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diff --git a/46966.txt b/46966.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 19b5654..0000000 --- a/46966.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,7712 +0,0 @@ - ADAM HEPBURN'S VOW - - - - -This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United -States, you'll have to check the laws of the country where you are -located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Adam Hepburn's Vow - A Tale of Kirk and Covenant -Author: Annie S. Swan -Release Date: September 25, 2014 [EBook #46966] -Language: English -Character set encoding: US-ASCII - - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADAM HEPBURN'S VOW *** - - - - -Produced by Al Haines. - - - - - -[Illustration: "Folding his withered hands, he said, in solemn and -trembling tones, 'Let us pray'" (_see page_ 121).] - - - - - Adam Hepburn's Vow - - *A TALE OF KIRK AND COVENANT* - - - BY - - *ANNIE S. SWAN* - - - - WITH FOUR FULL-PAGE ILLUSTRATIONS - - - - TWENTY-THIRD THOUSAND - - - - CASSELL AND COMPANY, LTD - LONDON, NEW YORK, TORONTO AND MELBOURNE - 1885 - - - - - TO - MY FRIEND - - C. M. - - AND TO THE DEAR ONES GATHERED ROUND HER - IN HER HAPPY HOME - - - - - *CONTENTS* - - - CHAPTER I. - -THE TRAVELLERS - - CHAPTER II. - -A NATION'S TESTIMONY - - CHAPTER III. - -FOREBODINGS OF EVIL - - CHAPTER IV. - -THE MINISTER'S CHILDREN - - CHAPTER V. - -THE FIRST MARTYRS - - CHAPTER VI. - -A THORN IN THE FLESH - - CHAPTER VII. - -A LONG FAREWELL - - CHAPTER VIII. - -MR. DUNCAN MCLEAN - - CHAPTER IX. - -PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES - - CHAPTER X. - -ADAM HEPBURN'S VOW - - CHAPTER XI. - -UP IN ARMS - - CHAPTER XII. - -RULLION GREEN - - CHAPTER XIII. - -THE NEW MAID - - CHAPTER XIV. - -BETRAYED - - CHAPTER XV. - -BRAVE TO THE LAST - - CHAPTER XVI. - -AT THE DAWNING - - CHAPTER XVII. - -A SHOCK OF CORN FULLY RIPE - - CHAPTER XVIII. - -AT HAUGHHEAD - - CHAPTER XIX. - -UNLOOKED-FOR NEWS - - CHAPTER XX. - -DRUMCLOG - - CHAPTER XXI. - -DISUNION - - CHAPTER XXII. - -BOTHWELL BRIDGE - - CHAPTER XXIII. - -IN CAPTIVITY - - CHAPTER XXIV. - -DELIVERED - - CHAPTER XXV. - -AIRSMOSS - - CHAPTER XXVI. - -REST - - - - - *LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS.* - - -"Folding his withered hands, he said, in solemn and trembling tones, -'Let us pray'" . . . _Frontispiece_ - -"Uplifting his hand, he swore the solemn oath" - -"Little Jeanie ... brought out a draught for the general" - -"The wildest confusion seemed to prevail on the bridge" - - - - - *Adam Hepburn's Vow* - - _*A TALE OF KIRK AND COVENANT.*_ - - - - *CHAPTER I.* - - *THE TRAVELLERS.* - - -Towards the close of a bleak grey February afternoon, in the year 1638, -a small party of travellers might have been seen approaching Edinburgh -by the high road from Glasgow. It consisted of a sturdy brown pony, -whereon sat a fair-faced, sunny-haired little girl, whose age could not -have exceeded nine years; a bright-faced, bold-looking lad, walking at -the animal's head, and having the bridle-rein hung loosely over his arm; -and a middle-aged gentleman, whose aspect and attire proclaimed him a -clergyman. He walked slowly, a little apart from the others, and his -hands were clasped before him, and his eyes bent thoughtfully on the -ground. He was a man somewhat past his prime, of a noble and manly -bearing, with a fine open countenance, and a speaking eye, wherein dwelt -a singularly sweet and benevolent expression. - -The shadows of evening were already beginning to gather over the -surrounding scene, making objects at a distance somewhat indistinct. - -Yet, truly, there was little at that season of the year to refresh the -eye or gladden the heart. The icy hand of winter had scarcely yet -relaxed its grasp on mother earth; there were no green buds on hedge or -tree; no blades of promise springing up by the wayside: all was -desolate, bleak, and cold. Yet the newly upturned furrows smelt fresh -and sweet, and the purling brooks wandered cheerfully on their way; -singing their song of gladness, as if they knew that spring was close at -hand. Presently the little party ascended a gentle eminence, and then -many lights were seen twinkling not far ahead. - -"See, father, are yon the lights of Edinburgh?" exclaimed the lad, in -his eagerness letting go his hold on Roger's rein. - -The minister raised his head, and a light kindled in his eye as he -looked upon the clustering roof-trees and towering spires of the -beautiful city. - -"Yes, my son, that is Edinburgh," he said in his full, mellow tones. -"Thanks be to the Lord who hath brought us thither in safety. Would my -little Agnes like to walk now? The evening dews are falling, and -methinks a little exercise would do you no harm. Very soon now you will -be warmed and cheered by the ruddy glow by Aunt Jean's fireside." - -As he spoke, the minister turned to Roger (who at a word from his master -stood perfectly still), and gently lifted his little daughter to the -ground. It was then seen that her figure was very slight and fragile, -her face pale and refined-looking, her whole expression thoughtful and -even sad beyond her years. - -"Are you wearied, David?" asked the kind father then; but the lad drew -himself up proudly, and shook his head. - -"Wearied! no, no, father. I could walk back to Inverburn, I believe, -without resting." - -"Keep within the bounds, my boy," said the minister. "See, lead Roger -down to yon little pool, and let him drink. The poor animal is thirsty -and wayworn. Then we will make what haste we can into the city, which -will of necessity be in somewhat of a turmoil to-night, owing to the -many strangers within her gates." - -"Father, will there be a great crowd and a noise in Edinburgh?" asked -the little Agnes, somewhat timidly and holding yet more closely by her -father's hand. - -"There will be a crowd, my daughter, but no unseemly noise, I trust. -The occasion upon which the nation is assembled in her ancient capital -is too solemn for vain clamourings," said the minister, somewhat sadly; -and as his eyes once more roamed over the spreading roof-trees of the -city, they were filled with tears. The little Agnes, too young to -understand the cause of his emotion, still more closely clasped his -hand, and looked with awe into his face. - -"I wish it would not grow dark so soon, father," said David, now -returning from watering the pony. "We will see nothing of Edinburgh till -to-morrow." - -"But to-morrow, please the Lord, there will be a sight seen in -Edinburgh, the like of which there has never been in Scotland," said the -minister with kindling eye. "The voice of her people raised in a -national testimony against the injustice and oppression of an earthly -ruler. May the Heavenly King look down in approval on the faithfulness -of the Kirk of Scotland, and give her strength to stand firm to her vow; -ay, to seal it if need be with her blood." - -The minister spoke with solemnity and passionate earnestness, which -impressed his young listeners not a little. - -"Father, will the soldiers be out on their horses?" David asked with -boyish eagerness; to him the great event to transpire on the morrow -meant a gay pageant to delight the eye and stir the pulse of youth. - -"My son, I cannot tell; only I know that peer and peasant, soldier and -civilian, minister and ministered unto, will assemble to-morrow on equal -ground, animated by one grand purpose, and stirred by a common zeal. -May the God of Hosts look down upon and bless the assembled multitudes," -replied the minister; and then a silence fell upon the little party -which remained unbroken till they entered the city. Even in the -outskirts there were not lacking signs of stir and unusual commotion. -The streets were thronged with vehicles and foot-passengers, and the -very air seemed full of murmurings, telling of a nation's heart stirred -to its deepest depths. The young lad and his sister looked about them -with lively interest; to them the city was a revelation indeed, in the -great contrast it presented to the unfrequented roads and quiet -solitudes of their native parish. Darkness had fallen when the minister -guided Roger's steps into the Grass-market, where stood the hospitable -dwelling which was to shelter them during their sojourn in Edinburgh. -It was the abode of the minister's only sister, who was married to a -well-to-do merchant, by name Edward Kilgour. Having been duly apprised -of his brother-in-law's coming on that day, Edward Kilgour was waiting -at the close mouth, anxiously peering up the street, which was now -almost in total darkness, there being no appliances then for lighting -the thoroughfares and byeways of the city. Hearing the click of the -pony's hoofs, he walked a few steps up the street, and then catching -sight of the little party, he called out in his cheery tones, "Andrew -Gray of Inverburn, and his little ones, if I mistake not!" - -"Yes; thus far hath the Lord permitted us to travel in safety, Edward," -said the minister. "How is it with thee and thine?" - -"All well; Jean a little impatient and fearful about you, as is the way -of womenkind," replied the merchant, heartily shaking his brother-in-law -by the hand. "But what! David, and little Agnes too! How did their -mother ever trust them so far?" he exclaimed, in surprise, at sight of -the children. - -"She knew them safe with me, Edward, and I thought that the events of -to-morrow might, please God, make an impression on their young minds -which time would never efface. And the Kirk, I am thinking, will need -both old and young to stand firm in her defence ere she be crowned and -blessed with liberty," said the minister, with a sigh. - -"You speak the truth, Andrew," replied the merchant, soberly. "Well, I -will take Roger to his stall and see that he is rubbed down and fed. Do -you take the bairns upstairs: you know the way." - -The minister nodded, and taking his boy and girl by the hand, led them -up the dark close and into a low doorway, which, unless he had been -familiar with the way, would have been difficult to find. - -Aunt Jean heard their steps on the stair, and presently appeared on the -landing with a candle. - -"Bless me! Andrew Gray, is that the bairns all the way from the manse -of Inverburn?" she exclaimed, her motherly heart warming at sight of -them. - -"Even so, Jean. There will be room and welcome for them as well as for -their father under this roof-tree," answered the minister. "Edward -tells me you are well; and, truly, you look it." - -"Oh, ay, I am well in body!" she answered, blithely, and stooping she -lifted the little Agnes in her motherly arms, and affectionately kissed -her cheeks. "Eh, Andrew, this bairn's her mother's living image. How -is Ailie and Jane, and that stirring laddie, Andrew? Why did you leave -him at home?" - -"His master could not spare him, being busy preparing the ground for the -seed," replied the minister. "It was a sore disappointment to the lad. -He has a constant craving for something new." - -By this time they had entered the wide and comfortable kitchen, where -the log-fire burned merrily, casting its ruddy glow on the hospitable -board spread for the expected guest. A wooden cradle stood in the -warmest corner by the ingle-neuk, wherein slept peacefully the one child -of the household, a babe of eight months, and the first which had -blessed their hearth and home since their marriage, five years before. - -The little Agnes looked very long and earnestly into her aunt's face, -never remembering having seen her before. - -Mrs. Kilgour had been married out of the manse of Inverburn, at which -time Agnes was only four years old, but she had never visited it since, -and had only once seen her brother's wife, when she accompanied her -husband to Edinburgh on his being appointed to represent the Presbytery -of Lanark at the General Assembly. Travelling in these days was very -slow and laborious, and not unaccompanied by dangers on the roads, owing -to the disturbed and unprotected state of the country. - -"Ay, but she is like her mother, Andrew," repeated Mrs. Kilgour, as she -stooped to unfasten the child's cloak. "She has her very een; may the -spirt of the bairn be her mother's likewise! And this is David! He is -greatly grown. I would hardly have known him again! Dearie me, what -changes time works on bairns, as on other things!" - -"You are right, Jean. How has business been prospering with you -throughout the winter?" - -"We cannot complain of the measure of prosperity the Lord has vouchsafed -to us," Andrew answered Mistress Kilgour. "Edward has had to employ -another young lad to help him in his work and still is hard-pressed; but -here he comes himself to tell you all about it." - -The merchant now entered the kitchen, and hung up his hat on the peg -behind the door. Now that the light shone upon him, it revealed a short -and somewhat stout figure, clad in homely grey, a broad kindly face -adorned by a short brown beard, and made peculiarly expressive by the -twinkling of a pair of merry, blue eyes. - -He was a Lanark man by birth, but had come to Edinburgh to try his -fortunes, and by steady well-doing and shrewd business capacity was -likely to succeed. - -"And how are they all at Inverburn? Come, tell me about every man, -woman, and child in the parish, Andrew," said the merchant. "It's like -a gliff of the heather-scented wind to look upon your faces, bairns, and -to think you were reared in the shade of the birks of Inverburn!" - -The merchant spoke lightly, but a tear started in his honest eye, as he -lifted Agnes on his knee, and drew David to his side. - -"'Deed they must have something to eat first, Edward, my man," -interrupted Mistress Kilgour. "Come, bairns, to your milk and bread. -It's no like the milk and home-made scones at the manse, but it's the -best I have, an' ye get it wi' Auntie Jean's kind, kind love." - -They drew in their chairs to the table, and after the minister had asked -a fervent blessing on the board, they ate with a will, for their mode of -travelling had given them all appetites. - -"You are never asking for _our_ bairn, Andrew," said the fond mother -slily, when presently the little one stirred slightly in its cradle. - -"Truly I forgot, Jean," said the minister, with a smile; "and yet it was -among Ailie's last messages--sympathy and love to you about the little -one. God grant she may grow up a blessing to you both." - -The little Agnes presently slipped from her chair, and, stealing over to -the cradle, looked in upon the smiling face of the infant. Her own was -suffused with a glow of tender wondering pleasure, which made her aunt -look at her again. And when, presently, Mistress Kilgour lifted the -child, Agnes kept close by her side, as if the babe were a magnet from -which she could not separate herself. - -The conversation during supper turned chiefly upon topics connected with -the parish of Inverburn, in which both the merchant and his wife were -deeply and affectionately interested, for, though they had built up a -home in Edinburgh, their hearts were knit to their native glen in the -bonds of a deep, enduring love. - -While she cleared the table, Mistress Kilgour entrusted the babe to -Agnes, who sat on a low stool holding the precious burden in her arms, -with a mixture of love, rapture, and pride glorifying her face. Shortly -thereafter, it being near eight of the clock, Mistress Kilgour made down -beds for the children in the adjoining room, and they retired to rest. -Then their elders drew up their chairs to the hearth, and began to speak -in low, troubled, anxious tones, telling that the topic was one of vital -interest, of terrible importance to them all. Before they separated for -the night, the minister read a portion from Scripture, and then they -knelt to pour out their hearts' desires before the Lord. The tones of -Andrew Gray's voice trembled sore as he prayed with passionate -earnestness that the arm of the Almighty would be about the tottering -Church of Scotland, and that strength might be given to her people to -stand up fearlessly in defence of her liberty and purity, ay, even -though they should be required to seal their faithfulness with their -blood. - -"To-morrow will be a great day for Scotland," he said when he rose to -his feet. "Either it will be the beginning of peace or the beginning of -many sorrows for God's people. It is in times like these we feel the -need of prayer, of constant and pious humbling of ourselves before -Jehovah. There is that within me, my friends, which forewarns me that -we are about to be visited by fierce and terrible temptations and -dispensations. Let him that thinketh he standeth take heed lest he -fall." - -Awed by the prophetic earnestness with which their kinsman spoke, the -merchant and his wife spoke not, but silently bade him good night. -Andrew Gray retired to his own chamber, but not to sleep. He sat long -by the uncurtained window, looking out upon the city slumbering -peacefully under the fitful February moonlight, as if all unconscious of -the issues of the coming day. - -During the silent watches of the night the minister of Inverburn -wrestled in prayer for Scotland's Church and people, that they might be -upheld and kept faithful in the tumults of the struggle to come. - - - - - *CHAPTER II.* - - *A NATION'S TESTIMONY.* - - -Chill and grey broke the morning of that memorable day over the city of -Edinburgh. The inmates of Edward Kilgour's household were early astir, -and the elder folk partook of breakfast by candlelight. - -"I suppose your place of business will be closed to-day?" said the -minister enquiringly to his brother-in-law. - -"Yes; there will be little business done to-day, I fancy, except by the -taverns and other places of like resort, which must be open to supply -refreshments to the many strangers," replied Edward Kilgour. "There will -be a goodly number of Inverburn folks in this morning?" - -"Yes, Adam Hepburn of Rowallan, and a party with him, were to start on -the evening of the day on which we left," replied the minister. "They -would arrive a few hours' later than us--their animals being swifter of -foot than our 'Roger.'" - -"What is the Laird of Inverburn saying to the Covenant, Andrew?" asked -Mistress Kilgour, replenishing her brother's cup with milk, which, with -some wheaten cakes, composed his frugal meal. - -A slight shade of sadness stole over the minister's fine face. - -"Truly, Jean, Sir Thomas Hamilton proves himself a loyal subject and a -faithful servant of the king. They tell me he uses the Liturgy in his -household devotions, and he has never been in his pew in my church since -the proclamation concerning the new book of service. I am told too, on -good authority, that my neighbour minister, John Methven of Lochlee, -uses it in the services of his church, in accordance with the express -desire of the laird who worships there every Sabbath Day." - -"John Methven was ever a time-server and a worshipper of rank," said -Edward Kilgour, with curling lip. "He would sell conscience and liberty -for the smile of a patron so high in station as the Laird of Inverburn." - -"Let us not so hardly judge the man, Edward," said the minister, gently. -"His motives and his conscience are known only to himself and his God. -Yet I fear that when the times of trouble grow hotter in the land, the -Church will not find a supporter in the minister of Lochlee." - -"What I fear, Andrew," said Mistress Kilgour, with a sigh, "is lest the -Laird of Inverburn, not finding you conforming to his desires, may do -you injury in the parish, may even turn the people against you." - -The minister smiled. - -"I am in the Lord's hands, Jean. Except He will, Sir Thomas Hamilton -cannot touch a hair of my head, nor even damage my interests in the -parish. And my people, thanks be to God, are faithful and honest, and I -think have some little love for their minister in their hearts." - -"As well they may," said the merchant, fervently. - -"The name of Gray has long been honoured in Inverburn, certainly," said -the mistress, musingly. "Our forbears have been so many generations in -the manse that I think the people would be sad to see a stranger under -its roof-tree, or ministering to them in the kirk on the Sabbath Day." - -"We will not trouble ourselves with such things to-day, Jean, there -being graver issues at stake than the interests of Inverburn, which, -though very dear to us, is but a small corner of the Lord's vineyard," -said the minister, rising. "While you dress the bairns, Edward and I -might walk a little way into the town, and see what is doing. I see the -shadows of the night are wearing away from the castle heights, and day -breaking in the east!" - -Accordingly the twain left the house together, and wended their way -through the streets. Even thus early there were many people abroad, -some standing in little groups, earnestly discussing the one topic of -absorbing interest occupying the minds of citizens and strangers alike. -Arm in arm the minister and the merchant walked together in the shadow -of the grey turrets of the castle, until they came to the shores of the -North Loch, which was tossing uneasily under the grey and wintry sky. A -keen east wind was sweeping up from the Frith, and it had a wailing in -its tone as if in warning of a coming storm. - -The two pedestrians, alone at that hour by the solitudes of the loch, -talked low and earnestly together on the crisis to which affairs in -Scotland had now reached. The merchant was a keen Churchman, and a -devoted, pious Christian, with a heart ready to suffer and endure for -the cause of religion, and a brave, indomitable courage to fight for his -principles if required. Needless to say, the friendship between his -brother-in-law and himself was warm and sincere, because they had so -much in common. Engrossed in conversation, the time passed unheeded, -until the solemn strokes of the Tolbooth bell proclaimed the hour of -nine. - -Then they turned their steps towards the Grassmarket once more, which -was now considerably busier than it had been an hour ago. Yet there was -no disorder or sign of tumult, nor was the aspect of the people wild or -excited. There was an expression of calm yet fixed resolution, -especially upon the faces of the older among them, which indicated that -no giddy froth of passion, no excitement of a moment moved them. Andrew -Gray remarked upon that to the merchant, and expressed his satisfaction -at the visible earnestness and quietness of spirit which seemed to be -abroad. - -When they returned to the house they found the children up and dressed -and partaking of their morning meal, good Aunt Jean talking to them all -the while. - -"Are you going forth to witness for the Covenant with us to-day, Jean?" -enquired the minister. - -The mistress shook her head. - -"I cannot well leave my house and my bairn, Andrew, but the Lord knows -that I can make my vow at home and keep it as faithfully as I would keep -a public testimony," she answered, with a smile and a tear. "But are -you going to take both these young things with you to the vast assembly -gathered in and about the Greyfriars?" - -"For that purpose I brought them on this journey, Jean. As I said to -Edward, the proceedings of this day may make an impression on their -minds which will never be effaced, and--who knows?--the memory of it may -even serve to build them up yet more steadfastly in the faith in days to -come. Well, I think we should be going now. The proceedings, I learn, -are to begin early, and I would not that we should be at the outside -limits of the crowd." - -Accordingly Aunt Jean prepared the children for going out of doors, -fastening the cloak of the little Agnes very closely about her neck, and -adding a scarf of her own to protect the throat against the biting wind -of March. David wrapped his plaid about his shoulders in true Highland -fashion, put on his bonnet, and, taking in his hand the stout ash stick -he had cut in the woods of Inverburn, bravely announced that he was -ready. So, followed by kind Aunt Jean's blessing and prayer, the little -party left the house and emerged into the busy streets. - -Although it was yet early, every thoroughfare was thronged with human -beings, some moving on towards the place of meeting, others standing -about in little knots discussing the solemn occasion upon which so many -were gathered together. Our friends made their way leisurely up the -Bow, and were among the earliest to enter the churchyard, and thus were -enabled to take up a good position where everything could be seen and -heard. The church doors were standing wide open, and it was evidently -intended that the chief service should be held within the walls of the -sacred edifice itself. The minister of Inverburn, leaving his little -ones with their uncle, entered into the church, and met there many of -his colleagues in the ministry, as well as others with whom he had some -acquaintance. - -As the stream of humanity surging towards the churchyard widened and -broadened, until it seemed as if there could be no room for even one -more, it was hastily decided that the proceedings should take place out -of doors, in order to prevent any undue crowding in the church, and to -enable as many as possible to hear and take part in the solemn service, -which was to precede the signing of the Covenant. - -Accordingly a table was set in the middle of the church, and thereon was -laid the Bible used in the Greyfriars pulpit, and side by side with it -the gigantic sheet prepared to receive the signatures of a nation. -Everything being made ready, there gathered about the table the -venerable Earl of Loudon, the Earl of Sutherland, Sir Archibald -Johnston, the Reverend Alexander Henderson, with many other nobles and -ministers and prominent personages. - -Beyond that circle was gathered a vast throng, comprising every rank, -age, and calling, upon whose faces, lit by a holy enthusiasm, the chill -March sunlight played fitfully as it escaped through the refts in the -cloudy sky. It was a wondrous sight. There was no noise, no unseemly -clamourings or vain babblings; the great concourse seemed to be hushed -into solemn expectancy, even the hot blood of the more passionate among -them being held in curb by the strange awe-inspiring nature of this -national gathering. - -After a confession of national sin, an eloquent sermon was preached to -the assembled multitude by one of the most gifted ministers in the -Church. - -Then amid a strange, deep silence Sir Archibald Johnston slowly and -distinctly read aloud to the people the contents of the document to -which every loyal Scot was asked to subscribe his name. It was -beautifully and reverently compiled, and so simple and clear in its -phraseology, that even the youngest and most illiterate person present -could not fail to comprehend its meaning. It was simply a protest -against all the corruptions and unholy innovations which the king sought -to introduce into the service of the Church, and in signing the bond the -subscribers pledged themselves solemnly before God to use every lawful -means to recover and preserve the early purity and simplicity of worship -in the Church of Scotland, and to resist every effort made by the king -to introduce an Episcopal form of worship into the land. - -When the reading of the Covenant was concluded, the Earl of London -addressed the multitude in eloquent, heart-stirring tones, exhorting -them to consider well the solemn and binding nature of the oath about to -be taken, and impressing upon them the necessity of standing steadfast -by their testimony, for not otherwise could that liberty, civil and -religious, so dear to every Scottish heart, be restored and maintained -in the land. One of the leading and most devoted ministers in the -Church then gave utterance to a prayer, which hushed the very breathing -of the assembly, and moved them as if by a mighty wind from Heaven. -Amid the solemn silence which ensued, the Earl of Sutherland stepped -forward, and uplifting his hand he swore the solemn oath, and then -affixed the first signature to the Covenant. He was followed by nobles, -ministers, citizens, men, women, and children, who subscribed name after -name on the great sheet, until it could hold no more. Some, more -enthusiastic than their fellows, opened veins in their arms, and wrote -their names in their blood. - -[Illustration: "Uplifting his hand, he swore the solemn oath"] - -It was a day such as Scotland had never witnessed before, and which she -will never witness again, since, thanks be to God, the need for a -national covenanting to protect civil and religious rights is swallowed -up in the glorious liberty of these present days. - -The impressive proceedings over, the people departed peaceably to their -homes. - -The minister of Inverburn, with his children, abode another night under -Edward Kilgour's hospitable roof-tree, and early on the second morning -the little party set out upon their return journey to their home in the -pleasant vale of Inverburn. - - - - - *CHAPTER III.* - - *FOREBODINGS OF EVIL.* - - -It was the month of April, and all Nature was sweetly rejoicing in the -wealth and beauty of a perfect spring. While spring is ever a pleasant -season in rural districts, it was especially so in that rich and -picturesque part of Lanarkshire which included the parish and village of -Inverburn. It lay in a secluded and lovely valley, sheltered from the -north and east by heather-clad hills, while to the west it commanded a -magnificent and wide-stretching view of the Vale of Clyde, at the utmost -limit of which the smoke from the populous city of Glasgow obscured the -clear brightness of the horizon. Although the parish of Inverburn was -by no means small, the village itself consisted only of a small main -street and a few straggling houses in the outskirts. The only building -of any pretensions was the Hamilton Arms Inn, a substantial two-storey -block, with a wide, low doorway and a trellised porch set round with -benches, a favourite resort for the villagers on the long summer -evenings, when honest Mistress Lyall's parlour became too close and warm -to be pleasant. Upon a gentle eminence about a mile removed from the -village, the grey turrets of Inverburn, long time the seat of the -Hamiltons, peeped out from among its ancestral trees. It was a fine, -proud old place, renowned for its beauty and its antiquity even in a -district where many a princely heritage reared its stately head. The -graceful spire of the parish church intervened, however, between the -village and the mansion. It also stood upon a gentle knoll, and was -beautifully shaded by the birch trees which were known far and near as -the "birks of Inverburn." The manse was close by, a grey and rambling -house, just such a one to be hallowed by many precious memories of home -and loved ones. It was a common saying that there had been Grays in the -manse as long as there had been Hamiltons in Inverburn, so that the one -family could claim equal antiquity with its prouder neighbour. - -There could be no sweeter spot to live and die in than that -old-fashioned country manse, standing so cosily amid its wealth of -greenery, the roses and honeysuckle and sweet woodbine clambering about -doors and windows with a loving clinging touch. It looked fair indeed -that mild April evening, for lilac, laburnum, and hawthorn were in -flower in the shrubberies, and primrose and polyanthus blooming in the -old-fashioned plots before the door. The air about it was sweet and -fragrant indeed; but it was more: it breathed something of the peace -which dwelt ever under its roof-tree. - -By the open window of the family sitting-room sat a pleasant-faced, -sedate-looking young woman, busily engaged embroidering a white frock -for a child. She was neatly though plainly dressed, and there was an -air of precision and daintiness about her which some women acquire as -they grow older, especially if they are unmarried. It was a pleasant -face, as I said, yet there was a grave firmness about the mouth, a -dauntless gleam in the fine clear brown eye, which betokened that Jane -Gray was not without a will of her own. She looked what she was, a -firm, prudent, self-reliant woman, who had known the cares as well as -the joys of life. To her dying mother Jane Gray had solemnly pledged -herself not to quit the roof-tree of the manse so long as her father -needed her care. Both the giver and receiver of that promise had felt -assured that it would not be long ere she was released from its -fulfilment, because the minister of Inverburn was at that time in a -precarious state of health. - -But, to the joy of those who loved him, certain means prescribed by an -Edinburgh physician were blessed to his complete recovery, and he seemed -to receive a new lease of life. That made no alteration, however, in -the resolution of the elder daughter of the manse. Very faithfully year -by year she discharged her duties as mistress of her father's household. -She was mother and sister in one to her brothers, and it was a question -which was dearer to her heart, the broad-shouldered, bluff-mannered -farmer Andrew, or gentle-voiced, scholarly, meek-minded David, minister -of the neighbouring parish of Broomhill. - -She had watched them go forth to their own homes, with a blessing and a -tear, and she had dressed for her bridal her fair and delicate sister -Agnes, who had now been for two years the wife of Adam Hepburn of -Rowallan. It must not be supposed that Jane Gray had no other -alternative but to remain under her father's roof-tree. Nay, it was far -otherwise. Many knew and appreciated her sterling worth, and more than -one had pleaded for her love. But though there came one at last who -stirred her heart to its deepest depths, she shook her head. She looked -at her father's white head and drooping shoulders, thought of his -desolate old age, the empty, childless home she would leave behind, and, -crushing down the yearnings of her heart, she answered no. Perhaps it -was that experience, undreamed of by those to whom she so unselfishly -ministered, which had lined her broad brow, and tinged her hair with -grey before its time. Her face in its repose was apt to look sad, for -it was in the stillness of an evening such as this that Jane Gray's -heart was often peculiarly stirred by memories of the past. She laid -down her seam at length, and leaning her arm on the sill, looked out -into the flower-laden garden, which was sweet with all the lovely bloom -of spring. - -Just then her reverie was disturbed by a short, sharp whistle, and a -light, hurried footfall coming round the approach which led down to the -gate, and thence to the public road. And almost immediately a young lad -came bounding over to the open window, waving his cap in the air. Jane -Gray looked at the young, eager face with a kindly smile, for the eldest -son of her brother Andrew was very dear to her heart. He had been -sojourning for some months at the manse, his grandfather taking much -pride and pleasure in forwarding him in his studies preparatory to his -entering the University of Edinburgh or Glasgow, as a student of -divinity. It had been his father's desire that he should follow his -vocation, and by-and-by succeed him as the farmer of Hartrigge, but the -lad had so early shown his distaste for outdoor labour, and his love for -books, that it was evident nature intended him for a scholar. - -"What is it, Gavin? You seem eager and excited," said his aunt, -resuming her work. - -"There is a horse and rider coming up the road, Aunt Jane, and I am sure -it is the Reverend James Guthrie. It is his horse, I am quite sure, by -the white foot and the white star on its forehead. Is grandfather in?" - -"Yes, he is in his study; nay, do not disturb him yet, until we make -sure you are right," she said, restraining the impetuous boy, as he was -about to run off in search of his grandfather. "Stay, and I will walk -down with you to the road, and by that time the horse and his rider, -whoever he may be, will have reached the gate." - -So saying, Jane Gray folded up her work, and in a minute had joined her -nephew out of doors. "I cannot think that you can be right, Gavin," she -said thoughtfully, "for I remember that Mr. Guthrie intended to be -present at a special meeting in Edinburgh this week, and he has not yet -had time to return to Stirling and come on so far as this." - -"Why, there he is alighting at the gate, Aunt Jane! it is _just_ Mr. -Guthrie!" exclaimed the lad, and darting forward, he was the first to -greet the much-beloved minister of Stirling, and to relieve him of his -horse's bridle rein. - -A glow of pleasure overspread the face of Jane Gray as she advanced to -meet her father's revered friend, who was almost a brother to her, so -close and dear was the intimacy between the two families. - -"Mr. Guthrie, it is no ordinary pleasure to see you so unexpectedly," -she said, as they shook hands; nevertheless her eyes dwelt rather -anxiously upon his fine face, for in these troublous and foreboding -times the announcement of danger or alarm might come at any moment. - -"To me also, Miss Gray; I trust I have arrived to find your honoured -father under his own roof-tree. - -"Oh, yes; he is busy with his sermon. It is not often a minister is far -from home on a Friday evening if he is to supply his own pulpit on the -Sabbath Day. We thought you had been in Edinburgh this week, Mr. -Guthrie." - -"So I have been; and thanks to the Lord's journeying mercies vouchsafed -to his unworthy servant, I have again been brought to my father's house -in safety. The lad is out of hearing, I see," he added, glancing towards -Gavin, who was leading the hot and dusty steed away in the direction of -his grandfather's stable, "so I may say that a strange apprehension of -evil came upon me in my bed last night, and so strong was the conviction -in my mind this morning that I should not long be at liberty, that I was -constrained to ride over here to be encouraged and comforted by your -father's sweet counsel, and, if need be, bid your family circle, who are -as dear to me almost as my own kinsfolk at Guthrie, a last farewell." - -The ruddy colour faded out of Jane Gray's cheeks, and her startled eye -looked with alarm into the minister's face. She was astonished and -relieved at its sweet serenity; evidently his gloomy convictions had not -power to rob him of his tranquillity. - -"The Lord forbid that a hand should be laid on you, one of His most -honoured and valued servants," she said involuntarily; "but pray tell -me, Mr. Guthrie, have you had any warnings that the evil men in power -are jealous of your influence for good?" - -"In Edinburgh, yesterday, I was told that that good and noble lord, -Archibald, Marquis of Argyll, will be laid hands upon ere long. If that -be so, I cannot hope to escape, for I am doubly guilty of the actions -which have doomed him. If it be so, and the Lord call me to bear -witness for Him on the scaffold, He will give me strength to crucify the -passions and affections of the body, and to glory in suffering for His -sake." - -The good man's face was suffused with a holy peace and joy, but a -shudder ran through Jane Gray's frame, for not yet had the scaffold -become so common, and in those brutal times so desirable a mode of exit -from this troublous life as it was destined to become ere long in poor -stricken Scotland. - -"The prayers of God's people can but be offered up on your behalf, Mr. -Guthrie. Such as you can ill be spared from the vineyard in these -times," said Jane Gray, earnestly. "But now, let us tarry no longer out -of doors; I am sure you stand in need of refreshment after your long -ride." - -Ere he crossed the threshold, the minister, as was his wont, raised his -eyes to Heaven and reverently invoked a benediction in the words of the -apostle of old: "Peace be to this house." - -Having shown her guest into the sitting-room, Jane Gray sent Betty the -maid to tap at the minister's door and tell him the Reverend James -Guthrie, from Stirling, had arrived at the manse. Betty, or Elizabeth -McBean, had served with the Grays since her girlhood, and her love for -the family was only exceeded by her intense love and devotion to the -Kirk of Scotland, and her intense hatred to every form of religion alien -to the sound Presbyterianism of her forefathers. - -While Jane Gray with her own hands set about preparing some refreshment -for the guest, the minister, her father, left his study with joyful -haste, and entering the family room, very warmly greeted his friend and -brother-minister, whom he had known and loved these many years. There -was a great change in the minister of Inverburn since that memorable -time three-and-twenty years before, when he had visited Edinburgh, and -witnessed with his brethren for the Covenant in the Kirk of the -Greyfriars. - -His tall, spare figure was now much stooped, his face worn and wrinkled, -his eye, though still bright and clear, far sunken in his head, his long -hair and flowing beard as white as the driven snow. He looked a -patriarch indeed, and the serene and heavenly expression on his face, -his kindly smile, and sweet fatherliness of manner and tone were -calculated to inspire the deepest reverence and love. - -"Bless the Lord, I am again permitted to look upon your face, my -brother!" he said, as he warmly and fervently grasped Mr. Guthrie's -hand. "But I trust no untoward circumstances prompt your unlooked-for -visit. In these troublous times we are all as watchers on the -house-top." - -"I was but saying to your daughter, Mr. Gray, that it was a presentiment -of evil which brought me here to-night," replied the minister of -Stirling. "I only returned from Edinburgh yesterday, and what I heard -there augured ill for the peace of Zion. It is rumoured that the -Marquis of Argyll is no longer safe, so the king's emissaries are not to -be satisfied with common prey." - -"I can hardly credit the truth of such rumours, Mr. Guthrie," replied -the minister of Inverburn. "Gratitude for past invaluable services -should render his person sacred in the eyes of the king." - -An expression of mild scorn passed over Mr. Guthrie's face. - -"Gratitude is a word not found in the vocabulary of the House of -Stuart," he said, quietly. "The Marquis, I am told, leaves for London -on Monday, to offer his congratulations to the king on his restoration. -I fear me he takes the journey at his own great risk." - -"If need be the Lord will hold His sheltering arm over him, Mr. -Guthrie," said the minister of Inverburn, cheerfully. "No man, either -prince or peasant, shall die before the appointed time. But here comes -Jane with your refreshment. I hope it is not your intention to quit the -roof-tree of the manse before the dawning of another day." - -"If convenient for Miss Jane I will very gladly stay," answered Mr. -Guthrie. "As troubles thicken round us, opportunities for sweet counsel -together, though more sorely needed, will become more limited, I fear. -And now, are all your kinsfolk at Hartrigge and Rowallan well? and is -the kirk at Broomhill prospering under David's ministrations?" - -"Verily the Lord hath been pleased to greatly bless the lad in his -labours," said the minister of Inverburn, in tones of satisfaction. -"Here comes young Gavin Gray, in whose studies I take a deep interest. -Here Gavin, lad, come and speak to the Reverend Mr. Guthrie, and behold -in him the pattern of what I one day hope to see you become." - -The bright, happy-faced boy came forward frankly, and was again -addressed cordially by the minister of Stirling. - -"I have been thinking, father," said Jane Gray's pleasant voice in the -doorway, "that Gavin might saddle Donald, and carry word of Mr. -Guthrie's visitation both to his father's house, and to his uncle and -aunt at Rowallan. Andrew and Susan, I am sure, would be greatly -rejoiced to come over to the manse. They could drive round in their -little cart to Rowallan, and bring over Adam and Agnes with them." - -"A very good suggestion, my daughter," said Mr. Gray. "You hear what -your aunt says, Gavin," he added to the lad. "Run and get Donald -saddled and if you ride quickly they can all be here before the evening -is far spent." - -Gavin, nothing loth, at once obeyed his grandfather's behest, and was -soon scampering along the road towards Hartrigge. - - - - - *CHAPTER IV.* - - *THE MINISTER'S CHILDREN.