, might not be altogether -left without a preacher. Mr. Denoon replied to this wish on the part of -his young friend, by placing in his hands a letter that morning received -from the Rev. Mr. Blackader, in which he made known his intention of -presiding over a meeting shortly to be held at Divan. - -"Oh, merciful Father!" cried Inchdarnie in a transport of joy, "and -shall I then have an opportunity of seeing that good and holy man whose -noble bearing during his great and unmerited misfortunes has already -filled my soul with admiration and esteem, and awakened in my breast the -most ardent desire to know him, and if possible receive from him some -counsel necessary for the guidance of my own steps through the dark and -tangled mazes of life?" - -"Yes, my young friend," said Mr. Denoon; "he has indeed given us a -bright example to follow. Never shall I forget the holy, pious -resignation depicted on his countenance that morning when, with many -others of his brethren, he was constrained to abandon the flock the Lord -had committed to his care. It was on a Sabbath morn--the last on which -he should ever address his parishioners from the pulpit of Traquair -Church. Saddened but not utterly cast down, he entered his little -garden, there to strengthen himself to bear the burden imposed upon him -by private communion with his Maker. In a little while I ventured forth -to join him. He was standing in a contemplative attitude, his head -leaning on his hand, and his eyes rivetted on the ground. My dear -friend!" I exclaimed. - -"Hush, hush," he said; "list to these bells--these sacred bells now -inviting those to enter the house of God who may never again worship -within its walls." - -I stood and listened. There they came pealing through the air, these -hallowed chimes, the heavy stillness of the atmosphere rendering them -painfully distinct, as they knelled forth the expiring liberties of the -Church of God. Mr. Blackader remained mute and motionless while they -lasted, and then when the last faint note died away on the passing -breeze, he started suddenly from his reverie, and ringing my hand -convulsively, withdrew to his chamber, there to fortify himself by -earnest prayer for the coming trial. - -"All the surrounding heights," continued Mr. Denoon, "were thronged with -people, eager, and yet afraid to press into the church, lest it might -chance to hurt their minister, as it would be termed by their enemies a -breach of good order. At length many of them gathered together in small -groups in the church-yard, and conversed in whispers, while they -anxiously awaited the appearance of their beloved pastor. The object of -their solicitude soon came forth from the manse, his step firm, his -bearing erect, as that of one who had nought to fear from the malice of -men. True, there was deep sorrow written on his brow, but it was mingled -with an expression of almost cheerful serenity, for he had placed his -faith and hopes in Him whom he had chosen as his guide and ruler even -unto death. He ascended the pulpit; he gave forth the psalm in a loud -clear voice, and his prayer was delivered with his wonted firmness and -composure. As he proceeded with his discourse every eye was moist with -tears, and many gave way to involuntary bursts of sorrow. In the midst -of the sermon an alarm was raised that a party of soldiers were on their -way from Dumfries to seize him, and that already they had crossed the -bridge. Upon receipt of this intelligence, Mr. Blackader hastily -pronounced the benediction, dismissed the congregation, and withdrew to -his manse, there to await the arrival of the soldiers. They came, but -contented themselves with merely taking down the names of those who were -absent from their own churches, and then returned to head-quarters. -After their departure, Mr. Blackader collected the remains of the -congregation in his own house, and finished the sermon. The people -remained lingering about the door, unwilling to leave their pastor while -in danger of being arrested. Some of them implored his b;essing, while -others again expressed their willingness to die in his defence. Mr. -Blackader thanked them for their ready zeal in his behalf, but conjured -them to avoid giving their enemies cause of offence." - -"Go," said he, "and fend for yourselves: the hour is come when the -shepherd is smitten, and the flock shall by scattered. Many are this -day mourning the desolations of Israel, and weeping, like the prophet, -between the porch and the altar. God's heritage has become the prey of -the spoiler; the mountain of the house of the Lord as the high places of -the forest. When the faithful pastors are removed, hirelings will -intrude whom the Great Shepherd never sent, who will devour the flock, -and tread down the residue with their feet. As for me, I have done my -duty, and now there is no time to evade. I recommend you to him who is -able to keep you from falling, and am ready, through grace, to be -disposed of as the Lord pleases." - -"During the following week," continued Mr. Denoon, "a party of rude -soldiers attacked the manse of Traquair, and Mr. Blackader was forced to -seek safety in flight; since which time he has been wandering through -Scotland, preaching the gospel of peace, and everywhere exhorting the -people to sobriety and gentleness of conduct." - -Young Ayton's face flushed, and he enthusiastically exclaimed, "O that I -were accounted worthy to stand at the helm with those mighty leaders who -present so dauntless a front to the furious waves which threaten every -instant to overwhelm them in destruction!" - -"Courage, Inchdarnie," replied his reverend friend; "there is that in -you which, through the grace of God, must yet render you distinguished; -but be watchful and diligent, and follow the counsels of those who -possess knowledge and wisdom sufficient to guide you in the way -everlasting." - -After much interesting conversation regarding the disturbed aspect of -affairs, it was finally agreed upon between them that Mr. Denoon should, -on the following Saturday, proceed to Kirkcaldy, there to meet Mr. -Blackader and conduct him to Inchdarnie, where young Ayton should be in -attendance to receive him. All being thus arranged for their future -meeting, the two friends bade each other farewell for the present, as -Mr. Denoon was about to proceed to Cupar, there to meet with some other -devoted friends of the cause. - -While on his way hack to the university, Inchdarnie encountered a young -man whom he had frequently seen in the house of Mrs. Cunninghame, the -aunt of Mary Cunninghame, and who immediately inquired if he could -afford him any information respecting their mutual friends, who had -suddenly quitted St. Andrews, and gone, no one knew whither. Young -Ayton stammered forth some incoherent reply, and greatly to the -astonishment of his friend, who stood staring after him in speechless -amazement as if utterly at a loss to comprehend such extraordinary -conduct, he broke from him and darted into an adjoining street, where he -stood for some minutes leaning against the wall, pale and motionless as -a statue. Having at length summoned up strength sufficient to proceed -on his way, he regained his apartments, where he gave way to a -passionate burst of grief. Mary Cunninghame was gone--gone from him for -ever. She had willingly deserted him, and cast him from her thoughts as -a thing too worthless to be remembered. It was indeed a bitter pang to -hear. He felt his own weakness, and offered up an earnest supplication, -in the deep solitude of his chamber, that grace might be given him from -above. The hours flew on in their rapid flight, unmarked, unheeded in -their progress, for he was seeking for comfort where it alone may be -found--at the foot of the cross of Christ. - -At a late hour on the same evening a young man, whose form was closely -enveloped in the folds of a large cloak, and his cap drawn over his -brow, so as in some measure to conceal his features, might have been -seen slowly wending his way up the long dark avenue which led to the -Priory, the late residence of Mary Cunninghame. This, as the reader may -have already conjectured, was no other than Andrew Ayton, who had come -in order to take a farewell look at a place linked with so many sad and -tender memories. The hour and the scene were alike attuned to -melancholy. The rays of the sun, now rapidly sinking behind the distant -hills, were transmitted through the leafy boughs of the aged elms, and -threw a dim cathedral light over the otherwise darkened avenue. On -approaching the house, Inchdarnie was painfully struck with the air of -desolation which reigned around. The Naiad still threw upwards a -silvery shower of crystal drops from each uplifted hand, but the flowers -which once bloomed in rich and grateful profusion now hung their -graceful heads disconsolate and forlorn, as if they too were aware that -the kind hand which formerly cherished them was gone. The casements -were no longer open to admit the grateful breeze which wantoned amongst -the ivy-clusters clinging to the walls, and an ill-omened magpie, -rendered bold through long possession, now croaked forth a fierce -defiance at the unwelcome intruder, from the jessamine bower where -formerly he had held sweet converse with Mary Cunninghame. His heart -wrung with untold anguish. Inchdarnie advanced with faltering steps -towards the little gate which led into the garden. He opened it -gently--he entered. All was unchanged, and yet, to him, how changed. -Although the garden lay bathed in the glorious light of sunset, it -seemed as though light had in reality departed, no more to cheer him -with its gladdening beams. There was the seat from which Mary -Cunninghame had started with a joyous exclamation to greet him on his -entrance that fatal night. The chair remained, but the occupant--where -was she? The funereal boughs of the old yew-tree waved noiselessly in -the breeze, and seemed, to the excited imagination of young Ayton, like -so many demons tossing their great arms to and fro, as if inviting him -to enter within the charmed circle of the traditionary yew. At this -instant the noise created by the opening of the gate caused Inchdarnie -to turn suddenly round, when his eyes fell on the stooping form of an -aged woman, who had evidently came with the intention of making all -secure for the night. - -"Holy Mary!" she exclaimed, crossing herself devoutly on observing the -tall shrouded form of Andrew Ayton, who, recognising in her a retainer -of the Cunninghames, advanced towards her for the purpose of making -inquiries regarding her absent employers. - -"The saints above he praised!" cried the aged domestic, "that it is you, -Mr. Ayton, and no midnight marauder; oh, how you did startle me! When -first I saw you standing beneath the shade of the trees I took you for -some robber, who being made aware of the absence of the lady of the -house, had taken advantage of the circumstance to steal into the garden -with the intention of making his way into the priory. Holy St. -Jerome,----" - -"Whither has Mrs. Cunninghame gone?" impatiently interrupted Inchdarnie. - -"Have you not been made aware?" exclaimed the old woman with an air of -astonishment; "but I forget," she added; "you had ceased coming about -the house for some little time before Miss Mary took so badly----" - -"What!" cried young Ayton in an agonised tone of voice, "was Mary--I -mean Miss Cunninghame--ill before she left the priory?" - -"Holy mother! yes," was the reply; "so much so, that at one time we -feared she never should have been able to quit the house alive." - -Inchdarnie smote his hand on his forehead, and paced hurriedly to and -fro for the space of a few moments. When he returned, he was, to all -appearance, calm and collected, but his voice was husky with emotion, -and sounded deep and hollow as he again demanded "whither they had -gone?" - -"To England," replied his informer, "there to join Miss Cunninghame's -parents, who propose taking her to Italy on account of her weak state of -health. I this morning," she continued, "received a letter from her -aunt, which contained this intelligence, as also that poor Miss Mary was -still very weak and languid." - -"O God! and have I then killed her?" groaned forth young Ayton, almost -frantic at the thought. At this instant he raised his eyes; they -encountered the dark green boughs of the sepulchral-looking yew; he -started, for the sight of that tree recalled to his memory the doom -which, as Mary Cunninghame had informed him, was denounced on the person -who ventured within its sacred precincts, or vowed aught save holy vows -beneath its hallowed shade. The old woman perceived the steadfast gaze -with which he was regarding the gloomy-looking tree, and again she -crossed herself devoutly and mumbled over some half-dozen Paternosters, -as if for protection against some unseen foe. - -"Knowest thou aught concerning the legend told in connection with that -yew?" at length inquired young Ayton. - -"The saints be between us and harm! for it is not good to speak of -things above our comprehension, but still----" Here the old woman -paused as though in doubt as to whether she should proceed or not. At -length her love for relating aught pertaining to the marvellous overcame -all prudential resolves, and she commenced thus:--"You must know that -once upon a time it pleased the blessed Mary to appear in a vision by -night to St. Regulus, a holy man of Achaia, and inform him that he must -instantly set sail for this then benighted country--bearing with him the -arm-bone, three fingers, and three toes of the most holy apostle St. -Andrew--where work should be given him to do. Delighted beyond measure -at having been the instrument chosen by his most blessed patroness to -execute so mighty a mission, St. Regulus set sail with some chosen -companions in obedience to the celestial mandate. For some days," -continued the narrator, "they were wafted on their way by a favouring -breeze, but during the latter part of their voyage the foul fiend -(jealous no doubt of the devout saint and his precious relics) caused -such a hurricane to sweep over the deep that all on board speedily gave -themselves up for lost, with the exception of St. Regulus, who again in -the watches of the night, was visited by our holy mother, who addressed -him in the most comforting terms, and assured him of her gracious -protection, adding as she touched the three fingers of the martyred St. -Andrew, which glowed at the contact with a lambent flame, 'I have much -labour for these to accomplish.' Overcome with joy at this renewed -proof of his favour with heaven, St. Regulus lost no time in making his -companions aware of his second visitation, who immediately thereupon -regained their ancient courage and faith in their leader's mission. -After being tossed for many days by the winds and the waves, the ship at -length struck on these shores, then named Otholania, but all on board -were saved. The then King, on being made acquainted with the arrival of -these holy men with their precious relics, instantly gave orders for -their being received with all possible honours. Indeed he afterwards -bestowed his own palace, which then occupied the present site of the -priory, on St. Regulus, and built the church which still bears the name -of the saint. Perhaps you are not aware," she continued, "that at that -remote period of time all round here was one vast forest, abounding with -boars, noted for their immense size and uncommon ferocity. Well, one -night as the blessed St. Regulus (Holy Mary protect us!) was walking in -the garden which surrounded the house, praising the saints with a joyful -voice for their watchful care in bringing him through so many dangers -into so safe and comfortable a haven, all of a sudden he was started by -observing two large fiery eyes gleaming on him from among the trees. -Unable to seek for safety in flight, and no one being within call, the -reverend father gave himself up for lost, when, just as the boar was -about to spring forth on him, there rose up from his very feet (so the -tradition says) this miraculous yew with branches growing down to the -ground, so that the saint, recovering his presence of mind, was enabled -to ascend the tree, where he remained seated in safety, while an armed -warrior, hitherto invisible, darted forth as it were from the root of -the tree, at once finished the enraged animal by a stroke from his -spear, and then disappeared ere ever St. Regulus had time to recover his -astonishment; so sudden had been the whole proceeding. On that same -night the blessed Mary again visited the reverend father in a dream, and -warned him that that tree must be consecrated and dedicated to the most -holy St. Andrew, who had himself appeared in his defence and slain the -boar, adding that the yew was possessed of the most miraculous -qualities; and that by applying a small piece of one of its branches to -any wound or bruise, the sufferer, after having fasted two days and two -nights, and given to the Church a portion of his worldly goods, should -immediately be cured; but that whenever aught but holy vows had been -breathed beneath its hallowed shade, its virtue should depart. St. -Regulus, as legends tell, rose in an ecstacy of delight, and lost no -time in proceeding at the head of a splendid procession to the tree, -which was at once consecrated and dedicated to St. Andrew, who thereupon -testified his gratitude by causing the yew to perform the most -miraculous cures; indeed to such celebrity did it afterwards attain that -pious pilgrims traversed sea and land to obtain evidence of its virtues, -having heard in far distant countries that the good and pious King -Hergustus had himself been cured, through its wonderful properties, of a -malady hitherto deemed incurable. Well, centuries after the blessed St. -Regulus had received his heavenly crown, the prior of the holy -establishment founded here by order of the departed saint, was one night -aroused from slumber by a terrible cry proceeding from the garden. Lost -in amazement, he listened for a few seconds in order to hear if it would -be repeated, but no, all continued silent; and fancying himself the -sport of some evil dream, he returned to his pallet, from whence he was -summoned at the dawn of morning by a loud knocking at the door of his -chamber. In answer to his invitation, a pious brother entered, -apparently overcome with horror, for he remained motionless and unable -to speak. The heart of the prior misgave him, and he eagerly demanded -what had happened. Father Anselmo said nought, but pointed with his -finger to the garden. Fearing he knew not what, the prior rushed forth, -in his anxiety oblivious of the fact that the wind was cold and his -shaven head defenceless. Holy Mary! and what a sight greeted the eyes -of the aged prior! There lay his own nephew, a youth of great promise, -and hitherto deemed possessed of superior sanctity, cold and stiff, his -hand clasping that of a young and beauteous lady who had shared his fate -under the boughs of the sainted yew. The pious men, who then crowded -round the sorrow-stricken prior, informed him that when found they were -standing upright, and seemed as though they had been struck by a bolt -from heaven, as all around the ground was blackened and scorched. Since -that sad day," said the old woman with a sigh, "all sacred virtue has -departed from the tree; but it is still affirmed and believed that some -terrible doom awaits those who dare to murmur vows of earthly love -within its consecrated precincts." - -"Truly a gloomy enough tale," said young Ayton at the conclusion of the -legend, the bare narration of which had chased all colour from the -cheeks of the old woman, who again made the sign of the cross, as if in -atonement for having yielded to the temptation of relating so horrible a -story. Both remained silent for a little while, each being busy with -his and her own individual thoughts, until at length the silence was -broken by young Ayton's inquiring, in a low tone of voice, "if Miss -Cunninghame seemed sorry on leaving the priory?" - -"Oh, yes! the poor sweet creature," said the garrulous dame, "she was -indeed overwhelmed with sorrow; and just before setting off she came -hither and wept, and sobbed most bitterly for longer than I can -remember, and always kept exclaiming, 'Farewell happiness! Farewell to -all trust and confidence in mankind.' Then she would take something -that hung from her neck--probably some sainted relic--kiss it -passionately, and then weep more bitterly than before. (This was when -she thought no one was observing her.) On her return she seemed -crushed-like and broken, but still calm and collected, until entering -the carriage, when she again gave way to tears. All this time Mrs. -Cunninghame endeavoured to soothe and comfort her to the best of her -ability, and whispered words of consolation, but in vain; she seemed -deaf to them all. Never while I live shall I forget the look of agony -with which she gazed on the house; it was like that of one who should -never more behold it." - -Here the feelings of Andrew Ayton overcome him; he could listen no -longer, and dashing away the tears which almost blinded him, he fled -from the spot, greatly to the astonishment of his informer, who gazed -after him as if in doubt whether he would return or not. At length she -exclaimed, "Holy Mary! could it be that----" - -Here she paused for a moment as if lost in thought. Whatever was the -result of her cogitations to this day remains a mystery, for on -recovering in some measure from her surprise, she simply shrugged her -shoulders, and muttering an ave, proceeded leisurely to lock the gate, -and with many a weary sigh retraced her steps to the house. - -Early on the following morning young Ayton quitted St. Andrews and -repaired to Inchdarnie, there to await the coming of Mr. Blackader, who -arrived on the day appointed in company with Mr. Denoon. On the ensuing -morning (Sunday) they set out for Divan, distant about eight miles, -where a great concourse of people were assembled to greet one of whom -they had heard so much. Greatly to the astonishment of Mr. Blackader, -on arriving at the place of meeting he perceived a large pile of arms -lying ready in case of necessity. On demanding the reason for such -unusual preparation, he was informed that Prelate Sharpe--at the mention -of whose name a groan of execration passed through the assembly--had -ordered out a band of militia to apprehend any minister who had the -temerity to venture within his bounds. The service then commenced, and -while Mr. Blackader was dispensing the holy communion, there arose a cry -that the militia were upon them, upon which Balfour of Burly placed -himself at the head of a small party of horse, and went forth to obtain -a view of the soldiers, who, apprehensive of the Covenanters being -armed, kept themselves aloof with the intention of capturing some of the -people on the dismissal of the congregation. When the service was -finished, and the hearers dispersed, with the exception of the -body-guard headed by Inchdarnie, who remained to protect Mr. Blackader, -a new alarm was raised that the soldiers were again advancing upon them. -On receipt of this intelligence, the Laird of Kinkel and Balfour of -Burly, with some few horsemen, rode up the face of the hill where the -militia were pouring down in the expectation of making an easy prey of -those remaining. The alarm having reached the ears of the young men, -who, fancying all danger at an end, were quietly wending their way -homewards, they instantly returned and joined themselves to the party -commanded by Andrew Ayton, who earnestly entreated Mr. Blackader to be -allowed to pursue the soldiers, who had immediately taken to flight on -perceiving the preparations made to receive them, which, had he agreed -to, the Covenanters must have gained a complete victory, as the -militiamen had resolved, if overtaken by their enemies, to throw down -their arms and surrender at discretion. But Mr. Blackader strongly -opposed all hostile measures, and at length dissuaded them from it. "My -friends," said he, "your part is chiefly to defend yourselves from -hazard, and not to pursue: your enemies have fled--let their flight -sheath your weapons and disarm your passions. I may add, without -offence, that men in your case are more formidable to see at a distance -than to engage hand in hand. But since you are in a warlike and -defensive posture, remain so, at least till your brethren be all -dismissed. Conduct them through their enemies, and be their safeguard -until they get beyond their reach; but, except in case of violence, -offer injury to none." On receiving assurance that the soldiers had -fled towards Cupar, the armed Covenanters quietly retired to their -homes, with the exception of nine, who remained to conduct Mr. -Blackader, to his sleeping quarters, at an inn situated in the parish of -Portmoak. Here the three friends parted. Mr. Blackader returned to -Edinburgh, Mr. Denoon, after an affectionate farewell with his young -friend, set off for Morayshire, and Andrew Ayton, sore distressed at -having lost his kind preceptor, once more retraced his steps to -Inchdarnie. His parents soon afterwards returned from Perthshire, where -they had been visiting some relations; and grieved as they were at the -step their son had taken, they forbore addressing him on the subject, -being convinced that he had done so from a sincere belief in its -rectitude. He was, as his amiable dispositions merited, fondly beloved -by them, and in return he strove by every means in his power to testify -his filial love and reverence towards the authors of his being. But -their domestic happiness was soon to be invaded. The names of those -present at so celebrated a conventicle as that recently held at Divan -could not, nor was it wished that they should, long remain a secret; and -young Ayton was specially mentioned as having been foremost among the -hearers on that day. Since then he had made the most strenuous efforts -to bring other holy men to Fifeshire, firmly persuaded of the -incalculable benefits it would confer on the people in whom he took so -deep an interest; consequently he must be punished. One evening on his -return from his accustomed ramble in the romantic woods of Inchdarnie, a -packet was placed in his hands. He opened it; it contained one of those -letters of intercommuning then so fearfully common throughout Scotland. -He must therefore fly; the doors of his father's house must henceforward -be closed against him--the light of his mother's countenance openly -withdrawn from him for ever; for according to these terrible missives, -not only the individuals mentioned therein, but those of their relations -who showed them the least kindness, or sheltered them when oppressed, -were treated with equal severity. In one letter alone, as we read in a -book written on these times, "above ninety clergymen, gentlemen, and -even ladies of distinction, were interdicted from the common intercourse -of social life. All who received them or supplied them with sustenance, -intelligence, or relief--who conversed or held communication with -them--were made equally criminal." In order to procure evidence of the -guilt of those they wished to criminate, all persons were forced, under -the highest penalties, to inform against offenders, and made to swear -upon oath whatever they knew regarding them. If they refused to do so, -they were subject, at the pleasure of the counsel, to fines, -incarceration, or banishment to the American plantations. Immediately -on receipt of this letter, Andrew Ayton determined upon setting out for -Morayshire, where he thought he should be safe from pursuit. In an -agony of grief his mother clasped him in her arms, and besought him, for -her sake, not to expose himself to needless danger. This be faithfully -promised, and after a sad farewell, set out on his journey. - -The friends with whom Inchdarnie resided during his sojourn in -Morayshire lived near Pluscardine, a ruined priory founded by Alexander -the Second in the year 1230. It was dedicated to the honour of St. -Andrew, and named Valles St. Andrea. Amongst its sacred ruins did young -Ayton love to wander, when the moon's bright beams sparkled like -diamonds on the bosom of the river Lossie, which seemed like some silver -mirror, so still, so placid were its waters. One lovely morning, while -rambling along the soft green walks which surrounded the ancient gardens -attached to the priory, he was startled by hearing a footstep behind -him. He turned hastily, and perceived Mr. Denoon advancing towards him. -Overcome with joy on again beholding his reverend friend, Inchdarnie -eagerly advanced to meet him, his eyes sparkling with pleasure, and his -hand extended to grasp the one outstretched to meet it. After an -interchange of warm and affectionate greetings, Mr. Denoon informed -Andrew Ayton that he had been apprized of his arrival in Morayshire -while visiting in Elgin, and had lost no time in coming to see him, as -he had longed much to converse with him again on the subject that lay -nearest his heart; whereupon he gave Inchdarnie a long and -circumstantial account of all that he had done and laboured to do since -his arrival in Morayshire. How he had frequently preached, both in rooms -and on open moors, greatly to the delight of the poor people, who had -assembled in crowds to hear him; and that everywhere much sympathy had -been expressed and felt on behalf of those of their brethren who had -been called upon to suffer for their adherence to the Covenant; and -prayers were daily offered up that the Lord might strengthen their -hearts and hands, adding, "that both in Cromarty and Morayshire many of -the inhabitants evinced a fellow-feeling for the persecuted Covenanters, -and that he trusted they would not be backward when the time came for -their testifying their faith and determination to do that which was -right." - -In answer to an inquiry on the part of Mr. Denoon as to how things had -fared with himself since last they met, Andrew Ayton informed him -regarding the letter of intercommuning which had forced him to visit -Morayshire much sooner than he otherwise would have done, being desirous -of remaining in Fifeshire some little time longer, in order that he -might, if possible, labour in conjunction with others in behalf of those -who desired to have the pure gospel preached unto them. - -"You are now," said Mr. Denoon with a sigh, "called upon to share in the -trials and sorrows of those who have as it were cast the world behind -them. But fear not; there is One who will guide thy bark upon the -waters, and still the waves which threaten to engulph thee. Cast, -therefore, thy care upon Him, and should thy path through life be -compassed with thorns, yet thy reward hereafter will be great." - -As they walked to and fro amongst the venerable ruins, Mr. Denoon -attracted the attention of his youthful companion towards the beautiful -and elaborate carving with which the walls of the interior were adorned. -"See," said he, "that exquisite tracery on yonder cornice; mark that -curiously-defined cross; how strange that such things should still -exist, when those who grudged not the time and labour bestowed on -perishable works such as these have long been mouldering in the dust. -What changes are produced by the flight of years! At no very distant -period," he continued, "this priory was inhabited by a body of monks, -who, according to their constitution, were obliged to lead a lonely and -austere life. For some time they religiously adhered to the rules of -their order, until at length grown weary of so restricting themselves, -they gave way to riotous excesses, and from being an independent house, -Pluscardine was degraded to a cell dependent on the Abbey of -Dunfermline. Years rolled on, and the tide of Reformation resistlessly -rushed over the hills and valleys of Scotland. All gave way before it. -The walls of the monasteries and cathedrals then existing in our country -were razed to the ground, the monks fled to less hostile shores, and -now"--here Mr. Denoon paused for a moment, as if overwhelmed by painful -thoughts--"this green turf once pressed by the sandalled foot, is trod -by the feet of those who are at this moment trembling for the safety of -that Church our fathers strove to establish in our land." - -"Was it not," said Andrew Ayton, "in reference to the gay doings of the -monks of Pluscardine that the verses I am about to repeat were written?" -So