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diff --git a/old/orig7025-h/7025-h.htm b/old/orig7025-h/7025-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8e618fe --- /dev/null +++ b/old/orig7025-h/7025-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,1055 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=iso-8859-1"> + +<title>ROB ROY, Complete + by Sir Walter Scott +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + + +<h2> + ROB ROY<br> + + Complete +</h2> +<h2> + BY SIR WALTER SCOTT +</h2> + +<br><br> + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4> +<tr><td> + + <a href="#contents"><b>Contents</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p1.htm"><b>Volume One</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p2.htm"><b>Volume Two</b></a> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated, by Sir Walter Scott + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net + + +Title: Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: October 25, 2006 [EBook #7025] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROB ROY, COMPLETE, ILLUSTRATED *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<a name="image-0001"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/bookcover.jpg" height="1085" width="733" +alt="Bookcover +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0002"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/spines.jpg" height="1071" width="451" +alt="Spines +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="2H_4_0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ROB ROY<br><br> + + Complete +</h2> +<br><br> +<h2> + BY SIR WALTER SCOTT +</h2> + +<a name="image-0003"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece1.jpg" height="539" width="839" +alt="Frontispiece +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/titlepage1.jpg" height="1012" width="644" +alt="Titlepage +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<a name="contents"></a> +<br><br> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + +<h3><a href="p1.htm">VOLUME ONE</a></h3> + +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0003"> +ADVERTISEMENT 1ST EDITION +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_INTR"> +INTRODUCTION—-(1829) +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_APPE"> +APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0006"> +No. II.—LETTERS +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0007"> +GRAHAME OF KILLEARN'S LETTER +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0008"> +THE DUKE OF MONTROSE TO —— +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0009"> +No. III.—CHALLENGE BY ROB ROY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0010"> +No. IV.—LETTER +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0011"> +No. IVa.—LETTER. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0012"> +No. V.—HIGHLAND WOOING. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0013"> +No. VI—GHLUNE DHU. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0014"> +EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION TO ROB ROY +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0015"> +ROB ROY +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER FIRST. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER THIRD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER FOURTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER FIFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER SIXTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER NINTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER TENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. +</a></p> +<br><br><br><br><br><br><br> + +</td><td> + + +<h3><a href="p2.htm">VOLUME TWO</a></h3> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER FIRST +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER THIRD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER FOURTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER FIFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER SIXTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER NINTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER TENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER THIRTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER FOURTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER FIFTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER SIXTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0018"> +CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0019"> +CHAPTER NINETEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0020"> +CHAPTER TWENTIETH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0021"> +CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0022"> +CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0025"> +POSTSCRIPT. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0026"> +STATE PAPER OFFICE, +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_NOTE"> +NOTES TO ROB ROY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0028"> +Note A.—The Grey Stone of MacGregor. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0029"> +Note B.—Dugald Ciar Mhor. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0030"> +Note C.—The Loch Lomond Expedition. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0031"> +Note D.—Author's Expedition +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0032"> +Note E.—Allan Breck Stewart. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0033"> +Note F.—The Abbess of Wilton. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0034"> +Note G.—Mons Meg. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0035"> +Note H.—-Fairy Superstition. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0036"> +Note I.—Clachan of Aberfoil. +</a></p> + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<h3>VOLUME ONE</h3> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0003"> +Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0004"> +Titlepage +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0005"> +Cattle Lifting +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0006"> +Frank at Judge Inglewood's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0007"> +Die Vernon at Judge Inglewood's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0008"> +Frank and Andrew Fairservice +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0009"> +Die Vernon and Frank in Library +</a></p> +<br><br> + + +</td><td> + + + +<h3>VOLUME TWO</h3> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0003"> +Helen Macgregor—Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0004"> +Rob Roy in Prison +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0005"> +Rob Roy Parting the Duelists +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0006"> +Fray at Jeannie Macalpine's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0007"> +Escape of Rob Roy at the Ford +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0008"> +Parting of Die and Frank on the Moor +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0009"> +Loch Lomond +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0010"> +The Death of Rashleigh +</a></p> + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + + + +<center> +<h2>PROVENANCE OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<br><br> + + +<table summary="Illustrations"> +<tr> +<td> +<h2>Subject or Title + + +</h2> +</td> +<td> +<h2>Original Drawing + +</h2> +</td> +<td> +<h2>Etching +</h2> +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0003">First Meeting of Frank and Diana</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0005">Cattle Lifting</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0006">Frank at Judge Inglewood's</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +Georg Cruikshank +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0007">Die Vernon at Judge Inglewood's</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0008">Frank and Andrew Fairservice</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0009">Die Vernon and Frank in Library</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0003">Helen MacGregor</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0004">Rob Roy in Prison</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0005">Rob Roy Parting the Duelists</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +J. Moyr Smith +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0006">Fray at Jeannie MacAlpine's</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +George Cruikshank +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0007">Escape of Rob Roy at the Ford</a> +</td> +<td> +Sam Bough +</td> +<td> +C. de Billy +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0008">Parting of Die and Frank on the Moor</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0009">Loch Lomond</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +Charles Laurie +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0010">The Death of Rashleigh</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + + +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4> +<tr><td> + + <a href="#contents"><b>Contents</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p1.htm"><b>Volume One</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p2.htm"><b>Volume Two</b></a> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated, by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROB ROY, COMPLETE, ILLUSTRATED *** + +***** This file should be named 7025-h.htm or 7025-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/7/0/2/7025/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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charset=iso-8859-1"> + +<title>ROB ROY, Complete + by Sir Walter Scott +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + + +<h2> + ROB ROY<br> + + Complete +</h2> +<h2> + BY SIR WALTER SCOTT +</h2> + +<br><br> + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4> +<tr><td> + + <a href="#contents"><b>Contents</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p1.htm"><b>Volume One</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p2.htm"><b>Volume Two</b></a> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + +<pre> + +Project Gutenberg's Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated, by Sir Walter Scott + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net + + +Title: Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated + +Author: Sir Walter Scott + +Release Date: October 25, 2006 [EBook #7025] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROB ROY, COMPLETE, ILLUSTRATED *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + + + + + +<a name="image-0001"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/bookcover.jpg" height="1085" width="733" +alt="Bookcover +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0002"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/spines.jpg" height="1071" width="451" +alt="Spines +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="2H_4_0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ROB ROY<br><br> + + Complete +</h2> +<br><br> +<h2> + BY SIR WALTER SCOTT +</h2> + +<a name="image-0003"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece1.jpg" height="539" width="839" +alt="Frontispiece +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/titlepage1.jpg" height="1012" width="644" +alt="Titlepage +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<a name="contents"></a> +<br><br> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + +<h3><a href="p1.htm">VOLUME ONE</a></h3> + +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0003"> +ADVERTISEMENT 1ST EDITION +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_INTR"> +INTRODUCTION—-(1829) +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_APPE"> +APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0006"> +No. II.—LETTERS +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0007"> +GRAHAME OF KILLEARN'S LETTER +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0008"> +THE DUKE OF MONTROSE TO —— +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0009"> +No. III.—CHALLENGE BY ROB ROY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0010"> +No. IV.—LETTER +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0011"> +No. IVa.—LETTER. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0012"> +No. V.—HIGHLAND WOOING. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0013"> +No. VI—GHLUNE DHU. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0014"> +EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION TO ROB ROY +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2H_4_0015"> +ROB ROY +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER FIRST. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER THIRD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER FOURTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER FIFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER SIXTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER NINTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER TENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. +</a></p> +<br><br><br><br><br><br><br> + +</td><td> + + +<h3><a href="p2.htm">VOLUME TWO</a></h3> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER FIRST +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER THIRD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER FOURTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER FIFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER SIXTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER NINTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER TENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER THIRTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER FOURTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER FIFTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER SIXTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0018"> +CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0019"> +CHAPTER NINETEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0020"> +CHAPTER TWENTIETH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0021"> +CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2HCH0022"> +CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0025"> +POSTSCRIPT. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0026"> +STATE PAPER OFFICE, +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_NOTE"> +NOTES TO ROB ROY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0028"> +Note A.—The Grey Stone of MacGregor. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0029"> +Note B.—Dugald Ciar Mhor. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0030"> +Note C.—The Loch Lomond Expedition. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0031"> +Note D.—Author's Expedition +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0032"> +Note E.—Allan Breck Stewart. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0033"> +Note F.—The Abbess of Wilton. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0034"> +Note G.—Mons Meg. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0035"> +Note H.—-Fairy Superstition. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#2H_4_0036"> +Note I.—Clachan of Aberfoil. +</a></p> + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<h3>VOLUME ONE</h3> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0003"> +Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0004"> +Titlepage +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0005"> +Cattle Lifting +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0006"> +Frank at Judge Inglewood's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0007"> +Die Vernon at Judge Inglewood's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0008"> +Frank and Andrew Fairservice +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p1.htm#image-0009"> +Die Vernon and Frank in Library +</a></p> +<br><br> + + +</td><td> + + + +<h3>VOLUME TWO</h3> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0003"> +Helen Macgregor—Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0004"> +Rob Roy in Prison +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0005"> +Rob Roy Parting the Duelists +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0006"> +Fray at Jeannie Macalpine's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0007"> +Escape of Rob Roy at the Ford +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0008"> +Parting of Die and Frank on the Moor +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0009"> +Loch Lomond +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="p2.htm#image-0010"> +The Death of Rashleigh +</a></p> + + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + + + +<center> +<h2>PROVENANCE OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<br><br> + + +<table summary="Illustrations"> +<tr> +<td> +<h2>Subject or Title + + +</h2> +</td> +<td> +<h2>Original Drawing + +</h2> +</td> +<td> +<h2>Etching +</h2> +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0003">First Meeting of Frank and Diana</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0005">Cattle Lifting</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0006">Frank at Judge Inglewood's</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +Georg Cruikshank +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0007">Die Vernon at Judge Inglewood's</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0008">Frank and Andrew Fairservice</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p1.htm#image-0009">Die Vernon and Frank in Library</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0003">Helen MacGregor</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0004">Rob Roy in Prison</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0005">Rob Roy Parting the Duelists</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +J. Moyr Smith +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0006">Fray at Jeannie MacAlpine's</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +George Cruikshank +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0007">Escape of Rob Roy at the Ford</a> +</td> +<td> +Sam Bough +</td> +<td> +C. de Billy +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0008">Parting of Die and Frank on the Moor</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0009">Loch Lomond</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +Charles Laurie +</td> +</tr> + + +<tr> +<td> +<a href="p2.htm#image-0010">The Death of Rashleigh</a> +</td> +<td> +Original Etching by: +</td> +<td> +R. W. Macbeth +</td> +</tr> + + + +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=6 border=4> +<tr><td> + + <a href="#contents"><b>Contents</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p1.htm"><b>Volume One</b></a> </td></tr><tr><td> + <a href="p2.htm"><b>Volume Two</b></a> +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Rob Roy, Complete, Illustrated, by Sir Walter Scott + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROB ROY, COMPLETE, ILLUSTRATED *** + +***** This file should be named 7025-h.htm or 7025-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.net/7/0/2/7025/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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+ margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + +<h2> + ROB ROY<br> + + Volume One +</h2> +<h2> + BY SIR WALTER SCOTT +</h2> + + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=4 border=3> +<tr><td> + <a href="p2.htm">Next Volume</a> +</td><td> + <a href="7025-h.htm">Main Index</a> + </td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + + +<a name="image-0001"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/bookcover.jpg" height="1085" width="733" +alt="Bookcover +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0002"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/spines.jpg" height="1071" width="451" +alt="Spines +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="2H_4_0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ROB ROY<br><br> + + VOLUME ONE +</h2> +<br><br> +<h2> + BY SIR WALTER SCOTT +</h2> + +<a name="image-0003"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece1.jpg" height="539" width="839" +alt="Frontispiece +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/titlepage1.jpg" height="1012" width="644" +alt="Titlepage +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0003"> +ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIRST EDITION +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_INTR"> +INTRODUCTION—-(1829) +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_APPE"> +APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0006"> +No. II.—LETTERS +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0007"> +COPY OF GRAHAME OF KILLEARN'S LETTER +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0008"> +THE DUKE OF MONTROSE TO —— +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0009"> +No. III.—CHALLENGE BY ROB ROY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0010"> +No. IV.—LETTER +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0011"> +No. IVa.—LETTER. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0012"> +No. V.—HIGHLAND WOOING. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0013"> +No. VI—GHLUNE DHU. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0014"> +EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION TO ROB ROY +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0015"> +ROB ROY +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER FIRST. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER THIRD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER FOURTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER FIFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER SIXTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER NINTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER TENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. +</a></p> + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2>List of Illustrations</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0003"> +Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0004"> +Titlepage +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0005"> +Cattle Lifting +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0006"> +Frank at Judge Inglewood's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0007"> +Die Vernon at Judge Inglewood's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0008"> +Frank and Andrew Fairservice +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0009"> +Die Vernon and Frank in Library +</a></p> + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + +<h2> + VOLUME ONE +</h2> +<pre> + For why? Because the good old rule + Sufficeth them; the simple plan, + That they should take who have the power, + And they should keep who can. + + <i>Rob Roy's Grave</i>—Wordsworth +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ADVERTISEMENT TO THE FIRST EDITION +</h2> +<p> + When the Editor of the following volumes published, about two years + since, the work called the "Antiquary," he announced that he was, for the + last time, intruding upon the public in his present capacity. He might + shelter himself under the plea that every anonymous writer is, like the + celebrated Junius, only a phantom, and that therefore, although an + apparition, of a more benign, as well as much meaner description, he + cannot be bound to plead to a charge of inconsistency. A better apology + may be found in the imitating the confession of honest Benedict, that, + when he said he would die a bachelor, he did not think he should live to + be married. The best of all would be, if, as has eminently happened in + the case of some distinguished contemporaries, the merit of the work + should, in the reader's estimation, form an excuse for the Author's + breach of promise. Without presuming to hope that this may prove the + case, it is only further necessary to mention, that his resolution, like + that of Benedict, fell a sacrifice, to temptation at least, if not to + stratagem. +</p> +<p> + It is now about six months since the Author, through the medium of his + respectable Publishers, received a parcel of Papers, containing the + Outlines of this narrative, with a permission, or rather with a request, + couched in highly flattering terms, that they might be given to the + Public, with such alterations as should be found suitable.* +</p> +<p> + * As it maybe necessary, in the present Edition(1829), to speak upon the + square, the Author thinks it proper to own, that the communication + alluded to is entirely imaginary. +</p> +<p> + These were of course so numerous, that, besides the suppression of names, + and of incidents approaching too much to reality, the work may in a great + measure be, said to be new written. Several anachronisms have probably + crept in during the course of these changes; and the mottoes for the + Chapters have been selected without any reference to the supposed date of + the incidents. For these, of course, the Editor is responsible. Some + others occurred in the original materials, but they are of little + consequence. In point of minute accuracy, it may be stated, that the + bridge over the Forth, or rather the Avondhu (or Black River), near the + hamlet of Aberfoil, had not an existence thirty years ago. It does not, + however, become the Editor to be the first to point out these errors; and + he takes this public opportunity to thank the unknown and nameless + correspondent, to whom the reader will owe the principal share of any + amusement which he may derive from the following pages. +</p> +<p> + 1st December 1817. +</p> +<a name="2H_INTR"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + INTRODUCTION—-(1829) +</h2> +<p> + When the author projected this further encroachment on the patience of an + indulgent public, he was at some loss for a title; a good name being very + nearly of as much consequence in literature as in life. The title of <i>Rob + Roy</i> was suggested by the late Mr. Constable, whose sagacity and + experience foresaw the germ of popularity which it included. +</p> +<p> + No introduction can be more appropriate to the work than some account of + the singular character whose name is given to the title-page, and who, + through good report and bad report, has maintained a wonderful degree of + importance in popular recollection. This cannot be ascribed to the + distinction of his birth, which, though that of a gentleman, had in it + nothing of high destination, and gave him little right to command in his + clan. Neither, though he lived a busy, restless, and enterprising life, + were his feats equal to those of other freebooters, who have been less + distinguished. He owed his fame in a great measure to his residing on the + very verge of the Highlands, and playing such pranks in the beginning of + the 18th century, as are usually ascribed to Robin Hood in the middle + ages,—and that within forty miles of Glasgow, a great commercial city, + the seat of a learned university. Thus a character like his, blending the + wild virtues, the subtle policy, and unrestrained license of an American + Indian, was flourishing in Scotland during the Augustan age of Queen Anne + and George I. Addison, it is probable, or Pope, would have been + considerably surprised if they had known that there existed in the same + island with them a personage of Rob Roy's peculiar habits and profession. + It is this strong contrast betwixt the civilised and cultivated mode of + life on the one side of the Highland line, and the wild and lawless + adventures which were habitually undertaken and achieved by one who dwelt + on the opposite side of that ideal boundary, which creates the interest + attached to his name. Hence it is that even yet, +</p> +<pre> + Far and near, through vale and hill, + Are faces that attest the same, + And kindle like a fire new stirr'd, + At sound of Rob Roy's name. +</pre> +<p> + There were several advantages which Rob Roy enjoyed for sustaining to + advantage the character which he assumed. +</p> +<p> + The most prominent of these was his descent from, and connection with, + the clan MacGregor, so famous for their misfortunes, and the indomitable + spirit with which they maintained themselves as a clan, linked and banded + together in spite of the most severe laws, executed with unheard-of + rigour against those who bore this forbidden surname. Their history was + that of several others of the original Highland clans, who were + suppressed by more powerful neighbours, and either extirpated, or forced + to secure themselves by renouncing their own family appellation, and + assuming that of the conquerors. The peculiarity in the story of the + MacGregors, is their retaining, with such tenacity, their separate + existence and union as a clan under circumstances of the utmost urgency. + The history of the tribe is briefly as follows—But we must premise that + the tale depends in some degree on tradition; therefore, excepting when + written documents are, quoted, it must be considered as in some degree + dubious. +</p> +<p> + The sept of MacGregor claimed a descent from Gregor, or Gregorius, third + son, it is said, of Alpin King of Scots, who flourished about 787. Hence + their original patronymic is MacAlpine, and they are usually termed the + Clan Alpine. An individual tribe of them retains the same name. They are + accounted one of the most ancient clans in the Highlands, and it is + certain they were a people of original Celtic descent, and occupied at + one period very extensive possessions in Perthshire and Argyleshire, + which they imprudently continued to hold by the <i>coir a glaive,</i> that is, + the right of the sword. Their neighbours, the Earls of Argyle and + Breadalbane, in the meanwhile, managed to leave the lands occupied by the + MacGregors engrossed in those charters which they easily obtained from + the Crown; and thus constituted a legal right in their own favour, + without much regard to its justice. As opportunity occurred of annoying + or extirpating their neighbours, they gradually extended their own + domains, by usurping, under the pretext of such royal grants, those of + their more uncivilised neighbours. A Sir Duncan Campbell of Lochow, known + in the Highlands by the name of <i>Donacha Dhu nan Churraichd,</i> that is, + Black Duncan with the Cowl, it being his pleasure to wear such a + head-gear, is said to have been peculiarly successful in those acts of + spoliation upon the clan MacGregor. +</p> +<p> + The devoted sept, ever finding themselves iniquitously driven from their + possessions, defended themselves by force, and occasionally gained + advantages, which they used cruelly enough. This conduct, though natural, + considering the country and time, was studiously represented at the + capital as arising from an untameable and innate ferocity, which nothing, + it was said, could remedy, save cutting off the tribe of MacGregor root + and branch. +</p> +<p> + In an act of Privy Council at Stirling, 22d September 1563, in the reign + of Queen Mary, commission is granted to the most powerful nobles, and + chiefs of the clans, to pursue the clan Gregor with fire and sword. A + similar warrant in 1563, not only grants the like powers to Sir John + Campbell of Glenorchy, the descendant of Duncan with the Cowl, but + discharges the lieges to receive or assist any of the clan Gregor, or + afford them, under any colour whatever, meat, drink, or clothes. +</p> +<p> + An atrocity which the clan Gregor committed in 1589, by the murder of + John Drummond of Drummond-ernoch, a forester of the royal forest of + Glenartney, is elsewhere given, with all its horrid circumstances. The + clan swore upon the severed head of the murdered man, that they would + make common cause in avowing the deed. This led to an act of the Privy + Council, directing another crusade against the "wicked clan Gregor, so + long continuing in blood, slaughter, theft, and robbery," in which + letters of fire and sword are denounced against them for the space of + three years. The reader will find this particular fact illustrated in the + Introduction to the Legend of Montrose in the present edition of these + Novels. +</p> +<p> + Other occasions frequently occurred, in which the MacGregors testified + contempt for the laws, from which they had often experienced severity, + but never protection. Though they were gradually deprived of their + possessions, and of all ordinary means of procuring subsistence, they + could not, nevertheless, be supposed likely to starve for famine, while + they had the means of taking from strangers what they considered as + rightfully their own. Hence they became versed in predatory forays, and + accustomed to bloodshed. Their passions were eager, and, with a little + management on the part of some of their most powerful neighbours, they + could easily be <i>hounded out,</i> to use an expressive Scottish phrase, to + commit violence, of which the wily instigators took the advantage, and + left the ignorant MacGregors an undivided portion of blame and + punishment. This policy of pushing on the fierce clans of the Highlands + and Borders to break the peace of the country, is accounted by the + historian one of the most dangerous practices of his own period, in which + the MacGregors were considered as ready agents. +</p> +<p> + Notwithstanding these severe denunciations,—-which were acted upon in + the same spirit in which they were conceived, some of the clan still + possessed property, and the chief of the name in 1592 is designed + Allaster MacGregor of Glenstrae. He is said to have been a brave and + active man; but, from the tenor of his confession at his death, appears + to have been engaged in many and desperate feuds, one of which finally + proved fatal to himself and many of his followers. This was the + celebrated conflict at Glenfruin, near the southwestern extremity of Loch + Lomond, in the vicinity of which the MacGregors continued to exercise + much authority by the <i>coir a glaive,</i> or right of the strongest, which + we have already mentioned. +</p> +<p> + There had been a long and bloody feud betwixt the MacGregors and the + Laird of Luss, head of the family of Colquhoun, a powerful race on the + lower part of Loch Lomond. The MacGregors' tradition affirms that the + quarrel began on a very trifling subject. Two of the MacGregors being + benighted, asked shelter in a house belonging to a dependant of the + Colquhouns, and were refused. They then retreated to an out-house, took a + wedder from the fold, killed it, and supped off the carcass, for which + (it is said) they offered payment to the proprietor. The Laird of Luss + seized on the offenders, and, by the summary process which feudal barons + had at their command, had them both condemned and executed. The + MacGregors verify this account of the feud by appealing to a proverb + current amongst them, execrating the hour <i>(Mult dhu an Carbail ghil)</i> + that the black wedder with the white tail was ever lambed. To avenge this + quarrel, the Laird of MacGregor assembled his clan, to the number of + three or four hundred men, and marched towards Luss from the banks of + Loch Long, by a pass called <i>Raid na Gael,</i> or the Highlandman's Pass. +</p> +<p> + Sir Humphrey Colquhoun received early notice of this incursion, and + collected a strong force, more than twice the number of that of the + invaders. He had with him the gentlemen of the name of Buchanan, with the + Grahams, and other gentry of the Lennox, and a party of the citizens of + Dumbarton, under command of Tobias Smollett, a magistrate, or bailie, of + that town, and ancestor of the celebrated author. +</p> +<p> + The parties met in the valley of Glenfruin, which signifies the Glen of + Sorrow—-a name that seemed to anticipate the event of the day, which, + fatal to the conquered party, was at least equally so to the victors, the + "babe unborn" of Clan Alpine having reason to repent it. The MacGregors, + somewhat discouraged by the appearance of a force much superior to their + own, were cheered on to the attack by a Seer, or second-sighted person, + who professed that he saw the shrouds of the dead wrapt around their + principal opponents. The clan charged with great fury on the front of the + enemy, while John MacGregor, with a strong party, made an unexpected + attack on the flank. A great part of the Colquhouns' force consisted in + cavalry, which could not act in the boggy ground. They were said to have + disputed the field manfully, but were at length completely routed, and a + merciless slaughter was exercised on the fugitives, of whom betwixt two + and three hundred fell on the field and in the pursuit. If the MacGregors + lost, as is averred, only two men slain in the action, they had slight + provocation for an indiscriminate massacre. It is said that their fury + extended itself to a party of students for clerical orders, who had + imprudently come to see the battle. Some doubt is thrown on this fact, + from the indictment against the chief of the clan Gregor being silent on + the subject, as is the historian Johnston, and a Professor Ross, who + wrote an account of the battle twenty-nine years after it was fought. It + is, however, constantly averred by the tradition of the country, and a + stone where the deed was done is called <i>Leck-a-Mhinisteir,</i> the Minister + or Clerk's Flagstone. The MacGregors, by a tradition which is now found + to be inaccurate, impute this cruel action to the ferocity of a single + man of their tribe, renowned for size and strength, called Dugald, <i>Ciar + Mhor,</i> or the great Mouse-coloured Man. He was MacGregor's + foster-brother, and the chief committed the youths to his charge, with + directions to keep them safely till the affray was over. Whether fearful + of their escape, or incensed by some sarcasms which they threw on his + tribe, or whether out of mere thirst of blood, this savage, while the + other MacGregors were engaged in the pursuit, poniarded his helpless and + defenceless prisoners. When the chieftain, on his return, demanded where + the youths were, the <i>Ciar</i> (pronounced Kiar) <i>Mhor</i> drew out his bloody + dirk, saying in Gaelic, "Ask that, and God save me!" The latter words + allude to the exclamation which his victims used when he was murdering + them. It would seem, therefore, that this horrible part of the story is + founded on fact, though the number of the youths so slain is probably + exaggerated in the Lowland accounts. The common people say that the blood + of the Ciar Mhor's victims can never be washed off the stone. When + MacGregor learnt their fate, he expressed the utmost horror at the deed, + and upbraided his foster-brother with having done that which would + occasion the destruction of him and his clan. This supposed homicide was + the ancestor of Rob Roy, and the tribe from which he was descended. He + lies buried at the church of Fortingal, where his sepulchre, covered with + a large stone,* is still shown, and where his great strength and courage + are the theme of many traditions.* +</p> +<p> + * Note A. The Grey Stone of MacGregor. +</p> +<p> + ** Note B. Dugald Ciar Mhor. +</p> +<p> + MacGregor's brother was one of the very few of the tribe who was slain. + He was buried near the field of battle, and the place is marked by a rude + stone, called the Grey Stone of MacGregor. +</p> +<p> + Sir Humphrey Colquhoun, being well mounted, escaped for the time to the + castle of Banochar, or Benechra. It proved no sure defence, however, for + he was shortly after murdered in a vault of the castle,—-the family + annals say by the MacGregors, though other accounts charge the deed upon + the MacFarlanes. +</p> +<p> + This battle of Glenfruin, and the severity which the victors exercised in + the pursuit, was reported to King James VI. in a manner the most + unfavourable to the clan Gregor, whose general character, being that of + lawless though brave men, could not much avail them in such a case. That + James might fully understand the extent of the slaughter, the widows of + the slain, to the number of eleven score, in deep mourning, riding upon + white palfreys, and each bearing her husband's bloody shirt on a spear, + appeared at Stirling, in presence of a monarch peculiarly accessible to + such sights of fear and sorrow, to demand vengeance for the death of + their husbands, upon those by whom they had been made desolate. +</p> +<p> + The remedy resorted to was at least as severe as the cruelties which it + was designed to punish. By an Act of the Privy Council, dated 3d April + 1603, the name of MacGregor was expressly abolished, and those who had + hitherto borne it were commanded to change it for other surnames, the + pain of death being denounced against those who should call themselves + Gregor or MacGregor, the names of their fathers. Under the same penalty, + all who had been at the conflict of Glenfruin, or accessory to other + marauding parties charged in the act, were prohibited from carrying + weapons, except a pointless knife to eat their victuals. By a subsequent + act of Council, 24th June 1613, death was denounced against any persons + of the tribe formerly called MacGregor, who should presume to assemble in + greater numbers than four. Again, by an Act of Parliament, 1617, chap. + 26, these laws were continued, and extended to the rising generation, in + respect that great numbers of the children of those against whom the acts + of Privy Council had been directed, were stated to be then approaching to + maturity, who, if permitted to resume the name of their parents, would + render the clan as strong as it was before. +</p> +<p> + The execution of those severe acts was chiefly intrusted in the west to + the Earl of Argyle and the powerful clan of Campbell, and to the Earl of + Athole and his followers in the more eastern Highlands of Perthshire. The + MacGregors failed not to resist with the most determined courage; and + many a valley in the West and North Highlands retains memory of the + severe conflicts, in which the proscribed clan sometimes obtained + transient advantages, and always sold their lives dearly. At length the + pride of Allaster MacGregor, the chief of the clan, was so much lowered + by the sufferings of his people, that he resolved to surrender himself to + the Earl of Argyle, with his principal followers, on condition that they + should be sent out of Scotland. If the unfortunate chief's own account be + true, he had more reasons than one for expecting some favour from the + Earl, who had in secret advised and encouraged him to many of the + desperate actions for which he was now called to so severe a reckoning. + But Argyle, as old Birrell expresses himself, kept a Highlandman's + promise with them, fulfilling it to the ear, and breaking it to the + sense. MacGregor was sent under a strong guard to the frontier of + England, and being thus, in the literal sense, sent out of Scotland, + Argyle was judged to have kept faith with him, though the same party + which took him there brought him back to Edinburgh in custody. +</p> +<p> + MacGregor of Glenstrae was tried before the Court of Justiciary, 20th + January 1604, and found guilty. He appears to have been instantly + conveyed from the bar to the gallows; for Birrell, of the same date, + reports that he was hanged at the Cross, and, for distinction sake, was + suspended higher by his own height than two of his kindred and friends. +</p> +<p> + On the 18th of February following, more men of the MacGregors were + executed, after a long imprisonment, and several others in the beginning + of March. +</p> +<p> + The Earl of Argyle's service, in conducting to the surrender of the + insolent and wicked race and name of MacGregor, notorious common + malefactors, and in the in-bringing of MacGregor, with a great many of + the leading men of the clan, worthily executed to death for their + offences, is thankfully acknowledged by an Act of Parliament, 1607, chap. + 16, and rewarded with a grant of twenty chalders of victual out of the + lands of Kintire. +</p> +<p> + The MacGregors, notwithstanding the letters of fire and sword, and orders + for military execution repeatedly directed against them by the Scottish + legislature, who apparently lost all the calmness of conscious dignity + and security, and could not even name the outlawed clan without + vituperation, showed no inclination to be blotted out of the roll of + clanship. They submitted to the law, indeed, so far as to take the names + of the neighbouring families amongst whom they happened to live, + nominally becoming, as the case might render it most convenient, + Drummonds, Campbells, Grahams, Buchanans, Stewarts, and the like; but to + all intents and purposes of combination and mutual attachment, they + remained the clan Gregor, united together for right or wrong, and + menacing with the general vengeance of their race, all who committed + aggressions against any individual of their number. +</p> +<p> + They continued to take and give offence with as little hesitation as + before the legislative dispersion which had been attempted, as appears + from the preamble to statute 1633, chapter 30, setting forth, that the + clan Gregor, which had been suppressed and reduced to quietness by the + great care of the late King James of eternal memory, had nevertheless + broken out again, in the counties of Perth, Stirling, Clackmannan, + Monteith, Lennox, Angus, and Mearns; for which reason the statute + re-establishes the disabilities attached to the clan, and, grants a new + commission for enforcing the laws against that wicked and rebellious + race. +</p> +<p> + Notwithstanding the extreme severities of King James I. and Charles I. + against this unfortunate people, who were rendered furious by + proscription, and then punished for yielding to the passions which had + been wilfully irritated, the MacGregors to a man attached themselves + during the civil war to the cause of the latter monarch. Their bards have + ascribed this to the native respect of the MacGregors for the crown of + Scotland, which their ancestors once wore, and have appealed to their + armorial bearings, which display a pine-tree crossed saltire wise with a + naked sword, the point of which supports a royal crown. But, without + denying that such motives may have had their weight, we are disposed to + think, that a war which opened the low country to the raids of the clan + Gregor would have more charms for them than any inducement to espouse the + cause of the Covenanters, which would have brought them into contact with + Highlanders as fierce as themselves, and having as little to lose. + Patrick MacGregor, their leader, was the son of a distinguished chief, + named Duncan Abbarach, to whom Montrose wrote letters as to his trusty + and special friend, expressing his reliance on his devoted loyalty, with + an assurance, that when once his Majesty's affairs were placed upon a + permanent footing, the grievances of the clan MacGregor should be + redressed. +</p> +<p> + At a subsequent period of these melancholy times, we find the clan Gregor + claiming the immunities of other tribes, when summoned by the Scottish + Parliament to resist the invasion of the Commonwealth's army, in 1651. On + the last day of March in that year, a supplication to the King and + Parliament, from Calum MacCondachie Vich Euen, and Euen MacCondachie + Euen, in their own name, and that of the whole name of MacGregor, set + forth, that while, in obedience to the orders of Parliament, enjoining + all clans to come out in the present service under their chieftains, for + the defence of religion, king, and kingdoms, the petitioners were drawing + their men to guard the passes at the head of the river Forth, they were + interfered with by the Earl of Athole and the Laird of Buchanan, who had + required the attendance of many of the clan Gregor upon their arrays. + This interference was, doubtless, owing to the change of name, which + seems to have given rise to the claim of the Earl of Athole and the Laird + of Buchanan to muster the MacGregors under their banners, as Murrays or + Buchanans. It does not appear that the petition of the MacGregors, to be + permitted to come out in a body, as other clans, received any answer. But + upon the Restoration, King Charles, in the first Scottish Parliament of + his reign (statute 1661, chap. 195), annulled the various acts against + the clan Gregor, and restored them to the full use of their family name, + and the other privileges of liege subjects, setting forth, as a reason + for this lenity, that those who were formerly designed MacGregors had, + during the late troubles, conducted themselves with such loyalty and + affection to his Majesty, as might justly wipe off all memory of former + miscarriages, and take away all marks of reproach for the same. +</p> +<p> + It is singular enough, that it seems to have aggravated the feelings of + the non-conforming Presbyterians, when the penalties which were most + unjustly imposed upon themselves were relaxed towards the poor + MacGregors;—so little are the best men, any more than the worst, able to + judge with impartiality of the same measures, as applied to themselves, + or to others. Upon the Restoration, an influence inimical to this + unfortunate clan, said to be the same with that which afterwards dictated + the massacre of Glencoe, occasioned the re-enaction of the penal statutes + against the MacGregors. There are no reasons given why these highly penal + acts should have been renewed; nor is it alleged that the clan had been + guilty of late irregularities. Indeed, there is some reason to think that + the clause was formed of set purpose, in a shape which should elude + observation; for, though containing conclusions fatal to the rights of so + many Scottish subjects, it is neither mentioned in the title nor the + rubric of the Act of Parliament in which it occurs, and is thrown briefly + in at the close of the statute 1693, chap. 61, entitled, an Act for the + Justiciary in the Highlands. +</p> +<p> + It does not, however, appear that after the Revolution the acts against + the clan were severely enforced; and in the latter half of the eighteenth + century, they were not enforced at all. Commissioners of supply were + named in Parliament by the proscribed title of MacGregor, and decrees of + courts of justice were pronounced, and legal deeds entered into, under + the same appellative. The MacGregors, however, while the laws continued + in the statute-book, still suffered under the deprivation of the name + which was their birthright, and some attempts were made for the purpose + of adopting another, MacAlpine or Grant being proposed as the title of + the whole clan in future. No agreement, however, could be entered into; + and the evil was submitted to as a matter of necessity, until full + redress was obtained from the British Parliament, by an act abolishing + for ever the penal statutes which had been so long imposed upon this + ancient race. This statute, well merited by the services of many a + gentleman of the clan in behalf of their King and country, was passed, + and the clan proceeded to act upon it with the same spirit of ancient + times, which had made them suffer severely under a deprivation that would + have been deemed of little consequence by a great part of their + fellow-subjects. +</p> +<p> + They entered into a deed recognising John Murray of Lanrick, Esq. + (afterwards Sir John MacGregor, Baronet), representative of the family of + Glencarnock, as lawfully descended from the ancient stock and blood of + the Lairds and Lords of MacGregor, and therefore acknowledged him as + their chief on all lawful occasions and causes whatsoever. The deed was + subscribed by eight hundred and twenty-six persons of the name of + MacGregor, capable of bearing arms. A great many of the clan during the + last war formed themselves into what was called the Clan Alpine Regiment, + raised in 1799, under the command of their Chief and his brother Colonel + MacGregor. +</p> +<p> + Having briefly noticed the history of this clan, which presents a rare + and interesting example of the indelible character of the patriarchal + system, the author must now offer some notices of the individual who + gives name to these volumes. +</p> +<p> + In giving an account of a Highlander, his pedigree is first to be + considered. That of Rob Roy was deduced from Ciar Mhor, the great + mouse-coloured man, who is accused by tradition of having slain the young + students at the battle of Glenfruin. +</p> +<p> + Without puzzling ourselves and our readers with the intricacies of + Highland genealogy, it is enough to say, that after the death of Allaster + MacGregor of Glenstrae, the clan, discouraged by the unremitting + persecution of their enemies, seem not to have had the means of placing + themselves under the command of a single chief. According to their places + of residence and immediate descent, the several families were led and + directed by <i>Chieftains,</i> which, in the Highland acceptation, signifies + the head of a particular branch of a tribe, in opposition to <i>Chief,</i> who + is the leader and commander of the whole name. +</p> +<p> + The family and descendants of Dugald Ciar Mhor lived chiefly in the + mountains between Loch Lomond and Loch Katrine, and occupied a good deal + of property there—whether by sufferance, by the right of the sword, + which it was never safe to dispute with them, or by legal titles of + various kinds, it would be useless to inquire and unnecessary to detail. + Enough;—there they certainly were—a people whom their most powerful + neighbours were desirous to conciliate, their friendship in peace being + very necessary to the quiet of the vicinage, and their assistance in war + equally prompt and effectual. +</p> +<p> + Rob Roy MacGregor Campbell, which last name he bore in consequence of the + Acts of Parliament abolishing his own, was the younger son of Donald + MacGregor of Glengyle, said to have been a Lieutenant-Colonel (probably + in the service of James II.), by his wife, a daughter of Campbell of + Glenfalloch. Rob's own designation was of Inversnaid; but he appears to + have acquired a right of some kind or other to the property or possession + of Craig Royston, a domain of rock and forest, lying on the east side of + Loch Lomond, where that beautiful lake stretches into the dusky mountains + of Glenfalloch. +</p> +<p> + The time of his birth is uncertain. But he is said to have been active in + the scenes of war and plunder which succeeded the Revolution; and + tradition affirms him to have been the leader in a predatory incursion + into the parish of Kippen, in the Lennox, which took place in the year + 1691. It was of almost a bloodless character, only one person losing his + life; but from the extent of the depredation, it was long distinguished + by the name of the Her'-ship, or devastation, of Kippen.* The time of his + death is also uncertain, but as he is said to have survived the year + 1733, and died an aged man, it is probable he may have been twenty-five + about the time of the Her'-ship of Kippen, which would assign his birth + to the middle of the 17th century. +</p> +<p> + * See <i>Statistcal Account of Scotland,</i> 1st edition, vol. xviii. p. 332. + Parish of * Kippen. +</p> +<p> + In the more quiet times which succeeded the Revolution, Rob Roy, or Red + Robert, seems to have exerted his active talents, which were of no mean + order, as a drover, or trader in cattle, to a great extent. It may well + be supposed that in those days no Lowland, much less English drovers, + ventured to enter the Highlands. The cattle, which were the staple + commodity of the mountains, were escorted down to fairs, on the borders + of the Lowlands, by a party of Highlanders, with their arms rattling + around them; and who dealt, however, in all honour and good faith with + their Southern customers. A fray, indeed, would sometimes arise, when the + Lowlandmen, chiefly Borderers, who had to supply the English market, used + to dip their bonnets in the next brook, and wrapping them round their + hands, oppose their cudgels to the naked broadswords, which had not + always the superiority. I have heard from aged persons who had been + engaged in such affrays, that the Highlanders used remarkably fair play, + never using the point of the sword, far less their pistols or daggers; so + that +</p> +<pre> + With many a stiff thwack and many a bang, + Hard crabtree and cold iron rang. +</pre> +<p> + A slash or two, or a broken head, was easily accommodated, and as the + trade was of benefit to both parties, trifling skirmishes were not + allowed to interrupt its harmony. Indeed it was of vital interest to the + Highlanders, whose income, so far as derived from their estates, depended + entirely on the sale of black cattle; and a sagacious and experienced + dealer benefited not only himself, but his friends and neighbours, by his + speculations. Those of Rob Roy were for several years so successful as to + inspire general confidence, and raise him in the estimation of the + country in which he resided. +</p> +<p> + His importance was increased by the death of his father, in consequence + of which he succeeded to the management of his nephew Gregor MacGregor of + Glengyle's property, and, as his tutor, to such influence with the clan + and following as was due to the representative of Dugald Ciar. Such + influence was the more uncontrolled, that this family of the MacGregors + seemed to have refused adherence to MacGregor of Glencarnock, the + ancestor of the present Sir Ewan MacGregor, and asserted a kind of + independence. +</p> +<p> + It was at this time that Rob Roy acquired an interest by purchase, + wadset, or otherwise, to the property of Craig Royston already mentioned. + He was in particular favour, during this prosperous period of his life, + with his nearest and most powerful neighbour, James, first Duke of + Montrose, from whom he received many marks of regard. His Grace consented + to give his nephew and himself a right of property on the estates of + Glengyle and Inversnaid, which they had till then only held as kindly + tenants. The Duke also, with a view to the interest of the country and + his own estate, supported our adventurer by loans of money to a + considerable amount, to enable him to carry on his speculations in the + cattle trade. +</p> +<p> + Unfortunately that species of commerce was and is liable to sudden + fluctuations; and Rob Roy was, by a sudden depression of markets, and, as + a friendly tradition adds, by the bad faith of a partner named MacDonald, + whom he had imprudently received into his confidence, and intrusted with + a considerable sum of money, rendered totally insolvent. He absconded, of + course—not empty-handed, if it be true, as stated in an advertisement + for his apprehension, that he had in his possession sums to the amount of + L1000 sterling, obtained from several noblemen and gentlemen under + pretence of purchasing cows for them in the Highlands. This advertisement + appeared in June 1712, and was several times repeated. It fixes the + period when Rob Roy exchanged his commercial adventures for speculations + of a very different complexion.* +</p> +<p> + * See Appendix, No. I. +</p> +<p> + He appears at this period first to have removed from his ordinary + dwelling at Inversnaid, ten or twelve Scots miles (which is double the + number of English) farther into the Highlands, and commenced the lawless + sort of life which he afterwards followed. The Duke of Montrose, who + conceived himself deceived and cheated by MacGregor's conduct, employed + legal means to recover the money lent to him. Rob Roy's landed property + was attached by the regular form of legal procedure, and his stock and + furniture made the subject of arrest and sale. +</p> +<p> + It is said that this diligence of the law, as it is called in Scotland, + which the English more bluntly term distress, was used in this case with + uncommon severity, and that the legal satellites, not usually the + gentlest persons in the world, had insulted MacGregor's wife, in a manner + which would have aroused a milder man than he to thoughts of unbounded + vengeance. She was a woman of fierce and haughty temper, and is not + unlikely to have disturbed the officers in the execution of their duty, + and thus to have incurred ill treatment, though, for the sake of + humanity, it is to be hoped that the story sometimes told is a popular + exaggeration. It is certain that she felt extreme anguish at being + expelled from the banks of Loch Lomond, and gave vent to her feelings in + a fine piece of pipe-music, still well known to amateurs by the name of + "Rob Roy's Lament." +</p> +<p> + The fugitive is thought to have found his first place of refuge in Glen + Dochart, under the Earl of Breadalbane's protection; for, though that + family had been active agents in the destruction of the MacGregors in + former times, they had of late years sheltered a great many of the name + in their old possessions. The Duke of Argyle was also one of Rob Roy's + protectors, so far as to afford him, according to the Highland phrase, + wood and water—the shelter, namely, that is afforded by the forests and + lakes of an inaccessible country. +</p> +<p> + The great men of the Highlands in that time, besides being anxiously + ambitious to keep up what was called their Following, or military + retainers, were also desirous to have at their disposal men of resolute + character, to whom the world and the world's law were no friends, and who + might at times ravage the lands or destroy the tenants of a feudal enemy, + without bringing responsibility on their patrons. The strife between the + names of Campbell and Graham, during the civil wars of the seventeenth + century, had been stamped with mutual loss and inveterate enmity. The + death of the great Marquis of Montrose on the one side, the defeat at + Inverlochy, and cruel plundering of Lorn, on the other, were reciprocal + injuries not likely to be forgotten. Rob Roy was, therefore, sure of + refuge in the country of the Campbells, both as having assumed their + name, as connected by his mother with the family of Glenfalloch, and as + an enemy to the rival house of Montrose. The extent of Argyle's + possessions, and the power of retreating thither in any emergency, gave + great encouragement to the bold schemes of revenge which he had adopted. +</p> +<p> + This was nothing short of the maintenance of a predatory war against the + Duke of Montrose, whom he considered as the author of his exclusion from + civil society, and of the outlawry to which he had been sentenced by + letters of horning and caption (legal writs so called), as well as the + seizure of his goods, and adjudication of his landed property. Against + his Grace, therefore, his tenants, friends, allies, and relatives, he + disposed himself to employ every means of annoyance in his power; and + though this was a circle sufficiently extensive for active depredation, + Rob, who professed himself a Jacobite, took the liberty of extending his + sphere of operations against all whom he chose to consider as friendly to + the revolutionary government, or to that most obnoxious of measures—the + Union of the Kingdoms. Under one or other of these pretexts, all his + neighbours of the Lowlands who had anything to lose, or were unwilling to + compound for security by paying him an annual sum for protection or + forbearance, were exposed to his ravages. +</p> +<p> + The country in which this private warfare, or system of depredation, was + to be carried on, was, until opened up by roads, in the highest degree + favourable for his purpose. It was broken up into narrow valleys, the + habitable part of which bore no proportion to the huge wildernesses of + forest, rocks, and precipices by which they were encircled, and which + was, moreover, full of inextricable passes, morasses, and natural + strengths, unknown to any but the inhabitants themselves, where a few men + acquainted with the ground were capable, with ordinary address, of + baffling the pursuit of numbers. +</p> +<p> + The opinions and habits of the nearest neighbours to the Highland line + were also highly favourable to Rob Roy's purpose. A large proportion of + them were of his own clan of MacGregor, who claimed the property of + Balquhidder, and other Highland districts, as having been part of the + ancient possessions of their tribe; though the harsh laws, under the + severity of which they had suffered so deeply, had assigned the ownership + to other families. The civil wars of the seventeenth century had + accustomed these men to the use of arms, and they were peculiarly brave + and fierce from remembrance of their sufferings. The vicinity of a + comparatively rich Lowland district gave also great temptations to + incursion. Many belonging to other clans, habituated to contempt of + industry, and to the use of arms, drew towards an unprotected frontier + which promised facility of plunder; and the state of the country, now so + peaceable and quiet, verified at that time the opinion which Dr. Johnson + heard with doubt and suspicion, that the most disorderly and lawless + districts of the Highlands were those which lay nearest to the Lowland + line. There was, therefore, no difficulty in Rob Roy, descended of a + tribe which was widely dispersed in the country we have described, + collecting any number of followers whom he might be able to keep in + action, and to maintain by his proposed operations. +</p> +<p> + He himself appears to have been singularly adapted for the profession + which he proposed to exercise. His stature was not of the tallest, but + his person was uncommonly strong and compact. The greatest peculiarities + of his frame were the breadth of his shoulders, and the great and almost + disproportionate length of his arms; so remarkable, indeed, that it was + said he could, without stooping, tie the garters of his Highland hose, + which are placed two inches below the knee. His countenance was open, + manly, stern at periods of danger, but frank and cheerful in his hours of + festivity. His hair was dark red, thick, and frizzled, and curled short + around the face. His fashion of dress showed, of course, the knees and + upper part of the leg, which was described to me, as resembling that of a + Highland bull, hirsute, with red hair, and evincing muscular strength + similar to that animal. To these personal qualifications must be added a + masterly use of the Highland sword, in which his length of arm gave him + great advantage—and a perfect and intimate knowledge of all the recesses + of the wild country in which he harboured, and the character of the + various individuals, whether friendly or hostile, with whom he might come + in contact. +</p> +<p> + His mental qualities seem to have been no less adapted to the + circumstances in which he was placed. Though the descendant of the + blood-thirsty Ciar Mhor, he inherited none of his ancestor's ferocity. On + the contrary, Rob Roy avoided every appearance of cruelty, and it is not + averred that he was ever the means of unnecessary bloodshed, or the actor + in any deed which could lead the way to it. His schemes of plunder were + contrived and executed with equal boldness and sagacity, and were almost + universally successful, from the skill with which they were laid, and the + secrecy and rapidity with which they were executed. Like Robin Hood of + England, he was a kind and gentle robber,—and, while he took from the + rich, was liberal in relieving the poor. This might in part be policy; + but the universal tradition of the country speaks it to have arisen from + a better motive. All whom I have conversed with, and I have in my youth + seen some who knew Rob Roy personally, give him the character of a + benevolent and humane man "in his way." +</p> +<p> + His ideas of morality were those of an Arab chief, being such as + naturally arose out of his wild education. Supposing Rob Roy to have + argued on the tendency of the life which he pursued, whether from choice + or from necessity, he would doubtless have assumed to himself the + character of a brave man, who, deprived of his natural rights by the + partiality of laws, endeavoured to assert them by the strong hand of + natural power; and he is most felicitously described as reasoning thus, + in the high-toned poetry of my gifted friend Wordsworth: +</p> +<pre> + Say, then, that he was wise as brave, + As wise in thought as bold in deed; + For in the principles of things + <i>He</i> sought his moral creed. + + Said generous Rob, "What need of Books? + Burn all the statutes and their shelves! + They stir us up against our kind, + And worse, against ourselves. + + "We have a passion, make a law, + Too false to guide us or control; + And for the law itself we fight + In bitterness of soul. + + "And puzzled, blinded, then we lose + Distinctions that are plain and few; + These find I graven on my heart, + That tells me what to do. + + "The creatures see of flood and field, + And those that travel on the wind + With them no strife can last; they live + In peace, and peace of mind. + + "For why? Because the good old rule + Sufficeth them; the simple plan, + That they should take who have the power, + And they should keep who can. + + "A lesson which is quickly learn'd, + A signal through which all can see; + Thus, nothing here provokes the strong + To wanton cruelty. + + "And freakishness of mind is check'd, + He tamed who foolishly aspires, + While to the measure of his might + Each fashions his desires. + + "All kinds and creatures stand and fall + By strength of prowess or of wit; + 'Tis God's appointment who must sway, + And who is to submit. + + "Since then," said Robin, "right is plain, + And longest life is but a day, + To have my ends, maintain my rights, + I'll take the shortest way." + + And thus among these rocks he lived, + Through summer's heat and winter's snow + + The eagle, he was lord above, + And Rob was lord below. +</pre> +<p> + We are not, however, to suppose the character of this distinguished + outlaw to be that of an actual hero, acting uniformly and consistently on + such moral principles as the illustrious bard who, standing by his grave, + has vindicated his fame. On the contrary, as is common with barbarous + chiefs, Rob Roy appears to have mixed his professions of principle with a + large alloy of craft and dissimulation, of which his conduct during the + civil war is sufficient proof. It is also said, and truly, that although + his courtesy was one of his strongest characteristics, yet sometimes he + assumed an arrogance of manner which was not easily endured by the + high-spirited men to whom it was addressed, and drew the daring outlaw + into frequent disputes, from which he did not always come off with + credit. From this it has been inferred, that Rob Roy was more of a bully + than a hero, or at least that he had, according to the common phrase, his + fighting days. Some aged men who knew him well, have described him also + as better at a <i>taich-tulzie,</i> or scuffle within doors, than in mortal + combat. The tenor of his life may be quoted to repel this charge; while, + at the same time, it must be allowed, that the situation in which he was + placed rendered him prudently averse to maintaining quarrels, where + nothing was to be had save blows, and where success would have raised up + against him new and powerful enemies, in a country where revenge was + still considered as a duty rather than a crime. The power of commanding + his passions on such occasions, far from being inconsistent with the part + which MacGregor had to perform, was essentially necessary, at the period + when he lived, to prevent his career from being cut short. +</p> +<p> + I may here mention one or two occasions on which Rob Roy appears to have + given way in the manner alluded to. My late venerable friend, John Ramsay + of Ochtertyre, alike eminent as a classical scholar and as an authentic + register of the ancient history and manners of Scotland, informed me, + that on occasion of a public meeting at a bonfire in the town of Doune, + Rob Roy gave some offence to James Edmondstone of Newton, the same + gentleman who was unfortunately concerned in the slaughter of Lord Rollo + (see Maclaurin's Criminal Trials, No. IX.), when Edmondstone compelled + MacGregor to quit the town on pain of being thrown by him into the + bonfire. "I broke one off your ribs on a former occasion," said he, "and + now, Rob, if you provoke me farther, I will break your neck." But it must + be remembered that Edmondstone was a man of consequence in the Jacobite + party, as he carried the royal standard of James VII. at the battle of + Sheriffmuir, and also, that he was near the door of his own + mansion-house, and probably surrounded by his friends and adherents. Rob + Roy, however, suffered in reputation for retiring under such a threat. +</p> +<p> + Another well-vouched case is that of Cunningham of Boquhan. +</p> +<p> + Henry Cunningham, Esq. of Boquhan, was a gentleman of Stirlingshire, who, + like many <i>exquisites</i> of our own time, united a natural high spirit and + daring character with an affectation of delicacy of address and manners + amounting to foppery.* +</p> +<p> + * His courage and affectation of foppery were united, which is less + frequently the case, with a spirit of innate modesty. He is thus + described in Lord Binning's satirical verses, entitled "Argyle's Levee:" +</p> +<pre> + "Six times had Harry bowed unseen, + Before he dared advance; + The Duke then, turning round well pleased, + Said, 'Sure you've been in France! + A more polite and jaunty man + I never saw before:' + Then Harry bowed, and blushed, and bowed, + And strutted to the door." +</pre> +<p> + See a Collection of original Poems, by Scotch Gentlemen, vol. ii. p. 125. +</p> +<p> + He chanced to be in company with Rob Roy, who, either in contempt of + Boquhan's supposed effeminacy, or because he thought him a safe person to + fix a quarrel on (a point which Rob's enemies alleged he was wont to + consider), insulted him so grossly that a challenge passed between them. + The goodwife of the clachan had hidden Cunningham's sword, and while he + rummaged the house in quest of his own or some other, Rob Roy went to the + Shieling Hill, the appointed place of combat, and paraded there with + great majesty, waiting for his antagonist. In the meantime, Cunningham + had rummaged out an old sword, and, entering the ground of contest in all + haste, rushed on the outlaw with such unexpected fury that he fairly + drove him off the field, nor did he show himself in the village again for + some time. Mr. MacGregor Stirling has a softened account of this anecdote + in his new edition of Nimmo's Stirlingshire; still he records Rob Roy's + discomfiture. +</p> +<p> + Occasionally Rob Roy suffered disasters, and incurred great personal + danger. On one remarkable occasion he was saved by the coolness of his + lieutenant, Macanaleister or Fletcher, the <i>Little John</i> of his band—a + fine active fellow, of course, and celebrated as a marksman. It happened + that MacGregor and his party had been surprised and dispersed by a + superior force of horse and foot, and the word was given to "split and + squander." Each shifted for himself, but a bold dragoon attached himself + to pursuit of Rob, and overtaking him, struck at him with his broadsword. + A plate of iron in his bonnet saved the MacGregor from being cut down to + the teeth; but the blow was heavy enough to bear him to the ground, + crying as he fell, "Oh, Macanaleister, is there naething in her?" (<i>i.e.</i> + in the gun). The trooper, at the same time, exclaiming, "D—n ye, your + mother never wrought your night-cap!" had his arm raised for a second + blow, when Macanaleister fired, and the ball pierced the dragoon's heart. +</p> +<p> + Such as he was, Rob Roy's progress in his occupation is thus described by + a gentleman of sense and talent, who resided within the circle of his + predatory wars, had probably felt their effects, and speaks of them, as + might be expected, with little of the forbearance with which, from their + peculiar and romantic character, they are now regarded. +</p> +<p> + "This man (Rob Roy MacGregor) was a person of sagacity, and neither + wanted stratagem nor address; and having abandoned himself to all + licentiousness, set himself at the head of all the loose, vagrant, and + desperate people of that clan, in the west end of Perth and Stirling + shires, and infested those whole countries with thefts, robberies, and + depredations. Very few who lived within his reach (that is, within the + distance of a nocturnal expedition) could promise to themselves security, + either for their persons or effects, without subjecting themselves to pay + him a heavy and shameful tax of <i>black-mail.</i> He at last proceeded to + such a degree of audaciousness that he committed robberies, raised + contributions, and resented quarrels, at the head of a very considerable + body of armed men, in open day, and in the face of the government."* +</p> +<p> + * Mr. Grahame of Gartmore's Causes of the Disturbances in the Highlands. + See Jamieson's edition of Burt's Letters from the North of Scotland, + Appendix, vol. ii. p. 348. +</p> +<p> + The extent and success of these depredations cannot be surprising, when + we consider that the scene of them was laid in a country where the + general law was neither enforced nor respected. +</p> +<p> + Having recorded that the general habit of cattle-stealing had blinded + even those of the better classes to the infamy of the practice, and that + as men's property consisted entirely in herds, it was rendered in the + highest degree precarious, Mr. Grahame adds— +</p> +<p> + "On these accounts there is no culture of ground, no improvement of + pastures, and from the same reasons, no manufactures, no trade; in short, + no industry. The people are extremely prolific, and therefore so + numerous, that there is not business in that country, according to its + present order and economy, for the one-half of them. Every place is full + of idle people, accustomed to arms, and lazy in everything but rapines + and depredations. As <i>buddel</i> or <i>aquavitae</i> houses are to be found + everywhere through the country, so in these they saunter away their time, + and frequently consume there the returns of their illegal purchases. Here + the laws have never been executed, nor the authority of the magistrate + ever established. Here the officer of the law neither dare nor can + execute his duty, and several places are about thirty miles from lawful + persons. In short, here is no order, no authority, no government." +</p> +<p> + The period of the rebellion, 1715, approached soon after Rob Roy had + attained celebrity. His Jacobite partialities were now placed in + opposition to his sense of the obligations which he owed to the indirect + protection of the Duke of Argyle. But the desire of "drowning his + sounding steps amid the din of general war" induced him to join the + forces of the Earl of Mar, although his patron the Duke of Argyle was at + the head of the army opposed to the Highland insurgents. +</p> +<p> + The MacGregors, a large sept of them at least, that of Ciar Mhor, on this + occasion were not commanded by Rob Roy, but by his nephew already + mentioned, Gregor MacGregor, otherwise called James Grahame of Glengyle, + and still better remembered by the Gaelic epithet of <i>Ghlune Dhu, i.e.</i> + Black Knee, from a black spot on one of his knees, which his Highland + garb rendered visible. There can be no question, however, that being then + very young, Glengyle must have acted on most occasions by the advice and + direction of so experienced a leader as his uncle. +</p> +<p> + The MacGregors assembled in numbers at that period, and began even to + threaten the Lowlands towards the lower extremity of Loch Lomond. They + suddenly seized all the boats which were upon the lake, and, probably + with a view to some enterprise of their own, drew them overland to + Inversnaid, in order to intercept the progress of a large body of + west-country whigs who were in arms for the government, and moving in + that direction. +</p> +<p> + The whigs made an excursion for the recovery of the boats. Their forces + consisted of volunteers from Paisley, Kilpatrick, and elsewhere, who, + with the assistance of a body of seamen, were towed up the river Leven in + long-boats belonging to the ships of war then lying in the Clyde. At Luss + they were joined by the forces of Sir Humphrey Colquhoun, and James + Grant, his son-in-law, with their followers, attired in the Highland + dress of the period, which is picturesquely described.* The whole party + crossed to Craig-Royston, but the MacGregors did not offer combat. +</p> +<p> + * "At night they arrived at Luss, where they were joined by Sir Humphrey + Colquhoun of Luss, and James Grant of Plascander, his son-in-law, + followed by forty or fifty stately fellows in their short hose and belted + plaids, armed each of them with a well-fixed gun on his shoulder, a + strong handsome target, with a sharp-pointed steel of above half an ell + in length screwed into the navel of it, on his left arm, a sturdy + claymore by his side, and a pistol or two, with a dirk and knife, in his + belt."—<i>Rae's History of the Rebellion,</i> 4to, p. 287. +</p> +<p> + If we are to believe the account of the expedition given by the historian + Rae, they leapt on shore at Craig-Royston with the utmost intrepidity, no + enemy appearing to oppose them, and by the noise of their drums, which + they beat incessantly, and the discharge of their artillery and small + arms, terrified the MacGregors, whom they appear never to have seen, out + of their fastnesses, and caused them to fly in a panic to the general + camp of the Highlanders at Strath-Fillan.* The low-country men succeeded + in getting possession of the boats at a great expenditure of noise and + courage, and little risk of danger. +</p> +<p> + * Note C. The Loch Lomond Expedition. +</p> +<p> + After this temporary removal from his old haunts, Rob Roy was sent by the + Earl of Mar to Aberdeen, to raise, it is believed, a part of the clan + Gregor, which is settled in that country. These men were of his own + family (the race of the Ciar Mhor). They were the descendants of about + three hundred MacGregors whom the Earl of Murray, about the year 1624, + transported from his estates in Menteith to oppose against his enemies + the MacIntoshes, a race as hardy and restless as they were themselves. +</p> +<p> + But while in the city of Aberdeen, Rob Roy met a relation of a very + different class and character from those whom he was sent to summon to + arms. This was Dr. James Gregory (by descent a MacGregor), the patriarch + of a dynasty of professors distinguished for literary and scientific + talent, and the grandfather of the late eminent physician and + accomplished scholar, Professor Gregory of Edinburgh. This gentleman was + at the time Professor of Medicine in King's College, Aberdeen, and son of + Dr. James Gregory, distinguished in science as the inventor of the + reflecting telescope. With such a family it may seem our friend Rob could + have had little communion. But civil war is a species of misery which + introduces men to strange bed-fellows. Dr. Gregory thought it a point of + prudence to claim kindred, at so critical a period, with a man so + formidable and influential. He invited Rob Roy to his house, and treated + him with so much kindness, that he produced in his generous bosom a + degree of gratitude which seemed likely to occasion very inconvenient + effects. +</p> +<p> + The Professor had a son about eight or nine years old,—a lively, stout + boy of his age,—with whose appearance our Highland Robin Hood was much + taken. On the day before his departure from the house of his learned + relative, Rob Roy, who had pondered deeply how he might requite his + cousin's kindness, took Dr. Gregory aside, and addressed him to this + purport:—"My dear kinsman, I have been thinking what I could do to show + my sense of your hospitality. Now, here you have a fine spirited boy of a + son, whom you are ruining by cramming him with your useless + book-learning, and I am determined, by way of manifesting my great + good-will to you and yours, to take him with me and make a man of him." + The learned Professor was utterly overwhelmed when his warlike kinsman + announced his kind purpose in language which implied no doubt of its + being a proposal which, would be, and ought to be, accepted with the + utmost gratitude. The task of apology or explanation was of a most + delicate description; and there might have been considerable danger in + suffering Rob Roy to perceive that the promotion with which he threatened + the son was, in the father's eyes, the ready road to the gallows. Indeed, + every excuse which he could at first think of—such as regret for putting + his friend to trouble with a youth who had been educated in the Lowlands, + and so on—only strengthened the chieftain's inclination to patronise his + young kinsman, as he supposed they arose entirely from the modesty of the + father. He would for a long time take no apology, and even spoke of + carrying off the youth by a certain degree of kindly violence, whether + his father consented, or not. At length the perplexed Professor pleaded + that his son was very young, and in an infirm state of health, and not + yet able to endure the hardships of a mountain life; but that in another + year or two he hoped his health would be firmly established, and he would + be in a fitting condition to attend on his brave kinsman, and follow out + the splendid destinies to which he opened the way. This agreement being + made, the cousins parted,—Rob Roy pledging his honour to carry his young + relation to the hills with him on his next return to Aberdeenshire, and + Dr. Gregory, doubtless, praying in his secret soul that he might never + see Rob's Highland face again. +</p> +<p> + James Gregory, who thus escaped being his kinsman's recruit, and in all + probability his henchman, was afterwards Professor of Medicine in the + College, and, like most of his family, distinguished by his scientific + acquirements. He was rather of an irritable and pertinacious disposition; + and his friends were wont to remark, when he showed any symptom of these + foibles, "Ah! this comes of not having been educated by Rob Roy." +</p> +<p> + The connection between Rob Roy and his classical kinsman did not end with + the period of Rob's transient power. At a period considerably subsequent + to the year 1715, he was walking in the Castle Street of Aberdeen, arm in + arm with his host, Dr. James Gregory, when the drums in the barracks + suddenly beat to arms, and soldiers were seen issuing from the barracks. + "If these lads are turning out," said Rob, taking leave of his cousin + with great composure, "it is time for me to look after my safety." So + saying, he dived down a close, and, as John Bunyan says, "went upon his + way and was seen no more."* +</p> +<p> + * The first of these anecdotes, which brings the highest pitch of + civilisation so closely in contact with the half-savage state of + society, I have heard told by the late distinguished Dr. Gregory; and the + members of his family have had the kindness to collate the story with + their recollections and family documents, and furnish the authentic + particulars. The second rests on the recollection of an old man, who was + present when Rob took French leave of his literary cousin on hearing the + drums beat, and communicated the circumstance to Mr. Alexander Forbes, a + connection of Dr. Gregory by marriage, who is still alive. +</p> +<p> + We have already stated that Rob Roy's conduct during the insurrection of + 1715 was very equivocal. His person and followers were in the Highland + army, but his heart seems to have been with the Duke of Argyle's. Yet the + insurgents were constrained to trust to him as their only guide, when + they marched from Perth towards Dunblane, with the view of crossing the + Forth at what are called the Fords of Frew, and when they themselves said + he could not be relied upon. +</p> +<p> + This movement to the westward, on the part of the insurgents, brought on + the battle of Sheriffmuir—indecisive, indeed, in its immediate results, + but of which the Duke of Argyle reaped the whole advantage. In this + action, it will be recollected that the right wing of the Highlanders + broke and cut to pieces Argyle's left wing, while the clans on the left + of Mar's army, though consisting of Stewarts, Mackenzies, and Camerons, + were completely routed. During this medley of flight and pursuit, Rob Roy + retained his station on a hill in the centre of the Highland position; + and though it is said his attack might have decided the day, he could not + be prevailed upon to charge. This was the more unfortunate for the + insurgents, as the leading of a party of the Macphersons had been + committed to MacGregor. This, it is said, was owing to the age and + infirmity of the chief of that name, who, unable to lead his clan in + person, objected to his heir-apparent, Macpherson of Nord, discharging + his duty on that occasion; so that the tribe, or a part of them, were + brigaded with their allies the MacGregors. While the favourable moment + for action was gliding away unemployed, Mar's positive orders reached Rob + Roy that he should presently attack. To which he coolly replied, "No, no! + if they cannot do it without me, they cannot do it with me." One of the + Macphersons, named Alexander, one of Rob's original profession, + <i>videlicet,</i> a drover, but a man of great strength and spirit, was so + incensed at the inactivity of this temporary leader, that he threw off + his plaid, drew his sword, and called out to his clansmen, "Let us endure + this no longer! if he will not lead you I will." Rob Roy replied, with + great coolness, "Were the question about driving Highland stots or + kyloes, Sandie, I would yield to your superior skill; but as it respects + the leading of men, I must be allowed to be the better judge."—"Did the + matter respect driving Glen-Eigas stots," answered the Macpherson, "the + question with Rob would not be, which was to be last, but which was to be + foremost." Incensed at this sarcasm, MacGregor drew his sword, and they + would have fought upon the spot if their friends on both sides had not + interfered. But the moment of attack was completely lost. Rob did not, + however, neglect his own private interest on the occasion. In the + confusion of an undecided field of battle, he enriched his followers by + plundering the baggage and the dead on both sides. +</p> +<p> + The fine old satirical ballad on the battle of Sheriffmuir does not + forget to stigmatise our hero's conduct on this memorable occasion— +</p> +<pre> + Rob Roy he stood watch + On a hill for to catch + The booty for aught that I saw, man; + For he ne'er advanced + From the place where he stanced, + Till nae mair was to do there at a', man. +</pre> +<p> + Notwithstanding the sort of neutrality which Rob Roy had continued to + observe during the progress of the Rebellion, he did not escape some of + its penalties. He was included in the act of attainder, and the house in + Breadalbane, which was his place of retreat, was burned by General Lord + Cadogan, when, after the conclusion of the insurrection, he marched + through the Highlands to disarm and punish the offending clans. But upon + going to Inverary with about forty or fifty of his followers, Rob + obtained favour, by an apparent surrender of their arms to Colonel + Patrick Campbell of Finnah, who furnished them and their leader with + protections under his hand. Being thus in a great measure secured from + the resentment of government, Rob Roy established his residence at + Craig-Royston, near Loch Lomond, in the midst of his own kinsmen, and + lost no time in resuming his private quarrel with the Duke of Montrose. + For this purpose he soon got on foot as many men, and well armed too, as + he had yet commanded. He never stirred without a body-guard of ten or + twelve picked followers, and without much effort could increase them to + fifty or sixty. +</p> +<p> + The Duke was not wanting in efforts to destroy this troublesome + adversary. His Grace applied to General Carpenter, commanding the forces + in Scotland, and by his orders three parties of soldiers were directed + from the three different points of Glasgow, Stirling, and Finlarig near + Killin. Mr. Graham of Killearn, the Duke of Montrose's relation and + factor, Sheriff-depute also of Dumbartonshire, accompanied the troops, + that they might act under the civil authority, and have the assistance of + a trusty guide well acquainted with the hills. It was the object of these + several columns to arrive about the same time in the neighbourhood of Rob + Roy's residence, and surprise him and his followers. But heavy rains, the + difficulties of the country, and the good intelligence which the Outlaw + was always supplied with, disappointed their well-concerted combination. + The troops, finding the birds were flown, avenged themselves by + destroying the nest. They burned Rob Roy's house,—though not with + impunity; for the MacGregors, concealed among the thickets and cliffs, + fired on them, and killed a grenadier. +</p> +<p> + Rob Roy avenged himself for the loss which he sustained on this occasion + by an act of singular audacity. About the middle of November 1716, John + Graham of Killearn, already mentioned as factor of the Montrose family, + went to a place called Chapel Errock, where the tenants of the Duke were + summoned to appear with their termly rents. They appeared accordingly, + and the factor had received ready money to the amount of about L300, when + Rob Roy entered the room at the head of an armed party. The Steward + endeavoured to protect the Duke's property by throwing the books of + accounts and money into a garret, trusting they might escape notice. But + the experienced freebooter was not to be baffled where such a prize was + at stake. He recovered the books and cash, placed himself calmly in the + receipt of custom, examined the accounts, pocketed the money, and gave + receipts on the Duke's part, saying he would hold reckoning with the Duke + of Montrose out of the damages which he had sustained by his Grace's + means, in which he included the losses he had suffered, as well by the + burning of his house by General Cadogan, as by the later expedition + against Craig-Royston. He then requested Mr. Graham to attend him; nor + does it appear that he treated him with any personal violence, or even + rudeness, although he informed him he regarded him as a hostage, and + menaced rough usage in case he should be pursued, or in danger of being + overtaken. Few more audacious feats have been performed. After some rapid + changes of place (the fatigue attending which was the only annoyance that + Mr. Graham seems to have complained of), he carried his prisoner to an + island on Loch Katrine, and caused him to write to the Duke, to state + that his ransom was fixed at L3400 merks, being the balance which + MacGregor pretended remained due to him, after deducting all that he owed + to the Duke of Montrose. +</p> +<p> + However, after detaining Mr. Graham five or six days in custody on the + island, which is still called Rob Roy's Prison, and could be no + comfortable dwelling for November nights, the Outlaw seems to have + despaired of attaining further advantage from his bold attempt, and + suffered his prisoner to depart uninjured, with the account-books, and + bills granted by the tenants, taking especial care to retain the cash.* +</p> +<p> + * The reader will find two original letters of the Duke of Montrose, with + that which Mr. Graham of Killearn despatched from his prison-house by the + Outlaw's command, in the Appendix, No. II. +</p> +<p> + About 1717, our Chieftain had the dangerous adventure of falling into the + hands of the Duke of Athole, almost as much his enemy as the Duke of + Montrose himself; but his cunning and dexterity again freed him from + certain death. See a contemporary account of this curious affair in the + Appendix, No. V. +</p> +<p> + Other pranks are told of Rob, which argue the same boldness and sagacity + as the seizure of Killearn. The Duke of Montrose, weary of his insolence, + procured a quantity of arms, and distributed them among his tenantry, in + order that they might defend themselves against future violences. But + they fell into different hands from those they were intended for. The + MacGregors made separate attacks on the houses of the tenants, and + disarmed them all one after another, not, as was supposed, without the + consent of many of the persons so disarmed. +</p> +<p> + As a great part of the Duke's rents were payable in kind, there were + girnels (granaries) established for storing up the corn at Moulin, and + elsewhere on the Buchanan estate. To these storehouses Rob Roy used to + repair with a sufficient force, and of course when he was least expected, + and insist upon the delivery of quantities of grain—sometimes for his + own use, and sometimes for the assistance of the country people; always + giving regular receipts in his own name, and pretending to reckon with + the Duke for what sums he received. +</p> +<p> + In the meanwhile a garrison was established by Government, the ruins of + which may be still seen about half-way betwixt Loch Lomond and Loch + Katrine, upon Rob Roy's original property of Inversnaid. Even this + military establishment could not bridle the restless MacGregor. He + contrived to surprise the little fort, disarm the soldiers, and destroy + the fortification. It was afterwards re-established, and again taken by + the MacGregors under Rob Roy's nephew Ghlune Dhu, previous to the + insurrection of 1745-6. Finally, the fort of Inversnaid was a third time + repaired after the extinction of civil discord; and when we find the + celebrated General Wolfe commanding in it, the imagination is strongly + affected by the variety of time and events which the circumstance brings + simultaneously to recollection. It is now totally dismantled.* +</p> +<p> + * About 1792, when the author chanced to pass that way while on a tour + through the Highlands, a garrison, consisting of a single veteran, was + still maintained at Inversnaid. The venerable warder was reaping his + barley croft in all peace and tranquillity and when we asked admittance + to repose ourselves, he told us we would find the key of the Fort under + the door. +</p> +<p> + It was not, strictly speaking, as a professed depredator that Rob Roy now + conducted his operations, but as a sort of contractor for the police; in + Scottish phrase, a lifter of black-mail. The nature of this contract has + been described in the Novel of Waverley, and in the notes on that work. + Mr. Grahame of Gartmore's description of the character may be here + transcribed:— +</p> +<p> + "The confusion and disorders of the country were so great, and the + Government go absolutely neglected it, that the sober people were obliged + to purchase some security to their effects by shameful and ignominious + contracts of <i>black-mail.</i> A person who had the greatest correspondence + with the thieves was agreed with to preserve the lands contracted for + from thefts, for certain sums to be paid yearly. Upon this fund he + employed one half of the thieves to recover stolen cattle, and the other + half of them to steal, in order to make this agreement and black-mail + contract necessary. The estates of those gentlemen who refused to + contract, or give countenance to that pernicious practice, are plundered + by the thieving part of the watch, in order to force them to purchase + their protection. Their leader calls himself the <i>Captain</i> of the + <i>Watch,</i> and his banditti go by that name. And as this gives them a kind + of authority to traverse the country, so it makes them capable of doing + any mischief. These corps through the Highlands make altogether a very + considerable body of men, inured from their infancy to the greatest + fatigues, and very capable, to act in a military way when occasion + offers. +</p> +<p> + "People who are ignorant and enthusiastic, who are in absolute dependence + upon their chief or landlord, who are directed in their consciences by + Roman Catholic priests, or nonjuring clergymen, and who are not masters + of any property, may easily be formed into any mould. They fear no + dangers, as they have nothing to lose, and so can with ease be induced to + attempt anything. Nothing can make their condition worse: confusions and + troubles do commonly indulge them in such licentiousness, that by these + they better it."* +</p> +<p> + * Letters from the North of Scotland, vol. ii. pp. 344, 345. +</p> +<p> + As the practice of contracting for black-mail was an obvious + encouragement to rapine, and a great obstacle to the course of justice, + it was, by the statute 1567, chap. 21, declared a capital crime both on + the part of him who levied and him who paid this sort of tax. But the + necessity of the case prevented the execution of this severe law, I + believe, in any one instance; and men went on submitting to a certain + unlawful imposition rather than run the risk of utter ruin—just as it is + now found difficult or impossible to prevent those who have lost a very + large sum of money by robbery, from compounding with the felons for + restoration of a part of their booty. +</p> +<p> + At what rate Rob Roy levied black-mail I never heard stated; but there is + a formal contract by which his nephew, in 1741, agreed with various + landholders of estates in the counties of Perth, Stirling, and Dumbarton, + to recover cattle stolen from them, or to pay the value within six months + of the loss being intimated, if such intimation were made to him with + sufficient despatch, in consideration of a payment of L5 on each L100 of + valued rent, which was not a very heavy insurance. Petty thefts were not + included in the contract; but the theft of one horse, or one head of + black cattle, or of sheep exceeding the number of six, fell under the + agreement. +</p> +<p> + Rob Roy's profits upon such contracts brought him in a considerable + revenue in money or cattle, of which he made a popular use; for he was + publicly liberal as well as privately beneficent. The minister of the + parish of Balquhidder, whose name was Robertson, was at one time + threatening to pursue the parish for an augmentation of his stipend. Rob + Roy took an opportunity to assure him that he would do well to abstain + from this new exaction—a hint which the minister did not fail to + understand. But to make him some indemnification, MacGregor presented him + every year with a cow and a fat sheep; and no scruples as to the mode in + which the donor came by them are said to have affected the reverend + gentleman's conscience. +</p> +<p> + The following amount of the proceedings of Rob Roy, on an application to + him from one of his contractors, had in it something very interesting to + me, as told by an old countryman in the Lennox who was present on the + expedition. But as there is no point or marked incident in the story, and + as it must necessarily be without the half-frightened, half-bewildered + look with which the narrator accompanied his recollections, it may + possibly lose, its effect when transferred to paper. +</p> +<p> + My informant stated himself to have been a lad of fifteen, living with + his father on the estate of a gentleman in the Lennox, whose name I have + forgotten, in the capacity of herd. On a fine morning in the end of + October, the period when such calamities were almost always to be + apprehended, they found the Highland thieves had been down upon them, and + swept away ten or twelve head of cattle. Rob Roy was sent for, and came + with a party of seven or eight armed men. He heard with great gravity all + that could be told him of the circumstances of the <i>creagh,</i> and + expressed his confidence that the <i>herd-widdiefows</i>* could not have + carried their booty far, and that he should be able to recover them. +</p> +<p> + * Mad herdsmen—a name given to cattle-stealers [properly one who + deserves to fill a <i>widdie,</i> or halter]. +</p> +<p> + He desired that two Lowlanders should be sent on the party, as it was not + to be expected that any of his gentlemen would take the trouble of + driving the cattle when he should recover possession of them. My + informant and his father were despatched on the expedition. They had no + good will to the journey; nevertheless, provided with a little food, and + with a dog to help them to manage the cattle, they set off with + MacGregor. They travelled a long day's journey in the direction of the + mountain Benvoirlich, and slept for the night in a ruinous hut or bothy. + The next morning they resumed their journey among the hills, Rob Roy + directing their course by signs and marks on the heath which my informant + did not understand. +</p> +<p> + About noon Rob commanded the armed party to halt, and to lie couched in + the heather where it was thickest. "Do you and your son," he said to the + oldest Lowlander, "go boldly over the hill;—you will see beneath you, in + a glen on the other side, your master's cattle, feeding, it may be, with + others; gather your own together, taking care to disturb no one else, and + drive them to this place. If any one speak to or threaten you, tell them + that I am here, at the head of twenty men."—"But what if they abuse us, + or kill us?" said the Lowland, peasant, by no means delighted at finding + the embassy imposed on him and his son. "If they do you any wrong," said + Rob, "I will never forgive them as long as I live." The Lowlander was by + no means content with this security, but did not think it safe to dispute + Rob's injunctions. +</p> +<a name="image-0005"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa000.jpg" height="527" width="853" +alt="Cattle Lifting +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + He and his son climbed the hill therefore, found a deep valley, where + there grazed, as Rob had predicted, a large herd of cattle. They + cautiously selected those which their master had lost, and took measures + to drive them over the hill. As soon as they began to remove them, they + were surprised by hearing cries and screams; and looking around in fear + and trembling they saw a woman seeming to have started out of the earth, + who <i>flyted</i> at them, that is, scolded them, in Gaelic. When they + contrived, however, in the best Gaelic they could muster, to deliver the + message Rob Roy told them, she became silent, and disappeared without + offering them any further annoyance. The chief heard their story on their + return, and spoke with great complacency of the art which he possessed of + putting such things to rights without any unpleasant bustle. The party + were now on their road home, and the danger, though not the fatigue, of + the expedition was at an end. +</p> +<p> + They drove on the cattle with little repose until it was nearly dark, + when Rob proposed to halt for the night upon a wide moor, across which a + cold north-east wind, with frost on its wing, was whistling to the tune + of the Pipers of Strath-Dearn.* +</p> +<p> + * The winds which sweep a wild glen in Badenoch are so called. +</p> +<p> + The Highlanders, sheltered by their plaids, lay down on the heath + comfortably enough, but the Lowlanders had no protection whatever. Rob + Roy observing this, directed one of his followers to afford the old man a + portion of his plaid; "for the callant (boy), he may," said the + freebooter, "keep himself warm by walking about and watching the cattle." + My informant heard this sentence with no small distress; and as the frost + wind grew more and more cutting, it seemed to freeze the very blood in + his young veins. He had been exposed to weather all his life, he said, + but never could forget the cold of that night; insomuch that, in the + bitterness of his heart, he cursed the bright moon for giving no heat + with so much light. At length the sense of cold and weariness became so + intolerable that he resolved to desert his watch to seek some repose and + shelter. With that purpose he couched himself down behind one of the most + bulky of the Highlanders, who acted as lieutenant to the party. Not + satisfied with having secured the shelter of the man's large person, he + coveted a share of his plaid, and by imperceptible degrees drew a corner + of it round him. He was now comparatively in paradise, and slept sound + till daybreak, when he awoke, and was terribly afraid on observing that + his nocturnal operations had altogether uncovered the dhuiniewassell's + neck and shoulders, which, lacking the plaid which should have protected + them, were covered with <i>cranreuch</i> (<i>i.e.</i> hoar frost). The lad rose in + great dread of a beating, at least, when it should be found how + luxuriously he had been accommodated at the expense of a principal person + of the party. Good Mr. Lieutenant, however, got up and shook himself, + rubbing off the hoar frost with his plaid, and muttering something of a + <i>cauld neight.</i> They then drove on the cattle, which were restored to + their owner without farther adventure—The above can hardly be termed a + tale, but yet it contains materials both for the poet and artist. +</p> +<p> + It was perhaps about the same time that, by a rapid march into the + Balquhidder hills at the head of a body of his own tenantry, the Duke of + Montrose actually surprised Rob Roy, and made him prisoner. He was + mounted behind one of the Duke's followers, named James Stewart, and made + fast to him by a horse-girth. The person who had him thus in charge was + grandfather of the intelligent man of the same name, now deceased, who + lately kept the inn in the vicinity of Loch Katrine, and acted as a guide + to visitors through that beautiful scenery. From him I learned the story + many years before he was either a publican, or a guide, except to + moorfowl shooters.—It was evening (to resume the story), and the Duke + was pressing on to lodge his prisoner, so long sought after in vain, in + some place of security, when, in crossing the Teith or Forth, I forget + which, MacGregor took an opportunity to conjure Stewart, by all the ties + of old acquaintance and good neighbourhood, to give him some chance of an + escape from an assured doom. Stewart was moved with compassion, perhaps + with fear. He slipt the girth-buckle, and Rob, dropping down from behind + the horse's croupe, dived, swam, and escaped, pretty much as described in + the Novel. When James Stewart came on shore, the Duke hastily demanded + where his prisoner was; and as no distinct answer was returned, instantly + suspected Stewart's connivance at the escape of the Outlaw; and, drawing + a steel pistol from his belt, struck him down with a blow on the head, + from the effects of which, his descendant said, he never completely + recovered. +</p> +<p> + In the success of his repeated escapes from the pursuit of his powerful + enemy, Rob Roy at length became wanton and facetious. He wrote a mock + challenge to the Duke, which he circulated among his friends to amuse + them over a bottle. The reader will find this document in the Appendix.* + It is written in a good hand, and not particularly deficient in grammar + or spelling. +</p> +<p> + * Appendix, No. III. +</p> +<p> + Our Southern readers must be given to understand that it was a piece of + humour,—a <i>quiz,</i> in short,—on the part of the Outlaw, who was too + sagacious to propose such a rencontre in reality. This letter was written + in the year 1719. +</p> +<p> + In the following year Rob Roy composed another epistle, very little to + his own reputation, as he therein confesses having played booty during + the civil war of 1715. It is addressed to General Wade, at that time + engaged in disarming the Highland clans, and making military roads + through the country. The letter is a singular composition. It sets out + the writer's real and unfeigned desire to have offered his service to + King George, but for his liability to be thrown into jail for a civil + debt, at the instance of the Duke of Montrose. Being thus debarred from + taking the right side, he acknowledged he embraced the wrong one, upon + Falstaff's principle, that since the King wanted men and the rebels + soldiers, it were worse shame to be idle in such a stirring world, than + to embrace the worst side, were it as black as rebellion could make it. + The impossibility of his being neutral in such a debate, Rob seems to lay + down as an undeniable proposition. At the same time, while he + acknowledges having been forced into an unnatural rebellion against King + George, he pleads that he not only avoided acting offensively against his + Majesty's forces on all occasions, but, on the contrary, sent to them + what intelligence he could collect from time to time; for the truth of + which he refers to his Grace the Duke of Argyle. What influence this plea + had on General Wade, we have no means of knowing. +</p> +<p> + Rob Roy appears to have continued to live very much as usual. His fame, + in the meanwhile, passed beyond the narrow limits of the country in which + he resided. A pretended history of him appeared in London during his + lifetime, under the title of the Highland Rogue. It is a catch-penny + publication, bearing in front the effigy of a species of ogre, with a + beard of a foot in length; and his actions are as much exaggerated as his + personal appearance. Some few of the best known adventures of the hero + are told, though with little accuracy; but the greater part of the + pamphlet is entirely fictitious. It is great pity so excellent a theme + for a narrative of the kind had not fallen into the hands of De Foe, who + was engaged at the time on subjects somewhat similar, though inferior in + dignity and interest. +</p> +<p> + As Rob Roy advanced in years, he became more peaceable in his habits, and + his nephew Ghlune Dhu, with most of his tribe, renounced those peculiar + quarrels with the Duke of Montrose, by which his uncle had been + distinguished. The policy of that great family had latterly been rather + to attach this wild tribe by kindness than to follow the mode of violence + which had been hitherto ineffectually resorted to. Leases at a low rent + were granted to many of the MacGregors, who had heretofore held + possessions in the Duke's Highland property merely by occupancy; and + Glengyle (or Black-knee), who continued to act as collector of + black-mail, managed his police, as a commander of the Highland watch + arrayed at the charge of Government. He is said to have strictly + abstained from the open and lawless depredations which his kinsman had + practised. +</p> +<p> + It was probably after this state of temporary quiet had been obtained, + that Rob Roy began to think of the concerns of his future state. He had + been bred, and long professed himself, a Protestant; but in his later + years he embraced the Roman Catholic faith,—perhaps on Mrs. Cole's + principle, that it was a comfortable religion for one of his calling. He + is said to have alleged as the cause of his conversion, a desire to + gratify the noble family of Perth, who were then strict Catholics. + Having, as he observed, assumed the name of the Duke of Argyle, his first + protector, he could pay no compliment worth the Earl of Perth's + acceptance save complying with his mode of religion. Rob did not pretend, + when pressed closely on the subject, to justify all the tenets of + Catholicism, and acknowledged that extreme unction always appeared to him + a great waste of <i>ulzie,</i> or oil.* +</p> +<pre> +* Such an admission is ascribed to the robber Donald Bean Lean in +Waverley, chap. lxii, + + In the last years of Rob Roy's life, his clan was involved in a dispute +with one more powerful than themselves. Stewart of Appin, a chief of the +tribe so named, was proprietor of a hill-farm in the Braes of +Balquhidder, called Invernenty. The MacGregors of Rob Roy's tribe claimed +a right to it by ancient occupancy, and declared they would oppose to the +uttermost the settlement of any person upon the farm not being of their +own name. The Stewarts came down with two hundred men, well armed, to do +themselves justice by main force. The MacGregors took the field, but were +unable to muster an equal strength. Rob Roy, fending himself the weaker +party, asked a parley, in which he represented that both clans were +friends to the <i>King,</i> and, that he was unwilling they should be weakened +by mutual conflict, and thus made a merit of surrendering to Appin the +disputed territory of Invernenty. Appin, accordingly, settled as tenants +there, at an easy quit-rent, the MacLarens, a family dependent on the +Stewarts, and from whose character for strength and bravery, it was +expected that they would make their right good if annoyed by the +MacGregors. When all this had been amicably adjusted, in presence of the +two clans drawn up in arms near the Kirk of Balquhidder, Rob Roy, +apparently fearing his tribe might be thought to have conceded too much +upon the occasion, stepped forward and said, that where so many gallant +men were met in arms, it would be shameful to part without it trial of +skill, and therefore he took the freedom to invite any gentleman of the +Stewarts present to exchange a few blows with him for the honour of their +respective clans. The brother-in-law of Appin, and second chieftain of +the clan, Alaster Stewart of Invernahyle, accepted the challenge, and +they encountered with broadsword and target before their respective +kinsmen.* +</pre> +<p> + * Some accounts state that Appin himself was Rob Roy's antagonist on this + occasion. My recollection, from the account of Invernahyle himself, was + as stated in the text. But the period when I received the information is + now so distant, that it is possible I may be mistaken. Invernahyle was + rather of low stature, but very well made, athletic, and an excellent + swordsman. +</p> +<p> + The combat lasted till Rob received a slight wound in the arm, which was + the usual termination of such a combat when fought for honour only, and + not with a mortal purpose. Rob Roy dropped his point, and congratulated + his adversary on having been the first man who ever drew blood from him. + The victor generously acknowledged, that without the advantage of youth, + and the agility accompanying it, he probably could not have come off with + advantage. +</p> +<p> + This was probably one of Rob Roy's last exploits in arms. The time of his + death is not known with certainty, but he is generally said to have + survived 1738, and to have died an aged man. When he found himself + approaching his final change, he expressed some contrition for particular + parts of his life. His wife laughed at these scruples of conscience, and + exhorted him to die like a man, as he had lived. In reply, he rebuked her + for her violent passions, and the counsels she had given him. "You have + put strife," he said, "betwixt me and the best men of the country, and + now you would place enmity between me and my God." +</p> +<p> + There is a tradition, no way inconsistent with the former, if the + character of Rob Roy be justly considered, that while on his deathbed, he + learned that a person with whom he was at enmity proposed to visit him. + "Raise me from my bed," said the invalid; "throw my plaid around me, and + bring me my claymore, dirk, and pistols—it shall never be said that a + foeman saw Rob Roy MacGregor defenceless and unarmed." His foeman, + conjectured to be one of the MacLarens before and after mentioned, + entered and paid his compliments, inquiring after the health of his + formidable neighbour. Rob Roy maintained a cold haughty civility during + their short conference, and so soon as he had left the house. "Now," he + said, "all is over—let the piper play, <i>Ha til mi tulidh</i>" (we return no + more); and he is said to have expired before the dirge was finished. +</p> +<p> + This singular man died in bed in his own house, in the parish of + Balquhidder. He was buried in the churchyard of the same parish, where + his tombstone is only distinguished by a rude attempt at the figure of a + broadsword. +</p> +<p> + The character of Rob Roy is, of course, a mixed one. His sagacity, + boldness, and prudence, qualities so highly necessary to success in war, + became in some degree vices, from the manner in which they were employed. + The circumstances of his education, however, must be admitted as some + extenuation of his habitual transgressions against the law; and for his + political tergiversations, he might in that distracted period plead the + example of men far more powerful, and less excusable in becoming the + sport of circumstances, than the poor and desperate outlaw. On the other + hand, he was in the constant exercise of virtues, the more meritorious as + they seem inconsistent with his general character. Pursuing the + occupation of a predatory chieftain,—in modern phrase a captain of + banditti,—Rob Roy was moderate in his revenge, and humane in his + successes. No charge of cruelty or bloodshed, unless in battle, is + brought against his memory. In like manner, the formidable outlaw was the + friend of the poor, and, to the utmost of his ability, the support of the + widow and the orphan—kept his word when pledged—and died lamented in + his own wild country, where there were hearts grateful for his + beneficence, though their minds were not sufficiently instructed to + appreciate his errors. +</p> +<p> + The author perhaps ought to stop here; but the fate of a part of Rob + Roy's family was so extraordinary, as to call for a continuation of this + somewhat prolix account, as affording an interesting chapter, not on + Highland manners alone, but on every stage of society in which the people + of a primitive and half-civilised tribe are brought into close contact + with a nation, in which civilisation and polity have attained a complete + superiority. +</p> +<p> + Rob had five sons,—Coll, Ronald, James, Duncan, and Robert. Nothing + occurs worth notice concerning three of them; but James, who was a very + handsome man, seems to have had a good deal of his father's spirit, and + the mantle of Dougal Ciar Mhor had apparently descended on the shoulders + of Robin Oig, that is, young Robin. Shortly after Rob Roy's death, the + ill-will which the MacGregors entertained against the MacLarens again + broke out, at the instigation, it was said, of Rob's widow, who seems + thus far to have deserved the character given to her by her husband, as + an Ate' stirring up to blood and strife. Robin Oig, under her + instigation, swore that as soon as he could get back a certain gun which + had belonged to his father, and had been lately at Doune to be repaired, + he would shoot MacLaren, for having presumed to settle on his mother's + land.* +</p> +<p> + * This fatal piece was taken from Robin Oig, when he was seized many + years afterwards. It remained in possession of the magistrates before + whom he was brought for examination, and now makes part of a small + collection of arms belonging to the Author. It is a Spanish-barrelled + gun, marked with the letters R. M. C., for Robert MacGregor Campbell. +</p> +<p> + He was as good as his word, and shot MacLaren when between the stilts of + his plough, wounding him mortally. +</p> +<p> + The aid of a Highland leech was procured, who probed the wound with a + probe made out of a castock; <i>i.e.</i>, the stalk of a colewort or cabbage. + This learned gentleman declared he would not venture to prescribe, not + knowing with what shot the patient had been wounded. MacLaren died, and + about the same time his cattle were houghed, and his live stock destroyed + in a barbarous manner. +</p> +<p> + Robin Oig, after this feat—which one of his biographers represents as + the unhappy discharge of a gun—retired to his mother's house, to boast + that he had drawn the first blood in the quarrel aforesaid. On the + approach of troops, and a body of the Stewarts, who were bound to take up + the cause of their tenant, Robin Oig absconded, and escaped all search. +</p> +<p> + The doctor already mentioned, by name Callam MacInleister, with James and + Ronald, brothers to the actual perpetrator of the murder, were brought to + trial. But as they contrived to represent the action as a rash deed + committed by "the daft callant Rob," to which they were not accessory, + the jury found their accession to the crime was Not Proven. The alleged + acts of spoil and violence on the MacLarens' cattle, were also found to + be unsupported by evidence. As it was proved, however, that the two + brothers, Ronald and James, were held and reputed thieves, they were + appointed to find caution to the extent of L200, for their good behaviour + for seven years.* +</p> +<p> + * Note D. Author's expedition against the MacLarens. +</p> +<p> + The spirit of clanship was at that time, so strong—to which must be + added the wish to secure the adherence of stout, able-bodied, and, as the + Scotch phrase then went, <i>pretty</i> men—that the representative of the + noble family of Perth condescended to act openly as patron of the + MacGregors, and appeared as such upon their trial. So at least the author + was informed by the late Robert MacIntosh, Esq., advocate. The + circumstance may, however, have occurred later than 1736—the year in + which this first trial took place. +</p> +<p> + Robin Oig served for a time in the 42d regiment, and was present at the + battle of Fontenoy, where he was made prisoner and wounded. He was + exchanged, returned to Scotland, and obtained his discharge. He + afterwards appeared openly in the MacGregor's country; and, + notwithstanding his outlawry, married a daughter of Graham of Drunkie, a + gentleman of some property. His wife died a few years afterwards. +</p> +<p> + The insurrection of 1745 soon afterwards called the MacGregors to arms. + Robert MacGregor of Glencarnoch, generally regarded as the chief of the + whole name, and grandfather of Sir John, whom the clan received in that + character, raised a MacGregor regiment, with which he joined the standard + of the Chevalier. The race of Ciar Mhor, however, affecting independence, + and commanded by Glengyle and his cousin James Roy MacGregor, did not + join this kindred corps, but united themselves to the levies of the + titular Duke of Perth, until William MacGregor Drummond of Bolhaldie, + whom they regarded as head of their branch, of Clan Alpine, should come + over from France. To cement the union after the Highland fashion, James + laid down the name of Campbell, and assumed that of Drummond, in + compliment to Lord Perth. He was also called James Roy, after his father, + and James Mhor, or Big James, from his height. His corps, the relics of + his father Rob's band, behaved with great activity; with only twelve men + he succeeded in surprising and burning, for the second time, the fort at + Inversnaid, constructed for the express purpose of bridling the country + of the MacGregors. +</p> +<p> + What rank or command James MacGregor had, is uncertain. He calls himself + Major; and Chevalier Johnstone calls him Captain. He must have held rank + under Ghlune Dhu, his kinsman, but his active and audacious character + placed him above the rest of his brethren. Many of his followers were + unarmed; he supplied the want of guns and swords with scythe-blades set + straight upon their handles. +</p> +<p> + At the battle of Prestonpans, James Roy distinguished himself. "His + company," says Chevalier Johnstone, "did great execution with their + scythes." They cut the legs of the horses in two—the riders through the + middle of their bodies. MacGregor was brave and intrepid, but at the same + time, somewhat whimsical and singular. When advancing to the charge with + his company, he received five wounds, two of them from balls that pierced + his body through and through. Stretched on the ground, with his head + resting on his hand, he called out loudly to the Highlanders of his + company, "My lads, I am not dead. By G—, I shall see if any of you does + not do his duty." The victory, as is well known, was instantly obtained. +</p> +<p> + In some curious letters of James Roy,* it appears that his thigh-bone was + broken on this occasion, and that he, nevertheless, rejoined the army + with six companies, and was present at the battle of Culloden. +</p> +<p> + * Published in Blackwood's Magazine, vol. ii. p. 228. +</p> +<p> + After that defeat, the clan MacGregor kept together in a body, and did + not disperse till they had returned into their own country. They brought + James Roy with them in a litter; and, without being particularly + molested, he was permitted to reside in the MacGregor's country along + with his brothers. +</p> +<p> + James MacGregor Drummond was attainted for high treason with persons of + more importance. But it appears he had entered into some communication + with Government, as, in the letters quoted, he mentions having obtained a + pass from the Lord Justice-Clerk in 1747, which was a sufficient + protection to him from the military. The circumstance is obscurely stated + in one of the letters already quoted, but may perhaps, joined to + subsequent incidents, authorise the suspicion that James, like his + father, could look at both sides of the cards. As the confusion of the + country subsided, the MacGregors, like foxes which had baffled the + hounds, drew back to their old haunts, and lived unmolested. But an + atrocious outrage, in which the sons of Rob Roy were concerned, brought + at length on the family the full vengeance of the law. +</p> +<p> + James Roy was a married man, and had fourteen children. But his brother, + Robin Oig, was now a widower; and it was resolved, if possible, that he + should make his fortune by carrying off and marrying, by force if + necessary, some woman of fortune from the Lowlands. +</p> +<p> + The imagination of the half-civilised Highlanders was less shocked at the + idea of this particular species of violence, than might be expected from + their general kindness to the weaker sex when they make part of their own + families. But all their views were tinged with the idea that they lived + in a state of war; and in such a state, from the time of the siege of + Troy to "the moment when Previsa fell,"* the female captives are, to + uncivilised victors, the most valuable part of the booty— +</p> +<p> + * Childe Harold's Pilgrimage, Canto II. +</p> +<pre> + "The wealthy are slaughtered, the lovely are spared." +</pre> +<p> + We need not refer to the rape of the Sabines, or to a similar instance in + the Book of Judges, for evidence that such deeds of violence have been + committed upon a large scale. Indeed, this sort of enterprise was so + common along the Highland line as to give rise to a variety of songs and + ballads.