* - - -The farm of Hartrigge, where abode the minister's eldest son, was one of -the largest holdings on the estate of Inverburn. Andrew Gray had -entered it on his marriage, seventeen years before, and was therefore -drawing near the expiry of his lease. Having been trained as a -practical farmer, he had converted the somewhat poverty-stricken acres -into rich and fertile soil. He was a careful, prudent man himself, and, -having married Susan Baillie (the daughter of the farmer under whom he -had learned his business), one eminently fitted to be a true helpmeet to -him in every way, he was a prosperous, and might even be called a rich -man. - -In disposition he was not nearly so lovable as his brother, the minister -of Broomhill. He was by nature rather harsh and stern, and, though his -anger was not easily kindled, it was a slow and deadly fire which did -not quickly burn out. Had his wife not been of a singularly sweet and -amiable temperament, Hartrigge would not have been such a happy, -peaceable household as it was. And yet Andrew Gray was a sincerely good -man, rather austere in his religious views, perhaps, but ardently -attached to the Church of Scotland, and passionately jealous regarding -all her ancient privileges. Four children had blessed Hartrigge with -the sunshine of their presence--Gavin, the eldest; then Jane, a quiet -douce maiden of fourteen; then merry, rattling Sandy; and sweet, -winsome, gentle-eyed little Agnes, whom they called Nannie, to -distinguish her from her namesake aunt at Rowallan. - -Hartrigge was distant about two miles from the manse, the road leading -in a southerly direction through rich and beautiful scenery, exquisitely -varied by all the changing tints of spring. Here the tender, delicate -green of the beech showed in sharp relief against some sombre fir; again -the silver buds on the chestnut gleamed side by side with the brighter -hue of the larch and the mountain ash. Cowslip and daisy dotted every -grassy slope, and the hedgerows already were gleaming white with -hawthorn bloom--so early had the summer burst in fragrance on the earth. - -About a mile beyond the massive stone gateway which gave entrance to the -grounds surrounding the mansion-house of Inverburn, a low white gate -shut out intruders from the private road leading to Hartrigge. This -familiar barrier Donald took at a bound, and in five minutes afterwards -was galloping round the path which cut through the fir wood surrounding -the house. It was a substantial dwelling, of plain and sober aspect, -befitting its inmates, and, though there was ample garden ground in -front, there were no flowers blooming sweetly as in the manse garden. -Everything was austerely neat, simple, and plain. Gavin rode the pony -round to the kitchen door, and, dismounting, tied the rein to a -projecting hook placed in the wall for that purpose. Then he bounded -into the house, It was milking-time, and the maids were in the byre -(cowhouse), and he knew that his mother would be upstairs putting the -younger ones to bed, for everything moved by clockwork in that most -methodical of houses. The sound of voices in the ben-end (parlour) -proclaimed that his father was giving Jeanie her evening lesson, which -Gavin boldly interrupted. - -"Grandfather sent me to bid mother and you come to the manse, father," -he said, impetuously. "Mr. Guthrie from Stirling is here, and would like -to see you. And I am to go to Rowallan and tell Uncle Adam and Aunt -Agnes to be ready to drive down with you when you come for them." - -Andrew Gray closed his book and rose to his feet, with a gleam of -interest brightening his rugged face. He was a tall, broad-shouldered -man, whose physique was suggestive of giant strength, while his keen, -stern black eye and massive jaw indicated an indomitable will. He was -plainly dressed in rough homespun, and looked what he was--a -substantial, well-to-do Clydesdale farmer. - -"Mr. James Guthrie! Surely his coming was not anticipated, Gavin," he -said in tones of surprise. "Was your grandfather very pressing? It is -somewhat late to leave the house to-night." - -"Yes; I believe it is something special, father, and I must away. Well, -Jeanie, have you learned to milk Mysie yet?" he added, teasingly, to the -quiet-faced little maiden, who was being initiated into all the -household ways. - -"Yes, I can milk her fine, Gavin, all but the strippings!" she answered, -proudly. "Are you going away already?" - -At that moment Mrs. Gray, having heard Gavin's voice upstairs, entered -the room. She was a comely, pleasant-faced woman, with shrewd, grey -eyes, in which shone a kindly, and at times very humorous gleam. She -looked very young to be the mother of her tall son, for her figure was -well preserved, and even graceful, her cheeks red and bonnie, as they -had been in her girlhood. She appeared much pleased to hear of the -invitation to the manse, and at once said they could go, for Sandy and -Nannie were asleep, and Margaret, the more responsible of the two maids, -could very well see to the house in their absence. So after another -teasing word to Jeanie, a run upstairs to look at Sandy and Nannie -sleeping in their beds, Gavin mounted Donald again, and turned his head -into the field-path which led straight to Rowallan. - -If Hartrigge was noted for its simplicity and absence of all outer -adornments, Rowallan was renowned for the exquisite beauty of its -natural situation and surroundings, as well as for the taste with which -the little garden was laid out and kept. - -Hartrigge stood upon a somewhat bleak and barren hill. Rowallan was -sheltered in a cosy hollow, protected on every side from every wind that -blew. It also formed a part of the lands of Inverburn, but was -considerably smaller in extent than its neighbour. - -And yet it had sufficed as a dwelling-place and livelihood for the -Hepburns for generations. There had been an Adam Hepburn in Rowallan as -far back as the country folk could remember or tell, and an Adam Hepburn -of Rowallan had left his ploughshare at the call of patriotism, and had -met his death on the fateful field of Flodden; an Adam Hepburn had -signed the Covenant at Edinburgh, three-and-twenty years before, and -though he was now gathered to his fathers, there was an Adam Hepburn in -Rowallan still. True friends and generous foes the Hepburns had ever -been, faithful to their plighted word, scorning the very name of -meanness or dishonour. A wild, passionate impetuous temper was the -family failing, and yet for deeds done, or words spoken in the heat of -anger, they were ever ready to make amends. Although Adam Hepburn was -married to Agnes Gray, her brother Andrew, at Hartrigge, had never taken -kindly to him. Both were good men, and yet there was a strange antipathy -between them, and it was better that they should not meet often. There -was nothing of rigid solemn austerity about Adam Hepburn, and he often -indulged in good-humoured banter against his brother-in-law's solemnity; -yet none could have a truer reverence for things divine than Adam -Hepburn. Under the gay exterior there was a deeper, more earnest -current of feeling, which kept him in the paths of righteousness and -peace. Both Uncle Adam and Aunt Agnes were almost worshipped by the -young folk at Hartrigge, and also by the little Hepburns, the children -of Adam's brother, who was a well-to-do merchant in the town of Lanark. -Even manse Donald himself seemed to know and love the way to Rowallan, -for he fairly capered and whinnied with delight when he came in sight of -the cosy homestead at the foot of its sheltering hill. It was indeed a -sweet spot. The house was whitewashed, and built in a low, rambling -style, with many a quaint gable and window, about which crept green and -lovely creepers, as well as time-honoured honeysuckle and wild-rose. A -little lawn in front sloped down to a broad swift-running stream, which -had its being in the hill to the east of the house, and which danced -merrily over its pebbly bed on its way to join the noble Clyde. In the -stillness of the April evening its bosom was broken by many a circling -eddy, where the lusty trout leaped up to catch the buzzing insects which -hummed in the drowsy air. - -Catching sight of his aunt standing in the doorway, Gavin waved his cap, -a salutation to which she replied by fluttering her white handkerchief -in the breeze. And as if in response to a word from her, her husband -joined her outside, and they came slowly along the path to meet the -messenger. They were a goodly pair. Adam Hepburn stood six feet in his -stockings, and his tall figure was well-built and splendidly -proportioned, while his fine head, with its clustering, chestnut curls, -was set firmly on his shoulders, giving the idea of strength and -resolution as well as manly beauty. His face was sunny, open, and -honest as the day; his keen, blue eye, with its humorous gleam, his firm -yet tender mouth, redeemed the face from any harshness which the -strongly-marked features might otherwise have given. His wife had -fulfilled all the gentle promise of her girlhood. She was a sweet, shy, -shrinking woman, such as makes the sunshine of home for one, but who is -lost sight of in the busier ways of life. She was like the gentle -lily-of-the-vale, breathing forth in her quiet life an unseen but -exquisite perfume, which shed its influence on all around it. Of her -husband's strong, deep, yearning love for her I cannot write; it was the -passion of his life, and she was indeed the very desire of his heart and -the apple of his eye. And she loved him, if less demonstratively, as -truly and tenderly as such women do. - -"Hullo, youngster, how have you and Donald managed to escape from the -manse so late?" queried Uncle Adam when the pony and its rider were -within a hundred yards or so of them, while Aunt Agnes gently hoped that -he brought no bad news. Gavin delivered his message, which seemed to be -very acceptable to both, and they signified their willingness and -pleasure to prepare themselves against the arriving of the conveyance -from Hartrigge. Then he turned Donald's head once more, and trotted -rapidly back to the manse. About eight of the clock the conveyance -arrived also, and all the minister's family with the exception of David, -whose absence all deplored, were gathered under his roof-tree. Mr. -Guthrie had not yet seen the husband whom Agnes Gray had married, and he -was greatly taken with his pleasant manner and fine open face. Of the -daughters of the manse the younger had ever been his favourite, because -she reminded him of a dear sister of his own he had lost in early life. -After the usual greetings, the talk turned upon the one absorbing topic -of interest--the Church and her affairs, together with the evil doings -of the two men, Middleton and Sharp, who held in their hands the reins -of Scottish Government, and who seemed determined to exercise their -power to the suppression of both civil and religious liberty in the -land. - -While the minister of Stirling fearlessly expressed his opinion -regarding these matters, for all under the roof-tree of the manse were -true as steel, it might have been observed with what deep and breathless -interest Andrew Gray of Hartrigge hung upon every word, and how, at some -revelation of tyranny and injustice hitherto unknown to him, he clenched -his hands, and the veins on his forehead stood out like knotted cords. -It was easy to see that when the approaching crisis came he would be -found in the hottest forefront of the battle. - -"I am of opinion, my friends, that there should be a day set apart for -the nation to humble herself before the God of nations, lest it be -through any backsliding or lukewarmness of her own that these ominous -things are happening in her midst," said the minister, thoughtfully; -"there had need to be a reviving of the covenanting spirit among us. In -these times how many are sitting at their ease in Zion, while her very -bulwarks are assailed by the sons of Belial." - -"Could you not move such a resolution at the first meeting of your -Presbytery, Mr. Guthrie, an example which I also would follow upon the -eighteenth of May in my own Presbytery of Lanark?" suggested the -minister of Inverburn. - -Mr. Guthrie remained for a few minutes silent, while his countenance -wore an expression of deep seriousness and settled conviction. - -"If I be still in the body and at liberty, brother, I will indeed act -upon your suggestion," he said at length. - -"Why, Mr. Guthrie, do you fear that you may be laid hands on?" quoth -Adam Hepburn, impetuously. "Surely the ill men in power would never -venture upon sic an offence." - -"There is no offence too heinous to be committed by those who sell their -souls to Satan, young man," said the minister, mildly. "Will you bring -the Book, Miss Jane, and we will comfort ourselves for a little season -with the precious Word of His grace. It may be the last time we will -have so sweet a privilege together." - -Nothing loth, Jane Gray lifted the Book from its honoured place and laid -it before the minister of Stirling. He read an appropriate portion of -Scripture, and commented thereon in his own eloquent and persuasive -style. Then the minister of Inverburn led the devotions of the little -gathering, and so devout and impressive were these exercises that all -felt that Jesus was indeed Himself in their midst. The memory of that -night remained very sweet and precious in their hearts when Mr. -Guthrie's prediction was fulfilled, and there were few opportunities for -Christian fellowship permitted to God's people. When they parted for -the night Mr. Guthrie bade them all a solemn farewell, knowing in his -inmost heart that they should meet no more on earth. - - - - - *CHAPTER V.* - - *THE FIRST MARTYRS.* - - -As several weeks passed, and Mr. Guthrie was still left to peaceable -ministrations in his church and parish, his friends at Inverburn began -to hope that his direful prophesies regarding his own fate might, after -all, prove themselves to be but vain imaginings. The most noble Marquis -of Argyll repaired to London according to arrangements, in response to -the urgent solicitations of the king that he should present himself at -Court, and for a space nothing was heard of him. - -In the month of August a number of the ministers met in Edinburgh, by -special appointment, for the purpose of drawing up a petition to the -king. The Reverend Mr. Gray of Inverburn had hoped and expected to be -present at that gathering, but was prevented by a severe chill caught -after a long walk in the heat of the day. As it afterwards turned out, -it appeared as if the Lord had specially preserved him in safety at -home, for no sooner was the conference gathered together in Edinburgh -than they were all apprehended, with the exception of one who very -miraculously escaped. They were first imprisoned in the Castle of -Edinburgh, but Mr. Guthrie was afterwards removed to Stirling Castle, as -if to be taunted with his confinement in the place where he had long -exercised so much liberty both of person and conscience. And so -desolation and mourning fell upon the people of Stirling because of the -strange and grievous affliction which had befallen their minister. - -A very bountiful harvest blessed Scotland that year; nevertheless it was -ingathered with a strange foreboding that ere long the dark cloud of -want and misery would overshadow the now plentiful and peaceful land. - -One evening early in the bleak month of December, when the minister of -Inverburn was returning from visiting a sick parishioner, a shepherd -among the hills beyond Rowallan, he met the laird riding between the -manse gate and the entrance to Inverburn. Sir Thomas Hamilton was a -fine, handsome-looking man, but, owing to his haughty and overbearing -manner and his well-known leanings towards the side of Prelacy, he was -not greatly beloved in the parish. The minister gravely and courteously -saluted him, but, somewhat to his surprise, the laird drew rein, with -the intention of speaking to him. - -"Good evening, Mr. Gray. I have been to the manse seeking you," he said -in his quick, imperious way. "Having missed you there, I am fortunate -in meeting you. You were preaching in your own kirk on the Sabbath Day, -I am told?" - -"I was, Sir Thomas," answered the minister, in tones of mild surprise. - -"And they tell me you preached a very disloyal discourse, calculated to -stir up strife against the king and his honourable counsellors and -representatives in Scotland," said the laird, with a peculiar smile. - -"Nay, Sir Thomas; whoever carried such a tale to you grievously and -wilfully misrepresented me," said the minister, quietly. "I said that -these were woeful and troublous times for the Kirk and country, when -such good men as James Guthrie of Stirling were imprisoned for -fearlessly advocating the principles of civil and religious liberty, and -protesting against the many strange and heathenish innovations which the -king, through his representatives, is seeking to force into the worship -of the Kirk of Scotland." - -"Heathenish! By the powers, Andrew Gray, have a care, and keep a better -bridle on thy prating tongue, or it will get thee into mischief yet," -said the laird, rudely. "The time is coming when a man may get his -mouth closed for less." - -"Nay, it now is," said the minister, mournfully. "Truly, I know not -whither this poor country is drifting nor what will become of her -Church, unless the God of the Covenant stretch out to her a helping -hand." - -"See here, Andrew Gray," said the laird, leaning down from his saddle -and speaking in very significant tones; "you are a prating old fool. -Let me advise you, for your own safety and that of your household, to -take a leaf out of the book of your neighbour, the minister of Lochlee. -He is a wise man, now, who can seal his lips and obey the reasonable -desires of the king, without making so much ado." - -"You speak truly, Sir Thomas. John Methven is indeed a wise man for -this present life, but woe is me for the lustre of his crown in glory. -I fear me the fear of man is much more before his mind than the fear of -God." - -"But tell me, Andrew Gray," said the laird, impatiently, "what harm can -there be in using the new prayer book in the service of the Church? It -is a very holy and good book, and there is nothing in it even to offend -the most fastidious taste." - -"It savours too strongly of the popish breviary, Sir Thomas, besides -being the thin end of the wedge which will drive the pure worship of God -from every Scottish pulpit. As such I humbly pray it may be as -resolutely kept without the church doors as it has been hitherto," -returned the minister, fearlessly. - -"I tell you, Andrew Gray, it is useless to resist the will of the king, -who has might as well as right upon his side. And think you that when -such men as Archibald of Argyll are not reckoned too high in influence -and station to be punished for treason, that the king will regard with -leniency lesser lights like you?" - -The minister started. - -"Then the spirit of prophecy which was vouchsafed to James Guthrie has -had its double fulfilment and His Grace is a fellow-captive with his -ministerial brethren?" he said sadly. - -"Even so," replied the laird. "I have had intelligence from London that -Argyll is confined in the Tower, awaiting trial for treason. I tell you -this in confidence, to warn you, Andrew Gray, for, obstinate though you -be, I have no desire to see any harm befall your grey hairs. And take -my word for it, Episcopacy must sooner or later be established in -Scotland, and it is simple madness to attempt to swim against the tide." - -With these significant words the Laird of Inverburn gave his horse the -rein, and rode rapidly away, leaving the minister to pursue his solitary -way in sad meditation over the difficulties and dangers daily thickening -round the path of God's people. - -Turning a bend in the road, he beheld in the distance the figure of his -son David, the minister of Broomhill, advancing to meet him. He was not -surprised, having been duly apprised of his intention to come with his -wife and child that day to spend a brief season at the manse. David -Gray was now a tall and fine-looking man, although his figure was very -slim and slenderly built, and his face wore that thoughtful and even -careworn aspect common to the scholar and the earnest minister of the -Gospel. Although only in his thirty-fifth year, his black locks were -already tinged with grey, and there were not a few wrinkles on his high -and thoughtful brow. - -A warm greeting passed between father and son, mutual inquiries for each -other's health and welfare, and then both plunged into the subject which -was occupying the minds of all thinking people at that time. They -walked slowly on to the manse, engaged in earnest discussion, and were -so deeply absorbed that they stood outside the door, heedless of the -chill and biting evening air, until Jane Gray, hearing voices, came and -peremptorily ordered them in. - -In the family room David Gray's wife was sitting by the hearth with her -baby on her knee. She was a fair-faced, flaxen-haired young woman, -without much depth of character or soundness of understanding. She was -the only daughter of a little laird, in the parish of Broomhill, and had -been brought up to think of little except her own pretty face. She was -not in any way fitted to be the wife of a minister, especially of such a -one as David Gray, and many had marvelled at his choice. The Grays had -not much approved his marriage with her, but seeing his heart was set -upon the maiden, they had kept their thoughts to themselves, and hoped -that under his influence Lilian Burnet would become a better woman. - -"And how is it with thee, my daughter?" queried the minister of -Inverburn in his fatherly manner, and at the same time laying his hand -in blessing on the fair head of the child sleeping on her knee. - -"Oh I am very well, grandfather," she answered, flippantly; "and glad to -come here for a change. David has harped so long about coming to the -manse of Inverburn. I wanted to go home to my father's house at -Haughhead and let him come alone, but he would not listen to me." - -The minister readily guessed the cause of his son's desire to separate -his wife as much as possible from the influence of her own kinsfolk. -Although they followed an outward form of Presbyterianism they were at -heart attached to Episcopacy, solely because it was the form of religion -most favoured then by royalty and great folk, for whom the needy Burnets -had a great admiration. In the presence of Mrs. David Gray there was -not much said anent the affairs of the Church; but as there were many -other matters relating to family and social life interesting to them, -the conversation did not flag. Also, later in the evening, Adam Hepburn -and his wife walked over from Rowallan and joined the family circle at -the manse. And so the night sped on swift and pleasant wings. - -Next day Betty McBean's brother, a carrier by trade, and who had been at -Edinburgh on some errands for various people in the parish, brought word -to the manse that the Marquis of Argyll had been brought a close -prisoner by sea from London to Leith, and was confined in Edinburgh -Castle. So the laird's statement, which Mr. Gray had partly -disbelieved, was true after all. It was with deep anxiety that Mr. -Gray, in common with all other God-fearing people throughout Scotland, -awaited the results which must follow upon these significant -proceedings. - -On the 13th of February the Marquis of Argyll was arraigned before the -bar of the Parliament in Edinburgh, charged with high treason. The -evidence against him was of a very slender character, and was chiefly -made up of a number of vile and baseless slanders gathered together for -his condemnation. Upon the 20th of the same month the Reverend James -Guthrie was put upon his trial, charged with a similar offence. But the -real cause of offence against these two great and good men was that they -were the two most influential Protestants in Scotland, and must -therefore be removed out of the way. - -Therefore both, after a mockery of a trial, were put on their defence, -which not being satisfactory to their base accusers and unjust and -perjured judges, they were both condemned to die, Argyll on the 28th of -May, and Mr. Guthrie on the 1st of June. When the grievous news was -brought to Inverburn, Mr. Gray at once rose and prepared himself for a -journey to Edinburgh, in order to be present with his beloved friend -during the last days of his life, to comfort him with the sweet counsel -of brotherly and Christian sympathy. Jane Gray saw her aged father -depart with some forebodings of mind, and was indeed moved to tears, as -she bade him God-speed and farewell. - -"Weep not for me, my daughter," said the minister, sadly, "but rather -for our harassed and persecuted land. Know, Jane, that except it be of -the Lord's good pleasure, wicked men shall not lay a hand upon me. And -if his friends desert him in his hour of need, the soul of the Lord's -servant may sink within him in his extremity." - -Owing to his age and somewhat infirm health, the minister of Inverburn -found it impossible to make the journey in one day, and had therefore to -rest by the way at the house of a friend, about fifteen miles west from -Edinburgh. And on the following morning he rode with speed into -Edinburgh, arriving about noon at the house of his brother-in-law, in -the Grass-market. His sister Jane was now dead, but her one child, grown -to womanhood, ministered with kind heart and capable hands to her -father's wants. The minister was warmly greeted by Ailie Kilgour and -her father and made heartily welcome under their roof-tree. As was to -be expected, the merchant was able to furnish his brother-in-law with -all the particulars of the two trials, which had occasioned such -excitement and sorrowful indignation in the city. He also assured him -that he would have no difficulty in obtaining access to Mr. Guthrie, -because he had been allowed to enjoy the fellowship of several friends, -as well as some of his kinsfolk from Guthrie. So, before the day was -spent, Mr. Gray betook himself to the tolbooth, or gaol, and was without -ado admitted to the presence of his condemned friend. As was natural, -the minister of Inverburn expected to find him somewhat cast down, for -he was not yet stricken in years, and had many sweet ties to bind him to -life; but he was agreeably surprised to find him not only composed and -cheerful, but encompassed with a holy joy, a blessed and wondrous -serenity, which seemed to have been specially vouchsafed to him from -above. - -"Ah, friend Gray," he said, as he affectionately embraced him, "hast -thou come to see how our God can uphold His servants in the very -swelling of Jordan? Wicked men can lay hands on and torment this poor -body indeed, for which I am not ungrateful, since they will do me a good -turn by giving me a quicker introduction to my Father's house, where are -many mansions." - -In that state of mind Mr. Guthrie continued up to his execution. Nor -was the Marquis of Argyll less wonderfully upheld in his extremity. He -died upon the Monday with triumphant courage, and it seemed as if the -Lord's arm were veritably around him. - -On the Friday following Mr. Guthrie followed his illustrious -fellow-sufferer into glory. The minister of Inverburn was among those -who accompanied him to the scaffold, and who witnessed (not without a -passing feeling of envy, that he had reached the end of his troubles) -the holy and triumphant joy with which he met the King of Terrors. - -His last words, "The Covenants will yet be Scotland's reviving," were -destined to be gloriously fulfilled, but not until the blood of the -saints, of which his was but the earnest, was made to run like water on -the ground. - - - - - *CHAPTER VI.* - - *A THORN IN THE FLESH.* - - -On a dreary October afternoon in the year 1662, David Gray, the minister -of Broomhill, was sitting in the study in his own manse, with his arms -leaning on the table, and his face wearing an expression of deep -perplexity and care. - -That very day had been published the proclamation drawn up by the Privy -Council in Glasgow, commanding the ministers to own the power of the -newly-appointed bishops, and to accept anew presentations of their -livings at the hands of the prelates within four weeks, on pain of being -immediately, with their families, ejected from their manses, livings, -and parishes, beyond even the very bounds of their Presbyteries. - -In a sore strait was the minister of Broomhill that day. In his own -mind there was not the slightest hesitation as to the course to be -pursued; he had already refused to own the power of the Bishop of -Glasgow, in whose diocese was the parish of Broomhill. The trouble lay -not with his own conscience; it was connected with his wife and her -kinsfolk, who had already made his life miserable with their reproaches -concerning what they termed his obstinacy and bigoted Presbyterianism. -She was not yet aware of this new proclamation, and the minister -bethought himself that he might try to enlist her sympathies on his side -before she was influenced by her friends at Haughhead. Accordingly he -rose from his chair, and went to the living-room in search of his wife. -Hearing his foot in the passage, his little daughter, now able to run -alone, came toddling to meet him, and stooping, the father raised her in -his arms and passionately clasped her to his heart. Her little arms met -fondly round his neck, her rosy cheek was pressed lovingly to his; the -grave disturbed look on her father's face could not awe or frighten the -little one, for he was her father still. That sweet caress did the -heart of the minister good, and he entered the inner room with a lighter -step than that with which he had left his study. Another child, a -little son, just three months old, lay in the wooden cradle which the -young mother was gently rocking with her foot, while over her sewing she -crooned a lullaby to hush the babe to rest. She looked up at her -husband's entrance, and slightly smiled in recognition. - -"Is the child asleep? can we talk here, Lilian?" he asked in a whisper. - -"Yes, he is very sound now, and will not awake for an hour," she -answered. "What is it you have to say?" - -For answer he drew from an inner pocket a copy of the proclamation and -handed it for her perusal. She carelessly glanced it over and laid it -aside, while a peculiar little smile touched her red lips. - -"I am not surprised; my father has always said the Government would -resort to more extreme measures. Well, would it not have been better to -have owned the bishop's sway of your free will, without being hunted and -compelled to do it like this?" she asked. - -The tone of her voice as well as her words went to her husband's heart -like a knife. He wearily passed his hand across his brow, and offered -up a silent prayer for guidance and strength to stand firm in the -struggle he knew was at hand. - -"When I refused to own the bishop of my own free will, as you say, -Lilian, do you think it a likely thing that such an edict, compiled by a -few drunken and infamous men, will compel me to it? Middleton and his -underlings have mistaken the men with whom they have to deal," he said, -quietly, yet with unmistakable firmness. - -His wife lifted her light blue eyes to his face, with a look of -incredulous wonder on her own. - -"Do you really mean that you would sooner bear the penalty than obey, -David Gray?" she asked. - -"The penalty I would bear gladly if it did not involve breaking up our -home. I doubt not the Lord will guide my feet in the right way. If He -shows me that it is my duty to endure hardship for His sake, will my -wife not willingly endure with me? On such a vital question, Lilian, we -cannot, dare not be divided!" said the minister, hoarsely. - -Lilian Gray shrugged her slender shoulders, and an expression of scorn -somewhat marred the childish beauty of her face. - -"None but a madman, David, would give up a comfortable manse and a good -stipend for such a small thing; but doubtless though your folly should -render your wife and children homeless, it would not greatly exercise -your spirit. But I am glad to think that my father's house will not be -closed against me," she said, pettishly, and turned her face away from -her husband. - -The minister groaned in the anguish of his spirit for his -shallow-hearted wife tried him to the utmost limit of endurance. Before -he had time to frame an answer to her most unfeeling speech, there came -a loud knocking to the outer door, and presently he heard the voice of -his father-in-law, Gilbert Burnet of Haughhead, enquiring whether he was -within. So he turned upon his heel, and, quitting the room, met his -father-in-law in the hall. Opening the study door, he motioned him to -enter therein, for he saw well enough that it was the proclamation which -had brought him to the manse. Burnet of Haughhead was a little burly -man, of very self-important and consequential demeanour, for, in truth, -he thought himself of no mean importance in the parish, and considered -that he had greatly honoured the minister of Broomhill in giving him his -daughter to wife. - -"I see by your face, son-in-law, that you have already received -notification of the august decree concerning the bishops and the -ministers," he said, in a facetious voice. "Ha! ha! they are to be -dealt with like refractory schoolboys now--mastered or expelled." - -David Gray turned his head away with a swift gesture, for he was tempted -to speak somewhat unbecomingly to the father of his wife. Such jesting -and mocking allusion to such a serious matter were more than painful to -him; nay, he could scarcely endure it in patience. - -"Would it not have been a much more satisfactory state of things had you -quietly acquiesced in the desires of the king, without having to be -brought under this humiliating ban?" said Haughhead presently. "You are -still a young man, and ought to have been guided by the counsels of your -elders." - -"Mr. Burnet, do you think that, though still a young man, I have neither -opinions nor conscience of my own?" enquired David Gray, hotly, for his -quick temper was touched by the manner and words addressed to him. - -"A conscience is a very good thing within certain bounds, young man," -said Gilbert Burnet, drily. "I suppose now you will be halting still -betwixt two alternatives. Perhaps the wording of the Act is not yet -plain enough for your understanding." - -"Sir, I know not why you should address such insulting and extraordinary -remarks to me. I fear I must have fallen far short of my profession as -a minister of the Gospel that you should entertain for me so small a -measure of respect," said the minister of Broomhill, with quiet but -rebuking dignity. "I am halting betwixt no two alternatives. As I have -hitherto refused to acknowledge the bishop as the head of the Church, so -I refuse still, at any cost. Come what may, I humbly pray that I may be -accounted worthy to suffer for Him who is the true and only head of the -Church on earth." - -A flush of anger overspread the face of Gilbert Burnet. - -"So, sir, it was for this I gave my daughter to you," he said slowly. -"Know this, if you still persist in your mad and bigoted resolve, I will -remove her and her children to my own house of Haughhead, and you will -see them no more." - -"You have no power to do that, sir, except Lilian go with you of her own -free will," said the minister, quietly. "I cannot think that she would -consent to be entirely separated from me." - -"We will see, we will see," fumed the irate Laird of Haughhead. "I will -away home, and see what her mother says to it; no, I'll not wait to see -Lilian, so good day to you, David Gray." - -So saying, the Laird abruptly quitted the manse, and rode away in anger -to his own house of Haughhead. In his deep perplexity and sadness, the -heart of the minister turned with a strange, deep yearning to his own -kinsfolk at the manse of Inverburn. So, as the day was not yet far -spent, he saddled his sturdy cob, and rode away by the wild hill paths, -in the bleak December weather, to his father's house. The way he took -was much shorter than the public high road, the distance not exceeding -five miles, so that he came within sight of the roofs of Inverburn -before darkness fell. He carefully guided his steed down a very steep -mountain path, and from the valley into which he descended he had a good -view of his brother Andrew's house of Hartrigge on the summit of the -opposite height. He could either continue his course along the valley, -which would bring him by a somewhat roundabout way to the village, or -climb the hill to Hartrigge, and thence reach the high road, a little to -the south of the entrance to Inverburn. He bethought him that he might -as well look in at Hartrigge, and enquire for the welfare of its -inmates; therefore he urged his horse to make the steep ascent, and in a -short space of time the animal's hoofs made a clatter on the path -outside the house, and brought Andrew Gray to the door. - -"David, is that indeed you in person?" he exclaimed in surprise, and -hastened to relieve him of his bridle rein. "No ill news, I hope, -brings you so far from home this bleak night." - -"No worse news than has come to many another household this day, -Andrew," replied the minister, with a sigh. "I am on my way to the -manse, so you need not stable Charlie. He will stand quiet enough if he -hears my voice, or if you could send one of your lads to hold him till I -step in and ask for Susan and the bairns, that will suffice." - -"Gavin is in the house; he has been biding with us these three days; go -in and send him out," said Andrew Gray. But there was no need, for -presently the lad Gavin appeared in person at the door, looking -surprised and pleased to see his uncle. - -"Well, Gavin, lad?" said the minister, kindly, and after shaking him by -the hand passed into the house. Mrs Gray rose from her spinning-wheel to -greet her brother-in-law, her comely face smiling her hearty welcome. -"Come away in, David," she said in her own cheery fashion. "Hoo's a' -wi' ye? Is Lily and the bairns well?" - -"All well, thank you, Susan," said the minister, bending to pat, first -Sandy's woolly head, and then wee Nannie's sunny curls; and he had a -kind word too for douce Jeanie, who was sitting demurely by the -spinning-wheel. It was a picture of quiet family happiness and -contentment, soon, alas! to be looked for in vain throughout the length -and breadth of bonnie Scotland. - -"Doubtless you have heard concerning the new proclamation?" said the -minister, turning enquiringly to his brother, who had followed him into -the room. - -Hartrigge nodded, and a gleam shot through his fearless eye, telling -that it had roused and stirred his innermost being. - -"Have you seen our father to-day?" - -"Yes, and I was amazed at his serenity. Jane feels it worse than him, -and Betty McBean is the worst of them all. When I was in she was -audibly wishing she had her hands about Middleton's neck, and her mouth -at Sharp's ear. I'll warrant she wouldna spare them," said Andrew Gray, -with a grim smile. - -"Eh, man, David, they's awful times for folk tae live in," said Aunt -Susan, in a kind of wail. "I declare it makes a body lie doon i' their -bed at nicht wi' fear an' tremblin', no kenin' what strange and waefu' -thing may happen afore the daw'in'." - -"You speak truly, Susan, and I fear the worse is not yet," said the -minister, gravely. "My father, then, has quite made up his mind -concerning his course of action?" he added to his brother. - -"Of course; there is but one way open to every single-hearted servant of -God," said Andrew Gray with heaving chest and flashing eye. "I would -the day were here, and it is surely coming, when the people of Scotland, -roused to a sense of their own wrongs will take arms in defence of their -liberties." - -"Wheesht, Andrew! Wheesht, wheesht!" said his wife, looking round in -terror, as if expecting her husband would be laid hands on then and -there for such rebellious words. "Dinna speak that way. We maun bear -afore we fecht. Peace is better than war." - -"Spoken like a woman, Susan," said her husband, with his grim smile. -"But there is peace which means degradation and dishonour, as well as -war, which is honourable and richt. Must you go already, David? I -wouldna mind yoking the beast and following ye to the manse." - -"Let me go too, father," called out Gavin's shrill eager tones from the -doorstep, where he had been a breathless listener to what was passing. -The lad, young as he was, had as deep and heartfelt an interest in -public affairs as his elders, and he was as intelligent in his interest -as any of them all. - -His father did not say him nay, but directly the minister rode away, -sent him to get out their own horse and cart. - -Betty McBean answered the minister's knock at the manse door, and at -sight of the younger son of the manse, threw up her hands and burst into -a loud wail. - -"Eh, Maister Dauvit, man, come awa'! It's a waefu' hoose ye're comin' -intil the nicht; it'll be the last time ye'll cross in safety the -doorstane o' the manse," she exclaimed, incoherently. "Eh, sir, they -bluidy and perjured monsters wha hae sold themsels tae Sautan for the -persecution o' the servants o' the Maist High. Tae think they wad tak' -the very rooftree frae above focks' heids, the very flure frae under -their feet, and cast them oot intae the howlin' wilderness, because -they'll no----" - -The old woman's incoherent ramblings were here interrupted by Jane Gray, -who, hearing the great commotion of Betty's shrill tongue, came out to -see what was the matter, and at sight of her brother, her tears also -flowed afresh. Her face was pale and anxious-looking, her eyes already -red with weeping. The minister of Broomhill held her hand long in his -fervent grip, and said tremblingly, - -"God go with and comfort you, my sister, as He had need to comfort us -all in this desolation." - -Then the twain entered the study where their father sat, and at sight of -that aged face, so peaceful and benignant in its expression, David Gray -felt rebuked and ashamed. - -"David, my son, my heart was much with you. You are very welcome to your -father's house this night," said the old man, in significant tones. - -For a moment David Gray was unable to speak, but sat him down by the -hearthstone in utter silence. It was broken at last by the reverent -tones of his father's voice. - -"If we must go forth from our heritage, David, it is the Lord's will. -Let us see to it that, instead of vain grumbling and looking back, we -examine ourselves, and be glad that we are accounted worthy. They may -take from us our earthly habitations, but, blessed be His name, they -cannot rob us of that Heavenly City, whose builder and whose maker is -God. How has the proclamation been received in the parish of -Broomhill?" - -For answer David Gray gladly poured forth into his father's sympathising -ears the substance of his father-in-law's remarks, as well as the -disposition of his wife's mind respecting the alternatives offered in -the Act. - -"Verily, she is a thorn in the flesh, and Gilbert Burnet of Haughhead -showed his little discretion when he so harrowed up your soul, my son," -said the old man, with sorrowful indignation. "But be of good courage. -With God all things are possible, and your backsliding wife may yet be -the brightest jewel in your crown. My son, I hope the arguments brought -to bear upon you will not turn your heart away from the Covenant which, -in boyish and trembling handwriting, you attested in the kirkyard of the -Greyfriars," he added, with anxious solicitude. - -David Gray flung up his head, while his eyes beamed with a new and -unmistakable resolve. - -"Nay, father; not so lightly have your precepts and example taken hold -upon my heart. My wife and children are as dear to me as they are to -most men, but the God of the Covenant is dearer still. Therefore, -whatever may befall me or mine, I am in the Lord's hands, only desirous -that I be accounted worthy to suffer for His sake." - -"God grant that the like spirit may be abroad throughout the Lord's -Zion, stimulating her ministers to the glory of self-sacrifice rather -than to dwell at ease at the expense of conscience," said the minister, -in tones of lively satisfaction. "Fear not, my son; the God of Hosts -will not desert His covenanted people in their hour of need. Therefore, -I say, be of good cheer." - - - - - *CHAPTER VII.* - - *A LONG FAREWELL.* - - -A special meeting of the Presbytery was convened at Lanark during the -following week to consider what action the ministers were to take -individually and collectively. It was a mere form, because they were -unanimous in their resolution to leave all for conscience sake. In the -entire Presbytery there was only one exception to be found, viz., John -Methven, the minister of Lochlee. He absented himself from the -conference of his brethren, an action which, coupled with his attitude -in the past, indicated that it was his intention to retain his living at -the Government price. The ejected ministers had three weeks wherein to -prepare for the sad change in their circumstances and position. Many -were at their wits' end, for, as the Act forbade that they should reside -within the bounds of their presbyteries, whither could they turn for -assistance or shelter? For themselves they felt it not, but what would -become of the wives and little ones rendered homeless and destitute in -the very outset of a bleak Scottish winter? - -Grey, calm, and still broke that November Sabbath morning, the last upon -which the ministers were to break the Bread of Life to the people of -their choice over the length and breadth of Scotland. In the vale of -Inverburn the dawn was preceded by a thick, heavy mist, which hung low -over hill and moorland, giving a very dreary aspect to the already too -wintry face of Nature. But long before the hour of service it had -cleared away, revealing a peaceful, grey sky, relieved by flecks of -brightness in the east. Not a breath of air was stirring; a silence as -of the grave seemed to brood over the land. Very early the worshippers -began to repair to the house of God. They came from far and near that -day; the shepherd from his lonely shieling in the mountain solitude, as -well as the dweller in the village, was each found in his accustomed -place. Long before the bell began to toll, the churchyard had its -groups of earnest, sad-faced worshippers discussing in low and fearful -tones the evil days which had come upon the land. Very many were too -much overcome to be able to speak, for the thought that this was the -last Sabbath Day upon which they would hear the voice of their shepherd -in his accustomed place was more than they could bear. - -Watty McBean, the carrier, and brother to Betty, the manse maid, was -bell-ringer and minister's man in the parish. He tolled the bell that -day in a slow, solemn, and painful manner, the echo of each stroke being -suffered to die away ere it was drowned by another. It was the "burial" -bell Watty tolled that day, and surely nothing could be more fitting or -more in unison with the feelings of all who heard it. - -At the usual hour Mr. Gray entered the church, but it seemed to those -who so mournfully and affectionately watched him ascend the pulpit -stair, that never had their minister looked so feeble and aged; never -had his face seemed so worn and ill. As his sunken eye roamed over the -sea of faces gathered round him, his tears suddenly overflowed, and -departing from the usual routine of service, he folded his trembling -hands, and said in broken and feeble tones, "Let us pray!" - -In the manse pew sat Jane Gray, who never since entering the church had -once uplifted her face from her hands, and by her side her nephew Gavin, -whose young face wore an expression of manly resolution, upon which many -remarked. - -Adam Hepburn and his wile were also in their places, and there was none -absent from the Hartrigge pew, at the head whereof sat Andrew Gray, -erect and calm, with his arms folded across his breast, and a hard, -stern expression on his face. And although his father's prayer caused -many a bursting sob to echo through the church, he sat unmoved, save -when his lips convulsively twitched, telling of a storm of passion held -in curb. The psalm was the eighty-fourth, the tune Dundee's "wild -wailing measure," fitting words, fitting music to express the tumultuous -throbbings of the people's heart. The minister then read the -seventeenth chapter of John, slowly and with tremulous distinctness, and -without remark or comment of any kind. Next they sang again a portion -of the ninety-fourth psalm, then the minister gave out his text. - -"All these are the beginning of many sorrows." - -That sermon was never forgotten by any who heard it. It seemed as if -the aged servant of God had risen above the frailty and feebleness of -age, for as he proceeded his clear bell-like voice rang through the -building with all the eloquence which had made such a stir among the dry -bones in the earlier days of his ministry among them. He spoke -passionately and prophetically of the sea of troubles upon which the -Lord's Zion was now launched, he forewarned them that the time was at -hand when they would need to testify to their faithfulness with their -blood, yet he bade them be of good cheer, because it was through great -tribulation that the brightness of their eternal crown would be gained -in joy. - -"And now my faithful and well beloved flock, the time has come for me to -bid you farewell," he added in conclusion. "In the ordinary course of -nature I could not expect to minister to you for a much more lengthened -space. As it is, the fiat has gone forth, not from the Eternal King, -but from the poor despicable worm who sits upon an earthly throne that -you and I, beloved, shall no more worship together within this place. -Looking upon its walls to-day for the last time I know how unspeakably -dear it is to me. It is peopled with rich and hallowed memories of the -past. In this place I have baptised many of you as children, and here, -my own children, now worshipping with you, were all consecrated and -received into the Lord's Church. Beloved, from Sabbath to Sabbath these -many years I have broken the Bread of Life in your midst, and God be my -witness that I have expounded the Word to you in accordance with the -light vouchsafed to my own soul. I have also had sweet counsel with you -in your own homes, in the ordinary course of pastoral visitation, and I -call you to witness that in these visitations I have never failed to be -faithful in my personal dealings, when I saw it to be for the glory of -God, and for the good of souls. Beloved, all that has come to an end. -Next Sabbath day neither you nor I will worship within these walls. When -or how the doors will again be thrown open for public worship I cannot -say. I tremble when I think upon our now desolate Kirk of Scotland, -cast out from her heritage, and bidden make her habitation in the -wilderness. It is not for me now, and in this place, to say what will -be the reward of these sons of Belial, who have wrought this woe in our -midst. 'Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.' Brethren, -farewell. I would my tongue could utter what is in my heart this day. -It is with no common sorrow I repeat the words; Brethren, farewell." - -The minister ceased, and looked with eyes of unutterable love upon the -sobbing multitude. There was no dry eye in the assembly, save that of -Andrew Gray the younger, and his seemed to burn with a strange and lurid -fire. His hands beneath the book board were so firmly clenched together -that the nails were sunk into the flesh. In the midst of these audible -tokens of grief, the minister raised his trembling hands, and in slow, -clear, solemn tones, breathed upon them his last benediction. Then he -sank back in the pulpit, wholly overcome. - -The scene I have just described was no solitary instance; in its main -features it was being enacted that day in almost every kirk and parish -in Scotland. - -In the church of Broomhill that day David Gray also spoke his last -farewell to his flock. His was not in any respect so united a -congregation as that of Inverburn. There were many, who, for peace' -sake would have had their minister bow to Middleton's decree, and make -an outward semblance of acknowledging the bishop. David Gray entered -his church that day with a heavy heart, not because of the sacrifice he -was about to make--that occasioned him but little concern--but because -of his wife's coldness and estrangement evinced towards him since he had -announced his fixed determination to abide by the dictates of his own -conscience. Upon the plea that the younger child could not be left, she -absented herself from the church that Sabbath morning; and the minister -was not surprised to behold the Haughhead seat unoccupied likewise. He -delivered an impressive and heart-stirring discourse from the words, "He -that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me," -and when he concluded many were weeping. They crowded round him as he -came out of the vestry, shaking him by the hand and assuring him of -their continued and unaltered love, and offering assistance in every -form. It was with difficulty he escaped their loving detention, and, -making his way through the churchyard, entered his own garden by the -private door. He reproached himself that he did not feel a lively -satisfaction in the thought that he had renounced so much for -conscience' sake; he felt sore angered at himself for his miserable and -foreboding thoughts, which weighed him nigh to the very dust. As he set -foot upon the threshold of the manse, he felt oppressed by the strange -stillness of the house. On ordinary occasions, the prattle of his -children's voices was the first sound which greeted him at his own door. -As he stepped into the house, he heard a sound, like that of weeping, -proceeding from the direction of the kitchen. Somewhat alarmed, he -immediately proceeded thither, and found Ellen Carmichael, the maid, -sitting apparently in the very abandonment of grief. - -"Be quiet, Ellen Carmichael, and tell me the cause of this noise," he -said, with some sternness. "And what has become of your mistress and the -bairns?" - -A fresh burst of tears was Ellen's only answer; but at length she -managed to sob out some words which whitened her master's face to the -very lips. - -"They're awa', sir; a' awa' tae Haughheid. The laird cam' wi' the coach -jist efter the kirk was in, an' the mistress gaed awa' in't, wi' the -bairns, an' a' her claes an' the bairns' claes, an' she said she wasna' -comin' back. An' I, sir, what cud I dae but sit doon an' greet, -thinkin' on you comin' home tae this empty an' desolate hoose?" - -The minister turned about and walked with unsteady step back to the -pleasant family room, where, with his wife and little ones, he had spent -so many happy hours. It had a desolate, deserted, dreary look, and the -very fire seemed to have died in despair in the grate. He looked about -him in a dazed manner, and then sinking into a chair, these words -escaped his lips in a deep groan of anguish: - -"If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved." - -Verily that was a day of sharp and bitter searching for the minister of -Broomhill; nevertheless, ere the hushed silence of the night fell, he -had found peace in his desolate home. - - - - - *CHAPTER VIII.