saying, he recited the following:-- - - A right merry set were the monks of old, - They lived on the best of cheer; - They drank the red wine out of cups of gold, - And hunted the fallow-deer. - Quoth father Anselmo, "I wot that we, - Thrive right well on the faithful's charity." - - As they gazed on the walls of their Abbey, - All fair with carved work within, - "'Tis better to live where one may pray, - Than dwell in proud tents of sin." - Quoth father Anselmo, "Yes," said he, - "And thrive on the faithful's charity." - - The Prior he raised his glass on high, - With the grape's juice mantling o'er; - He view'd the red wine with a critical eye. - And laughed as he call'd for more. - "Yes, Brother Anselmo, yes," said he, - "We thrive on the faithful's charity!" - - -Mr. Denoon could scarcely forbear smiling at the satirical nature of the -song, as he answered, "that they might indeed be so; the monks no doubt -having afforded, by their luxurious style of living, much cause for -censure amongst those who were in some measure acquainted with the -revelries held within the walls of Pluscardine;" adding, "ay, even -within the walls of a sanctuary such as this, where men profess to -devote themselves exclusively to the service of God, worldly thoughts -and human feelings will intrude." - -Inchdarnie, while gazing on the remains of former grandeur, could not -help expressing his admiration of the buildings these men erected in -honour of their God, and his regret that such splendid cathedrals as -existed in Scotland at the time of the Reformation should have been so -recklessly destroyed. - -"It is certainly to be regretted," said Mr. Denoon in reply; "but at -that time strong measures were deemed necessary for the expulsion of the -Romish faith from Scotland, and the destruction of all connected -therewith was deemed a proceeding requisite for the safety of the -people. But, my son," he continued, "it is not the place where one -worship, but the heart of the worshipper that God values. Believe me, a -heart-felt prayer uttered by a soldier on the bloody field of battle, a -few words of earnest supplication breathed on the solitary moor or -sequestered glen, are more acceptable in his sight than the prayers of -those kneeling in the lofty cathedral aisle, if their souls are not in -unison with the scene around them." - -In company with his reverend friend, Andrew Ayton visited numbers of the -poorer class of people inhabiting the shire of Moray, and attended -several meetings where Mr. Denoon officiated as clergyman. Before -quitting Elgin, the latter, in accordance with a wish expressed to that -effect, made known his intention of holding a conventicle in the ruins -of Pluscardine. The morning of the day appointed for the meeting having -arrived, Mr. Denoon and Andrew Ayton set off for the ruined priory. The -day was beautiful, and on their arrival they found the interior of the -ruins thronged with an eager multitude in readiness to receive them. -Inchdarnie was impressed beyond imagination with the touching solemnity -of the scene, as Mr. Denoon, taking his stand on a huge fragment of -stone dislodged from the building by the relentless hand of time, -proceeded to address the congregation. The rays of the sun at this -moment penetrating through the ivy-clad windows, tinged with a golden -lustre his venerable locks, and imparted an air of majesty to his -countenance, in harmony with the heavenly messages he was entrusted to -deliver. He spoke, and as his voice resounded through the vast space -with the force of a trumpet, arousing his hearers to a sense of their -danger, young Ayton felt the incapacity of the most gorgeous pageantry -to add to the grandeur of words like these. While all eyes and ears -were fixed on the preacher with an earnestness that precluded all other -sights and sounds, Inchdarnie was startled on observing a strange face, -almost shrouded beneath a brass helmet, gazing in at one of the windows. -Unable to credit his senses, he kept his eyes fastened on the spot with -an eagerness that was almost painful. His suspense was not of long -duration. Again the same form presented itself, but this time -accompanied by several others, who stationed themselves near every -possible outlet, so as to shut out all hopes of escape. His worst fears -realised, Andrew Ayton sprung from his seat, and shouting, "Betrayed, -betrayed!" he drew his sword, and dashing through the midst of the -terror-stricken congregation, placed himself by the side of Mr. Denoon -as though determined to share his fate. The latter stood calm and -resolute, while those by whom he was surrounded evinced their readiness -to fight in their own and his defence. At this instant a soldier, who -from his proud bearing and superior style of dress appeared to be the -leader of the party, entered, and approaching Mr. Denoon, politely -uncovered his head, while he expressed his regret that so unpleasant a -duty as that of arresting Mr. Denoon should have devolved upon him; but -that, however repugnant it might be to his own feelings to do so, yet -his orders must be obeyed, and Mr. Denoon must therefore prepare to -accompany them, adding that no harm was intended to any of the -congregation, who were at liberty to retire if so inclined. - -"Arrest Mr. Denoon!" cried Inchdarnie, "never!" so saying, he raised his -sword on high, and was about to rush on the officer, when Mr. Denoon, -throwing his arms around him, besought him to forbear; then turning to -the commander, he demanded of him whither he had orders to take him? - -"To Dundee," was the reply, "there to await further instructions." - -"The Lord's will be done!" piously exclaimed Mr. Denoon, raising his -hands and eyes to heaven as he spoke; then turning to the people, who -loudly expressed their sympathy, he bade them be of good cheer, as the -Lord would soon find them another and more zealous pastor. - -While parting with Inchdarnie, many tears were shed on both sides, but -to all his young friend's entreaties that he would permit him to strike -one blow in his defence, he simply replied: "My son, it is the duty of a -Christian to suffer, and to suffer meekly; if it please the Lord we -shall meet again, and till then farewell;" so saying he expressed his -readiness to depart, whereupon the officer, his head still uncovered, -courteously led the way to the spot where his men stood armed to receive -the prisoner. - -For some little time after the departure of the soldiers, Andrew Ayton -remained motionless, and apparently overwhelmed with grief. He had lost -his kind, sympathising friend, and that at the very moment when he stood -most in need of his assistance. What was to be done? At this moment the -thought darted through his head, could he not be rescued? Regarding the -suggestion as a sunbeam sent by the Almighty to comfort him in the midst -of his affliction, and heedless of the numbers who stood around watching -his every motion, Inchdarnie knelt for one moment in silent prayer, and -then starting to his feet, hurried from the ruins. His resolution was -taken; he would follow the soldiers until such time as he could meet -with some friends who would aid him in the attempted rescue. Having -informed the relations with whom he had been staying, of his intentions, -Andrew Ayton threw himself on horseback, and galloped off in the -direction pursued by the dragoons. He soon came within sight of the -party, and observed, to his great satisfaction, that they were few in -number, and evidently not over-anxious regarding the safety of their -prisoner, whose venerable form young Ayton could plainly descry -stationed in midst of the dragoons. As an Indian unceasingly follows in -the track of his intended victim, so Andrew Ayton kept in the wake of -the soldiers, riding when they rode, halting when they halted, until at -length they arrived at Dundee. After having carefully marked the house, -to which Mr. Denoon was conducted, Inchdarnie put spurs to his horse's -sides and galloped straight to Cupar, where he expected to obtain the -necessary assistance. Having speedily collected together a number of -young men eager to undertake anything that promised them some amusement, -he retraced his steps to Dundee. All remained the same as when he had -left. The two soldiers still kept guard before the house in which Mr. -Denoon was confined. Leaving his companions in a little wood near the -entrance to the town, Andrew Ayton, having disguised himself so as to -preclude all possibility of recognition, proceeded to reconnoitre the -premises, in order to discover the most feasible plan for effecting Mr. -Denoon's escape. He soon satisfied himself that the back part of the -house, which looked into a little garden, was totally defenceless. No -soldier was stationed there to keep watch, and the windows were easy of -access and without protection of any kind. Having made himself -acquainted with these particulars, Inchdarnie rejoined his friends in -the wood, where they determined to remain until night should further -their scheme. When the shades of evening had closed around them, the -party issued from the wood, and advanced singly, so as to excite no -suspicions of their real purpose in the breasts of those they might -chance to encounter towards the back of the house indicated by -Inchdarnie, which, standing as it did a little apart from the others, -occupied a position highly favourable for their purpose. Having -stationed all his companions save one at the foot of the garden, so as -to be ready in case of danger, Andrew Ayton advanced towards one of the -lower windows, and with the assistance of his friend succeeded in -reaching it. After pausing a moment to recover breath, he gently -endeavoured to raise the sash. This was an anxious moment with them -all, and the beatings of Andrew Ayton's heart were painfully audible, so -fearful was he lest their plan should prove a failure. To their -inexpressible delight, however, it yielded to his touch. The first step -was now gained, but the worst remained behind. He entered and found -himself in a small unfurnished room, having a door at the extreme end; -this he also perceived to be open, and marvelling much at the -carelessness of those in charge, he threaded his way along a narrow -passage, on both sides of which were stationed doors. This was rather -puzzling to one unacquainted as young Ayton was with the geography of -the house, but summoning up all the courage of which he was possessed, -he placed his hand on the handle of the one nearest him; it opened, and -he saw at one glance that it was also uninhabited. In like manner he -tried another equally yielding to his touch; he entered, and seated by a -small wooden table, on which burned a solitary candle, he beheld his -venerable friend. With difficulty suppressing a cry of joy at sight of -one whom he almost feared was lost to him for ever, Andrew Ayton rushed -forward, while Mr. Denoon, equally delighted and astonished at the -unexpected appearance of one whom he regarded in the light of a son, -started from his seat, and clasping him to his bosom, mingled his tears -with his. - -"Father!" at length said young Ayton in a whisper, "you must this -instant fly with me--all is in readiness; I have faithful friends, who -are at this moment waiting my return with anxious impatience. Oh, do -not delay, but hasten to gladden their eyes with your presence!" - -Mr. Denoon sadly shook his head while he replied, "Would it not be a -cowardly action, and unlike that of One who gave up his own life as a -ransom for many, were a minister to fly from his earthly foes? Would it -not seem as if----?" - -"Oh, do not say no, reverend father!" interrupted Inchdarnie: "do not -neglect the opportunity God hath given you of making your escape from -the hands of your enemies, in order that you may yet preach to those in -need of a shepherd. Of what use are you here?" he continued. "What -lost souls are there you can reclaim from perdition? and were you once -to regain your liberty, what unspeakable comfort might you not be able -to render those who require consolation?" - -"My son, in that you say truly; there may be much for me to do, and the -word liberty soundeth sweet in the ears of a captive;" so saying, Mr. -Denoon expressed his willingness to depart. - -Rejoicing in the success which had hitherto attended his plan, -Inchdarnie conducted Mr. Denoon to the window where his friend was -stationed, who received the aged man in his arms and placed him in -safety on the ground. Treading as noiselessly as possible, the party, -employing the same precautionary measures in their retreat as during -their approach, retraced their steps to the wood where horses were ready -saddled and bridled to conduct them to Cupar, whither Inchdarnie -determined at once to proceed. On their way thither Andrew Ayton -apprized Mr. Denoon of all that had taken place since the morning of his -capture in the priory, and in his turn was made acquainted with what had -befallen his reverend friend since his imprisonment. - -"How fortunate," said Mr. Denoon in continuation, "that you should have -fixed on this night for effecting my deliverance. Had you delayed -another day, I should have been removed from Dundee, to go I know not -whither; and to that circumstance is to be attributed the fact of there -being so few precautions taken as regarded my safety; for in general -every door and window was carefully fastened ere night had closed in." - -Inwardly returning thanks to the Almighty for the kindness he had -evinced towards them in thus disarming the soldiers of all suspicion of -danger, they pursued the rest of their journey in silence. On arriving -at Cupar, the two friends deemed it essential for their safety to part. -Mr. Denoon determined upon going to St. Andrews, where he had some -trusty friends; while Inchdarnie, fearful of remaining longer in -Fifeshire, expressed his intention of at once proceeding to Perth, there -to visit Mr. Wellwood, whose acquaintance he was most anxious to make. - -"God bless and prosper you! my dear young friend," said Mr. Denoon, -warmly grasping Andrew Ayton by the hand as he bade him adieu; "under -the providence of God I this night owe my life to you; and oh, that I -may spend it in the service of Him to whom it by right belongs!" - -"Farewell, my noble, kind preceptor," replied Inchdarnie, "and should we -never meet again in this valley of time, God grant I may so follow in -your steps that we may spend eternity together;" so saying, they -parted--and for ever. As Andrew Ayton pursued his solitary way towards -Perth, he was attracted by sounds of lamentation which appeared to -proceed from a house situated at a short distance from the road along -which he was proceeding. Always ready to hearken to the voice of -suffering--and judging that in this case some assistance might be -necessary--he leapt from his horse and knocked gently at the door. -Finding that no notice was being taken of his repeated demands for -admission, he fastened the impatient animal to a ring in the wall, and, -raising the latch, entered the house, where he beheld a sight that made -him tremble. Stretched on the cottage floor lay the apparently lifeless -body of a man bathed in a pool of blood, while at his head sat an aged -female ghastly with despair. No wail of sorrow burst from her bloodless -lips, but her eyes were fixed on the face of the dead man with that -stony gaze which bespeaks the bitterest anguish, and near her was seated -the wife of the deceased, whose passionate bursts of sorrow had first -attracted the notice of Andrew Ayton. - -"Good God!" he exclaimed, on beholding this terrible spectacle; "what -means this?" - -On hearing the voice of a stranger, the younger female lifted her head, -but unable to speak, she merely pointed to the deceased, and then -burying her face in her hands, gave way to fresh bursts of sorrow. - -"O do not grieve thus," said Inchdarnie, "but tell me, in heaven's name, -who has been the author of this bloody outrage; and if it should be in -my power to render you any assistance----" - -"Assistance!" screamed the old woman in a shrill voice of agony, and -starting to her feet as she spoke, "can you restore us the dead? Can -you bring back light to the eyeballs, and life to the stiffening frame? -Can you blast with heaven's lightning----?" - -"Oh, hush mother, hush! use not these awful words!" exclaimed the -anguished wife; "it is not for us to curse our----" - -[Illustration: "Stretched on the cottage floor lay the apparently -lifeless body of a man, bathed in a pool of blood, while at his head sat -an aged female, ghastly with despair."] - -"Interrupt me not!" cried the aged matron. "Can you blast with heaven's -lightnings," she continued, "the mitred head of him who ordered the deed -to be done--that rendered me childless in my old age? O may the curses -of a bereaved mother cling to his soul, and drag him down--down! But I -will be avenged," she continued, the frenzied light of madness blazing -in her sunken eyes, "I will be avenged, and that right soon; God has -promised it; the heavens frown not in wrath when I cry for revenge! And -when that day comes, when he, the bloody prelate, kneels in the very -dust begging for that mercy he this day denied to me, then--then will he -know the bitterness of kneeling at the foot of man, and kneeling in -vain." Here, thoroughly exhausted by her own violence, the -heart-stricken mother threw herself on the body of her child, screaming -aloud, "My son! my son!" - -Overcome with horror at the wretched scene, and perceiving that -assistance could not be of any avail, Andrew Ayton, after he had thrust -some money into the passive hand of the more gentle mourner, quickly -regained the door, and mounting his horse, which stood pawing the ground -with impatience to be gone, galloped hastily onwards to Perth. Now that -the excitement which had hitherto sustained him had in some measure -subsided, Andrew Ayton began to experience the effects of the fatigue -arising from the scenes through which he had passed, and to realise the -necessity there was of his obtaining some repose; accordingly he -alighted at the first public-house that afforded hopes of entertainment -for man and beast. In the course of the following morning he resumed his -journey, and entered the "Fair City" as the light of day was departing. -Being very desirous of seeing Mr. Wellwood, who was then thought to be -dying, he made at once for the house in which he resided. It was a -humble apartment into which he was ushered; no signs of luxury, barely -of comfort, greeted the stranger's eye. The ceiling was low and dark, -and the casement small; yet through that narrow aperture the sun's rays -entered wooingly and kissed the pallid brow of a young man--sole tenant -of the solitary apartment--who instantly rose from his chair and -advanced a few steps, although with apparent difficulty, so much was he -wasted by sickness, to welcome Andrew Ayton. As each of the young men -had heard frequent and favourable mention made of the other, both paused -for one moment as if by mutual consent, and earnestly gazed in each -other's face. What a contrast did they at this moment present! There -stood young Ayton, his long fair hair hanging in waving masses on his -shoulders; youth written on his brow--his blue eyes bright with -enthusiasm, and his tall elegant figure erect and bold; while opposite -to him was one on whose forehead the cold band of death had set its -seal. Although comparatively young in years, he was old with anxiety -and suffering; his flushed cheek and lustrous eye, his damp forehead and -short dry cough, all attesting the fatal presence of consumption. To -gaze on them thus was to imagine a meeting between life and death, or -that between two warriors; the one bravely arming for the coming fight, -and the other, weary of the strife, about to repose after having borne -the burden and heat of the day. At length Mr. Wellwood spoke, and his -voice was low and sweet as he expressed the pleasure it gave him to see -Mr. Ayton; while the latter grieved beyond measure on beholding Mr. -Wellwood so feeble and attenuated, could scarce command his voice -sufficiently to make a suitable reply. After the lapse of some little -time, during which both sat silent, Mr. Wellwood, who had been gazing in -a dreamy manner on the few blighted flowers adorning his window, emblems -of his own untimely fate, demanded of Andrew Ayton if Archbishop Sharpe -had committed any further outrages on the Presbyterians. - -"Oh! Mr. Wellwood," burst forth Inchdarnie, "words cannot paint the -deep hatred that haughty prelate bears towards us; he would, if -possible, blot our names from the book of life; the wholesale murders -committed by his orders are terrible beyond imagination; and not -contented with what has been already done, he daily devises fresh means -of torture. Had you seen what I witnessed while coming hither, it would -never have been effaced from your memory; the lifeless corpse, the -bereaved wife, and the maniac mother--all are before me even now. That -such men are permitted to live only to commit crimes revolting to -humanity is indeed strange!" - -As Mr. Wellwood gazed on the countenance of the noble youth, which -glowed with a beauty almost unearthly in its brightness, and marked as -it was by an expression of melancholy sometimes seen on the faces of -those who are not destined to remain long in this world, the mysterious -veil which conceals the future from our sight was for one moment drawn -aside. His dying eyes beheld what was soon to be accomplished, and he -exclaimed, "You will shortly be quit of him; he will get a sudden and -sharp off-going, and you will be the first to take the news of his death -to heaven." - -Inchdarnie reverently bowed his head in token of submission to the -decrees of the Almighty. So pleased was he with the gentle bearing and -pious exhortations of Mr. Well wood, that he remained with him until -pretty near his decease, which occurred not long afterwards, when he was -obliged to return to Inchdarnie, there to comfort with his presence his -beloved mother, then labouring under severe indisposition. In danger of -being imprisoned should his presence be discovered in the neighbourhood, -Andrew Ayton durst not continue long in his father's house; but during -the winter months and the ensuing spring he kept himself concealed in -one of the cottar's houses, where he ran little risk of being detected. - -It was now the fifth of May, 1679, and Andrew Ayton still lurked in the -neighbourhood of Inchdarnie. On the morning of the day in question, a -letter was placed in his hands; he glanced at the superscription, turned -pale as death, and tearing it open, perused its contents with eyes whose -wild expression would have terrified the beholder, while the trembling -of the paper attested the agitation under which he laboured. The -contents were as follows:-- - - -MY DEAREST ANDREW,--I have struggled, and struggled in vain, to banish -your image from my heart; wherever I have been, in England or in Italy, -still you were present, and the words you last uttered on that fearful -night have rung in my ears till they almost maddened me. All this weary -time, in spite of my better judgment, I indulged in the fond delusion -that you would endeavour to find me out, and that all should be made -right again--vain hope. Months rolled on without any proof on your part -of continued affection, and at last I was constrained to believe you had -indeed forgotten me. In spite of all my assumed composure, despair took -possession of my heart. Numberless suitors addressed me in all the -glowing language of the sunny south, but I turned a deaf ear to their -honied vows, and sighed in secret over the remembrance of one still too -dear to me. At length, greatly to my delight, we returned to Scotland; -and in the expectation of seeing you, I accompanied my aunt to the dear -old priory. You were gone, but I heard from Deborah of your grief in -the garden, and my heart melted within me at the recital. Again, I -encountered one day during my accustomed walk a dear friend of yours, -named Mr. Denoon (here Andrew Ayton's face glowed with delight); he -seemed to know me--how I cannot tell--for he stopt and spoke to me of -you. O! what sweet words of comfort he breathed to my anguished soul! -He did not seek to undermine my faith (and for that I love him), but he -told me of your love, your sorrow, and unaltered constancy, and prayed -me to relent. Dear old man; he said although he grieved for my sake -that I was not a Protestant, yet that should not prove an obstacle to -our earthly happiness, for (and this rejoiced me more than anything) -although the outward forms of our religion were so wholly at variance -with each other, yet if our hearts were right in the sight of God, and -we were sincere in our love towards him, they should always be -acceptable in his sight. O Inchdarnie! whether it was that I really -believed him or wished to do so for your dear sake, I know not, but I -wept from joy; and he, dear, kind old man, was almost as much affected -as myself. He then told me of your having aided his escape, and I -listened with pride to the narration. We parted, soon to meet again. -With the knowledge of my friends, I flew to your dear, venerable aunt, -the Lady Murdocairnie (in whose house I am now residing), and told her -of all that had passed between us, upon which she took me in her arms -and blessed me, and advised me to write you, stating my unaltered love -and anxiety to behold you. Come then, Inchdarnie; gladden me once more -with your presence, and tell me with your own lips whether you will -forgive, your loving - -MARY CUNNINGHAME. - - -With a cry of joy Andrew Ayton started to his feet, rushed to the -stable, and too impatient to wait for the tardy groom, he saddled his -horse, sprang on its back, and darted off as if on the wings of the -wind. Away he sped on his errand of love. The birds sung sweet above -his head, he felt as blythe as they; he was going to join his Mary--his -darling Mary. On, on, on; mountains, streams, and fields seemed to rush -madly past him, so rapid was his course. All grief for him was at an -end; Mary had forgiven him--Mary still loved him--they should yet be -happy--alas! - -Andrew Ayton, while lurking in the peaceful shades of Inchdarnie, was -not made aware of the late fearful event, news of which at that instant -was resounding through the land, convulsing England with horror, and -ringing at the gates of heaven. Andrew Ayton knew not that two days -previously Archbishop Sharpe had been slain--murdered on the lonely -Magus Moor. Wholly ignorant of the affair, and of the pursuit to which -it had given rise, young Ayton dashed onwards full of hope and joy, when -an abrupt turning of the road revealed to his gaze a party of dragoons -riding furiously towards Cupar. Anxious if possible to avoid -encountering so numerous a body, Andrew Ayton quitted the high-road and -galloped briskly through some fields, hoping thereby to escape notice; -when suddenly a horseman detaches himself from the party and darts -across the plain in pursuit of him. A flash, followed by a report, and -the horse which bears young Ayton rears in the air; another and another, -and he himself is mortally wounded. This done, the soldier without -question or challenge of any kind, rejoins his comrades, exulting in the -success of his exploit. The poor young man thus stricken down at the -very moment in which life seemed most desirable, in spite of his -dreadful wounds, managed, although with great difficulty, to preserve -his seat on horseback until he arrived at the nearest house, where he -alighted and begged that he might have a bed, also that his uncle, Sir -John Ayton of Ayton, whose house was in the immediate neighbourhood, -might be apprized of his condition. Deeply grieved on beholding the -fatal injuries he had received. the mistress of the house supported his -fainting form, and conducting him to her bust bedroom, made him as -comfortable as circumstances would permit, until his uncle should -arrive. On receipt of this sad intelligence. Sir John Ayton lost not a -moment in hastening to his nephew's bedside; and so shocked was he at -the appearance he presented, that he ordered a man-servant whom he had -brought with him to start instantly for Cupar, and fetch a surgeon. The -man returned with the intelligence that the dragoons had given positive -orders to the effect that no medical man was to leave Cupar on any -pretext whatever; upon which Sir John Ayton, frantic at the delay, -despatched another messenger to appeal to the dragoons in behalf of the -dying man. In answer to this, a party of soldiers was sent with -instructions to convey him to Cupar. In vain Sir John Ayton protested -against the cruelty, not to say impossibility, of removing a man in his -condition to Cupar, which was distant three miles; in vain he offered -them bail, or to entertain them until surgeons were brought who could -advise them what to do. Deaf to all his entreaties, and utterly -regardless of the consequences, they placed the unfortunate young man on -horseback and hurried him away to Cupar. Four times during the journey -Andrew Ayton fainted through loss of blood, but still no emotions of -pity were excited in the breasts of his conductor. On arriving at their -destination, the magistrates, in consideration of his enfeebled state of -health, permitted him to be conveyed to an inn, instead of a prison. Mr. -and Mrs. Ayton, who had also been made aware of what had happened, set -off instantly for Cupar. On entering the room where her son lay -apparently in the agonies of death, Mrs. Ayton's fortitude gave way, and -she threw herself on his breast, sobbing as if her heart would break. - -"Do not grieve, dearest mother," said Andrew Ayton; "my time on earth -has indeed been short, but God has willed it so, and we must not -repine." - -"My son! my beloved son!" was all the anguished mother could utter, -while his father stood the image of mute despair. - -"And must I then die without seeing Mary Cunninghame?" continued the -dying man, "her whom I was flying to rejoin when the cruel ball -penetrated as it were to my very heart? ..... Oh, it seems hard, hard to -be thus cut off in early youth, when hope shone the brightest, and -happiness seemed within my reach. Mother, mother!" he gasped, "I must -see her once more; methinks I could close my eyes in peace could I but -gaze for one short moment in her sweet face, and tell her we should meet -again." - -"Oh send for her!" cried the distracted mother; "lose not one instant in -bringing her hither;" and the messenger, having received the necessary -directions, galloped furiously away. - -It was a solemn scene that chamber of death; and beautiful to witness -was the dying youth's resignation to the decree of God, while he strove -with all his accustomed gentleness to soothe his mother's sorrow. - -"Oh do not weep thus," he said; "our parting will not be for long. -Consider, dear mother, the shortness of time and the duration of -eternity. It is, indeed, a solemn thing," he continued, "to be standing -thus at the portals of an unknown world, and yet not unknown; God having -in his goodness revealed to us hidden glimpses of that lovely shore----" - -At this instant the chamber door flew open, and to the consternation of -all present a young man, in the garb of an officer, rushed into the -room. - -With a scream of terror Mrs. Ayton started to her feet. "Intrude not -your presence in the chamber of death," she said, addressing the -dragoon; "what more would you have? you have killed his body, would you -also destroy his soul?" - -Heeding her not, the stranger stood for one moment gazing on the -sufferer, with horror depicted on his countenance; then dashing his -helmet on the ground, he threw himself on his knees by the side of the -bed, exclaiming in a voice broken with sobs, "Andrew, Andrew, can you -forgive me? can you forgive your guilty cousin? mine was the hand that -did the deed." - -The voice was that of William Auchmutie. Inchdarnie was silent. His -thoughts were far away. The venerable city of St. Andrews rose up -before him. He marked its glittering spires--the waves which dashed on -the rocky shore, and the stately vessels gliding to and fro. Again he -is standing there with his thoughtless young cousin, he who is now -kneeling as a suppliant by his bed-side. Again the words ring in his -ears, "I will kill thee, just for thy having espoused so rascally a -cause;" and he remembers the strange unaccountable feeling which then -passed through his heart as the words were uttered; and now all was -fulfilled. Little more than twelve short months had rolled over their -heads since that sad night; he was lying on a bed of death, and the hand -that had inflicted the fatal wound was that of his cousin. - -"Then you won't forgive me?" groaned forth William Auchmutie, fearing -from his cousin's silence that he could not extend pardon to the man who -had inflicted a mortal injury; but he knew not the gentle, loving nature -he had to deal with. - -"Forgive thee, William!" said Andrew Ayton, recalled by the question to -what was passing around him; "yes, from the bottom of my soul, and may -He above blot it out of the book of his remembrance, and lay it not to -thy account. But O, William!" he continued, "withdraw thyself, while -there is yet time, from the bloody course thou art pursuing; let this -thou hast done serve as a warning to thee. It may be that the Almighty -has permitted it that the arrow of conviction might pierce thy heart." - -Here the dying man paused for a moment, apparently overcome with -emotion, and then continued, grasping his cousin's hand while he spoke, -"My dear cousin, thou art very young, and this scene may soon cease to -be remembered by thee; but when old age comes upon thee, when thy -strength fails thee, and thou art no longer able to pursue thy -accustomed employment, then in the solitude of thy chamber will the evil -deeds of thy youth rise up in judgment against thee, and remorse, like -an avenging angel, sit scowling on thee from amongst the ruins thou hast -made of the talents God committed to thy care." - -Overcome with exhaustion and loss of blood, Andrew Ayton sunk back on -his pillow, and William Auchmutie, overwhelmed with despair, staggered -from the chamber. It was now evident that the few remaining hours -Andrew Ayton was to spend on earth were rapidly drawing to a close. He -lay in a sort of stupor, with his eyes fixed on the clock, as if -counting the moments till the arrival of Mary Cunninghame; and the -slightest move caused him to turn his eyes to the door in the -expectation of seeing her for whose presence he longed. At length the -sound of carriage wheels is heard rolling rapidly along the street; they -pause before the inn; footsteps are heard on the stair, the door opens, -and almost as death-like as himself, and supported by his aunt, enters -Mary Cunninghame. - -"Mary, my darling Mary!" gasped Andrew Ayton as he clasped her to his -breast, "God is good--he has heard my prayer--we meet again----" His -head fell back on the pillow. - -"Help, help!" screamed Mary Cunninghame, "he is fainting--he is dead!" -and fell senseless on the couch beside him........ - -No uncommon event in Paris--a novice is about to take the veil. But in -this case curiosity is excited to the highest pitch, for the young lady -about to be professed is a native of the cold north, and remarkable for -her extreme beauty. The day appointed for the ceremony at length -arrives, and the Church of St. Genevieve is crowded to the very doors, -every inch of standing room is occupied, and hundreds are obliged to -depart murmuring and dissatisfied. The organ peals forth its grandest -music, but all ears are inattentive; ladies are there attired in the -most costly dresses; but on this occasion their beauty and elegance are -unheeded; all eyes are turned towards the door; every ear is on the -alert to catch the faintest murmur which tells of her approach. Still -she enters not, and murmurs of impatience are beginning to be heard, -when cries of "she comes, she comes!" arrest all other sounds, and a -general movement takes place throughout the stately edifice, as each -individual, heedless of obstructing his neighbour's view, stands on -tip-toe, or mounts the seat, in order to obtain the first glimpse of the -procession. The words, "beautiful, how beautiful!" are uttered by many -as onward comes the youthful novice arrayed in the most costly bridal -attire. Jewels flash from amongst her braided hair; magnificent the veil -which shrouds her slender figure; but conspicuous above all is the deep -air of sadness impressed on her lovely countenance. - -The vows are uttered; the bride, not of man, but of heaven, retires, and -many are the sighs which accompany her. When next she enters, she is -arrayed in the dismal garb of a professed nun, and is greeted by those -who kneel around as a sister. And hath she then left all which breathes -of the past behind her? no; she still retains, and oft bedews with her -tears, the little gold heart, now suspended from a black ribbon, placed -by the boyish hands of Andrew Ayton around the neck of sister -Agnes--when Mary Cunninghame. - - - - - *THE LAIRD OF LAG.* - - -One fine morning in April, as I was sauntering along the high-road -leading to Dumfries, I observed a little way on the right-hand a small -burying-ground, jealously protected from intrusion by a high wall and -shaded by trees, whose boughs drooped in a half pensive manner, as if in -sympathy with the memorials of the dead which were scattered around. -Struck with the singularity of the situation, and the fact of there -being no church within view, I turned my footsteps in the direction of -the solitary burying-ground. Fortunately for the gratification of my -curiosity, the old sexton--all sextons are old--was busily employed in -digging a grave. While inspecting the various tombstones, some of which -seemed very ancient, my attention was attracted towards a mass of -ruins--apparently the remains of what had been a family burying-place. -Unable to derive any information from the broken fragments that lay -strewn around, I advanced towards the sexton, in order to have my -curiosity gratified. - -The old man raised his head at my approach, and in answer to my inquiry -as to whose resting-place it was that was lying in ruins, whilst those -around seemed in a state of good preservation, replied--pausing in the -midst of his work and wiping his face with a handkerchief--"you must be -a stranger in this part of the country, not to know that that is the -grave of the Laird of Lag." - -"The Laird of Lag!" I exclaimed; "what! is he buried here?" - -"O yes ma'm," replied the sexton, "the Laird lies here." - -"How comes it?" I inquired, smiling at the old man's sagacious look and -still more mysterious shake of the head, "that his grave is in such a -ruined state, whilst those around, bearing dates anterior to Lag's time, -are still in good repair?" - -The sexton remained mute for a moment or so, then approaching nearer, -inquired of me in a confidential whisper, "whether I had observed the -violence of the wind in the burying-ground, when elsewhere there reigned -a perfect calm?" - -I replied, "I had indeed remarked the circumstance, but supposed it was -owing to the exposed situation in which the burying-ground was placed." - -The old man shook his head as he answered, "Oh, no! that cannot be the -reason; for even up amongst these hills, when not a leaf is stirring in -the breeze, the wind there howls and tears along in the most boisterous -manner." Then after a pause he added, "no, no; that's not the true -explanation!" - -"Well, then," I said, "but what has your theory of the high wind to do -with the ruined state of Lag's grave?" - -"Everything," he replied; "and if you will just have a little patience -I'll explain it to you; but you must excuse my homely way of speaking, -for I'm not good at the story-telling." Then sticking his spade into -the ground and seating himself on a neighbouring stone, he supported his -arm on the handle of his spade, in the attitude of one about to make -some mysterious communication, and began as follows:-- - -It was in the winter time that Lag's grave was destroyed; and the night -on which the occurrence took place was wild and stormy enough, but -nothing to the like of me, who have seen many a fearful night in my -young days, when--but let that pass, as it has nothing to do with my -story. Well, as I was saying, it was rather a stormy evening, and the -wind had an eerie sound as it moaned in the chimney and caused the -window-frame to rattle in an odd sort of way; and my wife observed to -me, just as I was on the point of falling asleep, "Oh, John, but this is -an awful night for ony puir body to be out in!" - -"Nonsense, wife," I replied; "I trust they may never be out in worse -weather; it's a mere capful of wind, as the sailors say." - -"May the Lord forgive ye, John, for you livity (levity);" so saying she -gave me a push with her elbow, as a kind of rebuke for my light way of -speaking. - -Well, mim, I was awoke about the middle of the night by my wife giving -me a pull of the arm, whilst she exclaimed in a voice almost inaudible -through fear, "Oh! John, hear till that in the auld grave-yard; isn't -that awful? what can it mean?" - -I listened for a moment, and never in the whole course of my life had I -heard such strange sounds--they were like nothing earthly. Up I got and -ran to the window, which commands a view of this place, and suoh a sight -as I then saw! May the Lord forgive me for the thought, but I was -convinced all the devils were let loose that night. It was perfectly -dark, and the trees were shaking and groaning in the blast, in a manner -awful to hear; and every now and then a glimmering light appeared, as if -some one was carrying a light in the grave-yard. You must know there's -an idle story in the country, that Lag walks about in the night-time -with a lighted taper in his hand, but I don't believe the like of that. -Well, as I told you before, every now and again that strange light, -which I took to be a "will-o'-the-wisp," appeared dancing about, and the -flashes of lightning were bright and frequent; whilst strange wild -sounds seemed borne on the blast, that shook the cottage to its -foundation. Overcome with fright and amazement, I went back to my bed; -but not much sleep did I get that night--neither did my wife; and mighty -glad were we when the bright rays of the morning sun streamed through -the window shutter. The first thing I did was to come here, in case any -damage had been done in the course of the night; and sure enough, when I -arrived, I found everything as I had left it on the preceding day, -except Lag's burial-place, which was thrown to the ground, and the -stones lying about just as you see them. Ever since that fearful night, -the wind has never ceased blowing in this place; but, even in the -calmest summer's day it howls and rushes along, as if rejoicing over the -ruin it had made of the wicked persecutor's grave. - -There was a pause after the sexton had finished his wild tale; the old -man apparently was overcome at the remembrance of the horrors of that -night, and I more than half-puzzled to account for the strange -circumstance, supported by the evidence which the wreck around me -attested in favour of the sexton's recital, at length inquired, after -expressing the pleasure his narration had afforded me, "Why there was no -church attached to the burying-ground, and what was its designation?" - -To which he replied, "That the old parish church of Dunscore formerly -stood here, but the heritors of the parish had found fault with its -situation, it being too far removed from the more distant parts of -Dunscore parish; consequently, it had been taken down, and a new church -erected in a more convenient position." - -I again demanded if he was acquainted with any old legends told in -connection with the Laird of Lag, thinking there must be a good many -extant which treated of his wild doings. - -The sexton shook his head, and replied, No, ma'm, I cannot say that I do -know anything of him in particular, not having paid much attention to -the idle stories told in the parish; but, as I seemed fond of these kind -of tales, he recommended me to visit an old woman, named Mrs. Walker, -who was about ninety years of age, and who might be able to afford me -some information on that subject. - -After thanking the old man, and expressing my regret at having -interrupted his labours, I turned to depart, when he called me back, for -the purpose of attracting my attention to the fact that nothing but -nettles and the rank weeds were growing around Lag's grave; and, said -he, with emphasis, "Nothing in the shape of flowers ever would grow -there, do what I could." After expressing my surprise at this singular -occurrence, I bade him good morning, and directed my steps towards the -habitation of Mrs. Walker. I found the old woman very comfortably -seated in her arm-chair, by the kitchen fire, watching a piece of bread -undergoing the process of toasting. This, and the fact of a brown delf -tea-pot standing upon the hob, satisfied me that Mrs. Walker was about -to regale herself with a comforting cup of tea. - -Before proceeding further, I shall relate rather an amusing circumstance -told in connection with a Mr. G----, who came to this part of the -country for the express purpose of making good his claim to be one of -the descendants of the Laird of Lag. Being very desirous of collecting -all the information he could concerning his progenitor, he called upon -all the old people whom he thought likely to assist him in his -endeavours. Amongst others, he honoured Mrs. Walker with a visit. -After having made a few inquiries concerning the object of his call, he -abruptly demanded of her, "Well, Mrs. Walker, and what do you think of -Lag?" "Oh, dear sirs!" she replied, "I never saw him!" "I am quite -aware of that; but what have you heard of him?" "Nae gude, sir--nae -gude!" - -On entering the kitchen, I accosted Mrs. Walker, and informed her that, -as I was desirous of hearing some of the wild tales that were told about -the Laird of Lag, and understanding she was acquainted with many of the -stories told in connection with that famous persecutor, I had taken the -liberty of calling upon her, hoping she might be induced to relate one -or two of the many with which her memory was stored. The old dame -smiled complacently, at the same time observing, "That she was now an -aged woman, entering upon her ninetieth year, consequently her memory -was rather failing, and many of the tales she had heard regarding Lag in -her youth had faded from her remembrance, like a vanished dream; but," -she added, "if you will only wait until I have had my cup of tea, -something may come across my mind that may chance to interest you." -Cordially agreeing to the old dame's proposition, and refusing a cup of -the exhilarating beverage, I amused myself with gazing at the numerous -prints adorning the walls, which had evidently been chosen more with an -eye to gaudy colouring than artistic merit. - -Mrs. Walker, after having finished her meal, replaced the tea-pot near -the fire, and arranging her dress--as is often the custom with -story-tellers--commenced the following account of the Laird of Lag:-- - -"Well, ma'am, you see, Sir Robert Grierson, commonly called the Laird of -Lag--more briefly Lag--was a noted persecutor, and dreaded by all who -espoused the side of the Kirk and Covenant. A bad cruel man was he, and -many were the bloody deeds he did in his day. Some said he wasn't so -bad as people said, and others, again maintained he was worse; but let -that pass, he did enough to win himself a bad name, and he got it, as -was but justice. Well, Sir Robert married a daughter of the second Earl -of Queensberry, who rejoiced in the appellation of the 'Deil o' -Drumlanrig;' and what good could be expected from Sir Robert after -forming a connection like that? If the laird was bad, his father-in-law -was counted worse, as along with other bad qualities, he was a mad -gamester, and it was not very long ere he made Sir Robert as noted as -himself in that respect. Many were the nights they spent over the -'devil's books,' as they are justly called. In the end, the Laird was -cleared out of all his property, except Rockhall, which, being strictly -entailed, could not be touched." - -Here Mrs. Walker paused for a moment, drew a deep breath, and then -inquired, "If I had ever seen the account given of Lag in the 'People's -Edition of the Scots' Worthies?'" Upon my answering in the negative, -she immediately rose from her seat, and proceeded towards another -apartment, when she presently returned with one or two numbers of this -much-relished work, and once more seating herself in her comfortable -chair, she donned her spectacles, and read aloud the following:-- - -"Sir Robert Grierson of Lag was another prime hero for the promoting of -Satan's kingdom. We think that it was some time after Bothwell that he -was made sheriff or sheriff-depute of Dumfries. But to relate all the -fining, spoiling, oppression, and murders committed by this worthy of -Satan, or champion of his kingdom, were beyond our intention. Besides -L1200 of fines exacted in Galloway and Nithsdale shires, he was -accessory to the murdering, under colour of their iniquitous laws, of -Margaret M'Lachlan, aged sixty-three years, and Margaret Wilson, a young -woman, whom they drowned at two stakes within the sea-mark at the water -of Baldnook. For his cold-blood murders, he caused hang Gordon and Mr. -Cubin on a growing tree near Irongray, and left them hanging there, -1686. - -"The same year he apprehended Mr. Bell of Whiteside, D. Halliday of -Mayfield, and three more, and without giving them time to pray, shot -them dead on the spot. Mr. Bell, whom Sir Robert Grierson knew, -earnestly entreated but a quarter of an hour to prepare for eternity; -but this was refused. - -"The reply was, 'What the devil, have you not had time to prepare since -Bothwell?' (Here Mrs. Walker shook her head.) He was, therefore, -instantly shot with the rest; and so far did this persecuting renegado -push his revenge, that he even denied interment to their lifeless -dust![#] Shortly after this, Lord Kenmuir happening to meet Lag with -Claverhouse in Kirkcudbright, called him to account for his cruelty to -Mr. Bell, and more especially for his inhumanity in refusing burial to -his remains. Sir Robert answered with an oath, 'Take him, if you will, -and salt him in your beef barrel.' The insulted nobleman immediately -drew his sword, and must have ran him through the body, had not -Claverhouse interposed. And surely such a death had been too honourable -for such a villain. - - -[#] This epitaph engraved upon the tombstone in the churchyard of Anwith -lying on the corpse of John Bell of Whiteside, who was most barbarously -shot to death at the command of Douglass of Morton and Grierson of Lag, -in the parish of Tongland, in Galloway, anno 1685. - -"This monument shall tell posterity -That blessed Bell of Whiteside here doth ly; -Who by command of bloody Lag was shot, -A murther strange, which should not be forgot. -Douglass of Morton did him quarters give, -Yet cruel Lag would not let him survive, -This martyr sought some time to recommend. -The tyrant said, 'What devil? ye've pray'd eneugh, -Those long seven years on mountain and in clough, -So instantly caused him and other four -Be shot to death upon Kirkconnel Muir. -So this did end the lives of these brave saints, -For their adhering to the Covenants." - - - -"The same summer, Annandale having apprehended G. Short and D. Halliday, -and having bound them, after quarters granted, the monster Lag came up, -and as they lay on the ground, under the cloud of night, caused shoot -them immediately, leaving their bodies thus all blood and gore; nay, -such was their audacious impiety, that he, with the rest of his boon -companions and persecutors would, over their drunken bowls, feign -themselves divils and those whom they supposed in hell, and then whip -one another as a jest upon that place of torment. When he could serve -his master this way no longer, he wallowed in all manner of atheism, -drunkenness, and swearing, for which he was excommunicated by the church -after the Revolution; and yet by the then powers was made Justice of the -Peace, some time before 1714, a disgrace to any civilised nation, not to -mention a Presbyterian profession. Death's pangs at last arresting him, -and all other refuges failing him, under the views of his former wicked -life, in imitation of his master Charles, he feigned himself of the -popish profession, because a popish priest made him believe for money he -could pardon his sins, and even when in purgatory for them he could -bring him to heaven. He died December 23, 1733, and there is little -doubt went down to Tophet with a lie in his mouth, and so remains in -spite of all the priest could mutter over him, as the author of his -elegy in his master's name well expresses it:-- - - "For when I heard that he was dead, - A legion of my den did lead - Him to my place of residence, - And there he'll stay and not go hence. - This Lag will know and all the rest, - Who of my lodging are possesst; - On earth no more they can serve me, - But still I'll have their company," etc. - - -"This is what is said of him in the 'Scots' Worthies,'" said Mrs. -Walker, as she placed the numbers on a table beside her, "and it's not -much in his favour as you will perceive. I suppose," she continued, -"you will have heard of many other cruelties he committed--such as -putting the poor Covenanters into barrels stuck round in the inside with -knives, dagger-points, etc., then causing the barrels to be rolled down -a steep hill, so that the persons inside were all cut to pieces in the -descent; and shooting and stabbing others, so that his name became a -by-word in the country." - -Answering in the affirmative, I then inquired of her "if there had been -any picture taken of the Laird?" - -"Oh! yes," she replied, "there was one at Rockhall, but it was stolen -from thence by some person in the time of one of the late baronets." - -"Did you ever hear any description of his personal appearance?" - -"Well," she replied, "I have heard it said that he was a fair man with -long yellow hair which hung in ringlets down to his shoulders, but I -cannot believe that any fair person ever possessed such a black soul as -he must have had. However, he might have been a bonnie man for all -that." - -Begging pardon for the interruption, I prayed her to continue, which she -did as follows:-- - -"Well ma'm, as I told you before, my memory is not so good as it was, -and there are many things told of the Laird of Lag that I have quite -forgotten; yet one thing I still remember, and that is the account of -what took place at the time of his burial. My Thomas told me his -grandfather remembered that day well, and such a one he never saw. It -was in the winter time and bitterly cold; yet notwithstanding, there was -a storm of thunder and lightning the like of which never occurred in the -memory of man. As Lag died in Dumfries, horses were brought from the -Kings' Arms Inn in order to bring his body to Dunscore. I suppose you -have seen his grave?" - -"Yes," I replied, "and very sorry I am to see it all in ruins!" - -"Ay," she, said, "Lag is in a sad state!" - -After this sage remark, Mrs. Walker continued: "As I was saying, horses -were brought from the inn at Dumfries, for the purpose of driving the -hearse to the burial-ground; but when they were yoked, and the driver -endeavoured to set them in motion, not one foot would they stir. All -this time the thunder rolled and the lightning flashed in an awful -manner. Half-blinded by the vivid flashes that played around, and -smarting under the furious strokes of the driver's whip, the poor horses -trembled in every limb; yet no power on earth was capable of causing -them to proceed with their burden. Well, Sir Thomas of Closeburn was -there, and he swore a great oath that he would drive Lag to his grave, -although the devil was in him. So, unyoking the horses from his own -carriage, he fastened them to the hearse, and mounting himself on the -driver's seat, prepared to urge them forward. At this moment, a large -black rook, that had been seated on one of the housetops, apparently -watching the whole proceedings with the deepest interest, flew down from -its elevated situation, and, with a loud caw, seated itself on the top -of the hearse. Strange to say, whenever it placed itself there, the -horses set off at a gallop; and the roads being rough and heavy with the -recent rains, the hearse was jolted about in a fearful manner; still the -rook kept its seat, and cawed every now and again. Whenever it did so -the horses went faster and faster, until at length on arriving at the -churchyard, they fell down dead, from sheer exhaustion. Then the -strange bird rose up from its seat, and, with a loud scream and a flap -of its wings, flew away and was soon out of sight. The people about -maintain to this day that it was the devil who had come in person to -superintend the funeral of his colleague. At the time I speak of there -were copies of an elegy on the Laird of Lag--a verse of which I read to -you from the 'Scots' Worthies'--distributed throughout the country; and -as no one knew the composer, it was universally believed that the devil -himself wrote it, as a lament for having lost so good a servant as Lag -had been to him while on earth. All the copies that could be procured -were bought up by by Sir Robert's granddaughter, who could not bear that -her grandfather's memory should be held in such detestation, and I doubt -if there is a copy now in existence." - -"How far is Lag Tower from here?" I inquired, after thanking her for the -tale. - -"About four miles," replied Mrs. Walker, "and an easy road it is to find -out. You go past the Free Church Manse, and turn up the Barjarg Road: -then go through Glen Midge, and you will soon see the old tower. It is -a wild place, and well worth visiting." - -Whilst pursuing my way along the path which led to the ancient residence -of the Laird of Lag, a sudden turning in the road revealed to my gaze -the form of an aged man, who pursued, with praiseworthy assiduity, his -laborious employment of stone-breaking. There was something at once -pleasing and impressive in the physiognomy of the venerable labourer. -From beneath the Kilmarnock bonnet which surmounted his grey hairs, his -blue eyes sparkled with yet unsubdued fire and animation; while the -ruddy glow on his weather-beaten cheek, and the vigorous strokes with -which his hammer descended on the stony pile before him, betokened -energy of character and a total absence of those ailments so often -attendant on the footsteps of age. - -Being now somewhat at a loss how to arrive at the object of my wishes, -the road at this point branching off in different directions, I inquired -of the labourer whither I should direct my steps, so as to avoid losing -my way amongst the surrounding morasses. The old man, thus accosted, -paused in his labour, and replied to my inquiry, in the usual Scotch -fashion, by putting another, "And so you are going to visit the old Toor -o' Lag?" I answered in the affirmative. "Ay ay! well it's a queer -solitary place." "From all accounts, the Laird must have been a very -extraordinary man," I observed. "You may well say so," said the old -stone-breaker, as ceasing from his arduous task, he stood with one hand -on the handle of his implement, while with the other he uncovered his -head, to allow the cool breezes to refresh his heated temples, "he was -just a most ex-tre-or-nary man, if all be true that is said about him." -"Are you inclined to doubt the truth of those stories told concerning -him in Dumfriesshire?" - -"No," was the reply, accompanied by a sagacious shake of the head, "I -cannot say that I do. Many of them may be enlarged on, for, as one -knows, a story always gathers in the telling; but still in the main they -are true enough, and certainly reflect little honour on him about whom -they are told. A-well-a-day!" he continued, "these were indeed sad -times when men, left to their own inventions, played such a cruel and -unworthy part; the persecutors were, in general, a cold-blooded, -relentless sect, and at the head o' the tribe you may put the Laird of -Lag, for none of the others, in my opinion, were fit to hold a candle to -him for pure malice and steadfastness of purpose in the shedding of -blood. There was Claverhouse, evil spirit as he was, it is well known -he felt some compunction of consciences for having murdered that godly -person, John Brown, and seldom or never refused his intended victim a -few moments to commend his departing spirit to Him who save it; but, as -related of Sir Robert Grierson, he laughed to scorn the tearful -entreaties of the captured Covenanter, and turning a deaf ear to all the -poor man's agonised appeals for only one moment to make his peace with -God, or to implore a blessing on his country, sent him straight to that -bourne from whence no traveller returns." - -There was a pause for a few moments, which was at length broken by the -old man. - -"This was a great part of the country for the Laird's exploits: the -militia, with him at their head, were constantly riding up and down -Dumfriesshire and Galloway, and woe to the unlucky wight who fell into -their hands: guilty or not guilty, it was all one--shot or hanged he -must be. The Laird sent forth the iniquitous decree, 'Soldiers, do your -duty! Prisoner, prepare for death! not one word!' Bang, bang! he is -dead; and away rides Sir Robert, priding himself in no small degree on -his strict adherence to the laws of vengeance, and taking no pains to -conceal his exultation at the summary punishment he had inflicted on one -of the canting rebels, as he was pleased, in common with his -fellow-labourers in the vineyard of iniquity, to designate the hapless -body of men he had sworn to exterminate." - -"Have you read much about the Covenanters?" I inquired of the labourer, -whose eyes burned like coals of living fire while dwelling on the -misfortunes of those whose cause he evidently espoused with no small -amount of zeal. - -"Every book that I can lay my hands on, from the 'Scots' Worthies' down -to 'Helen of the Glen,' and not only once, but over and over again, -until I could repeat the most of them off by heart. Next to the lives -of these good and holy men, whose names are an honour and glory to -Scotland," pursued the labourer, "James Renwick's sermons is the book -most prized by me--ay! there are no preachers like him now-a-days! What -would I not have given to have been with him on some bonnie hill-side -when he was holding forth to the faithful few privileged to hear him! -Have you ever read his sermons?" he inquired. - -I replied in the negative. - -He then continued, "Well, all I can say is, you have missed something -good, so full are they of sound, wholesome doctrine and Christian -principles; how he must have been inspired by the cause he espoused, to -be able to preach such truly comforting doctrines!" - -"It is a pity," I said, "but Sir Robert Grierson had heard him, he might -have been converted----" - -"Him!" interrupted the old man; "no, no; he was a brand reserved for the -burning; no sermons, however forcible, would have had the slightest -effect on his black nature; his heart would have resisted the knocks of -the minister, as the stone resisteth the hammer." - -Here the labourer, by way of illustration, inflicted with his implement -a vigorous stroke on an obdurate piece of rock, which effectually -resisted all his attempts to reduce its dimensions. - -"That hill," I observed, alluding to the one previously mentioned by -Mrs. Walker, "seems to have been the theatre of many an evil deed; was -it not there that the Laird executed judgment on many of the poor men -who chanced to fall into his power?" - -The old man gazed for a moment on the hill in question, then with a -shake of the head, accompanied by a deep-drawn sigh, confirmed Mrs. -Walker's statements to their fullest extent, dwelling at considerable -length on the many acts of butchery perpetrated on the summit of the -eminence, which, covered with a sombre mass of dark firs, frowned -gloomily upon us. - -"Is there no story you can recall to remembrance connected with some of -Sir Robert Grierson's wild exploits?" I inquired, fully persuaded from -the old man's garrulity that his memory was like a well-stored garner in -respect to these matters, and that a little time and leisure were all -that was necessary to produce some thrilling narration of horror--some -marvellous tale still treasured up in the breasts of a few, relating to -the days of persecution. I was not disappointed. The old man, thus -appealed to, stood silent for a moment, as if buried in deep thought, -then throwing his hammer carelessly from him, he leisurely