* +</p> +<p> + * See Appendix, No. VI. +</p> +<p> + The annals of Ireland, as well as those of Scotland, prove the crime to + have been common in the more lawless parts of both countries; and any + woman who happened to please a man of spirit who came of a good house, + and possessed a few chosen friends, and a retreat in the mountains, was + not permitted the alternative of saying him nay. What is more, it would + seem that the women themselves, most interested in the immunities of + their sex, were, among the lower classes, accustomed to regard such + marriages as that which is presently to be detailed as "pretty Fanny's + way," or rather, the way of Donald with pretty Fanny. It is not a great + many years since a respectable woman, above the lower rank of life, + expressed herself very warmly to the author on his taking the freedom to + censure the behaviour of the MacGregors on the occasion in question. She + said "that there was no use in giving a bride too much choice upon such + occasions; that the marriages were the happiest long syne which had been + done offhand." Finally, she averred that her "own mother had never seen + her father till the night he brought her up from the Lennox, with ten + head of black cattle, and there had not been a happier couple in the + country." +</p> +<p> + James Drummond and his brethren having similar opinions with the author's + old acquaintance, and debating how they might raise the fallen fortunes + of their clan, formed a resolution to settle their brother's fortune by + striking up an advantageous marriage betwixt Robin Oig and one Jean Key, + or Wright, a young woman scarce twenty years old, and who had been left + about two months a widow by the death of her husband. Her property was + estimated at only from 16,000 to 18,000 merks, but it seems to have been + sufficient temptation to these men to join in the commission of a great + crime. +</p> +<p> + This poor young victim lived with her mother in her own house at + Edinbilly, in the parish of Balfron and shire of Stirling. At this place, + in the night of 3d December 1750, the sons of Rob Roy, and particularly + James Mhor and Robin Oig, rushed into the house where the object of their + attack was resident, presented guns, swords, and pistols to the males of + the family, and terrified the women by threatening to break open the + doors if Jean Key was not surrendered, as, said James Roy, "his brother + was a young fellow determined to make his fortune." Having, at length, + dragged the object of their lawless purpose from her place of + concealment, they tore her from her mother's arms, mounted her on a horse + before one of the gang, and carried her off in spite, of her screams and + cries, which were long heard after the terrified spectators of the + outrage could no longer see the party retreat through the darkness. In + her attempts to escape, the poor young woman threw herself from the horse + on which they had placed her, and in so doing wrenched her side. They + then laid her double over the pummel of the saddle, and transported her + through the mosses and moors till the pain of the injury she had suffered + in her side, augmented by the uneasiness of her posture, made her consent + to sit upright. In the execution of this crime they stopped at more + houses than one, but none of the inhabitants dared interrupt their + proceedings. Amongst others who saw them was that classical and + accomplished scholar the late Professor William Richardson of Glasgow, + who used to describe as a terrible dream their violent and noisy entrance + into the house where he was then residing. The Highlanders filled the + little kitchen, brandishing their arms, demanding what they pleased, and + receiving whatever they demanded. James Mhor, he said, was a tall, stern, + and soldier-like man. Robin Oig looked more gentle; dark, but yet ruddy + in complexion—a good-looking young savage. Their victim was so + dishevelled in her dress, and forlorn in her appearance and demeanour, + that he could hardly tell whether she was alive or dead. +</p> +<p> + The gang carried the unfortunate woman to Rowardennan, where they had a + priest unscrupulous enough to read the marriage service, while James Mhor + forcibly held the bride up before him; and the priest declared the couple + man and wife, even while she protested against the infamy of his conduct. + Under the same threats of violence, which had been all along used to + enforce their scheme, the poor victim was compelled to reside with the + pretended husband who was thus forced upon her. They even dared to carry + her to the public church of Balquhidder, where the officiating clergyman + (the same who had been Rob Roy's pensioner) only asked them if they were + married persons. Robert MacGregor answered in the affirmative; the + terrified female was silent. +</p> +<p> + The country was now too effectually subjected to the law for this vile + outrage to be followed by the advantages proposed by the actors, Military + parties were sent out in every direction to seize the MacGregors, who + were for two or three weeks compelled to shift from one place to another + in the mountains, bearing the unfortunate Jean Key along with them. In + the meanwhile, the Supreme Civil Court issued a warrant, sequestrating + the property of Jean Key, or Wright, which removed out of the reach of + the actors in the violence the prize which they expected. They had, + however, adopted a belief of the poor woman's spirit being so far broken + that she would prefer submitting to her condition, and adhering to Robin + Oig as her husband, rather than incur the disgrace, of appearing in such + a cause in an open court. It was, indeed, a delicate experiment; but + their kinsman Glengyle, chief of their immediate family, was of a temper + averse to lawless proceedings;* and the captive's friends having had + recourse to his advice, they feared that he would withdraw his protection + if they refused to place the prisoner at liberty. +</p> +<p> + * Such, at least, was his general character; for when James Mhor, while + perpetrating the violence at Edinbilly, called out, in order to overawe + opposition, that Glengyle was lying in the moor with a hundred men to + patronise his enterprise, Jean Key told him he lied, since she was + confident Glengyle would never countenance so scoundrelly a business. +</p> +<p> + The brethren resolved, therefore, to liberate the unhappy woman, but + previously had recourse to every measure which should oblige her, either + from fear or otherwise, to own her marriage with Robin Oig. The + cailliachs (old Highland hags) administered drugs, which were designed to + have the effect of philtres, but were probably deleterious. James Mhor at + one time threatened, that if she did not acquiesce in the match she would + find that there were enough of men in the Highlands to bring the heads of + two of her uncles who were pursuing the civil lawsuit. At another time he + fell down on his knees, and confessed he had been accessory to wronging + her, but begged she would not ruin his innocent wife and large family. + She was made to swear she would not prosecute the brethren for the + offence they had committed; and she was obliged by threats to subscribe + papers which were tendered to her, intimating that she was carried off in + consequence of her own previous request. +</p> +<p> + James Mhor Drummond accordingly brought his pretended sister-in-law to + Edinburgh, where, for some little time, she was carried about from one + house to another, watched by those with whom she was lodged, and never + permitted to go out alone, or even to approach the window. The Court of + Session, considering the peculiarity of the case, and regarding Jean Key + as being still under some forcible restraint, took her person under their + own special charge, and appointed her to reside in the family of Mr. + Wightman of Mauldsley, a gentleman of respectability, who was married to + one of her near relatives. Two sentinels kept guard on the house day and + night—a precaution not deemed superfluous when the MacGregors were in + question. She was allowed to go out whenever she chose, and to see + whomsoever she had a mind, as well as the men of law employed in the + civil suit on either side. When she first came to Mr. Wightman's house + she seemed broken down with affright and suffering, so changed in + features that her mother hardly knew her, and so shaken in mind that she + scarce could recognise her parent. It was long before she could be + assured that she was in perfect safely. But when she at length received + confidence in her situation, she made a judicial declaration, or + affidavit, telling the full history of her wrongs, imputing to fear her + former silence on the subject, and expressing her resolution not to + prosecute those who had injured her, in respect of the oath she had been + compelled to take. From the possible breach of such an oath, though a + compulsory one, she was relieved by the forms of Scottish jurisprudence, + in that respect more equitable than those of England, prosecutions for + crimes being always conducted at the expense and charge of the King, + without inconvenience or cost to the private party who has sustained the + wrong. But the unhappy sufferer did not live to be either accuser or + witness against those who had so deeply injured her. +</p> +<p> + James Mhor Drummond had left Edinburgh so soon as his half-dead prey had + been taken from his clutches. Mrs. Key, or Wright, was released from her + species of confinement there, and removed to Glasgow, under the escort of + Mr. Wightman. As they passed the Hill of Shotts, her escort chanced to + say, "this is a very wild spot; what if the MacGregors should come upon + us?"—"God forbid!" was her immediate answer, "the very sight of them + would kill me." She continued to reside at Glasgow, without venturing to + return to her own house at Edinbilly. Her pretended husband made some + attempts to obtain an interview with her, which she steadily rejected. + She died on the 4th October 1751. The information for the Crown hints + that her decease might be the consequence of the usage she received. But + there is a general report that she died of the small-pox. In the + meantime, James Mhor, or Drummond, fell into the hands of justice. He was + considered as the instigator of the whole affair. Nay, the deceased had + informed her friends that on the night of her being carried off, Robin + Oig, moved by her cries and tears, had partly consented to let her + return, when James came up with a pistol in his hand, and, asking whether + he was such a coward as to relinquish an enterprise in which he had + risked everything to procure him a fortune, in a manner compelled his + brother to persevere. James's trial took place on 13th July 1752, and was + conducted with the utmost fairness and impartiality. Several witnesses, + all of the MacGregor family, swore that the marriage was performed with + every appearance of acquiescence on the woman's part; and three or four + witnesses, one of them sheriff-substitute of the county, swore she might + have made her escape if she wished, and the magistrate stated that he + offered her assistance if she felt desirous to do so. But when asked why + he, in his official capacity, did not arrest the MacGregors, he could + only answer, that he had not force sufficient to make the attempt. +</p> +<p> + The judicial declarations of Jean Key, or Wright, stated the violent + manner in which she had been carried off, and they were confirmed by many + of her friends, from her private communications with them, which the + event of her death rendered good evidence. Indeed, the fact of her + abduction (to use a Scottish law term) was completely proved by impartial + witnesses. The unhappy woman admitted that she had pretended acquiescence + in her fate on several occasions, because she dared not trust such as + offered to assist her to escape, not even the sheriff-substitute. +</p> +<p> + The jury brought in a special verdict, finding that Jean Key, or Wright, + had been forcibly carried off from her house, as charged in the + indictment, and that the accused had failed to show that she was herself + privy and consenting to this act of outrage. But they found the forcible + marriage, and subsequent violence, was not proved; and also found, in + alleviation of the panel's guilt in the premises, that Jean Key did + afterwards acquiesce in her condition. Eleven of the jury, using the + names of other four who were absent, subscribed a letter to the Court, + stating it was their purpose and desire, by such special verdict, to take + the panel's case out of the class of capital crimes. +</p> +<p> + Learned informations (written arguments) on the import of the verdict, + which must be allowed a very mild one in the circumstances, were laid + before the High Court of Justiciary. This point is very learnedly debated + in these pleadings by Mr. Grant, Solicitor for the Crown, and the + celebrated Mr. Lockhart, on the part of the prisoner; but James Mhor did + not wait the event of the Court's decision. +</p> +<p> + He had been committed to the Castle of Edinburgh on some reports that an + escape would be attempted. Yet he contrived to achieve his liberty even + from that fortress. His daughter had the address to enter the prison, + disguised as a cobbler, bringing home work, as she pretended. In this + cobbler's dress her father quickly arrayed himself. The wife and daughter + of the prisoner were heard by the sentinels scolding the supposed cobbler + for having done his work ill, and the man came out with his hat slouched + over his eyes, and grumbling, as if at the manner in which they had + treated him. In this way the prisoner passed all the guards without + suspicion, and made his escape to France. He was afterwards outlawed by + the Court of Justiciary, which proceeded to the trial of Duncan + MacGregor, or Drummond, his brother, 15th January 1753. The accused had + unquestionably been with the party which carried off Jean Key; but no + evidence being brought which applied to him individually and directly, + the jury found him not guilty—and nothing more is known of his fate. +</p> +<p> + That of James MacGregor, who, from talent and activity, if not by + seniority, may be considered as head of the family, has been long + misrepresented; as it has been generally averred in Law Reports, as well + as elsewhere, that his outlawry was reversed, and that he returned and + died in Scotland. But the curious letters published in Blackwood's + Magazine for December 1817, show this to be an error. The first of these + documents is a petition to Charles Edward. It is dated 20th September + 1753, and pleads his service to the cause of the Stuarts, ascribing his + exile to the persecution of the Hanoverian Government, without any + allusion to the affair of Jean Key, or the Court of Justiciary. It is + stated to be forwarded by MacGregor Drummond of Bohaldie, whom, as before + mentioned, James Mhor acknowledged as his chief. +</p> +<p> + The effect which this petition produced does not appear. Some temporary + relief was perhaps obtained. But, soon after, this daring adventurer was + engaged in a very dark intrigue against an exile of his own country, and + placed pretty nearly in his own circumstances. A remarkable Highland + story must be here briefly alluded to. Mr. Campbell of Glenure, who had + been named factor for Government on the forfeited estates of Stewart of + Ardshiel, was shot dead by an assassin as he passed through the wood of + Lettermore, after crossing the ferry of Ballachulish. A gentleman, named + James Stewart, a natural brother of Ardshiel, the forfeited person, was + tried as being accessory to the murder, and condemned and executed upon + very doubtful evidence; the heaviest part of which only amounted to the + accused person having assisted a nephew of his own, called Allan Breck + Stewart, with money to escape after the deed was done. Not satisfied with + this vengeance, which was obtained in a manner little to the honour of + the dispensation of justice at the time, the friends of the deceased + Glenure were equally desirous to obtain possession of the person of Allan + Breck Stewart, supposed to be the actual homicide. James Mhor Drummond + was secretly applied to to trepan Stewart to the sea-coast, and bring him + over to Britain, to almost certain death. Drummond MacGregor had kindred + connections with the slain Glenure; and, besides, the MacGregors and + Campbells had been friends of late, while the former clan and the + Stewarts had, as we have seen, been recently at feud; lastly, Robert Oig + was now in custody at Edinburgh, and James was desirous to do some + service by which his brother might be saved. The joint force of these + motives may, in James's estimation of right and wrong, have been some + vindication for engaging in such an enterprise, although, as must be + necessarily supposed, it could only be executed by treachery of a gross + description. MacGregor stipulated for a license to return to England, + promising to bring Allan Breck thither along with him. But the intended + victim was put upon his guard by two countrymen, who suspected James's + intentions towards him. He escaped from his kidnapper, after, as + MacGregor alleged, robbing his portmanteau of some clothes and four + snuff-boxes. Such a charge, it may be observed, could scarce have been + made unless the parties had been living on a footing of intimacy, and had + access to each other's baggage. +</p> +<p> + Although James Drummond had thus missed his blow in the matter of Allan + Breck Stewart, he used his license to make a journey to London, and had + an interview, as he avers, with Lord Holdernesse. His Lordship, and the + Under-Secretary, put many puzzling questions to him; and, as he says, + offered him a situation, which would bring him bread, in the Government's + service. This office was advantageous as to emolument; but in the opinion + of James Drummond, his acceptance of it would have been a disgrace to his + birth, and have rendered him a scourge to his country. If such a tempting + offer and sturdy rejection had any foundation in fact, it probably + relates to some plan of espionage on the Jacobites, which the Government + might hope to carry on by means of a man who, in the matter of Allan + Breck Stewart, had shown no great nicety of feeling. Drummond MacGregor + was so far accommodating as to intimate his willingness to act in any + station in which other gentlemen of honour served, but not otherwise;—an + answer which, compared with some passages of his past life, may remind + the reader of Ancient Pistol standing upon his reputation. +</p> +<p> + Having thus proved intractable, as he tells the story, to the proposals + of Lord Holdernesse, James Drummond was ordered instantly to quit + England. +</p> +<p> + On his return to France, his condition seems to have been utterly + disastrous. He was seized with fever and gravel—ill, consequently, in + body, and weakened and dispirited in mind. Allan Breck Stewart threatened + to put him to death in revenge of the designs he had harboured against + him.* +</p> +<p> + * Note E. Allan Breck Stewart. +</p> +<p> + The Stewart clan were in the highest degree unfriendly to him: and his + late expedition to London had been attended with many suspicious + circumstances, amongst which it was not the slightest that he had kept + his purpose secret from his chief Bohaldie. His intercourse with Lord + Holdernesse was suspicious. The Jacobites were probably, like Don Bernard + de Castel Blaze, in Gil Blas, little disposed to like those who kept + company with Alguazils. Mac-Donnell of Lochgarry, a man of unquestioned + honour, lodged an information against James Drummond before the High + Bailie of Dunkirk, accusing him of being a spy, so that he found himself + obliged to leave that town and come to Paris, with only the sum of + thirteen livres for his immediate subsistence, and with absolute beggary + staring him in the face. +</p> +<p> + We do not offer the convicted common thief, the accomplice in MacLaren's + assassination, or the manager of the outrage against Jean Key, as an + object of sympathy; but it is melancholy to look on the dying struggles + even of a wolf or a tiger, creatures of a species directly hostile to our + own; and, in like manner, the utter distress of this man, whose faults + may have sprung from a wild system of education, working on a haughty + temper, will not be perused without some pity. In his last letter to + Bohaldie, dated Paris, 25th September 1754, he describes his state of + destitution as absolute, and expresses himself willing to exercise his + talents in breaking or breeding horses, or as a hunter or fowler, if he + could only procure employment in such an inferior capacity till something + better should occur. An Englishman may smile, but a Scotchman will sigh + at the postscript, in which the poor starving exile asks the loan of his + patron's bagpipes that he might play over some of the melancholy tunes of + his own land. But the effect of music arises, in a great degree, from + association; and sounds which might jar the nerves of a Londoner or + Parisian, bring back to the Highlander his lofty mountain, wild lake, and + the deeds of his fathers of the glen. To prove MacGregor's claim to our + reader's compassion, we here insert the last part of the letter alluded + to. +</p> +<p> + "By all appearance I am born to suffer crosses, and it seems they're not + at an end; for such is my wretched case at present, that I do not know + earthly where to go or what to do, as I have no subsistence to keep body + and soul together. All that I have carried here is about 13 livres, and + have taken a room at my old quarters in Hotel St. Pierre, Rue de Cordier. + I send you the bearer, begging of you to let me know if you are to be in + town soon, that I may have the pleasure of seeing you, for I have none to + make application to but you alone; and all I want is, if it was possible + you could contrive where I could be employed without going to entire + beggary. This probably is a difficult point, yet unless it's attended + with some difficulty, you might think nothing of it, as your long head + can bring about matters of much more difficulty and consequence than + this. If you'd disclose this matter to your friend Mr. Butler, it's + possible he might have some employ wherein I could be of use, as I + pretend to know as much of breeding and riding of horse as any in France, + besides that I am a good hunter either on horseback or by footing. You + may judge my reduction, as I propose the meanest things to lend a turn + till better cast up. I am sorry that I am obliged to give you so much + trouble, but I hope you are very well assured that I am grateful for what + you have done for me, and I leave you to judge of my present wretched + case. I am, and shall for ever continue, dear Chief, your own to command, + Jas. MacGregor. +</p> +<p> + "P. S.—If you'd send your pipes by the bearer, and all the other little + trinkims belonging to it, I would put them in order, and play some + melancholy tunes, which I may now with safety, and in real truth. Forgive + my not going directly to you, for if I could have borne the seeing of + yourself, I could not choose to be seen by my friends in my wretchedness, + nor by any of my acquaintance." +</p> +<p> + While MacGregor wrote in this disconsolate manner, Death, the sad but + sure remedy for mortal evils, and decider of all doubts and + uncertainties, was hovering near him. A memorandum on the back of the + letter says the writer died about a week after, in October 1754. +</p> +<p> + It now remains to mention the fate of Robin Oig—for the other sons of + Rob Roy seem to have been no way distinguished. Robin was apprehended by + a party of military from the fort of Inversnaid, at the foot of Gartmore, + and was conveyed to Edinburgh 26th May 1753. After a delay, which may + have been protracted by the negotiations of James for delivering up Allan + Breck Stewart upon promise of his brother's life, Robin Oig, on the 24th + of December 1753, was brought to the bar of the High Court of Justiciary, + and indicted by the name of Robert MacGregor, alias Campbell, alias + Drummond, alias Robert Oig; and the evidence led against him resembled + exactly that which was brought by the Crown on the former trial. Robert's + case was in some degree more favourable than his brother's;—for, though + the principal in the forcible marriage, he had yet to plead that he had + shown symptoms of relenting while they were carrying Jean Key off, which + were silenced by the remonstrances and threats of his harder natured + brother James. A considerable space of time had also elapsed since the + poor woman died, which is always a strong circumstance in favour of the + accused; for there is a sort of perspective in guilt, and crimes of an + old date seem less odious than those of recent occurrence. But + notwithstanding these considerations, the jury, in Robert's case, did not + express any solicitude to save his life as they had done that of James. + They found him guilty of being art and part in the forcible abduction of + Jean Key from her own dwelling.* +</p> +<p> + * The Trials of the Sons of Rob Roy, with anecdotes of Himself and his + Family, were published at Edinburgh, 1818, in 12mo. +</p> +<p> + Robin Oig was condemned to death, and executed on the 14th February 1754. + At the place of execution he behaved with great decency; and professing + himself a Catholic, imputed all his misfortunes to his swerving from the + true church two or three years before. He confessed the violent methods + he had used to gain Mrs. Key, or Wright, and hoped his fate would stop + further proceedings against his brother James.* +</p> +<p> + * James died near three months before, but his family might easily remain + a long time without the news of that event. +</p> +<p> + The newspapers observed that his body, after hanging the usual time, was + delivered to his friends to be carried to the Highlands. To this the + recollection of a venerable friend, recently taken from us in the fulness + of years, then a schoolboy at Linlithgow, enables the author to add, that + a much larger body of MacGregors than had cared to advance to Edinburgh + received the corpse at that place with the coronach and other wild + emblems of Highland mourning, and so escorted it to Balquhidder. Thus we + may conclude this long account of Rob Roy and his family with the classic + phrase, +</p> +<pre> + Ite. Conclamatum est. +</pre> +<p> + I have only to add, that I have selected the above from many anecdotes of + Rob Roy which were, and may still be, current among the mountains where + he flourished; but I am far from warranting their exact authenticity. + Clannish partialities were very apt to guide the tongue and pen, as well + as the pistol and claymore, and the features of an anecdote are + wonderfully softened or exaggerated as the story is told by a MacGregor + or a Campbell. +</p> +<a name="2H_APPE"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + APPENDIX TO INTRODUCTION. +</h2> +<p> + No. I.—ADVERTISEMENT + FOR THE APPREHENSION OF ROB ROY. +</p> +<p> + (From the Edinburgh Evening Courant, June 18 to June 21, A.D. 1732. No. + 1058.) +</p> +<p> + "That Robert Campbell, commonly known by the name of Rob Roy MacGregor, + being lately intrusted by several noblemen and gentlemen with + considerable sums for buying cows for them in the Highlands, has + treacherously gone off with the money, to the value of L1000 sterling, + which he carries along with him. All Magistrates and Officers of his + Majesty's forces are intreated to seize upon the said Rob Roy, and the + money which he carries with him, until the persons concerned in the money + be heard against him; and that notice be given, when he is apprehended, + to the keepers of the Exchange Coffee-house at Edinburgh, and the keeper + of the Coffee-house at Glasgow, where the parties concerned will be + advertised, and the seizers shall be very reasonably rewarded for their + pains." +</p> +<p> + It is unfortunate that this Hue and Cry, which is afterwards repeated in + the same paper, contains no description of Rob Roy's person, which, of + course, we must suppose to have been pretty generally known. As it is + directed against Rob Roy personally, it would seem to exclude the idea of + the cattle being carried off by his partner, MacDonald, who would + certainly have been mentioned in the advertisement, if the creditors + concerned had supposed him to be in possession of the money. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + No. II.—LETTERS +</h2> +<p> + FROM AND TO THE DUKE OF MONTROSE + RESPECTING ROB ROY'S ARREST OF MR. GRAHAME OF KILLEARN. +</p> +<h3> + <i>The Duke of Montrose to—</i>* +</h3> +<p> + * It does not appear to whom this letter was addressed. Certainly, from + its style and tenor, It was designed for some person high in rank and + office—perhaps the King's Advocate for the time. +</p> +<p> + "Glasgow, the 21st November, 1716. +</p> +<p> + "My Lord,—I was surprised last night with the account of a very + remarkable instance of the insolence of that very notorious rogue Rob + Roy, whom your lordship has often heard named. The honour of his + Majesty's Government being concerned in it, I thought it my duty to + acquaint your lordship of the particulars by an express. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Grahame of Killearn (whom I have had occasion to mention frequently + to you, for the good service he did last winter during the rebellion) + having the charge of my Highland estate, went to Monteath, which is a + part of it, on Monday last, to bring in my rents, it being usual for him + to be there for two or three nights together at this time of the year, in + a country house, for the conveniency of meeting the tenants, upon that + account. The same night, about 9 of the clock, Rob Roy, with a party of + those ruffians whom he has still kept about him since the late rebellion, + surrounded the house where Mr. Grahame was with some of my tenants doing + his business, ordered his men to present their guns in att the windows of + the room where he was sitting, while he himself at the same time with + others entered at the door, with cocked pistols, and made Mr. Grahame + prisoner, carrying him away to the hills with the money he had got, his + books and papers, and my tenants' bonds for their fines, amounting to + above a thousand pounds sterling, whereof the one-half had been paid last + year, and the other was to have been paid now; and att the same time had + the insolence to cause him to write a letter to me (the copy of which is + enclosed) offering me terms of a treaty. +</p> +<p> + "That your Lordship may have the better view of this matter, it will be + necessary that I should inform you, that this fellow has now, of a long + time, put himself at the head of the Clan M'Gregor, a race of people who + in all ages have distinguished themselves beyond others, by robberies, + depredations, and murders, and have been the constant harbourers and + entertainers of vagabonds and loose people. From the time of the + Revolution he has taken every opportunity to appear against the + Government, acting rather as a robber than doing any real service to + those whom he pretended to appear for, and has really done more mischief + to the countrie than all the other Highlanders have done. +</p> +<p> + "Some three or four years before the last rebellion broke out, being + overburdened with debts, he quitted his ordinary residence, and removed + some twelve or sixteen miles farther into the Highlands, putting himself + under the protection of the Earl of Bredalbin. When my Lord Cadogan was + in the Highlands, he ordered his house att this place to be burnt, which + your Lordship sees he now places to my account. +</p> +<p> + "This obliges him to return to the same countrie he went from, being a + most rugged inaccessible place, where he took up his residence anew + amongst his own friends and relations; but well judging that it was + possible to surprise him, he, with about forty-five of his followers, + went to Inverary, and made a sham surrender of their arms to Coll. + Campbell of Finab, Commander of one of the Independent Companies, and + returned home with his men, each of them having the Coll.'s protection. + This happened in the beginning of summer last; yet not long after he + appeared with his men twice in arms, in opposition to the King's troops: + and one of those times attackt them, rescued a prisoner from them, and + all this while sent abroad his party through the countrie, plundering the + countrie people, and amongst the rest some of my tenants. +</p> +<p> + "Being informed of these disorders after I came to Scotland, I applied to + Lieut.-Genll. Carpenter, who ordered three parties from Glasgow, + Stirling, and Finlarig, to march in the night by different routes, in + order to surprise him and his men in their houses, which would have its + effect certainly, if the great rains that happened to fall that verie + night had not retarded the march of the troops, so as some of the parties + came too late to the stations that they were ordered for. All that could + be done upon the occasion was to burn a countrie house, where Rob Roy + then resided, after some of his clan had, from the rocks, fired upon the + king's troops, by which a grenadier was killed. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Grahame of Killearn, being my deputy-sheriff in that countrie, went + along with the party that marched from Stirling; and doubtless will now + meet with the worse treatment from that barbarous people on that account. + Besides, that he is my relation, and that they know how active he has + been in the service of the Government—all which, your Lordship may + believe, puts me under very great concern for the gentleman, while, at + the same time, I can foresee no manner of way how to relieve him, other + than to leave him to chance and his own management. +</p> +<p> + "I had my thoughts before of proposing to Government the building of some + barracks as the only expedient for suppressing these rebels, and securing + the peace of the countrie; and in that view I spoke to Genll. Carpenter, + who has now a scheme of it in his hands; and I am persuaded that will be + the true method for restraining them effectually; but, in the meantime, + it will be necessary to lodge some of the troops in those places, upon + which I intend to write to the Generall. +</p> +<p> + "I am sensible I have troubled your Lordship with a very long letter, + which I should be ashamed of, were I myself singly concerned; but where + the honour of the King's Government is touched, I need make no apologie, + and I shall only beg leave to add, that I am, with great respect, and + truth, +</p> +<p> + "My Lord, + "yr. Lord's most humble and obedient servant, + "MONTROSE" +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + COPY OF GRAHAME OF KILLEARN'S LETTER, ENCLOSED IN THE PRECEDING. +</h2> +<h3> + "Chappellarroch, Nov. 19th, 1716. +</h3> +<p> + "May it please your Grace,—I am obliged to give your Grace the trouble + of this, by Robert Roy's commands, being so unfortunate at present as to + be his prisoner. I refer the way and manner I was apprehended, to the + bearer, and shall only, in short, acquaint your Grace with the demands, + which are, that your Grace shall discharge him of all soumes he owes your + Grace, and give him the soume of 3400 merks for his loss and damages + sustained by him, both at Craigrostown and at his house, Auchinchisallen; + and that your Grace shall give your word not to trouble or prosecute him + afterwards; till which time he carries me, all the money I received this + day, my books and bonds for entress, not yet paid, along with him, with + assurance of hard usage, if any party are sent after him. The soume I + received this day, conform to the nearest computation I can make before + several of the gentlemen, is 3227L. 2sh. 8d. Scots, of which I gave them + notes. I shall wait your Grace's return, and ever am, +</p> +<p> + "Your Grace's most obedient, faithful, + "humble servant, + <i>Sic subscribitur,</i> + "John Grahame." +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + THE DUKE OF MONTROSE TO —— +</h2> +<h3> + 28<i>th Nov.</i> 1716—<i>Killearn's Release.</i> +</h3> +<p> + "Glasgow, 28th Nov. 1716. +</p> +<p> + "Sir,—Having acquainted you by my last, of the 21st instant, of what had + happened to my friend, Mr. Grahame of Killearn, I'm very glad now to tell + you, that last night I was very agreeably surprised with Mr. Grahame's + coming here himself, and giving me the first account I had had of him + from the time of his being carried away. It seems Rob Roy, when he came + to consider a little better of it, found that, he could not mend his + matters by retaining Killearn his prisoner, which could only expose him + still the more to the justice of the Government; and therefore thought + fit to dismiss him on Sunday evening last, having kept him from the + Monday night before, under a very uneasy kind of restraint, being obliged + to change continually from place to place. He gave him back the books, + papers, and bonds, but kept the money. +</p> +<p> + "I am, with great truth, Sir, + "your most humble servant, + "MONTROSE." +</p> +<p> + [Some papers connected with Rob Roy Macgregor, signed "Ro. Campbell," in + 1711, were lately presented to the Society of Antiquaries. One of these + is a kind of contract between the Duke of Montrose and Rob Roy, by which + the latter undertakes to deliver within a given time "Sixtie good and + sufficient Kintaill highland Cowes, betwixt the age of five and nine + years, at fourtene pounds Scotts per peice, with ane bull to the bargane, + and that at the head dykes of Buchanan upon the twenty-eight day of May + next."—Dated December 1711.—See <i>Proceedings,</i> vol. vii. p. 253.] +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + No. III.—CHALLENGE BY ROB ROY. +</h2> +<h3> + "Rob Roy <i>to ain hie and mighty Prince,</i> James Duke of Montrose. +</h3> +<p> + "In charity to your Grace's couradge and conduct, please know, the only + way to retrive both is to treat Rob Roy like himself, in appointing tyme, + place, and choice of arms, that at once you may extirpate your inveterate + enemy, or put a period to your punny (puny?) life in falling gloriously + by his hands. That impertinent criticks or flatterers may not brand me + for challenging a man that's repute of a poor dastardly soul, let such + know that I admit of the two great supporters of his character and the + captain of his bands to joyne with him in the combat. Then sure your + Grace wont have the impudence to clamour att court for multitudes to hunt + me like a fox, under pretence that I am not to be found above ground. + This saves your Grace and the troops any further trouble of searching; + that is, if your ambition of glory press you to embrace this unequald + venture offerd of Rob's head. But if your Grace's piety, prudence, and + cowardice, forbids hazarding this gentlemanly expedient, then let your + desire of peace restore what you have robed from me by the tyranny of + your present cituation, otherwise your overthrow as a man is determined; + and advertise your friends never more to look for the frequent civility + payed them, of sending them home without their arms only. Even their + former cravings wont purchase that favour; so your Grace by this has + peace in your offer, if the sound of wax be frightful, and chuse you + whilk, your good friend or mortal enemy." +</p> +<p> + This singular rhodomontade is enclosed in a letter to a friend of Rob + Roy, probably a retainer of the Duke of Argyle in Isle, which is in these + words:— +</p> +<p> + "Sir,—Receive the enclosd paper, qn you are takeing yor Botle it will + divert yorself and comrad's. I gote noe news since I seed you, only qt + wee had before about the Spainyard's is like to continue. If I'll get any + further account about them I'll be sure to let you know of it, and till + then I will not write any more till I'll have more sure account, and I am +</p> +<p> + "Sir, your most affectionate Cn [cousin], + "and most humble servant, + "Ro: Roy." +</p> +<p> + "<i>Apryle</i> 16<i>th,</i> 1719. +</p> +<p> + "To Mr. Patrick Anderson, at Hay—These.' +</p> +<p> + The seal, <i>a stag</i>—no bad emblem of a wild cateran. +</p> +<p> + It appears from the envelope that Rob Roy still continued to act as + Intelligencer to the Duke of Argyle, and his agents. The war he alludes + to is probably some vague report of invasion from Spain. Such rumours + were likely enough to be afloat, in consequence of the disembarkation of + the troops who were taken at Glensheal in the preceding year, 1718. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + No. IV.—LETTER +</h2> +<p> + FROM ROBERT CAMPBELL, <i>alias</i> M'GREGOR, + COMMONLY CALLED ROB ROY, TO FIELD-MARSHAL WADE, +</p> +<p> + Then receiving the submission of disaffected Chieftains and Clans.* +</p> +<p> + * This curious epistle is copied from an authentic narrative of Marshal + Wade's proceedings in the Highlands, communicated by the late eminent + antiquary, George Chalmers, Esq., to Mr. Robert Jamieson, of the Register + House, Edinburgh, and published in the Appendix to an Edition of Burt's + Letters from the North of Scotland, 2 vols. 8vo, Edinburgh, 1818. +</p> +<p> + Sir,—The great humanity with which you have constantly acted in the + discharge of the trust reposed in you, and your ever having made use of + the great powers with which you were vested as the means of doing good + and charitable offices to such as ye found proper objects of compassion, + will, I hope, excuse my importunity in endeavouring to approve myself not + absolutely unworthy of that mercy and favour which your Excellency has so + generously procured from his Majesty for others in my unfortunate + circumstances. I am very sensible nothing can be alledged sufficient to + excuse so great a crime as I have been guilty of it, that of Rebellion. + But I humbly beg leave to lay before your Excellency some particulars in + the circumstance of my guilt, which, I hope, will extenuate it in some + measure. It was my misfortune, at the time the Rebellion broke out, to be + liable to legal diligence and caption, at the Duke of Montrose's + instance, for debt alledged due to him. To avoid being flung into prison, + as I must certainly have been, had I followed my real inclinations in + joining the King's troops at Stirling, I was forced to take party with + the adherents of the Pretender; for the country being all in arms, it was + neither safe nor indeed possible for me to stand neuter. I should not, + however, plead my being forced into that unnatural rebellion against his + Majesty, King George, if I could not at the same time assure your + Excellency, that I not only avoided acting offensively against his + Majesty's forces upon all occasions, but on the contrary, sent his Grace + the Duke of Argyle all the intelligence I could from time to time, of the + strength and situation of the rebels; which I hope his Grace will do me + the justice to acknowledge. As to the debt to the Duke of Montrose, I + have discharged it to the utmost farthing. I beg your Excellency would be + persuaded that, had it been in my power, as it was in my inclination, I + should always have acted for the service of his Majesty King George, and + that one reason of my begging the favour of your intercession with his + Majesty for the pardon of my life, is the earnest desire I have to employ + it in his service, whose goodness, justice, and humanity, are so + conspicuous to all mankind.—I am, with all duty and respect, your + Excellency's most, &c., +</p> +<p> + "Robert Campbell." +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0011"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + No. IVa.—LETTER. +</h2> +<h3> + ESCAPE OF ROB ROY FROM THE DUKE OF ATHOLE. +</h3> +<p> + The following copy of a letter which passed from one clergyman of the + Church of Scotland to another, was communicated to me by John Gregorson, + Esq. of Ardtornish. The escape of Rob Roy is mentioned, like other + interesting news of the time with which it is intermingled. The + disagreement between the Dukes of Athole and Argyle seems to have + animated the former against Rob Roy, as one of Argyle's partisans. +</p> +<p> + "Rev. and dear Brother, +</p> +<p> + Yrs of the 28th Jun I had by the bearer. Im pleased yo have got back + again yr Delinquent which may probably safe you of the trouble of her + child. I'm sory I've yet very little of certain news to give you from + Court tho' I've seen all the last weekes prints, only I find in them a + pasage which is all the account I can give you of the Indemnity yt when + the estates of forfaulted Rebells Comes to be sold all Just debts + Documented are to be preferred to Officers of the Court of enquiry. The + Bill in favours of that Court against the Lords of Session in Scotland in + past the house of Commons and Come before the Lords which is thought to + be considerably more ample yn formerly wt respect to the Disposeing of + estates Canvassing and paying of Debts. It's said yt the examinations of + Cadugans accounts is droped but it wants Confirmations here as yet. + Oxford's tryals should be entered upon Saturday last. We hear that the + Duchess of Argyle is wt child. I doe not hear yt the Divisions at Court + are any thing abated or of any appearance of the Dukes having any thing + of his Maj: favour. I heartily wish the present humours at Court may not + prove an encouragmt to watchfull and restles enemies. +</p> +<p> + My accounts of Rob Roy his escape are yt after severall Embassies between + his Grace (who I hear did Correspond wt some at Court about it) and Rob + he at length upon promise of protectione Came to waite upon the Duke & + being presently secured his Grace sent post to Edr to acquent the Court + of his being aprehended & call his friends at Edr and to desire a party + from Gen Carpinter to receive and bring him to Edr which party came the + length of Kenross in Fife, he was to be delivered to them by a party his + Grace had demanded from the Governour at Perth, who when upon their march + towards Dunkell to receive him, were mete wt and returned by his Grace + having resolved to deliver him by a party of his own men and left Rob at + Logierate under a strong guard till yt party should be ready to receive + him. This space of time Rob had Imployed in taking the other dram + heartily wt the Guard & qn all were pretty hearty, Rob is delivering a + letter for his wife to a servant to whom he most needs deliver some + private instructions at the Door (for his wife) where he's attended wt on + the Guard. When serious in this privat Conversations he is making some + few steps carelessly from the Door about the house till he comes close by + this horse which he soon mounted and made off. This is no small + mortifican to the guard because of the delay it give to there hopes of a + Considerable additionall charge agt John Roy.* my wife was upon Thursday + last delivered of a Son after sore travell of which she still continues + very weak. +</p> +<p> + * <i>i.e.</i> John the Red—John Duke of Argyle, so called from his + complexion, more commonly styled "Red John the Warriour." +</p> +<p> + I give yl Lady hearty thanks for the Highland plaid. It's good cloath but + it does not answer the sett I sent some time agae wt McArthur & tho it + had I told in my last yt my wife was obliged to provid herself to finish + her bed before she was lighted but I know yt letr came not timely to yr + hand—I'm sory I had not mony to send by the bearer having no thought of + it & being exposed to some little expenses last week but I expect some + sure occasion when order by a letter to receive it excuse this freedom + from &c. +</p> +<p> + "<i>Manse of Comrie, July</i> 2<i>d,</i> 1717. + "I salute yr lady I wish my ............ her Daughter much Joy." +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0012"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + No. V.—HIGHLAND WOOING. +</h2> +<p> + There are many productions of the Scottish Ballad Poets upon the + lion-like mode of wooing practised by the ancient Highlanders when they + had a fancy for the person (or property) of a Lowland damsel. One example + is found in Mr. Robert Jamieson's Popular Scottish Songs:— +</p> +<pre> + Bonny Babby Livingstone + Gaed out to see the kye, + And she has met with Glenlyon, + Who has stolen her away. + + He took free her her sattin coat, + But an her silken gown, + Syne roud her in his tartan plaid, + And happd her round and roun'. +</pre> +<p> + In another ballad we are told how— +</p> +<pre> + Four-and-twenty Hieland men, + Came doun by Fiddoch Bide, + And they have sworn a deadly aith, + Jean Muir suld be a bride: + + And they have sworn a deadly aith, + Ilke man upon his durke, + That she should wed with Duncan Ger, + Or they'd make bloody works. +</pre> +<p> + This last we have from tradition, but there are many others in the + collections of Scottish Ballads to the same purpose. +</p> +<p> + The achievement of Robert Oig, or young Rob Roy, as the Lowlanders called + him, was celebrated in a ballad, of which there are twenty different and + various editions. The tune is lively and wild, and we select the + following words from memory:— +</p> +<pre> + Rob Roy is frae the Hielands come, + Down to the Lowland border; + And he has stolen that lady away, + To haud his house in order. + + He set her on a milk-white steed, + Of none he stood in awe; + Untill they reached the Hieland hills, + Aboon the Balmaha'!* +</pre> +<p> + * A pass on the eastern margin of Loch Lomond, and an entrance to the + Highlands. +</p> +<pre> + Saying, Be content, be content, + Be content with me, lady; + Where will ye find in Lennox land, + Sae braw a man as me, lady? + + Rob Roy he was my father called, + MacGregor was his name, lady; + A' the country, far and near, + Have heard MacGregor's fame, lady. + + He was a hedge about his friends, + A heckle to his foes, lady; + If any man did him gainsay, + He felt his deadly blows, lady. + + I am as bold, I am as bold, + I am as bold and more, lady; + Any man that doubts my word, + May try my gude claymore, lady. + + Then be content, be content. + Be content with me, lady; + For now you are my wedded wife, + Until the day you die, lady. +</pre> +<a name="2H_4_0013"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + No. VI—GHLUNE DHU. +</h2> +<p> + The following notices concerning this Chief fell under the Author's eye + while the sheets were in the act of going through the press. They occur + in manuscript memoirs, written by a person intimately acquainted with the + incidents of 1745. +</p> +<p> + This Chief had the important task intrusted to him of defending the + Castle of Doune, in which the Chevalier placed a garrison to protect his + communication with the Highlands, and to repel any sallies which might be + made from Stirling Castle—Ghlune Dhu distinguished himself by his good + conduct in this charge. +</p> +<p> + Ghlune Dhu is thus described:—"Glengyle is, in person, a tall handsome + man, and has more of the mien of the ancient heroes than our modern fine + gentlemen are possessed of. He is honest and disinterested to a + proverb—extremely modest—brave and intrepid—and born one of the best + partisans in Europe. In short, the whole people of that country declared + that never did men live under so mild a government as Glengyle's, not a + man having so much as lost a chicken while he continued there." +</p> +<p> + It would appear from this curious passage, that Glengyle—not Stewart of + Balloch, as averred in a note on Waverley—commanded the garrison of + Doune. Balloch might, no doubt, succeed MacGregor in the situation. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0014"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + EDITOR'S INTRODUCTION TO ROB ROY +</h2> +<p> + In the magnum opus, the author's final edition of the Waverley Novels, + "Rob Roy" appears out of its chronological order, and comes next after + "The Antiquary." In this, as in other matters, the present edition + follows that of 1829. "The Antiquary," as we said, contained in its + preface the author's farewell to his art. This valediction was meant as + prelude to a fresh appearance in a new disguise. Constable, who had + brought out the earlier works, did not publish the "Tales of my Landlord" + ("The Black Dwarf" and "Old Mortality "), which Scott had nearly finished + by November 12, 1816. The four volumes appeared from the houses of Mr. + Murray and Mr. Blackwood, on December 1, 1816. Within less than a month + came out "Harold the Dauntless," by the author of "The Bridal of + Triermain." Scott's work on the historical part of the "Annual Register" + had also been unusually arduous. At Abbotsford, or at Ashiestiel, his + mode of life was particularly healthy; in Edinburgh, between the claims + of the courts, of literature, and of society, he was scarcely ever in the + open air. Thus hard sedentary work caused, between the publication + of "Old Mortality" and that of "Rob Roy," the first of those alarming + illnesses which overshadowed the last fifteen years of his life. The + earliest attack of cramp in the stomach occurred on March 5, 1817, when + he "retired from the room with a scream of agony which electrified his + guests." +</p> +<p> + Living on "parritch," as he tells Miss Baillie (for his national spirit + rejected arrowroot), Scott had yet energy enough to plan a dramatic piece + for Terry, "The Doom of Devorgoil." But in April he announced to John + Ballantyne "a good subject" for a novel, and on May 6, John, after a + visit to Abbotsford with Constable, proclaimed to James Ballantyne the + advent of "Rob Roy." +</p> +<p> + The anecdote about the title is well known. Constable suggested it, and + Scott was at first wisely reluctant to "write up to a title." Names like + Rob Roy, Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Cleopatra, and so forth, tell the + reader too much, and, Scott imagined, often excite hopes which cannot be + fulfilled. However, in the geniality of an after-dinner hour in the + gardens of Abbotsford, Scott allowed Constable to be sponsor. Many things + had lately brought Rob into his mind. In 1812 Scott had acquired Rob + Roy's gun—"a long Spanish-barrelled piece, with his initials R. M. C.," + C standing for Campbell, a name assumed in compliment to the Argyll + family. +</p> +<p> + Rob's spleuchan had also been presented by Mr. Train to Sir Walter, in + 1816, and may have directed his thoughts to this popular freebooter. + Though Rob flourished in the '15, he was really a character very near + Scott, whose friend Invernahyle had fought Rob with broadsword and + target—a courteous combat like that between Ajax and Hector. +</p> +<p> + At Tullibody Scott had met, in 1793, a gentleman who once visited Rob, + and arranged to pay him blackmail. +</p> +<p> + Mr. William Adam had mentioned to Scott in 1816 the use of the word + "curlie-wurlies" for highly decorated architecture, and recognised the + phrase, next year, in the mouth of Andrew Fairservice. +</p> +<p> + In the meeting at Abbotsford (May 2, 1817) Scott was very communicative, + sketched Bailie Nicol Jarvie, and improvised a dialogue between Rob and + the magistrate. A week later he quoted to Southey, Swift's lines— + Too bad for a blessing, too good for a curse,—which probably suggested + Andrew Fairservice's final estimate of Scott's hero,—"over bad for + blessing, and ower gude for banning." +</p> +<p> + These are the trifles which show the bent of Scott's mind at this period. + The summer of 1817 he spent in working at the "Annual Register" and at + the "Border Antiquities." When the courts rose, he visited Rob's cave at + the head of Loch Lomond; and this visit seems to have been gossiped + about, as literary people, hearing of the new novel, expected the cave to + be a very prominent feature. He also went to Glasgow, and refreshed his + memory of the cathedral; nor did he neglect old books, such as "A Tour + through Great Britain, by a Gentleman" (4th Edition, 1748). This yielded + him the Bailie's account of Glasgow commerce "in Musselburgh stuffs and + Edinburgh shalloons," and the phrase "sortable cargoes." +</p> +<p> + Hence, too, Scott took the description of the rise of Glasgow. Thus Scott + was taking pains with his preparations. The book was not written in + post-haste. Announced to Constable early in May, the last sheet was not + corrected till about December 21, when Scott wrote to Ballantyne:— +</p> +<center> + DEAR JAMES,— +</center> +<pre> + With great joy I send you Roy. + 'T was a tough job, + But we're done with Rob. +</pre> +<p> + "Rob Roy" was published on the last day of 1817. The toughness of the job + was caused by constant pain, and by struggles with "the lassitude of + opium." So seldom sentimental, so rarely given to expressing his + melancholy moods in verse, Scott, while composing "Rob Roy," wrote the + beautiful poem "The sun upon the Weirdlaw Hill," in which, for this once, + "pity of self through all makes broken moan." +</p> +<p> + Some stress may be laid on the state of Sir Walter's health at this + moment, because a living critic has tried to show that, in his case, + "every pang of the stomach paralyses the brain;" that he "never had a fit + of the cramp without spoiling a chapter."—[Mr. Ruskin's "Fiction Fair + and Foul," "Nineteenth Century," 1880, p. 955.]—"Rob Roy" is a + sufficient answer to these theories. The mind of Scott was no slave to + his body. +</p> +<p> + The success of the story is pleasantly proved by a sentence in a review + of the day: "It is an event unprecedented in the annals either of + literature or of the custom-house that the entire cargo of a packet, or + smack, bound from Leith to London, should be the impression of a novel, + for which the public curiosity was so much upon the alert as to require + this immense importation to satisfy." +</p> +<p> + Ten thousand copies of a three-volume novel are certainly a ponderous + cargo, and Constable printed no fewer in his first edition. Scott was + assured of his own triumph in February 1819, when a dramatised version of + his novel was acted in Edinburgh by the company of Mr. William Murray, a + descendant of the traitor Murray of Broughton. Mr. Charles Mackay made a + capital Bailie, and the piece remains a favourite with Scotch audiences. + It is plain, from the reviews, that in one respect "Rob Roy" rather + disappointed the world. They had expected Rob to be a much more imposing + and majestic cateran, and complained that his foot was set too late on + his native heather. They found too much of the drover and intriguer, too + little of the traditional driver of the spoil. This was what Scott + foresaw when he objected to "writing up to a title." In fact, he did not + write up to, it, and, as the "Scots Magazine" said, "shaped his story in + such a manner as to throw busybodies out in their chase, with a slight + degree of malicious finesse." "All the expeditions to the wonderful cave + have been thrown away, for the said cave is not once, we think, mentioned + from beginning to end." +</p> +<p> + "Rob Roy" equals "Waverley" in its pictures of Highland and Lowland + society and character. Scott had clearly set himself to state his + opinions about the Highlands as they were under the patriarchal system of + government. The Highlanders were then a people, not lawless, indeed, but + all their law was the will of their chief. Bailie Nicol Jarvie makes a + statement of their economic and military condition as accurate as it is + humorous. The modern "Highland Question" may be studied as well in the + Bailie's words as in volumes of history and wildernesses of blue-books. + A people patriarchal and military as the Arabs of the desert were + suddenly dragged into modern commercial and industrial society. All old + bonds were snapped in a moment; emigration (at first opposed by some of + the chiefs) and the French wars depleted the country of its "lang-leggit + callants, gaun wanting the breeks." Cattle took the place of men, sheep + of cattle, deer of sheep, and, in the long peace, a population grew up + again—a population destitute of employment even more than of old, + because war and robbery had ceased to be outlets for its energy. Some + chiefs, as Dr. Johnson said, treated their lands as an attorney treats + his row of cheap houses in a town. Hence the Highland Question,—a + question in which Scott's sympathies were with the Highlanders. + "Rob Roy," naturally, is no mere "novel with a purpose," no economic + tract in disguise. Among Scott's novels it stands alone as regards its + pictures of passionate love. The love of Diana Vernon is no less + passionate for its admirable restraint. Here Scott displays, without + affectation, a truly Greek reserve in his art. The deep and strong + affection of Diana Vernon would not have been otherwise handled by him + who drew the not more immortal picture of Antigone. Unlike modern + novelists, Sir Walter deals neither in analysis nor in rapturous + effusions. We can, unfortunately, imagine but too easily how some writers + would peep and pry into the concealed emotions of that maiden heart; how + others would revel in tears, kisses, and caresses. In place of all these + Scott writes:— +</p> +<pre> + She extended her hand, but I clasped her to my bosom. She sighed as + she extricated herself from the embrace which she permitted, escaped + to the door which led to her own apartment, and I saw her no more. +</pre> +<p> + Months pass, in a mist of danger and intrigue, before the lovers meet + again in the dusk and the solitude. +</p> +<pre> + "Mr. Francis Osbaldistone," cries the girl's voice through the + moonlight, "should not whistle his favourite airs when he wishes to + remain undiscovered." + + And Diana Vernon—for she, wrapped in a horseman's cloak, was the + last speaker—whistled in playful mimicry the second part of the + tune, which was on my lips when they came up. +</pre> +<p> + Surely there was never, in story or in song, a lady so loving and so + light of heart, save Rosalind alone. Her face touches Frank's, as she + says goodbye for ever "It was a moment never to be forgotten, + inexpressibly bitter, yet mixed with a sensation of pleasure so deeply + soothing and affecting as at once to unlock all the floodgates of the + heart." +</p> +<p> + She rides into the night, her lover knows the <i>hysterica passio</i> of poor + Lear, but "I had scarce given vent to my feelings in this paroxysm ere I + was ashamed of my weakness." +</p> +<p> + These were men and women who knew how to love, and how to live. + All men who read "Rob Roy" are innocent rivals of Frank Osbaldistone. + Di Vernon holds her place in our hearts with Rosalind, and these airy + affections, like the actual emotions which they mimic, are not matters + for words. This lady, so gay, so brave, so witty and fearless, so tender + and true, who "endured trials which might have dignified the history of a + martyr, . . . who spent the day in darkness and the night in vigil, and + never breathed a murmur of weakness or complaint," is as immortal in + men's memories as the actual heroine of the White Rose, Flora Macdonald. + Her place is with Helen and Antigone, with Rosalind and Imogen, the + deathless daughters of dreams. She brightens the world as she passes, and + our own hearts tell us all the story when Osbaldistone says, "You know + how I lamented her." +</p> +<p> + In the central interest, which, for once, is the interest of love, "Rob + Roy" attains the nobility, the reserve, the grave dignity of the highest + art. It is not easy to believe that Frank Osbaldistone is worthy of his + lady; but here no man is a fair judge. In the four novels—"Waverley," + "Guy Mannering," "The Antiquary," and "Rob Roy"—which we have studied, + the hero has always been a young poet. Waverley versified; so did + Mannering; Lovel "had attempted a few lyrical pieces;" and, in + Osbaldistone's rhymes, Scott parodied his own +</p> +<pre> + blast of that dread horn + On Fontarabian echoes borne. +</pre> +<p> + All the heroes, then, have been poets, and Osbaldistone's youth may have + been suggested by Scott's memories of his own, and of the father who + "feared that he would never be better than a gangrel scrapegut." Like + Henry Morton, in "Old Mortality," Frank Osbaldistone is on the political + side taken by Scott's judgment, not by his emotions. To make Di Vernon + convert him to Jacobitism would have been to repeat the story of + Waverley. Still, he would have been more sympathetic if he had been + converted. He certainly does not lack spirit, as a sportsman, or "on an + occasion," as Sir William Hope says in "The Scots' Fencing Master," when + he encounters Rashleigh in the college gardens. Frank, in short, is all + that a hero should be, and is glorified by his affection. +</p> +<p> + Of the other characters, perhaps Rob Roy is too sympathetically drawn. + The materials for a judgment are afforded by Scott's own admirable + historical introduction. The Rob Roy who so calmly "played booty," and + kept a foot in either camp, certainly falls below the heroic. His + language has been criticised in late years, and it has been insisted that + the Highlanders never talked Lowland Scotch. But Scott has anticipated + these cavils in the eighteenth chapter of the second volume. Certainly no + Lowlander knew the Highlanders better than he did, and his ear for + dialect was as keen as his musical ear was confessedly obtuse. + Scott had the best means of knowing whether Helen MacGregor would be + likely to soar into heroics as she is apt to do. In fact, here "we may + trust the artist." +</p> +<p> + The novel is as rich as any in subordinate characters full of life and + humour. Morris is one of the few utter cowards in Scott. He has none of + the passionate impulses towards courage of the hapless hero in "The Fair + Maid of Perth." The various Osbaldistones are nicely discriminated by + Diana Vernon, in one of those "Beatrix moods" which Scott did not always + admire, when they were displayed by "Lady Anne" and other girls of flesh + and blood. Rashleigh is of a nature unusual in Scott. He is, perhaps, Sir + Walter's nearest approach, for malignant egotism, to an Iago. Of Bailie + Nicol Jarvie commendation were impertinent. All Scotland arose, called + him hers, laughed at and applauded her civic child. Concerning Andrew + Fairservice, the first edition tells us what the final edition leaves us + to guess—that Tresham "may recollect him as gardener at Osbaldistone + Hall." Andrew was not a friend who could be shaken off. Diana may have + ruled the hall, but Andrew must have remained absolute in the gardens, + with "something to maw that he would like to see mawn, or something to + saw that he would like to see sawn, or something to ripe that he would + like to see ripen, and sae he e'en daikered on wi' the family frae year's + end to year's end," and life's end. His master "needed some carefu' body + to look after him." +</p> +<p> + Only Shakspeare and Scott could have given us medicines to make us like + this cowardly, conceited "jimp honest" fellow, Andrew Fairservice, who + just escapes being a hypocrite by dint of some sincere old Covenanting + leaven in his veins. We make bold to say that the creator of Parolles and + Lucie, and many another lax and lovable knave, would, had he been a Scot, + have drawn Andrew Fairservice thus, and not otherwise. +</p> +<p> + The critics of the hour censured, as they were certain to censure, the + construction, and especially the conclusion, of "Rob Roy." No doubt the + critics were right. In both Scott and Shakspeare there is often seen a + perfect disregard of the denouement. Any moderately intelligent person + can remark on the huddled-up ends and hasty marriages in many of + Shakspeare's comedies; Moliere has been charged with the same offence; + and, if blame there be, Scott is almost always to blame. Thackeray is + little better. There must be some reason that explains why men of genius + go wrong where every newspaper critic, every milliner's girl acquainted + with circulating libraries, can detect the offence. +</p> +<p> + In the closing remarks of "Old Mortality" Scott expresses himself + humorously on this matter of the denouement. His schoolmaster author + takes his proofsheets to Miss Martha Buskbody, who was the literary set + in Gandercleugh, having read through the whole stock of three circulating + libraries. Miss Buskbody criticises the Dominic as Lady Louisa Stuart + habitually criticised Sir Walter. "Your plan of omitting a formal + conclusion will never do!" The Dominie replies, "Really, madam, you must + be aware that every volume of a narrative turns less and less interesting + as the author draws to a conclusion,—just like your tea, which, though + excellent hyson, is necessarily weaker and more insipid in the last cup." + He compares the orthodox happy ending to "the luscious lump of + half-dissolved sugar" usually found at the bottom of the cup. This topic + might be discussed, and indeed has been discussed, endlessly. In our + actual lives it is probable that most of us have found ourselves living + for a year, or a month, or a week, in a chapter or half a volume of a + novel, and these have been our least happy experiences. But we have also + found that the romance vanishes away like a ghost, dwindles out, closes + with ragged ends, has no denouement. Then the question presents itself, + As art is imitation, should not novels, as a rule, close thus? The + experiment has frequently been tried, especially by the modern geniuses + who do not conceal their belief that their art is altogether finer than + Scott's, or, perhaps, than Shakspeare's. +</p> +<p> + In his practice, and in his Dominie's critical remarks, Sir Walter + appears inclined to agree with them. He was just as well aware as his + reviewers, or as Lady Louisa Stuart, that the conclusion of "Rob Roy" is + "huddled up," that the sudden demise of all the young Baldistones is a + high-handed measure. He knew that, in real life, Frank and Di Vernon + would never have met again after that farewell on the moonlit road. But + he yielded to Miss Buskbody's demand for "a glimpse of sunshine in the + last chapter;" he understood the human liking for the final lump of + sugar. After all, fiction is not, any more than any other art, a mere + imitation of life: it is an arrangement, a selection. Scott was too kind, + too humane, to disappoint us, the crowd of human beings who find much of + our happiness in dreams. He could not keep up his own interest in his + characters after he had developed them; he could take pleasure in giving + them life,—he had little pleasure in ushering them into an earthly + paradise; so that part of his business he did carelessly, as his only + rivals in literature have also done it. +</p> +<p> + The critics censured, not unjustly, the "machinery" of the story,—these + mysterious "assets" of Osbaldistone and Tresham, whose absence was to + precipitate the Rising of 1715. The "Edinburgh Review" lost its heart + (Jeffrey's heart was always being lost) to Di Vernon. But it pronounces + that "a king with legs of marble, or a youth with an ivory shoulder," + heroes of the "Arabian Nights" and of Pindar, was probable, compared with + the wit and accomplishments of Diana. This is hypercriticism. Diana's + education, under Rashleigh, had been elaborate; her acquaintance with + Shakspeare, her main strength, is unusual in women, but not beyond the + limits of belief. Here she is in agreeable contrast to Rose Bradwardine, + who had never heard of "Romeo and Juliet." In any case, Diana compels + belief as well as wins affection, while we are fortunate enough to be in + her delightful company. +</p> +<p> + As long as we believe in her, it is not of moment to consider whether her + charms are incompatible with probability. +</p> +<p> + "Rob Roy" was finished in spite of "a very bad touch of the cramp for + about three weeks in November, which, with its natural attendants of + dulness and, weakness, made me unable to get our matters forward till + last week," says Scott to Constable. "But," adds the unconquerable + author, "I am resting myself here a few days before commencing my new + labours, which will be untrodden ground, and, I think, pretty likely to + succeed." The "new labours" were "The Heart of Mid-Lothian." +</p> +<center> + ANDREW LANG. +</center> +<a name="2H_4_0015"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + ROB ROY +</h2> +<a name="2HCH0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FIRST. +</h2> +<pre> + How have I sinn'd, that this affliction + Should light so heavy on me? I have no more sons, + And this no more mine own.—My grand curse + Hang o'er his head that thus transformed thee!— + Travel? I'll send my horse to travel next. + Monsieur Thomas. +</pre> +<p> + You have requested me, my dear friend, to bestow some of that leisure, + with which Providence has blessed the decline of my life, in registering + the hazards and difficulties which attended its commencement. The + recollection of those adventures, as you are pleased to term them, has + indeed left upon my mind a chequered and varied feeling of pleasure and + of pain, mingled, I trust, with no slight gratitude and veneration to the + Disposer of human events, who guided my early course through much risk + and labour, that the ease with which he has blessed my prolonged life + might seem softer from remembrance and contrast. Neither is it possible + for me to doubt, what you have often affirmed, that the incidents which + befell me among a people singularly primitive in their government and + manners, have something interesting and attractive for those who love to + hear an old man's stories of a past age. +</p> +<p> + Still, however, you must remember, that the tale told by one friend, and + listened to by another, loses half its charms when committed to paper; + and that the narratives to which you have attended with interest, as + heard from the voice of him to whom they occurred, will appear less + deserving of attention when perused in the seclusion of your study. But + your greener age and robust constitution promise longer life than will, + in all human probability, be the lot of your friend. Throw, then, these + sheets into some secret drawer of your escritoire till we are separated + from each other's society by an event which may happen at any moment, and + which must happen within the course of a few—a very few years. When we + are parted in this world, to meet, I hope, in a better, you will, I am + well aware, cherish more than it deserves the memory of your departed + friend, and will find in those details which I am now to commit to paper, + matter for melancholy, but not unpleasing reflection. Others bequeath to + the confidants of their bosom portraits of their external features—I put + into your hands a faithful transcript of my thoughts and feelings, of my + virtues and of my failings, with the assured hope, that the follies and + headstrong impetuosity of my youth will meet the same kind construction + and forgiveness which have so often attended the faults of my matured + age. +</p> +<p> + One advantage, among the many, of addressing my Memoirs (if I may give + these sheets a name so imposing) to a dear and intimate friend, is, that + I may spare some of the details, in this case unnecessary, with which I + must needs have detained a stranger from what I have to say of greater + interest. Why should I bestow all my tediousness upon you, because I have + you in my power, and have ink, paper, and time before me? At the same + time, I dare not promise that I may not abuse the opportunity so + temptingly offered me, to treat of myself and my own concerns, even + though I speak of circumstances as well known to you as to myself. The + seductive love of narrative, when we ourselves are the heroes of the + events which we tell, often disregards the attention due to the time and + patience of the audience, and the best and wisest have yielded to its + fascination. I need only remind you of the singular instance evinced by + the form of that rare and original edition of Sully's Memoirs, which you + (with the fond vanity of a book-collector) insist upon preferring to that + which is reduced to the useful and ordinary form of Memoirs, but which I + think curious, solely as illustrating how far so great a man as the + author was accessible to the foible of self-importance. If I recollect + rightly, that venerable peer and great statesman had appointed no fewer + than four gentlemen of his household to draw up the events of his life, + under the title of Memorials of the Sage and Royal Affairs of State, + Domestic, Political, and Military, transacted by Henry IV., and so forth. + These grave recorders, having made their compilation, reduced the Memoirs + containing all the remarkable events of their master's life into a + narrative, addressed to himself in <i>propria persona.</i> And thus, instead + of telling his own story, in the third person, like Julius Caesar, or in + the first person, like most who, in the hall, or the study, undertake to + be the heroes of their own tale, Sully enjoyed the refined, though + whimsical pleasure, of having the events of his life told over to him by + his secretaries, being himself the auditor, as he was also the hero, and + probably the author, of the whole book. It must have been a great sight + to have seen the ex-minister, as bolt upright as a starched ruff and + laced cassock could make him, seated in state beneath his canopy, and + listening to the recitation of his compilers, while, standing bare in his + presence, they informed him gravely, "Thus said the duke—so did the duke + infer—such were your grace's sentiments upon this important + point—such were your secret counsels to the king on that other + emergency,"—circumstances, all of which must have been much better + known to their hearer than to themselves, and most of which could only + be derived from his own special communication. +</p> +<p> + My situation is not quite so ludicrous as that of the great Sully, and + yet there would be something whimsical in Frank Osbaldistone giving Will + Tresham a formal account of his birth, education, and connections in the + world. I will, therefore, wrestle with the tempting spirit of P. P., + Clerk of our Parish, as I best may, and endeavour to tell you nothing + that is familiar to you already. Some things, however, I must recall to + your memory, because, though formerly well known to you, they may have + been forgotten through lapse of time, and they afford the ground-work of + my destiny. +</p> +<p> + You must remember my father well; for, as your own was a member of the + mercantile house, you knew him from infancy. Yet you hardly saw him in + his best days, before age and infirmity had quenched his ardent spirit of + enterprise and speculation. He would have been a poorer man, indeed, but + perhaps as happy, had he devoted to the extension of science those active + energies, and acute powers of observation, for which commercial pursuits + found occupation. Yet, in the fluctuations of mercantile speculation, + there is something captivating to the adventurer, even independent of the + hope of gain. He who embarks on that fickle sea, requires to possess the + skill of the pilot and the fortitude of the navigator, and after all may + be wrecked and lost, unless the gales of fortune breathe in his favour. + This mixture of necessary attention and inevitable hazard,—the frequent + and awful uncertainty whether prudence shall overcome fortune, or fortune + baffle the schemes of prudence, affords full occupation for the powers, + as well as for the feelings of the mind, and trade has all the + fascination of gambling without its moral guilt. +</p> +<p> + Early in the 18th century, when I (Heaven help me) was a youth of some + twenty years old, I was summoned suddenly from Bourdeaux to attend my + father on business of importance. I shall never forget our first + interview. You recollect the brief, abrupt, and somewhat stern mode in + which he was wont to communicate his pleasure to those around him. + Methinks I see him even now in my mind's eye;—the firm and upright + figure,—the step, quick and determined,—the eye, which shot so keen and + so penetrating a glance,—the features, on which care had already planted + wrinkles,—and hear his language, in which he never wasted word in vain, + expressed in a voice which had sometimes an occasional harshness, far + from the intention of the speaker. +</p> +<p> + When I dismounted from my post-horse, I hastened to my father's + apartment. He was traversing it with an air of composed and steady + deliberation, which even my arrival, although an only son unseen for four + years, was unable to discompose. I threw myself into his arms. He was a + kind, though not a fond father, and the tear twinkled in his dark eye, + but it was only for a moment. +</p> +<p> + "Dubourg writes to me that he is satisfied with you, Frank." +</p> +<p> + "I am happy, sir"— +</p> +<p> + "But I have less reason to be so" he added, sitting down at his bureau. +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry, sir"— +</p> +<p> + "Sorry and happy, Frank, are words that, on most occasions, signify + little or nothing—Here is your last letter." +</p> +<p> + He took it out from a number of others tied up in a parcel of red tape, + and curiously labelled and filed. There lay my poor epistle, written on + the subject the nearest to my heart at the time, and couched in words + which I had thought would work compassion if not conviction,—there, I + say, it lay, squeezed up among the letters on miscellaneous business in + which my father's daily affairs had engaged him. I cannot help smiling + internally when I recollect the mixture of hurt vanity, and wounded + feeling, with which I regarded my remonstrance, to the penning of which + there had gone, I promise you, some trouble, as I beheld it extracted + from amongst letters of advice, of credit, and all the commonplace + lumber, as I then thought them, of a merchant's correspondence. Surely, + thought I, a letter of such importance (I dared not say, even to myself, + so well written) deserved a separate place, as well as more anxious + consideration, than those on the ordinary business of the counting-house. +</p> +<p> + But my father did not observe my dissatisfaction, and would not have + minded it if he had. He proceeded, with the letter in his hand. "This, + Frank, is yours of the 21st ultimo, in which you advise me (reading from + my letter), that in the most important business of forming a plan, and + adopting a profession for life, you trust my paternal goodness will hold + you entitled to at least a negative voice; that you have insuperable—ay, + insuperable is the word—I wish, by the way, you would write a more + distinct current hand—draw a score through the tops of your t's, and + open the loops of your l's—insuperable objections to the arrangements + which I have proposed to you. There is much more to the same effect, + occupying four good pages of paper, which a little attention to + perspicuity and distinctness of expression might have comprised within as + many lines. For, after all, Frank, it amounts but to this, that you will + not do as I would have you." +</p> +<p> + "That I cannot, sir, in the present instance, not that I will not." +</p> +<p> + "Words avail very little with me, young man," said my father, whose + inflexibility always possessed the air of the most perfect calmness of + self-possession. "<i>Can not</i> may be a more civil phrase than <i>will not,</i> + but the expressions are synonymous where there is no moral impossibility. + But I am not a friend to doing business hastily; we will talk this matter + over after dinner.—Owen!" +</p> +<p> + Owen appeared, not with the silver locks which you were used to venerate, + for he was then little more than fifty; but he had the same, or an + exactly similar uniform suit of light-brown clothes,—the same pearl-grey + silk stockings,—the same stock, with its silver buckle,—the same + plaited cambric ruffles, drawn down over his knuckles in the parlour, but + in the counting-house carefully folded back under the sleeves, that they + might remain unstained by the ink which he daily consumed;—in a word, + the same grave, formal, yet benevolent cast of features, which continued + to his death to distinguish the head clerk of the great house of + Osbaldistone and Tresham. +</p> +<p> + "Owen," said my father, as the kind old man shook me affectionately by + the hand, "you must dine with us to-day, and hear the news Frank has + brought us from our friends in Bourdeaux." +</p> +<p> + Owen made one of his stiff bows of respectful gratitude; for, in those + days, when the distance between superiors and inferiors was enforced in a + manner to which the present times are strangers, such an invitation was a + favour of some little consequence. +</p> +<p> + I shall long remember that dinner-party. Deeply affected by feelings of + anxiety, not unmingled with displeasure, I was unable to take that active + share in the conversation which my father seemed to expect from me; and I + too frequently gave unsatisfactory answers to the questions with which he + assailed me. Owen, hovering betwixt his respect for his patron, and his + love for the youth he had dandled on his knee in childhood, like the + timorous, yet anxious ally of an invaded nation, endeavoured at every + blunder I made to explain my no-meaning, and to cover my retreat; + manoeuvres which added to my father's pettish displeasure, and brought a + share of it upon my kind advocate, instead of protecting me. I had not, + while residing in the house of Dubourg, absolutely conducted myself like +</p> +<pre> + A clerk condemn'd his father's soul to cross, + Who penn'd a stanza when he should engross;— +</pre> +<p> + but, to say truth, I had frequented the counting-house no more than I had + thought absolutely necessary to secure the good report of the Frenchman, + long a correspondent of our firm, to whom my father had trusted for + initiating me into the mysteries of commerce. In fact, my principal + attention had been dedicated to literature and manly exercises. My father + did not altogether discourage such acquirements, whether mental or + personal. He had too much good sense not to perceive, that they sate + gracefully upon every man, and he was sensible that they relieved and + dignified the character to which he wished me to aspire. But his chief + ambition was, that I should succeed not merely to his fortune, but to the + views and plans by which he imagined he could extend and perpetuate the + wealthy inheritance which he designed for me. +</p> +<p> + Love of his profession was the motive which he chose should be most + ostensible, when he urged me to tread the same path; but he had others + with which I only became acquainted at a later period. Impetuous in his + schemes, as well as skilful and daring, each new adventure, when + successful, became at once the incentive, and furnished the means, for + farther speculation. It seemed to be necessary to him, as to an ambitious + conqueror, to push on from achievement to achievement, without stopping + to secure, far less to enjoy, the acquisitions which he made. Accustomed + to see his whole fortune trembling in the scales of chance, and dexterous + at adopting expedients for casting the balance in his favour, his health + and spirits and activity seemed ever to increase with the animating + hazards on which he staked his wealth; and he resembled a sailor, + accustomed to brave the billows and the foe, whose confidence rises on + the eve of tempest or of battle. He was not, however, insensible to the + changes which increasing age or supervening malady might make in his own + constitution; and was anxious in good time to secure in me an assistant, + who might take the helm when his hand grew weary, and keep the vessel's + way according to his counsel and instruction. Paternal affection, as well + as the furtherance of his own plans, determined him to the same + conclusion. Your father, though his fortune was vested in the house, was + only a sleeping partner, as the commercial phrase goes; and Owen, whose + probity and skill in the details of arithmetic rendered his services + invaluable as a head clerk, was not possessed either of information or + talents sufficient to conduct the mysteries of the principal management. + If my father were suddenly summoned from life, what would become of the + world of schemes which he had formed, unless his son were moulded into a + commercial Hercules, fit to sustain the weight when relinquished by the + falling Atlas? and what would become of that son himself, if, a stranger + to business of this description, he found himself at once involved in the + labyrinth of mercantile concerns, without the clew of knowledge necessary + for his extraction? For all these reasons, avowed and secret, my father + was determined I should embrace his profession; and when he was + determined, the resolution of no man was more immovable. I, however, was + also a party to be consulted, and, with something of his own pertinacity, + I had formed a determination precisely contrary. It may, I hope, be some + palliative for the resistance which, on this occasion, I offered to my + father's wishes, that I did not fully understand upon what they were + founded, or how deeply his happiness was involved in them. Imagining + myself certain of a large succession in future, and ample maintenance in + the meanwhile, it never occurred to me that it might be necessary, in + order to secure these blessings, to submit to labour and limitations + unpleasant to my taste and temper. I only saw in my father's proposal for + my engaging in business, a desire that I should add to those heaps of + wealth which he had himself acquired; and imagining myself the best judge + of the path to my own happiness, I did not conceive that I should + increase that happiness by augmenting a fortune which I believed was + already sufficient, and more than sufficient, for every use, comfort, and + elegant enjoyment. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, I am compelled to repeat, that my time at Bourdeaux had not + been spent as my father had proposed to himself. What he considered as + the chief end of my residence in that city, I had postponed for every + other, and would (had I dared) have neglected altogether. Dubourg, a + favoured and benefited correspondent of our mercantile house, was too + much of a shrewd politician to make such reports to the head of the firm + concerning his only child, as would excite the displeasure of both; and + he might also, as you will presently hear, have views of selfish + advantage in suffering me to neglect the purposes for which I was placed + under his charge. My conduct was regulated by the bounds of decency and + good order, and thus far he had no evil report to make, supposing him so + disposed; but, perhaps, the crafty Frenchman would have been equally + complaisant, had I been in the habit of indulging worse feelings than + those of indolence and aversion to mercantile business. As it was, while + I gave a decent portion of my time to the commercial studies he + recommended, he was by no means envious of the hours which I dedicated to + other and more classical attainments, nor did he ever find fault with me + for dwelling upon Corneille and Boileau, in preference to Postlethwayte + (supposing his folio to have then existed, and Monsieur Dubourg able to + have pronounced his name), or Savary, or any other writer on commercial + economy. He had picked up somewhere a convenient expression, with which + he rounded off every letter to his correspondent,—"I was all," he said, + "that a father could wish." +</p> +<p> + My father never quarrelled with a phrase, however frequently repeated, + provided it seemed to him distinct and expressive; and Addison himself + could not have found expressions so satisfactory to him as, "Yours + received, and duly honoured the bills enclosed, as per margin." +</p> +<p> + Knowing, therefore, very well what he desired me to, be, Mr. Osbaldistone + made no doubt, from the frequent repetition of Dubourg's favourite + phrase, that I was the very thing he wished to see me; when, in an evil + hour, he received my letter, containing my eloquent and detailed apology + for declining a place in the firm, and a desk and stool in the corner of + the dark counting-house in Crane Alley, surmounting in height those of + Owen, and the other clerks, and only inferior to the tripod of my father + himself. All was wrong from that moment. Dubourg's reports became as + suspicious as if his bills had been noted for dishonour. I was summoned + home in all haste, and received in the manner I have already communicated + to you. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SECOND. +</h2> +<pre> + I begin shrewdly to suspect the young man of a terrible + taint—Poetry; with which idle disease if he be infected, + there's no hope of him in astate course. <i>Actum est</i> of him + for a commonwealth's man, if he goto't in rhyme once. + Ben Jonson's <i>Bartholomew Fair.</i> +</pre> +<p> + My father had, generally speaking, his temper under complete + self-command, and his anger rarely indicated itself by words, except in + a sort of dry testy manner, to those who had displeased him. He never + used threats, or expressions of loud resentment. All was arranged with + him on system, and it was his practice to do "the needful" on every + occasion, without wasting words about it. It was, therefore, with a + bitter smile that he listened to my imperfect answers concerning the + state of commerce in France, and unmercifully permitted me to involve + myself deeper and deeper in the mysteries of agio, tariffs, tare and + tret; nor can I charge my memory with his having looked positively + angry, until he found me unable to explain the exact effect which the + depreciation of the louis d'or had produced on the negotiation of bills + of exchange. "The most remarkable national occurrence in my time," said + my father (who nevertheless had seen the Revolution)—"and he knows no + more of it than a post on the quay!" +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Francis," suggested Owen, in his timid and conciliatory manner, + "cannot have forgotten, that by an <i>arret</i> of the King of France, dated + 1st May 1700, it was provided that the <i>porteur,</i> within ten days after + due, must make demand"— +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Francis," said my father, interrupting him, "will, I dare say, + recollect for the moment anything you are so kind as hint to him. But, + body o' me! how Dubourg could permit him! Hark ye, Owen, what sort of a + youth is Clement Dubourg, his nephew there, in the office, the + black-haired lad?" +</p> +<p> + "One of the cleverest clerks, sir, in the house; a prodigious young man + for his time," answered Owen; for the gaiety and civility of the young + Frenchman had won his heart. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay, I suppose <i>he</i> knows something of the nature of exchange. + Dubourg was determined I should have one youngster at least about my hand + who understood business. But I see his drift, and he shall find that I do + so when he looks at the balance-sheet. Owen, let Clement's salary be paid + up to next quarter-day, and let him ship himself back to Bourdeaux in his + father's ship, which is clearing out yonder." +</p> +<p> + "Dismiss Clement Dubourg, sir?" said Owen, with a faltering voice. +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir, dismiss him instantly; it is enough to have a stupid + Englishman in the counting-house to make blunders, without keeping a + sharp Frenchman there to profit by them." +</p> +<p> + I had lived long enough in the territories of the <i>Grand Monarque</i> to + contract a hearty aversion to arbitrary exertion of authority, even if it + had not been instilled into me with my earliest breeding; and I could not + refrain from interposing, to prevent an innocent and meritorious young + man from paying the penalty of having acquired that proficiency which my + father had desired for me. +</p> +<p> + "I beg pardon, sir," when Mr. Osbaldistone had done speaking; "but I + think it but just, that if I have been negligent of my studies, I should + pay the forfeit myself. I have no reason to charge Monsieur Dubourg with + having neglected to give me opportunities of improvement, however little + I may have profited by them; and with respect to Monsieur Clement + Dubourg"— +</p> +<p> + "With respect to him, and to you, I shall take the measures which I see + needful," replied my father; "but it is fair in you, Frank, to take your + own blame on your own shoulders—very fair, that cannot be denied.—I + cannot acquit old Dubourg," he said, looking to Owen, "for having merely + afforded Frank the means of useful knowledge, without either seeing that + he took advantage of them or reporting to me if he did not. You see, + Owen, he has natural notions of equity becoming a British merchant." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Francis," said the head-clerk, with his usual formal inclination of + the head, and a slight elevation of his right hand, which he had acquired + by a habit of sticking his pen behind his ear before he spoke—"Mr. + Francis seems to understand the fundamental principle of all moral + accounting, the great ethic rule of three. Let A do to B, as he would + have B do to him; the product will give the rule of conduct required." +</p> +<p> + My father smiled at this reduction of the golden rule to arithmetical + form, but instantly proceeded. +</p> +<p> + "All this signifies nothing, Frank; you have been throwing away your time + like a boy, and in future you must learn to live like a man. I shall put + you under Owen's care for a few months, to recover the lost ground." +</p> +<p> + I was about to reply, but Owen looked at me with such a supplicatory and + warning gesture, that I was involuntarily silent. +</p> +<p> + "We will then," continued my father, "resume the subject of mine of the + 1st ultimo, to which you sent me an answer which was unadvised and + unsatisfactory. So now, fill your glass, and push the bottle to Owen." +</p> +<p> + Want of courage—of audacity if you will—was never my failing. I + answered firmly, "I was sorry that my letter was unsatisfactory, + unadvised it was not; for I had given the proposal his goodness had made + me, my instant and anxious attention, and it was with no small pain that + I found myself obliged to decline it." +</p> +<p> + My father bent his keen eye for a moment on me, and instantly withdrew + it. As he made no answer, I thought myself obliged to proceed, though + with some hesitation, and he only interrupted me by monosyllables.—"It + is impossible, sir, for me to have higher respect for any character than + I have for the commercial, even were it not yours." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" +</p> +<p> + "It connects nation with nation, relieves the wants, and contributes to + the wealth of all; and is to the general commonwealth of the civilised + world what the daily intercourse of ordinary life is to private society, + or rather, what air and food are to our bodies." +</p> +<p> + "Well, sir?" +</p> +<p> + "And yet, sir, I find myself compelled to persist in declining to adopt a + character which I am so ill qualified to support." +</p> +<p> + "I will take care that you acquire the qualifications necessary. You are + no longer the guest and pupil of Dubourg." +</p> +<p> + "But, my dear sir, it is no defect of teaching which I plead, but my own + inability to profit by instruction." +</p> +<p> + "Nonsense.—Have you kept your journal in the terms I desired?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir." +</p> +<p> + "Be pleased to bring it here." +</p> +<p> + The volume thus required was a sort of commonplace book, kept by my + father's recommendation, in which I had been directed to enter notes of + the miscellaneous information which I had acquired in the course of my + studies. Foreseeing that he would demand inspection of this record, I had + been attentive to transcribe such particulars of information as he would + most likely be pleased with, but too often the pen had discharged the + task without much correspondence with the head. And it had also happened, + that, the book being the receptacle nearest to my hand, I had + occasionally jotted down memoranda which had little regard to traffic. I + now put it into my father's hand, devoutly hoping he might light on + nothing that would increase his displeasure against me. Owen's face, + which had looked something blank when the question was put, cleared up at + my ready answer, and wore a smile of hope, when I brought from my + apartment, and placed before my father, a commercial-looking volume, + rather broader than it was long, having brazen clasps and a binding of + rough calf. This looked business-like, and was encouraging to my + benevolent well-wisher. But he actually smiled with pleasure as he heard + my father run over some part of the contents, muttering his critical + remarks as he went on. +</p> +<p> + "<i>—Brandies—Barils and barricants, also tonneaux.—At Nantz 29—Velles + to the barique at Cognac and Rochelle 27—At Bourdeaux 32</i>—Very right, + Frank—<i>Duties on tonnage and custom-house, see Saxby's Tables</i>—That's + not well; you should have transcribed the passage; it fixes the thing in + the memory—<i>Reports outward and inward—Corn debentures—Over-sea + Cockets—Linens—Isingham—Gentish—Stock-fish—Titling—Cropling— + Lub-fish.</i> You should have noted that they are all, nevertheless to be + entered as titlings.—How many inches long is a titling?" +</p> +<p> + Owen, seeing me at fault, hazarded a whisper, of which I fortunately + caught the import. +</p> +<p> + "Eighteen inches, sir."— +</p> +<p> + "And a lub-fish is twenty-four—very right. It is important to remember + this, on account of the Portuguese trade—But what have we here?— + <i>Bourdeaux founded in the year—Castle of the Trompette—Palace of + Gallienus</i>—Well, well, that's very right too.—This is a kind of + waste-book, Owen, in which all the transactions of the day,—emptions, + orders, payments, receipts, acceptances, draughts, commissions, and + advices,—are entered miscellaneously." +</p> +<p> + "That they may be regularly transferred to the day-book and ledger," + answered Owen: "I am glad Mr. Francis is so methodical." +</p> +<p> + I perceived myself getting so fast into favour, that I began to fear the + consequence would be my father's more obstinate perseverance in his + resolution that I must become a merchant; and as I was determined on the + contrary, I began to wish I had not, to use my friend Mr. Owen's phrase, + been so methodical. But I had no reason for apprehension on that score; + for a blotted piece of paper dropped out of the book, and, being taken up + by my father, he interrupted a hint from Owen, on the propriety of + securing loose memoranda with a little paste, by exclaiming, "To the + memory of Edward the Black Prince—What's all this?—verses!—By Heaven, + Frank, you are a greater blockhead than I supposed you!" +</p> +<p> + My father, you must recollect, as a man of business, looked upon the + labour of poets with contempt; and as a religious man, and of the + dissenting persuasion, he considered all such pursuits as equally trivial + and profane. Before you condemn him, you must recall to remembrance how + too many of the poets in the end of the seventeenth century had led their + lives and employed their talents. The sect also to which my father + belonged, felt, or perhaps affected, a puritanical aversion to the + lighter exertions of literature. So that many causes contributed to + augment the unpleasant surprise occasioned by the ill-timed discovery of + this unfortunate copy of verses. As for poor Owen, could the bob-wig + which he then wore have uncurled itself, and stood on end with horror, I + am convinced the morning's labour of the friseur would have been undone, + merely by the excess of his astonishment at this enormity. An inroad on + the strong-box, or an erasure in the ledger, or a mis-summation in a + fitted account, could hardly have surprised him more disagreeably. My + father read the lines sometimes with an affectation of not being able to + understand the sense—sometimes in a mouthing tone of mock heroic—always + with an emphasis of the most bitter irony, most irritating to the nerves + of an author. +</p> +<pre> + "O for the voice of that wild horn, + On Fontarabian echoes borne, + The dying hero's call, + That told imperial Charlemagne, + How Paynim sons of swarthy Spain + Had wrought his champion's fall. +</pre> +<p> + "<i>Fontarabian echoes!</i>" continued my father, interrupting himself; "the + Fontarabian Fair would have been more to the purpose—<i>Paynim!</i>—What's + Paynim?—Could you not say Pagan as well, and write English at least, if + you must needs write nonsense?— +</p> +<pre> + "Sad over earth and ocean sounding. + And England's distant cliffs astounding. + Such are the notes should say + How Britain's hope, and France's fear, + Victor of Cressy and Poitier, + In Bordeaux dying lay." +</pre> +<p> + "Poitiers, by the way, is always spelt with an <i>s,</i> and I know no reason + why orthography should give place to rhyme.— +</p> +<pre> + "'Raise my faint head, my squires,' he said, + 'And let the casement be display'd, + That I may see once more + The splendour of the setting sun + Gleam on thy mirrored wave, Garonne, + And Blaye's empurpled shore. +</pre> +<p> + "<i>Garonne</i> and <i>sun</i> is a bad rhyme. Why, Frank, you do not even + understand the beggarly trade you have chosen. +</p> +<pre> + "'Like me, he sinks to Glory's sleep, + His fall the dews of evening steep, + As if in sorrow shed, + So soft shall fall the trickling tear, + When England's maids and matrons hear + Of their Black Edward dead. + + "'And though my sun of glory set, + Nor France, nor England, shall forget + The terror of my name; + And oft shall Britain's heroes rise, + New planets in these southern skies, + Through clouds of blood and flame.' +</pre> +<p> + "A cloud of flame is something new—Good-morrow, my masters all, and a + merry Christmas to you!—Why, the bellman writes better lines." He then + tossed the paper from him with an air of superlative contempt, and + concluded—"Upon my credit, Frank, you are a greater blockhead than I + took you for." +</p> +<p> + What could I say, my dear Tresham? There I stood, swelling with indignant + mortification, while my father regarded me with a calm but stern look of + scorn and pity; and poor Owen, with uplifted hands and eyes, looked as + striking a picture of horror as if he had just read his patron's name in + the Gazette. At length I took courage to speak, endeavouring that my tone + of voice should betray my feelings as little as possible. +</p> +<p> + "I am quite aware, sir, how ill qualified I am to play the conspicuous + part in society you have destined for me; and, luckily, I am not + ambitious of the wealth I might acquire. Mr. Owen would be a much more + effective assistant." I said this in some malice, for I considered Owen + as having deserted my cause a little too soon. +</p> +<p> + "Owen!" said my father—"The boy is mad—actually insane. And, pray, sir, + if I may presume to inquire, having coolly turned me over to Mr. Owen + (although I may expect more attention from any one than from my son), + what may your own sage projects be?" +</p> +<p> + "I should wish, sir," I replied, summoning up my courage, "to travel for + two or three years, should that consist with your pleasure; otherwise, + although late, I would willingly spend the same time at Oxford or + Cambridge." +</p> +<p> + "In the name of common sense! was the like ever heard?—to put yourself + to school among pedants and Jacobites, when you might be pushing your + fortune in the world! Why not go to Westminster or Eton at once, man, and + take to Lilly's Grammar and Accidence, and to the birch, too, if you like + it?" +</p> +<p> + "Then, sir, if you think my plan of improvement too late, I would + willingly return to the Continent." +</p> +<p> + "You have already spent too much time there to little purpose, Mr. + Francis." +</p> +<p> + "Then I would choose the army, sir, in preference to any other active + line of life." +</p> +<p> + "Choose the d—l!" answered my father, hastily, and then checking + himself—"I profess you make me as great a fool as you are yourself. Is + he not enough to drive one mad, Owen?"—Poor Owen shook his head, and + looked down. "Hark ye, Frank," continued my father, "I will cut all this + matter very short. I was at your age when my father turned me out of + doors, and settled my legal inheritance on my younger brother. I left + Osbaldistone Hall on the back of a broken-down hunter, with ten guineas + in my purse. I have never crossed the threshold again, and I never will. + I know not, and I care not, if my fox-hunting brother is alive, or has + broken his neck; but he has children, Frank, and one of them shall be my + son if you cross me farther in this matter." +</p> +<p> + "You will do your pleasure," I answered—rather, I fear, with more sullen + indifference than respect, "with what is your own." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, Frank, what I have <i>is</i> my own, if labour in getting, and care in + augmenting, can make a right of property; and no drone shall feed on my + honeycomb. Think on it well: what I have said is not without reflection, + and what I resolve upon I will execute." +</p> +<p> + "Honoured sir!—dear sir!" exclaimed Owen, tears rushing into his eyes, + "you are not wont to be in such a hurry in transacting business of + importance. Let Mr. Francis run up the balance before you shut the + account; he loves you, I am sure; and when he puts down his filial + obedience to the <i>per contra,</i> I am sure his objections will disappear." +</p> +<p> + "Do you think I will ask him twice," said my father, sternly, "to be my + friend, my assistant, and my confidant?—to be a partner of my cares and + of my fortune?—Owen, I thought you had known me better." +</p> +<p> + He looked at me as if he meant to add something more, but turned + instantly away, and left the room abruptly. I was, I own, affected by + this view of the case, which had not occurred to me; and my father would + probably have had little reason to complain of me, had he commenced the + discussion with this argument. +</p> +<p> + But it was too late. I had much of his own obduracy of resolution, and + Heaven had decreed that my sin should be my punishment, though not to the + extent which my transgression merited. Owen, when we were left alone, + continued to look at me with eyes which tears from time to time + moistened, as if to discover, before attempting the task of intercessor, + upon what point my obstinacy was most assailable. At length he began, + with broken and disconcerted accents,—"O L—d, Mr. Francis!—Good + Heavens, sir!—My stars, Mr. Osbaldistone!—that I should ever have seen + this day—and you so young a gentleman, sir!—For the love of Heaven! + look at both sides of the account—think what you are going to lose—a + noble fortune, sir—one of the finest houses in the City, even under the + old firm of Tresham and Trent, and now Osbaldistone and Tresham—You + might roll in gold, Mr. Francis—And, my dear young Mr. Frank, if there + was any particular thing in the business of the house which you disliked, + I would" (sinking his voice to a whisper) "put it in order for you + termly, or weekly, or daily, if you will—Do, my dear Mr. Francis, think + of the honour due to your father, that your days may be long in the + land." +</p> +<p> + "I am much obliged to you, Mr. Owen," said I—"very much obliged indeed; + but my father is best judge how to bestow his money. He talks of one of + my cousins: let him dispose of his wealth as he pleases—I will never + sell my liberty for gold." +</p> +<p> + "Gold, sir?—I wish you saw the balance-sheet of profits at last term—It + was in five figures—five figures to each partner's sum total, Mr. + Frank—And all this is to go to a Papist, and a north-country booby, and + a disaffected person besides—It will break my heart, Mr. Francis, that + have been toiling more like a dog than a man, and all for love of + the firm. Think how it will sound, Osbaldistone, Tresham, and + Osbaldistone—or perhaps, who knows" (again lowering his voice), + "Osbaldistone, Osbaldistone, and Tresham, for our Mr. Osbaldistone can + buy them all out." +</p> +<p> + "But, Mr. Owen, my cousin's name being also Osbaldistone, the name of the + company will sound every bit as well in your ears." +</p> +<p> + "O fie upon you, Mr. Francis, when you know how well I love you—Your + cousin, indeed!—a Papist, no doubt, like his father, and a disaffected + person to the Protestant succession—that's another item, doubtless." +</p> +<p> + "There are many very good men Catholics, Mr. Owen," rejoined I. +</p> +<p> + As Owen was about to answer with unusual animation, my father re-entered + the apartment. +</p> +<p> + "You were right," he said, "Owen, and I was wrong; we will take more time + to think over this matter.—Young man, you will prepare to give me an + answer on this important subject this day month." +</p> +<p> + I bowed in silence, sufficiently glad of a reprieve, and trusting it + might indicate some relaxation in my father's determination. +</p> +<p> + The time of probation passed slowly, unmarked by any accident whatever. I + went and came, and disposed of my time as I pleased, without question or + criticism on the part of my father. Indeed, I rarely saw him, save at + meal-times, when he studiously avoided a discussion which you may well + suppose I was in no hurry to press onward. Our conversation was of the + news of the day, or on such general topics as strangers discourse upon to + each other; nor could any one have guessed, from its tenor, that there + remained undecided betwixt us a dispute of such importance. It haunted + me, however, more than once, like the nightmare. Was it possible he would + keep his word, and disinherit his only son in favour of a nephew whose + very existence he was not perhaps quite certain of? My grandfather's + conduct, in similar circumstances, boded me no good, had I considered the + matter rightly. But I had formed an erroneous idea of my father's + character, from the importance which I recollected I maintained with him + and his whole family before I went to France. I was not aware that there + are men who indulge their children at an early age, because to do so + interests and amuses them, and who can yet be sufficiently severe when + the same children cross their expectations at a more advanced period. On + the contrary, I persuaded myself, that all I had to apprehend was some + temporary alienation of affection—perhaps a rustication of a few weeks, + which I thought would rather please me than otherwise, since it would + give me an opportunity of setting about my unfinished version of Orlando + Furioso, a poem which I longed to render into English verse. I suffered + this belief to get such absolute possession of my mind, that I had + resumed my blotted papers, and was busy in meditation on the + oft-recurring rhymes of the Spenserian stanza, when I heard a low and + cautious tap at the door of my apartment. "Come in," I said, and Mr. Owen + entered. So regular were the motions and habits of this worthy man, that + in all probability this was the first time he had ever been in the second + story of his patron's house, however conversant with the first; and I am + still at a loss to know in what manner he discovered my apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Francis," he said, interrupting my expression of surprise and + pleasure at seeing, him, "I do not know if I am doing well in what I am + about to say—it is not right to speak of what passes in the + compting-house out of doors—one should not tell, as they say, to the + post in the warehouse, how many lines there are in the ledger. But young + Twineall has been absent from the house for a fortnight and more, until + two days since." +</p> +<p> + "Very well, my dear sir, and how does that concern us?" +</p> +<p> + "Stay, Mr. Francis;—your father gave him a private commission; and I am + sure he did not go down to Falmouth about the pilchard affair; and the + Exeter business with Blackwell and Company has been settled; and the + mining people in Cornwall, Trevanion and Treguilliam, have paid all they + are likely to pay; and any other matter of business must have been put + through my books:—in short, it's my faithful belief that Twineall has + been down in the north." +</p> +<p> + "Do you really suppose?" so said I, somewhat startled. +</p> +<p> + "He has spoken about nothing, sir, since he returned, but his new boots, + and his Ripon spurs, and a cockfight at York—it's as true as the + multiplication-table. Do, Heaven bless you, my dear child, make up your + mind to please your father, and to be a man and a merchant at once." +</p> +<p> + I felt at that instant a strong inclination to submit, and to make Owen + happy by requesting him to tell my father that I resigned myself to his + disposal. But pride—pride, the source of so much that is good and so + much that is evil in our course of life, prevented me. My acquiescence + stuck in my throat; and while I was coughing to get it up, my father's + voice summoned Owen. He hastily left the room, and the opportunity was + lost. +</p> +<p> + My father was methodical in everything. At the very same time of the day, + in the same apartment, and with the same tone and manner which he had + employed an exact month before, he recapitulated the proposal he had made + for taking me into partnership, and assigning me a department in the + counting-house, and requested to have my final decision. I thought at the + time there was something unkind in this; and I still think that my + father's conduct was injudicious. A more conciliatory treatment would, in + all probability, have gained his purpose. As it was, I stood fast, and, + as respectfully as I could, declined the proposal he made to me. + Perhaps—for who can judge of their own heart?—I felt it unmanly to + yield on the first summons, and expected farther solicitation, as at + least a pretext for changing my mind. If so, I was disappointed; for my + father turned coolly to Owen, and only said, "You see it is as I told + you.—Well, Frank" (addressing me), "you are nearly of age, and as well + qualified to judge of what will constitute your own happiness as you + ever are like to be; therefore, I say no more. But as I am not bound to + give in to your plans, any more than you are compelled to submit to + mine, may I ask to know if you have formed any which depend on my + assistance?" +</p> +<p> + I answered, not a little abashed, "That being bred to no profession, and + having no funds of my own, it was obviously impossible for me to subsist + without some allowance from my father; that my wishes were very moderate; + and that I hoped my aversion for the profession to which he had designed + me, would not occasion his altogether withdrawing his paternal support + and protection." +</p> +<p> + "That is to say, you wish to lean on my arm, and yet to walk your own + way? That can hardly be, Frank;—however, I suppose you mean to obey my + directions, so far as they do not cross your own humour?" +</p> +<p> + I was about to speak—"Silence, if you please," he continued. "Supposing + this to be the case, you will instantly set out for the north of England, + to pay your uncle a visit, and see the state of his family. I have chosen + from among his sons (he has six, I believe) one who, I understand, is + most worthy to fill the place I intended for you in the counting-house. + But some farther arrangements may be necessary, and for these your + presence may be requisite. You shall have farther instructions at + Osbaldistone Hall, where you will please to remain until you hear from + me. Everything will be ready for your departure to-morrow morning." +</p> +<p> + With these words my father left the apartment. +</p> +<p> + "What does all this mean, Mr. Owen?" said I to my sympathetic friend, + whose countenance wore a cast of the deepest dejection. +</p> +<p> + "You have ruined yourself, Mr. Frank, that's all. When your father talks + in that quiet determined manner, there will be no more change in him than + in a fitted account." +</p> +<p> + And so it proved; for the next morning, at five o'clock, I found myself + on the road to York, mounted on a reasonably good horse, and with fifty + guineas in my pocket; travelling, as it would seem, for the purpose of + assisting in the adoption of a successor to myself in my father's house + and favour, and, for aught I knew, eventually in his fortune also. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER THIRD. +</h2> +<pre> + The slack sail shifts from side to side, + The boat, untrimm'd, admits the tide, + Borne down, adrift, at random tost, + The oar breaks short, the rudder's lost. + Gay's <i>Fables.