* - - *MR. DUNCAN MCLEAN.* - - -In the course of the ensuing week, the last of the honourable family who -had so long dwelt beneath the roof-tree of Inverburn manse, quitted its -shelter for ever. Pen fails me to describe fitly that sad farewell. It -was indeed a very rending of the heart-strings to the venerable minister -of Inverburn. In spite of the wording of the Act, that every ejected -minister should remove without the bounds of his Presbytery, Mr. Gray -and his daughter went no farther than Adam Hepburn's house at Rowallan, -where they were very warmly welcomed. So long as was permitted, they -would remain among their own kith and kin. The minister of Broomhill -found a shelter at Hartrigge, so that united and affectionate family -were not as yet separated one from the other. - -On the next Sabbath day no kirk bell rang its sweet, familiar chimes -through the quiet Sabbath air. The gates of the churchyard remained -closed, and the only sign of life about the venerable pile was the -cawing of hoarse-throated rooks, which had assembled by scores on the -leafless boughs of the "birks of Inverburn," as if met in convocation -over this strange and sad Sabbath day. Betty McBean had gone home to -her brother Watty's house in the village; and blithe enough he was to -see her, being a bachelor, with no womenkind to make a bite for him or -to clean up his house. On the Saturday word was carried through the -parish by Watty that the Word would be preached next day in the barn at -Rowallan by their beloved shepherd, and all whose soul thirsted for the -living water were invited to attend. And, lo, at the hour of meeting, -so great was the press thronging in Adam Hepburn's barn that it was -hastily decided to hold the meeting out of doors. So a kitchen table -with a settle behind it was erected as a pulpit in the corn-yard, and -from this the minister of Inverburn preached to his flock. Something in -the unusual nature of the proceedings seemed to stir all hearts and to -imbue them with a holy enthusiasm. Never had the psalm been sung with -such deep fervour; never had the attitude of the hearers been so rapt -and reverential. There was something in the knowledge that it was -against the law that they assembled together which lent a strange, -sweet, yet fearful joy to their relish of that Sabbath day. Hartrigge, -with all his family, was there, and the minister of Broomhill also took -part in the service. When they separated, just before the twilight, all -felt that it had indeed been good for them to be there; and they said -one to another, that so long as they could get the Word by walking to -Rowallan for it, the king's decree might not prove such a hardship as -had been anticipated. But, alas for their vain hopes, their happy -congratulations! the day was near at hand when listening to, as well as -preaching, the Word was to become a crime worthy of death itself. - -The Laird of Inverburn, with Lady Hamilton and the young heir, had -driven in their coach that day to Lochlee, to hear John Methven preach. -On their way home they passed so many dressed people on the roads, -especially as they neared Inverburn, that a suspicion of the truth began -to dawn upon the mind of the laird. - -Just outside their lodge gates they overtook Watty McBean and his sister -Betty, leisurely wending their way homewards. At a word from the laird -the coachman pulled up his horses. - -"Here, McBean," said the laird, in his peremptory fashion, "tell me why -there are so many people on the road at this hour. They look to me as -if they had been at kirk somewhere, though very sure am I that none of -them worshipped with me to-day at Lochlee." - -"Did they no', Sir Thomas? but how should I ken whaur a' the folk hae -been wanderin' tae?" asked Watty, innocently. "Mebbe they've been awa' -seein' their freens or takin' a bit walk tae theirsels, like Betty an' -me." - -Very red grew the face of Betty McBean, as she heard her brother utter -this deliberate falsehood, and she tugged vehemently at her cap strings, -to give some vent to her feelings. - -"I believe you are telling me a lie, sirrah!" said the laird, -wrathfully, "and if you are it will be the worse for you. Here, you -woman, you were the manse maid, I think," he added, directing his -remarks to Betty. "Can you tell me whether it be true that your -minister is still in the parish, in fact that he is under the roof-tree -of Adam Hepburn, at Rowallan?" - -"Oh, Sir Tammas, my lord, dinna mak me tell a lee," said Betty -piteously; "ye wudna hae me get my auld maister into trouble. He----" - -"Betty, if ye dinna haud yer tongue, and come on, it'll be the waur for -ye," shouted Watty in her ear, and taking her by the arm, dragged her -right away from the coach, and past the gate of Inverburn, without so -much as making an apology to the laird. - -Sir Thomas looked angry, but his wife sank back, laughing, in the coach, -not sorry that Betty had not committed herself. - -Lady Hamilton's sympathies were much with the Presbyterians, but she was -of too sweet and gentle a disposition to set up her own opinions in -opposition to those of her husband. - -"Eh, Watty McBean, man, hoo cud ye tell sic a barefaced lee?" queried -Betty when her brother released his grip on her arm. "Did the thocht o' -the fire and brimstane, which the Word says is the portion o' leers, no -pit the fear o' death on yer tongue?" - -"Hoot ye silly crater, there's lees _an'_ lees!" quoth Watty, with an -air of superior wisdom. "Was I gaun to get the minister and the flock -into a peck o' troubles wi' my lang tongue? I see I'll need to keep an -e'e on you, Betty. Auld though you be, ye hinna muckle gumption." - -"Ye're no feared either tae daur [defy] the laird," said Betty, with a -sigh. - -"I'm no awn the laird naething, and he canna gar me speak against my -will," said Watty, calmly; and Betty, completely overcome by her -brother's undaunted spirit, relapsed into silence. - -For several weeks the parish kirk at Inverburn remained closed, and the -people worshipped with the ministers they loved either in barn or -outhouse, or, when weather permitted, under the canopy of heaven. Such a -state of affairs, which betokened such utter disregard and contempt for -the Prelacy, could not long be allowed to continue undisturbed. The -next step taken by the bishops was to fill the places of the ejected -ministers with curates of their own, so that the parishioners might no -longer have the closed doors of the churches to point at as an excuse -for their behaviour. - -Sir Thomas Hamilton, a staunch loyalist and an intimate friend of the -Bishop of Glasgow, offered his shelter and patronage to any gentleman -his lordship might elect to minister in the church at Inverburn. - -It was on the third Saturday in January that a notice was posted up on -the church door intimating that public worship would be resumed next -Lord's Day by Mr. Duncan McLean, at the hour of noon. - -The bellman was also sent round, and the news well circulated throughout -the parish. It occasioned no little excitement and talk; but the -people, with the exception of a few of the laird's pensioners in the -village, had not the smallest intention of attending upon the curate's -ministrations. Service was to be held at three of the afternoon in the -sheltered glen behind the house of Hartrigge, and as Watty McBean -expressed it-- - -"When folk could lift Presbyterian wheat for the gaun [going], it wasna -likely they wad be content wi' the curate's puir chaff." - -About eleven o'clock on the Sabbath morning, Betty McBean, watching from -the window, beheld the coach from Inverburn coming rapidly over the -manse brae, towards the village. - -"The laird's in't, Watty, an' a jimpy black body, wha'll dootless be the -curate, and Peter Rintoull, the bailiff, 's on the box aside the -coachman," she cried, excitedly. "I'll bet ye what ye like they'll be -comin' seekin' you tae gang up by an' ring the bell." - -"Let them come, I'm ready for them," said Watty serenely. "But gang you -intae the ben-end [parlour], or yer waggin' tongue'll play mischief." - -Only too thankful to be relieved from the necessity of again meeting the -laird's questioning gaze, Betty hastily retired into the ben-end just as -the coach drew up at the door. - -"Watty, Watty McBean!" called out the coachman. "Coome oot; Sir Tammas -wants ye!" - -Watty took his pipe from his cheek, and retired slowly out to the door, -a very uncouth looking figure in his rough homespun garb, and his -unwashed unshaven face surmounted by a dirty red night-cap! - -"Why are you not more decently attired, McBean? It is time you were -getting ready for the service," said the laird sternly. "This is the -new minister of the parish, Mr. Duncan McLean." - -"Ay, so I was thinkin'. I canna say I'm prood tae see Mr. Duncan -McLean," said Watty, in his canny way, and giving his somewhat loose -nether garments an expressive hitch. "If he's come tae a cauld pairt, -it's no' his blame, puir chield. I'm thinkin' he'll no' be lang afore -he gangs back tae them that sent him." - -Mr. McLean looked much surprised, and not too well pleased at the man's -freedom of address. - -"The man is witless, Mr. McLean, a half crazy loon, whom nobody heeds," -the laird explained, and then he turned his stern eye on Watty's -unruffled countenance. "Look here, McBean, go into the house and put on -your Sabbath garments as fast as you can; and see that you be up to ring -the kirk bell at the usual time." - -"Eh, me? they telt me the Bishop wad send a bell-ringer an' a minister's -man wi' the curate," said Watty, with well-feigned astonishment. "Sir -Tammas, it's perfectly unpossible that I could be ready at the time. -Just look at me; I've a week's dirt tae scrape aff my skin, no' tae -mention that my claes taks an hour tae aire afore I cud pit them on -without catchin' my death." - -The laird bit his lip. - -"This is gross impertinence, McBean, for which, as I sit here, I swear -you shall not go unpunished. Once for all, will you or will you not be -ready to perform your usual duties in the bell tower and the session -house in half an hour?" - -"That I winna, Sir Tammas; seein' the lord bishop, or whatever be his -title, has made the kirk session of Inverburn null and void, he has made -the minister's man null and void too; so Maister McLean maun e'en get a -man for hissel," answered Watty, with fearless resolution. Then he -fixed his keen eye on the ill-favoured face of the curate, and addressed -a concluding remark to him. "Ye hae taen muckle upon yersel', young -man, tae step into the honoured shoon o' the Reverend Maister Gray. An' -if ye get but a cauldrife hearin' this day ye may blame no' the faithfu' -folks o' Inverburn, but them that sent ye." - -With which comforting assurance Watty turned about, and entering his own -house, shut the door. - -"If this is the disposition of the parish, Sir Thomas," said the curate -sourly, "I fear stronger measures will be necessary ere long." - -"If necessary, doubtless they will be taken, Mr. McLean," said the -laird. "But do not be cast down by the insolent utterance of a -half-witted fellow like Watty McBean. I cannot think the people of -Inverburn will so far forget their respect to me, as well as to those in -power, as to follow such an example." - -One of the laird's servants was procured to undertake Watty's duties, -and the bell was duly rung at the appointed time. But it appeared to -convey to the hearts of the people no welcome summons to the House of -God. Only a few stragglers, and these persons of no note in the parish, -came dropping into the church, and when the hour struck there were not -more than thirty persons present, and these included the laird and his -retinue from Inverburn. Nevertheless the service was proceeded with, -and conducted after the true Episcopal fashion; prayers being read from -the new book of service. The curate was humiliated and ashamed, the -laird furious, and on their way home to Inverburn the two discussed -various plans whereby the people might be compelled to attend service in -the church. - -The following morning Sir Thomas started on horseback to make a tour of -the tenantry on his estate, in order to see what they had to say in -defence of their absence from the church on the previous day. His first -place of call was Rowallan, but before he reached the house he met Adam -Hepburn leading one of his work-horses to the smithy. Adam doffed his -cap to the laird, and stood still, not unprepared for what was coming. - -"I have called to see for what reason you absented yourself from Divine -service yesterday, Hepburn?" the laird said briefly, and without -greeting of any kind. "Do you know that in so absenting yourself you -were guilty of a civil offence?" - -"I know not as to that, Sir Thomas; but if a man's heart be not in the -service, he is better at home," replied Adam, quietly. "And the king -has no power over a man's own conscience." - -"See here, Hepburn," said the laird; "is that old man, your -father-in-law, still under your roof-tree?" - -"He is, Sir Thomas," answered Adam, in the same quiet tone. - -"You know the wording of the Act which commands that the ejected -ministers shall remove themselves without the bounds of the Presbytery? -Rowallan is not without these bounds. I have it in my power to have -your father-in-law punished, imprisoned if I like, by simply letting my -friend the bishop know how his commands are disobeyed." - -A dark red flush rose to Adam Hepburn's brow, and he bit his lip. The -hot blood of his race sprang up at the laird's threatening and mocking -words. - -"And you would make betrayal of the old man the price of my -non-attendance at the curate's preaching, Sir Thomas," he said with -curling lip. "Such a threat is scarcely worthy of your name. I fear -that such measures will not avail with the God-fearing people in the -parish." - -"You defy me then, sirrah; then be prepared to take the consequences," -said the laird furiously, and digging his spurs into his horse's sides, -turned the animal's head, and rode away full gallop to Hartrigge, only -to have his ire additionally kindled there by the cool defiance and -dogged determination of Andrew Gray. - - - - - *CHAPTER IX.* - - *PREPARING FOR EMERGENCIES.* - - -When the laird rode away, Adam Hepburn turned and walked slowly back to -Rowallan. He was somewhat disturbed by what he had heard, not on his -own account, but on that of the venerable father of his beloved Agnes. -When he entered the room where the minister sat with his daughter Jane, -Mrs. Hepburn being busy with her household work, both saw that he was -troubled about something. - -"Have you heard aught about the preaching yesterday, Adam, that you look -so grave?" queried the minister. - -"Yes; I met the laird down the road, and he seems sore displeased over -the thin attendance at Mr. McLean's ministrations yesterday," replied -Adam, a little quickly. "He threatened me, too, that unless I attended -the services he would get you into trouble, Mr. Gray." - -"I said to you, Adam, my son, when you so nobly offered me the shelter -of your roof-tree, that it might get you and yours into trouble, -harbouring an ejected and rebellious minister," said the old man sadly. -"Better let me go forth ere that trouble comes upon your house." - -"Go forth! and whither? At your age, and in the dead of winter, to -wander in the open air as some are compelled to do would mean certain -death," said Adam Hepburn. "No, no; though I am not such a red-hot -churchman as Hartrigge, still, whoever seeks to molest you, be he king's -or bishop's official, must first deal with me." - -Tears started in Jane Gray's eyes as she looked with pride and gratitude -at the erect figure and manly face of her brother-in-law. At that -minute Agnes, hearing such serious voices, came in from the kitchen, -asking what was the matter. Adam Hepburn turned his blue eyes fondly on -his wife's sweet pale face, and smiled to reassure her. - -"We are like to get into trouble, wife, by our dourness to attend the -curate's preaching, that is all," he answered lightly. - -A slightly troubled look stole into Agnes Hepburn's gentle eyes. - -"I know not why, but I have of late had many dark forebodings, Adam," -she said. "These are sad, sad days in which we live, and especially -trying for timorous women-folk like me." - -"It is your poor health, dear one, that makes you fanciful. No harm can -come upon Rowallan so long as my stout right arm retains its cunning," -Adam answered, lightly still; but Agnes, shaking her head, stole back to -her duties with a heavy heart. - -"I am concerned about Agnes, Jane," said Adam Hepburn, turning his -troubled eyes on his sister-in-law's face. "She is not well, and in her -sleep is restless and troubled, as if haunted by some strange dread; and -she is so thin and worn. Looking on her face, at times I am afraid." - -"When the spring time is past she will gather strength, please God," -said Jane, cheerfully. "Agnes never was strong in the spring time." - -"No; and these exciting and troublous times are too severe a strain upon -her sensitive heart," said the minister. "As Agnes herself says, they -are not for timorous women-folk to live in." - -For some weeks they heard no more of the laird or of his threats, -although report had it that severe measures were about to be taken to -compel the people to respect the authority of the bishops and to attend -upon the ministrations of their curates. Ere long these rumours became -terrible realities, and a troop of brutal and unprincipled dragoons, -under Sir James Turner, was let loose upon the western and southern -shires of Scotland, which they scoured in search of the ejected -ministers, and of their faithful flocks, who travelled miles to hear -them in the mountain solitudes, worshipping with them in temples not -made with hands, but which were consecrated to the Lord by the -faithfulness and fearless piety of these Christian people. For a time -the parish of Inverburn, although very offensive in its treatment of the -curate, escaped the severity with which many other parishes, notably -those in the shires of Galloway and Dumfries, were visited. It was at -length, however, publicly announced from the pulpit that all who failed -to attend Divine service on the following Sabbath day would be -apprehended and punished either by fine or other penalty, and that all -who gave aid to the ejected ministers or who attended upon their -services in the open air were liable to be dragged before the High -Commission Court, of which Sharp was the head, and there punished -according to the prelates' good pleasure. - -Adam Hepburn heard unmoved that report, as also did his brother-in-law -at Hartrigge, where David Gray, the minister of Broomhill, was still -sheltered, almost, however, at the peril of his life. When the dragoons -at length came to Inverburn, he hid in the day-time in a -cunningly-concealed cave on the face of the hill upon which Hartrigge -stood, and the existence of which was known only to a very few. It was -in a spot so difficult of access, and was, besides, so well hidden by -brambles and nettles and other brushwood, that for a time at least the -fugitive was perfectly safe. - -When Sir James Turner and his troop arrived at Inverburn, he, with his -subordinate officers, was immediately offered shelter by the laird, -while the men were drafted upon various households in the village, -notably those who were known to be very zealous Presbyterians. Watty -McBean's house was taken possession of by four coarse, swearing, drunken -soldiers, who raised Watty's ire to the utmost pitch and nearly -frightened Betty out of her wits, besides eating her out of house and -home. - -At nightfall on the day of their arrival, Watty stole away through the -fields to Rowallan to give timely warning to its inmates to get the -minister removed out of the way before he should be taken prisoner. He -crept up to the room window and gave a familiar tap on the lower pane, -lest a knocking at the door might alarm the household. Adam Hepburn -himself came to the door, and, at a sign from Watty, stepped outside. - -"I've jest come tae warn ye, Adam Hepburn, that Turner an' the sodgers -came this nicht," he whispered. "An' by what I hear the rascals, wha hae -taen my hoose frae me, sayin' tae ane anither, it's oor minister an' the -minister o' Broomhill they're after. Hae ye ony means o' getten Maister -Gray outen the road?" - -Adam Hepburn nodded. - -"We knew the soldiers were on their way to Inverburn, and I'll warrant -they'll no lay hands on the minister, or they'll be sharper than I think -them. Come in, Watty, and speak to Mr. Gray. He's still with us in the -house." - -"Ye dinna mean to say so!" exclaimed Watty in consternation. "Certy -ye're no feared. If ye take my advice ye'll get him awa' intae safe -hidin' as sune as possible. I was sayin' tae Bettie I kent a bonnie -howdie hole on the Douglas Water doon the Sanquhar road a bit, that it -wad puzzle the sodgers tae find." - -"Keep your secret for awhile, Watty. It may be useful some day," said -Adam Hepburn, and beckoning to Watty, he ushered him into the warm -ingle-neuk, where sat the minister of Inverburn in undisturbed serenity, -with his daughters by his side. - -"Good evening to you, Watty McBean, my faithful friend," said the -minister, rising to shake hands with Watty. "What tidings have ye -brought?" - -"No very braw [nice] for leddie's ears. The sodgers have come upon -Inverburn at last, an' gin they bide lang ther'll be neither bite nor -sup, nor an article o' gear in the parish," answered Watty dolefully. -"The four villains quartered on us have already pocketed my watch an' my -mither's spunes, no' tae speak o' Betty's brooch she got frae yer -lamented wife." - -Agnes Hepburn's pale cheek grew, if possible, a shade whiter, and -instinctively her husband moved to the back of her chair, and laid his -firm hand on her trembling shoulder as if to re-assure her. - -"Adam, if this be so, my place is no longer here!" said the minister -rising. "My son, I have already stayed too long, not only at the peril -of my own life, but it is imperilling yours likewise. It will be better -for me to keep my hiding-place now, both night and day." - -"You will lie down first, father, and snatch a few hours rest," said the -sweet voice of Adam Hepburn's wife. "At the cock-crowing Adam will -awake you, and you can hide until the nightfall." - -"Oh, ye'r safe eneuch till the daw'in', sir," Watty assured him. "The -laird's wine, an' soft beds, an' routh [abundance] o' breakfast 'll keep -Sir Jeems at the big hoose, I'se warrant, till the sun be up." - -"Certainly you will do as Agnes says, Mr. Gray?" said Adam, in his -decided way. "Now, Watty, if you'll say good-night, and come with me, -I'll show you a 'howdie hole' which would match yours on the Douglas -Water." - -"Guid nicht, then, Maister Gray, an' may the Lord blind the e'en o' the -sodgers, and keep you oot o' their clutches," said Watty with fervour. -"Mistress Hepburn an' Miss Jean, guid nicht wi' ye baith; an' should ye -need a strong arm and a willint heart at any time, to defend ye, mind -that Watty McBean's ay ready!" - -"Good night, my faithful Watty; and may the Lord give you patience to -bear the infliction of the soldiery on your abode. Provoke them not to -anger, Watty, I entreat, for I am told that they are very swift to shed -blood," said the minister, earnestly. - -"I'll thole [bear] as long as I can, I never was a fechter," said the -good soul, with a comical smile, and pulling his forelock in token of -respect, he followed Adam Hepburn out of doors. - -The moon had now risen, and its clear radiance struggled through the -rifts in the cloudy sky, and shone weirdly and fitfully on the wintry -landscape, making strange fantastic shadows too on the walls of the -outhouses grouped about the farmhouse. Adam Hepburn stepped across the -courtyard, and opened the barn door. He then motioned to Watty to -enter, and after carefully closing the door, lighted the lantern he had -brought with him from the house. The barn at Rowallan was a large and -commodious place, with a steep ladder-like stair ascending to the -granary above. In one corner a small door gave admittance to an inner -apartment, something resembling a closet in a house, and into which the -chaff was swept after it was separated from the wheat by the flail. At -the present time it was, however, almost empty, there being only a -slight sprinkling on the wooden floor. Into this place Adam Hepburn -threw the light of his lantern, and then looked enquiringly at Watty. - -"What do you see there, Watty, anything by ordinar?" he asked. - -"Naething but a common chaff-hole," answered Watty, "and no' a very safe -hidin'-place, I wad think. The Douglas Water hole beats it yet." - -"Come in, though, Watty, and I'll show you something," said Adam, with a -smile, and Watty stepped into the place, in which he could scarcely -stand upright. Adam then set down his lantern, and with his hands swept -aside the chaff, but still Watty saw nothing save a moth-eaten and -discoloured wooden floor. But when Adam inserted into some of the seams -the strong blade of his gully knife, and Watty saw a distinct movement -in the flooring, he began to have an inkling of what was coming. After -some little exertion, Adam Hepburn raised a small trap-door, sufficient -to admit the body of a man, and Watty peering into the chasm, with -excited interest, saw a ladder which appeared to lead into the bowels of -the earth. - -"Now creep down after me, Watty, and shut the door after you, and I'll -show you something worth seeing," said Adam, and Watty made haste to -obey. The ladder was of considerable length, but at last Watty felt his -feet on the firm earth, and looking about, saw by the light that he was -in a subterranean passage, narrow certainly, but of sufficient height to -accommodate even Adam Hepburn's tall figure. Still following his guide, -Watty walked a little way along the passage, and then found himself in a -kind of cave, a wide open space, sufficient to hold about a dozen -people. There was a rude couch composed of stones, built in one corner, -upon which now had been piled a substantial tick filled with chaff, -above which was spread plenty of blankets and thick coverings, which -would make a very comfortable resting place, even in winter. A piece of -rough matting covered the floor in front of the bed, and there were some -benches which formed a table, or could be used for seats. The floor of -the place was perfectly dry, and the atmosphere felt warm and free from -dampness. Watty gazed round him in unmitigated astonishment and -admiration, and at lasted gasped out-- - -"This _is_ a howdie hole, an' nae mistak'! Whaur did it come frae, an' -wha made it?" - -"It has always been here. I believe my great-grandfather, who was -killed at Flodden, had something to do with it," replied Adam Hepburn. -"At any rate, not a living soul knows of its existence but our own -family and you, Watty. But you don't know half its advantages yet. -See, the underground passage continues right through here," he added, -shedding the light of his lantern into another dark recess; "and what do -you think? it runs right through the fields of Rowallan, and under the -bed of the Douglas Water, and comes out in the middle of all the -brushwood and tangle on the face of the Corbie's Cliff. Ye didna ken -there was a hole there, did ye, Watty?" - -"No; although I hae speeled [climbed] the Corbie mony a time for nests -when I was a laddie," said Watty, solemnly. "It seems as if the Lord -had made the place Hissel'." - -"Mr. Gray can be made very comfortable here, Watty," continued Adam -Hepburn; "and, by the simple pulling of a string I have fastened up in -the chaff-hole, I can make a noise which will warn him to escape by the -Corbie should the soldiers discover the trap. But I don't think there -can be any fear of that." - -"No' likely, for I couldna see onything but the flure," said Watty, in -much glee; "an' I'm no' blind. Eh, weel, may be mair than the minister -'ll be glad o' this grand shelter." - -"It is likely the minister of Broomhill will come here under cover of -the night some of these days. I would think he was not very safe much -longer at Hartrigge," said Adam Hepburn. "Well, Watty, I think we'd -better get upstairs again, and you can tell Betty that we are ready for -the soldiers whenever they like to come." - -"'Deed, Maister Hepburn, I'll no' tell her naething. Weemin folk are no' -to be trusted. No' that they mean tae dae mischief; it's jist their -tongues, puir craters, fashed [troubled] wi' a weakness, an' they canna -help themselves," said Watty, so seriously that his companion could not -refrain from laughing. - -After some little delay, they again mounted the ladder, and, pushing up -the trap-door, emerged into the chaff-hole, and thence out into the open -air, where, after a few more words concerning the shelter of the -ministers, they parted for the night. - - - - - *CHAPTER X.* - - *ADAM HEPBURN'S VOW.* - - -The business of life seemed to be standing still in Inverburn. Although -it was not the season of the year in which much outdoor labour could be -accomplished, the barren fields still lay waiting to be upturned by the -plough, and all interest in the ordinary routine of work seemed to be -absorbed in other things. The morning after the quartering of the -soldiery on the householders there were many strange sights and sounds -witnessed and heard in the quiet hamlet of Inverburn. Needless to say -that the inn was the chief rendezvous, and honest Mistress Lyall had to -pour out her ale and whisky, and even her small stock of wine and -brandy, without stint or payment. The swearing horde took possession of -the bar, and, in the terror of her soul, poor Katie Lyall flew to a -neighbour's house, and left them in undisturbed possession. Having -drunk their fill, the ruffians made a raid on every house, lifting what -valuables they could lay hands upon, and insulting the women, and -bringing many a burning blush to the fair cheek of youth. The unarmed -and defenceless men folk in the village were only deterred from open -resistance by the sight of the long gleaming swords and loaded pistols -of the troopers. But curses, not loud but deep, filled the quiet air, -and many a manly hand was clenched, many a manly voice uttered a deep -and ominous vow of vengeance. - -About half-past nine Sir James Turner and his subordinate officers rode -down the manse brae, and, drawing rein at the head of the village -street, sounded the _reveille_. In a short time the regiment was in -marching order, and the horses' heads were turned towards Rowallan. And -then many a fervent prayer rose to Heaven that the God of Hosts would -throw the strong arm of His defence about Adam Hepburn's house, and -shelter its dear inmates from the bloody men. Early that morning Adam -Hepburn had walked across the fields to Hartrigge to warn David Gray of -his danger, and to bid the inmates of the house be prepared for a visit -from the soldiery. He arrived to find the minister of Broomhill quietly -seated at breakfast with the family, having just crept up from his -hiding-place. It was at once hastily resolved that, as it was still -early, Adam Hepburn and David Gray should creep down into the valley -behind Hartrigge, and, keeping within shelter of the trees and -brushwood, follow the course of the Douglas Water until they reached the -Corbie's Cliff; then, entering the mouth of the subterranean passage, -join the minister of Inverburn in his hiding at Rowallan. - -The children at Hartrigge, all but Gavin, being too young to understand -the peril of the hour, wondered why uncle David bade them farewell so -solemnly and with tears in his eyes; and little Jeanie, listening to his -last words to her mother, pondered them long in her heart. - -"Farewell, Susan, my sister. The Lord requite thee for thy sisterly -kindness to me, who, now a wanderer on the face of the earth, can never -hope either to acknowledge or repay it. And may the Lord also vouchsafe -the wings of His shelter to this house and its inmates, and shield them -in the day of trouble." - -Mistress Gray wrung the minister's hand, but was unable to speak. -Andrew Gray himself accompanied them to the door, but their parting -words were interrupted by the shrill echo of the trumpets sounding the -_reveille_ in the village along the vale. Then Adam Hepburn and the -minister understanding that ominous sound, plunged into the thicket, and -scrambled down the steep into the richly wooded valley below. Meanwhile -the women folk at Rowallan busied themselves with their household tasks, -and Agnes at least longing for her husband's return. The nervous fear -had so grown upon her of late that she was never a moment at rest, save -when he was by her side. As she stepped out into the courtyard with a -basin of warm food for the poultry, the clatter of hoofs fell upon her -ears, and turning her startled eyes in the direction of the road, she -saw what appeared to be a moving mass of steel, glittering in the chill -winter sunshine, and coming rapidly towards the house. - -With a slight scream she dropped the basin with its contents, and fled -into the house. Jane Gray, hearing the noise, came hurrying downstairs, -and caught her trembling sister in her arms. - -"Agnes, my lamb, what is it? What has so frightened you?" she asked, -anxiously. - -"The soldiers, Jane! they are here!" exclaimed the terrified girl. "Oh, -Jane, hide me from them! I wish Adam had not gone away!" - -Even Jane Gray's brave heart quailed at the thought of their defenceless -state, but she tried to console and assure her sister. - -"Don't be afraid, my dearie, they will never harm two defenceless women, -and Adam must now be near home. It is nigh two hours since he went -away." - -Before she could say more the troops swept across the stack-yard, and -drew up with a great clatter before the door. The pawing and snorting -of the horses, the rattling of their trappings, and the voices of the -men, made a strange and alarming din about the quiet house of Rowallan. - -Jane Gray placed her sister in a chair, shut the sitting-room door, and -drawing herself up, as if with a sudden courage, went out boldly to the -door. She was deadly pale, but her demeanour was outwardly perfectly -unmoved. - -At sight of the woman, Sir James Turner, a coarse and forbidding-looking -man, rode his horse up to the very doorstep, and fixed his insolent eyes -on the fair, calm face. - -"Well, mistress, this is the rebellious house of Rowallan, is it not? -Are you the wife of that notorious Whig, Adam Hepburn, who so -persistently disavows the king's commands, and shelters the rebel -preachers?" - -"This is Rowallan, sir," Jane Gray made answer in a clear, steadfast -voice. "But I am not Adam Hepburn's wife. There is none within this -house but me and my sister, who is in delicate health. May I appeal to -your honour as a soldier and a gentleman not to needlessly distress or -alarm us?" - -A coarse laugh fell from Turner's lips, which was re-echoed by his -subordinates. - -"A modest request, truly; I might grant it if I get a kiss from those -sweet lips for my payment. But say, is that renegade old man, Andrew -Gray, the field preacher, not hidden in the house?" - -"He is _not_," said Jane Gray, calmly, while a red spot began to burn -hotly on either cheek. - -"I am sorry I cannot take your word for it, mistress," said Turner, -coolly. "With your permission we will make a search of the house. -Here, Dawson and McTavish," he added, turning to a corporal and a -sergeant, "dismount, and search the house, and you, Captain Blane, and -young Drew, with the others make a thorough inspection of the outhouses. -Now, ma'am, let me have a glass of ale or wine to cool my thirst, and -show you a loyal subject of the king." - -For peace' sake, as well as on the account of her sister, Jane Gray -crushed back the indignant refusal burning for utterance, and, holding -the door open, briefly bade him enter. She led the way direct to the -room where Agnes sat, judging it better that she should be present with -her, before the soldiers in their search reached the sitting-room. At -sight of the spurred and booted soldier, with his fierce aspect and -forbidding eye, Agnes Hepburn again uttered a slight scream, but Jane -hastily laid her hand on her lips. - -"Hush, hush, Agnes; Sir James Turner will not harm you. He has but come -in for some slight refreshment," she said, hurriedly. - -"Is this Adam Hepburn's wife, then?" asked Sir James, with insolent -curiosity. "Do not tremble so, my sweet mistress. Unless compelled by -duty, I would not lay a finger on you. But come, tell me where your -brave husband, and the old man, your father, are in hiding, and we will -go away and leave the house in peace." - -"I do not know; my husband has not been at home for--for--long," Agnes -faltered back, and breathing an inward and passionate prayer that the -Lord might detain him on the way until the dragoons had left the place. - -"How glibly these pretty lips can utter a falsehood!" said Turner, -mockingly. But just then he was somewhat mollified by the sight of a -cup of rich Burgundy, which Jane Gray had brought from the cupboard to -appease his wrath. - -"By the powers, I never tasted the like in a Whig house before!" he -said, smacking his lips. "For your courtesy to me, mistress, I will not -insist upon your revealing the rebel hiding-place. I know your kind, -and how obstinate they can be when they choose; yet I swear that, if -Adam Hepburn or the minister be about Rowallan, they shall not escape -this day." - -The two men who had been searching the house now appeared in the -doorway, saying they had met with no success, and that there was no -possible corner within the four walls where a fugitive could be hid. - -Turner then rose and left the house to superintend the search outside. - -With agonised eyes the two women watched from the window, trembling at -the long delay the searchers made in the barn. - -But at length, to their unspeakable relief, those who had entered it -again emerged into the open air, and it was quite evident from their -faces that their search had been unsuccessful. - -After some little delay and consultation, Turner gave the word of -command, and the dragoons sprang to horse once more, and stood ready in -the courtyard to depart. Then Turner again approached the door, where -the sisters now stood, for they could not rest within. - -"Though we have been unsuccessful to-day, mistresses," he said, in an -angry tone, "we will yet lay hands upon the renegades. I know not what -keeps me from compelling you to divulge the secret of their -hiding-place; but, hark! I will not be so lenient when I come back. -It's not the first time I have had to make a wench confess at the point -of the sword." - -At that moment, to the dismay and horror of the women, Wyllie, Adam's -collie, came running round from the stack-yard barking furiously. -Knowing he had accompanied his master to Hartrigge, they stood in -intense and silent agony, momentarily expecting to see Adam stride round -the corner, and then----. Jane's lip quivered, Agnes covered her face -with her hands, and a low moan escaped her lips. - -Turner, thinking his threat had frightened them sufficiently, turned his -horse's head, and gave the order to march. The dog, now in a perfect -fury, and seeming to have taken a special dislike to the commander, ran -barking and snapping at the horse's heels. - -"Some of you put a bullet through that yelping cur!" he said, with a -great oath. Almost as if understanding the brutal order, Wyllie turned -tail and ran to his mistress's side, crouching in at her skirts. -Turner's order was obeyed, and two pistols were recklessly fired towards -the door, heedless of the danger to the women. They missed their aim, -but found a mark in Agnes Hepburn's side. Without a sound she fell at -her sister's feet. For a moment Turner looked dumbfounded and as if -uncertain what to do; then, with another great oath, he repeated the -word of command, and the whole troop rode off towards Hartrigge. Before -they were well out of sight Adam Hepburn, just arrived in the -underground shelter with David Gray, pushed up the trap-door, and -stepped out into his own barn-yard. From the great confusion and marks -of hoofs, he at once saw that the dragoons had visited Rowallan in his -absence, and, with sinking heart, lest any harm should have befallen his -darling, he hurried into the house. - -At the door Wyllie met him, and looked up into his face with a piteous -moan. The dread stillness in the house almost made the man's heart -stand still. He strode through the kitchen, and when he stood upon the -threshold of the sitting-room door, what a sight met his view! Upon the -couch lay the prostrate form of his wife, and Jane kneeling by her side, -apparently laving something with water. But stay; what was that -staining the whiteness of the handkerchief? Was it blood? - -"My God, Jane, what is this?" he asked, hoarsely, and, with one step, -was at the side of the couch. - -Then he saw the wound in his wife's side, from which her life blood was -slowly ebbing. - -"They have been here! That is their work, Adam!" Jane Gray answered, in -a voiceless whisper. "The bullet intended for poor Wyllie pierced her -side! Oh, my poor sister!" - -Adam Hepburn knelt down by the couch, and, folding his strong arms about -the unconscious figure, called his wife by every endearing name to look -up to tell him she was not dead. The tones of that well-beloved voice -seemed to recall for a brief space the ebbing breath of life. - -The long lashes stirred on the white cheek; after a tremor of the lids -they were lifted, and the sweet eyes met his in a look of unutterable -love. It was the last effort of the feeble strength. In the moment of -agony which followed, the breath gently left the lips, the beat of the -heart was stilled for ever, and Agnes Hepburn was safe from the trouble -to come. - -In the deep and awful silence which ensued a strange and terrible change -was wrought upon the face of Adam Hepburn. The pleasant lines and -curves, which had but added to its beauty, were deepened into the -furrows of a desperate resolution. Gently he laid his dead wife back -upon the pillow, and, walking over to the hearth, took down his father's -sword from its accustomed place on the wall, and returned with it to the -side of the couch. - -"I call you to witness, Jane Gray, that I swear here, by the body of my -murdered wife, that this sword shall never again be allowed to dry in -its sheath until it has been wetted with the life blood of as many -dragoons as there were years upon my darling's head," he said, in slow, -deep, measured tones, and with eyes gleaming with a fierce resolve. -"And God do so to me, and more also, if I fail to stand to the very -letter of my vow!" - - - - - *CHAPTER XI.* - - *UP IN ARMS.