seated -himself on the pile of stones beside him, and after a few preparatory -hems, commenced the following tale, which clothed in my own language is -now presented to the reader. - -On a fine spring evening in the year sixteen hundred and eighty-five, -that year so fraught with gloom and disaster to all espousing the -Covenanting cause, a young man, who, judging from his military garb and -martial appearance, belonged to one of those militia regiments then -scouring the country in search of those they were commissioned to kill -or make captive, came riding slowly along the road leading from Irongray -to Dunscore. He was evidently in a thoughtful mood, for his forehead -was contracted by a deep frown and his eyes were bent steadily on the -ground so as to render him oblivious to the motions of his charger, -which, finding from the slackened rein and idle spur that his former -impatient master had ceased to hasten his onward progress, speedily took -advantage of this discovery to snatch a few mouthfuls of grass which -grew in wild luxuriance along the sides of the road. This little -indulgence of his inclinations being allowed to pass unpunished, the -poor animal, apparently worn out by his previous hard work, finally came -to a stand-still and proceeded leisurely to crop the tempting herbage -presented to his view. This sudden stoppage on the part of his charger, -speedily aroused the soldier from the absorbing reverie into which he -had fallen, and snatching up the neglected reins, he thrust his rowels -into his sides and forced him into a hand-gallop. For some little time -he pursued his rapid career, until his horse, accidentally treading on a -stone, stumbled, and being unable to recover his lost footing, fell -heavily on the road, bearing his rider with him. For one moment, the -horseman lay stunned and motionless from the force of the shock; but -speedily recovering his scattered senses, he extricated his feet from -the stirrups, and proceeded to raise his fallen charger. Greatly to his -annoyance, the soldier perceived from the halting gait of his faithful -steed that further use of his services was for the present impossible. -Uttering an exclamation of disappointment, he gathered the reins in his -hands, and leading the horse off the highway, struck into a wild, -solitary path, winding away amongst the hills which lay to the right -hand of the road leading to Dunscore. The gloaming was now advancing -with rapid strides; and anxious to reach his destination without further -delay, the young man pressed onwards as swiftly as the disabled state of -his horse would allow; but soon the lameness of the poor animal -increased to such a degree that he was fain to pause for a few moments, -in order to discover, if possible, the extent of the injury inflicted. -The horse, with the natural instinct of its race, seemed at once aware -of the nature of the service about to be rendered, and placing his -swollen foot in the outstretched hand of his master rubbed his head -against his shoulder, as if to evince his gratitude for the kindly -feelings which prompted the examination. Whilst inspecting the bruised -leg, the natural buoyancy of the soldier's spirits, which had been in no -small measure disturbed by the untoward events of the day, returned in -full vigour; and with all the joyous gaiety of youth, which rises -superior to the frowns of adversity, he commenced singing the song so -popular with his party, namely, that which related to King Charles' -return. He had not proceeded farther than the words-- - - "Oh, the twenty-ninth of May, - It was a glorious day - When the king did enjoy his own again!" - -when a slight cough behind made him pause in the midst of his ditty, -and, greatly to his surprise, on turning round he perceived an aged man, -whose broad, blue bonnet and dress of hodden-grey betokened his -adherence to the cause of the Kirk and Covenant leaning on the butt-end -of a musket, and regarding him attentively with a look of stern -displeasure, which seemed rather to amuse than terrify the object of his -scrutiny, who, noways daunted by the ominous-looking weapon upon which -the stranger leaned, returned his scowling glance with one of haughty -defiance for he instantly exclaimed, "How now, old wiseacre! wer't -nourished on vinegar, that thou lookest so sour? Why, man alive! one -would fancy from thy rueful visage that things are not so well with thee -as thou fain wouldst wish; speak out, man, and tell us at once the cause -of thy disturbed aspect." - -The aged wanderer smiled grimly, but vouchsafed no further reply to the -scoffing inquiries of the soldier, who, somewhat nettled by the -contemptuous silence maintained by the stranger, burst forth into one of -the many songs then so much in vogue amongst the cavaliers, and which -consigned to (in their eyes) condign punishment all those who ventured -to differ from them so essentially as did the Puritans. The eyes of the -Covenanter flashed sparks of fire on hearing this scornful ballad, and -grasping his musket, he seemed as if about to rush on the object of his -wrath, then, apparently by a mighty effort, conquering his disposition -for violence, he regained his original position, and continued gazing -with a gloomy brow on the performer, who heedless of its effects on the -person before him, pursued his ditty with admirable coolness, repeating -over and over again with marked emphasis, the verses he thought most -likely to annoy and irritate the grey-haired Covenanter. - -"Young man," said the stranger at the conclusion of the song, "you have -verily moved me to anger by your unwarrantable attack on our poor, -afflicted body; and yet fain would I argue with you in all soberness and -good-will on the evil doings of the party with whom you consort, for -that you are one of these cruel persecutors of our church, now ranging -the country, I make bold to believe, therefore----" - -"Now, cease your fanatical jargon," interrupted the soldier, "I care not -to bandy words with one pertaining to that rebellious sect I am bound to -molest by every means in my power, and to despise as being utterly -incapable of listening to a word of sense, even although delivered in -season," (this was said by the soldier in a snivelling tone); "so leave -me in peace to attend my good steed, which well merits all the attention -I have to bestow." - -"The horse," rejoined the old man, "has more sense than its master, and -faints in the bloody service to which you have doomed it; but since you -despise the good counsel I would bestow, even on an enemy, I will -content myself by simply inquiring from whence you come and whither you -are bound?" - -"I do not see," was the reply, "by what right you presume to question me -as regards my movements; but still I will not refuse to satisfy you on -that point, so make answer that I have come from Drumlanrig, burdened -with a special message from the Earl of Queensbury to Sir Robert -Grierson, whom I serve, as in duty bound, having been born on his -estate, and whom I am willing to follow to the death should he please so -to lead me." - -The brows of the stranger contracted into a frown of fearful import, -and, grasping his gun with frantic violence, he hissed through his -clenched teeth, "You are a servant of his, are you? Then, you belong to -one whom I have sworn to dispatch should he cross my path--he, the -inhuman monster!" (here the soldier started to his feet, and drawing his -sword, sprang towards the Covenanter, but waving him off with his hand, -the stranger continued), "he, I say, has this day deprived me of my -faithful and loving brother--one who had never injured him in thought, -word, or deed. He lived in his secluded home--peaceful and happy in the -bosom of his family. Fortune smiled upon him. He was rich, yet he was -humble; he was prosperous, yet no one envied him; and why? because of -his abundance he gave to them who were in want, and never said to the -hungry--Depart; I have nought for thee. In midst of these religious -grievances which have racked our native land, Elias Henderson displayed -no symptoms of fear and dismay. Claverhouse, with his bloodhounds, -overran Galloway; Johnstone of Westerraw, with his myrmidons, scoured -the plains of Annandale; Grierson of Lag, the worst of them all, -traversed the hilly country of Dumfriesshire; yet was he tranquil. 'I -have harmed none of these men,' was his reply, on being questioned as to -the reason of his undisturbed serenity of countenance, when all around -him were tortured with gloomy apprehensions; 'It is true I espouse the -side of the Covenant, but what of that? is not liberty of conscience the -prerogative of every British subject? then wherefore injure one for -worshipping the God of his fathers in the way that seemeth him best?' -Ah, my poor Elias! little recked he of the awful fate which awaited him. -This morning," here the speaker paused for a moment overcome with -emotion, "my brother was walking in the vicinity of his farm; suddenly a -band of horsemen appeared in sight, with the redoubted Sir Robert -Grierson at their head; they approached the spot where my brother stood. -Unconscious of fear, Elias walked bravely forward, and uncovering his -head, inquired of the fierce baronet the reason of his coming." - -"You shall soon learn that," was the mocking reply; and without further -parley, the cruel relentless demon drew from his pocket a loaded pistol, -and levelled it at the head of my unsuspecting brother. - -"'Mercy, mercy!' he cried, perceiving the cruel intent with which Sir -Robert had visited his farm; 'only five minutes to make my peace with -God, to beg a blessing on my wife and children!' - -"'Not one second,' was the stern rejoinder; and that instant my -brother--my poor brother, fell a lifeless corpse; he is dead, but I live -to avenge him!" so saying, the wanderer leant his head on his gun and -sobbed aloud. There was a momentary pause, during which the soldier -stood motionless, gazing on the speaker, apparently astonished at the -wild frenzy which so powerfully characterised his every movement. He -seemed as if about to speak, when, dashing away the tears which almost -blinded him, the stranger, or, as we may now term him, Walter Henderson, -started from his drooping posture, and raising his hands and eyes to -heaven, thundered forth with vehemence, "Before God I swear that I live -for nothing but revenge on him who has rendered my brother's house -desolate and forlorn; who has transformed the happy wife into a bereaved -widow, and smiling children into wailing mourners. From this day -henceforward shall Walter Henderson be an alien to his house and -kindred, until he has gratified his thirst for vengeance, and the bones -of his enemy are left to bleach beneath the wasting winds of heaven!" - -"Come, cease your foolish bragging," replied the soldier, "Sir Robert -Grierson may not be accountable to you or any man for the justice he -pleases to administer to these bog-hunting fellows, who have thrown the -whole of Scotland, ay, and England to boot, into a state of uproar and -confusion by their fanatical nonsense. I doubt not but that he had some -powerful reasons for dispatching your brother a little before his time, -indeed, according to your own reasoning, that the day of a man's death -is appointed at the instant of his birth--my most worshipful leader was -merely an instrument under Providence to fulfil the verdict that had -gone forth against your brother, therefore----" - -"And does that lessen his guilt?" sternly interrupted Walter Henderson; -"think you that Pontius Pilate will stand at the judgment-seat with an -undaunted front, because it was decreed he should condemn his Lord and -Master? Think you that the precious blood of the saints and martyrs, -which now reddens the heaths and valleys of our native land, will not be -avenged because the day for its shedding had arrived? In not blood for -blood the decree of One who holds the scales of justice in his bands? -Hath he not said, 'Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be -shed?' Then woe to him, who, by the strict performance of the bloody -duty imposed upon him by those whom he professes to hold himself bound -to obey, encourages the wicked in their evil counsels, and for his own -reward heaps up endless misery, if not in this present world, in _that_ -which is to come! Young man," pursued Walter Henderson, advancing -nearer to the astonished soldier, and speaking in a tone of kindlier -import than that he had adopted while dwelling on his brother's death, -"it grieveth me much to see one apparently so young in years following -so readily in the footsteps of him who is, alas! but too truly believed -to bear a most deadly hatred to all espousing the side of our Kirk and -Covenant; and I would fain address to you a few words of warning, for -which you may yet learn to thank me, as it may be you have a mother -whose stay you are, therefore be guided by me in this matter, and -advance no farther on your road; it is beset with perils of which you -wot not; beneath the shade of each leafy tree; recline armed men; every -cottage which you pass contains a foe. Aroused to madness by fresh acts -of cruelty daily perpetrated against them, the inhabitants of this -district have risen to a man in defence of their civil and religious -liberties; more than this, they have determined upon attacking the -stronghold of the ungodly leader whom you serve; and soon, we trust, -under the favour of Almighty God, to see the Tower of Lag a heap of -smouldering ruins. - -"Now, as sure as my name is John Kirsop," exclaimed the soldier, -overwhelmed with anger, and seizing his horse's bridle as he spoke, -"shall this communication reach the ears of him who is likely to feel -most interested in it;" so saying he made a motion to depart, when -Walter Henderson with a grim smile instantly laid his hand on the bridle -as if to restrain him. In a transport of fury, young Kirsop drew his -sword and prepared to rush on the aged Covenanter, who thereupon started -hastily back and gave utterance to a shrill whistle, in answer to which -about a dozen men rushed forth from their various places of concealment -and surrounded the infuriated soldier, who, bewildered by this sudden -change in the aspect of affairs, quietly surrendered himself their -prisoner. - -"Now, most valiant sir," said Walter Henderson, who appeared to be the -leader of the party, "as you have despised the warning, I, out of -kindness and consideration for your youth was foolish enough to give -you, you must prepare to accompany us as our captive. No evil is -intended you, but should you evince the slightest disposition to -escape--that moment shall be your last;" so saying, he gave orders for -the party to set themselves in motion. The moon had risen, and her pale -crest appeared over the summits of the surrounding hills, throwing a dim -and shadowy light on the path trod by the Covenanters, as they silently, -and with many precautions against surprise, pursued their way along the -rough-winding road leading in the direction of Lag Tower. Suddenly they -were startled in the midst of their progress by a scream, so shrill and -wild in its death-like agony, that all paused to listen, awestruck by -the heart-rending burst of sorrow which sounded painfully distinct amid -the deep and impressive silence that reigned around. Again and again it -was repeated; now floating on the breeze like the wail of some restless -spirit, and anon dying away in sounds resembling the mournful cadence -produced by the wind sweeping the chords of an AEolian harp. The party, -at the orders of Walter Henderson, made a sudden halt, and, with -deepened gloom on their faces, awaited an explanation of the harrowing -sounds which now saluted their ears. Nearer and nearer sounded the -voice of lamentation, and in a few minutes a small procession appeared -in sight, and approached the spot where stood the wanderers, some of -whom instantly rushed forward to ascertain the meaning of what they saw. -The first object that met their eyes was a rude bier constructed of -green boughs, on which lay the lifeless body of a young man, supported -on the shoulders of four men; while at his head, with streaming eyes and -dishevelled locks, walked an aged woman, the mother of the deceased. She -it was who gave utterance to these terrible bursts of sorrow that first -attracted the attention of Walter Henderson and his party. - -"What new horror is this?" cried the aged leader, gazing with distended -eyes on the bloody object before him, and addressing himself to the -woman, who, totally unable to speak, merely pointed to the lifeless -corpse, and again gave utterance to a shriek which froze the blood of -those who stood speechless around. Perceiving that the wretched mother -was wholly incapable of replying to his inquiry, Walter Henderson then -turned to one of the four men supporting the bier, and begged to be -informed as to the cause of the sad occurrence, and by whose hands the -unfortunate man had perished. - -"Just the old story!" was the reply; "a poor innocent lad done to death -by the blood-hounds of the opposite party; and all for refusing the oath -of abjuration. Four of us" continued the speaker, "were this morning -seated on the brow of a hill near Dunscore; James Wishart, he who lies -on this stretcher, was reading aloud from the Bible, and we were lying -beside him listening to the comforting words, when suddenly four or five -dragoons appeared at the base of the hill on which we were stationed. -Seeing, from their threatening gestures, that harm was intended us, we -prepared for flight. 'Pursue different directions,' cried James -Wishart, who was himself an excellent runner, throwing off his coat as -he spoke. We shook each other by the hand and commended ourselves to -God. Away went James Wishart fleet as the wind, and after him, with the -fire of hate in their breasts, sped the dragoons. Finding ourselves -unmolested, we stood as if spellbound, in breathless anxiety gazing -after the retreating figure of our comrade. On he went, swift as the -roe-deer. 'He will escape,' murmured one who stood by my side; at that -instant he stumbled and fell. 'Oh, God protect him!' cried we all. In -an instant he regained his footing, and darted on swifter than ever. -Soon he disappeared in the distance. Anxious concerning our own safety, -we parted and set off in different directions. This took place in the -morning. Towards the hour of noon, prompted by anxiety regarding the -fate of young Wishart, I, who had remained concealed beneath a cairn of -stones near the spot where my friends left me, sought by a circuitous -route to approach the place where last we saw him in advance of the -dragoons. Alas! a few paces distant from thence there he lay extended on -the ground. Observing, however, some portion of his garments in motion, -I hastened joyfully forward, hoping to find him alive; but no; it was -only the wind which stirred his yellow hair and a pocket-handkerchief -that lay deluged in blood beside him. He was gone! His young life had -ebbed away through a gun-shot wound in his breast. I sat down beside -him, devoutly hoping my late companions would also return to ascertain -the fate of their comrade, as I did not wish to leave his lifeless body -to the mercy of the hungry ravens which hovered in circles around our -heads, watching for their prey. Soon they rejoined me, another -accompanying them. The dragoons, they informed me, satisfied with their -morning's work, had galloped off in another direction, therefore we -might with safety convey the body of James Wishart to his mother's -cottage, which stood not far distant. Having constructed this rude -bier, we laid his body upon it, and bore it on our shoulders along this -path; just about a mile from thence we encountered his mother, who, -alarmed at the protracted absence of her son, had set forth in search of -him----" - -"Yes!" screamed forth the distracted parent, "the spirit of my murdered -boy drove me forth to meet his mangled body. I sat in my house, -bewailing my solitary widowhood--alone with my foreboding fears -concerning my son, and brooding with tortured soul over the fearful -calamities that has befallen the faithful of the land. Suddenly I was -seized with a trembling and sinking of the heart--an indescribable -feeling of awe, as if some mysterious being invisible, yet distinctly -felt, hovered around, overcame me, and I bowed my head in acknowledgment -of its presence. Then a voice, which I instantly knew to be that of my -son, although sweet and low, whispered the name of--mother! Distracted -with fear, I fled from the cottage; and led by my mysterious guide, my -footsteps turned in this direction. Maddened by cruel uncertainty, I -ran swiftly onwards until I encountered the bier which bore all that -remained of my murdered son." - -Here the mother ended her sad recital, and weeping afresh, resumed her -station at the head of the procession. - -"Men, and fellow-sufferers in the good cause!" shouted Walter Henderson -at the conclusion of the widow's tale, "what merits the man, who, on -account of his high position and influence in this county, has it in his -power to succour those overwhelmed by dangers and miseries of every -description, and to befriend the followers of the Covenant, but who, -instead of shielding these poor afflicted ones under the strong arm of -his might, reduces them to the bonds of slavery, and exercises his -authority over the minds of his friends and dependants to the -furtherance of every evil work, whereby the blood of innocent and -inoffensive men is poured out like water on the hills and valleys of -Scotland?" - -"Death!" was the rejoinder. - -"What punishment should be inflicted on him," pursued their leader, "who -has driven the labourer from his kindred and home, and the patriot from -his country?" - -"Let him perish in the midst of his ungodliness, and let his stronghold -be razed; yea even to the ground!" - -"Comrades," shouted Walter Henderson, "It is Sir Robert Grierson whom ye -have with one accord denounced; he it is who has clad the green hills of -Dumfriesshire in mourning, and caused the wail of widows and orphans to -ascend up to heaven for a testimony against him; then let us, trusting -in the help of the Almighty God, call upon him to account for his -iniquities, and burn down the stronghold of his cruelties. - -"Amen," said they all. - -"Who is this? how comes it to pass that you have one of the ungodly in -your company?" inquired one of the bier-bearers, addressing Walter -Henderson, and pointing to John Kirsop as he spoke. - -"He is a soldier I chanced to encounter on my way hither," replied the -person addressed, "and not having succeeded in bringing him to reason, I -have taken the liberty of making him captive lest he interfere in some -measure with the projects we have in view. But come along," he added, -"night wears apace, and the work we have in hand brooks not of delay; -here, Thompson, a word with you." So saying, he beckoned to one of the -party, and withdrawing a few paces apart from the others, entered into a -whispered conversation, which, greatly to the annoyance of young Kirsop, -who strained every nerve to catch a few syllables of what tvas passing, -proved wholly inaudible to the rest of the group. - -His private conference with Thompson being ended, Walter Henderson once -more joined his companions, and addressed them as follows:--"My friends, -it is agreed upon between us that this night must witness the -destruction of Lag Tower; then, let us hasten with resolute hearts and -hands to our appointed task. Danger menaces us in every direction, for -the tramplers of the Covenant lie lurking in secret places, seeking whom -they may devour, and certain destruction awaits us should we fail in our -attempt, or Sir Robert Grierson be made aware of our purpose; -nevertheless, let us have faith in Him (here Walter Henderson uncovered -his head) who is strong in might, and able and willing to save all those -whose trust is placed in His word. It is true we are few in number; but -when the soul is animated by steady and devoted zeal in the good cause, -much that to us poor frail mortals seems almost impossible, may under -the blessing of God be accomplished. You are all of you aware," he -continued "of the motives which have induced me to embark in this -hazardous enterprise, namely, to revenge the death of my beloved -brother, and to prevent, if possible, by the destruction of his -stronghold, the perpetration of fresh crimes--the bare contemplation of -which excites the inmost soul with horror--by that wicked Laird, against -whom there has ascended a warning cry to heaven proclaiming that the -measure of his iniquities is completed; then, let us press forward in -this most blessed work, the execution of which promises us so great a -reward." - -Here Walter Henderson paused for a moment, then turning to another of -the party, named Andrew Hamilton, he requested him to accompany the body -of James Wishart to the dwelling of the bereaved mother, in case of any -surprise by the way, taking with him their prisoner, whose company would -only prove an annoyance in the difficult enterprise they were about to -undertake. The man thus addressed took no pains to conceal his -displeasure at being prevented from attending and sharing with them in -so daring an exploit as the burning of Lag Tower; but Walter Henderson -represented to him the importance of the duty committed to his care, and -adjured him to maintain the prisoner in all safety until the morrow, -when his fate should be decided. His instructions finished, the brave -old Covenanter placed himself at the head of the small but resolute -party, all eager to do his bidding, and uttering a few hurried words of -sympathy and farewell to the weeping widow, who now turned her steps in -an opposite direction, he commenced his rapid march towards the feudal -Tower of Lag, whose outline was even then dimly discernible, amid the -darkness now rapidly closing around them. - -We must now leave Walter Henderson and his followers pursuing their way -towards the residence of Sir Robert Grierson, and return to Andrew -Hamilton, who, in accordance with the wishes of his leader, walked -alongside the sad procession, his hand holding the bridle of the -disabled steed, on whose back, his hands tied in such a manner so as -effectually to prevent his making any efforts to escape, rode John -Kirsop, his cheeks glowing with ill-concealed annoyance, and his eyes, -burning with impatience, resting alternately, and with no very benign -expression on the faces of the different individuals composing the -group. As there still remained about a mile of their journey to -accomplish, Andrew Hamilton seized the opportunity to express his -surprise and regret at the unworthy part chosen by John Kirsop, which he -did as follows:--"It really astonishes me beyond measure to see a young -man, apparently possessed of a good understanding, and in appearance not -unlike the rest of us, amongst the ranks of those we have but too much -reason to style the natural enemies of all who uphold the Kirk and -Covenant. O dearie me, man! but you are wandering far far from the -paths of sobriety and well-doing when thus espousing the cause of the -mortal antagonists of sound spiritual doctrines and church freedom; -really, I am grieved to behold you thus treading the path that leadeth -to destruction, with eyes blindfolded and ears shut to the words of -wisdom. And what kind of amusement is this, think you, to be hunting a -parcel of your fellow-creatures from bog to bog, and from hill to -valley, as if the Almighty had created the one-half of mankind to be -meet sport for the other? No, no, my friend; true religion does'na -begin with a chase and end with a murder; far more profitable would it -be for the like of you, and those whom you serve with so much zeal and -devotion, to be chasing pride, vain-glory, hypocrisy, and every evil -tenant from your cold stubborn hearts, than to be hanging and shooting -those who are manly enough to stand up for their civil and religious -liberties in the face of the assembled world." - -"Cease your foolish prating," sternly interrupted the irritated soldier. - -"'Deed and I will not!" rejoined Andrew Hamilton, who, like many of his -brethern, was fond of indulging in a little disputation; "at least not -until I have endeavoured to convince you of the base unworthy part you -are acting towards those whose side you should have espoused with all -the alacrity of a true Christian and the patriotic feelings of a -Scotchman. What are you at the present time," he continued, "but a tool -in the hands of one who would dispatch you to-morrow did you give him -the slightest cause for provocation or distrust? Why, then, continue in -his service to the utter ruin of your immortal soul? Has not the -fearful occurrence of to-day made some impression on your youthful -heart? Think you that men who thus wantonly imbrue their hands in the -blood of the innocent can be held guiltless in the presence of Him who -abhorreth the wicked and cruel man? or that mercy will be bestowed on -those who know it not, and who, by the cruel measures they have adopted -towards the adherents of a stricken Church, have brought down woe and -desolation on our beloved land?" - -"Why, then," said John Kirsop, "will you still remain hostile to -Government? You cannot expect, if you set the whole country in a state -of revolt by your fanatical and impious jargon, but that such measures -as our leaders may deem proper to employ will be taken to reduce your -strength and restore you to reason----" - -"Reason!" wrathfully exclaimed Andrew Hamilton, "I think, friend, you -are a little mistaken on that point; it is the Government that must be -brought both to hear and understand reason, likewise to take care how -they offend and ridicule those both able and willing to stand to their -arms when their rights are trampled on and their freedom assailed." - -"Miserable fanatic," said the soldier in reply, "I would avoid wasting -words on one so narrow-minded and bigoted as thou art; so, pri'thee -cease, and permit me to indulge in my own thoughts, which are much more -likely to prove profitable than any arguments proceeding out of thy -mouth. I quarrel not with thee for the part thou has taken in these -unhappy disturbances which now agitate our land; nor will I, in spite of -all the abuse thou has been pleased to heap on our devoted heads for our -cruelty and revenge, dwell on the atrocious act thy companions are, -perchance even now, engaged in; but were I free of these bonds I should -teach thee to keep a civil tongue in that thick head of thine, and not -thus waste thy breath in giving advice unasked and unwished for." - -Here the prisoner relapsed into moody silence; and Andrew Hamilton, -somewhat disconcerted at the haughty tone assumed by his new -acquaintance, forbore to press the conversation further. They had now -arrived at the cottage inhabited by old Mrs. Wishart; it was a dwelling -situated on the bank of a rippling stream, which shone like molten -silver in the pale moonlight, while the dusky foliage of a few -pine-trees overtopping the roof of the straw-thatched cottage harmonised -well with the procession now advancing beneath their gloomy boughs. On -reaching the threshold, the sorrowing mother paused for a moment, as if -dreading to enter the desolate home, whose blazing hearth would never -more be enlivened by the cheerful voice now hushed for ever--never more! -She sighed deeply; and after engaging in mental prayer that she might be -endowed with fresh strength to support this fearful trial, she raised -the latch and entered, beckoning on the others to follow. All was as -she had left. The fire smouldered in the grate, the clock ticked on the -wall; while the kettle gave forth its cheerful song, unheeded in the -midst of the general desolation. Opening a side-door which led into a -little sleeping-room, Mrs. Wishart, her face ghastly with intense -emotion, signed to the bier-bearers thither to convey the body of her -murdered son. The men obeyed; and placing the corpse, at the mother's -desire, on the snow-white counterpane, they retired with noiseless steps -and uncovered heads to the adjacent apartment, leaving her alone in the -chamber with the dead. In the meanwhile, Andrew Hamilton, who had been -busily occupied in searching out a place of security in which to deposit -his prisoner, of whose company he was, to own the truth, heartily tired, -at length discovered a barn which he at once chose as being adapted in -every respect for the present purpose. Windows there were none; and the -door being secured by a double lock, rendered all attempts at escape -fruitless--so Andrew Hamilton thought; and acting upon his -hastily-formed opinion, he thrust in the hand-bound prisoner, and -double-locking the door, proceeded to stable the exhausted steed. This -done, he retraced his steps to the kitchen, where he found his four -companions seated around the hearth, conversing in subdued whispers on -the sad occurrences of the day. - -"I really wonder how Walter Henderson and his party are getting on," at -length observed one of the party, and he shook his head as he spoke. - -"Not very well, I fear," replied another, "for if all tales be true, Sir -Robert Grierson keeps up too much correspondence with the powers of -darkness not to be made acquainted beforehand with so important an event -as the burning of his tower; and should he catch any of the unfortunate -wights engaged in the act, their time on earth will be but short. Sir -Robert understands not mercy at any time, and an attempt such as this -will be enough to drive him mad; nor will he be appeased until the -perpetrators are hanged as high as Haman." - -"In verity, he is a terrible man," said a third. "I never saw him but -once, nor do I wish to behold him again; his eye as it rested on me -seemed to read my very thoughts at a single glance, and his brow had a -gloom I have never seen equalled. Off went my bonnet in a trice, and my -head stooped to the very ground as he approached, so anxious was I to do -him all honour, while I strove to look calm and collected, although -Heaven knows I was trembling like an aspen leaf, so great was my terror -of the noted Laird. 