</i> +</pre> +<p> + I have tagged with rhyme and blank verse the subdivisions of this + important narrative, in order to seduce your continued attention by + powers of composition of stronger attraction than my own. The preceding + lines refer to an unfortunate navigator, who daringly unloosed from its + moorings a boat, which he was unable to manage, and thrust it off into + the full tide of a navigable river. No schoolboy, who, betwixt frolic and + defiance, has executed a similar rash attempt, could feel himself, when + adrift in a strong current, in a situation more awkward than mine, when I + found myself driving, without a compass, on the ocean of human life. + There had been such unexpected ease in the manner in which my father + slipt a knot, usually esteemed the strongest which binds society + together, and suffered me to depart as a sort of outcast from his family, + that it strangely lessened the confidence in my own personal + accomplishments, which had hitherto sustained me. Prince Prettyman, now a + prince, and now a fisher's son, had not a more awkward sense of his + degradation. We are so apt, in our engrossing egotism, to consider all + those accessories which are drawn around us by prosperity, as pertaining + and belonging to our own persons, that the discovery of our unimportance, + when left to our own proper resources, becomes inexpressibly mortifying. + As the hum of London died away on my ear, the distant peal of her + steeples more than once sounded to my ears the admonitory "Turn again," + erst heard by her future Lord Mayor; and when I looked back from Highgate + on her dusky magnificence, I felt as if I were leaving behind me comfort, + opulence, the charms of society, and all the pleasures of cultivated + life. +</p> +<p> + But the die was cast. It was, indeed, by no means probable that a late + and ungracious compliance with my father's wishes would have reinstated + me in the situation which I had lost. On the contrary, firm and strong of + purpose as he himself was, he might rather have been disgusted than + conciliated by my tardy and compulsory acquiescence in his desire that I + should engage in commerce. My constitutional obstinacy came also to my + aid, and pride whispered how poor a figure I should make, when an airing + of four miles from London had blown away resolutions formed during a + month's serious deliberation. Hope, too, that never forsakes the young + and hardy, lent her lustre to my future prospects. My father could not be + serious in the sentence of foris-familiation, which he had so + unhesitatingly pronounced. It must be but a trial of my disposition, + which, endured with patience and steadiness on my part, would raise me in + his estimation, and lead to an amicable accommodation of the point in + dispute between us. I even settled in my own mind how far I would concede + to him, and on what articles of our supposed treaty I would make a firm + stand; and the result was, according to my computation, that I was to be + reinstated in my full rights of filiation, paying the easy penalty of + some ostensible compliances to atone for my past rebellion. +</p> +<p> + In the meanwhile, I was lord of my person, and experienced that feeling + of independence which the youthful bosom receives with a thrilling + mixture of pleasure and apprehension. My purse, though by no means amply + replenished, was in a situation to supply all the wants and wishes of a + traveller. I had been accustomed, while at Bourdeaux, to act as my own + valet; my horse was fresh, young, and active, and the buoyancy of my + spirits soon surmounted the melancholy reflections with which my journey + commenced. +</p> +<p> + I should have been glad to have journeyed upon a line of road better + calculated to afford reasonable objects of curiosity, or a more + interesting country, to the traveller. But the north road was then, and + perhaps still is, singularly deficient in these respects; nor do I + believe you can travel so far through Britain in any other direction + without meeting more of what is worthy to engage the attention. My mental + ruminations, notwithstanding my assumed confidence, were not always of an + unchequered nature. The Muse too,—the very coquette who had led me into + this wilderness,—like others of her sex, deserted me in my utmost need, + and I should have been reduced to rather an uncomfortable state of + dulness, had it not been for the occasional conversation of strangers who + chanced to pass the same way. But the characters whom I met with were of + a uniform and uninteresting description. Country parsons, jogging + homewards after a visitation; farmers, or graziers, returning from a + distant market; clerks of traders, travelling to collect what was due to + their masters, in provincial towns; with now and then an officer going + down into the country upon the recruiting service, were, at this period, + the persons by whom the turnpikes and tapsters were kept in exercise. Our + speech, therefore, was of tithes and creeds, of beeves and grain, of + commodities wet and dry, and the solvency of the retail dealers, + occasionally varied by the description of a siege, or battle, in + Flanders, which, perhaps, the narrator only gave me at second hand. + Robbers, a fertile and alarming theme, filled up every vacancy; and the + names of the Golden Farmer, the Flying Highwayman, Jack Needham, and + other Beggars' Opera heroes, were familiar in our mouths as household + words. At such tales, like children closing their circle round the fire + when the ghost story draws to its climax, the riders drew near to each + other, looked before and behind them, examined the priming of their + pistols, and vowed to stand by each other in case of danger; an + engagement which, like other offensive and defensive alliances, sometimes + glided out of remembrance when there was an appearance of actual peril. +</p> +<p> + Of all the fellows whom I ever saw haunted by terrors of this nature, one + poor man, with whom I travelled a day and a half, afforded me most + amusement. He had upon his pillion a very small, but apparently a very + weighty portmanteau, about the safety of which he seemed particularly + solicitous; never trusting it out of his own immediate care, and + uniformly repressing the officious zeal of the waiters and ostlers, who + offered their services to carry it into the house. With the same + precaution he laboured to conceal, not only the purpose of his journey, + and his ultimate place of destination, but even the direction of each + day's route. Nothing embarrassed him more than to be asked by any one, + whether he was travelling upwards or downwards, or at what stage he + intended to bait. His place of rest for the night he scrutinised with the + most anxious care, alike avoiding solitude, and what he considered as bad + neighbourhood; and at Grantham, I believe, he sate up all night to avoid + sleeping in the next room to a thick-set squinting fellow, in a black + wig, and a tarnished gold-laced waistcoat. With all these cares on his + mind, my fellow traveller, to judge by his thews and sinews, was a man + who might have set danger at defiance with as much impunity as most men. + He was strong and well built; and, judging from his gold-laced hat and + cockade, seemed to have served in the army, or, at least, to belong to + the military profession in one capacity or other. His conversation also, + though always sufficiently vulgar, was that of a man of sense, when the + terrible bugbears which haunted his imagination for a moment ceased to + occupy his attention. But every accidental association recalled them. An + open heath, a close plantation, were alike subjects of apprehension; and + the whistle of a shepherd lad was instantly converted into the signal of + a depredator. Even the sight of a gibbet, if it assured him that one + robber was safely disposed of by justice, never failed to remind him how + many remained still unhanged. +</p> +<p> + I should have wearied of this fellow's company, had I not been still more + tired of my own thoughts. Some of the marvellous stories, however, which + he related, had in themselves a cast of interest, and another whimsical + point of his peculiarities afforded me the occasional opportunity of + amusing myself at his expense. Among his tales, several of the + unfortunate travellers who fell among thieves, incurred that calamity + from associating themselves on the road with a well-dressed and + entertaining stranger, in whose company they trusted to find protection + as well as amusement; who cheered their journey with tale and song, + protected them against the evils of over-charges and false reckonings, + until at length, under pretext of showing a near path over a desolate + common, he seduced his unsuspicious victims from the public road into + some dismal glen, where, suddenly blowing his whistle, he assembled his + comrades from their lurking-place, and displayed himself in his true + colours—the captain, namely, of the band of robbers to whom his unwary + fellow-travellers had forfeited their purses, and perhaps their lives. + Towards the conclusion of such a tale, and when my companion had wrought + himself into a fever of apprehension by the progress of his own + narrative, I observed that he usually eyed me with a glance of doubt and + suspicion, as if the possibility occurred to him, that he might, at that + very moment, be in company with a character as dangerous as that which + his tale described. And ever and anon, when such suggestions pressed + themselves on the mind of this ingenious self-tormentor, he drew off from + me to the opposite side of the high-road, looked before, behind, and + around him, examined his arms, and seemed to prepare himself for flight + or defence, as circumstances might require. +</p> +<p> + The suspicion implied on such occasions seemed to me only momentary, and + too ludicrous to be offensive. There was, in fact, no particular + reflection on my dress or address, although I was thus mistaken for a + robber. A man in those days might have all the external appearance of a + gentleman, and yet turn out to be a highwayman. For the division of + labour in every department not having then taken place so fully as since + that period, the profession of the polite and accomplished adventurer, + who nicked you out of your money at White's, or bowled you out of it at + Marylebone, was often united with that of the professed ruffian, who on + Bagshot Heath, or Finchley Common, commanded his brother beau to stand + and deliver. There was also a touch of coarseness and hardness about the + manners of the times, which has since, in a great degree, been softened + and shaded away. It seems to me, on recollection, as if desperate men had + less reluctance then than now to embrace the most desperate means of + retrieving their fortune. The times were indeed past, when Anthony-a-Wood + mourned over the execution of two men, goodly in person, and of + undisputed courage and honour, who were hanged without mercy at Oxford, + merely because their distress had driven them to raise contributions on + the highway. We were still farther removed from the days of "the mad + Prince and Poins." And yet, from the number of unenclosed and extensive + heaths in the vicinity of the metropolis, and from the less populous + state of remote districts, both were frequented by that species of + mounted highwaymen, that may possibly become one day unknown, who carried + on their trade with something like courtesy; and, like Gibbet in the + Beaux Stratagem, piqued themselves on being the best behaved men on the + road, and on conducting themselves with all appropriate civility in the + exercise of their vocation. A young man, therefore, in my circumstances + was not entitled to be highly indignant at the mistake which confounded + him with this worshipful class of depredators. +</p> +<p> + Neither was I offended. On the contrary, I found amusement in alternately + exciting, and lulling to sleep, the suspicions of my timorous companion, + and in purposely so acting as still farther to puzzle a brain which + nature and apprehension had combined to render none of the clearest. When + my free conversation had lulled him into complete security, it required + only a passing inquiry concerning the direction of his journey, or the + nature of the business which occasioned it, to put his suspicions once + more in arms. For example, a conversation on the comparative strength and + activity of our horses, took such a turn as follows:— +</p> +<p> + "O sir," said my companion, "for the gallop I grant you; but allow me to + say, your horse (although he is a very handsome gelding—that must be + owned,) has too little bone to be a good roadster. The trot, sir" + (striking his Bucephalus with his spurs),—"the trot is the true pace for + a hackney; and, were we near a town, I should like to try that + daisy-cutter of yours upon a piece of level road (barring canter) for a + quart of claret at the next inn." +</p> +<p> + "Content, sir," replied I; "and here is a stretch of ground very + favourable." +</p> +<p> + "Hem, ahem," answered my friend with hesitation; "I make it a rule of + travelling never to blow my horse between stages; one never knows what + occasion he may have to put him to his mettle: and besides, sir, when I + said I would match you, I meant with even weight; you ride four stone + lighter than I." +</p> +<p> + "Very well; but I am content to carry weight. Pray, what may that + portmanteau of yours weigh?" +</p> +<p> + "My p-p-portmanteau?" replied he, hesitating—"O very little—a + feather—just a few shirts and stockings." +</p> +<p> + "I should think it heavier, from its appearance. I'll hold you the quart + of claret it makes the odds betwixt our weight." +</p> +<p> + "You're mistaken, sir, I assure you—quite mistaken," replied my friend, + edging off to the side of the road, as was his wont on these alarming + occasions. +</p> +<p> + "Well, I am willing to venture the wine; or, I will bet you ten pieces to + five, that I carry your portmanteau on my croupe, and out-trot you into + the bargain." +</p> +<p> + This proposal raised my friend's alarm to the uttermost. His nose changed + from the natural copper hue which it had acquired from many a comfortable + cup of claret or sack, into a palish brassy tint, and his teeth chattered + with apprehension at the unveiled audacity of my proposal, which seemed + to place the barefaced plunderer before him in full atrocity. As he + faltered for an answer, I relieved him in some degree by a question + concerning a steeple, which now became visible, and an observation that + we were now so near the village as to run no risk from interruption on + the road. At this his countenance cleared up: but I easily perceived that + it was long ere he forgot a proposal which seemed to him so fraught with + suspicion as that which I had now hazarded. I trouble you with this + detail of the man's disposition, and the manner in which I practised upon + it, because, however trivial in themselves, these particulars were + attended by an important influence on future incidents which will occur + in this narrative. At the time, this person's conduct only inspired me + with contempt, and confirmed me in an opinion which I already + entertained, that of all the propensities which teach mankind to torment + themselves, that of causeless fear is the most irritating, busy, painful, + and pitiable. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0004"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FOURTH. +</h2> +<pre> + The Scots are poor, cries surly English pride. + True is the charge; nor by themselves denied. + Are they not, then, in strictest reason clear, + Who wisely come to mend their fortunes here? + Churchill. +</pre> +<p> + There was, in the days of which I write, an old-fashioned custom on the + English road, which I suspect is now obsolete, or practised only by the + vulgar. Journeys of length being made on horseback, and, of course, by + brief stages, it was usual always to make a halt on the Sunday in some + town where the traveller might attend divine service, and his horse have + the benefit of the day of rest, the institution of which is as humane to + our brute labourers as profitable to ourselves. A counterpart to this + decent practice, and a remnant of old English hospitality, was, that the + landlord of a principal inn laid aside his character of a publican on the + seventh day, and invited the guests who chanced to be within his walls to + take a part of his family beef and pudding. This invitation was usually + complied with by all whose distinguished rank did not induce them to + think compliance a derogation; and the proposal of a bottle of wine after + dinner, to drink the landlord's health, was the only recompense ever + offered or accepted. +</p> +<p> + I was born a citizen of the world, and my inclination led me into all + scenes where my knowledge of mankind could be enlarged; I had, besides, + no pretensions to sequester myself on the score of superior dignity, and + therefore seldom failed to accept of the Sunday's hospitality of mine + host, whether of the Garter, Lion, or Bear. The honest publican, dilated + into additional consequence by a sense of his own importance, while + presiding among the guests on whom it was his ordinary duty to attend, + was in himself an entertaining, spectacle; and around his genial orbit, + other planets of inferior consequence performed their revolutions. The + wits and humorists, the distinguished worthies of the town or village, + the apothecary, the attorney, even the curate himself, did not disdain to + partake of this hebdomadal festivity. The guests, assembled from + different quarters, and following different professions, formed, in + language, manners, and sentiments, a curious contrast to each other, not + indifferent to those who desired to possess a knowledge of mankind in its + varieties. +</p> +<p> + It was on such a day, and such an occasion, that my timorous acquaintance + and I were about to grace the board of the ruddy-faced host of the Black + Bear, in the town of Darlington, and bishopric of Durham, when our + landlord informed us, with a sort of apologetic tone, that there was a + Scotch gentleman to dine with us. +</p> +<p> + "A gentleman!—what sort of a gentleman?" said my companion somewhat + hastily—his mind, I suppose, running on gentlemen of the pad, as they + were then termed. +</p> +<p> + "Why, a Scotch sort of a gentleman, as I said before," returned mine + host; "they are all gentle, ye mun know, though they ha' narra shirt to + back; but this is a decentish hallion—a canny North Briton as e'er + cross'd Berwick Bridge—I trow he's a dealer in cattle." +</p> +<p> + "Let us have his company, by all means," answered my companion; and then, + turning to me, he gave vent to the tenor of his own reflections. "I + respect the Scotch, sir; I love and honour the nation for their sense of + morality. Men talk of their filth and their poverty: but commend me to + sterling honesty, though clad in rags, as the poet saith. I have been + credibly assured, sir, by men on whom I can depend, that there was never + known such a thing in Scotland as a highway robbery." +</p> +<p> + "That's because they have nothing to lose," said mine host, with the + chuckle of a self-applauding wit. +</p> +<p> + "No, no, landlord," answered a strong deep voice behind him, "it's e'en + because your English gaugers and supervisors,* that you have sent down + benorth the Tweed, have taen up the trade of thievery over the heads of + the native professors." +</p> +<p> + * The introduction of gaugers, supervisors, and examiners, was one of the + great complaints of the Scottish nation, though a natural consequence of + the Union. +</p> +<p> + "Well said, Mr. Campbell," answered the landlord; "I did not think + thoud'st been sae near us, mon. But thou kens I'm an outspoken Yorkshire + tyke. And how go markets in the south?" +</p> +<p> + "Even in the ordinar," replied Mr. Campbell; "wise folks buy and sell, + and fools are bought and sold." +</p> +<p> + "But wise men and fools both eat their dinner," answered our jolly + entertainer; "and here a comes—as prime a buttock of beef as e'er hungry + men stuck fork in." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he eagerly whetted his knife, assumed his seat of empire at + the head of the board, and loaded the plates of his sundry guests with + his good cheer. +</p> +<p> + This was the first time I had heard the Scottish accent, or, indeed, that + I had familiarly met with an individual of the ancient nation by whom it + was spoken. Yet, from an early period, they had occupied and interested + my imagination. My father, as is well known to you, was of an ancient + family in Northumberland, from whose seat I was, while eating the + aforesaid dinner, not very many miles distant. The quarrel betwixt him + and his relatives was such, that he scarcely ever mentioned the race from + which he sprung, and held as the most contemptible species of vanity, the + weakness which is commonly termed family pride. His ambition was only to + be distinguished as William Osbaldistone, the first, at least one of the + first, merchants on Change; and to have proved him the lineal + representative of William the Conqueror would have far less flattered his + vanity than the hum and bustle which his approach was wont to produce + among the bulls, bears, and brokers of Stock-alley. He wished, no doubt, + that I should remain in such ignorance of my relatives and descent as + might insure a correspondence between my feelings and his own on this + subject. But his designs, as will happen occasionally to the wisest, + were, in some degree at least, counteracted by a being whom his pride + would never have supposed of importance adequate to influence them in any + way. His nurse, an old Northumbrian woman, attached to him from his + infancy, was the only person connected with his native province for whom + he retained any regard; and when fortune dawned upon him, one of the + first uses which he made of her favours, was to give Mabel Rickets a + place of residence within his household. After the death of my mother, + the care of nursing me during my childish illnesses, and of rendering all + those tender attentions which infancy exacts from female affection, + devolved on old Mabel. Interdicted by her master from speaking to him on + the subject of the heaths, glades, and dales of her beloved + Northumberland, she poured herself forth to my infant ear in descriptions + of the scenes of her youth, and long narratives of the events which + tradition declared to have passed amongst them. To these I inclined my + ear much more seriously than to graver, but less animated instructors. + Even yet, methinks I see old Mabel, her head slightly agitated by the + palsy of age, and shaded by a close cap, as white as the driven + snow,—her face wrinkled, but still retaining the healthy tinge which it had + acquired in rural labour—I think I see her look around on the brick + walls and narrow street which presented themselves before our windows, + as she concluded with a sigh the favourite old ditty, which I then + preferred, and—why should I not tell the truth?—which I still prefer + to all the opera airs ever minted by the capricious brain of an Italian + Mus. D.— +</p> +<pre> + Oh, the oak, the ash, and the bonny ivy tree, + They flourish best at home in the North Countrie! +</pre> +<p> + Now, in the legends of Mabel, the Scottish nation was ever freshly + remembered, with all the embittered declamation of which the narrator was + capable. The inhabitants of the opposite frontier served in her + narratives to fill up the parts which ogres and giants with seven-leagued + boots occupy in the ordinary nursery tales. And how could it be + otherwise? Was it not the Black Douglas who slew with his own hand the + heir of the Osbaldistone family the day after he took possession of his + estate, surprising him and his vassals while solemnizing a feast suited + to the occasion? Was it not Wat the Devil, who drove all the year-old + hogs off the braes of Lanthorn-side, in the very recent days of my + grandfather's father? And had we not many a trophy, but, according to old + Mabel's version of history, far more honourably gained, to mark our + revenge of these wrongs? Did not Sir Henry Osbaldistone, fifth baron of + the name, carry off the fair maid of Fairnington, as Achilles did his + Chryseis and Briseis of old, and detain her in his fortress against all + the power of her friends, supported by the most mighty Scottish chiefs of + warlike fame? And had not our swords shone foremost at most of those + fields in which England was victorious over her rival? All our family + renown was acquired—all our family misfortunes were occasioned—by the + northern wars. +</p> +<p> + Warmed by such tales, I looked upon the Scottish people during my + childhood, as a race hostile by nature to the more southern inhabitants + of this realm; and this view of the matter was not much corrected by the + language which my father sometimes held with respect to them. He had + engaged in some large speculations concerning oak-woods, the property of + Highland proprietors, and alleged, that he found them much more ready to + make bargains, and extort earnest of the purchase-money, than punctual in + complying on their side with the terms of the engagements. The Scottish + mercantile men, whom he was under the necessity of employing as a sort of + middle-men on these occasions, were also suspected by my father of having + secured, by one means or other, more than their own share of the profit + which ought to have accrued. In short, if Mabel complained of the + Scottish arms in ancient times, Mr. Osbaldistone inveighed no less + against the arts of these modern Sinons; and between them, though without + any fixed purpose of doing so, they impressed my youthful mind with a + sincere aversion to the northern inhabitants of Britain, as a people + bloodthirsty in time of war, treacherous during truce, interested, + selfish, avaricious, and tricky in the business of peaceful life, and + having few good qualities, unless there should be accounted such, a + ferocity which resembled courage in martial affairs, and a sort of wily + craft which supplied the place of wisdom in the ordinary commerce of + mankind. In justification, or apology, for those who entertained such + prejudices, I must remark, that the Scotch of that period were guilty of + similar injustice to the English, whom they branded universally as a race + of purse-proud arrogant epicures. Such seeds of national dislike remained + between the two countries, the natural consequences of their existence as + separate and rival states. We have seen recently the breath of a + demagogue blow these sparks into a temporary flame, which I sincerely + hope is now extinguished in its own ashes. * +</p> +<p> + * This seems to have been written about the time of Wilkes and Liberty. +</p> +<p> + It was, then, with an impression of dislike, that I contemplated the + first Scotchman I chanced to meet in society. There was much about him + that coincided with my previous conceptions. He had the hard features and + athletic form said to be peculiar to his country, together with the + national intonation and slow pedantic mode of expression, arising from a + desire to avoid peculiarities of idiom or dialect. I could also observe + the caution and shrewdness of his country in many of the observations + which he made, and the answers which he returned. But I was not prepared + for the air of easy self-possession and superiority with which he seemed + to predominate over the company into which he was thrown, as it were by + accident. His dress was as coarse as it could be, being still decent; + and, at a time when great expense was lavished upon the wardrobe, even of + the lowest who pretended to the character of gentleman, this indicated + mediocrity of circumstances, if not poverty. His conversation intimated + that he was engaged in the cattle trade, no very dignified professional + pursuit. And yet, under these disadvantages, he seemed, as a matter of + course, to treat the rest of the company with the cool and condescending + politeness which implies a real, or imagined, superiority over those + towards whom it is used. When he gave his opinion on any point, it was + with that easy tone of confidence used by those superior to their society + in rank or information, as if what he said could not be doubted, and was + not to be questioned. Mine host and his Sunday guests, after an effort or + two to support their consequence by noise and bold averment, sunk + gradually under the authority of Mr. Campbell, who thus fairly possessed + himself of the lead in the conversation. I was tempted, from curiosity, + to dispute the ground with him myself, confiding in my knowledge of the + world, extended as it was by my residence abroad, and in the stores with + which a tolerable education had possessed my mind. In the latter respect + he offered no competition, and it was easy to see that his natural powers + had never been cultivated by education. But I found him much better + acquainted than I was myself with the present state of France, the + character of the Duke of Orleans, who had just succeeded to the regency + of that kingdom, and that of the statesmen by whom he was surrounded; and + his shrewd, caustic, and somewhat satirical remarks, were those of a man + who had been a close observer of the affairs of that country. +</p> +<p> + On the subject of politics, Campbell observed a silence and moderation + which might arise from caution. The divisions of Whig and Tory then shook + England to her very centre, and a powerful party, engaged in the Jacobite + interest, menaced the dynasty of Hanover, which had been just established + on the throne. Every alehouse resounded with the brawls of contending + politicians, and as mine host's politics were of that liberal description + which quarrelled with no good customer, his hebdomadal visitants were + often divided in their opinion as irreconcilably as if he had feasted the + Common Council. The curate and the apothecary, with a little man, who + made no boast of his vocation, but who, from the flourish and snap of his + fingers, I believe to have been the barber, strongly espoused the cause + of high church and the Stuart line. The excise-man, as in duty bound, and + the attorney, who looked to some petty office under the Crown, together + with my fellow-traveller, who seemed to enter keenly into the contest, + staunchly supported the cause of King George and the Protestant + succession. Dire was the screaming—deep the oaths! Each party appealed + to Mr. Campbell, anxious, it seemed, to elicit his approbation. +</p> +<p> + "You are a Scotchman, sir; a gentleman of your country must stand up for + hereditary right," cried one party. +</p> +<p> + "You are a Presbyterian," assumed the other class of disputants; "you + cannot be a friend to arbitrary power." +</p> +<p> + "Gentlemen," said our Scotch oracle, after having gained, with some + difficulty, a moment's pause, "I havena much dubitation that King George + weel deserves the predilection of his friends; and if he can haud the + grip he has gotten, why, doubtless, he may made the gauger, here, a + commissioner of the revenue, and confer on our friend, Mr. Quitam, the + preferment of solicitor-general; and he may also grant some good deed or + reward to this honest gentleman who is sitting upon his portmanteau, + which he prefers to a chair: And, questionless, King James is also a + grateful person, and when he gets his hand in play, he may, if he be so + minded, make this reverend gentleman archprelate of Canterbury, and Dr. + Mixit chief physician to his household, and commit his royal beard to the + care of my friend Latherum. But as I doubt mickle whether any of the + competing sovereigns would give Rob Campbell a tass of aquavitae, if he + lacked it, I give my vote and interest to Jonathan Brown, our landlord, + to be the King and Prince of Skinkers, conditionally that he fetches us + another bottle as good as the last." +</p> +<p> + This sally was received with general applause, in which the landlord + cordially joined; and when he had given orders for fulfilling the + condition on which his preferment was to depend, he failed not to + acquaint them, "that, for as peaceable a gentleman as Mr. Campbell was, + he was, moreover, as bold as a lion—seven highwaymen had he defeated + with his single arm, that beset him as he came from Whitson-Tryste." +</p> +<p> + "Thou art deceived, friend Jonathan," said Campbell, interrupting him; + "they were but barely two, and two cowardly loons as man could wish to + meet withal." +</p> +<p> + "And did you, sir, really," said my fellow-traveller, edging his chair (I + should have said his portmanteau) nearer to Mr. Campbell, "really and + actually beat two highwaymen yourself alone?" +</p> +<p> + "In troth did I, sir," replied Campbell; "and I think it nae great thing + to make a sang about." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word, sir," replied my acquaintance, "I should be happy to have + the pleasure of your company on my journey—I go northward, sir." +</p> +<p> + This piece of gratuitous information concerning the route he proposed to + himself, the first I had heard my companion bestow upon any one, failed + to excite the corresponding confidence of the Scotchman. +</p> +<p> + "We can scarce travel together," he replied, drily. "You, sir, doubtless, + are well mounted, and I for the present travel on foot, or on a Highland + shelty, that does not help me much faster forward." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he called for a reckoning for the wine, and throwing down the + price of the additional bottle which he had himself introduced, rose as + if to take leave of us. My companion made up to him, and taking him by + the button, drew him aside into one of the windows. I could not help + overhearing him pressing something—I supposed his company upon the + journey, which Mr. Campbell seemed to decline. +</p> +<p> + "I will pay your charges, sir," said the traveller, in a tone as if he + thought the argument should bear down all opposition. +</p> +<p> + "It is quite impossible," said Campbell, somewhat contemptuously; "I have + business at Rothbury." +</p> +<p> + "But I am in no great hurry; I can ride out of the way, and never miss a + day or so for good company." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my faith, sir," said Campbell, "I cannot render you the service you + seem to desiderate. I am," he added, drawing himself up haughtily, + "travelling on my own private affairs, and if ye will act by my + advisement, sir, ye will neither unite yourself with an absolute stranger + on the road, nor communicate your line of journey to those who are asking + ye no questions about it." He then extricated his button, not very + ceremoniously, from the hold which detained him, and coming up to me as + the company were dispersing, observed, "Your friend, sir, is too + communicative, considering the nature of his trust." +</p> +<p> + "That gentleman," I replied, looking towards the traveller, "is no friend + of mine, but an acquaintance whom I picked up on the road. I know neither + his name nor business, and you seem to be deeper in his confidence than I + am." +</p> +<p> + "I only meant," he replied hastily, "that he seems a thought rash in + conferring the honour of his company on those who desire it not." +</p> +<p> + "The gentleman," replied I, "knows his own affairs best, and I should be + sorry to constitute myself a judge of them in any respect." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Campbell made no farther observation, but merely wished me a good + journey, and the party dispersed for the evening. +</p> +<p> + Next day I parted company with my timid companion, as I left the great + northern road to turn more westerly in the direction of Osbaldistone + Manor, my uncle's seat. I cannot tell whether he felt relieved or + embarrassed by my departure, considering the dubious light in which he + seemed to regard me. For my own part, his tremors ceased to amuse me, + and, to say the truth, I was heartily glad to get rid of him. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FIFTH. +</h2> +<pre> + How melts my beating heart as I behold + Each lovely nymph, our island's boast and pride, + Push on the generous steed, that sweeps along + O'er rough, o'er smooth, nor heeds the steepy hill, + Nor falters in the extended vale below! + The Chase. +</pre> +<p> + I approached my native north, for such I esteemed it, with that + enthusiasm which romantic and wild scenery inspires in the lovers of + nature. No longer interrupted by the babble of my companion, I could now + remark the difference which the country exhibited from that through which + I had hitherto travelled. The streams now more properly deserved the + name, for, instead of slumbering stagnant among reeds and willows, they + brawled along beneath the shade of natural copsewood; were now hurried + down declivities, and now purled more leisurely, but still in active + motion, through little lonely valleys, which, opening on the road from + time to time, seemed to invite the traveller to explore their recesses. + The Cheviots rose before me in frowning majesty; not, indeed, with the + sublime variety of rock and cliff which characterizes mountains of the + primary class but huge, round-headed, and clothed with a dark robe of + russet, gaining, by their extent and desolate appearance, an influence + upon the imagination, as a desert district possessing a character of its + own. +</p> +<p> + The abode of my fathers, which I was now approaching, was situated in a + glen, or narrow valley, which ran up among those hills. Extensive + estates, which once belonged to the family of Osbaldistone, had been long + dissipated by the misfortunes or misconduct of my ancestors; but enough + was still attached to the old mansion, to give my uncle the title of a + man of large property. This he employed (as I was given to understand by + some inquiries which I made on the road) in maintaining the prodigal + hospitality of a northern squire of the period, which he deemed essential + to his family dignity. +</p> +<p> + From the summit of an eminence I had already had a distant view of + Osbaldistone Hall, a large and antiquated edifice, peeping out from a + Druidical grove of huge oaks; and I was directing my course towards it, + as straightly and as speedily as the windings of a very indifferent road + would permit, when my horse, tired as he was, pricked up his ears at the + enlivening notes of a pack of hounds in full cry, cheered by the + occasional bursts of a French horn, which in those days was a constant + accompaniment to the chase. I made no doubt that the pack was my uncle's, + and drew up my horse with the purpose of suffering the hunters to pass + without notice, aware that a hunting-field was not the proper scene to + introduce myself to a keen sportsman, and determined when they had passed + on, to proceed to the mansion-house at my own pace, and there to await + the return of the proprietor from his sport. I paused, therefore, on a + rising ground, and, not unmoved by the sense of interest which that + species of silvan sport is so much calculated to inspire (although my + mind was not at the moment very accessible to impressions of this + nature), I expected with some eagerness the appearance of the huntsmen. +</p> +<p> + The fox, hard run, and nearly spent, first made his appearance from the + copse which clothed the right-hand side of the valley. His drooping + brush, his soiled appearance, and jaded trot, proclaimed his fate + impending; and the carrion crow, which hovered over him, already + considered poor Reynard as soon to be his prey. He crossed the stream + which divides the little valley, and was dragging himself up a ravine on + the other side of its wild banks, when the headmost hounds, followed by + the rest of the pack in full cry, burst from the coppice, followed by the + huntsman and three or four riders. The dogs pursued the trace of Reynard + with unerring instinct; and the hunters followed with reckless haste, + regardless of the broken and difficult nature of the ground. They were + tall, stout young men, well mounted, and dressed in green and red, the + uniform of a sporting association, formed under the auspices of old Sir + Hildebrand Osbaldistone.—"My cousins!" thought I, as they swept past me. + The next reflection was, what is my reception likely to be among these + worthy successors of Nimrod? and how improbable is it that I, knowing + little or nothing of rural sports, shall find myself at ease, or happy, + in my uncle's family. A vision that passed me interrupted these + reflections. +</p> +<p> + It was a young lady, the loveliness of whose very striking features was + enhanced by the animation of the chase and the glow of the exercise, + mounted on a beautiful horse, jet black, unless where he was flecked by + spots of the snow-white foam which embossed his bridle. She wore, what + was then somewhat unusual, a coat, vest, and hat, resembling those of a + man, which fashion has since called a riding habit. The mode had been + introduced while I was in France, and was perfectly new to me. Her long + black hair streamed on the breeze, having in the hurry of the chase + escaped from the ribbon which bound it. Some very broken ground, through + which she guided her horse with the most admirable address and presence + of mind, retarded her course, and brought her closer to me than any of + the other riders had passed. I had, therefore, a full view of her + uncommonly fine face and person, to which an inexpressible charm was + added by the wild gaiety of the scene, and the romance of her singular + dress and unexpected appearance. As she passed me, her horse made, in his + impetuosity, an irregular movement, just while, coming once more upon + open ground, she was again putting him to his speed. It served as an + apology for me to ride close up to her, as if to her assistance. There + was, however, no cause for alarm; it was not a stumble, nor a false step; + and, if it had, the fair Amazon had too much self-possession to have been + deranged by it. She thanked my good intentions, however, by a smile, and + I felt encouraged to put my horse to the same pace, and to keep in her + immediate neighbourhood. The clamour of "Whoop! dead! dead!"—and the + corresponding flourish of the French horn, soon announced to us that + there was no more occasion for haste, since the chase was at a close. One + of the young men whom we had seen approached us, waving the brush of the + fox in triumph, as if to upbraid my fair companion, +</p> +<p> + "I see," she replied,—"I see; but make no noise about it: if Phoebe," + she said, patting the neck of the beautiful animal on which she rode, + "had not got among the cliffs, you would have had little cause for + boasting." +</p> +<p> + They met as she spoke, and I observed them both look at me, and converse + a moment in an under-tone, the young lady apparently pressing the + sportsman to do something which he declined shyly, and with a sort of + sheepish sullenness. She instantly turned her horse's head towards me, + saying,—"Well, well, Thornie, if you won't, I must, that's all.—Sir," + she continued, addressing me, "I have been endeavouring to persuade this + cultivated young gentleman to make inquiry of you whether, in the course + of your travels in these parts, you have heard anything of a friend of + ours, one Mr. Francis Osbaldistone, who has been for some days expected + at Osbaldistone Hall?" +</p> +<p> + I was too happy to acknowledge myself to be the party inquired after, and + to express my thanks for the obliging inquiries of the young lady. +</p> +<p> + "In that case, sir," she rejoined, "as my kinsman's politeness seems to + be still slumbering, you will permit me (though I suppose it is highly + improper) to stand mistress of ceremonies, and to present to you young + Squire Thorncliff Osbaldistone, your cousin, and Die Vernon, who has also + the honour to be your accomplished cousin's poor kinswoman." +</p> +<p> + There was a mixture of boldness, satire, and simplicity in the manner in + which Miss Vernon pronounced these words. My knowledge of life was + sufficient to enable me to take up a corresponding tone as I expressed my + gratitude to her for her condescension, and my extreme pleasure at having + met with them. To say the truth, the compliment was so expressed, that + the lady might easily appropriate the greater share of it, for Thorncliff + seemed an arrant country bumpkin, awkward, shy, and somewhat sulky + withal. He shook hands with me, however, and then intimated his intention + of leaving me that he might help the huntsman and his brothers to couple + up the hounds,—a purpose which he rather communicated by way of + information to Miss Vernon than as apology to me. +</p> +<p> + "There he goes," said the young lady, following him with eyes in which + disdain was admirably painted—"the prince of grooms and cock-fighters, + and blackguard horse-coursers. But there is not one of them to mend + another.—Have you read Markham?" said Miss Vernon. +</p> +<p> + "Read whom, ma'am?—I do not even remember the author's name." +</p> +<p> + "O lud! on what a strand are you wrecked!" replied the young lady. "A + poor forlorn and ignorant stranger, unacquainted with the very Alcoran of + the savage tribe whom you are come to reside among—Never to have heard + of Markham, the most celebrated author on farriery! then I fear you are + equally a stranger to the more modern names of Gibson and Bartlett?" +</p> +<p> + "I am, indeed, Miss Vernon." +</p> +<p> + "And do you not blush to own it?" said Miss Vernon. "Why, we must + forswear your alliance. Then, I suppose, you can neither give a ball, nor + a mash, nor a horn!" +</p> +<p> + "I confess I trust all these matters to an ostler, or to my groom." +</p> +<p> + "Incredible carelessness!—And you cannot shoe a horse, or cut his mane + and tail; or worm a dog, or crop his ears, or cut his dew-claws; or + reclaim a hawk, or give him his casting-stones, or direct his diet when + he is sealed; or"— +</p> +<p> + "To sum up my insignificance in one word," replied I, "I am profoundly + ignorant in all these rural accomplishments." +</p> +<p> + "Then, in the name of Heaven, Mr. Francis Osbaldistone, what <i>can</i> you + do?" +</p> +<p> + "Very little to the purpose, Miss Vernon; something, however, I can + pretend to—When my groom has dressed my horse I can ride him, and when + my hawk is in the field, I can fly him." +</p> +<p> + "Can you do this?" said the young lady, putting her horse to a canter. +</p> +<p> + There was a sort of rude overgrown fence crossed the path before us, with + a gate composed of pieces of wood rough from the forest; I was about to + move forward to open it, when Miss Vernon cleared the obstruction at a + flying leap. I was bound in point of honour to follow, and was in a + moment again at her side. "There are hopes of you yet," she said. "I was + afraid you had been a very degenerate Osbaldistone. But what on earth + brings you to Cub-Castle?—for so the neighbours have christened this + hunting-hall of ours. You might have stayed away, I suppose, if you + would?" +</p> +<p> + I felt I was by this time on a very intimate footing with my beautiful + apparition, and therefore replied, in a confidential under-tone—"Indeed, + my dear Miss Vernon, I might have considered it as a sacrifice to be a + temporary resident in Osbaldistone Hall, the inmates being such as you + describe them; but I am convinced there is one exception that will make + amends for all deficiencies." +</p> +<p> + "O, you mean Rashleigh?" said Miss Vernon. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed I do not; I was thinking—forgive me—of some person much nearer + me." +</p> +<p> + "I suppose it would be proper not to understand your civility?—But that + is not my way—I don't make a courtesy for it because I am sitting on + horseback. But, seriously, I deserve your exception, for I am the only + conversable being about the Hall, except the old priest and Rashleigh." +</p> +<p> + "And who is Rashleigh, for Heaven's sake?" +</p> +<p> + "Rashleigh is one who would fain have every one like him for his own + sake. He is Sir Hildebrand's youngest son—about your own age, but not + so—not well looking, in short. But nature has given him a mouthful of + common sense, and the priest has added a bushelful of learning; he is + what we call a very clever man in this country, where clever men are + scarce. Bred to the church, but in no hurry to take orders." +</p> +<p> + "To the Catholic Church?" +</p> +<p> + "The Catholic Church? what Church else?" said the young lady. "But I + forgot—they told me you are a heretic. Is that true, Mr. Osbaldistone?" +</p> +<p> + "I must not deny the charge." +</p> +<p> + "And yet you have been abroad, and in Catholic countries?" +</p> +<p> + "For nearly four years." +</p> +<p> + "You have seen convents?" +</p> +<p> + "Often; but I have not seen much in them which recommended the Catholic + religion." +</p> +<p> + "Are not the inhabitants happy?" +</p> +<p> + "Some are unquestionably so, whom either a profound sense of devotion, or + an experience of the persecutions and misfortunes of the world, or a + natural apathy of temper, has led into retirement. Those who have adopted + a life of seclusion from sudden and overstrained enthusiasm, or in hasty + resentment of some disappointment or mortification, are very miserable. + The quickness of sensation soon returns, and like the wilder animals in a + menagerie, they are restless under confinement, while others muse or + fatten in cells of no larger dimensions than theirs." +</p> +<p> + "And what," continued Miss Vernon, "becomes of those victims who are + condemned to a convent by the will of others? what do they resemble? + especially, what do they resemble, if they are born to enjoy life, and + feel its blessings?" +</p> +<p> + "They are like imprisoned singing-birds," replied I, "condemned to wear + out their lives in confinement, which they try to beguile by the exercise + of accomplishments which would have adorned society had they been left at + large." +</p> +<p> + "I shall be," returned Miss Vernon—"that is," said she, correcting + herself—"I should be rather like the wild hawk, who, barred the free + exercise of his soar through heaven, will dash himself to pieces against + the bars of his cage. But to return to Rashleigh," said she, in a more + lively tone, "you will think him the pleasantest man you ever saw in your + life, Mr. Osbaldistone,—that is, for a week at least. If he could find + out a blind mistress, never man would be so secure of conquest; but the + eye breaks the spell that enchants the ear.—But here we are in the court + of the old hall, which looks as wild and old-fashioned as any of its + inmates. There is no great toilette kept at Osbaldistone Hall, you must + know; but I must take off these things, they are so unpleasantly + warm,—and the hat hurts my forehead, too," continued the lively girl, + taking it off, and shaking down a profusion of sable ringlets, which, + half laughing, half blushing, she separated with her white slender + fingers, in order to clear them away from her beautiful face and + piercing hazel eyes. If there was any coquetry in the action, it was + well disguised by the careless indifference of her manner. I could not + help saying, "that, judging of the family from what I saw, I should + suppose the toilette a very unnecessary care." +</p> +<p> + "That's very politely said—though, perhaps, I ought not to understand in + what sense it was meant," replied Miss Vernon; "but you will see a better + apology for a little negligence when you meet the Orsons you are to live + amongst, whose forms no toilette could improve. But, as I said before, + the old dinner-bell will clang, or rather clank, in a few minutes—it + cracked of its own accord on the day of the landing of King Willie, and + my uncle, respecting its prophetic talent, would never permit it to be + mended. So do you hold my palfrey, like a duteous knight, until I send + some more humble squire to relieve you of the charge." +</p> +<p> + She threw me the rein as if we had been acquainted from our childhood, + jumped from her saddle, tripped across the courtyard, and entered at a + side-door, leaving me in admiration of her beauty, and astonished with + the over-frankness of her manners, which seemed the more extraordinary at + a time when the dictates of politeness, flowing from the court of the + Grand Monarque Louis XIV., prescribed to the fair sex an unusual severity + of decorum. I was left awkwardly enough stationed in the centre of the + court of the old hall, mounted on one horse, and holding another in my + hand. +</p> +<p> + The building afforded little to interest a stranger, had I been disposed + to consider it attentively; the sides of the quadrangle were of various + architecture, and with their stone-shafted latticed windows, projecting + turrets, and massive architraves, resembled the inside of a convent, or + of one of the older and less splendid colleges of Oxford. I called for a + domestic, but was for some time totally unattended to; which was the more + provoking, as I could perceive I was the object of curiosity to several + servants, both male and female, from different parts of the building, who + popped out their heads and withdrew them, like rabbits in a warren, + before I could make a direct appeal to the attention of any individual. + The return of the huntsmen and hounds relieved me from my embarrassment, + and with some difficulty I got one down to relieve me of the charge of + the horses, and another stupid boor to guide me to the presence of Sir + Hildebrand. This service he performed with much such grace and good-will, + as a peasant who is compelled to act as guide to a hostile patrol; and in + the same manner I was obliged to guard against his deserting me in the + labyrinth of low vaulted passages which conducted to "Stun Hall," as he + called it, where I was to be introduced to the gracious presence of my + uncle. +</p> +<p> + We did, however, at length reach a long vaulted room, floored with stone, + where a range of oaken tables, of a weight and size too massive ever to + be moved aside, were already covered for dinner. This venerable + apartment, which had witnessed the feasts of several generations of the + Osbaldistone family, bore also evidence of their success in field sports. + Huge antlers of deer, which might have been trophies of the hunting of + Chevy Chace, were ranged around the walls, interspersed with the stuffed + skins of badgers, otters, martins, and other animals of the chase. Amidst + some remnants of old armour, which had, perhaps, served against the + Scotch, hung the more valued weapons of silvan war, cross-bows, guns of + various device and construction, nets, fishing-rods, otter-spears, + hunting-poles, with many other singular devices, and engines for taking + or killing game. A few old pictures, dimmed with smoke, and stained with + March beer, hung on the walls, representing knights and ladies, honoured, + doubtless, and renowned in their day; those frowning fearfully from huge + bushes of wig and of beard; and these looking delightfully with all their + might at the roses which they brandished in their hands. +</p> +<p> + I had just time to give a glance at these matters, when about twelve + blue-coated servants burst into the hall with much tumult and talk, each + rather employed in directing his comrades than in discharging his own + duty. Some brought blocks and billets to the fire, which roared, blazed, + and ascended, half in smoke, half in flame, up a huge tunnel, with an + opening wide enough to accommodate a stone seat within its ample vault, + and which was fronted, by way of chimney-piece, with a huge piece of + heavy architecture, where the monsters of heraldry, embodied by the art + of some Northumbrian chisel, grinned and ramped in red free-stone, now + japanned by the smoke of centuries. Others of these old-fashioned + serving-men bore huge smoking dishes, loaded with substantial fare; + others brought in cups, flagons, bottles, yea barrels of liquor. All + tramped, kicked, plunged, shouldered, and jostled, doing as little + service with as much tumult as could well be imagined. At length, while + the dinner was, after various efforts, in the act of being arranged upon + the board, "the clamour much of men and dogs," the cracking of whips, + calculated for the intimidation of the latter, voices loud and high, + steps which, impressed by the heavy-heeled boots of the period, clattered + like those in the statue of the <i>Festin de Pierre,</i>* announced the + arrival of those for whose benefit the preparations were made. +</p> +<p> + * Now called Don Juan. +</p> +<p> + The hubbub among the servants rather increased than diminished as this + crisis approached. Some called to make haste,—others to take + time,—some exhorted to stand out of the way, and make room for Sir + Hildebrand and the young squires,—some to close round the table and be + <i>in</i> the way,—some bawled to open, some to shut, a pair of + folding-doors which divided the hall from a sort of gallery, as I + afterwards learned, or withdrawing-room, fitted up with black wainscot. + Opened the doors were at length, and in rushed curs and men,—eight + dogs, the domestic chaplain, the village doctor, my six cousins, and my + uncle. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SIXTH. +</h2> +<pre> + The rude hall rocks—they come, they come,— + The din of voices shakes the dome;— + In stalk the various forms, and, drest + In varying morion, varying vest, + All march with haughty step—all proudly shake the crest. + Penrose. +</pre> +<p> + If Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone was in no hurry to greet his nephew, of + whose arrival he must have been informed for some time, he had important + avocations to allege in excuse. "Had seen thee sooner, lad," he + exclaimed, after a rough shake of the hand, and a hearty welcome to + Osbaldistone Hall, "but had to see the hounds kennelled first. Thou art + welcome to the Hall, lad—here is thy cousin Percie, thy cousin Thornie, + and thy cousin John—your cousin Dick, your cousin Wilfred, and—stay, + where's Rashleigh?—ay, here's Rashleigh—take thy long body aside + Thornie, and let's see thy brother a bit—your cousin Rashleigh. So, thy + father has thought on the old Hall, and old Sir Hildebrand at + last—better late than never—Thou art welcome, lad, and there's enough. + Where's my little Die?—ay, here she comes—this is my niece Die, my + wife's brother's daughter—the prettiest girl in our dales, be the other + who she may—and so now let's to the sirloin."— +</p> +<p> + To gain some idea of the person who held this language, you must suppose, + my dear Tresham, a man aged about sixty, in a hunting suit which had once + been richly laced, but whose splendour had been tarnished by many a + November and December storm. Sir Hildebrand, notwithstanding the + abruptness of his present manner, had, at one period of his life, known + courts and camps; had held a commission in the army which encamped on + Hounslow Heath previous to the Revolution—and, recommended perhaps by + his religion, had been knighted about the same period by the unfortunate + and ill-advised James II. But the Knight's dreams of further preferment, + if he ever entertained any, had died away at the crisis which drove his + patron from the throne, and since that period he had spent a sequestered + life upon his native domains. Notwithstanding his rusticity, however, Sir + Hildebrand retained much of the exterior of a gentleman, and appeared + among his sons as the remains of a Corinthian pillar, defaced and + overgrown with moss and lichen, might have looked, if contrasted with the + rough unhewn masses of upright stones in Stonhenge, or any other + Druidical temple. The sons were, indeed, heavy unadorned blocks as the + eye would desire to look upon. Tall, stout, and comely, all and each of + the five eldest seemed to want alike the Promethean fire of intellect, + and the exterior grace and manner, which, in the polished world, + sometimes supply mental deficiency. Their most valuable moral quality + seemed to be the good-humour and content which was expressed in their + heavy features, and their only pretence to accomplishment was their + dexterity in field sports, for which alone they lived. The strong Gyas, + and the strong Cloanthus, are not less distinguished by the poet, than + the strong Percival, the strong Thorncliff, the strong John, Richard, and + Wilfred Osbaldistones, were by outward appearance. +</p> +<p> + But, as if to indemnify herself for a uniformity so uncommon in her + productions, Dame Nature had rendered Rashleigh Osbaldistone a striking + contrast in person and manner, and, as I afterwards learned, in temper + and talents, not only to his brothers, but to most men whom I had + hitherto met with. When Percie, Thornie, and Co. had respectively nodded, + grinned, and presented their shoulder rather than their hand, as their + father named them to their new kinsman, Rashleigh stepped forward, and + welcomed me to Osbaldistone Hall, with the air and manner of a man of the + world. His appearance was not in itself prepossessing. He was of low + stature, whereas all his brethren seemed to be descendants of Anak; and + while they were handsomely formed, Rashleigh, though strong in person, + was bull-necked and cross-made, and from some early injury in his youth + had an imperfection in his gait, so much resembling an absolute halt, + that many alleged that it formed the obstacle to his taking orders; the + Church of Rome, as is well known, admitting none to the clerical + profession who labours under any personal deformity. Others, however, + ascribed this unsightly defect to a mere awkward habit, and contended + that it did not amount to a personal disqualification from holy orders. +</p> +<p> + The features of Rashleigh were such, as, having looked upon, we in vain + wish to banish from our memory, to which they recur as objects of painful + curiosity, although we dwell upon them with a feeling of dislike, and + even of disgust. It was not the actual plainness of his face, taken + separately from the meaning, which made this strong impression. His + features were, indeed, irregular, but they were by no means vulgar; and + his keen dark eyes, and shaggy eyebrows, redeemed his face from the + charge of commonplace ugliness. But there was in these eyes an expression + of art and design, and, on provocation, a ferocity tempered by caution, + which nature had made obvious to the most ordinary physiognomist, perhaps + with the same intention that she has given the rattle to the poisonous + snake. As if to compensate him for these disadvantages of exterior, + Rashleigh Osbaldistone was possessed of a voice the most soft, mellow, + and rich in its tones that I ever heard, and was at no loss for language + of every sort suited to so fine an organ. His first sentence of welcome + was hardly ended, ere I internally agreed with Miss Vernon, that my new + kinsman would make an instant conquest of a mistress whose ears alone + were to judge his cause. He was about to place himself beside me at + dinner, but Miss Vernon, who, as the only female in the family, arranged + all such matters according to her own pleasure, contrived that I should + sit betwixt Thorncliff and herself; and it can scarce be doubted that I + favoured this more advantageous arrangement. +</p> +<p> + "I want to speak with you," she said, "and I have placed honest Thornie + betwixt Rashleigh and you on purpose. He will be like— +</p> +<pre> + Feather-bed 'twixt castle wall + And heavy brunt of cannon ball, +</pre> +<p> + while I, your earliest acquaintance in this intellectual family, ask of + you how you like us all?" +</p> +<p> + "A very comprehensive question, Miss Vernon, considering how short while + I have been at Osbaldistone Hall." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, the philosophy of our family lies on the surface—there are minute + shades distinguishing the individuals, which require the eye of an + intelligent observer; but the species, as naturalists I believe call it, + may be distinguished and characterized at once." +</p> +<p> + "My five elder cousins, then, are I presume of pretty nearly the same + character." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, they form a happy compound of sot, gamekeeper, bully, horse-jockey, + and fool; but as they say there cannot be found two leaves on the same + tree exactly alike, so these happy ingredients, being mingled in somewhat + various proportions in each individual, make an agreeable variety for + those who like to study character." +</p> +<p> + "Give me a sketch, if you please, Miss Vernon." +</p> +<p> + "You shall have them all in a family-piece, at full length—the favour is + too easily granted to be refused. Percie, the son and heir, has more of + the sot than of the gamekeeper, bully, horse-jockey, or fool—My precious + Thornie is more of the bully than the sot, gamekeeper, jockey, or + fool—John, who sleeps whole weeks amongst the hills, has most of the + gamekeeper—The jockey is powerful with Dickon, who rides two hundred + miles by day and night to be bought and sold at a horse-race—And the + fool predominates so much over Wilfred's other qualities, that he may be + termed a fool positive." +</p> +<p> + "A goodly collection, Miss Vernon, and the individual varieties belong to + a most interesting species. But is there no room on the canvas for Sir + Hildebrand?" +</p> +<p> + "I love my uncle," was her reply: "I owe him some kindness (such it was + meant for at least), and I will leave you to draw his picture yourself, + when you know him better." +</p> +<p> + "Come," thought I to myself, "I am glad there is some forbearance. After + all, who would have looked for such bitter satire from a creature so + young, and so exquisitely beautiful?" +</p> +<p> + "You are thinking of me," she said, bending her dark eyes on me, as if + she meant to pierce through my very soul. +</p> +<p> + "I certainly was," I replied, with some embarrassment at the determined + suddenness of the question, and then, endeavouring to give a + complimentary turn to my frank avowal—"How is it possible I should think + of anything else, seated as I have the happiness to be?" +</p> +<p> + She smiled with such an expression of concentrated haughtiness as she + alone could have thrown into her countenance. "I must inform you at once, + Mr. Osbaldistone, that compliments are entirely lost upon me; do not, + therefore, throw away your pretty sayings—they serve fine gentlemen who + travel in the country, instead of the toys, beads, and bracelets, which + navigators carry to propitiate the savage inhabitants of newly-discovered + lands. Do not exhaust your stock in trade;—you will find natives in + Northumberland to whom your fine things will recommend you—on me they + would be utterly thrown away, for I happen to know their real value." +</p> +<p> + I was silenced and confounded. +</p> +<p> + "You remind me at this moment," said the young lady, resuming her lively + and indifferent manner, "of the fairy tale, where the man finds all the + money which he had carried to market suddenly changed into pieces of + slate. I have cried down and ruined your whole stock of complimentary + discourse by one unlucky observation. But come, never mind it—You are + belied, Mr. Osbaldistone, unless you have much better conversation than + these <i>fadeurs,</i> which every gentleman with a toupet thinks himself + obliged to recite to an unfortunate girl, merely because she is dressed + in silk and gauze, while he wears superfine cloth with embroidery. Your + natural paces, as any of my five cousins might say, are far preferable to + your complimentary amble. Endeavour to forget my unlucky sex; call me Tom + Vernon, if you have a mind, but speak to me as you would to a friend and + companion; you have no idea how much I shall like you." +</p> +<p> + "That would be a bribe indeed," returned I. +</p> +<p> + "Again!" replied Miss Vernon, holding up her finger; "I told you I would + not bear the shadow of a compliment. And now, when you have pledged my + uncle, who threatens you with what he calls a brimmer, I will tell you + what you think of me." +</p> +<p> + The bumper being pledged by me, as a dutiful nephew, and some other + general intercourse of the table having taken place, the continued and + business-like clang of knives and forks, and the devotion of cousin + Thorncliff on my right hand, and cousin Dickon, who sate on Miss Vernon's + left, to the huge quantities of meat with which they heaped their plates, + made them serve as two occasional partitions, separating us from the rest + of the company, and leaving us to our <i>tete-a-tete.</i> "And now," said + I, "give me leave to ask you frankly, Miss Vernon, what you suppose I am + thinking of you!—I could tell you what I really <i>do</i> think, but you have + interdicted praise." +</p> +<p> + "I do not want your assistance. I am conjuror enough to tell your + thoughts without it. You need not open the casement of your bosom; I see + through it. You think me a strange bold girl, half coquette, half romp; + desirous of attracting attention by the freedom of her manners and + loudness of her conversation, because she is ignorant of what the + Spectator calls the softer graces of the sex; and perhaps you think I + have some particular plan of storming you into admiration. I should be + sorry to shock your self-opinion, but you were never more mistaken. All + the confidence I have reposed in you, I would have given as readily to + your father, if I thought he could have understood me. I am in this happy + family as much secluded from intelligent listeners as Sancho in the + Sierra Morena, and when opportunity offers, I must speak or die. I assure + you I would not have told you a word of all this curious intelligence, + had I cared a pin who knew it or knew it not." +</p> +<p> + "It is very cruel in you, Miss Vernon, to take away all particular marks + of favour from your communications, but I must receive them on your own + terms.—You have not included Mr. Rashleigh Osbaldistone in your domestic + sketches." +</p> +<p> + She shrunk, I thought, at this remark, and hastily answered, in a much + lower tone, "Not a word of Rashleigh! His ears are so acute when his + selfishness is interested, that the sounds would reach him even through + the mass of Thorncliff's person, stuffed as it is with beef, + venison-pasty, and pudding." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," I replied; "but peeping past the living screen which divides us, + before I put the question, I perceived that Mr. Rashleigh's chair was + empty—he has left the table." +</p> +<p> + "I would not have you be too sure of that," Miss Vernon replied. "Take my + advice, and when you speak of Rashleigh, get up to the top of + Otterscope-hill, where you can see for twenty miles round you in every + direction—stand on the very peak, and speak in whispers; and, after all, + don't be too sure that the bird of the air will not carry the matter, + Rashleigh has been my tutor for four years; we are mutually tired of each + other, and we shall heartily rejoice at our approaching separation." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Rashleigh leaves Osbaldistone Hall, then?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, in a few days;—did you not know that?—your father must keep his + resolutions much more secret than Sir Hildebrand. Why, when my uncle was + informed that you were to be his guest for some time, and that your + father desired to have one of his hopeful sons to fill up the lucrative + situation in his counting-house which was vacant by your obstinacy, Mr. + Francis, the good knight held a <i>cour ple'nie're</i> of all his family, + including the butler, housekeeper, and gamekeeper. This reverend assembly + of the peers and household officers of Osbaldistone Hall was not + convoked, as you may suppose, to elect your substitute, because, as + Rashleigh alone possessed more arithmetic than was necessary to calculate + the odds on a fighting cock, none but he could be supposed qualified for + the situation. But some solemn sanction was necessary for transforming + Rashleigh's destination from starving as a Catholic priest to thriving as + a wealthy banker; and it was not without some reluctance that the + acquiescence of the assembly was obtained to such an act of degradation." +</p> +<p> + "I can conceive the scruples—but how were they got over?" +</p> +<p> + "By the general wish, I believe, to get Rashleigh out of the house," + replied Miss Vernon. "Although youngest of the family, he has somehow or + other got the entire management of all the others; and every one is + sensible of the subjection, though they cannot shake it off. If any one + opposes him, he is sure to rue having done so before the year goes about; + and if you do him a very important service, you may rue it still more." +</p> +<p> + "At that rate," answered I, smiling, "I should look about me; for I have + been the cause, however unintentionally, of his change of situation." +</p> +<p> + "Yes; and whether he regards it as an advantage or disadvantage, he will + owe you a grudge for it—But here comes cheese, radishes, and a bumper to + church and king, the hint for chaplains and ladies to disappear; and I, + the sole representative of womanhood at Osbaldistone Hall, retreat, as in + duty bound." +</p> +<p> + She vanished as she spoke, leaving me in astonishment at the mingled + character of shrewdness, audacity, and frankness, which her conversation + displayed. I despair conveying to you the least idea of her manner, + although I have, as nearly as I can remember, imitated her language. In + fact, there was a mixture of untaught simplicity, as well as native + shrewdness and haughty boldness, in her manner, and all were modified and + recommended by the play of the most beautiful features I had ever beheld. + It is not to be thought that, however strange and uncommon I might think + her liberal and unreserved communications, a young man of two-and-twenty + was likely to be severely critical on a beautiful girl of eighteen, for + not observing a proper distance towards him. On the contrary, I was + equally diverted and flattered by Miss Vernon's confidence, and that + notwithstanding her declaration of its being conferred on me solely + because I was the first auditor who occurred, of intelligence enough to + comprehend it. With the presumption of my age, certainly not diminished + by my residence in France, I imagined that well-formed features, and a + handsome person, both which I conceived myself to possess, were not + unsuitable qualifications for the confidant of a young beauty. My vanity + thus enlisted in Miss Vernon's behalf, I was far from judging her with + severity, merely for a frankness which I supposed was in some degree + justified by my own personal merit; and the feelings of partiality, which + her beauty, and the singularity of her situation, were of themselves + calculated to excite, were enhanced by my opinion of her penetration and + judgment in her choice of a friend. +</p> +<p> + After Miss Vernon quitted the apartment, the bottle circulated, or rather + flew, around the table in unceasing revolution. My foreign education had + given me a distaste to intemperance, then and yet too common a vice among + my countrymen. The conversation which seasoned such orgies was as little + to my taste, and if anything could render it more disgusting, it was the + relationship of the company. I therefore seized a lucky opportunity, and + made my escape through a side door, leading I knew not whither, rather + than endure any longer the sight of father and sons practising the same + degrading intemperance, and holding the same coarse and disgusting + conversation. I was pursued, of course, as I had expected, to be + reclaimed by force, as a deserter from the shrine of Bacchus. When I + heard the whoop and hollo, and the tramp of the heavy boots of my + pursuers on the winding stair which I was descending, I plainly foresaw I + should be overtaken unless I could get into the open air. I therefore + threw open a casement in the staircase, which looked into an + old-fashioned garden, and as the height did not exceed six feet, I jumped + out without hesitation, and soon heard far behind the "hey whoop! stole + away! stole away!" of my baffled pursuers. I ran down one alley, walked + fast up another; and then, conceiving myself out of all danger of + pursuit, I slackened my pace into a quiet stroll, enjoying the cool air + which the heat of the wine I had been obliged to swallow, as well as that + of my rapid retreat, rendered doubly grateful. +</p> +<p> + As I sauntered on, I found the gardener hard at his evening employment, + and saluted him, as I paused to look at his work. +</p> +<p> + "Good even, my friend." +</p> +<p> + "Gude e'en—gude e'en t'ye," answered the man, without looking up, and in + a tone which at once indicated his northern extraction. +</p> +<p> + "Fine weather for your work, my friend." +</p> +<p> + "It's no that muckle to be compleened o'," answered the man, with that + limited degree of praise which gardeners and farmers usually bestow on + the very best weather. Then raising his head, as if to see who spoke to + him, he touched his Scotch bonnet with an air of respect, as he observed, + "Eh, gude safe us!—it's a sight for sair een, to see a gold-laced + jeistiecor in the Ha'garden sae late at e'en." +</p> +<p> + "A gold-laced what, my good friend?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, a jeistiecor*—that's a jacket like your ain, there. They +</p> +<p> + * Perhaps from the French <i>Juste-au-corps.</i> +</p> +<p> + hae other things to do wi' them up yonder—unbuttoning them to make room + for the beef and the bag-puddings, and the claret-wine, nae doubt—that's + the ordinary for evening lecture on this side the border." +</p> +<p> + "There's no such plenty of good cheer in your country, my good friend," I + replied, "as to tempt you to sit so late at it." +</p> +<p> + "Hout, sir, ye ken little about Scotland; it's no for want of gude + vivers—the best of fish, flesh, and fowl hae we, by sybos, ingans, + turneeps, and other garden fruit. But we hae mense and discretion, and + are moderate of our mouths;—but here, frae the kitchen to the ha', it's + fill and fetch mair, frae the tae end of the four-and-twenty till the + tother. Even their fast days—they ca' it fasting when they hae the best + o' sea-fish frae Hartlepool and Sunderland by land carriage, forbye + trouts, grilses, salmon, and a' the lave o't, and so they make their very + fasting a kind of luxury and abomination; and then the awfu' masses and + matins of the puir deceived souls—But I shouldna speak about them, for + your honour will be a Roman, I'se warrant, like the lave." +</p> +<p> + "Not I, my friend; I was bred an English presbyterian, or dissenter." +</p> +<p> + "The right hand of fellowship to your honour, then," quoth the gardener, + with as much alacrity as his hard features were capable of expressing, + and, as if to show that his good-will did not rest on words, he plucked + forth a huge horn snuff-box, or mull, as he called it, and proffered a + pinch with a most fraternal grin. +</p> +<p> + Having accepted his courtesy, I asked him if he had been long a domestic + at Osbaldistone Hall. +</p> +<p> + "I have been fighting with wild beasts at Ephesus," said he, looking + towards the building, "for the best part of these four-and-twenty years, + as sure as my name's Andrew Fairservice." +</p> +<p> + "But, my excellent friend, Andrew Fairservice, if your religion and your + temperance are so much offended by Roman rituals and southern + hospitality, it seems to me that you must have been putting yourself to + an unnecessary penance all this while, and that you might have found a + service where they eat less, and are more orthodox in their worship. I + dare say it cannot be want of skill which prevented your being placed + more to your satisfaction." +</p> +<p> + "It disna become me to speak to the point of my qualifications," said + Andrew, looking round him with great complacency; "but nae doubt I should + understand my trade of horticulture, seeing I was bred in the parish of + Dreepdaily, where they raise lang-kale under glass, and force the early + nettles for their spring kale. And, to speak truth, I hae been flitting + every term these four-and-twenty years; but when the time comes, there's + aye something to saw that I would like to see sawn,—or something to maw + that I would like to see mawn,—or something to ripe that I would like to + see ripen,—and sae I e'en daiker on wi' the family frae year's end to + year's end. And I wad say for certain, that I am gaun to quit at + Cannlemas, only I was just as positive on it twenty years syne, and I + find mysell still turning up the mouls here, for a' that. Forbye that, to + tell your honour the evendown truth, there's nae better place ever + offered to Andrew. But if your honour wad wush me to ony place where I + wad hear pure doctrine, and hae a free cow's grass, and a cot, and a + yard, and mair than ten punds of annual fee, and where there's nae leddy + about the town to count the apples, I'se hold mysell muckle indebted + t'ye." +</p> +<p> + "Bravo, Andrew! I perceive you'll lose no preferment for want of asking + patronage." +</p> +<p> + "I canna see what for I should," replied Andrew; "it's no a generation to + wait till ane's worth's discovered, I trow." +</p> +<p> + "But you are no friend, I observe, to the ladies." +</p> +<p> + "Na, by my troth, I keep up the first gardener's quarrel to them. They're + fasheous bargains—aye crying for apricocks, pears, plums, and apples, + summer and winter, without distinction o' seasons; but we hae nae slices + o' the spare rib here, be praised for't! except auld Martha, and she's + weel eneugh pleased wi' the freedom o' the berry-bushes to her sister's + weans, when they come to drink tea in a holiday in the housekeeper's + room, and wi' a wheen codlings now and then for her ain private supper." +</p> +<p> + "You forget your young mistress." +</p> +<p> + "What mistress do I forget?—whae's that?" +</p> +<p> + "Your young mistress, Miss Vernon." +</p> +<p> + "What! the lassie Vernon?—She's nae mistress o' mine, man. I wish she + was her ain mistress; and I wish she mayna be some other body's mistress + or it's lang—She's a wild slip that." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed!" said I, more interested than I cared to own to myself, or to + show to the fellow—"why, Andrew, you know all the secrets of this + family." +</p> +<p> + "If I ken them, I can keep them," said Andrew; "they winna work in my + wame like harm in a barrel, I'se warrant ye. Miss Die is—but it's + neither beef nor brose o' mine." +</p> +<p> + And he began to dig with a great semblance of assiduity. +</p> +<p> + "What is Miss Vernon, Andrew? I am a friend of the family, and should + like to know." +</p> +<p> + "Other than a gude ane, I'm fearing," said Andrew, closing one eye hard, + and shaking his head with a grave and mysterious look—"something + glee'd—your honour understands me?" +</p> +<p> + "I cannot say I do," said I, "Andrew; but I should like to hear you + explain yourself;" and therewithal I slipped a crown-piece into Andrew's + horn-hard hand. The touch of the silver made him grin a ghastly smile, as + he nodded slowly, and thrust it into his breeches pocket; and then, like + a man who well understood that there was value to be returned, stood up, + and rested his arms on his spade, with his features composed into the + most important gravity, as for some serious communication. +</p> +<p> + "Ye maun ken, then, young gentleman, since it imports you to know, that + Miss Vernon is"— +</p> +<p> + Here breaking off, he sucked in both his cheeks, till his lantern jaws + and long chin assumed the appearance of a pair of nut-crackers; winked + hard once more, frowned, shook his head, and seemed to think his + physiognomy had completed the information which his tongue had not fully + told. +</p> +<p> + "Good God!" said I—"so young, so beautiful, so early lost!" +</p> +<p> + "Troth ye may say sae—she's in a manner lost, body and saul; forby being + a Papist, I'se uphaud her for"—and his northern caution prevailed, and + he was again silent. +</p> +<p> + "For what, sir?" said I sternly. "I insist on knowing the plain meaning + of all this." +</p> +<p> + "On, just for the bitterest Jacobite in the haill shire." +</p> +<p> + "Pshaw! a Jacobite?—is that all?" +</p> +<p> + Andrew looked at me with some astonishment, at hearing his information + treated so lightly; and then muttering, "Aweel, it's the warst thing I + ken aboot the lassie, howsoe'er," he resumed his spade, like the king of + the Vandals, in Marmontel's late novel. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + <i>Bardolph.</i>—The sheriff, with a monstrous watch, is at the door. + Henry IV. <i>First Part.</i> +</pre> +<p> + I found out with some difficulty the apartment which was destined for my + accommodation; and having secured myself the necessary good-will and + attention from my uncle's domestics, by using the means they were most + capable of comprehending, I secluded myself there for the remainder of + the evening, conjecturing, from the fair way in which I had left my new + relatives, as well as from the distant noise which continued to echo from + the stone-hall (as their banqueting-room was called), that they were not + likely to be fitting company for a sober man. +</p> +<p> + "What could my father mean by sending me to be an inmate in this strange + family?" was my first and most natural reflection. My uncle, it was + plain, received me as one who was to make some stay with him, and his + rude hospitality rendered him as indifferent as King Hal to the number of + those who fed at his cost. But it was plain my presence or absence would + be of as little importance in his eyes as that of one of his blue-coated + serving-men. My cousins were mere cubs, in whose company I might, if I + liked it, unlearn whatever decent manners, or elegant accomplishments, I + had acquired, but where I could attain no information beyond what + regarded worming dogs, rowelling horses, and following foxes. I could + only imagine one reason, which was probably the true one. My father + considered the life which was led at Osbaldistone Hall as the natural and + inevitable pursuits of all country gentlemen, and he was desirous, by + giving me an opportunity of seeing that with which he knew I should be + disgusted, to reconcile me, if possible, to take an active share in his + own business. In the meantime, he would take Rashleigh Osbaldistone into + the counting-house. But he had an hundred modes of providing for him, and + that advantageously, whenever he chose to get rid of him. So that, + although I did feel a certain qualm of conscience at having been the + means of introducing Rashleigh, being such as he was described by Miss + Vernon, into my father's business—perhaps into his confidence—I subdued + it by the reflection that my father was complete master of his own + affairs—a man not to be imposed upon, or influenced by any one—and that + all I knew to the young gentleman's prejudice was through the medium of a + singular and giddy girl, whose communications were made with an + injudicious frankness, which might warrant me in supposing her + conclusions had been hastily or inaccurately formed. Then my mind + naturally turned to Miss Vernon herself; her extreme beauty; her very + peculiar situation, relying solely upon her reflections, and her own + spirit, for guidance and protection; and her whole character offering + that variety and spirit which piques our curiosity, and engages our + attention in spite of ourselves. I had sense enough to consider the + neighbourhood of this singular young lady, and the chance of our being + thrown into very close and frequent intercourse, as adding to the + dangers, while it relieved the dulness, of Osbaldistone Hall; but I could + not, with the fullest exertion of my prudence, prevail upon myself to + regret excessively this new and particular hazard to which I was to be + exposed. This scruple I also settled as young men settle most + difficulties of the kind—I would be very cautious, always on my guard, + consider Miss Vernon rather as a companion than an intimate; and all + would do well enough. With these reflections I fell asleep, Miss Vernon, + of course, forming the last subject of my contemplation. +</p> +<p> + Whether I dreamed of her or not, I cannot satisfy you, for I was tired + and slept soundly. But she was the first person I thought of in the + morning, when waked at dawn by the cheerful notes of the hunting horn. To + start up, and direct my horse to be saddled, was my first movement; and + in a few minutes I was in the court-yard, where men, dogs, and horses, + were in full preparation. My uncle, who, perhaps, was not entitled to + expect a very alert sportsman in his nephew, bred as he had been in + foreign parts, seemed rather surprised to see me, and I thought his + morning salutation wanted something of the hearty and hospitable tone + which distinguished his first welcome. "Art there, lad?—ay, youth's aye + rathe—but look to thysell—mind the old song, lad— +</p> +<pre> + He that gallops his horse on Blackstone edge + May chance to catch a fall." +</pre> +<p> + I believe there are few young men, and those very sturdy moralists, who + would not rather be taxed with some moral peccadillo than with want of + knowledge in horsemanship. As I was by no means deficient either in skill + or courage, I resented my uncle's insinuation accordingly, and assured + him he would find me up with the hounds. +</p> +<p> + "I doubtna, lad," was his reply; "thou'rt a rank rider, I'se warrant + thee—but take heed. Thy father sent thee here to me to be bitted, and I + doubt I must ride thee on the curb, or we'll hae some one to ride thee on + the halter, if I takena the better heed." +</p> +<p> + As this speech was totally unintelligible to me—as, besides, it did not + seem to be delivered for my use, or benefit, but was spoken as it were + aside, and as if expressing aloud something which was passing through the + mind of my much-honoured uncle, I concluded it must either refer to my + desertion of the bottle on the preceding evening, or that my uncle's + morning hours being a little discomposed by the revels of the night + before, his temper had suffered in proportion. I only made the passing + reflection, that if he played the ungracious landlord, I would remain the + shorter while his guest, and then hastened to salute Miss Vernon, who + advanced cordially to meet me. Some show of greeting also passed between + my cousins and me; but as I saw them maliciously bent upon criticising my + dress and accoutrements, from the cap to the stirrup-irons, and sneering + at whatever had a new or foreign appearance, I exempted myself from the + task of paying them much attention; and assuming, in requital of their + grins and whispers, an air of the utmost indifference and contempt, I + attached myself to Miss Vernon, as the only person in the party whom I + could regard as a suitable companion. By her side, therefore, we sallied + forth to the destined cover, which was a dingle or copse on the side of + an extensive common. As we rode thither, I observed to Diana, "that I did + not see my cousin Rashleigh in the field;" to which she replied,—"O + no—he's a mighty hunter, but it's after the fashion of Nimrod, and his + game is man." +</p> +<p> + The dogs now brushed into the cover, with the appropriate encouragement + from the hunters—all was business, bustle, and activity. My cousins were + soon too much interested in the business of the morning to take any + further notice of me, unless that I overheard Dickon the horse-jockey + whisper to Wilfred the fool—"Look thou, an our French cousin be nat off + a' first burst." +</p> +<p> + To which Wilfred answered, "Like enow, for he has a queer outlandish + binding on's castor." +</p> +<p> + Thorncliff, however, who in his rude way seemed not absolutely insensible + to the beauty of his kinswoman, appeared determined to keep us company + more closely than his brothers,—perhaps to watch what passed betwixt + Miss Vernon and me—perhaps to enjoy my expected mishaps in the chase. In + the last particular he was disappointed. After beating in vain for the + greater part of the morning, a fox was at length found, who led us a + chase of two hours, in the course of which, notwithstanding the + ill-omened French binding upon my hat, I sustained my character as a + horseman to the admiration of my uncle and Miss Vernon, and the secret + disappointment of those who expected me to disgrace it. Reynard, however, + proved too wily for his pursuers, and the hounds were at fault. I could + at this time observe in Miss Vernon's manner an impatience of the close + attendance which we received from Thorncliff Osbaldistone; and, as that + active-spirited young lady never hesitated at taking the readiest means + to gratify any wish of the moment, she said to him, in a tone of + reproach—"I wonder, Thornie, what keeps you dangling at my horse's + crupper all this morning, when you know the earths above Woolverton-mill + are not stopt." +</p> +<p> + "I know no such an thing then, Miss Die, for the miller swore himself as + black as night, that he stopt them at twelve o'clock midnight that was." +</p> +<p> + "O fie upon you, Thornie! would you trust to a miller's word?—and these + earths, too, where we lost the fox three times this season! and you on + your grey mare, that can gallop there and back in ten minutes!" +</p> +<p> + "Well, Miss Die, I'se go to Woolverton then, and if the earths are not + stopt, I'se raddle Dick the miller's bones for him." +</p> +<p> + "Do, my dear Thornie; horsewhip the rascal to purpose—via—fly away, and + about it;"—Thorncliff went off at the gallop—"or get horsewhipt + yourself, which will serve my purpose just as well.—I must teach them + all discipline and obedience to the word of command. I am raising a + regiment, you must know. Thornie shall be my sergeant-major, Dickon my + riding-master, and Wilfred, with his deep dub-a-dub tones, that speak but + three syllables at a time, my kettle-drummer." +</p> +<p> + "And Rashleigh?" +</p> +<p> + "Rashleigh shall be my scout-master." "And will you find no employment + for me, most lovely colonel?" +</p> +<p> + "You shall have the choice of being pay-master, or plunder-master, to the + corps. But see how the dogs puzzle about there. Come, Mr. Frank, the + scent's cold; they won't recover it there this while; follow me, I have a + view to show you." +</p> +<p> + And in fact, she cantered up to the top of a gentle hill, commanding an + extensive prospect. Casting her eyes around, to see that no one was near + us, she drew up her horse beneath a few birch-trees, which screened us + from the rest of the hunting-field—"Do you see yon peaked, brown, heathy + hill, having something like a whitish speck upon the side?" +</p> +<p> + "Terminating that long ridge of broken moorish uplands?—I see it + distinctly." +</p> +<p> + "That whitish speck is a rock called Hawkesmore-crag, and Hawkesmore-crag + is in Scotland." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed! I did not think we had been so near Scotland." +</p> +<p> + "It is so, I assure you, and your horse will carry you there in two + hours." +</p> +<p> + "I shall hardly give him the trouble; why, the distance must be eighteen + miles as the crow flies." +</p> +<p> + "You may have my mare, if you think her less blown—I say, that in two + hours you may be in Scotland." +</p> +<p> + "And I say, that I have so little desire to be there, that if my horse's + head were over the Border, I would not give his tail the trouble of + following. What should I do in Scotland?" +</p> +<p> + "Provide for your safety, if I must speak plainly. Do you understand me + now, Mr. Frank?" +</p> +<p> + "Not a whit; you are more and more oracular." +</p> +<p> + "Then, on my word, you either mistrust me most unjustly, and are a better + dissembler than Rashleigh Osbaldistone himself, or you know nothing of + what is imputed to you; and then no wonder you stare at me in that grave + manner, which I can scarce see without laughing." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my word of honour, Miss Vernon," said I, with an impatient feeling + of her childish disposition to mirth, "I have not the most distant + conception of what you mean. I am happy to afford you any subject of + amusement, but I am quite ignorant in what it consists." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, there's no sound jest after all," said the young lady, composing + herself; "only one looks so very ridiculous when he is fairly perplexed. + But the matter is serious enough. Do you know one Moray, or Morris, or + some such name?" +</p> +<p> + "Not that I can at present recollect." +</p> +<p> + "Think a moment. Did you not lately travel with somebody of such a name?" +</p> +<p> + "The only man with whom I travelled for any length of time was a fellow + whose soul seemed to lie in his portmanteau." +</p> +<p> + "Then it was like the soul of the licentiate Pedro Garcias, which lay + among the ducats in his leathern purse. That man has been robbed, and he + has lodged an information against you, as connected with the violence + done to him." +</p> +<p> + "You jest, Miss Vernon!" +</p> +<p> + "I do not, I assure you—the thing is an absolute fact." +</p> +<p> + "And do you," said I, with strong indignation, which I did not attempt to + suppress, "do you suppose me capable of meriting such a charge?" +</p> +<p> + "You would call me out for it, I suppose, had I the advantage of being a + man—You may do so as it is, if you like it—I can shoot flying, as well + as leap a five-barred gate." +</p> +<p> + "And are colonel of a regiment of horse besides," replied I, reflecting + how idle it was to be angry with her—"But do explain the present jest to + me." +</p> +<p> + "There's no jest whatever," said Diana; "you are accused of robbing this + man, and my uncle believes it as well as I did." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my honour, I am greatly obliged to my friends for their good + opinion!" +</p> +<p> + "Now do not, if you can help it, snort, and stare, and snuff the wind, + and look so exceedingly like a startled horse—There's no such offence as + you suppose—you are not charged with any petty larceny or vulgar + felony—by no means. This fellow was carrying money from Government, both + specie and bills, to pay the troops in the north; and it is said he has + been also robbed of some despatches of great consequence." +</p> +<p> + "And so it is high treason, then, and not simple robbery, of which I am + accused!" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly—which, you know, has been in all ages accounted the crime of + a gentleman. You will find plenty in this country, and one not far from + your elbow, who think it a merit to distress the Hanoverian government by + every means possible." +</p> +<p> + "Neither my politics nor my morals, Miss Vernon, are of a description so + accommodating." +</p> +<p> + "I really begin to believe that you are a Presbyterian and Hanoverian in + good earnest. But what do you propose to do?" +</p> +<p> + "Instantly to refute this atrocious calumny.—Before whom," I asked, "was + this extraordinary accusation laid." +</p> +<p> + "Before old Squire Inglewood, who had sufficient unwillingness to receive + it. He sent tidings to my uncle, I suppose, that he might smuggle you + away into Scotland, out of reach of the warrant. But my uncle is sensible + that his religion and old predilections render him obnoxious to + Government, and that, were he caught playing booty, he would be disarmed, + and probably dismounted (which would be the worse evil of the two), as a + Jacobite, papist, and suspected person."* +</p> +<p> + * On occasions of public alarm, in the beginning of the eighteenth + century, the horses of the Catholics were often seized upon, as they were + always supposed to be on the eve of rising in rebellion. +</p> +<p> + "I can conceive that, sooner than lose his hunters, he would give up his + nephew." +</p> +<p> + "His nephew, nieces, sons—daughters, if he had them, and whole + generation," said Diana;—"therefore trust not to him, even for a single + moment, but make the best of your way before they can serve the warrant." +</p> +<p> + "That I shall certainly do; but it shall be to the house of this Squire + Inglewood—Which way does it lie?" +</p> +<p> + "About five miles off, in the low ground, behind yonder plantations—you + may see the tower of the clock-house." +</p> +<p> + "I will be there in a few minutes," said I, putting my horse in motion. +</p> +<p> + "And I will go with you, and show you the way," said Diana, putting her + palfrey also to the trot. +</p> +<p> + "Do not think of it, Miss Vernon," I replied. "It is not—permit me the + freedom of a friend—it is not proper, scarcely even delicate, in you to + go with me on such an errand as I am now upon." +</p> +<p> + "I understand your meaning," said Miss Vernon, a slight blush crossing + her haughty brow;—"it is plainly spoken;" and after a moment's pause she + added, "and I believe kindly meant." +</p> +<p> + "It is indeed, Miss Vernon. Can you think me insensible of the interest + you show me, or ungrateful for it?" said I, with even more earnestness + than I could have wished to express. "Yours is meant for true kindness, + shown best at the hour of need. But I must not, for your own sake—for + the chance of misconstruction—suffer you to pursue the dictates of your + generosity; this is so public an occasion—it is almost like venturing + into an open court of justice." +</p> +<p> + "And if it were not almost, but altogether entering into an open court of + justice, do you think I would not go there if I thought it right, and + wished to protect a friend? You have no one to stand by you—you are a + stranger; and here, in the outskirts of the kingdom, country justices do + odd things. My uncle has no desire to embroil himself in your affair; + Rashleigh is absent, and were he here, there is no knowing which side he + might take; the rest are all more stupid and brutal one than another. I + will go with you, and I do not fear being able to serve you. I am no fine + lady, to be terrified to death with law-books, hard words, or big wigs." +</p> +<p> + "But my dear Miss Vernon"— +</p> +<p> + "But my dear Mr. Francis, be patient and quiet, and let me take my own + way; for when I take the bit between my teeth, there is no bridle will + stop me." +</p> +<p> + Flattered with the interest so lovely a creature seemed to take in my + fate, yet vexed at the ridiculous appearance I should make, by carrying a + girl of eighteen along with me as an advocate, and seriously concerned + for the misconstruction to which her motives might be exposed, I + endeavoured to combat her resolution to accompany me to Squire + Inglewood's. The self-willed girl told me roundly, that my dissuasions + were absolutely in vain; that she was a true Vernon, whom no + consideration, not even that of being able to do but little to assist + him, should induce to abandon a friend in distress; and that all I could + say on the subject might be very well for pretty, well-educated, + well-behaved misses from a town boarding-school, but did not apply to + her, who was accustomed to mind nobody's opinion but her own. +</p> +<p> + While she spoke thus, we were advancing hastily towards Inglewood Place, + while, as if to divert me from the task of further remonstrance, she drew + a ludicrous picture of the magistrate and his clerk.—Inglewood + was—according to her description—a white-washed Jacobite; that is, one + who, having been long a non-juror, like most of the other gentlemen of the + country, had lately qualified himself to act as a justice, by taking the + oaths to Government. "He had done so," she said, "in compliance with the + urgent request of most of his brother squires, who saw, with regret, that + the palladium of silvan sport, the game-laws, were likely to fall into + disuse for want of a magistrate who would enforce them; the nearest + acting justice being the Mayor of Newcastle, and he, as being rather + inclined to the consumption of the game when properly dressed, than to + its preservation when alive, was more partial, of course, to the cause of + the poacher than of the sportsman. Resolving, therefore, that it was + expedient some one of their number should sacrifice the scruples of + Jacobitical loyalty to the good of the community, the Northumbrian + country gentlemen imposed the duty on Inglewood, who, being very inert in + most of his feelings and sentiments, might, they thought, comply with any + political creed without much repugnance. Having thus procured the body of + justice, they proceeded," continued Miss Vernon, "to attach to it a + clerk, by way of soul, to direct and animate its movements. Accordingly + they got a sharp Newcastle attorney, called Jobson, who, to vary my + metaphor, finds it a good thing enough to retail justice at the sign of + Squire Inglewood, and, as his own emoluments depend on the quantity of + business which he transacts, he hooks in his principal for a great deal + more employment in the justice line than the honest squire had ever + bargained for; so that no apple-wife within the circuit of ten miles can + settle her account with a costermonger without an audience of the + reluctant Justice and his alert clerk, Mr. Joseph Jobson. But the most + ridiculous scenes occur when affairs come before him, like our business + of to-day, having any colouring of politics. Mr. Joseph Jobson (for + which, no doubt, he has his own very sufficient reasons) is a prodigious + zealot for the Protestant religion, and a great friend to the present + establishment in church and state. Now, his principal, retaining a sort + of instinctive attachment to the opinions which he professed openly until + he relaxed his political creed with the patriotic view of enforcing the + law against unauthorized destroyers of black-game, grouse, partridges, + and hares, is peculiarly embarrassed when the zeal of his assistant + involves him in judicial proceedings connected with his earlier faith; + and, instead of seconding his zeal, he seldom fails to oppose to it a + double dose of indolence and lack of exertion. And this inactivity does + not by any means arise from actual stupidity. On the contrary, for one + whose principal delight is in eating and drinking, he is an alert, + joyous, and lively old soul, which makes his assumed dulness the more + diverting. So you may see Jobson on such occasions, like a bit of a + broken down blood-tit condemned to drag an overloaded cart, puffing, + strutting, and spluttering, to get the Justice put in motion, while, + though the wheels groan, creak, and revolve slowly, the great and + preponderating weight of the vehicle fairly frustrates the efforts of the + willing quadruped, and prevents its being brought into a state of actual + progression. Nay more, the unfortunate pony, I understand, has been heard + to complain that this same car of justice, which he finds it so hard to + put in motion on some occasions, can on others run fast enough down hill + of its own accord, dragging his reluctant self backwards along with it, + when anything can be done of service to Squire Inglewood's quondam + friends. And then Mr. Jobson talks big about reporting his principal to + the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if it were not for his + particular regard and friendship for Mr. Inglewood and his family." +</p> +<p> + As Miss Vernon concluded this whimsical description, we found ourselves + in front of Inglewood Place, a handsome, though old-fashioned building. + which showed the consequence of the family. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</h2> +<pre> + "Sir," quoth the Lawyer, "not to flatter ye, + You have as good and fair a battery + As heart could wish, and need not shame + The proudest man alive to claim." + Butler. +</pre> +<p> + Our horses were taken by a servant in Sir Hildebrand's livery, whom we + found in the court-yard, and we entered the house. In the entrance-hall I + was somewhat surprised, and my fair companion still more so, when we met + Rashleigh Osbaldistone, who could not help showing equal wonder at our + rencontre. +</p> +<p> + "Rashleigh," said Miss Vernon, without giving him time to ask any + question, "you have heard of Mr. Francis Osbaldistone's affair, and you + have been talking to the Justice about it?" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly," said Rashleigh, composedly—"it has been my business here.— + I have been endeavouring," he said, with a bow to me, "to render my + cousin what service I can. But I am sorry to meet him here." +</p> +<p> + "As a friend and relation, Mr. Osbaldistone, you ought to have been sorry + to have met me anywhere else, at a time when the charge of my reputation + required me to be on this spot as soon as possible." +</p> +<p> + "True; but judging from what my father said, I should have supposed a + short retreat into Scotland—just till matters should be smoothed over in + a quiet way"— +</p> +<p> + I answered with warmth, "That I had no prudential measures to observe, + and desired to have nothing smoothed over;—on the contrary, I was come + to inquire into a rascally calumny, which I was determined to probe to + the bottom." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Francis Osbaldistone is an innocent man, Rashleigh," said Miss + Vernon, "and he demands an investigation of the charge against him, and I + intend to support him in it." +</p> +<p> + "You do, my pretty cousin?—I should think, now, Mr. Francis Osbaldistone + was likely to be as effectually, and rather more delicately, supported by + my presence than by yours." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, certainly; but two heads are better than one, you know." +</p> +<p> + "Especially such a head as yours, my pretty Die," advancing and taking + her hand with a familiar fondness, which made me think him fifty times + uglier than nature had made him. She led him, however, a few steps aside; + they conversed in an under voice, and she appeared to insist upon some + request which he was unwilling or unable to comply with. I never saw so + strong a contrast betwixt the expression of two faces. Miss Vernon's, + from being earnest, became angry; her eyes and cheeks became more + animated, her colour mounted, she clenched her little hand, and stamping + on the ground with her tiny foot, seemed to listen with a mixture of + contempt and indignation to the apologies, which, from his look of civil + deference, his composed and respectful smile, his body rather drawing + back than advanced, and other signs of look and person, I concluded him + to be pouring out at her feet. At length she flung away from him, with "I + <i>will</i> have it so." +</p> +<p> + "It is not in my power—there is no possibility of it.—Would you think + it, Mr. Osbaldistone?" said he, addressing me— +</p> +<p> + "You are not mad?" said she, interrupting him. +</p> +<p> + "Would you think it?" said he, without attending to her hint—"Miss + Vernon insists, not only that I know your innocence (of which, indeed, it + is impossible for any one to be more convinced), but that I must also be + acquainted with the real perpetrators of the outrage on this fellow—if + indeed such an outrage has been committed. Is this reasonable, Mr. + Osbaldistone?" +</p> +<p> + "I will not allow any appeal to Mr. Osbaldistone, Rashleigh," said the + young lady; "he does not know, as I do, the incredible extent and + accuracy of your information on all points." +</p> +<p> + "As I am a gentleman, you do me more honour than I deserve." +</p> +<p> + "Justice, Rashleigh—only justice:—and it is only justice which I expect + at your hands." +</p> +<p> + "You are a tyrant, Diana," he answered, with a sort of sigh—"a + capricious tyrant, and rule your friends with a rod of iron. Still, + however, it shall be as you desire. But you ought not to be here—you + know you ought not;—you must return with me." +</p> +<p> + Then turning from Diana, who seemed to stand undecided, he came up to me + in the most friendly manner, and said, "Do not doubt my interest in what + regards you, Mr. Osbaldistone. If I leave you just at this moment, it is + only to act for your advantage. But you must use your influence with your + cousin to return; her presence cannot serve you, and must prejudice + herself." +</p> +<pre> +"I assure you, sir," I replied, "you cannot be more convinced of this +than I; I have urged Miss Vernon's return as anxiously as she would +permit me to do." + + "I have thought on it," said Miss Vernon after a pause, "and I will not +go till I see you safe out of the hands of the Philistines. Cousin +Rashleigh, I dare say, means well; but he and I know each other well. +Rashleigh, I will not go;—I know," she added, in a more soothing tone, +"my being here will give you more motive for speed and exertion." +</pre> +<p> + "Stay then, rash, obstinate girl," said Rashleigh; "you know but too well + to whom you trust;" and hastening out of the hall, we heard his horse's + feet a minute afterwards in rapid motion. +</p> +<p> + "Thank Heaven he is gone!" said Diana. "And now let us seek out the + Justice." +</p> +<p> + "Had we not better call a servant?" +</p> +<p> + "Oh, by no means; I know the way to his den—we must burst on him + suddenly—follow me." +</p> +<p> + I did follow her accordingly, as she tripped up a few gloomy steps, + traversed a twilight passage, and entered a sort of ante-room, hung round + with old maps, architectural elevations, and genealogical trees. A pair + of folding-doors opened from this into Mr. Inglewood's sitting apartment, + from which was heard the fag-end of an old ditty, chanted by a voice + which had been in its day fit for a jolly bottle-song. +</p> +<pre> + "O, in Skipton-in-Craven + Is never a haven, + But many a day foul weather; + And he that would say + A pretty girl nay, + I wish for his cravat a tether." +</pre> +<p> + "Heyday!" said Miss Vernon, "the genial Justice must have dined + already—I did not think it had been so late." +</p> +<p> + It was even so. Mr. Inglewood's appetite having been sharpened by his + official investigations, he had antedated his meridian repast, having + dined at twelve instead of one o'clock, then the general dining hour in + England. The various occurrences of the morning occasioned our arriving + some time after this hour, to the Justice the most important of the + four-and-twenty, and he had not neglected the interval. +</p> +<p> + "Stay you here," said Diana. "I know the house, and I will call a + servant; your sudden appearance might startle the old gentleman even to + choking;" and she escaped from me, leaving me uncertain whether I ought + to advance or retreat. It was impossible for me not to hear some part of + what passed within the dinner apartment, and particularly several + apologies for declining to sing, expressed in a dejected croaking voice, + the tones of which, I conceived, were not entirely new to me. +</p> +<p> + "Not sing, sir? by our Lady! but you must—What! you have cracked my + silver-mounted cocoa-nut of sack, and tell me that you cannot sing!—Sir, + sack will make a cat sing, and speak too; so up with a merry stave, or + trundle yourself out of my doors!—Do you think you are to take up all my + valuable time with your d-d declarations, and then tell me you cannot + sing?" +</p> +<p> + "Your worship is perfectly in rule," said another voice, which, from its + pert conceited accent, might be that of the cleric, "and the party must + be conformable; he hath <i>canet</i> written on his face in court hand." +</p> +<p> + "Up with it then," said the Justice, "or by St. Christopher, you shall + crack the cocoa-nut full of salt-and-water, according to the statute for + such effect made and provided." +</p> +<p> + Thus exhorted and threatened, my quondam fellow-traveller, for I could no + longer doubt that he was the recusant in question, uplifted, with a voice + similar to that of a criminal singing his last psalm on the scaffold, a + most doleful stave to the following effect:— +</p> +<pre> + "Good people all, I pray give ear, + A woeful story you shall hear, + 'Tis of a robber as stout as ever + Bade a true man stand and deliver. + With his foodle doo fa loodle loo. + + "This knave, most worthy of a cord, + Being armed with pistol and with sword, + 'Twixt Kensington and Brentford then + Did boldly stop six honest men. + With his foodle doo, etc. + + "These honest men did at Brentford dine, + Having drank each man his pint of wine, + When this bold thief, with many curses, + Did say, You dogs, your lives or purses. + With his foodle doo," etc. +</pre> +<p> + I question if the honest men, whose misfortune is commemorated in this + pathetic ditty, were more startled at the appearance of the bold thief + than the songster was at mine; for, tired of waiting for some one to + announce me, and finding my situation as a listener rather awkward, I + presented myself to the company just as my friend Mr. Morris, for such, + it seems, was his name, was uplifting the fifth stave of his doleful + ballad. The high tone with which the tune started died away in a quaver + of consternation on finding himself so near one whose character he + supposed to be little less suspicious than that of the hero of his + madrigal, and he remained silent, with a mouth gaping as if I had brought + the Gorgon's head in my hand. +</p> +<p> + The Justice, whose eyes had closed under the influence of the somniferous + lullaby of the song, started up in his chair as it suddenly ceased, and + stared with wonder at the unexpected addition which the company had + received while his organs of sight were in abeyance. The clerk, as I + conjectured him to be from his appearance, was also commoved; for, + sitting opposite to Mr. Morris, that honest gentleman's terror + communicated itself to him, though he wotted not why. +</p> +<a name="image-0006"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa104.jpg" height="458" width="745" +alt="Frank at Judge Inglewood's +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + I broke the silence of surprise occasioned by my abrupt entrance.—"My + name, Mr. Inglewood, is Francis Osbaldistone; I understand that some + scoundrel has brought a complaint before you, charging me with being + concerned in a loss which he says he has sustained." +</p> +<p> + "Sir," said the Justice, somewhat peevishly, "these are matters I never + enter upon after dinner;—there is a time for everything, and a justice + of peace must eat as well as other folks." +</p> +<p> + The goodly person of Mr. Inglewood, by the way, seemed by no means to + have suffered by any fasts, whether in the service of the law or of + religion. +</p> +<p> + "I beg pardon for an ill-timed visit, sir; but as my reputation is + concerned, and as the dinner appears to be concluded"— +</p> +<p> + "It is not concluded, sir," replied the magistrate; "man requires + digestion as well as food, and I protest I cannot have benefit from my + victuals unless I am allowed two hours of quiet leisure, intermixed with + harmless mirth, and a moderate circulation of the bottle." +</p> +<p> + "If your honour will forgive me," said Mr. Jobson, who had produced and + arranged his writing implements in the brief space that our conversation + afforded; "as this is a case of felony, and the gentleman seems something + impatient, the charge is <i>contra pacem domini regis</i>"— +</p> +<p> + "D—n <i>dominie regis!</i>" said the impatient Justice—"I hope it's no + treason to say so; but it's enough to made one mad to be worried in this + way. Have I a moment of my life quiet for warrants, orders, directions, + acts, bails, bonds, and recognisances?—I pronounce to you, Mr. Jobson, + that I shall send you and the justiceship to the devil one of these + days." +</p> +<p> + "Your honour will consider the dignity of the office one of the quorum + and custos rotulorum, an office of which Sir Edward Coke wisely saith, + The whole Christian world hath not the like of it, so it be duly + executed." +</p> +<p> + "Well," said the Justice, partly reconciled by this eulogium on the + dignity of his situation, and gulping down the rest of his + dissatisfaction in a huge bumper of claret, "let us to this gear then, + and get rid of it as fast as we can.—Here you, sir—you, Morris—you, + knight of the sorrowful countenance—is this Mr. Francis Osbaldistone the + gentleman whom you charge with being art and part of felony?" +</p> +<p> + "I, sir?" replied Morris, whose scattered wits had hardly yet reassembled + themselves; "I charge nothing—I say nothing against the gentleman," +</p> +<p> + "Then we dismiss your complaint, sir, that's all, and a good riddance— + Push about the bottle—Mr. Osbaldistone, help yourself." +</p> +<p> + Jobson, however, was determined that Morris should not back out of the + scrape so easily. "What do you mean, Mr. Morris?—Here is your own + declaration—the ink scarce dried—and you would retract it in this + scandalous manner!" +</p> +<p> + "How do I know," whispered the other in a tremulous tone, "how many + rogues are in the house to back him? I have read of such things in + Johnson's Lives of the Highwaymen. I protest the door opens"— +</p> +<p> + And it did open, and Diana Vernon entered—"You keep fine order here, + Justice—not a servant to be seen or heard of." +</p> +<p> + "Ah!" said the Justice, starting up with an alacrity which showed that he + was not so engrossed by his devotions to Themis or Comus, as to forget + what was due to beauty—"Ah, ha! Die Vernon, the heath-bell of Cheviot, + and the blossom of the Border, come to see how the old bachelor keeps + house? Art welcome, girl, as flowers in May." +</p> +<p> + "A fine, open, hospitable house you do keep, Justice, that must be + allowed—not a soul to answer a visitor." +</p> +<p> + "Ah, the knaves! they reckoned themselves secure of me for a couple of + hours—But why did you not come earlier?—Your cousin Rashleigh dined + here, and ran away like a poltroon after the first bottle was out—But + you have not dined—we'll have something nice and ladylike—sweet and + pretty like yourself, tossed up in a trice." +</p> +<p> + "I may eat a crust in the ante-room before I set out," answered Miss + Vernon—"I have had a long ride this morning; but I can't stay long, + Justice—I came with my cousin, Frank Osbaldistone, there, and I must + show him the way back again to the Hall, or he'll lose himself in the + wolds." +</p> +<p> + "Whew! sits the wind in that quarter?" inquired the Justice— +</p> +<pre> + "She showed him the way, she showed him the way, + She showed him the way to woo. +</pre> +<p> + What! no luck for old fellows, then, my sweet bud of the wilderness?" +</p> +<p> + "None whatever, Squire Inglewood; but if you will be a good kind Justice, + and despatch young Frank's business, and let us canter home again, I'll + bring my uncle to dine with you next week, and we'll expect merry + doings." +</p> +<p> + "And you shall find them, my pearl of the Tyne—Zookers, lass, I never + envy these young fellows their rides and scampers, unless when you come + across me. But I must not keep you just now, I suppose?—I am quite + satisfied with Mr. Francis Osbaldistone's explanation—here has been some + mistake, which can be cleared at greater leisure." +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me, sir," said I; "but I have not heard the nature of the + accusation yet." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," said the clerk, who, at the appearance of Miss Vernon, had + given up the matter in despair, but who picked up courage to press + farther investigation on finding himself supported from a quarter whence + assuredly he expected no backing—"Yes, sir, and Dalton saith, That he + who is apprehended as a felon shall not be discharged upon any man's + discretion, but shall be held either to bail or commitment, paying to the + clerk of the peace the usual fees for recognisance or commitment." +</p> +<p> + The Justice, thus goaded on, gave me at length a few words of + explanation. +</p> +<p> + It seems the tricks which I had played to this man Morris had made a + strong impression on his imagination; for I found they had been arrayed + against me in his evidence, with all the exaggerations which a timorous + and heated imagination could suggest. It appeared also, that on the day + he parted from me, he had been stopped on a solitary spot and eased of + his beloved travelling-companion, the portmanteau, by two men, well + mounted and armed, having their faces covered with vizards. +</p> +<p> + One of them, he conceived, had much of my shape and air, and in a + whispering conversation which took place betwixt the freebooters, he + heard the other apply to him the name of Osbaldistone. The declaration + farther set forth, that upon inquiring into the principles of the family + so named, he, the said declarant, was informed that they were of the + worst description, the family, in all its members, having been Papists + and Jacobites, as he was given to understand by the dissenting clergyman + at whose house he stopped after his rencontre, since the days of William + the Conqueror. +</p> +<p> + Upon all and each of these weighty reasons, he charged me with being + accessory to the felony committed upon his person; he, the said + declarant, then travelling in the special employment of Government, and + having charge of certain important papers, and also a large sum in + specie, to be paid over, according to his instructions, to certain + persons of official trust and importance in Scotland. +</p> +<p> + Having heard this extraordinary accusation, I replied to it, that the + circumstances on which it was founded were such as could warrant no + justice, or magistrate, in any attempt on my personal liberty. I admitted + that I had practised a little upon the terrors of Mr. Morris, while we + travelled together, but in such trifling particulars as could have + excited apprehension in no one who was one whit less timorous and jealous + than himself. But I added, that I had never seen him since we parted, and + if that which he feared had really come upon him, I was in nowise + accessory to an action so unworthy of my character and station in life. + That one of the robbers was called Osbaldistone, or that such a name was + mentioned in the course of the conversation betwixt them, was a trifling + circumstance, to which no weight was due. And concerning the disaffection + alleged against me, I was willing to prove, to the satisfaction of the + Justice, the clerk, and even the witness himself, that I was of the same + persuasion as his friend the dissenting clergyman; had been educated as a + good subject in the principles of the Revolution, and as such now + demanded the personal protection of the laws which had been assured by + that great event. +</p> +<p> + The Justice fidgeted, took snuff, and seemed considerably embarrassed, + while Mr. Attorney Jobson, with all the volubility of his profession, ran + over the statute of the 34 Edward III., by which justices of the peace + are allowed to arrest all those whom they find by indictment or + suspicion, and to put them into prison. The rogue even turned my own + admissions against me, alleging, "that since I had confessedly, upon my + own showing, assumed the bearing or deportment of a robber or malefactor, + I had voluntarily subjected myself to the suspicions of which I + complained, and brought myself within the compass of the act, having + wilfully clothed my conduct with all the colour and livery of guilt." +</p> +<p> + I combated both his arguments and his jargon with much indignation and + scorn, and observed, "That I should, if necessary, produce the bail of my + relations, which I conceived could not be refused, without subjecting the + magistrate in a misdemeanour." +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me, my good sir—pardon me," said the insatiable clerk; "this is + a case in which neither bail nor mainprize can be received, the felon who + is liable to be committed on heavy grounds of suspicion, not being + replevisable under the statute of the 3d of King Edward, there being in + that act an express exception of such as be charged of commandment, or + force, and aid of felony done;" and he hinted that his worship would do + well to remember that such were no way replevisable by common writ, nor + without writ. +</p> +<p> + At this period of the conversation a servant entered, and delivered a + letter to Mr. Jobson. He had no sooner run it hastily over, than he + exclaimed, with the air of one who wished to appear much vexed at the + interruption, and felt the consequence attached to a man of multifarious + avocations—"Good God!—why, at this rate, I shall have neither time to + attend to the public concerns nor my own—no rest—no quiet—I wish to + Heaven another gentleman in our line would settle here!" +</p> +<p> + "God forbid!" said the Justice in a tone of <i>sotto-voce</i> deprecation; + "some of us have enough of one of the tribe." +</p> +<p> + "This is a matter of life and death, if your worship pleases." +</p> +<p> + "In God's name! no more justice business, I hope," said the alarmed + magistrate. +</p> +<p> + "No—no," replied Mr. Jobson, very consequentially; "old Gaffer Rutledge + of Grime's-hill is subpoenaed for the next world; he has sent an express + for Dr. Kill-down to put in bail—another for me to arrange his worldly + affairs." +</p> +<p> + "Away with you, then," said Mr. Inglewood, hastily; "his may not be a + replevisable case under the statute, you know, or Mr. Justice Death may + not like the doctor for a <i>main pernor,</i> or bailsman." +</p> +<p> + "And yet," said Jobson, lingering as he moved towards the door, "if my + presence here be necessary—I could make out the warrant for committal in + a moment, and the constable is below—And you have heard," he said, + lowering his voice, "Mr. Rashleigh's opinion"—the rest was lost in a + whisper. +</p> +<p> + The Justice replied aloud, "I tell thee no, man, no—we'll do nought till + thou return, man; 'tis but a four-mile ride—Come, push the bottle, Mr. + Morris—Don't be cast down, Mr. Osbaldistone—And you, my rose of the + wilderness—one cup of claret to refresh the bloom of your cheeks." +</p> +<p> + Diana started, as if from a reverie, in which she appeared to have been + plunged while we held this discussion. "No, Justice—I should be afraid + of transferring the bloom to a part of my face where it would show to + little advantage; but I will pledge you in a cooler beverage;" and + filling a glass with water, she drank it hastily, while her hurried + manner belied her assumed gaiety. +</p> +<p> + I had not much leisure to make remarks upon her demeanour, however, being + full of vexation at the interference of fresh obstacles to an instant + examination of the disgraceful and impertinent charge which was brought + against me. But there was no moving the Justice to take the matter up in + absence of his clerk, an incident which gave him apparently as much + pleasure as a holiday to a schoolboy. He persisted in his endeavours to + inspire jollity into a company, the individuals of which, whether + considered with reference to each other, or to their respective + situations, were by no means inclined to mirth. "Come, Master Morris, + you're not the first man that's been robbed, I trow—grieving ne'er + brought back loss, man. And you, Mr. Frank Osbaldistone, are not the + first bully-boy that has said stand to a true man. There was Jack + Winterfield, in my young days, kept the best company in the land—at + horse-races and cock-fights who but he—hand and glove was I with Jack. + Push the bottle, Mr. Morris, it's dry talking—Many quart bumpers have I + cracked, and thrown many a merry main with poor Jack—good family—ready + wit—quick eye—as honest a fellow, barring the deed he died for—we'll + drink to his memory, gentlemen—Poor Jack Winterfield—And since we talk + of him, and of those sort of things, and since that d—d clerk of mine + has taken his gibberish elsewhere, and since we're snug among ourselves, + Mr. Osbaldistone, if you will have my best advice, I would take up this + matter—the law's hard—very severe—hanged poor Jack Winterfield at + York, despite family connections and great interest, all for easing a fat + west-country grazier of the price of a few beasts—Now, here is honest + Mr. Morris, has been frightened, and so forth—D—n it, man, let the poor + fellow have back his portmanteau, and end the frolic at once." +</p> +<p> + Morris's eyes brightened up at this suggestion, and he began to hesitate + forth an assurance that he thirsted for no man's blood, when I cut the + proposed accommodation short, by resenting the Justice's suggestion as an + insult, that went directly to suppose me guilty of the very crime which I + had come to his house with the express intention of disavowing. We were + in this awkward predicament when a servant, opening the door, announced, + "A strange gentleman to wait upon his honour;" and the party whom he thus + described entered the room without farther ceremony. +</p> +<a name="image-0007"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa112.jpg" height="528" width="839" +alt="Die Vernon at Judge Inglewood's +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="2HCH0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER NINTH. +</h2> +<pre> + One of the thieves come back again! I'll stand close, + He dares not wrong me now, so near the house, + And call in vain 'tis, till I see him offer it. + The Widow. +</pre> +<p> + "A stranger!" echoed the Justice—"not upon business, I trust, for I'll + be"— +</p> +<p> + His protestation was cut short by the answer of the man himself. "My + business is of a nature somewhat onerous and particular," said my + acquaintance, Mr. Campbell—for it was he, the very Scotchman whom I had + seen at Northallerton—"and I must solicit your honour to give instant + and heedful consideration to it.