* - - -Twelve o'clock was the usual dinner hour at Hartrigge. In spite of the -stirring excitement of that morning, the table was spread punctually at -noon, and the family gathered about the board. Before, however, Andrew -Gray had finished asking a blessing on the food, the dragoons swept up -with a great noise to the front door. Catching sight of a gleaming -sword out of the window Jeanie screamed in affright, and her mother's -face visibly paled. But little Sandy, in all a child's delight over a -gay pageant, scrambled up on the window seat, and fairly jumped with -glee at sight of so many prancing steeds. With grave, resolute, -undisturbed face, Hartrigge rose from his chair, and turned his eyes -upon his trembling wife. - -"If I lose my life this day, Susan," he said, quietly, "promise me you -will rear the bairns in the true religion, and teach them to love and -reverence the Church of Scotland and the faith of their forefathers." - -Mistress Gray had no opportunity to reply, for at that moment the door -was rudely thrown open, and Turner, with a corporal and sergeant, strode -into the room. - -"Andrew Gray of Hartrigge?" he said, briefly and imperiously. - -"I am Andrew Gray," answered Hartrigge, with corresponding brevity. - -"A vile Whig and a bigoted Presbyterian, a rebel against the king, and a -harbourer of field preachers and like vermin," continued Turner, in his -coarse fashion. "I have just come from Rowallan, but the puling -womenfolk there have lost their tongues, and could tell us nothing of -those we seek. In the king's name, Andrew Gray, I command you to -instantly tell me where your canting old father, and your brother, the -minister of Broomhill, are to be found. Remember you stand at peril of -your life." - -Andrew Gray folded his arms across his chest, and looked his questioner -in the face with undaunted eye. - -"Very well do I know that I stand at peril of my life," he made answer, -calmly. "But I can tell you nothing of those you seek." - -"You will not, you mean," cried Turner, passionately. "By heavens, the -name of Gray seems inseparable from dogged obstinacy, as well as from -rebellion and treason. If I tie up your eyes and point a pistol at your -mouth it may refresh your memory." - -Hartrigge spoke never a word; his wife sank weeping helplessly into a -chair, while the children, all but Gavin, who had left the room, -crouched beside her in terror. - -"Woman, bid your husband obey orders, unless you want me to leave him to -you to bury!" said Turner. "I have already wasted too much precious -time among your kind." - -But never a word spoke Mistress Gray. Then Turner looked towards his -subordinates-- - -"Bind the obstinate pig-headed Whig," he said, briefly. "If I cannot -make him speak, we will take him to those who will." - -Susan Gray uttered a loud shriek, and sprang to her husband's side; but -she was rudely cast aside, while the officers pinioned Hartrigge's arms. - -"Stop that howling, woman, or I will give you something to yelp about! -I've a mind to burn your house about your confounded ears, but it would -take too much time to-day. Let the prisoner to horse, and let us be -off. We have other game to bag before sunset to-day." - -As Andrew Gray was about to leave the room he stepped to his wife's -side, and hastily bade her be of good cheer, for his time had not come -yet; then, looking upon the children with a strange softening in his -stern eyes, he waved them an affectionate farewell. - -With the little ones clinging to her skirts, Mistress Gray followed the -oppressors to the door, and stood watching while they bound her husband -on a steed. He again turned his face towards her, and exhorted her to be -of good cheer, and keep a firm hold upon her faith in God, until they -should meet again. His words were brought to a sudden close by a blow -upon the mouth, administered by the corporal, who was fastening him -securely to the back of the horse. At sight of the blood, Susan Gray -covered her face with her hands, and was afraid to look again. Ere he -mounted his horse, Turner peremptorily ordered Mrs. Gray to bring him a -tankard of ale, or a cup of wine, a command of which she was too much -agitated to take notice. Little Jeanie, however, fearing a new -exhibition of the terrible man's wrath, with womanly thoughtfulness ran -into the house, and brought out a draught for the general. He smiled -grimly as he took it from the slim hands of the little maiden, and -having quaffed it, bade her not follow the example of her renegade -father; and, mounting his horse, gave the order to march, and the -troops, with their prisoner in the midst, rode away from Hartrigge. -Just then the lad Gavin came through the kitchen with a flushed eager -face, and bearing in his hands an old fowling-piece, chiefly used for -scaring rooks and other vermin off the crops. - -[Illustration: "Little Jeanie ... brought out a draught for the -general"] - -"Why, Gavin, laddie, what did ye think to do?" asked his mother, with a -mournful smile. - -"Are they away, mother? If they had killed my father I would have shot -Turner with this. I have been down at the tool house, loading it with -some lead I got in my uncle Peter's shop, at Lanark, when I was there -with Uncle Adam," replied the lad, fearlessly. - -"Then they would have surely killed you, too, my son," replied the -mother, shaking her head; though inwardly admiring the spirit of the -boy. "Well, well, Gavin, you will need to take care o' us all now that -your poor father is away." - -"Mother, what do you think they'll do to him?" - -"My son, how can I tell? But I dinna feel as if any great harm would -come to him, for he says his time is not come yet," replied Mistress -Gray. "I think the Lord in His mercy will restore him ere long to his -wife and bairns. But now, Gavin, get away by the fields to Rowallan, -and see whether all be well there." - -Just at that moment, however, a messenger on horseback appeared at the -door, conveying the terrible tidings from Rowallan, and bidding -Hartrigge and his wife come over at once. Susan Gray, dumb with horror, -sat helplessly down, and wrung her hands in despair. Not having heard -the right way of the story, her hopes concerning her husband's -comparative safety swiftly ebbed away, for since they spared not a -defenceless and delicate woman, how could they allow such as Andrew Gray -to escape unhurt? So desolation and woe fell upon the houses of -Rowallan and Hartrigge, and it appeared as if the Lord had deserted -them, and removed the light of His countenance from His servants. - -Meanwhile the regiment had halted on the public road, and after a brief -consultation, a portion, under command of Captain Blane, was sent back -to Inverburn, where they were to remain for several days, keeping a -sharp look-out for the fugitives. They were also empowered to compel -all upon whom they could lay hands to attend upon the ministrations of -the curate the following Sabbath day. The main body of the troops, with -Sir James at their head, then turned southwards, to scour the hill -country betwixt Douglasdale and Nithsdale, Turner being anxious to reach -his home in Dumfries, from which he had been absent for a considerable -space. - -In due course they arrived at Dumfries, where Andrew Gray was kept a -close prisoner, prior to being sent or taken by Turner before the -Commissioner at Edinburgh. - -It would have been a swifter and surer plan to have conveyed the -prisoner direct to Edinburgh from Inverburn, but Turner expected to lay -hands upon some other marked offenders in the southern districts, and to -send them in a body under guard to the Commissioners. However, he was -unsuccessful, and arrived in Dumfries with his one prisoner, whose only -offence was in harbouring field preachers and attending the open-air -services. - -While Turner rested himself at home, his dragoons were not allowed to be -idle, but were despatched in detachments to the various villages and -hamlets, to keep the inhabitants faithful in their attendance on the -curates, and to extract fines from those who refused, the latter being a -very congenial task to the greedy and brutal soldiery. - -One cold, bleak morning, when a party of soldiers were maltreating an -old man in the village of Dairy, in Kirkcudbrightshire, four of these -very wanderers, whom Turner had been seeking, arrived in desperation, -seeking shelter and food, and being indignant at the dragoons' behaviour -they set upon them, and compelled them to release the old man and give -up their arms. Encouraged by their success, they were joined by several -villagers, and surprised and overcame another party of dragoons, engaged -extracting fines by violence, some little distance away. Further -emboldened they marched into Dumfries, took Turner prisoner in his own -house, set Andrew Gray at liberty, and constituted themselves into a -small army. Thus took place the first rising against the Government, -for which Andrew Gray, and many like him, had so ardently longed. With -their unwilling prisoner they proceeded northwards, and were joined on -the way by others, both on horse and foot. Captain Wallace was chosen -as their leader, and by his side rode Andrew Gray, for he was certainly -one of the boldest and most resolute among them. Travelling the same -route as Turner had come, they entered Inverburn on a Sabbath morning -just as service was about to begin. Entering the church, they ejected -the curate, but did not take him prisoner, he being beneath their -contempt; then they shut the church doors, tore up the book of service -in the churchyard, the gates of which they then locked, and proceeded to -the village, singing a psalm as they went. At Mistress Lyall's a halt -was made for rest and refreshment, and then Andrew Gray rode off rapidly -to Hartrigge, to assure his wife of his safety, and tell her their -resolve, which was to proceed to Edinburgh, expecting to increase in -numbers as they went. - -Space will not allow me to dwell long upon the happy meeting at -Hartrigge, when the husband and father was so unexpectedly restored to -his home. But upon hearing that he was again going forth, Mistress Gray -ominously shook her head. - -"I'm for peace, Andrew," she said, in a low voice, "an' what's a handful -of country folk against the soldiers of the king? Ye'll be slain in -cauld blood. Better, far better, bide at hame." - -Hartrigge only smiled in a lofty and superior manner at the weakness of -the woman, and then inquired concerning the fugitives as well as the -folk at Rowallan. - -"Grandfather and David are safe enough, but waes me for Rowallan and -it's bonnie sweet mistress!" said Susan Gray, with fast filling eyes. -"Of course ye canna have heard that Agnes is awa' frae a' the terrors o' -these troublous times, and that Adam Hepburn sits a widower by his -desolate hearth." - -Andrew Gray gave a violent start. It was indeed news to him. Then, -with many tears, his wife related the sad story to him, which he heard -in absolute silence. - -"An' yet ye would still say, Peace, peace! Oh! Susan, woman, I fear ye -are a coward at heart!" he said, sternly. "I will to Rowallan; surely -Adam Hepburn will be determined to avenge his wife's death." - -"Sure enough. He has made his vow, a terrible vow before God, Jane -tells me," said his wife. "And when will ye be back to your home again, -think you, Andrew?" - -"Ah, that I cannot tell. Be of good cheer, Susan, and look well after -the house and the bairns. The God of Hosts will preserve me, so long as -He sees it to be His good pleasure. So again farewell." - -So saying, Hartrigge again bade farewell to his own home, and turned his -horse's head towards Rowallan. - -Near to the place he saw a figure in the distance, somewhat resembling -his brother-in-law, and yet the face seemed greatly changed. When he -came nearer, and the figure, recognising him, advanced to meet him, he -almost started at the terrible change upon his sister's widowed husband. -He had not shaved nor trimmed his beard since his wife's death, and his -whole aspect was that of a man whose interest in life was dead. His -face was haggard and worn, his eye restless and yearning as if looking -ever in vain for some beloved object, his appearance sad and miserable -in the extreme. - -"You have managed to escape, Andrew," he said, quite quietly, and -without evincing either surprise or pleasure. - -"Yes, and the Presbyterians are in arms at last; I have travelled with -the company from Dumfries, increasing as we came, and there is now an -army of nineteen hundred under Captain Wallace's command, lying in the -village of Inverburn," responded Hartrigge, slowly. "Our destination is -Edinburgh. If you still wish to avenge the murder of your angel wife, -now is your time, Adam Hepburn." - -Adam Hepburn drew himself up, and the light of a passion terrible to see -sprang into his glittering eye. He clenched his right hand, and raised -it to heaven. - -"Now, O Almighty God, for the fulfilling of my vow," he said, solemnly; -then, turning to Hartrigge, briefly announced his willingness and -immediate readiness to accompany him. They returned first to inform -Jane Gray of their intention; bade her either go to Hartrigge or get -young Gavin to abide with her awhile, and not having time to seek the -ministers in their shelter, they returned hastily to Inverburn. But Jane -Gray immediately proceeded to the hiding-place, and informed her father -and brother of the rising of the Covenanters. Then David Gray's eye -kindled, and the whole expression of his countenance indicated his -desire to go forth with his brethren in defence of the Covenant. Seeing -that, the old man blessed him, and bade him go. So David Gray stole by -the field paths to the village, and joined the army just as it was -setting forth upon its adventurous march. - - - - - *CHAPTER XII.* - - *RULLION GREEN.* - - -Late on the Sabbath evening the Covenanters reached Lanark, where they -were well received by the sympathising inhabitants, who made haste to -give them food, and offer them shelter for the night. Early on the -following day the army assembled in the High Street, preparatory to -setting out on their march to Edinburgh. At request of the leaders, the -minister of Broomhill ascended the stairs of the Tolbooth, and conducted -a religious service, in which the army and the townsfolk took part. -After sermon, the Covenant was read, and also a declaration to the -effect that it was simply in defence of their liberties that the -Presbyterians had taken arms. Then, amid much enthusiasm, and many -fervent God-speeds, the little army turned their faces towards the -Lothians. It was now the dead of winter, and the weather was dreary and -bitterly cold, being alternated by heavy rain storms and blasts of snow. -The roads were in a wretched condition, and as the army endeavoured to -march straight as the crow flies, they were led through many deep -morasses, and had to cross many a swollen and turbid stream, as well as -over bleak and exposed hills, where they received the full force of the -blast. - -To their disappointment and sorrow, they found the folk in the east not -so enthusiastic and sympathising as their more impulsive neighbours in -the west. In some villages they were received very coldly, and candidly -told they were silly fanatics, and as they approached Edinburgh it -seemed as if the influences of the Privy Council had extended far beyond -the city boundaries, for the people looked yet more askance at the -draggled and wayworn Covenanters, and even refused in some instances to -relieve their wants. It was to be expected that such receptions would -considerably damp the ardour of many, and as they marched, their number -visibly decreased. Some stole away under cover of the night, to make -what haste they could back to the comparative safety of their homes, and -others less cowardly openly avowed their discontent and disappointment, -and deserted their brethren in the broad light of day. But the -dauntless and resolute spirit of such as Wallace, their leader, Gray of -Hartrigge, and the minister of Broomhill, seemed to be only further -strengthened and deepened by these reverses, and cheering the little -company on, they bravely continued their march until they came within a -few miles of Edinburgh. A halt was then made, and two horsemen -despatched to ascertain the disposition of the citizens towards them. - -It was yet early in the day when these horsemen returned, with grave -countenances and downcast air, telling that they had met with but little -cheer. Wallace and Hartrigge hastily rode forward to meet them, and were -informed that the city was hostile towards them, the gates being closed, -and guns mounted on the walls to resist their entrance. - -In some doubt as to the next step to be taken, they rode back to the -camp, and a grave consultation was held. - -"I am for going on, and forcing an entrance into the city," said -Hartrigge, dauntlessly. "It is like playing at warfare to retreat -before closed gates and a few guns." - -But others, whose discretion was not blinded by zeal, shook their heads, -and said it were best to return quietly, and with as much speed as -possible, to their homes. - -Adam Hepburn took no part in the discussion, but it was easy to see that -his soul yearned to shed blood. A look of deep disappointment came upon -his haggard face when the majority decided in favour of retreat. - -Not being in the slightest degree apprehensive of pursuit by the -Government troops, they proceeded leisurely round the eastern slopes of -the Pentland hills to the southern side, to begin their march homewards. -The day was now closing in; the feeble wintry sun had sunk behind a bank -of ominous cloud on the western horizon, and the grey bleak shadows of -the night were darkening down. The north wind swept mournfully round -the desolate mountain sides, sometimes raising its voice to a wail, as -some sharp peak or projecting rock impeded its course. - -But suddenly another sound much more ominous than the moaning wind broke -upon the startled ears of the faithful band, and to their astonishment -they saw what appeared to be a great army pressing rapidly on their -rear. Hurriedly the Covenanters set themselves in the order of battle. -It was what many among them longed for, and yet unless the God of -battles held over them the banner of His defence, and aided them to -discomfit their foes, what chance had they, weary, wayworn, with -strength far spent by exposure and lack of food, against the dragoons, -fresh from the drill and comfortable training of the barracks? - -The minister of Broomhill led in fervent prayer, craving victory for the -Covenant from the King of Heaven. Then they stood erect, calm, and -steadfast, waiting the onslaught of the enemy. The face of Andrew Gray -of Hartrigge glowed with the deep enthusiasm of religious zeal, but that -of his brother-in-law, Adam Hepburn, was dark with the furious passion -of revenge. His eye glittered, his hand trembled as it grasped his -father's sword, and in that breathless instant his vow was repeated that -the blade should not return to its sheath until it had sucked the -life-blood of more than one dragoon. - -Like the rush of a mighty wind Dalziel's cavalry came sweeping down upon -the right wing of the insurgents' army, which was protected by a party -of horse. They were manfully received, and after a vigorous struggle, -completely repulsed. The general was amazed at the fighting power of -the rebels, whom he had contemptuously imagined to be a gathering of raw -country folk, who would turn tail at the first attack of practised -soldiery. He hastily organised and led a second attack, which was met -and repulsed as before, with considerable loss. Had the insurgents -possessed a reserve of cavalry, victory had assuredly been theirs, in -spite of the odds against them, but these repeated attacks had slain -many of their horse, and those on foot were unequal to a lengthened -struggle. - -Wildly the din of battle roared in the mountain solitudes, and swiftly, -as if in pity, the shadows of the night crept over the bleak hill tops, -and up the sombre valleys, until it wrapped conquerors and conquered in -its kindly folds. The Covenanters were completely routed, and had the -night not speedily fallen, they must have been totally cut to pieces. -As it was, fifty of their number lay dead upon the field, besides many -wounded, whom they had to leave to their fate. There were also more -than a hundred taken prisoners, who envied the untroubled sleep of those -who had fallen in the fray. Adam Hepburn, although fighting in the very -hottest forefront of the battle, marvellously escaped unhurt. - -Dalziel had kept an eye upon him, for he was the most desperate fighter, -as well as the surest marksman among the insurgents. He never missed -his aim. Twice Dalziel ordered a subordinate to engage him in single -combat, or shoot him down from a distance; but the man seemed to bear a -charmed life. When the fray was over, Dalziel examined the faces of the -prisoners minutely, hoping to find Hepburn among them, but was -disappointed. Fleeing among the very last of his brethren from the -field, Adam Hepburn came up with his brother-in-law, the minister of -Broomhill, whom he recognised in the darkness by his ministerial garb. - -"Is that you, David, safe and sound?" he asked, breathlessly. - -"Yes! how is it with you, Adam Hepburn?" asked the minister, anxiously. - -"All well; I have found my first taste of warfare very sweet this day, -David Gray." - -"You fought valiantly, Adam, so much so that I was amazed. How did you -escape, being ever, as you were, in the thickest of the fray?" - -"I know not; I had no thought of anything but cutting down the enemy and -of avenging the blood of my murdered Agnes," said Adam Hepburn, his eyes -gleaming in the darkness. - -The minister sighed. The blessing of God could not rest upon warfare -conducted under such a revengeful spirit, and yet he could scarcely -blame the man for the bitterness of his wrath. - -"I would much rather that you fought for the Covenant than for revenge, -Adam," he said, sadly. "Will it restore to you your beloved? Nay; think -for a moment, is the spirit you are cherishing one which her gentle -heart would have blessed and approved?" - -"You speak as a minister, not as a man, David," said Adam Hepburn, -fiercely. "Had your wife been murdered in cold blood, as mine was, -think you your soul would not thirst for revenge?" - -"Your wife died loving you; you have the comforting assurance that her -heart was knit to yours in the bonds of no ordinary affection, and that -you will meet in glory," said the minister. "My case is sadder than -yours, for my wife, while yet alive, has proved herself dead to me." - -Adam Hepburn, though silenced, was not convinced. - -"Have you seen Andrew?" he asked, abruptly changing the subject. - -"No; I have been anxiously looking out for him, for I saw him wounded in -the shoulder. I trust he has not fallen into the hands of the enemy." - -"I think not. His horse was spared, and I fancied I saw him ride off -the field. Well, our first battle is not such as to encourage our -hearts, David," said Adam, with a grim smile. - -"No; there will be weeping and desolation in many a home over Rullion -Green," the minister answered, sadly. "I saw brave John Neilson of -Corsac laid hands upon by the enemy and taken prisoner." - -"Ay, and many others, whom God defend and deliver, since no human being -can," said Adam. "But hark! what is that?" - -The rapid sound of hoofs warned them of the approach either of some -flying fugitive or a pursuing enemy, and they hastily crept in among -some whin bushes, and held their breath until they should be past. To -their great joy, however, it proved to be a couple of their brethren, -who had been the last to leave the field of battle. Mutual -congratulations were exchanged, and then one of the horsemen, a stout -yeoman from the upper part of Nithsdale, urged the minister of Broomhill -to take his steed, since his slender frame and not too robust -constitution rendered him less fit for a long and toilsome march by -foot. David Gray yielded to these entreaties and thankfully mounted the -animal, for his strength was already far spent. They then separated, -the two horsemen riding forward, as before, and Adam Hepburn and the -Nithsdale yeoman, by name Matthew Riddell, following more slowly on -foot. It was not safe for more than two to be together, on account of -the pursuing and watching dragoons, whom they would be certain to -encounter on the way. Thus the broken up and scattered army, who but a -few days before had set out from Lanark with high hope beating in their -breasts, returned to their homes. - -Arrived in the parish of Inverburn, David Gray left his horse at the -house of a friendly farmer outside of the village, and lest the dragoons -should lay hands upon him, he crept up the valley to Hartrigge, and was -the first to carry tidings of Rullion Green to Andrew Gray's wife. He -found her about her usual tasks, for though her heart was heavy with -foreboding fears, Susan Gray continued mindful of her husband's last -words, to look well to her household, and put her trust in God. At -sight of the minister, who was wofully weather-beaten and wayworn, she -at once guessed that some evil had befallen the little army, of which -her husband had been one of the chief supporters. - -"Oh, David! I like not the way in which you have come back!" she said, -in sad and anxious tones. "But have you not brought Andrew with you?" - -The minister shook his head. - -"Dalziel with his army fell upon us in the Pentland hills, Susan, and -swept away our little band like chaff before the wind. Many lie dead -upon the field of Rullion Green; Adam Hepburn and I escaped unhurt. -Andrew was slightly wounded, but Adam assured me he saw him ride safely -off the field. I doubt not the Lord will bring him in safety to his -home. But he will need to travel slowly, and with extreme caution, for -the entire route between Edinburgh and Lanark is infested with -dragoons." - -Susan Gray sank into a chair and burst into tears. - -"I warned Andrew that peace was aye better than war, and said that an -army like yours could have no chance before the king's soldiers," she -said mournfully. "I wonder at you, David, a minister of the Gospel, -encouraging them to shed blood." - -"I believed that the time had come when resistance was demanded of us by -the God of the Covenant, else I had not gone forth with them, Susan," -answered the minister. "But now I must away to my hiding, for it is as -much as my life is worth to be seen here in the light of day. How is it -with my father, and poor Jane, left desolate in the house of Rowallan?" - -"Your father is keeping well, and is safe in his hiding yet. Gavin is -with his aunt, they were both here yester'een," answered Mistress Gray. -"The maids have all run away in terror from Rowallan, and Jane came to -tell me she had hired one who came seeking a place two days ago. She -has been in the service of the laird, but was dismissed for some -offence. Gavin says he likes not her appearance, but Jane seems pleased -with her, for she is a good worker, and a prudent person, who is never -heard about the place." - -"Ah, well, the master himself, I hope and trust, will be home to his own -house in a day or two, and yet, he will need to keep himself in hiding, -for very sure am I, Susan, that after the valiant front he showed at -Rullion Green, and the many dragoons he caused to lick the dust, Adam -Hepburn will be a marked man henceforth." - -Susan Gray very mournfully shook her head. - -"Had ye all bidden peaceably at home, there had been none of this," she -said, regretfully. "But men folk maun aye have their way." - -The minister smiled; then bidding her and the little ones farewell, he -stole away down the glen, and along the bank of the stream, to the hole -in the Corbie's Cliff. - -Looking carefully round to see that none was in sight, he scrambled up -the rocky steep, brushed aside the overhanging branches, and plunged -into the darkness of the subterraneous passage. Being now very familiar -with the way, he had no difficulty in following the many peculiar -windings of the passage, and at length he caught sight of the dim -reflection of a lighted lamp in the distance, which warned him that he -was nearing his father's shelter. - -Lest his sudden appearance in the cave should alarm the old man, he -called out "Father!" several times, as he quickly approached, and at the -sound of the familiar voice, the old man sprang hastily to his feet, and -ran to the mouth of the passage. - -"My son, David! praise the Lord!" he exclaimed, while tears of joy -coursed down his withered cheeks. - -After the first glad greetings were over, David Gray sat down, and -briefly rehearsed all that had befallen him since he set out with the -Covenanting army for Edinburgh. As was natural, the recital greatly -saddened the heart of his aged father, for he had solaced himself in his -solitary captivity with glowing visions of the success which would -attend his brethren in arms, and of the happy results which might accrue -from their vigorous upstanding for the truth. - -"It is the Lord's will. Unless of His good pleasure, such things could -not be," he said. "The Church requires yet further refining in the fire -ere she can be purged from all her iniquities, and can stand with clean -hands before her God. But now, my son, you are weary, and stand in much -need of rest and refreshment. Both are here." - -The cave was indeed now a very comfortable place of abode. By degrees -Jane Gray had conveyed many little comforts to her father, among the -greatest of which was the lamp, and a store of books. Provisions in -plenty were also at hand, and the minister of Broomhill partook of his -repast with a keen relish, for he had not broken his fast for many -hours. Immediately thereafter he stretched himself on the bed, and soon -all his troubles were forgotten in the heavy, dreamless sleep of utter -exhaustion. - - - - - *CHAPTER XIII.* - - *THE NEW MAID.* - - -"What are you doing in the barn at this hour of the day, Martha Miller? -Putting off your time loitering about, and all the milk pans standing in -the dairy wanting to be scalded. Get about your work without more ado!" - -It was Jane Gray who spoke, and her voice and manner were both unusually -sharp. Ordinarily, even when reproving, she spoke in a tone of habitual -gentleness, holding it unbecoming for a gentlewoman to exhibit any -violence of temper. It was not that she was particularly annoyed at the -woman putting off her time, for indeed there was nothing pushing in the -house of Rowallan now, but this was the second time she had caught her -in the barn, when she had no call to be there, and her suspicions were -roused lest she should be trying to discover, or had already discovered, -the secret of the chaff hole. - -Martha Miller was the new maid, and in appearance a comely, -pleasant-looking person, about whom there was nothing suggestive of -treachery or double-dealing. She looked straight into the face of her -mistress, and dropped an apologetic curtsey. - -"I beg pardon, Miss Gray; I was seeking a bite for the hens. I canna -get peace about the doors for them," she answered, glibly, and at the -same time pointing to the feathered flock, gathered expectantly round -the barn door. - -"That is just nonsense, Martha Miller. If you run for a bite to them -every time they gather at your heels, you'll have your work," retorted -Miss Gray, still sharply. "And, you know, I feed them myself every -morning; and that they need, and get no more till bedtime." - -"I didna' ken, bein' a hoose-servant, ma'am," answered Martha, with -apparent humility. "I'll no' dae it again." - -Afraid lest, in her turn, she should arouse the suspicions of the maid, -Jane Gray did not then enter the barn, but returned to her household -duties. In the afternoon, however, when she went for the customary feed -of com for the poultry, she hastily looked into the chaff-hole to see if -there were any signs of it having been disturbed. But no; the chaff was -scattered over the floor, there was no mark of either hand or foot, and -the trap-door had evidently not been disturbed. - -Considerably relieved, and somewhat blaming herself for her suspicions -of the maid, Jane Gray went back to the house; and yet a vague, -inexplicable distrust of Martha Miller continued to oppress her soul She -knew her perfectly well. She was the daughter of one of the foresters -on the estate of Inverburn, and, before the persecutions, had regularly -attended the church with her parents. Jane had not attached any weight -to the fact that she had served for two years in the family of the -laird, not imagining that Sir Thomas was so bigoted an Episcopalian as -to seek to influence his dependents. - -She was sitting by her lonely hearth pondering these things in her mind, -when there came a low tap at the window. Hastily rising, she peered -out, and, with great joy, beheld the face of her brother-in-law, Adam -Hepburn. - -"Is all safe? Can I come in?" - -"All is safe. Inverburn has been quiet for days, and there is not a -soldier in the district," she whispered back. "Better go round and -enter boldly by the kitchen door, as a master should; it will better -impress Martha Miller, the new maid, whom I would not should think we -had anything to hide." - -Adam Hepburn nodded, walked round about to the barn-yard, where he was -joyfully greeted by his faithful collie, and, opening the kitchen door, -stalked in. Martha Miller was knitting a stocking by the kitchen -hearth, and looked round in no little amazement at sight of the master -of Rowallan, whom she knew very well by sight. - -"Well, Martha, so you have come to serve at Rowallan," he said, -pleasantly. "I heard of it in my absence. I hope we will get on as -master and servant. Is your father well?" - -"Yes, sir, thank ye," answered Martha, considerably confused by Adam -Hepburn's easy manner, and his evident familiarity with all that had -transpired during his absence. - -"Get on the pot and make me a basin of milk porridge, Martha. I have -had a long journey, and am very hungry," he said, quietly, and then -joined his sister-in-law in the adjoining room, the door of which he -carefully closed. - -As Jane Gray was already fully acquainted with the details of Rullion -Green, it was not necessary for Adam Hepburn to say anything concerning -it, but he had to tell her the story of his own journey home, which had -been marked by many perilous vicissitudes and marvellous escapes out of -the hands of the enemy. Matthew Riddell, the yeoman, with whom he had -travelled, had been laid hands on near Biggar, his own incautiousness -and haste to get home having induced him to continue his journey by day, -instead of hiding till the friendly darkness fell. - -"Is Hartrigge home yet?" Adam asked, suddenly breaking in upon his own -narrative. - -"No; we were in hopes that you would come together. Susan, poor soul, -is in a very anxious frame of mind," answered Jane. - -Adam Hepburn looked grave indeed. - -"Then I fear he has either been captured or succumbed to his wound. In -no other way can I account for his protracted absence. It may be, -however, that he is sheltering, for his health's sake, in some friendly -household. We will hope so. But tell me, Jane, have you been -sojourning in this lonely house alone since my departure?" - -"No; Gavin is with me at night. He went home to-day to see his mother, -and, knowing I have no fear, may possibly remain till morning. Adam, do -you think it will be safe for you to remain quite publicly at your own -house? David seemed to think you would be marked." - -"Marked or not, I shall not go into hiding, Jane," he said, quietly. "I -have but to slay a few more of these miscreants, and then what is life -worth to me?" - -"Hush! Adam; the Lord gave, and the Lord taketh away. Save of His -will, Agnes could not have died," she said, gently. "The thought that -she is safe in our Father's house should be a great comfort to you, as -it is to me, for, amid the terrors and anxieties of these days, she -suffered a perpetual martyrdom." - -Adam Hepburn rose and restlessly paced to and fro the room, his face -betraying the many conflicting emotions which surged in his soul. His -cruel and ruthless bereavement had shaken his faith to the very -foundations, and he could well-nigh have exclaimed with the fool, "There -is no God." "Other men have fathers, and mothers, and children, Jane," -he said, in quick rebellious tones. "I had only her, and the Almighty -knew how dear, how necessary she was to my existence. Wherein had I so -grievously sinned that I required such a terrible punishment? Willingly -would I have given up houses and lands, cattle and oxen, all, _all_ I -have in the world, if only _she_ had been spared." - -"Dear Adam, we may not question the ways of the Lord," said Jane Gray in -a low voice. "I think sometimes it is the things we most set our hearts -upon in this evil world that are not good for us to have. There is such -a thing as making an idol of a human being, my brother, and you know the -command is, 'Thou shalt have no other gods before Me.'" - -Adam Hepburn remained silent, but was not convinced. - -Jane Gray looked sorrowfully into his face, deploring the change this -blow had wrought, not only upon the outward man, but upon the inner -spirit, sweeping away all the sunny-heartedness, the blithe and kindly -charity which had ever characterised him, making him so lovable in every -way. She could but pray that God, to whom all things are possible, -would temper the wind, and show to the stricken and rebellious heart the -sweet bow of promise behind the bitter cloud. - -"And how is the curate performing his pastoral duties now?" enquired -Adam presently, in a somewhat mocking tone. "Has his eloquence, -combined with the more rugged persuasions of the dragoons, induced many -more to attend upon his ministrations?" - -"Watty McBean was here the other night, and he told me there was a -goodly attendance in the kirk last Sabbath Day, chiefly of those timid -and not very steadfast folks, whom fear has moved against their wills," -Jane made answer. "I wonder now that Watty did not join with the army; -he is a very staunch upholder of the Covenant." - -"Ay, but he never was a fechter [fighter], as he says," replied Adam, -with a slight smile. "Watty is a sly dog. He'll keep himself out of -mischief, yet follow the dictates of his own conscience." - -At that moment Martha Miller knocked at the door, and entered bearing a -small server, on which stood her master's evening meal, a steaming basin -of milk porridge, and a bowl of new milk beside it. - -At her entrance Adam Hepburn looked keenly into the woman's face, and -when she was gone, he turned to his sister-in-law, and said briefly, "I -mistrust the countenance of that woman, Jane. Under what circumstances -was she dismissed from the services of the laird?" - -"I did not pursue the subject with her, Adam. She said she could not -agree with her neighbours in the kitchen, and that her ladyship had -blamed her for the disturbances there," replied Jane Gray. "Knowing her -to be a capable worker, I engaged her gladly; for though she might be of -a quarrelsome temper, she could not well fall out with herself, and I am -not one to bandy words with a serving woman." - -"Keep an eye on her, Jane, and be careful of your words in her hearing. -I misdoubt me very much if she be not a spy sent hither by Sir Thomas -Hamilton, who in the zeal of his loyalty to the king will not be slow to -forget his honour as a gentleman," said Adam slowly. "I lost faith in -the laird from that day he threatened me with danger to your father, if -I did not turn out to McLean's preaching." - -Jane Gray sighed. If foes were to be found in the very household, among -those who broke and ate bread at the table, on whom could trust be -stayed? Her brother-in-law's words were simply a re-echo of her own -doubts and fears, which, however, she kept as yet to herself. - -After some further conversation they separated for the night, but Adam -Hepburn did not close an eye, for, under his own roof-tree, his heart -was torn anew by the violence of his sorrow, and ached with intolerable -yearning for the "touch of a vanished hand, and the sound of a voice -that was still!" - -On the morrow he went about his duties as usual, superintending the work -on the farm, it having been almost at a standstill for many weeks. It -was more to keep himself in occupation than out of any interest in the -thing, for even the ordinary business of getting and spending had ceased -to occupy the minds of men. - -That afternoon, when Jane Gray went out as usual to feed her poultry, -she had occasion to step round to the corn-yard in search of some young -chickens which had deserted their usual roost, and which she feared -might become the prey of the foxes that frequently paid a visit to -Rowallan, and which that very spring had made off with some of the -lambs. Her soft shoes made no noise on the turf, therefore she did not -alarm two people sheltering behind a stack of straw, and busily -engrossed in conversation. She came upon them quite suddenly, and to -her astonishment, who should it be but Martha Miller, the maid, and the -curate of Inverburn! Both looked considerably confused, and Martha -threw her apron over her head, and turned to go. - -"I shall have a word to say to you for this wasting of my time, Martha," -her mistress said, pointing towards the house; then turning to the -curate, she added, with quiet, yet courteous dignity, "Sir, is it -consistent with the gospel you are supposed to preach, to wile a -servant-maid away from her household duties almost in the middle of the -day, to confer with you in secret like this?" - -The curate's sallow face flushed under the scathing rebuke which fell so -quietly from those calm, proud lips. - -"When I am not permitted to visit members of my flock at their masters' -houses, I must perforce see them outside," he answered, with rude -boldness, and yet his eyes instinctively sought the ground. - -"Sir, I am not aware that the master of Rowallan has ever forbidden you -his house," said Jane Gray, still calmly. "The members of the flock -surely are ashamed of their shepherd, for Martha Miller has never ceased -to disclaim all connection with your ministrations, and I am made aware -to-day, for the first time, that she is on speaking terms with you." - -"Madam, know you to whom you speak so disrespectfully?" quoth Mr. McLean -in wrathful tones. "Know you that it is chiefly owing to my long -forbearance with you and yours that the name and the house of Gray have -not been totally extinguished?" - -A slight smile curved for a moment Jane Gray's resolute lips, and the -mild scorn it implied made the spirit of the curate chafe within him. - -"Truly grateful are we for your forbearance towards us, Mr. McLean," she -answered courteously. "I bid you good afternoon." - -So saying, Jane Gray turned about and returned to the house. Upon -second thoughts, she took no further notice of the occurrence to Martha -Miller, deeming it more prudent to let her imagine it of no importance -in the eyes of her mistress. Nevertheless, she redoubled her -watchfulness, and took care that there was nothing in her actions to -arouse the maid's suspicions. Hitherto, when conveying provisions to -the dear ones in hiding, Jane Gray had simply been content to lock the -barn door from the inside, and shut herself into the chaff-hole, so that -none could possibly be witness to her descent into the cave. But now, -after conference with her brother-in-law, they agreed that the safest -plan would be for him to rise in the middle of the night and take down -the food himself. - -These precautions, however, were taken too late; for already the cunning -eyes of Martha Miller had penetrated the secret of the chaff-hole. - - - - - *CHAPTER XIV.* - - *BETRAYED.