'Ho, ho!' he shouted as he came alongside of me, -and his voice went through me like a sword, and seemed to take all the -strength, as it were, out of my back. 'Ho, ho! but you seem a well -mannered knave; and could you wield a sword or fire a gun as quickly as -you can lower that bullet-head of yours, I would make your fortune; say, -are you willing, provided you excel in these accomplishments, to enter -my service?' 'Most worshipful sir,' I replied, with a joyous expression -of face and an inward shudder, 'I should indeed have esteemed it a -favour far above my humble deserts to have ranked even amongst the -humblest of your retainers, but----' 'No buts,' roared Sir Robert, with -a fierce glance and a scowling brow; 'yes, or no, for me!' 'Pray hear -me,' I replied in an imploring voice, fearful of incurring the deadly -auger of so unscrupulous a person as Sir Robert was reported to be, 'I -only intended to assure you of my regrets that circumstances----' -'Cease your abominable falsehoods,' he again sternly interrupted, 'and -own the truth at once, you unshaven rascal; speak out like an honest man -and tell me, what you know to be the case, that you are not ambitious to -be enrolled amongst the "Laird's Devils."' So saying, he made a cut at -me with his whip and rode off, laughing heartily, as if considering the -whole affair an excellent joke; while I, delighted to have escaped so -easily, made the best of my way homewards; and ever since that day I -have taken especial care always to keep a good stone wall between me and -Sir Robert, for fear the second meeting should not terminate quite so -pleasantly." - -"Ay, Ay," chimed in a fourth, "but were you to see the Laird suffering -from an attack of the gout, such as my father once witnessed, you would -then have reason to remember the meeting." - -On his being urged to give them an account of the interview in question, -the speaker narrated the following:-- - -"One day my poor father, who is a staunch old Covenanter, and cares not -to avow the fact, was taken up on suspicion of having secreted some -rebels who had rendered themselves particularly obnoxious to Government, -and nothing would satisfy his accusers but his going before Sir Robert -Grierson to answer the charge preferred against him. My father said, -the very idea of facing that fearful man, as he styled the Laird, made -him feel ready to faint; but he was determined to show no signs of fear, -lest it might be construed against him; so putting a bold face on the -matter, he not only expressed his willingness, but his anxiety, to meet -Sir Robert; and, in accordance with his desire, he was instantly -conveyed to Lag Tower. It happened, very unfortunately for my father, -that very day on which he went to abide his trial, Sir Robert was -confined to bed from a dreadful attack of his old enemy, the gout, which -had rendered him so savage that his domestics were afraid to venture -near him; but no sooner was he made aware of the fact of there being a -prisoner awaiting his pleasure, than he left his couch; and dressing -himself as speedily as repeated twinges of the gout would permit, he -hobbled down stairs, blaspheming the while in a manner horrible to -listen to. On entering the room where stood my father, with his accusers -beside him, Sir Robert darted a keen glance at him from beneath his -shaggy eyebrows, and then proceeded to question those present regarding -the offence alleged to have been committed by my father. A grim smile -played at the corners of his mouth, and a fiery gleam shot from his eyes -as he listened to the rather complicated statement regarding my father's -conduct in the affair of the late concealment. He then thanked them for -the ready zeal they had displayed in the king's service, and desired -that they should retire to another apartment, 'For,' said he, with a -hoarse laugh, 'I should like to have a little private conversation with -the old Whig, and I dare say I shall manage to make him sensible of the -heinous crime he has committed, thereby rendering himself amenable to -the laws of his country.' The room being cleared of all save my father, -who stood boldly confronting the Laird, his head erect and his hands -folded across his breast, in the attitude of one who fears no evil and -is conscious of having performed none, Sir Robert seated himself at the -head of the table, and motioning to my father to approach nearer to the -judgment-seat, as he styled his huge arm-chair, he addressed him in the -following language:--'Is it not a downright disgrace for an old man like -you, whose grey hairs ought to have covered a head of wisdom, to be -arraigned before us, charged with having aided in the secreting of a -parcel of knaves, rebels in fact, against their king and country; -thereby frustrating the ends of justice, which required the lives of -these men, and not these only, but of all who similarly transgress the -righteous laws established by our most gracious sovereign King Charles -the Second, whom may Heaven long preserve to the utter confusion of all -who wish him harm? What have you to say for yourself, that we may be -satisfied of your innocence in this matter, and permit you to depart in -peace?' My father, to tell you the honest truth, was in no small degree -puzzled how to reply to this strange mode of address adopted by Sir -Robert; but reflecting for a moment on the character of the man he had -to deal with, he arrived at the conclusion that the best way to avoid -giving a direct answer to so startling a question would be to propound -another, so he said, 'Well, Sir Robert, since you have desired me to -reply to the question you were pleased to put as regarded my complicity -in this aflair of the secreting of these poor unfortunate men, whom I -cannot look upon in the light of malefactors, I shall do so firmly, and -without reserve, feeling assured that no real blame can be attached to -the part I have acted throughout; but, before proceeding to enter into -details, I would simply ask in return, if any of those belonging to the -side you espouse so warmly were in grievous distress, and in imminent -danger of being deprived of their lives, should they fall into the hands -of their enemies, who were eagerly following on their track, would you -not esteem it a positive duty to harbour these unhappy fugitives? Would -you not, I say, rejoice in the good deed you had accomplished, on -beholding their foes depart cheated of their expected prey, and seek no -other reward than the happiness arising from a self-approving -conscience?' 'Then you acknowledge having aided these men to escape -from the just doom awaiting them,' roared Sir Robert, his brow black -with ungovernable wrath. 'You cannot prove that I did,' coolly replied -my father, nowise daunted by the terrible looks of the fiery Laird; for -his blood was up, and when once he had got over his natural timidity of -character, he could have faced the old gentleman himself. 'I will make -you prove it, however,' was the fierce rejoinder; 'reach me hither that -Bible.' My father did so. Now, you old solemn-faced hypocrite,' said -Sir Robert, accompanying these words with a hideous grimace, occasioned -by a sudden and severe twinge of the gout, 'as you value your life, you -must swear by this blessed book that you are entirely innocent of the -offence alleged against you, and that you know nothing of the -whereabouts of these men.' 'But what if I do know something of the -whereabouts of these men?' demanded my father, who was fully determined -to display no coward spirit, or evade the truth, even though death -should pay the penalty. 'Then your last hour has come,' replied the -Laird, in a somewhat milder tone, for he was not a little astonished at -my father's boldness of speech; 'so you may at once say your prayers.' -'That is rather an unusual favour for you to bestow,' said my father, -with a smile; 'for if all is true that's said of you, praying does not -come within your province; and instead of your victim's soul being borne -aloft on the incense of prayer, it is generally dismissed with something -the very reverse of a blessing.' 'No insolence, you ungrateful varlet,' -thundered forth Sir Robert, while his brow contracted into the most -fearful frown, my father said, he had ever witnessed; 'and since you -sneer at the boon I was pleased to offer you, your prayer shall be of my -framing; so down on your knees this instant, and mark you, every word -you utter must be in an audible tone of voice that I may be able to hear -and judge of the same. You must pray as if your soul was in every word -you give forth, for the welfare of Church and State, dwelling at -considerable length on the goodness of his most gracious Majesty in -adopting such lenient measures towards those who have so justly offended -him, likewise on the wisdom he has displayed in his choice of leaders to -execute his commands.' 'Not at your desire will I kneel, you bloody -man!' stoutly replied my father, his eyes flashing and his colour rising -as he spoke; 'nor shall my lips be polluted with such words as you may -devise. If death be the decree sent forth against me, I will meet it as -becometh one who hath endeavoured to prepare himself to meet his -Maker,--therefore, do your worst; and learn from me, that not to win an -empire, should I say aught of the king than that he is a perjured----' -'Hold!' screamed Sir Robert in a transport of fury, 'how dare you -venture to attack his most blessed Majesty in my presence? This moment -is your last!' So saying, and forgetful of the malady under which he -laboured, he darted from his chair and seizing hold of a loaded pistol, -which lay on an adjoining table, levelled it at my father. But, -fortunately for him, just as Sir Robert was on the point of firing, he -was suddenly seized with a most dreadful attack of his irresistible -enemy. His agony was so great that the pistol dropped from his hand; -and after vainly endeavouring to preserve his footing, he gave utterance -to a wild scream of mingled rage and pain, and fell prostrate on the -floor. Taking advantage of the opportunity afforded him for escape, my -father rushed to the door, opened it, and fled along the passage, -shouting at the top of his voice, 'Help, help! Sir Robert is dead, or -dying!' Overcome with terror and dismay, the domestics at once rushed -to the assistance of their master, thereby permitting my father to leave -the castle unquestioned--a feat he took not long to accomplish--and -considering this part of the country no longer safe for him, he speedily -removed to a retired spot in Annandale, where he now resides." - -"Do you think there is any truth in the stories they tell about Lag -Tower being haunted?" inquired Andrew Hamilton, who was not a little -prone to indulge in the superstitious fears so generally entertained by -his countrymen. - -Just as one of his companions was about to reply, a loud crash in the -yard, as if some heavy substance was thrown to the ground, at once -arrested their attention. The men instantly started to their feet, and -eagerly listened for a repetition of the sound; but nothing more was -heard. - -"What can it be?" said one of the party, whose pallid face and faltering -voice betokened the agitation. under which he laboured. - -"O! it is just the wind that has blown down something about the barn," -replied one of his comrades. - -At the mention of the word barn Andrew Hamilton gave utterance to a loud -exclamation, and seizing a lantern that stood on the table, darted -towards the door, closely followed by his astonished companions. With a -sinking heart, he pursued his way; and to his unspeakable horror, the -first object that greeted his eyesight, on his arriving at the spot, was -the door--the key of which he was carrying for safety in his -pocket--lying prostrate on the ground, bereft of its hinges. Impatient -to learn the worst, he rushed into the barn; it was empty--the prisoner -was gone. - -The reader must now please to accompany us into the interior of Lag -Tower, in the banqueting hall of which several gentlemen are seated -round a long oaken table, strewn with the remains of dessert, -half-emptied bottles of wine, drinking cups, etc. The gentleman -presiding over the entertainment, and whose hoarse laugh even now -resounds through the hall, is the dreaded persecutor, Sir Robert -Grierson; on his right hand are seated Captain Bruce and Captain -Dalziel, also notorious for their dreadful cruelties practised towards -the Covenanters; while Lieutenant Livingstone, Cornet Douglas, and -others of lesser note, occupy the remaining seats. The hall, which is -long and narrow in its proportions, is lighted up by the aid of -pine-torches stuck in the wall, and the huge fire, as it roars in the -capacious chimney, casts a ruddy glow over the swarthy faces of the -revellers, and dances fantastically over the suits of time-honoured -armour, swords, guns, pistols and other warlike weapons with which the -walls of the apartment are adorned. - -A pause has ensued in the conversation--it is the Laird who breaks it. -"Well, Dalziel, and so you managed to make the old Whig swallow the oath -after all, ha, ha, ha! Upon my word, it is well worth all the trouble -we have been put to during these troublous times, just to witness the -rare state of terror into which some of these canting knaves are thrown -when they imagine their last hour is come. Down they go smack upon -their knees, turning up their eyes, and if you only permitted them, they -would spend at least three hours in praying for the steadfast upholding -of the most blessed Kirk and Covenant; and, for my part, I don't believe -one out of twenty understands the precise meaning of the words; it is -just the fact of their having them so constantly dinned into their ears -by these old maundering hypocrites, whom they regard as the precious -salt of the earth, that impresses them with the belief of their -embracing everything that ought to be prayed for. Little encouragement -do they get from me in that line. At the bare whisper of the words -'Covenants of Grace' I discharge my pistol close to their ears, and they -very soon come down to earth again, and endeavour to enter into a -covenant of mercy with me, whom they style the Man of Sin; but they soon -discover temporising does not do for me: my words are few and plain. -Take the oath at once or suffer the penalty. 'Mercy, mercy, Sir Robert! -remember our wives and helpless little ones at home; what will become of -them should we be deprived of our lives?' Then take the oath! I find -this peremptory mode of speech does my business far more effectually -than any long-winded discourse; that's what they are accustomed to, and -they would willingly listen for hours, if we had only breath sufficient -to hold out so long, to any amount of rubbish with which it might please -us to cram them; but the brevity of speech with which I issue forth my -demands puts them at once to the rout; and the short and the long of the -matter is, they are either brought to hear reason, or look their last -upon the sun." - -"It is really extraordinary how many maintain their firmness even to the -last," said Captain Dalziel, as he filled his goblet to the brim and -drained it at a single draught; "they seem to take a pride in suffering -death, and I firmly believe would rather lose fifty lives, or endure any -amount of torture, than allow the oath of abjuration to pass their -lips." - -"Ha, ha! my friend," exclaimed Sir Robert Grierson with a loud laugh, "I -think I am the only one of you all who can manage these skulking fellows -and compel them to take the oath in spite of themselves. Never shall I -forget that scene in the church of Dairy, should I live to be an -hundred; how horror-stricken the whole pack were!" - -"Why, what did you do to them?" inquired Lieutenant Livingstone. "I -have never heard what I considered to be a true version of that affair, -although I have often wished to learn what really occurred on that -occasion, as it seems to have made a great noise throughout the -country." - -"Why, you see," said the Laird in reply, "towards the beginning of last -year I chanced to be in Galloway holding courts throughout the different -parishes--and a fatiguing time I had of it, I can tell you. The Courts -were wretchedly attended. Of course, ill-affected people did not come -of their own accord, and there was not sufficient force to compel them -to do so. Determined, however, not to be defeated, I one day assembled -a large concourse of men and women--in fact, every one belonging to -Dairy--in the parish church, without assigning any ostensible reason for -so doing. After the church was filled to overflowing, I caused the door -to be locked; and at the blast of my bugle, a band of trusty -followers--previously made acquainted with my plans--came galloping up -and instantly surrounded the church. This done I put my head in at one -of the windows, and gazing with a wrathful countenance--though I could -scarce forbear laughing outright--on the astonished group within, I -shouted aloud, 'He or she, who wishes to leave this place alive, must -instantly take the oath of abjuration!' Had a bombshell fallen in the -midst of the assembled company, scattering death and ruin around, they -could not have looked more appalled than they did on hearing these awful -words. To all their prayers and entreaties--and they were not a few--I -vouchsafed but the same reply--free egress and pardon to all those to -whom I administer the oath. This was accompanied by a loud flourish of -trumpets which seemed to complete the general consternation. 'O, Sir -Robert, hae ye nae conscience, man, that ye tak sic a pleasure in making -folks' lives a burden to them?' whined out an old witch, raising her -apron to the corner of one eye, and looking at me hard from the other; -'do let me out; I am an auld woman----' 'The greater reason for your -being a sensible one,' I replied; but she continued as though she heard -me not. 'I have a large family, some of whom are biding at hame; and it -would be an unco-like thing for the likes o' me to have it to say on my -return that I had been and taken a non-juring oath, or some ither thing -equally wicked. What chance, think ye, wad there be o' my getting to -heaven after doing the likes o' that?' 'There appears to be very little -chance of your getting there at present,' I said in reply; 'for, if you -are an attentive reader of your Bible, as I trust you are, you must have -observed the strict injunction to honour the king. And I think you will -allow there is not much consideration for the person of his most -gracious Majesty in your composition, or you would not refuse to take -the oath which would at once prove to my satisfaction that you are a -true and loyal subject.' 'Ay, ay,' she rejoined, 'that may be all very -true; but it is not an earthly monarch we are bound to obey, when our -consciences testify against his proceedings; and you know brawly -yoursel', that the king has slipped away sadly from the straight line it -behoved him to keep till, if not for his own sake, at least for the -sakes of these pious and now persecuted men wha wad fain hae regarded -him in the light o' a parent. But, oh, he is, indeed, a sad example -o'----' 'Enough, enough, my good woman!' I exclaimed in an angry tone, -for I was waxing wroth at the pertinacity with which she eluded the -subject of the oath; and pulling a pistol out of my pocket, I affected -to be examining the priming as though to make ready to fire should she -not yield obedience to my wishes. The sight of the ugly weapon was -enough. With a loud exclamation betwixt a groan and a howl, the old -beldame testified her willingness to do my bidding; adding, she hoped -she might not be held accountable for that day's work, as it was only to -prevent the crime of murder she had given in. A few of those present, -seeing how greatly things were against them, imitated her good example; -while others, again, possessing the stubborn old Covenanting spirit, -repelled with scorn all offers of pardon purchased at such a price. -However, they soon discovered that if they were obstinate so were we; -and being, moreover, thoroughly wearied of their confinement, and -alarmed at the prospect of a still longer imprisonment, they gradually -gave in one by one, until the whole had consented to come to terms. -After having duly administered the oath--which seemed indeed a terrible -ordeal for the most of them--I wound up the affair by exclaiming, 'Now -you are a fold full of clean beasts--you may go away home;' upon which -the doors were thrown open, and amid loud shouts of derisive laughter, -the crest-fallen Covenanters issued forth, looking and muttering -unutterable things." - -Here Sir Robert ended his narration, and the loud shouts of approving -merriment with which the recital was received, testified how much the -listeners relished hearing of any practical joke that had for its object -any one of the party who had rendered themselves so obnoxious to the -then existing Government. - -"And did the varlets keep true to their oath?" inquired Lieutenant -Livingstone, after he had in some measure recovered his wonted composure -of countenance. - -"I understood not, from some spies whom I had placed in and about -Dairy," answered the Laird, "whereupon I immediately set out at the head -of some chosen followers and traversed the whole extent of the parish. -Having very good reasons to believe that my spies were correct in their -information, I took the liberty of exacting some pretty considerable -fines from the richer portion of the community, greatly to their -astonishment and indignation, they having fancied themselves secure from -all further molestation. No less a sum than seven hundred pounds was -extorted by me from three persons who had been bewailing at a sad rate -their defalcation in the church of Dairy; and, as you may fancy, their -hearts were not lightened by the loss of so much money." - -"By the bye, Laird, how did you get on with that beggarly fellow also -residing in Galloway?" inquired Captain Dalziel, when Sir Robert had -finished speaking. "You may remember the last time I saw you, you were -on the point of starting off in pursuit of him. Did you manage to catch -him, or is he still lurking in some secret place? if so, we shall ferret -him out." - -"There are no such proceedings necessary," replied Sir Robert with a -grim smile; "we have had many a peck at him since that eventful day, the -cowardly skulking fellow that he is. Why, we spent nearly a fortnight -in search of him; but, my word! his goods and chattels paid toll for all -the annoyance he gave us. I wish you could have seen his wife's face as -we ripped up the mattresses, scattered the contents on the floor, and -carried off the ticken, as well as every other thing capable of being -transported; how she did wring her hands and tear her hair; yet for all -we did and threatened to do, she would not betray her husband's -lurking-place. Women are so obstinate in cases like these. However, -while ransacking the house, we came upon a young damsel, whom we -concluded to be the daughter of the person we were in quest of. To all -my inquiries regarding her father, she turned a deaf ear, protesting she -knew nought of his whereabouts. Determined to try another plan, I then -inquired of her where she had spent the previous evening? Entirely -thrown off her guard, and suspecting no evil, she answered, in the house -of Mrs. ----, naming an elderly gentlewoman, whose name I have at this -instant forgotten. Thither we instantly went, and were rewarded for our -trouble by the discovery of two other rebels of whom we were also in -search. Suspecting the other would not be far distant, we then galloped -to the sea-shore and ransacked the caves amongst the rocks, in one of -which we came upon our friend, and also another who had taken refuge -with him. In accordance with my orders, all four were instantly -conveyed to Bangor prison, where the proper authorities tendered to them -the oath of abjuration, which was taken by one and refused by the -others. Then a court of assize was held and indictments served on the -remaining rebels, two of whom also gave in. On being informed that the -fourth still held out, I went thither, determined to reduce him to -reason. He remained steadfast to his purpose, declaring nothing should -tempt him to swerve from his duty, upon hearing which I broke out into a -fearful passion, and swore by the bones of my father that if he did not -take the oath in the space of five minutes, he should be barking and -flying on his way to another world. This produced the desired effect, -and the fellow, who seemed most horribly afraid, at length succumbed. -But I can tell you it was all they could do to get me to spare his life -I was so indignant with the rascal." - -Here Sir Robert paused and replenished his goblet. - -"Is there any truth in the report that the Whigs are arming themselves -in this part of the country?" inquired Captain Bruce of Sir Robert -Grierson, who replied in the negative, adding that the sneaking -poltroons had suffered too much at the Pentlands and Bothwell Bridge -ever to attempt anything like a formal stand against the Government -soldiers; besides the stringent measures he had thought proper to adopt -in Dumfriesshire and Galloway would effectually prevent any of the -opposite faction from attempting aught like retaliation in the -neighbourhood. He then proceeded to give them a detailed account of the -summary manner in which he had, that morning, dispatched old Elias -Henderson--a proceeding on his part which met with unqualified -approbation from the assembled revellers, who each in his turn related -some memorable exploit in which they had in a special manner signalised -themselves by their unheard of atrocities. - -"Ha! ha!" shouted Sir Robert Greirson, "what a fine set of fellows we -are to be sure! come, let us drink each other's good health in a goblet -of sparkling Burgundy. There's myself, whom the rascals have nicknamed -'the bloody Lag.' There's you, my worthy friend on the right, who -rejoice in the appellation of 'the fiery Dalziel;' and Bruce, who is -termed 'the ungodly;' and you, Livingstone, 'the wicked lieutenant.' -And pray, what are you styled?" he added, turning towards Cornet -Douglas, who replied with a frightful grimace, "the black cornet," an -answer which convulsed the hearers with laughter, as the young man in -question rejoiced in an unwonted sallowness of complexion. - -"I wonder, Sir Robert," observed Captain Dalziel, after they had duly -honoured the proposed pledge, "that you do not feel apprehensive of -these exasperated men attacking you some night in this old castle. It -strikes me that you are rather incautious in thus making enemies so near -your own threshold. This is a wild, solitary place; and were these -wandering, psalm-singing fellows to unite together, they might work -serious damage ere you could possibly have time to aprize your nearest -friends. I am not joking, I assure you," pursued Captain Dalziel; "the -idea just came into my head this evening while riding through the glen; -more particularly, as I observed some rather grim-looking rascals -hovering near the bye-roads. I paused for a moment in order to observe -their motions more closely; but guessing my evident intentions, they -addressed a few words to each other, and then sauntered carelessly away -across the heath. - -"What! attack Lag Tower!" cried Sir Robert, with a loud burst of -incredulous laughter. "I only wish the knaves would try it. But, no; -they are too well aware of what the consequences would be to brave the -lion in his den. But should they come, they will find a cold, if not a -warm reception; for, in the twinkling of an eye, I can, by means only -known to myself, surround the castle with a lake which it would rather -puzzle these canting Whigs to get across. Ha! ha! there is nothing I -should like better than to see a whole troop of them immersed in such a -slough of despond. What say you, Livingstone? would you not think it a -transporting sight to see our most worthy friends--all clad in -hodden-grey and Kilmarnock bonnets--floundering in the water like so -many porpoises, while you stood on the castle-wall with your musket, in -readiness to pop them off one by one as they showed their heads above -water? On my life, Dalziel, I would willingly lose the best suit of -armour in my possession should----" - -At this instant, while loud shouts of laughter resounded through the -hall, the door was flung open to its widest extent, and John Kirsop, his -face haggard with emotion, staggered into the room. - -"How now, sirrah!" exclaimed Sir Robert Grierson indignantly; "how -darest thou enter our presence after this fashion?" - -"Pardon, pardon! Sir Robert," broke in John Kirsop, his voice trembling -through apprehension; "but this is no time for ceremony." - -"What meanest thou, knave?" - -"The rascally Whigs have flown to arms, and even now are but a few paces -distant, threatening all manner of vengeance against you and yours. -Their present plan, so far as I could learn, is to destroy the castle by -fire. This they propose doing this very night." - -"Ha!" cried Sir Robert, starting to his feet, an example that was -speedily followed by the others; "have the traitors presumed thus far? -Saw ye aught of these bold conspirators?" he continued; "how many may -they number? Speak out, knave, and let us lose no time in dallying; -even now the villains may have commenced their operations. Livingstone, -do you run to the loop-hole facing the north, and keep a look out from -that quarter; and you, Douglas, hasten to the one on the right hand as -you ascend the stair, where you may be able to perceive what is going -on; and now, Kirsop, proceed with your narration, and that as briefly us -possible." - -Thus admonished, Kirsop related all that had befallen him since leaving -Drumlanrig. When he came to mention his interview with Walter -Henderson, Sir Robert smiled grimly, and nodded his head towards Captain -Dalziel, as though he recognised the truth of his warning. - -At the conclusion of the story, Sir Robert exclaimed, while filling a -goblet with wine, which he handed to the exhausted soldier, "Thou art an -honest fellow, Kirsop, and shalt not lose thy reward when once we get -this troublesome affair arranged to our satisfaction." - -Scarcely had Sir Robert Grierson finished speaking, when Lieutenant -Livingstone rushed into the hall, exclaiming in a hurried whisper, "They -are here! they are here! even now I perceived them stealing round the -corner." - -"How many may there be?" demanded Sir Robert. - -"A dozen or more, I should fancy," was the reply. - -"A dozen!" cried Sir Robert, with a scornful laugh, "why, from the way -that fellow Kirsop spoke, one would have imagined