—I believe, Mr. Morris," he added, + fixing his eye on that person with a look of peculiar firmness and almost + ferocity—"I believe ye ken brawly what I am—I believe ye cannot have + forgotten what passed at our last meeting on the road?" Morris's jaw + dropped—his countenance became the colour of tallow—his teeth + chattered, and he gave visible signs of the utmost consternation. "Take + heart of grace, man," said Campbell, "and dinna sit clattering your jaws + there like a pair of castanets! I think there can be nae difficulty in + your telling Mr. Justice, that ye have seen me of yore, and ken me to be + a cavalier of fortune, and a man of honour. Ye ken fu' weel ye will be + some time resident in my vicinity, when I may have the power, as I will + possess the inclination, to do you as good a turn." +</p> +<p> + "Sir—sir—I believe you to be a man of honour, and, as you say, a man of + fortune. Yes, Mr. Inglewood," he added, clearing his voice, "I really + believe this gentleman to be so." +</p> +<p> + "And what are this gentleman's commands with me?" said the Justice, + somewhat peevishly. "One man introduces another, like the rhymes in the + 'house that Jack built,' and I get company without either peace or + conversation!" +</p> +<p> + "Both shall be yours, sir," answered Campbell, "in a brief period of + time. I come to release your mind from a piece of troublesome duty, not + to make increment to it." +</p> +<p> + "Body o' me! then you are welcome as ever Scot was to England, and that's + not saying much. But get on, man—let's hear what you have got to say at + once." +</p> +<p> + "I presume, this gentleman," continued the North Briton, "told you there + was a person of the name of Campbell with him, when he had the mischance + to lose his valise?" +</p> +<p> + "He has not mentioned such a name, from beginning to end of the matter," + said the Justice. +</p> +<p> + "Ah! I conceive—I conceive," replied Mr. Campbell;—"Mr. Morris was + kindly afeared of committing a stranger into collision wi' the judicial + forms of the country; but as I understand my evidence is necessary to the + compurgation of one honest gentleman here, Mr. Francis Osbaldistone, wha + has been most unjustly suspected, I will dispense with the precaution. Ye + will therefore" (he added addressing Morris with the same determined look + and accent) "please tell Mr. Justice Inglewood, whether we did not travel + several miles together on the road, in consequence of your own anxious + request and suggestion, reiterated ance and again, baith on the evening + that we were at Northallerton, and there declined by me, but afterwards + accepted, when I overtook ye on the road near Cloberry Allers, and was + prevailed on by you to resign my ain intentions of proceeding to + Rothbury; and, for my misfortune, to accompany you on your proposed + route." +</p> +<p> + "It's a melancholy truth," answered Morris, holding down his head, as he + gave this general assent to the long and leading question which Campbell + put to him, and seemed to acquiesce in the statement it contained with + rueful docility. +</p> +<p> + "And I presume you can also asseverate to his worship, that no man is + better qualified than I am to bear testimony in this case, seeing that I + was by you, and near you, constantly during the whole occurrence." +</p> +<p> + "No man better qualified, certainly," said Morris, with a deep and + embarrassed sigh. +</p> +<p> + "And why the devil did you not assist him, then," said the Justice, + "since, by Mr. Morris's account, there were but two robbers; so you were + two to two, and you are both stout likely men?" +</p> +<p> + "Sir, if it please your worship," said Campbell, "I have been all my life + a man of peace and quietness, noways given to broils or batteries. Mr. + Morris, who belongs, as I understand, or hath belonged, to his Majesty's + army, might have used his pleasure in resistance, he travelling, as I + also understand, with a great charge of treasure; but, for me, who had + but my own small peculiar to defend, and who am, moreover, a man of a + pacific occupation, I was unwilling to commit myself to hazard in the + matter." +</p> +<p> + I looked at Campbell as he muttered these words, and never recollect to + have seen a more singular contrast than that between the strong daring + sternness expressed in his harsh features, and the air of composed + meekness and simplicity which his language assumed. There was even a + slight ironical smile lurking about the corners of his mouth, which + seemed, involuntarily as it were, to intimate his disdain of the quiet + and peaceful character which he thought proper to assume, and which led + me to entertain strange suspicions that his concern in the violence done + to Morris had been something very different from that of a + fellow-sufferer, or even of a mere spectator. +</p> +<p> + Perhaps some suspicious crossed the Justice's mind at the moment, for he + exclaimed, as if by way of ejaculation, "Body o' me! but this is a + strange story." +</p> +<p> + The North Briton seemed to guess at what was passing in his mind; for he + went on, with a change of manner and tone, dismissing from his + countenance some part of the hypocritical affectation of humility which + had made him obnoxious to suspicion, and saying, with a more frank and + unconstrained air, "To say the truth, I am just ane o' those canny folks + wha care not to fight but when they hae gotten something to fight for, + which did not chance to be my predicament when I fell in wi' these loons. + But that your worship may know that I am a person of good fame and + character, please to cast your eye over that billet." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Inglewood took the paper from his hand, and read, half aloud, "These + are to certify, that the bearer, Robert Campbell of—of some place which + I cannot pronounce," interjected the Justice—"is a person of good + lineage, and peaceable demeanour, travelling towards England on his own + proper affairs, &c. &c. &c. Given under our hand, at our Castle of + Inver—Invera—rara—Argyle." +</p> +<p> + "A slight testimonial, sir, which I thought fit to impetrate from that + worthy nobleman" (here he raised his hand to his head, as if to touch his + hat), "MacCallum More." +</p> +<p> + "MacCallum who, sir?" said the Justice. +</p> +<p> + "Whom the Southern call the Duke of Argyle." +</p> +<p> + "I know the Duke of Argyle very well to be a nobleman of great worth and + distinction, and a true lover of his country. I was one of those that + stood by him in 1714, when he unhorsed the Duke of Marlborough out of his + command. I wish we had more noblemen like him. He was an honest Tory in + those days, and hand and glove with Ormond. And he has acceded to the + present Government, as I have done myself, for the peace and quiet of his + country; for I cannot presume that great man to have been actuated, as + violent folks pretend, with the fear of losing his places and regiment. + His testimonial, as you call it, Mr. Campbell, is perfectly satisfactory; + and now, what have you got to say to this matter of the robbery?" +</p> +<p> + "Briefly this, if it please your worship,—that Mr. Morris might as weel + charge it against the babe yet to be born, or against myself even, as + against this young gentleman, Mr. Osbaldistone; for I am not only free to + depone that the person whom he took for him was a shorter man, and a + thicker man, but also, for I chanced to obtain a glisk of his visage, as + his fause-face slipped aside, that he was a man of other features and + complexion than those of this young gentleman, Mr. Osbaldistone. And I + believe," he added, turning round with a natural, yet somewhat sterner + air, to Mr. Morris, "that the gentleman will allow I had better + opportunity to take cognisance wha were present on that occasion than he, + being, I believe, much the cooler o' the twa." +</p> +<p> + "I agree to it, sir—I agree to it perfectly," said Morris, shrinking + back as Campbell moved his chair towards him to fortify his appeal—"And + I incline, sir," he added, addressing Mr. Inglewood, "to retract my + information as to Mr. Osbaldistone; and I request, sir, you will permit + him, sir, to go about his business, and me to go about mine also; your + worship may have business to settle with Mr. Campbell, and I am rather in + haste to be gone." +</p> +<p> + "Then, there go the declarations," said the Justice, throwing them into + the fire—"And now you are at perfect liberty, Mr Osbaldistone. And you, + Mr. Morris, are set quite at your ease." +</p> +<p> + "Ay," said Campbell, eyeing Morris as he assented with a rueful grin to + the Justice's observations, "much like the ease of a tod under a pair of + harrows—But fear nothing, Mr. Morris; you and I maun leave the house + thegither. I will see you safe—I hope you will not doubt my honour, when + I say sae—to the next highway, and then we part company; and if we do + not meet as friends in Scotland, it will be your ain fault." +</p> +<p> + With such a lingering look of terror as the condemned criminal throws, + when he is informed that the cart awaits him, Morris arose; but when on + his legs, appeared to hesitate. "I tell thee, man, fear nothing," + reiterated Campbell; "I will keep my word with you—Why, thou sheep's + heart, how do ye ken but we may can pick up some speerings of your + valise, if ye will be amenable to gude counsel?—Our horses are ready. + Bid the Justice fareweel, man, and show your Southern breeding." +</p> +<p> + Morris, thus exhorted and encouraged, took his leave, under the escort of + Mr. Campbell; but, apparently, new scruples and terrors had struck him + before they left the house, for I heard Campbell reiterating assurances + of safety and protection as they left the ante-room—"By the soul of my + body, man, thou'rt as safe as in thy father's kailyard—Zounds! that a + chield wi' sic a black beard should hae nae mair heart than a + hen-partridge!—Come on wi' ye, like a frank fallow, anes and for aye." +</p> +<p> + The voices died away, and the subsequent trampling of their horses + announced to us that they had left the mansion of Justice Inglewood. +</p> +<p> + The joy which that worthy magistrate received at this easy conclusion of + a matter which threatened him with some trouble in his judicial capacity, + was somewhat damped by reflection on what his clerk's views of the + transaction might be at his return. "Now, I shall have Jobson on my + shoulders about these d—d papers—I doubt I should not have destroyed + them, after all—But hang it! it is only paying his fees, and that will + make all smooth—And now, Miss Die Vernon, though I have liberated all + the others, I intend to sign a writ for committing you to the custody of + Mother Blakes, my old housekeeper, for the evening, and we will send for + my neighbour Mrs. Musgrave, and the Miss Dawkins, and your cousins, and + have old Cobs the fiddler, and be as merry as the maids; and Frank + Osbaldistone and I will have a carouse that will make us fit company for + you in half-an-hour." +</p> +<p> + "Thanks, most worshipful," returned Miss Vernon; "but, as matters stand, + we must return instantly to Osbaldistone Hall, where they do not know + what has become of us, and relieve my uncle of his anxiety on my cousin's + account, which is just the same as if one of his own sons were + concerned." +</p> +<p> + "I believe it truly," said the Justice; "for when his eldest son, Archie, + came to a bad end, in that unlucky affair of Sir John Fenwick's, old + Hildebrand used to hollo out his name as readily as any of the remaining + six, and then complain that he could not recollect which of his sons had + been hanged. So, pray hasten home, and relieve his paternal solicitude, + since go you must. But hark thee hither, heath-blossom," he said, pulling + her towards him by the hand, and in a good-humoured tone of admonition, + "another time let the law take its course, without putting your pretty + finger into her old musty pie, all full of fragments of law + gibberish—French and dog-Latin—And, Die, my beauty, let young fellows + show each other the way through the moors, in case you should lose your + own road, while you are pointing out theirs, my pretty Will o' the + Wisp." +</p> +<p> + With this admonition, he saluted and dismissed Miss Vernon, and took an + equally kind farewell of me. +</p> +<p> + "Thou seems to be a good tight lad, Mr. Frank, and I remember thy father + too—he was my playfellow at school. Hark thee, lad,—ride early at + night, and don't swagger with chance passengers on the king's highway. + What, man! all the king's liege subjects are not bound to understand + joking, and it's ill cracking jests on matters of felony. And here's poor + Die Vernon too—in a manner alone and deserted on the face of this wide + earth, and left to ride, and run, and scamper, at her own silly pleasure. + Thou must be careful of Die, or, egad, I will turn a young fellow again + on purpose, and fight thee myself, although I must own it would be a + great deal of trouble. And now, get ye both gone, and leave me to my pipe + of tobacco, and my meditations; for what says the song— +</p> +<pre> + The Indian leaf doth briefly burn; + So doth man's strength to weakness turn + The fire of youth extinguished quite, + Comes age, like embers, dry and white. + Think of this as you take tobacco."* +</pre> +<p> + * [The lines here quoted belong to or were altered from a set of verses + at one time very popular in England, beginning, <i>Tobacco that is withered + quite.</i> In Scotland, the celebrated Ralph Erskine, author of the <i>Gospel + Sonnets,</i> published what he called "<i>Smoking Spiritualized,</i> in two + parts. The first part being an Old Meditation upon Smoking Tobacco." It + begins—* +</p> +<pre> + This Indian weed now withered quite, + Tho' green at noon, cut down at night, + Shows thy decay; + All flesh is hay. + Thus thank, and smoke tobacco.] +</pre> +<p> + I was much pleased with the gleams of sense and feeling which escaped + from the Justice through the vapours of sloth and self-indulgence, + assured him of my respect to his admonitions, and took a friendly + farewell of the honest magistrate and his hospitable mansion. +</p> +<p> + We found a repast prepared for us in the ante-room, which we partook of + slightly, and rejoined the same servant of Sir Hildebrand who had taken + our horses at our entrance, and who had been directed, as he informed + Miss Vernon, by Mr. Rashleigh, to wait and attend upon us home. We rode a + little way in silence, for, to say truth, my mind was too much bewildered + with the events of the morning, to permit me to be the first to break it. + At length Miss Vernon exclaimed, as if giving vent to her own + reflections, "Well, Rashleigh is a man to be feared and wondered at, and + all but loved; he does whatever he pleases, and makes all others his + puppets—has a player ready to perform every part which he imagines, and + an invention and readiness which supply expedients for every emergency." +</p> +<p> + "You think, then," said I, answering rather to her meaning, than to the + express words she made use of, "that this Mr. Campbell, whose appearance + was so opportune, and who trussed up and carried off my accuser as a + falcon trusses a partridge, was an agent of Mr. Rashleigh + Osbaldistone's?" +</p> +<p> + "I do guess as much," replied Diana; "and shrewdly suspect, moreover, + that he would hardly have appeared so very much in the nick of time, if I + had not happened to meet Rashleigh in the hall at the Justice's." +</p> +<p> + "In that case, my thanks are chiefly due to you, my fair preserver." +</p> +<p> + "To be sure they are," returned Diana; "and pray, suppose them paid, and + accepted with a gracious smile, for I do not care to be troubled with + hearing them in good earnest, and am much more likely to yawn than to + behave becoming. In short, Mr. Frank, I wished to serve you, and I have + fortunately been able to do so, and have only one favour to ask in + return, and that is, that you will say no more about it.—But who comes + here to meet us, 'bloody with spurring, fiery-red with haste?' It is the + subordinate man of law, I think—no less than Mr. Joseph Jobson." +</p> +<p> + And Mr. Joseph Jobson it proved to be, in great haste, and, as it + speedily appeared, in most extreme bad humour. He came up to us, and + stopped his horse, as we were about to pass with a slight salutation. +</p> +<p> + "So, sir—so, Miss Vernon—ay, I see well enough how it is—bail put in + during my absence, I suppose—I should like to know who drew the + recognisance, that's all. If his worship uses this form of procedure + often, I advise him to get another clerk, that's all, for I shall + certainly demit." +</p> +<p> + "Or suppose he get this present clerk stitched to his sleeve, Mr. + Jobson," said Diana; "would not that do as well? And pray, how does + Farmer Rutledge, Mr. Jobson? I hope you found him able to sign, seal, and + deliver?" +</p> +<p> + This question seemed greatly to increase the wrath of the man of law. He + looked at Miss Vernon with such an air of spite and resentment, as laid + me under a strong temptation to knock him off his horse with the butt-end + of my whip, which I only suppressed in consideration of his + insignificance. +</p> +<p> + "Farmer Rutledge, ma'am?" said the clerk, as soon as his indignation + permitted him to articulate, "Farmer Rutledge is in as handsome enjoyment + of his health as you are—it's all a bam, ma'am—all a bamboozle and a + bite, that affair of his illness; and if you did not know as much before, + you know it now, ma'am." +</p> +<p> + "La you there now!" replied Miss Vernon, with an affectation of extreme + and simple wonder, "sure you don't say so, Mr. Jobson?" +</p> +<p> + "But I <i>do</i> say so, ma'am," rejoined the incensed scribe; "and + moreover I say, that the old miserly clod-breaker called me + pettifogger—pettifogger, ma'am—and said I came to hunt for a job, + ma'am—which I have no more right to have said to me than any other + gentleman of my profession, ma'am—especially as I am clerk to the + peace, having and holding said office under <i>Trigesimo Septimo Henrici + Octavi</i> and <i>Primo Gulielmi,</i> the first of King William, ma'am, of + glorious and immortal memory—our immortal deliverer from papists and + pretenders, and wooden shoes and warming pans, Miss Vernon." +</p> +<p> + "Sad things, these wooden shoes and warming pans," retorted the young + lady, who seemed to take pleasure in augmenting his wrath;—"and it is a + comfort you don't seem to want a warming pan at present, Mr. Jobson. I am + afraid Gaffer Rutledge has not confined his incivility to language—Are + you sure he did not give you a beating?" +</p> +<p> + "Beating, ma'am!—no"—(very shortly)—"no man alive shall beat me, I + promise you, ma'am." +</p> +<p> + "That is according as you happen to merit, sir," said I: "for your mode + of speaking to this young lady is so unbecoming, that, if you do not + change your tone, I shall think it worth while to chastise you myself." +</p> +<p> + "Chastise, sir? and—me, sir?—Do you know whom you speak to, sir?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes, sir," I replied; "you say yourself you are clerk of peace to the + county; and Gaffer Rutledge says you are a pettifogger; and in neither + capacity are you entitled to be impertinent to a young lady of fashion." +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon laid her hand on my arm, and exclaimed, "Come, Mr. + Osbaldistone, I will have no assaults and battery on Mr. Jobson; I am + not in sufficient charity with him to permit a single touch of your + whip—why, he would live on it for a term at least. Besides, you have + already hurt his feelings sufficiently—you have called him + impertinent." +</p> +<p> + "I don't value his language, Miss," said the clerk, somewhat crestfallen: + "besides, impertinent is not an actionable word; but pettifogger is + slander in the highest degree, and that I will make Gaffer Rutledge know + to his cost, and all who maliciously repeat the same, to the breach of + the public peace, and the taking away of my private good name." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind that, Mr. Jobson," said Miss Vernon; "you know, where there + is nothing, your own law allows that the king himself must lose his + rights; and for the taking away of your good name, I pity the poor fellow + who gets it, and wish you joy of losing it with all my heart." +</p> +<p> + "Very well, ma'am—good evening, ma'am—I have no more to say—only there + are laws against papists, which it would be well for the land were they + better executed. There's third and fourth Edward VI., of antiphoners, + missals, grailes, professionals, manuals, legends, pies, portuasses, and + those that have such trinkets in their possession, Miss Vernon—and + there's summoning of papists to take the oaths—and there are popish + recusant convicts under the first of his present Majesty—ay, and there + are penalties for hearing mass—See twenty-third of Queen Elizabeth, and + third James First, chapter twenty-fifth. And there are estates to be + registered, and deeds and wills to be enrolled, and double taxes to be + made, according to the acts in that case made and provided"— +</p> +<p> + "See the new edition of the Statutes at Large, published under the + careful revision of Joseph Jobson, Gent., Clerk of the Peace," said Miss + Vernon. +</p> +<p> + "Also, and above all," continued Jobson,—"for I speak to your + warning—you, Diana Vernon, spinstress, not being a <i>femme couverte,</i> + and being a convict popish recusant, are bound to repair to your own + dwelling, and that by the nearest way, under penalty of being held felon + to the king—and diligently to seek for passage at common ferries, and + to tarry there but one ebb and flood; and unless you can have it in such + places, to walk every day into the water up to the knees, assaying to + pass over." +</p> +<p> + "A sort of Protestant penance for my Catholic errors, I suppose," said + Miss Vernon, laughing.—"Well, I thank you for the information, Mr. + Jobson, and will hie me home as fast as I can, and be a better + housekeeper in time coming. Good-night, my dear Mr. Jobson, thou mirror + of clerical courtesy." +</p> +<p> + "Good-night, ma'am, and remember the law is not to be trifled with." +</p> +<p> + And we rode on our separate ways. +</p> +<p> + "There he goes for a troublesome mischief-making tool," said Miss Vernon, + as she gave a glance after him; "it is hard that persons of birth and rank + and estate should be subjected to the official impertinence of such a + paltry pickthank as that, merely for believing as the whole world + believed not much above a hundred years ago—for certainly our Catholic + Faith has the advantage of antiquity at least." +</p> +<p> + "I was much tempted to have broken the rascal's head," I replied. +</p> +<p> + "You would have acted very like a hasty young man," said Miss Vernon; + "and yet, had my own hand been an ounce heavier than it is, I think I + should have laid its weight upon him. Well, it does not signify + complaining, but there are three things for which I am much to be pitied, + if any one thought it worth while to waste any compassion upon me." +</p> +<p> + "And what are these three things, Miss Vernon, may I ask?" +</p> +<p> + "Will you promise me your deepest sympathy, if I tell you?" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly;—can you doubt it?" I replied, closing my horse nearer to + hers as I spoke, with an expression of interest which I did not attempt + to disguise. +</p> +<p> + "Well, it is very seducing to be pitied, after all; so here are my three + grievances: In the first place, I am a girl, and not a young fellow, and + would be shut up in a mad-house if I did half the things that I have a + mind to;—and that, if I had your happy prerogative of acting as you + list, would make all the world mad with imitating and applauding me." +</p> +<p> + "I can't quite afford you the sympathy you expect upon this score," I + replied; "the misfortune is so general, that it belongs to one half of + the species; and the other half"— +</p> +<p> + "Are so much better cared for, that they are jealous of their + prerogatives," interrupted Miss Vernon—"I forgot you were a party + interested. Nay," she said, as I was going to speak, "that soft smile is + intended to be the preface of a very pretty compliment respecting the + peculiar advantages which Die Vernon's friends and kinsmen enjoy, by her + being born one of their Helots; but spare me the utterance, my good + friend, and let us try whether we shall agree better on the second count + of my indictment against fortune, as that quill-driving puppy would call + it. I belong to an oppressed sect and antiquated religion, and, instead + of getting credit for my devotion, as is due to all good girls beside, my + kind friend, Justice Inglewood, may send me to the house of correction, + merely for worshipping God in the way of my ancestors, and say, as old + Pembroke did to the Abbess of Wilton,* when he usurped her convent and + establishment, 'Go spin, you jade,—Go spin.'" +</p> +<p> + * Note F. The Abbess of Wilton. +</p> +<p> + "This is not a cureless evil," said I gravely. "Consult some of our + learned divines, or consult your own excellent understanding, Miss + Vernon; and surely the particulars in which our religious creed differs + from that in which you have been educated"— +</p> +<p> + "Hush!" said Diana, placing her fore-finger on her mouth,—"Hush! no more + of that. Forsake the faith of my gallant fathers! I would as soon, were I + a man, forsake their banner when the tide of battle pressed hardest + against it, and turn, like a hireling recreant, to join the victorious + enemy." +</p> +<p> + "I honour your spirit, Miss Vernon; and as to the inconveniences to which + it exposes you, I can only say, that wounds sustained for the sake of + conscience carry their own balsam with the blow." +</p> +<p> + "Ay; but they are fretful and irritating, for all that. But I see, hard + of heart as you are, my chance of beating hemp, or drawing out flax into + marvellous coarse thread, affects you as little as my condemnation to + coif and pinners, instead of beaver and cockade; so I will spare myself + the fruitless pains of telling my third cause of vexation." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, my dear Miss Vernon, do not withdraw your confidence, and I will + promise you, that the threefold sympathy due to your very unusual causes + of distress shall be all duly and truly paid to account of the third, + providing you assure me, that it is one which you neither share with all + womankind, nor even with every Catholic in England, who, God bless you, + are still a sect more numerous than we Protestants, in our zeal for + church and state, would desire them to be." +</p> +<p> + "It is indeed," said Diana, with a manner greatly altered, and more + serious than I had yet seen her assume, "a misfortune that well merits + compassion. I am by nature, as you may easily observe, of a frank and + unreserved disposition—a plain true-hearted girl, who would willingly + act openly and honestly by the whole world, and yet fate has involved me + in such a series of nets and toils, and entanglements, that I dare hardly + speak a word for fear of consequences—not to myself, but to others." +</p> +<p> + "That is indeed a misfortune, Miss Vernon, which I do most sincerely + compassionate, but which I should hardly have anticipated." +</p> +<p> + "O, Mr. Osbaldistone, if you but knew—if any one knew, what difficulty I + sometimes find in hiding an aching heart with a smooth brow, you would + indeed pity me. I do wrong, perhaps, in speaking to you even thus far on + my own situation; but you are a young man of sense and penetration—you + cannot but long to ask me a hundred questions on the events of this + day—on the share which Rashleigh has in your deliverance from this petty + scrape—upon many other points which cannot but excite your attention; + and I cannot bring myself to answer with the necessary falsehood and + finesse—I should do it awkwardly, and lose your good opinion, if I have + any share of it, as well as my own. It is best to say at once, Ask me no + questions,—I have it not in my power to reply to them." +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon spoke these words with a tone of feeling which could not but + make a corresponding impression upon me. I assured her she had neither to + fear my urging her with impertinent questions, nor my misconstruing her + declining to answer those which might in themselves be reasonable, or at + least natural. +</p> +<p> + "I was too much obliged," I said, "by the interest she had taken in my + affairs, to misuse the opportunity her goodness had afforded me of prying + into hers—I only trusted and entreated, that if my services could at any + time be useful, she would command them without doubt or hesitation." +</p> +<p> + "Thank you—thank you," she replied; "your voice does not ring the cuckoo + chime of compliment, but speaks like that of one who knows to what he + pledges himself. If—but it is impossible—but yet, if an opportunity + should occur, I will ask you if you remember this promise; and I assure + you, I shall not be angry if I find you have forgotten it, for it is + enough that you are sincere in your intentions just now—much may occur + to alter them ere I call upon you, should that moment ever come, to + assist Die Vernon, as if you were Die Vernon's brother." +</p> +<p> + "And if I were Die Vernon's brother," said I, "there could not be less + chance that I should refuse my assistance—And now I am afraid I must not + ask whether Rashleigh was willingly accessory to my deliverance?" +</p> +<p> + "Not of me; but you may ask it of himself, and depend upon it, he will + say <i>yes;</i> for rather than any good action should walk through the world + like an unappropriated adjective in an ill-arranged sentence, he is + always willing to stand noun substantive to it himself." +</p> +<p> + "And I must not ask whether this Campbell be himself the party who eased + Mr. Morris of his portmanteau,—or whether the letter, which our friend + the attorney received, was not a finesse to withdraw him from the scene + of action, lest he should have marred the happy event of my deliverance? + And I must not ask"— +</p> +<p> + "You must ask nothing of me," said Miss Vernon; "so it is quite in vain + to go on putting cases. You are to think just as well of me as if I had + answered all these queries, and twenty others besides, as glibly as + Rashleigh could have done; and observe, whenever I touch my chin just so, + it is a sign that I cannot speak upon the topic which happens to occupy + your attention. I must settle signals of correspondence with you, because + you are to be my confidant and my counsellor, only you are to know + nothing whatever of my affairs." +</p> +<p> + "Nothing can be more reasonable," I replied, laughing; "and the extent of + your confidence will, you may rely upon it, only be equalled by the + sagacity of my counsels." +</p> +<p> + This sort of conversation brought us, in the highest good-humour with + each other, to Osbaldistone Hall, where we found the family far advanced + in the revels of the evening. +</p> +<p> + "Get some dinner for Mr. Osbaldistone and me in the library," said Miss + Vernon to a servant.—"I must have some compassion upon you," she added, + turning to me, "and provide against your starving in this mansion of + brutal abundance; otherwise I am not sure that I should show you my + private haunts. This same library is my den—the only corner of the + Hall-house where I am safe from the Ourang-Outangs, my cousins. They + never venture there, I suppose for fear the folios should fall down and + crack their skulls; for they will never affect their heads in any other + way—So follow me." +</p> +<p> + And I followed through hall and bower, vaulted passage and winding stair, + until we reached the room where she had ordered our refreshments. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + In the wide pile, by others heeded not, + Hers was one sacred solitary spot, + Whose gloomy aisles and bending shelves contain + For moral hunger food, and cures for moral pain. + Anonymous. +</pre> +<p> + The library at Osbaldistone Hall was a gloomy room, whose antique oaken + shelves bent beneath the weight of the ponderous folios so dear to the + seventeenth century, from which, under favour be it spoken, we have + distilled matter for our quartos and octavos, and which, once more + subjected to the alembic, may, should our sons be yet more frivolous than + ourselves, be still farther reduced into duodecimos and pamphlets. The + collection was chiefly of the classics, as well foreign as ancient + history, and, above all, divinity. It was in wretched order. The priests, + who in succession had acted as chaplains at the Hall, were, for many + years, the only persons who entered its precincts, until Rashleigh's + thirst for reading had led him to disturb the venerable spiders, who had + muffled the fronts of the presses with their tapestry. His destination + for the church rendered his conduct less absurd in his father's eyes, + than if any of his other descendants had betrayed so strange a + propensity, and Sir Hildebrand acquiesced in the library receiving some + repairs, so as to fit it for a sitting-room. Still an air of + dilapidation, as obvious as it was uncomfortable, pervaded the large + apartment, and announced the neglect from which the knowledge which its + walls contained had not been able to exempt it. The tattered tapestry, + the worm-eaten shelves, the huge and clumsy, yet tottering, tables, + desks, and chairs, the rusty grate, seldom gladdened by either sea-coal + or faggots, intimated the contempt of the lords of Osbaldistone Hall for + learning, and for the volumes which record its treasures. +</p> +<p> + "You think this place somewhat disconsolate, I suppose?" said Diana, as I + glanced my eye round the forlorn apartment; "but to me it seems like a + little paradise, for I call it my own, and fear no intrusion. Rashleigh + was joint proprietor with me, while we were friends." +</p> +<p> + "And are you no longer so?" was my natural question. Her fore-finger + immediately touched her dimpled chin, with an arch look of prohibition. +</p> +<p> + "We are still <i>allies,</i>" she continued, "bound, like other confederate + powers, by circumstances of mutual interest; but I am afraid, as will + happen in other cases, the treaty of alliance has survived the amicable + dispositions in which it had its origin. At any rate, we live less + together; and when he comes through that door there, I vanish through + this door here; and so, having made the discovery that we two were one + too many for this apartment, as large as it seems, Rashleigh, whose + occasions frequently call him elsewhere, has generously made a cession of + his rights in my favour; so that I now endeavour to prosecute alone the + studies in which he used formerly to be my guide." +</p> +<p> + "And what are those studies, if I may presume to ask?" +</p> +<p> + "Indeed you may, without the least fear of seeing my fore-finger raised + to my chin. Science and history are my principal favourites; but I also + study poetry and the classics." +</p> +<p> + "And the classics? Do you read them in the original?" +</p> +<p> + "Unquestionably. Rashleigh, who is no contemptible scholar, taught me + Greek and Latin, as well as most of the languages of modern Europe. I + assure you there has been some pains taken in my education, although I + can neither sew a tucker, nor work cross-stitch, nor make a pudding, + nor—as the vicar's fat wife, with as much truth as elegance, good-will, + and politeness, was pleased to say in my behalf—do any other useful + thing in the varsal world." +</p> +<p> + "And was this selection of studies Rashleigh's choice, or your own, Miss + Vernon?" I asked. +</p> +<p> + "Um!" said she, as if hesitating to answer my question,—"It's not worth + while lifting my finger about, after all. Why, partly his and partly + mine. As I learned out of doors to ride a horse, and bridle and saddle + him in cue of necessity, and to clear a five-barred gate, and fire a gun + without winking, and all other of those masculine accomplishments that my + brute cousins run mad after, I wanted, like my rational cousin, to read + Greek and Latin within doors, and make my complete approach to the tree + of knowledge, which you men-scholars would engross to yourselves, in + revenge, I suppose, for our common mother's share in the great original + transgression." +</p> +<p> + "And Rashleigh indulged your propensity to learning?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, he wished to have me for his scholar, and he could but teach me + that which he knew himself—he was not likely to instruct me in the + mysteries of washing lace-ruffles, or hemming cambric handkerchiefs, I + suppose." +</p> +<p> + "I admit the temptation of getting such a scholar, and have no doubt that + it made a weighty consideration on the tutor's part." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, if you begin to investigate Rashleigh's motives, my finger touches + my chin once more. I can only be frank where my own are inquired into. + But to resume—he has resigned the library in my favour, and never enters + without leave had and obtained; and so I have taken the liberty to make + it the place of deposit for some of my own goods and chattels, as you may + see by looking round you." +</p> +<p> + "I beg pardon, Miss Vernon, but I really see nothing around these walls + which I can distinguish as likely to claim you as mistress." +</p> +<p> + "That is, I suppose, because you neither see a shepherd or shepherdess + wrought in worsted, and handsomely framed in black ebony, or a stuffed + parrot,—or a breeding-cage, full of canary birds,—or a housewife-case, + broidered with tarnished silver,—or a toilet-table with a nest of + japanned boxes, with as many angles as Christmas minced-pies,—or a + broken-backed spinet,—or a lute with three strings,—or rock-work,—or + shell-work,—or needle-work, or work of any kind,—or a lap-dog with a + litter of blind puppies—None of these treasures do I possess," she + continued, after a pause, in order to recover the breath she had lost in + enumerating them—"But there stands the sword of my ancestor Sir Richard + Vernon, slain at Shrewsbury, and sorely slandered by a sad fellow called + Will Shakspeare, whose Lancastrian partialities, and a certain knack at + embodying them, has turned history upside down, or rather inside + out;—and by that redoubted weapon hangs the mail of the still older + Vernon, squire to the Black Prince, whose fate is the reverse of his + descendant's, since he is more indebted to the bard who took the trouble + to celebrate him, for good-will than for talents,— +</p> +<pre> + Amiddes the route you may discern one + Brave knight, with pipes on shield, ycleped Vernon + Like a borne fiend along the plain he thundered, + Prest to be carving throtes, while others plundered. +</pre> +<p> + "Then there is a model of a new martingale, which I invented myself—a + great improvement on the Duke of Newcastle's; and there are the hood and + bells of my falcon Cheviot, who spitted himself on a heron's bill at + Horsely-moss—poor Cheviot, there is not a bird on the perches below, but + are kites and riflers compared to him; and there is my own light + fowling-piece, with an improved firelock; with twenty other treasures, + each more valuable than another—And there, that speaks for itself." +</p> +<p> + She pointed to the carved oak frame of a full-length portrait by Vandyke, + on which were inscribed, in Gothic letters, the words <i>Vernon semper + viret.</i> I looked at her for explanation. "Do you not know," said she, + with some surprise, "our motto—the Vernon motto, where, +</p> +<pre> + Like the solemn vice iniquity, + We moralise two meanings in one word +</pre> +<p> + And do you not know our cognisance, the pipes?" pointing to the armorial + bearings sculptured on the oaken scutcheon, around which the legend was + displayed. +</p> +<p> + "Pipes!—they look more like penny-whistles—But, pray, do not be angry + with my ignorance," I continued, observing the colour mount to her + cheeks, "I can mean no affront to your armorial bearings, for I do not + even know my own." +</p> +<p> + "You an Osbaldistone, and confess so much!" she exclaimed. "Why, Percie, + Thornie, John, Dickon—Wilfred himself, might be your instructor. Even + ignorance itself is a plummet over you." +</p> +<p> + "With shame I confess it, my dear Miss Vernon, the mysteries couched + under the grim hieroglyphics of heraldry are to me as unintelligible as + those of the pyramids of Egypt." +</p> +<p> + "What! is it possible?—Why, even my uncle reads Gwillym sometimes of a + winter night—Not know the figures of heraldry!—of what could your + father be thinking?" +</p> +<p> + "Of the figures of arithmetic," I answered; "the most insignificant unit + of which he holds more highly than all the blazonry of chivalry. But, + though I am ignorant to this inexpressible degree, I have knowledge and + taste enough to admire that splendid picture, in which I think I can + discover a family likeness to you. What ease and dignity in the + attitude!—what richness of colouring—what breadth and depth of shade!" +</p> +<p> + "Is it really a fine painting?" she asked. +</p> +<p> + "I have seen many works of the renowned artist," I replied, "but never + beheld one more to my liking!" +</p> +<p> + "Well, I know as little of pictures as you do of heraldry," replied Miss + Vernon; "yet I have the advantage of you, because I have always admired + the painting without understanding its value." +</p> +<p> + "While I have neglected pipes and tabors, and all the whimsical + combinations of chivalry, still I am informed that they floated in the + fields of ancient fame. But you will allow their exterior appearance is + not so peculiarly interesting to the uninformed spectator as that of a + fine painting.—Who is the person here represented?" +</p> +<p> + "My grandfather. He shared the misfortunes of Charles I., and, I am sorry + to add, the excesses of his son. Our patrimonial estate was greatly + impaired by his prodigality, and was altogether lost by his successor, my + unfortunate father. But peace be with them who have got it!—it was lost + in the cause of loyalty." +</p> +<p> + "Your father, I presume, suffered in the political dissensions of the + period?" +</p> +<p> + "He did indeed;—he lost his all. And hence is his child a dependent + orphan—eating the bread of others—subjected to their caprices, and + compelled to study their inclinations; yet prouder of having had such a + father, than if, playing a more prudent but less upright part, he had + left me possessor of all the rich and fair baronies which his family once + possessed." +</p> +<p> + As she thus spoke, the entrance of the servants with dinner cut off all + conversation but that of a general nature. +</p> +<p> + When our hasty meal was concluded, and the wine placed on the table, the + domestic informed us, "that Mr. Rashleigh had desired to be told when our + dinner was removed." +</p> +<p> + "Tell him," said Miss Vernon, "we shall be happy to see him if he will + step this way—place another wineglass and chair, and leave the room.— + You must retire with him when he goes away," she continued, addressing + herself to me; "even <i>my</i> liberality cannot spare a gentleman above eight + hours out of the twenty-four; and I think we have been together for at + least that length of time." +</p> +<p> + "The old scythe-man has moved so rapidly," I answered, "that I could not + count his strides." +</p> +<p> + "Hush!" said Miss Vernon, "here comes Rashleigh;" and she drew off her + chair, to which I had approached mine rather closely, so as to place a + greater distance between us. A modest tap at the door,—a gentle manner + of opening when invited to enter,—a studied softness and humility of + step and deportment, announced that the education of Rashleigh + Osbaldistone at the College of St. Omers accorded well with the ideas I + entertained of the manners of an accomplished Jesuit. I need not add, + that, as a sound Protestant, these ideas were not the most favourable. + "Why should you use the ceremony of knocking," said Miss Vernon, "when + you knew that I was not alone?" +</p> +<p> + This was spoken with a burst of impatience, as if she had felt that + Rashleigh's air of caution and reserve covered some insinuation of + impertinent suspicion. "You have taught me the form of knocking at this + door so perfectly, my fair cousin," answered Rashleigh, without change of + voice or manner, "that habit has become a second nature." +</p> +<p> + "I prize sincerity more than courtesy, sir, and you know I do," was Miss + Vernon's reply. +</p> +<p> + "Courtesy is a gallant gay, a courtier by name and by profession," + replied Rashleigh, "and therefore most fit for a lady's bower." +</p> +<p> + "But Sincerity is the true knight," retorted Miss Vernon, "and therefore + much more welcome, cousin. But to end a debate not over amusing to your + stranger kinsman, sit down, Rashleigh, and give Mr. Francis Osbaldistone + your countenance to his glass of wine. I have done the honours of the + dinner, for the credit of Osbaldistone Hall." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh sate down, and filled his glass, glancing his eye from Diana to + me, with an embarrassment which his utmost efforts could not entirely + disguise. I thought he appeared to be uncertain concerning the extent of + confidence she might have reposed in me, and hastened to lead the + conversation into a channel which should sweep away his suspicion that + Diana might have betrayed any secrets which rested between them. "Miss + Vernon," I said, "Mr. Rashleigh, has recommended me to return my thanks + to you for my speedy disengagement from the ridiculous accusation of + Morris; and, unjustly fearing my gratitude might not be warm enough to + remind me of this duty, she has put my curiosity on its side, by + referring me to you for an account, or rather explanation, of the events + of the day." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?" answered Rashleigh; "I should have thought" (looking keenly at + Miss Vernon) "that the lady herself might have stood interpreter;" and + his eye, reverting from her face, sought mine, as if to search, from the + expression of my features, whether Diana's communication had been as + narrowly limited as my words had intimated. Miss Vernon retorted his + inquisitorial glance with one of decided scorn; while I, uncertain + whether to deprecate or resent his obvious suspicion, replied, "If it is + your pleasure, Mr. Rashleigh, as it has been Miss Vernon's, to leave me + in ignorance, I must necessarily submit; but, pray, do not withhold your + information from me on the ground of imagining that I have already + obtained any on the subject. For I tell you, as a man of honour, I am as + ignorant as that picture of anything relating to the events I have + witnessed to-day, excepting that I understand from Miss Vernon, that you + have been kindly active in my favour." +</p> +<p> + "Miss Vernon has overrated my humble efforts," said Rashleigh, "though I + claim full credit for my zeal. The truth is, that as I galloped back to + get some one of our family to join me in becoming your bail, which was + the most obvious, or, indeed, I may say, the only way of serving you + which occurred to my stupidity, I met the man Cawmil—Colville—Campbell, + or whatsoever they call him. I had understood from Morris that he was + present when the robbery took place, and had the good fortune to prevail + on him (with some difficulty, I confess) to tender his evidence in your + exculpation—which I presume was the means of your being released from an + unpleasant situation." +</p> +<p> + "Indeed?—I am much your debtor for procuring such a seasonable evidence + in my behalf. But I cannot see why (having been, as he said, a + fellow-sufferer with Morris) it should have required much trouble to + persuade him to step forth and bear evidence, whether to convict the + actual robber, or free an innocent person." +</p> +<p> + "You do not know the genius of that man's country, sir," answered + Rashleigh;—"discretion, prudence, and foresight, are their leading + qualities; these are only modified by a narrow-spirited, but yet ardent + patriotism, which forms as it were the outmost of the concentric bulwarks + with which a Scotchman fortifies himself against all the attacks of a + generous philanthropical principle. Surmount this mound, you find an + inner and still dearer barrier—the love of his province, his village, + or, most probably, his clan; storm this second obstacle, you have a + third—his attachment to his own family—his father, mother, sons, + daughters, uncles, aunts, and cousins, to the ninth generation. It is + within these limits that a Scotchman's social affection expands itself, + never reaching those which are outermost, till all means of discharging + itself in the interior circles have been exhausted. It is within these + circles that his heart throbs, each pulsation being fainter and fainter, + till, beyond the widest boundary, it is almost unfelt. And what is worst + of all, could you surmount all these concentric outworks, you have an + inner citadel, deeper, higher, and more efficient than them all—a + Scotchman's love for himself." +</p> +<p> + "All this is extremely eloquent and metaphorical, Rashleigh," said Miss + Vernon, who listened with unrepressed impatience; "there are only two + objections to it: first, it is <i>not</i> true; secondly, if true, it is + nothing to the purpose." +</p> +<p> + "It <i>is</i> true, my fairest Diana," returned Rashleigh; "and moreover, it + is most instantly to the purpose. It is true, because you cannot deny + that I know the country and people intimately, and the character is drawn + from deep and accurate consideration—and it is to the purpose, because + it answers Mr. Francis Osbaldistone's question, and shows why this same + wary Scotchman, considering our kinsman to be neither his countryman, nor + a Campbell, nor his cousin in any of the inextricable combinations by + which they extend their pedigree; and, above all, seeing no prospect of + personal advantage, but, on the contrary, much hazard of loss of time and + delay of business"— +</p> +<p> + "With other inconveniences, perhaps, of a nature yet more formidable," + interrupted Miss Vernon. +</p> +<p> + "Of which, doubtless, there might be many," said Rashleigh, continuing in + the same tone—"In short, my theory shows why this man, hoping for no + advantage, and afraid of some inconvenience, might require a degree of + persuasion ere he could be prevailed on to give his testimony in favour + of Mr. Osbaldistone." +</p> +<p> + "It seems surprising to me," I observed, "that during the glance I cast + over the declaration, or whatever it is termed, of Mr. Morris, he should + never have mentioned that Campbell was in his company when he met the + marauders." +</p> +<p> + "I understood from Campbell, that he had taken his solemn promise not to + mention that circumstance," replied Rashleigh: "his reason for exacting + such an engagement you may guess from what I have hinted—he wished to + get back to his own country, undelayed and unembarrassed by any of the + judicial inquiries which he would have been under the necessity of + attending, had the fact of his being present at the robbery taken air + while he was on this side of the Border. But let him once be as distant + as the Forth, Morris will, I warrant you, come forth with all he knows + about him, and, it may be, a good deal more. Besides, Campbell is a very + extensive dealer in cattle, and has often occasion to send great droves + into Northumberland; and, when driving such a trade, he would be a great + fool to embroil himself with our Northumbrian thieves, than whom no men + who live are more vindictive." +</p> +<p> + "I dare be sworn of that," said Miss Vernon, with a tone which implied + something more than a simple acquiescence in the proposition. +</p> +<p> + "Still," said I, resuming the subject, "allowing the force of the reasons + which Campbell might have for desiring that Morris should be silent with + regard to his promise when the robbery was committed, I cannot yet see + how he could attain such an influence over the man, as to make him + suppress his evidence in that particular, at the manifest risk of + subjecting his story to discredit." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh agreed with me, that it was very extraordinary, and seemed to + regret that he had not questioned the Scotchman more closely on that + subject, which he allowed looked extremely mysterious. "But," he asked, + immediately after this acquiescence, "are you very sure the circumstance + of Morris's being accompanied by Campbell is really not alluded to in his + examination?" +</p> +<p> + "I read the paper over hastily," said I; "but it is my strong impression + that no such circumstance is mentioned;—at least, it must have been + touched on very slightly, since it failed to catch my attention." +</p> +<p> + "True, true," answered Rashleigh, forming his own inference while he + adopted my words; "I incline to think with you, that the circumstance + must in reality have been mentioned, but so slightly that it failed to + attract your attention. And then, as to Campbell's interest with Morris, + I incline to suppose that it must have been gained by playing upon his + fears. This chicken-hearted fellow, Morris, is bound, I understand, for + Scotland, destined for some little employment under Government; and, + possessing the courage of the wrathful dove, or most magnanimous mouse, + he may have been afraid to encounter the ill-will of such a kill-cow as + Campbell, whose very appearance would be enough to fright him out of his + little wits. You observed that Mr. Campbell has at times a keen and + animated manner—something of a martial cast in his tone and bearing." +</p> +<p> + "I own," I replied, "that his expression struck me as being occasionally + fierce and sinister, and little adapted to his peaceable professions. Has + he served in the army?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes—no—not, strictly speaking, <i>served;</i> but he has been, I believe, + like most of his countrymen, trained to arms. Indeed, among the hills, + they carry them from boyhood to the grave. So, if you know anything of + your fellow-traveller, you will easily judge, that, going to such a + country, he will take cue to avoid a quarrel, if he can help it, with any + of the natives. But, come, I see you decline your wine—and I too am a + degenerate Osbaldistone, so far as respects the circulation of the + bottle. If you will go to my room, I will hold you a hand at piquet." +</p> +<p> + We rose to take leave of Miss Vernon, who had from time to time + suppressed, apparently with difficulty, a strong temptation to break in + upon Rashleigh's details. As we were about to leave the room, the + smothered fire broke forth. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Osbaldistone," she said, "your own observation will enable you to + verify the justice, or injustice, of Rashleigh's suggestions concerning + such individuals as Mr. Campbell and Mr. Morris. But, in slandering + Scotland, he has borne false witness against a whole country; and I + request you will allow no weight to his evidence." +</p> +<p> + "Perhaps," I answered, "I may find it somewhat difficult to obey your + injunction, Miss Vernon; for I must own I was bred up with no very + favourable idea of our northern neighbours." +</p> +<p> + "Distrust that part of your education, sir," she replied, "and let the + daughter of a Scotchwoman pray you to respect the land which gave her + parent birth, until your own observation has proved them to be unworthy + of your good opinion. Preserve your hatred and contempt for + dissimulation, baseness, and falsehood, wheresoever they are to be met + with. You will find enough of all without leaving England.—Adieu, + gentlemen, I wish you good evening." +</p> +<p> + And she signed to the door, with the manner of a princess dismissing her + train. +</p> +<p> + We retired to Rashleigh's apartment, where a servant brought us coffee + and cards. I had formed my resolution to press Rashleigh no farther on + the events of the day. A mystery, and, as I thought, not of a favourable + complexion, appeared to hang over his conduct; but to ascertain if my + suspicions were just, it was necessary to throw him off his guard. We cut + for the deal, and were soon earnestly engaged in our play. I thought I + perceived in this trifling for amusement (for the stake which Rashleigh + proposed was a mere trifle) something of a fierce and ambitious temper. + He seemed perfectly to understand the beautiful game at which he played, + but preferred, as it were on principle, the risking bold and precarious + strokes to the ordinary rules of play; and neglecting the minor and + better-balanced chances of the game, he hazarded everything for the + chance of piqueing, repiqueing, or capoting his adversary. So soon as the + intervention of a game or two at piquet, like the music between the acts + of a drama, had completely interrupted our previous course of + conversation, Rashleigh appeared to tire of the game, and the cards were + superseded by discourse, in which he assumed the lead. +</p> +<p> + More learned than soundly wise—better acquainted with men's minds than + with the moral principles that ought to regulate them, he had still + powers of conversation which I have rarely seen equalled, never excelled. + Of this his manner implied some consciousness; at least, it appeared to + me that he had studied hard to improve his natural advantages of a + melodious voice, fluent and happy expression, apt language, and fervid + imagination. He was never loud, never overbearing, never so much occupied + with his own thoughts as to outrun either the patience or the + comprehension of those he conversed with. His ideas succeeded each other + with the gentle but unintermitting flow of a plentiful and bounteous + spring; while I have heard those of others, who aimed at distinction in + conversation, rush along like the turbid gush from the sluice of a + mill-pond, as hurried, and as easily exhausted. It was late at night ere + I could part from a companion so fascinating; and, when I gained my own + apartment, it cost me no small effort to recall to my mind the character + of Rashleigh, such as I had pictured him previous to this + <i>tete-a-tete.</i> +</p> +<p> + So effectual, my dear Tresham, does the sense of being pleased and amused + blunt our faculties of perception and discrimination of character, that I + can only compare it to the taste of certain fruits, at once luscious and + poignant, which renders our palate totally unfit for relishing or + distinguishing the viands which are subsequently subjected to its + criticism. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0011"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + What gars ye gaunt, my merrymen a'? + What gars ye look sae dreary? + What gars ye hing your head sae sair + In the castle of Balwearie? + Old Scotch Ballad. +</pre> +<p> + The next morning chanced to be Sunday, a day peculiarly hard to be got + rid of at Osbaldistone Hall; for after the formal religious service of + the morning had been performed, at which all the family regularly + attended, it was hard to say upon which individual, Rashleigh and Miss + Vernon excepted, the fiend of ennui descended with the most abundant + outpouring of his spirit. To speak of my yesterday's embarrassment amused + Sir Hildebrand for several minutes, and he congratulated me on my + deliverance from Morpeth or Hexham jail, as he would have done if I had + fallen in attempting to clear a five-barred gate, and got up without + hurting myself. +</p> +<p> + "Hast had a lucky turn, lad; but do na be over venturous again. What, + man! the king's road is free to all men, be they Whigs, be they Tories." +</p> +<p> + "On my word, sir, I am innocent of interrupting it; and it is the most + provoking thing on earth, that every person will take it for granted that + I am accessory to a crime which I despise and detest, and which would, + moreover, deservedly forfeit my life to the laws of my country." +</p> +<p> + "Well, well, lad; even so be it; I ask no questions—no man bound to tell + on himsell—that's fair play, or the devil's in't." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh here came to my assistance; but I could not help thinking that + his arguments were calculated rather as hints to his father to put on a + show of acquiescence in my declaration of innocence, than fully to + establish it. +</p> +<p> + "In your own house, my dear sir—and your own nephew—you will not surely + persist in hurting his feelings by seeming to discredit what he is so + strongly interested in affirming. No doubt, you are fully deserving of + all his confidence, and I am sure, were there anything you could do to + assist him in this strange affair, he would have recourse to your + goodness. But my cousin Frank has been dismissed as an innocent man, and + no one is entitled to suppose him otherwise. For my part, I have not the + least doubt of his innocence; and our family honour, I conceive, requires + that we should maintain it with tongue and sword against the whole + country." +</p> +<p> + "Rashleigh," said his father, looking fixedly at him, "thou art a sly + loon—thou hast ever been too cunning for me, and too cunning for most + folks. Have a care thou provena too cunning for thysell—two faces under + one hood is no true heraldry. And since we talk of heraldry, I'll go and + read Gwillym." +</p> +<p> + This resolution he intimated with a yawn, resistless as that of the + Goddess in the Dunciad, which was responsively echoed by his giant sons, + as they dispersed in quest of the pastimes to which their minds severally + inclined them—Percie to discuss a pot of March beer with the steward in + the buttery,—Thorncliff to cut a pair of cudgels, and fix them in their + wicker hilts,—John to dress May-flies,—Dickon to play at pitch and toss + by himself, his right hand against his left,—and Wilfred to bite his + thumbs and hum himself into a slumber which should last till dinner-time, + if possible. Miss Vernon had retired to the library. +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh and I were left alone in the old hall, from which the servants, + with their usual bustle and awkwardness, had at length contrived to hurry + the remains of our substantial breakfast. I took the opportunity to + upbraid him with the manner in which he had spoken of my affair to his + father, which I frankly stated was highly offensive to me, as it seemed + rather to exhort Sir Hildebrand to conceal his suspicions, than to root + them out. +</p> +<p> + "Why, what can I do, my dear friend?" replied Rashleigh "my father's + disposition is so tenacious of suspicions of all kinds, when once they + take root (which, to do him justice, does not easily happen), that I have + always found it the best way to silence him upon such subjects, instead + of arguing with him. Thus I get the better of the weeds which I cannot + eradicate, by cutting them over as often as they appear, until at length + they die away of themselves. There is neither wisdom nor profit in + disputing with such a mind as Sir Hildebrand's, which hardens itself + against conviction, and believes in its own inspirations as firmly as we + good Catholics do in those of the Holy Father of Rome." +</p> +<p> + "It is very hard, though, that I should live in the house of a man, and + he a near relation too, who will persist in believing me guilty of a + highway robbery." +</p> +<p> + "My father's foolish opinion, if one may give that epithet to any opinion + of a father's, does not affect your real innocence; and as to the + disgrace of the fact, depend on it, that, considered in all its bearings, + political as well as moral, Sir Hildebrand regards it as a meritorious + action—a weakening of the enemy—a spoiling of the Amalekites; and you + will stand the higher in his regard for your supposed accession to it." +</p> +<p> + "I desire no man's regard, Mr. Rashleigh, on such terms as must sink me + in my own; and I think these injurious suspicions will afford a very good + reason for quitting Osbaldistone Hall, which I shall do whenever I can + communicate on the subject with my father." +</p> +<p> + The dark countenance of Rashleigh, though little accustomed to betray its + master's feelings, exhibited a suppressed smile, which he instantly + chastened by a sigh. "You are a happy man, Frank—you go and come, as the + wind bloweth where it listeth. With your address, taste, and talents, you + will soon find circles where they will be more valued, than amid the dull + inmates of this mansion; while I—" he paused. +</p> +<p> + "And what is there in your lot that can make you or any one envy + mine,—an outcast, as I may almost term myself, from my father's house + and favour?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, but," answered Rashleigh, "consider the gratified sense of + independence which you must have attained by a very temporary + sacrifice,—for such I am sure yours will prove to be; consider the + power of acting as a free agent, of cultivating your own talents in the + way to which your taste determines you, and in which you are well + qualified to distinguish yourself. Fame and freedom are cheaply + purchased by a few weeks' residence in the North, even though your place + of exile be Osbaldistone Hall. A second Ovid in Thrace, you have not his + reasons for writing Tristia." +</p> +<p> + "I do not know," said I, blushing as became a young scribbler, "how you + should be so well acquainted with my truant studies." +</p> +<p> + "There was an emissary of your father's here some time since, a young + coxcomb, one Twineall, who informed me concerning your secret sacrifices + to the muses, and added, that some of your verses had been greatly + admired by the best judges." +</p> +<p> + Tresham, I believe you are guiltless of having ever essayed to build the + lofty rhyme; but you must have known in your day many an apprentice and + fellow-craft, if not some of the master-masons, in the temple of Apollo. + Vanity is their universal foible, from him who decorated the shades of + Twickenham, to the veriest scribbler whom he has lashed in his Dunciad. I + had my own share of this common failing, and without considering how + little likely this young fellow Twineall was, by taste and habits, either + to be acquainted with one or two little pieces of poetry, which I had at + times insinuated into Button's coffee-house, or to report the opinion of + the critics who frequented that resort of wit and literature, I almost + instantly gorged the bait; which Rashleigh perceiving, improved his + opportunity by a diffident, yet apparently very anxious request to be + permitted to see some of my manuscript productions. +</p> +<p> + "You shall give me an evening in my own apartment," he continued; "for I + must soon lose the charms of literary society for the drudgery of + commerce, and the coarse every-day avocations of the world. I repeat it, + that my compliance with my father's wishes for the advantage of my + family, is indeed a sacrifice, especially considering the calm and + peaceful profession to which my education destined me." +</p> +<p> + I was vain, but not a fool, and this hypocrisy was too strong for me to + swallow. "You would not persuade me," I replied, "that you really regret + to exchange the situation of an obscure Catholic priest, with all its + privations, for wealth and society, and the pleasures of the world?" +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh saw that he had coloured his affectation of moderation too + highly, and, after a second's pause, during which, I suppose, he + calculated the degree of candour which it was necessary to use with me + (that being a quality of which he was never needlessly profuse), he + answered, with a smile—"At my age, to be condemned, as you say, to + wealth and the world, does not, indeed, sound so alarming as perhaps it + ought to do. But, with pardon be it spoken, you have mistaken my + destination—a Catholic priest, if you will, but not an obscure one. No, + sir,—Rashleigh Osbaldistone will be more obscure, should he rise to be + the richest citizen in London, than he might have been as a member of a + church, whose ministers, as some one says, 'set their sandall'd feet on + princes.' My family interest at a certain exiled court is high, and the + weight which that court ought to possess, and does possess, at Rome is + yet higher—my talents not altogether inferior to the education I have + received. In sober judgment, I might have looked forward to high eminence + in the church—in the dream of fancy, to the very highest. Why might + not"—(he added, laughing, for it was part of his manner to keep much of + his discourse apparently betwixt jest and earnest)—"why might not + Cardinal Osbaldistone have swayed the fortunes of empires, well-born and + well-connected, as well as the low-born Mazarin, or Alberoni, the son of + an Italian gardener?" +</p> +<p> + "Nay, I can give you no reason to the contrary; but in your place I + should not much regret losing the chance of such precarious and invidious + elevation." +</p> +<p> + "Neither would I," he replied, "were I sure that my present establishment + was more certain; but that must depend upon circumstances which I can + only learn by experience—the disposition of your father, for example." +</p> +<p> + "Confess the truth without finesse, Rashleigh; you would willingly know + something of him from me?" +</p> +<p> + "Since, like Die Vernon, you make a point of following the banner of the + good knight Sincerity, I reply—certainly." +</p> +<p> + "Well, then, you will find in my father a man who has followed the paths + of thriving more for the exercise they afforded to his talents, than for + the love of the gold with which they are strewed. His active mind would + have been happy in any situation which gave it scope for exertion, though + that exertion had been its sole reward. But his wealth has accumulated, + because, moderate and frugal in his habits, no new sources of expense + have occurred to dispose of his increasing income. He is a man who hates + dissimulation in others; never practises it himself; and is peculiarly + alert in discovering motives through the colouring of language. Himself + silent by habit, he is readily disgusted by great talkers; the rather, + that the circumstances by which he is most interested, afford no great + scope for conversation. He is severely strict in the duties of religion; + but you have no reason to fear his interference with yours, for he + regards toleration as a sacred principle of political economy. But if you + have any Jacobitical partialities, as is naturally to be supposed, you + will do well to suppress them in his presence, as well as the least + tendency to the highflying or Tory principles; for he holds both in utter + detestation. For the rest, his word is his own bond, and must be the law + of all who act under him. He will fail in his duty to no one, and will + permit no one to fail towards him; to cultivate his favour, you must + execute his commands, instead of echoing his sentiments. His greatest + failings arise out of prejudices connected with his own profession, or + rather his exclusive devotion to it, which makes him see little worthy of + praise or attention, unless it be in some measure connected with + commerce." +</p> +<p> + "O rare-painted portrait!" exclaimed Rashleigh, when I was + silent—"Vandyke was a dauber to you, Frank. I see thy sire before me in + all his strength and weakness; loving and honouring the King as a sort + of lord mayor of the empire, or chief of the board of trade—venerating + the Commons, for the acts regulating the export trade—and respecting + the Peers, because the Lord Chancellor sits on a woolsack." +</p> +<p> + "Mine was a likeness, Rashleigh; yours is a caricature. But in return for + the <i>carte du pays</i> which I have unfolded to you, give me some lights on + the geography of the unknown lands"— +</p> +<p> + "On which you are wrecked," said Rashleigh. "It is not worth while; it is + no Isle of Calypso, umbrageous with shade and intricate with silvan + labyrinth—but a bare ragged Northumbrian moor, with as little to + interest curiosity as to delight the eye; you may descry it in all its + nakedness in half an hour's survey, as well as if I were to lay it down + before you by line and compass." +</p> +<p> + "O, but something there is, worthy a more attentive survey—What say you + to Miss Vernon? Does not she form an interesting object in the landscape, + were all round as rude as Iceland's coast?" +</p> +<p> + I could plainly perceive that Rashleigh disliked the topic now presented + to him; but my frank communication had given me the advantageous title to + make inquiries in my turn. Rashleigh felt this, and found himself obliged + to follow my lead, however difficult he might find it to play his cards + successfully. "I have known less of Miss Vernon," he said, "for some + time, than I was wont to do formerly. In early age I was her tutor; but + as she advanced towards womanhood, my various avocations,—the gravity of + the profession to which I was destined,—the peculiar nature of her + engagements,—our mutual situation, in short, rendered a close and + constant intimacy dangerous and improper. I believe Miss Vernon might + consider my reserve as unkindness, but it was my duty; I felt as much as + she seemed to do, when compelled to give way to prudence. But where was + the safety in cultivating an intimacy with a beautiful and susceptible + girl, whose heart, you are aware, must be given either to the cloister or + to a betrothed husband?" +</p> +<p> + "The cloister or a betrothed husband?" I echoed—"Is that the alternative + destined for Miss Vernon?" +</p> +<p> + "It is indeed," said Rashleigh, with a sigh. "I need not, I suppose, + caution you against the danger of cultivating too closely the friendship + of Miss Vernon;—you are a man of the world, and know how far you can + indulge yourself in her society with safety to yourself, and justice to + her. But I warn you, that, considering her ardent temper, you must let + your experience keep guard over her as well as yourself, for the specimen + of yesterday may serve to show her extreme thoughtlessness and neglect of + decorum." +</p> +<p> + There was something, I was sensible, of truth, as well as good sense, in + all this; it seemed to be given as a friendly warning, and I had no right + to take it amiss; yet I felt I could with pleasure have run Rashleigh + Osbaldistone through the body all the time he was speaking. +</p> +<p> + "The deuce take his insolence!" was my internal meditation. "Would he + wish me to infer that Miss Vernon had fallen in love with that + hatchet-face of his, and become degraded so low as to require his shyness + to cure her of an imprudent passion? I will have his meaning from him," + was my resolution, "if I should drag it out with cart-ropes." +</p> +<p> + For this purpose, I placed my temper under as accurate a guard as I + could, and observed, "That, for a lady of her good sense and acquired + accomplishments, it was to be regretted that Miss Vernon's manners were + rather blunt and rustic." +</p> +<p> + "Frank and unreserved, at least, to the extreme," replied Rashleigh: + "yet, trust me, she has an excellent heart. To tell you the truth, should + she continue her extreme aversion to the cloister, and to her destined + husband, and should my own labours in the mine of Plutus promise to + secure me a decent independence, I shall think of reviewing our + acquaintance and sharing it with Miss Vernon." +</p> +<p> + "With all his fine voice, and well-turned periods," thought I, "this same + Rashleigh Osbaldistone is the ugliest and most conceited coxcomb I ever + met with!" +</p> +<p> + "But," continued Rashleigh, as if thinking aloud, "I should not like to + supplant Thorncliff." +</p> +<p> + "Supplant Thorncliff!—Is your brother Thorncliff," I inquired, with + great surprise, "the destined husband of Diana Vernon?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, ay, her father's commands, and a certain family-contract, destined + her to marry one of Sir Hildebrand's sons. A dispensation has been + obtained from Rome to Diana Vernon to marry <i>Blank</i> Osbaldistone, Esq., + son of Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone, of Osbaldistone Hall, Bart., and so + forth; and it only remains to pitch upon the happy man whose name shall + fill the gap in the manuscript. Now, as Percie is seldom sober, my father + pitched on Thorncliff, as the second prop of the family, and therefore + most proper to carry on the line of the Osbaldistones." +</p> +<p> + "The young lady," said I, forcing myself to assume an air of pleasantry, + which, I believe, became me extremely ill, "would perhaps have been + inclined to look a little lower on the family-tree, for the branch to + which she was desirous of clinging." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot say," he replied. "There is room for little choice in our + family; Dick is a gambler, John a boor, and Wilfred an ass. I believe my + father really made the best selection for poor Die, after all." +</p> +<p> + "The present company," said I, "being always excepted." +</p> +<p> + "Oh, my destination to the church placed me out of the question; + otherwise I will not affect to say, that, qualified by my education both + to instruct and guide Miss Vernon, I might not have been a more + creditable choice than any of my elders." +</p> +<p> + "And so thought the young lady, doubtless?" +</p> +<p> + "You are not to suppose so," answered Rashleigh, with an affectation of + denial which was contrived to convey the strongest affirmation the case + admitted of: "friendship—only friendship—formed the tie betwixt us, and + the tender affection of an opening mind to its only instructor—Love came + not near us—I told you I was wise in time." +</p> +<p> + I felt little inclination to pursue this conversation any farther, and + shaking myself clear of Rashleigh, withdrew to my own apartment, which I + recollect I traversed with much vehemence of agitation, repeating aloud + the expressions which had most offended me.—"Susceptible—ardent—tender + affection—Love—Diana Vernon, the most beautiful creature I ever beheld, + in love with him, the bandy-legged, bull-necked, limping scoundrel! + Richard the Third in all but his hump-back!—And yet the opportunities he + must have had during his cursed course of lectures; and the fellow's + flowing and easy strain of sentiment; and her extreme seclusion from + every one who spoke and acted with common sense; ay, and her obvious + pique at him, mixed with admiration of his talents, which looked as like + the result of neglected attachment as anything else—Well, and what is it + to me, that I should storm and rage at it? Is Diana Vernon the first + pretty girl that has loved and married an ugly fellow? And if she were + free of every Osbaldistone of them, what concern is it of mine?—a + Catholic—a Jacobite—a termagant into the boot—for me to look that way + were utter madness." +</p> +<p> + By throwing such reflections on the flame of my displeasure, I subdued it + into a sort of smouldering heart-burning, and appeared at the + dinner-table in as sulky a humour as could well be imagined. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0012"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Drunk?—and speak parrot?—and squabble?—swagger?— + Swear?—and discourse fustian with one's own shadow? + Othello. +</pre> +<p> + I have already told you, my dear Tresham, what probably was no news to + you, that my principal fault was an unconquerable pitch of pride, which + exposed me to frequent mortification. I had not even whispered to myself + that I loved Diana Vernon; yet no sooner did I hear Rashleigh talk of her + as a prize which he might stoop to carry off, or neglect, at his + pleasure, than every step which the poor girl had taken, in the innocence + and openness of her heart, to form a sort of friendship with me, seemed + in my eyes the most insulting coquetry.—"Soh! she would secure me as a + <i>pis aller,</i> I suppose, in case Mr. Rashleigh Osbaldistone should not + take compassion upon her! But I will satisfy her that I am not a person + to be trepanned in that manner—I will make her sensible that I see + through her arts, and that I scorn them." +</p> +<p> + I did not reflect for a moment, that all this indignation, which I had no + right whatever to entertain, proved that I was anything but indifferent + to Miss Vernon's charms; and I sate down to table in high ill-humour with + her and all the daughters of Eve. +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon heard me, with surprise, return ungracious answers to one or + two playful strokes of satire which she threw out with her usual freedom + of speech; but, having no suspicion that offence was meant, she only + replied to my rude repartees with jests somewhat similar, but polished by + her good temper, though pointed by her wit. At length she perceived I was + really out of humour, and answered one of my rude speeches thus:— +</p> +<p> + "They say, Mr. Frank, that one may gather sense from fools—I heard + cousin Wilfred refuse to play any longer at cudgels the other day with + cousin Thornie, because cousin Thornie got angry, and struck harder than + the rules of amicable combat, it seems, permitted. 'Were I to break your + head in good earnest,' quoth honest Wilfred, 'I care not how angry you + are, for I should do it so much the more easily but it's hard I should + get raps over the costard, and only pay you back in make-believes'—Do + you understand the moral of this, Frank?" +</p> +<p> + "I have never felt myself under the necessity, madam, of studying how to + extract the slender portion of sense with which this family season their + conversation." +</p> +<p> + "Necessity! and madam!—You surprise me, Mr. Osbaldistone." +</p> +<p> + "I am unfortunate in doing so." +</p> +<p> + "Am I to suppose that this capricious tone is serious? or is it only + assumed, to make your good-humour more valuable?" +</p> +<p> + "You have a right to the attention of so many gentlemen in this family, + Miss Vernon, that it cannot be worth your while to inquire into the cause + of my stupidity and bad spirits." +</p> +<p> + "What!" she said, "am I to understand, then, that you have deserted my + faction, and gone over to the enemy?" +</p> +<p> + Then, looking across the table, and observing that Rashleigh, who was + seated opposite, was watching us with a singular expression of interest + on his harsh features, she continued— +</p> +<pre> + "Horrible thought!—Ay, now I see 'tis true, + For the grim-visaged Rashleigh smiles on me, + And points at thee for his!— +</pre> +<p> + Well, thank Heaven, and the unprotected state which has taught me + endurance, I do not take offence easily; and that I may not be forced to + quarrel, whether I like it or no, I have the honour, earlier than usual, + to wish you a happy digestion of your dinner and your bad humour." +</p> +<p> + And she left the table accordingly. +</p> +<p> + Upon Miss Vernon's departure, I found myself very little satisfied with + my own conduct. I had hurled back offered kindness, of which + circumstances had but lately pointed out the honest sincerity, and I had + but just stopped short of insulting the beautiful, and, as she had said + with some emphasis, the unprotected being by whom it was proffered. My + conduct seemed brutal in my own eyes. To combat or drown these painful + reflections, I applied myself more frequently than usual to the wine + which circulated on the table. +</p> +<p> + The agitated state of my feelings combined with my habits of temperance + to give rapid effect to the beverage. Habitual topers, I believe, acquire + the power of soaking themselves with a quantity of liquor that does + little more than muddy those intellects which in their sober state are + none of the clearest; but men who are strangers to the vice of + drunkenness as a habit, are more powerfully acted upon by intoxicating + liquors. My spirits, once aroused, became extravagant; I talked a great + deal, argued upon what I knew nothing of, told stories of which I forgot + the point, then laughed immoderately at my own forgetfulness; I accepted + several bets without having the least judgment; I challenged the giant + John to wrestle with me, although he had kept the ring at Hexham for a + year, and I never tried so much as a single fall. +</p> +<p> + My uncle had the goodness to interpose and prevent this consummation of + drunken folly, which, I suppose, would have otherwise ended in my neck + being broken. +</p> +<p> + It has even been reported by maligners, that I sung a song while under + this vinous influence; but, as I remember nothing of it, and never + attempted to turn a tune in all my life before or since, I would + willingly hope there is no actual foundation for the calumny. I was + absurd enough without this exaggeration. Without positively losing my + senses, I speedily lost all command of my temper, and my impetuous + passions whirled me onward at their pleasure. I had sate down sulky and + discontented, and disposed to be silent—the wine rendered me loquacious, + disputatious, and quarrelsome. I contradicted whatever was asserted, and + attacked, without any respect to my uncle's table, both his politics and + his religion. The affected moderation of Rashleigh, which he well knew + how to qualify with irritating ingredients, was even more provoking to me + than the noisy and bullying language of his obstreperous brothers. My + uncle, to do him justice, endeavoured to bring us to order; but his + authority was lost amidst the tumult of wine and passion. At length, + frantic at some real or supposed injurious insinuation, I actually struck + Rashleigh with my fist. No Stoic philosopher, superior to his own passion + and that of others, could have received an insult with a higher degree of + scorn. What he himself did not think it apparently worth while to resent, + Thorncliff resented for him. Swords were drawn, and we exchanged one or + two passes, when the other brothers separated us by main force; and I + shall never forget the diabolical sneer which writhed Rashleigh's wayward + features, as I was forced from the apartment by the main strength of two + of these youthful Titans. They secured me in my apartment by locking the + door, and I heard them, to my inexpressible rage, laugh heartily as they + descended the stairs. I essayed in my fury to break out; but the + window-grates, and the strength of a door clenched with iron, resisted my + efforts. At length I threw myself on my bed, and fell asleep amidst vows + of dire revenge to be taken in the ensuing day. +</p> +<p> + But with the morning cool repentance came. I felt, in the keenest manner, + the violence and absurdity of my conduct, and was obliged to confess that + wine and passion had lowered my intellects even below those of Wilfred + Osbaldistone, whom I held in so much contempt. My uncomfortable + reflections were by no means soothed by meditating the necessity of an + apology for my improper behaviour, and recollecting that Miss Vernon must + be a witness of my submission. The impropriety and unkindness of my + conduct to her personally, added not a little to these galling + considerations, and for this I could not even plead the miserable excuse + of intoxication. +</p> +<p> + Under all these aggravating feelings of shame and degradation, I + descended to the breakfast hall, like a criminal to receive sentence. It + chanced that a hard frost had rendered it impossible to take out the + hounds, so that I had the additional mortification to meet the family, + excepting only Rashleigh and Miss Vernon, in full divan, surrounding the + cold venison pasty and chine of beef. They were in high glee as I + entered, and I could easily imagine that the jests were furnished at my + expense. In fact, what I was disposed to consider with serious pain, was + regarded as an excellent good joke by my uncle, and the greater part of + my cousins. Sir Hildebrand, while he rallied me on the exploits of the + preceding evening, swore he thought a young fellow had better be thrice + drunk in one day, than sneak sober to bed like a Presbyterian, and leave + a batch of honest fellows, and a double quart of claret. And to back this + consolatory speech, he poured out a large bumper of brandy, exhorting me + to swallow "a hair of the dog that had bit me." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind these lads laughing, nevoy," he continued; "they would have + been all as great milksops as yourself, had I not nursed them, as one may + say, on the toast and tankard." +</p> +<p> + Ill-nature was not the fault of my cousins in general; they saw I was + vexed and hurt at the recollections of the preceding evening, and + endeavoured, with clumsy kindness, to remove the painful impression they + had made on me. Thorncliff alone looked sullen and unreconciled. This + young man had never liked me from the beginning; and in the marks of + attention occasionally shown me by his brothers, awkward as they were, he + alone had never joined. If it was true, of which, however, I began to + have my doubts, that he was considered by the family, or regarded + himself, as the destined husband of Miss Vernon, a sentiment of jealousy + might have sprung up in his mind from the marked predilection which it + was that young lady's pleasure to show for one whom Thorncliff might, + perhaps, think likely to become a dangerous rival. +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh at last entered, his visage as dark as mourning weed—brooding, + I could not but doubt, over the unjustifiable and disgraceful insult I + had offered to him. I had already settled in my own mind how I was to + behave on the occasion, and had schooled myself to believe, that true + honour consisted not in defending, but in apologising for, an injury so + much disproportioned to any provocation I might have to allege. +</p> +<p> + I therefore hastened to meet Rashleigh, and to express myself in the + highest degree sorry for the violence with which I had acted on the + preceding evening. "No circumstances," I said, "could have wrung from me + a single word of apology, save my own consciousness of the impropriety of + my behaviour. I hoped my cousin would accept of my regrets so sincerely + offered, and consider how much of my misconduct was owing to the + excessive hospitality of Osbaldistone Hall." +</p> +<p> + "He shall be friends with thee, lad," cried the honest knight, in the + full effusion of his heart; "or d—n me, if I call him son more!—Why, + Rashie, dost stand there like a log? <i>Sorry for it</i> is all a gentleman + can say, if he happens to do anything awry, especially over his claret. I + served in Hounslow, and should know something, I think, of affairs of + honour. Let me hear no more of this, and we'll go in a body and rummage + out the badger in Birkenwood-bank." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh's face resembled, as I have already noticed, no other + countenance that I ever saw. But this singularity lay not only in the + features, but in the mode of changing their expression. Other + countenances, in altering from grief to joy, or from anger to + satisfaction, pass through some brief interval, ere the expression of the + predominant passion supersedes entirely that of its predecessor. There is + a sort of twilight, like that between the clearing up of the darkness and + the rising of the sun, while the swollen muscles subside, the dark eye + clears, the forehead relaxes and expands itself, and the whole + countenance loses its sterner shades, and becomes serene and placid. + Rashleigh's face exhibited none of these gradations, but changed almost + instantaneously from the expression of one passion to that of the + contrary. I can compare it to nothing but the sudden shifting of a scene + in the theatre, where, at the whistle of the prompter, a cavern + disappears, and a grove arises. +</p> +<p> + My attention was strongly arrested by this peculiarity on the present + occasion. At Rashleigh's first entrance, "black he stood as night!" With + the same inflexible countenance he heard my excuse and his father's + exhortation; and it was not until Sir Hildebrand had done speaking, that + the cloud cleared away at once, and he expressed, in the kindest and most + civil terms, his perfect satisfaction with the very handsome apology I + had offered. +</p> +<p> + "Indeed," he said, "I have so poor a brain myself, when I impose on it + the least burden beyond my usual three glasses, that I have only, like + honest Cassio, a very vague recollection of the confusion of last + night—remember a mass of things, but nothing distinctly—a quarrel, but + nothing wherefore—So, my dear Cousin," he continued, shaking me kindly + by the hand, "conceive how much I am relieved by finding that I have to + receive an apology, instead of having to make one—I will not have a + word said upon the subject more; I should be very foolish to institute + any scrutiny into an account, when the balance, which I expected to be + against me, has been so unexpectedly and agreeably struck in my favour. + You see, Mr. Osbaldistone, I am practising the language of Lombard + Street, and qualifying myself for my new calling." +</p> +<p> + As I was about to answer, and raised my eyes for the purpose, they + encountered those of Miss Vernon, who, having entered the room unobserved + during the conversation, had given it her close attention. Abashed and + confounded, I fixed my eyes on the ground, and made my escape to the + breakfast-table, where I herded among my busy cousins. +</p> +<p> + My uncle, that the events of the preceding day might not pass out of our + memory without a practical moral lesson, took occasion to give Rashleigh + and me his serious advice to correct our milksop habits, as he termed + them, and gradually to inure our brains to bear a gentlemanlike quantity + of liquor, without brawls or breaking of heads. He recommended that we + should begin piddling with a regular quart of claret per day, which, with + the aid of March beer and brandy, made a handsome competence for a + beginner in the art of toping. And for our encouragement, he assured us + that he had known many a man who had lived to our years without having + drunk a pint of wine at a sitting, who yet, by falling into honest + company, and following hearty example, had afterwards been numbered among + the best good fellows of the time, and could carry off their six bottles + under their belt quietly and comfortably, without brawling or babbling, + and be neither sick nor sorry the next morning. +</p> +<p> + Sage as this advice was, and comfortable as was the prospect it held out + to me, I profited but little by the exhortation—partly, perhaps, + because, as often as I raised my eyes from the table, I observed Miss + Vernon's looks fixed on me, in which I thought I could read grave + compassion blended with regret and displeasure. I began to consider how I + should seek a scene of explanation and apology with her also, when she + gave me to understand she was determined to save me the trouble of + soliciting an interview. "Cousin Francis," she said, addressing me by the + same title she used to give to the other Osbaldistones, although I had, + properly speaking, no title to be called her kinsman, "I have encountered + this morning a difficult passage in the Divina Comme'dia of Dante; will + you have the goodness to step to the library and give me your assistance? + and when you have unearthed for me the meaning of the obscure Florentine, + we will join the rest at Birkenwood-bank, and see their luck at + unearthing the badger." +</p> +<p> + I signified, of course, my readiness to wait upon her. Rashleigh made an + offer to accompany us. "I am something better skilled," he said, "at + tracking the sense of Dante through the metaphors and elisions of his + wild and gloomy poem, than at hunting the poor inoffensive hermit yonder + out of his cave." +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me, Rashleigh," said Miss Vernon, "but as you are to occupy Mr. + Francis's place in the counting-house, you must surrender to him the + charge of your pupil's education at Osbaldistone Hall. We shall call you + in, however, if there is any occasion; so pray do not look so grave upon + it. Besides, it is a shame to you not to understand field-sports—What + will you do should our uncle in Crane-Alley ask you the signs by which + you track a badger?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, true, Die,—true," said Sir Hildebrand, with a sigh, "I misdoubt + Rashleigh will be found short at the leap when he is put to the trial. An + he would ha' learned useful knowledge like his brothers, he was bred up + where it grew, I wuss; but French antics, and book-learning, with the new + turnips, and the rats, and the Hanoverians, ha' changed the world that I + ha' known in Old England—But come along with us, Rashie, and carry my + hunting-staff, man; thy cousin lacks none of thy company as now, and I + wonna ha' Die crossed—It's ne'er be said there was but one woman in + Osbaldistone Hall, and she died for lack of her will." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh followed his father, as he commanded, not, however, ere he had + whispered to Diana, "I suppose I must in discretion bring the courtier, + Ceremony, in my company, and knock when I approach the door of the + library?" +</p> +<p> + "No, no, Rashleigh," said Miss Vernon; "dismiss from your company the + false archimage Dissimulation, and it will better ensure your free access + to our classical consultations." +</p> +<p> + So saying, she led the way to the library, and I followed—like a + criminal, I was going to say, to execution; but, as I bethink me, I have + used the simile once, if not twice before. Without any simile at all, + then, I followed, with a sense of awkward and conscious embarrassment, + which I would have given a great deal to shake off. I thought it a + degrading and unworthy feeling to attend one on such an occasion, having + breathed the air of the Continent long enough to have imbibed the notion + that lightness, gallantry, and something approaching to well-bred + self-assurance, should distinguish the gentleman whom a fair lady selects + for her companion in a <i>tete-a-tete.</i> +</p> +<p> + My English feelings, however, were too many for my French education, and + I made, I believe, a very pitiful figure, when Miss Vernon, seating + herself majestically in a huge elbow-chair in the library, like a judge + about to hear a cause of importance, signed to me to take a chair + opposite to her (which I did, much like the poor fellow who is going to + be tried), and entered upon conversation in a tone of bitter irony. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0013"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER THIRTEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Dire was his thought, who first in poison steeped + The weapon formed for slaughter—direr his, + And worthier of damnation, who instilled + The mortal venom in the social cup, + To fill the veins with death instead of life. + Anonymous. +</pre> +<p> + "Upon my Word, Mr. Francis Osbaldistone," said Miss Vernon, with the air + of one who thought herself fully entitled to assume the privilege of + ironical reproach, which she was pleased to exert, "your character + improves upon us, sir—I could not have thought that it was in you. + Yesterday might be considered as your assay-piece, to prove yourself + entitled to be free of the corporation of Osbaldistone Hall. But it was a + masterpiece." +</p> +<p> + "I am quite sensible of my ill-breeding, Miss Vernon, and I can only say + for myself that I had received some communications by which my spirits + were unusually agitated. I am conscious I was impertinent and absurd." +</p> +<p> + "You do yourself great injustice," said the merciless monitor—"you have + contrived, by what I saw and have since heard, to exhibit in the course + of one evening a happy display of all the various masterly qualifications + which distinguish your several cousins;—the gentle and generous temper + of the benevolent Rashleigh,—the temperance of Percie,—the cool courage + of Thorncliff,—John's skill in dog-breaking,—Dickon's aptitude to + betting,—all exhibited by the single individual, Mr. Francis, and that + with a selection of time, place, and circumstance, worthy the taste and + sagacity of the sapient Wilfred." +</p> +<p> + "Have a little mercy, Miss Vernon," said I; for I confess I thought the + schooling as severe as the case merited, especially considering from what + quarter it came, "and forgive me if I suggest, as an excuse for follies I + am not usually guilty of, the custom of this house and country. I am far + from approving of it; but we have Shakspeare's authority for saying, that + good wine is a good familiar creature, and that any man living may be + overtaken at some time." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, Mr. Francis, but he places the panegyric and the apology in the + mouth of the greatest villain his pencil has drawn. I will not, however, + abuse the advantage your quotation has given me, by overwhelming you with + the refutation with which the victim Cassio replies to the tempter Iago. + I only wish you to know, that there is one person at least sorry to see a + youth of talents and expectations sink into the slough in which the + inhabitants of this house are nightly wallowing." +</p> +<p> + "I have but wet my shoe, I assure you, Miss Vernon, and am too sensible + of the filth of the puddle to step farther in." +</p> +<p> + "If such be your resolution," she replied, "it is a wise one. But I was + so much vexed at what I heard, that your concerns have pressed before my + own,—You behaved to me yesterday, during dinner, as if something had + been told you which lessened or lowered me in your opinion—I beg leave + to ask you what it was?" +</p> +<p> + I was stupified. The direct bluntness of the demand was much in the style + one gentleman uses to another, when requesting explanation of any part of + his conduct in a good-humoured yet determined manner, and was totally + devoid of the circumlocutions, shadings, softenings, and periphrasis, + which usually accompany explanations betwixt persons of different sexes + in the higher orders of society. +</p> +<p> + I remained completely embarrassed; for it pressed on my recollection, + that Rashleigh's communications, supposing them to be correct, ought to + have rendered Miss Vernon rather an object of my compassion than of my + pettish resentment; and had they furnished the best apology possible for + my own conduct, still I must have had the utmost difficulty in detailing + what inferred such necessary and natural offence to Miss Vernon's + feelings. She observed my hesitation, and proceeded, in a tone somewhat + more peremptory, but still temperate and civil—"I hope Mr. Osbaldistone + does not dispute my title to request this explanation. I have no relative + who can protect me; it is, therefore, just that I be permitted to protect + myself." +</p> +<p> + I endeavoured with hesitation to throw the blame of my rude behaviour + upon indisposition—upon disagreeable letters from London. She suffered + me to exhaust my apologies, and fairly to run myself aground, listening + all the while with a smile of absolute incredulity. +</p> +<p> + "And now, Mr. Francis, having gone through your prologue of excuses, with + the same bad grace with which all prologues are delivered, please to draw + the curtain, and show me that which I desire to see. In a word, let me + know what Rashleigh says of me; for he is the grand engineer and first + mover of all the machinery of Osbaldistone Hall." +</p> +<p> + "But, supposing there was anything to tell, Miss Vernon, what does he + deserve that betrays the secrets of one ally to another?—Rashleigh, you + yourself told me, remained your ally, though no longer your friend." +</p> +<p> + "I have neither patience for evasion, nor inclination for jesting, on the + present subject. Rashleigh cannot—ought not—dare not, hold any language + respecting me, Diana Vernon, but what I may demand to hear repeated. That + there are subjects of secrecy and confidence between us, is most certain; + but to such, his communications to you could have no relation; and with + such, I, as an individual, have no concern." +</p> +<p> + I had by this time recovered my presence of mind, and hastily determined + to avoid making any disclosure of what Rashleigh had told me in a sort of + confidence. There was something unworthy in retailing private + conversation; it could, I thought, do no good, and must necessarily give + Miss Vernon great pain. I therefore replied, gravely, "that nothing but + frivolous talk had passed between Mr. Rashleigh Osbaldistone and me on + the state of the family at the Hall; and I protested, that nothing had + been said which left a serious impression to her disadvantage. As a + gentleman," I said, "I could not be more explicit in reporting private + conversation." +</p> +<p> + She started up with the animation of a Camilla about to advance into + battle. "This shall not serve your turn, sir,—I must have another answer + from you." Her features kindled—her brow became flushed—her eye glanced + wild-fire as she proceeded—"I demand such an explanation, as a woman + basely slandered has a right to demand from every man who calls himself a + gentleman—as a creature, motherless, friendless, alone in the world, + left to her own guidance and protection, has a right to require from + every being having a happier lot, in the name of that God who sent <i>them</i> + into the world to enjoy, and <i>her</i> to suffer. You shall not deny me—or," + she added, looking solemnly upwards, "you will rue your denial, if there + is justice for wrong either on earth or in heaven." +</p> +<p> + I was utterly astonished at her vehemence, but felt, thus conjured, that + it became my duty to lay aside scrupulous delicacy, and gave her briefly, + but distinctly, the heads of the information which Rashleigh had conveyed + to me. +</p> +<p> + She sate down and resumed her composure, as soon as I entered upon the + subject, and when I stopped to seek for the most delicate turn of + expression, she repeatedly interrupted me with "Go on—pray, go on; the + first word which occurs to you is the plainest, and must be the best. Do + not think of my feelings, but speak as you would to an unconcerned third + party." +</p> +<p> + Thus urged and encouraged, I stammered through all the account which + Rashleigh had given of her early contract to marry an Osbaldistone, and + of the uncertainty and difficulty of her choice; and there I would + willingly have paused. But her penetration discovered that there was + still something behind, and even guessed to what it related. +</p> +<p> + "Well, it was ill-natured of Rashleigh to tell this tale on me. I am like + the poor girl in the fairy tale, who was betrothed in her cradle to the + Black Bear of Norway, but complained chiefly of being called Bruin's + bride by her companions at school. But besides all this, Rashleigh said + something of himself with relation to me—Did he not?" +</p> +<p> + "He certainly hinted, that were it not for the idea of supplanting his + brother, he would now, in consequence of his change of profession, be + desirous that the word Rashleigh should fill up the blank in the + dispensation, instead of the word Thorncliff." +</p> +<p> + "Ay? indeed?" she replied—"was he so very condescending?—Too much + honour for his humble handmaid, Diana Vernon—And she, I suppose, was to + be enraptured with joy could such a substitute be effected?" +</p> +<p> + "To confess the truth, he intimated as much, and even farther + insinuated"— +</p> +<p> + "What?—Let me hear it all!" she exclaimed, hastily. +</p> +<p> + "That he had broken off your mutual intimacy, lest it should have given + rise to an affection by which his destination to the church would not + permit him to profit." +</p> +<p> + "I am obliged to him for his consideration," replied Miss Vernon, every + feature of her fine countenance taxed to express the most supreme degree + of scorn and contempt. She paused a moment, and then said, with her usual + composure, "There is but little I have heard from you which I did not + expect to hear, and which I ought not to have expected; because, bating + one circumstance, it is all very true. But as there are some poisons so + active, that a few drops, it is said, will infect a whole fountain, so + there is one falsehood in Rashleigh's communication, powerful enough to + corrupt the whole well in which Truth herself is said to have dwelt. It + is the leading and foul falsehood, that, knowing Rashleigh as I have + reason too well to know him, any circumstance on earth could make me + think of sharing my lot with him. No," she continued with a sort of + inward shuddering that seemed to express involuntary horror, "any lot + rather than that—the sot, the gambler, the bully, the jockey, the + insensate fool, were a thousand times preferable to Rashleigh:—the + convent—the jail—the grave, shall be welcome before them all." +</p> +<p> + There was a sad and melancholy cadence in her voice, corresponding with + the strange and interesting romance of her situation. So young, so + beautiful, so untaught, so much abandoned to herself, and deprived of all + the support which her sex derives from the countenance and protection of + female friends, and even of that degree of defence which arises from the + forms with which the sex are approached in civilised life,—it is scarce + metaphorical to say, that my heart bled for her. Yet there was an + expression of dignity in her contempt of ceremony—of upright feeling in + her disdain of falsehood—of firm resolution in the manner in which she + contemplated the dangers by which she was surrounded, which blended my + pity with the warmest admiration. She seemed a princess deserted by her + subjects, and deprived of her power, yet still scorning those formal + regulations of society which are created for persons of an inferior rank; + and, amid her difficulties, relying boldly and confidently on the justice + of Heaven, and the unshaken constancy of her own mind. +</p> +<p> + I offered to express the mingled feelings of sympathy and admiration with + which her unfortunate situation and her high spirit combined to impress + me, but she imposed silence on me at once. +</p> +<p> + "I told you in jest," she said, "that I disliked compliments—I now tell + you in earnest, that I do not ask sympathy, and that I despise + consolation. What I have borne, I have borne—What I am to bear I will + sustain as I may; no word of commiseration can make a burden feel one + feather's weight lighter to the slave who must carry it. There is only + one human being who could have assisted me, and that is he who has rather + chosen to add to my embarrassment—Rashleigh Osbaldistone.—Yes! the time + once was that I might have learned to love that man—But, great God! the + purpose for which he insinuated himself into the confidence of one + already so forlorn—the undeviating and continued assiduity with which he + pursued that purpose from year to year, without one single momentary + pause of remorse or compassion—the purpose for which he would have + converted into poison the food he administered to my mind—Gracious + Providence! what should I have been in this world, and the next, in body + and soul, had I fallen under the arts of this accomplished villain!" +</p> +<p> + I was so much struck with the scene of perfidious treachery which these + words disclosed, that I rose from my chair hardly knowing what I did, + laid my hand on the hilt of my sword, and was about to leave the + apartment in search of him on whom I might discharge my just indignation. + Almost breathless, and with eyes and looks in which scorn and indignation + had given way to the most lively alarm, Miss Vernon threw herself between + me and the door of the apartment. +</p> +<p> + "Stay!" she said—"stay!—however just your resentment, you do not know + half the secrets of this fearful prison-house." She then glanced her eyes + anxiously round the room, and sunk her voice almost to a whisper—"He + bears a charmed life; you cannot assail him without endangering other + lives, and wider destruction. Had it been otherwise, in some hour of + justice he had hardly been safe, even from this weak hand. I told you," + she said, motioning me back to my seat, "that I needed no comforter. I + now tell you I need no avenger." +</p> +<p> + I resumed my seat mechanically, musing on what she said, and recollecting + also, what had escaped me in my first glow of resentment, that I had no + title whatever to constitute myself Miss Vernon's champion. She paused to + let her own emotions and mine subside, and then addressed me with more + composure. +</p> +<p> + "I have already said that there is a mystery connected with Rashleigh, of + a dangerous and fatal nature. Villain as he is, and as he knows he stands + convicted in my eyes, I cannot—dare not, openly break with or defy him. + You also, Mr. Osbaldistone, must bear with him with patience, foil his + artifices by opposing to them prudence, not violence; and, above all, you + must avoid such scenes as that of last night, which cannot but give him + perilous advantages over you. This caution I designed to give you, and it + was the object with which I desired this interview; but I have extended + my confidence farther than I proposed." +</p> +<p> + I assured her it was not misplaced. +</p> +<p> + "I do not believe that it is," she replied. "You have that in your face + and manners which authorises trust. Let us continue to be friends. You + need not fear," she said, laughing, while she blushed a little, yet + speaking with a free and unembarrassed voice, "that friendship with us + should prove only a specious name, as the poet says, for another feeling. + I belong, in habits of thinking and acting, rather to your sex, with + which I have always been brought up, than to my own. Besides, the fatal + veil was wrapt round me in my cradle; for you may easily believe I have + never thought of the detestable condition under which I may remove it. + The time," she added, "for expressing my final determination is not + arrived, and I would fain have the freedom of wild heath and open air + with the other commoners of nature, as long as I can be permitted to + enjoy them. And now that the passage in Dante is made so clear, pray go + and see what has become of the badger-baiters. My head aches so much that + I cannot join the party." +</p> +<p> + I left the library, but not to join the hunters. I felt that a solitary + walk was necessary to compose my spirits before I again trusted myself in + Rashleigh's company, whose depth of calculating villany had been so + strikingly exposed to me. In Dubourg's family (as he was of the reformed + persuasion) I had heard many a tale of Romish priests who gratified, at + the expense of friendship, hospitality, and the most sacred ties of + social life, those passions, the blameless indulgence of which is denied + by the rules of their order. But the deliberate system of undertaking the + education of a deserted orphan of noble birth, and so intimately allied + to his own family, with the perfidious purpose of ultimately seducing + her, detailed as it was by the intended victim with all the glow of + virtuous resentment, seemed more atrocious to me than the worst of the + tales I had heard at Bourdeaux, and I felt it would be extremely + difficult for me to meet Rashleigh, and yet to suppress the abhorrence + with which he impressed me. Yet this was absolutely necessary, not only + on account of the mysterious charge which Diana had given me, but because + I had, in reality, no ostensible ground for quarrelling with him. +</p> +<p> + I therefore resolved, as far as possible, to meet Rashleigh's + dissimulation with equal caution on my part during our residence in the + same family; and when he should depart for London, I resolved to give + Owen at least such a hint of his character as might keep him on his guard + over my father's interests. Avarice or ambition, I thought, might have as + great, or greater charms, for a mind constituted like Rashleigh's, than + unlawful pleasure; the energy of his character, and his power of assuming + all seeming good qualities, were likely to procure him a high degree of + confidence, and it was not to be hoped that either good faith or + gratitude would prevent him from abusing it. The task was somewhat + difficult, especially in my circumstances, since the caution which I + threw out might be imputed to jealousy of my rival, or rather my + successor, in my father's favour. Yet I thought it absolutely necessary + to frame such a letter, leaving it to Owen, who, in his own line, was + wary, prudent, and circumspect, to make the necessary use of his + knowledge of Rashleigh's true character. Such a letter, therefore, I + indited, and despatched to the post-house by the first opportunity. +</p> +<p> + At my meeting with Rashleigh, he, as well as I, appeared to have taken up + distant ground, and to be disposed to avoid all pretext for collision. He + was probably conscious that Miss Vernon's communications had been + unfavourable to him, though he could not know that they extended to + discovering his meditated villany towards her. Our intercourse, + therefore, was reserved on both sides, and turned on subjects of little + interest. Indeed, his stay at Osbaldistone Hall did not exceed a few days + after this period, during which I only remarked two circumstances + respecting him. The first was the rapid and almost intuitive manner in + which his powerful and active mind seized upon and arranged the + elementary principles necessary to his new profession, which he now + studied hard, and occasionally made parade of his progress, as if to show + me how light it was for him to lift the burden which I had flung down + from very weariness and inability to carry it. The other remarkable + circumstance was, that, notwithstanding the injuries with which Miss + Vernon charged Rashleigh, they had several private interviews together of + considerable length, although their bearing towards each other in public + did not seem more cordial than usual. +</p> +<p> + When the day of Rashleigh's departure arrived, his father bade him + farewell with indifference; his brothers with the ill-concealed glee of + school-boys who see their task-master depart for a season, and feel a joy + which they dare not express; and I myself with cold politeness. When he + approached Miss Vernon, and would have saluted her she drew back with a + look of haughty disdain; but said, as she extended her hand to him, + "Farewell, Rashleigh; God reward you for the good you have done, and + forgive you for the evil you have meditated." +</p> +<p> + "Amen, my fair cousin," he replied, with an air of sanctity, which + belonged, I thought, to the seminary of Saint Omers; "happy is he whose + good intentions have borne fruit in deeds, and whose evil thoughts have + perished in the blossom." +</p> +<p> + These were his parting words. "Accomplished hypocrite!" said Miss Vernon + to me, as the door closed behind him—"how nearly can what we most + despise and hate, approach in outward manner to that which we most + venerate!" +</p> +<p> + I had written to my father by Rashleigh, and also a few lines to Owen, + besides the confidential letter which I have already mentioned, and which + I thought it more proper and prudent to despatch by another conveyance. + In these epistles, it would have been natural for me to have pointed out + to my father and my friend, that I was at present in a situation where I + could improve myself in no respect, unless in the mysteries of hunting + and hawking; and where I was not unlikely to forget, in the company of + rude grooms and horse-boys, any useful knowledge or elegant + accomplishments which I had hitherto acquired. It would also have been + natural that I should have expressed the disgust and tedium which I was + likely to feel among beings whose whole souls were centred in + field-sports or more degrading pastimes—that I should have complained of + the habitual intemperance of the family in which I was a guest, and the + difficulty and almost resentment with which my uncle, Sir Hildebrand, + received any apology for deserting the bottle. This last, indeed, was a + topic on which my father, himself a man of severe temperance, was likely + to be easily alarmed, and to have touched upon this spring would to a + certainty have opened the doors of my prison-house, and would either have + been the means of abridging my exile, or at least would have procured me + a change of residence during my rustication. +</p> +<p> + I say, my dear Tresham, that, considering how very unpleasant a prolonged + residence at Osbaldistone Hall must have been to a young man of my age, + and with my habits, it might have seemed very natural that I should have + pointed out all these disadvantages to my father, in order to obtain his + consent for leaving my uncle's mansion. Nothing, however, is more + certain, than that I did not say a single word to this purpose in my + letters to my father and Owen. If Osbaldistone Hall had been Athens in + all its pristine glory of learning, and inhabited by sages, heroes, and + poets, I could not have expressed less inclination to leave it. +</p> +<p> + If thou hast any of the salt of youth left in thee, Tresham, thou wilt be + at no loss to account for my silence on a topic seemingly so obvious. + Miss Vernon's extreme beauty, of which she herself seemed so little + conscious—her romantic and mysterious situation—the evils to which she + was exposed—the courage with which she seemed to face them—her manners, + more frank than belonged to her sex, yet, as it seemed to me, + exceeding in frankness only from the dauntless consciousness of her + innocence,—above all, the obvious and flattering distinction which she + made in my favour over all other persons, were at once calculated to + interest my best feelings, to excite my curiosity, awaken my + imagination, and gratify my vanity. I dared not, indeed, confess to + myself the depth of the interest with which Miss Vernon inspired me, or + the large share which she occupied in my thoughts. We read together, + walked together, rode together, and sate together. The studies which she + had broken off upon her quarrel with Rashleigh, she now resumed, under + the auspices of a tutor whose views were more sincere, though his + capacity was far more limited. +</p> +<p> + In truth, I was by no means qualified to assist her in the prosecution of + several profound studies which she had commenced with Rashleigh, and + which appeared to me more fitted for a churchman than for a beautiful + female. Neither can I conceive with what view he should have engaged + Diana in the gloomy maze of casuistry which schoolmen called philosophy, + or in the equally abstruse though more certain sciences of mathematics + and astronomy; unless it were to break down and confound in her mind the + difference and distinction between the sexes, and to habituate her to + trains of subtle reasoning, by which he might at his own time invest that + which is wrong with the colour of that which is right. It was in the same + spirit, though in the latter case the evil purpose was more obvious, that + the lessons of Rashleigh had encouraged Miss Vernon in setting at nought + and despising the forms and ceremonial limits which are drawn round + females in modern society. It is true, she was sequestrated from all + female company, and could not learn the usual rules of decorum, either + from example or precept; yet such was her innate modesty, and accurate + sense of what was right and wrong, that she would not of herself have + adopted the bold uncompromising manner which struck me with so much + surprise on our first acquaintance, had she not been led to conceive that + a contempt of ceremony indicated at once superiority of understanding and + the confidence of conscious innocence. Her wily instructor had, no doubt, + his own views in levelling those outworks which reserve and caution erect + around virtue. But for these, and for his other crimes, he has long since + answered at a higher tribunal. +</p> +<p> + Besides the progress which Miss Vernon, whose powerful mind readily + adopted every means of information offered to it, had made in more + abstract science, I found her no contemptible linguist, and well + acquainted both with ancient and modern literature. Were it not that + strong talents will often go farthest when they seem to have least + assistance, it would be almost incredible to tell the rapidity of Miss + Vernon's progress in knowledge; and it was still more extraordinary, when + her stock of mental acquisitions from books was compared with her total + ignorance of actual life. It seemed as if she saw and knew everything, + except what passed in the world around her;—and I believe it was this + very ignorance and simplicity of thinking upon ordinary subjects, so + strikingly contrasted with her fund of general knowledge and information, + which rendered her conversation so irresistibly fascinating, and rivetted + the attention to whatever she said or did; since it was absolutely + impossible to anticipate whether her next word or action was to display + the most acute perception, or the most profound simplicity. The degree of + danger which necessarily attended a youth of my age and keen feelings + from remaining in close and constant intimacy with an object so amiable, + and so peculiarly interesting, all who remember their own sentiments at + my age may easily estimate. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0014"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FOURTEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Yon lamp its line of quivering light + Shoots from my lady's bower; + But why should Beauty's lamp be bright + At midnight's lonely hour? + OLD BALLAD. +</pre> +<p> + The mode of life at Osbaldistone Hall was too uniform to admit of + description. Diana Vernon and I enjoyed much of our time in our mutual + studies; the rest of the family killed theirs in such sports and pastimes + as suited the seasons, in which we also took a share. My uncle was a man + of habits, and by habit became so much accustomed to my presence and mode + of life, that, upon the whole, he was rather fond of me than otherwise. I + might probably have risen yet higher in his good graces, had I employed + the same arts for that purpose which were used by Rashleigh, who, + availing himself of his father's disinclination to business, had + gradually insinuated himself into the management of his property. But + although I readily gave my uncle the advantage of my pen and my + arithmetic so often as he desired to correspond with a neighbour, or + settle with a tenant, and was, in so far, a more useful inmate in his + family than any of his sons, yet I was not willing to oblige Sir + Hildebrand by relieving him entirely from the management of his own + affairs; so that, while the good knight admitted that nevoy Frank was a + steady, handy lad, he seldom failed to remark in the same breath, that he + did not think he should ha' missed Rashleigh so much as he was like to + do. +</p> +<p> + As it is particularly unpleasant to reside in a family where we are at + variance with any part of it, I made some efforts to overcome the + ill-will which my cousins entertained against me. I exchanged my laced + hat for a jockey-cap, and made some progress in their opinion; I broke a + young colt in a manner which carried me further into their good graces. A + bet or two opportunely lost to Dickon, and an extra health pledged with + Percie, placed me on an easy and familiar footing with all the young + squires, except Thorncliff. +</p> +<p> + I have already noticed the dislike entertained against me by this young + fellow, who, as he had rather more sense, had also a much worse temper, + than any of his brethren. Sullen, dogged, and quarrelsome, he regarded my + residence at Osbaldistone Hall as an intrusion, and viewed with envious + and jealous eyes my intimacy with Diana Vernon, whom the effect proposed + to be given to a certain family-compact assigned to him as an intended + spouse. That he loved her, could scarcely be said, at least without much + misapplication of the word; but he regarded her as something appropriated + to himself, and resented internally the interference which he knew not + how to prevent or interrupt. I attempted a tone of conciliation towards + Thorncliff on several occasions; but he rejected my advances with a + manner about as gracious as that of a growling mastiff, when the animal + shuns and resents a stranger's attempts to caress him. I therefore + abandoned him to his ill-humour, and gave myself no further trouble about + the matter. +</p> +<p> + Such was the footing upon which I stood with the family at Osbaldistone + Hall; but I ought to mention another of its inmates with whom I + occasionally held some discourse. This was Andrew Fairservice, the + gardener who (since he had discovered that I was a Protestant) rarely + suffered me to pass him without proffering his Scotch mull for a social + pinch. There were several advantages attending this courtesy. In the + first place, it was made at no expense, for I never took snuff; and + secondly, it afforded an excellent apology to Andrew (who was not + particularly fond of hard labour) for laying aside his spade for several + minutes. But, above all, these brief interviews gave Andrew an + opportunity of venting the news he had collected, or the satirical + remarks which his shrewd northern humour suggested. +</p> +<p> + "I am saying, sir," he said to me one evening, with a face obviously + charged with intelligence, "I hae been down at the Trinlay-knowe." +</p> +<p> + "Well, Andrew, and I suppose you heard some news at the alehouse?" +</p> +<p> + "Na, sir; I never gang to the yillhouse—that is unless ony neighbour was + to gie me a pint, or the like o' that; but to gang there on ane's ain + coat-tail, is a waste o' precious time and hard-won siller.