* - - -The soft and beautiful radiance of a mild September morning lay upon the -vale of Inverburn. The sky, though not so cloudlessly blue as in the -summer time, was bright and clear, and masses of soft, dove-coloured -clouds were piled up on the horizon, foretelling the approach of a -gentle rain. The rich hues of autumn were now upon the trees. Beech -and hazel-nuts were already falling ripely to the ground, the rowans -hung rich and red among their graceful leaves, blackberry and wild -raspberry were plentiful and luscious, and in very sheltered early nooks -the bramble was black upon the bough. Yes, the fruits which Dame Nature -provides with such free and generous hands were not lacking, but what of -the more substantial harvest, what of the yellow corn, which in -September was wont either to be stacked upon the fields, or standing in -rich and golden fulness, awaiting the sickle of the reaper. Ah! what -indeed? Had some terrible dearth come upon the land, had a woeful -drought withered and parched the fertile Clydesdale acres, and hushed -the reapers song into the stillness of despair? - -I said in a former chapter that the business of life seemed to be at a -standstill in Inverburn. So it was still, and not in Inverburn alone, -but throughout the length and breadth of Clydesdale, Liddesdale, and -Nithsdale. For miles and miles the fields lay bleak and desolate, their -only harvest being a wealth of weeds and thistles, which gave to the -once fertile lands the appearance of a wilderness. What devastating -breath had passed over the smiling land, what evil scourge had wrought -this woeful desolation? The reason was not far to seek. - -The emissaries of the Government, into whose hands full power over -Scotland had been given, had swept the southern and western counties -with a devastating host, who burned, killed, and plundered as they went, -and left nothing but a trail of blood behind. And the tillers of the -soil, left destitute in many instances of the barest necessaries of -life, could only bow their heads over the desolation which had come upon -them, and be thankful if they escaped with their lives. - -And yet, in those days it came to be a question not easily answered, -whether life could be called a boon. - -It was a Sabbath morning, and that deep, solemn stillness peculiar to -the Sabbath seemed to hallow the very air. The birds had hushed their -songs of gladness as if in reverence for the holy day, the very voice of -the river, rippling on its way, seemed to be subdued into a tender and -melancholy cadence, instead of brawling noisily in its rocky bed, and -the brown and yellow leaves upon the trees scarcely stirred to the -response of the whispering breeze. - -While it was yet early, long before the long rays of the noontide sun -fell aslant the hills, there might have been seen in various by-paths -and unfrequented ways, straggling little groups of two or three -individuals all moving in the same direction. Following them, we come -at length to a sweet and sheltered glade, by the side of the clear, -swift-running Douglas Water. This sylvan retreat, which might have been -a fairy's dressing-room, so rich was it in fresh green beauty, was -warmly and safely protected by high hills, rising abruptly on either -side, but was open at either end, a narrow path going westward to -Inverburn, and another eastward, until it converged into what was called -the Sanquhar road. - -Upon the sloping banks at the base of the hill, and also seated on the -greensward and the boulders nearer the edge of the stream, were gathered -a goodly company of men, women, and children, of almost every rank, age, -and calling. There were shepherds in their tartan plaids, uncouth -figures in the homely garb of the outdoor labourer, well-dressed -farmers, and a sprinkling of stalwart soldiers, who had escaped the -slaughter at Rullion Green. There were also present Graham of Pitoy, -with his wife and daughter, and Baxter of Thornilee, both gentlemen of -considerable estate in the neighbourhood. Foremost amongst those seated -on the hill might have been observed the red head of Watty McBean, which -showed in full contrast against the spotless hue of Betty's white cap. - -Several horses, which had brought people from a distance, were quietly -enjoying a dainty bite at the fresh grass, which grew in luxuriance by -the stream, and upon the heights there were some mounted horsemen -apparently keeping watch, in order to give timely alarm if any marauders -likely to molest the company should appear in sight. - -There might have been about five hundred people gathered together, when -there appeared round one of the windings of the stream the familiar -figure of the minister of Inverburn, leaning upon the arm of his son -David. They had just emerged from their hiding in the Corbie's Cliff in -order to conduct the service in the glen. Many eyes filled with tears -at sight of their beloved minister, and they shook their heads -mournfully at the visible change wrought in his appearance by the long -months of anxiety and solitary confinement. The minister of Broomhill -also looked worn and thin, and his hair was now as white as snow. - -When the ministers reached the centre of the little throng, a few -minutes were spent in mutual greetings, and then Mr. Gray the elder -stepped to the front of the huge boulder which served as a pulpit, and -upon which a white cloth was spread, with the Bible above it. Folding -his withered hands, he said, in solemn and trembling tones, "Let us -pray." It seemed as if Nature hushed her many sounds in unison with the -stillness which fell upon the assembled worshippers as the long-loved -voice of their minister, in choice and appropriate language, gave -utterance to a fervent and expressive prayer to the God of Heaven. A -portion of the seventy-ninth psalm was then read, and sung to the sweet -and mournful strain of "Martyrs." The words: - - "Against us mind not former sins. - Thy tender mercies show; - Let them prevent us speedily, - For we're brought very low." - -were sung with an intense and passionate fervour which told that it was -indeed the cry of every heart present, and that it was not mere lip -service which had brought them thither, almost at the very peril of -their lives. - -Turning to the prophetic pages of Isaiah, the minister chose for his -text these comforting and appropriate words, "O thou afflicted, tossed -with tempest, and not comforted; beloved, I will lay thy stones with -fair colours, and lay thy foundations with sapphires.... In -righteousness shalt thou be established; thou shalt be far from -oppression, for thou shalt not fear; and from terror, for it shall not -come near thee." - -In his own earnest and persuasive manner the venerable servant of God -endeavoured to comfort his flock, assuring them that though they were -now passing through the bitter waters of affliction, the Lord would not -utterly forget his ancient Zion, but would yet restore her to liberty -and peace. As he earnestly exhorted them to continue steadfast in the -faith, and to bear manfully their light affliction, which was but for a -moment, and would work out its own exceeding weight of glory, his eyes -glowed and shone, and his face was transfigured by the light of a holy -enthusiasm which shed a warm and cheerful influence upon the hearts of -his hearers, and restored their fainting courage, until they felt indeed -able to do and dare without faltering for the sake of Him who trod -before them the weary vale of persecution and shame. - -It was a moving sight to look upon the eloquent face of the preacher, -which bespoke the inmost feelings of his soul, and to see his thin white -locks fluttering in the breeze, while his wasted hands were alternately -folded or upraised to enforce his earnest words. The multitude, hushed -into rapt and breathless stillness, were unconscious of a figure -stealing swiftly up the glen, until a slight scream fell from the lips -of a woman, and Susan Gray of Hartrigge interrupted the sermon by -hastily running to meet what appeared to be a wayfaring man, whose -ragged garb and miserable appearance proclaimed that he had been long on -the road and had suffered many privations. The minister paused, and -turned his eyes towards the wanderer, in whose changed countenance he -recognised the features of his first-born son. - -The unexpected arrival of Hartrigge broke up the conventicle, and his -relations, who were all present, flocked round him, while his friends -and neighbours pressed closely behind, eager to hear the story of his -adventures. But he seemed breathless, and unable to speak for a moment, -and then his words were of ominous import. - -"It is surely madness to be holding a meeting here, and the dragoons so -near! They have pursued me since daybreak, and I have only escaped -through being familiar with every by-path on the way. Scatter yourselves -quickly, for they will be upon us in a moment. Father and David, let us -make haste together to our usual hiding. I have longed for the Corbie's -Cliff all day." - -Just then a watcher on the western height blew a warning note on the -trumpet, and in a few moments the assemblage melted away like mist in -the noonday sun. - -Jane Gray entreated her brother-in-law, Adam Hepburn, to flee with the -ministers and Hartrigge to the friendly shelter of the Corbie's Cliff, -but he stoutly refused, saying that the soldiers would not be likely to -trouble Rowallan again, seeing they had met with so little success on -their previous visit. But Jane herself was not at all sanguine, and as -they stole homewards by the most unfrequented field paths, her mind was -filled with strange misgivings regarding Martha Miller, the maid, who -had gone home to spend the Sabbath day with her parents at the North -Lodge, on Inverburn. She was walking a little in advance of Adam, and -was the first to ascend the little hill, from which a glimpse of -Rowallan could be had. She stood still there, for in the distance she -saw the gleam of steel, and a party of horsemen riding rapidly up the -road to the farm. - -"See yonder, Adam!" she said, in a trembling whisper; "you must flee at -once, either to the cave at Hartrigge, or into the Corbie's Hole, if you -can reach it unseen." - -"What! and allow you, a defenceless woman, to go down alone among these -brutal fellows?" inquired Adam, incredulously. "You hardly know what -you say, Jane." - -"Yes, yes! I know very well; I am not afraid. They will not harm me. I -have still some of the Burgundy which wrought the charm on Turner," she -answered, hurriedly. "Oh, Adam! do make haste and flee, in case they -catch sight of us." - -Involuntarily Adam Hepburn grasped his sword, as his eyes turned towards -the dragoons. Yet he hesitated; for when there were fifty to one, what -would be his chance? Nay, certain death awaited him if he ventured in -their midst. - -"Run, run, Adam. I entreat you!" exclaimed Jane, in tones of keen -distress. "You know there is a price upon your head; and I would not -that I should witness a second deed of violence at Rowallan. Run, my -brother; we cannot yet spare you from our midst." - -"But you, Jane? It is selfish, cowardly, to leave you like this." - -"No, no! I repeat, I am not afraid. I can easily frame an excuse for -my absence from the place, should they question me. You can safely -leave Rowallan in my hands. God gives a deep and peculiar courage even -to frail women in these times, and I believe I could influence these -men, bad as they are. Only go, for every moment you stay is an agony." - -"Well, I will; and God forgive me if I am in the wrong, and may He -protect you, my sister," said Adam, hoarsely. Then, with a fervent grip -of the hand, they parted; Adam to steal with caution and speed to some -safe hiding, and Jane to make her way down to Rowallan. She was a -singularly brave and fearless woman, and yet her heart quailed a little -as she made haste to get in by the back premises, hoping to reach the -house and throw off her cloak before she was observed by the dragoons. -She was greatly favoured in that respect, for the soldiers made a halt -for some reason or other on the road, and she had slipped unobserved -into the house before they rode into the farmyard. She threw off her -cloak, tied an apron about her, and busied herself in the kitchen, just -as if continuing her usual morning work. But when she heard them ride -into the yard, with a great din and clatter, she took such a violent -trembling that she was obliged to sit down in order to recover herself. -However, when she heard a foot on the step, and a hand on the latch of -the door, she regained calmness, and rose to her feet. She had -purposely unbarred the kitchen door; therefore, somewhat to his own -astonishment, he having been otherwise informed, the captain of the -detachment found nothing to impede his entrance. He was still further -amazed, on entering the kitchen, to behold a woman there, who turned her -fair, calm face to him, as if in questioning surprise. - -Captain McNab, though unflinching and uncompromising in the performance -of duty, however painful or harsh it might be, was a gentleman, and did -not address Jane Gray with that insolent familiarity which had -characterised Sir James Turner's questioning. - -"Sorry to disturb you, mistress," he said courteously enough. "I am -astonished to find you here; we were credibly informed that all the -inmates of the house had gone to a field-preaching about a mile distant, -and that we should find the coast clear." - -"Your informer might be more zealous than trustworthy, sir," Jane Gray -made answer quickly, though her heart grew sick with apprehension. -Doubtless Martha Miller had been the informant, and how many other -secrets had she discovered and divulged? - -"It was a wench, one of the serving-maids here, I believe," answered the -Captain candidly. "We are in search of four desperate Whigs, two -ministers and two farmers; but I think we will lay hands upon them here. -Come, tell me, my sweet dame, how can so comely a gentlewoman as you -countenance such disreputable rebellion?" - -"What you term rebellion, sir, may convey another meaning to my mind," -answered Jane Gray. "Pray, would you call it rebellion to desire to -exercise liberty in matters pertaining to conscience?" - -"Faith, you put it glibly," retorted the Captain, with a smile. "Many -of my fellow officers would give but a rough denial to such rebellious -words, but I would scorn to make war on women. Well, have you anything -to drink in the house? I intended to force an entrance and ransack the -cupboards, but it would have a sweeter relish if poured out by those -fair hands." - -"If you will be good enough to step into the inner room, sir, I will set -what I have before you," answered Jane courteously. - -"Thanks. I will step out first and see what speed they are making with -their search. We have been well guided to the cunning corner which has -sheltered the renegades so long, and the parson himself is with us to -assist us in our work," said the Captain carelessly. "Faith, madam, I -do not wonder that the folk get sick of his snivelling ministrations. -He is a mean, despicable dog, whom it would do me good to thrash." - -So saying, the Captain sauntered out to the yard again, and Jane Gray, -stepping into a little closet, which had a window to the back, saw him -enter the barn. Folding her hands, her white lips moved in an agony of -prayer, for without a doubt the secret of the chaff hole was a secret no -longer, and unless warned by the noise overhead, the fugitives could not -possibly escape. - -Several minutes passed, and at length Jane saw McLean, the curate, -emerge from the barn with a very disgusted and chagrined expression on -his ill-favoured face. He was followed shortly by Captain McNab, who, -with his lieutenant, came slowly towards the house. - -"They have found the nest, but the birds have flown," he said, in tones -of annoyance, as he entered the kitchen. "With your permission, -mistress, we will now taste your fare, while my men make a further -investigation of the secret passage, which is indeed a cunningly devised -hiding. Little wonder it has remained undiscovered so long." - -Jane Gray drew a breath of relief, and a silent thanksgiving for -deliverance vouchsafed arose to heaven from her grateful heart. She -knew at once that the unusual stir and clamouring about the quiet -homestead had penetrated the ears of the fugitives in their hiding, and -given them timely warning to flee. Once out of the subterranean passage, -they were comparatively safe, for there was many a cave and snug corner -by the banks of the Douglas Water, where they could shelter till the -kindly darkness fell. In about three-quarters of an hour, those who had -followed the subterranean passage to its outlet returned to Rowallan, -reporting that there was neither sight nor sound of the fugitives to be -seen or heard. - -Captain McNab, though considerably chagrined, for it would have been -greatly to his credit and advantage to have laid hands on so many marked -rebels, hid his feelings much better than the curate, who, forgetting -his holy office, swore roundly in his disappointment; and vowed -increased vengeance on the name and house of Gray. Serene and matchless -was the contempt with which Jane Gray regarded him: she never allowed -her eyes to rest on his countenance, and never betrayed, by look or -gesture, that she heard the rude remarks he addressed to her. - -Captain McNab bade Miss Gray a polite farewell, and even apologised for -so disturbing her on a Sabbath morning, a courtesy which she gratefully -acknowledged with an expressive glance from her fine eyes and a low bow. - -Mounting his horse at the door, Captain McNab gave the word of command, -and the troop rapidly rode away. - -Then Jane Gray, unable to bear the unspeakable relief following upon the -great strain upon her nerves, sank down on her knees and burst into -tears. - - - - - *CHAPTER XV.* - - *BRAVE TO THE LAST.* - - -Meanwhile Adam Hepburn had stolen across the fields to the glen with the -intention of entering the hole in the Corbie's Cliff. He was making his -way down the hill-side, keeping cautiously in shelter of the whins and -bracken, for the dragoons were in sight, when, to his no small -amazement, he saw the two ministers and Andrew Gray of Hartrigge emerge -from the mouth of the subterranean passage with a haste which proclaimed -that they were pursued. And now truly the poor fugitives were betwixt -two fires, for there were dragoons scattered all over the surrounding -hills, and some were so near that it was a marvel they were not at once -discovered. They had to thank the luxuriance of the brushwood and -tangle for affording them a shelter, and, if they could but remain -unobserved till nightfall, they could then seek a safer hiding. Adam -Hepburn crawled upon his hands and knees down through the thicket, and -came up with the others, as they were creeping slowly along, hoping to -reach the steep hill behind Hartrigge, where the cave was still -undiscovered. - -"We were betrayed in our hiding, and were only warned in time to flee by -the noise overhead," whispered Andrew Gray. "See yonder!" - -Lifting their heads the fugitives saw three dragoons emerge from the -mouth of the Corbie's Cliff and look all round them, as if expecting to -see those for whom they sought. In mortal terror the miserable -Covenanters laid themselves flat down on their faces and pulled the -friendly bracken over them, and waited breathlessly, thinking the -dragoons would be certain to scour the entire glen. - -"If they come I think I could silence the three," said Adam Hepburn, -grimly; "only they might, by their cries, bring some of their mounted -comrades upon us. They are not far distant, I trow, for I can hear the -neighing of their horses even here." - -After a few minutes' suspense, the anxious fugitives saw the dragoons -re-enter the mouth of the cave; then they slowly crept yet a little -farther along the glen, for every moment spent in this comparatively -exposed place was not only precious, but laden with deadly peril. At -length they arrived unmolested at the base of the steep hill behind -Hartrigge, and, as it was crowned with a thick belt of fir trees, there -was no fear of them being seen from above. - -The minister of Inverburn, whose feeble strength was now utterly spent -through excitement and suspense, had to be half carried up the rocky -ascent, but at length all landed safely in the cave. It was but a small -place, and very damp; a great contrast in every way to the comfortable -hiding at Rowallan. After having recovered a little from his fatigue, -the minister of Inverburn folded his hands and returned thanks for their -deliverance; but Adam Hepburn sat gloomily in a corner, his hands -grasping his sword, for it was foreign to his nature to flee before the -enemy, and he felt as if he had sullied his manhood by deserting -Rowallan, and leaving Jane Gray to encounter the dragoons alone. And -yet there are times when even the bravest soldier is forced to admit -that discretion is the better part of valour. - -Meanwhile the body of dragoons, under command of Captain Ingram, who had -ridden up to the glen to disperse the conventicle, baulked of their -prey, had proceeded to Hartrigge, it being the only house in view. -Captain Ingram was a very different man from his brother officer, who -had so peaceably performed his duty at Rowallan. He was of a short, -burly figure, with a countenance much swollen and disfigured by his -drunken excesses, and his fiery eye gave some expression to the fierce -and choleric nature of his temper. He was utterly void of one kindly -feeling or generous impulse, and his troops were famous for their brutal -and disgraceful behaviour, it being said of them that they showed no -mercy to man, woman, or child. - -Mistress Gray, who with her son, Gavin, had been present at the -conventicle, had been in the house some little time before the dragoons -surrounded Hartrigge. - -The little ones, who had remained at home under charge of Jeanie, who -was growing more sensible and womanly every day, began to cry at sight -of the soldiers, remembering the occasion of their former visit, and how -their father had been carried off as a prisoner. Gavin, however, -exhibited his usual fearless spirit, and ran to the kitchen cupboard for -the old fowling-piece; yet, poor lad, what could he do with it, against -the powerful arms of a company of dragoons? Captain Ingram did not -trouble to alight, but thundered at the door of the house with the -butt-end of his musket, a summons which brought Mistress Gray -tremblingly to the threshold. - -"Hey, mistress! is this not the house of that vile renegade, Andrew -Gray, son of the notorious field-preacher, the minister of Inverburn?" -he asked, fiercely. - -"It is the house of Andrew Gray," she made answer, sadly. "And I would -that he were within its walls. They have not sheltered him these many -weary days." - -"Are you his wife? and are these his brats?" asked the Captain, pointing -to the little ones clinging to her skirts. - -She bowed her head, but made no verbal reply. - -"Come, tell me, mistress, were you at the field preaching down in the -glen yonder, listening to the snivelling of that old renegade, your -husband's father?" - -"I was there, sir," Susan Gray made answer, firmly, for she saw that it -would be useless to deny it. - -"Good! we have come upon one Whig dame at last who can speak the truth," -said the Captain, in tones of satisfaction. "Come, oblige me still -further, mistress, and give me the names of those who were present -besides yourself." - -"I went to listen to the preaching of the Word, sir, and not to count -those who were present," answered Susan Gray, with fearless firmness. - -"Well, if you will not tell me that, let me know the secret hiding of -those who conducted the service. Come, now, mistress, you are completely -in my power, and if you do not speak of your own free will, I may take -measures to make you," said the Captain, significantly. - -"I cannot tell whither they have fled, sir. I was too much taken up -making my own escape, to look to them," she answered quietly. - -"Just so. With your permission, mistress, we will have a look through -the house, and if any of the renegades be found within, by the powers, I -will punish them for your obstinacy," said the Captain, with an oath, -and dismounting, he flung his reins to a dragoon, ordered some of them -to follow him into the house, and others to make a complete search of -the out-houses. Entering the kitchen, the Captain beheld young Gavin -standing with the old fowling-piece in his hand, which sight caused him -to burst into a loud laugh. - -"So, my young friend, you are going to show fight. You are Andrew -Gray's son, I take it. Here, Dawson, bind the young chip; we may have -to screw the truth out of him by-and-by." - -Gavin presented his gun, and drew the trigger, but it was dashed out of -his hand, and he was bound hand and foot, and laid on the floor. Then -the ruffians continued their search through the house, lifting many -valuables as they went, but found no traces of the fugitives, nor any -corner where they could possibly be hid. Those searching outside were -equally unsuccessful, and Captain Ingram got into a great rage, and -swore some dreadful oaths, which made Susan Gray tremble, and marvel -that judgment did not overtake him at once. - -Stepping out to the door, he again addressed Mistress Gray, and brutally -demanded that she should at once divulge all she knew concerning the -movements and probable hiding of her husband and his kindred. But Susan -Gray resolutely shook her head, and maintained that she knew not whither -they had fled. - -"Here, Dawson, bring out that young branch of the rebel tree, and we -will try to refresh his memory," said the captain, peremptorily, and -young Gavin was presently brought out, and set up against the beech tree -in front of the house. - -At sight of her first-born son, the dearest of all her children to her -heart, Susan Gray grew as pale as death, and leaned against the lintel -of the door for support. - -Captain Ingram then stepped forward, and pointing his sword at the young -lad, swore at him, and bade him at once reveal his father's hiding, or -suffer the consequences. - -"Think you I would betray my father to save myself, sir?" asked the -young Gavin, in a clear and steadfast voice, and his fine eye fearlessly -looked into the face of his cruel questioner. "Not though I had twenty -lives. I would lose them all rather than be guilty of such black -treachery and cowardice." - -In her boundless admiration of the courage of the boy, Susan Gray half -forgot the agonising fear which rent her motherly heart. - -"Sure, we have an out-and-out Covenanter here, boys!" said the Captain, -looking round upon his dragoons. "Faith, I have shot many a man for -less! but on account of his tender years we will give him another chance -for his life." - -At these ominous words Susan Gray gave a loud scream, and rushed forward -as if to protect her son, but she was rudely pushed back, and sank down -on her knees on the ground, uttering broken prayers to God, and almost -beside herself in her agony. - -"Now, my blithe young rebel," said Captain Ingram, fixing his mocking -eyes on Gavin's pale yet steadfast face, "I give you twenty seconds to -make up your mind. Reveal your father's hiding, or bear the penalty of -your contempt for an officer of the King. Dawson, Baird, and Luttrell, -have your muskets charged." - -The lad winced slightly at the last words, but only for a moment; then -he drew himself up as well as his bonds would allow. - -"Life would be no boon at the price you ask," he then made answer, in a -low yet firm voice. "You can only kill the body, and my blood will be -on your head." - -"You hear, mistress?" said Ingram, turning then to the kneeling figure -of the mother. "Ten seconds of the twenty are gone. If you will yield -the required information his life will be spared." - -Susan Gray hesitated a moment. It was an awful moment for her, to be -called upon to choose, as it were, betwixt husband and child. - -"Mother, mother, don't be tempted!" cried Gavin. "What is my life -compared with that of my father and grandfather, and uncle David? Let -them shoot. I am not afraid to die. I remember Mr. Guthrie's -fearlessness on the scaffold. I understand it now, for God is with me -here, close beside me, and I will go straight to glory." - -The sublimity of the lad's courage, the pathetic and beautiful faith -with which he spoke, moved more than one of these hardened hearts to -pity, but it only further enraged their brutal Captain. - -"Get into the house, mistress, and shut the door," he said, curtly; -"unless you want to see the young rebel receive his baptism of fire." - -Susan Gray spoke not, but remained kneeling, with her face hidden in her -hands; all feeling seemed to be frozen in her broken heart. - -There was a moment's dread silence; then the sharp report of three -musket shots, simultaneously fired, rang through the quiet Sabbath air. -Then the order was given to march, and the dragoons, having finished -their deadly work, turned their horses' heads away from Hartrigge. As -they did so, a volume of smoke began slowly to arise from behind the -house; they had finished their work of destruction by setting fire to -the barn and granary ere they left. Little knew the brave men in hiding -what was being enacted at so little a distance from them. The cave was -too far away to admit of the sound of voices, or even the trampling of -the horses to penetrate their ears, but they heard quite distinctly the -report of musketry, and involuntarily all started to their feet. - -"That sound comes from the house," said Hartrigge. "I must go and see -what is being done there. I cannot sit here while these miscreants -murder my wife and children in cold blood." - -Adam Hepburn, only too ready to accompany his brother-in-law, grasped -his sword, and the two stole cautiously up the hill in the friendly -shelter of the trees. The two ministers, who were unarmed, followed at -a little distance, so that, in case of alarm, they might yet make good -their escape. The hearts of all four were filled with foreboding and -anxious fears, for too well they knew the meaning of that portentous -report. Arrived at the summit of the hill, Hartrigge stole a little in -advance of Adam Hepburn, and thence could see the road, at the far end -of which he caught a glimpse of the rear of the dragoons ere they -emerged out upon the public highway. Satisfied that there was nothing -to apprehend from them, he went boldly forward, and, emerging from the -shadow of the trees, saw a sight which almost made his heart stand -still. There on the greensward lay the prostrate form of his firstborn -son, with his mother kneeling motionless by his side; the two little -bairns were holding each other close and weeping bitterly; and Jeanie, -with white face and dry eyes, was bathing a ghastly wound in her -brother's left temple. - -A moment more and those following more slowly up the hill were startled -by the sound of a hoarse and bitter cry. Andrew Gray's iron composure, -his absolute self-control were swept away, and, darting forward, he -knelt by his murdered boy, calling him by every loving name, in accents -of anguish and entreaty. It was in vain: life was gone! - -Then there arose upon the wings of the soft September wind the echo of -that desolate and anguished cry with which David of old bewailed his -firstborn: "O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! would to God I had -died for thee, O Absalom, my son, my son!" - - - - - *CHAPTER XVI.* - - *AT THE DAWNING.* - - -Shortly after midnight upon the Monday following that sad Sabbath day, -Watty McBean rose up out of his bed, so quietly as not to disturb Betty -asleep in the ben-end, and, hastily putting on his clothes, stole out of -doors. The harvest moon was at its full, and a light almost as clear as -day lay upon the silent earth. The moonlight was very favourable for -Watty's purpose, and his face wore a well-pleased expression as he -entered the stable where his faithful nag was peacefully asleep. She -looked round whinnying at her master's step, but he paid no heed to her. -Striking a light, he took from an empty stall which he used as a -tool-house a pick and shovel. These he hoisted on his shoulder, and, -leaving the stable, stole swiftly up the village street. As he passed -Mistress Lyall's he shook his doubled fist at the darkened windows, for -in that house several of the dragoons were stationed, under command not -to leave the place until they had captured the notorious rebels, who -were known to be in hiding in the neighbourhood; also certain words fell -from his lips which were scarcely in keeping with his profession as a -Christian, or with his old occupation of bell-ringer and minister's man -in the parish. Once clear of the village, Watty somewhat slackened his -pace, and leisurely ascended the manse brae to the churchyard. On this -gentle eminence the air was scarcely so still, for a light breeze -stirred the yellow leaves on the birks of Inverburn, and sighed with a -mournful cadence through the long grasses waving above the last -resting-place of the dead. Passing the manse gate Watty again shook his -fist and applied a very expressive epithet to its unconscious inmate, -which would have roused the ire of the Reverend Duncan McLean had he -heard it. But he was enjoying his well-earned repose, for he had been -very zealous for several days in assisting to ferret out rebellious -insurgents. - -Watty entered the churchyard and stepped lightly over the turf to the -green enclosure where slept so many of those who had first seen the -light in the manse of Inverburn. Laying down his implements, Watty -paused a moment by the double head-stone and wiped his eyes, as he read -the name of Gray, so oft repeated--husband and wife, parent and child, -one after the other--until certain newly-chiselled words recorded that -here also slept-- - - - "AGNES GUTHRIE GRAY, - - THE DEAR WIFE OF ADAM HEPBURN, OF ROWALLAN, - WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE UNTIMEOUSLY, - IN THE FLOWER OF HER AGE, - BEING SHOT BY DRAGOONS AT HER OWN DOOR, - ON THE NINTH DAY OF MARCH, - SIXTEEN HUNDRED AND SIXTY-THREE, - LEAVING HER SORROWING HUSBAND DESOLATE UPON THE - FACE OF THE EARTH." - - -As he slowly spelled out these pathetic words, for Watty was no great -scholar, tears chased each other down his rugged face, and the heaving -of his broad chest told how deep was his emotion. But suddenly -recovering himself, and as if ashamed of his weakness, he dashed the -tears aside, and stepping back for his pick, began his work--that of -digging a grave. It was a strange and weird occupation for that -mysterious hour following upon midnight, and Watty might have been -excused had he felt a little nervous over his task. But no such foolish -fears disturbed him as he quickly and deftly shovelled out the earth; -his mind was filled with sad regretful thoughts of the past, mingled -with foreboding and anxious previsions of the future. And thus busily -occupied, he made great speed with his work. The bell in the tower rang -one, and then two, and still Watty did not halt, but ere the solemn -hands moved round to three his work was done, for his spade had struck -with a dull sound on Agnes Hepburn's coffin lid. Then he jumped out of -the new-made grave, put on his coat again, and walked down to the -churchyard gate. Just then he heard the first cock-crowing from the -curate's hen-roost, and its echo was taken up by chanticleer on a -neighbouring farm, announcing to whomsoever might be awake to hear, the -dawning of another day. Stepping out of the gate, Watty looked -anxiously up the road, and as anxiously down towards the village, -fearing lest the marauders under Mistress Lyall's roof-tree should have -obtained a scent of this morning's work. For about fifteen minutes -Watty endured an agony of impatience and suspense. However, to his -unspeakable relief, he beheld something moving at a considerable -distance up the road. He at once advanced to meet it, and as he drew -nearer he could distinguish four figures walking two abreast, and -carrying something between them. They also breathed a sigh of relief at -sight of Watty, for in these times, though appointments were made, none -could predict what might transpire to prevent their being kept. - -"All ready, Watty?" inquired the voice of Andrew Gray, of Hartrigge, the -moment they were within speaking distance. - -"A' ready," Watty whispered back, and walking to the rear of the little -party, he relieved the minister of Inverburn at the end of the coffin. -Then slowly, and with measured tread, they moved on to the churchyard -gate, up the broad walk, and across the turf to the new-made grave. The -coffin was then laid gently down on the grass, and Watty, bending -forward, read the name on the plate, - -"GAVIN GRAY, AGED 17." - -Meanwhile, Adam Hepburn had moved over to the open grave, and was gazing -down upon the coffin, which contained the remains of his beloved, with a -strange far-off expression on his face. They saw that he had forgotten -himself and them, and after waiting a moment, David Gray stepped forward -and lightly touched his arm. - -"We wait for you, Adam," he said gently. "Will you take the cord at the -feet with me?" - -Adam Hepburn started violently, and then stepping forward, took the cord -held out to him; the minister of Inverburn and Hartrigge himself being -at the head. Then very gently they lowered it into the grave, and when -it grated upon the other, Adam Hepburn let go his hold, and turned aside -with a deep groan. The minister of Inverburn took up a handful of -earth, and let it fall loosely on the coffin lid. "Earth to earth, dust -to dust, he has changed the corruptible for the incorruptible, and what -is our loss is the lad's great gain," he murmured half dreamily. Then he -laid his hand on the arm of the bereaved father, over whose rugged face -a tremor had passed, like the first wave of a great sea, adding, with -gentle force, "My son, come, let us go hence." - -"Not yet; I will wait and help Watty," said Andrew Gray, in a hoarse -whisper; but already Watty, with strong and willing arm, was rapidly -filling up the grave. - -"I wonder whose murdered body will next lie here," said Hartrigge, with -strange, deep bitterness. "Truly, I think, father, we had need soon to -extend our burial space." - -"Do not speak so bitterly, my son. Let us be thankful that we have been -permitted to give the dear lad honourable and Christian burial, with his -forbears," said the old man gently. "If the Lord will, may I be the -next to be laid here in peace." - -"We'd better get out o' this unless we be tired o' life," said Watty, -grimly, pointing with his forefinger to the first streak of dawn on the -eastern horizon. "If we dinna get clear off afore the daw'in', some o' -the manse folk will be sure to see us." - -Mindful of Watty's warning, they prepared to leave the churchyard, and -yet they were fain to linger, for many hallowed memories bound them to -the place. Ere he turned to go, Andrew Gray took up the spade and gently -beat down the turf on the grave, and his last look at his son's loved -resting place was blinded by unwonted tears. - -"Watty," said Adam Hepburn, as they walked out to the road, "you had -better come with us now, and let us see that boasted hiding of yours on -the Douglas Water. If we are to remain in this district it will take a -securer shelter than the cave at Hartrigge to hold us." - -"I'm willint eneuch to let ye see't; but what if I be catched comin' -hame?" queried Watty, cautiously. - -"You can gather some grass on the roadside, and say you were seeking a -bite for old Kirsty, if they question you," said Adam. "But you can -easily be home by half six at the latest, unless indeed the place be all -the farther up the water." - -"Na, na, it's no' that faur. Weel, I'll just hide my pick and shovel in -the hedge, and gang," answered Watty; so the little party once more -turned their faces to Hartrigge, where the bereaved mother sat in her -desolate house, like Rachel, weeping for her children, and refusing to -be comforted. - -They spoke but little as they walked, for the burden of his thoughts was -sufficient for each. The air was now raw and chill, and the light -struggling over hill and dale dispelled the tender radiance of the moon -and gave an aspect almost wintry to the face of nature. The minister of -Inverburn several times shivered and his hacking cough and attenuated -appearance indicated that exposure was beginning to tell upon his aged -frame. Looking at him, Watty more than once ominously shook his head, -and whispered within himself that the minister was not long for this -world. Thinking they might with safety venture into the house of -Hartrigge for some warm breakfast, Andrew Gray, with his father and -brother, turned up the road to the farm, while Adam Hepburn and Watty -took their way by a near cut to the glen, which formed the bed of the -Douglas Water. Relieved from the slight restraint of the minister's -presence, Watty found his tongue, and launched forth into a very -vehement tirade against the oppressors of the land, using terms and -expressions which in happier times would not have failed to amuse his -companion, but which now he passed unheeded. It was seldom indeed that -a smile was seen on the face of Adam Hepburn, and since his wife's death -no man or woman had ever heard him laugh. The keen and pleasant sense -of humour which had given such a relish to his company and speech in -days gone by, had deserted him now, and he was in every respect an -altered man. None was more mournfully conscious of this change than -Watty, who had been wont to have many a bantering jest with the farmer -of Rowallan, for whom he had a great liking and respect. - -In the glen the sleepy birds were beginning to stir among the boughs, -and already the air was full of twitterings, and of the hum of insects -early on the wing. A heavy dew had fallen in the night, and hung -sparkling like diamonds in the hedgerows and on every blade of grass, -making the footing very wet, especially where it grew long and rank, -close to the water's edge. - -As they passed the mouth of the Corbie's Cliff Watty McBean looked -mournfully at the now visible entrance, for the dragoons with their -swords had shorn away all the branches and the clinging tangles which -had so securely hidden it before. So that no man could possibly hide -there now and expect to be undisturbed. - -"Eh, that limmer Martha Miller, if I had her I'd pay her out for her -treachery!" muttered Watty. "It's just as weel she gaed awa' to her -sister in Glesca. She wadna hae been safe muckle longer in the place. -It was gettin' ower hot for her." - -"Ay, she'll never prosper, Watty. She may grow rich for a time on the -spoiling of the neighbours she betrayed, but her punishment will come -by-and-by," said Adam, quietly. - -"I'm sure I hope sae," returned Watty, fervently. "Weel, here we are. -Are ye sure there's naebody in sicht?" - -"Scarcely here, before five in the morning, Watty," said Adam, with a -faint smile. "It is a dark and gloomy retreat this." - -He spoke the truth. They had now reached a very deep and narrow part of -the glen, the sides of which rose precipitously from the edges of the -stream. These abrupt heights were so densely covered with trees, chiefly -those dark and gloomy firs common to the mountainous portions of -Scotland, that they looked like a solid and impenetrable mass. The -water, though narrow, was very deep, and made a hoarse and hollow -roaring as it rushed among its rough boulders, which looked as if they -had become detached from the rocky heights above and rolled into the bed -of the stream. The light admitted from the narrow space between the -heights was very insufficient, and only seemed to add to the gloom. -Even in summer the sunshine never penetrated the dark retreat, -consequently the common wild flowers did not bloom, although ferns and -mosses of rich and varied hues and rare and delicate form grew in -beautiful luxuriance. - -"D'ye see ony place whaur a body micht hide?" queried Watty, with a -twinkle in his eye. - -"Faith, Watty, I believe anybody might be safe enough where we are -standing at this moment. No mounted pursuer, at least, could reach this -spot," answered Adam Hepburn. - -"Weel, follow me as best ye can, for there's nae road, no' even a -sheep-track, to guide ye," said Watty and, immediately plunging into the -thicket on the left, he began to scramble up the face of the steep. - -It was with some difficulty that his companion followed, but, by -swinging himself up by the strong undergrowth, he managed to keep Watty -in sight. At length Watty altogether and mysteriously disappeared, and, -though he called out to guide his companion to his whereabouts, Adam -could not discover him. It was intensely dark, and there was scarcely -room to stand upright, so densely did the trees grow together. -Presently Watty appeared again, and then Adam saw that he stood in front -of an overhanging bank almost concealed by long grass and bracken. - -"Crawl in efter me," cried Watty, and, getting down on his hands and -knees, he crept under the bank and disappeared. Adam followed his -example, and, as Watty immediately struck a light, he saw, to his -astonishment, that he was in a roomy cavern, where he could stand -upright with the greatest ease. - -"Well, Watty, this is a splendid place, and will doubtless be invaluable -to us," he exclaimed. "It is well-nigh impossible that any one should -discover this. But tell me, how many in Inverburn could point it out?" - -"No' a leevin' soul but mysel'. I'll tell ye wha shewed it to me, auld -Robbie Harden, mony a year afore he deed, an' I never telt a cratur," -Watty assured him, solemnly. - -"Ah, that is good! Well, Watty, I am certainly obliged to you for -bringing me here," said Adam. "The thing is, I hope I can make my way to -it again by myself." - -"Oh, that's easy enough. If ye come down noo I'll let ye see the clue," -said Watty, and, accordingly, they again scrambled through the thicket -to the edge of the stream. - -"Ye see that muckle black rock jist like a table," said Watty, pointing -to a huge mass lying in the bed of the water. "It's jist directly -opposite that. If ye keep straicht up ye canna' miss it." - -"All right; I'll remember," said Adam, and the twain then left the -ravine and rapidly retraced their steps towards the haunts of men. - -It was now about half-past five, so Watty, in alarm lest he should be -stopped and questioned, left Adam Hepburn just behind Hartrigge, and -taking to his heels, fled with the utmost speed back to the village. - - - - - *CHAPTER XVII* - - *A SHOCK OF CORN FULLY RIPE.