that a hundred men at -least were at the gates." - -"I but told the truth," said Kirsop doggedly; "they numbered a few when -they started, but they spoke of reinforcements; and that old Whig, -Walter Henderson, declared the whole country-side were in arms in -defence of their liberties, so----" - -"Enough, enough!" exclaimed Sir Robert impatiently, "and now, my -friends, let us hasten to crush these rebels. A dozen men! Why, we -ourselves would be sufficient to cope with thrice that number." - -"What mean you to do, Sir Robert?" inquired Captain Dalziel. - -"Mean to do!" re-echoed the fiery Laird. "Why, roast the knaves alive, -to be sure! ay, every mother's son of them." - -"Will you open the flood-gates on this occasion?" said Lieutenant -Livingstone, laughing as he spoke. - -"No, no," was the stern reply; "that were too speedy a death for these -undisciplined rascals; a more lingering doom awaits them. Lag Hill -shall witness their last agonies." So saying, Sir Robert Grierson -strode across the hall, and detaching a sword from a pin on which it -hung, fastened it to his belt. While thus engaged, Cornet Douglas -entered, and, in addition to Lieutenant Livingstone's information, told -Sir Robert that the assailants were even then engaged in piling up huge -logs of wood, obtained from the supply set apart for the use of the -castle against the outer walls. - -"Then no farther time must be lost," broke in Sir Robert. "Do you, -Livingstone, Bruce, and Douglas station yourselves at the three windows -overlooking the scene of action; and the instant the rascals attempt to -set fire to the wood, send a volley amongst them, whilst we steal round -by the side postern and attack them on the rear. I think that will -settle the business," said Sir Robert with a laugh, as he cautiously -descended the stair, closely followed by his companions. In the -meantime, as notified by Cornet Douglas, Walter Henderson and his party -were proceeding noiselessly and rapidly with their operations, and -already a considerable portion of their labour had been accomplished. -The increasing darkness of the night favoured their project, the moon, -which in the former part of the evening shone with a brilliancy that in -some measure threatened to frustrate their schemes, having veiled her -brightness behind huge masses of leaden-coloured clouds which slowly -drifted along the sky. It formed a strange and striking picture this -old castle of Lag, rising, as it did, amid a wide extent of flat, -desolate moor-land which stretched away in the distance until relieved -by a range of bare irregular looking hills bounding the prospect. So -thought one of the party, William Hislop by name, as in common with his -comrades, he proceeded leisurely to pile up around the castle walls huge -blocks of wood destined, as he imagined, to level it with the ground. -In conjunction with this thought, he remarked to one of his companions -that it was a lonesome-looking place, and that for his part he did not -quite like the task they were engaged in, adding, by way of consolation, -"if that old vulture, Lag, gets us atween his claws, it's little flesh -we'll hae on our backs when aince we get out o' them." - -"Why, then, did you join us if such were your feelings?" said the person -addressed. "I am sure had Walter Henderson known you had no love for -the undertaking, he would not have pressed you to come hither." - -"It's not that I think we are doing anything wrong in burning doon the -castle--no, no; the bloody persecutor, as he is, weel deserves it at our -hands, and I felt rale brave and anxious about the doing o' the same, -when Walter Henderson brought it hame to our souls in the manner he did; -but somehow or another the case looks different now, and it's such an -eerie-looking bit to be meddling wi' at this time o' night, that----" - -"Hear till that, man!" suddenly exclaimed his by no means comfortable -companion in a low tone of voice. - -"Hear till what?" cried William Hislop, now fairly started out of all -composure by this sudden exclamation. "Tush, man," he said after a -moment's pause, "it's only an owlet screaming; do you no' see it up by -yonder?" and they both stood still a while to observe the bird which -wheeled in rapid circles around the castle, screaming and flapping its -wings as though to apprise the inmates of the terrible danger that -menaced them. - -"Do you think that can be ain of Lag's familiar spirits?" he continued, -addressing his companion; "for ye ken it is reported through the country -that he keeps a wheen evil spirits to tell him all that he wants to -know." - -"That I canna' pretend to say," answered his comrade, whose eyes still -followed the excited bird; "but it seems in a terrible state o' flutter: -what can it mean by going on at that gait?" - -"Did you see that strange light dancing along the moor as we came across -the road?" inquired William Hislop, who was evidently a firm believer in -ought that savoured of the supernatural. - -"Yes I did," was the reply. - -"And what do you think it was?" - -"A will-o'-the-wisp, to be sure!" - -"Aweel, may be!" was the doubting reply; "truly may I say that never yet -has that same twinkling light cam' across my path, but something most -terrible has happened to me afterwards!" - -"Silence!" cried Walter Henderson in a low stern voice. At this instant -a cock, which had taken up its quarters for the night on a neighbouring -tree, apparently cheated into the belief from the unusual stir that -prevailed around its generally peaceful domicil, that morning had -already dawned, gave forth its usual challenge to the sun; a proceeding -which so thoroughly alarmed William Hislop, that he exclaimed aloud, -regardless of time and place, "Gude save us a'! The cock to be crowing -at this time o' night; it's easy seen what 'ill be the end o' this fine -work!" - -"Have you a mind to ruin yourself and us, that you thus indulge in such -untimely remarks?" whispered Walter Henderson, and he grasped William -Hislop tightly by the arm as he spoke. "The greatest caution is -necessary," he continued, "lest we be discovered and our plans thereby -frustrated. Now cease your apologies and attend to me. The wood is all -ready; and it but remains for us to apply the light, and our labour will -be accomplished. I will advance first, and do you follow; here are the -necessary materials;" so saying, he placed a piece of flint and tinder -in the trembling hands of William Hislop, who rather unwillingly -proceeded to fulfil the duty imposed upon him. But scarcely had the -match been ignited, when, according to the commands of Sir Robert -Grierson, a volley of musketry was discharged from the windows overhead, -which stretched several of the assailants upon the ground. On hearing -this dreadful sound, the forerunner of yet more terrifying alarms, the -lighted match fell from William Hislop's Land, and giving utterance to a -loud exclamation of horror, he fell forward, as though he had been shot, -on the pile of wood before him. - -"Betrayed! betrayed!" shouted Walter Henderson, drawing his sword as -bespoke; "fly, my friends, fly, while there is yet time!" - -In obedience to his commands, the panic-stricken men rushed to the outer -gate; but scarcely had the foremost reached it, when a firm grasp was -laid on his collar, and he found himself a prisoner. The others were -captured in a similar manner; the darkness of the night preventing their -being able to distinguish friends from foes. The terrible voice of Sir -Robert Grierson was then heard, ordering lights to be brought that the -faces of the prisoners might be discernible. Eager to do his bidding, -several of his retainers rushed to the banqueting hall, and snatching -the pine-torches from off the walls, brought them to Sir Robert, who, -seizing the one borne by John Kirsop, waved it aloft in the air over the -heads of the terrified prisoners, as they stood motionless in the hands -of their captors awaiting the doom they feared to be inevitable. By the -ruddy glow of the lights, Sir Robert at once distinguished the venerable -form of Walter Henderson. "Ha, thou hoary-headed traitor!" he exclaimed -in a furious tone; "and is this the way in which you seek to follow -after _that_ which is good? Is it by deeds like these that you would -fain hope to build up the walls of your crumbling kirk, and patch up -anew your broken Covenant! Covenant forsooth! Who would seek to enter -into terms with traitors such as you? Not I for one, and that you will -learn right speedily; dearly shall all of you rue this night's work. And -you thought to catch the lion asleep," he pursued in a mocking tone; -"ha, ha! then you made a slight mistake, that is all; and were it not -that business, which brooks no delay, requires my presence in another -part of the country, to-morrow should witness your final agonies; but -ere the sun has thrice completed its circuit of the heavens, shall you, -and your partners in iniquity, cease to cumber the earth. Away with the -villains," he cried, addressing his retainers, "throw them into the -deepest and darkest dungeons beneath the castle, and there, amid the -gloom that surrounds them, let them comfort themselves with the thoughts -of a speedy doom awaiting them." - -"Murderer of my brother!" shouted Walter Henderson, struggling to free -himself; "this night's work is a fitting termination to a day so begun; -but think not, though thy infernal arts have prevented the completion of -our purpose, that thou wilt always escape. No; a terrible day of -retribution awaits thee, and when it does arrive, thou wilt remember the -innocent blood thou hast shed, and cease to hope. In what had my poor -brother wronged thee that thou must basely deprive him of life? In what -manner had he infringed the laws that his blood must pay the forfeit? -Oh, Judas, that thou art!----" - -"How darest thou speak to Sir Robert Grierson thus?" cried Lieutenant -Livingstone, at the same time dealing him a buffet on the side of the -head. - -"Away with the old hypocrite!" thundered forth Sir Robert Grierson with -an impatient wave of the hand; "convey him to his quarters, and feed him -on coarse bread and water during the remainder of his sojourn on earth; -it will, in some measure, cool the fever of his blood, and enable him to -view things in a clearer light than he has hitherto done. Kirsop, to -your watchful care I commit the prisoner." - -"Kirsop!" exclaimed Walter Henderson in a tone of dismay, "ha, that -explains it all! Fool, fool that I was to trust him for one moment out -of my sight!" - -"Don't blame yourself, old fellow," said the soldier with a grin, -"because fortune has given the scales a turn in our favour; but rather -rejoice in the thoughts that you will leave the world with your -conscience freed from the heavy crime which would otherwise have -rendered it top-heavy, and prevented your getting out of purgatory quite -so soon as you would have wished, had I not escaped from the hands of -the person to whose care you commended me." - -This last stroke of bad fortune quite overcame Walter Henderson, and -muttering "God's will be done!" he suffered his captor to lead him away, -to the loathsome dungeon appointed for his reception. - -The remains of the unfortunate Covenanters who had perished at the -outset of the affair had long been removed from the court yard, and Sir -Robert Grierson and his friends were again seated at the festive board, -carousing and blaspheming according to their wont; still William Hislop -had not yet mustered up courage sufficient to emerge from his -hiding-place. It was, to say the least of it, rather a hard bed he had -chosen on which to repose his wearied limbs, still, as he himself -expressed it, anything was preferable to lying dead on the courtyard or -sickening in a dungeon; and it would be the height of ingratitude for -him to complain who had, without doubt, fared the best of the party. -True he was still, in some measure, within the "Laird's grasp;" yet as -he listened to the wild bursts of revelry which ever and anon fell upon -his ear, he felt assured that soon the whole party would be laid -prostrate beneath the table, and then he might venture forth in safety. -An hour or two, which seemed to William Hislop, in his anxious state of -mind, like so many ages, passed away without producing the desired -change in the banqueting hall; on the contrary, mirth seemed on the -increase; and William Hislop, from his hiding-place, could distinctly -hear Sir Robert Grierson, whose voice he had reason to remember, deliver -a song, which, judging from the uproarious shouts of laughter that -followed each verse, seemed of an unusually joyous character. - -"The auld vagabond that he is!" muttered the incensed listener, "to be -going on in that daft manner just after he has doomed a wheen -fellow-creatures to death; it really astonishes me that the walls o' the -castle dinna' come doon about his ears and finish him in the midst o' -his evil on-goings. Truly the Lord is merciful! Nae wonder cauld water -takes to the boil whenever he puts his foot in't! I am sure I wad gin -he cam near me, the nasty fellow that he is. My very blood rins cauld -till hear him going on at that gait; it's like naething human. Gude -sake! how I pity these poor fellows at this moment in the power o' sic a -character; indeed, I may just as well pity myself when I'm at it, for -I'm no that far out o' the wood that I can afford to waste time in -talking to mysel' like some auld spaewife--the more especially when I -may be able to do something a hantle better, than a wheen useless words, -for my comrades in captivity." So saying, William Hislop thrust aside a -huge block of wood which somewhat obstructed his exit, and prepared to -issue forth. Scarcely had he ventured a few steps across the courtyard, -when, with a loud scream, the owl darted forth from its hiding-place -amongst the ivy, and again commenced wheeling in rapid circles around -the castle; but this time in such close proximity as almost to strike -him with its wings. Horrified beyond measure at the sight of this -unexpected apparition, and fully persuaded of its being nothing else -than an emissary of Satan's, William Hislop crept back to his retreat -amongst the wood, where he lay for several minutes, gazing with -distended eyes on the ill-omened bird as it pursued its wayward flight. - -"I am a gone man!" he muttered; "a gone man! that owl will be the death -o' me! It has discovered I am here, and the next thing will be the -Laird coming his ain sell to pull me out o' my hiding-place. Whist ye -there wi' your crying! I am sure ye might be contented wi' the lot that -has fallen to your share and let me alane. O sirs me! had I but -foreseen the tae half o' the misfortunes that were to befall us this -dreadful night, I wad hae been sitting by my mother's hearthstane, -supping my porritch wi' a thankfu' heart, instead o' lying here, -expecting every moment to be my last." - -While William Hislop was thus indulging in soliloquy, one of the windows -of the banqueting hall was thrown open, and a voice exclaimed, evidently -in reply to a question from within, "Morning breaks, and ere another -hour has passed, we must be in our saddles;" then the casement was -closed, and once more the festivity was resumed. - -"Now, William Hislop, now or never!" With these words, addressed to -himself, the impatient Covenanter again ventured forth from the place of -his concealment. This time the owl kindly forebore screaming; but -stationed itself on the branch of a tree overhanging the courtyard, from -which elevation it gazed on the intruder with eyes that seemed to emit -sparks of fire, as though questioning his right to depart. Creeping -cautiously along, under shadow of the wall, William Hislop managed to -gain, unobserved, that portion of it which admitted of an easy descent -on the other side. This position attained, his courage in some measure -revived, and pausing a moment to shake his hand at the owl before taking -his final leap, he muttered between his teeth, "There now, ye may gang -and tell your hopeful master, from me, that maybe there 'ill be mair -company assembled on Lag Hill, on the morning o' the execution, than he -wots o'," and with these mysterious words, accompanied by another -gesture of defiance, William Hislop darted from off the wall, and -rapidly disappeared amidst the gloom of the early morning. - -About two miles to the south of the village of Dunscore, in a little -valley, sheltered by mountains from every blast that swept over the -neighbouring heath, stood the form belonging to the deceased Elias -Henderson. The house pertaining to the farm partook of the usual -appearance of farm-houses in Scotland, at the period of which we write, -and was scrupulously clean and attractive in its exterior; while the -well-stocked yard and barns bespoke the thrifty farmer. Indeed, few -persons following this precarious occupation could boast of greater -success than had fallen to the lot of Elias Henderson. - -It was the evening of the second day from that on which our story opens, -and the deep air of silence that reigned in and around the farm-house of -Westercleugh, told in language more expressive than the most eloquent -words, that death had laid its ice-cold hand on one of the inmates. In -the kitchen, close to the window, is seated an aged woman, the mother of -the deceased; her hands are crossed on her breast, and her eyes remain -immovably fixed on the open pages of the Bible lying on her knee. In -appearance she is calm and resigned, for more than three-score years and -ten have passed over her head, and old age has somewhat chilled the -current of human affection, yet she mourns her sad bereavement; and -while lamenting that death should have taken him who was in the prime of -manhood and spared the aged, she turns to the Word of God for -consolation in her affliction. In another corner of the apartment is -seated, or rather reclining, for her head is thrown over the back of her -chair, the bereaved wife, in an utter abandonment of grief. Her -children stand grouped around her; the elder ones sharing their mother's -sorrow; while the youngest, an infant of not more than two years old, -sits smiling and crowing in its little chair. Silence is everywhere -maintained; and the servants belonging to the farm tread with the utmost -caution as they go in and out in the execution of their accustomed -duties, so truly do they sympathise with their mistress in the loss of -her husband, and no less deep and sincere is their grief for the loss of -a kind and indulgent master. The rays of the setting sun streamed -through the casement, lighting up the venerable features of the matron, -as though to comfort her, in midst of her grief, with the blissful -promise of a future state, where those for ever separated in this world -should be re-united in the bonds of love. After gazing for a moment on -the brilliant messenger, she arose from her seat, and putting aside her -Bible, crossed over to where Mrs. Henderson lay absorbed in grief, and -placing her hand on her shoulder, said in a sad, yet firm -voice--"Marion, grieve no more for him who has now gone from amongst us! -Rouse yourself from that state of useless sorrow; it is the living who -require our sympathy and care--the dead need it not. No amount of -weeping ran ever restore those who have once crossed the river of death. -But, oh! bethink you, Marion, of the happiness, we may humbly venture to -hope, our beloved one is now enjoying in the presence of his Maker, for -he was a sincere Christian, and strove to do ins duty manfully. Think -not," she continued, "because my poor old eyes refuse to weep, that I -lightly esteem the irreparable loss I have sustained. During the long -period of years it has pleased the Lord that I should sojourn in this -vale of tears, I have seen the young whom I loved and the aged fall -around me like the leaves of autumn. And what, think you, has -strengthened me in all my affliction? Nothing but the hope of a -cloudless hereafter. Think on that, Marion. Think on the promises of -the Gospel, and endeavour, while on earth, so to do your duty to -yourself and your children, that no link may be awanting in the chain, -which will, I trust, unite us all in the regions above." At the mention -of her children, Mrs. Henderson started up from her recumbent posture, -and throwing her arms around their necks, clasped them to her bosom, -weeping passionately, and exclaiming the while, "Oh my poor fatherless -children!" In the midst of this ungovernable burst of sorrow, the latch -of the outer door was gently lifted, and a slow and cautious footstep -was heard advancing along the passage leading to the kitchen. On her -turning round, old Mrs. Henderson was surprised, and in some degree -terrified, to perceive it was the wife of her son Walter who at that -moment entered. - -"What has happened, Sarah? in the name of heaven, speak!" she cried, -observing the look of hopeless misery with which her daughter-in-law -advanced towards her. - -"Walter! Walter! have ye seen nought of my Walter?" exclaimed the -fainting woman as she sank upon the nearest chair. "He left me on the -morning of his brother's death, and has never returned. Yesterday," she -continued in a choking voice, "my son set off in search of him, and he, -too, has failed to come back. Oh, what shall I do if they also have -fallen into the hands of that wicked Lag!" - -This sad intelligence struck the hearers dumb, and they remained -motionless, gazing on one another with eyes that revealed the horror -their tongues refused to express. At length, with a noble effort, the -sorrowing mistress of Eastercleugh roused herself from her hitherto -inactive grief, and strove, by every means in her power, to alleviate -the uncontrollable distress of her sister-in-law, who having recently -arisen from a sick bed, was thoroughly exhausted by the fatigue and -anxiety she had undergone. - -"And have you heard nothing concerning your husband since his departure -from home?" inquired old Mrs. Henderson, who stood with her arm -supporting the aching head of her daughter-in-law. - -"Nothing," was the weeping reply; "but yesterday morning strange reports -reached us concerning some desperate encounter that had taken place -between the Laird and some of our party. This alarmed me dreadfully, -and my son, seeing the sad state to which I was reduced by anxiety -regarding the prolonged absence of Walter, went off at an early hour -with the intention of seeking him. Up to the time at which I left home -he had not returned, and too anxious to remain longer without news of -some kind, I instantly resolved, spite of the distance, and my own -weakness, to come hither, hoping he might be with you, or that you would -be able to give me some information respecting him." - -"Now may God, in his infinite mercy, grant that this new and exceeding -bitter trial be averted from us," piously exclaimed the venerable -matron, throwing her arms around the necks of her weeping daughters; -"but let us not murmur, my children, should it be otherwise decreed by -Him whose goodness and loving-kindness are beyond all praise. Our -heart's dearest treasures are but lent us for a season--soon, soon must -they be restored; then let us, recognising the unspeakable love which -prompts the removal of our choicest blessings that our thoughts may be -weaned from earth to heaven, exclaim with the bereaved King of Israel, -'The Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the -Lord!'" - -Scarcely had old Mrs. Henderson finished her pious exhortation, ere the -door again opened--but this time it was a man's eager footstep which -paced the passage, and the voice of Walter Henderson's son that saluted -their ears. He entered; his countenance looked worn and haggard, and he -tossed back his dishevelled hair from his forehead with an air of -despondency that escaped not the eyes of the watchful mother. - -"My son! my son!" she exclaimed, throwing herself on his neck; "what of -your father? speak, I can bear it all; only speak, my son!" - -"You here, mother!" he gasped forth, and his voice died away in a broken -murmur. - -"Oh, my Walter! I see it all; thou art dead! I, too, am a widow!" - -"No, mother, no! he is not yet dead, and while there is life there is -hope--comfort yourself, my mother!" - -"Where is he, that we may try and save him?" demanded his grandmother. - -The young man shook his head as he answered, "He lies in a dungeon -beneath Lag Castle, and to-morrow's sunrise sees him suffer on Lag -Hill!" - -"To-morrow!" screamed forth the distracted wife, and fell prostrate on -the floor. - -"He shall not die; oh, mother, speak to me!" cried her almost distracted -son; and raising her tenderly in his arms, he gazed in her face with a -look of unspeakable anguish, fearful lest she too might be snatched from -him. Then seeing her recover a little, he continued pouring in words of -consolation into her ears, such as were dictated by love and hope. - -"Oh! can ye do nought to save him?" cried his aged grandmother, "I fear -me her life will go, should he suffer death. Poor thing; oh my helpless -children, you have indeed suffered much! God in his mercy succour you, -for I fear man can do but little." - -"Mother, he shall not die! God will never permit such an atrocious deed -to sully the face of his beautiful earth," cried John Henderson, his -eyes beaming with renewed hope; "so do not despair--all will yet be -well. Yesterday," he continued hurriedly, "I fell in with William Hislop -wending his way towards our house. On seeing me he expressed his -satisfaction at the meeting, and informed me that my father was a -prisoner in Lag Castle. It appeared, from his statement, that, driven -to the verge of madness by my uncle's death, my father had determined -upon burning the castle to the ground. This he proceeded to do in -company with some friends; but information of their coming was conveyed -to the Laird by a soldier who had been taken prisoner by my father, and -managed to escape, so that he entrapped them all, with the exception of -William Hislop, who fortunately succeeded in secreting himself among -some wood, from which retreat he overheard the bloody Lag declare his -intention of murdering them to-morrow. The hour sun-rise; the place Lag -Hill. We are determined, if possible, to prevent this dastardly deed. -Even now William Hislop is scouring the country in search of aid, and I -have managed to secure some bold youths who are only too willing to -assist in so good a cause. Being in this neighbourhood, I came to -acquaint you with my purpose, hoping that my dear mother would hear -nothing of it until all had been decided; but 'tis better thus, the -sight of her pale suffering face has nerved me anew for the combat." So -saying, he embraced her tenderly, and again exclaiming "Mother, he shall -not die!" rushed forth from the dwelling. - -The fatal morning at length arrived; and scarcely had the appearance of -a few streaks of red in the east betrayed the early dawn, ere Sir Robert -Grierson and his companions were pursuing their way, on horseback, -towards Lag Hill, whither the prisoners had already gone. Owing to the -unavoidable absence of Captain Bruce, with a considerable portion of the -Laird's followers, the guard in charge of the Covenanters was composed -of but few men; yet, trusting in the terror of his name, and the secrecy -with which the whole affair had been conducted throughout, Sir Robert -was not apprehensive of any attempt at rescue being made. On gaining -the summit of the hill where stood the prisoners, Sir Robert Grierson, -placing his hand on a barrel all stuck round with sharp-pointed weapons, -demanded of Walter Henderson how he relished the thoughts of quitting -the world in so terrible a manner; adding, with a hoarse laugh in which -his companions joined, "that it would enable him to judge whether the -Word was indeed sharper than any two-edged sword!" - -"Sir Robert Grierson," replied Walter Henderson mildly, "jest not thus -with one about to bid farewell to this world, and who would fain compose -his mind that he might be able to reflect on the joys pertaining to a -better. But before suffering death," he continued, "I would wish to -obtain your forgiveness for the sinful attempt I made to destroy your -castle. In the darkness and solitude of my dungeon I had time to -reflect on the crime I had been guilty of, in taking vengeance into my -hand instead of leaving it to Him who hath said, 'Vengeance is mine; I -will repay!' but you had foully slain my brother, and I was mad. At the -best we are but poor erring mortals; for a time Satan got possession of -my heart, and I thirsted for revenge. I am now about to pay the penalty -of my presumptuous sin--would God it were alone!--and I would fain leave -the world at peace with you and all men." - -"Bravo, old hodden-grey!" cried Sir Robert with a loud laugh of -derision. "Thou hast mistaken thy vocation; the pulpit were a fitting -place for thee, and had I but known of thy talents in this line, I -should have had one erected for thee that thou mightest have held forth -in a style becoming thy merits." - -Walter Henderson turned from the speaker with a look of mingled contempt -and pity, and gazing on his companions with the deepest sorrow expressed -on his countenance, seemed as if about to address them, when Captain -Dalziel interposed, exclaiming in a stern voice, "Now cease your canting -nonsense; we want none of your conventicle phrases!" - -"No, no," said Sir Robert Grierson; "pray let him go on; I never was at -a field-preaching, and should like to hear how they conduct matters -there; besides, there is plenty of time, and the rascals will have -leisure to examine our playthings. So now, old Round-bonnet, -proceed--we are all attention!" - -"My friends," said Walter Henderson, heedless alike of their remarks and -the jeers that accompanied them, "we have been brought here to suffer -death, and I trust we shall meet it with the calm serenity of men who -are travellers towards a better country. Of the cruelty of him who hath -decreed that we should perish by such unheard-of tortures I shall say -nought, lest, by dwelling on the subject, I should forget my -recently-acquired spirit of Christian forgiveness, and heap such curses -on his head as might endanger my own salvation. Let us not, then, dwell -on the sufferings we must experience ere we can win repose in death, but -rather let us rejoice that we are thus called upon to suffer, and in the -glorious prospect that lies before us of our being accepted in the sight -of God." ("Prophesy, prophesy, old fellow!" shouted Cornet Douglas.) -"Oh, my friends," pursued the aged Covenanter, his face flushed with -enthusiasm, "even now, as I stand at the gates of death, the thin veil -which separates the future from us is torn from my sight, and I behold a -scene which gladdens my old eyes." ("Out with it, out with it, hurrah!" -cried the Laird and his party, amid shouts of laughter.) "I see," he -continued, "a prosperous and happy country smiling around me, the -inhabitants of which live in peace one with another, and the hand of the -persecutor is no longer lifted to smite. The village bell sounds -sweetly on the Sabbath morn, and the faithful preacher of the Word of -God, no longer fearing to teach his little flock in the sight of all -men, instructs his hearers in the simple doctrines of their beloved -faith; while aged matrons, as together they cross the peaceful -churchyard, pause for a moment, ere entering the house of God, to gaze -on the simple stone which marks the Covenanted grave. My brethren, we -shall not be forgotten. In the bosoms of our countrymen, we shall live -for ever. Till remotest ages, shall our wrongs and our sufferings form a -soul-stirring theme; and the aged parent, as with kindling eyes he -rehearses in the ears of his children the tales that have descended to -him of our untiring zeal in the cause of the Covenant, shall point to -the rusted sword hanging sheathed on the wall, and bless God that his -forefathers were amongst the number of those who fought and bled in -defence of the rights and privileges of the Church of Scotland." - -"Thine hour has come!" said Sir Robert Grierson, making a signal for him -to prepare for death. - -The sun had now arisen, and its bright rays tinted with a roseate hue -the summit of the mighty Criffel, and lit up the wild and desolate hill -on which the bloody deed was about to be enacted. At the sight of the -brilliant luminary, which never more should rise for him, Walter -Henderson seemed for an instant overcome, but it was only for an -instant, and soon he regained his wonted composure. - -"Now, we shall soon see how the old rascal will face death," cried Sir -Robert, in a tone of fiendish delight; "here, bring hither the barrel, -and see that all the weapons are properly arranged so that he shall lose -nothing of his punishment. That's it; in with him, and whenever I fire -off this pistol send him head-long down the hill!" - -Scarcely had the soldiers advanced to do their leader's bidding, when, -with a deafening cheer which awoke the echoes amongst the neighbouring -hills, a large body of men, headed by William Hislop and John Henderson, -and armed with scythes, pitch-forks, spades, and every other available -weapon, rushed in amongst them, and ere they had time to recover from -their astonishment, drove them right down the hill. - -"Cowards!" shouted Sir Robert, in a transport of rage, on beholding the -sudden onslaught made on his retainers, "dare you thus molest us in the -rightful discharge of our duty? Dalziel!