—But I was + doun at the Trinlay-knowe, as I was saying, about a wee bit business o' + my ain wi' Mattie Simpson, that wants a forpit or twa o' peers that will + never be missed in the Ha'-house—and when we were at the thrangest o' + our bargain, wha suld come in but Pate Macready the travelling merchant?" +</p> +<p> + "Pedlar, I suppose you mean?" +</p> +<p> + "E'en as your honour likes to ca' him; but it's a creditable calling and + a gainfu', and has been lang in use wi' our folk. Pate's a far-awa cousin + o' mine, and we were blythe to meet wi' ane anither." +</p> +<p> + "And you went and had a jug of ale together, I suppose, Andrew?—For + Heaven's sake, cut short your story." +</p> +<p> + "Bide a wee—bide a wee; you southrons are aye in sic a hurry, and + this is something concerns yourself, an ye wad tak patience to + hear't—Yill?—deil a drap o' yill did Pate offer me; but Mattie gae us + baith a drap skimmed milk, and ane o' her thick ait jannocks, that was + as wat and raw as a divot. O for the bonnie girdle cakes o' the + north!—and sae we sat doun and took out our clavers." +</p> +<p> + "I wish you would take them out just now. Pray, tell me the news, if you + have got any worth telling, for I can't stop here all night." +</p> +<p> + "Than, if ye maun hae't, the folk in Lunnun are a' clean wud about this + bit job in the north here." +</p> +<p> + "Clean wood! what's that?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, just real daft—neither to haud nor to bind—a' hirdy-girdy—clean + through ither—the deil's ower Jock Wabster." +</p> +<a name="image-0008"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa194.jpg" height="814" width="540" +alt="Frank and Andrew Fairservice +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "But what does all this mean? or what business have I with the devil or + Jack Webster?" +</p> +<p> + "Umph!" said Andrew, looking extremely knowing, "it's just because—just + that the dirdum's a' about yon man's pokmanty." +</p> +<p> + "Whose portmanteau? or what do you mean?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, just the man Morris's, that he said he lost yonder: but if it's no + your honour's affair, as little is it mine; and I mauna lose this + gracious evening." +</p> +<p> + And, as if suddenly seized with a violent fit of industry, Andrew began + to labour most diligently. +</p> +<p> + My attention, as the crafty knave had foreseen, was now arrested, and + unwilling, at the same time, to acknowledge any particular interest in + that affair, by asking direct questions, I stood waiting till the spirit + of voluntary communication should again prompt him to resume his story. + Andrew dug on manfully, and spoke at intervals, but nothing to the + purpose of Mr. Macready's news; and I stood and listened, cursing him in + my heart, and desirous at the same time to see how long his humour of + contradiction would prevail over his desire of speaking upon the subject + which was obviously uppermost in his mind. +</p> +<p> + "Am trenching up the sparry-grass, and am gaun to saw some Misegun beans; + they winna want them to their swine's flesh, I'se warrant—muckle gude + may it do them. And siclike dung as the grieve has gien me!—it should be + wheat-strae, or aiten at the warst o't, and it's pease dirt, as + fizzenless as chuckie-stanes. But the huntsman guides a' as he likes + about the stable-yard, and he's selled the best o' the litter, I'se + warrant. But, howsoever, we mauna lose a turn o' this Saturday at e'en, + for the wather's sair broken, and if there's a fair day in seven, + Sunday's sure to come and lick it up—Howsomever, I'm no denying that it + may settle, if it be Heaven's will, till Monday morning,—and what's the + use o' my breaking my back at this rate?—I think, I'll e'en awa' hame, + for yon's the curfew, as they ca' their jowing-in bell." +</p> +<p> + Accordingly, applying both his hands to his spade, he pitched it upright + in the trench which he had been digging and, looking at me with the air + of superiority of one who knows himself possessed of important + information, which he may communicate or refuse at his pleasure, pulled + down the sleeves of his shirt, and walked slowly towards his coat, which + lay carefully folded up upon a neighbouring garden-seat. +</p> +<p> + "I must pay the penalty of having interrupted the tiresome rascal," + thought I to myself, "and even gratify Mr. Fairservice by taking his + communication on his own terms." Then raising my voice, I addressed + him,—"And after all, Andrew, what are these London news you had from your + kinsman, the travelling merchant?" +</p> +<p> + "The pedlar, your honour means?" retorted Andrew—"but ca' him what ye + wull, they're a great convenience in a country-side that's scant o' + borough-towns like this Northumberland—That's no the case, now, in + Scotland;—there's the kingdom of Fife, frae Culross to the East Nuik, + it's just like a great combined city—sae mony royal boroughs yoked on + end to end, like ropes of ingans, with their hie-streets and their + booths, nae doubt, and their kraemes, and houses of stane and lime and + fore-stairs—Kirkcaldy, the sell o't, is langer than ony town in + England." +</p> +<p> + "I daresay it is all very splendid and very fine—but you were talking of + the London news a little while ago, Andrew." +</p> +<p> + "Ay," replied Andrew; "but I dinna think your honour cared to hear about + them—Howsoever" (he continued, grinning a ghastly smile), "Pate Macready + does say, that they are sair mistrysted yonder in their Parliament House + about this rubbery o' Mr. Morris, or whatever they ca' the chiel." +</p> +<p> + "In the House of Parliament, Andrew!—how came they to mention it there?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, that's just what I said to Pate; if it like your honour, I'll tell + you the very words; it's no worth making a lie for the matter—'Pate,' + said I, 'what ado had the lords and lairds and gentles at Lunnun wi' the + carle and his walise?—When we had a Scotch Parliament, Pate,' says I + (and deil rax their thrapples that reft us o't!) 'they sate dousely down + and made laws for a haill country and kinrick, and never fashed their + beards about things that were competent to the judge ordinar o' the + bounds; but I think,' said I, 'that if ae kailwife pou'd aff her + neighbour's mutch they wad hae the twasome o' them into the Parliament + House o' Lunnun. It's just,' said I, 'amaist as silly as our auld daft + laird here and his gomerils o' sons, wi' his huntsmen and his hounds, and + his hunting cattle and horns, riding haill days after a bit beast that + winna weigh sax punds when they hae catched it.'" +</p> +<p> + "You argued most admirably, Andrew," said I, willing to encourage him to + get into the marrow of his intelligence; "and what said Pate?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou," he said, "what better could be expected of a wheen pock-pudding + English folk?—But as to the robbery, it's like that when they're a' at + the thrang o' their Whig and Tory wark, and ca'ing ane anither, like + unhanged blackguards—up gets ae lang-tongued chield, and he says, that + a' the north of England were rank Jacobites (and, quietly, he wasna far + wrang maybe), and that they had levied amaist open war, and a king's + messenger had been stoppit and rubbit on the highway, and that the best + bluid o' Northumberland had been at the doing o't—and mickle gowd ta'en + aff him, and mony valuable papers; and that there was nae redress to be + gotten by remeed of law for the first justice o' the peace that the + rubbit man gaed to, he had fund the twa loons that did the deed birling + and drinking wi' him, wha but they; and the justice took the word o' the + tane for the compearance o' the tither; and that they e'en gae him + leg-bail, and the honest man that had lost his siller was fain to leave + the country for fear that waur had come of it." +</p> +<p> + "Can this be really true?" said I. +</p> +<p> + "Pate swears it's as true as that his ellwand is a yard lang—(and so it + is, just bating an inch, that it may meet the English measure)—And when + the chield had said his warst, there was a terrible cry for names, and + out comes he wi' this man Morris's name, and your uncle's, and Squire + Inglewood's, and other folk's beside" (looking sly at me)—"And then + another dragon o' a chield got up on the other side, and said, wad they + accuse the best gentleman in the land on the oath of a broken + coward?—for it's like that Morris had been drummed out o' the army for + rinning awa in Flanders; and he said, it was like the story had been + made up between the minister and him or ever he had left Lunnun; and + that, if there was to be a search-warrant granted, he thought the siller + wad be fund some gate near to St. James's Palace. Aweel, they trailed up + Morris to their bar, as they ca't, to see what he could say to the job; + but the folk that were again him, gae him sic an awfu' throughgaun about + his rinnin' awa, and about a' the ill he had ever dune or said for a' + the forepart o' his life, that Patie says he looked mair like ane dead + than living; and they cou'dna get a word o' sense out o' him, for + downright fright at their growling and routing. He maun be a saft sap, + wi' a head nae better than a fozy frosted turnip—it wad hae ta'en a + hantle o' them to scaur Andrew Fairservice out o' his tale." +</p> +<p> + "And how did it all end, Andrew? did your friend happen to learn?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, ay; for as his walk is in this country, Pate put aff his journey for + the space of a week or thereby, because it wad be acceptable to his + customers to bring down the news. It's just a' gaed aft like moonshine in + water. The fallow that began it drew in his horns, and said, that though + he believed the man had been rubbit, yet he acknowledged he might hae + been mista'en about the particulars. And then the other chield got up, + and said, he caredna whether Morris was rubbed or no, provided it wasna + to become a stain on ony gentleman's honour and reputation, especially in + the north of England; for, said he before them, I come frae the north + mysell, and I carena a boddle wha kens it. And this is what they ca' + explaining—the tane gies up a bit, and the tither gies up a bit, and a' + friends again. Aweel, after the Commons' Parliament had tuggit, and + rived, and rugged at Morris and his rubbery till they were tired o't, the + Lords' Parliament they behoved to hae their spell o't. In puir auld + Scotland's Parliament they a' sate thegither, cheek by choul, and than + they didna need to hae the same blethers twice ower again. But till't + their lordships went wi' as muckle teeth and gude-will, as if the matter + had been a' speck and span new. Forbye, there was something said about + ane Campbell, that suld hae been concerned in the rubbery, mair or less, + and that he suld hae had a warrant frae the Duke of Argyle, as a + testimonial o' his character. And this put MacCallum More's beard in a + bleize, as gude reason there was; and he gat up wi' an unco bang, and + garr'd them a' look about them, and wad ram it even doun their throats, + there was never ane o' the Campbells but was as wight, wise, warlike, and + worthy trust, as auld Sir John the Graeme. Now, if your honour's sure ye + arena a drap's bluid a-kin to a Campbell, as I am nane mysell, sae far as + I can count my kin, or hae had it counted to me, I'll gie ye my mind on + that matter." +</p> +<p> + "You may be assured I have no connection whatever with any gentleman of + the name." +</p> +<p> + "Ou, than we may speak it quietly amang oursells. There's baith gude and + bad o' the Campbells, like other names, But this MacCallum More has an + unco sway and say baith, amang the grit folk at Lunnun even now; for he + canna preceesely be said to belang to ony o' the twa sides o' them, sae + deil any o' them likes to quarrel wi' him; sae they e'en voted Morris's + tale a fause calumnious libel, as they ca't, and if he hadna gien them + leg-bail, he was likely to hae ta'en the air on the pillory for + leasing-making." +</p> +<p> + So speaking, honest Andrew collected his dibbles, spades, and hoes, and + threw them into a wheel-barrow,—leisurely, however, and allowing me full + time to put any further questions which might occur to me before he + trundled them off to the tool-house, there to repose during the ensuing + day. I thought it best to speak out at once, lest this meddling fellow + should suppose there were more weighty reasons for my silence than + actually existed. +</p> +<p> + "I should like to see this countryman of yours, Andrew and to hear his + news from himself directly. You have probably heard that I had some + trouble from the impertinent folly of this man Morris" (Andrew grinned a + most significant grin), "and I should wish to see your cousin the + merchant, to ask him the particulars of what he heard in London, if it + could be done without much trouble." +</p> +<p> + "Naething mair easy," Andrew observed; "he had but to hint to his cousin + that I wanted a pair or twa o' hose, and he wad be wi' me as fast as he + could lay leg to the grund." +</p> +<p> + "O yes, assure him I shall be a customer; and as the night is, as you + say, settled and fair, I shall walk in the garden until he comes; the + moon will soon rise over the fells. You may bring him to the little + back-gate; and I shall have pleasure, in the meanwhile, in looking on the + bushes and evergreens by the bright frosty moonlight." +</p> +<p> + "Vara right, vara right—that's what I hae aften said; a kail-blade, or a + colliflour, glances sae glegly by moonlight, it's like a leddy in her + diamonds." +</p> +<p> + So saying, off went Andrew Fairservice with great glee. He had to walk + about two miles, a labour he undertook with the greatest pleasure, in + order to secure to his kinsman the sale of some articles of his trade, + though it is probable he would not have given him sixpence to treat him + to a quart of ale. "The good will of an Englishman would have displayed + itself in a manner exactly the reverse of Andrew's," thought I, as I + paced along the smooth-cut velvet walks, which, embowered with high, + hedges of yew and of holly, intersected the ancient garden of + Osbaldistone Hall. +</p> +<p> + As I turned to retrace my steps, it was natural that I should lift up my + eyes to the windows of the old library; which, small in size, but several + in number, stretched along the second story of that side of the house + which now faced me. Light glanced from their casements. I was not + surprised at this, for I knew Miss Vernon often sat there of an evening, + though from motives of delicacy I put a strong restraint upon myself, and + never sought to join her at a time when I knew, all the rest of the + family being engaged for the evening, our interviews must necessarily + have been strictly <i>tete-a'-tete.</i> In the mornings we usually read + together in the same room; but then it often happened that one or other + of our cousins entered to seek some parchment duodecimo that could be + converted into a fishing-book, despite its gildings and illumination, or + to tell us of some "sport toward," or from mere want of knowing where + else to dispose of themselves. In short, in the mornings the library was + a sort of public room, where man and woman might meet as on neutral + ground. In the evening it was very different and bred in a country where + much attention is paid, or was at least then paid, to <i>biense'ance,</i> I + was desirous to think for Miss Vernon concerning those points of + propriety where her experience did not afford her the means of thinking + for herself. I made her therefore comprehend, as delicately as I could, + that when we had evening lessons, the presence of a third party was + proper. +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon first laughed, then blushed, and was disposed to be + displeased; and then, suddenly checking herself, said, "I believe you are + very right; and when I feel inclined to be a very busy scholar, I will + bribe old Martha with a cup of tea to sit by me and be my screen." +</p> +<p> + Martha, the old housekeeper, partook of the taste of the family at the + Hall. A toast and tankard would have pleased her better than all the tea + in China. However, as the use of this beverage was then confined to the + higher ranks, Martha felt some vanity in being asked to partake of it; + and by dint of a great deal of sugar, many words scarce less sweet, and + abundance of toast and butter, she was sometimes prevailed upon to give + us her countenance. On other occasions, the servants almost unanimously + shunned the library after nightfall, because it was their foolish + pleasure to believe that it lay on the haunted side of the house. The + more timorous had seen sights and heard sounds there when all the rest of + the house was quiet; and even the young squires were far from having any + wish to enter these formidable precincts after nightfall without + necessity. +</p> +<p> + That the library had at one time been a favourite resource of + Rashleigh—that a private door out of one side of it communicated with + the sequestered and remote apartment which he chose for himself, rather + increased than disarmed the terrors which the household had for the + dreaded library of Osbaldistone Hall. His extensive information as to + what passed in the world—his profound knowledge of science of every + kind—a few physical experiments which he occasionally showed off, were, + in a house of so much ignorance and bigotry, esteemed good reasons for + supposing him endowed with powers over the spiritual world. He understood + Greek, Latin, and Hebrew; and, therefore, according to the apprehension, + and in the phrase of his brother Wilfred, needed not to care "for ghaist + or bar-ghaist, devil or dobbie." Yea, the servants persisted that they + had heard him hold conversations in the library, when every varsal soul + in the family were gone to bed; and that he spent the night in watching + for bogles, and the morning in sleeping in his bed, when he should have + been heading the hounds like a true Osbaldistone. +</p> +<p> + All these absurd rumours I had heard in broken hints and imperfect + sentences, from which I was left to draw the inference; and, as easily + may be supposed, I laughed them to scorn. But the extreme solitude to + which this chamber of evil fame was committed every night after curfew + time, was an additional reason why I should not intrude on Miss Vernon + when she chose to sit there in the evening. +</p> +<p> + To resume what I was saying,—I was not surprised to see a glimmering of + light from the library windows: but I was a little struck when I + distinctly perceived the shadows of two persons pass along and intercept + the light from the first of the windows, throwing the casement for a + moment into shade. "It must be old Martha," thought I, "whom Diana has + engaged to be her companion for the evening; or I must have been + mistaken, and taken Diana's shadow for a second person. No, by Heaven! it + appears on the second window,—two figures distinctly traced; and now it + is lost again—it is seen on the third—on the fourth—the darkened forms + of two persons distinctly seen in each window as they pass along the + room, betwixt the windows and the lights. Whom can Diana have got for a + companion?"—The passage of the shadows between the lights and the + casements was twice repeated, as if to satisfy me that my observation + served me truly; after which the lights were extinguished, and the + shades, of course, were seen no more. +</p> +<p> + Trifling as this circumstance was, it occupied my mind for a considerable + time. I did not allow myself to suppose that my friendship for Miss + Vernon had any directly selfish view; yet it is incredible the + displeasure I felt at the idea of her admitting any one to private + interviews, at a time, and in a place, where, for her own sake, I had + been at some trouble to show her that it was improper for me to meet with + her. +</p> +<p> + "Silly, romping, incorrigible girl!" said I to myself, "on whom all good + advice and delicacy are thrown away! I have been cheated by the + simplicity of her manner, which I suppose she can assume just as she + could a straw bonnet, were it the fashion, for the mere sake of + celebrity. I suppose, notwithstanding the excellence of her + understanding, the society of half a dozen of clowns to play at whisk and + swabbers would give her more pleasure than if Ariosto himself were to + awake from the dead." +</p> +<p> + This reflection came the more powerfully across my mind, because, having + mustered up courage to show to Diana my version of the first books of + Ariosto, I had requested her to invite Martha to a tea-party in the + library that evening, to which arrangement Miss Vernon had refused her + consent, alleging some apology which I thought frivolous at the time. I + had not long speculated on this disagreeable subject, when the + back garden-door opened, and the figures of Andrew and his + country-man—bending under his pack—crossed the moonlight alley, + and called my attention elsewhere. +</p> +<p> + I found Mr. Macready, as I expected, a tough, sagacious, long-headed + Scotchman, and a collector of news both from choice and profession. He + was able to give me a distinct account of what had passed in the House of + Commons and House of Lords on the affair of Morris, which, it appears, + had been made by both parties a touchstone to ascertain the temper of the + Parliament. It appeared also, that, as I had learned from Andrew, by + second hand, the ministry had proved too weak to support a story + involving the character of men of rank and importance, and resting upon + the credit of a person of such indifferent fame as Morris, who was, + moreover, confused and contradictory in his mode of telling the story. + Macready was even able to supply me with a copy of a printed journal, or + News-Letter, seldom extending beyond the capital, in which the substance + of the debate was mentioned; and with a copy of the Duke of Argyle's + speech, printed upon a broadside, of which he had purchased several from + the hawkers, because, he said, it would be a saleable article on the + north of the Tweed. The first was a meagre statement, full of blanks and + asterisks, and which added little or nothing to the information I had + from the Scotchman; and the Duke's speech, though spirited and eloquent, + contained chiefly a panegyric on his country, his family, and his clan, + with a few compliments, equally sincere, perhaps, though less glowing, + which he took so favourable an opportunity of paying to himself. I could + not learn whether my own reputation had been directly implicated, + although I perceived that the honour of my uncle's family had been + impeached, and that this person Campbell, stated by Morris to have been + the most active robber of the two by whom he was assailed, was said by + him to have appeared in the behalf of a Mr. Osbaldistone, and by the + connivance of the Justice procured his liberation. In this particular, + Morris's story jumped with my own suspicions, which had attached to + Campbell from the moment I saw him appear at Justice Inglewood's. Vexed + upon the whole, as well as perplexed, with this extraordinary story, I + dismissed the two Scotchmen, after making some purchases from Macready, + and a small compliment to Fairservice, and retired to my own apartment to + consider what I ought to do in defence of my character thus publicly + attacked. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0015"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FIFTEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Whence, and what art you? + Milton. +</pre> +<p> + After exhausting a sleepless night in meditating on the intelligence I + had received, I was at first inclined to think that I ought, as speedily + as possible, to return to London, and by my open appearance repel the + calumny which had been spread against me. But I hesitated to take this + course on recollection of my father's disposition, singularly absolute in + his decisions as to all that concerned his family. He was most able, + certainly, from experience, to direct what I ought to do, and from his + acquaintance with the most distinguished Whigs then in power, had + influence enough to obtain a hearing for my cause. So, upon the whole, I + judged it most safe to state my whole story in the shape of a narrative, + addressed to my father; and as the ordinary opportunities of intercourse + between the Hall and the post-town recurred rarely, I determined to ride + to the town, which was about ten miles' distance, and deposit my letter + in the post-office with my own hands. +</p> +<p> + Indeed I began to think it strange that though several weeks had elapsed + since my departure from home, I had received no letter, either from my + father or Owen, although Rashleigh had written to Sir Hildebrand of his + safe arrival in London, and of the kind reception he had met with from + his uncle. Admitting that I might have been to blame, I did not deserve, + in my own opinion at least, to be so totally forgotten by my father; and + I thought my present excursion might have the effect of bringing a letter + from him to hand more early than it would otherwise have reached me. But + before concluding my letter concerning the affair of Morris, I failed not + to express my earnest hope and wish that my father would honour me with a + few lines, were it but to express his advice and commands in an affair of + some difficulty, and where my knowledge of life could not be supposed + adequate to my own guidance. I found it impossible to prevail on myself + to urge my actual return to London as a place of residence, and I + disguised my unwillingness to do so under apparent submission to my + father's will, which, as I imposed it on myself as a sufficient reason + for not urging my final departure from Osbaldistone Hall, would, I + doubted not, be received as such by my parent. But I begged permission to + come to London, for a short time at least, to meet and refute the + infamous calumnies which had been circulated concerning me in so public a + manner. Having made up my packet, in which my earnest desire to vindicate + my character was strangely blended with reluctance to quit my present + place of residence, I rode over to the post-town, and deposited my letter + in the office. By doing so, I obtained possession, somewhat earlier than + I should otherwise have done, of the following letter from my friend Mr. + Owen:— +</p> +<p> + "Dear Mr. Francis, +</p> +<p> + "Yours received per favour of Mr. R. Osbaldistone, and note the contents. + Shall do Mr. R. O. such civilities as are in my power, and have taken him + to see the Bank and Custom-house. He seems a sober, steady young + gentleman, and takes to business; so will be of service to the firm. + Could have wished another person had turned his mind that way; but God's + will be done. As cash may be scarce in those parts, have to trust you + will excuse my enclosing a goldsmith's bill at six days' sight, on + Messrs. Hooper and Girder of Newcastle, for L100, which I doubt not will + be duly honoured.—I remain, as in duty bound, dear Mr. Frank, your very + respectful and obedient servant, +</p> +<p> + "Joseph Owen. +</p> +<p> + "<i>Postscriptum.</i>—Hope you will advise the above coming safe to hand. Am + sorry we have so few of yours. Your father says he is as usual, but looks + poorly." +</p> +<p> + From this epistle, written in old Owen's formal style, I was rather + surprised to observe that he made no acknowledgment of that private + letter which I had written to him, with a view to possess him of + Rashleigh's real character, although, from the course of post, it seemed + certain that he ought to have received it. Yet I had sent it by the usual + conveyance from the Hall, and had no reason to suspect that it could + miscarry upon the road. As it comprised matters of great importance both + to my father and to myself, I sat down in the post-office and again wrote + to Owen, recapitulating the heads of my former letter, and requesting to + know, in course of post, if it had reached him in safety. I also + acknowledged the receipt of the bill, and promised to make use of the + contents if I should have any occasion for money. I thought, indeed, it + was odd that my father should leave the care of supplying my necessities + to his clerk; but I concluded it was a matter arranged between them. At + any rate, Owen was a bachelor, rich in his way, and passionately attached + to me, so that I had no hesitation in being obliged to him for a small + sum, which I resolved to consider as a loan, to be returned with my + earliest ability, in case it was not previously repaid by my father; and + I expressed myself to this purpose to Mr. Owen. A shopkeeper in a little + town, to whom the post-master directed me, readily gave me in gold the + amount of my bill on Messrs. Hooper and Girder, so that I returned to + Osbaldistone Hall a good deal richer than I had set forth. This recruit + to my finances was not a matter of indifference to me, as I was + necessarily involved in some expenses at Osbaldistone Hall; and I had + seen, with some uneasy impatience, that the sum which my travelling + expenses had left unexhausted at my arrival there was imperceptibly + diminishing. This source of anxiety was for the present removed. On my + arrival at the Hall I found that Sir Hildebrand and all his offspring had + gone down to the little hamlet, called Trinlay-knowes, "to see," as + Andrew Fairservice expressed it, "a wheen midden cocks pike ilk ither's + barns out." +</p> +<p> + "It is indeed a brutal amusement, Andrew; I suppose you have none such in + Scotland?" +</p> +<p> + "Na, na," answered Andrew boldly; then shaded away his negative with, + "unless it be on Fastern's-e'en, or the like o' that—But indeed it's no + muckle matter what the folk do to the midden pootry, for they had siccan + a skarting and scraping in the yard, that there's nae getting a bean or + pea keepit for them.—But I am wondering what it is that leaves that + turret-door open;—now that Mr. Rashleigh's away, it canna be him, I + trow." +</p> +<p> + The turret-door to which he alluded opened to the garden at the bottom of + a winding stair, leading down from Mr. Rashleigh's apartment. This, as I + have already mentioned, was situated in a sequestered part of the house, + communicating with the library by a private entrance, and by another + intricate and dark vaulted passage with the rest of the house. A long + narrow turf walk led, between two high holly hedges, from the turret-door + to a little postern in the wall of the garden. By means of these + communications Rashleigh, whose movements were very independent of those + of the rest of his family, could leave the Hall or return to it at + pleasure, without his absence or presence attracting any observation. But + during his absence the stair and the turret-door were entirely disused, + and this made Andrew's observation somewhat remarkable. +</p> +<p> + "Have you often observed that door open?" was my question. +</p> +<p> + "No just that often neither; but I hae noticed it ance or twice. I'm + thinking it maun hae been the priest, Father Vaughan, as they ca' him. + Ye'll no catch ane o' the servants gauging up that stair, puir frightened + heathens that they are, for fear of bogles and brownies, and lang-nebbit + things frae the neist warld. But Father Vaughan thinks himself a + privileged person—set him up and lay him down!—I'se be caution the + warst stibbler that ever stickit a sermon out ower the Tweed yonder, wad + lay a ghaist twice as fast as him, wi' his holy water and his idolatrous + trinkets. I dinna believe he speaks gude Latin neither; at least he disna + take me up when I tell him the learned names o' the plants." +</p> +<p> + Of Father Vaughan, who divided his time and his ghostly care between + Osbaldistone Hall and about half a dozen mansions of Catholic gentlemen + in the neighbourhood, I have as yet said nothing, for I had seen but + little. He was aged about sixty—of a good family, as I was given to + understand, in the north—of a striking and imposing presence, grave in + his exterior, and much respected among the Catholics of Northumberland as + a worthy and upright man. Yet Father Vaughan did not altogether lack + those peculiarities which distinguish his order. There hung about him an + air of mystery, which, in Protestant eyes, savoured of priestcraft. The + natives (such they might be well termed) of Osbaldistone Hall looked up + to him with much more fear, or at least more awe, than affection. His + condemnation of their revels was evident, from their being discontinued + in some measure when the priest was a resident at the Hall. Even Sir + Hildebrand himself put some restraint upon his conduct at such times, + which, perhaps, rendered Father Vaughan's presence rather irksome than + otherwise. He had the well-bred, insinuating, and almost flattering + address peculiar to the clergy of his persuasion, especially in England, + where the lay Catholic, hemmed in by penal laws, and by the restrictions + of his sect and recommendation of his pastor, often exhibits a reserved, + and almost a timid manner in the society of Protestants; while the + priest, privileged by his order to mingle with persons of all creeds, is + open, alert, and liberal in his intercourse with them, desirous of + popularity, and usually skilful in the mode of obtaining it. +</p> +<p> + Father Vaughan was a particular acquaintance of Rashleigh's, otherwise, + in all probability, he would scarce have been able to maintain his + footing at Osbaldistone Hall. This gave me no desire to cultivate his + intimacy, nor did he seem to make any advances towards mine; so our + occasional intercourse was confined to the exchange of mere civility. I + considered it as extremely probable that Mr. Vaughan might occupy + Rashleigh's apartment during his occasional residence at the Hall; and + his profession rendered it likely that he should occasionally be a tenant + of the library. Nothing was more probable than that it might have been + his candle which had excited my attention on a preceding evening. This + led me involuntarily to recollect that the intercourse between Miss + Vernon and the priest was marked with something like the same mystery + which characterised her communications with Rashleigh. I had never heard + her mention Vaughan's name, or even allude to him, excepting on the + occasion of our first meeting, when she mentioned the old priest and + Rashleigh as the only conversable beings, besides herself, in + Osbaldistone Hall. Yet although silent with respect to Father Vaughan, + his arrival at the Hall never failed to impress Miss Vernon with an + anxious and fluttering tremor, which lasted until they had exchanged one + or two significant glances. +</p> +<p> + Whatever the mystery might be which overclouded the destinies of this + beautiful and interesting female, it was clear that Father Vaughan was + implicated in it; unless, indeed, I could suppose that he was the agent + employed to procure her settlement in the cloister, in the event of her + rejecting a union with either of my cousins,—an office which would + sufficiently account for her obvious emotion at his appearance. As to the + rest, they did not seem to converse much together, or even to seek each + other's society. Their league, if any subsisted between them, was of a + tacit and understood nature, operating on their actions without any + necessity of speech. I recollected, however, on reflection, that I had + once or twice discovered signs pass betwixt them, which I had at the time + supposed to bear reference to some hint concerning Miss Vernon's + religious observances, knowing how artfully the Catholic clergy maintain, + at all times and seasons, their influence over the minds of their + followers. But now I was disposed to assign to these communications a + deeper and more mysterious import. Did he hold private meetings with Miss + Vernon in the library? was a question which occupied my thoughts; and if + so, for what purpose? And why should she have admitted an intimate of the + deceitful Rashleigh to such close confidence? +</p> +<p> + These questions and difficulties pressed on my mind with an interest + which was greatly increased by the impossibility of resolving them. I had + already begun to suspect that my friendship for Diana Vernon was not + altogether so disinterested as in wisdom it ought to have been. I had + already felt myself becoming jealous of the contemptible lout Thorncliff, + and taking more notice, than in prudence or dignity of feeling I ought to + have done, of his silly attempts to provoke me. And now I was + scrutinising the conduct of Miss Vernon with the most close and eager + observation, which I in vain endeavoured to palm on myself as the + offspring of idle curiosity. All these, like Benedick's brushing his hat + of a morning, were signs that the sweet youth was in love; and while my + judgment still denied that I had been guilty of forming an attachment so + imprudent, she resembled those ignorant guides, who, when they have led + the traveller and themselves into irretrievable error, persist in + obstinately affirming it to be impossible that they can have missed the + way. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0016"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SIXTEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + It happened one day about noon, going to my boat, I was exceedingly + surprised with the print of a man's naked foot on the shore, which + was very plain to be seen on the sand. + Robinson Crusoe. +</pre> +<p> + With the blended feelings of interest and jealousy which were engendered + by Miss Vernon's singular situation, my observations of her looks and + actions became acutely sharpened, and that to a degree which, + notwithstanding my efforts to conceal it, could not escape her + penetration. The sense that she was observed, or, more properly speaking, + that she was watched by my looks, seemed to give Diana a mixture of + embarrassment, pain, and pettishness. At times it seemed that she sought + an opportunity of resenting a conduct which she could not but feel as + offensive, considering the frankness with which she had mentioned the + difficulties that surrounded her. At other times she seemed prepared to + expostulate upon the subject. But either her courage failed, or some + other sentiment impeded her seeking an <i>e'claircissement.</i> Her + displeasure evaporated in repartee, and her expostulations died on her + lips. We stood in a singular relation to each other,—spending, and by + mutual choice, much of our time in close society with each other, yet + disguising our mutual sentiments, and jealous of, or offended by, each + other's actions. There was betwixt us intimacy without confidence;—on + one side, love without hope or purpose, and curiosity without any + rational or justifiable motive; and on the other, embarrassment and + doubt, occasionally mingled with displeasure. Yet I believe that this + agitation of the passions (such is the nature of the human bosom), as it + continued by a thousand irritating and interesting, though petty + circumstances, to render Miss Vernon and me the constant objects of each + other's thoughts, tended, upon the whole, to increase the attachment with + which we were naturally disposed to regard each other. But although my + vanity early discovered that my presence at Osbaldistone Hall had given + Diana some additional reason for disliking the cloister, I could by no + means confide in an affection which seemed completely subordinate to the + mysteries of her singular situation. Miss Vernon was of a character far + too formed and determined, to permit her love for me to overpower either + her sense of duty or of prudence, and she gave me a proof of this in a + conversation which we had together about this period. +</p> +<p> + We were sitting together in the library. Miss Vernon, in turning over a + copy of the Orlando Furioso, which belonged to me, shook a piece of + writing paper from between the leaves. I hastened to lift it, but she + prevented me.—"It is verse," she said, on glancing at the paper; and + then unfolding it, but as if to wait my answer before proceeding—"May I + take the liberty?—Nay, nay, if you blush and stammer, I must do violence + to your modesty, and suppose that permission is granted." +</p> +<p> + "It is not worthy your perusal—a scrap of a translation—My dear Miss + Vernon, it would be too severe a trial, that you, who understand the + original so well, should sit in judgment." +</p> +<p> + "Mine honest friend," replied Diana, "do not, if you will be guided by my + advice, bait your hook with too much humility; for, ten to one, it will + not catch a single compliment. You know I belong to the unpopular family + of Tell-truths, and would not flatter Apollo for his lyre." +</p> +<p> + She proceeded to read the first stanza, which was nearly to the following + purpose:— +</p> +<pre> + "Ladies, and knights, and arms, and love's fair flame, + Deeds of emprize and courtesy, I sing; + What time the Moors from sultry Africk came, + Led on by Agramant, their youthful king— + He whom revenge and hasty ire did bring + O'er the broad wave, in France to waste and war; + Such ills from old Trojano's death did spring, + Which to avenge he came from realms afar, + And menaced Christian Charles, the Roman Emperor. + Of dauntless Roland, too, my strain shall sound, + In import never known in prose or rhyme, + How He, the chief, of judgment deemed profound, + For luckless love was crazed upon a time"— +</pre> +<p> + "There is a great deal of it," said she, glancing along the paper, and + interrupting the sweetest sounds which mortal ears can drink in,—those + of a youthful poet's verses, namely, read by the lips which are dearest + to him. +</p> +<p> + "Much more than ought to engage your attention, Miss Vernon," I replied, + something mortified; and I took the verses from her unreluctant hand— + "And yet," I continued, "shut up as I am in this retired situation, I + have felt sometimes I could not amuse myself better than by carrying + on—merely for my own amusement, you will of course understand—the + version of this fascinating author, which I began some months since when + I was on the banks of the Garonne." +</p> +<p> + "The question would only be," said Diana, gravely, "whether you could not + spend your time to better purpose?" +</p> +<p> + "You mean in original composition?" said I, greatly flattered—"But, to + say truth, my genius rather lies in finding words and rhymes than ideas; + and therefore I am happy to use those which Ariosto has prepared to my + hand. However, Miss Vernon, with the encouragement you give"— +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me, Frank—it is encouragement not of my giving, but of your + taking. I meant neither original composition nor translation, since I + think you might employ your time to far better purpose than in either. + You are mortified," she continued, "and I am sorry to be the cause." +</p> +<p> + "Not mortified,—certainly not mortified," said I, with the best grace I + could muster, and it was but indifferently assumed; "I am too much + obliged by the interest you take in me." +</p> +<p> + "Nay, but," resumed the relentless Diana, "there is both mortification + and a little grain of anger in that constrained tone of voice; do not be + angry if I probe your feelings to the bottom—perhaps what I am about to + say will affect them still more." +</p> +<p> + I felt the childishness of my own conduct, and the superior manliness of + Miss Vernon's, and assured her, that she need not fear my wincing under + criticism which I knew to be kindly meant. +</p> +<p> + "That was honestly meant and said," she replied; "I knew full well that + the fiend of poetical irritability flew away with the little preluding + cough which ushered in the declaration. And now I must be serious—Have + you heard from your father lately?" +</p> +<p> + "Not a word," I replied; "he has not honoured me with a single line + during the several months of my residence here." +</p> +<p> + "That is strange!—you are a singular race, you bold Osbaldistones. Then + you are not aware that he has gone to Holland, to arrange some pressing + affairs which required his own immediate presence?" +</p> +<p> + "I never heard a word of it until this moment." +</p> +<p> + "And farther, it must be news to you, and I presume scarcely the most + agreeable, that he has left Rashleigh in the almost uncontrolled + management of his affairs until his return." +</p> +<p> + I started, and could not suppress my surprise and apprehension. +</p> +<p> + "You have reason for alarm," said Miss Vernon, very gravely; "and were I + you, I would endeavour to meet and obviate the dangers which arise from + so undesirable an arrangement." +</p> +<p> + "And how is it possible for me to do so?" +</p> +<p> + "Everything is possible for him who possesses courage and activity," she + said, with a look resembling one of those heroines of the age of + chivalry, whose encouragement was wont to give champions double valour at + the hour of need; "and to the timid and hesitating, everything is + impossible, because it seems so." +</p> +<p> + "And what would you advise, Miss Vernon?" I replied, wishing, yet + dreading, to hear her answer. +</p> +<p> + She paused a moment, then answered firmly—"That you instantly leave + Osbaldistone Hall, and return to London. You have perhaps already," she + continued, in a softer tone, "been here too long; that fault was not + yours. Every succeeding moment you waste here will be a crime. Yes, a + crime: for I tell you plainly, that if Rashleigh long manages your + father's affairs, you may consider his ruin as consummated." +</p> +<p> + "How is this possible?" +</p> +<p> + "Ask no questions," she said; "but believe me, Rashleigh's views extend + far beyond the possession or increase of commercial wealth: he will only + make the command of Mr. Osbaldistone's revenues and property the means of + putting in motion his own ambitious and extensive schemes. While your + father was in Britain this was impossible; during his absence, Rashleigh + will possess many opportunities, and he will not neglect to use them." +</p> +<p> + "But how can I, in disgrace with my father, and divested of all control + over his affairs, prevent this danger by my mere presence in London?" +</p> +<p> + "That presence alone will do much. Your claim to interfere is a part of + your birthright, and it is inalienable. You will have the countenance, + doubtless, of your father's head-clerk, and confidential friends and + partners. Above all, Rashleigh's schemes are of a nature that"—(she + stopped abruptly, as if fearful of saying too much)—"are, in short," she + resumed, "of the nature of all selfish and unconscientious plans, which + are speedily abandoned as soon as those who frame them perceive their + arts are discovered and watched. Therefore, in the language of your + favourite poet— +</p> +<pre> + To horse! to horse! Urge doubts to those that fear." +</pre> +<p> + A feeling, irresistible in its impulse, induced me to reply—"Ah! Diana, + can <i>you</i> give me advice to leave Osbaldistone Hall?—then indeed I have + already been a resident here too long!" +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon coloured, but proceeded with great firmness—"Indeed, I do + give you this advice—not only to quit Osbaldistone Hall, but never to + return to it more. You have only one friend to regret here," she + continued, forcing a smile, "and she has been long accustomed to + sacrifice her friendships and her comforts to the welfare of others. + In the world you will meet a hundred whose friendship will be + as disinterested—more useful—less encumbered by untoward + circumstances—less influenced by evil tongues and evil times." +</p> +<p> + "Never!" I exclaimed, "never!—the world can afford me nothing to repay + what I must leave behind me." Here I took her hand, and pressed it to my + lips. +</p> +<p> + "This is folly!" she exclaimed—"this is madness!" and she struggled to + withdraw her hand from my grasp, but not so stubbornly as actually to + succeed until I had held it for nearly a minute. "Hear me, sir!" she + said, "and curb this unmanly burst of passion. I am, by a solemn + contract, the bride of Heaven, unless I could prefer being wedded to + villany in the person of Rashleigh Osbaldistone, or brutality in that of + his brother. I am, therefore, the bride of Heaven,—betrothed to the + convent from the cradle. To me, therefore, these raptures are + misapplied—they only serve to prove a farther necessity for your + departure, and that without delay." At these words she broke suddenly + off, and said, but in a suppressed tone of voice, "Leave me + instantly—we will meet here again, but it must be for the last time." +</p> +<p> + My eyes followed the direction of hers as she spoke, and I thought I saw + the tapestry shake, which covered the door of the secret passage from + Rashleigh's room to the library. I conceived we were observed, and turned + an inquiring glance on Miss Vernon. +</p> +<p> + "It is nothing," said she, faintly; "a rat behind the arras." +</p> +<p> + "Dead for a ducat," would have been my reply, had I dared to give way to + the feelings which rose indignant at the idea of being subjected to an + eaves-dropper on such an occasion. Prudence, and the necessity of + suppressing my passion, and obeying Diana's reiterated command of "Leave + me! leave me!" came in time to prevent my rash action. I left the + apartment in a wild whirl and giddiness of mind, which I in vain + attempted to compose when I returned to my own. +</p> +<p> + A chaos of thoughts intruded themselves on me at once, passing hastily + through my brain, intercepting and overshadowing each other, and + resembling those fogs which in mountainous countries are wont to descend + in obscure volumes, and disfigure or obliterate the usual marks by which + the traveller steers his course through the wilds. The dark and undefined + idea of danger arising to my father from the machinations of such a man + as Rashleigh Osbaldistone—the half declaration of love that I had + offered to Miss Vernon's acceptance—the acknowledged difficulties of her + situation, bound by a previous contract to sacrifice herself to a + cloister or to an ill-assorted marriage,—all pressed themselves at once + upon my recollection, while my judgment was unable deliberately to + consider any of them in their just light and bearings. But chiefly and + above all the rest, I was perplexed by the manner in which Miss Vernon + had received my tender of affection, and by her manner, which, + fluctuating betwixt sympathy and firmness, seemed to intimate that I + possessed an interest in her bosom, but not of force sufficient to + counterbalance the obstacles to her avowing a mutual affection. The + glance of fear, rather than surprise, with which she had watched the + motion of the tapestry over the concealed door, implied an apprehension + of danger which I could not but suppose well grounded; for Diana Vernon + was little subject to the nervous emotions of her sex, and totally unapt + to fear without actual and rational cause. Of what nature could those + mysteries be, with which she was surrounded as with an enchanter's spell, + and which seemed continually to exert an active influence over her + thoughts and actions, though their agents were never visible? On this + subject of doubt my mind finally rested, as if glad to shake itself free + from investigating the propriety or prudence of my own conduct, by + transferring the inquiry to what concerned Miss Vernon. I will be + resolved, I concluded, ere I leave Osbaldistone Hall, concerning the + light in which I must in future regard this fascinating being, over whose + life frankness and mystery seem to have divided their reign,—the former + inspiring her words and sentiments—the latter spreading in misty + influence over all her actions. +</p> +<p> + Joined to the obvious interests which arose from curiosity and anxious + passion, there mingled in my feelings a strong, though unavowed and + undefined, infusion of jealousy. This sentiment, which springs up with + love as naturally as the tares with the wheat, was excited by the degree + of influence which Diana appeared to concede to those unseen beings by + whom her actions were limited. The more I reflected upon her character, + the more I was internally though unwillingly convinced, that she was + formed to set at defiance all control, excepting that which arose from + affection; and I felt a strong, bitter, and gnawing suspicion, that such + was the foundation of that influence by which she was overawed. +</p> +<p> + These tormenting doubts strengthened my desire to penetrate into the + secret of Miss Vernon's conduct, and in the prosecution of this sage + adventure, I formed a resolution, of which, if you are not weary of these + details, you will find the result in the next chapter. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0017"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + I hear a voice you cannot hear, + Which says, I must not stay; + I see a hand you cannot see, + Which beckons me awry. + Tickell. +</pre> +<p> + I have already told you, Tresham, if you deign to bear it in remembrance, + that my evening visits to the library had seldom been made except by + appointment, and under the sanction of old Dame Martha's presence. This, + however, was entirely a tacit conventional arrangement of my own + instituting. Of late, as the embarrassments of our relative situation had + increased, Miss Vernon and I had never met in the evening at all. She had + therefore no reason to suppose that I was likely to seek a renewal of + these interviews, and especially without some previous notice or + appointment betwixt us, that Martha might, as usual, be placed upon duty; + but, on the other hand, this cautionary provision was a matter of + understanding, not of express enactment. The library was open to me, as + to the other members of the family, at all hours of the day and night, + and I could not be accused of intrusion, however suddenly and + unexpectedly I might made my appearance in it. My belief was strong, that + in this apartment Miss Vernon occasionally received Vaughan, or some + other person, by whose opinion she was accustomed to regulate her + conduct, and that at the times when she could do so with least chance of + interruption. The lights which gleamed in the library at unusual + hours—the passing shadows which I had myself remarked—the footsteps + which might be traced in the morning-dew from the turret-door to the + postern-gate in the garden—sounds and sights which some of the servants, + and Andrew Fairservice in particular, had observed, and accounted for in + their own way,—all tended to show that the place was visited by some one + different from the ordinary inmates of the hall. Connected as this + visitant probably must be with the fates of Diana Vernon, I did not + hesitate to form a plan of discovering who or what he was,—how far his + influence was likely to produce good or evil consequences to her on whom + he acted;—above all, though I endeavoured to persuade myself that this + was a mere subordinate consideration, I desired to know by what means + this person had acquired or maintained his influence over Diana, and + whether he ruled over her by fear or by affection. The proof that this + jealous curiosity was uppermost in my mind, arose from my imagination + always ascribing Miss Vernon's conduct to the influence of some one + individual agent, although, for aught I knew about the matter, her + advisers might be as numerous am Legion. I remarked this over and over to + myself; but I found that my mind still settled back in my original + conviction, that one single individual, of the masculine sex, and in all + probability young and handsome, was at the bottom of Miss Vernon's + conduct; and it was with a burning desire of discovering, or rather of + detecting, such a rival, that I stationed myself in the garden to watch + the moment when the lights should appear in the library windows. +</p> +<p> + So eager, however, was my impatience, that I commenced my watch for a + phenomenon, which could not appear until darkness, a full hour before the + daylight disappeared, on a July evening. It was Sabbath, and all the + walks were still and solitary. I walked up and down for some time, + enjoying the refreshing coolness of a summer evening, and meditating on + the probable consequences of my enterprise. The fresh and balmy air of + the garden, impregnated with fragrance, produced its usual sedative + effects on my over-heated and feverish blood. As these took place, the + turmoil of my mind began proportionally to abate, and I was led to + question the right I had to interfere with Miss Vernon's secrets, or with + those of my uncle's family. What was it to me whom my uncle might choose + to conceal in his house, where I was myself a guest only by tolerance? + And what title had I to pry into the affairs of Miss Vernon, fraught, as + she had avowed them to be, with mystery, into which she desired no + scrutiny? +</p> +<p> + Passion and self-will were ready with their answers to these questions. + In detecting this secret, I was in all probability about to do service to + Sir Hildebrand, who was probably ignorant of the intrigues carried on in + his family—and a still more important service to Miss Vernon, whose + frank simplicity of character exposed her to so many risks in maintaining + a private correspondence, perhaps with a person of doubtful or dangerous + character. If I seemed to intrude myself on her confidence, it was with + the generous and disinterested (yes, I even ventured to call it the + <i>disinterested</i>) intention of guiding, defending, and protecting her + against craft—against malice,—above all, against the secret counsellor + whom she had chosen for her confidant. Such were the arguments which my + will boldly preferred to my conscience, as coin which ought to be + current, and which conscience, like a grumbling shopkeeper, was contented + to accept, rather than come to an open breach with a customer, though + more than doubting that the tender was spurious. +</p> +<p> + While I paced the green alleys, debating these things <i>pro</i> and <i>con,</i> I + suddenly alighted upon Andrew Fairservice, perched up like a statue by a + range of bee-hives, in an attitude of devout contemplation—one eye, + however, watching the motions of the little irritable citizens, who were + settling in their straw-thatched mansion for the evening, and the other + fixed on a book of devotion, which much attrition had deprived of its + corners, and worn into an oval shape; a circumstance which, with the + close print and dingy colour of the volume in question, gave it an air of + most respectable antiquity. +</p> +<p> + "I was e'en taking a spell o' worthy Mess John Quackleben's Flower of a + Sweet Savour sawn on the Middenstead of this World," said Andrew, closing + his book at my appearance, and putting his horn spectacles, by way of + mark, at the place where he had been reading. +</p> +<p> + "And the bees, I observe, were dividing your attention, Andrew, with the + learned author?" +</p> +<p> + "They are a contumacious generation," replied the gardener; "they hae sax + days in the week to hive on, and yet it's a common observe that they will + aye swarm on the Sabbath-day, and keep folk at hame frae hearing the + word—But there's nae preaching at Graneagain chapel the e'en—that's aye + ae mercy." +</p> +<p> + "You might have gone to the parish church as I did, Andrew, and heard an + excellent discourse." +</p> +<p> + "Clauts o' cauld parritch—clauts o' cauld parritch," replied Andrew, + with a most supercilious sneer,—"gude aneueh for dogs, begging your + honour's pardon—Ay! I might nae doubt hae heard the curate linking awa + at it in his white sark yonder, and the musicians playing on whistles, + mair like a penny-wedding than a sermon—and to the boot of that, I might + hae gaen to even-song, and heard Daddie Docharty mumbling his + mass—muckle the better I wad hae been o' that!" +</p> +<p> + "Docharty!" said I (this was the name of an old priest, an Irishman, I + think, who sometimes officiated at Osbaldistone Hall)—"I thought Father + Vaughan had been at the Hall. He was here yesterday." +</p> +<p> + "Ay," replied Andrew; "but he left it yestreen, to gang to Greystock, or + some o' thae west-country haulds. There's an unco stir among them a' + e'enow. They are as busy as my bees are—God sain them! that I suld even + the puir things to the like o' papists. Ye see this is the second swarm, + and whiles they will swarm off in the afternoon. The first swarm set off + sune in the morning.—But I am thinking they are settled in their skeps + for the night; sae I wuss your honour good-night, and grace, and muckle + o't." +</p> +<p> + So saying, Andrew retreated, but often cast a parting glance upon the + <i>skeps,</i> as he called the bee-hives. +</p> +<p> + I had indirectly gained from him an important piece of information, that + Father Vaughan, namely, was not supposed to be at the Hall. If, + therefore, there appeared light in the windows of the library this + evening, it either could not be his, or he was observing a very secret + and suspicious line of conduct. I waited with impatience the time of + sunset and of twilight. It had hardly arrived, ere a gleam from the + windows of the library was seen, dimly distinguishable amidst the still + enduring light of the evening. I marked its first glimpse, however, as + speedily as the benighted sailor descries the first distant twinkle of + the lighthouse which marks his course. The feelings of doubt and + propriety, which had hitherto contended with my curiosity and jealousy, + vanished when an opportunity of gratifying the former was presented to + me. I re-entered the house, and avoiding the more frequented apartments + with the consciousness of one who wishes to keep his purpose secret, I + reached the door of the library—hesitated for a moment as my hand was + upon the latch—heard a suppressed step within—opened the door—and + found Miss Vernon alone. +</p> +<p> + Diana appeared surprised,—whether at my sudden entrance, or from some + other cause, I could not guess; but there was in her appearance a degree + of flutter, which I had never before remarked, and which I knew could + only be produced by unusual emotion. Yet she was calm in a moment; and + such is the force of conscience, that I, who studied to surprise her, + seemed myself the surprised, and was certainly the embarrassed person. +</p> +<p> + "Has anything happened?" said Miss Vernon—"has any one arrived at the + Hall?" +</p> +<p> + "No one that I know of," I answered, in some confusion; "I only sought + the Orlando." +</p> +<p> + "It lies there," said Miss Vernon, pointing to the table. In removing one + or two books to get at that which I pretended to seek, I was, in truth, + meditating to make a handsome retreat from an investigation to which I + felt my assurance inadequate, when I perceived a man's glove lying upon + the table. My eyes encountered those of Miss Vernon, who blushed deeply. +</p> +<p> + "It is one of my relics," she said with hesitation, replying not to my + words but to my looks; "it is one of the gloves of my grandfather, the + original of the superb Vandyke which you admire." +</p> +<p> + As if she thought something more than her bare assertion was necessary to + prove her statement true, she opened a drawer of the large oaken table, + and taking out another glove, threw it towards me.—When a temper + naturally ingenuous stoops to equivocate, or to dissemble, the anxious + pain with which the unwonted task is laboured, often induces the hearer + to doubt the authenticity of the tale. I cast a hasty glance on both + gloves, and then replied gravely—"The gloves resemble each other, + doubtless, in form and embroidery; but they cannot form a pair, since + they both belong to the right hand." +</p> +<p> + She bit her lip with anger, and again coloured deeply. +</p> +<p> + "You do right to expose me," she replied, with bitterness: "some friends + would have only judged from what I said, that I chose to give no + particular explanation of a circumstance which calls for none—at least + to a stranger. You have judged better, and have made me feel, not only + the meanness of duplicity, but my own inadequacy to sustain the task of a + dissembler. I now tell you distinctly, that that glove is not the fellow, + as you have acutely discerned, to the one which I just now produced;—it + belongs to a friend yet dearer to me than the original of Vandyke's + picture—a friend by whose counsels I have been, and will be, + guided—whom I honour—whom I"—she paused. +</p> +<p> + I was irritated at her manner, and filled up the blank in my own way— + "Whom she <i>loves</i>, Miss Vernon would say." +</p> +<p> + "And if I do say so," she replied haughtily, "by whom shall my affection + be called to account?" +</p> +<a name="image-0009"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pa234.jpg" height="825" width="555" +alt="Die Vernon and Frank in Library +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Not by me, Miss Vernon, assuredly—I entreat you to hold me acquitted of + such presumption.—<i>But,</i>" I continued, with some emphasis, for I was now + piqued in return, "I hope Miss Vernon will pardon a friend, from whom she + seems disposed to withdraw the title, for observing"— +</p> +<p> + "Observe nothing, sir," she interrupted with some vehemence, "except that + I will neither be doubted nor questioned. There does not exist one by + whom I will be either interrogated or judged; and if you sought this + unusual time of presenting yourself in order to spy upon my privacy, the + friendship or interest with which you pretend to regard me, is a poor + excuse for your uncivil curiosity." +</p> +<p> + "I relieve you of my presence," said I, with pride equal to her own; for + my temper has ever been a stranger to stooping, even in cases where my + feelings were most deeply interested—"I relieve you of my presence. I + awake from a pleasant, but a most delusive dream; and—but we understand + each other." +</p> +<p> + I had reached the door of the apartment, when Miss Vernon, whose + movements were sometimes so rapid as to seem almost instinctive, overtook + me, and, catching hold of my arm, stopped me with that air of authority + which she could so whimsically assume, and which, from the <i>naivete</i> and + simplicity of her manner, had an effect so peculiarly interesting. +</p> +<p> + "Stop, Mr. Frank," she said, "you are not to leave me in that way + neither; I am not so amply provided with friends, that I can afford to + throw away even the ungrateful and the selfish. Mark what I say, Mr. + Francis Osbaldistone. You shall know nothing of this mysterious glove," + and she held it up as she spoke—"nothing—no, not a single iota more + than you know already; and yet I will not permit it to be a gauntlet of + strife and defiance betwixt us. My time here," she said, sinking into a + tone somewhat softer, "must necessarily be very short; yours must be + still shorter: we are soon to part never to meet again; do not let us + quarrel, or make any mysterious miseries the pretext for farther + embittering the few hours we shall ever pass together on this side of + eternity." +</p> +<p> + I do not know, Tresham, by what witchery this fascinating creature + obtained such complete management over a temper which I cannot at all + times manage myself. I had determined on entering the library, to seek a + complete explanation with Miss Vernon. I had found that she refused it + with indignant defiance, and avowed to my face the preference of a rival; + for what other construction could I put on her declared preference of her + mysterious confidant? And yet, while I was on the point of leaving the + apartment, and breaking with her for ever, it cost her but a change of + look and tone, from that of real and haughty resentment to that of kind + and playful despotism, again shaded off into melancholy and serious + feeling, to lead me back to my seat, her willing subject, on her own hard + terms. +</p> +<p> + "What does this avail?" said I, as I sate down. "What can this avail, + Miss Vernon? Why should I witness embarrassments which I cannot relieve, + and mysteries which I offend you even by attempting to penetrate? + Inexperienced as you are in the world, you must still be aware that a + beautiful young woman can have but one male friend. Even in a male friend + I will be jealous of a confidence shared with a third party unknown and + concealed; but with <i>you,</i> Miss Vernon"— +</p> +<p> + "You are, of course, jealous, in all the tenses and moods of that amiable + passion? But, my good friend, you have all this time spoke nothing but + the paltry gossip which simpletons repeat from play-books and romances, + till they give mere cant a real and powerful influence over their minds. + Boys and girls prate themselves into love; and when their love is like to + fall asleep, they prate and tease themselves into jealousy. But you and + I, Frank, are rational beings, and neither silly nor idle enough to talk + ourselves into any other relation than that of plain honest disinterested + friendship. Any other union is as far out of our reach as if I were man, + or you woman—To speak truth," she added, after a moment's hesitation, + "even though I am so complaisant to the decorum of my sex as to blush a + little at my own plain dealing, we cannot marry if we would; and we ought + not if we could." +</p> +<p> + And certainly, Tresham, she did blush most angelically, as she made this + cruel declaration. I was about to attack both her positions, entirely + forgetting those very suspicions which had been confirmed in the course + of the evening, but she proceeded with a cold firmness which approached + to severity—"What I say is sober and indisputable truth, on which I will + neither hear question nor explanation. We are therefore friends, Mr. + Osbaldistone—are we not?" She held out her hand, and taking mine, + added—"And nothing to each other now, or henceforward, except as + friends." +</p> +<p> + She let go my hand. I sunk it and my head at once, fairly <i>overcrowed,</i> + as Spenser would have termed it, by the mingled kindness and firmness of + her manner. She hastened to change the subject. +</p> +<p> + "Here is a letter," she said, "directed for you, Mr. Osbaldistone, very + duly and distinctly; but which, notwithstanding the caution of the person + who wrote and addressed it, might perhaps never have reached your hands, + had it not fallen into the possession of a certain Pacolet, or enchanted + dwarf of mine, whom, like all distressed damsels of romance, I retain in + my secret service." +</p> +<p> + I opened the letter and glanced over the contents. The unfolded sheet of + paper dropped from my hands, with the involuntary exclamation of + "Gracious Heaven! my folly and disobedience have ruined my father!" +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon rose with looks of real and affectionate alarm—"You grow + pale—you are ill—shall I bring you a glass of water? Be a man, Mr. + Osbaldistone, and a firm one. Is your father—is he no more?" +</p> +<p> + "He lives," said I, "thank God! but to what distress and difficulty"— +</p> +<p> + "If that be all, despair not, May I read this letter?" she said, taking + it up. +</p> +<p> + I assented, hardly knowing what I said. She read it with great attention. +</p> +<p> + "Who is this Mr. Tresham, who signs the letter?" +</p> +<p> + "My father's partner"—(your own good father, Will)—"but he is little in + the habit of acting personally in the business of the house." +</p> +<p> + "He writes here," said Miss Vernon, "of various letters sent to you + previously." +</p> +<p> + "I have received none of them," I replied. +</p> +<p> + "And it appears," she continued, "that Rashleigh, who has taken the full + management of affairs during your father's absence in Holland, has some + time since left London for Scotland, with effects and remittances to take + up large bills granted by your father to persons in that country, and + that he has not since been heard of." +</p> +<p> + "It is but too true." +</p> +<p> + "And here has been," she added, looking at the letter, "a head-clerk, or + some such person,—Owenson—Owen—despatched to Glasgow, to find out + Rashleigh, if possible, and you are entreated to repair to the same + place, and assist him in his researches." +</p> +<p> + "It is even so, and I must depart instantly." +</p> +<p> + "Stay but one moment," said Miss Vernon. "It seems to me that the worst + which can come of this matter, will be the loss of a certain sum of + money;—and can that bring tears into your eyes? For shame, Mr. + Osbaldistone!" +</p> +<p> + "You do me injustice, Miss Vernon," I answered. "I grieve not for the + loss of the money, but for the effect which I know it will produce on the + spirits and health of my father, to whom mercantile credit is as honour; + and who, if declared insolvent, would sink into the grave, oppressed by a + sense of grief, remorse, and despair, like that of a soldier convicted of + cowardice or a man of honour who had lost his rank and character in + society. All this I might have prevented by a trifling sacrifice of the + foolish pride and indolence which recoiled from sharing the labours of + his honourable and useful profession. Good Heaven! how shall I redeem the + consequences of my error?" +</p> +<p> + "By instantly repairing to Glasgow, as you are conjured to do by the + friend who writes this letter." +</p> +<p> + "But if Rashleigh," said I, "has really formed this base and + unconscientious scheme of plundering his benefactor, what prospect is + there that I can find means of frustrating a plan so deeply laid?' +</p> +<pre> +"The prospect," she replied, "indeed, may be uncertain; but, on the other +hand, there is no possibility of your doing any service to your father by +remaining here. Remember, had you been on the post destined for you, this +disaster could not have happened: hasten to that which is now pointed +out, and it may possibly be retrieved.—Yet stay—do not leave this room +until I return." + + She left me in confusion and amazement; amid which, however, I could +find a lucid interval to admire the firmness, composure, and presence of +mind which Miss Vernon seemed to possess on every crisis, however sudden. +</pre> +<p> + In a few minutes she returned with a sheet of paper in her hand, folded + and sealed like a letter, but without address. "I trust you," she said, + "with this proof of my friendship, because I have the most perfect + confidence in your honour. If I understand the nature of your distress + rightly, the funds in Rashleigh's possession must be recovered by a + certain day—the 12th of September, I think is named—in order that they + may be applied to pay the bills in question; and, consequently, that if + adequate funds be provided before that period, your father's credit is + safe from the apprehended calamity." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly—I so understand Mr. Tresham"—I looked at your father's + letter again, and added, "There cannot be a doubt of it." +</p> +<p> + "Well," said Diana, "in that case my little Pacolet may be of use to you. + You have heard of a spell contained in a letter. Take this packet; do not + open it until other and ordinary means have failed. If you succeed by + your own exertions, I trust to your honour for destroying it without + opening or suffering it to be opened;—but if not, you may break the seal + within ten days of the fated day, and you will find directions which may + possibly be of service to you. Adieu, Frank; we never meet more—but + sometimes think of your friend Die Vernon." +</p> +<p> + She extended her hand, but I clasped her to my bosom. She sighed as she + extricated herself from the embrace which she permitted—escaped to the + door which led to her own apartment—and I saw her no more. +</p> + + +<br><br> + + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=4 border=3> +<tr><td> + <a href="p2.htm">Next Volume</a> +</td><td> + <a href="7025-h.htm">Main Index</a> + </td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +</body> +</html> + + diff --git a/old/orig7025-h/p2.htm b/old/orig7025-h/p2.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..4d42021 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/orig7025-h/p2.htm @@ -0,0 +1,11478 @@ +<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> +<html lang="en"> +<head> +<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=us-ascii"> + +<title>ROB ROY, VOLUME 2 + by Sir Walter Scott +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + <!-- + body {background:#faebd7; margin:10%; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; + margin-top: .75em; + margin-bottom: .75em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; } + HR { width: 33%; text-align: center; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; } + .figleft {float: left;} + .figright {float: right;} + .toc { margin-left: 15%; margin-bottom: 0em;} + CENTER { padding: 10px;} + PRE { font-family: Times; font-size: 97%; margin-left: 15%;} + // --> +</style> + +</head> +<body> + +<h2> + ROB ROY +</h2> +<h2> + Volume Two +</h2> +<h2> + By Sir Walter Scott +</h2> +<br><br> + + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=4 border=3> +<tr><td> + <a href="p1.htm">Previous Volume</a> +</td><td> + <a href="7025-h.htm">Main Index</a> + </td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + + +<a name="image-0001"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/bookcover.jpg" height="1085" width="733" +alt="Bookcover +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="image-0002"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/spines.jpg" height="1071" width="451" +alt="Spines +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + + + +<h2> + ROB ROY +</h2> +<br> +<h2> + By Sir Walter Scott +</h2> +<br><br> +<h2> + VOLUME TWO +</h2> + +<br><br><br><br> + + + +<hr> + +<h2>CONTENTS</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0001"> +CHAPTER FIRST +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0002"> +CHAPTER SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0003"> +CHAPTER THIRD. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0004"> +CHAPTER FOURTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0005"> +CHAPTER FIFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0006"> +CHAPTER SIXTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0007"> +CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0008"> +CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0009"> +CHAPTER NINTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0010"> +CHAPTER TENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0011"> +CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0012"> +CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0013"> +CHAPTER THIRTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0014"> +CHAPTER FOURTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0015"> +CHAPTER FIFTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0016"> +CHAPTER SIXTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0017"> +CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0018"> +CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0019"> +CHAPTER NINETEENTH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0020"> +CHAPTER TWENTIETH. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0021"> +CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2HCH0022"> +CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0025"> +POSTSCRIPT. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0026"> +STATE PAPER OFFICE, +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_NOTE"> +NOTES TO ROB ROY. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0028"> +Note A.—The Grey Stone of MacGregor. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0029"> +Note B.—Dugald Ciar Mhor. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0030"> +Note C.—The Loch Lomond Expedition. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0031"> +Note D.—Author's Expedition against the MacLarens. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0032"> +Note E.—Allan Breck Stewart. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0033"> +Note F.—The Abbess of Wilton. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0034"> +Note G.—Mons Meg. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0035"> +Note H.—-Fairy Superstition. +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#2H_4_0036"> +Note I.—Clachan of Aberfoil. +</a></p> + + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + + +<h2>LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS</h2> + +<center> +<table summary=""> +<tr><td> + + + +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0001"> +Bookcover +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0002"> +Spines +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0003"> +Helen Macgregor—Frontispiece +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0004"> +Rob Roy in Prison +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0005"> +Rob Roy Parting the Duelists +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0006"> +Fray at Jeannie Macalpine's +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0007"> +Escape of Rob Roy at the Ford +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0008"> +Parting of Die and Frank on the Moor +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0009"> +Loch Lomond +</a></p> +<p class="toc"><a href="#image-0010"> +The Death of Rashleigh +</a></p> + + +</td></tr> +</table> +</center> + + +<br><br> +<hr> +<br><br> + + + +<a name="image-0003"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/frontispiece2.jpg" height="805" width="542" +alt="Helen Macgregor--frontispiece +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> + +<a name="2HCH0001"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<br><br><br><br> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FIRST +</h2> +<pre> + And hurry, hurry, off they rode, + As fast as fast might be; + Hurra, hurra, the dead can ride, + Dost fear to ride with me? + Burger. +</pre> +<p> + There is one advantage in an accumulation of evils, differing in cause + and character, that the distraction which they afford by their + contradictory operation prevents the patient from being overwhelmed under + either. I was deeply grieved at my separation from Miss Vernon, yet not + so much so as I should have been, had not my father's apprehended + distresses forced themselves on my attention; and I was distressed by the + news of Mr. Tresham, yet less so than if they had fully occupied my mind. + I was neither a false lover nor an unfeeling son; but man can give but a + certain portion of distressful emotions to the causes which demand them; + and if two operate at once, our sympathy, like the funds of a compounding + bankrupt, can only be divided between them. Such were my reflections when + I gained my apartment—it seems, from the illustration, they already + began to have a twang of commerce in them. +</p> +<p> + I set myself seriously to consider your father's letter. It was not very + distinct, and referred for several particulars to Owen, whom I was + entreated to meet with as soon as possible at a Scotch town called + Glasgow; being informed, moreover, that my old friend was to be heard of + at Messrs. MacVittie, MacFin, and Company, merchants in the Gallowgate of + the said town. It likewise alluded to several letters,—which, as it + appeared to me, must have miscarried or have been intercepted, and + complained of my obdurate silence, in terms which would have, been highly + unjust, had my letters reached their purposed destination. I was amazed + as I read. That the spirit of Rashleigh walked around me, and conjured up + these doubts and difficulties by which I was surrounded, I could not + doubt for one instant; yet it was frightful to conceive the extent of + combined villany and power which he must have employed in the + perpetration of his designs. Let me do myself justice in one respect. The + evil of parting from Miss Vernon, however distressing it might in other + respects and at another time have appeared to me, sunk into a subordinate + consideration when I thought of the dangers impending over my father. I + did not myself set a high estimation on wealth, and had the affectation + of most young men of lively imagination, who suppose that they can better + dispense with the possession of money, than resign their time and + faculties to the labour necessary to acquire it. But in my father's case, + I knew that bankruptcy would be considered as an utter and irretrievable + disgrace, to which life would afford no comfort, and death the speediest + and sole relief. +</p> +<p> + My mind, therefore, was bent on averting this catastrophe, with an + intensity which the interest could not have produced had it referred to + my own fortunes; and the result of my deliberation was a firm resolution + to depart from Osbaldistone Hall the next day and wend my way without + loss of time to meet Owen at Glasgow. I did not hold it expedient to + intimate my departure to my uncle, otherwise than by leaving a letter of + thanks for his hospitality, assuring him that sudden and important + business prevented my offering them in person. I knew the blunt old + knight would readily excuse ceremony; and I had such a belief in the + extent and decided character of Rashleigh's machinations, that I had some + apprehension of his having provided means to intercept a journey which + was undertaken with a view to disconcert them, if my departure were + publicly announced at Osbaldistone Hall. +</p> +<p> + I therefore determined to set off on my journey with daylight on the + ensuing morning, and to gain the neighbouring kingdom of Scotland before + any idea of my departure was entertained at the Hall. But one impediment + of consequence was likely to prevent that speed which was the soul of my + expedition. I did not know the shortest, nor indeed any road to Glasgow; + and as, in the circumstances in which I stood, despatch was of the + greatest consequence, I determined to consult Andrew Fairservice on the + subject, as the nearest and most authentic authority within my reach. + Late as it was, I set off with the intention of ascertaining this + important point, and after a few minutes' walk reached the dwelling of + the gardener. +</p> +<p> + Andrew's dwelling was situated at no great distance from the exterior + wall of the garden—a snug comfortable Northumbrian cottage, built of + stones roughly dressed with the hammer, and having the windows and doors + decorated with huge heavy architraves, or lintels, as they are called, of + hewn stone, and its roof covered with broad grey flags, instead of + slates, thatch, or tiles. A jargonelle pear-tree at one end of the + cottage, a rivulet and flower-plot of a rood in extent in front, and a + kitchen-garden behind; a paddock for a cow, and a small field, cultivated + with several crops of grain, rather for the benefit of the cottager than + for sale, announced the warm and cordial comforts which Old England, even + at her most northern extremity, extends to her meanest inhabitants. +</p> +<p> + As I approached the mansion of the sapient Andrew, I heard a noise, + which, being of a nature peculiarly solemn, nasal, and prolonged, led me + to think that Andrew, according to the decent and meritorious custom of + his countrymen, had assembled some of his neighbours to join in family + exercise, as he called evening devotion. Andrew had indeed neither wife, + child, nor female inmate in his family. "The first of his trade," he + said, "had had eneugh o'thae cattle." But, notwithstanding, he sometimes + contrived to form an audience for himself out of the neighbouring Papists + and Church-of-Englandmen—brands, as he expressed it, snatched out of the + burning, on whom he used to exercise his spiritual gifts, in defiance + alike of Father Vaughan, Father Docharty, Rashleigh, and all the world of + Catholics around him, who deemed his interference on such occasions an + act of heretical interloping. I conceived it likely, therefore, that the + well-disposed neighbours might have assembled to hold some chapel of ease + of this nature. The noise, however, when I listened to it more + accurately, seemed to proceed entirely from the lungs of the said Andrew; + and when I interrupted it by entering the house, I found Fairservice + alone, combating as he best could, with long words and hard names, and + reading aloud, for the purpose of his own edification, a volume of + controversial divinity. +</p> +<p> + "I was just taking a spell," said he, laying aside the huge folio volume + as I entered, "of the worthy Doctor Lightfoot." +</p> +<p> + "Lightfoot!" I replied, looking at the ponderous volume with some + surprise; "surely your author was unhappily named." +</p> +<p> + "Lightfoot was his name, sir; a divine he was, and another kind of a + divine than they hae now-adays. Always, I crave your pardon for keeping + ye standing at the door, but having been mistrysted (gude preserve us!) + with ae bogle the night already, I was dubious o' opening the yett till I + had gaen through the e'ening worship; and I had just finished the fifth + chapter of Nehemiah—if that winna gar them keep their distance, I wotna + what will." +</p> +<p> + "Trysted with a bogle!" said I; "what do you mean by that, Andrew?" +</p> +<p> + "I said mistrysted," replied Andrew; "that is as muckle as to say, fley'd + wi' a ghaist—Gude preserve us, I say again!" +</p> +<p> + "Flay'd by a ghost, Andrew! how am I to understand that?" +</p> +<p> + "I did not say flay'd," replied Andrew, "but <i>fley'd,</i>—that is, I got a + fleg, and was ready to jump out o' my skin, though naebody offered to + whirl it aff my body as a man wad bark a tree." +</p> +<p> + "I beg a truce to your terrors in the present case, Andrew, and I wish to + know whether you can direct me the nearest way to a town in your country + of Scotland, called Glasgow?" +</p> +<p> + "A town ca'd Glasgow!" echoed Andrew Fairservice. "Glasgow's a ceety, + man.—And is't the way to Glasgow ye were speering if I ken'd?—What suld + ail me to ken it?—it's no that dooms far frae my ain parish of + Dreepdaily, that lies a bittock farther to the west. But what may your + honour be gaun to Glasgow for?" +</p> +<p> + "Particular business," replied I. +</p> +<p> + "That's as muckle as to say, Speer nae questions, and I'll tell ye nae + lees.—To Glasgow?"—he made a short pause—"I am thinking ye wad be the + better o' some ane to show you the road." +</p> +<p> + "Certainly, if I could meet with any person going that way." +</p> +<p> + "And your honour, doubtless, wad consider the time and trouble?" +</p> +<p> + "Unquestionably—my business is pressing, and if you can find any guide + to accompany me, I'll pay him handsomely." +</p> +<p> + "This is no a day to speak o' carnal matters," said Andrew, casting his + eyes upwards; "but if it werena Sabbath at e'en, I wad speer what ye wad + be content to gie to ane that wad bear ye pleasant company on the road, + and tell ye the names of the gentlemen's and noblemen's seats and + castles, and count their kin to ye?" +</p> +<p> + "I tell you, all I want to know is the road I must travel; I will pay the + fellow to his satisfaction—I will give him anything in reason." +</p> +<p> + "Onything," replied Andrew, "is naething; and this lad that I am speaking + o' kens a' the short cuts and queer by-paths through the hills, and"— +</p> +<p> + "I have no time to talk about it, Andrew; do you make the bargain for me + your own way." +</p> +<p> + "Aha! that's speaking to the purpose," answered Andrew.—"I am thinking, + since sae be that sae it is, I'll be the lad that will guide you mysell." +</p> +<p> + "You, Andrew?—how will you get away from your employment?" +</p> +<p> + "I tell'd your honour a while syne, that it was lang that I hae been + thinking o' flitting, maybe as lang as frae the first year I came to + Osbaldistone Hall; and now I am o' the mind to gang in gude + earnest—better soon as syne—better a finger aff as aye wagging." +</p> +<p> + "You leave your service, then?—but will you not lose your wages?" +</p> +<p> + "Nae doubt there will be a certain loss; but then I hae siller o' the + laird's in my hands that I took for the apples in the auld orchyard—and + a sair bargain the folk had that bought them—a wheen green trash—and + yet Sir Hildebrand's as keen to hae the siller (that is, the steward is + as pressing about it) as if they had been a' gowden pippins—and then + there's the siller for the seeds—I'm thinking the wage will be in a + manner decently made up.—But doubtless your honour will consider my risk + of loss when we win to Glasgow—and ye'll be for setting out forthwith?" +</p> +<p> + "By day-break in the morning," I answered. +</p> +<p> + "That's something o' the suddenest—whare am I to find a naig?—Stay—I + ken just the beast that will answer me." +</p> +<p> + "At five in the morning, then, Andrew, you will meet me at the head of + the avenue." +</p> +<p> + "Deil a fear o' me (that I suld say sae) missing my tryste," replied + Andrew, very briskly; "and if I might advise, we wad be aff twa hours + earlier. I ken the way, dark or light, as weel as blind Ralph Ronaldson, + that's travelled ower every moor in the country-side, and disna ken the + colour of a heather-cowe when a's dune." +</p> +<p> + I highly approved of Andrew's amendment on my original proposal, and we + agreed to meet at the place appointed at three in the morning. At once, + however, a reflection came across the mind of my intended travelling + companion. +</p> +<p> + "The bogle! the bogle! what if it should come out upon us?—I downa + forgather wi' thae things twice in the four-and-twenty hours." +</p> +<p> + "Pooh! pooh!" I exclaimed, breaking away from him, "fear nothing from the + next world—the earth contains living fiends, who can act for themselves + without assistance, were the whole host that fell with Lucifer to return + to aid and abet them." +</p> +<p> + With these words, the import of which was suggested by my own situation, + I left Andrew's habitation, and returned to the Hall. +</p> +<p> + I made the few preparations which were necessary for my proposed journey, + examined and loaded my pistols, and then threw myself on my bed, to + obtain, if possible, a brief sleep before the fatigue of a long and + anxious journey. Nature, exhausted by the tumultuous agitations of the + day, was kinder to me than I expected, and I stink into a deep and + profound slumber, from which, however, I started as the old clock struck + two from a turret adjoining to my bedchamber. I instantly arose, struck a + light, wrote the letter I proposed to leave for my uncle, and leaving + behind me such articles of dress as were cumbrous in carriage, I + deposited the rest of my wardrobe in my valise, glided down stairs, and + gained the stable without impediment. Without being quite such a groom as + any of my cousins, I had learned at Osbaldistone Hall to dress and saddle + my own horse, and in a few minutes I was mounted and ready for my sally. +</p> +<p> + As I paced up the old avenue, on which the waning moon threw its light + with a pale and whitish tinge, I looked back with a deep and boding sigh + towards the walls which contained Diana Vernon, under the despondent + impression that we had probably parted to meet no more. It was + impossible, among the long and irregular lines of Gothic casements, which + now looked ghastly white in the moonlight, to distinguish that of the + apartment which she inhabited. "She is lost to me already," thought I, as + my eye wandered over the dim and indistinguishable intricacies of + architecture offered by the moonlight view of Osbaldistone Hall—"She is + lost to me already, ere I have left the place which she inhabits! What + hope is there of my maintaining any correspondence with her, when leagues + shall lie between?" +</p> +<p> + While I paused in a reverie of no very pleasing nature, the "iron tongue + of time told three upon the drowsy ear of night," and reminded me of the + necessity of keeping my appointment with a person of a less interesting + description and appearance—Andrew Fairservice. +</p> +<p> + At the gate of the avenue I found a horseman stationed in the shadow of + the wall, but it was not until I had coughed twice, and then called + "Andrew," that the horticulturist replied, "I'se warrant it's Andrew." +</p> +<p> + "Lead the way, then," said I, "and be silent if you can, till we are past + the hamlet in the valley." +</p> +<p> + Andrew led the way accordingly, and at a much brisker pace than I would + have recommended.—and so well did he obey my injunctions of keeping + silence, that he would return no answer to my repeated inquiries into the + cause of such unnecessary haste. Extricating ourselves by short cuts, + known to Andrew, from the numerous stony lanes and by-paths which + intersected each other in the vicinity of the Hall, we reached the open + heath and riding swiftly across it, took our course among the barren + hills which divide England from Scotland on what are called the Middle + Marches. The way, or rather the broken track which we occupied, was a + happy interchange of bog and shingles; nevertheless, Andrew relented + nothing of his speed, but trotted manfully forward at the rate of eight + or ten miles an hour. I was both surprised and provoked at the fellow's + obstinate persistence, for we made abrupt ascents and descents over + ground of a very break-neck character, and traversed the edge of + precipices, where a slip of the horse's feet would have consigned the + rider to certain death. The moon, at best, afforded a dubious and + imperfect light; but in some places we were so much under the shade of + the mountain as to be in total darkness, and then I could only trace + Andrew by the clatter of his horse's feet, and the fire which they struck + from the flints. At first, this rapid motion, and the attention which, + for the sake of personal safety, I was compelled to give to the conduct + of my horse, was of service, by forcibly diverting my thoughts from the + various painful reflections which must otherwise have pressed on my mind. + But at length, after hallooing repeatedly to Andrew to ride slower, I + became seriously incensed at his impudent perseverance in refusing either + to obey or to reply to me. My anger was, however, quite impotent. I + attempted once or twice to get up alongside of my self-willed guide, with + the purpose of knocking him off his horse with the butt-end of my whip; + but Andrew was better mounted than I, and either the spirit of the animal + which he bestrode, or more probably some presentiment of my kind + intentions towards him, induced him to quicken his pace whenever I + attempted to make up to him. On the other hand, I was compelled to exert + my spurs to keep him in sight, for without his guidance I was too well + aware that I should never find my way through the howling wilderness + which we now traversed at such an unwonted pace. I was so angry at + length, that I threatened to have recourse to my pistols, and send a + bullet after the Hotspur Andrew, which should stop his fiery-footed + career, if he did not abate it of his own accord. Apparently this threat + made some impression on the tympanum of his ear, however deaf to all my + milder entreaties; for he relaxed his pace upon hearing it, and, + suffering me to close up to him, observed, "There wasna muckle sense in + riding at sic a daft-like gate." +</p> +<p> + "And what did you mean by doing so at all, you self-willed scoundrel?" + replied I; for I was in a towering passion,—to which, by the way, + nothing contributes more than the having recently undergone a spice of + personal fear, which, like a few drops of water flung on a glowing fire, + is sure to inflame the ardour which it is insufficient to quench. +</p> +<p> + "What's your honour's wull?" replied Andrew, with impenetrable gravity. +</p> +<p> + "My will, you rascal?—I have been roaring to you this hour to ride + slower, and you have never so much as answered me—Are you drunk or mad + to behave so?" +</p> +<p> + "An it like your honour, I am something dull o' hearing; and I'll no deny + but I might have maybe taen a stirrup-cup at parting frae the auld + bigging whare I hae dwelt sae lang; and having naebody to pledge, nae + doubt I was obliged to do mysell reason, or else leave the end o' the + brandy stoup to thae papists—and that wad be a waste, as your honour + kens." +</p> +<p> + This might be all very true,—and my circumstances required that I should + be on good terms with my guide; I therefore satisfied myself with + requiring of him to take his directions from me in future concerning the + rate of travelling. +</p> +<p> + Andrew, emboldened by the mildness of my tone, elevated his own into the + pedantic, conceited octave, which was familiar to him on most occasions. +</p> +<p> + "Your honour winna persuade me, and naebody shall persuade me, that it's + either halesome or prudent to tak the night air on thae moors without a + cordial o' clow-gilliflower water, or a tass of brandy or aquavitae, or + sic-like creature-comfort. I hae taen the bent ower the Otterscrape-rigg + a hundred times, day and night, and never could find the way unless I had + taen my morning; mair by token that I had whiles twa bits o' ankers o' + brandy on ilk side o' me."— +</p> +<p> + "In other words, Andrew," said I, "you were a smuggler—how does a man of + your strict principles reconcile yourself to cheat the revenue?" +</p> +<p> + "It's a mere spoiling o' the Egyptians," replied Andrew; "puir auld + Scotland suffers eneugh by thae blackguard loons o' excisemen and + gaugers, that hae come down on her like locusts since the sad and + sorrowfu' Union; it's the part of a kind son to bring her a soup o' + something that will keep up her auld heart,—and that will they nill + they, the ill-fa'ard thieves!" +</p> +<p> + Upon more particular inquiry, I found Andrew had frequently travelled + these mountain-paths as a smuggler, both before and after his + establishment at Osbaldistone Hall—a circumstance which was so far of + importance to me, as it proved his capacity as a guide, notwithstanding + the escapade of which he had been guilty at his outset, Even now, though + travelling at a more moderate pace, the stirrup-cup, or whatever else had + such an effect in stimulating Andrew's motions, seemed not totally to + have lost its influence. He often cast a nervous and startled look behind + him; and whenever the road seemed at all practicable, showed symptoms of + a desire to accelerate his pace, as if he feared some pursuit from the + rear. These appearances of alarm gradually diminished as we reached the + top of a high bleak ridge, which ran nearly east and west for about a + mile, with a very steep descent on either side. The pale beams of the + morning were now enlightening the horizon, when Andrew cast a look behind + him, and not seeing the appearance of a living being on the moors which + he had travelled, his hard features gradually unbent, as he first + whistled, then sung, with much glee and little melody, the end of one of + his native songs— +</p> +<pre> + "Jenny, lass! I think I hae her + Ower the muir amang the heather, + All their clan shall never get her." +</pre> +<p> + He patted at the same time the neck of the horse which had carried him so + gallantly; and my attention being directed by that action to the animal, + I instantly recognised a favourite mare of Thorncliff Osbaldistone. "How + is this, sir?" said I sternly; "that is Mr. Thorncliff's mare!" +</p> +<p> + "I'll no say but she may aiblins hae been his honour's Squire + Thorncliff's in her day—but she's mine now." +</p> +<p> + "You have stolen her, you rascal." +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, sir—nae man can wyte me wi' theft. The thing stands this gate, + ye see. Squire Thorncliff borrowed ten punds o' me to gang to York + Races—deil a boddle wad he pay me back again, and spake o' raddling my + banes, as he ca'd it, when I asked him but for my ain back again;—now I + think it will riddle him or he gets his horse ower the Border + again—unless he pays me plack and bawbee, he sall never see a hair o' + her tail. I ken a canny chield at Loughmaben, a bit writer lad, that + will put me in the way to sort him. Steal the mear! na, na, far be the + sin o' theft frae Andrew Fairservice—I have just arrested her + <i>jurisdictionis fandandy causey.</i> Thae are bonny writer words—amaist + like the language o' huz gardeners and other learned men—it's a pity + they're sae dear;—thae three words were a' that Andrew got for a lang + law-plea and four ankers o' as gude brandy as was e'er coupit ower + craig—Hech, sirs! but law's a dear thing." +</p> +<p> + "You are likely to find it much dearer than you suppose, Andrew, if you + proceed in this mode of paying yourself, without legal authority." +</p> +<p> + "Hout tout, we're in Scotland now (be praised for't!) and I can find + baith friends and lawyers, and judges too, as weel as ony Osbaldistone o' + them a'. My mither's mither's third cousin was cousin to the Provost o' + Dumfries, and he winna see a drap o' her blude wranged. Hout awa! the + laws are indifferently administered here to a' men alike; it's no like on + yon side, when a chield may be whuppit awa' wi' ane o' Clerk Jobson's + warrants, afore he kens where he is. But they will hae little enough law + amang them by and by, and that is ae grand reason that I hae gi'en them + gude-day." +</p> +<p> + I was highly provoked at the achievement of Andrew, and considered it as + a hard fate, which a second time threw me into collision with a person of + such irregular practices. I determined, however, to buy the mare of him, + when he should reach the end of our journey, and send her back to my + cousin at Osbaldistone Hall; and with this purpose of reparation I + resolved to make my uncle acquainted from the next post-town. It was + needless, I thought, to quarrel with Andrew in the meantime, who had, + after all, acted not very unnaturally for a person in his circumstances. + I therefore smothered my resentment, and asked him what he meant by his + last expressions, that there would be little law in Northumberland by and + by? +</p> +<p> + "Law!" said Andrew, "hout, ay—there will be club-law eneugh. The priests + and the Irish officers, and thae papist cattle that hae been sodgering + abroad, because they durstna bide at hame, are a' fleeing thick in + Northumberland e'enow; and thae corbies dinna gather without they smell + carrion. As sure as ye live, his honour Sir Hildebrand is gaun to stick + his horn in the bog—there's naething but gun and pistol, sword and + dagger, amang them—and they'll be laying on, I'se warrant; for they're + fearless fules the young Osbaldistone squires, aye craving your honour's + pardon." +</p> +<p> + This speech recalled to my memory some suspicions that I myself had + entertained, that the Jacobites were on the eve of some desperate + enterprise. But, conscious it did not become me to be a spy on my uncle's + words and actions, I had rather avoided than availed myself of any + opportunity which occurred of remarking upon the signs of the times.— + Andrew Fairservice felt no such restraint, and doubtless spoke very truly + in stating his conviction that some desperate plots were in agitation, as + a reason which determined his resolution to leave the Hall. +</p> +<p> + "The servants," he stated, "with the tenantry and others, had been all + regularly enrolled and mustered, and they wanted me to take arms also. + But I'll ride in nae siccan troop—they little ken'd Andrew that asked + him. I'll fight when I like mysell, but it sall neither be for the hure + o' Babylon, nor any hure in England." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0002"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SECOND. +</h2> +<pre> + Where longs to fall yon rifted spire, + As weary of the insulting air,— + The poet's thoughts, the warrior's fire, + The lover's sighs, are sleeping there. + Langhorne. +</pre> +<p> + At the first Scotch town which we reached, my guide sought out his friend + and counsellor, to consult upon the proper and legal means of converting + into his own lawful property the "bonny creature," which was at present + his own only by one of those sleight-of-hand arrangements which still + sometimes took place in that once lawless district. I was somewhat + diverted with the dejection of his looks on his return. He had, it seems, + been rather too communicative to his confidential friend, the attorney; + and learned with great dismay, in return for his unsuspecting frankness, + that Mr. Touthope had, during his absence, been appointed clerk to the + peace of the county, and was bound to communicate to justice all such + achievements as that of his friend Mr. Andrew Fairservice. There was a + necessity, this alert member of the police stated, for arresting the + horse, and placing him in Bailie Trumbull's stable, therein to remain at + livery, at the rate of twelve shillings (Scotch) per diem, until the + question of property was duly tried and debated. He even talked as if, in + strict and rigorous execution of his duty, he ought to detain honest + Andrew himself; but on my guide's most piteously entreating his + forbearance, he not only desisted from this proposal, but made a present + to Andrew of a broken-winded and spavined pony, in order to enable him to + pursue his journey. It is true, he qualified this act of generosity by + exacting from poor Andrew an absolute cession of his right and interest + in the gallant palfrey of Thorncliff Osbaldistone—a transference which + Mr. Touthope represented as of very little consequence, since his + unfortunate friend, as he facetiously observed, was likely to get nothing + of the mare excepting the halter. +</p> +<p> + Andrew seemed woeful and disconcerted, as I screwed out of him these + particulars; for his northern pride was cruelly pinched by being + compelled to admit that attorneys were attorneys on both sides of the + Tweed; and that Mr. Clerk Touthope was not a farthing more sterling coin + than Mr. Clerk Jobson. +</p> +<p> + "It wadna hae vexed him half sae muckle to hae been cheated out o' what + might amaist be said to be won with the peril o' his craig, had it + happened amang the Inglishers; but it was an unco thing to see hawks pike + out hawks' e'en, or ae kindly Scot cheat anither. But nae doubt things + were strangely changed in his country sin' the sad and sorrowfu' Union;" + an event to which Andrew referred every symptom of depravity or + degeneracy which he remarked among his countrymen, more especially the + inflammation of reckonings, the diminished size of pint-stoups, and other + grievances, which he pointed out to me during our journey. +</p> +<p> + For my own part, I held myself, as things had turned out, acquitted of + all charge of the mare, and wrote to my uncle the circumstances under + which she was carried into Scotland, concluding with informing him that + she was in the hands of justice, and her worthy representatives, Bailie + Trumbull and Mr. Clerk Touthope, to whom I referred him for farther + particulars. Whether the property returned to the Northumbrian + fox-hunter, or continued to bear the person of the Scottish attorney, it + is unnecessary for me at present to say. +</p> +<p> + We now pursued our journey to the north-westward, at a rate much slower + than that at which we had achieved our nocturnal retreat from England. + One chain of barren and uninteresting hills succeeded another, until the + more fertile vale of Clyde opened upon us; and, with such despatch as we + might, we gained the town, or, as my guide pertinaciously termed it, the + city, of Glasgow. Of late years, I understand, it has fully deserved the + name, which, by a sort of political second sight, my guide assigned to + it. An extensive and increasing trade with the West Indies and American + colonies, has, if I am rightly informed, laid the foundation of wealth + and prosperity, which, if carefully strengthened and built upon, may one + day support an immense fabric of commercial prosperity; but in the + earlier time of which I speak, the dawn of this splendour had not arisen. + The Union had, indeed, opened to Scotland the trade of the English + colonies; but, betwixt want of capital, and the national jealousy of the + English, the merchants of Scotland were as yet excluded, in a great + measure, from the exercise of the privileges which that memorable treaty + conferred on them. Glasgow lay on the wrong side of the island for + participating in the east country or continental trade, by which the + trifling commerce as yet possessed by Scotland chiefly supported itself. + Yet, though she then gave small promise of the commercial eminence to + which, I am informed, she seems now likely one day to attain, Glasgow, as + the principal central town of the western district of Scotland, was a + place of considerable rank and importance. The broad and brimming Clyde, + which flows so near its walls, gave the means of an inland navigation of + some importance. Not only the fertile plains in its immediate + neighbourhood, but the districts of Ayr and Dumfries regarded Glasgow as + their capital, to which they transmitted their produce, and received in + return such necessaries and luxuries as their consumption required. +</p> +<p> + The dusky mountains of the western Highlands often sent forth wilder + tribes to frequent the marts of St. Mungo's favourite city. Hordes of + wild shaggy, dwarfish cattle and ponies, conducted by Highlanders, as + wild, as shaggy, and sometimes as dwarfish, as the animals they had in + charge, often traversed the streets of Glasgow. Strangers gazed with + surprise on the antique and fantastic dress, and listened to the unknown + and dissonant sounds of their language, while the mountaineers, armed, + even while engaged in this peaceful occupation, with musket and pistol, + sword, dagger, and target, stared with astonishment on the articles of + luxury of which they knew not the use, and with an avidity which seemed + somewhat alarming on the articles which they knew and valued. It is + always with unwillingness that the Highlander quits his deserts, and at + this early period it was like tearing a pine from its rock, to plant him + elsewhere. Yet even then the mountain glens were over-peopled, although + thinned occasionally by famine or by the sword, and many of their + inhabitants strayed down to Glasgow—there formed settlements—there + sought and found employment, although different, indeed, from that of + their native hills. This supply of a hardy and useful population was of + consequence to the prosperity of the place, furnished the means of + carrying on the few manufactures which the town already boasted, and laid + the foundation of its future prosperity. +</p> +<p> + The exterior of the city corresponded with these promising circumstances. + The principal street was broad and important, decorated with public + buildings, of an architecture rather striking than correct in point of + taste, and running between rows of tall houses, built of stone, the + fronts of which were occasionally richly ornamented with mason-work—a + circumstance which gave the street an imposing air of dignity and + grandeur, of which most English towns are in some measure deprived, by + the slight, insubstantial, and perishable quality and appearance of the + bricks with which they are constructed. +</p> +<p> + In the western metropolis of Scotland, my guide and I arrived on a + Saturday evening, too late to entertain thoughts of business of any kind. + We alighted at the door of a jolly hostler-wife, as Andrew called + her,—the Ostelere of old father Chaucer,—by whom we were civilly + received. +</p> +<p> + On the following morning the bells pealed from every steeple, announcing + the sanctity of the day. Notwithstanding, however, what I had heard of + the severity with which the Sabbath is observed in Scotland, my first + impulse, not unnaturally, was to seek out Owen; but on inquiry I found + that my attempt would be in vain, "until kirk time was ower." Not only + did my landlady and guide jointly assure me that "there wadna be a living + soul either in the counting-house or dwelling-house of Messrs. MacVittie, + MacFin, and Company," to which Owen's letter referred me, but, moreover, + "far less would I find any of the partners there. They were serious men, + and wad be where a' gude Christians ought to be at sic a time, and that + was in the Barony Laigh Kirk."* +</p> +<p> + * [The Laigh Kirk or Crypt of the Cathedral of Glasgow served for more * + than two centuries as the church of the Barony Parish, and, for a time, + was * converted into a burial-place. In the restorations of this grand + building * the crypt was cleared out, and is now admired as one of the + richest specimens * of Early English architecture existing in Scotland.] +</p> +<p> + Andrew Fairservice, whose disgust at the law of his country had + fortunately not extended itself to the other learned professions of his + native land, now sung forth the praises of the preacher who was to + perform the duty, to which my hostess replied with many loud amens. The + result was, that I determined to go to this popular place of worship, as + much with the purpose of learning, if possible, whether Owen had arrived + in Glasgow, as with any great expectation of edification. My hopes were + exalted by the assurance, that if Mr. Ephraim MacVittie (worthy man) were + in the land of life, he would surely honour the Barony Kirk that day with + his presence; and if he chanced to have a stranger within his gates, + doubtless he would bring him to the duty along with him. This probability + determined my motions, and under the escort of my faithful Andrew, I set + forth for the Barony Kirk. +</p> +<p> + On this occasion, however, I had little need of his guidance; for the + crowd, which forced its way up a steep and rough-paved street, to hear + the most popular preacher in the west of Scotland, would of itself have + swept me along with it. On attaining the summit of the hill, we turned to + the left, and a large pair of folding doors admitted us, amongst others, + into the open and extensive burying-place which surrounds the Minster or + Cathedral Church of Glasgow. The pile is of a gloomy and massive, rather + than of an elegant, style of Gothic architecture; but its peculiar + character is so strongly preserved, and so well suited with the + accompaniments that surround it, that the impression of the first view + was awful and solemn in the extreme. I was indeed so much struck, that I + resisted for a few minutes all Andrew's efforts to drag me into the + interior of the building, so deeply was I engaged in surveying its + outward character. +</p> +<p> + Situated in a populous and considerable town, this ancient and massive + pile has the appearance of the most sequestered solitude. High walls + divide it from the buildings of the city on one side; on the other it is + bounded by a ravine, at the bottom of which, and invisible to the eye, + murmurs a wandering rivulet, adding, by its gentle noise, to the imposing + solemnity of the scene. On the opposite side of the ravine rises a steep + bank, covered with fir-trees closely planted, whose dusky shade extends + itself over the cemetery with an appropriate and gloomy effect. The + churchyard itself had a peculiar character; for though in reality + extensive, it is small in proportion to the number of respectable + inhabitants who are interred within it, and whose graves are almost all + covered with tombstones. There is therefore no room for the long rank + grass, which, in most cases, partially clothes the surface of those + retreats where the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at + rest. The broad flat monumental stones are placed so close to each other, + that the precincts appear to be flagged with them, and, though roofed + only by the heavens, resemble the floor of one of our old English + churches, where the pavement is covered with sepulchral inscriptions. The + contents of these sad records of mortality, the vain sorrows which they + preserve, the stern lesson which they teach of the nothingness of + humanity, the extent of ground which they so closely cover, and their + uniform and melancholy tenor, reminded me of the roll of the prophet, + which was "written within and without, and there was written therein + lamentations and mourning and woe." +</p> +<p> + The Cathedral itself corresponds in impressive majesty with these + accompaniments. We feel that its appearance is heavy, yet that the effect + produced would be destroyed were it lighter or more ornamental. It is the + only metropolitan church in Scotland, excepting, as I am informed, the + Cathedral of Kirkwall, in the Orkneys, which remained uninjured at the + Reformation; and Andrew Fairservice, who saw with great pride the effect + which it produced upon my mind, thus accounted for its preservation—"Ah! + it's a brave kirk—nane o' yere whig-maleeries and curliewurlies and + opensteek hems about it—a' solid, weel-jointed mason-wark, that will + stand as lang as the warld, keep hands and gunpowther aff it. It had + amaist a douncome lang syne at the Reformation, when they pu'd doun the + kirks of St. Andrews and Perth, and thereawa', to cleanse them o' Papery, + and idolatry, and image worship, and surplices, and sic like rags o' the + muckle hure that sitteth on seven hills, as if ane wasna braid eneugh for + her auld hinder end. Sae the commons o' Renfrew, and o' the Barony, and + the Gorbals and a' about, they behoved to come into Glasgow no fair + morning, to try their hand on purging the High Kirk o' Popish + nick-nackets. But the townsmen o' Glasgow, they were feared their auld + edifice might slip the girths in gaun through siccan rough physic, sae + they rang the common bell, and assembled the train-bands wi' took o' + drum. By good luck, the worthy James Rabat was Dean o' Guild that + year—(and a gude mason he was himself, made him the keener to keep up + the auld bigging)—and the trades assembled, and offered downright + battle to the commons, rather than their kirk should coup the crans as + others had done elsewhere. It wasna for luve o' Paperie—na, na!—nane + could ever say that o' the trades o' Glasgow—Sae they sune came to an + agreement to take a' the idolatrous statues of sants (sorrow be on them) + out o' their neuks—and sae the bits o' stane idols were broken in + pieces by Scripture warrant, and flung into the Molendinar burn, and the + auld kirk stood as crouse as a cat when the flaes are kaimed aff her, + and a' body was alike pleased. And I hae heard wise folk say, that if + the same had been done in ilka kirk in Scotland, the Reform wad just hae + been as pure as it is e'en now, and we wad hae mair Christian-like + kirks; for I hae been sae lang in England, that naething will drived out + o' my head, that the dog-kennel at Osbaldistone Hall is better than mony + a house o' God in Scotland." +</p> +<p> + Thus saying, Andrew led the way into the place of worship. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0003"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER THIRD. +</h2> +<pre> + —It strikes an awe + And terror on my aching sight; the tombs + And monumental caves of death look cold, + And shoot a chillness to the trembling heart. + Mourning Bride. +</pre> +<p> + Notwithstanding the impatience of my conductor, I could not forbear to + pause and gaze for some minutes on the exterior of the building, rendered + more impressively dignified by the solitude which ensued when its + hitherto open gates were closed, after having, as it were, devoured the + multitude which had lately crowded the churchyard, but now, enclosed + within the building, were engaged, as the choral swell of voices from + within announced to us, in the solemn exercises of devotion. The sound of + so many voices united by the distance into one harmony, and freed from + those harsh discordances which jar the ear when heard more near, + combining with the murmuring brook, and the wind which sung among the old + firs, affected me with a sense of sublimity. All nature, as invoked by + the Psalmist whose verses they chanted, seemed united in offering that + solemn praise in which trembling is mixed with joy as she addressed her + Maker. I had heard the service of high mass in France, celebrated with + all the <i>e'clat</i> which the choicest music, the richest dresses, the most + imposing ceremonies, could confer on it; yet it fell short in effect of + the simplicity of the Presbyterian worship. The devotion in which every + one took a share seemed so superior to that which was recited by + musicians as a lesson which they had learned by rote, that it gave the + Scottish worship all the advantage of reality over acting. +</p> +<p> + As I lingered to catch more of the solemn sound, Andrew, whose impatience + became ungovernable, pulled me by the sleeve—"Come awa', sir—come awa'; + we maunna be late o' gaun in to disturb the worship; if we bide here the + searchers will be on us, and carry us to the guard-house for being idlers + in kirk-time." +</p> +<p> + Thus admonished, I followed my guide, but not, as I had supposed, into + the body of the cathedral. "This gate—this gate, sir," he exclaimed, + dragging me off as I made towards the main entrance of the + building—"There's but cauldrife law-work gaun on yonder—carnal + morality, as dow'd and as fusionless as rue leaves at Yule—Here's the + real savour of doctrine." +</p> +<p> + So saying, we entered a small low-arched door, secured by a wicket, which + a grave-looking person seemed on the point of closing, and descended + several steps as if into the funeral vaults beneath the church. It was + even so; for in these subterranean precincts,—why chosen for such a + purpose I knew not,—was established a very singular place of worship. +</p> +<p> + Conceive, Tresham, an extensive range of low-browed, dark, and twilight + vaults, such as are used for sepulchres in other countries, and had long + been dedicated to the same purpose in this, a portion of which was seated + with pews, and used as a church. The part of the vaults thus occupied, + though capable of containing a congregation of many hundreds, bore a + small proportion to the darker and more extensive caverns which yawned + around what may be termed the inhabited space. In those waste regions of + oblivion, dusky banners and tattered escutcheons indicated the graves of + those who were once, doubtless, "princes in Israel." Inscriptions, which + could only be read by the painful antiquary, in language as obsolete as + the act of devotional charity which they employed, invited the passengers + to pray for the souls of those whose bodies rested beneath. Surrounded by + these receptacles of the last remains of mortality, I found a numerous + congregation engaged in the act of prayer. The Scotch perform this duty + in a standing instead of a kneeling posture—more, perhaps, to take as + broad a distinction as possible from the ritual of Rome than for any + better reason; since I have observed, that in their family worship, as + doubtless in their private devotions, they adopt, in their immediate + address to the Deity, that posture which other Christians use as the + humblest and most reverential. Standing, therefore, the men being + uncovered, a crowd of several hundreds of both sexes, and all ages, + listened with great reverence and attention to the extempore, at least + the unwritten, prayer of an aged clergyman,* who was very popular in the + city. +</p> +<p> + * I have in vain laboured to discover this gentleman's name, and the + period of his incumbency. I do not, however, despair to see these points, + with some others which may elude my sagacity, satisfactorily elucidated + by one or other of the periodical publications which have devoted their + pages to explanatory commentaries on my former volumes; and whose + research and ingenuity claim my peculiar gratitude, for having discovered + many persons and circumstances connected with my narratives, of which I + myself never so much as dreamed. +</p> +<p> + Educated in the same religious persuasion, I seriously bent my mind to + join in the devotion of the day; and it was not till the congregation + resumed their seats, that my attention was diverted to the consideration + of the appearance of all around me. +</p> +<p> + At the conclusion of the prayer, most of the men put on their hats or + bonnets, and all who had the happiness to have seats sate down. Andrew + and I were not of this number, having been too late of entering the + church to secure such accommodation. We stood among a number of other + persons in the same situation, forming a sort of ring around the seated + part of the congregation. Behind and around us were the vaults I have + already described; before us the devout audience, dimly shown by the + light which streamed on their faces through one or two low Gothic + windows, such as give air and light to charnel-houses. By this were seen + the usual variety of countenances which are generally turned towards a + Scotch pastor on such occasions, almost all composed to attention, unless + where a father or mother here and there recalls the wandering eyes of a + lively child, or disturbs the slumbers of a dull one. The high-boned and + harsh countenance of the nation, with the expression of intelligence and + shrewdness which it frequently exhibits, is seen to more advantage in the + act of devotion, or in the ranks of war, than on lighter and more + cheerful occasions of assemblage. The discourse of the preacher was well + qualified to call forth the various feelings and faculties of his + audience. +</p> +<p> + Age and infirmities had impaired the powers of a voice originally strong + and sonorous. He read his text with a pronunciation somewhat + inarticulate; but when he closed the Bible, and commenced his sermon, his + tones gradually strengthened, as he entered with vehemence into the + arguments which he maintained. They related chiefly to the abstract + points of the Christian faith,—subjects grave, deep, and fathomless by + mere human reason, but for which, with equal ingenuity and propriety, he + sought a key in liberal quotations from the inspired writings. My mind + was unprepared to coincide in all his reasoning, nor was I sure that in + some instances I rightly comprehended his positions. But nothing could be + more impressive than the eager enthusiastic manner of the good old man, + and nothing more ingenious than his mode of reasoning. The Scotch, it is + well known, are more remarkable for the exercise of their intellectual + powers, than for the keenness of their feelings; they are, therefore, + more moved by logic than by rhetoric, and more attracted by acute and + argumentative reasoning on doctrinal points, than influenced by the + enthusiastic appeals to the heart and to the passions, by which popular + preachers in other countries win the favour of their hearers. +</p> +<p> + Among the attentive group which I now saw, might be distinguished various + expressions similar to those of the audience in the famous cartoon of + Paul preaching at Athens. Here sat a zealous and intelligent Calvinist, + with brows bent just as much as to indicate profound attention; lips + slightly compressed; eyes fixed on the minister with an expression of + decent pride, as if sharing the triumph of his argument; the forefinger + of the right hand touching successively those of the left, as the + preacher, from argument to argument, ascended towards his conclusion. + Another, with fiercer and sterner look, intimated at once his contempt of + all who doubted the creed of his pastor, and his joy at the appropriate + punishment denounced against them. A third, perhaps belonging to a + different congregation, and present only by accident or curiosity, had + the appearance of internally impeaching some link of the reasoning; and + you might plainly read, in the slight motion of his head, his doubts as + to the soundness of the preacher's argument. The greater part listened + with a calm, satisfied countenance, expressive of a conscious merit in + being present, and in listening to such an ingenious discourse, although + perhaps unable entirely to comprehend it. The women in general belonged + to this last division of the audience; the old, however, seeming more + grimly intent upon the abstract doctrines laid before them; while the + younger females permitted their eyes occasionally to make a modest + circuit around the congregation; and some of them, Tresham (if my vanity + did not greatly deceive me), contrived to distinguish your friend and + servant, as a handsome young stranger and an Englishman. As to the rest + of the congregation, the stupid gaped, yawned, or slept, till awakened by + the application of their more zealous neighbours' heels to their shins; + and the idle indicated their inattention by the wandering of their eyes, + but dared give no more decided token of weariness. Amid the Lowland + costume of coat and cloak, I could here and there discern a Highland + plaid, the wearer of which, resting on his basket-hilt, sent his eyes + among the audience with the unrestrained curiosity of savage wonder; and + who, in all probability, was inattentive to the sermon for a very + pardonable reason—because he did not understand the language in which it + was delivered. The martial and wild look, however, of these stragglers, + added a kind of character which the congregation could not have exhibited + without them. They were more numerous, Andrew afterwards observed, owing + to some cattle-fair in the neighbourhood. +</p> +<p> + Such was the group of countenances, rising tier on tier, discovered to my + critical inspection by such sunbeams as forced their way through the + narrow Gothic lattices of the Laigh Kirk of Glasgow; and, having + illuminated the attentive congregation, lost themselves in the vacuity of + the vaults behind, giving to the nearer part of their labyrinth a sort of + imperfect twilight, and leaving their recesses in an utter darkness, + which gave them the appearance of being interminable. +</p> +<p> + I have already said that I stood with others in the exterior circle, with + my face to the preacher, and my back to those vaults which I have so + often mentioned. My position rendered me particularly obnoxious to any + interruption which arose from any slight noise occurring amongst these + retiring arches, where the least sound was multiplied by a thousand + echoes. The occasional sound of rain-drops, which, admitted through some + cranny in the ruined roof, fell successively, and splashed upon the + pavement beneath, caused me to turn my head more than once to the place + from whence it seemed to proceed, and when my eyes took that direction, I + found it difficult to withdraw them; such is the pleasure our imagination + receives from the attempt to penetrate as far as possible into an + intricate labyrinth, imperfectly lighted, and exhibiting objects which + irritate our curiosity, only because they acquire a mysterious interest + from being undefined and dubious. My eyes became habituated to the gloomy + atmosphere to which I directed them, and insensibly my mind became more + interested in their discoveries than in the metaphysical subtleties which + the preacher was enforcing. +</p> +<p> + My father had often checked me for this wandering mood of mind, arising + perhaps from an excitability of imagination to which he was a stranger; + and the finding myself at present solicited by these temptations to + inattention, recalled the time when I used to walk, led by his hand, to + Mr. Shower's chapel, and the earnest injunctions which he then laid on me + to redeem the time, because the days were evil. At present, the picture + which my thoughts suggested, far from fixing my attention, destroyed the + portion I had yet left, by conjuring up to my recollection the peril in + which his affairs now stood. I endeavoured, in the lowest whisper I could + frame, to request Andrew to obtain information, whether any of the + gentlemen of the firm of MacVittie & Co. were at present in the + congregation. But Andrew, wrapped in profound attention to the sermon, + only replied to my suggestion by hard punches with his elbow, as signals + to me to remain silent. I next strained my eyes, with equally bad + success, to see if, among the sea of up-turned faces which bent their + eyes on the pulpit as a common centre, I could discover the sober and + business-like physiognomy of Owen. But not among the broad beavers of the + Glasgow citizens, or the yet broader brimmed Lowland bonnets of the + peasants of Lanarkshire, could I see anything resembling the decent + periwig, starched ruffles, or the uniform suit of light-brown garments + appertaining to the head-clerk of the establishment of Osbaldistone and + Tresham. My anxiety now returned on me with such violence as to overpower + not only the novelty of the scene around me, by which it had hitherto + been diverted, but moreover my sense of decorum. I pulled Andrew hard by + the sleeve, and intimated my wish to leave the church, and pursue my + investigation as I could. Andrew, obdurate in the Laigh Kirk of Glasgow + as on the mountains of Cheviot, for some time deigned me no answer; and + it was only when he found I could not otherwise be kept quiet, that he + condescended to inform me, that, being once in the church, we could not + leave it till service was over, because the doors were locked so soon as + the prayers began. Having thus spoken in a brief and peevish whisper, + Andrew again assumed the air of intelligent and critical importance, and + attention to the preacher's discourse. +</p> +<p> + While I endeavoured to make a virtue of necessity, and recall my + attention to the sermon, I was again disturbed by a singular + interruption. A voice from behind whispered distinctly in my ear, "You + are in danger in this city."—I turned round, as if mechanically. +</p> +<p> + One or two starched and ordinary-looking mechanics stood beside and + behind me,—stragglers, who, like ourselves, had been too late in + obtaining entrance. But a glance at their faces satisfied me, though I + could hardly say why, that none of these was the person who had spoken to + me. Their countenances seemed all composed to attention to the sermon, + and not one of them returned any glance of intelligence to the + inquisitive and startled look with which I surveyed them. A massive round + pillar, which was close behind us, might have concealed the speaker the + instant he uttered his mysterious caution; but wherefore it was given in + such a place, or to what species of danger it directed my attention, or + by whom the warning was uttered, were points on which my imagination lost + itself in conjecture. It would, however, I concluded, be repeated, and I + resolved to keep my countenance turned towards the clergyman, that the + whisperer might be tempted to renew his communication under the idea that + the first had passed unobserved. +</p> +<p> + My plan succeeded. I had not resumed the appearance of attention to the + preacher for five minutes, when the same voice whispered, "Listen, but do + not look back." I kept my face in the same direction. "You are in danger + in this place," the voice proceeded; "so am I—meet me to-night on the + Brigg, at twelve preceesely—keep at home till the gloaming, and avoid + observation." +</p> +<p> + Here the voice ceased, and I instantly turned my head. But the speaker + had, with still greater promptitude, glided behind the pillar, and + escaped my observation. I was determined to catch a sight of him, if + possible, and extricating myself from the outer circle of hearers, I also + stepped behind the column. All there was empty; and I could only see a + figure wrapped in a mantle, whether a Lowland cloak, or Highland plaid, I + could not distinguish, which traversed, like a phantom, the dreary + vacuity of vaults which I have described. +</p> +<p> + I made a mechanical attempt to pursue the mysterious form, which glided + away and vanished in the vaulted cemetery, like the spectre of one of the + numerous dead who rested within its precincts. I had little chance of + arresting the course of one obviously determined not to be spoken with; + but that little chance was lost by my stumbling and falling before I had + made three steps from the column. The obscurity which occasioned my + misfortune, covered my disgrace; which I accounted rather lucky, for the + preacher, with that stern authority which the Scottish ministers assume + for the purpose of keeping order in their congregations, interrupted his + discourse, to desire the "proper officer" to take into custody the causer + of this disturbance in the place of worship. As the noise, however, was + not repeated, the beadle, or whatever else he was called, did not think + it necessary to be rigorous in searching out the offender, so that I was + enabled, without attracting farther observation, to place myself by + Andrew's side in my original position. The service proceeded, and closed + without the occurrence of anything else worthy of notice. +</p> +<p> + As the congregation departed and dispersed, my friend Andrew exclaimed, + "See, yonder is worthy Mr. MacVittie, and Mrs. MacVittie, and Miss Alison + MacVittie, and Mr. Thamas MacFin, that they say is to marry Miss Alison, + if a' bowls row right—she'll hae a hantle siller, if she's no that + bonny." +</p> +<p> + My eyes took the direction he pointed out. Mr. MacVittie was a tall, + thin, elderly man, with hard features, thick grey eyebrows, light eyes, + and, as I imagined, a sinister expression of countenance, from which my + heart recoiled. I remembered the warning I had received in the church, + and hesitated to address this person, though I could not allege to myself + any rational ground of dislike or suspicion. +</p> +<p> + I was yet in suspense, when Andrew, who mistook my hesitation for + bashfulness, proceeded to exhort me to lay it aside. "Speak till + him—speak till him, Mr. Francis—he's no provost yet, though they say + he'll be my lord neist year. Speak till him, then—he'll gie ye a decent + answer for as rich as he is, unless ye were wanting siller frae + him—they say he's dour to draw his purse." +</p> +<p> + It immediately occurred to me, that if this merchant were really of the + churlish and avaricious disposition which Andrew intimated, there might + be some caution necessary in making myself known, as I could not tell how + accounts might stand between my father and him. This consideration came + in aid of the mysterious hint which I had received, and the dislike which + I had conceived at the man's countenance. Instead of addressing myself + directly to him, as I had designed to have done, I contented myself with + desiring Andrew to inquire at Mr. MacVittie's house the address of Mr. + Owen, an English gentleman; and I charged him not to mention the person + from whom he received the commission, but to bring me the result to the + small inn where we lodged. This Andrew promised to do. He said something + of the duty of my attending the evening service; but added with a + causticity natural to him, that "in troth, if folk couldna keep their + legs still, but wad needs be couping the creels ower through-stanes, as + if they wad raise the very dead folk wi' the clatter, a kirk wi' a + chimley in't was fittest for them." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0004"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FOURTH. +</h2> +<pre> + On the Rialto, every night at twelve, + I take my evening's walk of meditation: + There we two will meet. + Venice Preserved. +</pre> +<p> + Full of sinister augury, for which, however, I could assign no + satisfactory cause, I shut myself up in my apartment at the inn, and + having dismissed Andrew, after resisting his importunity to accompany him + to St. Enoch's Kirk,* where, he said, "a soul-searching divine was to haud + forth," I set myself seriously to consider what were best to be done. +</p> +<p> + * This I believe to be an anachronism, as Saint Enoch's Church was not + built at the date of the story. [It was founded in 1780, and has since + been rebuilt.] +</p> +<p> + I never was what is properly called superstitious; but I suppose that all + men, in situations of peculiar doubt and difficulty, when they have + exercised their reason to little purpose, are apt, in a sort of despair, + to abandon the reins to their imagination, and be guided altogether by + chance, or by those whimsical impressions which take possession of the + mind, and to which we give way as if to involuntary impulses. There was + something so singularly repulsive in the hard features of the Scotch + trader, that I could not resolve to put myself into his hands without + transgressing every caution which could be derived from the rules of + physiognomy; while, at the same time, the warning voice, the form which + flitted away like a vanishing shadow through those vaults, which might be + termed "the valley of the shadow of death," had something captivating for + the imagination of a young man, who, you will farther please to remember, + was also a young poet. +</p> +<p> + If danger was around me, as the mysterious communication intimated, how + could I learn its nature, or the means of averting it, but by meeting my + unknown counsellor, to whom I could see no reason for imputing any other + than kind intentions. Rashleigh and his machinations occurred more than + once to my remembrance;—but so rapid had my journey been, that I could + not suppose him apprised of my arrival in Glasgow, much less prepared to + play off any stratagem against my person. In my temper also I was bold + and confident, strong and active in person, and in some measure + accustomed to the use of arms, in which the French youth of all kinds + were then initiated. I did not fear any single opponent; assassination + was neither the vice of the age nor of the country; the place selected + for our meeting was too public to admit any suspicion of meditated + violence. In a word, I resolved to meet my mysterious counsellor on the + bridge, as he had requested, and to be afterwards guided by + circumstances. Let me not conceal from you, Tresham, what at the time I + endeavoured to conceal from myself—the subdued, yet secretly-cherished + hope, that Diana Vernon might—by what chance I knew not—through what + means I could not guess—have some connection with this strange and + dubious intimation conveyed at a time and place, and in a manner so + surprising. She alone—whispered this insidious thought—she alone knew + of my journey; from her own account, she possessed friends and influence + in Scotland; she had furnished me with a talisman, whose power I was to + invoke when all other aid failed me; who then but Diana Vernon possessed + either means, knowledge, or inclination, for averting the dangers, by + which, as it seemed, my steps were surrounded? This flattering view of my + very doubtful case pressed itself upon me again and again. It insinuated + itself into my thoughts, though very bashfully, before the hour of + dinner; it displayed its attractions more boldly during the course of my + frugal meal, and became so courageously intrusive during the succeeding + half-hour (aided perhaps by the flavour of a few glasses of most + excellent claret), that, with a sort of desperate attempt to escape from + a delusive seduction, to which I felt the danger of yielding, I pushed my + glass from me, threw aside my dinner, seized my hat, and rushed into the + open air with the feeling of one who would fly from his own thoughts. Yet + perhaps I yielded to the very feelings from which I seemed to fly, since + my steps insensibly led me to the bridge over the Clyde, the place + assigned for the rendezvous by my mysterious monitor. +</p> +<p> + Although I had not partaken of my repast until the hours of evening + church-service were over,—in which, by the way, I complied with the + religious scruples of my landlady, who hesitated to dress a hot dinner + between sermons, and also with the admonition of my unknown friend, to + keep my apartment till twilight,—several hours had still to pass away + betwixt the time of my appointment and that at which I reached the + assigned place of meeting. The interval, as you will readily credit, was + wearisome enough; and I can hardly explain to you how it passed away. + Various groups of persons, all of whom, young and old, seemed impressed + with a reverential feeling of the sanctity of the day, passed along the + large open meadow which lies on the northern bank of the Clyde, and + serves at once as a bleaching-field and pleasure-walk for the + inhabitants, or paced with slow steps the long bridge which communicates + with the southern district of the county. All that I remember of them was + the general, yet not unpleasing, intimation of a devotional character + impressed on each little party—formally assumed perhaps by some, but + sincerely characterising the greater number—which hushed the petulant + gaiety of the young into a tone of more quiet, yet more interesting, + interchange of sentiments, and suppressed the vehement argument and + protracted disputes of those of more advanced age. Notwithstanding the + numbers who passed me, no general sound of the human voice was heard; few + turned again to take some minutes' voluntary exercise, to which the + leisure of the evening, and the beauty of the surrounding scenery, seemed + to invite them: all hurried to their homes and resting-places. To one + accustomed to the mode of spending Sunday evenings abroad, even among the + French Calvinists, there seemed something Judaical, yet, at the same time + striking and affecting, in this mode of keeping the Sabbath holy. + Insensibly I felt my mode of sauntering by the side of the river, and + crossing successively the various persons who were passing homeward, and + without tarrying or delay, must expose me to observation at least, if not + to censure; and I slunk out of the frequented path, and found a trivial + occupation for my mind in marshalling my revolving walk in such a manner + as should least render me obnoxious to observation. The different alleys + lined out through this extensive meadow, and which are planted with + trees, like the Park of St. James's in London, gave me facilities for + carrying into effect these childish manoeuvres. +</p> +<p> + As I walked down one of these avenues, I heard, to my surprise, the sharp + and conceited voice of Andrew Fairservice, raised by a sense of + self-consequence to a pitch somewhat higher than others seemed to think + consistent with the solemnity of the day. To slip behind the row of trees + under which I walked was perhaps no very dignified proceeding; but it was + the easiest mode of escaping his observation, and perhaps his impertinent + assiduity, and still more intrusive curiosity. As he passed, I heard him + communicate to a grave-looking man, in a black coat, a slouched hat, and + Geneva cloak, the following sketch of a character, which my self-love, + while revolting against it as a caricature, could not, nevertheless, + refuse to recognise as a likeness. +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay, Mr. Hammorgaw, it's e'en as I tell ye. He's no a'thegither sae + void o' sense neither; he has a gloaming sight o' what's reasonable—that + is anes and awa'—a glisk and nae mair; but he's crack-brained and + cockle-headed about his nipperty-tipperty poetry nonsense—He'll glowr at + an auld-warld barkit aik-snag as if it were a queezmaddam in full + bearing; and a naked craig, wi' a bum jawing ower't, is unto him as a + garden garnisht with flowering knots and choice pot-herbs. Then he wad + rather claver wi' a daft quean they ca' Diana Vernon (weel I wet they + might ca' her Diana of the Ephesians, for she's little better than a + heathen—better? she's waur—a Roman, a mere Roman)—he'll claver wi' + her, or any ither idle slut, rather than hear what might do him gude a' + the days of his life, frae you or me, Mr. Hammorgaw, or ony ither sober + and sponsible person. Reason, sir, is what he canna endure—he's a' for + your vanities and volubilities; and he ance tell'd me (puir blinded + creature!) that the Psalms of David were excellent poetry! as if the holy + Psalmist thought o' rattling rhymes in a blether, like his ain silly + clinkum-clankum things that he ca's verse. Gude help him!—twa lines o' + Davie Lindsay would ding a' he ever clerkit." +</p> +<p> + While listening to this perverted account of my temper and studies, you + will not be surprised if I meditated for Mr. Fairservice the unpleasant + surprise of a broken pate on the first decent opportunity. His friend + only intimated his attention by "Ay, ay!" and "Is't e'en sae?" and + suchlike expressions of interest, at the proper breaks in Mr. + Fairservice's harangue, until at length, in answer to some observation of + greater length, the import of which I only collected from my trusty + guide's reply, honest Andrew answered, "Tell him a bit o'my mind, quoth + ye? Wha wad be fule then but Andrew? He's a red-wad deevil, man—He's + like Giles Heathertap's auld boar;—ye need but shake a clout at him to + make him turn and gore. Bide wi' him, say ye?—Troth, I kenna what for I + bide wi' him mysell. But the lad's no a bad lad after a'; and he needs + some carefu' body to look after him. He hasna the right grip o' his + hand—the gowd slips through't like water, man; and it's no that ill a + thing to be near him when his purse is in his hand, and it's seldom out + o't. And then he's come o' guid kith and kin—My heart warms to the poor + thoughtless callant, Mr. Hammorgaw—and then the penny fee"— +</p> +<p> + In the latter part of this instructive communication, Mr. Fairservice + lowered his voice to a tone better beseeming the conversation in a place + of public resort on a Sabbath evening, and his companion and he were soon + beyond my hearing. My feelings of hasty resentment soon subsided, under + the conviction that, as Andrew himself might have said, "A harkener + always hears a bad tale of himself," and that whoever should happen to + overhear their character discussed in their own servants'-hall, must + prepare to undergo the scalpel of some such anatomist as Mr. Fairservice. + The incident was so far useful, as, including the feelings to which it + gave rise, it sped away a part of the time which hung so heavily on my + hand. +</p> +<p> + Evening had now closed, and the growing darkness gave to the broad, + still, and deep expanse of the brimful river, first a hue sombre and + uniform—then a dismal and turbid appearance, partially lighted by a + waning and pallid moon. The massive and ancient bridge which stretches + across the Clyde was now but dimly visible, and resembled that which + Mirza, in his unequalled vision, has described as traversing the valley + of Bagdad. The low-browed arches, seen as imperfectly as the dusky + current which they bestrode, seemed rather caverns which swallowed up the + gloomy waters of the river, than apertures contrived for their passage. + With the advancing night the stillness of the scene increased. There was + yet a twinkling light occasionally seen to glide along by the stream, + which conducted home one or two of the small parties, who, after the + abstinence and religious duties of the day, had partaken of a social + supper—the only meal at which the rigid Presbyterians made some advance + to sociality on the Sabbath. Occasionally, also, the hoofs of a horse + were heard, whose rider, after spending the Sunday in Glasgow, was + directing his steps towards his residence in the country. These sounds + and sights became gradually of more rare occurrence; at length they + altogether ceased, and I was left to enjoy my solitary walk on the shores + of the Clyde in solemn silence, broken only by the tolling of the + successive hours from the steeples of the churches. +</p> +<p> + But as the night advanced my impatience at the uncertainty of the + situation in which I was placed increased every moment, and became nearly + ungovernable. I began to question whether I had been imposed upon by the + trick of a fool, the raving of a madman, or the studied machinations of a + villain, and paced the little quay or pier adjoining the entrance to the + bridge, in a state of incredible anxiety and vexation. At length the hour + of twelve o'clock swung its summons over the city from the belfry of the + metropolitan church of St. Mungo, and was answered and vouched by all the + others like dutiful diocesans. The echoes had scarcely ceased to repeat + the last sound, when a human form—the first I had seen for two + hours—appeared passing along the bridge from the southern shore of the + river. I advanced to meet him with a feeling as if my fate depended on + the result of the interview, so much had my anxiety been wound up by + protracted expectation. All that I could remark of the passenger as we + advanced towards each other, was that his frame was rather beneath than + above the middle size, but apparently strong, thick-set, and muscular; + his dress a horseman's wrapping coat. I slackened my pace, and almost + paused as I advanced in expectation that he would address me. But to my + inexpressible disappointment he passed without speaking, and I had no + pretence for being the first to address one who, notwithstanding his + appearance at the very hour of appointment, might nevertheless be an + absolute stranger. I stopped when he had passed me, and looked after + him, uncertain whether I ought not to follow him. The stranger walked on + till near the northern end of the bridge, then paused, looked back, and + turning round, again advanced towards me. I resolved that this time he + should not have the apology for silence proper to apparitions, who, it + is vulgarly supposed, cannot speak until they are spoken to. "You walk + late, sir," said I, as we met a second time. +</p> +<p> + "I bide tryste," was the reply; "and so I think do you, Mr. + Osbaldistone." +</p> +<p> + "You are then the person who requested to meet me here at this unusual + hour?" +</p> +<p> + "I am," he replied. "Follow me, and you shall know my reasons." +</p> +<p> + "Before following you, I must know your name and purpose," I answered. +</p> +<p> + "I am a man," was the reply; "and my purpose is friendly to you." +</p> +<p> + "A man!" I repeated;—"that is a very brief description." +</p> +<p> + "It will serve for one who has no other to give," said the stranger. "He + that is without name, without friends, without coin, without country, is + still at least a man; and he that has all these is no more." +</p> +<p> + "Yet this is still too general an account of yourself, to say the least + of it, to establish your credit with a stranger." +</p> +<p> + "It is all I mean to give, howsoe'er; you may choose to follow me, or to + remain without the information I desire to afford you." +</p> +<p> + "Can you not give me that information here?" I demanded. +</p> +<p> + "You must receive it from your eyes, not from my tongue—you must follow + me, or remain in ignorance of the information which I have to give you." +</p> +<p> + There was something short, determined, and even stern, in the man's + manner, not certainly well calculated to conciliate undoubting + confidence. +</p> +<p> + "What is it you fear?" he said impatiently. "To whom, think ye, is your + life of such consequence, that they should seek to bereave ye of it?" +</p> +<p> + "I fear nothing," I replied firmly, though somewhat hastily. "Walk on—I + attend you." +</p> +<p> + We proceeded, contrary to my expectation, to re-enter the town, and + glided like mute spectres, side by side, up its empty and silent streets. + The high and gloomy stone fronts, with the variegated ornaments and + pediments of the windows, looked yet taller and more sable by the + imperfect moonshine. Our walk was for some minutes in perfect silence. At + length my conductor spoke. +</p> +<p> + "Are you afraid?" +</p> +<p> + "I retort your own words," I replied: "wherefore should I fear?" +</p> +<p> + "Because you are with a stranger—perhaps an enemy, in a place where you + have no friends and many enemies." +</p> +<p> + "I neither fear you nor them; I am young, active, and armed." +</p> +<p> + "I am not armed," replied my conductor: "but no matter, a willing hand + never lacked weapon. You say you fear nothing; but if you knew who was by + your side, perhaps you might underlie a tremor." +</p> +<p> + "And why should I?" replied I. "I again repeat, I fear nought that you + can do." +</p> +<p> + "Nought that I can do?—Be it so. But do you not fear the consequences of + being found with one whose very name whispered in this lonely street + would make the stones themselves rise up to apprehend him—on whose head + half the men in Glasgow would build their fortune as on a found treasure, + had they the luck to grip him by the collar—the sound of whose + apprehension were as welcome at the Cross of Edinburgh as ever the news + of a field stricken and won in Flanders?" +</p> +<p> + "And who then are you, whose name should create so deep a feeling of + terror?" I replied. +</p> +<p> + "No enemy of yours, since I am conveying you to a place, where, were I + myself recognised and identified, iron to the heels and hemp to the craig + would be my brief dooming." +</p> +<p> + I paused and stood still on the pavement, drawing back so as to have the + most perfect view of my companion which the light afforded me, and which + was sufficient to guard against any sudden motion of assault. +</p> +<p> + "You have said," I answered, "either too much or too little—too much to + induce me to confide in you as a mere stranger, since you avow yourself a + person amenable to the laws of the country in which we are—and too + little, unless you could show that you are unjustly subjected to their + rigour." +</p> +<p> + As I ceased to speak, he made a step towards me. I drew back + instinctively, and laid my hand on the hilt of my sword. +</p> +<p> + "What!" said he—"on an unarmed man, and your friend?" +</p> +<p> + "I am yet ignorant if you are either the one or the other," I replied; + "and to say the truth, your language and manner might well entitle me to + doubt both." +</p> +<p> + "It is manfully spoken," replied my conductor; "and I respect him whose + hand can keep his head.—I will be frank and free with you—I am + conveying you to prison." +</p> +<p> + "To prison!" I exclaimed—"by what warrant or for what offence?—You + shall have my life sooner than my liberty—I defy you, and I will not + follow you a step farther." +</p> +<p> + "I do not," he said, "carry you there as a prisoner; I am," he added, + drawing himself haughtily up, "neither a messenger nor sheriff's officer. + I carry you to see a prisoner from whose lips you will learn the risk in + which you presently stand. Your liberty is little risked by the visit; + mine is in some peril; but that I readily encounter on your account, for + I care not for risk, and I love a free young blood, that kens no + protector but the cross o' the sword." +</p> +<p> + While he spoke thus, we had reached the principal street, and were + pausing before a large building of hewn stone, garnished, as I thought I + could perceive, with gratings of iron before the windows. +</p> +<p> + "Muckle," said the stranger, whose language became more broadly national + as he assumed a tone of colloquial freedom—"Muckle wad the provost and + bailies o' Glasgow gie to hae him sitting with iron garters to his hose + within their tolbooth that now stands wi' his legs as free as the + red-deer's on the outside on't. And little wad it avail them; for an if + they had me there wi' a stane's weight o' iron at every ankle, I would + show them a toom room and a lost lodger before to-morrow—But come on, + what stint ye for?" +</p> +<p> + As he spoke thus, he tapped at a low wicket, and was answered by a sharp + voice, as of one awakened from a dream or reverie,—"Fa's tat?—Wha's + that, I wad say?—and fat a deil want ye at this hour at e'en?—Clean + again rules—clean again rules, as they ca' them." +</p> +<p> + The protracted tone in which the last words were uttered, betokened that + the speaker was again composing himself to slumber. But my guide spoke in + a loud whisper—"Dougal, man! hae ye forgotten Ha nun Gregarach?" +</p> +<p> + "Deil a bit, deil a bit," was the ready and lively response, and I heard + the internal guardian of the prison-gate bustle up with great alacrity. A + few words were exchanged between my conductor and the turnkey in a + language to which I was an absolute stranger. The bolts revolved, but + with a caution which marked the apprehension that the noise might be + overheard, and we stood within the vestibule of the prison of Glasgow,—a + small, but strong guard-room, from which a narrow staircase led upwards, + and one or two low entrances conducted to apartments on the same level + with the outward gate, all secured with the jealous strength of wickets, + bolts, and bars. The walls, otherwise naked, were not unsuitably + garnished with iron fetters, and other uncouth implements, which might be + designed for purposes still more inhuman, interspersed with partisans, + guns, pistols of antique manufacture, and other weapons of defence and + offence. +</p> +<p> + At finding myself so unexpectedly, fortuitously, and, as it were, by + stealth, introduced within one of the legal fortresses of Scotland, I + could not help recollecting my adventure in Northumberland, and fretting + at the strange incidents which again, without any demerits of my own, + threatened to place me in a dangerous and disagreeable collision with the + laws of a country which I visited only in the capacity of a stranger. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0005"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FIFTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Look round thee, young Astolpho: Here's the place + Which men (for being poor) are sent to starve in; + Rude remedy, I trow, for sore disease. + Within these walls, stifled by damp and stench, + Doth Hope's fair torch expire; and at the snuff, + Ere yet 'tis quite extinct, rude, wild, and way-ward, + The desperate revelries of wild despair, + Kindling their hell-born cressets, light to deeds + That the poor captive would have died ere practised, + Till bondage sunk his soul to his condition. + The Prison, <i>Scene III. Act I.</i> +</pre> +<p> + At my first entrance I turned an eager glance towards my conductor; but + the lamp in the vestibule was too low in flame to give my curiosity any + satisfaction by affording a distinct perusal of his features. As the + turnkey held the light in his hand, the beams fell more full on his own + scarce less interesting figure. He was a wild shock-headed looking + animal, whose profusion of red hair covered and obscured his features, + which were otherwise only characterised by the extravagant joy that + affected him at the sight of my guide. In my experience I have met + nothing so absolutely resembling my idea of a very uncouth, wild, and + ugly savage, adoring the idol of his tribe. He grinned, he shivered, he + laughed, he was near crying, if he did not actually cry. He had a "Where + shall I go?—What can I do for you?" expression of face; the complete, + surrendered, and anxious subservience and devotion of which it is + difficult to describe, otherwise than by the awkward combination which I + have attempted. The fellow's voice seemed choking in his ecstasy, and + only could express itself in such interjections as "Oigh! oigh!—Ay! + ay!—it's lang since she's seen ye!" and other exclamations equally brief, + expressed in the same unknown tongue in which he had communicated with my + conductor while we were on the outside of the jail door. My guide + received all this excess of joyful gratulation much like a prince too + early accustomed to the homage of those around him to be much moved by + it, yet willing to requite it by the usual forms of royal courtesy. He + extended his hand graciously towards the turnkey, with a civil inquiry of + "How's a' wi' you, Dougal?" +</p> +<p> + "Oigh! oigh!" exclaimed Dougal, softening the sharp exclamations of his + surprise as he looked around with an eye of watchful alarm—"Oigh! to see + you here—to see you here!—Oigh!—what will come o' ye gin the bailies + suld come to get witting—ta filthy, gutty hallions, tat they are?" +</p> +<p> + My guide placed his finger on his lip, and said, "Fear nothing, Dougal; + your hands shall never draw a bolt on me." +</p> +<p> + "Tat sall they no," said Dougal; "she suld—she wad—that is, she wishes + them hacked aff by the elbows first—But when are ye gaun yonder again? + and ye'll no forget to let her ken—she's your puir cousin, God kens, + only seven times removed." +</p> +<p> + "I will let you ken, Dougal, as soon as my plans are settled." +</p> +<p> + "And, by her sooth, when you do, an it were twal o' the Sunday at e'en, + she'll fling her keys at the provost's head or she gie them anither turn, + and that or ever Monday morning begins—see if she winna." +</p> +<p> + My mysterious stranger cut his acquaintance's ecstasies short by again + addressing him, in what I afterwards understood to be the Irish, Earse, + or Gaelic, explaining, probably, the services which he required at his + hand. The answer, "Wi' a' her heart—wi' a' her soul," with a good deal + of indistinct muttering in a similar tone, intimated the turnkey's + acquiescence in what he proposed. The fellow trimmed his dying lamp, and + made a sign to me to follow him. +</p> +<p> + "Do you not go with us?" said I, looking to my conductor. +</p> +<p> + "It is unnecessary," he replied; "my company may be inconvenient for you, + and I had better remain to secure our retreat." +</p> +<p> + "I do not suppose you mean to betray me to danger," said I. +</p> +<p> + "To none but what I partake in doubly," answered the stranger, with a + voice of assurance which it was impossible to mistrust. +</p> +<p> + I followed the turnkey, who, leaving the inner wicket unlocked behind + him, led me up a <i>turnpike</i> (so the Scotch call a winding stair), then + along a narrow gallery—then opening one of several doors which led into + the passage, he ushered me into a small apartment, and casting his eye on + the pallet-bed which occupied one corner, said with an under voice, as he + placed the lamp on a little deal table, "She's sleeping." +</p> +<p> + "She!—who?—can it be Diana Vernon in this abode of misery?" +</p> +<p> + I turned my eye to the bed, and it was with a mixture of disappointment + oddly mingled with pleasure, that I saw my first suspicion had deceived + me. I saw a head neither young nor beautiful, garnished with a grey beard + of two days' growth, and accommodated with a red nightcap. The first + glance put me at ease on the score of Diana Vernon; the second, as the + slumberer awoke from a heavy sleep, yawned, and rubbed his eyes, + presented me with features very different indeed—even those of my poor + friend Owen. I drew back out of view an instant, that he might have time + to recover himself; fortunately recollecting that I was but an intruder + on these cells of sorrow, and that any alarm might be attended with + unhappy consequences. +</p> +<p> + Meantime, the unfortunate formalist, raising himself from the pallet-bed + with the assistance of one hand, and scratching his cap with the other, + exclaimed in a voice in which as much peevishness as he was capable of + feeling, contended with drowsiness, "I'll tell you what, Mr. Dug-well, or + whatever your name may be, the sum-total of the matter is, that if my + natural rest is to be broken in this manner, I must complain to the lord + mayor." +</p> +<p> + "Shentlemans to speak wi' her," replied Dougal, resuming the true dogged + sullen tone of a turnkey, in exchange for the shrill clang of Highland + congratulation with which he had welcomed my mysterious guide; and, + turning on his heel, he left the apartment. +</p> +<p> + It was some time before I could prevail upon the unfortunate sleeper + awakening to recognise me; and when he did so, the distress of the worthy + creature was extreme, at supposing, which he naturally did, that I had + been sent thither as a partner of his captivity. +</p> +<p> + "O, Mr. Frank, what have you brought yourself and the house to?—I think + nothing of myself, that am a mere cipher, so to speak; but you, that was + your father's sum-total—his omnium,—you that might have been the first + man in the first house in the first city, to be shut up in a nasty Scotch + jail, where one cannot even get the dirt brushed off their clothes!" +</p> +<p> + He rubbed, with an air of peevish irritation, the once stainless brown + coat, which had now shared some of the impurities of the floor of his + prison-house,—his habits of extreme punctilious neatness acting + mechanically to increase his distress.—"O Heaven be gracious to us!" he + continued. "What news this will be on 'Change! There has not the like + come there since the battle of Almanza, where the total of the British + loss was summed up to five thousand men killed and wounded, besides a + floating balance of missing—but what will that be to the news that + Osbaldistone and Tresham have stopped!" +</p> +<p> + I broke in on his lamentations to acquaint him that I was no prisoner, + though scarce able to account for my being in that place at such an hour. + I could only silence his inquiries by persisting in those which his own + situation suggested; and at length obtained from him such information as + he was able to give me. It was none of the most distinct; for, however + clear-headed in his own routine of commercial business, Owen, you are + well aware, was not very acute in comprehending what lay beyond that + sphere. +</p> +<p> + The sum of his information was, that of two correspondents of my father's + firm at Glasgow, where, owing to engagements in Scotland formerly alluded + to, he transacted a great deal of business, both my father and Owen had + found the house of MacVittie, MacFin, and Company, the most obliging and + accommodating. They had deferred to the great English house on every + possible occasion; and in their bargains and transactions acted, without + repining, the part of the jackall, who only claims what the lion is + pleased to leave him. However small the share of profit allotted to them, + it was always, as they expressed it, "enough for the like of them;" + however large the portion of trouble, "they were sensible they could not + do too much to deserve the continued patronage and good opinion of their + honoured friends in Crane Alley." +</p> +<p> + The dictates of my father were to MacVittie and MacFin the laws of the + Medes and Persians, not to be altered, innovated, or even discussed; and + the punctilios exacted by Owen in their business transactions, for he was + a great lover of form, more especially when he could dictate it <i>ex + cathedra,</i> seemed scarce less sanctimonious in their eyes. This tone of + deep and respectful observance went all currently down with Owen; but my + father looked a little closer into men's bosoms, and whether suspicious + of this excess of deference, or, as a lover of brevity and simplicity in + business, tired with these gentlemen's long-winded professions of regard, + he had uniformly resisted their desire to become his sole agents in + Scotland. On the contrary, he transacted many affairs through a + correspondent of a character perfectly different—a man whose good + opinion of himself amounted to self-conceit, and who, disliking the + English in general as much as my father did the Scotch, would hold no + communication but on a footing of absolute equality; jealous, moreover; + captious occasionally; as tenacious of his own opinions in point of form + as Owen could be of his; and totally indifferent though the authority of + all Lombard Street had stood against his own private opinion. +</p> +<p> + As these peculiarities of temper rendered it difficult to transact + business with Mr. Nicol Jarvie,—as they occasioned at times disputes and + coldness between the English house and their correspondent, which were + only got over by a sense of mutual interest,—as, moreover, Owen's + personal vanity sometimes suffered a little in the discussions to which + they gave rise, you cannot be surprised, Tresham, that our old friend + threw at all times the weight of his influence in favour of the civil, + discreet, accommodating concern of MacVittie and MacFin, and spoke of + Jarvie as a petulant, conceited Scotch pedlar, with whom there was no + dealing. +</p> +<p> + It was also not surprising, that in these circumstances, which I only + learned in detail some time afterwards, Owen, in the difficulties to + which the house was reduced by the absence of my father, and the + disappearance of Rashleigh, should, on his arrival in Scotland, which + took place two days before mine, have recourse to the friendship of those + correspondents, who had always professed themselves obliged, gratified, + and devoted to the service of his principal. He was received at Messrs. + MacVittie and MacFin's counting-house in the Gallowgate, with something + like the devotion a Catholic would pay to his tutelar saint. But, alas! + this sunshine was soon overclouded, when, encouraged by the fair hopes + which it inspired, he opened the difficulties of the house to his + friendly correspondents, and requested their counsel and assistance. + MacVittie was almost stunned by the communication; and MacFin, ere it was + completed, was already at the ledger of their firm, and deeply engaged in + the very bowels of the multitudinous accounts between their house and + that of Osbaldistone and Tresham, for the purpose of discovering on which + side the balance lay. Alas! the scale depressed considerably against the + English firm; and the faces of MacVittie and MacFin, hitherto only blank + and doubtful, became now ominous, grim, and lowering. They met Mr. Owen's + request of countenance and assistance with a counter-demand of instant + security against imminent hazard of eventual loss; and at length, + speaking more plainly, required that a deposit of assets, destined for + other purposes, should be placed in their hands for that purpose. Owen + repelled this demand with great indignation, as dishonourable to his + constituents, unjust to the other creditors of Osbaldistone and Tresham, + and very ungrateful on the part of those by whom it was made. +</p> +<p> + The Scotch partners gained, in the course of this controversy, what is + very convenient to persons who are in the wrong, an opportunity and + pretext for putting themselves in a violent passion, and for taking, + under the pretext of the provocation they had received, measures to which + some sense of decency, if not of conscience, might otherwise have + deterred them from resorting. +</p> +<p> + Owen had a small share, as I believe is usual, in the house to which he + acted as head-clerk, and was therefore personally liable for all its + obligations. This was known to Messrs. MacVittie and MacFin; and, with a + view of making him feel their power, or rather in order to force him, at + this emergency, into those measures in their favour, to which he had + expressed himself so repugnant, they had recourse to a summary process of + arrest and imprisonment,—which it seems the law of Scotland (therein + surely liable to much abuse) allows to a creditor, who finds his + conscience at liberty to make oath that the debtor meditates departing + from the realm. Under such a warrant had poor Owen been confined to + durance on the day preceding that when I was so strangely guided to his + prison-house. +</p> +<p> + Thus possessed of the alarming outline of facts, the question remained, + what was to be done and it was not of easy determination. I plainly + perceived the perils with which we were surrounded, but it was more + difficult to suggest any remedy. The warning which I had already received + seemed to intimate, that my own personal liberty might be endangered by + an open appearance in Owen's behalf. Owen entertained the same + apprehension, and, in the exaggeration of his terror, assured me that a + Scotchman, rather than run the risk of losing a farthing by an + Englishman, would find law for arresting his wife, children, man-servant, + maidservant, and stranger within his household. The laws concerning debt, + in most countries, are so unmercifully severe, that I could not + altogether disbelieve his statement; and my arrest, in the present + circumstances, would have been a <i>coup-de-grace</i> to my father's affairs. + In this dilemma, I asked Owen if he had not thought of having recourse to + my father's other correspondent in Glasgow, Mr. Nicol Jarvie? +</p> +<p> + "He had sent him a letter," he replied, "that morning; but if the + smooth-tongued and civil house in the Gallowgate* had used him thus, what + was to be expected from the cross-grained crab-stock in the Salt-Market? +</p> +<p> + * [A street in the old town of Glasgow.] +</p> +<p> + You might as well ask a broker to give up his percentage, as expect a + favour from him without the <i>per contra.</i> He had not even," Owen said, + "answered his letter though it was put into his hand that morning as he + went to church." And here the despairing man-of-figures threw himself + down on his pallet, exclaiming,—"My poor dear master! My poor dear + master! O Mr. Frank, Mr. Frank, this is all your obstinacy!—But God + forgive me for saying so to you in your distress! It's God's disposing, + and man must submit." +</p> +<p> + My philosophy, Tresham, could not prevent my sharing in the honest + creature's distress, and we mingled our tears,—the more bitter on my + part, as the perverse opposition to my father's will, with which the + kind-hearted Owen forbore to upbraid me, rose up to my conscience as the + cause of all this affliction. +</p> +<p> + In the midst of our mingled sorrow, we were disturbed and surprised by a + loud knocking at the outward door of the prison. I ran to the top of the + staircase to listen, but could only hear the voice of the turnkey, + alternately in a high tone, answering to some person without, and in a + whisper, addressed to the person who had guided me hither—"She's + coming—she's coming," aloud; then in a low key, "O hon-a-ri! O hon-a-ri! + what'll she do now?—Gang up ta stair, and hide yourself ahint ta + Sassenach shentleman's ped.—She's coming as fast as she can.—Ahellanay! + it's my lord provosts, and ta pailies, and ta guard—and ta captain's + coming toon stairs too—Got press her! gang up or he meets her.—She's + coming—she's coming—ta lock's sair roosted." +</p> +<p> + While Dougal, unwillingly, and with as much delay as possible, undid the + various fastenings to give admittance to those without, whose impatience + became clamorous, my guide ascended the winding stair, and sprang into + Owen's apartment, into which I followed him. He cast his eyes hastily + round, as if looking for a place of concealment; then said to me, "Lend + me your pistols—yet it's no matter, I can do without them—Whatever you + see, take no heed, and do not mix your hand in another man's feud—This + gear's mine, and I must manage it as I dow; but I have been as hard + bested, and worse, than I am even now." +</p> +<p> + As the stranger spoke these words, he stripped from his person the + cumbrous upper coat in which he was wrapt, confronted the door of the + apartment, on which he fixed a keen and determined glance, drawing his + person a little back to concentrate his force, like a fine horse brought + up to the leaping-bar. I had not a moment's doubt that he meant to + extricate himself from his embarrassment, whatever might be the cause of + it, by springing full upon those who should appear when the doors opened, + and forcing his way through all opposition into the street;—and such was + the appearance of strength and agility displayed in his frame, and of + determination in his look and manner, that I did not doubt a moment but + that he might get clear through his opponents, unless they employed fatal + means to stop his purpose. It was a period of awful suspense betwixt the + opening of the outward gate and that of the door of the apartment, when + there appeared—no guard with bayonets fixed, or watch with clubs, bills, + or partisans, but a good-looking young woman, with grogram petticoats, + tucked up for trudging through the streets, and holding a lantern in her + hand. This female ushered in a more important personage, in form, stout, + short, and somewhat corpulent; and by dignity, as it soon appeared, a + magistrate, bob-wigged, bustling, and breathless with peevish impatience. + My conductor, at his appearance, drew back as if to escape observation; + but he could not elude the penetrating twinkle with which this dignitary + reconnoitered the whole apartment. +</p> +<p> + "A bonny thing it is, and a beseeming, that I should be kept at the door + half an hour, Captain Stanchells," said he, addressing the principal + jailor, who now showed himself at the door as if in attendance on the + great man, "knocking as hard to get into the tolbooth as onybody else wad + to get out of it, could that avail them, poor fallen creatures!—And + how's this?—how's this?—strangers in the jail after lock-up hours, and + on the Sabbath evening!—I shall look after this, Stanchells, you may + depend on't—Keep the door locked, and I'll speak to these gentlemen in a + gliffing—But first I maun hae a crack wi' an auld acquaintance here.— + Mr. Owen, Mr. Owen, how's a' wi' ye, man?" +</p> +<p> + "Pretty well in body, I thank you, Mr. Jarvie," drawled out poor Owen, + "but sore afflicted in spirit." +</p> +<p> + "Nae doubt, nae doubt—ay, ay—it's an awfu' whummle—and for ane that + held his head sae high too—human nature, human nature—Ay ay, we're a' + subject to a downcome. Mr. Osbaldistone is a gude honest gentleman; but I + aye said he was ane o' them wad make a spune or spoil a horn, as my + father the worthy deacon used to say. The deacon used to say to me, + 'Nick—young Nick' (his name was Nicol as weel as mine; sae folk ca'd us + in their daffin', young Nick and auld Nick)—'Nick,' said he, 'never put + out your arm farther than ye can draw it easily back again.' I hae said + sae to Mr. Osbaldistone, and he didna seem to take it a'thegither sae + kind as I wished—but it was weel meant—weel meant." +</p> +<p> + This discourse, delivered with prodigious volubility, and a great + appearance of self-complacency, as he recollected his own advice and + predictions, gave little promise of assistance at the hands of Mr. + Jarvie. Yet it soon appeared rather to proceed from a total want of + delicacy than any deficiency of real kindness; for when Owen expressed + himself somewhat hurt that these things should be recalled to memory in + his present situation, the Glaswegian took him by the hand, and bade him + "Cheer up a gliff! D'ye think I wad hae comed out at twal o'clock at + night, and amaist broken the Lord's day, just to tell a fa'en man o' his + backslidings? Na, na, that's no Bailie Jarvie's gate, nor was't his + worthy father's the deacon afore him. Why, man! it's my rule never to + think on warldly business on the Sabbath, and though I did a' I could to + keep your note that I gat this morning out o' my head, yet I thought mair + on it a' day, than on the preaching—And it's my rule to gang to my bed + wi' the yellow curtains preceesely at ten o'clock—unless I were eating a + haddock wi' a neighbour, or a neighbour wi' me—ask the lass-quean there, + if it isna a fundamental rule in my household; and here hae I sitten up + reading gude books, and gaping as if I wad swallow St. Enox Kirk, till it + chappit twal, whilk was a lawfu' hour to gie a look at my ledger, just to + see how things stood between us; and then, as time and tide wait for no + man, I made the lass get the lantern, and came slipping my ways here to + see what can be dune anent your affairs. Bailie Jarvie can command + entrance into the tolbooth at ony hour, day or night;—sae could my + father the deacon in his time, honest man, praise to his memory." +</p> +<p> + Although Owen groaned at the mention of the ledger, leading me grievously + to fear that here also the balance stood in the wrong column; and + although the worthy magistrate's speech expressed much self-complacency, + and some ominous triumph in his own superior judgment, yet it was blended + with a sort of frank and blunt good-nature, from which I could not help + deriving some hopes. He requested to see some papers he mentioned, + snatched them hastily from Owen's hand, and sitting on the bed, to "rest + his shanks," as he was pleased to express the accommodation which that + posture afforded him, his servant girl held up the lantern to him, while, + pshawing, muttering, and sputtering, now at the imperfect light, now at + the contents of the packet, he ran over the writings it contained. +</p> +<p> + Seeing him fairly engaged in this course of study, the guide who had + brought me hither seemed disposed to take an unceremonious leave. He made + a sign to me to say nothing, and intimated, by his change of posture, an + intention to glide towards the door in such a manner as to attract the + least possible observation. But the alert magistrate (very different from + my old acquaintance, Mr. Justice Inglewood) instantly detected and + interrupted his purposes. "I say, look to the door, Stanchells—shut and + lock it, and keep watch on the outside." +</p> +<p> + The stranger's brow darkened, and he seemed for an instant again to + meditate the effecting his retreat by violence; but ere he had + determined, the door closed, and the ponderous bolt revolved. He muttered + an exclamation in Gaelic, strode across the floor, and then, with an air + of dogged resolution, as if fixed and prepared to see the scene to an + end, sate himself down on the oak table, and whistled a strathspey. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Jarvie, who seemed very alert and expeditious in going through + business, soon showed himself master of that which he had been + considering, and addressed himself to Mr. Owen in the following strain:— + "Weel, Mr. Owen, weel—your house are awin' certain sums to Messrs. + MacVittie and MacFin (shame fa' their souple snouts! they made that and + mair out o' a bargain about the aik-woods at Glen-Cailziechat, that they + took out atween my teeth—wi' help o' your gude word, I maun needs say, + Mr. Owen—but that makes nae odds now)—Weel, sir, your house awes them + this siller; and for this, and relief of other engagements they stand in + for you, they hae putten a double turn o' Stanchells' muckle key on ye.— + Weel, sir, ye awe this siller—and maybe ye awe some mair to some other + body too—maybe ye awe some to myself, Bailie Nicol Jarvie." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot deny, sir, but the balance may of this date be brought out + against us, Mr. Jarvie," said Owen; "but you'll please to consider"— +</p> +<p> + "I hae nae time to consider e'enow, Mr. Owen—Sae near Sabbath at e'en, + and out o' ane's warm bed at this time o' night, and a sort o' drow in + the air besides—there's nae time for considering—But, sir, as I was + saying, ye awe me money—it winna deny—ye awe me money, less or mair, + I'll stand by it. But then, Mr. Owen, I canna see how you, an active man + that understands business, can redd out the business ye're come down + about, and clear us a' aff—as I have gritt hope ye will—if ye're keepit + lying here in the tolbooth of Glasgow. Now, sir, if you can find caution + <i>judicio sisti,</i>—that is, that ye winna flee the country, but appear and + relieve your caution when ca'd for in our legal courts, ye may be set at + liberty this very morning." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Jarvie," said Owen, "if any friend would become surety for me to + that effect, my liberty might be usefully employed, doubtless, both for + the house and all connected with it." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, sir," continued Jarvie, "and doubtless such a friend wad expect + ye to appear when ca'd on, and relieve him o' his engagement." +</p> +<p> + "And I should do so as certainly, bating sickness or death, as that two + and two make four." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, Mr. Owen," resumed the citizen of Glasgow, "I dinna misdoubt ye, + and I'll prove it, sir—I'll prove it. I am a carefu' man, as is weel + ken'd, and industrious, as the hale town can testify; and I can win my + crowns, and keep my crowns, and count my crowns, wi' onybody in the Saut + Market, or it may be in the Gallowgate. And I'm a prudent man, as my + father the deacon was before me;—but rather than an honest civil + gentleman, that understands business, and is willing to do justice to all + men, should lie by the heels this gate, unable to help himsell or onybody + else—why, conscience, man! I'll be your bail myself—But ye'll mind it's + a bail <i>judicio sisti,</i> as our town-clerk says, not <i>judicatum solvi;</i> + ye'll mind that, for there's muckle difference." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Owen assured him, that as matters then stood, he could not expect any + one to become surety for the actual payment of the debt, but that there + was not the most distant cause for apprehending loss from his failing to + present himself when lawfully called upon. +</p> +<p> + "I believe ye—I believe ye. Eneugh said—eneugh said. We'se hae your + legs loose by breakfast-time.—And now let's hear what thir chamber + chiels o' yours hae to say for themselves, or how, in the name of unrule, + they got here at this time o' night." +</p> +<a name="image-0004"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb068.jpg" height="538" width="840" +alt="Rob Roy in Prison +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<a name="2HCH0006"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SIXTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Hame came our gudeman at e'en, + And hame came he, + And there he saw a man + Where a man suldna be. + "How's this now, kimmer? + How's this?" quo he,— + "How came this carle here + Without the leave o' me?" + Old Song. +</pre> +<p> + The magistrate took the light out of the servant-maid's hand, and + advanced to his scrutiny, like Diogenes in the street of Athens, + lantern-in-hand, and probably with as little expectation as that of the + cynic, that he was likely to encounter any especial treasure in the + course of his researches. The first whom he approached was my mysterious + guide, who, seated on a table as I have already described him, with his + eyes firmly fixed on the wall, his features arranged into the utmost + inflexibility of expression, his hands folded on his breast with an air + betwixt carelessness and defiance, his heel patting against the foot of + the table, to keep time with the tune which he continued to whistle, + submitted to Mr. Jarvie's investigation with an air of absolute + confidence and assurance which, for a moment, placed at fault the memory + and sagacity of the acute investigator. +</p> +<p> + "Ah!—Eh!—Oh!" exclaimed the Bailie. "My conscience!—it's + impossible!—and yet—no!—Conscience!—it canna be!—and yet + again—Deil hae me, that I suld say sae!—Ye robber—ye cateran—ye born + deevil that ye are, to a' bad ends and nae gude ane!—can this be you?" +</p> +<p> + "E'en as ye see, Bailie," was the laconic answer. +</p> +<p> + "Conscience! if I am na clean bumbaized—<i>you</i>, ye cheat-the-wuddy + rogue—<i>you</i> here on your venture in the tolbooth o' Glasgow?—What d'ye + think's the value o' your head?" +</p> +<p> + "Umph!—why, fairly weighed, and Dutch weight, it might weigh down one + provost's, four bailies', a town-clerk's, six deacons', besides + stent-masters'"— +</p> +<p> + "Ah, ye reiving villain!" interrupted Mr. Jarvie. "But tell ower your + sins, and prepare ye, for if I say the word"— +</p> +<p> + "True, Bailie," said he who was thus addressed, folding his hands behind + him with the utmost <i>nonchalance,</i> "but ye will never say that word." +</p> +<p> + "And why suld I not, sir?" exclaimed the magistrate—"Why suld I not? + Answer me that—why suld I not?" +</p> +<p> + "For three sufficient reasons, Bailie Jarvie.—First, for auld langsyne; + second, for the sake of the auld wife ayont the fire at Stuckavrallachan, + that made some mixture of our bluids, to my own proper shame be it + spoken! that has a cousin wi' accounts, and yarn winnles, and looms and + shuttles, like a mere mechanical person; and lastly, Bailie, because if I + saw a sign o' your betraying me, I would plaster that wa' with your harns + ere the hand of man could rescue you!" +</p> +<p> + "Ye're a bauld desperate villain, sir," retorted the undaunted Bailie; + "and ye ken that I ken ye to be sae, and that I wadna stand a moment for + my ain risk." +</p> +<p> + "I ken weel," said the other, "ye hae gentle bluid in your veins, and I + wad be laith to hurt my ain kinsman. But I'll gang out here as free as I + came in, or the very wa's o' Glasgow tolbooth shall tell o't these ten + years to come." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, weel," said Mr. Jarvie, "bluid's thicker than water; and it liesna + in kith, kin, and ally, to see motes in ilka other's een if other een see + them no. It wad be sair news to the auld wife below the Ben of + Stuckavrallachan, that you, ye Hieland limmer, had knockit out my harns, + or that I had kilted you up in a tow. But ye'll own, ye dour deevil, that + were it no your very sell, I wad hae grippit the best man in the + Hielands." +</p> +<p> + "Ye wad hae tried, cousin," answered my guide, "that I wot weel; but I + doubt ye wad hae come aff wi' the short measure; for we gang-there-out + Hieland bodies are an unchancy generation when you speak to us o' + bondage. We downa bide the coercion of gude braid-claith about our + hinderlans, let a be breeks o' free-stone, and garters o' iron." +</p> +<p> + "Ye'll find the stane breeks and the airn garters—ay, and the hemp + cravat, for a' that, neighbour," replied the Bailie. +</p> +<p> + "Nae man in a civilised country ever played the pliskies ye hae done—but + e'en pickle in your ain pock-neuk—I hae gi'en ye wanting." +</p> +<p> + "Well, cousin," said the other, "ye'll wear black at my burial." +</p> +<p> + "Deil a black cloak will be there, Robin, but the corbies and the + hoodie-craws, I'se gie ye my hand on that. But whar's the gude thousand + pund Scots that I lent ye, man, and when am I to see it again?" +</p> +<p> + "Where it is," replied my guide, after the affectation of considering for + a moment, "I cannot justly tell—probably where last year's snaw is." +</p> +<p> + "And that's on the tap of Schehallion, ye Hieland dog," said Mr. Jarvie; + "and I look for payment frae you where ye stand." +</p> +<p> + "Ay," replied the Highlander, "but I keep neither snaw nor dollars in my + sporran. And as to when you'll see it—why, just when the king enjoys his + ain again, as the auld sang says." +</p> +<p> + "Warst of a', Robin," retorted the Glaswegian,—"I mean, ye disloyal + traitor—Warst of a'!—Wad ye bring popery in on us, and arbitrary power, + and a foist and a warming-pan, and the set forms, and the curates, and + the auld enormities o' surplices and cerements? Ye had better stick + to your auld trade o' theft-boot, black-mail, spreaghs, and + gillravaging—better stealing nowte than ruining nations." +</p> +<p> + "Hout, man—whisht wi' your whiggery," answered the Celt; "we hae ken'd + ane anither mony a lang day. I'se take care your counting-room is no + cleaned out when the Gillon-a-naillie* come to redd up the Glasgow + buiths, and clear them o' their auld shop-wares. +</p> +<p> + * The lads with the kilts or petticoats. +</p> +<p> + And, unless it just fa' in the preceese way o' your duty, ye maunna see + me oftener, Nicol, than I am disposed to be seen." +</p> +<p> + "Ye are a dauring villain, Rob," answered the Bailie; "and ye will be + hanged, that will be seen and heard tell o'; but I'se ne'er be the ill + bird and foul my nest, set apart strong necessity and the skreigh of + duty, which no man should hear and be inobedient. And wha the deevil's + this?" he continued, turning to me—"Some gillravager that ye hae listed, + I daur say. He looks as if he had a bauld heart to the highway, and a + lang craig for the gibbet." +</p> +<p> + "This, good Mr. Jarvie," said Owen, who, like myself, had been struck + dumb during this strange recognition, and no less strange dialogue, which + took place betwixt these extraordinary kinsmen—"This, good Mr. Jarvie, + is young Mr. Frank Osbaldistone, only child of the head of our house, who + should have been taken into our firm at the time Mr. Rashleigh + Osbaldistone, his cousin, had the luck to be taken into it"—(Here Owen + could not suppress a groan)—"But howsoever"— +</p> +<p> + "Oh, I have heard of that smaik," said the Scotch merchant, interrupting + him; "it is he whom your principal, like an obstinate auld fule, wad make + a merchant o', wad he or wad he no,—and the lad turned a strolling + stage-player, in pure dislike to the labour an honest man should live by. + Weel, sir, what say you to your handiwork? Will Hamlet the Dane, or + Hamlet's ghost, be good security for Mr. Owen, sir?" +</p> +<p> + "I don't deserve your taunt," I replied, "though I respect your motive, + and am too grateful for the assistance you have afforded Mr. Owen, to + resent it. My only business here was to do what I could (it is perhaps + very little) to aid Mr. Owen in the management of my father's affairs. My + dislike of the commercial profession is a feeling of which I am the best + and sole judge." +</p> +<p> + "I protest," said the Highlander, "I had some respect for this callant + even before I ken'd what was in him; but now I honour him for his + contempt of weavers and spinners, and sic-like mechanical persons and + their pursuits." +</p> +<p> + "Ye're mad, Rob," said the Bailie—"mad as a March hare—though wherefore + a hare suld be mad at March mair than at Martinmas, is mair than I can + weel say. Weavers! Deil shake ye out o' the web the weaver craft made. + Spinners! ye'll spin and wind yourself a bonny pirn. And this young + birkie here, that ye're hoying and hounding on the shortest road to the + gallows and the deevil, will his stage-plays and his poetries help him + here, dye think, ony mair than your deep oaths and drawn dirks, ye + reprobate that ye are?—Will <i>Tityre tu patulae,</i> as they ca' it, tell + him where Rashleigh Osbaldistone is? or Macbeth, and all his kernes and + galla-glasses, and your awn to boot, Rob, procure him five thousand + pounds to answer the bills which fall due ten days hence, were they a' + rouped at the Cross,—basket-hilts, Andra-Ferraras, leather targets, + brogues, brochan, and sporrans?" +</p> +<p> + "Ten days," I answered, and instinctively drew out Diana Vernon's packet; + and the time being elapsed during which I was to keep the seal sacred, I + hastily broke it open. A sealed letter fell from a blank enclosure, owing + to the trepidation with which I opened the parcel. A slight current of + wind, which found its way through a broken pane of the window, wafted the + letter to Mr. Jarvie's feet, who lifted it, examined the address with + unceremonious curiosity, and, to my astonishment, handed it to his + Highland kinsman, saying, "Here's a wind has blown a letter to its right + owner, though there were ten thousand chances against its coming to + hand." +</p> +<p> + The Highlander, having examined the address, broke the letter open + without the least ceremony. I endeavoured to interrupt his proceeding. +</p> +<p> + "You must satisfy me, sir," said I, "that the letter is intended for you + before I can permit you to peruse it." +</p> +<p> + "Make yourself quite easy, Mr. Osbaldistone," replied the mountaineer + with great composure.—"remember Justice Inglewood, Clerk Jobson, Mr. + Morris—above all, remember your vera humble servant, Robert Cawmil, and + the beautiful Diana Vernon. Remember all this, and doubt no longer that + the letter is for me." +</p> +<p> + I remained astonished at my own stupidity.—Through the whole night, the + voice, and even the features of this man, though imperfectly seen, + haunted me with recollections to which I could assign no exact local or + personal associations. But now the light dawned on me at once; this man + was Campbell himself. His whole peculiarities flashed on me at once,—the + deep strong voice—the inflexible, stern, yet considerate cast of + features—the Scottish brogue, with its corresponding dialect and + imagery, which, although he possessed the power at times of laying them + aside, recurred at every moment of emotion, and gave pith to his sarcasm, + or vehemence to his expostulation. Rather beneath the middle size than + above it, his limbs were formed upon the very strongest model that is + consistent with agility, while from the remarkable ease and freedom of + his movements, you could not doubt his possessing the latter quality in a + high degree of perfection. Two points in his person interfered with the + rules of symmetry; his shoulders were so broad in proportion to his + height, as, notwithstanding the lean and lathy appearance of his frame, + gave him something the air of being too square in respect to his stature; + and his arms, though round, sinewy, and strong, were so very long as to + be rather a deformity. I afterwards heard that this length of arm was a + circumstance on which he prided himself; that when he wore his native + Highland garb, he could tie the garters of his hose without stooping; and + that it gave him great advantage in the use of the broad-sword, at which + he was very dexterous. But certainly this want of symmetry destroyed the + claim he might otherwise have set up, to be accounted a very handsome + man; it gave something wild, irregular, and, as it were, unearthly, to + his appearance, and reminded me involuntarily of the tales which Mabel + used to tell of the old Picts who ravaged Northumberland in ancient + times, who, according to her tradition, were a sort of half-goblin + half-human beings, distinguished, like this man, for courage, cunning, + ferocity, the length of their arms, and the squareness of their + shoulders. +</p> +<p> + When, however, I recollected the circumstances in which we formerly met, + I could not doubt that the billet was most probably designed for him. He + had made a marked figure among those mysterious personages over whom + Diana seemed to exercise an influence, and from whom she experienced an + influence in her turn. It was painful to think that the fate of a being + so amiable was involved in that of desperadoes of this man's + description;—yet it seemed impossible to doubt it. Of what use, however, + could this person be to my father's affairs?—I could think only of one. + Rashleigh Osbaldistone had, at the instigation of Miss Vernon, certainly + found means to produce Mr. Campbell when his presence was necessary to + exculpate me from Morris's accusation—Was it not possible that her + influence, in like manner, might prevail on Campbell to produce + Rashleigh? Speaking on this supposition, I requested to know where my + dangerous kinsman was, and when Mr. Campbell had seen him. The answer was + indirect. +</p> +<p> + "It's a kittle cast she has gien me to play; but yet it's fair play, and + I winna baulk her. Mr. Osbaldistone, I dwell not very far from hence—my + kinsman can show you the way—Leave Mr. Owen to do the best he can in + Glasgow—do you come and see me in the glens, and it's like I may + pleasure you, and stead your father in his extremity. I am but a poor + man; but wit's better than wealth—and, cousin" (turning from me to + address Mr. Jarvie), "if ye daur venture sae muckle as to eat a dish of + Scotch collops, and a leg o' red-deer venison wi' me, come ye wi' this + Sassenach gentleman as far as Drymen or Bucklivie,—or the Clachan of + Aberfoil will be better than ony o' them,—and I'll hae somebody waiting + to weise ye the gate to the place where I may be for the time—What say + ye, man? There's my thumb, I'll ne'er beguile thee." +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, Robin," said the cautious burgher, "I seldom like to leave the + Gorbals;* I have nae freedom to gang among your wild hills, Robin, and + your kilted red-shanks—it disna become my place, man." +</p> +<p> + * [The <i>Gorbals</i> or "suburbs" are situate on the south side of the + River.] +</p> +<p> + "The devil damn your place and you baith!" reiterated Campbell. "The only + drap o' gentle bluid that's in your body was our great-grand-uncle's that + was justified* at Dumbarton, and you set yourself up to say ye wad + derogate frae your place to visit me! +</p> +<p> + * [Executed for treason.] +</p> +<p> + Hark thee, man—I owe thee a day in harst—I'll pay up your thousan pund + Scots, plack and bawbee, gin ye'll be an honest fallow for anes, and just + daiker up the gate wi' this Sassenach." +</p> +<p> + "Hout awa' wi' your gentility," replied the Bailie; "carry your gentle + bluid to the Cross, and see what ye'll buy wi't. But, if I <i>were</i> to + come, wad ye really and soothfastly pay me the siller?" +</p> +<p> + "I swear to ye," said the Highlander, "upon the halidome of him that + sleeps beneath the grey stane at Inch-Cailleach."* +</p> +<p> + * Inch-Cailleach is an island in Lochlomond, where the clan of MacGregor + were wont to be interred, and where their sepulchres may still be seen. + It formerly contained a nunnery: hence the name of Inch-Cailleach, or the + island of Old Women. +</p> +<p> + "Say nae mair, Robin—say nae mair—We'll see what may be dune. But ye + maunna expect me to gang ower the Highland line—I'll gae beyond the line + at no rate. Ye maun meet me about Bucklivie or the Clachan of + Aberfoil,—and dinna forget the needful." +</p> +<p> + "Nae fear—nae fear," said Campbell; "I'll be as true as the steel blade + that never failed its master. But I must be budging, cousin, for the air + o' Glasgow tolbooth is no that ower salutary to a Highlander's + constitution." +</p> +<p> + "Troth," replied the merchant, "and if my duty were to be dune, ye + couldna change your atmosphere, as the minister ca's it, this ae wee + while.—Ochon, that I sud ever be concerned in aiding and abetting an + escape frae justice! it will be a shame and disgrace to me and mine, and + my very father's memory, for ever." +</p> +<p> + "Hout tout, man! let that flee stick in the wa'," answered his kinsman; + "when the dirt's dry it will rub out—Your father, honest man, could look + ower a friend's fault as weel as anither." +</p> +<p> + "Ye may be right, Robin," replied the Bailie, after a moment's + reflection; "he was a considerate man the deacon; he ken'd we had a' our + frailties, and he lo'ed his friends—Ye'll no hae forgotten him, Robin?" + This question he put in a softened tone, conveying as much at least of + the ludicrous as the pathetic. +</p> +<p> + "Forgotten him!" replied his kinsman—"what suld ail me to forget him?—a + wapping weaver he was, and wrought my first pair o' hose.—But come awa', + kinsman, +</p> +<pre> + Come fill up my cap, come fill up my cann, + Come saddle my horses, and call up my man; + Come open your gates, and let me gae free, + I daurna stay langer in bonny Dundee." +</pre> +<p> + "Whisht, sir!" said the magistrate, in an authoritative tone—"lilting + and singing sae near the latter end o' the Sabbath! This house may hear + ye sing anither tune yet—Aweel, we hae a' backslidings to answer + for—Stanchells, open the door." +</p> +<p> + The jailor obeyed, and we all sallied forth. Stanchells looked with some + surprise at the two strangers, wondering, doubtless, how they came into + these premises without his knowledge; but Mr. Jarvie's "Friends o' mine, + Stanchells—friends o' mine," silenced all disposition to inquiries. We + now descended into the lower vestibule, and hallooed more than once for + Dougal, to which summons no answer was returned; when Campbell observed + with a sardonic smile, "That if Dougal was the lad he kent him, he would + scarce wait to get thanks for his ain share of the night's wark, but was + in all probability on the full trot to the pass of Ballamaha"— +</p> +<p> + "And left us—and, abune a', me, mysell, locked up in the tolbooth a' + night!" exclaimed the Bailie, in ire and perturbation. "Ca' for + forehammers, sledge-hammers, pinches, and coulters; send for Deacon + Yettlin, the smith, an let him ken that Bailie Jarvie's shut up in the + tolbooth by a Highland blackguard, whom he'll hang up as high as Haman"— +</p> +<p> + "When ye catch him," said Campbell, gravely; "but stay—the door is + surely not locked." +</p> +<p> + Indeed, on examination, we found that the door was not only left open, + but that Dougal in his retreat had, by carrying off the keys along with + him, taken care that no one should exercise his office of porter in a + hurry. +</p> +<p> + "He has glimmerings o' common sense now, that creature Dougal," said + Campbell.—"he ken'd an open door might hae served me at a pinch." +</p> +<p> + We were by this time in the street. +</p> +<p> + "I tell you, Robin," said the magistrate, "in my puir mind, if ye live + the life ye do, ye suld hae ane o' your gillies door-keeper in every jail + in Scotland, in case o' the warst." +</p> +<p> + "Ane o' my kinsmen a bailie in ilka burgh will just do as weel, cousin + Nicol—So, gude-night or gude-morning to ye; and forget not the Clachan + of Aberfoil." +</p> +<p> + And without waiting for an answer, he sprung to the other side of the + street, and was lost in darkness. Immediately on his disappearance, we + heard him give a low whistle of peculiar modulation, which was instantly + replied to. +</p> +<p> + "Hear to the Hieland deevils," said Mr. Jarvie; "they think themselves on + the skirts of Benlomond already, where they may gang whewingand whistling + about without minding Sunday or Saturday." Here he was interrupted by + something which fell with a heavy clash on the street before us—"Gude + guide us what's this mair o't?—Mattie, haud up the lantern—Conscience + if it isna the keys!—Weel, that's just as weel—they cost the burgh + siller, and there might hae been some clavers about the loss o' them. O, + an Bailie Grahame were to get word o' this night's job, it would be a + sair hair in my neck!" +</p> +<p> + As we were still but a few steps from the tolbooth door, we carried back + these implements of office, and consigned them to the head jailor, who, + in lieu of the usual mode of making good his post by turning the keys, + was keeping sentry in the vestibule till the arrival of some assistant, + whom he had summoned in order to replace the Celtic fugitive Dougal. +</p> +<p> + Having discharged this piece of duty to the burgh, and my road lying the + same way with the honest magistrate's, I profited by the light of his + lantern, and he by my arm, to find our way through the streets, which, + whatever they may now be, were then dark, uneven, and ill-paved. Age is + easily propitiated by attentions from the young. The Bailie expressed + himself interested in me, and added, "That since I was nane o' that + play-acting and play-ganging generation, whom his saul hated, he wad be + glad if I wad eat a reisted haddock or a fresh herring, at breakfast wi' + him the morn, and meet my friend, Mr. Owen, whom, by that time, he would + place at liberty." +</p> +<p> + "My dear sir," said I, when I had accepted of the invitation with thanks, + "how could you possibly connect me with the stage?" +</p> +<p> + "I watna," replied Mr. Jarvie;—"it was a bletherin' phrasin' chield they + ca' Fairservice, that cam at e'en to get an order to send the crier + through the toun for ye at skreigh o' day the morn. He tell't me whae ye + were, and how ye were sent frae your father's house because ye wadna be a + dealer, and that ye mightna disgrace your family wi' ganging on the + stage. Ane Hammorgaw, our precentor, brought him here, and said he was an + auld acquaintance; but I sent them both away wi' a flae in their lug for + bringing me sic an errand, on sic a night. But I see he's a fule-creature + a'thegither, and clean mistaen about ye. I like ye, man," he continued; + "I like a lad that will stand by his friends in trouble—I aye did it + mysell, and sae did the deacon my father, rest and bless him! But ye + suldna keep ower muckle company wi' Hielandmen and thae wild cattle. Can + a man touch pitch and no be defiled?—aye mind that. Nae doubt, the best + and wisest may err—Once, twice, and thrice have I backslidden, man, and + dune three things this night—my father wadna hae believed his een if he + could hae looked up and seen me do them." +</p> +<p> + He was by this time arrived at the door of his own dwelling. He paused, + however, on the threshold, and went on in a solemn tone of deep + contrition,—"Firstly, I hae thought my ain thoughts on the + Sabbath—secondly, I hae gi'en security for an Englishman—and, in the + third and last place, well-a-day! I hae let an ill-doer escape from the + place of imprisonment—But there's balm in Gilead, Mr. Osbaldistone— + Mattie, I can let mysell in—see Mr. Osbaldistone to Luckie Flyter's, at + the corner o' the wynd.—Mr. Osbaldistone"—in a whisper—"ye'll offer + nae incivility to Mattie—she's an honest man's daughter, and a near + cousin o' the Laird + o' Limmerfield's." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0007"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + "Will it please your worship to accept of my poor service? I beseech + that I may feed upon your bread, though it be the brownest, and + drink of your drink, though it be of the smallest; for I will do + your Worship as much service for forty shillings as another man + shall for three pounds." + Greene's <i>Tu Quoque.</i> +</pre> +<p> + I remembered the honest Bailie's parting charge, but did not conceive + there was any incivility in adding a kiss to the half-crown with which I + remunerated Mattie's attendance;—nor did her "Fie for shame, sir!" + express any very deadly resentment of the affront. Repeated knocking at + Mrs. Flyter's gate awakened in due order, first, one or two stray dogs, + who began to bark with all their might; next two or three night-capped + heads, which were thrust out of the neighbouring windows to reprehend me + for disturbing the solemnity of the Sunday night by that untimely noise. + While I trembled lest the thunders of their wrath might dissolve in + showers like that of Xantippe, Mrs. Flyter herself awoke, and began, in a + tone of objurgation not unbecoming the philosophical spouse of Socrates, + to scold one or two loiterers in her kitchen, for not hastening to the + door to prevent a repetition of my noisy summons. +</p> +<p> + These worthies were, indeed, nearly concerned in the fracas which their + laziness occasioned, being no other than the faithful Mr. Fairservice, + with his friend Mr. Hammorgaw, and another person, whom I afterwards + found to be the town-crier, who were sitting over a cog of ale, as they + called it (at my expense, as my bill afterwards informed me), in order to + devise the terms and style of a proclamation to be made through the + streets the next day, in order that "the unfortunate young gentleman," as + they had the impudence to qualify me, might be restored to his friends + without farther delay. It may be supposed that I did not suppress my + displeasure at this impertinent interference with my affairs; but Andrew + set up such ejaculations of transport at my arrival, as fairly drowned my + expressions of resentment. His raptures, perchance, were partly + political; and the tears of joy which he shed had certainly their source + in that noble fountain of emotion, the tankard. However, the tumultuous + glee which he felt, or pretended to feel, at my return, saved Andrew the + broken head which I had twice destined him;—first, on account of the + colloquy he had held with the precentor on my affairs; and secondly, for + the impertinent history he had thought proper to give of me to Mr. + Jarvie. I however contented myself with slapping the door of my bedroom + in his face as he followed me, praising Heaven for my safe return, and + mixing his joy with admonitions to me to take care how I walked my own + ways in future. I then went to bed, resolving my first business in the + morning should be to discharge this troublesome, pedantic, self-conceited + coxcomb, who seemed so much disposed to constitute himself rather a + preceptor than a domestic. +</p> +<p> + Accordingly in the morning I resumed my purpose, and calling Andrew into + my apartment, requested to know his charge for guiding and attending me + as far as Glasgow. Mr. Fairservice looked very blank at this demand, + justly considering it as a presage to approaching dismission. +</p> +<p> + "Your honour," he said, after some hesitation, "wunna think—wunna + think"— +</p> +<p> + "Speak out, you rascal, or I'll break your head," said I, as Andrew, + between the double risk of losing all by asking too much, or a part, by + stating his demand lower than what I might be willing to pay, stood + gasping in the agony of doubt and calculation. +</p> +<p> + Out it came with a bolt, however, at my threat; as the kind violence of a + blow on the back sometimes delivers the windpipe from an intrusive + morsel.—"Aughteen pennies sterling per diem—that is, by the day—your + honour wadna think unconscionable." +</p> +<p> + "It is double what is usual, and treble what you merit, Andrew; but + there's a guinea for you, and get about your business." +</p> +<p> + "The Lord forgi'e us! Is your honour mad?" exclaimed Andrew. +</p> +<p> + "No; but I think you mean to make me so—I give you a third above your + demand, and you stand staring and expostulating there as if I were + cheating you. Take your money, and go about your business." +</p> +<p> + "Gude safe us!" continued Andrew, "in what can I hae offended your + honour? Certainly a' flesh is but as the flowers of the field; but if a + bed of camomile hath value in medicine, of a surety the use of Andrew + Fairservice to your honour is nothing less evident—it's as muckle as + your life's worth to part wi' me." +</p> +<p> + "Upon my honour," replied I, "it is difficult to say whether you are more + knave or fool. So you intend then to remain with me whether I like it or + no?" +</p> +<p> + "Troth, I was e'en thinking sae," replied Andrew, dogmatically; "for if + your honour disna ken when ye hae a gude servant, I ken when I hae a gude + master, and the deil be in my feet gin I leave ye—and there's the brief + and the lang o't besides I hae received nae regular warning to quit my + place." +</p> +<p> + "Your place, sir!" said I;—"why, you are no hired servant of mine,—you + are merely a guide, whose knowledge of the country I availed myself of on + my road." +</p> +<p> + "I am no just a common servant, I admit, sir," remonstrated Mr. + Fairservice; "but your honour kens I quitted a gude place at an hour's + notice, to comply wi' your honour's solicitations. A man might make + honestly, and wi' a clear conscience, twenty sterling pounds per annum, + weel counted siller, o' the garden at Osbaldistone Hall, and I wasna + likely to gi'e up a' that for a guinea, I trow—I reckoned on staying wi' + your honour to the term's end at the least o't; and I account my wage, + board-wage, fee and bountith,—ay, to that length o't at the least." +</p> +<p> + "Come, come, sir," replied I, "these impudent pretensions won't serve + your turn; and if I hear any more of them, I shall convince you that + Squire Thorncliff is not the only one of my name that can use his + fingers." +</p> +<p> + While I spoke thus, the whole matter struck me as so ridiculous, that, + though really angry, I had some difficulty to forbear laughing at the + gravity with which Andrew supported a plea so utterly extravagant. The + rascal, aware of the impression he had made on my muscles, was encouraged + to perseverance. He judged it safer, however, to take his pretensions a + peg lower, in case of overstraining at the same time both his plea and my + patience. +</p> +<p> + "Admitting that my honour could part with a faithful servant, that had + served me and mine by day and night for twenty years, in a strange place, + and at a moment's warning, he was weel assured," he said, "it wasna in my + heart, nor in no true gentleman's, to pit a puir lad like himself, that + had come forty or fifty, or say a hundred miles out o' his road purely to + bear my honour company, and that had nae handing but his penny-fee, to + sic a hardship as this comes to." +</p> +<p> + I think it was you, Will, who once told me, that, to be an obstinate man, + I am in certain things the most gullable and malleable of mortals. The + fact is, that it is only contradiction which makes me peremptory, and + when I do not feel myself called on to give battle to any proposition, I + am always willing to grant it, rather than give myself much trouble. I + knew this fellow to be a greedy, tiresome, meddling coxcomb; still, + however, I must have some one about me in the quality of guide and + domestic, and I was so much used to Andrew's humour, that on some + occasions it was rather amusing. In the state of indecision to which + these reflections led me, I asked Fairservice if he knew the roads, + towns, etc., in the north of Scotland, to which my father's concerns with + the proprietors of Highland forests were likely to lead me. I believe if + I had asked him the road to the terrestrial paradise, he would have at + that moment undertaken to guide me to it; so that I had reason afterwards + to think myself fortunate in finding that his actual knowledge did not + fall very much short of that which he asserted himself to possess. I + fixed the amount of his wages, and reserved to myself the privilege of + dismissing him when I chose, on paying him a week in advance. I gave him + finally a severe lecture on his conduct of the preceding day, and then + dismissed him rejoicing at heart, though somewhat crestfallen in + countenance, to rehearse to his friend the precentor, who was taking his + morning draught in the kitchen, the mode in which he had "cuitled up the + daft young English squire." +</p> +<p> + Agreeable to appointment, I went next to Bailie Nicol Jarvie's, where a + comfortable morning's repast was arranged in the parlour, which served as + an apartment of all hours, and almost all work, to that honest gentleman. + The bustling and benevolent magistrate had been as good as his word. I + found my friend Owen at liberty, and, conscious of the refreshments and + purification of brush and basin, was of course a very different person + from Owen a prisoner, squalid, heart-broken, and hopeless. Yet the sense + of pecuniary difficulties arising behind, before, and around him, had + depressed his spirit, and the almost paternal embrace which the good man + gave me, was embittered by a sigh of the deepest anxiety. And when he + sate down, the heaviness in his eye and manner, so different from the + quiet composed satisfaction which they usually exhibited, indicated that + he was employing his arithmetic in mentally numbering up the days, the + hours, the minutes, which yet remained as an interval between the + dishonour of bills and the downfall of the great commercial establishment + of Osbaldistone and Tresham. It was left to me, therefore, to do honour + to our landlord's hospitable cheer—to his tea, right from China, which + he got in a present from some eminent ship's-husband at Wapping—to his + coffee, from a snug plantation of his own, as he informed us with a wink, + called Saltmarket Grove, in the island of Jamaica—to his English toast + and ale, his Scotch dried salmon, his Lochfine herrings, and even to the + double-damask table-cloth, "wrought by no hand, as you may guess," save + that of his deceased father the worthy Deacon Jarvie. +</p> +<p> + Having conciliated our good-humoured host by those little attentions + which are great to most men, I endeavoured in my turn to gain from him + some information which might be useful for my guidance, as well as for + the satisfaction of my curiosity. We had not hitherto made the least + allusion to the transactions of the preceding night, a circumstance which + made my question sound somewhat abrupt, when, without any previous + introduction of the subject, I took advantage of a pause when the history + of the table-cloth ended, and that of the napkins was about to commence, + to inquire, "Pray, by the by, Mr. Jarvie, who may this Mr. Robert + Campbell be, whom we met with last night?" +</p> +<p> + The interrogatory seemed to strike the honest magistrate, to use the + vulgar phrase, "all of a heap," and instead of answering, he returned the + question—"Whae's Mr. Robert Campbell?—ahem! ahay! Whae's Mr. Robert + Campbell, quo' he?" +</p> +<p> + "Yes," said I, "I mean who and what is he?" +</p> +<p> + "Why, he's—ahay!—he's—ahem!—Where did ye meet with Mr. Robert + Campbell, as ye ca' him?" +</p> +<p> + "I met him by chance," I replied, "some months ago in the north of + England." +</p> +<p> + "Ou then, Mr. Osbaldistone," said the Bailie, doggedly, "ye'll ken as + muckle about him as I do." +</p> +<p> + "I should suppose not, Mr. Jarvie," I replied;—"you are his relation, it + seems, and his friend." +</p> +<p> + "There is some cousin-red between us, doubtless," said the Bailie + reluctantly; "but we hae seen little o' ilk other since Rob gae tip the + cattle-line o' dealing, poor fallow! he was hardly guided by them might + hae used him better—and they haena made their plack a bawbee o't + neither. There's mony ane this day wad rather they had never chased puir + Robin frae the Cross o' Glasgow—there's mony ane wad rather see him + again at the tale o' three hundred kyloes, than at the head o' thirty + waur cattle." +</p> +<p> + "All this explains nothing to me, Mr. Jarvie, of Mr. Campbell's rank, + habits of life, and means of subsistence," I replied. +</p> +<p> + "Rank?" said Mr. Jarvie; "he's a Hieland gentleman, nae doubt—better + rank need nane to be;—and for habit, I judge he wears the Hieland habit + amang the hills, though he has breeks on when he comes to Glasgow;—and + as for his subsistence, what needs we care about his subsistence, sae + lang as he asks naething frae us, ye ken? But I hae nae time for + clavering about him e'en now, because we maun look into your father's + concerns wi' all speed." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he put on his spectacles, and sate down to examine Mr. Owen's + states, which the other thought it most prudent to communicate to him + without reserve. I knew enough of business to be aware that nothing could + be more acute and sagacious than the views which Mr. Jarvie entertained + of the matters submitted to his examination; and, to do him justice, it + was marked by much fairness, and even liberality. He scratched his ear + indeed repeatedly on observing the balance which stood at the debit of + Osbaldistone and Tresham in account with himself personally. +</p> +<p> + "It may be a dead loss," he observed; "and, conscience! whate'er ane o' + your Lombard Street goldsmiths may say to it, it's a snell ane in the + Saut-Market* o' Glasgow. It will be a heavy deficit—a staff out o' my + bicker, I trow. +</p> +<p> + * [The Saltmarket. This ancient street, situate in the heart of Glasgow, + has of late been almost entirely renovated.] +</p> +<p> + But what then?—I trust the house wunna coup the crane for a' that's come + and gane yet; and if it does, I'll never bear sae base a mind as thae + corbies in the Gallowgate—an I am to lose by ye, I'se ne'er deny I hae + won by ye mony a fair pund sterling—Sae, an it come to the warst, I'se + een lay the head o' the sow to the tail o' the grice."* +</p> +<p> + * <i>Anglice,</i> the head of the sow to the tail of the pig. +</p> +<p> + I did not altogether understand the proverbial arrangement with which Mr. + Jarvie consoled himself, but I could easily see that he took a kind and + friendly interest in the arrangement of my father's affairs, suggested + several expedients, approved several plans proposed by Owen, and by his + countenance and counsel greatly abated the gloom upon the brow of that + afflicted delegate of my father's establishment. +</p> +<p> + As I was an idle spectator on this occasion, and, perhaps, as I showed + some inclination more than once to return to the prohibited, and + apparently the puzzling subject of Mr. Campbell, Mr. Jarvie dismissed me + with little formality, with an advice to "gang up the gate to the + college, where I wad find some chields could speak Greek and Latin + weel—at least they got plenty o' siller for doing deil haet else, if they + didna do that; and where I might read a spell o' the worthy Mr. Zachary + Boyd's translation o' the Scriptures—better poetry need nane to be, as + he had been tell'd by them that ken'd or suld hae ken'd about sic + things." But he seasoned this dismission with a kind and hospitable + invitation "to come back and take part o' his family-chack at ane + preceesely—there wad be a leg o' mutton, and, it might be, a tup's head, + for they were in season;" but above all, I was to return at "ane o'clock + preceesely—it was the hour he and the deacon his father aye dined + at—they pat it off for naething nor for naebody." +</p> +<a name="2HCH0008"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTH. +</h2> +<pre> + So stands the Thracian herdsman with his spear + Full in the gap, and hopes the hunted bear; + And hears him in the rustling wood, and sees + His course at distance by the bending trees, + And thinks—Here comes my mortal enemy, + And either he must fall in fight, or I. + Palamon and Arcite. +</pre> +<p> + I took the route towards the college, as recommended by Mr. Jarvie, less + with the intention of seeking for any object of interest or amusement, + than to arrange my own ideas, and meditate on my future conduct. I + wandered from one quadrangle of old-fashioned buildings to another, and + from thence to the College-yards, or walking ground, where, pleased with + the solitude of the place, most of the students being engaged in their + classes, I took several turns, pondering on the waywardness of my own + destiny. +</p> +<p> + I could not doubt, from the circumstances attending my first meeting with + this person Campbell, that he was engaged in some strangely desperate + courses; and the reluctance with which Mr. Jarvie alluded to his person + or pursuits, as well as all the scene of the preceding night, tended to + confirm these suspicions. Yet to this man Diana Vernon had not, it would + seem, hesitated to address herself in my behalf; and the conduct of the + magistrate himself towards him showed an odd mixture of kindness, and + even respect, with pity and censure. Something there must be uncommon in + Campbell's situation and character; and what was still more + extraordinary, it seemed that his fate was doomed to have influence over, + and connection with, my own. I resolved to bring Mr. Jarvie to close + quarters on the first proper opportunity, and learn as much as was + possible on the subject of this mysterious person, in order that I might + judge whether it was possible for me, without prejudice to my reputation, + to hold that degree of farther correspondence with him to which he seemed + to invite. +</p> +<p> + While I was musing on these subjects, my attention was attracted by three + persons who appeared at the upper end of the walk through which I was + sauntering, seemingly engaged in very earnest conversation. That + intuitive impression which announces to us the approach of whomsoever we + love or hate with intense vehemence, long before a more indifferent eye + can recognise their persons, flashed upon my mind the sure conviction + that the midmost of these three men was Rashleigh Osbaldistone. To + address him was my first impulse;—my second was, to watch him until he + was alone, or at least to reconnoitre his companions before confronting + him. The party was still at such distance, and engaged in such deep + discourse, that I had time to step unobserved to the other side of a + small hedge, which imperfectly screened the alley in which I was walking. + It was at this period the fashion of the young and gay to wear, in their + morning walks, a scarlet cloak, often laced and embroidered, above their + other dress, and it was the trick of the time for gallants occasionally + to dispose it so as to muffle a part of the face. The imitating this + fashion, with the degree of shelter which I received from the hedge, + enabled me to meet my cousin, unobserved by him or the others, except + perhaps as a passing stranger. I was not a little startled at recognising + in his companions that very Morris on whose account I had been summoned + before Justice Inglewood, and Mr. MacVittie the merchant, from whose + starched and severe aspect I had recoiled on the preceding day. +</p> +<p> + A more ominous conjunction to my own affairs, and those of my father, + could scarce have been formed. I remembered Morris's false accusation + against me, which he might be as easily induced to renew as he had been + intimidated to withdraw; I recollected the inauspicious influence of + MacVittie over my father's affairs, testified by the imprisonment of + Owen;—and I now saw both these men combined with one, whose talent for + mischief I deemed little inferior to those of the great author of all + ill, and my abhorrence of whom almost amounted to dread. +</p> +<p> + When they had passed me for some paces, I turned and followed them + unobserved. At the end of the walk they separated, Morris and MacVittie + leaving the gardens, and Rashleigh returning alone through the walks. I + was now determined to confront him, and demand reparation for the + injuries he had done my father, though in what form redress was likely to + be rendered remained to be known. This, however, I trusted to chance; and + flinging back the cloak in which I was muffled, I passed through a gap of + the low hedge, and presented myself before Rashleigh, as, in a deep + reverie, he paced down the avenue. +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh was no man to be surprised or thrown off his guard by sudden + occurrences. Yet he did not find me thus close to him, wearing + undoubtedly in my face the marks of that indignation which was glowing in + my bosom, without visibly starting at an apparition so sudden and + menacing. +</p> +<p> + "You are well met, sir," was my commencement; "I was about to take a long + and doubtful journey in quest of you." +</p> +<p> + "You know little of him you sought then," replied Rashleigh, with his + usual undaunted composure. "I am easily found by my friends—still more + easily by my foes;—your manner compels me to ask in which class I must + rank Mr. Francis Osbaldistone?" +</p> +<p> + "In that of your foes, sir," I answered—"in that of your mortal foes, + unless you instantly do justice to your benefactor, my father, by + accounting for his property." +</p> +<p> + "And to whom, Mr. Osbaldistone," answered Rashleigh, "am I, a member of + your father's commercial establishment, to be compelled to give any + account of my proceedings in those concerns, which are in every respect + identified with my own?—Surely not to a young gentleman whose exquisite + taste for literature would render such discussions disgusting and + unintelligible." +</p> +<p> + "Your sneer, sir, is no answer; I will not part with you until I have + full satisfaction concerning the fraud you meditate—you shall go with me + before a magistrate." +</p> +<p> + "Be it so," said Rashleigh, and made a step or two as if to accompany me; + then pausing, proceeded—"Were I inclined to do so as you would have me, + you should soon feel which of us had most reason to dread the presence of + a magistrate. But I have no wish to accelerate your fate. Go, young man! + amuse yourself in your world of poetical imaginations, and leave the + business of life to those who understand and can conduct it." +</p> +<p> + His intention, I believe, was to provoke me, and he succeeded. "Mr. + Osbaldistone," I said, "this tone of calm insolence shall not avail you. + You ought to be aware that the name we both bear never submitted to + insult, and shall not in my person be exposed to it." +</p> +<p> + "You remind me," said Rashleigh, with one of his blackest looks, "that it + was dishonoured in my person!—and you remind me also by whom! Do you + think I have forgotten the evening at Osbaldistone Hall when you cheaply + and with impunity played the bully at my expense? For that insult—never + to be washed out but by blood!—for the various times you have crossed my + path, and always to my prejudice—for the persevering folly with which + you seek to traverse schemes, the importance of which you neither know + nor are capable of estimating,—for all these, sir, you owe me a long + account, for which there shall come an early day of reckoning." +</p> +<p> + "Let it come when it will," I replied, "I shall be willing and ready to + meet it. Yet you seem to have forgotten the heaviest article—that I had + the pleasure to aid Miss Vernon's good sense and virtuous feeling in + extricating her from your infamous toils." +</p> +<p> + I think his dark eyes flashed actual fire at this home-taunt, and yet his + voice retained the same calm expressive tone with which he had hitherto + conducted the conversation. +</p> +<p> + "I had other views with respect to you, young man," was his answer: "less + hazardous for you, and more suitable to my present character and former + education. But I see you will draw on yourself the personal chastisement + your boyish insolence so well merits. Follow me to a more remote spot, + where we are less likely to be interrupted." +</p> +<p> + I followed him accordingly, keeping a strict eye on his motions, for I + believed him capable of the very worst actions. We reached an open spot + in a sort of wilderness, laid out in the Dutch taste, with clipped + hedges, and one or two statues. I was on my guard, and it was well with + me that I was so; for Rashleigh's sword was out and at my breast ere I + could throw down my cloak, or get my weapon unsheathed, so that I only + saved my life by springing a pace or two backwards. He had some advantage + in the difference of our weapons; for his sword, as I recollect, was + longer than mine, and had one of those bayonet or three-cornered blades + which are now generally worn; whereas mine was what we then called a + Saxon blade—narrow, flat, and two-edged, and scarcely so manageable as + that of my enemy. In other respects we were pretty equally matched: for + what advantage I might possess in superior address and agility, was fully + counterbalanced by Rashleigh's great strength and coolness. He fought, + indeed, more like a fiend than a man—with concentrated spite and desire + of blood, only allayed by that cool consideration which made his worst + actions appear yet worse from the air of deliberate premeditation which + seemed to accompany them. His obvious malignity of purpose never for a + moment threw him off his guard, and he exhausted every feint and + stratagem proper to the science of defence; while, at the same time, he + meditated the most desperate catastrophe to our rencounter. +</p> +<p> + On my part, the combat was at first sustained with more moderation. My + passions, though hasty, were not malevolent; and the walk of two or three + minutes' space gave me time to reflect that Rashleigh was my father's + nephew, the son of an uncle, who after his fashion had been kind to me, + and that his falling by my hand could not but occasion much family + distress. My first resolution, therefore, was to attempt to disarm my + antagonist—a manoeuvre in which, confiding in my superiority of skill + and practice, I anticipated little difficulty. I found, however, I had + met my match; and one or two foils which I received, and from the + consequences of which I narrowly escaped, obliged me to observe more + caution in my mode of fighting. By degrees I became exasperated at the + rancour with which Rashleigh sought my life, and returned his passes with + an inveteracy resembling in some degree his own; so that the combat had + all the appearance of being destined to have a tragic issue. That issue + had nearly taken place at my expense. My foot slipped in a full lounge + which I made at my adversary, and I could not so far recover myself as + completely to parry the thrust with which my pass was repaid. Yet it took + but partial effect, running through my waistcoat, grazing my ribs, and + passing through my coat behind. The hilt of Rashleigh's sword, so great + was the vigour of his thrust, struck against my breast with such force as + to give me great pain, and confirm me in the momentary belief that I was + mortally wounded. Eager for revenge, I grappled with my enemy, seizing + with my left hand the hilt of his sword, and shortening my own with the + purpose of running him through the body. Our death-grapple was + interrupted by a man who forcibly threw himself between us, and pushing + us separate from each other, exclaimed, in a loud and commanding voice, + "What! the sons of those fathers who sucked the same breast shedding each + others bluid as it were strangers'!—By the hand of my father, I will + cleave to the brisket the first man that mints another stroke!" +</p> +<p> + I looked up in astonishment. The speaker was no other than Campbell. He + had a basket-hilted broadsword drawn in his hand, which he made to + whistle around his head as he spoke, as if for the purpose of enforcing + his mediation. Rashleigh and I stared in silence at this unexpected + intruder, who proceeded to exhort us alternately:—"Do you, Maister + Francis, opine that ye will re-establish your father's credit by cutting + your kinsman's thrapple, or getting your ain sneckit instead thereof in + the College-yards of Glasgow?—Or do you, Mr Rashleigh, think men will + trust their lives and fortunes wi' ane, that, when in point of trust and + in point of confidence wi' a great political interest, gangs about + brawling like a drunken gillie?—Nay, never look gash or grim at me, + man—if ye're angry, ye ken how to turn the buckle o' your belt behind + you." +</p> +<p> + "You presume on my present situation," replied Rashleigh, "or you would + have hardly dared to interfere where my honour is concerned." +</p> +<a name="image-0005"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb100.jpg" height="503" width="766" +alt="Rob Roy Parting the Duelists +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Hout! tout! tout!—Presume? And what for should it be presuming?—Ye may + be the richer man, Mr. Osbaldistone, as is maist likely; and ye may be + the mair learned man, whilk I dispute not: but I reckon ye are neither a + prettier man nor a better gentleman than mysell—and it will be news to + me when I hear ye are as gude. And <i>dare</i> too? Muckle daring there's + about it—I trow, here I stand, that hae slashed as het a haggis as ony + o' the twa o' ye, and thought nae muckle o' my morning's wark when it was + dune. If my foot were on the heather as it's on the causeway, or this + pickle gravel, that's little better, I hae been waur mistrysted than if I + were set to gie ye baith your ser'ing o't." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh had by this time recovered his temper completely. "My kinsman," + he said, "will acknowledge he forced this quarrel on me. It was none of + my seeking. I am glad we are interrupted before I chastised his + forwardness more severely." +</p> +<p> + "Are ye hurt, lad?" inquired Campbell of me, with some appearance of + interest. +</p> +<p> + "A very slight scratch," I answered, "which my kind cousin would not long + have boasted of had not you come between us." +</p> +<p> + "In troth, and that's true, Maister Rashleigh," said Campbell; "for the + cauld iron and your best bluid were like to hae become acquaint when I + mastered Mr. Frank's right hand. But never look like a sow playing upon a + trump for the luve of that, man—come and walk wi' me. I hae news to tell + ye, and ye'll cool and come to yourself, like MacGibbon's crowdy, when he + set it out at the window-bole." +</p> +<p> + "Pardon me, sir," said I. "Your intentions have seemed friendly to me on + more occasions than one; but I must not, and will not, quit sight of this + person until he yields up to me those means of doing justice to my + father's engagements, of which he has treacherously possessed himself." +</p> +<p> + "Ye're daft, man," replied Campbell; "it will serve ye naething to follow + us e'enow; ye hae just enow o' ae man—wad ye bring twa on your head, and + might bide quiet?" +</p> +<p> + "Twenty," I replied, "if it be necessary." +</p> +<p> + I laid my hand on Rashleigh's collar, who made no resistance, but said, + with a sort of scornful smile, "You hear him, MacGregor! he rushes on his + fate—will it be my fault if he falls into it?—The warrants are by this + time ready, and all is prepared." +</p> +<p> + The Scotchman was obviously embarrassed. He looked around, and before, + and behind him, and then said—"The ne'er a bit will I yield my consent + to his being ill-guided for standing up for the father that got him—and + I gie God's malison and mine to a' sort o' magistrates, justices, + bailies., sheriffs, sheriff-officers, constables, and sic-like black + cattle, that hae been the plagues o' puir auld Scotland this hunder + year.—it was a merry warld when every man held his ain gear wi' his ain + grip, and when the country side wasna fashed wi' warrants and poindings + and apprizings, and a' that cheatry craft. And ance mair I say it, my + conscience winna see this puir thoughtless lad ill-guided, and especially + wi' that sort o' trade. I wad rather ye fell till't again, and fought it + out like douce honest men." +</p> +<p> + "Your conscience, MacGregor!" said Rashleigh; "you forget how long you + and I have known each other." +</p> +<p> + "Yes, my conscience," reiterated Campbell, or MacGregor, or whatever was + his name; "I hae such a thing about me, Maister Osbaldistone; and therein + it may weel chance that I hae the better o' you. As to our knowledge of + each other,—if ye ken what I am, ye ken what usage it was made me what I + am; and, whatever you may think, I would not change states with the + proudest of the oppressors that hae driven me to tak the heather-bush for + a beild. What <i>you</i> are, Maister Rashleigh, and what excuse ye hae for + being <i>what</i> you are, is between your ain heart and the lang day.—And + now, Maister Francis, let go his collar; for he says truly, that ye are + in mair danger from a magistrate than he is, and were your cause as + straight as an arrow, he wad find a way to put you wrang—So let go his + craig, as I was saying." +</p> +<p> + He seconded his words with an effort so sudden and unexpected, that he + freed Rashleigh from my hold, and securing me, notwithstanding my + struggles, in his own Herculean gripe, he called out—"Take the bent, Mr. + Rashleigh—Make ae pair o' legs worth twa pair o' hands; ye hae dune that + before now." +</p> +<p> + "You may thank this gentleman, kinsman," said Rashleigh, "if I leave any + part of my debt to you unpaid; and if I quit you now, it is only in the + hope we shall soon meet again without the possibility of interruption." +</p> +<p> + He took up his sword, wiped it, sheathed it, and was lost among the + bushes. +</p> +<p> + The Scotchman, partly by force, partly by remonstrance, prevented my + following him; indeed I began to be of opinion my doing so would be to + little purpose. +</p> +<p> + "As I live by bread," said Campbell, when, after one or two struggles in + which he used much forbearance towards me, he perceived me inclined to + stand quiet, "I never saw sae daft a callant! I wad hae gien the best man + in the country the breadth o' his back gin he had gien me sic a kemping + as ye hae dune. What wad ye do?—Wad ye follow the wolf to his den? I + tell ye, man, he has the auld trap set for ye—He has got the + collector-creature Morris to bring up a' the auld story again, + and ye maun look for nae help frae me here, as ye got at Justice + Inglewood's;—it isna good for my health to come in the gate o' the + whigamore bailie bodies. Now gang your ways hame, like a gude + bairn—jouk and let the jaw gae by—Keep out o' sight o' Rashleigh, and + Morris, and that MacVittie animal—Mind the Clachan of Aberfoil, as I + said before, and by the word of a gentleman, I wunna see ye wranged. But + keep a calm sough till we meet again—I maun gae and get Rashleigh out + o' the town afore waur comes o't, for the neb o' him's never out o' + mischief—Mind the Clachan of Aberfoil." +</p> +<p> + He turned upon his heel, and left me to meditate on the singular events + which had befallen me. My first care was to adjust my dress and reassume + my cloak, disposing it so as to conceal the blood which flowed down my + right side. I had scarcely accomplished this, when, the classes of the + college being dismissed, the gardens began to be filled with parties of + the students. I therefore left them as soon as possible; and in my way + towards Mr. Jarvie's, whose dinner hour was now approaching, I stopped at + a small unpretending shop, the sign of which intimated the indweller to + be Christopher Neilson, surgeon and apothecary. I requested of a little + boy who was pounding some stuff in a mortar, that he would procure me an + audience of this learned pharmacopolist. He opened the door of the back + shop, where I found a lively elderly man, who shook his head + incredulously at some idle account I gave him of having been wounded + accidentally by the button breaking off my antagonist's foil while I was + engaged in a fencing match. When he had applied some lint and somewhat + else he thought proper to the trifling wound I had received, he + observed—"There never was button on the foil that made this hurt. Ah! + young blood! young blood!—But we surgeons are a secret generation—If + it werena for hot blood and ill blood, what wad become of the twa + learned faculties?" +</p> +<p> + With which moral reflection he dismissed me; and I experienced very + little pain or inconvenience afterwards from the scratch I had received. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0009"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER NINTH. +</h2> +<pre> + An iron race the mountain-cliffs maintain, + Foes to the gentler genius of the plain. + ******* + Who while their rocky ramparts round they see, + The rough abode of want and liberty, + As lawless force from confidence will grow, + Insult the plenty of the vales below. + Gray. +</pre> +<p> + "What made ye sae late?" said Mr. Jarvie, as I entered the dining-parlour + of that honest gentleman; "it is chappit ane the best feek o' five + minutes by-gane. Mattie has been twice at the door wi' the dinner, and + weel for you it was a tup's head, for that canna suffer by delay. A + sheep's head ower muckle boiled is rank poison, as my worthy father used + to say—he likit the lug o' ane weel, honest man." +</p> +<p> + I made a suitable apology for my breach of punctuality, and was soon + seated at table, where Mr. Jarvie presided with great glee and + hospitality, compelling, however, Owen and myself to do rather more + justice to the Scottish dainties with which his board was charged, than + was quite agreeable to our southern palates. I escaped pretty well, from + having those habits of society which enable one to elude this species of + well-meant persecution. But it was ridiculous enough to see Owen, whose + ideas of politeness were more rigorous and formal, and who was willing, + in all acts of lawful compliance, to evince his respect for the friend of + the firm, eating with rueful complaisance mouthful after mouthful of + singed wool, and pronouncing it excellent, in a tone in which disgust + almost overpowered civility. +</p> +<p> + When the cloth was removed, Mr. Jarvie compounded with his own hands a + very small bowl of brandy-punch, the first which I had ever the fortune + to see. +</p> +<p> + "The limes," he assured us, "were from his own little farm yonder-awa" + (indicating the West Indies with a knowing shrug of his shoulders), "and + he had learned the art of composing the liquor from auld Captain + Coffinkey, who acquired it," he added in a whisper, "'as maist folk + thought, among the Buccaniers. But it's excellent liquor," said he, + helping us round; "and good ware has aften come frae a wicked market. And + as for Captain Coffinkey, he was a decent man when I kent him, only he + used to swear awfully—But he's dead, and gaen to his account, and I + trust he's accepted—I trust he's accepted." +</p> +<p> + We found the liquor exceedingly palatable, and it led to a long + conversation between Owen and our host on the opening which the Union had + afforded to trade between Glasgow and the British Colonies in America and + the West Indies, and on the facilities which Glasgow possessed of making + up sortable cargoes for that market. Mr. Jarvie answered some objection + which Owen made on the difficulty of sorting a cargo for America, without + buying from England, with vehemence and volubility. +</p> +<p> + "Na, na, sir, we stand on our ain bottom—we pickle in our ain + pock-neuk—We hae our Stirling serges, Musselburgh stuffs, Aberdeen hose, + Edinburgh shalloons, and the like, for our woollen or worsted goods—and + we hae linens of a' kinds better and cheaper than you hae in Lunnon + itsell—and we can buy your north o' England wares, as Manchester wares, + Sheffield wares, and Newcastle earthenware, as cheap as you can at + Liverpool—And we are making a fair spell at cottons and muslins—Na, na! + let every herring hing by its ain head, and every sheep by its ain shank, + and ye'll find, sir, us Glasgow folk no sae far ahint but what we may + follow.