* - - -The body of dragoons stationed in the village of Inverburn were so -constantly upon the alert, and swept so wide a range of the surrounding -district, that it was well-nigh impossible for the fugitives to leave -their hiding either by night or day. They had removed to the safer -hiding of Watty's hole in the Witches' Cleugh [glen or ravine], and -thither Jane Gray, courageous as usual, carried their provisions, either -in the very early morning, or after the moon was up at night. They had -made the place as comfortable as it was possible under the -circumstances, having formed themselves couches of dried leaves over -which were spread the substantial coverings which Jane had carried to -them by degrees. She was now abiding constantly at Hartrigge, where all -Adam Hepburn's most valuable goods had been removed, and Rowallan shut -up. As for the stock, the soldiers had relieved him of any anxiety -regarding it by removing it all for their own use and profit. So -Rowallan was now a deserted and desolate homestead, about which the owls -screeched mournfully at night, and the bats flapped their weird wings -unheeded and undisturbed against the shuttered windows. - -The people of the village were now driven to church at the point of the -sword, consequently the curate's services were no longer disgraced by -meagre attendances. As the people listened to the mockery of worship he -conducted within the now desecrated walls, they bowed their heads in -sorrow and shame, knowing very well that directly the services were over -he would be away drinking with the officers of the regiment. His -excesses, which were not confined to week-days, had now become a public -scandal, so much so, that Sir Thomas Hamilton in disgust had ceased to -attend the church of Inverburn, and had returned to the ministrations of -John Methven, at Lochlee. - -The dragoons, being under command not to quit the place until they had -laid hands on the four obstinate and cunning insurgents, who were -lurking in the neighbourhood, growing tired of their quarters, began a -more vigorous raid on the outlying farmhouses and homesteads, as well as -a more thorough exploration of the woods and hills. But though they -rode along the very heights above the hiding place of the wanderers they -sought, and, dismounting, even made an attempt to explore the very -thicket sheltering the cave, their search was unsuccessful. - -Being quite aware of the very strict search going on, the fugitives were -compelled to abide yet more closely in their shelter. It was now the -end of the year, and though as yet little snow had fallen, there had -been heavy rain storms accompanied by wild and bitter winds which almost -froze the marrow in their bones. It being considered unsafe to make a -fire, the fugitives suffered much from the cold, and from the dampness -of their hiding-place. The minister of Inverburn, especially, suffered -from its effects, and grew so weak that he was scarcely able to stand -upright. He also complained of great pain and uneasiness of the chest, -which indicated that the long exposure had wrought very evil effects -upon his aged and delicate frame. - -Towards midnight, one evening early in January, a slight snow being on -the ground, and the roads rendered easy footing by a touch of frost, -Mistress Gray of Hartrigge, accompanied by Jane, set out to carry -provisions to the fugitives. Since her son's death, Susan Gray's -feelings concerning the Covenanters and their persecutions had undergone -a change. In times gone she had not been a very zealous Churchwoman, -and had often remonstrated with her husband concerning what she -considered his bigoted and unwise zeal; but now her hatred against the -oppressors equalled, if not excelled, that of Andrew. Yet his was the -outcome of true religious zeal, while hers was the result of outraged -human feelings. And I fear that very many of those who followed the -fortunes of the Covenanters were actuated by like feelings with Mistress -Gray. - -No thought of fear troubled these two women as they traversed their -lonely way through the wilds to the Witches' Cleugh. They spoke but -little as they went, for the time had now come when talking over -troubles only made them seem worse to bear. They found it better to -shut them up in their own hearts, and make no moan to the world. The -bright light of the moon made the surrounding landscape indescribably -beautiful, yet what eye had these two for what in happier times would -have afforded them pleasure and delight? To them the beauty of Nature -was obscured by the pall of bitter personal sorrow. When they reached -the cleugh, Jane Gray put a whistle to her mouth and blew the signal, -which those in hiding had learned to know and welcome. Andrew Gray -hastened through the thicket to guide them up to the cave; and Jane -walked on a little in front, guessing that her brother would have many -things to say to his wife, whom he had not seen for some weeks. When -they together entered the cavern, which was dimly lighted, quiet but -expressive greetings passed between them, but somewhat to Jane's -surprise and alarm, her father did not offer to rise and speak to them. -She advanced to the side of the low bed, and holding the flickering -light above it, saw such a deep and significant change in the dear -features, that she could not repress a cry of anguish. - -"My father seems very ill. How long has he been thus?" she exclaimed, -turning to her brothers. The tones of her familiar and much-loved voice -seemed to awaken the old man to struggling consciousness, for he -presently stirred, and opened his eyes. - -"Is that my daughter's voice?" he asked anxiously. - -"Yes, father, I am here," answered Jane, and dropping on her knees, she -took the wasted hands in her firm gentle clasp. "Tell me, do you feel -much distressed? Do you suffer much pain?" - -"Not much pain, only great uneasiness and oppression, my daughter," he -answered. "If it be the precursor of my summons home, how gladly do I -bear it all, if only my Lord sees fit to call me speedily from these -troubles, which I fear I bear with but a poor measure of cheerfulness -and patience. But being old and stricken in years, I have not the same -endurance with these young men, your brethren." - -Jane Gray's eyes filled with bitter tears, and for a space sobs -prevented her from speaking. Susan Gray now moved over to the bed, and -after looking steadfastly at the old man's face for a brief space, she -said decidedly, "Grandfather is very ill. What say you to having him -moved to a comfortable bed at Hartrigge?" - -For a moment they looked somewhat surprised at her proposal, which -involved considerable risk, but she hastened to reassure them. - -"The dragoons have grown weary of searching through Hartrigge, and, -indeed, I hear, that having become convinced that you are not in the -district, they are about to shift their quarters. So I think we needna' -fear for them. You could carry him home this very nicht between you, -and be back safe in hiding afore the first peep o' day." - -"God bless you for your suggestion, Susan," said Jane Gray, gratefully. -"It is kind of you to risk your own safety, and that of your bairns and -house, for our sakes." - -After a brief hesitation it was resolved to act upon Mistress Gray's -plan. - -The old man being too weak to understand what they were talking about, -lay perfectly still, only keeping his eyes fixed upon his daughter's -face, as if they loved to dwell there. He seemed surprised when -presently they began to roll the coverings round him, but did not ask -any questions, nor did they tell him what was about to be done. He was -so thin and attenuated that his light weight was as nothing to Andrew -Gray, who carried him in his arms as easily as if he had been a child. -After a little Adam relieved him, and thus that strange and mournful -procession wended its way to the house of Hartrigge. The women-folk -hurried on in front, and reaching the house considerably before the -others, Jane made haste to get something hot prepared for them, while -the mistress hung sheets and blankets at the cheerful kitchen fire, and -carried up a shovelful of blazing peats to a little garret room, which -was situated in the most remote and the safest part of the house. The -bed was ready when the wanderers arrived, and the old man was at once -undressed, and having had warm, dry, comfortable underclothing put on, -was laid in the clean and cosy bed, where he stretched his limbs gladly, -and wearily laid his head on the soft pillow, too thankful to ask where -he was, so sweet and grateful was the unwonted comfort to his exhausted -and pain-racked frame. His daughter held a warm drink to his lips, -which when he had taken, he lay down and fell asleep. Meanwhile, in the -chamber below the others were partaking of a hasty repast, wondering -much at their own temerity in venturing within the house of Hartrigge, -which, in spite of its familiarity, had a strange look, so long was it -since their eyes had dwelt upon the interior of a dwelling made with -hands. Leaving his food unfinished, Andrew Gray stole up to the chamber -where he knew he should find his little ones asleep. As he looked upon -the sweet, chubby faces of the two younger ones, and then on Jeanie's -paler and more womanly features, his eyes grew strangely dim, and -stooping he kissed them one after the other, so lightly that they did -not even stir in their sleep. His wife presently joined him, and moving -to his side, she leaned her head on his shoulder and he put his arm -about her, and they stood for a brief space in utter silence. - -The thoughts of each were too deep for words or tears. - -"God will take care of you, wife, and keep our bairns," he said at -length. "Fain would I tarry, but it is time we were going hence." - -She nodded, and leaving the room, they rejoined David Gray and Adam, -waiting with some impatience below. Then after many fervent farewells, -and many injunctions to send word if any danger were likely to come near -Hartrigge, so that, if possible, they might again remove the old man, -the wanderers left the cheerful warmth and comfort of Hartrigge, and -betook themselves to their bleak hiding in the dens and caves of the -earth. - -Next morning mistress Gray took little Jeanie aside, and told her that -her grandfather was in the garret, and said she had trusted her with the -secret, lest she should discover it, and unthinkingly speak of it -outside. - -Jeanie looked up into her mother's face with a wise, womanly expression, -almost sad to see in so young a child. - -"Oh, mother, you needna fear for me," she said quietly. "Though you -hadna told me, I would have known very well not to tell any one of -grandfather being here. But, mother, did he come in the middle of the -night, and was father with him? I dreamed that father was standing by -my bed last night, and that he kissed me, and was crying when he did -it." - -"It was nae dream, lassie," said her mother, through her tears; "your -poor father was indeed here last night, and kissed and blessed you, and -Sandy, and Nannie too." - -For several days it seemed as if the minister of Inverburn were likely -to recover, under the kind nursing of his daughter at Hartrigge. But -the pain in the chest did not abate its severity, and though they did -the utmost for him within their knowledge and skill, there was no -visible improvement in his condition. They dared not send for a doctor, -but had just to use their own means, and pray for a blessing. - -In the course of a week, however, it became quite evident to the anxious -watchers that death was not far off. - -The day came at last when the old man, conscious himself of his -approaching end, desired that his children might be gathered about his -bed. Jane Gray ran in haste to the Witches' Cleugh, and in the -darkening those in hiding stole up to Hartrigge. - -When the dying servant of God saw all the faces beloved best on earth -gathered round him, a well-pleased expression stole into his face. -Looking at his first-born son, he desired him to raise him a little in -the bed, in order that he might better utter his words of blessing and -farewell. Then fixing his eyes on Andrew's face, he said, in low and -solemn tones:-- - -"You have ever been a faithful and dutiful son to me, Andrew, for which -the Lord will reward you. I have but one word of warning to give -regarding the part you will take in the struggle which will shortly rage -with hotter violence than it has hitherto done in the land. See to it -that you fight for the Covenant with singleness of heart and purpose, -out of pure love for its sweet and simple doctrines, and do not allow -any personal spleen to mingle with your nobler aim, lest the blessing of -the Most High be withheld. To you, David, my son, I have also a word to -say. I bid you be of good courage, and fail not to strengthen and -encourage your brethren in arms with the ministrations of your holy -office whenever time and opportunity permit. And fear not those who can -kill the body, for it is written, 'Whosoever shall lose his life for My -sake shall find it.' To you, Adam Hepburn, the widowed spouse of my -sweet Agnes, and dear to me as my own sons, my words will also be brief. -I would seek to remind you that vengeance belongs only to the Lord, and -that from high Heaven alone cometh sure retribution for deeds of blood. -Therefore I would warn you that you strive to overcome your evil and -revengeful passion, reminding you that it is not a spirit which the -ransomed soul of your beloved could approve. It is written that he that -slayeth with the sword shall perish by the sword. To you, my sweet and -well-beloved daughter, Jane, who have indeed followed closely in your -mother's footsteps, since the mournful day when that dear saint left -this world for a better, I have simply to leave my gratitude and -fatherly blessing. Your reward for many deeds and words of love will -come by-and-by. And, last of all, Susan, my daughter, I would but call -to your remembrance that our God can bind up the broken heart, and that -your tears are treasured up against that day when He cometh to judge the -quick and the dead. And the parting is but for a little while. -Farewell, my children; save for your sakes I am not sorry to quit this -earthy tabernacle, and enter upon the inheritance which my sweet Lord -has kept for me since before the foundation of the world." - -With these words the minister sank back exhausted among his pillows. It -must not be supposed that he was able to utter the foregoing sentences -as connectedly as they are written. Nay, they were spoken with much -difficulty, and many long pauses, and his parched lips had to be -continually moistened with the stimulant Jane kept ready at hand. He -lay so still after the last words passed his lips that they almost -feared he was gone. But at length his eyelids quivered slightly, and -then they saw a seraphic smile dawning upon his face, as if some lovely -vision had appeared to his soul. His lips moved slightly, and Jane, -hastily bending down, caught the faintly whispered words:-- - -"Coming, O my sweet Lord Jesus!" - -So, quietly and painlessly, he fell asleep. - -"It is all over," said Hartrigge, huskily. - -"For this present life only, Andrew," quietly answered the minister of -Broomhill. "And, thanks be to His name, He has spared the green, and -taken the ripe." - - - - - *CHAPTER XVIII.* - - *AT HAUGHHEAD.* - - -In the grey twilight of a sweet spring evening, a figure, wearing the -garb of a minister, entered the policies surrounding Haughhead, and -keeping well within the shadow of the trees, stole across the park to -the mansion house. The face of the wanderer was not that of an old man, -and yet his hair was as white as snow. He looked worn and delicate, and -walked slowly and with a somewhat lingering step, as if he had travelled -far, and was very weary. - -The house of Haughhead was a building of considerable pretension, and -was beautifully situated on a richly wooded slope, directly facing the -picturesque village of Broomhill. The grounds were ample and well kept, -and looked their best that spring evening, for the trees were bursting -into leaf, and the early spring flowers were blooming in the trim -borders and among the smooth-grown turf. The wanderer looked about him -with a sad and tender interest, for his surroundings were peculiarly -familiar, and recalled to his mind many memories of the past. To this -place, in the early days of his settlement in Broomhill, he had often -come, lured by the sunny gleam in the blue eyes of Lilian Burnet. -Through these very green and bosky glades he had wandered, with her -light hand clinging to his arm, in the happy, careless days of their -courtship; across that very threshold he had led his fair bride, -accounting himself that day the happiest man in broad Scotland. -Recalling these happy days, and contrasting them with the desolation -which was his to-day, he could have fancied them but the vagaries of his -own imagination. Although it was not yet dark outside, lights gleamed -in the lower windows of the house, and all the shutters were closed, -telling that the inmates had settled themselves within for the night. -The minister hesitated for a moment at the base of the broad flight of -steps which led up to the door, wavering in his purpose to seek -admittance. Finally he stepped aside to one of the lower windows, at -which the shutters had not been carefully closed, there being a broad -chink left, through which a very good view of the interior of the room -might be had. It was a large, pleasant, well-lighted chamber, with a log -fire burning cheerfully on the hearth, and giving one the idea of -comfort and homeliness. There were several persons in the room. -Sitting in her high-backed chair was the prim-looking mistress of -Haughhead, busy upon some embroidery. Opposite her, on the hearth, sat -Burnet of Haughhead himself, with a small table drawn up before him, and -a ponderous volume lying thereon, in whose pages he seemed engrossed. -It was not upon these two, however, that the yearning eyes of the -minister dwelt On the hearthrug two little children were busy at their -play: two lovely children, a boy and girl, the former, having been very -delicate in infancy, only able to toddle on his little legs, and his -baby tongue only yet learning the mysterious language of words. A little -apart, also busy with her sewing, sat their mother, a lovely creature, -to all appearance scarcely yet out of her girlhood, with a round sweet -innocent face, as delicate in hue as the tint of the lily and the rose -combined, and clear liquid blue eyes, which had evidently never yet been -dimmed by bitter tears. She was a picture of serene and happy repose, -not a shadow crossed her fair face, and her low humming of a familiar -melody seemed to indicate a heart at rest. - -Familiar though he was with the shallowness of his wife's nature, David -Gray, looking on her face, was amazed. He had expected to see her a -little changed; he thought that a small measure of anxiety, a shadow of -regret concerning him, might have left its impress on her face. But no, -she looked younger, fairer, more free from care than he had ever seen -her before. If there had been any lingering hope in his mind that the -wife whom he still loved, thought of, or longed for him in her -separation, it was dispelled at once and for ever. But for the two -little ones playing at her feet, the years of her wifehood might have -seemed only the shadow of a dream, so unchanged was she from the light -and giddy girl who had ruled the house of Haughhead since her babyhood. -Pleasant and suggestive as was the picture in that family room, it -caused a deep, deep shadow to come upon the sad face of the minister of -Broomhill. He felt himself utterly forgotten by those bound to him by -the nearest and dearest of ties. They had put him away out of their -hearts and lives as one undeserving of their love. Presently his -painful thoughts were interrupted by the gruff voice of Gilbert Burnet, -and every word was distinctly audible. - -"Give your song words, Lily," he said; "this is just the time of night -for music. Is the harp there?" - -"Yes, father," the sweet, careless tones made answer, blithely, and -David Gray saw her throw aside her work, and approach the corner of the -room where the harp stood. Then she sat down, ran her white fingers -lightly over the strings, tossed back her sunny ringlets in the -coquettish fashion he remembered so well, and then began the sweet, -stirring strains of an old ballad, which had ever been a favourite in -days gone by. Listening to these sweet strains, the minister of -Broomhill seemed to forget himself and his surroundings, until the -abrupt cessation of the music, and a loud clapping of hands, caused him -to start, and cast another look into the room. The children had now -risen from their play, and were clapping their baby hands in glee over -the music. - -Looking upon their winsome faces, the faces of his own children, given -to him by God, taken from him by man, a great wave of anguish, of -unutterable yearning, swept over his soul. But he crushed it down, and -turning about, stole away from the house by the way he had come. They -had forgotten him, they had no need of him; henceforth he was without -wife, or children, or home, a wanderer on the face of the earth. They -were safe and sheltered under that roof-tree, because its heads had not -identified themselves with rebellion and treason, while he was hunted, -pursued, and tracked to the dens and caves of the earth, with a price -set upon his head. And yet what of that? what though perils by sea and -land, perils by persecution, encompassed him, when he possessed the -sweet approval of his own conscience, and the ever-present consciousness -of the presence and blessing of the Most High? To be accounted worthy -had been his earnest cry ere these desolations had fallen upon him, and -now was he one to shrink and stand back from the bearing of his cross, -however heavy it might be? Nay, but a sweet peace stole into his heart, -as these precious words of promise were whispered to him: "And every one -that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sister, or father, or mother, -or wife, or children, or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive an -hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life." - -Henceforth God and the Covenant were all he had to live and suffer for, -all he could call his own indeed upon the earth. Therefore he would go -forth gladly with his brethren on the morrow to join the Covenanting -army assembling in the south. - -Not many days after that, the women folk at Hartrigge were busy about -their usual tasks, when a horse and rider came up to the front door, the -latter loudly demanding admittance. Jane Gray went out at once, and -great was her astonishment to behold Gilbert Burnet, the laird of -Haughhead. - -"Well, Jane Gray, 'tis a long time since we met," he said, grimly. - -"It is, indeed, Mr. Burnet," answered Jane, quietly. - -"And many ups and downs have taken place since then, eh?" he asked, more -grimly still. - -"You speak the truth," said Jane, coldly, not liking very well the -manner in which he spoke. "Will you be pleased to alight from your -horse, and step in? In my brother's name I can bid you welcome to his -house, and his wife will speak to you within. She has been in poor -health these few weeks, and is confined to her own chamber." - -"I'll not come in to-day," said Haughhead, bluntly. "My business can be -done here well enough. It will not take up much of your time." - -"My time is at your disposal, Mr. Burnet. We are not hard pressed in -these times," she said, with a faint smile. - -"No, there is a mighty difference in Hartrigge since I saw it last. A -great fool Andrew Gray was to leave his substantial holding and -comfortable life for his present precarious existence," said Haughhead. -"I suppose he is not about the place." - -"No; nor has been for many, many months," answered Jane, briefly. - -"Ah, I thought not. It was you I expected to see. Well, I suppose you -have heard of the most gracious indulgence granted by the king to the -outed and rebellious ministers?" - -"Yes; we heard of it some days ago," answered Jane Gray, in a calm and -unreadable voice. - -"You know the generous terms it offers?" said Burnet, inquiringly. "If -they will acknowledge the bishops, they are to be forgiven for past -rebellion and inducted into the full enjoyment of their former -benefices. If not, they are still to be allowed to preach in the kirks, -and can come back to their manses and glebes." - -"Yes; we heard that such were the king's terms, Mr. Burnet," said Jane -Gray, but did not offer the information he was anxious to obtain. - -"What, what are your brothers saying to it? What--in fact, hang it, -woman!--will your brother David come back peaceably to Broomhill? You -know very well what I want to be at!" said Haughhead, losing his temper -and raising his voice. - -Jane Gray looked him straight in the face with clear, calm, steadfast -eyes. - -"I fear not; in fact, Mr. Burnet, I know that the indulgence will make -no difference whatsoever to my brother David. On no account will he now -accept a living from the hands of a king who has proved himself so -utterly unworthy of trust or loyal service. My brother, in common with -many other thoughtful men, regards the new proclamation simply as a trap -set to ensure the complete downfall of Presbyterianism in Scotland." - -It was curious to watch the varying expressions on Gilbert Burnet's face -as he listened to Jane Gray's fearless and unmistakable words. - -"Gad, Jane Gray! you are not afraid! I should not wonder to see your -proud head roll in the dust yet," he said, sarcastically. "Then your -brothers will still keep themselves rebels at large, liable to be shot -or hanged any day?" - -"Until God sees fit to restore to the Church of Scotland a glorious -liberty, crowned and sanctioned by His own blessing and approval, my -brothers are content to undertake the risks involved by their firm -upstanding for the Covenant," answered Jane Gray, with quiet but -striking eloquence. - -"Then you brothers are arrant fools, and deserve whatever fate may -befall them!" fumed Haughhead. "Is David Gray in the neighbourhood? -Could I see him? Although I am no bigoted zealot, I can pass my word of -honour and keep it, as a gentleman should. He will come by no harm -through me. I only desire to speak with him for a little space." - -"It is impossible, Mr. Burnet. My brothers, and also my brother-in-law, -Adam Hepburn, have left this district, and I know not where they may now -be." - -"I see you speak the truth. I had a message from my daughter, his -wife," said Haughhead, carelessly. "I can deliver it to you. Possibly -you may have some opportunity of communicating with him at no very -distant date." - -"I shall be very pleased to receive your message, Mr. Burnet, and to -deliver it to David when opportunity offers." - -"Well, it is just this, that if he will accept the king's generous -indulgence and return to the manse of Broomhill, she will come back to -him with her children, thus showing herself willing to overlook his long -desertion." - -Jane Gray drew herself up, and a slight colour rose in her cheek. - -"Truly, Mr. Burnet, I think Lilian Gray cannot be a changed woman when -she sent such a message to my brother," she said, proudly. "She should -rather have couched her message in terms of humility, seeing she so -wrongly and unkindly quitted him in the hour of his need." - -"That is _your_ way of looking at it. We hold that, by his folly, David -Gray forfeited all claim on his wife's consideration," retorted -Haughhead, angrily. "But it is no use arguing with a Gray, so I will be -off, Jane Gray, wishing you a very good day." - -"Stay, Mr. Burnet; will you tell me, please, how it is with the little -ones, my brother's bairns?" said Jane, laying a pleading hand on his -bridle rein. "I have a great yearning to see or hear something of -them." - -"Oh, they are well, and as bonnie bairns as eyes could wish to see--true -Burnets both of them," answered Haughhead, stretching a point just to -vex the heart of the woman before him. "Tell David that, and tell him -that they'll soon forget they have a father at all." - -With which parting shot, which brought an unbidden tear to Jane Gray's -eye, the Laird of Haughhead gave his horse the rein and rode rapidly -away. - - - - - *CHAPTER XIX.* - - *UNLOOKED-FOR NEWS.* - - -In spite of the many stringent measures taken by the Government to -suppress the field preachings and break the spirit of the Covenanters, -the persecuted people continued to meet for worship in the mountain -solitudes or in the moorland wilds, thus strengthening each others' -hearts and hands, and renewing the bond of their precious Covenant, for -which these hardships were endured. - -Now no conventicle was held unless protected by an armed band ready to -give the alarm and fight, if need be, the soldiers who might seek to -disturb or disperse them. Consequently skirmishes were of very frequent -occurrence, sometimes resulting in victory for the Presbyterians, -sometimes in their utter defeat. In these encounters many lost their -lives. Often were the heather and the mountain streams dyed with their -blood, and yet the army never seemed to diminish in numbers, for there -were ever some ready to fill the vacant places of those who had fallen. - -The curates still continued to conduct Episcopal services in the kirks, -but the supremacy of the bishops seemed no nearer being established in -the last, because, with some exceptions, those who attended the -ministrations were people of little note or reputation, with perhaps a -few whom terror compelled to take their unwilling places in the kirks. - -The struggles betwixt the Government and the Scottish Presbyterians had -now extended over several years, and seemed yet no nearer a satisfactory -termination. The Covenanters, with their intimate knowledge of their -native hills and dales, had the advantage over the troopers sent to hunt -and destroy them, and some of their mountain fastnesses were more -impregnable than a fortified city. In open warfare they might easily -have been cut to pieces, but time went on, and except the few skirmishes -already referred to, the opponents had never met in battle. Such a -state of affairs could not be satisfactory to the King of England, much -less so to Lauderdale and the Archbishop of St. Andrews, who were his -executors in Scotland. - -When every troop of marauding dragoons was empowered to take captive, -torture, or kill any man, woman, or child whom they even suspected of -being a Covenanter, or of attending the Conventicles; when the property -of unoffending individuals was confiscated and distributed among the -spoilers; when the dwellings of peaceable country folk were robbed, and -often burned to the ground without explanation or excuse; when those who -were supposed to have afforded shelter or refreshment to the fugitives -were fined and imprisoned without mercy, it might have been thought that -there were no severer measures left in the Government repertoire, and -that they might have abandoned the persecutions in despair of ever -rooting Presbyterian principles out of Scotland. But as yet the -Government had no such intention. Those in power met to discuss, and -finally issued orders for the infliction of yet more stringent and cruel -treatment upon the rebels. Every forgotten and long-abhorred torture -was revived, and used as punishments by the unholy Courts, which made a -mockery of administering justice in the land. - -Well might the endurance of God's people quail beneath the yoke of the -oppressor; well might their hearts be uplifted to Heaven in that -despairing cry, "O Lord, how long!" - -One evening about the middle of May, in the year 1679, several men were -gathered together in a lonely farmhouse among the wilds of Lanarkshire. -Among them we recognise Andrew Gray of Hartrigge, and his brother, -David, the minister of Broomhill, also other two familiar faces, those -of Adam Hepburn of Rowallan, and Watty McBean, the carrier of Inverburn. -Having had his houses burned about his ears, his faithful nag and all -his valuables stolen, Watty had become, instead of a man of peace, a man -of war, and had joined the army lying in the Vale of Avondale. Betty had -retired to Hartrigge, which was now entirely left to the women-folk, and -was at the utter mercy of the soldiery. But as yet the homestead -remained untouched, though fair Rowallan was razed to the ground. - -From the appearance of the company gathered in the room, as well as from -their remarks, it could be gathered that they were (with the exception -of Watty, who would on no account let Adam Hepburn out of his sight) -leaders among the insurgents. They were discussing the next steps to be -taken by the army, and Sir Robert Hamilton, brother to the Laird of -Inverburn, and a staunch, though moderate Presbyterian, was counselling -cautious measures, to which Andrew Gray, Adam Hepburn, and some other -fiery spirits listened with but a small show of patience, when there -came a loud and peremptory knocking at the door. Involuntarily all -sprang to their feet, and grasped their swords. If they were -discovered, and the soldiers were without, there were twenty valiant and -desperate men of them, who would fight dearly for their lives. - -Adam Hepburn, sword in hand, fearlessly went to the outer door, and -threw it open. In the faint and uncertain beams of the young May moon -he saw only a solitary horseman, whose steed was panting and covered -with foam, as if it had galloped many miles that day. - -"Is this Windyedge, the house of Gideon Dickson?" the horseman asked in -a thick whisper. - -"Is it friend or foe?" queried Adam, briefly. - -"Friend," replied the horseman, as briefly. "Is Sir Robert Hamilton -within?" - -"He is; but be good enough first to give me your name as a guerdon of -your honour," said Adam. - -"Tush! man," said the horseman impatiently; "well, John Balfour of -Kinloch, synonymous with liberty at any price, is it not?" - -Those within, hearing the whispered conference, now came crowding out to -the door, and Sir Robert Hamilton, at sight of the figure on the horse, -uttered an exclamation of surprise, and at once stepped across the -threshold. - -"John Balfour! What on earth brings you from Fife to this remote place? -No paltry reason, I could swear." - -"You speak the truth," returned Balfour grimly. "Is there any fellow who -can put up my steed, who is in a sorry plight, poor wretch, as well he -may, after his desperate ride. And is there any refreshment to be had -within, for I am fainting with hunger and fatigue." - -Gideon Dickson, the farmer of Windyedge, came out himself, and taking -the exhausted animal's bridle-rein, led him away towards the stable. -Then Balfour was conducted into the house, and refreshment immediately -set before him. While he partook of his repast he spoke not, and those -in the room who had hitherto only known him by hearsay as a fearless -soldier, who would fight under the most desperate circumstances, now -looked, not without astonishment, upon his person. In figure he was -considerably under the middle height, but his frame was powerfully knit, -and evidently possessed of great strength. His countenance was by no -means prepossessing, being dark and forbidding, while a cast in his eye -gave him a peculiarly fierce and unpleasant aspect. When he had -finished his repast he looked round upon the assembled company, and then -fixing his eyes on the face of Sir Robert Hamilton, briefly asked the -question:-- - -"Are these present to be trusted?" - -"Ay, truly," answered Sir Robert. "They are the picked men of our -forces; therefore you may fearlessly open your mouth in their midst, -John." - -"And there are no traitors or spies within hearing?" further queried -Kinloch, looking suspiciously round him. - -"None; we are gathered here for consultation," replied Sir Robert. "Our -forces are lying about a mile distant, under cover of the Loudon hill." - -"That is well. But, tell me, have you had no news, of a very -comfortable and pleasant nature, conveyed hither from Fife?" queried -Balfour grimly. - -Sir Robert shook his head and made answer that they had received no -communication whatsoever from the shire of Fife. - -"Nothing relating to that arch-fiend, James Sharp, of St. Andrews?" - -"Nothing. Come, John, do not keep us in suspense. Can it be that the -Lord has permitted judgment to fall on him at last?" - -"Even so," said Balfour. "Know, then, that certain faithful servants of -the Covenant, meeting the archbishop's carriage on Magus muir, on the -third day of this present month, sent the perjured traitor to his just -and righteous doom." - -Sir Robert Hamilton was struck dumb in the intensity of his surprise and -horror, for in a moment the consequences of that rash and indefensible -act were made clear to his well-balanced mind. One or two others, -notably the minister of Broomhill, also exhibited dismay, but the -majority of those present received the news with a lively satisfaction, -and even with a species of fierce joy which told that in their zeal they -thirsted for blood. - -"Who authorised, or led them to such a rash and unwise attack?" queried -Sir Robert Hamilton. "They must have been blind and blood-thirsty -zealots, surely, who killed a man in cold blood, without giving him a -chance to defend himself." - -An expression of fierce and bitter scorn crossed the dark face of -Balfour as he made answer contemptuously. - -"What of the many thousands who have been murdered in cold blood at -Sharp's instigation and with his approval? The like mercy he showed to -others was meted out to him. For my part, I would that he had ten other -lives, to be taken from him in the same summary fashion." - -"I am of your opinion, Mr. Balfour," said the deep voice of Adam Hepburn -of Rowallan, and Kinloch immediately turned his deep-set eyes with -approval on the speaker. Something in the dogged and resolute -expression on his fine face, and in the gleam of his keen blue eye, -riveted Balfour's attention and caused him to mentally resolve that they -should become better acquainted with each other. - -"And I, also," chimed in Andrew Gray in his quiet but weighty manner. -"There could be no fate too harsh for such a traitor. Verily he has -been a Judas in the Kirk of Scotland all his days, and his hands are -dyed with the blood of hundreds of innocents whom he has betrayed." - -Still Sir Robert Hamilton shook his head, and a troubled and anxious -expression continued to dwell on his face. - -"Come, tell me, John, who were the perpetrators of this deed of -violence?" he asked. "Are any of them personally known to you?" - -A grim smile stole into Kinloch's face as he made answer-- - -"Faith, they were all as well known to me as my own brothers, seeing I -was in their midst, as also was my brother-in-law, David Hackstoun of -Rathillet." - -"David Hackstoun of Rathillet!" ejaculated Sir Robert in tones of utter -amazement. "Very sure am I that so sweet and kindly a soul would not -lay a hand even on the archbishop." - -"Well, like Saul, he looked on, consenting unto his death," said -Balfour. "I myself gave the traitor a sword thrust, just to wipe off -old scores, but it was not these hands that finished him. Nevertheless, -the crime is wholly charged upon my brother-in-law and myself, and I -take it there will be a heavy ransom set upon our precious heads. After -the deed was done we separated, David Hackstoun and I agreeing to join -the forces here; but he would go home to see his wife first, else he had -been here with me. It may be that his silly dallying may cost him his -life." - -"You are right in saying there will be a heavy price set on your heads," -said Sir Robert Hamilton; "and, what is more, we will all need to gird -about our swords and see to our armour, for now there will be no quarter -for any professing Covenanting principles. I prophesy that the king -will take steps to terribly avenge his primate's death." - -"What of that?" queried Balfour, carelessly. "What ingenuity or revenge -could suggest more terrible and bloody oppression than has been pressed -on Scotland these past ten years?" - -"Well, well, what's done can't be undone," said Sir Robert, with a -somewhat mournful smile. "Now, lads, we had better to our discussions -again. We were but planning a great field meeting for Sabbath week, at -which a Communion Service might be held, and we were somewhat divided as -to a suitable place of meeting." - -"Are there many soldiers in the district?" asked Balfour. - -"Ah, that we cannot tell. They rise mysteriously, as it were out of the -bowels of the earth, when least expected," replied Sir Robert. "But I -heard on good authority that that miscreant--for I can call him nothing -else--John Graham of Claverhouse is in the west." - -"Right well would I like to measure swords with him," said Balfour, with -feverish eagerness. "Such a man is not fit to live." - -"It's no' very easy gettin' at him," piped the shrill voice of Watty -McBean. "I'm tell he rides a muckle black horse the deevil sent him, -an' that nae man can owertak' him." - -Balfour immediately turned his piercing eyes on Watty's face with a -glance which covered him with confusion, for he had been surprised into -speech without thinking. - -"Be quiet, Watty," said Adam Hepburn promptly, which rebuke caused Watty -to slink behind the door, chiefly to escape the gaze of Balfour, whom he -had regarded with terror ever since his entrance. - -"Those who are best acquainted with the district should be the fittest -to choose a place of meeting," said Balfour. "What numbers have you at -Loudon Hill?" - -"About three hundred, and at a short notice we could speedily double or -treble the number. There having been no fighting of late, very many -have returned to their homes. Indeed, those with us are chiefly men -whose goods have been confiscated and their dwellings pillaged and -burned." - -"I see no better spot than where our army now lies," said Adam Hepburn. -"It is a sheltered and suitable place, and from the top of the hill our -watchers could readily descry the enemy approaching from one side, while -upon the other that wide and dreary morass is a bulwark in our defence." - -"I agree with you," said Sir Robert. "Then we can fix upon the place -and day, and send word through the surrounding district." - -"Have you forgotten that the anniversary of the king's restoration is to -be celebrated throughout Scotland on the 29th of this present month?" -asked Balfour. - -"No: we have had that under discussion likewise, John," replied Sir -Robert, "and we intend to celebrate it in our own fashion. But of that -more anon. And now we must separate for the night. My quarters in the -meantime are here, John. You had better remain with me in case -Rathillet should come hither seeking you. He should be here by the -latest to-morrow." - -Balfour acquiesced, and, being much fatigued, gladly retired to rest, -while the others separated to the various places where they were to -obtain shelter for the night. - - - - - *CHAPTER XX.* - - *DRUMCLOG.* - - -All the following day, David Hackstoun of Rathillet was anxiously -expected by his brethren in arms, in the vale of Avondale. And when -night closed, and there were yet no signs of him, they began to tremble -lest some evil had befallen him. Early upon the second morning, -however, when that good man and faithful supporter of the Covenanters, -Gideon Dickson, the farmer of Windyedge, was leading out his horses as -usual to water, he beheld a horseman coming, but slowly and dejectedly, -up the road. He at once ran into the house, awakened his distinguished -guests, who speedily dressed and got out of doors, just as the horseman -rode into the yard. - -"David Hackstoun! verily, glad am I to behold your face," said Balfour, -advancing to meet him. "We feared, and not without cause, that your -unwise delay had cost you dear." - -"It was like to be my end," answered Rathillet, with a faint smile, and -he was so weary that they had to assist him to alight; then he very -cordially greeted Sir Robert Hamilton, with whom he had some slight and -very agreeable acquaintance. - -"I had a desperate ride, especially betwixt Stirling and Avondale," he -said, in answer to their inquiries. "There is a price of 10,000 marks -upon my head, and you can readily imagine that there are many greedy -vultures on my track. But, truly, I think that as yet the direction of -my flight is not known." - -"Is there no price upon my head also?" queried Balfour. - -"Yes, we are accounted equal prey, but the proclamation is so worded -that the rewards fall to whoever shall lay hands on any one of those who -were present at or took part in Sharp's assassination," returned -Rathillet. "But, come, tell me how is it you are abiding in such -apparent ease here? I thought it would have been unsafe to shelter -under any man's roof-tree." - -"So it is, but this is a very remote place, and difficult of access, and -there are many ways of escape from it," returned Sir Robert Hamilton. -"And our brethren in arms are not far distant." - -"Ah well, very gladly will I rest awhile with you, for I am as sore -spent as ever man was," said Hackstoun. "And never did I expect to -reach this place alive. The last place I ventured to ask concerning you -was a little moorland shieling, where a woman was dwelling alone. She -told me her husband was with the army, and that she was making -preparations to retire to her kinsfolk in Hamilton, being in daily -terror of a visit from the dragoons, who had shot her sister not many -weeks ago, when she was returning from a preaching." - -At that moment the mistress of the house, a kindly and hospitable dame, -appeared, and bade them come in, as breakfast was prepared on the table. -She looked compassionately at the worn and weather-beaten appearance of -the new comer, and hastened to get him some cool water from the spring, -in which to lave his dusty face and hands. Very grateful were all these -comforts to the weary fugitive, and, after heartily partaking of the -good dame's fare, he lay down to snatch a few hours' much-needed rest. -Later in the day Sir Robert Hamilton and he, after long and earnest -discussion, set themselves to compile a declaration, which it was their -intention to publish on the day of the king's restoration. On the 28th -of May, the day before the celebration, eighty men were chosen from -among the ranks of the Covenanters, and with Sir Robert Hamilton at -their head marched westwards to Glasgow. Andrew Gray and Adam Hepburn -were of the number, and the expedition was much to their liking, but the -minister of Broomhill remained behind with the forces, as did Balfour -and David Hackstoun, for great risk attended their appearance, seeing so -high a price was on their heads. About noon, on the 29th, Sir Robert -Hamilton's band rode into the burgh of Rutherglen, where a great -semblance of rejoicing was going on over the anniversary of the king's -restoration. Many of the people merely took part in the proceedings -through fear of the consequence, if they refused, but when the -Presbyterians rode so boldly into the town, they took heart, and at once -revealed their true principles, by heartily approving and taking part in -their proceedings. The little company gathered about the ancient cross, -and after burning in the very bonfire which had been kindled in honour -of the king, all the Acts he had issued against the Covenanters, Sir -Robert Hamilton published to all those gathered together, the -declaration which Rathillet and he had drawn up against the Government. -They then proceeded to extinguish the bonfires, and sweep away all -outward tokens of rejoicing with a fearless boldness, which surprised -the trembling burghers of Rutherglen not a little. - -They then rode away by the route they had come, but the day now being -far spent, several of them proposed to remain over night in Hamilton, -calculating that next day, being Saturday, they would have ample time to -return to Loudon hill in time for the Conventicle on the Sabbath. They -were divided, however and the more prudent among them judging that the -troops would speedily follow up to avenge the insult to the king, -elected not to halt until they rejoined the army. Fifteen of the bolder -spirits held on to Hamilton, and sought quarters there, but at day-break -they were hastily roused, and informed that Claverhouse, with his troop -in pursuit of them, was close upon the town, and was in a great rage, -swearing that not a man of them would escape with his life. - -By the time they were accoutred and ready to march, the pursuers had -entered the town, but the fugitives escaped by another road, and so -obtained a little advantage. - -In Hamilton Claverhouse learned of the field meeting to be held the -following day at Loudon hill, whereat he chuckled with delight, for the -dispersion of a conventicle was work after his own heart. - -Fair, calm, and sweet broke that summer Sabbath morning over the -beautiful vale of Avondale. The watchers stationed on the hill tops -since daybreak could see no sign of the approaching foe, and it was with -untroubled and reverently thankful hearts that the faithful people came -flocking to hear the preaching of that precious Word, for which all -these dangers and anxieties were cheerfully endured. It was a strange, -striking, and very pathetic scene, to look upon that gathering of simple -country folk, denied the privilege of hearing the pure Gospel preached -in its simplicity within the walls of their own kirks, reverently -assembled to worship the God of their fathers in a tabernacle of which -men could not rob them, even the green slopes of their dear native -hills. - -The inner circle was composed of women and children, and those among the -older men not so well able to defend themselves. Below that was a ring -of stout country men, armed with halberds, forks, and other weapons, -which they had hitherto used in more peaceable pursuits; while beyond -these again was a band of sturdy, well-armed foot-soldiers, finally -encompassed by a party of horse. Sir Robert Hamilton, calm, dignified, -and self-possessed, sat erect upon his steed, ready at a moment's notice -to take command of the little army, while near to him sat David -Hackstoun, his fine face wearing an expression of deep and heavenly -serenity, which told how passing sweet to his soul was this hour of -communing with his God. Side by side, on a rocky ledge, sat Balfour of -Kinloch, and Adam Hepburn of Rowallan, and, I fear me, their hearts were -occupied by far other thoughts than the reverent worship of the God of -the Covenant. Yet their outward demeanour was decorous enough. There -were also several ministers present. - -After the singing of a psalm David Gray led the devotions of the -assembly, and as his beautiful and appropriate petitions, the deep -breathing of his own pure and reverent soul, fell from his lips, tears -rolled down the faces of many present, and more than one voice fervently -re-echoed his amen. - -The reverend Mr. Douglas, who was to preach the sermon, gave out his -text, and had but newly addressed himself to his subject, when a -carabine shot was fired from the hill-top, a warning salute which had -been agreed upon before the service commenced. - -They were speedily informed that Claverhouse, with a considerable body -of dragoons, was rapidly approaching. Without the faintest sign of -confusion, or any exhibition of terror, the little army prepared -themselves for battle. - -Sir Robert Hamilton took the command, and was assisted by Balfour and -Rathillet, as also by some other gentlemen of rank, present on the -field. - -To their joy they beheld the enemy advancing towards the morass, which -would prove a very considerable barrier in their way. Had Claverhouse -been familiarly acquainted with the nature of a Scottish morass, or bog, -as the country folk term it, he would without doubt have rather taken a -more circuitous route to avoid it. The Covenanters stood perfectly -still until the dragoons were well into the moss, then singing the -favourite seventy-sixth psalm, to the familiar strains of "Martyrs," -they steadfastly advanced to engage the foe in conflict. Those left -behind prostrated themselves in prayer to the God of Heaven, -supplicating victory for the blue banner of the Covenant, waving in the -light summer breeze, its white letters, "For Christ's Cause and -Covenant," made resplendent by the brilliance of the summer sun. The -first volley fired by the Covenanters emptied many a saddle in -Claverhouse's ranks, and without giving them time to rally, the brave -little band plunged into the morass, and then began a terrible -hand-to-hand conflict, which must ensure either complete victory or -total defeat. - -Sir Robert Hamilton kept to his horse, encouraging his men with his -calm, cheerful demeanour, as well as by his steadfast words. As was to -be expected, Adam Hepburn fought with desperate valour, and caused -Balfour to regard him anew with a peculiar interest. After a brief, but -terrible struggle, Claverhouse, seeing the field was utterly lost, -hastily retreated with the exhausted remnant of his troops, narrowly -escaping with his own life. - -Many dead and wounded lay in the morass, but the Covenanters -miraculously lost only one man, while five were wounded. - -With thankful and triumphant hearts they prepared to return to the base -of the hill. - -Balfour of Kinloch, finding himself near Adam Hepburn, as they turned to -go, touched his arm and said, in his brief fashion, "What is it in you, -Adam Hepburn, which makes you fight like Lucifer himself? Where did you -get that desperate courage?" - -Adam Hepburn stooped to wipe his reeking sword upon the already -blood-stained heather, and after a brief pause made answer, grimly: - -"Thirteen years ago, Mr. Balfour, I had a wife, who was to me the very -apple of my eye. She was my one ewe lamb, all I had upon the earth, and -in my absence they murdered her, shot her down in cold blood upon the -threshold of the home whose light she was. I came home to find her -dying, and I swore over her dead body that this sword should not be -suffered to return to its sheath until it had sucked the life blood of -as many dragoons as there were years upon her head." - -Balfour, though void of any touch of sentiment, stranger as he was to -the finer feelings of human nature, felt himself deeply moved as he -listened to these hoarse, low-spoken words, and saw the terrible gleam -in the flashing eye of Adam Hepburn. "Ay, how old was she?" he asked, -curtly. - -"Eight-and-twenty years had passed over her head; for the fifth part of -that time she had blessed my life," returned Adam Hepburn, drawing his -hand across his brow, which was wet with the sweat of the conflict. -"Yes, eight-and-twenty years! Seven miscreants did this right arm send -to their account not twelve months after, on the field of Rullion Green. -Other four have I encountered in single combat, surprising them when I -was in hiding in the vale of Inverburn, and always escaping miraculously -with my life." - -"And to-day?" queried Balfour, curiously, much struck by his companion's -words. - -"Nine fell before me in the fight this day," said Adam, with fierce -exultation. "Ay, my good and trusty blade, eight times yet hast thou to -penetrate the breast of the foe, and then, perchance, thy last -resting-place shall be found in the heart of thy poor master himself." - -"She must have been a woman above the average, Adam Hepburn, that you -should thus dedicate your life to the shrine of her revenge," said -Balfour, musingly. - -"She was--but there, what need is there for me to say more; was she not -my _wife_?" said Adam Hepburn. Then, as if tired of the conversation, -he abruptly turned away, and fell to the rear of the army. - -They now returned to the base of the hill, where they were warmly -welcomed by those who had so anxiously watched the fray from afar, -alternately hoping and fearing, and never ceasing in their prayers. - -A devout and reverent thanksgiving service was then held, and those who -had attended the Conventicle afterwards returned to their homes, with -their faith strengthened, and their hearts much encouraged by the -favourable events of the day. - - - - - *CHAPTER XXI.