--Livingstone! stand by me, and -we will teach these knaves a lesson." - -With these words, Sir Robert Grierson struggled to regain his former -position on the summit of the mountain, but all in vain. The dense -crowd came pouring on, bearing all before them. - -"That's the way; that's the way, my lads, to serve these bloody -tyrants!" cried Andrew Hamilton, as several soldiers fell beneath the -weapons of their adversaries. - -At this instant, his eye encountered the form of John Kirsop, who was -vainly endeavouring to force his way towards Sir Robert Grierson. With -a cheer of satisfaction he threw himself instantly upon him, and so -great was the force of the shock that they both lost their balance and -rolled together to the foot of the hill, where they lay cuffing and -tearing each other until fairly exhausted by their mutual efforts. The -contest was but of short duration. In vain did Sir Robert Grierson -threaten with death the first man who evinced a desire to escape. In -vain did Captain Dalziel and Lieutenant Livingstone endeavour to recall -the panic-stricken soldiers. Fruitless were all their efforts to -maintain order. Overpowered by numbers, their followers were driven -from the field; while they themselves, unable to make anything like a -stand against so superior a force, were also obliged to seek safety in -flight. - -"Father, O father! and have I then saved you?" cried John Henderson, as -he clasped the old man in his arms. "God in heaven be praised for his -kindness unto us this day." - -"Hurrah!" shouted William Hislop, tossing up his cap in the air, as he -gazed after the fugitives, "flee awa, Laird, to your castle; and the -next time ye gie orders for an execution see that there's no listeners -near to circumvent ye in your evil doings." - -Little more remains to be told. But few hours had elapsed since the -above scene was enacted ere Mrs. Henderson was weeping on her husband's -neck; and their son, as he clasped them alternately in his stalwart -arms, cared not to conceal the tears which coursed down his cheeks, -while he exclaimed, "Mother, I told you my father should not die!" - -It was now considerably past the middle of the day, and the sun was -shining in all its wonted splendour. The hedges bursting forth into -vernal beauty, and the "lark at heaven's gate singing," together with -the melody of less-aspiring songsters, proclaimed the presence of -spring; while the soft freshness of the air imparted an invigorating -elasticity to the spirits. After a walk of about an hour and a half's -duration, I at length arrived at the glen in which Lag Tower is -situated. The nearer I advanced to my journey's end, the more wild and -solitary the scenery became. The road wound past the foot of a hill--the -scene of many of the Laird's wild exploits; for it is related of him -that when tired of the comparative tameness of riding upon a level road, -he was in the habit of ascending the face of the mountain upon -horseback--a circumstance which contributed not a little towards -preserving the country people's belief in his supernatural powers. - -The ground in the vicinity of the tower is marshy, thereby affording -evidence of the truth of the statement, that when Lag was in fear of -being attacked in his stronghold, he could, by some secret process, at -any time lay the surrounding country under water, thus preventing his -enemies from approaching the tower. With affection, still constant -amidst decay and ruin, the ivy clings to the old walls of Lag Tower, as -though to preserve it from the further inroads of Time. Alas! unavailing -protection. The heap of broken fragments which lie strewn around attest -the fact that Time--that ruthless destroyer--has marked it for its prey. -Whilst indulging in these melancholy reflections, the sound of footsteps -behind me caused me to turn my head, in order to discover who thus -intruded upon my privacy. The good-humoured face of one of the servant -girls belonging to a neighbouring farm, coupled with the inquiry, "Had I -come to take a look at the auld toor?"--the steadfast gaze with which I -was regarding the said tower might have satisfied her that I had come -for that special purpose--disarmed me of any feeling of momentary anger -I might have entertained at thus being disturbed in the midst of my -pleasing reverie; and I replied that I was there with the intention of -seeing all that remained of Lag Tower, adding, "I suppose you find it -very lonely here in the long winter nights?" - -"Ay," she replied, "it's rale eerie when the owls flee about flapping -their wings and screaming from amongst the ivy." - -"Do you ever hear any strange sounds in the tower?" - -"Many and many a time; every one about here thinks the auld place -haunted, and I am certain it is. Often I canna get sleeping at night for -the queer sounds ower here." - -"Are there any owls now in the ivy?" - -"O yes!" she replied; "there is an owl that has built its nest up there, -and it has twa wee anes. It flees ower to the wood ye see yonder, and -hides there the whole day; then it comes back at night and makes an -awfu' disturbance--hissing and the like, so that we are feared to gae -oot." - -I pursued my inquiries still farther, and heard it was currently -reported that whatever liquid Lag raised to his lips turned to blood! -and that whenever he put his feet into cold water it boiled! She -thought he must have been a dreadfu' man! She said she would now show -me the place where he put all the bodies of the people he murdered, and, -so saying, she called a man to assist her in removing a stone from the -mouth of what had evidently been the draw-well for supplying the inmates -of Lag Tower with water. This regular "murder hole" both the girl and -her companion evidently regarded with the greatest horror. - -"Wasna' that an unco-like place to put the puir bodies in?" inquired the -girl, gazing intently in my face, evidently expecting to read there the -consternation depicted in her own. - -I could not repress a smile, as I answered that I thought Lag would not -be so foolish as to pollute with dead bodies the water he and his -friends drank in the tower. - -"What wad he mind what he took?" replied the girl, evidently rather -offended at her statement being doubted. "Na, na; that's just the place -where he threw the murdered folk!" - -After a little more conversation, she was called away to her work, and I -was left alone. There is something indescribably melancholy in -wandering among the ruins of some ancient castle, whose inmates, in days -gone by, bore a conspicuous part in the annals of their country, when -the courtyard, which once resounded with the trampling of steeds and the -shrill sound of the trumpet, now only re-echoes to the tread of some -passing stranger, whom perchance curiosity has brought out of his way to -inspect a ruin leagued with historical associations. _I_ experienced -this sensation strongly as I stood gazing on the setting sun pouring its -bright rays fully on the old Tower of Lag. A gentle breeze had sprung -up, and the ivy bent low its head before the welcome visitor, as if to -woo its tender embraces; whilst the low sighing of the wind amongst the -crevices and openings in the ruined walls seemed like some departing -spirit's wail o'er the bloody deeds of the wicked persecutor. - -The adventurous tourist, while exploring the romantic valleys of -Dumfriesshire, would do well to visit this solitary spot, where lived -the author of many an evil deed, professedly done in the cause of -religion, which all who recognise the mild and gentle precepts it -inculcates, would be the first to grieve over and condemn. - -How pleasing to relate that a lineal descendant of this famous -persecutor is revered for her many deeds of Christian charity and active -benevolence, throughout the country which formerly rung with the evil -doings of the Laird of Lag! - - - - - *THE SUTOR'S SEAT.* - - -Having ascertained, during a recent visit in Dumfriesshire, that Crichup -Linn--celebrated on account of its wild sublimity, but more especially -for the refuge it afforded to the Covenanters during the days of their -persecution--was distant about seven miles from the house where I was -then staying, I set off one fine morning, with a friend, to explore the -dark recesses of that romantic spot. - -Dear to the heart of the Scottish peasant is the remembrance of those -bloody days; when the mountains and valleys of their native country -resounded with the voice of lamentation as Claverhouse and his dragoons -darted like eagles on their prey; and the incense of praise ascended on -high from the lonely hill-side and solitary moor, uttered by the lips of -those dauntless men who took up arms in defence of a broken Covenant and -persecuted Kirk. - -Of the many places of refuge sought after by the Covenanters of -Dumfriesshire in their hour of danger, Crichup Linn was the most -frequently resorted to by them, as its narrow and tortuous paths -afforded little scope for the mounted dragoon; while all along the base -of the rocks, which rose dark and frowning from the depths of the abyss, -Nature had formed a series of caves, as if with a view of sheltering -those suffering children who fled to her bosom for protection. - -A guide being procured--in the person of a grey-haired labourer, to -point out the precise spots where lurked those hapless defenders of -Scotland's spiritual freedom--we entered the sequestered shades of -Crichup Linn. Few persons could visit this picturesque solitude without -being deeply impressed by the almost terrific grandeur of the scene -presented to their view while traversing the narrow path along which we -followed our venerable guide, who, staff in hand, strode slowly onwards, -with head and eyes bent towards the ground, as though he was ruminating, -sadly perhaps, on the vanished past. Above our heads gigantic masses of -rock towered upward, dark and menacing in their rugged strength, from -whose crevices burst forth some withered-looking trees, which wreathed -their distorted limbs into fantastic shapes around the huge blocks of -stone to which they clung; while at an immeasurable distance beneath, -the water--from whence the linn derives its name--fell with a murmuring -sound into the basins Nature had formed to receive it. - -Evidently enjoying the delighted surprise with which we gazed on the -startling scene, our guide exclaimed, as if in answer to his own -thoughts, while he pointed with his stick to the gloomy depths -below:--"Yes! beneath the shade of these frowning rocks the persecuted -Covenanter--friendless and homeless, heart-sick and weary--could lay -himself down to rest in as much security as the sleeping child reposing -on its mother's breast!" The old man's colour rose as he gave utterance -to these words; his eyes flashed, and he grasped his staff with a -firmness which convinced me that he himself, had he lived in those -times, would have been a staunch supporter of the Covenanting cause. I -ventured to hint as much, upon which he replied--"Maybe, maybe! there is -no saying what either of us might have been had we lived in those wild -days; but praise be to God! they are gone--I trust never to return in -Scotland." - -Re-echoing this heartfelt prayer, we pursued our way along the giddy -ledge of the precipice which stretched beneath. The farther we -advanced, the more wild and gloomy the scenery became, until at length -we paused, mutually overcome with the stern sublimity of the, formerly -believed to be, haunted linn. By means of fissures in the rocks, worn -away in some places so as to resemble huge skeletons, we beheld winding -passages and numberless cascades--the noise of whose falling waters -alone broke upon the stillness of the scene; while in the abyss beneath, -gigantic masses of hyperstein-looking rock, jutting boldly out from each -bank, seemed to form, what well might have been, the entrance to some -subterranean palace of the Genii. So perfect was the resemblance, that, -as we gazed affrighted on the towering portals and listened to the -murmurs of the water gurgling along its pebbled bed, we almost feared to -see some of its terrible inhabitants issue forth, and with denouncing -gestures, compel us to enter their unblest abode. After pointing out -for our observation the numerous caves which formerly sheltered the -adherents of the Covenant, our guide attracted our attention to a seat, -in the form of a chair, hollowed out in the solid rock, remarking, as he -did so, "You told me you thought from my appearance that I would have -been a Covenanter had I lived in their time, and well might you say so, -for my forefathers were staunch in the rightful cause; and for many a -long hour did my great-grandfather sit in that seat, when Claverhouse -and his dragoons were guarding the entrance to the linn. He was a -shoemaker in this parish, and from that circumstance alone it is still -known as the 'Sutor's Seat.'" - -"Is there any tradition handed down in connection with your -great-grandfather?" I inquired. - -"Yes, ma'm, there is; and if you would care to hear it, you are welcome -to all that I can remember." So saying, the old man seated himself on a -neighbouring stone and related the story which, clothed in my own -language, is now presented to the reader under the name of the - - SUTOR'S SEAT. - - -It was late on the evening of the first of June, sixteen hundred and -seventy-nine, and the wife and family of Abel Armstrong, who resided in -the parish of Closeburn, were engaged in offering up fervent -supplications at the throne of mercy in behalf of all those who had gone -forth to fight the battles of the Lord; but the face of the mother waxed -pale, and her lips trembled with emotion as she prayed, more especially -for the safety of her husband and her son, who had also enrolled -themselves beneath the banners of the Covenant. While thus engaged, a -low knocking at the outer door caused them to start hastily to their -feet, and they stood gazing on each other with looks of eager alarm, at -a loss to comprehend the meaning of this unwelcome summons. Again it -was repeated; but this time a feeble voice was heard entreating for -admission in the name of God. Unable to withstand this earnest appeal, -Mrs. Armstrong ran to the door and undid the bar; it flew open, and an -officer of dragoons staggered into the cottage. At the sight of the -armed intruder, Mrs. Armstrong and her daughters uttered wild screams of -alarm; while the sole male inmate of the kitchen, a youth of not more -than fifteen years of age, darted to the farthest, corner where stood a -loaded gun, and grasping it in his hand, gazed on the soldier with -scowling brows, irresolute how to act. - -"Fear nought from me," faintly exclaimed the dragoon, observing the -hostile attitude assumed by the boy; "I mean you no harm, nor have I the -power to inflict an injury, even had I the inclination." - -As he spoke, a stream of blood, welling from a deep wound in his side, -dyed the cottage floor with a crimson stain. - -"Water! water!" he murmured, and sank fainting into the nearest chair. - -With all their womanly sympathies aroused within them at the sight of -the helpless condition of the stranger who had thus thrown himself upon -their hospitality, Mrs. Armstrong and her eldest daughter, Lucy, ran to -his assistance; the one to bathe his forehead with vinegar, and the -other to fetch bandages to bind up anew his bleeding wound. - -"O but he has a bonnie sweet face o' his ain!" said Mrs. Armstrong in -pitying accents, as she undid his helmet and stroked down his long fair -hair, which, in obedience to the prevailing custom of the Cavaliers, -descended in ringlets to his shoulders, "and so young too! My poor lad, -what could have tempted you to leave your home to engage in such -unprofitable warfare?" - -As she spoke, a faint smile stole over the pallid features of the -wounded dragoon; he opened his eyes, and warmly pressing the kind hand -at that instant engaged in staunching the blood which still flowed from -his side, he murmured the name of mother. - -"O, an' it's maybe you have a lady mother who is even now praying for -the safety of her darling son, as I have done for that of mine this -night!" exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong, the tears coursing down her cheeks as -she spoke; "but fear ye nought, for although you are far from home and -kindred, and in the house of one who is hostile to your cause, yet are -you as safe beneath the humble roof-tree of Abel Armstrong as though you -were lying in your stately hall with your mother's arms around your -neck." - -The exhausted youth again pressed her hand in token of his gratitude for -her promised protection, and speedily relapsed into insensibility. -Deeply moved on beholding his extreme weakness, Mrs. Armstrong, with the -assistance of Lucy, relieved him of his armour, and raising him gently -in her arms, conveyed him into their sole remaining apartment, where, -according to the usual Scottish custom, two beds were placed in the -wall, in one of which they laid the dragoon. Having succeeded, by means -of a reviving cordial, in restoring him to consciousness, the -tender-hearted woman hastened to examine his bandages, fearful lest they -might have slipped during his removal; but their fears proving -groundless, they bade God bless him, and left him to repose. - -Scarcely had Mrs. Armstrong and her daughter resumed their seats by the -kitchen fire, when a low tap on the window pane caused them to tremble -anew with apprehension. But soon their fears were allayed when the -well-known voice of Abel Armstrong was heard demanding admittance. - -With a scream of joy, Mrs. Armstrong darted towards the door which -speedily opened to admit her husband and son, accompanied by several -others of the Covenanting party. - -"My husband! my son!" was all the weeping woman could exclaim, as the -clasped them alternately in her arms. - -"Father! oh thank God you have returned in safety! but where is William -Crosbie? speak!" cried Lucy, as she turned to greet her brother; "Oh, -Jamie, is he wounded or dead?" - -"Neither!" said her brother, smiling fondly in the face upturned to his -with a look of wistful inquiry; "only have patience, and you will see -him presently; he is tending his horse, and will be here ere many -minutes have elapsed." - -"Oh God in heaven be praised for his goodness in thus having lent an -attentive ear to the humble petitions of his servants, which ascended -from afflicted, yet trusting hearts!" piously exclaimed both mother and -daughter; and they gazed upwards with streaming eyes and hearts full of -thankfulness for the safe return of those beloved ones whose absence had -paled their cheeks and filled their bosoms with apprehensions of evil. - -"Yes, let us praise Him!" said Abel Armstrong, uncovering his head as he -spoke, "who hath this day upheld the cause of his saints, and scattered -their foes as the dust flies before the winds of heaven." - -"What mean you, Abel?" - -"That our arms have been victorious in battle. This morning we -encountered the enemy on the moor of Drumclog. We beheld them advancing -towards us with helmets glancing and banners waving. We noticed the -proud scorn with which they regarded us as we prayed that our cause -might be blessed and our hands guided in the fight; and we marked well -the contempt written on their countenances as they beheld us drawn up to -meet them. But they knew not our hearts. _They_ could not understand -the mighty spell that bound us together, and animated our souls with -hopes of victory. The bloody Claverhouse, secure in the power of his -might, boasted 'He would soon lay the psalm-singing caitiffs low!' but -we, trusting only in One whose arm is mighty to save, commended our -cause to Him, and went forth to battle. We met; they were scattered. -Some fled; others lay stretched on the plain. Then we raised our -standards aloft, and returned thanks to the God of heaven." - -"The Lord be praised!" said Mrs. Armstrong, "for he hath indeed showered -rich blessings on our sinful heads this day; he hath blessed our arms in -the field, and restored those dear ones who went forth to fight in his -service. Oh, Abel," she continued, again clasping him in her arms, "God -in his mercy grant that you may long be spared; for were you to be taken -away from me, the trial would indeed be greater than I could bear." - -"Do not speak thus," said Abel Armstrong, fondly returning his wife's -embrace: "we are all in the Lord's keeping; that life we enjoy came from -him, and at his command we must resign it. We have, therefore, no right -to murmur when those we love are taken from us. At all times let us -commend ourselves to him, and he will give us strength to endure the -severest trials, and cause us to come forth purified from the furnace of -affliction." - -Scarcely had Abel Armstrong finished speaking, when the door opened, and -a young man entered. This was William Crosbie, who, at the time of the -breaking out of the religious disturbances then agitating Scotland, had -followed the occupation of a shoe-maker in the neighbourhood of Abel -Armstrong's cottage. He and Lucy had been lovers since the days of -their childhood, and were to have been married some months previously; -but on the morning of the day appointed for the wedding, the aged -minister, engaged to perform the ceremony, was taken prisoner by some of -Claverhouse's dragoons, and lodged in Dumfries jail. As no one could be -procured to supply his place, the marriage was necessarily postponed -until the return of more tranquil days. The disappointment of his -hopes, coupled with the imprisonment of one whom he had always regarded -in the light of a parent, so wrought upon the hitherto peaceful -disposition of William Crosbie, that he, long taught to regard the -measures adopted by the then existing Government as being in the highest -degree tyrannical, at length threw up his employment, and went forth to -fight on the aide of the Covenanters. - -On the entrance of her lover, Lucy darted towards him, and -exclaiming--"William, you too are safe!" threw herself sobbing on his -neck. With a low cry of pain young Crosbie disengaged himself from -Lucy's embrace, and staggered back against the wall; while the excessive -pallor overspreading his countenance attested the agony under which he -laboured. - -"William!" shrieked Lucy, gazing on her lover's face with lips white and -trembling as his own, "you are wounded--perhaps mortally!" - -"Oh, no, dearest, it is nothing!" replied her lover, struggling manfully -to regain his composure; "it is only a mere scratch in the shoulder; but -a sudden twinge of pain caused me to wax somewhat faint----" - -"Ha, then; he hit you after all!" said Abel Armstrong, his brows -contracting as he spoke. - -"How chanced it, William? by whom were you wounded?" anxiously inquired -Lucy, who had in some measure regained her composure on being assured by -one of the men who had proceeded to examine the wound, that it was not -of a serious nature--the ball having merely grazed the fleshy part of -the arm. - -"It was a cowardly dragoon who fired the shot," replied Abel Armstrong; -"the fellow fled in this direction, and we pursued him on horses taken -from the enemy. William Crosbie, who was far ahead of us all, called -upon him to surrender; when, for answer, the dastardly fellow turned -round in the saddle, and discharged his pistol at him, wounding him, as -it now appears, in the shoulder. We soon lost sight of the fugitive in -the darkness; but he seems to have found refuge somewhere in this -neighbourhood, for we discovered his horse grazing at no very great -distance from hence; but of the dragoon himself we saw nothing. - -"Why, how came these things here?" suddenly exclaimed one of the party, -pointing, as he spoke, to the pieces of armour Mrs. Armstrong had taken -off the person of her wounded guest ere removing him from the kitchen, -and which, till that instant, had remained unobserved in a corner of the -apartment. Mrs. Armstrong and Lucy exchanged quick glances of alarm, but -vouchsafed no answer to the startling inquiry. - -"The fellow must be here!" said several of his companions; handling the -triggers of their guns in a manner which boded no good to the -unfortunate youth, should he fall into their hands. - -"Wife!" exclaimed Abel Armstrong in a low stern whisper, "you hear the -inquiry--'How came these things here?' Why answer ye not? Speak--I -command you." - -"Oh, Abel, press me not to tell; indeed I cannot!" said the distracted -woman, wringing her hands and gazing beseechingly in her husband's face. - -"What!" he cried in wrath; "have you then dared to shelter one of our -foes beneath this roof of mine? Woman, you have done me a foul wrong; -but tell us instantly where you have concealed him, that we may yet -revenge ourselves." - -"He lies there," said Mrs. Armstrong in trembling accents, and shrinking -from the fiery glance of her husband's eye. - -"Ha, then, he dies!" shouted divers others of the party; and they rushed -towards the door as they spoke. - -"You shall not touch him," cried Mrs. Armstrong, throwing herself on her -knees before them, and endeavouring to prevent their egress; "you dare -not pollute my threshold with a stranger's blood! Oh, spare his young -life!" she continued, in tones of earnest entreaty, "and crush not your -own souls with the crime of murder----" - -"Woman, prevent us not," was the stern reply; "he is the foe of the -Covenant, and as such must die!" and the speaker threw Mrs. Armstrong -from him, and darted into the next apartment, followed by several of his -companions, eager to wreak their vengeance on the wounded youth. - -"Abel! Abel! will you stand idly by and see murder committed beneath -your roof. Oh, save him!" and as she uttered these words Mrs. Armstrong -seized her husband by the arm, and dragged him from the kitchen. It was -a strange wild scene that greeted her eyes on gaining the door of the -sleeping apartment. The sterner portion of the Covenanters stood grouped -together; their hands grasping their ready muskets, their eyes, whose -glances were dark and menacing, glared on the wounded youth, who, -aroused from his slumbers by the stormy entrance of the party, sat -upright in his bed, and, with undaunted mien, repaid their scowling -regards with looks of haughty scorn, while he indignantly exclaimed, -"Come you here with the purpose of murder in your hearts that you gaze -thus gloomily on me! If so, approach and do your bloody work; I fear -you not. It will be a deed worthy of your base-born natures to slay a -youth, and he a defenceless one. I despise you from the depths of my -heart," he continued, in tones of withering scorn, heedless of the fiery -glances and threatening gestures of the infuriated men who surrounded -him; "and learn this, if you need an incentive to urge you to the deed, -that on the plain of Drumclog my good broadsword caused one or more of -your body to bite the dust." - -"Ha! boastest thou of thy evil doings! villain, thou diest." And with -these words several of the Covenanters rushed towards the undaunted -youth, with their guns uplifted, as if to strike him dead where he lay, -when Mrs. Armstrong, with a scream of terror, threw her arms around the -neck of the wounded dragoon, to shield him from danger, while she -exclaimed, "Oh, forbear to slay him! How can you condemn your enemies -for their cruelties, if you do such evil deeds as this? Shame on your -manhood, ever to dream of harming a defenceless foe, and he a mere boy. -You shall not touch him," she cried, pushing back the men who stood -nearest her; "he came to my house, wounded and bleeding, and begged -admission in the name of God. Could I refuse to listen to the voice of -suffering, even when coming from the lips of an enemy? No; I tended him -as though he were mine own child. He spoke of his mother. I too am a -mother. And I thought on my husband and son, who even at that instant -might be entreating aid from the hands of strangers, and my heart melted -within me. Will you be less kind--less forgiving? It is true you heard -it from his own mouth that this day his hand was raised against the -soldiers of the Covenant, and that to the destruction of some of our -party; but did you spare those who fell into your hands? Think ye on -that, and forgive the part he hath chosen." - -As Mrs. Armstrong finished her touching address, William Crosbie, who -had been speaking apart with Lucy, advanced towards her, and placing one -hand in hers, grasped with the other that of the young soldier, and -turning round to his still frowning companions, said in a stern voice, -"Now look you, my friends, if I, who this evening barely escaped being -killed by the hands of this misguided youth, can say I freely forgive -and mean him no injury, surely you may do the same. Mrs. Armstrong is -right. It is with men like ourselves we should wage war, and not with -beardless boys. On the open field and in the broad daylight we should -attack our enemy; not in the darkness of night and beneath the roof of -one who hath promised him protection. Let the lad go. Remember with -what horror we regard the cold-blooded murders daily committed by those -who are opposed to our cause; and in what respect should we differ from -them did we yield to the dictates of our baser natures, and stain our -hearths with the sacred blood of a guest? No, no; let us act as men who -have the fear of God before their eyes, and if an enemy fall into our -hands, friendless and wounded, as this poor youth is, let us succour him -till he is well, and then bid him go in peace from our dwelling." - -"You are right, William," cried Abel Armstrong, dropping his gun on the -floor, and motioning on the others to imitate his example, "let us do -good even to an enemy; and if this poor lad hath shed some of our blood -this day, his own hath flowed freely in exchange. So come, my friends, -let us mount and ride; there is yet much for us to perform, and we must -hasten to rejoin our comrades, lest they be uneasy concerning our -safety. Nay, nay, now; look not thus sullen at being deprived of your -revenge! Remember the nobler purpose that brought us together, namely, -to fight for the spiritual freedom of Scotland, and abandon all thoughts -which would lead away the heart from the mighty end to be accomplished." -The men hesitated a moment ere they obeyed the voice of their leader; -but the command being repeated in a sterner tone, they reluctantly -quitted the room, casting, as they did so, lowering glances in the -direction of the young soldier, who, wholly overcome by the excitement -of the scene, coupled with his late fearful loss of blood, sunk back -exhausted on his pillow. As William Crosbie was preparing to follow his -companions, the dragoon called him to his bed-side, and clasping his -hand in his, said in a faltering voice,--"Young man, under the -providence of God, I this night owe to you a life which is precious to -me for my mother's sake. I am her only remaining son, and it would have -killed her had anything happened unto me. I will not insult you by -offering you money; but, should the chances of war ever throw you into -the power of our party, inquire for Lieutenant Musgrave of Claverhouse's -dragoons, and display this chain; it will secure you safety and -attention in the meanwhile; and if spared to redeem my promise, I will -procure your pardon, even should I die to obtain it." - -With these words, the grateful youth threw a massive gold chain around -the neck of William