—This is but poor entertainment for you, Mr. Osbaldistone" + (observing that I had been for some time silent); "but ye ken cadgers + maun aye be speaking about cart-saddles." +</p> +<p> + I apologised, alleging the painful circumstances of my own situation, and + the singular adventures of the morning, as the causes of my abstraction + and absence of mind. In this manner I gained what I sought—an + opportunity of telling my story distinctly and without interruption. I + only omitted mentioning the wound I had received, which I did not think + worthy of notice. Mr. Jarvie listened with great attention and apparent + interest, twinkling his little grey eyes, taking snuff, and only + interrupting me by brief interjections. When I came to the account of the + rencounter, at which Owen folded his hands and cast up his eyes to + Heaven, the very image of woeful surprise, Mr. Jarvie broke in upon the + narration with "Wrang now—clean wrang—to draw a sword on your kinsman + is inhibited by the laws o' God and man; and to draw a sword on the + streets of a royal burgh is punishable by fine and imprisonment—and the + College-yards are nae better privileged—they should be a place of peace + and quietness, I trow. The College didna get gude L600 a year out o' + bishops' rents (sorrow fa' the brood o' bishops and their rents too!), + nor yet a lease o' the archbishopric o' Glasgow the sell o't, that they + suld let folk tuilzie in their yards, or the wild callants bicker there + wi' snaw-ba's as they whiles do, that when Mattie and I gae through, we + are fain to make a baik and a bow, or run the risk o' our harns being + knocked out—it suld be looked to.*—But come awa'wi' your tale—what + fell neist?" +</p> +<p> + * The boys in Scotland used formerly to make a sort of Saturnalia in a + snow-storm, by pelting passengers with snowballs. But those exposed to + that annoyance were excused from it on the easy penalty of a baik + (courtesy) from a female, or a bow from a man. It was only the refractory + who underwent the storm. +</p> +<p> + On my mentioning the appearance of Mr. Campbell, Jarvie arose in great + surprise, and paced the room, exclaiming, "Robin again!—Robert's + mad—clean wud, and waur—Rob will be hanged, and disgrace a' his + kindred, and that will be seen and heard tell o'. My father the deacon + wrought him his first hose—Od, I am thinking Deacon Threeplie, the + rape-spinner, will be twisting his last cravat. Ay, ay, puir Robin is in + a fair way o' being hanged—But come awa', come awa'—let's hear the + lave o't." +</p> +<p> + I told the whole story as pointedly as I could; but Mr. Jarvie still + found something lacking to make it clear, until I went back, though with + considerable reluctance, on the whole story of Morris, and of my meeting + with Campbell at the house of Justice Inglewood. Mr. Jarvie inclined a + serious ear to all this, and remained silent for some time after I had + finished my narrative. +</p> +<p> + "Upon all these matters I am now to ask your advice, Mr. Jarvie, which, I + have no doubt, will point out the best way to act for my father's + advantage and my own honour." +</p> +<p> + "Ye're right, young man—ye're right," said the Bailie. "Aye take the + counsel of those who are aulder and wiser than yourself, and binna like + the godless Rehoboam, who took the advice o' a wheen beardless callants, + neglecting the auld counsellors who had sate at the feet o' his father + Solomon, and, as it was weel put by Mr. Meiklejohn, in his lecture on the + chapter, were doubtless partakers of his sapience. But I maun hear + naething about honour—we ken naething here but about credit. Honour is a + homicide and a bloodspiller, that gangs about making frays in the street; + but Credit is a decent honest man, that sits at hame and makes the pat + play." +</p> +<p> + "Assuredly, Mr. Jarvie," said our friend Owen, "credit is the sum total; + and if we can but save that, at whatever discount"— +</p> +<p> + "Ye are right, Mr. Owen—ye are right; ye speak weel and wisely; and I + trust bowls will row right, though they are a wee ajee e'enow. But + touching Robin, I am of opinion he will befriend this young man if it is + in his power. He has a gude heart, puir Robin; and though I lost a matter + o' twa hundred punds wi' his former engagements, and haena muckle + expectation ever to see back my thousand punds Scots that he promises me + e'enow, yet I will never say but what Robin means fair by men." +</p> +<p> + "I am then to consider him," I replied, "as an honest man?" +</p> +<p> + "Umph!" replied Jarvie, with a precautionary sort of cough—"Ay, he has a + kind o' Hieland honesty—he's honest after a sort, as they say. My father + the deacon used aye to laugh when he tauld me how that by-word came up. + Ane Captain Costlett was cracking crouse about his loyalty to King + Charles, and Clerk Pettigrew (ye'll hae heard mony a tale about him) + asked him after what manner he served the king, when he was fighting + again him at Wor'ster in Cromwell's army; and Captain Costlett was a + ready body, and said that he served him <i>after a sort.</i> My honest father + used to laugh weel at that sport—and sae the by-word came up." +</p> +<p> + "But do you think," I said, "that this man will be able to serve me after + a sort, or should I trust myself to this place of rendezvous which he has + given me?" +</p> +<p> + "Frankly and fairly, it's worth trying. Ye see yourself there's some risk + in your staying here. This bit body Morris has gotten a custom-house + place doun at Greenock—that's a port on the Firth doun by here; and tho' + a' the world kens him to be but a twa-leggit creature, wi' a goose's head + and a hen's heart, that goes about on the quay plaguing folk about + permits, and cockits, and dockits, and a' that vexatious trade, yet if he + lodge an information—ou, nae doubt a man in magisterial duty maun attend + to it, and ye might come to be clapped up between four wa's, whilk wad be + ill-convenient to your father's affairs." +</p> +<p> + "True," I observed; "yet what service am I likely to render him by + leaving Glasgow, which, it is probable, will be the principal scene of + Rashleigh's machinations, and committing myself to the doubtful faith of + a man of whom I know little but that he fears justice, and has doubtless + good reasons for doing so; and that, for some secret, and probably + dangerous purpose, he is in close league and alliance with the very + person who is like to be the author of our ruin?" +</p> +<p> + "Ah, but ye judge Rob hardly," said the Bailie, "ye judge him hardly, + puir chield; and the truth is, that ye ken naething about our hill + country, or Hielands, as we ca' them. They are clean anither set frae the + like o' huz;—there's nae bailie-courts amang them—nae magistrates that + dinna bear the sword in vain, like the worthy deacon that's awa', and, I + may say't, like mysell and other present magistrates in this city—But + it's just the laird's command, and the loon maun loup; and the never + another law hae they but the length o' their dirks—the broadsword's + pursuer, or plaintiff, as you Englishers ca' it, and the target is + defender; the stoutest head bears langest out;—and there's a Hieland + plea for ye." +</p> +<p> + Owen groaned deeply; and I allow that the description did not greatly + increase my desire to trust myself in a country so lawless as he + described these Scottish mountains. +</p> +<p> + "Now, sir," said Jarvie, "we speak little o' thae things, because they + are familiar to oursells; and where's the use o' vilifying ane's country, + and bringing a discredit on ane's kin, before southrons and strangers? + It's an ill bird that files its ain nest." +</p> +<p> + "Well, sir, but as it is no impertinent curiosity of mine, but real + necessity, that obliges me to make these inquiries, I hope you will not + be offended at my pressing for a little farther information. I have to + deal, on my father's account, with several gentlemen of these wild + countries, and I must trust your good sense and experience for the + requisite lights upon the subject." +</p> +<p> + This little morsel of flattery was not thrown out in vain. "Experience!" + said the Bailie—"I hae had experience, nae doubt, and I hae made some + calculations—Ay, and to speak quietly amang oursells, I hae made some + perquisitions through Andrew Wylie, my auld clerk; he's wi' MacVittie & + Co. now—but he whiles drinks a gill on the Saturday afternoons wi' his + auld master. And since ye say ye are willing to be guided by the Glasgow + weaver-body's advice, I am no the man that will refuse it to the son of + an auld correspondent, and my father the deacon was nane sic afore me. I + have whiles thought o' letting my lights burn before the Duke of Argyle, + or his brother Lord Ilay (for wherefore should they be hidden under a + bushel?), but the like o' thae grit men wadna mind the like o' me, a puir + wabster body—they think mair o' wha says a thing, than o' what the thing + is that's said. The mair's the pity—mair's the pity. Not that I wad + speak ony ill of this MacCallum More—'Curse not the rich in your + bedchamber,' saith the son of Sirach, 'for a bird of the air shall carry + the clatter, and pint-stoups hae lang lugs.'" +</p> +<p> + I interrupted these prolegomena, in which Mr. Jarvie was apt to be + somewhat diffuse, by praying him to rely upon Mr. Owen and myself as + perfectly secret and safe confidants. +</p> +<p> + "It's no for that," he replied, "for I fear nae man—what for suld I?—I + speak nae treason—Only thae Hielandmen hae lang grips, and I whiles gang + a wee bit up the glens to see some auld kinsfolks, and I wadna willingly + be in bad blude wi' ony o' their clans. Howsumever, to proceed—ye maun + understand I found my remarks on figures, whilk as Mr. Owen here weel + kens, is the only true demonstrable root of human knowledge." +</p> +<p> + Owen readily assented to a proposition so much in his own way, and our + orator proceeded. +</p> +<p> + "These Hielands of ours, as we ca' them, gentlemen, are but a wild kind + of warld by themsells, full of heights and howes, woods, caverns, lochs, + rivers, and mountains, that it wad tire the very deevil's wings to flee + to the tap o' them. And in this country, and in the isles, whilk are + little better, or, to speak the truth, rather waur than the mainland, + there are about twa hunder and thirty parochines, including the Orkneys, + where, whether they speak Gaelic or no I wotna, but they are an + uncivilised people. Now, sirs, I sall haud ilk parochine at the moderate + estimate of eight hunder examinable persons, deducting children under + nine years of age, and then adding one-fifth to stand for bairns of nine + years auld, and under, the whole population will reach to the sum of—let + us add one-fifth to 800 to be the multiplier, and 230 being the + multiplicand"— +</p> +<p> + "The product," said Mr. Owen, who entered delightedly into these + statistics of Mr. Jarvie, "will be 230,000." +</p> +<p> + "Right, sir—perfectly right; and the military array of this Hieland + country, were a' the men-folk between aughteen and fifty-six brought out + that could bear arms, couldna come weel short of fifty-seven thousand + five hundred men. Now, sir, it's a sad and awfu' truth, that there is + neither wark, nor the very fashion nor appearance of wark, for the tae + half of thae puir creatures; that is to say, that the agriculture, the + pasturage, the fisheries, and every species of honest industry about the + country, cannot employ the one moiety of the population, let them work as + lazily as they like, and they do work as if a pleugh or a spade burnt + their fingers. Aweel, sir, this moiety of unemployed bodies, amounting + to"— +</p> +<p> + "To one hundred and fifteen thousand souls," said Owen, "being the half + of the above product." +</p> +<p> + "Ye hae't, Mr. Owen—ye hae't—whereof there may be twenty-eight thousand + seven hundred able-bodied gillies fit to bear arms, and that do bear + arms, and will touch or look at nae honest means of livelihood even if + they could get it—which, lack-a-day! they cannot." +</p> +<p> + "But is it possible," said I, "Mr. Jarvie, that this can be a just + picture of so large a portion of the island of Britain?" +</p> +<p> + "Sir, I'll make it as plain as Peter Pasley's pike-staff. I will allow + that ilk parochine, on an average, employs fifty pleughs, whilk is a + great proportion in sic miserable soil as thae creatures hae to labour, + and that there may be pasture enough for pleugh-horses, and owsen, and + forty or fifty cows; now, to take care o' the pleughs and cattle, we'se + allow seventy-five families of six lives in ilk family, and we'se add + fifty mair to make even numbers, and ye hae five hundred souls, the tae + half o' the population, employed and maintained in a sort o' fashion, wi' + some chance of sour-milk and crowdie; but I wad be glad to ken what the + other five hunder are to do?" +</p> +<p> + "In the name of God!" said I, "what <i>do</i> they do, Mr. Jarvie? It makes me + shudder to think of their situation." +</p> +<p> + "Sir," replied the Bailie, "ye wad maybe shudder mair if ye were living + near hand them. For, admitting that the tae half of them may make some + little thing for themsells honestly in the Lowlands by shearing in harst, + droving, hay-making, and the like; ye hae still mony hundreds and + thousands o' lang-legged Hieland gillies that will neither work nor want, + and maun gang thigging and sorning* about on their acquaintance, or live + by doing the laird's bidding, be't right or be't wrang. +</p> +<p> + * <i>Thigging</i> and <i>sorning</i> was a kind of genteel begging, or rather + something between begging and robbing, by which the needy in Scotland + used to extort cattle, or the means of subsistence, from those who had + any to give. +</p> +<p> + And mair especially, mony hundreds o' them come down to the borders of + the low country, where there's gear to grip, and live by stealing, + reiving, lifting cows, and the like depredations—a thing deplorable in + ony Christian country!—the mair especially, that they take pride in it, + and reckon driving a spreagh (whilk is, in plain Scotch, stealing a herd + of nowte) a gallant, manly action, and mair befitting of pretty* men (as + sic reivers will ca' themselves), than to win a day's wage by ony honest + thrift. +</p> +<p> + * The word <i>pretty</i> is or was used in Scotch, in the sense of the German + <i>prachtig,</i> and meant a gallant, alert fellow, prompt and ready at his + weapons. +</p> +<p> + And the lairds are as bad as the loons; for if they dinna bid them gae + reive and harry, the deil a bit they forbid them; and they shelter them, + or let them shelter themselves, in their woods and mountains, and + strongholds, whenever the thing's dune. And every ane o' them will + maintain as mony o' his ane name, or his clan, as we say, as he can rap + and rend means for; or, whilk's the same thing, as mony as can in ony + fashion, fair or foul, mainteen themsells. And there they are wi' gun and + pistol, dirk and dourlach, ready to disturb the peace o' the country + whenever the laird likes; and that's the grievance of the Hielands, whilk + are, and hae been for this thousand years by-past, a bike o' the maist + lawless unchristian limmers that ever disturbed a douce, quiet, + God-fearing neighbourhood, like this o' ours in the west here." +</p> +<p> + "And this kinsman of yours, and friend of mine, is he one of those great + proprietors who maintain the household troops you speak of?" I inquired. +</p> +<p> + "Na, na," said Bailie Jarvie; "he's nane o' your great grandees o' + chiefs, as they ca' them, neither. Though he is weel born, and lineally + descended frae auld Glenstrae—I ken his lineage—indeed he is a near + kinsman, and, as I said, of gude gentle Hieland blude, though ye may + think weel that I care little about that nonsense—it's a' moonshine in + water—waste threads and thrums, as we say—But I could show ye letters + frae his father, that was the third aff Glenstrae, to my father Deacon + Jarvie (peace be wi' his memory!) beginning, Dear Deacon, and ending, + your loving kinsman to command,—they are amaist a' about borrowed + siller, sae the gude deacon, that's dead and gane, keepit them as + documents and evidents—He was a carefu' man." +</p> +<p> + "But if he is not," I resumed, "one of their chiefs or patriarchal + leaders, whom I have heard my father talk of, this kinsman of yours has, + at least, much to say in the Highlands, I presume?" +</p> +<p> + "Ye may say that—nae name better ken'd between the Lennox and + Breadalbane. Robin was ance a weel-doing, painstaking drover, as ye wad + see amang ten thousand—It was a pleasure to see him in his belted plaid + and brogues, wi' his target at his back, and claymore and dirk at his + belt, following a hundred Highland stots, and a dozen o' the gillies, as + rough and ragged as the beasts they drave. And he was baith civil and + just in his dealings; and if he thought his chapman had made a hard + bargain, he wad gie him a luck-penny to the mends. I hae ken'd him gie + back five shillings out o' the pund sterling." +</p> +<p> + "Twenty-five per cent," said Owen—"a heavy discount." +</p> +<p> + "He wad gie it though, sir, as I tell ye; mair especially if he thought + the buyer was a puir man, and couldna stand by a loss. But the times cam + hard, and Rob was venturesome. It wasna my faut—it wasna my faut; he + canna wyte me—I aye tauld him o't—And the creditors, mair especially + some grit neighbours o' his, gripped to his living and land; and they say + his wife was turned out o' the house to the hill-side, and sair misguided + to the boot. Shamefu'! shamefu'!—I am a peacefu' man and a magistrate, + but if ony ane had guided sae muckle as my servant quean, Mattie, as it's + like they guided Rob's wife, I think it suld hae set the shabble* that my + father the deacon had at Bothwell brig a-walking again. +</p> +<p> + * Cutlass. +</p> +<p> + Weel, Rob cam hame, and fand desolation, God pity us! where he left + plenty; he looked east, west, south, north, and saw neither hauld nor + hope—neither beild nor shelter; sae he e'en pu'd the bonnet ower his + brow, belted the broadsword to his side, took to the brae-side, and + became a broken man."* +</p> +<p> + * An outlaw. +</p> +<p> + The voice of the good citizen was broken by his contending feelings. He + obviously, while he professed to contemn the pedigree of his Highland + kinsman, attached a secret feeling of consequence to the connection, and + he spoke of his friend in his prosperity with an overflow of affection, + which deepened his sympathy for his misfortunes, and his regret for their + consequences. +</p> +<p> + "Thus tempted and urged by despair," said I, seeing Mr. Jarvie did not + proceed in his narrative, "I suppose your kinsman became one of those + depredators you have described to us?" +</p> +<p> + "No sae bad as that," said the Glaswegian,—"no a'thegither and outright + sae bad as that; but he became a levier of black-mail, wider and farther + than ever it was raised in our day, a through the Lennox and Menteith, + and up to the gates o' Stirling Castle." +</p> +<p> + "Black-mail?—I do not understand the phrase," I remarked. +</p> +<p> + "Ou, ye see, Rob soon gathered an unco band o' blue-bonnets at his back, + for he comes o' a rough name when he's kent by his ain, and a name that's + held its ain for mony a lang year, baith again king and parliament, and + kirk too, for aught I ken—an auld and honourable name, for as sair as it + has been worried and hadden down and oppressed. My mother was a + MacGregor—I carena wha kens it—And Rob had soon a gallant band; and as + it grieved him (he said) to see sic <i>hership</i> and waste and depredation + to the south o' the Hieland line, why, if ony heritor or farmer wad pay + him four punds Scots out of each hundred punds of valued rent, whilk + was doubtless a moderate consideration, Rob engaged to keep them + scaithless;—let them send to him if they lost sae muckle as a single + cloot by thieving, and Rob engaged to get them again, or pay the + value—and he aye keepit his word—I canna deny but he keepit his + word—a' men allow Rob keeps his word." +</p> +<p> + "This is a very singular contract of assurance," said Mr. Owen. +</p> +<p> + "It's clean again our statute law, that must be owned," said Jarvie, + "clean again law; the levying and the paying black-mail are baith + punishable: but if the law canna protect my barn and byre, whatfor suld I + no engage wi' a Hieland gentleman that can?—answer me that." +</p> +<p> + "But," said I, "Mr. Jarvie, is this contract of black-mail, as you call + it, completely voluntary on the part of the landlord or farmer who pays + the insurance? or what usually happens, in case any one refuses payment + of this tribute?" +</p> +<p> + "Aha, lad!" said the Bailie, laughing, and putting his finger to his + nose, "ye think ye hae me there. Troth, I wad advise ony friends o' mine + to gree wi' Rob; for, watch as they like, and do what they like, they are + sair apt to be harried* when the lang nights come on. +</p> +<p> + * Plundered. +</p> +<p> + Some o' the Grahame and Cohoon gentry stood out; but what then?—they + lost their haill stock the first winter; sae maist folks now think it + best to come into Rob's terms. He's easy wi' a' body that will be easy + wi' him; but if ye thraw him, ye had better thraw the deevil." +</p> +<p> + "And by his exploits in these vocations," I continued, "I suppose he has + rendered himself amenable to the laws of the country?" +</p> +<p> + "Amenable?—ye may say that; his craig wad ken the weight o' his hurdies + if they could get haud o' Rob. But he has gude friends amang the grit + folks; and I could tell ye o' ae grit family that keeps him up as far as + they decently can, to be a them in the side of another. And then he's sic + an auld-farran lang-headed chield as never took up the trade o' cateran + in our time; mony a daft reik he has played—mair than wad fill a book, + and a queer ane it wad be—as gude as Robin Hood, or William Wallace—a' + fu' o' venturesome deeds and escapes, sic as folk tell ower at a winter + ingle in the daft days. It's a queer thing o' me, gentlemen, that am a + man o' peace mysell, and a peacefu man's son—for the deacon my father + quarrelled wi' nane out o the town-council—it's a queer thing, I say, + but I think the Hieland blude o' me warms at thae daft tales, and whiles + I like better to hear them than a word o' profit, gude forgie me! But + they are vanities—sinfu' vanities—and, moreover, again the statute + law—again the statute and gospel law." +</p> +<p> + I now followed up my investigation, by inquiring what means of influence + this Mr. Robert Campbell could possibly possess over my affairs, or those + of my father. +</p> +<p> + "Why, ye are to understand," said Mr. Jarvie in a very subdued tone—"I + speak amang friends, and under the rose—Ye are to understand, that the + Hielands hae been keepit quiet since the year aughty-nine—that was + Killiecrankie year. But how hae they been keepit quiet, think ye? By + siller, Mr. Owen—by siller, Mr. Osbaldistone. King William caused + Breadalbane distribute twenty thousand oude punds sterling amang them, + and it's said the auld Hieland Earl keepit a lang lug o't in his ain + sporran. And then Queen Anne, that's dead, gae the chiefs bits o' + pensions, sae they had wherewith to support their gillies and caterans + that work nae wark, as I said afore; and they lay by quiet eneugh, saying + some spreagherie on the Lowlands, whilk is their use and wont, and some + cutting o' thrapples amang themsells, that nae civilised body kens or + cares onything anent.—Weel, but there's a new warld come up wi' this + King George (I say, God bless him, for ane)—there's neither like to be + siller nor pensions gaun amang them; they haena the means o' mainteening + the clans that eat them up, as ye may guess frae what I said before; + their credit's gane in the Lowlands; and a man that can whistle ye up a + thousand or feifteen hundred linking lads to do his will, wad hardly get + fifty punds on his band at the Cross o' Glasgow—This canna stand + lang—there will be an outbreak for the Stuarts—there will be an + outbreak—they will come down on the low country like a flood, as they + did in the waefu' wars o' Montrose, and that will be seen and heard tell + o' ere a twalmonth gangs round." +</p> +<p> + "Yet still," I said, "I do not see how this concerns Mr. Campbell, much + less my father's affairs." +</p> +<p> + "Rob can levy five hundred men, sir, and therefore war suld concern him + as muckle as maist folk," replied the Bailie; "for it is a faculty that + is far less profitable in time o' peace. Then, to tell ye the truth, I + doubt he has been the prime agent between some o' our Hieland chiefs and + the gentlemen in the north o' England. We a' heard o' the public money + that was taen frae the chield Morris somewhere about the fit o' Cheviot + by Rob and ane o' the Osbaldistone lads; and, to tell ye the truth, word + gaed that it was yoursell Mr. Francis,—and sorry was I that your + father's son suld hae taen to sic practices—Na, ye needna say a word + about it—I see weel I was mistaen; but I wad believe onything o' a + stage-player, whilk I concluded ye to be. But now, I doubtna, it has been + Rashleigh himself or some other o' your cousins—they are a' tarred wi' + the same stick—rank Jacobites and papists, and wad think the government + siller and government papers lawfu' prize. And the creature Morris is sic + a cowardly caitiff, that to this hour he daurna say that it was Rob took + the portmanteau aff him; and troth he's right, for your custom-house and + excise cattle are ill liket on a' sides, and Rob might get a back-handed + lick at him, before the Board, as they ca't, could help him." +</p> +<p> + "I have long suspected this, Mr. Jarvie," said I, "and perfectly agree + with you. But as to my father's affairs"— +</p> +<p> + "Suspected it?—it's certain—it's certain—I ken them that saw some of + the papers that were taen aff Morris—it's needless to say where. But to + your father's affairs—Ye maun think that in thae twenty years by-gane, + some o' the Hieland lairds and chiefs hae come to some sma' sense o' + their ain interest—your father and others hae bought the woods of + Glen-Disseries, Glen Kissoch, Tober-na-Kippoch, and mony mair besides, + and your father's house has granted large bills in payment,—and as the + credit o' Osbaldistone and Tresham was gude—for I'll say before Mr. + Owen's face, as I wad behind his back, that, bating misfortunes o' the + Lord's sending, nae men could be mair honourable in business—the Hieland + gentlemen, holders o' thae bills, hae found credit in Glasgow and + Edinburgh—(I might amaist say in Glasgow wholly, for it's little the + pridefu' Edinburgh folk do in real business)—for all, or the greater + part of the contents o' thae bills. So that—Aha! d'ye see me now?" +</p> +<p> + I confessed I could not quite follow his drift. +</p> +<p> + "Why," said he, "if these bills are not paid, the Glasgow merchant comes + on the Hieland lairds, whae hae deil a boddle o' siller, and will like + ill to spew up what is item a' spent—They will turn desperate—five + hundred will rise that might hae sitten at hame—the deil will gae ower + Jock Wabster—and the stopping of your father's house will hasten the + outbreak that's been sae lang biding us." +</p> +<p> + "You think, then," said I, surprised at this singular view of the case, + "that Rashleigh Osbaldistone has done this injury to my father, merely to + accelerate a rising in the Highlands, by distressing the gentlemen to whom + these bills were originally granted?" +</p> +<p> + "Doubtless—doubtless—it has been one main reason, Mr. Osbaldistone. I + doubtna but what the ready money he carried off wi' him might be another. + But that makes comparatively but a sma' part o' your father's loss, + though it might make the maist part o' Rashleigh's direct gain. The + assets he carried off are of nae mair use to him than if he were to light + his pipe wi' them. He tried if MacVittie & Co. wad gie him siller on + them—that I ken by Andro Wylie—but they were ower auld cats to draw + that strae afore them—they keepit aff, and gae fair words. Rashleigh + Osbaldistone is better ken'd than trusted in Glasgow, for he was here + about some jacobitical papistical troking in seventeen hundred and seven, + and left debt ahint him. Na, na—he canna pit aff the paper here; folk + will misdoubt him how he came by it. Na, na—he'll hae the stuff safe at + some o' their haulds in the Hielands, and I daur say my cousin Rob could + get at it gin he liked." +</p> +<p> + "But would he be disposed to serve us in this pinch, Mr. Jarvie?" said I. + "You have described him as an agent of the Jacobite party, and deeply + connected in their intrigues: will he be disposed for my sake, or, if you + please, for the sake of justice, to make an act of restitution, which, + supposing it in his power, would, according to your view of the case, + materially interfere with their plans?" +</p> +<p> + "I canna preceesely speak to that: the grandees among them are doubtfu' + o' Rob, and he's doubtfu' o' them.—And he's been weel friended wi' the + Argyle family, wha stand for the present model of government. If he was + freed o' his hornings and captions, he would rather be on Argyle's side + than he wad be on Breadalbane's, for there's auld ill-will between the + Breadalbane family and his kin and name. The truth is, that Rob is for + his ain hand, as Henry Wynd feught*—he'll take the side that suits him + best; if the deil was laird, Rob wad be for being tenant; and ye canna + blame him, puir fallow, considering his circumstances. +</p> +<p> + * Two great clans fought out a quarrel with thirty men of a side, in + presence ot the king, on the North Inch of Perth, on or about the year + 1392; a man was amissing on one side, whose room was filled by a little + bandy-legged citizen of Perth. This substitute, Henry Wynd—or, as the + Highlanders called him, <i>Gow Chrom,</i> that is, the bandy-legged + smith—fought well, and contributed greatly to the fate of the battle, + without knowing which side he fought on;—so, "To fight for your own + hand, like Henry Wynd," passed into a proverb. [This incident forms a + conspicuous part of the subsequent novel, "The Fair Maid of Perth."] +</p> +<p> + But there's ae thing sair again ye—Rob has a grey mear in his stable at + hame." +</p> +<p> + "A grey mare?" said I. "What is that to the purpose?" +</p> +<p> + "The wife, man—the wife,—an awfu' wife she is. She downa bide the sight + o' a kindly Scot, if he come frae the Lowlands, far less of an Inglisher, + and she'll be keen for a' that can set up King James, and ding down King + George." +</p> +<p> + "It is very singular," I replied, "that the mercantile transactions of + London citizens should become involved with revolutions and rebellions." +</p> +<p> + "Not at a', man—not at a'," returned Mr. Jarvie; "that's a' your silly + prejudications. I read whiles in the lang dark nights, and I hae read in + Baker's Chronicle* that the merchants o'London could gar the Bank of + Genoa break their promise to advance a mighty sum to the King o' Spain, + whereby the sailing of the Grand Spanish Armada was put aff for a haill + year—What think you of that, sir?" +</p> +<p> + * [<i>The Chronicle of the Kings of England,</i> by Sir Richard Baker, with + continuations, passed through several editions between 1641 and 1733. + Whether any of them contain the passage alluded to is doubtful.] +</p> +<p> + "That the merchants did their country golden service, which ought to be + honourably remembered in our histories." +</p> +<p> + "I think sae too; and they wad do weel, and deserve weal baith o' the + state and o' humanity, that wad save three or four honest Hieland + gentlemen frae louping heads ower heels into destruction, wi' a' their + puir sackless* followers, just because they canna pay back the siller + they had reason to count upon as their ain—and save your father's + credit—and my ain gude siller that Osbaldistone and Tresham awes me into + the bargain. +</p> +<p> + * Sackless, that is, innocent. +</p> +<p> + I say, if ane could manage a' this, I think it suld be done and said unto + him, even if he were a puir ca'-the-shuttle body, as unto one whom the + king delighteth to honour." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot pretend to estimate the extent of public gratitude," I replied; + "but our own thankfulness, Mr. Jarvie, would be commensurate with the + extent of the obligation." +</p> +<p> + "Which," added Mr. Owen, "we would endeavour to balance with a <i>per + contra,</i> the instant our Mr. Osbaldistone returns from Holland." +</p> +<p> + "I doubtna—I doubtna—he is a very worthy gentleman, and a sponsible, + and wi' some o' my lights might do muckle business in Scotland—Weel, + sir, if these assets could be redeemed out o' the hands o' the + Philistines, they are gude paper—they are the right stuff when they are + in the right hands, and that's yours, Mr. Owen. And I'se find ye three + men in Glasgow, for as little as ye may think o' us, Mr. Owen—that's + Sandie Steenson in the Trade's-Land, and John Pirie in Candleriggs, and + another that sall be nameless at this present, sall advance what soums + are sufficient to secure the credit of your house, and seek nae better + security." +</p> +<p> + Owen's eyes sparkled at this prospect of extrication; but his countenance + instantly fell on recollecting how improbable it was that the recovery of + the assets, as he technically called them, should be successfully + achieved. +</p> +<p> + "Dinna despair, sir—dinna despair," said Mr. Jarvie; "I hae taen sae + muckle concern wi' your affairs already, that it maun een be ower shoon + ower boots wi' me now. I am just like my father the deacon (praise be wi' + him!) I canna meddle wi' a friend's business, but I aye end wi' making it + my ain—Sae, I'll e'en pit on my boots the morn, and be jogging ower + Drymen Muir wi' Mr. Frank here; and if I canna mak Rob hear reason, and + his wife too, I dinna ken wha can—I hae been a kind freend to them afore + now, to say naething o' ower-looking him last night, when naming his name + wad hae cost him his life—I'll be hearing o' this in the council maybe + frae Bailie Grahame and MacVittie, and some o' them. They hae coost up + my kindred to Rob to me already—set up their nashgabs! I tauld them I + wad vindicate nae man's faults; but set apart what he had done again the + law o' the country, and the hership o' the Lennox, and the misfortune o' + some folk losing life by him, he was an honester man than stood on ony o' + their shanks—And whatfor suld I mind their clavers? If Rob is an outlaw, + to himsell be it said—there is nae laws now about reset of + inter-communed persons, as there was in the ill times o' the last + Stuarts—I trow I hae a Scotch tongue in my head—if they speak, I'se + answer." +</p> +<p> + It was with great pleasure that I saw the Bailie gradually surmount the + barriers of caution, under the united influence of public spirit and + good-natured interest in our affairs, together with his natural wish to + avoid loss and acquire gain, and not a little harmless vanity. Through + the combined operation of these motives, he at length arrived at the + doughty resolution of taking the field in person, to aid in the recovery + of my father's property. His whole information led me to believe, that if + the papers were in possession of this Highland adventurer, it might be + possible to induce him to surrender what he could not keep with any + prospect of personal advantage; and I was conscious that the presence of + his kinsman was likely to have considerable weight with him. I therefore + cheerfully acquiesced in Mr. Jarvie's proposal that we should set out + early next morning. +</p> +<p> + That honest gentleman was indeed as vivacious and alert in preparing to + carry his purpose into execution, as he had been slow and cautious in + forming it. He roared to Mattie to "air his trot-cosey, to have his + jack-boots greased and set before the kitchen-fire all night, and to see + that his beast be corned, and a' his riding gear in order." Having agreed + to meet him at five o'clock next morning, and having settled that Owen, + whose presence could be of no use to us upon this expedition, should + await our return at Glasgow, we took a kind farewell of this unexpectedly + zealous friend. I installed Owen in an apartment in my lodgings, + contiguous to my own, and, giving orders to Andrew Fairservice to attend + me next morning at the hour appointed, I retired to rest with better + hopes than it had lately been my fortune to entertain. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0010"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Far as the eye could reach no tree was seen, + Earth, clad in russet, scorned the lively green; + No birds, except as birds of passage flew; + No bee was heard to hum, no dove to coo; + No streams, as amber smooth-as amber clear, + Were seen to glide, or heard to warble here. + Prophecy of Famine. +</pre> +<p> + It was in the bracing atmosphere of a harvest morning, that I met by + appointment Fairservice, with the horses, at the door of Mr. Jarvie's + house, which was but little space distant from Mrs. Flyter's hotel. The + first matter which caught my attention was, that whatever were the + deficiencies of the pony which Mr. Fairservice's legal adviser, Clerk + Touthope, generously bestowed upon him in exchange for Thorncliff's mare, + he had contrived to part with it, and procure in its stead an animal with + so curious and complete a lameness, that it seemed only to make use of + three legs for the purpose of progression, while the fourth appeared as + if meant to be flourished in the air by way of accompaniment. "What do + you mean by bringing such a creature as that here, sir? and where is the + pony you rode to Glasgow upon?" were my very natural and impatient + inquiries. +</p> +<p> + "I sell't it, sir. It was a slink beast, and wad hae eaten its head aff, + standing at Luckie Flyter's at livery. And I hae bought this on your + honour's account. It's a grand bargain—cost but a pund sterling the + foot—that's four a'thegither. The stringhalt will gae aff when it's gaen + a mile; it's a weel-ken'd ganger; they call it Souple Tam." +</p> +<p> + "On my soul, sir," said I, "you will never rest till my supple-jack and + your shoulders become acquainted, If you do not go instantly and procure + the other brute, you shall pay the penalty of your ingenuity." +</p> +<p> + Andrew, notwithstanding my threats, continued to battle the point, as he + said it would cost him a guinea of rue-bargain to the man who had bought + his pony, before he could get it back again. Like a true Englishman, + though sensible I was duped by the rascal, I was about to pay his + exaction rather than lose time, when forth sallied Mr. Jarvie, cloaked, + mantled, hooded, and booted, as if for a Siberian winter, while two + apprentices, under the immediate direction of Mattie, led forth the + decent ambling steed which had the honour on such occasions to support + the person of the Glasgow magistrate. Ere he "clombe to the saddle," an + expression more descriptive of the Bailie's mode of mounting than that of + the knights-errant to whom Spenser applies it, he inquired the cause of + the dispute betwixt my servant and me. Having learned the nature of + honest Andrew's manoeuvre he instantly cut short all debate, by + pronouncing, that if Fairservice did not forthwith return the + three-legged palfrey, and produce the more useful quadruped which he had + discarded, he would send him to prison, and amerce him in half his wages. + "Mr. Osbaldistone," said he, "contracted for the service of both your + horse and you—twa brutes at ance—ye unconscionable rascal!—but I'se + look weel after you during this journey." +</p> +<p> + "It will be nonsense fining me," said Andrew, doughtily, "that hasna a + grey groat to pay a fine wi'—it's ill taking the breeks aff a + Hielandman." +</p> +<p> + "If ye hae nae purse to fine, ye hae flesh to pine," replied the Bailie, + "and I will look weel to ye getting your deserts the tae way or the + tither." +</p> +<p> + To the commands of Mr. Jarvie, therefore, Andrew was compelled to submit, + only muttering between his teeth, "Ower mony maisters,—ower mony + maisters, as the paddock said to the harrow, when every tooth gae her a + tig." +</p> +<p> + Apparently he found no difficulty in getting rid of Supple Tam, and + recovering possession of his former Bucephalus, for he accomplished the + exchange without being many minutes absent; nor did I hear further of his + having paid any smart-money for breach of bargain. +</p> +<p> + We now set forward, but had not reached the top of the street in which + Mr. Jarvie dwelt, when a loud hallooing and breathless call of "Stop, + stop!" was heard behind us. We stopped accordingly, and were overtaken by + Mr. Jarvie's two lads, who bore two parting tokens of Mattie's care for + her master. The first was conveyed in the form of a voluminous silk + handkerchief, like the mainsail of one of his own West-Indiamen, which + Mrs. Mattie particularly desired he would put about his neck, and which, + thus entreated, he added to his other integuments. The second youngster + brought only a verbal charge (I thought I saw the rogue disposed to laugh + as he delivered it) on the part of the housekeeper, that her master would + take care of the waters. "Pooh! pooh! silly hussy," answered Mr. Jarvie; + but added, turning to me, "it shows a kind heart though—it shows a kind + heart in sae young a quean—Mattie's a carefu' lass." So speaking, he + pricked the sides of his palfrey, and we left the town without farther + interruption. +</p> +<p> + While we paced easily forward, by a road which conducted us + north-eastward from the town, I had an opportunity to estimate and admire + the good qualities of my new friend. Although, like my father, he + considered commercial transactions the most important objects of human + life, he was not wedded to them so as to undervalue more general + knowledge. On the contrary, with much oddity and vulgarity of + manner,—with a vanity which he made much more ridiculous by disguising + it now and then under a thin veil of humility, and devoid as he was of + all the advantages of a learned education, Mr. Jarvie's conversation + showed tokens of a shrewd, observing, liberal, and, to the extent of its + opportunities, a well-improved mind. He was a good local antiquary, and + entertained me, as we passed along, with an account of remarkable events + which had formerly taken place in the scenes through which we passed. + And as he was well acquainted with the ancient history of his district, + he saw with the prospective eye of an enlightened patriot, the buds of + many of those future advantages which have only blossomed and ripened + within these few years. I remarked also, and with great pleasure, that + although a keen Scotchman, and abundantly zealous for the honour of his + country, he was disposed to think liberally of the sister kingdom. When + Andrew Fairservice (whom, by the way, the Bailie could not abide) chose + to impute the accident of one of the horses casting his shoe to the + deteriorating influence of the Union, he incurred a severe rebuke from + Mr. Jarvie. +</p> +<p> + "Whisht, sir!—whisht! it's ill-scraped tongues like yours, that make + mischief atween neighbourhoods and nations. There's naething sae gude on + this side o' time but it might hae been better, and that may be said o' + the Union. Nane were keener against it than the Glasgow folk, wi' their + rabblings and their risings, and their mobs, as they ca' them now-a-days. + But it's an ill wind blaws naebody gude—Let ilka ane roose the ford as + they find it—I say let Glasgow flourish! whilk is judiciously and + elegantly putten round the town's arms, by way of by-word.—Now, since + St. Mungo catched herrings in the Clyde, what was ever like to gar us + flourish like the sugar and tobacco trade? Will onybody tell me that, and + grumble at the treaty that opened us a road west-awa' yonder?" +</p> +<p> + Andrew Fairservice was far from acquiescing in these arguments of + expedience, and even ventured to enter a grumbling protest, "That it was + an unco change to hae Scotland's laws made in England; and that, for his + share, he wadna for a' the herring-barrels in Glasgow, and a' the + tobacco-casks to boot, hae gien up the riding o' the Scots Parliament, or + sent awa' our crown, and our sword, and our sceptre, and Mons Meg,* to be + keepit by thae English pock-puddings in the Tower o' Lunnon. +</p> +<p> + * Note G. Mons Meg. +</p> +<p> + What wad Sir William Wallace, or auld Davie Lindsay, hae said to the + Union, or them that made it?" +</p> +<p> + The road which we travelled, while diverting the way with these + discussions, had become wild and open, as soon as we had left Glasgow a + mile or two behind us, and was growing more dreary as we advanced. Huge + continuous heaths spread before, behind, and around us, in hopeless + barrenness—now level and interspersed with swamps, green with + treacherous verdure, or sable with turf, or, as they call them in + Scotland, peat-bogs,—and now swelling into huge heavy ascents, which + wanted the dignity and form of hills, while they were still more toilsome + to the passenger. There were neither trees nor bushes to relieve the eye + from the russet livery of absolute sterility. The very heath was of that + stinted imperfect kind which has little or no flower, and affords the + coarsest and meanest covering, which, as far as my experience enables me + to judge, mother Earth is ever arrayed in. Living thing we saw none, + except occasionally a few straggling sheep of a strange diversity of + colours, as black, bluish, and orange. The sable hue predominated, + however, in their faces and legs. The very birds seemed to shun these + wastes, and no wonder, since they had an easy method of escaping from + them;—at least I only heard the monotonous and plaintive cries of the + lapwing and curlew, which my companions denominated the peasweep and + whaup. +</p> +<p> + At dinner, however, which we took about noon, at a most miserable + alehouse, we had the good fortune to find that these tiresome screamers + of the morass were not the only inhabitants of the moors. The goodwife + told us, that "the gudeman had been at the hill;" and well for us that he + had been so, for we enjoyed the produce of his <i>chasse</i> in the shape of + some broiled moor-game,—a dish which gallantly eked out the ewe-milk + cheese, dried salmon, and oaten bread, being all besides that the house + afforded. Some very indifferent two-penny ale, and a glass of excellent + brandy, crowned our repast; and as our horses had, in the meantime, + discussed their corn, we resumed our journey with renovated vigour. +</p> +<p> + I had need of all the spirits a good dinner could give, to resist the + dejection which crept insensibly on my mind, when I combined the strange + uncertainty of my errand with the disconsolate aspect of the country + through which it was leading me. Our road continued to be, if possible, + more waste and wild than that we had travelled in the forenoon. The few + miserable hovels that showed some marks of human habitation, were now of + still rarer occurrence; and at length, as we began to ascend an + uninterrupted swell of moorland, they totally disappeared. The only + exercise which my imagination received was, when some particular turn of + the road gave us a partial view, to the left, of a large assemblage of + dark-blue mountains stretching to the north and north-west, which + promised to include within their recesses a country as wild perhaps, but + certainly differing greatly in point of interest, from that which we now + travelled. The peaks of this screen of mountains were as wildly varied + and distinguished, as the hills which we had seen on the right were tame + and lumpish; and while I gazed on this Alpine region, I felt a longing to + explore its recesses, though accompanied with toil and danger, similar to + that which a sailor feels when he wishes for the risks and animation of a + battle or a gale, in exchange for the insupportable monotony of a + protracted calm. I made various inquiries of my friend Mr. Jarvie + respecting the names and positions of these remarkable mountains; but it + was a subject on which he had no information, or did not choose to be + communicative. "They're the Hieland hills—the Hieland hills—Ye'll see + and hear eneugh about them before ye see Glasgow Cross again—I downa + look at them—I never see them but they gar me grew. It's no for fear—no + for fear, but just for grief, for the puir blinded half-starved creatures + that inhabit them—but say nae mair about it—it's ill speaking o' + Hielandmen sae near the line. I hae ken'd mony an honest man wadna hae + ventured this length without he had made his last will and + testament—Mattie had ill-will to see me set awa' on this ride, and grat + awee, the sillie tawpie; but it's nae mair ferlie to see a woman greet + than to see a goose gang barefit." +</p> +<p> + I next attempted to lead the discourse on the character and history of + the person whom we were going to visit; but on this topic Mr. Jarvie was + totally inaccessible, owing perhaps in part to the attendance of Mr. + Andrew Fairservice, who chose to keep so close in our rear that his ears + could not fail to catch every word which was spoken, while his tongue + assumed the freedom of mingling in our conversation as often as he saw an + opportunity. For this he occasionally incurred Mr. Jarvie's reproof. +</p> +<p> + "Keep back, sir, as best sets ye," said the Bailie, as Andrew pressed + forward to catch the answer to some question I had asked about Campbell. + —"ye wad fain ride the fore-horse, an ye wist how.—That chield's aye + for being out o' the cheese-fat he was moulded in.—Now, as for your + questions, Mr. Osbaldistone, now that chield's out of ear-shot, I'll just + tell you it's free to you to speer, and it's free to me to answer, or + no—Gude I canna say muckle o' Rob, puir chield; ill I winna say o' him, + for, forby that he's my cousin, we're coming near his ain country, and + there may be ane o' his gillies ahint every whin-bush, for what I + ken—And if ye'll be guided by my advice, the less ye speak about him, or + where we are gaun, or what we are gaun to do, we'll be the mair likely to + speed us in our errand. For it's like we may fa' in wi' some o' his + unfreends—there are e'en ower mony o' them about—and his bonnet sits + even on his brow yet for a' that; but I doubt they'll be upsides wi' Rob + at the last—air day or late day, the fox's hide finds aye the flaying + knife." +</p> +<p> + "I will certainly," I replied, "be entirely guided by your experience." +</p> +<p> + "Right, Mr. Osbaldistone—right. But I maun speak to this gabbling skyte + too, for bairns and fules speak at the Cross what they hear at the + ingle-side.—D'ye hear, you, Andrew—what's your name?—Fairservice!" +</p> +<p> + Andrew, who at the last rebuff had fallen a good way behind, did not + choose to acknowledge the summons. +</p> +<p> + "Andrew, ye scoundrel!" repeated Mr. Jarvie; "here, sir here!" +</p> +<p> + "Here is for the dog." said Andrew, coming up sulkily. +</p> +<p> + "I'll gie you dog's wages, ye rascal, if ye dinna attend to what I say + t'ye—We are gaun into the Hielands a bit"— +</p> +<p> + "I judged as muckle," said Andrew. +</p> +<p> + "Haud your peace, ye knave, and hear what I have to say till ye—We are + gaun a bit into the Hielands"— +</p> +<p> + "Ye tauld me sae already," replied the incorrigible Andrew. +</p> +<p> + "I'll break your head," said the Bailie, rising in wrath, "if ye dinna + haud your tongue." +</p> +<p> + "A hadden tongue," replied Andrew, "makes a slabbered mouth." +</p> +<p> + It was now necessary I should interfere, which I did by commanding + Andrew, with an authoritative tone, to be silent at his peril. +</p> +<p> + "I am silent," said Andrew. "I'se do a' your lawfu' bidding without a + nay-say. My puir mother used aye to tell me, +</p> +<pre> + Be it better, be it worse, + Be ruled by him that has the purse. +</pre> +<p> + Sae ye may e'en speak as lang as ye like, baith the tane and the tither + o' you, for Andrew." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Jarvie took the advantage of his stopping after quoting the above + proverb, to give him the requisite instructions. "Now, sir, it's as + muckle as your life's worth—that wad be dear o' little siller, to be + sure—but it is as muckle as a' our lives are worth, if ye dinna mind + what I sae to ye. In this public whar we are gaun to, and whar it is like + we may hae to stay a' night, men o' a' clans and kindred—Hieland and + Lawland—tak up their quarters—And whiles there are mair drawn dirks + than open Bibles amang them, when the usquebaugh gets uppermost. See ye + neither meddle nor mak, nor gie nae offence wi' that clavering tongue o' + yours, but keep a calm sough, and let ilka cock fight his ain battle." +</p> +<p> + "Muckle needs to tell me that," said Andrew, contemptuously, "as if I had + never seen a Hielandman before, and ken'd nae how to manage them. Nae man + alive can cuitle up Donald better than mysell—I hae bought wi' them, + sauld wi' them, eaten wi' them, drucken wi' them"— +</p> +<p> + "Did ye ever fight wi' them?" said Mr. Jarvie. +</p> +<p> + "Na, na," answered Andrew, "I took care o' that: it wad ill hae set me, + that am an artist and half a scholar to my trade, to be fighting amang a + wheen kilted loons that dinna ken the name o' a single herb or flower in + braid Scots, let abee in the Latin tongue." +</p> +<p> + "Then," said Mr. Jarvie, "as ye wad keep either your tongue in your + mouth, or your lugs in your head (and ye might miss them, for as saucy + members as they are), I charge ye to say nae word, gude or bad, that ye + can weel get by, to onybody that may be in the Clachan. And ye'll + specially understand that ye're no to be bleezing and blasting about your + master's name and mine, or saying that this is Mr. Bailie Nicol Jarvie o' + the Saut Market, son o' the worthy Deacon Nicol Jarvie, that a' body has + heard about; and this is Mr. Frank Osbaldistone, son of the managing + partner of the great house of Osbaldistone and Tresham, in the City." +</p> +<p> + "Eneueh said," answered Andrew—"eneueh said. What need ye think I wad be + speaking about your names for?—I hae mony things o' mair importance to + speak about, I trow." +</p> +<p> + "It's thae very things of importance that I am feared for, ye blethering + goose; ye maunna speak ony thing, gude or bad, that ye can by any + possibility help." +</p> +<p> + "If ye dinna think me fit," replied Andrew, in a huff, "to speak like + ither folk, gie me my wages and my board-wages, and I'se gae back to + Glasgow—There's sma' sorrow at our parting, as the auld mear said to the + broken cart." +</p> +<p> + Finding Andrew's perverseness again rising to a point which threatened to + occasion me inconvenience, I was under the necessity of explaining to + him, that he might return if he thought proper, but that in that case I + would not pay him a single farthing for his past services. The argument + <i>ad crumenam,</i> as it has been called by jocular logicians, has weight + with the greater part of mankind, and Andrew was in that particular far + from affecting any trick of singularity. He "drew in his horns," to use + the Bailie's phrase, on the instant, professed no intention whatever to + disoblige, and a resolution to be guided by my commands, whatever they + might be. +</p> +<p> + Concord being thus happily restored to our small party, we continued to + pursue our journey. The road, which had ascended for six or seven English + miles, began now to descend for about the same space, through a country + which neither in fertility nor interest could boast any advantage over + that which we had passed already, and which afforded no variety, unless + when some tremendous peak of a Highland mountain appeared at a distance. + We continued, however, to ride on without pause and even when night fell + and overshadowed the desolate wilds which we traversed, we were, as I + understood from Mr. Jarvie, still three miles and a bittock distant from + the place where we were to spend the night. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0011"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER ELEVENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Baron of Bucklivie, + May the foul fiend drive ye, + And a' to pieces rive ye, + For building sic a town, + Where there's neither horse meat, + Nor man's meat, + Nor a chair to sit down. + Scottish Popular Rhymes on a bad Inn. +</pre> +<p> + The night was pleasant, and the moon afforded us good light for our + journey. Under her rays, the ground over which we passed assumed a more + interesting appearance than during the broad daylight, which discovered + the extent of its wasteness. The mingled light and shadows gave it an + interest which naturally did not belong to it; and, like the effect of a + veil flung over a plain woman, irritated our curiosity on a subject which + had in itself nothing gratifying. +</p> +<p> + The descent, however, still continued, turned, winded, left the more open + heaths, and got into steeper ravines, which promised soon to lead us to + the banks of some brook or river, and ultimately made good their presage. + We found ourselves at length on the bank of a stream, which rather + resembled one of my native English rivers than those I had hitherto seen + in Scotland. It was narrow, deep, still, and silent; although the + imperfect light, as it gleamed on its placid waters, showed also that we + were now among the lofty mountains which formed its cradle. "That's the + Forth," said the Bailie, with an air of reverence, which I have observed + the Scotch usually pay to their distinguished rivers. The Clyde, the + Tweed, the Forth, the Spey, are usually named by those who dwell on their + banks with a sort of respect and pride, and I have known duels occasioned + by any word of disparagement. I cannot say I have the least quarrel with + this sort of harmless enthusiasm. I received my friend's communication + with the importance which he seemed to think appertained to it. In fact, + I was not a little pleased, after so long and dull a journey, to approach + a region which promised to engage the imagination. My faithful squire, + Andrew, did not seem to be quite of the same opinion, for he received the + solemn information, "That is the Forth," with a "Umph!—an he had said + that's the public-house, it wad hae been mair to the purpose." +</p> +<p> + The Forth, however, as far as the imperfect light permitted me to judge, + seemed to merit the admiration of those who claimed an interest in its + stream. A beautiful eminence of the most regular round shape, and clothed + with copsewood of hazels, mountain-ash, and dwarf-oak, intermixed with a + few magnificent old trees, which, rising above the underwood, exposed + their forked and bared branches to the silver moonshine, seemed to + protect the sources from which the river sprung. If I could trust the + tale of my companion, which, while professing to disbelieve every word of + it, he told under his breath, and with an air of something like + intimidation, this hill, so regularly formed, so richly verdant, and + garlanded with such a beautiful variety of ancient trees and thriving + copsewood, was held by the neighbourhood to contain, within its unseen + caverns, the palaces of the fairies—a race of airy beings, who formed an + intermediate class between men and demons, and who, if not positively + malignant to humanity, were yet to be avoided and feared, on account of + their capricious, vindictive, and irritable disposition.* +</p> +<p> + * Note H. Fairy Superstition. +</p> +<p> + "They ca' them," said Mr. Jarvie, in a whisper, "<i>Daoine Schie,</i>—whilk + signifies, as I understand, men of peace; meaning thereby to make their + gudewill. And we may e'en as weel ca' them that too, Mr. Osbaldistone, + for there's nae gude in speaking ill o' the laird within his ain bounds." + But he added presently after, on seeing one or two lights which twinkled + before us, "It's deceits o' Satan, after a', and I fearna to say it—for + we are near the manse now, and yonder are the lights in the Clachan of + Aberfoil." +</p> +<p> + I own I was well pleased at the circumstance to which Mr. Jarvie alluded; + not so much that it set his tongue at liberty, in his opinion, with all + safety to declare his real sentiments with respect to the <i>Daoine Schie,</i> + or fairies, as that it promised some hours' repose to ourselves and our + horses, of which, after a ride of fifty miles and upwards, both stood in + some need. +</p> +<p> + We crossed the infant Forth by an old-fashioned stone bridge, very high + and very narrow. My conductor, however, informed me, that to get through + this deep and important stream, and to clear all its tributary + dependencies, the general pass from the Highlands to the southward lay by + what was called the Fords of Frew, at all times deep and difficult of + passage, and often altogether unfordable. Beneath these fords, there was + no pass of general resort until so far east as the bridge of Stirling; so + that the river of Forth forms a defensible line between the Highlands and + Lowlands of Scotland, from its source nearly to the Firth, or inlet of + the ocean, in which it terminates. The subsequent events which we + witnessed led me to recall with attention what the shrewdness of Bailie + Jarvie suggested in his proverbial expression, that "Forth bridles the + wild Highlandman." +</p> +<p> + About half a mile's riding, after we crossed the bridge, placed us at the + door of the public-house where we were to pass the evening. It was a + hovel rather worse than better than that in which we had dined; but its + little windows were lighted up, voices were heard from within, and all + intimated a prospect of food and shelter, to which we were by no means + indifferent. Andrew was the first to observe that there was a peeled + willow-wand placed across the half-open door of the little inn. He hung + back and advised us not to enter. "For," said Andrew, "some of their + chiefs and grit men are birling at the usquebaugh in by there, and dinna + want to be disturbed; and the least we'll get, if we gang ramstam in on + them, will be a broken head, to learn us better havings, if we dinna come + by the length of a cauld dirk in our wame, whilk is just as likely." +</p> +<p> + I looked at the Bailie, who acknowledged, in a whisper, "that the gowk + had some reason for singing, ance in the year." +</p> +<p> + Meantime a staring half-clad wench or two came out of the inn and the + neighbouring cottages, on hearing the sound of our horses' feet. No one + bade us welcome, nor did any one offer to take our horses, from which we + had alighted; and to our various inquiries, the hopeless response of "Ha + niel Sassenach," was the only answer we could extract. The Bailie, + however, found (in his experience) a way to make them speak English. "If + I gie ye a bawbee," said he to an urchin of about ten years old, with a + fragment of a tattered plaid about him, "will you understand Sassenach?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay, that will I," replied the brat, in very decent English. "Then + gang and tell your mammy, my man, there's twa Sassenach gentlemen come to + speak wi' her." +</p> +<p> + The landlady presently appeared, with a lighted piece of split fir + blazing in her hand. The turpentine in this species of torch (which is + generally dug from out the turf-bogs) makes it blaze and sparkle readily, + so that it is often used in the Highlands in lieu of candles. On this + occasion such a torch illuminated the wild and anxious features of a + female, pale, thin, and rather above the usual size, whose soiled and + ragged dress, though aided by a plaid or tartan screen, barely served the + purposes of decency, and certainly not those of comfort. Her black hair, + which escaped in uncombed elf-locks from under her coif, as well as the + strange and embarrassed look with which she regarded us, gave me the idea + of a witch disturbed in the midst of her unlawful rites. She plainly + refused to admit us into the house. We remonstrated anxiously, and + pleaded the length of our journey, the state of our horses, and the + certainty that there was not another place where we could be received + nearer than Callander, which the Bailie stated to be seven Scots miles + distant. How many these may exactly amount to in English measurement, I + have never been able to ascertain, but I think the double <i>ratio</i> may be + pretty safely taken as a medium computation. The obdurate hostess treated + our expostulation with contempt. "Better gang farther than fare waur," + she said, speaking the Scottish Lowland dialect, and being indeed a + native of the Lennox district—"Her house was taen up wi' them wadna like + to be intruded on wi' strangers. She didna ken wha mair might be + there—red-coats, it might be, frae the garrison." (These last words she + spoke under her breath, and with very strong emphasis.) "The night," she + said, "was fair abune head—a night amang the heather wad caller our + bloods—we might sleep in our claes, as mony a gude blade does in the + scabbard—there wasna muckle flowmoss in the shaw, if we took up our + quarters right, and we might pit up our horses to the hill, naebody wad + say naething against it." +</p> +<p> + "But, my good woman," said I, while the Bailie groaned and remained + undecided, "it is six hours since we dined, and we have not taken a + morsel since. I am positively dying with hunger, and I have no taste for + taking up my abode supperless among these mountains of yours. I + positively must enter; and make the best apology you can to your guests + for adding a stranger or two to their number. Andrew, you will see the + horses put up." +</p> +<p> + The Hecate looked at me with surprise, and then ejaculated—"A wilfu' man + will hae his way—them that will to Cupar maun to Cupar!—To see thae + English belly-gods! he has had ae fu' meal the day already, and he'll + venture life and liberty, rather than he'll want a het supper! Set + roasted beef and pudding on the opposite side o' the pit o' Tophet, and + an Englishman will mak a spang at it—But I wash my hands o't—Follow me + sir" (to Andrew), "and I'se show ye where to pit the beasts." +</p> +<p> + I own I was somewhat dismayed at my landlady's expressions, which seemed + to be ominous of some approaching danger. I did not, however, choose to + shrink back after having declared my resolution, and accordingly I boldly + entered the house; and after narrowly escaping breaking my shins over a + turf back and a salting tub, which stood on either side of the narrow + exterior passage, I opened a crazy half-decayed door, constructed not of + plank, but of wicker, and, followed by the Bailie, entered into the + principal apartment of this Scottish caravansary. +</p> +<p> + The interior presented a view which seemed singular enough to southern + eyes. The fire, fed with blazing turf and branches of dried wood, blazed + merrily in the centre; but the smoke, having no means to escape but + through a hole in the roof, eddied round the rafters of the cottage, and + hung in sable folds at the height of about five feet from the floor. The + space beneath was kept pretty clear by innumerable currents of air which + rushed towards the fire from the broken panel of basket-work which served + as a door—from two square holes, designed as ostensible windows, through + one of which was thrust a plaid, and through the other a tattered + great-coat—and moreover, through various less distinguishable apertures + in the walls of the tenement, which, being built of round stones and + turf, cemented by mud, let in the atmosphere at innumerable crevices. +</p> +<p> + At an old oaken table, adjoining to the fire, sat three men, guests + apparently, whom it was impossible to regard with indifference. Two were + in the Highland dress; the one, a little dark-complexioned man, with a + lively, quick, and irritable expression of features, wore the trews, or + close pantaloons wove out of a sort of chequered stocking stuff. The + Bailie whispered me, that "he behoved to be a man of some consequence, + for that naebody but their Duinhe'wassels wore the trews—they were ill + to weave exactly to their Highland pleasure." +</p> +<p> + The other mountaineer was a very tall, strong man, with a quantity of + reddish hair, freckled face, high cheek-bones, and long chin—a sort of + caricature of the national features of Scotland. The tartan which he wore + differed from that of his companion, as it had much more scarlet in it, + whereas the shades of black and dark-green predominated in the chequers + of the other. The third, who sate at the same table, was in the Lowland + dress,—a bold, stout-looking man, with a cast of military daring in his + eye and manner, his riding-dress showily and profusely laced, and his + cocked hat of formidable dimensions. His hanger and a pair of pistols lay + on the table before him. Each of the Highlanders had their naked dirks + stuck upright in the board beside him,—an emblem, I was afterwards + informed, but surely a strange one, that their computation was not to be + interrupted by any brawl. A mighty pewter measure, containing about an + English quart of usquebaugh, a liquor nearly as strong as brandy, which + the Highlanders distil from malt, and drink undiluted in excessive + quantities, was placed before these worthies. A broken glass, with a + wooden foot, served as a drinking cup to the whole party, and circulated + with a rapidity, which, considering the potency of the liquor, seemed + absolutely marvellous. These men spoke loudly and eagerly together, + sometimes in Gaelic, at other times in English. Another Highlander, wrapt + in his plaid, reclined on the floor, his head resting on a stone, from + which it was only separated by a wisp of straw, and slept or seemed to + sleep, without attending to what was going on around him, He also was + probably a stranger, for he lay in full dress, and accoutred with the + sword and target, the usual arms of his countrymen when on a journey. + Cribs there were of different dimensions beside the walls, formed, some + of fractured boards, some of shattered wicker-work or plaited boughs, in + which slumbered the family of the house, men, women, and children, their + places of repose only concealed by the dusky wreaths of vapour which + arose above, below, and around them. +</p> +<p> + Our entrance was made so quietly, and the carousers I have described were + so eagerly engaged in their discussions, that we escaped their notice for + a minute or two. But I observed the Highlander who lay beside the fire + raise himself on his elbow as we entered, and, drawing his plaid over the + lower part of his face, fix his look on us for a few seconds, after which + he resumed his recumbent posture, and seemed again to betake himself to + the repose which our entrance had interrupted, +</p> +<p> + We advanced to the fire, which was an agreeable spectacle after our late + ride, during the chillness of an autumn evening among the mountains, and + first attracted the attention of the guests who had preceded us, by + calling for the landlady. She approached, looking doubtfully and timidly, + now at us, now at the other party, and returned a hesitating and doubtful + answer to our request to have something to eat. +</p> +<p> + "She didna ken," she said, "she wasna sure there was onything in the + house," and then modified her refusal with the qualification—"that is, + onything fit for the like of us." +</p> +<p> + I assured her we were indifferent to the quality of our supper; and + looking round for the means of accommodation, which were not easily to be + found, I arranged an old hen-coop as a seat for Mr. Jarvie, and turned + down a broken tub to serve for my own. Andrew Fairservice entered + presently afterwards, and took a place in silence behind our backs. The + natives, as I may call them, continued staring at us with an air as if + confounded by our assurance, and we, at least I myself, disguised as well + as we could, under an appearance of indifference, any secret anxiety we + might feel concerning the mode in which we were to be received by those + whose privacy we had disturbed. +</p> +<p> + At length, the lesser Highlander, addressing himself to me said, in very + good English, and in a tone of great haughtiness, "Ye make yourself at + home, sir, I see." +</p> +<p> + "I usually do so," I replied, "when I come into a house of public + entertainment." +</p> +<p> + "And did she na see," said the taller man, "by the white wand at the + door, that gentlemans had taken up the public-house on their ain + business?" +</p> +<p> + "I do not pretend to understand the customs of this country but I am yet + to learn," I replied, "how three persons should be entitled to exclude + all other travellers from the only place of shelter and refreshment for + miles round." +</p> +<p> + "There's nae reason for't, gentlemen," said the Bailie; "we mean nae + offence—but there's neither law nor reason for't; but as far as a stoup + o' gude brandy wad make up the quarrel, we, being peaceable folk, wad be + willing." +</p> +<p> + "Damn your brandy, sir!" said the Lowlander, adjusting his cocked hat + fiercely upon his head; "we desire neither your brandy nor your company," + and up he rose from his seat. His companions also arose, muttering to + each other, drawing up their plaids, and snorting and snuffing the air + after the mariner of their countrymen when working themselves into a + passion. +</p> +<p> + "I tauld ye what wad come, gentlemen," said the landlady, "an ye wad hae + been tauld:—get awa' wi' ye out o' my house, and make nae disturbance + here—there's nae gentleman be disturbed at Jeanie MacAlpine's an she can + hinder. A wheen idle English loons, gaun about the country under cloud o' + night, and disturbing honest peaceable gentlemen that are drinking their + drap drink at the fireside!" +</p> +<p> + At another time I should have thought of the old Latin adage, +</p> +<p> + "Dat veniam corvis, vexat censure columbas"— +</p> +<p> + But I had not any time for classical quotation, for there was obviously a + fray about to ensue, at which, feeling myself indiginant at the + inhospitable insolence with which I was treated, I was totally + indifferent, unless on the Bailie's account, whose person and qualities + were ill qualified for such an adventure. I started up, however, on + seeing the others rise, and dropped my cloak from my shoulders, that I + might be ready to stand on the defensive. +</p> +<p> + "We are three to three," said the lesser Highlander, glancing his eyes at + our party: "if ye be pretty men, draw!" and unsheathing his broadsword, + he advanced on me. I put myself in a posture of defence, and aware of the + superiority of my weapon, a rapier or small-sword, was little afraid of + the issue of the contest. The Bailie behaved with unexpected mettle. As + he saw the gigantic Highlander confront him with his weapon drawn, he + tugged for a second or two at the hilt of his <i>shabble,</i> as he called it; + but finding it loth to quit the sheath, to which it had long been secured + by rust and disuse, he seized, as a substitute, on the red-hot coulter of + a plough which had been employed in arranging the fire by way of a poker, + and brandished it with such effect, that at the first pass he set the + Highlander's plaid on fire, and compelled him to keep a respectful + distance till he could get it extinguished. Andrew, on the contrary, who + ought to have faced the Lowland champion, had, I grieve to say it, + vanished at the very commencement of the fray. But his antagonist, crying + "Fair play, fair play!" seemed courteously disposed to take no share in + the scuffle. Thus we commenced our rencontre on fair terms as to numbers. + My own aim was, to possess myself, if possible, of my antagonist's + weapon; but I was deterred from closing, for fear of the dirk which he + held in his left hand, and used in parrying the thrusts of my rapier. + Meantime the Bailie, notwithstanding the success of his first onset, was + sorely bested. The weight of his weapon, the corpulence of his person, + the very effervescence of his own passions, were rapidly exhausting both + his strength and his breath, and he was almost at the mercy of his + antagonist, when up started the sleeping Highlander from the floor on + which he reclined, with his naked sword and target in his hand, and threw + himself between the discomfited magistrate and his assailant, exclaiming, + "Her nainsell has eaten the town pread at the Cross o' Glasgow, and py + her troth she'll fight for Bailie Sharvie at the Clachan of Aberfoil—tat + will she e'en!" And seconding his words with deeds, this unexpected + auxiliary made his sword whistle about the ears of his tall countryman, + who, nothing abashed, returned his blows with interest. But being both + accoutred with round targets made of wood, studded with brass, and + covered with leather, with which they readily parried each other's + strokes, their combat was attended with much more noise and clatter than + serious risk of damage. It appeared, indeed, that there was more of + bravado than of serious attempt to do us any injury; for the Lowland + gentleman, who, as I mentioned, had stood aside for want of an antagonist + when the brawl commenced, was now pleased to act the part of moderator + and peacemaker. +</p> +<a name="image-0006"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb154.jpg" height="462" width="750" +alt="Fray at Jeannie Macalpine's +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + "Hand your hands! haud your hands!—eneugh done!—eneugh done! the + quarrel's no mortal. The strange gentlemen have shown themselves men of + honour, and gien reasonable satisfaction. I'll stand on mine honour as + kittle as ony man, but I hate unnecessary bloodshed." +</p> +<p> + It was not, of course, my wish to protract the fray—my adversary seemed + equally disposed to sheathe his sword—the Bailie, gasping for breath, + might be considered as <i>hors de combat,</i> and our two sword-and-buckler + men gave up their contest with as much indifference as they had entered + into it. +</p> +<p> + "And now," said the worthy gentleman who acted as umpire, "let us drink + and gree like honest fellows—The house will haud us a'. I propose that + this good little gentleman, that seems sair forfoughen, as I may say, in + this tuilzie, shall send for a tass o' brandy and I'll pay for another, + by way of archilowe,* and then we'll birl our bawbees a' round about, + like brethren." +</p> +<p> + "And fa's to pay my new ponnie plaid," said the larger Highlander, "wi' a + hole burnt in't ane might put a kail-pat through? Saw ever onybody a + decent gentleman fight wi' a firebrand before?" +</p> +<p> + "Let that be nae hinderance," said the Bailie, who had now recovered his + breath, and was at once disposed to enjoy the triumph of having behaved + with spirit, and avoid the necessity of again resorting to such hard and + doubtful arbitrament—"Gin I hae broken the head," he said, "I sall find + the plaister. A new plaid sall ye hae, and o' the best—your ain + clan-colours, man,—an ye will tell me where it can be sent t'ye frae + Glasco." +</p> +<p> + "I needna name my clan—I am of a king's clan, as is weel ken'd," said + the Highlander; "but ye may tak a bit o' the plaid—figh! she smells like + a singit sheep's head!—and that'll learn ye the sett—and a gentleman, + that's a cousin o' my ain, that carries eggs doun frae Glencroe, will ca' + for't about Martimas, an ye will tell her where ye bide. But, honest + gentleman, neist time ye fight, an ye hae ony respect for your + athversary, let it be wi' your sword, man, since ye wear ane, and no wi' + thae het culters and fireprands, like a wild Indian." +</p> +<p> + "Conscience!" replied the Bailie, "every man maun do as he dow. My sword + hasna seen the light since Bothwell Brigg, when my father that's dead and + gane, ware it; and I kenna weel if it was forthcoming then either, for + the battle was o' the briefest—At ony rate, it's glued to the scabbard + now beyond my power to part them; and, finding that, I e'en grippit at + the first thing I could make a fend wi'. I trow my fighting days is done, + though I like ill to take the scorn, for a' that.—But where's the honest + lad that tuik my quarrel on himself sae frankly?—I'se bestow a gill o' + aquavitae on him, an I suld never ca' for anither." +</p> +<p> + * Archilowe, of unknown derivation, signifies a peace-offering. +</p> +<p> + The champion for whom he looked around was, however, no longer to be + seen. He had escaped unobserved by the Bailie, immediately when the brawl + was ended, yet not before I had recognised, in his wild features and + shaggy red hair, our acquaintance Dougal, the fugitive turnkey of the + Glasgow jail. I communicated this observation in a whisper to the Bailie, + who answered in the same tone, "Weel, weel,—I see that him that ye ken + o' said very right; there <i>is</i> some glimmering o' common sense about that + creature Dougal; I maun see and think o' something will do him some + gude." +</p> +<p> + Thus saying, he sat down, and fetching one or two deep aspirations, by + way of recovering his breath, called to the landlady—"I think, Luckie, + now that I find that there's nae hole in my wame, whilk I had muckle + reason to doubt frae the doings o' your house, I wad be the better o' + something to pit intill't." +</p> +<p> + The dame, who was all officiousness so soon as the storm had blown over, + immediately undertook to broil something comfortable for our supper. + Indeed, nothing surprised me more, in the course of the whole matter, + than the extreme calmness with which she and her household seemed to + regard the martial tumult that had taken place. The good woman was only + heard to call to some of her assistants—"Steek the door! steek the door! + kill or be killed, let naebody pass out till they hae paid the lawin." + And as for the slumberers in those lairs by the wall, which served the + family for beds, they only raised their shirtless bodies to look at the + fray, ejaculated, "Oigh! oigh!" in the tone suitable to their respective + sex and ages, and were, I believe, fast asleep again, ere our swords were + well returned to their scabbards. +</p> +<p> + Our landlady, however, now made a great bustle to get some victuals + ready, and, to my surprise, very soon began to prepare for us in the + frying-pan a savoury mess of venison collops, which she dressed in a + manner that might well satisfy hungry men, if not epicures. In the + meantime the brandy was placed on the table, to which the Highlanders, + however partial to their native strong waters, showed no objection, but + much the contrary; and the Lowland gentleman, after the first cup had + passed round, became desirous to know our profession, and the object of + our journey. +</p> +<p> + "We are bits o' Glasgow bodies, if it please your honour," said the + Bailie, with an affectation of great humility, "travelling to Stirling to + get in some siller that is awing us." +</p> +<p> + I was so silly as to feel a little disconcerted at the unassuming account + which he chose to give of us; but I recollected my promise to be silent, + and allow the Bailie to manage the matter his own way. And really, when I + recollected, Will, that I had not only brought the honest man a long + journey from home, which even in itself had been some inconvenience (if I + were to judge from the obvious pain and reluctance with which he took his + seat, or arose from it), but had also put him within a hair's-breadth of + the loss of his life, I could hardly refuse him such a compliment. The + spokesman of the other party, snuffing up his breath through his nose, + repeated the words with a sort of sneer;—"You Glasgow tradesfolks hae + naething to do but to gang frae the tae end o' the west o' Scotland to + the ither, to plague honest folks that may chance to be awee ahint the + hand, like me." +</p> +<p> + "If our debtors were a' sic honest gentlemen as I believe you to be, + Garschattachin," replied the Bailie, "conscience! we might save ourselves + a labour, for they wad come to seek us." +</p> +<p> + "Eh! what! how!" exclaimed the person whom he had addressed,—"as I shall + live by bread (not forgetting beef and brandy), it's my auld friend Nicol + Jarvie, the best man that ever counted doun merks on a band till a + distressed gentleman. Were ye na coming up my way?—were ye na coming up + the Endrick to Garschattachin?" +</p> +<p> + "Troth no, Maister Galbraith," replied the Bailie, "I had other eggs on + the spit—and I thought ye wad be saying I cam to look about the annual + rent that's due on the bit heritable band that's between us." +</p> +<p> + "Damn the annual rent!" said the laird, with an appearance of great + heartiness—"Deil a word o' business will you or I speak, now that ye're + so near my country. To see how a trot-cosey and a joseph can disguise a + man—that I suldna ken my auld feal friend the deacon!" +</p> +<p> + "The Bailie, if ye please," resumed my companion; "but I ken what gars ye + mistak—the band was granted to my father that's happy, and he was + deacon; but his name was Nicol as weel as mine. I dinna mind that there's + been a payment of principal sum or annual rent on it in my day, and + doubtless that has made the mistake." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, the devil take the mistake and all that occasioned it!" replied + Mr. Galbraith. "But I am glad ye are a bailie. Gentlemen, fill a + brimmer—this is my excellent friend, Bailie Nicol Jarvie's health—I + ken'd him and his father these twenty years. Are ye a' cleared kelty + aff?—Fill anither. Here's to his being sune provost—I say + provost—Lord Provost Nicol Jarvie!—and them that affirms there's a man + walks the Hie-street o' Glasgow that's fitter for the office, they will + do weel not to let me, Duncan Galbraith of Garschattachin, hear them say + sae—that's all." And therewith Duncan Galbraith martially cocked his + hat, and placed it on one side of his head with an air of defiance. +</p> +<p> + The brandy was probably the best recommendation of there complimentary + toasts to the two Highlanders, who drank them without appearing anxious + to comprehend their purport. They commenced a conversation with Mr. + Galbraith in Gaelic, which he talked with perfect fluency, being, as I + afterwards learned, a near neighbour to the Highlands. +</p> +<p> + "I ken'd that Scant-o'-grace weel eneugh frae the very outset," said the + Bailie, in a whisper to me; "but when blude was warm, and swords were out + at ony rate, wha kens what way he might hae thought o' paying his debts? + it will be lang or he does it in common form. But he's an honest lad, and + has a warm heart too; he disna come often to the Cross o' Glasgow, but + mony a buck and blackcock he sends us doun frae the hills. And I can want + my siller weel eneugh. My father the deacon had a great regard for the + family of Garschattachin." +</p> +<p> + Supper being now nearly ready, I looked round for Andrew Fairservice; but + that trusty follower had not been seen by any one since the beginning of + the rencontre. The hostess, however, said that she believed our servant + had gone into the stable, and offered to light me to the place, saying + that "no entreaties of the bairns or hers could make him give any answer; + and that truly she caredna to gang into the stable herself at this hour. + She was a lone woman, and it was weel ken'd how the Brownie of + Ben-ye-gask guided the gudewife of Ardnagowan; and it was aye judged + there was a Brownie in our stable, which was just what garr'd me gie ower + keeping an hostler." +</p> +<p> + As, however, she lighted me towards the miserable hovel into which they + had crammed our unlucky steeds, to regale themselves on hay, every fibre + of which was as thick as an ordinary goose-quill, she plainly showed me + that she had another reason for drawing me aside from the company than + that which her words implied. "Read that," she said, slipping a piece of + paper into my hand, as we arrived at the door of the shed; "I bless God I + am rid o't. Between sogers and Saxons, and caterans and cattle-lifters, + and hership and bluidshed, an honest woman wad live quieter in hell than + on the Hieland line." +</p> +<p> + So saying, she put the pine-torch into my hand, and returned into the + house, +</p> +<a name="2HCH0012"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TWELFTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Bagpipes, not lyres, the Highland hills adorn, + MacLean's loud hollo, and MacGregor's horn. + John Cooper's Reply to Allan Ramsay. +</pre> +<p> + I stopped in the entrance of the stable, if indeed a place be entitled to + that name where horses were stowed away along with goats, poultry, pigs, + and cows, under the same roof with the mansion-house; although, by a + degree of refinement unknown to the rest of the hamlet, and which I + afterwards heard was imputed to an overpride on the part of Jeanie + MacAlpine, our landlady, the apartment was accommodated with an entrance + different from that used by her biped customers. By the light of my + torch, I deciphered the following billet, written on a wet, crumpled, and + dirty piece of paper, and addressed—"For the honoured hands of Mr. F. + O., a Saxon young gentleman—These." The contents were as follows:— +</p> +<p> + "Sir, +</p> +<p> + "There are night-hawks abroad, so that I cannot give you and my respected + kinsman, B. N. J., the meeting at the Clachan of Aberfoil, whilk was my + purpose. I pray you to avoid unnecessary communication with those you may + find there, as it may give future trouble. The person who gives you this + is faithful and may be trusted, and will guide you to a place where, God + willing, I may safely give you the meeting, when I trust my kinsman and + you will visit my poor house, where, in despite of my enemies, I can + still promise sic cheer as ane Hielandman may gie his friends, and where + we will drink a solemn health to a certain D. V., and look to certain + affairs whilk I hope to be your aidance in; and I rest, as is wont among + gentlemen, +</p> +<p> + your servant to command, + R. M. C." +</p> +<p> + I was a good deal mortified at the purport of this letter, which seemed + to adjourn to a more distant place and date the service which I had hoped + to receive from this man Campbell. Still, however, it was some comfort to + know that he continued to be in my interest, since without him I could + have no hope of recovering my father's papers. I resolved, therefore, to + obey his instructions; and, observing all caution before the guests, to + take the first good opportunity I could find to procure from the landlady + directions how I was to obtain a meeting with this mysterious person. +</p> +<p> + My next business was to seek out Andrew Fairservice, whom I called + several times by name, without receiving any answer, surveying the stable + all round, at the same time, not without risk of setting the premises on + fire, had not the quantity of wet litter and mud so greatly + counterbalanced two or three bunches of straw and hay. At length my + repeated cries of "Andrew Fairservice! Andrew! fool!—ass! where are + you?" produced a doleful "Here," in a groaning tone, which might have + been that of the Brownie itself. Guided by this sound, I advanced to the + corner of a shed, where, ensconced in the angle of the wall, behind a + barrel full of the feathers of all the fowls which had died in the cause + of the public for a month past, I found the manful Andrew; and partly by + force, partly by command and exhortation, compelled him forth into the + open air. The first words he spoke were, "I am an honest lad, sir." +</p> +<p> + "Who the devil questions your honesty?" said I, "or what have we to do + with it at present? I desire you to come and attend us at supper." +</p> +<p> + "Yes," reiterated Andrew, without apparently understanding what I said to + him, "I am an honest lad, whatever the Bailie may say to the contrary. I + grant the warld and the warld's gear sits ower near my heart whiles, as + it does to mony a ane—But I am an honest lad; and, though I spak o' + leaving ye in the muir, yet God knows it was far frae my purpose, but + just like idle things folk says when they're driving a bargain, to get it + as far to their ain side as they can—And I like your honour weel for sae + young a lad, and I wadna part wi' ye lightly." +</p> +<p> + "What the deuce are you driving at now?" I replied. "Has not everything + been settled again and again to your satisfaction? And are you to talk of + leaving me every hour, without either rhyme or reason?" +</p> +<p> + "Ay,—but I was only making fashion before," replied Andrew; "but it's + come on me in sair earnest now—Lose or win, I daur gae nae farther wi' + your honour; and if ye'll tak my foolish advice, ye'll bide by a broken + tryste, rather than gang forward yoursell. I hae a sincere regard for ye, + and I'm sure ye'll be a credit to your friends if ye live to saw out your + wild aits, and get some mair sense and steadiness—But I can follow ye + nae farther, even if ye suld founder and perish from the way for lack of + guidance and counsel. To gang into Rob Roy's country is a mere tempting + o' Providence." +</p> +<p> + "Rob Roy?" said I, in some surprise; "I know no such person. What new + trick is this, Andrew?" +</p> +<p> + "It's hard," said Andrew—"very hard, that a man canna be believed when + he speaks Heaven's truth, just because he's whiles owercome, and tells + lees a little when there is necessary occasion. Ye needna ask whae Rob + Roy is, the reiving lifter that he is—God forgie me! I hope naebody + hears us—when ye hae a letter frae him in your pouch. I heard ane o' his + gillies bid that auld rudas jaud of a gudewife gie ye that. They thought + I didna understand their gibberish; but, though I canna speak it muckle, + I can gie a gude guess at what I hear them say—I never thought to hae + tauld ye that, but in a fright a' things come out that suld be keepit in. + O, Maister Frank! a' your uncle's follies, and a' your cousin's pliskies, + were naething to this! Drink clean cap out, like Sir Hildebrand; begin + the blessed morning with brandy sops, like Squire Percy; swagger, like + Squire Thorncliff; rin wud amang the lasses, like Squire John; gamble, + like Richard; win souls to the Pope and the deevil, like Rashleigh; rive, + rant, break the Sabbath, and do the Pope's bidding, like them a' put + thegither—But, merciful Providence! take care o' your young bluid, and + gang nae near Rob Roy!" +</p> +<p> + Andrew's alarm was too sincere to permit me to suppose he counterfeited. + I contented myself, however, with telling him, that I meant to remain in + the alehouse that night, and desired to have the horses well looked + after. As to the rest, I charged him to observe the strictest silence + upon the subject of his alarm, and he might rely upon it I would not + incur any serious danger without due precaution. He followed me with a + dejected air into the house, observing between his teeth, "Man suld be + served afore beast—I haena had a morsel in my mouth, but the rough legs + o' that auld muircock, this haill blessed day." +</p> +<p> + The harmony of the company seemed to have suffered some interruption + since my departure, for I found Mr. Galbraith and my friend the Bailie + high in dispute. +</p> +<p> + "I'll hear nae sic language," said Mr. Jarvie, as I entered, "respecting + the Duke o' Argyle and the name o' Campbell. He's a worthy + public-spirited nobleman, and a credit to the country, and a friend and + benefactor to the trade o' Glasgow." +</p> +<p> + "I'll sae naething against MacCallum More and the Slioch-nan-Diarmid," + said the lesser Highlander, laughing. "I live on the wrang side of + Glencroe to quarrel with Inverara." +</p> +<p> + "Our loch ne'er saw the Cawmil lymphads,"* said the bigger Highlander. +</p> +<p> + * <i>Lymphads.</i> The galley which the family of Argyle and others of the * + Clan Campbell carry in their arms. +</p> +<p> + "She'll speak her mind and fear naebody—She doesna value a Cawmil mair + as a Cowan, and ye may tell MacCallum More that Allan Iverach said sae— + It's a far cry to Lochow."* +</p> +<p> + * Lochow and the adjacent districts formed the original seat of the * + Campbells. The expression of a "far cry to Lochow" was proverbial. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Galbraith, on whom the repeated pledges which he had quaffed had + produced some influence, slapped his hand on the table with great force, + and said, in a stern voice, "There's a bloody debt due by that family, + and they will pay it one day—The banes of a loyal and a gallant Grahame + hae lang rattled in their coffin for vengeance on thae Dukes of Guile and + Lords for Lorn. There ne'er was treason in Scotland but a Cawmil was at + the bottom o't; and now that the wrang side's uppermost, wha but the + Cawmils for keeping down the right? But this warld winna last lang, and + it will be time to sharp the maiden* for shearing o' craigs and + thrapples. I hope to see the auld rusty lass linking at a bluidy harst + again." +</p> +<p> + * A rude kind of guillotine formerly used in Scotland. +</p> +<p> + "For shame, Garschattachin!" exclaimed the Bailie; "fy for shame, sir! + Wad ye say sic things before a magistrate, and bring yoursell into + trouble?—How d'ye think to mainteen your family and satisfy your + creditors (mysell and others), if ye gang on in that wild way, which + cannot but bring you under the law, to the prejudice of a' that's + connected wi' ye?" +</p> +<p> + "D—n my creditors!" retorted the gallant Galbraith, "and you if ye be + ane o' them! I say there will be a new warld sune—And we shall hae nae + Cawmils cocking their bonnet sae hie, and hounding their dogs where they + daurna come themsells, nor protecting thieves, nor murderers, and + oppressors, to harry and spoil better men and mair loyal clans than + themsells." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie had a great mind to have continued the dispute, when the + savoury vapour of the broiled venison, which our landlady now placed + before us, proved so powerful a mediator, that he betook himself to his + trencher with great eagerness, leaving the strangers to carry on the + dispute among themselves. +</p> +<p> + "And tat's true," said the taller Highlander—whose name I found was + Stewart—"for we suldna be plagued and worried here wi' meetings to pit + down Rob Roy, if the Cawmils didna gie him refutch. I was ane o' thirty + o' my ain name—part Glenfinlas, and part men that came down frae Appine. + We shased the MacGregors as ye wad shase rae-deer, till we came into + Glenfalloch's country, and the Cawmils raise, and wadna let us pursue nae + farder, and sae we lost our labour; but her wad gie twa and a plack to be + as near Rob as she was tat day." +</p> +<p> + It seemed to happen very unfortunately, that in every topic of discourse + which these warlike gentlemen introduced, my friend the Bailie found some + matter of offence. "Ye'll forgie me speaking my mind, sir; but ye wad + maybe hae gien the best bowl in your bonnet to hae been as far awae frae + Rob as ye are e'en now—Od! my het pleugh-culter wad hae been naething to + his claymore." +</p> +<p> + "She had better speak nae mair about her culter, or, by G—! her will gar + her eat her words, and twa handfuls o' cauld steel to drive them ower + wi'!" And, with a most inauspicious and menacing look, the mountaineer + laid his hand on his dagger. +</p> +<p> + "We'll hae nae quarrelling, Allan," said his shorter companion; "and if + the Glasgow gentleman has ony regard for Rob Roy, he'll maybe see him in + cauld irons the night, and playing tricks on a tow the morn; for this + country has been owre lang plagued wi' him, and his race is near-hand + run—And it's time, Allan, we were ganging to our lads." +</p> +<p> + "Hout awa, Inverashalloch," said Galbraith;—"Mind the auld saw, man— + It's a bauld moon, quoth Bennygask—another pint, quoth Lesley;—we'll no + start for another chappin." +</p> +<p> + "I hae had chappins eneugh," said Inverashalloch; "I'll drink my quart of + usquebaugh or brandy wi' ony honest fellow, but the deil a drap mair when + I hae wark to do in the morning. And, in my puir thinking, + Garschattachin, ye had better be thinking to bring up your horsemen to + the Clachan before day, that we may ay start fair." +</p> +<p> + "What the deevil are ye in sic a hurry for?" said Garschattachin; "meat + and mass never hindered wark. An it had been my directing, deil a bit o' + me wad hae fashed ye to come down the glens to help us. The garrison and + our ain horse could hae taen Rob Roy easily enough. There's the hand," he + said, holding up his own, "should lay him on the green, and never ask a + Hielandman o' ye a' for his help." +</p> +<p> + "Ye might hae loot us bide still where we were, then," said + Inverashalloch. "I didna come sixty miles without being sent for. But an + ye'll hae my opinion, I redd ye keep your mouth better steekit, if ye + hope to speed. Shored folk live lang, and sae may him ye ken o'. The way + to catch a bird is no to fling your bannet at her. And also thae + gentlemen hae heard some things they suldna hae heard, an the brandy + hadna been ower bauld for your brain, Major Galbraith. Ye needna cock + your hat and bully wi' me, man, for I will not bear it." +</p> +<p> + "I hae said it," said Galbraith, with a solemn air of drunken gravity, + "that I will quarrel no more this night either with broadcloth or tartan. + When I am off duty I'll quarrel with you or ony man in the Hielands or + Lowlands, but not on duty—no—no. I wish we heard o' these red-coats. If + it had been to do onything against King James, we wad hae seen them lang + syne—but when it's to keep the peace o' the country they can lie as + lound as their neighbours." +</p> +<p> + As he spoke we heard the measured footsteps of a body of infantry on the + march; and an officer, followed by two or three files of soldiers, + entered the apartment. He spoke in an English accent, which was very + pleasant to my ears, now so long accustomed to the varying brogue of the + Highland and Lowland Scotch.—"You are, I suppose, Major Galbraith, of + the squadron of Lennox Militia, and these are the two Highland gentlemen + with whom I was appointed to meet in this place?" +</p> +<p> + They assented, and invited the officer to take some refreshments, which + he declined.—"I have been too late, gentlemen, and am desirous to make + up time. I have orders to search for and arrest two persons guilty of + treasonable practices." +</p> +<p> + "We'll wash our hands o' that," said Inverashalloch. "I came here wi' my + men to fight against the red MacGregor that killed my cousin, seven times + removed, Duncan MacLaren, in Invernenty;* but I will hae nothing to do + touching honest gentlemen that may be gaun through the country on their + ain business." +</p> +<p> + * This, as appears from the introductory matter to this Tale, is an + anachronism. The slaughter of MacLaren, a retainer of the chief of + Appine, by the MacGregors, did not take place till after Rob Roy's death, + since it happened in 1736. +</p> +<p> + "Nor I neither," said Iverach. +</p> +<p> + Major Galbraith took up the matter more solemnly, and, premising his + oration with a hiccup, spoke to the following purpose:— +</p> +<p> + "I shall say nothing against King George, Captain, because, as it + happens, my commission may rin in his name—But one commission being + good, sir, does not make another bad; and some think that James may be + just as good a name as George. There's the king that is—and there's the + king that suld of right be—I say, an honest man may and suld be loyal to + them both, Captain. But I am of the Lord Lieutenant's opinion for the + time, as it becomes a militia officer and a depute-lieutenant—and about + treason and all that, it's lost time to speak of it—least said is sunest + mended." +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry to see how you have been employing your time, sir," replied + the English officer—as indeed the honest gentleman's reasoning had a + strong relish of the liquor he had been drinking—"and I could wish, sir, + it had been otherwise on an occasion of this consequence. I would + recommend to you to try to sleep for an hour.—Do these gentlemen belong + to your party?"—looking at the Bailie and me, who, engaged in eating our + supper, had paid little attention to the officer on his entrance. +</p> +<p> + "Travellers, sir," said Galbraith—"lawful travellers by sea and land, as + the prayer-book hath it." +</p> +<p> + "My instructions." said the Captain, taking a light to survey us closer, + "are to place under arrest an elderly and a young person—and I think + these gentlemen answer nearly the description." +</p> +<p> + "Take care what you say, sir," said Mr. Jarvie; "it shall not be your red + coat nor your laced hat shall protect you, if you put any affront on me. + I'se convene ye baith in an action of scandal and false imprisonment—I + am a free burgess and a magistrate o' Glasgow; Nicol Jarvie is my name, + sae was my father's afore me—I am a bailie, be praised for the honour, + and my father was a deacon." +</p> +<p> + "He was a prick-eared cur," said Major Galbraith, "and fought agane the + King at Bothwell Brigg." +</p> +<p> + "He paid what he ought and what he bought, Mr. Galbraith," said the + Bailie, "and was an honester man than ever stude on your shanks." +</p> +<p> + "I have no time to attend to all this," said the officer; "I must + positively detain you, gentlemen, unless you can produce some respectable + security that you are loyal subjects." +</p> +<p> + "I desire to be carried before some civil magistrate," said the + Bailie—"the sherra or the judge of the bounds;—I am not obliged to + answer every red-coat that speers questions at me." +</p> +<p> + "Well, sir, I shall know how to manage you if you are silent—And you, + sir" (to me), "what may your name be?" +</p> +<p> + "Francis Osbaldistone, sir." +</p> +<p> + "What, a son of Sir Hildebrand Osbaldistone of Northumberland?" +</p> +<p> + "No, sir," interrupted the Bailie; "a son of the great William + Osbaldistone of the House of Osbaldistone and Tresham, Crane-Alley, + London." +</p> +<p> + "I am afraid, sir," said the officer, "your name only increases the + suspicions against you, and lays me under the necessity of requesting + that you will give up what papers you have in charge." +</p> +<p> + I observed the Highlanders look anxiously at each other when this + proposal was made. +</p> +<p> + "I had none," I replied, "to surrender." +</p> +<p> + The officer commanded me to be disarmed and searched. To have resisted + would have been madness. I accordingly gave up my arms, and submitted to + a search, which was conducted as civilly as an operation of the kind well + could. They found nothing except the note which I had received that night + through the hand of the landlady. +</p> +<p> + "This is different from what I expected," said the officer; "but it + affords us good grounds for detaining you. Here I find you in written + communication with the outlawed robber, Robert MacGregor Campbell, who + has been so long the plague of this district—How do you account for + that?" +</p> +<p> + "Spies of Rob!" said Inverashalloch. "We wad serve them right to strap + them up till the neist tree." +</p> +<p> + "We are gaun to see after some gear o' our ain, gentlemen," said the + Bailie, "that's fa'en into his hands by accident—there's nae law agane a + man looking after his ain, I hope?" +</p> +<p> + "How did you come by this letter?" said the officer, addressing himself + to me. +</p> +<p> + I could not think of betraying the poor woman who had given it to me, and + remained silent. +</p> +<p> + "Do you know anything of it, fellow?" said the officer, looking at + Andrew, whose jaws were chattering like a pair of castanets at the + threats thrown out by the Highlander. +</p> +<p> + "O ay, I ken a' about it—it was a Hieland loon gied the letter to that + lang-tongued jaud the gudewife there; I'll be sworn my maister ken'd + naething about it. But he's wilfu' to gang up the hills and speak wi' + Rob; and oh, sir, it wad be a charity just to send a wheen o' your + red-coats to see him safe back to Glasgow again whether he will or + no—And ye can keep Mr. Jarvie as lang as ye like—He's responsible + enough for ony fine ye may lay on him—and so's my master for that + matter; for me, I'm just a puir gardener lad, and no worth your + steering." +</p> +<p> + "I believe," said the officer, "the best thing I can do is to send these + persons to the garrison under an escort. They seem to be in immediate + correspondence with the enemy, and I shall be in no respect answerable + for suffering them to be at liberty. Gentlemen, you will consider + yourselves as my prisoners. So soon as dawn approaches, I will send you + to a place of security. If you be the persons you describe yourselves, it + will soon appear, and you will sustain no great inconvenience from being + detained a day or two. I can hear no remonstrances," he continued, + turning away from the Bailie, whose mouth was open to address him; "the + service I am on gives me no time for idle discussions." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, aweel, sir," said the Bailie, "you're welcome to a tune on your + ain fiddle; but see if I dinna gar ye dance till't afore a's dune." +</p> +<p> + An anxious consultation now took place between the officer and the + Highlanders, but carried on in so low a tone, that it was impossible to + catch the sense. So soon as it was concluded they all left the house. At + their departure, the Bailie thus expressed himself:—"Thae Hielandmen are + o' the westland clans, and just as light-handed as their neighbours, an + a' tales be true, and yet ye see they hae brought them frae the head o' + Argyleshire to make war wi' puir Rob for some auld ill-will that they hae + at him and his sirname. And there's the Grahames, and the Buchanans, and + the Lennox gentry, a' mounted and in order—It's weel ken'd their + quarrel; and I dinna blame them—naebody likes to lose his kye. And then + there's sodgers, puir things, hoyed out frae the garrison at a' body's + bidding—Puir Rob will hae his hands fu' by the time the sun comes ower + the hill. Weel—it's wrang for a magistrate to be wishing onything agane + the course o' justice, but deil o' me an I wad break my heart to hear + that Rob had gien them a' their paiks!" +</p> +<a name="2HCH0013"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER THIRTEEN. +</h2> +<pre> + —General, + Hear me, and mark me well, and look upon me + Directly in my face—my woman's face— + See if one fear, one shadow of a terror, + One paleness dare appear, but from my anger, + To lay hold on your mercies. + Bonduca. +</pre> +<p> + We were permitted to slumber out the remainder of the night in the best + manner that the miserable accommodations of the alehouse permitted. The + Bailie, fatigued with his journey and the subsequent scenes—less + interested also in the event of our arrest, which to him could only be a + matter of temporary inconvenience—perhaps less nice than habit had + rendered me about the cleanliness or decency of his couch,—tumbled + himself into one of the cribs which I have already described, and soon + was heard to snore soundly. A broken sleep, snatched by intervals, while + I rested my head upon the table, was my only refreshment. In the course + of the night I had occasion to observe that there seemed to be some doubt + and hesitation in the motions of the soldiery. Men were sent out, as if + to obtain intelligence, and returned apparently without bringing any + satisfactory information to their commanding officer. He was obviously + eager and anxious, and again despatched small parties of two or three + men, some of whom, as I could understand from what the others whispered + to each other, did not return again to the Clachan. +</p> +<p> + The morning had broken, when a corporal and two men rushed into the hut, + dragging after them, in a sort of triumph, a Highlander, whom I + immediately recognised as my acquaintance the ex-turnkey. The Bailie, who + started up at the noise with which they entered, immediately made the + same discovery, and exclaimed—"Mercy on us! they hae grippit the puir + creature Dougal.—Captain, I will put in bail—sufficient bail, for that + Dougal creature." +</p> +<p> + To this offer, dictated undoubtedly by a grateful recollection of the + late interference of the Highlander in his behalf, the Captain only + answered by requesting Mr. Jarvie to "mind his own affairs, and remember + that he was himself for the present a prisoner." +</p> +<p> + "I take you to witness, Mr. Osbaldistone," said the Bailie, who was + probably better acquainted with the process in civil than in military + cases, "that he has refused sufficient bail. It's my opinion that the + creature Dougal will have a good action of wrongous imprisonment and + damages agane him, under the Act seventeen hundred and one, and I'll see + the creature righted." +</p> +<p> + The officer, whose name I understood was Thornton, paying no attention to + the Bailie's threats or expostulations, instituted a very close inquiry + into Dougal's life and conversation, and compelled him to admit, though + with apparent reluctance, the successive facts,—that he knew Rob Roy + MacGregor—that he had seen him within these twelve months—within these + six months—within this month—within this week; in fine, that he had + parted from him only an hour ago. All this detail came like drops of + blood from the prisoner, and was, to all appearance, only extorted by the + threat of a halter and the next tree, which Captain Thornton assured him + should be his doom, if he did not give direct and special information. +</p> +<p> + "And now, my friend," said the officer, "you will please inform me how + many men your master has with him at present." +</p> +<p> + Dougal looked in every direction except at the querist, and began to + answer, "She canna just be sure about that." +</p> +<p> + "Look at me, you Highland dog," said the officer, "and remember your life + depends on your answer. How many rogues had that outlawed scoundrel with + him when you left him?" +</p> +<p> + "Ou, no aboon sax rogues when I was gane." +</p> +<p> + "And where are the rest of his banditti?" +</p> +<p> + "Gane wi' the Lieutenant agane ta westland carles." +</p> +<p> + "Against the westland clans?" said the Captain. "Umph—that is likely + enough; and what rogue's errand were you despatched upon?" +</p> +<p> + "Just to see what your honour and ta gentlemen red-coats were doing doun + here at ta Clachan." +</p> +<p> + "The creature will prove fause-hearted, after a'," said the Bailie, who + by this time had planted himself close behind me; "it's lucky I didna pit + mysell to expenses anent him." +</p> +<p> + "And now, my friend," said the Captain, "let us understand each other. + You have confessed yourself a spy, and should string up to the next + tree—But come, if you will do me one good turn, I will do you another. + You, Donald—you shall just, in the way of kindness, carry me and a small + party to the place where you left your master, as I wish to speak a few + words with him on serious affairs; and I'll let you go about your + business, and give you five guineas to boot." +</p> +<p> + "Oigh! oigh!" exclaimed Dougal, in the extremity of distress and + perplexity; "she canna do tat—she canna do tat; she'll rather be + hanged." +</p> +<p> + "Hanged, then, you shall be, my friend" said the officer; "and your blood + be upon your own head. Corporal Cramp, do you play Provost-Marshal—away + with him!" +</p> +<p> + The corporal had confronted poor Dougal for some time, ostentatiously + twisting a piece of cord which he had found in the house into the form of + a halter. He now threw it about the culprit's neck, and, with the + assistance of two soldiers, had dragged Dougal as far as the door, when, + overcome with the terror of immediate death, he exclaimed, "Shentlemans, + stops—stops! She'll do his honour's bidding—stops!" +</p> +<p> + "Awa' wi' the creature!" said the Bailie, "he deserves hanging mair now + than ever; awa' wi' him, corporal. Why dinna ye tak him awa'?" +</p> +<p> + "It's my belief and opinion, honest gentleman," said the corporal, "that + if you were going to be hanged yourself, you would be in no such d—d + hurry." +</p> +<p> + This by-dialogue prevented my hearing what passed between the prisoner + and Captain Thornton; but I heard the former snivel out, in a very + subdued tone, "And ye'll ask her to gang nae farther than just to show ye + where the MacGregor is?—Ohon! ohon!" +</p> +<p> + "Silence your howling, you rascal—No; I give you my word I will ask you + to go no farther.—Corporal, make the men fall in, in front of the + houses. Get out these gentlemen's horses; we must carry them with us. I + cannot spare any men to guard them here. Come, my lads, get under arms." +</p> +<p> + The soldiers bustled about, and were ready to move. We were led out, + along with Dougal, in the capacity of prisoners. As we left the hut, I + heard our companion in captivity remind the Captain of "ta foive + kuineas." +</p> +<p> + "Here they are for you," said the officer, putting gold into his hand; + "but observe, that if you attempt to mislead me, I will blow your brains + out with my own hand." +</p> +<p> + "The creature," said the Bailie, "is waur than I judged him—it is a + warldly and a perfidious creature. O the filthy lucre of gain that men + gies themsells up to! My father the deacon used to say, the penny siller + slew mair souls than the naked sword slew bodies." +</p> +<p> + The landlady now approached, and demanded payment of her reckoning, + including all that had been quaffed by Major Galbraith and his Highland + friends. The English officer remonstrated, but Mrs. MacAlpine declared, + if "she hadna trusted to his honour's name being used in their company, + she wad never hae drawn them a stoup o' liquor; for Mr. Galbraith, she + might see him again, or she might no, but weel did she wot she had sma' + chance of seeing her siller—and she was a puir widow, had naething but + her custom to rely on." +</p> +<p> + Captain Thornton put a stop to her remonstrances by paying the charge, + which was only a few English shillings, though the amount sounded very + formidable in Scottish denominations. The generous officer would have + included Mr. Jarvie and me in this general acquittance; but the Bailie, + disregarding an intimation from the landlady to "make as muckle of the + Inglishers as we could, for they were sure to gie us plague eneugh," went + into a formal accounting respecting our share of the reckoning, and paid + it accordingly. The Captain took the opportunity to make us some slight + apology for detaining us. "If we were loyal and peaceable subjects," he + said, "we would not regret being stopt for a day, when it was essential + to the king's service; if otherwise, he was acting according to his + duty." +</p> +<p> + We were compelled to accept an apology which it would have served no + purpose to refuse, and we sallied out to attend him on his march. +</p> +<p> + I shall never forget the delightful sensation with which I exchanged the + dark, smoky, smothering atmosphere of the Highland hut, in which we had + passed the night so uncomfortably, for the refreshing fragrance of the + morning air, and the glorious beams of the rising sun, which, from a + tabernacle of purple and golden clouds, were darted full on such a scene + of natural romance and beauty as had never before greeted my eyes. To the + left lay the valley, down which the Forth wandered on its easterly + course, surrounding the beautiful detached hill, with all its garland of + woods. On the right, amid a profusion of thickets, knolls, and crags, lay + the bed of a broad mountain lake, lightly curled into tiny waves by the + breath of the morning breeze, each glittering in its course under the + influence of the sunbeams. High hills, rocks, and banks, waving with + natural forests of birch and oak, formed the borders of this enchanting + sheet of water; and, as their leaves rustled to the wind and twinkled in + the sun, gave to the depth of solitude a sort of life and vivacity. Man + alone seemed to be placed in a state of inferiority, in a scene where all + the ordinary features of nature were raised and exalted. The miserable + little <i>bourocks,</i> as the Bailie termed them, of which about a dozen + formed the village called the Clachan of Aberfoil, were composed of loose + stones, cemented by clay instead of mortar, and thatched by turfs, laid + rudely upon rafters formed of native and unhewn birches and oaks from the + woods around. The roofs approached the ground so nearly, that Andrew + Fairservice observed we might have ridden over the village the night + before, and never found out we were near it, unless our horses' feet had + "gane through the riggin'." +</p> +<p> + From all we could see, Mrs. MacAlpine's house, miserable as were the + quarters it afforded, was still by far the best in the hamlet; and I dare + say (if my description gives you any curiosity to see it) you will hardly + find it much improved at the present day, for the Scotch are not a people + who speedily admit innovation, even when it comes in the shape of + improvement.