* - - *DISUNION.* - - -A conference of the leaders of the victorious Covenanting army was held -that same day, to decide the next steps to be taken. Balfour of -Kinloch, and others of his fiery temperament, so strongly advocated an -immediate march to Glasgow that they set aside the more prudent counsels -of their moderate brethren, and accordingly next morning Sir Robert -Hamilton led the army towards Glasgow. They were joined on the way by -many others, encouraged by the news of the victory at Drumclog, and they -entered the town early in the day. Claverhouse, however, had already -warned out the garrison, who were ready to receive them, and after a -sharp tussle, in which seven or eight of the Covenanters were killed, -they hastily beat a retreat, and fled to the town of Hamilton, where -they pitched a camp. - -The report of their success at Drumclog having already been largely -published abroad, considerable numbers of those who had held aloof from -the struggling handful who had defied the Government against fearful -odds, now came flocking to join them. The blue standard of the Covenant -was boldly unfurled on the banks of the noble Clyde, and for a time -waved proudly in the summer breeze. - -Some of the ministers of the district, who, for the sake of their -families and desolate parishes had accepted the indulgence, feeling -their hearts stirred by the old enthusiasm, rose up with one accord, and -quitting their homes, voluntarily joined their brethren in arms. These -were accompanied by numbers of their parishioners, who had previously -followed the example of their ministers with regard to the indulgence. -While the less narrow-minded among the Presbyterians rejoiced -unfeignedly at the augmentation of their numbers, and gladly welcomed -these brethren to the camp, there was another party who bitterly -protested against the admission of the renegades, as they termed them, -to the ranks. Thus the days succeeding Drumclog were spent in useless -wrangling, while the Government was hastily organising the forces -intended to sweep the rebels off the face of the earth. - -One evening, a few weeks after the battle of Drumclog, a number of the -officers and other leading men among the Presbyterians, were gathered -together for conference in the house of William Wylie, a well-known -gentleman, and honourable townsman in Hamilton. Among those present -were Sir Robert Hamilton, John Balfour, David Hackstoun, William -Carmichael, Adam Hepburn, and Andrew Gray of Hartrigge; the last two -mentioned being recognised as leaders among the Covenanters on account -of their faithfulness and undaunted valour, proved on many occasions -since the first rising in Kirkcudbrightshire. - -There were also present a goodly number of that protesting party who had -accepted the indulgence, and who were desirous that this struggle should -be based solely upon the questions affecting religious liberty, and -that, therefore, the king's authority in matters temporal should be -acknowledged. - -"I hold," said Sir Robert Hamilton, in his clear and decisive way, "that -the king has forfeited all claim upon our consideration. I therefore -emphatically declare that he has no right nor interest to be -acknowledged in our councils and actions. He is at war with the people -of Scotland, whom we represent, and therefore we cannot acknowledge his -authority in any matter whatsoever." - -"Then you would that we should utterly and entirely condemn the -indulgence of 1669?" asked Mr. Welch. - -"Undoubtedly," replied Sir Robert, without a moment's hesitation. - -"Then by doing so, a slur is cast upon those brethren who have lately -joined us," said Mr. Welch. "Yet they were good and true men, who acted -upon the promptings of their own conscience, deeming it better to accept -the king's offer than to allow the deplorable desolation to continue in -their parishes." - -"Mr. Welch, we are not met together to discuss the indulgence, and those -who partook of its humiliating benefits," said Andrew Gray rising, and -speaking with gloomy energy. "This is a council of war, and the sooner -we make arrangements whereby our forces can be fairly united, the better -it will be for us in the day of battle, now rapidly approaching." - -"But it is incumbent upon us first to publish to the world some -declaration, showing our reasons for continuing in arms," protested Mr. -Welch. "And I hold that we are bound by the spirit and letter of our -Covenants, as expressed in the third article thereof, to expressly own -the authority of the king." - -"It seems to me that we are wasting time in vain talking, sirs," said -David Hackstoun of Rathillet, in his mild, sweet manner. "The brethren -who are so anxious that we should declare for the king must remember -that we have never yet publicly disowned him, although we have publicly -disowned the edicts issued at his instigation. Though we may not -approve of a man's actions, brethren, we do not necessarily altogether -repudiate the man himself." - -"Mr. Hackstoun expresses himself very sweetly and kindly," said Mr. -Welch. "But in these times we must use words and perform actions so -clear that they cannot possibly be misconstrued. And I make bold to -hold still that it is incumbent upon us, according to the wording of our -solemn league and Covenant, to acknowledge our loyalty to the king in -matters temporal, although we protest against the form of Church -government and public worship he would forcibly thrust upon us." - -"To my mind the temporal and spiritual interests of a people are -inseparable one from the other," said Sir Robert Hamilton, and his face -betrayed his weariness of the unprofitable discussion. "And I make bold -to hold and to move, that the king having set himself in grave -opposition to our Lord Christ, and His Church, and having organised and -carried on fearful persecution against those people of God in his -Scottish dominions, and having further crowned these many grave offences -against his kingly prerogative by publicly declaring war against us, we -cannot declare ourselves in his favour. Gentlemen, we would be a -world's wonder were we first to own his supremacy and then to fight in -battle against him." - -"With these finely turned phrases Sir Robert Hamilton may satisfy his -own conscience," said Mr. Welch, sourly, "but the arguments he advances, -if held to, will, I prophesy, occasion many divisions in our ranks." - -"It seems to me, gentlemen," said Adam Hepburn, jumping to his feet, and -speaking with passionate eagerness, "it seems to me that we resemble a -council of madmen rather than grave and sober folk gathered together to -discuss the issues of war. With the king's forces almost within sight -of us, were it not a fitter thing that we should be either practising in -the field or encouraging each other's hands for the immediate struggle, -rather than sitting yelping at each other over trifles?" - -"Well said, Adam Hepburn!" exclaimed Balfour, whose dark countenance had -worn an expression of open disgust and impatience during the discussion. -"I was just marvelling in my own mind how much longer this drivelling -was to continue. Let us end this idiotic and off-putting discussion, -and go forth as one man to the field; else I warn you that woeful will -be the retribution which will follow upon the heels of our folly." - -"Mr. Adam Hepburn and the Laird of Kinloch have expressed themselves -with a force and clearness which must commend their words to the -brethren," said Sir Robert Hamilton. "I would therefore move that this -discussion be laid aside, and that, burying all differences, which have -somewhat marred the harmony of our relationships one with the other, we -go forth as one man, having only before us the spirit of these brave -words engraven on our standard--'For Christ's cause and Covenant.'" - -"There is wide dissatisfaction in the ranks because of the manner in -which the chief posts in the army are distributed," said Mr. Welch, -persistently. "I would therefore move that all these posts be declared -vacant and new officers harmoniously chosen, in order that when the day -of battle comes we may not be split up by jealousies and divisions." - -A dead silence followed upon this suggestion. It was broken at length -by the tones of Sir Robert Hamilton's voice, which betrayed some -sharpness and annoyance. - -"I, with those present of my mind, am quite willing to agree to Mr. -Welch's proposal upon condition that the origin and nature of our -disputes and the cause of the changes be fairly and justly stated, in -order that the blame of them may rest upon the heads of those who have -kindled the quarrel." - -"It is not meet that all those worthy men who, as was said before, for -conscience' sake accepted the indulgence should be utterly kept in the -background," said Mr. David Hume, who had not yet spoken. "I agree with -Mr. Welch." - -"By the powers, I will listen to no more drivel about the indulgence!" -cried Sir Robert Hamilton, starting to his feet. "Gentlemen, I wish you -good day, and an amicable settlement and arrangement of these weighty -affairs. I will take no further part in such unseemly and unprofitable -discussion." - -So saying he stalked out of the place, followed by many of his way of -thinking, so that the indulgence party had it all to themselves. The -trusty leader, feeling himself unjustly and ungenerously set aside, -retired somewhat sorrowfully with his immediate friends to the camp on -Hamilton Muir. They heard there that the king's forces under the Duke -of Monmouth, who had come expressly from London to command the -suppression of the rebellion, were close upon the town of Bothwell. - -A warning messenger was at once sent to those who had remained in -council in the house of William Wylie, and, after some discussion, it -was agreed to send a deputation to wait upon the Duke, in order that -their grievances might be laid before him. - -Early on the Sabbath morning this deputation, which had been promised -safe and patient hearing, crossed the bridge over the Clyde at Bothwell -and entered the royal camp. The deputation consisted of Mr. David Hume, -Mr. Welch, and the Laird of Kaitloch, and when they were shown into the -presence of the duke they were much struck by his noble and princely -bearing, and by the mild, benevolent expression on his countenance. - -He listened courteously to their supplications, which prayed not only -for freedom to meet both in general assembly and to worship as they -willed in the churches, but also craved indemnity for all who were now -or had been in arms against the king. - -The duke gave them courteous hearing, but refused them an answer until -they should lay down their arms and submit to the king's mercy. - -"My Lord Duke," said Mr. Welch, "we cannot give up our liberty so -easily, nor so readily own ourselves in the wrong. If your Grace would -but give a little heed to the nature of these our supplications, I am -sure your Grace would be speedily convinced of their justice and -moderation." - -"It is impossible for me to give you the promise of satisfaction, save -upon the condition that you at once lay down your arms," replied the -duke, calmly. "I am sent hither to stamp out this foolish rebellion, and -while quite willing to give you every chance to submit ere it be too -late, still I cannot delay the performance of the unpleasant but binding -duty imposed upon me by my liege, the king. Therefore go back to your -friends, and lay my conditions before them. If an answer be not returned -to me within half an hour from now I shall take up the gauntlet of -defiance you have thrown down, and order my battalions to advance." - -As the duke spoke, he looked, not without compassion, upon the little -army lying on the moor upon the opposite bank of the river, close to the -bridge, which was the sole barrier betwixt it and the overwhelming -forces of the king. - -The deputation thanked the duke, and withdrew with haste to their own -camp, before which they laid his conditions. - -The half-hour of grace was speedily frittered away in a renewal of the -bitter and unfruitful debates which had already so weakened their unity, -and these were continuing when the alarm was given that the enemy was -making preparations for immediate battle by planting their cannon on -Bothwell bridge. - - - - - *CHAPTER XXII* - - *BOTHWELL BRIDGE.* - - -The long, yellow rays of the June sunshine fell upon a strange, unwonted -scene that Sabbath morning, on the banks of the flowing Clyde. Upon the -Bothwell side the king's forces, to the number of 15,000, were -marshalled in proud and glittering array. Well might the leaders of the -Covenanters look upon them with sinking heart and foreboding eye, for -their own little army, poorly armed, badly trained, and split up by many -internal divisions, would, in all probability, be swept away as chaff -before the wind. Their position was their chief, nay, almost their only -strength. It was assailable only by the narrow bridge, which surely -could be held by the bravest among them long enough to give the enemy a -serious check. The Covenanters were hastily called to form to resist -the attack, but there seemed a strange coldness, an indifference and -lukewarmness in the ranks which contrasted sharply with the enthusiastic -valour on the day of Drumclog. A number of those who were least -untainted by the spirit of jealous dissension voluntarily placed -themselves under the leadership of brave Kathillet, and advanced to -defend the bridge. It was a terrible and heart-breaking sight to see -that dauntless little band, true to the last, marching on to meet the -foe, while the great body of their brethren, with sullen faces and -indifferent mien, hung back and stood about listlessly, as if quite -prepared to see them cut to pieces. - -"Is it not enough, Adam Hepburn, to cause a judgment to fall from -Heaven, to see yon white-livered and obstinate crew?" exclaimed Andrew -Gray, as they were advancing to meet the enemy. "We can expect nothing -but defeat to-day. How can God's blessing go with us?" - -Adam Hepburn answered not, but the more firmly grasped his trusty blade, -and gave a look to his pistols. It was sufficient for him that -opportunity was again given to measure swords with the foe, and that -to-day he might fulfil his vow to the very letter. - -But to Andrew Gray this bitter disunion among the followers of the -Covenant was almost like a death-blow, for never once since he first -cast in his lot with its fortunes had he swerved from his allegiance to -the blue banner, or allowed personal feeling for one moment to interfere -with his adherence to the common cause. Bigoted, narrow, prejudiced -Presbyterian he might be, but he was at least single-hearted in his love -for the Church of his fathers, and true as steel in his upholding of her -principles and doctrine. - -"I know not why, Adam, but the prevision is strong within me that my -hour is come, and that I shall fall this day," he said, in a grave but -calm voice. "If it be so you will convey my last messages to Susan and -the bairns." - -"Surely; but why are you filled with such gloomy forebodings to-day?" -asked Adam. "You and I have fought together before now, and save for -that scratch you got at Rullion Green, have escaped unhurt." - -"Yes, because the time was not yet come," responded Hartrigge. "You -will say to Susan, that in the hour of battle I was not unmindful of -her, and that through these many weary months of separation she and the -bairns have been ever in my thoughts and prayers. She knows my wishes -about the upbringing of the bairns. Tell you them that their father -died bravely fighting for Christ's cause and Covenant, and that he -thought the sacrifice of his life as nothing compared with that sweet -cause for which he gave it." - -"Here they come!" exclaimed Adam Hepburn, setting his teeth; then the -order was given to fire upon the advancing foe, already making a bold -effort to cross the bridge. The volley was fired, but there was no time -to repeat it, for the enemy came pouring across the narrow defile, and -now it was only hand to hand combat, which could keep them back. Brave -David Hackstoun, supported by Balfour and Adam Hepburn, were in the very -fore front, and many a soldier fell before the dauntless three. Nor was -Andrew Gray idle. At the very outset of the fray he received a wound -thrust In the left thigh, but continued to fight, although nearly -fainting with the pain and loss of blood. It was a fearful sight; the -wildest confusion seemed to prevail on the bridge, which speedily began -to be rendered almost impassable by the bodies of the fallen. The -snorting and pawing of horses, the clashing of swords, the boom of -cannon, and the sharp report of musketry, the hoarse wild cries of those -maddened with the excitement, mingling with the moans and shrieks of the -wounded and dying, filled the air with a din of sound quite -indescribable. The clear summer air was obscured by the smoke of the -cannon, and at times those sullenly watching the fray from the moor -could scarcely discern how went the battle, but they _could_ see that -the Clyde ran red with blood. - -[Illustration: "The wildest confusion seemed to prevail on the bridge"] - -Seeing his brother-in-law engaged with a dragoon, and that he was like -to fall, Adam Hepburn stepped aside, and thrust the trooper through the -heart, just as Hartrigge fell. - -"Mortal?" he inquired briefly, bending down over him, thus doubly -risking his own life by a moment's swerving from his post. - -"Yes, to-night I shall sup with my Lord Jesus, and see my son. Tell his -mother," Andrew Gray gasped; then Adam had to see to himself, for he was -nearly surrounded. Step by step that brave band was driven from their -post, one by one they fell, until but a remnant remained. These at last -were finally driven from the last foot of the bridge, and Monmouth -ordered his entire battalion to mount the cannon and pass over. The -remnant turned to flee, but only those who were on horseback had a -chance to escape. Rathillet and Balfour, seeing all was lost, gave spur -to their steeds and rode rapidly off the field. Adam Hepburn, with -faithful Watty McBean, who was wounded in the shoulder, fled on foot, -but being pursued by a party of the Duke's army, were taken prisoners, -with hundreds of their brethren fleeing across Hamilton Muir. The -soldiery disarmed every man among their prisoners, divested them of half -their clothing, and ordered them to lie flat down on the ground, warning -them that any movement would be followed by instant death. - -"I say, Adam Hepburn, whaur will the minister o' Broomhill be, think -ye?" queried Watty, who was lying beside Adam, and groaning grievously -with the pain of his wound. - -"I have not set eyes on him since before we went into action," said -Adam. "Oh, for a horse, Watty, to get clean off this fatal field!" - -"Ye may say it. I dinna believe this is mysel'," replied Watty. "I was -aye a peaceable man, an' to think I should come to this beats a'. I -maun just ease mysel' up a wee an' look roond for the minister." - -"Watty, if you do, it will be your death," Adam warned him; but Watty -was not to be repressed, and accordingly raised his head. No sooner had -he done so, than a bullet came whizzing past his ears, and then another, -which did not miss its mark. A deep groan escaped Watty's lips, and he -rolled over on his side. In a few minutes all was over, and poor Watty -had gone where he would inherit that peace which had been so dear to his -soul on earth. Adam Hepburn groaned also, in the bitterness of his -soul. Of all his kindred and friends was he alone left upon the face of -the earth, a desolate outcast, for whom the prison tortures were in -reserve? With his own hand he had cut down seven troopers on Bothwell -Bridge; only one more well-aimed stroke, and he had been released from -his vow! - -Oh, if he had but shot or stabbed the trooper who had disarmed him, -instead of tamely submitting, although his own life would have been -instantly forfeited, it would have but been an end of all his troubles! -But Adam Hepburn had still a desire to live. Although he had no craven -fear of death the thought of it was not so pleasant as it was to many of -the suffering remnant, whose daily prayer had been that they might be -taken from these weary troubles into the rest prepared for those who -endure for the Master's sake. - -The captain commanding the battalion which made all these captive was -about to give orders for a general slaughter, when an aide-de-camp from -the Duke brought the command that as many prisoners as possible should -be spared alive. But there was a body of cavalry pursuing the fugitives -who had escaped on foot, and all they overtook were instantly cut down. - -The thirst for blood and vengeance being awakened in the breasts of many -of the royal officers and men, the most horrible suggestions were made, -such as that all the country, including the towns in the west, should be -burned, and a general slaughter made of the people; but the Duke of -Monmouth very firmly and indignantly set all these infamous proposals -aside, and gave peremptory orders for the exercise of due mercy towards -the defeated rebels. He thus showed himself a generous and -noble-hearted man, and gave evidence in his actions that it had been -against his own desire that he had been compelled to suppress the -Covenanters in such a summary fashion. But he could not altogether -influence those under him, neither could he see everything with his own -eye, and the poor prisoners, at the hands of his subordinate officers, -met with but little mercy. - -It was decided that the prisoners be conveyed to Edinburgh. They were -accordingly tied two and two together, and driven before the soldiery, -who treated them with the greatest barbarity. - -Adam Hepburn had for his companion the godly Mr. John Kid, one of the -most devoted sufferers for the cause. - -"This is a grievous day for the name and cause of our sweet Lord, -friend," said Mr. Kid, when, after the march was begun, he could get a -word spoken. - -"It has been a bloody day, indeed!" answered Adam Hepburn. "It had been -otherwise had there been fewer vile wranglings in our midst. Saw you -not how many stood aloof, and left a handful to defend the bridge?" - -"Aye, truly my heart was riven by these sad dissensions among the -brethren," said Mr. Kid. "You were not, then, of that protesting party -which stood back because certain brethren who had accepted the -indulgence were in the ranks?" - -"No, truly," replied Adam Hepburn, with a slightly bitter smile. "It -was all one to me, who or what fought beside me, so long as I got in -grips with the enemy." - -"Is it so sweet to you to shed blood, my brother?" inquired Mr. Kid, in -a mild tone of surprise. But just then a dragoon rode past, and -observing that they talked, gave Mr. Kid a blow across the cheek with -the flag of his sword, which caused the blood to flow from his nostrils -in a copious stream. Being in bonds, he could not endeavour to staunch -it, and was therefore in a pitiable plight, seeing which the soldier, -with a loud and brutal laugh, bade him hold his blasphemous tongue, -unless he desired another blow to keep it company. - -"Oh, that I had my good blade!" exclaimed Adam Hepburn under his breath, -and at the same time flashing a glance of intense hatred after the -trooper. - -"Let him be, poor man. He is like those Jews of old that buffeted our -dear Lord, who compassionately prayed, 'Father, forgive them; they know -not what they do,'" said Mr. Kid, in a quiet voice. "Shall this poor -worm, professing to be His servant, not strive to follow that sweet -example?" - -Adam Hepburn was silent, for what was there in his stormy and rebellious -soul in unison with his companion's sweet forgiveness and merciful -compassion? - -"Know this, friend, that not many days from now I shall be beyond the -reach or power of those who can hurt or kill the body," whispered Mr. -Kid, after a brief interval. "In a dream my Lord bade me be of good -cheer, for these sufferings should not long continue, but should -presently have an ending in His Paradise. Oh, to be there even now! -But I would not that my Lord should call me until I have fulfilled my -testimony, and borne whatsoever may be required of me for His cause and -kingdom here." - -Adam Hepburn spoke no word, and his companion, thinking him too much -occupied with his own thoughts to be disturbed, presently desisted from -his remarks, but comforted himself on the weary way by repeating in a -low voice many sweet and precious passages of Scripture calculated to -encourage the heart in these present trying circumstances. - -Although night fell, the prisoners were not allowed to halt in their -march, but were mercilessly kept on foot and driven before the cavalry -towards Edinburgh. - -In the grey dawning of the sweet summer morning they came within sight -of the grey towers and turrets of the city. - - - - - *CHAPTER XXIII.* - - *IN CAPTIVITY.* - - -The prisons in Edinburgh were so full that they could hold no more. -What, then, was to be done with the twelve hundred victims brought from -the slaughter at Bothwell Bridge? - -The Government ordered that they should be shut into the churchyard of -the Greyfriars, and there kept unceasing watch over day and night. So -the old burying-ground, made memorable and sacred by another great -gathering which had assembled within its boundaries forty years before, -was now converted into an open gaol, the horrors of which pen could -never describe. - -In the Grass-market there abode still Edward Kilgour, the merchant, -brother-in-law to the late minister of Inverburn. Although a zealous -and worthy Presbyterian, he had never joined with his brethren in arms, -but had followed the dictates of his conscience and religion more -quietly at home, attending to his business and the affairs of his -household, and had thus escaped molestation. He was a man now stricken -in years, but was still able to perform the duties of his calling, and -attend personally in his place of business. His daughter Ailie, now a -middle-aged woman, had remained unmarried for her father's sake, and -kept his house. - -When they heard of the arrival of the prisoners from Bothwell, they were -both much exercised in their minds as to whether any of their Inverburn -kinsfolk should be among them. - -"I'll go up, Ailie," said the old man, "I'll go up to the kirkyard, and, -if permitted to approach the gates, see whether I can discern any of the -faces of our dear ones among that pitiful throng. Very sure am I that, -unless your cousins Andrew and David and Adam Hepburn were slain on the -field, they will be there, for they would never turn their backs upon -the foe." - -"Do not needlessly expose yourself, father," said his daughter, -anxiously. "Though you find any of my cousins there, what profit will -it be but only to vex us, seeing we cannot help them?" - -"You may be right, but I cannot sit still at home till I learn whether -any of them be there," said the old man, quietly, and, getting his plaid -about his shoulders, went out upon his quest. - -Ailie Kilgour busied herself about the house, but as the time passed she -began to grow extremely anxious for her father's return. He had been -more than two hours gone, when, to her great relief, she at length heard -his foot on the stair. When he entered the house she at once saw that -he was greatly troubled, for seldom had she seen him look so grave and -yet so agitated. - -"Well, father?" she said, inquiringly. - -"Let me sit down, my daughter, for I am exhausted with sorrow over what -I have seen this day. That the Almighty does not at once interpose in -the might of His omnipotent arm is, to my mind, evidence that the Church -has required all these fearful sufferings to purify her from her -iniquity, and that not yet is she refined enough in the fire to be a -meet vessel for her Master's glory." - -"Tell me what you saw, father," said Ailie, anxiously. - -"Saw, lassie! Ask me rather what I did not see! Hundreds of my -fellow-countrymen penned up among the tombs like beasts, without any of -the comforts which the beasts of the field and the fowls of the air are -allowed to seek for themselves. And, more, they are at the ribald mercy -of their vile and brutal sentinels, who never cease to taunt them, -asking them what has become of their God, that He does not interpose in -their behalf," said the old man, with heaving chest and flashing eye, -which told how his whole being was stirred. - -"Did they allow you to go near the gates?" - -"No; I had to stand a good distance away. No man is allowed to approach -the gates, though I saw some pious and kind-hearted women enduring -patiently the jibes and insults of the soldiers, thankful that they were -allowed to pass some little comforts to the prisoners through the iron -bars. It seems that they receive no food save what is grudgingly -allowed to be given in this way." - -"How terrible!" said Ailie, and her ruddy cheek blanched as the picture -of the wretched state of the captives was thus vividly presented to her -mind. "But tell me, did you see any one you know there?" - -"Yes, I saw the face of your cousin, David Gray, the minister of -Broomhill, and he also recognised me. I saw, too, a figure I could swear -belongs to Adam Hepburn, though the face was so changed that I would not -have known it," returned the old man, sorrowfully. - -Ailie Kilgour reflected a moment in silence, and then spoke in quiet but -decided tones. - -"Since they allow women to carry necessaries to the prisoners, I will go -at once and take some food to my cousins. I am not afraid of the -insults of the soldiers, for I can bear much, and make no sign." - -"My daughter, I knew your kind heart would be moved to do this thing," -said the old man, gladly. "Make haste, then, Ailie, for if ever hunger -and want set their mark on human faces I saw it to-day on the wretched -countenances of your cousins." - -Accordingly, Ailie got some food prepared, and immediately set out for -the Greyfriars. As was to be expected, there were many people about, -for the unwonted spectacle to be seen in the churchyard drew many to the -place, some out of idle curiosity, others out of sorrow and anxiety, -lest perchance any relative or friend might be among that miserable -throng. The chief entrance to the churchyard was guarded by -half-a-dozen soldiers, who alternately amused themselves with the -prisoners within and those compassionate people who sought to minister -to them from without. The captives, gaunt, hungry-eyed, and -eager-looking, were flocking near the entrance, watching with painful -intensity the meagre dole of provisions allowed to be passed within the -bars. - -Ailie Kilgour stood a little back, scanning the faces in the hope that -her eyes would presently fall upon that of her cousin, David Gray. Adam -Hepburn she did not think she could recognise again, having only seen -him on the occasion of his marriage with her cousin Agnes, thirty years -before. Seeing an old, worn-looking man, with a thin, haggard face, and -flowing white hair, very earnestly regarding her, she looked more -particularly at him, and then gave a violent start, for a look of -undisguised recognition of her was on his face. Could that old, old -man, with the bent head and tottering frame, be her cousin David, whom -she had last seen in all the pride and glory of his manhood, not ten -years before? The recognition was so marked, and there was something so -strangely familiar in the glance of the eye, that she felt she could not -be mistaken. She therefore made a sign to him, and advanced towards the -gate. Her basket was then rudely snatched from her by a soldier, and -emptied of its contents. The tastiest morsels he reserved for his own -eating; then, pointing to what lay on the ground, he bade her, with an -oath and a coarse laugh, feed the dogs with the crumbs which fell from -the master's table. - -A sharp retort was on Ailie's lips, for her temper was easily roused, -but she resolutely forced it back, and, meekly stooping, picked up the -despised articles he had cast down, and passed them through the bars. A -sentinel stood close by her side to see that no word was exchanged -betwixt her and the prisoners, but he could not prevent them exchanging -glances with each other. The plain loaves which the pampered soldier -had so contemptuously cast aside were greedily devoured by the starving -prisoners. David Gray distributed a portion among those about him and -retired with the remainder to a tombstone, whereon sat Adam Hepburn, a -picture of utter dejection and despair. As she walked home, Ailie -Kilgour's mind was filled with certain plans and thoughts, which as yet -she would not even communicate to her father. She was a shrewd, clever -woman, and a prudent one as well, who never got herself into any trouble -whatsoever through her tongue; therefore she kept all her thoughts that -day to herself. - -In the course of the week she went down to Leith, ostensibly to visit a -kinswoman who dwelt in that town. But instead of directing her steps to -the suburbs, where the maiden lady dwelt, she took her way directly -towards that busier portion of the town which clustered about the -harbour. Arrived there, she sought out the house of an old school -companion, who had married the captain of a trading vessel, and who -lived on shore during her husband's voyaging betwixt Denmark and Leith. -This woman, Mrs. Barclay by name, was strongly attached to Ailie -Kilgour, because she had shown her much real kindness in a time of -distress, having herself come from Edinburgh to nurse her through a -serious illness. Mrs. Barclay was unfeignedly glad to see her, and bade -her a warm welcome. After the usual greetings, the talk turned, as was -natural, upon the grievous condition of affairs, and the woeful -sufferings of the Presbyterians, and especially of those lately taken on -the field of Bothwell. In the course of their talk, Ailie informed Mrs. -Barclay that her two cousins were among those imprisoned in the -Greyfriars, and then asked when Captain Barclay was expected in port. - -"On Sabbath morning, if the wind favour him," responded Mrs. Barclay. -"And he will be at home for a few days before leaving to fill a cargo at -Queensferry for Copenhagen." - -"You can guess my interest in enquiring about your husband, Effie," said -Ailie Kilgour, with a slight smile. "You have often said you wished you -could repay what I did for you. It is in your power now, not only to -repay me, but to place me for ever in your debt, if you will persuade -your husband to assist my cousins to escape from the country, that is, -if they can by any means get out of their present wretched prison." - -"It is a great risk to attempt such a thing, and is accounted a grave -offence," said Mrs. Barclay. "Nevertheless, I will very gladly do my -utmost. I do not think William will be very difficult to persuade, for -he is a real Covenanter at heart." - -"Then if I come down again, say upon the Sabbath night, I will see -Captain Barclay himself, and get his advice," said Ailie. Then warmly -thanking her friend, she went away home. That same day she again -prepared a basket of food for the prisoners, and about the sunset -proceeded with it to the Greyfriars. Being now known to the sentinels, -they did not seek much to molest her, and she was allowed to pass the -food through the bars, though one kept guard as formerly, lest any words -should pass betwixt them. As Ailie took one small loaf out of the -basket, she lifted her eyes to her cousin's face, with a look of such -deep and peculiar meaning, that he at once understood he was to keep it -to himself, there being something of special importance about it. -Having, as was his wont, distributed a portion among a few of his less -favoured fellow-sufferers, David Gray rejoined his brother-in-law, who -occupied his usual position of listless despairing dejection on one of -the tombs. So utterly impossible was it to arouse for a moment his -extreme apathy, that David Gray sometimes feared lest Adam's mind had -become unhinged by too long dwelling upon one morbid idea. Looking -round, to see that none was particularly watching him, David Gray broke -in two halves the loaf to which Ailie had directed his attention, and -found in the inside a small slip of paper, whereon were some written -words, which he immediately perused with feverish eagerness. They ran -thus:-- - -"There are steps being taken for your flight from the country, in the -vessel of a friend now lying at Leith. If you can make good your -escape, and come here, we will assist you." - -"See, here, Adam Hepburn, say, did ever such a thought occur to you?" -queried David Gray, furtively slipping the paper into his -brother-in-law's hand. - -"Yes, the thought of my escape has never once left my mind since we came -here," said Adam. "I have gotten the plan matured now, and if you will -join me, I think it could be done." - -"I am willing and ready," said the minister, eagerly. "What is your -plan?" - -"I have two, either to boldly scale the wall yonder under cover of the -night, and trust to our speed to make good our escape," said Adam, "or -else by stratagem creep down to the little gate at the north side, where -they consider two guards sufficient. Surely, David, you and I yet could -silence a man apiece." - -"Desperation lends a new courage to a man when he is in straits," said -the minister, thoughtfully. "I would be for trying the north gate in -the darkness, but we will wait till Ailie comes again." - -On the Sabbath evening, Ailie Kilgour again journeyed to Leith, and -found Captain Barclay at home. She also found him sympathetic, and -willing to assist, although quite conscious of the risk he incurred in -aiding and abetting the escape of Government prisoners. There was one -thing in his favour, however, that he was first to convey a cargo from -Leith to Hamburg, the Queensferry commission being set aside, so that -his passage would be direct from one port to the other. - -The harbour and other officials in the employment of the Government were -strictly enjoined to rigorously inspect every outward bound vessel, in -quest of fugitives, but Captain Barclay did not despair of being able to -steal a march upon them in some way or other. He was a bold man, and -loved a spice of adventure by sea or land, so Ailie Kilgour knew the -matter was safe in his hands. - -She was to carry another message to the prisoners next day warning them -to try and make good their escape the following night, as Captain -Barclay expected to be ready to sail at daybreak on Tuesday morning, and -unless they were at hand, could not possibly delay voyaging on their -account. Late on the Sabbath evening, Ailie Kilgour and her father were -sitting by the kitchen fire, discussing the probability of the -prisoners' escape, when they heard a great scuffling on the stair, and a -low knocking at the door. - -Both started to their feet in alarm, and Ailie, recovering herself -first, at once went and undid the bolts. What was her unutterable -amazement to behold upon the threshold David Gray and Adam Hepburn! - -"Are you pursued?" she asked, in a breathless whisper, and at the same -time holding the door wide open. - -"Not here; they have lost the scent, and are following us out the Lanark -road," they responded. "Except God had veritably helped us this night, -by sending down a thick mist when we leaped the wall, we had been both -dead men," added David Gray, reverently; then suddenly, in the painful -intensity of his feelings, he bent his head on his hands and burst into -tears. Looking upon his emaciated frame, guessing the weakness which -encompassed him, they marvelled not at his lack of self-control. - -The old man now came forward, and being assured that they were indeed -there in the body, and not pursued, he bade them, with tears of joy, -welcome to his house. - -The night was spent in earnest discussion, as to the next step to be -taken on the morrow. Adam Hepburn expressed his readiness to go aboard, -since it mattered not what became of him, but David Gray shook his head. - -"The Almighty, who covered us this night with the wings of His mist, -must have some other work for me here," he said. "My soul does not bid -me leave Scotland, and my heart cleaves to mine own kindred, upon whose -faces I have not looked for many weary days. Therefore I will travel -westward as opportunity offers, knowing that except of my Lord's will -the enemy shall not again lay hands on me." - -On the morrow Ailie Kilgour produced a seaman's dress, which Captain -Barclay had given her for a disguise to one of the prisoners, and when -Adam Hepburn had shorn off his beard, and attired himself in this garb, -his nearest kindred could not have recognised him. It was then agreed, -that instead of stealing to the port in the darkness, he should walk -boldly down in the broad light of day, and present himself at the abode -of Captain Barclay, who might then take him on board publicly as one of -his crew. - -So Adam Hepburn bade farewell to his friends in the Grass-market, walked -without molestation over to Leith, and was duly taken on board the -_Bittern_. The vessel was rigorously inspected before she sailed, but no -suspicion being attached to the crew, she was allowed to quit the -harbour, and in the dawning of Tuesday morning was out in the open sea. - - - - - *CHAPTER XXIV.* - - *DELIVERED.