Crosbie, who, after warmly thanking the dragoon for -his promised aid, rejoined his companions. - -"God bless and protect you both in the midst of battle," sobbed Mrs. -Armstrong, her voice failed her and she turned weeping from the door as -her husband and son once more departed from their home to join the -Covenanting host. - -"And must we then part?" cried Lucy, gazing with tearful eyes in the -face of her lover, who had lingered on the threshold to exchange a few -parting words with her, as she now clung to him in all the abandonment -of grief. - -"Yes, dearest; but only for a time; ere the song of the reapers is heard -in the fields, I will return--never more to leave you." - -As William Crosbie uttered these words, a dark cloud passed over the -face of the moon; and as Lucy beheld the sudden eclipse of its bright -rays, a sense of coming evil smote her heart, and a shudder passed -through her slender frame, as though the hope of future happiness she -ventured to entertain was doomed to wither ere it bloomed. The voice of -Abel Armstrong was now heard calling on William Crosbie to join the -party. On hearing the fatal summons, Lucy clung yet closer to her -lover; and her lips trembled as she bade God guard him from all danger -and restore him in safety to her, in company with her father and her -brother. - -"Think on the coming harvest," whispered William Crosbie, as he clasped -Lucy again and again to his throbbing heart; then resigning her almost -inanimate form into the arms of her mother, he mounted his horse, and -without daring to turn his head in the direction of her from whom it was -almost death to part, galloped after his companions. - -Under the fostering care of his kind hostess and her daughter, the -soldier speedily recovered from the effects of his wound; the glow of -returning health mantled on his cheek, and in the course of a few days -he declared his intention of proceeding to Dumfries, there to join his -regiment, commanded by the redoubted Claverhouse in person. Mrs. -Armstrong was deeply moved as she bade farewell to the departing -dragoon, and said, raising the corner of her apron to her eyes as she -spoke, "That although a follower of the bloody Clavers, and a dweller in -the tents of the wicked, he had such a kindly heart and gentle manners -that she loved him as if he were her own son. And oh!" she exclaimed, -gazing imploringly in his face, "should you chance to encounter in -battle those who are dearer to rue than life, remember the night you -found shelter in my house, and spare them for the sake of one who tended -you with a mother's care." - -"I will; I will!" answered the soldier, wringing her hand in the fervour -of his gratitude. "God is my witness that I will protect them with my -latest breath; and rest assured, my sweet maiden," he said, addressing -Lucy, "your lover's interference on my behalf, when the hearts of his -cowardly companions were intent on my destruction, will never fade from -my memory. I have sworn to save him should his life be in danger; and -if at any time you think of quitting this part of the country, come to -Cumberland; there I will give you a home, and my mother will be the -first to welcome those who succoured and befriended her wounded son. -Farewell. God grant we may meet again, and that I may be able to -testify my gratitude for kindness which can never be repaid and will -never be forgotten." - -"Farewell, farewell!" said the gentle-hearted women, and with tearful -eyes they stood on the threshold gazing after the departing soldier till -his nodding plume disappeared in the distance. - -Barely three short weeks had elapsed since the victory of Drumclog, when -the fatal battle of Bothwell Bridge extinguished, it seemed, almost for -ever, the hopes of the Covenanting party in Scotland. A prey to -treachery, and divided among themselves, the soldiers of the Covenant -were slaughtered without mercy by Claverhouse and his dragoons, who -burned to wipe out the stain of their defeat on the moor of Drumclog. -Tidings that a great battle had been fought, and the Covenanters -defeated, found their way to the sequestered home of Abel Armstrong, -filling the minds of both mother and daughter with fearful apprehensions -lest those they loved might be among the number of the slain. Each -succeeding day beheld Lucy--trembling, yet hopeful--stationed at the -door, eager to obtain the first glimpse of their well-known forms--but -she looked in vain. At distant intervals a few way-worn -Covenanters--fugitives from the disastrous field of Bothwell--might be -seen dragging their weary steps along, but all passed on their way, -unable to afford any information regarding the missing men. Then hope -for ever fled from the mother's breast, and she wept in the solitude of -her dwelling for those whom she felt she should never more behold on -earth. The younger portion of her children--whose tender years did not -permit of their sharing in their mother's grief--stood gazing in -wondering silence on beholding her bitter sorrow; while Lucy strove to -reassure her by comforting words regarding the speedy return of her -father and brother, the tears running down her own pale cheeks as she -thought on the probable fate of one still more loved than they. Weeks -rolled on. The vernal tints of summer had given place to the more sober -hues of autumn, still they came not. Then she too ceased to hope, and -mourned for her absent relatives and lover as one mourneth for the dead. - -One lovely evening, towards the end of August, Lucy--too wretched to -enjoy the childish prattle of her younger brothers and sisters--went -forth from the cottage to indulge, in solitude, in her own sad thoughts. -She paused on the threshold, overcome with the tranquil beauty of the -scene. The sun was slowly sinking behind the distant hills, and its -bright rays tinged with a yet richer hue the now golden corn as it -slowly waved to and fro in the grateful breeze. With a heart torn with -anguish, Lucy recalled her lover's parting words--"Ere the song of the -reapers is heard in the fields, I will return!" and she wept, for the -harvest was come--but where was he? Unconsciously, as it were, she -lifted her eyes to traverse the far-stretching plain, when the figure of -a young man, approaching in the direction of the cottage, at once -arrested her attention. For the quick eye of affection one glance -sufficed. It was William Crosbie who was rapidly advancing towards her. -With a scream of "Mother, he is come!" Lucy darted forward to meet him. -Already she is within two hundred paces of him. He sees her--he -quickens his pace--their arms are outstretched to embrace each other, -when, oh, horror! the sun's bright rays flash on the brass helmets of -two mounted dragoons as they gallop swiftly across the plain. Paralysed -at the sight, Lucy endeavours in vain to apprise her lover of his -danger. She warns him back. He notices them not. Thinking only of -her, he rushes eagerly forward. Suddenly the stern command--"Halt, in -the King's name!" rings out in the silence of the night. He staggers at -the awful sound. He turns to fly--too late. The soldiers dismount from -their horses, and with unslung carbines, command him to yield--or die! - -"O, Lucy! and is it thus we meet?" groaned forth William Crosbie, as the -frantic girl rushed madly forward, and throwing herself on her knees -before the dragoons, besought them in the most moving terms to free her -lover. "For many a weary day, when hungry and homeless, and forced to -seek refuge in the caves of the earth, did I comfort myself with -thoughts of my return to claim you as mine. I dreamt of it--prayed for -it; and now I have seen you, but to lose you for ever." - -"Say not so, William! Men, men! you have hearts--God gave you -them--hearts to feel--to share in another's sorrow. O think on -mine--close not your breasts to the voice of pity; free him--let him go, -and I will bless you!" and the distracted girl clung in her agony to the -knees of the rude soldiers, who repulsed her with violence, and laughed -at all her efforts to move their stern natures to compassion. - -"Waste not your breath on us!" one of them exclaimed, "you will require -it soon; there are those behind us to whom you may kneel for mercy----" - -"But to little purpose I fear," said the other with a laugh, in which -his companion joined. "Sir Robert Grierson, not to mention our own -worthy leader, is by no means fond of being bothered by praying women -when in the discharge of duty; so you need not expect to obtain any -favour from him," he said, addressing Lucy, who became deadly pale on -hearing those dreadful words, and with one more frantic appeal for -mercy, she sank senseless on the ground. - -"Lucy! oh heavens, you have killed her by your brutal speech!" cried -William Crosbie in an agony of fear, on beholding her death-like -countenance, "let me go--let me--men, devils! will you not release me?" -and he made violent efforts to free himself from their grasp, but in -vain. And incensed by his stout resistance, the soldiers seized him by -the throat, and beat him with the butt-end of their muskets till he -reeled beneath their blows. At this instant a large party of dragoons, -headed by the stern Claverhouse, rode up to the spot. - -"What is the meaning of this?" said the dreaded leader, gazing -alternately on William Crosbie and Lucy Armstrong, who, in some measure -recovered from her faint, lay on the ground, her hair dishevelled, and -her eyes fixed on the dragoons with a vacant stare, as though unable to -comprehend the nature of the scene. - -"Why, most noble Colonel," said one of the soldiers, "as we, in -obedience to your commands, were scouring the fields in search of -rebels, we came upon this young fellow who was running to meet his -sweetheart. It appears he was returning to marry her, and----" - -"So, ho! then we have arrived most opportunely to witness a bridal!" -said Sir Robert Grierson, who accompanied Claverhouse on this occasion; -"what say you, my friend," addressing Sir James Graham, "to hanging them -both on a tree, and having a stone placed beneath, bearing this -inscription--'They were lovely in their lives, and in death they were -not divided?'" And the speaker laughed long and loudly. - -"Surely I have seen this fellow before," said Claverhouse, gazing -sternly on William Crosbie, who met his eye with a gaze unflinching as -his own. "Tell me, young man, were you at Bothwell?" - -"I was." - -"You confess it?" - -"I do." - -"And you were one of those who slew the dragoon and bore back your -colours from the bridge?" - -"I did the deed myself!" said William Crosbie proudly. - -"Ha! I thought so! Soldiers, unsling your carbines--he dies!" - -[Illustration: "Mercy, mercy!" cried Lucy, now fully alive to the -horrors of her lover's situation; and dragging herself to the feet of -Claverhouse, she seized his hand and besought him in the most -heart-rending terms to spare her lover.] - -"Mercy, mercy!" cried Lucy, now fully alive to the horrors of her -lover's situation; and dragging herself to the feet of Claverhouse, she -seized his hand and besought him in the most heart-rending terms to -spare her lover. "He will never more fight against the King," she said, -"he was returning here to live in peace--oh let him go!" - -With a calm, cold smile, Claverhouse withdrew his hand from her hold, -and made a signal to his men to prepare their arms. - -"Mother, mother!" shrieked Lucy, as Mrs. Armstrong, almost breathless -from her exertions, reached the spot where she knelt, "kneel with me -before these men. The sight of your grey hairs may move their hearts to -compassion, and they may grant you the mercy they have denied me." - -"William!" exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong in faltering accents, "what of my -husband and son--where are they?" - -Young Crosbie's lips trembled. He sadly shook his head. She was -answered--both had fallen at Bothwell Bridge. - -"Now may I indeed kneel--kneel in sorrow and in anguish, for I am -bereaved!" And with these words the weeping widow threw herself on her -knees, and with clasped hands and upturned eyes, besought pardon for the -youth about to suffer. - -"O!" she exclaimed, "if your hearts still retain one human feeling; if -they are not yet wholly seared by the bloody scenes through which you -have passed, hearken unto me this night. It is a heart-broken woman who -addresses you--one who is sorrowful even unto death. Husband and son -have fallen. The lover of my youth, and he who would have been the stay -of mine old age, are taken from me; and yet, I trust, in the midst of my -affliction, I can say, God's will, not mine, be done! Will not, then, -the blood of two suffice you----?" - -"Two!" shouted Sir Robert Grierson, "though you had lost twenty such -rebellious knaves, what matters it to us? death to all such rascals!" - -"Surely," continued the widow, regardless of the interruption, "you will -feel for me, and grant my prayer. Kill not the prisoner. I have grown -old and gray with affliction, and my time on earth may not be long; but -my daughter is young in years, and her happiness is bound up in the life -of this young man. O spare her the fearful trial of losing him--bring -not down her youthful hairs with sorrow to the grave. Pardon him, I -beseech you!" - -Claverhouse sternly answered "No!" and impatiently waved his hand for -them to be gone. - -"Lucy, Lucy!" cried William Crosbie, "let not your mother kneel to these -cold-blooded wretches! Do not debase yourself by imploring mercy from -creatures who know it not. I can face death like a man. I do not fear -it. Farewell, Lucy, we shall, I trust, meet in another and a better -world where none can part us." Then bidding the soldiers do their -worst, the brave youth uncovered his head, and stood prepared to receive -the fatal fire. These last words, uttered in a louder tone, reached the -ears of a young officer who stood at some little distance from his -companions, as though unwilling to witness the bloody tragedy about to -be enacted. He started on hearing the familiar voice; and coming -hastily forward, gazed earnestly on the prisoner as he stood bold and -erect before the dragoons. A flush passed over the officer's face, and -advancing to the spot where Claverhouse stood conversing with Sir Robert -Grierson, he requested to speak a few words with him in private. -Claverhouse at once complied with the request; and withdrawing his horse -a little apart from the others, a long and earnest conversation ensued. -The conference seemed to terminate unfavourably, for a darker frown sat -upon Claverhouse's brow, and his voice sounded harsh and cruel as he -uttered these last words aloud--"I am sorry to refuse your request; but -his life is forfeited by the laws of this land, and my conscience would -for ever upbraid me should I fail in my duty to my king and my country." -The red blood mantled on the cheeks of the supplicant; and he seemed -about to make an angry reply, but instantly checking the impulse, he -bowed his head, and then added carelessly, "As you please, Colonel; but -since the poor fellow must suffer, have I your permission to exchange a -few words with him ere he dies? I should like to tell him I have done -what I could to procure his pardon, as I promised faithfully to save -him." - -"Most certainly!" said Claverhouse with a courtly smile, apparently well -satisfied to get off with so small a concession. "Soldiers, down -muskets! Lieutenant Musgrave wishes to speak with the prisoner." - -At mention of the name, Lucy, who had been weeping passionately on her -mother's shoulder, raised her head, a ray of hope animated her -countenance, and she watched the young officer's movements in breathless -anxiety--William Crosbie also looked disturbed and anxious. With a -swaggering gait and careless mien, young Musgrave approached the -prisoner, and taking him by the arm, led him some little distance apart, -when he addressed him as follows:--"I have vainly endeavoured to procure -your pardon. I vowed to save you; and my oath must be kept. Therefore -listen to me. Accept this purse; you may stand in need of money, and -when I say aloud farewell! dart off as quickly as you can in the -direction of Crichup Linn. The darkness will favour your escape, and I -will, if necessary, prevent the soldiers from following, until you are -beyond their reach. Fear not for Lucy! I will protect her as though she -were mine own sister. God bless you--farewell!" Scarcely had the word -escaped Lieutenant Musgrave's lips, ere William Crosbie was speeding -along the plain towards Crichup Linn; and so thoroughly was the whole -party overwhelmed with astonishment at this unlooked-for proceeding on -the part of the prisoner, that ere the soldiers could mount their horses -and set off in pursuit, he was already lost in the gloom. With a cry of -thankfulness Lucy fell down on her knees; but not to man she knelt. She -was breathing a prayer of gratitude to Heaven for her lover's safety. - -"Traitor!" shouted Claverhouse, his eyes sparkling with fury, "how dare -you do this? By heavens! you shall answer for it, and that presently." - -"When and where you please," said Lieutenant Musgrave haughtily; "you -have yourself to blame for what I have done. I begged the young man's -life. I told you this good woman and her daughter had sheltered me when -wounded, and that William Crosbie had prevented my blood being shed by -his companions. In return, I vowed I would protect him if ever he fell -into your hands. You refused to listen to my petition. It was the -first request I had ever made, and I told you it should be the last; but -you scorned my entreaties, and now you have reaped the fruits of your -cruel refusal. Disgusted by your cold-blooded murders,----" - -"Ha! this insolence to your commanding officer? Consider yourself under -arrest! Captain Lennox, relieve Lieutenant Musgrave of his sword." - -"Never!" said young Musgrave; "here I resign my commission, and for ever -abandon a cause characterised only by cruelty and oppression." - -With these words he drew his sword from its sheath, and breaking it -across his knee, threw the pieces on the ground. Then taking Mrs. -Armstrong by the hand, he led her and Lucy from the spot. Claverhouse -remained motionless with rage on beholding himself deprived of his -revenge; while Sir Robert Grierson exclaimed with a shrug of his -shoulders--"We are well rid of the fellow. He has been too long in the -society of these psalm-singing rascals not to have imbibed some of their -notions. Let him go. He is not fit for the society of loyal-hearted -subjects like ourselves; his place is the conventicle; there he will -have whining and praying enough." Unwilling to exhibit any further -annoyance before his soldiers, Ciaverhouse joined in the laugh -occasioned by this speech of Sir Robert's, and after issuing a command -to one of his men to follow in the direction of the dragoons and -ascertain whether they had discovered any traces of the fugitive, he set -out on his return to Dumfries. Favoured by the darkness which now -enveloped the earth like a mantle, William Crosbie succeeded in baffling -the dragoons. More than once their bullets whistled close past his -ears, and their voices sounded ominously near, still he held on his way; -and at length, when nearly exhausted, he gained the entrance to Crichup -Linn. With a shout of triumph, which sounded in the ears of his -pursuers like the yell of a demon, William Crosbie darted into its -friendly shades; and, as he sped along its narrow path, he heard with -unmingled pleasure the voices of the dragoons--who, unwilling to -encounter the evil spirits said to infest the linn, had turned back from -the pursuit--grow faint in the distance. The first act of the grateful -Covenanter, on reaching a place of safety, was to fall on his knees and -return thanks to God for his deliverance. This done, he proceeded, so -far as the increasing darkness would permit, to examine the nature of -the place he had chosen as a refuge against his enemies. For never -before had he dared to venture within the haunted precincts of Crichup -Linn. - -The shades of night lent a still deeper gloom to the savage character of -the linn; and as William Crosbie gazed on the huge rocks, which seemed -from their tottering appearance as though the slightest touch would -dislodge them, and listened to the noise of the ceaseless cascades, as -they fell from rock to rock, a feeling of wonder, not unmixed with awe, -took possession of his breast. As he stood beneath the shade of a -beetling crag, his eyes striving to penetrate the darkness below, all -the strange tales he had heard told around the cottager's ingle-nook -regarding the linn, rose up, unbidden guests, in his imagination. He -remembered, with cold shudderings, the weird dance described by his -uncle as having been seen by him when forced, from adverse -circumstances, to seek refuge among its caves; and how the precise spot -where he beheld the midnight revelry of the unearthly crew was still -familiarly known as the "Elf's Kirk,"[#] and the strange lights -frequently seen leaping from crag to crag by those whom necessity had -forced to be unwilling spectators of the unnatural flame. All these and -more did fancy conjure up, like spectral demons, to haunt him with their -presence, until at length, excited beyond measure at their remembrance -and the thought of spending an entire night in a place so infested with -horrors, William Crosbie wrought himself up to believe that he too was -about to become the victim of supernatural agency. The air seemed -filled with wild unearthly sounds. The blasted trees which burst forth -from the rocks above his head appeared like so many hideous forms -pointing at him with warning gestures from amid the gloom, while the -abyss beneath was peopled with gigantic beings, who, as they issued -forth from the portals of their unhallowed mansion, regarded him with -malignant eyes, and tossed their menacing arms aloft in the air, as -though invoking the elements to lash themselves into fury and descend on -the doomed head of him who had thus dared to invade their dominions. As -if in obedience to their call, a loud peal of thunder suddenly broke -overhead, announcing an approaching storm. Another and another -succeeded, and the blue electric fluid, fraught with death and disaster, -quivered in the air like the sword of Divine wrath suspended over a -guilty world. William Crosbie stood trembling and aghast as the storm, -which had now reached the climax of its fury, rolled along the sky in -terrible majesty. Crash followed crash with incredible velocity, while -the forked lightning darted through the gloom like some heavenly -messenger sent from the realms of bliss on an errand of mercy to the pit -of woe. Appalled at the scene, the terror-stricken Covenanter, in -acknowledgment of the Almighty's power to preserve him in this awful -hour, fell on his knees amid the fierce strife of the elements, and -raised his right arm on high as though appealing for protection against -the horrors that surrounded him. To his inexpressible relief, the -storm-cloud, having spent its fury, at length passed over the linn. The -flashes of lightning became less frequent; the peals of thunder waxed -fainter and fainter, and then died away in broken murmurs in the -distance. - - -[#] Crichup Linn, _vide_ Fordyce's Beauties at Scotland, vol. 2, page -312. - - -Under cover of a protecting rock, William Crosbie passed, what seemed to -his terror-struck imagination, an eternal night; and, as soon as the -early beams of the rising sun proclaimed the presence of morning, he -forsook his hard couch and made for the nearest outlet; determined -rather to face Claverhouse and all his host, than be doomed again to -encounter the horrors of a night spent in Crichup Linn. While threading -his way through the tangled brushwood, which then almost obscured the -entrance to the linn, William Crosbie was startled on observing several -persons running in his direction. Apprehensive of danger, he screened -his person behind some bushes, in order that he might ascertain their -purpose ere discovering himself to them. On they came, panting and -breathless, evidently making for the linn. On their nearer approach, -William Crosbie discovered them to be friends of his own, and staunch -adherents of the Covenanting party. He then came forth from his place of -concealment, and addressed them by their names. - -"Back! back!" they cried with one voice, "he is coming! he is coming!" - -"Who is coming?" - -"Claverhouse! do you not see him yonder?" - -William Crosbie turned his eyes in the indicated direction, and there he -beheld the dreaded persecutor, mounted on a splendid black charger, -galloping furiously towards them, followed by his dragoons. - -"Come back with us!" said one of the new-comers, addressing William -Crosbie, "we know the way to the caves; there we shall be safe." - -"You need not fear pursuit now!" said one of his companions, "not even -the evil spirit, were he mounted on horse-back, would dare to follow us -hither!" - -As he spoke, a crashing of the boughs behind them caused them to start -and look back, when to their unutterable horror they beheld their -terrible enemy dashing through amidst the trees. William Crosbie stood -transfixed at the sight. He had neither power to move nor speak, while -Claverhouse, with dishevelled locks and flashing eyes, rode towards him, -with his sword uplifted in the air as if to hew him down. - -"Have you a mind to be killed that you stand there while the arch-fiend -himself is within a few paces of you?" said one of the men, and seizing -William Crosbie by the arm he dragged him onwards to the verge of the -precipice. "Down, down!" he cried, "we will cheat him yet!" and with -these words the man, still holding young Crosbie by the hand, slid down -among the rocks, whither his companions had gone before. "He has lost -his prey; he dare not follow us." - -The speaker was interrupted by a cry of horror proceeding from his -companions. He looked up, and beheld the horse with its rider bounding -over the chasm. In his eager haste to capture the men, Claverhouse did -not perceive the danger which lay in his path, until too late to -retreat; so clapping spurs to his steed, which equalled in spirit its -fiery master, he urged it to the leap. His horse cleared the chasm at a -single bound, and landed its rider safe on the opposite side. The noble -animal fared not so well; one of its legs was broken in the effort; and -from his seat in the face of the rock William Crosbie beheld with -admiration the feat achieved by the gallant charger, and witnessed with -sorrow its death inflicted by the hands of his master. The dragoons on -foot now rushed into the linn, and discharged their muskets down the -abyss, thereby hoping to kill or wound some of the men who had taken -refuge there. But their bullets glanced harmlessly off the rocks; and at -length, wearied with their futile attempts to capture the Covenanters, -they departed, venting maledictions on all such rebels. For the space -of four days and nights did William Crosbie and his companions remained -concealed in Crichup Linn. Their food was regularly supplied by a -shepherd boy, who always managed to visit them unseen, and to furnish -them with information regarding the movements of the dragoons. - -On the morning of the fifth day he brought the welcome tidings that the -soldiers, wearied of guarding the entrance to the linn, had abandoned -their post, and gone off in search of a more promising expedition. This -was indeed joyful news to the oppressed hearts of the Covenanters; and -when the shades of evening rendered their escape easy, they abandoned -their hiding-places, and set out for their respective habitations. -William Crosbie at once directed his steps towards Mrs. Armstrong's -cottage; the door of which was opened by Lucy in person. The meeting of -the lovers, after the fearful scene through which they had so lately -passed, may be better imagined than described. Suffice it to say that -Lucy clung to her lover's neck, and cried and laughed alternately; while -William Crosbie kissed the tears away, and whispered sweet words of -affection, which soon restored the rose to Lucy's cheek. During this -affecting scene, Mrs. Armstrong stood a little apart; her eyes were -filled with tears, and her lips moved as though engaged in mental -prayer. It was so. Her tears were to the memory of her husband and -son; while her prayer was for the continued happiness of those who had, -through the providence of God, been permitted to taste of joy after -having drunk so deeply of the cup of affliction. Lucy listened in -breathless awe as William Crosbie recounted the horrors he had -experienced during his solitary vigil in Crichup Linn; and in her turn -she related all that had befallen her since that fearful evening, -dwelling at considerable length on the more than brotherly kindness of -Lieutenant Musgrave, who had done everything in his power to render her -happy during the absence of her lover. "And what do you think, -William?" she said at the conclusion of her recital, "he has offered us -all a home in Cumberland; and my mother, to whom this part of the -country has now became unbearable, has decided upon accepting his kind -offer, so it only remains for you to consent to accompany us." - -The answer her lover gave is not recorded; but that it was in the -affirmative may be gathered from the fact that in the course of a few -days Mrs. Armstrong, her family and her future son-in-law, set out on -their journey to another home. As the humble vehicle, which bore the -travellers, proceeded on its way, the eyes of Lucy, beaming with love -and happiness, were fixed on the blue hills of Cumberland, as they rose -up before her in yet distant beauty, while the tear-stained eyes of the -widow wandered back to the lowly cottage, which never seemed so dear to -her as at that instant when she was leaving it for ever. Youth was -looking hopefully to the future--age was ruminating sadly on the past. - -On their arrival at their destination, they found Mr., no longer -Lieutenant, Musgrave in waiting to receive them; who, taking Mrs. -Armstrong by the hand, led her towards a lovely little cottage embowered -in woodbine and roses. - -"This," he said, "is your home; and yonder," pointing as he spoke to a -smiling farm-house peeping out from amongst some venerable poplar-trees, -"stands the future residence of William and Lucy." - -"O, sir!" exclaimed Mrs. Armstrong with streaming eyes, "your -kindness----" - -"Nay, thank not me!" he replied with a smile, "it is the gift----" - -"Of a grateful mother," said a soft womanly voice, and the speaker, a -mild-benevolent looking lady--whom Mr. Musgrave speedily introduced as -his mother--came forth from the cottage, and, with deep emotion, -welcomed the Scottish Covenanters to their English home. - -At her bridal, which took place shortly after her arrival in Cumberland, -Lucy looked more than usually pretty in her simple white muslin dress; -while her neck was adorned with the gold chain given to her lover by the -grateful benefactor, to whom, they were proud to say, they owed all -their present happiness. Long and happily did William Crosbie and his -Lucy live on the shores of Cumberland; and even Mrs. Armstrong forgot, -for a while, the sorrows of the past, as she dandled her fair-haired -grandchildren on her knee. Some of the descendants of this worthy -family are still to be found on the banks of the Solway; and in their -possession may be seen the massive gold chain, which is carefully -treasured up by them in remembrance of the sufferings their forefathers -were called upon to endure in the dark and dismal days of persecution. - -Still is the story of Claverhouse's daring leap related in the parish of -Closeburn; and the natural chair in which the young shoemaker sat during -his brief sojourn in Crichup Linn is pointed out to the curious visitor, -as - - THE SUTOR'S SEAT. - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF THE COVENANTERS *** - - - - -A Word from Project Gutenberg - - -We will update this book if we find any errors. - -This book can be found under: http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/45678 - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no one -owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation (and -you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without permission -and without paying copyright royalties. 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