* - - -As it was by no means safe for David Gray to sojourn with his kinsfolk -in Edinburgh, he was anxious to get away as soon as possible. Ailie -Kilgour, with a true woman's ingenuity, had decided upon a plan whereby -he might make the journey by easy stages, and without molestation, to -Inverburn. Nevertheless, she was somewhat afraid to lay it before her -cousin, lest he might laugh at her for her pains. After Adam Hepburn's -departure, her father and cousin were sitting discussing ways and means -by the kitchen fire, when she came in, bearing in her hand an old -linsey-woolsey gown and a faded tartan plaid, which had belonged to her -mother. - -"All these plans you speak of are too dangerous to be undertaken, Cousin -David," she said. "What do you say to disguising yourself as a female -hawker, and thus pursue your journey, not only with safety, but with -profit?" - -In spite of the gravity of his position, David Gray burst into a hearty -laugh, such as had not passed his lips for many a day. - -"Oh, Cousin Ailie, give me a woman for ingenuity!" he exclaimed. "But -what would I make of my beard and my white hair?" - -"Follow Adam's example and shave your face smooth and clean," said -Ailie. "As for your hair, after it is fastened up under a white cap, it -will the better help your disguise." - -"Are you in earnest, Ailie, woman?" queried her father, in no little -amusement. - -"Father, I am in dead earnest," she said, soberly. "I have everything to -dress him with, and when I run out for needles and cotton, and buttons -and other sundries to plenish his basket with, the disguise will be -complete." - -David Gray had for a moment fancied his cousin merely joking, but seeing -she was in earnest, the feasibility and even the wisdom and cleverness -of her suggestion appeared to him quite plainly. - -"Cousin Ailie, I believe I will try your plan," he said, suddenly. "I -will at least put on the disguise and see what manner of a woman I -present." - -Much pleased, Ailie ran to the adjoining room for the other articles of -attire, and brought also her father's shaving things, in order that her -cousin might remove his beard. She then retired, and after about -half-an-hour they called to her to come and see the disguise. When she -looked upon the complete and wonderful transformation it had made, she -nearly clapped her hands with delight. The minister was certainly a -tall woman, but in every other respect he was the exact picture of what -he wished to represent. - -Ailie took her little tartan neckerchief from her shoulders, tied it -above the white cap, and then retired back to admire the effect. - -"Cousin David, that is just the finishing touch!" she exclaimed, in no -small glee. "Your appearance would deceive the cleverest person in the -world, I am sure. You look exactly like an aged dame who has weathered -a good many storms on the road. If you don't reach Inverburn in safety -in my mother's old gown, my name isn't Ailie Kilgour." - -"What say you, Uncle Edward?" asked David Gray, turning to the old man. - -"Truly, lad, the deception is most wonderful," he replied. "Of course -it is hardly a fitting thing for a minister of the kirk to tramp the -country in an old wife's gown, but desperate ills need desperate -remedies. So I would say, take the lassie's advice, and God go with -you." - -"Well, I will," said David Gray, "for in my own person and garb I am -convinced I should never reach Inverburn alive, nor, indeed, get beyond -the environs of Edinburgh." - -"You said the pursuers went by the Lanark road," said Ailie. "Your plan -will be to go to Stirling, and then across the moors. I daresay you -will find the way." - -"Easily," responded David Gray, cheerfully. "You are a clever, -far-seeing woman, cousin; the thought of such a disguise would never -have entered my head." - -"It will be a great joy to me, Cousin David, if I am rewarded by saving -your life," she said, with a smile and a tear, and so the matter was -settled. - -All that day David Gray remained in hiding in his uncle's abode, and -early on the following morning he bade them both a warm farewell, and -set out upon his journey back to his native place. As Ailie watched the -gaunt, uncouth-looking figure with the basket and the big cotton -umbrella stalking down the street, the very picture of a practised -peddling woman, she scarcely knew whether to laugh or cry. So a woman's -ingenuity twice outwitted the sharpness of the Government. - -We have been long absent from the vale of Inverburn, yet truly nothing -of note was happening there, only a dreary and despairing waiting for -the dawning of a brighter day, occasionally deepened and intensified by -some deed of violence or brutal pillage executed by the dragoons, who -infested the entire west of Scotland. Since the fateful day of Bothwell -severities had been increased, greater licence given to the soldiery, -and less mercy extended to the suffering country folk, whether there -were anything against them or not. Along the entire course of the Clyde -the country presented a most dismal aspect. In place of smiling -homesteads and rich and fertile fields, there was nothing to be seen but -smouldering ruins and tract upon tract of desolate wastes, which had not -been upturned by the plough for many a year. The population, though now -sadly thinned, was in a state bordering upon starvation, everything they -had formerly possessed having been stolen from them, and every means of -subsistence removed. Yet still it seemed as if the words of Scripture -must needs be literally fulfilled, since from him that had not was taken -even that which he had. Hundreds had no shelter in the wide earth save -that afforded by glens and caves and mountain fastnesses, and even there -they were not safe. - -The farm of Hartrigge had not escaped these later desolations, for now -all that remained of that once substantial and even imposing homestead -was one cot-house, which had escaped the flames on account of it being -detached from the main buildings, and having thus been overlooked by the -ruffians, who, after pillaging the entire place, had set it on fire. - -In this humble abode dwelt the widow of Andrew Gray, his sister Jane, -and a young lad with his sister, the Sandy and wee Nannie, who had been -so dear to their father's heart. Jeanie was now safe with her father -and Gavin in that land where eternal peace abides. The bairn's heart -seemed to be weighed down by the things happening around her, and she -just faded away. - -Strange as it may seem, the few yet remaining who loved her on earth saw -her depart with gladness, for it had come to that pass in poor stricken -Scotland that he who lay down to die was accounted much more to be -envied than he who was preserved alive. - -One beautiful evening towards the end of July, Susan Gray and her -sister-in-law, Jane, were sitting together on the bench outside their -cottage door, with their hands lying idle on their laps, a thing they -would have accounted a sin in the days of the happy past. But now there -was nothing for hands to do, and life was at times a very weariness. -These troublous years had wrought a woeful change upon both those women, -and had aged them long before their time. Also upon the face of Susan -Gray there appeared at times a vague, wandering kind of expression, -which seemed to indicate a weakness of the mind, and verily it was not -greatly to be wondered at that the nerves of women-folk should be unable -to bear the awful strain upon them. - -They were not conversing together, for such sorrows as theirs will not -bear to be spoken of by the lips; there was a hopeless, purposeless look -about them, which was painful in the contrast it presented to their -busy, cheerful energy of long ago. - -"See Jane!" said Susan Gray, presently. "Is not that a figure on the -road? Is it Sandy or the bairn Nannie? They should be on their way -home from the village now." - -"No; it is a taller figure than either of the bairns," replied Jane. -"It is a woman, and she has a basket on her arm." - -"Is she like a gangerel [tramp], Jane? She need hardly come here -seeking now," said Susan, listlessly. - -"Yes, she looks like that. There are not many of her kind on the roads -now," said Jane. Then they relapsed into silence, and so sat until the -woman with the basket appeared on the path in front of the cottage door. -Susan Gray only gave her a careless look, and then went into the -cottage, leaving Jane to deal with her. - -"My woman, ye need hardly have come this length with your basket," said -Jane Gray, kindly, and looking compassionately at the evidences of -fatigue on her face. "The wherewithal is much lacking here now. But -sit down on the bench here and rest a while, till I bring you a piece of -bread, which, thanks be to God, we can still offer to those in greater -need than ourselves." - -So saying, she pointed to the bench, and retired into the house. The -woman set down her basket, and dropping on the seat, covered her face -with her hands, and uttered a low but passionate prayer of thankfulness. -In this attitude Jane Gray found her when she again stepped out of -doors. She laid her hand on the bent shoulders, and said kindly, "You -seem quite overcome. Have you travelled many miles this day?" - -Slowly the stranger's head was raised, and a pair of eyes fixed -themselves on the kind, womanly face with a glance which stirred her -very soul; and, without knowing why, she began to tremble from head to -foot. - -"Sister Jane, do you not know me?" said the voice of one she had mourned -as dead. "Then indeed my disguise is as complete as Ailie Kilgour -assured me. I am your brother David!" - -Jane Gray uttered a low cry, which brought Susan hurrying out to the -door. The moment, however, that her eyes rested keenly and sharply on -the stranger's face, they penetrated the disguise, and she exclaimed-- - -"David Gray, as I am a living woman!" - -"Even so; thus far the Almighty has brought me through many perils to my -native parish," said the minister of Broomhill, fervently. - -Jane, having now recovered her first shock of surprise, embraced her -brother with great joy, the tears chasing each other down her cheeks in -her emotion. So the name of Gray was not entirely swept off the face of -the earth, as they had bitterly imagined, and there was hope for the old -house yet. They hastened to take him in, and set refreshment before -him, after partaking of which he related to them all that which had -befallen him and his brethren since they had last met. - -Greatly rejoiced were they to learn of Adam Hepburn's escape, but they -shed many tears over their hardships in the prison yard at Edinburgh. -As David in low and earnest tones delivered his brother's last message -to his widow, the tears flowed from her eyes, but in a gentle rain which -brought healing with it. It was for these precious words her widowed -heart had long and sorely hungered. It was decided that so long as it -was considered safe, he should abide under his disguise with them, -though a few trusty brethren in hiding in the district would be duly -informed of his safety. - -So a little sunshine penetrated the dark cloud, and shed a measure of -brightness on the hearth of the poor little cottage at Hartrigge. - - - - - *CHAPTER XXV.* - - *AIRSMOSS.* - - -Poor Watty McBean's hole in the Witches' Cleugh had indeed been of great -benefit to many fugitives, and it had never been empty since the fleeing -after the slaughter at Bothwell. During the next day the minister of -Broomhill repaired in his disguise to that safe hiding, in order to see -the brethren there, and so commune with them regarding their present -state, and the future fate or welfare of them and such as them. As he -pursued his way leisurely along the sequestered and lonely paths which -led to the cleugh, he mused much on the wonderful way in which the Lord -had led him hitherto. He also marvelled within himself that he had been -so long spared, and in his heart there was a petition that he might be -made willing and glad to continue his suffering and weary way through -life, until the Lord should see fit to call him to Himself. These -profitable and godly communings were interrupted somewhat summarily by -the abrupt appearance of two dragoons, who came rapidly riding up from -the direction of the cleugh, and who immediately drew rein at the sight -of the woman, as they imagined the wayfarer to be. - -"Hulloa, mistress! do you know anything of that confounded lair where so -many Whigs sleep in safety?" queried one, fixing his piercing eye on the -face of David Gray. - -"Truly the Whigs have had many hiding places in this district," he -answered, mildly. "To what one do you specially refer?" - -"Faith, I hardly know; it is somewhere about these hills or in the -valley between," said the dragoon, pointing backward to the cleugh. "We -are creditably informed that several very noted rebels were concealed -there, and me and my mate swore an oath that we should find the place, -which has baffled the king's soldiers so long. We have made a thorough -search, but can find no clue." - -"I never heard of any place of concealment among those hills," said -David Gray. "Those who are so eager to inform sometimes overreach -themselves, and----" - -"Leave the hag in peace, Munro!" interrupted the younger man, -impatiently. "I believe she is right enough, and we were told lies to -beguile us. I for one will get away out of this confounded district -with what speed I can. My horse is dead lame, see, stumbling through -that accursed ravine." - -Marvelling much at the very easy manner in which he had escaped -questioning, David Gray watched the two ride away, but did not then -pursue his way to the cleugh, lest he should unwittingly betray his -brethren. But his soul, long separated from such as had suffered like -persecutions with him, was yearning for the sweet fellowship of -brotherly counsel, both for the strengthening of his own hands and -heart, and also to learn, if possible, whether any of the more noted -saints were still alive. He felt himself deeply and peculiarly blessed -in the communion he was privileged to obtain with that poor remnant of -his kinsfolk still dwelling in the parish of Inverburn, and during the -evening of that day the women and the young folk at Hartrigge were much -edified with his conversation and with his exposition of the Word. It -was long, indeed, since such a joy had been vouchsafed to them. Owing -to the somewhat limited accommodation of the humble dwelling which now -sheltered the Grays, the lad, Sandy, went down to Inverburn to sleep in -the house of an old woman, who gladly gave him shelter for his father's -sake. Nannie, with her aunts, abode in the kitchen, and the best end -was given up to the minister. They retired early to rest, and in spite -of the troubles and anxieties which encompassed them, very soon all -beneath the roof-tree of the cottage were asleep. The atmosphere had -been dull and heavy all day, and the night was dark and starless; the -low-hanging, sullen presaging rain, of which the parched earth stood in -sore need. About midnight Susan Gray, who slept lightly, was awakened -by a sound she had heard so often during these past weary years, that -she could not mistake it now. It was the tramp of hoofs, and in a -moment a wild fear that even already the minister was betrayed took -possession of her soul. Hastily awaking Jane, both strang up, threw on -their outer garments, and stealing over to the casement, which was a -little ajar to admit the fresh air, they peered fearfully out. The -night was utterly, intensely dark, and they could see nothing, but they -could hear now both the trampling and the snorting of horses, and also -at a little distance the low, eager voices of men. Through the still, -soundless air their strained ears caught these words:-- - -"He shall not escape us this time, I swear! Egad! it was a clever -disguise!--a wench's idea, without doubt. To think that old hag we met -peddling her wares in Walston was that veritable heretic David Gray, and -we knew it not! It is enough to make a man ashamed of himself!" - -Swiftly and silently Jane Gray stole across the narrow passage to the -inner room, and awakened her brother, who was enjoying a very sound and -refreshing repose. By the time she had made him aware of the danger at -hand, the troop had quite surrounded the house, and a great noise broke -the stillness of the summer night. - -David Gray sprang from his bed to the floor, thinking his hour was come. -And yet, was it but to be slain in cold blood like this that the Lord -had let him get clear away both from the slaughter at Bothwell and the -wearisome captivity of the Greyfriars? - -In that moment of agonising suspense and apprehension, when he was -striving to prepare for death, even with a soul yearning for life, his -eye, as if guided by some unseen power, fell upon the wide, -old-fashioned chimney, and in a moment his resolution was taken. Even -when the foot of the enemy was on the very threshold of the outer door, -the fugitive wrapped a plaid about his white night-clothes, and, -committing himself to the God who had so often delivered him, he hastily -scrambled up the chimney and out on to the roof. Jane Gray did not see -him perform this extraordinary action, she having gone to accost, and, -if possible, conciliate and delay, the officer at the outer door. - -Without hesitating a moment, knowing he would speedily be observed on -the roof, David Gray lay himself flat down, and, sliding down to the -eaves, dropped to the ground in front of a mounted dragoon. The -apparition in waving white garments terrified the horse, and caused him -to rear and plunge wildly, so that his rider was almost unseated. In -the momentary confusion that ensued the fugitive took to his heels, and -in a brief space was out of sight and beyond pursuit. Meanwhile, quite -unconscious of this miraculous escape, Jane Gray was endeavouring to -parley with the officer at the door. - -"Sorry to disturb your repose, sweet mistress," he said. "If you will -but deliver up that renegade, David Gray, who is sheltering here, we -will go away and leave you in peace." - -"David Gray!" ejaculated Jane Gray, faintly; "what men-folk have we -under this roof-tree, sir? The only stranger here is a relative, who has -travelled a great distance on foot to sojourn awhile with us, if that be -a fault in your eyes." - -"Does the stranger wear a linsey-woolsey gown, a tartan plaid, and a -white cap, and peddle ribbons and laces to the country lasses, eh?" -queried the captain, with grim humour. "To show you that we do not -doubt your word, bring out the old lady, so that we may pay our respects -to her. Methinks we have met before." - -At her wits' end, Jane Gray turned about and went into the room, which, -to her astonishment, seemed to be empty. The captain followed her, and, -not finding the fugitive there, strode into the kitchen. Susan Gray and -Nannie were there, and it needed but one glance at their faces to tell -him that neither was the person he sought. - -"Your kinswoman has hidden herself, I perceive," he said, grimly. "You -had better bid her come forth, or I will give orders to set the place on -fire. I have no time to dally here; it is time all honest folk were in -bed." - -"We are guiltless of hiding him you seek, sir," said Jane Gray, no -longer attempting to deny that her brother had been sheltering with -them. "And, truly, where in this small abode could he hide? It is a -mystery to me where he has gone, unless, indeed, the Lord hath -miraculously aided his escape." - -At that moment one of the dragoons came hurrying in to say that the -prisoner had without doubt made his escape from the roof, and was -already beyond pursuit. Then the captain fell into a great rage, and -cursed and swore in a manner which made the women-folk tremble. And -truly it was a sore disappointment to the man to have had so valuable -and notable a Covenanter within his very reach, and yet to be baulked so -simply. In his fury he was like to have taken the lives of the -fugitive's kinswomen, but was persuaded by a more merciful subordinate -to let them be in peace. Nevertheless, he caused lighted brands to be -held to the thatched roof of the cottage, and, being dry as tinder, it -immediately took fire. - -In a short space of time the darkness of the night was illumined by the -flames of the burning cottage, and the three defenceless women, now -rendered indeed utterly homeless, hastily gathered such small but -valuable things as they could carry, and, withdrawing themselves a -little, watched the rapid destruction of the only shelter they could -call their own on the face of the earth. Yet they could not feel -utterly cast down, since God had so marvellously delivered the dear -fugitive out of the hands of the pursuer once more. The captain and his -troop immediately rode away down to the village, to inflict themselves -on such of the inhabitants as could yet give them bite and sup and -shelter for the night. Meanwhile David Gray fled, under the grateful -cover of the darkness, by the familiar field-paths to poor Watty's -famous hiding, where he knew he should find both shelter and comforting -welcome from his brethren. His long residence in the cleugh had made -him so familiar with it, that even in the darkness he had no difficulty -whatever in finding the thicket which hid the cave. And yet he had to -creep slowly and with caution, for the nettles and brambles and -brushwood proved very formidable to his uncovered limbs, and his feet -were already bleeding from coming into contact with the stones as he -made his rapid flight from the cottage. As he came up nearly to the -mouth of the cave, he gave a long, low whistle, which Jane had told him -was a signal understood by those in hiding. In a few minutes it was -answered by a similar sound, and the brushwood was carefully swept aside -from the mouth of the cave, and he saw the figure of a man. - -"Who comes?" a voice said, in an anxious whisper. - -"A brother in sore straits, whom the Lord, of His good pleasure, hath -this night marvellously delivered," answered David Gray, and at that the -man standing at the mouth of the cave stretched out his hand and drew -the new-comer into the dimly-lighted recess beyond. In this place there -were no fewer than seven persons, both old, young, and middle-aged, -whose faces were thin and worn, as if they had suffered much privation. -They looked with no little astonishment upon the strangely-attired -figure which appeared so suddenly in their midst, and one, an elderly -man, of very grave and reverent aspect, after looking intently on his -face, jumped up and grasped him by the hand. - -"David Gray, an I mistake not, whom I last saw in grips with the enemy -at Bothwell Brig!" he exclaimed. - -"And whom the Lord hath marvellously preserved from that woeful day to -this," supplemented David Gray. "Little did I think last time we met, -Mr. Donald Cargill, that we should look upon each other's faces again, -and in this place of all places." - -"Verily, strange are the vicissitudes of the scattered remnant of the -Lord's Zion," said Mr. Cargill. "I have been obliged to keep in hiding -these few days, being sore pursued by a troop of dragoons for preaching -at Lanark and at various other places in Clydesdale; but come, tell us -what hath befallen thee of late, and by what means thou art come hither -in this strange attire." - -Nothing loth, David Gray entered upon the recital of his exciting -experiences during the last two months, and when he had finished, Mr. -Cargill had his story to tell, and in this pathetic and mournfully -interesting talk the night speedily wore away. Although Mr. Cargill had -been obliged to flee for his life to the shelter of the cleugh, it was -impossible for one of his ardent and restless spirit to remain long -inactive. As soon as they heard from a trusty reporter, who carried -them both provisions and news from Inverburn, that the hot pursuit was -slackened in the neighbourhood, he announced his intention of going -forth once more to the preaching of the Word. - -Fired by the eloquence and zeal of the old man, and feeling himself much -persuaded to testify in public once more, David Gray petitioned that he -might be allowed to go forth in company with him. So the twain quitted -their hiding, and travelled eastwards towards Edinburgh, preaching as -they went, and meeting with many perils, out of which they had many -marvellous deliverances, which would occupy too long a space to recount. -In the spring of 1680, new life was infused into the scattered and -sometimes fainting remnant, by the return to Scotland of that eloquent -preacher and godly man, Richard Cameron, who had been persuaded to -retire to Holland for a time previous to the Battle of Bothwell. - -In his exile his heart had never ceased to yearn over his suffering -native land, and the desire to cast in his lot with his persecuted -brethren became so strong at length, that it could not be set aside. It -was with great joy that the few earnest souls still left welcomed him -back to their midst, and Donald Cargill and David Gray immediately -joined themselves to him, and the three went about continually preaching -and exhorting the people to hold fast to their faith, for the cause for -which they suffered was just and righteous, and must in the end prevail. - -It was not long ere these faithful and undaunted men became specially -observed of those in high places, and they were vigorously and -relentlessly pursued from place to place, but managed to elude the -vigilance of those following so continuously in their track. Among -Cameron's most close and faithful adherents was brave Hackstoun of -Rathillet, who, since Bothwell, had been a wanderer on the face of the -earth, having given up all for Christ's sake. - -One summer's day a small party of horsemen rode into the little town of -Sanquhar, and startled the good folk both by their wayworn and haggard -appearance and by their proceedings. - -They drew rein at the market cross, and Richard Cameron, their leader, -dismounted and slowly read a declaration denying the right of Charles to -the throne of Scotland, stigmatising him as a tyrant and perjurer, and -solemnly declaring war against him for all time coming. - -That done, they rode away as rapidly and mysteriously as they had come, -and did not halt till they reached a lonely spot among the hills, where -they ventured to rest awhile. - -"After what we have done this day," said Mr. Cameron, wiping the -midsummer heat from his brow, "I fear it will no longer be safe for us -to continue together; and besides, I cannot but think that were we to -separate away in different directions we could the better break the -bread of life to our starving brethren. What say you, Mr. Cargill? Were -it not better that each man of us should go his own way, preaching and -exhorting wherever the Lord giveth time and opportunity?" - -"Truly, brother, your suggestion savours of wisdom and prudence," said -Mr. Cargill, with approval. "But ere we separate we had better agree as -to a time when we can again meet together to compare our experiences and -strengthen each other's hands for renewed conflict." - -"I fear me, brethren, that the end is nigh at hand for more than one of -us," said the sweet voice of David Hackstoun. "I, at least, have been -visited of late with very precious presentiments of a speedy release -from these troubles. Therefore I would say it matters little whether we -be together or separate, seeing that, save it be the Lord's time, no -evil can befall us." - -"Strange that Mr. Hackstoun's presentiments should have visited me -likewise," said Richard Cameron. "I am convinced that my race is nearly -run; therefore, during what little space is still vouchsafed to me on -this earth, I would continue my Lord's work with renewed vigilance, lest -when He cometh He should find his unworthy servant asleep." - -"As regards Mr. Cargill's proposal that we should make an agreement to -meet, I fear that would be useless," said David Gray. "I think we -should but wish each other God speed, and leave our future meeting in -God's hands. Doubtless, if it be His good pleasure, He will bring us -together again in due season, if not here, in His own kingdom, whither -we are all hastening with more or less speed." - -This latter suggestion was approved, and, after holding a solemn -farewell service together, they parted, not knowing whether they should -look upon each other's faces again. Mr. Cameron travelled westward to -New Monkland, preaching boldly as he went, to the no little comfort of -the few to whom the pure Word was yet precious. Hackstoun and David -Gray, with a few others, kept together in the south; but hearing, not -many days after, that a heavy price was set on Cameron's head, and that -he was being vigilantly pursued, they conferred together and decided to -retire to the west and band themselves about him, so that, in the event -of the enemy falling upon him, there might be some to defend him and -render him deliverance out of their hands. Accordingly, a guard under -Rathillet travelled across the familiar, and now sacred, ground in the -south-western district, and came up with Cameron in Avondale, near the -memorable field of Drumclog. To their joy, they found Mr. Cargill with -him, and on the Sabbath day a solemn service was held, in which all the -ministers took part. Mr. Cameron preached the sermon from the words, -"Be still, and know that I am God," and as the eloquent and stirring -words fell from his lips, it was noted that his countenance seemed -lighted with a radiance not of earth. After the service Mr. Cargill -went his way farther west, after agreeing that he should meet Cameron -and the rest at Dermeid Muir on the following Sabbath day. During the -next few days Cameron's conversation was that of a man who was not long -for this world, and he never ceased to exhort those with him to continue -steadfast yet a while, for Scotland's deliverance was at hand. He -prophesied that the reign of bloodshed and terror would speedily be -over, and that the Lord's Zion would ere long be rebuilt upon the ruins -of her past and present desolation. On the Wednesday of that week he -was sojourning in the house of a godly man at Meadowhead, on the Water -of Ayr, and to him and the folk with him in the house he expressed his -conviction that the Lord would, in a few hours' time, require him to -seal his testimony with his blood. Hearing some report of a troop under -Bruce of Earlshall making vigilant search for him and his party, Cameron -and his friends agreed to retire to the wild moorland which stretched -for many miles between Cumnock and Muirkirk. It was a vast and dreary -wilderness, covered with heather and bracken, unrelieved by a green tree -or a nodding floweret even in the midsummer time, when all Nature was -rejoicing in her wealth and beauty. Towards the east end of this moor -Cameron and his friends, being sore fatigued with a long march in the -burning heat of the day, lay themselves down awhile to rest. In this -solitude they were surprised by the enemy--a large number of soldiers -under Earlshall--who came sweeping across the moor with a fury and speed -which made it quite impossible for the faithful little band to escape. -There was nothing for it but to fight, which the brave remnant -immediately decided to do, and quietly but resolutely looked to their -arms, and set themselves in order for the fray. It was a pitiable sight -upon which the summer sun beat that July afternoon--that handful of -God's people dauntlessly facing a goodly regiment of dragoons, all fresh -and eager for the fight. Ere the enemy was quite upon them, Cameron led -the devotions of his brethren, and in his prayer said, with great -fervour, "Lord, spare the green and take the ripe." - -Then they exchanged a hand clasp and a solemn farewell, pledging each -other to meet in glory. - -It was a desperate fight. - -The Covenanters fought with conspicuous gallantry, and, even after brave -Cameron fell, they continued the conflict over his dead body. - -Seeing that there was no hope of victory, and that Rathillet and some -others were already taken captive, David Gray, in a last extremity, -leaped upon the back of a horse whose rider had been slain, and, rapidly -galloping off the field, made his escape. Only one or two others were -equally fortunate, and so once again the Covenanters were swept away -before the oppressors like chaff on a windy day. - -Richard Cameron's remains were carried to Edinburgh, and his head was -fixed on the Netherbow port, where it was left to moulder and blacken in -the sun. Rathillet, after the usual mockery of a trial, was subjected to -terrible and searching tortures, which he bore with a firmness which -astonished those who had seen evidence of his sweet yielding nature. -His troubles were finally ended on the scaffold, and he went to receive -his exceeding great reward. Thus it seemed as if this most precious -blood of the Covenant, yea, every drop of it, must be spilled upon the -ground, ere the hour of Scotland's deliverance had come. - -By slow degrees, and through many strange perils, David Gray wandered -wearily back to his native parish. There were times when the weight of -his many sorrows was like to overwhelm him, and when he could have cried -out for the inheritance in heaven, to which so many of his brethren had -already been admitted. - -Lurking in the wild solitudes of the mountains, depending for his -sustenance upon a few ears of corn, or some of the wild fruits of the -earth, it was little wonder if at times his soul fainted within him, and -he felt impelled to question the wherefore of these tribulations. In -his weakness he was also frequently tempted fiercely by Satan to abjure -the cause for which he suffered, and to purchase life and immunity from -persecution at the Government price. But by God's grace he was enabled -to pass unscathed through these fiery trials, and when at last he crept, -a worn and wasted shadow, up his native vale, and sought the shelter of -the witches' cleugh, his heart was once more at rest, and abiding -steadfastly on the Lord Christ. There were yet some fugitives in Watty's -hiding-place, and out of her undying love for the cause, Jane Gray -still, when opportunity offered, and when she possessed the wherewithal, -stole thither with some relief. Great was her astonishment and joy to -behold there her brother David, whom they had of late quite given up as -dead. The sight of a familiar and loved face restored anew David Gray's -courage and confidence, and he prayed earnestly to be forgiven his -temptations to backsliding, with which he had been so sore beset in his -desolation. - -In spite of the increased vigilance of the oppressors, meetings were -still held on the hill-sides and in sheltered nooks, for there yet -remained some who would do and dare anything to hear the faithful -preaching of the Word. - -Very often David Gray led these services, and at last it got noised -abroad that he was at large in the district of Inverburn, which, coming -to Claverhouse's ears, made him swear a great oath that he should have -his head. But although on several separate occasions he had him almost -in his clutches, the Lord interposed, and in many marvellous ways -vouchsafed deliverance to His faithful servant. About that time it -became almost an impossibility to hold a conventicle, for it was certain -to become a massacre, so largely were the country districts infested -with dragoons, yet there was indeed very little of the old leaven of the -Covenant now left in the flesh, for the new generation which had arisen -since the first glorious upstanding for the cause was lukewarm and -indifferent, and too much taken up with the things of the world to -concern themselves much with religious matters. - -Within two years after Bothwell a great grief fell upon the few yet -remaining faithful to the old cause. - -When James II. ascended the throne, after the death of Charles, he -published an Act of Toleration, on the conditions of which many -persecuted wanderers were induced to return to their homes, and even -some ministers to their parishes. It was as deep a snare in its way as -the indulgence of Charles had been, its ultimate object being to -establish Papacy in Scotland. Into this net many fell, and it indeed -seemed as if the martyrdom of the saints were to have no good harvest in -the land. But it being now the darkest hour, the dawning was at hand. - -Grown somewhat weary of life in their native land, and being sore -exercised and perplexed by the condition of religious affairs therein, -David Gray, with some others, made it a matter of prayerful -consideration whether they should not retire to the Continent for a -space, and labour for the Master there. The conventicles, which could -only now be held at long intervals, and under strict secrecy, were -thinly attended, and not productive of any wide-spreading good, also the -end of the struggle seemed at hand, in the utter extermination of the -scattered remnant still faithful to the old doctrines and principles, so -that it indeed appeared as if there were no more work left for them to -do in Scotland. - -After due deliberation, therefore, David Gray resolved to escape out of -the country. Attiring himself in his former disguise, with which his -sister Jane provided him, he travelled on foot without molestation to -Newcastle-on-Tyne, where, after some little delay, he obtained shipment -in a trading vessel to Rotterdam, and there we lose sight of him for a -while. - - - - - *CHAPTER XXVI* - - *REST.* - - -The golden radiance of a summer sunset lay upon the vale of Inverburn. -The year was in its prime, and everywhere the wealth of her beauty was -scattered with no stinted hand. The harvest was ripe for the sickle in -the fertile lowlands, and even on the bleaker uplands there was a lovely -yellow tinge on the standing corn, which promised an early reaping. -Yes, there were peace and plenty in the smiling land once more, for the -long reign of bloodshed and terror was over, the house of Stuart had -fallen to rise no more, buried in the ruins of its own iniquity, and a -wise, just and upright ruler now wielded the sceptre on the throne of -England. - -There were not altogether lacking evidences of the dark days which had -been. Here and there, on some sunny slope or in some sheltered valley, -a black and mouldering ruin indicated where the spoiler had waved his -destroying brand, and there yet remained many a broad acre left -untilled, because those whose inheritance it was had been destroyed, -root and branch, old and young, until not a living representative was -left. - -But in the main, Scotland had returned to her old-time peace and -prosperity; again the voice of the husbandman was heard in the fields, -again the women folk went about their daily tasks without fear or -trembling, and last, and best of all, the kirks were open on the Sabbath -Day once more, for the free and pure worship of the Most High. - -The village of Inverburn that summer evening presented much the same -appearance as it did when first we made acquaintance with it. The -pleasant voices of the children at their play filled the summer air, on -the cottage doorsteps or in the trellised porches the women sat at their -knitting or spinning, while the broad benches in the doorway of the -hostelry had each their complement of sturdy yeomen discussing, over -their foaming tankards, the events of the day or the graver memories of -the past. About the hour of sundown there was observed, coming slowly -along the wide and pleasant road from Lanark, two pedestrians, for whose -coming the villagers waited with that keen curiosity so characteristic -of country folk. They walked very slowly, as I said, and though one -appeared to be of tall and erect figure, the other was much bent, and -walked leaning heavily on his companion's arm. Just as they entered upon -the village street, and speculation began to run higher regarding them, -the attention of the idlers was distracted for a little space by the -clatter of hoofs in the opposite direction, and presently a horse and -rider came rapidly down the slope and drew rein in front of the inn. -The horseman was a young man of goodly stature and fine appearance, with -a boyish, open countenance, and a winning, fearless eye. - -"Guid e'en, Sandy Gray!" cried one or two with familiarity which was -pardonable, seeing they had known the lad from his infancy, and some of -them his godly forbears before him. - -"Guid e'en!" he answered back frankly. "Here, Willie, my man," he added -to a curly-headed urchin playing on the step, "run in and tell your -mother I want to see her about ale for the reapers." - -"Ay, man, is the hairst [harvest] ready on Hartrigge?" queried one of -the older men. "Mony a day I bound a stent [sheaf] behind your faither -on the rigs o' Hartrigge." - -"Ay, Robin, ye'd better come up and bind a stent after me, then, just -for auld lang syne," said the young man and a slight shade crossed his -sunny face. - -At that moment the two pedestrians came directly opposite the inn door -and there stopped. Sandy Gray wheeled round his horse, and regarded -them with a curiosity almost as great as that exhibited by his -neighbours. Their attire was such as these simple villagers had never -before seen, being distinctly foreign in its fashion, a thing sufficient -in itself to invest the strangers with extraordinary interest. Sandy -Gray courteously saluted them, and then one spoke, and it seemed to the -young man that the first word awakened some chord in his heart which had -long been asleep. - -"Pray, can you tell me, young sir, if there be any of the name of Gray -still to the fore in this parish?" - -The young man gave a violent start, and a wild hope sprang up in his -heart. - -"Yes, I am a Gray; I am Alexander Gray of Hartrigge, son of that Andrew -Gray who fell at Bothwell, and whose forbears were so long ministers of -this parish," he said, with trembling eagerness. "And you! you! I am -not mistaken now that I see your faces. I remember you quite -well--Uncle David and Uncle Adam, thank God!" - -"Can it be possible that I look upon the face of my brother's son? Now -the Lord be praised!" exclaimed the more aged and infirm of the two, -and, advancing, he held out two trembling hands to his nephew, which the -young man, alighting from his horse, warmly grasped, while the tears -rained down his cheeks. Then he turned to Adam Hepburn, whose face -betrayed his deep satisfaction, though his joy did not find such ready -expression. - -The villagers, who had watched this scene with consuming interest, now -rose with one accord, and with a cheer came flocking about the returned -wanderers, for those who had not been personally acquainted with these -two sufferers knew their names as household words. - -"And now tell me, lad," said the aged minister, when he could free -himself from these friendly welcomes and again speak with his nephew, -"you spoke of Hartrigge. Can it be that I have returned to find a Gray -in Hartrigge still?" - -"Yes, yes; I live there, Uncle David; and my mother and dear Aunt Jane -also are in the place," he answered, and the minister did not notice -that he did not say they dwelt in the house. "Nannie is married now, -and, Uncle Adam, she is living at Rowallan, of which her husband, Walter -Fleming, is the farmer." - -"And there is an Agnes Gray at Rowallan as well as a Gray in Hartrigge!" -said the minister. "You hear that, Adam? the old stock is not dead yet, -but has developed once more into a goodly tree, for which, O my God, I -thank Thee." - -"An Agnes Gray at Rowallan yet, did you say?" asked Adam Hepburn, -dreamily. "But there was no Rowallan when I left, only the blackened -ruins of the homestead. What changes are these?" - -"The old laird is dead, and that dear, blessed saint, Lady Hamilton, has -rebuilt Hartrigge and Rowallan and would not let a foot but ours upon -their thresholds," said the young man. "But come; we cannot stand here -all night. Come away home. Oh, what a night this will be beneath the -roof-tree of Hartrigge! Here, Uncle David, get on Jess's back, and -Uncle Adam and I will walk beside you, and so we will soon be home." - -The minister accordingly gladly mounted the animal, and Sandy took the -bridle rein over his arm, and the little party moved off up the manse -brae, followed by the cheers of the delighted villagers. - -As they passed the manse and the kirk they involuntarily stood still, -and the minister took his hat from his waving white locks and bent his -head a moment on his breast, while Adam Hepburn fixed his eyes on one -green spot under a spreading yew tree, as if they would fain dwell there -for ever. Then they went on again, and the minister told his nephew in -a few brief words how they had been blessed to meet in Holland, and had -been vouchsafed a measure of prosperity and usefulness there, but how -their hearts had ever yearned for their native land, until the time came -they could return to it without fear. - -This talk occupied all the way to the farm, at which young Sandy was not -sorry, for he did not desire as yet to be more closely questioned -regarding his own household at Hartrigge. - -The farm at Hartrigge now presented a very fine and striking appearance, -the new steading [farm buildings] and commodious dwelling-house, -standing so imposingly on the brow of the hill, being thrown into strong -relief by the brilliant green of the summer foliage and the bright -golden hue of the ripening grain. - -At the foot of the little hill, sheltering cosily under the fir-wood, -there stood a neat cottage with a garden-plot in front, which was gay -with summer bloom. Just as the little party came in sight on the -private road a woman's figure came to the door, and shading her eyes -with her hand, looked long and intently at it, greatly wondering what it -meant. She was a sweet and comely-looking person, though long past her -prime, and her fair, calm face bore the impress of many sorrows, yet -peace dwelt abidingly upon it now. - -She presently turned about, called to some one within, and another -figure, much older and feebler looking, and wearing a widow's garb, -joined her on the step. And thus they were standing when the party came -up. - -"Susan! Susan! it is the answer to our many prayers!" said Jane Gray, -tremblingly. "If these be not David and Adam, our exiled wanderers, my -eyes strangely deceive me." - -Then she sat down on the bench at the door and burst into tears. - -Why should I linger over that sacred meeting? Could any human pen do it -justice? I think not. - -After a little Sandy touched the arm of his Uncle David, and begged him -to come away up with him to the house, and the others would follow. He -gave the old man his arm, and they ascended the hill, walked slowly (too -slowly for Sandy's impatient feet) through the fir-wood, and round to -the front of the house. Then, with trembling hand, Sandy opened the -door and led his uncle in. In the pleasant family room in the ruddy -evening glow there was a sweet and restful picture. On the hearth there -stood a cradle, and in a low chair near to it the figure of a woman--a -young woman--too young almost, one might have thought, to be a wife and -mother. - -"Is that you, Sandy? Don't make a noise, dearie, for baby has been so -troublesome, and is just asleep." - -It was a voice of winning and exquisite softness, and when presently the -speaker rose, the old man saw a sweet and lovely young creature, with a -fair, rose-tinted face, and deep, tender blue eyes, which reminded him -of those blue eyes which had charmed him long ago. - -"Is this your wife, my lad? You kept this pleasant surprise to the -last," said he, with a sweet smile, and advanced with extended hands. - -"Yes, my wife, Uncle David, but something, nay a great deal more," said -the young man, hardly knowing what he said. "Oh, uncle, uncle! it is -your own daughter Lilian who is my wife, and our little son yonder is -named David Gray, out of our love for you. Lily, my dear, my love, this -is your father, come home from exile, as we have so long hoped and -prayed he would." - -For a moment father and daughter stood still, and then these words fell -from the old man's lips, in accents of trembling joy-- - -"It is enough. Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace!" - - * * * * * - -I cannot linger over these happy moments, so fraught with deepest joy, -and yet so shadowed by undying memories and unutterable yearnings for -those who were not! Before many minutes were passed they missed Adam -Hepburn from their midst, and looking from their southern window they -saw him wending his solitary way towards Rowallan. And they let him go -in peace, knowing the unutterable yearnings of his soul. - - * * * * * - -So gleams of sunset joy were vouchsafed to these beaten pilgrims, whose -way through life had been so long under shadow of the cloud. And there -were Grays again in Hartrigge and Rowallan, and it was hoped that there -would be a Gray again in the manse and kirk of Inverburn, when the -little David, destined from his birth for the ministry, should be grown -to manhood. The family of Burnet of Haughhead was now extinct, save for -Sandy Gray's wife. The spoiled daughter of the house had not long -survived the death of her boy, who succumbed to his constitutional -weaknesses at the age of fifteen. Gilbert Burnet and his wife were dead -also, and Haughhead in the hands of a distant connection, who was proved -to be the nearest male heir. While any of her Burnet kindred lived, -Lilian Gray would never have been permitted to follow her mother's -example, and marry a Gray. Her happy home was a haven of peace and rest -to her father, who grew young again in heart in her blithe -companionship. How dear each was to the other, or what unutterable -thanksgiving dwelt continually in their hearts, I cannot tell you. Adam -Hepburn spent his time betwixt Hartrigge and Rowallan, but as was -natural, was oftenest at the latter place. He was a quiet, gentle, -unobtrusive old man, who seemed to live much in the past. He appeared -like one who had no hold upon this present life, but who was simply -sojourning at a wayside inn, waiting and waiting for a summons to come -farther on. But is it not so with us all? The old fiery spirit seemed -to be utterly quenched, but no man or woman ever heard him allude to the -stormy or terrible past, and when the events of these stirring times -were made the subject of conversation, or even distantly alluded to, he -never failed to at once separate himself from the rest. He spent much of -the time in the churchyard, and would sit for hours upon his wife's -grave, with his well-worn Bible for a companion, an object of strange -compassion to all who saw him there, and who knew the story of his -life-long faithfulness to the memory of one woman. - -One sweet summer evening they missed him from among the happy circle at -Hartrigge, and knowing he was not at Rowallan, they grew alarmed at last -at his long absence, and went in search of him. As was natural, they -turned their steps first to the "auld kirk-yaird." He was sitting -there, in a down-bent posture, his head almost touching his knees, and -his face hidden on the pages of the open Book. David Gray stepped to -his side, and touching his arm, said very gently-- - -"Adam, my brother, it is growing late; come away home." - -There was no motion in the silent figure, which sat so still as to alarm -them. Then David Gray slipped his hand beneath the bent head, and -lightly laid it on the breast, but there was no motion there. - -"He has passed away from us," said the minister, tremblingly, "and this -night has looked once more upon the face of his beloved, after these -forty weary years. It was the hour and the place he longed for. I have -often heard him say it. Let us give thanks to our God for His abundant -lovingkindness vouchsafed to our weary brother this night." - -Ended now the storm of life, ended the long desolation, the bitter -yearnings, which had these many years riven that lonely heart. Ended, -too, his brief lingering in the sunset at the wayside inn; and for Adam -Hepburn now came the eternal enjoyment of that sweet rest which -remaineth for the people of God. - - - - - THE END - - - - - PRINTED BY CASSELL & COMPANY, LIMITED, - LA BELLE SAUVAGE, LONDON, E.C. - - - - - - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ADAM HEPBURN'S VOW *** - - - - -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/46966 - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law 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. -Special rules, set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this -license, apply to copying and distributing Project Gutenberg(tm) -electronic works to protect the Project Gutenberg(tm) concept and -trademark. 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