* +</p> +<p> + * Note I. Clachan of Aberfoil. +</p> +<p> + The inhabitants of these miserable dwellings were disturbed by the noise + of our departure; and as our party of about twenty soldiers drew up in + rank before marching off, we were reconnoitred by many a beldam from the + half-opened door of her cottage. As these sibyls thrust forth their grey + heads, imperfectly covered with close caps of flannel, and showed their + shrivelled brows, and long skinny arms, with various gestures, shrugs, + and muttered expressions in Gaelic addressed to each other, my + imagination recurred to the witches of Macbeth, and I imagined I read in + the features of these crones the malevolence of the weird sisters. The + little children also, who began to crawl forth, some quite naked, and + others very imperfectly covered with tatters of tartan stuff, clapped + their tiny hands, and grinned at the English soldiers, with an expression + of national hate and malignity which seemed beyond their years. I + remarked particularly that there were no men, nor so much as a boy of ten + or twelve years old, to be seen among the inhabitants of a village which + seemed populous in proportion to its extent; and the idea certainly + occurred to me, that we were likely to receive from them, in the course + of our journey, more effectual tokens of ill-will than those which + lowered on the visages, and dictated the murmurs, of the women and + children. It was not until we commenced our march that the malignity of + the elder persons of the community broke forth into expressions. The last + file of men had left the village, to pursue a small broken track, formed + by the sledges in which the natives transported their peats and turfs, + and which led through the woods that fringed the lower end of the lake, + when a shrilly sound of female exclamation broke forth, mixed with the + screams of children, the whooping of boys, and the clapping of hands, + with which the Highland dames enforce their notes, whether of rage or + lamentation. I asked Andrew, who looked as pale as death, what all this + meant. +</p> +<p> + "I doubt we'll ken that ower sune," said he. "Means? It means that the + Highland wives are cursing and banning the red-coats, and wishing + ill-luck to them, and ilka ane that ever spoke the Saxon tongue. I have + heard wives flyte in England and Scotland—it's nae marvel to hear them + flyte ony gate; but sic ill-scrapit tongues as thae Highland + carlines'—and sic grewsome wishes, that men should be slaughtered like + sheep—and that they may lapper their hands to the elbows in their + heart's blude—and that they suld dee the death of Walter Cuming of + Guiyock,* wha hadna as muckle o' him left thegither as would supper a + messan-dog—sic awsome language as that I ne'er heard out o' a human + thrapple;—and, unless the deil wad rise amang them to gie them a + lesson, I thinkna that their talent at cursing could be amended. +</p> +<p> + * A great feudal oppressor, who, riding on some cruel purpose through the + forest of Guiyock, was thrown from his horse, and his foot being caught + in the stirrup, was dragged along by the frightened animal till he was + torn to pieces. The expression, "Walter of Guiyock's curse," is + proverbial. +</p> +<p> + The warst o't is, they bid us aye gang up the loch, and see what we'll + land in." +</p> +<p> + Adding Andrew's information to what I had myself observed, I could scarce + doubt that some attack was meditated upon our party. The road, as we + advanced, seemed to afford every facility for such an unpleasant + interruption. At first it winded apart from the lake through marshy + meadow ground, overgrown with copsewood, now traversing dark and close + thickets which would have admitted an ambuscade to be sheltered within a + few yards of our line of march, and frequently crossing rough mountain + torrents, some of which took the soldiers up to the knees, and ran with + such violence, that their force could only be stemmed by the strength of + two or three men holding fast by each other's arms. It certainly appeared + to me, though altogether unacquainted with military affairs, that a sort + of half-savage warriors, as I had heard the Highlanders asserted to be, + might, in such passes as these, attack a party of regular forces with + great advantage. The Bailie's good sense and shrewd observation had led + him to the same conclusion, as I understood from his requesting to speak + with the captain, whom he addressed nearly in the following terms:— + "Captain, it's no to fleech ony favour out o' ye, for I scorn it—and + it's under protest that I reserve my action and pleas of oppression and + wrongous imprisonment;—but, being a friend to King George and his army, + I take the liberty to speer—Dinna ye think ye might tak a better time to + gang up this glen? If ye are seeking Rob Roy, he's ken'd to be better + than half a hunder men strong when he's at the fewest; an if he brings in + the Glengyle folk, and the Glenfinlas and Balquhidder lads, he may come + to gie you your kail through the reek; and it's my sincere advice, as a + king's friend, ye had better tak back again to the Clachan, for thae + women at Aberfoil are like the scarts and seamaws at the Cumries—there's + aye foul weather follows their skirting." +</p> +<p> + "Make yourself easy, sir," replied Captain Thornton; "I am in the + execution of my orders. And as you say you are a friend to King George, + you will be glad to learn that it is impossible that this gang of + ruffians, whose license has disturbed the country so long, can escape the + measures now taken to suppress them. The horse squadron of militia, + commanded by Major Galbraith, is already joined by two or more troops of + cavalry, which will occupy all the lower passes of this wild country; + three hundred Highlanders, under the two gentlemen you saw at the inn, + are in possession of the upper part, and various strong parties from the + garrison are securing the hills and glens in different directions. Our + last accounts of Rob Roy correspond with what this fellow has confessed, + that, finding himself surrounded on all sides, he had dismissed the + greater part of his followers, with the purpose either of lying + concealed, or of making his escape through his superior knowledge of the + passes." +</p> +<p> + "I dinna ken," said the Bailie; "there's mair brandy than brains in + Garschattachin's head this morning—And I wadna, an I were you, Captain, + rest my main dependence on the Hielandmen—hawks winna pike out hawks' + een. They may quarrel among themsells, and gie ilk ither ill names, and + maybe a slash wi' a claymore; but they are sure to join in the lang run, + against a' civilised folk, that wear breeks on their hinder ends, and hae + purses in their pouches." +</p> +<p> + Apparently these admonitions were not altogether thrown away on Captain + Thornton. He reformed his line of march, commanded his soldiers to + unsling their firelocks and fix their bayonets, and formed an advanced + and rear-guard, each consisting of a non-commissioned officer and two + soldiers, who received strict orders to keep an alert look-out. Dougal + underwent another and very close examination, in which he steadfastly + asserted the truth of what he had before affirmed; and being rebuked on + account of the suspicious and dangerous appearance of the route by which + he was guiding them, he answered with a sort of testiness that seemed + very natural, "Her nainsell didna mak ta road; an shentlemans likit grand + roads, she suld hae pided at Glasco." +</p> +<p> + All this passed off well enough, and we resumed our progress. +</p> +<p> + Our route, though leading towards the lake, had hitherto been so much + shaded by wood, that we only from time to time obtained a glimpse of that + beautiful sheet of water. But the road now suddenly emerged from the + forest ground, and, winding close by the margin of the loch, afforded us + a full view of its spacious mirror, which now, the breeze having totally + subsided, reflected in still magnificence the high dark heathy mountains, + huge grey rocks, and shaggy banks, by which it is encircled. The hills + now sunk on its margin so closely, and were so broken and precipitous, as + to afford no passage except just upon the narrow line of the track which + we occupied, and which was overhung with rocks, from which we might have + been destroyed merely by rolling down stones, without much possibility of + offering resistance. Add to this, that, as the road winded round every + promontory and bay which indented the lake, there was rarely a + possibility of seeing a hundred yards before us. Our commander appeared + to take some alarm at the nature of the pass in which he was engaged, + which displayed itself in repeated orders to his soldiers to be on the + alert, and in many threats of instant death to Dougal, if he should be + found to have led them into danger. Dougal received these threats with an + air of stupid impenetrability, which might arise either from conscious + innocence, or from dogged resolution. +</p> +<p> + "If shentlemans were seeking ta Red Gregarach," he said, "to be sure they + couldna expect to find her without some wee danger." +</p> +<p> + Just as the Highlander uttered these words, a halt was made by the + corporal commanding the advance, who sent back one of the file who formed + it, to tell the Captain that the path in front was occupied by + Highlanders, stationed on a commanding point of particular difficulty. + Almost at the same instant a soldier from the rear came to say, that they + heard the sound of a bagpipe in the woods through which we had just + passed. Captain Thornton, a man of conduct as well as courage, instantly + resolved to force the pass in front, without waiting till he was assailed + from the rear; and, assuring his soldiers that the bagpipes which they + heard were those of the friendly Highlanders who were advancing to their + assistance, he stated to them the importance of advancing and securing + Rob Roy, if possible, before these auxiliaries should come up to divide + with them the honour, as well as the reward which was placed on the head + of this celebrated freebooter. He therefore ordered the rearguard to join + the centre, and both to close up to the advance, doubling his files so as + to occupy with his column the whole practicable part of the road, and to + present such a front as its breadth admitted. Dougal, to whom he said in + a whisper, "You dog, if you have deceived me, you shall die for it!" was + placed in the centre, between two grenadiers, with positive orders to + shoot him if he attempted an escape. The same situation was assigned to + us, as being the safest, and Captain Thornton, taking his half-pike from + the soldier who carried it, placed himself at the head of his little + detachment, and gave the word to march forward. +</p> +<p> + The party advanced with the firmness of English soldiers. Not so Andrew + Fairservice, who was frightened out of his wits; and not so, if truth + must be told, either the Bailie or I myself, who, without feeling the + same degree of trepidation, could not with stoical indifference see our + lives exposed to hazard in a quarrel with which we had no concern. But + there was neither time for remonstrance nor remedy. +</p> +<p> + We approached within about twenty yards of the spot where the advanced + guard had seen some appearance of an enemy. It was one of those + promontories which run into the lake, and round the base of which the + road had hitherto winded in the manner I have described. In the present + case, however, the path, instead of keeping the water's edge, sealed the + promontory by one or two rapid zigzags, carried in a broken track along + the precipitous face of a slaty grey rock, which would otherwise have + been absolutely inaccessible. On the top of this rock, only to be + approached by a road so broken, so narrow, and so precarious, the + corporal declared he had seen the bonnets and long-barrelled guns of + several mountaineers, apparently couched among the long heath and + brushwood which crested the eminence. Captain Thornton ordered him to + move forward with three files, to dislodge the supposed ambuscade, while, + at a more slow but steady pace, he advanced to his support with the rest + of his party. +</p> +<p> + The attack which he meditated was prevented by the unexpected apparition + of a female upon the summit of the rock. +</p> +<p> + "Stand!" she said, with a commanding tone, "and tell me what ye seek in + MacGregor's country?" +</p> +<p> + I have seldom seen a finer or more commanding form than this woman. She + might be between the term of forty and fifty years, and had a countenance + which must once have been of a masculine cast of beauty; though now, + imprinted with deep lines by exposure to rough weather, and perhaps by + the wasting influence of grief and passion, its features were only + strong, harsh, and expressive. She wore her plaid, not drawn around her + head and shoulders, as is the fashion of the women in Scotland, but + disposed around her body as the Highland soldiers wear theirs. She had a + man's bonnet, with a feather in it, an unsheathed sword in her hand, and + a pair of pistols at her girdle. +</p> +<p> + "It's Helen Campbell, Rob's wife," said the Bailie, in a whisper of + considerable alarm; "and there will be broken heads amang us or it's + lang." +</p> +<p> + "What seek ye here?" she asked again of Captain Thornton, who had himself + advanced to reconnoitre. +</p> +<p> + "We seek the outlaw, Rob Roy MacGregor Campbell," answered the officer, + "and make no war on women; therefore offer no vain opposition to the + king's troops, and assure yourself of civil treatment." +</p> +<p> + "Ay," retorted the Amazon, "I am no stranger to your tender mercies. Ye + have left me neither name nor fame—my mother's bones will shrink aside + in their grave when mine are laid beside them—Ye have left me neither + house nor hold, blanket nor bedding, cattle to feed us, or flocks to + clothe us—Ye have taken from us all—all!—The very name of our + ancestors have ye taken away, and now ye come for our lives." +</p> +<p> + "I seek no man's life," replied the Captain; "I only execute my orders. + If you are alone, good woman, you have nought to fear—if there are any + with you so rash as to offer useless resistance, their own blood be on + their own heads. Move forward, sergeant." +</p> +<p> + "Forward! march!" said the non-commissioned officer. "Huzza, my boys, for + Rob Roy's head and a purse of gold." +</p> +<p> + He quickened his pace into a run, followed by the six soldiers; but as + they attained the first traverse of the ascent, the flash of a dozen of + firelocks from various parts of the pass parted in quick succession and + deliberate aim. The sergeant, shot through the body, still struggled to + gain the ascent, raised himself by his hands to clamber up the face of + the rock, but relaxed his grasp, after a desperate effort, and falling, + rolled from the face of the cliff into the deep lake, where he perished. + Of the soldiers, three fell, slain or disabled; the others retreated on + their main body, all more or less wounded. +</p> +<p> + "Grenadiers, to the front!" said Captain Thornton.—You are to recollect, + that in those days this description of soldiers actually carried that + destructive species of firework from which they derive their name. The + four grenadiers moved to the front accordingly. The officer commanded the + rest of the party to be ready to support them, and only saying to us, + "Look to your safety, gentlemen," gave, in rapid succession, the word to + the grenadiers—"Open your pouches—handle your grenades—blow your + matches—fall on." +</p> +<p> + The whole advanced with a shout, headed by Captain Thornton,—the + grenadiers preparing to throw their grenades among the bushes where the + ambuscade lay, and the musketeers to support them by an instant and close + assault. Dougal, forgotten in the scuffle, wisely crept into the thicket + which overhung that part of the road where we had first halted, which he + ascended with the activity of a wild cat. I followed his example, + instinctively recollecting that the fire of the Highlanders would sweep + the open track. I clambered until out of breath; for a continued + spattering fire, in which every shot was multiplied by a thousand echoes, + the hissing of the kindled fusees of the grenades, and the successive + explosion of those missiles, mingled with the huzzas of the soldiers, and + the yells and cries of their Highland antagonists, formed a contrast + which added—I do not shame to own it—wings to my desire to reach a + place of safety. The difficulties of the ascent soon increased so much, + that I despaired of reaching Dougal, who seemed to swing himself from + rock to rock, and stump to stump, with the facility of a squirrel, and I + turned down my eyes to see what had become of my other companions. Both + were brought to a very awkward standstill. +</p> +<p> + The Bailie, to whom I suppose fear had given a temporary share of + agility, had ascended about twenty feet from the path, when his foot + slipping, as he straddled from one huge fragment of rock to another, he + would have slumbered with his father the deacon, whose acts and words he + was so fond of quoting, but for a projecting branch of a ragged thorn, + which, catching hold of the skirts of his riding-coat, supported him in + mid-air, where he dangled not unlike to the sign of the Golden Fleece + over the door of a mercer in the Trongate of his native city. +</p> +<p> + As for Andrew Fairservice, he had advanced with better success, until he + had attained the top of a bare cliff, which, rising above the wood, + exposed him, at least in his own opinion, to all the dangers of the + neighbouring skirmish, while, at the same time, it was of such a + precipitous and impracticable nature, that he dared neither to advance + nor retreat. Footing it up and down upon the narrow space which the top + of the cliff afforded (very like a fellow at a country-fair dancing upon + a trencher), he roared for mercy in Gaelic and English alternately, + according to the side on which the scale of victory seemed to + predominate, while his exclamations were only answered by the groans of + the Bailie, who suffered much, not only from apprehension, but from the + pendulous posture in which he hung suspended by the loins. +</p> +<p> + On perceiving the Bailie's precarious situation, my first idea was to + attempt to render him assistance; but this was impossible without the + concurrence of Andrew, whom neither sign, nor entreaty, nor command, nor + expostulation, could inspire with courage to adventure the descent from + his painful elevation, where, like an unskilful and obnoxious minister of + state, unable to escape from the eminence to which he had presumptuously + ascended, he continued to pour forth piteous prayers for mercy, which no + one heard, and to skip to and fro, writhing his body into all possible + antic shapes to avoid the balls which he conceived to be whistling around + him. +</p> +<p> + In a few minutes this cause of terror ceased, for the fire, at first so + well sustained, now sunk at once—a sure sign that the conflict was + concluded. To gain some spot from which I could see how the day had gone + was now my object, in order to appeal to the mercy of the victors, who, I + trusted (whichever side might be gainers), would not suffer the honest + Bailie to remain suspended, like the coffin of Mahomet, between heaven + and earth, without lending a hand to disengage him. At length, by dint of + scrambling, I found a spot which commanded a view of the field of battle. + It was indeed ended; and, as my mind already augured, from the place and + circumstances attending the contest, it had terminated in the defeat of + Captain Thornton. I saw a party of Highlanders in the act of disarming + that officer, and the scanty remainder of his party. They consisted of + about twelve men most of whom were wounded, who, surrounded by treble + their number, and without the power either to advance or retreat, exposed + to a murderous and well-aimed fire, which they had no means of returning + with effect, had at length laid down their arms by the order of their + officer, when he saw that the road in his rear was occupied, and that + protracted resistance would be only wasting the lives of his brave + followers. By the Highlanders, who fought under cover, the victory was + cheaply bought, at the expense of one man slain and two wounded by the + grenades. All this I learned afterwards. At present I only comprehended + the general result of the day, from seeing the English officer, whose + face was covered with blood, stripped of his hat and arms, and his men, + with sullen and dejected countenances which marked their deep regret, + enduring, from the wild and martial figures who surrounded them, the + severe measures to which the laws of war subject the vanquished for + security of the victors. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0014"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FOURTEEN. +</h2> +<pre> + "Woe to the vanquished!" was stern Brenno's word, + When sunk proud Rome beneath the Gallic sword— + "Woe to the vanquished!" when his massive blade + Bore down the scale against her ransom weigh'd; + And on the field of foughten battle still, + Woe knows no limits save the victor's will. + The Gaulliad. +</pre> +<p> + I anxiously endeavoured to distinguish Dougal among the victors. I had + little doubt that the part he had played was assumed, on purpose to lead + the English officer into the defile, and I could not help admiring the + address with which the ignorant, and apparently half-brutal savage, had + veiled his purpose, and the affected reluctance with which he had + suffered to be extracted from him the false information which it must + have been his purpose from the beginning to communicate. I foresaw we + should incur some danger on approaching the victors in the first flush of + their success, which was not unstained with cruelty; for one or two of + the soldiers, whose wounds prevented them from rising, were poniarded by + the victors, or rather by some ragged Highland boys who had mingled with + them. I concluded, therefore, it would be unsafe to present ourselves + without some mediator; and as Campbell, whom I now could not but identify + with the celebrated freebooter Rob Roy, was nowhere to be seen, I + resolved to claim the protection of his emissary, Dougal. +</p> +<p> + After gazing everywhere in vain, I at length retraced my steps to see + what assistance I could individually render to my unlucky friend, when, + to my great joy, I saw Mr. Jarvie delivered from his state of suspense; + and though very black in the face, and much deranged in the garments, + safely seated beneath the rock, in front of which he had been so lately + suspended. I hastened to join him and offer my congratulations, which he + was at first far from receiving in the spirit of cordiality with which + they were offered. A heavy fit of coughing scarce permitted him breath + enough to express the broken hints which he threw out against my + sincerity. +</p> +<p> + "Uh! uh! uh! uh!—they say a friend—uh! uh!—a friend sticketh closer + than a brither—uh! uh! uh! When I came up here, Maister Osbaldistone, to + this country, cursed of God and man—uh! uh—Heaven forgie me for + swearing—on nae man's errand but yours, d'ye think it was fair—uh! uh! + uh!—to leave me, first, to be shot or drowned atween red-wad Highlanders + and red-coats; and next to be hung up between heaven and earth, like an + auld potato-bogle, without sae muckle as trying—uh! uh!—sae muckle as + trying to relieve me?" +</p> +<p> + I made a thousand apologies, and laboured so hard to represent the + impossibility of my affording him relief by my own unassisted exertions, + that at length I succeeded, and the Bailie, who was as placable as hasty + in his temper, extended his favour to me once more. I next took the + liberty of asking him how he had contrived to extricate himself. +</p> +<p> + "Me extricate! I might hae hung there till the day of judgment or I could + hae helped mysell, wi' my head hinging down on the tae side, and my heels + on the tother, like the yarn-scales in the weigh-house. It was the + creature Dougal that extricated me, as he did yestreen; he cuttit aff the + tails o' my coat wi' his durk, and another gillie and him set me on my + legs as cleverly as if I had never been aff them. But to see what a thing + gude braid claith is! Had I been in ony o' your rotten French camlets + now, or your drab-de-berries, it would hae screeded like an auld rag wi' + sic a weight as mine. But fair fa' the weaver that wrought the weft + o't—I swung and bobbit yonder as safe as a gabbart* that's moored by a + three-ply cable at the Broomielaw." +</p> +<p> + * A kind of lighter used in the river Clyde,—probably from the French * + <i>abare.</i> +</p> +<p> + I now inquired what had become of his preserver. +</p> +<p> + "The creature," so he continued to call the Highlandman, "contrived to + let me ken there wad be danger in gaun near the leddy till he came back, + and bade me stay here. I am o' the mind," he continued, "that he's + seeking after you—it's a considerate creature—and troth, I wad swear he + was right about the leddy, as he ca's her, too—Helen Campbell was nane + o' the maist douce maidens, nor meekest wives neither, and folk say that + Rob himsell stands in awe o' her. I doubt she winna ken me, for it's mony + years since we met—I am clear for waiting for the Dougal creature or we + gang near her." +</p> +<p> + I signified my acquiescence in this reasoning; but it was not the will of + fate that day that the Bailie's prudence should profit himself or any one + else. +</p> +<p> + Andrew Fairservice, though he had ceased to caper on the pinnacle upon + the cessation of the firing, which had given occasion for his whimsical + exercise, continued, as perched on the top of an exposed cliff, too + conspicuous an object to escape the sharp eyes of the Highlanders, when + they had time to look a little around them. We were apprized he was + discovered, by a wild and loud halloo set up among the assembled victors, + three or four of whom instantly plunged into the copsewood, and ascended + the rocky side of the hill in different directions towards the place + where they had discovered this whimsical apparition. +</p> +<p> + Those who arrived first within gunshot of poor Andrew, did not trouble + themselves to offer him any assistance in the ticklish posture of his + affairs, but levelling their long Spanish-barrelled guns, gave him to + understand, by signs which admitted of no misconstruction, that he must + contrive to come down and submit himself to their mercy, or to be marked + at from beneath, like a regimental target set up for ball-practice. With + such a formidable hint for venturous exertion, Andrew Fairservice could + no longer hesitate; the more imminent peril overcame his sense of that + which seemed less inevitable, and he began to descend the cliff at all + risks, clutching to the ivy and oak stumps, and projecting fragments of + rock, with an almost feverish anxiety, and never failing, as + circumstances left him a hand at liberty, to extend it to the plaided + gentry below in an attitude of supplication, as if to deprecate the + discharge of their levelled firearms. In a word, the fellow, under the + influence of a counteracting motive for terror, achieved a safe descent + from his perilous eminence, which, I verily believe, nothing but the fear + of instant death could have moved him to attempt. The awkward mode of + Andrew's descent greatly amused the Highlanders below, who fired a shot + or two while he was engaged in it, without the purpose of injuring him, + as I believe, but merely to enhance the amusement they derived from his + extreme terror, and the superlative exertions of agility to which it + excited him. +</p> +<p> + At length he attained firm and comparatively level ground—or rather, to + speak more correctly, his foot slipping at the last point of descent, he + fell on the earth at his full length, and was raised by the assistance of + the Highlanders, who stood to receive him, and who, ere he gained his + legs, stripped him not only of the whole contents of his pockets, but of + periwig, hat, coat, doublet, stockings, and shoes, performing the feat + with such admirable celerity, that, although he fell on his back a + well-clothed and decent burgher-seeming serving-man, he arose a forked, + uncased, bald-pated, beggarly-looking scarecrow. Without respect to the + pain which his undefended toes experienced from the sharp encounter of + the rocks over which they hurried him, those who had detected Andrew + proceeded to drag him downward towards the road through all the + intervening obstacles. +</p> +<p> + In the course of their descent, Mr. Jarvie and I became exposed to their + lynx-eyed observation, and instantly half-a-dozen of armed Highlanders + thronged around us, with drawn dirks and swords pointed at our faces and + throats, and cocked pistols presented against our bodies. To have offered + resistance would have been madness, especially as we had no weapons + capable of supporting such a demonstration. We therefore submitted to our + fate; and with great roughness on the part of those who assisted at our + toilette, were in the act of being reduced to as unsophisticated a state + (to use King Lear's phrase) as the plume-less biped Andrew Fairservice, + who stood shivering between fear and cold at a few yards' distance. Good + chance, however, saved us from this extremity of wretchedness; for, just + as I had yielded up my cravat (a smart Steinkirk, by the way, and richly + laced), and the Bailie had been disrobed of the fragments of his + riding-coat—enter Dougal, and the scene was changed. By a high tone of + expostulation, mixed with oaths and threats, as far as I could conjecture + the tenor of his language from the violence of his gestures, he compelled + the plunderers, however reluctant, not only to give up their further + depredations on our property, but to restore the spoil they had already + appropriated. He snatched my cravat from the fellow who had seized it, + and twisted it (in the zeal of his restitution) around my neck with such + suffocating energy as made me think that he had not only been, during his + residence at Glasgow, a substitute of the jailor, but must moreover have + taken lessons as an apprentice of the hangman. He flung the tattered + remnants of Mr. Jarvie's coat around his shoulders, and as more + Highlanders began to flock towards us from the high road, he led the way + downwards, directing and commanding the others to afford us, but + particularly the Bailie, the assistance necessary to our descending with + comparative ease and safety. It was, however, in vain that Andrew + Fairservice employed his lungs in obsecrating a share of Dougal's + protection, or at least his interference to procure restoration of his + shoes. +</p> +<p> + "Na, na," said Dougal in reply, "she's nae gentle pody, I trow; her + petters hae ganged parefoot, or she's muckle mista'en." And, leaving + Andrew to follow at his leisure, or rather at such leisure as the + surrounding crowd were pleased to indulge him with, he hurried us down to + the pathway in which the skirmish had been fought, and hastened to + present us as additional captives to the female leader of his band. +</p> +<p> + We were dragged before her accordingly, Dougal fighting, struggling, + screaming, as if he were the party most apprehensive of hurt, and + repulsing, by threats and efforts, all those who attempted to take a + nearer interest in our capture than he seemed to do himself. At length we + were placed before the heroine of the day, whose appearance, as well as + those of the savage, uncouth, yet martial figures who surrounded us, + struck me, to own the truth, with considerable apprehension. I do not + know if Helen MacGregor had personally mingled in the fray, and indeed I + was afterwards given to understand the contrary; but the specks of blood + on her brow, her hands and naked arms, as well as on the blade of her + sword which she continued to hold in her hand—her flushed countenance, + and the disordered state of the raven locks which escaped from under the + red bonnet and plume that formed her head-dress, seemed all to intimate + that she had taken an immediate share in the conflict. Her keen black + eyes and features expressed an imagination inflamed by the pride of + gratified revenge, and the triumph of victory. Yet there was nothing + positively sanguinary, or cruel, in her deportment; and she reminded me, + when the immediate alarm of the interview was over, of some of the + paintings I had seen of the inspired heroines in the Catholic churches of + France. She was not, indeed, sufficiently beautiful for a Judith, nor had + she the inspired expression of features which painters have given to + Deborah, or to the wife of Heber the Kenite, at whose feet the strong + oppressor of Israel, who dwelled in Harosheth of the Gentiles, bowed + down, fell, and lay a dead man. Nevertheless, the enthusiasm by which she + was agitated gave her countenance and deportment, wildly dignified in + themselves, an air which made her approach nearly to the ideas of those + wonderful artists who gave to the eye the heroines of Scripture history. +</p> +<p> + I was uncertain in what terms to accost a personage so uncommon, when Mr. + Jarvie, breaking the ice with a preparatory cough (for the speed with + which he had been brought into her presence had again impeded his + respiration), addressed her as follows:—"Uh! uh! &c. &c. I am very happy + to have this <i>joyful</i> opportunity" (a quaver in his voice strongly belied + the emphasis which he studiously laid on the word joyful)—"this joyful + occasion," he resumed, trying to give the adjective a more suitable + accentuation, "to wish my kinsman Robin's wife a very good morning—Uh! + uh!—How's a' wi' ye?" (by this time he had talked himself into his usual + jog-trot manner, which exhibited a mixture of familiarity and + self-importance)—"How's a' wi' ye this lang time? Ye'll hae forgotten + me, Mrs. MacGregor Campbell, as your cousin—uh! uh!—but ye'll mind my + father, Deacon Nicol Jarvie, in the Saut Market o' Glasgow?—an honest + man he was, and a sponsible, and respectit you and yours. Sae, as I said + before, I am right glad to see you, Mrs. MacGregor Campbell, as my + kinsman's wife. I wad crave the liberty of a kinsman to salute you, but + that your gillies keep such a dolefu' fast haud o' my arms, and, to speak + Heaven's truth and a magistrate's, ye wadna be the waur of a cogfu' o' + water before ye welcomed your friends." +</p> +<p> + There was something in the familiarity of this introduction which ill + suited the exalted state of temper of the person to whom it was + addressed, then busied with distributing dooms of death, and warm from + conquest in a perilous encounter. +</p> +<p> + "What fellow are you," she said, "that dare to claim kindred with the + MacGregor, and neither wear his dress nor speak his language?—What are + you, that have the tongue and the habit of the hound, and yet seek to lie + down with the deer?" +</p> +<p> + "I dinna ken," said the undaunted Bailie, "if the kindred has ever been + weel redd out to you yet, cousin—but it's ken'd, and can be prov'd. My + mother, Elspeth MacFarlane, was the wife of my father, Deacon Nicol + Jarvie—peace be wi' them baith!—and Elspeth was the daughter of Parlane + MacFarlane, at the Sheeling o' Loch Sloy. Now, this Parlane MacFarlane, + as his surviving daughter Maggy MacFarlane, <i>alias</i> MacNab, wha married + Duncan MacNab o' Stuckavrallachan, can testify, stood as near to your + gudeman, Robert MacGregor, as in the fourth degree of kindred, for"— +</p> +<p> + The virago lopped the genealogical tree, by demanding haughtily, "If a + stream of rushing water acknowledged any relation with the portion + withdrawn from it for the mean domestic uses of those who dwelt on its + banks?" +</p> +<p> + "Vera true, kinswoman," said the Bailie; "but for a' that, the burn wad + be glad to hae the milldam back again in simmer, when the chuckie-stanes + are white in the sun. I ken weel eneugh you Hieland folk haud us Glasgow + people light and cheap for our language and our claes;—but everybody + speaks their native tongue that they learned in infancy; and it would be + a daft-like thing to see me wi' my fat wame in a short Hieland coat, and + my puir short houghs gartered below the knee, like ane o' your + lang-legged gillies. Mair by token, kinswoman," he continued, in defiance + of various intimations by which Dougal seemed to recommend silence, as + well as of the marks of impatience which the Amazon evinced at his + loquacity, "I wad hae ye to mind that the king's errand whiles comes in + the cadger's gate, and that, for as high as ye may think o' the gudeman, + as it's right every wife should honour her husband—there's Scripture + warrant for that—yet as high as ye haud him, as I was saying, I hae been + serviceable to Rob ere now;—forbye a set o' pearlins I sent yourself + when ye was gaun to be married, and when Rob was an honest weel-doing + drover, and nane o' this unlawfu' wark, wi' fighting, and flashes, and + fluff-gibs, disturbing the king's peace and disarming his soldiers." +</p> +<p> + He had apparently touched on a key which his kinswoman could not brook. + She drew herself up to her full height, and betrayed the acuteness of her + feelings by a laugh of mingled scorn and bitterness. +</p> +<p> + "Yes," she said, "you, and such as you, might claim a relation to us, + when we stooped to be the paltry wretches fit to exist under your + dominion, as your hewers of wood and drawers of water—to find cattle for + your banquets, and subjects for your laws to oppress and trample on. But + now we are free—free by the very act which left us neither house nor + hearth, food nor covering—which bereaved me of all—of all—and makes me + groan when I think I must still cumber the earth for other purposes than + those of vengeance. And I will carry on the work, this day has so well + commenced, by a deed that shall break all bands between MacGregor and the + Lowland churls. Here Allan—Dougal—bind these Sassenachs neck and heel + together, and throw them into the Highland Loch to seek for their + Highland kinsfolk." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie, alarmed at this mandate, was commencing an expostulation, + which probably would have only inflamed the violent passions of the + person whom he addressed, when Dougal threw himself between them, and in + his own language, which he spoke with a fluency and rapidity strongly + contrasted by the slow, imperfect, and idiot-like manner in which he + expressed himself in English, poured forth what I doubt not was a very + animated pleading in our behalf. +</p> +<p> + His mistress replied to him, or rather cut short his harangue, by + exclaiming in English (as if determined to make us taste in anticipation + the full bitterness of death)—"Base dog, and son of a dog, do you + dispute my commands? Should I tell ye to cut out their tongues and put + them into each other's throats, to try which would there best knap + Southron, or to tear out their hearts and put them into each other's + breasts, to see which would there best plot treason against the + MacGregor—and such things have been done of old in the day of revenge, + when our fathers had wrongs to redress—Should I command you to do this, + would it be your part to dispute my orders?" +</p> +<p> + "To be sure, to be sure," Dougal replied, with accents of profound + submission; "her pleasure suld be done—tat's but reason; but an it + were—tat is, an it could be thought the same to her to coup the + ill-faured loon of ta red-coat Captain, and hims corporal Cramp, and twa + three o' the red-coats, into the loch, herself wad do't wi' muckle mair + great satisfaction than to hurt ta honest civil shentlemans as were + friends to the Gregarach, and came up on the Chiefs assurance, and not + to do no treason, as herself could testify." +</p> +<p> + The lady was about to reply, when a few wild strains of a pibroch were + heard advancing up the road from Aberfoil, the same probably which had + reached the ears of Captain Thornton's rear-guard, and determined him to + force his way onward rather than return to the village, on finding the + pass occupied. The skirmish being of very short duration, the armed men + who followed this martial melody, had not, although quickening their + march when they heard the firing, been able to arrive in time sufficient + to take any share in the rencontre. The victory, therefore, was complete + without them, and they now arrived only to share in the triumph of their + countrymen. +</p> +<p> + There was a marked difference betwixt the appearance of these new comers + and that of the party by which our escort had been defeated—and it was + greatly in favour of the former. Among the Highlanders who surrounded the + Chieftainess, if I may presume to call her so without offence to grammar, + were men in the extremity of age, boys scarce able to bear a sword, and + even women—all, in short, whom the last necessity urges to take up arms; + and it added a shade of bitter shame to the defection which clouded + Thornton's manly countenance, when he found that the numbers and position + of a foe, otherwise so despicable, had enabled them to conquer his brave + veterans. But the thirty or forty Highlanders who now joined the others, + were all men in the prime of youth or manhood, active clean-made fellows, + whose short hose and belted plaids set out their sinewy limbs to the best + advantage. Their arms were as superior to those of the first party as + their dress and appearance. The followers of the female Chief had axes, + scythes, and other antique weapons, in aid of their guns; and some had + only clubs, daggers, and long knives. But of the second party, most had + pistols at the belt, and almost all had dirks hanging at the pouches + which they wore in front. Each had a good gun in his hand, and a + broadsword by his side, besides a stout round target, made of light wood, + covered with leather, and curiously studded with brass, and having a + steel spike screwed into the centre. These hung on their left shoulder + during a march, or while they were engaged in exchanging fire with the + enemy, and were worn on their left arm when they charged with sword in + hand. +</p> +<p> + But it was easy to see that this chosen band had not arrived from a + victory such as they found their ill-appointed companions possessed of. + The pibroch sent forth occasionally a few wailing notes expressive of a + very different sentiment from triumph; and when they appeared before the + wife of their Chieftain, it was in silence, and with downcast and + melancholy looks. They paused when they approached her, and the pipes + again sent forth the same wild and melancholy strain. +</p> +<p> + Helen rushed towards them with a countenance in which anger was mingled + with apprehension.—"What means this, Alaster?" she said to the + minstrel—"why a lament in the moment of victory?—Robert—Hamish—where's + the MacGregor?—where's your father?" +</p> +<p> + Her sons, who led the band, advanced with slow and irresolute steps + towards her, and murmured a few words in Gaelic, at hearing which she set + up a shriek that made the rocks ring again, in which all the women and + boys joined, clapping their hands and yelling as if their lives had been + expiring in the sound. The mountain echoes, silent since the military + sounds of battle had ceased, had now to answer these frantic and + discordant shrieks of sorrow, which drove the very night-birds from their + haunts in the rocks, as if they were startled to hear orgies more hideous + and ill-omened than their own, performed in the face of open day. +</p> +<p> + "Taken!" repeated Helen, when the clamour had subsided—"Taken!— + captive!—and you live to say so?—Coward dogs! did I nurse you for this, + that you should spare your blood on your father's enemies? or see him + prisoner, and come back to tell it?" +</p> +<p> + The sons of MacGregor, to whom this expostulation was addressed, were + youths, of whom the eldest had hardly attained his twentieth year. + <i>Hamish,</i> or James, the elder of these youths, was the tallest by a head, + and much handsomer than his brother; his light-blue eyes, with a + profusion of fair hair, which streamed from under his smart blue bonnet, + made his whole appearance a most favourable specimen of the Highland + youth. The younger was called Robert; but, to distinguish him from his + father, the Highlanders added the epithet <i>Oig,</i> or the young. Dark hair, + and dark features, with a ruddy glow of health and animation, and a form + strong and well-set beyond his years, completed the sketch of the young + mountaineer. +</p> +<p> + Both now stood before their mother with countenances clouded with grief + and shame, and listened, with the most respectful submission, to the + reproaches with which she loaded them. At length when her resentment + appeared in some degree to subside, the eldest, speaking in English, + probably that he might not be understood by their followers, endeavoured + respectfully to vindicate himself and his brother from his mother's + reproaches. I was so near him as to comprehend much of what he said; and, + as it was of great consequence to me to be possessed of information in + this strange crisis, I failed not to listen as attentively as I could. +</p> +<p> + "The MacGregor," his son stated, "had been called out upon a trysting + with a Lowland hallion, who came with a token from"—he muttered the name + very low, but I thought it sounded like my own. "The MacGregor," he said, + "accepted of the invitation, but commanded the Saxon who brought the + message to be detained, as a hostage that good faith should be observed + to him. Accordingly he went to the place of appointment" (which had some + wild Highland name that I cannot remember), "attended only by Angus Breck + and Little Rory, commanding no one to follow him. Within half an hour + Angus Breck came back with the doleful tidings that the MacGregor had + been surprised and made prisoner by a party of Lennox militia, under + Galbraith of Garschattachin." He added, "that Galbraith, on being + threatened by MacGregor, who upon his capture menaced him with + retaliation on the person of the hostage, had treated the threat with + great contempt, replying, 'Let each side hang his man; we'll hang the + thief, and your catherans may hang the gauger, Rob, and the country will + be rid of two damned things at once, a wild Highlander and a revenue + officer.' Angus Breck, less carefully looked to than his master, + contrived to escape from the hands of the captors, after having been in + their custody long enough to hear this discussion, and to bring off the + news." +</p> +<p> + "And did you learn this, you false-hearted traitor," said the wife of + MacGregor, "and not instantly rush to your father's rescue, to bring him + off, or leave your body on the place?" +</p> +<p> + The young MacGregor modestly replied, by representing the very superior + force of the enemy, and stated, that as they made no preparation for + leaving the country, he had fallen back up the glen with the purpose of + collecting a band sufficient to attempt a rescue with some tolerable + chance of success. At length he said, "the militiamen would quarter, he + understood, in the neighbouring house of Gartartan, or the old castle in + the port of Monteith, or some other stronghold, which, although strong + and defensible, was nevertheless capable of being surprised, could they + but get enough of men assembled for the purpose." +</p> +<p> + I understood afterwards that the rest of the freebooter's followers were + divided into two strong bands, one destined to watch the remaining + garrison of Inversnaid, a party of which, under Captain Thornton, had + been defeated; and another to show front to the Highland clans who had + united with the regular troops and Lowlanders in this hostile and + combined invasion of that mountainous and desolate territory, which lying + between the lakes of Loch Lomond, Loch Katrine, and Loch Ard, was at this + time currently called Rob Roy's, or the MacGregor country. Messengers + were despatched in great haste, to concentrate, as I supposed, their + forces, with a view to the purposed attack on the Lowlanders; and the + dejection and despair, at first visible on each countenance, gave place + to the hope of rescuing their leader, and to the thirst of vengeance. It + was under the burning influence of the latter passion that the wife of + MacGregor commanded that the hostage exchanged for his safety should be + brought into her presence. I believe her sons had kept this unfortunate + wretch out of her sight, for fear of the consequences; but if it was so, + their humane precaution only postponed his fate. They dragged forward at + her summons a wretch already half dead with terror, in whose agonised + features I recognised, to my horror and astonishment, my old acquaintance + Morris. +</p> +<p> + He fell prostrate before the female Chief with an effort to clasp her + knees, from which she drew back, as if his touch had been pollution, so + that all he could do in token of the extremity of his humiliation, was to + kiss the hem of her plaid. I never heard entreaties for life poured forth + with such agony of spirit. The ecstasy of fear was such, that instead of + paralysing his tongue, as on ordinary occasions, it even rendered him + eloquent; and, with cheeks pale as ashes, hands compressed in agony, eyes + that seemed to be taking their last look of all mortal objects, he + protested, with the deepest oaths, his total ignorance of any design on + the person of Rob Roy, whom he swore he loved and honoured as his own + soul. In the inconsistency of his terror, he said he was but the agent of + others, and he muttered the name of Rashleigh. He prayed but for + life—for life he would give all he had in the world: it was but life he + asked—life, if it were to be prolonged under tortures and privations: + he asked only breath, though it should be drawn in the damps of the + lowest caverns of their hills. +</p> +<p> + It is impossible to describe the scorn, the loathing, and contempt, with + which the wife of MacGregor regarded this wretched petitioner for the + poor boon of existence. +</p> +<p> + "I could have bid ye live," she said, "had life been to you the same + weary and wasting burden that it is to me—that it is to every noble and + generous mind. But you—wretch! you could creep through the world + unaffected by its various disgraces, its ineffable miseries, its + constantly accumulating masses of crime and sorrow: you could live and + enjoy yourself, while the noble-minded are betrayed—while nameless and + birthless villains tread on the neck of the brave and the long-descended: + you could enjoy yourself, like a butcher's dog in the shambles, battening + on garbage, while the slaughter of the oldest and best went on around + you! This enjoyment you shall not live to partake of!—you shall die, + base dog! and that before yon cloud has passed over the sun." +</p> +<p> + She gave a brief command in Gaelic to her attendants, two of whom seized + upon the prostrate suppliant, and hurried him to the brink of a cliff + which overhung the flood. He set up the most piercing and dreadful cries + that fear ever uttered—I may well term them dreadful, for they haunted + my sleep for years afterwards. As the murderers, or executioners, call + them as you will, dragged him along, he recognised me even in that moment + of horror, and exclaimed, in the last articulate words I ever heard him + utter, "Oh, Mr. Osbaldistone, save me!—save me!" +</p> +<p> + I was so much moved by this horrid spectacle, that, although in momentary + expectation of sharing his fate, I did attempt to speak in his behalf, + but, as might have been expected, my interference was sternly + disregarded. The victim was held fast by some, while others, binding a + large heavy stone in a plaid, tied it round his neck, and others again + eagerly stripped him of some part of his dress. Half-naked, and thus + manacled, they hurled him into the lake, there about twelve feet deep, + with a loud halloo of vindictive triumph,—above which, however, his last + death-shriek, the yell of mortal agony, was distinctly heard. The heavy + burden splashed in the dark-blue waters, and the Highlanders, with their + pole-axes and swords, watched an instant to guard, lest, extricating + himself from the load to which he was attached, the victim might have + struggled to regain the shore. But the knot had been securely bound—the + wretched man sunk without effort; the waters, which his fall had + disturbed, settled calmly over him, and the unit of that life for which + he had pleaded so strongly, was for ever withdrawn from the sum of human + existence. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0015"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER FIFTEEN. +</h2> +<pre> + And be he safe restored ere evening set, + Or, if there's vengeance in an injured heart, + And power to wreak it in an armed hand, + Your land shall ache for't. + Old Play. +</pre> +<p> + I know not why it is that a single deed of violence and cruelty affects + our nerves more than when these are exercised on a more extended scale. I + had seen that day several of my brave countrymen fall in battle: it + seemed to me that they met a lot appropriate to humanity, and my bosom, + though thrilling with interest, was affected with nothing of that + sickening horror with which I beheld the unfortunate Morris put to death + without resistance, and in cold blood. I looked at my companion, Mr. + Jarvie, whose face reflected the feelings which were painted in mine. + Indeed he could not so suppress his horror, but that the words escaped + him in a low and broken whisper,— +</p> +<p> + "I take up my protest against this deed, as a bloody and cruel murder—it + is a cursed deed, and God will avenge it in his due way and time." +</p> +<p> + "Then you do not fear to follow?" said the virago, bending on him a look + of death, such as that with which a hawk looks at his prey ere he + pounces. +</p> +<p> + "Kinswoman," said the Bailie, "nae man willingly wad cut short his thread + of life before the end o' his pirn was fairly measured off on the + yarn-winles—And I hae muckle to do, an I be spared, in this + warld—public and private business, as weel that belonging to the + magistracy as to my ain particular; and nae doubt I hae some to depend + on me, as puir Mattie, wha is an orphan—She's a far-awa' cousin o' the + Laird o' Limmerfield. Sae that, laying a' this thegither—skin for skin, + yea all that a man hath, will he give for his life." +</p> +<p> + "And were I to set you at liberty," said the imperious dame, "what name + could you give to the drowning of that Saxon dog?" +</p> +<p> + "Uh! uh!—hem! hem!" said the Bailie, clearing his throat as well as he + could, "I suld study to say as little on that score as might be—least + said is sunest mended." +</p> +<p> + "But if you were called on by the courts, as you term them, of justice," + she again demanded, "what then would be your answer?" +</p> +<p> + The Bailie looked this way and that way, like a person who meditates an + escape, and then answered in the tone of one who, seeing no means of + accomplishing a retreat, determines to stand the brunt of battle—"I see + what you are driving me to the wa' about. But I'll tell you't plain, + kinswoman,—I behoved just to speak according to my ain conscience; and + though your ain gudeman, that I wish had been here for his ain sake and + mine, as wool as the puir Hieland creature Dougal, can tell ye that Nicol + Jarvie can wink as hard at a friend's failings as onybody, yet I'se tell + ye, kinswoman, mine's ne'er be the tongue to belie my thought; and sooner + than say that yonder puir wretch was lawfully slaughtered, I wad consent + to be laid beside him—though I think ye are the first Hieland woman wad + mint sic a doom to her husband's kinsman but four times removed." +</p> +<p> + It is probable that the tone and firmness assumed by the Bailie in his + last speech was better suited to make an impression on the hard heart of + his kinswoman than the tone of supplication he had hitherto assumed, as + gems can be cut with steel, though they resist softer metals. She + commanded us both to be placed before her. "Your name," she said to me, + "is Osbaldistone?—the dead dog, whose death you have witnessed, called + you so." +</p> +<p> + "My name <i>is</i> Osbaldistone," was my answer. +</p> +<p> + "Rashleigh, then, I suppose, is your Christian name?" she pursued. +</p> +<p> + "No,—my name is Francis." +</p> +<p> + "But you know Rashleigh Osbaldistone," she continued. "He is your + brother, if I mistake not,—at least your kinsman and near friend." +</p> +<p> + "He is my kinsman," I replied, "but not my friend. We were lately engaged + together in a rencontre, when we were separated by a person whom I + understand to be your husband. My blood is hardly yet dried on his sword, + and the wound on my side is yet green. I have little reason to + acknowledge him as a friend." +</p> +<p> + "Then," she replied, "if a stranger to his intrigues, you can go in + safety to Garschattachin and his party without fear of being detained, + and carry them a message from the wife of the MacGregor?" +</p> +<p> + I answered that I knew no reasonable cause why the militia gentlemen + should detain me; that I had no reason, on my own account, to fear being + in their hands; and that if my going on her embassy would act as a + protection to my friend and servant, who were here prisoners, "I was + ready to set out directly." I took the opportunity to say, "That I had + come into this country on her husband's invitation, and his assurance + that he would aid me in some important matters in which I was interested; + that my companion, Mr. Jarvie, had accompanied me on the same errand." +</p> +<p> + "And I wish Mr. Jarvie's boots had been fu' o' boiling water when he drew + them on for sic a purpose," interrupted the Bailie. +</p> +<p> + "You may read your father," said Helen MacGregor, turning to her sons, + "in what this young Saxon tells us—Wise only when the bonnet is on his + head, and the sword is in his hand, he never exchanges the tartan for the + broad-cloth, but he runs himself into the miserable intrigues of the + Lowlanders, and becomes again, after all he has suffered, their + agent—their tool—their slave." +</p> +<p> + "Add, madam," said I, "and their benefactor." +</p> +<p> + "Be it so," she said; "for it is the most empty title of them all, since + he has uniformly sown benefits to reap a harvest of the most foul + ingratitude.—But enough of this. I shall cause you to be guided to the + enemy's outposts. Ask for their commander, and deliver him this message + from me, Helen MacGregor;—that if they injure a hair of MacGregor's + head, and if they do not set him at liberty within the space of twelve + hours, there is not a lady in the Lennox but shall before Christmas cry + the coronach for them she will be loath to lose,—there is not a farmer + but shall sing well-a-wa over a burnt barnyard and an empty byre,—there + is not a laird nor heritor shall lay his head on the pillow at night with + the assurance of being a live man in the morning,—and, to begin as we + are to end, so soon as the term is expired, I will send them this Glasgow + Bailie, and this Saxon Captain, and all the rest of my prisoners, each + bundled in a plaid, and chopped into as many pieces as there are checks + in the tartan." +</p> +<p> + As she paused in her denunciation, Captain Thornton, who was within + hearing, added, with great coolness, "Present my compliments—Captain + Thornton's of the Royals, compliments—to the commanding officer, and + tell him to do his duty and secure his prisoner, and not waste a thought + upon me. If I have been fool enough to have been led into an ambuscade by + these artful savages, I am wise enough to know how to die for it without + disgracing the service. I am only sorry for my poor fellows," he said, + "that have fallen into such butcherly hands." +</p> +<p> + "Whist! whist!" exclaimed the Bailie; "are ye weary o' your life?—Ye'll + gie <i>my</i> service to the commanding officer, Mr. Osbaldistone—Bailie + Nicol Jarvie's service, a magistrate o' Glasgow, as his father the deacon + was before him—and tell him, here are a wheen honest men in great + trouble, and like to come to mair; and the best thing he can do for the + common good, will be just to let Rob come his wa's up the glen, and nae + mair about it. There's been some ill dune here already; but as it has + lighted chiefly on the gauger, it winna be muckle worth making a stir + about." +</p> +<p> + With these very opposite injunctions from the parties chiefly interested + in the success of my embassy, and with the reiterated charge of the wife + of MacGregor to remember and detail every word of her injunctions, I was + at length suffered to depart; and Andrew Fairservice, chiefly, I believe, + to get rid of his clamorous supplications, was permitted to attend me. + Doubtful, however, that I might use my horse as a means of escape from my + guides, or desirous to retain a prize of some value, I was given to + understand that I was to perform my journey on foot, escorted by Hamish + MacGregor, the elder brother, who, with two followers, attended, as well + to show me the way, as to reconnoitre the strength and position of the + enemy. Dougal had been at first ordered on this party, but he contrived + to elude the service, with the purpose, as we afterwards understood, of + watching over Mr. Jarvie, whom, according to his wild principles of + fidelity, he considered as entitled to his good offices, from having once + acted in some measure as his patron or master. +</p> +<p> + After walking with great rapidity about an hour, we arrived at an + eminence covered with brushwood, which gave us a commanding prospect down + the valley, and a full view of the post which the militia occupied. Being + chiefly cavalry, they had judiciously avoided any attempt to penetrate + the pass which had been so unsuccessfully essayed by Captain Thornton. + They had taken up their situation with some military skill, on a rising + ground in the centre of the little valley of Aberfoil, through which the + river Forth winds its earliest course, and which is formed by two ridges + of hills, faced with barricades of limestone rock, intermixed with huge + masses of breecia, or pebbles imbedded in some softer substance which has + hardened around them like mortar; and surrounded by the more lofty + mountains in the distance. These ridges, however, left the valley of + breadth enough to secure the cavalry from any sudden surprise by the + mountaineers and they had stationed sentinels and outposts at proper + distances from this main body, in every direction, so that they might + secure full time to mount and get under arms upon the least alarm. It was + not, indeed, expected at that time, that Highlanders would attack cavalry + in an open plain, though late events have shown that they may do so with + success.* +</p> +<p> + * The affairs of Prestonpans and Falkirk are probably alluded to, which * + marks the time of writing the Memoirs as subsequent to 1745. +</p> +<p> + When I first knew the Highlanders, they had almost a superstitious dread + of a mounted trooper, the horse being so much more fierce and imposing in + his appearance than the little shelties of their own hills, and moreover + being trained, as the more ignorant mountaineers believed, to fight with + his feet and his teeth. The appearance of the piequeted horses, feeding + in this little vale—the forms of the soldiers, as they sate, stood, or + walked, in various groups in the vicinity of the beautiful river, and of + the bare yet romantic ranges of rock which hedge in the landscape on + either side,—formed a noble foreground; while far to the eastward the + eye caught a glance of the lake of Menteith; and Stirling Castle, dimly + seen along with the blue and distant line of the Ochil Mountains, closed + the scene. +</p> +<p> + After gazing on this landscape with great earnestness, young MacGregor + intimated to me that I was to descend to the station of the militia and + execute my errand to their commander,—enjoining me at the same time, + with a menacing gesture, neither to inform them who had guided me to that + place, nor where I had parted from my escort. Thus tutored, I descended + towards the military post, followed by Andrew, who, only retaining his + breeches and stockings of the English costume, without a hat, + bare-legged, with brogues on his feet, which Dougal had given him out of + compassion, and having a tattered plaid to supply the want of all upper + garments, looked as if he had been playing the part of a Highland + Tom-of-Bedlam. We had not proceeded far before we became visible to one + of the videttes, who, riding towards us, presented his carabine and + commanded me to stand. I obeyed, and when the soldier came up, desired to + be conducted to his commanding-officer. I was immediately brought where a + circle of officers, sitting upon the grass, seemed in attendance upon one + of superior rank. He wore a cuirass of polished steel, over which were + drawn the insignia of the ancient Order of the Thistle. My friend + Garschattachin, and many other gentlemen, some in uniform, others in + their ordinary dress, but all armed and well attended, seemed to receive + their orders from this person of distinction. Many servants in rich + liveries, apparently a part of his household, were also in waiting. +</p> +<p> + Having paid to this nobleman the respect which his rank appeared to + demand, I acquainted him that I had been an involuntary witness to the + king's soldiers having suffered a defeat from the Highlanders at the pass + of Loch-Ard (such I had learned was the name of the place where Mr. + Thornton was made prisoner), and that the victors threatened every + species of extremity to those who had fallen into their power, as well as + to the Low Country in general, unless their Chief, who had that morning + been made prisoner, were returned to them uninjured. The Duke (for he + whom I addressed was of no lower rank) listened to me with great + composure, and then replied, that he should be extremely sorry to expose + the unfortunate gentlemen who had been made prisoners to the cruelty of + the barbarians into whose hands they had fallen, but that it was folly to + suppose that he would deliver up the very author of all these disorders + and offences, and so encourage his followers in their license. "You may + return to those who sent you," he proceeded, "and inform them, that I + shall certainly cause Rob Roy Campbell, whom they call MacGregor, to be + executed, by break of day, as an outlaw taken in arms, and deserving + death by a thousand acts of violence; that I should be most justly held + unworthy of my situation and commission did I act otherwise; that I shall + know how to protect the country against their insolent threats of + violence; and that if they injure a hair of the head of any of the + unfortunate gentlemen whom an unlucky accident has thrown into their + power, I will take such ample vengeance, that the very stones of their + glens shall sing woe for it this hundred years to come!" +</p> +<p> + I humbly begged leave to remonstrate respecting the honourable mission + imposed on me, and touched upon the obvious danger attending it, when the + noble commander replied, "that such being the case, I might send my + servant." +</p> +<p> + "The deil be in my feet," said Andrew, without either having respect to + the presence in which he stood, or waiting till I replied—"the deil be + in my feet, if I gang my tae's length. Do the folk think I hae another + thrapple in my pouch after John Highlandman's sneeked this ane wi' his + joctaleg? or that I can dive doun at the tae side of a Highland loch and + rise at the tother, like a shell-drake? Na, na—ilk ane for himsell, and + God for us a'. Folk may just make a page o' their ain age, and serve + themsells till their bairns grow up, and gang their ain errands for + Andrew. Rob Roy never came near the parish of Dreepdaily, to steal either + pippin or pear frae me or mine." +</p> +<p> + Silencing my follower with some difficulty, I represented to the Duke the + great danger Captain Thornton and Mr. Jarvie would certainly be exposed + to, and entreated he would make me the bearer of such modified terms as + might be the means of saving their lives. I assured him I should decline + no danger if I could be of service; but from what I had heard and seen, I + had little doubt they would be instantly murdered should the chief of the + outlaws suffer death. +</p> +<p> + The Duke was obviously much affected. "It was a hard case," he said, "and + he felt it as such; but he had a paramount duty to perform to the + country—Rob Roy must die!" +</p> +<p> + I own it was not without emotion that I heard this threat of instant + death to my acquaintance Campbell, who had so often testified his + good-will towards me. Nor was I singular in the feeling, for many of + those around the Duke ventured to express themselves in his favour. "It + would be more advisable," they said, "to send him to Stirling Castle, and + there detain him a close prisoner, as a pledge for the submission and + dispersion of his gang. It were a great pity to expose the country to be + plundered, which, now that the long nights approached, it would be found + very difficult to prevent, since it was impossible to guard every point, + and the Highlanders were sure to select those that were left exposed." + They added, that there was great hardship in leaving the unfortunate + prisoners to the almost certain doom of massacre denounced against them, + which no one doubted would be executed in the first burst of revenge. +</p> +<p> + Garschattachin ventured yet farther, confiding in the honour of the + nobleman whom he addressed, although he knew he had particular reasons + for disliking their prisoner. "Rob Roy," he said, "though a kittle + neighbour to the Low Country, and particularly obnoxious to his Grace, + and though he maybe carried the catheran trade farther than ony man o' + his day, was an auld-farrand carle, and there might be some means of + making him hear reason; whereas his wife and sons were reckless fiends, + without either fear or mercy about them, and, at the head of a' his + limmer loons, would be a worse plague to the country than ever he had + been." +</p> +<p> + "Pooh! pooh!" replied his Grace, "it is the very sense and cunning of + this fellow which has so long maintained his reign—a mere Highland + robber would have been put down in as many weeks as he has flourished + years. His gang, without him, is no more to be dreaded as a permanent + annoyance—it will no longer exist—than a wasp without its head, which + may sting once perhaps, but is instantly crushed into annihilation." +</p> +<p> + Garschattachin was not so easily silenced. "I am sure, my Lord Duke," he + replied, "I have no favour for Rob, and he as little for me, seeing he + has twice cleaned out my ain byres, beside skaith amang my tenants; but, + however"— +</p> +<p> + "But, however, Garschattachin," said the Duke, with a smile of peculiar + expression, "I fancy you think such a freedom may be pardoned in a + friend's friend, and Rob's supposed to be no enemy to Major Galbraith's + friends over the water." +</p> +<p> + "If it be so, my lord," said Garschattachin, in the same tone of + jocularity, "it's no the warst thing I have heard of him. But I wish we + heard some news from the clans, that we have waited for sae lang. I vow + to God they'll keep a Hielandman's word wi' us—I never ken'd them + better—it's ill drawing boots upon trews." +</p> +<p> + "I cannot believe it," said the Duke. "These gentlemen are known to be + men of honour, and I must necessarily suppose they are to keep their + appointment. Send out two more horse-men to look for our friends. We + cannot, till their arrival, pretend to attack the pass where Captain + Thornton has suffered himself to be surprised, and which, to my + knowledge, ten men on foot might make good against a regiment of the best + horse in Europe—Meanwhile let refreshments be given to the men." +</p> +<p> + I had the benefit of this last order, the more necessary and acceptable, + as I had tasted nothing since our hasty meal at Aberfoil the evening + before. The videttes who had been despatched returned without tidings of + the expected auxiliaries, and sunset was approaching, when a Highlander + belonging to the clans whose co-operation was expected, appeared as the + bearer of a letter, which he delivered to the Duke with a most profound + conge'. +</p> +<p> + "Now will I wad a hogshead of claret," said Garschattachin, "that this is + a message to tell us that these cursed Highlandmen, whom we have fetched + here at the expense of so much plague and vexation, are going to draw + off, and leave us to do our own business if we can." +</p> +<p> + "It is even so, gentlemen," said the Duke, reddening with indignation, + after having perused the letter, which was written upon a very dirty + scrap of paper, but most punctiliously addressed, "For the much-honoured + hands of Ane High and Mighty Prince, the Duke," &c. &c. &c. "Our allies," + continued the Duke, "have deserted us, gentlemen, and have made a + separate peace with the enemy." +</p> +<p> + "It's just the fate of all alliances," said Garschattachin, "the Dutch + were gaun to serve us the same gate, if we had not got the start of them + at Utrecht." +</p> +<p> + "You are facetious, air," said the Duke, with a frown which showed how + little he liked the pleasantry; "but our business is rather of a grave + cut just now.—I suppose no gentleman would advise our attempting to + penetrate farther into the country, unsupported either by friendly + Highlanders, or by infantry from Inversnaid?" +</p> +<p> + A general answer announced that the attempt would be perfect madness. +</p> +<p> + "Nor would there be great wisdom," the Duke added, "in remaining exposed + to a night-attack in this place. I therefore propose that we should + retreat to the house of Duchray and that of Gartartan, and keep safe and + sure watch and ward until morning. But before we separate, I will examine + Rob Roy before you all, and make you sensible, by your own eyes and ears, + of the extreme unfitness of leaving him space for farther outrage." He + gave orders accordingly, and the prisoner was brought before him, his + arms belted down above the elbow, and secured to his body by a + horse-girth buckled tight behind him. Two non-commissioned officers had + hold of him, one on each side, and two file of men with carabines and + fixed bayonets attended for additional security. +</p> +<p> + I had never seen this man in the dress of his country, which set in a + striking point of view the peculiarities of his form. A shock-head of red + hair, which the hat and periwig of the Lowland costume had in a great + measure concealed, was seen beneath the Highland bonnet, and verified the + epithet of <i>Roy,</i> or Red, by which he was much better known in the Low + Country than by any other, and is still, I suppose, best remembered. The + justice of the appellation was also vindicated by the appearance of that + part of his limbs, from the bottom of his kilt to the top of his short + hose, which the fashion of his country dress left bare, and which was + covered with a fell of thick, short, red hair, especially around his + knees, which resembled in this respect, as well as from their sinewy + appearance of extreme strength, the limbs of a red-coloured Highland + bull. Upon the whole, betwixt the effect produced by the change of dress, + and by my having become acquainted with his real and formidable + character, his appearance had acquired to my eyes something so much + wilder and more striking than it before presented, that I could scarce + recognise him to be the same person. +</p> +<p> + His manner was bold, unconstrained unless by the actual bonds, haughty, + and even dignified. He bowed to the Duke, nodded to Garschattachin and + others, and showed some surprise at seeing me among the party. +</p> +<p> + "It is long since we have met, Mr. Campbell," said the Duke. +</p> +<p> + "It is so, my Lord Duke; I could have wished it had been" (looking at the + fastening on his arms) "when I could have better paid the compliments I + owe to your Grace;—but there's a gude time coming." +</p> +<p> + "No time like the time present, Mr. Campbell," answered the Duke, "for + the hours are fast flying that must settle your last account with all + mortal affairs. I do not say this to insult your distress; but you must + be aware yourself that you draw near the end of your career. I do not + deny that you may sometimes have done less harm than others of your + unhappy trade, and that you may occasionally have exhibited marks of + talent, and even of a disposition which promised better things. But you + are aware how long you have been the terror and the oppressor of a + peaceful neighbourhood, and by what acts of violence you have maintained + and extended your usurped authority. You know, in short, that you have + deserved death, and that you must prepare for it." +</p> +<p> + "My Lord," said Rob Roy, "although I may well lay my misfortunes at your + Grace's door, yet I will never say that you yourself have been the wilful + and witting author of them. My Lord, if I had thought sae, your Grace + would not this day have been sitting in judgment on me; for you have been + three times within good rifle distance of me when you were thinking but + of the red deer, and few people have ken'd me miss my aim. But as for + them that have abused your Grace's ear, and set you up against a man that + was ance as peacefu' a man as ony in the land, and made your name the + warrant for driving me to utter extremity,—I have had some amends of + them, and, for a' that your Grace now says, I expect to live to hae + mair." +</p> +<p> + "I know," said the Duke, in rising anger, "that you are a determined and + impudent villain, who will keep his oath if he swears to mischief; but it + shall be my care to prevent you. You have no enemies but your own wicked + actions." +</p> +<p> + "Had I called myself Grahame, instead of Campbell, I might have heard + less about them," answered Rob Roy, with dogged resolution. +</p> +<p> + "You will do well, sir," said the Duke, "to warn your wife and family and + followers, to beware how they use the gentlemen now in their hands, as I + will requite tenfold on them, and their kin and allies, the slightest + injury done to any of his Majesty's liege subjects." +</p> +<p> + "My Lord," said Roy in answer, "none of my enemies will allege that I + have been a bloodthirsty man, and were I now wi' my folk, I could rule + four or five hundred wild Hielanders as easy as your Grace those eight or + ten lackeys and foot-boys—But if your Grace is bent to take the head + away from a house, ye may lay your account there will be misrule amang + the members.—However, come o't what like, there's an honest man, a + kinsman o' my ain, maun come by nae skaith. Is there ony body here wad do + a gude deed for MacGregor?—he may repay it, though his hands be now + tied." +</p> +<p> + The Highlander who had delivered the letter to the Duke replied, "I'll do + your will for you, MacGregor; and I'll gang back up the glen on purpose." +</p> +<p> + He advanced, and received from the prisoner a message to his wife, which, + being in Gaelic, I did not understand, but I had little doubt it related + to some measures to be taken for the safety of Mr. Jarvie. +</p> +<p> + "Do you hear the fellow's impudence?" said the Duke; "he confides in his + character of a messenger. His conduct is of a piece with his master's, + who invited us to make common cause against these freebooters, and have + deserted us so soon as the MacGregors have agreed to surrender the + Balquhidder lands they were squabbling about. +</p> +<pre> + No truth in plaids, no faith in tartan trews! + Chameleon-like, they change a thousand hues." +</pre> +<p> + "Your great ancestor never said so, my Lord," answered Major + Galbraith;—"and, with submission, neither would your Grace have + occasion to say it, wad ye but be for beginning justice at the + well-head—Gie the honest man his mear again—Let every head wear it's + ane bannet, and the distractions o' the Lennox wad be mended wi' them + o'the land." +</p> +<p> + "Hush! hush! Garschattachin," said the Duke; "this is language dangerous + for you to talk to any one, and especially to me; but I presume you + reckon yourself a privileged person. Please to draw off your party + towards Gartartan; I shall myself see the prisoner escorted to Duchray, + and send you orders tomorrow. You will please grant no leave of absence + to any of your troopers." +</p> +<p> + "Here's auld ordering and counter-ordering," muttered Garschattachin + between his teeth. "But patience! patience!—we may ae day play at change + seats, the king's coming." +</p> +<p> + The two troops of cavalry now formed, and prepared to march off the + ground, that they might avail themselves of the remainder of daylight to + get to their evening quarters. I received an intimation, rather than an + invitation, to attend the party; and I perceived, that, though no longer + considered as a prisoner, I was yet under some sort of suspicion. The + times were indeed so dangerous,—the great party questions of Jacobite + and Hanoverian divided the country so effectually,—and the constant + disputes and jealousies between the Highlanders and Lowlanders, besides a + number of inexplicable causes of feud which separated the great leading + families in Scotland from each other, occasioned such general suspicion, + that a solitary and unprotected stranger was almost sure to meet with + something disagreeable in the course of his travels. +</p> +<p> + I acquiesced, however, in my destination with the best grace I could, + consoling myself with the hope that I might obtain from the captive + freebooter some information concerning Rashleigh and his machinations. I + should do myself injustice did I not add, that my views were not merely + selfish. I was too much interested in my singular acquaintance not to be + desirous of rendering him such services as his unfortunate situation + might demand, or admit of his receiving. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0016"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SIXTEEN. +</h2> +<pre> + And when he came to broken brigg, + He bent his bow and swam; + And when he came to grass growing, + Set down his feet and ran. + Gil Morrice. +</pre> +<p> + The echoes of the rocks and ravines, on either side, now rang to the + trumpets of the cavalry, which, forming themselves into two distinct + bodies, began to move down the valley at a slow trot. That commanded by + Major Galbraith soon took to the right hand, and crossed the Forth, for + the purpose of taking up the quarters assigned them for the night, when + they were to occupy, as I understood, an old castle in the vicinity. They + formed a lively object while crossing the stream, but were soon lost in + winding up the bank on the opposite side, which was clothed with wood. +</p> +<p> + We continued our march with considerable good order. To ensure the safe + custody of the prisoner, the Duke had caused him to be placed on + horseback behind one of his retainers, called, as I was informed, Ewan of + Brigglands, one of the largest and strongest men who were present. A + horse-belt, passed round the bodies of both, and buckled before the + yeoman's breast, rendered it impossible for Rob Roy to free himself from + his keeper. I was directed to keep close beside them, and accommodated + for the purpose with a troop-horse. We were as closely surrounded by the + soldiers as the width of the road would permit, and had always at least + one, if not two, on each side, with pistol in hand. Andrew Fairservice, + furnished with a Highland pony, of which they had made prey somewhere or + other, was permitted to ride among the other domestics, of whom a great + number attended the line of march, though without falling into the ranks + of the more regularly trained troopers. +</p> +<p> + In this manner we travelled for a certain distance, until we arrived at a + place where we also were to cross the river. The Forth, as being the + outlet of a lake, is of considerable depth, even where less important in + point of width, and the descent to the ford was by a broken precipitous + ravine, which only permitted one horseman to descend at once. The rear + and centre of our small body halting on the bank while the front files + passed down in succession, produced a considerable delay, as is usual on + such occasions, and even some confusion; for a number of those riders, + who made no proper part of the squadron, crowded to the ford without + regularity, and made the militia cavalry, although tolerably well + drilled, partake in some degree of their own disorder. +</p> +<a name="image-0007"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb232.jpg" height="504" width="773" +alt="Escape of Rob Roy at the Ford +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + It was while we were thus huddled together on the bank that I heard Rob + Roy whisper to the man behind whom he was placed on horseback, "Your + father, Ewan, wadna hae carried an auld friend to the shambles, like a + calf, for a' the Dukes in Christendom." +</p> +<p> + Ewan returned no answer, but shrugged, as one who would express by that + sign that what he was doing was none of his own choice. +</p> +<p> + "And when the MacGregors come down the glen, and ye see toom faulds, a + bluidy hearthstone, and the fire flashing out between the rafters o' your + house, ye may be thinking then, Ewan, that were your friend Rob to the + fore, you would have had that safe which it will make your heart sair to + lose." +</p> +<p> + Ewan of Brigglands again shrugged and groaned, but remained silent. +</p> +<p> + "It's a sair thing," continued Rob, sliding his insinuations so gently + into Ewan's ear that they reached no other but mine, who certainly saw + myself in no shape called upon to destroy his prospects of escape—"It's + a sair thing, that Ewan of Brigglands, whom Roy MacGregor has helped with + hand, sword, and purse, suld mind a gloom from a great man mair than a + friend's life." +</p> +<p> + Ewan seemed sorely agitated, but was silent.—We heard the Duke's voice + from the opposite bank call, "Bring over the prisoner." +</p> +<p> + Ewan put his horse in motion, and just as I heard Roy say, "Never weigh a + MacGregor's bluid against a broken whang o' leather, for there will be + another accounting to gie for it baith here and hereafter," they passed + me hastily, and dashing forward rather precipitately, entered the water. +</p> +<p> + "Not yet, sir—not yet," said some of the troopers to me, as I was about + to follow, while others pressed forward into the stream. +</p> +<p> + I saw the Duke on the other side, by the waning light, engaged in + commanding his people to get into order, as they landed dispersedly, some + higher, some lower. Many had crossed, some were in the water, and the + rest were preparing to follow, when a sudden splash warned me that + MacGregor's eloquence had prevailed on Ewan to give him freedom and a + chance for life. The Duke also heard the sound, and instantly guessed its + meaning. "Dog!" he exclaimed to Ewan as he landed, "where is your + prisoner?" and, without waiting to hear the apology which the terrified + vassal began to falter forth, he fired a pistol at his head, whether + fatally I know not, and exclaimed, "Gentlemen, disperse and pursue the + villain—An hundred guineas for him that secures Rob Roy!" +</p> +<p> + All became an instant scene of the most lively confusion. Rob Roy, + disengaged from his bonds, doubtless by Ewan's slipping the buckle of his + belt, had dropped off at the horse's tail, and instantly dived, passing + under the belly of the troop-horse which was on his left hand. But as he + was obliged to come to the surface an instant for air, the glimpse of his + tartan plaid drew the attention of the troopers, some of whom plunged + into the river, with a total disregard to their own safety, rushing, + according to the expression of their country, through pool and stream, + sometimes swimming their horses, sometimes losing them and struggling for + their own lives. Others, less zealous or more prudent, broke off in + different directions, and galloped up and down the banks, to watch the + places at which the fugitive might possibly land. The hollowing, the + whooping, the calls for aid at different points, where they saw, or + conceived they saw, some vestige of him they were seeking,—the frequent + report of pistols and carabines, fired at every object which excited the + least suspicion,—the sight of so many horsemen riding about, in and out + of the river, and striking with their long broadswords at whatever + excited their attention, joined to the vain exertions used by their + officers to restore order and regularity,—and all this in so wild a + scene, and visible only by the imperfect twilight of an autumn evening, + made the most extraordinary hubbub I had hitherto witnessed. I was indeed + left alone to observe it, for our whole cavalcade had dispersed in + pursuit, or at least to see the event of the search. Indeed, as I partly + suspected at the time, and afterwards learned with certainty, many of + those who seemed most active in their attempts to waylay and recover the + fugitive, were, in actual truth, least desirous that he should be taken, + and only joined in the cry to increase the general confusion, and to give + Rob Roy a better opportunity of escaping. +</p> +<p> + Escape, indeed, was not difficult for a swimmer so expert as the + freebooter, as soon as he had eluded the first burst of pursuit. At one + time he was closely pressed, and several blows were made which flashed in + the water around him; the scene much resembling one of the otter-hunts + which I had seen at Osbaldistone Hall, where the animal is detected by + the hounds from his being necessitated to put his nose above the stream + to vent or breathe, while he is enabled to elude them by getting under + water again so soon as he has refreshed himself by respiration. + MacGregor, however, had a trick beyond the otter; for he contrived, when + very closely pursued, to disengage himself unobserved from his plaid, and + suffer it to float down the stream, where in its progress it quickly + attracted general attention; many of the horsemen were thus put upon a + false scent, and several shots or stabs were averted from the party for + whom they were designed. +</p> +<p> + Once fairly out of view, the recovery of the prisoner became almost + impossible, since, in so many places, the river was rendered inaccessible + by the steepness of its banks, or the thickets of alders, poplars, and + birch, which, overhanging its banks, prevented the approach of horsemen. + Errors and accidents had also happened among the pursuers, whose task the + approaching night rendered every moment more hopeless. Some got + themselves involved in the eddies of the stream, and required the + assistance of their companions to save them from drowning. Others, hurt + by shots or blows in the confused mele'e, implored help or threatened + vengeance, and in one or two instances such accidents led to actual + strife. The trumpets, therefore, sounded the retreat, announcing that the + commanding officer, with whatsoever unwillingness, had for the present + relinquished hopes of the important prize which had thus unexpectedly + escaped his grasp, and the troopers began slowly, reluctantly, and + brawling with each other as they returned, again to assume their ranks. I + could see them darkening, as they formed on the southern bank of the + river,—whose murmurs, long drowned by the louder cries of vengeful + pursuit, were now heard hoarsely mingling with the deep, discontented, + and reproachful voices of the disappointed horsemen. +</p> +<p> + Hitherto I had been as it were a mere spectator, though far from an + uninterested one, of the singular scene which had passed. But now I heard + a voice suddenly exclaim, "Where is the English stranger?—It was he gave + Rob Roy the knife to cut the belt." +</p> +<p> + "Cleeve the pock-pudding to the chafts!" cried one voice. +</p> +<p> + "Weize a brace of balls through his harn-pan!" said a second. +</p> +<p> + "Drive three inches of cauld airn into his brisket!" shouted a third. +</p> +<p> + And I heard several horses galloping to and fro, with the kind purpose, + doubtless, of executing these denunciations. I was immediately awakened + to the sense of my situation, and to the certainty that armed men, having + no restraint whatever on their irritated and inflamed passions, would + probably begin by shooting or cutting me down, and afterwards investigate + the justice of the action. Impressed by this belief, I leaped from my + horse, and turning him loose, plunged into a bush of alder-trees, where, + considering the advancing obscurity of the night, I thought there was + little chance of my being discovered. Had I been near enough to the Duke + to have invoked his personal protection, I would have done so; but he had + already commenced his retreat, and I saw no officer on the left bank of + the river, of authority sufficient to have afforded protection, in case + of my surrendering myself. I thought there was no point of honour which + could require, in such circumstances, an unnecessary exposure of my life. + My first idea, when the tumult began to be appeased, and the clatter of + the horses' feet was heard less frequently in the immediate vicinity of + my hiding-place, was to seek out the Duke's quarters when all should be + quiet, and give myself up to him, as a liege subject, who had nothing to + fear from his justice, and a stranger, who had every right to expect + protection and hospitality. With this purpose I crept out of my + hiding-place, and looked around me. +</p> +<p> + The twilight had now melted nearly into darkness; a few or none of the + troopers were left on my side of the Forth, and of those who were already + across it, I only heard the distant trample of the horses' feet, and the + wailing and prolonged sound of their trumpets, which rung through the + woods to recall stragglers, Here, therefore, I was left in a situation of + considerable difficulty. I had no horse, and the deep and wheeling stream + of the river, rendered turbid by the late tumult of which its channel had + been the scene, and seeming yet more so under the doubtful influence of + an imperfect moonlight, had no inviting influence for a pedestrian by no + means accustomed to wade rivers, and who had lately seen horsemen + weltering, in this dangerous passage, up to the very saddle-laps. At the + same time, my prospect, if I remained on the side of the river on which I + then stood, could be no other than of concluding the various fatigues of + this day and the preceding night, by passing that which was now closing + in, <i>al fresco</i> on the side of a Highland hill. +</p> +<p> + After a moment's reflection, I began to consider that Fairservice, who + had doubtless crossed the river with the other domestics, according to + his forward and impertinent custom of putting himself always among the + foremost, could not fail to satisfy the Duke, or the competent + authorities, respecting my rank and situation; and that, therefore, my + character did not require my immediate appearance, at the risk of being + drowned in the river—of being unable to trace the march of the squadron + in case of my reaching the other side in safety—or, finally, of being + cut down, right or wrong, by some straggler, who might think such a piece + of good service a convenient excuse for not sooner rejoining his ranks. I + therefore resolved to measure my steps back to the little inn, where I + had passed the preceding night. I had nothing to apprehend from Rob Roy. + He was now at liberty, and I was certain, in case of my falling in with + any of his people, the news of his escape would ensure me protection. I + might thus also show, that I had no intention to desert Mr. Jarvie in the + delicate situation in which he had engaged himself chiefly on my account. + And lastly, it was only in this quarter that I could hope to learn + tidings concerning Rashleigh and my father's papers, which had been the + original cause of an expedition so fraught with perilous adventure. I + therefore abandoned all thoughts of crossing the Forth that evening; and, + turning my back on the Fords of Frew, began to retrace my steps towards + the little village of Aberfoil. +</p> +<p> + A sharp frost-wind, which made itself heard and felt from time to time, + removed the clouds of mist which might otherwise have slumbered till + morning on the valley; and, though it could not totally disperse the + clouds of vapour, yet threw them in confused and changeful masses, now + hovering round the heads of the mountains, now filling, as with a dense + and voluminous stream of smoke, the various deep gullies where masses of + the composite rock, or breccia, tumbling in fragments from the cliffs, + have rushed to the valley, leaving each behind its course a rent and torn + ravine resembling a deserted water-course. The moon, which was now high, + and twinkled with all the vivacity of a frosty atmosphere, silvered the + windings of the river and the peaks and precipices which the mist left + visible, while her beams seemed as it were absorbed by the fleecy + whiteness of the mist, where it lay thick and condensed; and gave to the + more light and vapoury specks, which were elsewhere visible, a sort of + filmy transparency resembling the lightest veil of silver gauze. Despite + the uncertainty of my situation, a view so romantic, joined to the active + and inspiring influence of the frosty atmosphere, elevated my spirits + while it braced my nerves. I felt an inclination to cast care away, and + bid defiance to danger, and involuntarily whistled, by way of cadence to + my steps, which my feeling of the cold led me to accelerate, and I felt + the pulse of existence beat prouder and higher in proportion as I felt + confidence in my own strength, courage, and resources. I was so much lost + in these thoughts, and in the feelings which they excited, that two + horsemen came up behind me without my hearing their approach, until one + was on each side of me, when the left-hand rider, pulling up his horse, + addressed me in the English tongue—"So ho, friend! whither so late?" +</p> +<p> + "To my supper and bed at Aberfoil," I replied. +</p> +<p> + "Are the passes open?" he inquired, with the same commanding tone of + voice. +</p> +<p> + "I do not know," I replied; "I shall learn when I get there. But," I + added, the fate of Morris recurring to my recollection, "if you are an + English stranger, I advise you to turn back till daylight; there has been + some disturbance in this neighbourhood, and I should hesitate to say it + is perfectly safe for strangers." +</p> +<p> + "The soldiers had the worst?—had they not?" was the reply. +</p> +<p> + "They had indeed; and an officer's party were destroyed or made + prisoners." +</p> +<p> + "Are you sure of that?" replied the horseman. +</p> +<p> + "As sure as that I hear you speak," I replied. "I was an unwilling + spectator of the skirmish." +</p> +<p> + "Unwilling!" continued the interrogator. "Were you not engaged in it + then?" +</p> +<p> + "Certainly no," I replied; "I was detained by the king's officer." +</p> +<p> + "On what suspicion? and who are you? or what is your name?" he continued. +</p> +<p> + "I really do not know, sir," said I, "why I should answer so many + questions to an unknown stranger. I have told you enough to convince you + that you are going into a dangerous and distracted country. If you choose + to proceed, it is your own affair; but as I ask you no questions + respecting your name and business, you will oblige me by making no + inquiries after mine." +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Francis Osbaldistone," said the other rider, in a voice the tones of + which thrilled through every nerve of my body, "should not whistle his + favourite airs when he wishes to remain undiscovered." +</p> +<p> + And Diana Vernon—for she, wrapped in a horseman's cloak, was the last + speaker—whistled in playful mimicry the second part of the tune which + was on my lips when they came up. +</p> +<p> + "Good God!" I exclaimed, like one thunderstruck, "can it be you, Miss + Vernon, on such a spot—at such an hour—in such a lawless country—in + such"— +</p> +<p> + "In such a masculine dress, you would say.—But what would you have? The + philosophy of the excellent Corporal Nym is the best after all; things + must be as they may—<i>pauca verba.</i>" +</p> +<p> + While she was thus speaking, I eagerly took advantage of an unusually + bright gleam of moonshine, to study the appearance of her companion; for + it may be easily supposed, that finding Miss Vernon in a place so + solitary, engaged in a journey so dangerous, and under the protection of + one gentleman only, were circumstances to excite every feeling of + jealousy, as well as surprise. The rider did not speak with the deep + melody of Rashleigh's voice; his tones were more high and commanding; he + was taller, moreover, as he sate on horseback, than that first-rate + object of my hate and suspicion. Neither did the stranger's address + resemble that of any of my other cousins; it had that indescribable tone + and manner by which we recognise a man of sense and breeding, even in the + first few sentences he speaks. +</p> +<p> + The object of my anxiety seemed desirous to get rid of my investigation. +</p> +<p> + "Diana," he said, in a tone of mingled kindness and authority, "give your + cousin his property, and let us not spend time here." +</p> +<p> + Miss Vernon had in the meantime taken out a small case, and leaning down + from her horse towards me, she said, in a tone in which an effort at her + usual quaint lightness of expression contended with a deeper and more + grave tone of sentiment, "You see, my dear coz, I was born to be your + better angel. Rashleigh has been compelled to yield up his spoil, and had + we reached this same village of Aberfoil last night, as we purposed, I + should have found some Highland sylph to have wafted to you all these + representatives of commercial wealth. But there were giants and dragons + in the way; and errant-knights and damsels of modern times, bold though + they be, must not, as of yore, run into useless danger—Do not you do so + either, my dear coz." +</p> +<p> + "Diana," said her companion, "let me once more warn you that the evening + waxes late, and we are still distant from our home." +</p> +<p> + "I am coming, sir, I am coming—Consider," she added, with a sigh, "how + lately I have been subjected to control—besides, I have not yet given my + cousin the packet, and bid him fare-well—for ever. Yes, Frank," she + said, "for ever!—there is a gulf between us—a gulf of absolute + perdition;—where we go, you must not follow—what we do, you must not + share in—Farewell—be happy!" +</p> +<a name="image-0008"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb242.jpg" height="801" width="531" +alt="Parting of Die and Frank on the Moor +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + In the attitude in which she bent from her horse, which was a Highland + pony, her face, not perhaps altogether unwillingly, touched mine. She + pressed my hand, while the tear that trembled in her eye found its + way to my cheek instead of her own. It was a moment never to be + forgotten—inexpressibly bitter, yet mixed with a sensation of pleasure + so deeply soothing and affecting, as at once to unlock all the + flood-gates of the heart. It was <i>but</i> a moment, however; for, instantly + recovering from the feeling to which she had involuntarily given way, + she intimated to her companion she was ready to attend him, and putting + their horses to a brisk pace, they were soon far distant from the place + where I stood. +</p> +<p> + Heaven knows, it was not apathy which loaded my frame and my tongue so + much, that I could neither return Miss Vernon's half embrace, nor even + answer her farewell. The word, though it rose to my tongue, seemed to + choke in my throat like the fatal <i>guilty,</i> which the delinquent who + makes it his plea, knows must be followed by the doom of death. The + surprise—the sorrow, almost stupified me. I remained motionless with the + packet in my hand, gazing after them, as if endeavouring to count the + sparkles which flew from the horses' hoofs. I continued to look after + even these had ceased to be visible, and to listen for their footsteps + long after the last distant trampling had died in my ears. At length, + tears rushed to my eyes, glazed as they were by the exertion of straining + after what was no longer to be seen. I wiped them mechanically, and + almost without being aware that they were flowing—but they came thicker + and thicker; I felt the tightening of the throat and breast—the + <i>hysterica passio</i> of poor Lear; and sitting down by the wayside, I shed + a flood of the first and most bitter tears which had flowed from my eyes + since childhood. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0017"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER SEVENTEEN. +</h2> +<pre> + <i>Dangle.</i>—Egad, I think the interpreter is the harder to be + understood of the two. + Critic. +</pre> +<p> + I had scarce given vent to my feelings in this paroxysm, ere was ashamed + of my weakness. I remembered that I had been for some time endeavouring + to regard Diana Vernon, when her idea intruded itself on my remembrance, + as a friend, for whose welfare I should indeed always be anxious, but + with whom I could have little further communication. But the almost + unrepressed tenderness of her manner, joined to the romance of our sudden + meeting where it was so little to have been expected, were circumstances + which threw me entirely off my guard. I recovered, however, sooner than + might have been expected, and without giving myself time accurately to + examine my motives. I resumed the path on which I had been travelling + when overtaken by this strange and unexpected apparition. +</p> +<p> + "I am not," was my reflection, "transgressing her injunction so + pathetically given, since I am but pursuing my own journey by the only + open route.—If I have succeeded in recovering my father's property, it + still remains incumbent on me to see my Glasgow friend delivered from the + situation in which he has involved himself on my account; besides, what + other place of rest can I obtain for the night excepting at the little + inn of Aberfoil? They also must stop there, since it is impossible for + travellers on horseback to go farther—Well, then, we shall meet + again—meet for the last time perhaps—But I shall see and hear her—I + shall learn who this happy man is who exercises over her the authority + of a husband—I shall learn if there remains, in the difficult course in + which she seems engaged, any difficulty which my efforts may remove, or + aught that I can do to express my gratitude for her generosity—for her + disinterested friendship." +</p> +<p> + As I reasoned thus with myself, colouring with every plausible pretext + which occurred to my ingenuity my passionate desire once more to see and + converse with my cousin, I was suddenly hailed by a touch on the + shoulder; and the deep voice of a Highlander, who, walking still faster + than I, though I was proceeding at a smart pace, accosted me with, "A + braw night, Maister Osbaldistone—we have met at the mirk hour before + now." +</p> +<p> + There was no mistaking the tone of MacGregor; he had escaped the pursuit + of his enemies, and was in full retreat to his own wilds and to his + adherents. He had also contrived to arm himself, probably at the house of + some secret adherent, for he had a musket on his shoulder, and the usual + Highland weapons by his side. To have found myself alone with such a + character in such a situation, and at this late hour in the evening, + might not have been pleasant to me in any ordinary mood of mind; for, + though habituated to think of Rob Roy in rather a friendly point of view, + I will confess frankly that I never heard him speak but that it seemed to + thrill my blood. The intonation of the mountaineers gives a habitual + depth and hollowness to the sound of their words, owing to the guttural + expression so common in their native language, and they usually speak + with a good deal of emphasis. To these national peculiarities Rob Roy + added a sort of hard indifference of accent and manner, expressive of a + mind neither to be daunted, nor surprised, nor affected by what passed + before him, however dreadful, however sudden, however afflicting. + Habitual danger, with unbounded confidence in his own strength and + sagacity, had rendered him indifferent to fear, and the lawless and + precarious life he led had blunted, though its dangers and errors had not + destroyed, his feelings for others. And it was to be remembered that I + had very lately seen the followers of this man commit a cruel slaughter + on an unarmed and suppliant individual. +</p> +<p> + Yet such was the state of my mind, that I welcomed the company of the + outlaw leader as a relief to my own overstrained and painful thoughts; + and was not without hopes that through his means I might obtain some clew + of guidance through the maze in which my fate had involved me. I + therefore answered his greeting cordially, and congratulated him on his + late escape in circumstances when escape seemed impossible. +</p> +<p> + "Ay," he replied, "there is as much between the craig and the woodie* as + there is between the cup and the lip. But my peril was less than you may + think, being a stranger to this country. +</p> +<p> + * <i>i.e.</i> The throat and the withy. Twigs of willow, such as bind faggots, + were often used for halters in Scotland and Ireland, being a sage economy + of hemp. +</p> +<p> + Of those that were summoned to take me, and to keep me, and to retake me + again, there was a moiety, as cousin Nicol Jarvie calls it, that had nae + will that I suld be either taen, or keepit fast, or retaen; and of tother + moiety, there was as half was feared to stir me; and so I had only like + the fourth part of fifty or sixty men to deal withal." +</p> +<p> + "And enough, too, I should think," replied I. +</p> +<p> + "I dinna ken that," said he; "but I ken, that turn every ill-willer that + I had amang them out upon the green before the Clachan of Aberfoil, I wad + find them play with broadsword and target, one down and another come on." +</p> +<p> + He now inquired into my adventures since we entered his country, and + laughed heartily at my account of the battle we had in the inn, and at + the exploits of the Bailie with the red-hot poker. +</p> +<p> + "Let Glasgow Flourish!" he exclaimed. "The curse of Cromwell on me, if I + wad hae wished better sport than to see cousin Nicol Jarvie singe + Iverach's plaid, like a sheep's head between a pair of tongs. But my + cousin Jarvie," he added, more gravely, "has some gentleman's bluid in + his veins, although he has been unhappily bred up to a peaceful and + mechanical craft, which could not but blunt any pretty man's spirit.—Ye + may estimate the reason why I could not receive you at the Clachan of + Aberfoil as I purposed. They had made a fine hosenet for me when I was + absent twa or three days at Glasgow, upon the king's business—But I + think I broke up the league about their lugs—they'll no be able to hound + one clan against another as they hae dune. I hope soon to see the day + when a' Hielandmen will stand shouther to shouther. But what chanced + next?" +</p> +<p> + I gave him an account of the arrival of Captain Thornton and his party, + and the arrest of the Bailie and myself under pretext of our being + suspicious persons; and upon his more special inquiry, I recollected the + officer had mentioned that, besides my name sounding suspicious in his + ears, he had orders to secure an old and young person, resembling our + description. This again moved the outlaw's risibility. +</p> +<p> + "As man lives by bread," he said, "the buzzards have mistaen my friend + the Bailie for his Excellency, and you for Diana Vernon—O, the most + egregious night-howlets!" +</p> +<p> + "Miss Vernon?" said I, with hesitation, and trembling for the + answer—"Does she still bear that name? She passed but now, along with + a gentleman who seemed to use a style of authority." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay," answered Rob, "she's under lawfu' authority now; and full time, + for she was a daft hempie—But she's a mettle quean. It's a pity his + Excellency is a thought eldern. The like o' yourself, or my son Hamish, + wad be mair sortable in point of years." +</p> +<p> + Here, then, was a complete downfall of those castles of cards which my + fancy had, in despite of my reason, so often amused herself with + building. Although in truth I had scarcely anything else to expect, since + I could not suppose that Diana could be travelling in such a country, at + such an hour, with any but one who had a legal title to protect her, I + did not feel the blow less severely when it came; and MacGregor's voice, + urging me to pursue my story, sounded in my ears without conveying any + exact import to my mind. +</p> +<p> + "You are ill," he said at length, after he had spoken twice without + receiving an answer; "this day's wark has been ower muckle for ane + doubtless unused to sic things." +</p> +<p> + The tone of kindness in which this was spoken, recalling me to myself, + and to the necessities of my situation, I continued my narrative as well + as I could. Rob Roy expressed great exultation at the successful skirmish + in the pass. +</p> +<p> + "They say," he observed, "that king's chaff is better than other folk's + corn; but I think that canna be said o' king's soldiers, if they let + themselves be beaten wi' a wheen auld carles that are past fighting, and + bairns that are no come till't, and wives wi' their rocks and distaffs, + the very wally-draigles o' the countryside. And Dougal Gregor, too—wha + wad hae thought there had been as muckle sense in his tatty-pow, that + ne'er had a better covering than his ain shaggy hassock of hair!—But say + away—though I dread what's to come neist—for my Helen's an incarnate + devil when her bluid's up—puir thing, she has ower muckle reason." +</p> +<p> + I observed as much delicacy as I could in communicating to him the usage + we had received, but I obviously saw the detail gave him great pain. +</p> +<p> + "I wad rather than a thousand merks," he said, "that I had been at hame! + To misguide strangers, and forbye a', my ain natural cousin, that had + showed me sic kindness—I wad rather they had burned half the Lennox in + their folly! But this comes o' trusting women and their bairns, that have + neither measure nor reason in their dealings. However, it's a' owing to + that dog of a gauger, wha betrayed me by pretending a message from your + cousin Rashleigh, to meet him on the king's affairs, whilk I thought was + very like to be anent Garschattachin and a party of the Lennox declaring + themselves for King James. Faith! but I ken'd I was clean beguiled when I + heard the Duke was there; and when they strapped the horse-girth ower my + arms, I might hae judged what was biding me; for I ken'd your kinsman, + being, wi' pardon, a slippery loon himself, is prone to employ those of + his ain kidney—I wish he mayna hae been at the bottom o' the ploy + himsell—I thought the chield Morris looked devilish queer when I + determined he should remain a wad, or hostage, for my safe back-coming. + But I <i>am</i> come back, nae thanks to him, or them that employed him; and + the question is, how the collector loon is to win back himsell—I promise + him it will not be without a ransom." +</p> +<p> + "Morris," said I, "has already paid the last ransom which mortal man can + owe." +</p> +<p> + "Eh! What?" exclaimed my companion hastily; "what d'ye say? I trust it + was in the skirmish he was killed?" +</p> +<p> + "He was slain in cold blood after the fight was over, Mr. Campbell." +</p> +<p> + "Cold blood?—Damnation!" he said, muttering betwixt his teeth—"How fell + that, sir? Speak out, sir, and do not Maister or Campbell me—my foot is + on my native heath, and my name is MacGregor!" +</p> +<p> + His passions were obviously irritated; but without noticing the rudeness + of his tone, I gave him a short and distinct account of the death of + Morris. He struck the butt of his gun with great vehemence against the + ground, and broke out—"I vow to God, such a deed might make one forswear + kin, clan, country, wife, and bairns! And yet the villain wrought long + for it. And what is the difference between warsling below the water wi' a + stane about your neck, and wavering in the wind wi' a tether round + it?—it's but choking after a', and he drees the doom he ettled for me. I + could have wished, though, they had rather putten a ball through him, or + a dirk; for the fashion of removing him will give rise to mony idle + clavers—But every wight has his weird, and we maun a' dee when our day + comes—And naebody will deny that Helen MacGregor has deep wrongs to + avenge." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he seemed to dismiss the theme altogether from his mind, and + proceeded to inquire how I got free from the party in whose hands he had + seen me. +</p> +<p> + My story was soon told; and I added the episode of my having recovered + the papers of my father, though I dared not trust my voice to name the + name of Diana. +</p> +<p> + "I was sure ye wad get them," said MacGregor;—"the letter ye brought me + contained his Excellency's pleasure to that effect and nae doubt it was + my will to have aided in it. And I asked ye up into this glen on the very + errand. But it's like his Excellency has foregathered wi' Rashleigh + sooner than I expected." +</p> +<p> + The first part of this answer was what most forcibly struck me. +</p> +<p> + "Was the letter I brought you, then, from this person you call his + Excellency? Who is he? and what is his rank and proper name?" +</p> +<p> + "I am thinking," said MacGregor, "that since ye dinna ken them already + they canna be o' muckle consequence to you, and sae I shall say naething + on that score. But weel I wot the letter was frae his ain hand, or, + having a sort of business of my ain on my hands, being, as ye weel may + see, just as much as I can fairly manage, I canna say I would hae fashed + mysell sae muckle about the matter." +</p> +<p> + I now recollected the lights seen in the library—the various + circumstances which had excited my jealousy—the glove—the agitation of + the tapestry which covered the secret passage from Rashleigh's apartment; + and, above all, I recollected that Diana retired in order to write, as I + then thought, the billet to which I was to have recourse in case of the + last necessity. Her hours, then, were not spent in solitude, but in + listening to the addresses of some desperate agent of Jacobitical + treason, who was a secret resident within the mansion of her uncle! Other + young women have sold themselves for gold, or suffered themselves to be + seduced from their first love from vanity; but Diana had sacrificed my + affections and her own to partake the fortunes of some desperate + adventurer—to seek the haunts of freebooters through midnight deserts, + with no better hopes of rank or fortune than that mimicry of both which + the mock court of the Stuarts at St. Germains had in their power to + bestow. +</p> +<p> + "I will see her," I said internally, "if it be possible, once more. I + will argue with her as a friend—as a kinsman—on the risk she is + incurring, and I will facilitate her retreat to France, where she may, + with more comfort and propriety, as well as safety, abide the issue of + the turmoils which the political trepanner, to whom she has united her + fate, is doubtless busied in putting into motion." +</p> +<p> + "I conclude, then," I said to MacGregor, after about five minutes' + silence on both sides, "that his Excellency, since you give me no other + name for him, was residing in Osbaldistone Hall at the same time with + myself?" +</p> +<p> + "To be sure—to be sure—and in the young lady's apartment, as best + reason was." This gratuitous information was adding gall to bitterness. + "But few," added MacGregor, "ken'd he was derned there, save Rashleigh + and Sir Hildebrand; for you were out o' the question; and the young lads + haena wit eneugh to ca' the cat frae the cream—But it's a bra' + auld-fashioned house, and what I specially admire is the abundance o' + holes and bores and concealments—ye could put twenty or thirty men in ae + corner, and a family might live a week without finding them out—whilk, + nae doubt, may on occasion be a special convenience. I wish we had the + like o' Osbaldistone Hall on the braes o' Craig-Royston—But we maun gar + woods and caves serve the like o' us puir Hieland bodies." +</p> +<p> + "I suppose his Excellency," said I, "was privy to the first accident + which befell"— +</p> +<p> + I could not help hesitating a moment. +</p> +<p> + "Ye were going to say Morris," said Rob Roy coolly, for he was too much + accustomed to deeds of violence for the agitation he had at first + expressed to be of long continuance. "I used to laugh heartily at that + reik; but I'll hardly hae the heart to do't again, since the ill-far'd + accident at the Loch. Na, na—his Excellency ken'd nought o' that + ploy—it was a' managed atween Rashleigh and mysell. But the sport that + came after—and Rashleigh's shift o' turning the suspicion aff himself + upon you, that he had nae grit favour to frae the beginning—and then + Miss Die, she maun hae us sweep up a' our spiders' webs again, and set + you out o' the Justice's claws—and then the frightened craven Morris, + that was scared out o' his seven senses by seeing the real man when he + was charging the innocent stranger—and the gowk of a clerk—and the + drunken carle of a justice—Ohon! ohon!—mony a laugh that job's gien + me—and now, a' that I can do for the puir devil is to get some messes + said for his soul." +</p> +<p> + "May I ask," said I, "how Miss Vernon came to have so much influence over + Rashleigh and his accomplices as to derange your projected plan?" +</p> +<p> + "Mine! it was none of mine. No man can say I ever laid my burden on other + folk's shoulders—it was a' Rashleigh's doings. But, undoubtedly, she had + great influence wi' us baith on account of his Excellency's affection, as + weel as that she ken'd far ower mony secrets to be lightlied in a matter + o' that kind.—Deil tak him," he ejaculated, by way of summing up, "that + gies women either secret to keep or power to abuse—fules shouldna hae + chapping-sticks." +</p> +<p> + We were now within a quarter of a mile from the village, when three + Highlanders, springing upon us with presented arms, commanded us to stand + and tell our business. The single word <i>Gregaragh,</i> in the deep and + commanding voice of my companion, was answered by a shout, or rather + yell, of joyful recognition. One, throwing down his firelock, clasped his + leader so fast round the knees, that he was unable to extricate himself, + muttering, at the same time, a torrent of Gaelic gratulation, which every + now and then rose into a sort of scream of gladness. The two others, + after the first howling was over, set off literally with the speed of + deers, contending which should first carry to the village, which a strong + party of the MacGregors now occupied, the joyful news of Rob Roy's escape + and return. The intelligence excited such shouts of jubilation, that the + very hills rung again, and young and old, men, women, and children, + without distinction of sex or age, came running down the vale to meet us, + with all the tumultuous speed and clamour of a mountain torrent. When I + heard the rushing noise and yells of this joyful multitude approach us, I + thought it a fitting precaution to remind MacGregor that I was a + stranger, and under his protection. He accordingly held me fast by the + hand, while the assemblage crowded around him with such shouts of devoted + attachment, and joy at his return, as were really affecting; nor did he + extend to his followers what all eagerly sought, the grasp, namely, of + his hand, until he had made them understand that I was to be kindly and + carefully used. +</p> +<p> + The mandate of the Sultan of Delhi could not have been more promptly + obeyed. Indeed, I now sustained nearly as much inconvenience from their + well-meant attentions as formerly from their rudeness. They would hardly + allow the friend of their leader to walk upon his own legs, so earnest + were they in affording me support and assistance upon the way; and at + length, taking advantage of a slight stumble which I made over a stone, + which the press did not permit me to avoid, they fairly seized upon me, + and bore me in their arms in triumph towards Mrs. MacAlpine's. +</p> +<p> + On arrival before her hospitable wigwam, I found power and popularity had + its inconveniences in the Highlands, as everywhere else; for, before + MacGregor could be permitted to enter the house where he was to obtain + rest and refreshment, he was obliged to relate the story of his escape at + least a dozen times over, as I was told by an officious old man, who + chose to translate it at least as often for my edification, and to whom I + was in policy obliged to seem to pay a decent degree of attention. The + audience being at length satisfied, group after group departed to take + their bed upon the heath, or in the neighbouring huts, some cursing the + Duke and Garschattachin, some lamenting the probable danger of Ewan of + Brigglands, incurred by his friendship to MacGregor, but all agreeing + that the escape of Rob Roy himself lost nothing in comparison with the + exploit of any one of their chiefs since the days of Dougal Ciar, the + founder of his line. +</p> +<p> + The friendly outlaw, now taking me by the arm, conducted me into the + interior of the hut. My eyes roved round its smoky recesses in quest of + Diana and her companion; but they were nowhere to be seen, and I felt as + if to make inquiries might betray some secret motives, which were best + concealed. The only known countenance upon which my eyes rested was that + of the Bailie, who, seated on a stool by the fireside, received with a + sort of reserved dignity, the welcomes of Rob Roy, the apologies which he + made for his indifferent accommodation, and his inquiries after his + health. +</p> +<p> + "I am pretty weel, kinsman," said the Bailie—"indifferent weel, I thank + ye; and for accommodations, ane canna expect to carry about the Saut + Market at his tail, as a snail does his caup;—and I am blythe that ye + hae gotten out o' the hands o' your unfreends." +</p> +<p> + "Weel, weel, then," answered Roy, "what is't ails ye, man—a's weel that + ends weel!—the warld will last our day—Come, take a cup o' brandy—your + father the deacon could take ane at an orra time." +</p> +<p> + "It might be he might do sae, Robin, after fatigue—whilk has been my lot + mair ways than ane this day. But," he continued, slowly filling up a + little wooden stoup which might hold about three glasses, "he was a + moderate man of his bicker, as I am mysell—Here's wussing health to ye, + Robin" (a sip), "and your weelfare here and hereafter" (another taste), + "and also to my cousin Helen—and to your twa hopefu' lads, of whom mair + anon." +</p> +<p> + So saying, he drank up the contents of the cup with great gravity and + deliberation, while MacGregor winked aside to me, as if in ridicule of + the air of wisdom and superior authority which the Bailie assumed towards + him in their intercourse, and which he exercised when Rob was at the head + of his armed clan, in full as great, or a greater degree, than when he + was at the Bailie's mercy in the Tolbooth of Glasgow. It seemed to me, + that MacGregor wished me, as a stranger, to understand, that if he + submitted to the tone which his kinsman assumed, it was partly out of + deference to the rights of hospitality, but still more for the jest's + sake. +</p> +<p> + As the Bailie set down his cup he recognised me, and giving me a cordial + welcome on my return, he waived farther communication with me for the + present.—"I will speak to your matters anon; I maun begin, as in reason, + wi' those of my kinsman.—I presume, Robin, there's naebody here will + carry aught o' what I am gaun to say, to the town-council or elsewhere, + to my prejudice or to yours?" +</p> +<p> + "Make yourself easy on that head, cousin Nicol," answered MacGregor; "the + tae half o' the gillies winna ken what ye say, and the tother winna + care—besides that, I wad stow the tongue out o' the head o' any o' them + that suld presume to say ower again ony speech held wi' me in their + presence." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, cousin, sic being the case, and Mr. Osbaldistone here being a + prudent youth, and a safe friend—I'se plainly tell ye, ye are breeding + up your family to gang an ill gate." Then, clearing his voice with a + preliminary hem, he addressed his kinsman, checking, as Malvolio proposed + to do when seated in his state, his familiar smile with an austere regard + of control.—"Ye ken yourself ye haud light by the law—and for my cousin + Helen, forbye that her reception o' me this blessed day—whilk I excuse + on account of perturbation of mind, was muckle on the north side o' + <i>friendly,</i> I say (outputting this personal reason of complaint) I hae + that to say o' your wife"— +</p> +<p> + "Say <i>nothing</i> of her, kinsman," said Rob, in a grave and stern tone, + "but what is befitting a friend to say, and her husband to hear. Of me + you are welcome to say your full pleasure." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, aweel," said the Bailie, somewhat disconcerted, "we'se let that + be a pass-over—I dinna approve of making mischief in families. But here + are your twa sons, Hamish and Robin, whilk signifies, as I'm gien to + understand, James and Robert—I trust ye will call them sae in + future—there comes nae gude o' Hamishes, and Eachines, and Angusses, + except that they're the names ane aye chances to see in the indictments + at the Western Circuits for cow-lifting, at the instance of his + majesty's advocate for his majesty's interest. Aweel, but the twa lads, + as I was saying, they haena sae muckle as the ordinar grunds, man, of + liberal education—they dinna ken the very multiplication table itself, + whilk is the root of a' usefu' knowledge, and they did naething but + laugh and fleer at me when I tauld them my mind on their ignorance—It's + my belief they can neither read, write, nor cipher, if sic a thing could + be believed o' ane's ain connections in a Christian land." +</p> +<p> + "If they could, kinsman," said MacGregor, with great indifference, "their + learning must have come o' free will, for whar the deil was I to get them + a teacher?—wad ye hae had me put on the gate o' your Divinity Hall at + Glasgow College, 'Wanted, a tutor for Rob Roy's bairns?'" +</p> +<p> + "Na, kinsman," replied Mr. Jarvie, "but ye might hae sent the lads whar + they could hae learned the fear o' God, and the usages of civilised + creatures. They are as ignorant as the kyloes ye used to drive to market, + or the very English churls that ye sauld them to, and can do naething + whatever to purpose." +</p> +<p> + "Umph!" answered Rob; "Hamish can bring doun a black-cock when he's on + the wing wi' a single bullet, and Rob can drive a dirk through a twa-inch + board." +</p> +<p> + "Sae muckle the waur for them, cousin!—sae muckle the waur for them + baith!" answered the Glasgow merchant in a tone of great decision; "an + they ken naething better than that, they had better no ken that neither. + Tell me yourself, Rob, what has a' this cutting, and stabbing, and + shooting, and driving of dirks, whether through human flesh or fir deals, + dune for yourself?—and werena ye a happier man at the tail o' your + nowte-bestial, when ye were in an honest calling, than ever ye hae been + since, at the head o' your Hieland kernes and gally-glasses?" +</p> +<p> + I observed that MacGregor, while his well-meaning kinsman spoke to him in + this manner, turned and writhed his body like a man who indeed suffers + pain, but is determined no groan shall escape his lips; and I longed for + an opportunity to interrupt the well-meant, but, as it was obvious to me, + quite mistaken strain, in which Jarvie addressed this extraordinary + person. The dialogue, however, came to an end without my interference. +</p> +<p> + "And sae," said the Bailie, "I hae been thinking, Rob, that as it may be + ye are ower deep in the black book to win a pardon, and ower auld to mend + yourself, that it wad be a pity to bring up twa hopefu' lads to sic a + godless trade as your ain, and I wad blythely tak them for prentices at + the loom, as I began mysell, and my father the deacon afore me, though, + praise to the Giver, I only trade now as wholesale dealer—And—and"— +</p> +<p> + He saw a storm gathering on Rob's brow, which probably induced him to + throw in, as a sweetener of an obnoxious proposition, what he had + reserved to crown his own generosity, had it been embraced as an + acceptable one;—"and Robin, lad, ye needna look sae glum, for I'll pay + the prentice-fee, and never plague ye for the thousand merks neither." +</p> +<p> + "<i>Ceade millia diaoul,</i> hundred thousand devils!" exclaimed Rob, + rising and striding through the hut, "My sons weavers!—<i>Millia + molligheart!</i>—but I wad see every loom in Glasgow, beam, traddles, + and shuttles, burnt in hell-fire sooner!" +</p> +<p> + With some difficulty I made the Bailie, who was preparing a reply, + comprehend the risk and impropriety of pressing our host on this topic, + and in a minute he recovered, or reassumed, his serenity of temper. +</p> +<p> + "But ye mean weel—ye mean weel," said he; "so gie me your hand, Nicol, + and if ever I put my sons apprentice, I will gie you the refusal o' them. + And, as you say, there's the thousand merks to be settled between us.— + Here, Eachin MacAnaleister, bring me my sporran." +</p> +<p> + The person he addressed, a tall, strong mountaineer, who seemed to act as + MacGregor's lieutenant, brought from some place of safety a large + leathern pouch, such as Highlanders of rank wear before them when in full + dress, made of the skin of the sea-otter, richly garnished with silver + ornaments and studs. +</p> +<p> + "I advise no man to attempt opening this sporran till he has my secret," + said Rob Roy; and then twisting one button in one direction, and another + in another, pulling one stud upward, and pressing another downward, the + mouth of the purse, which was bound with massive silver plate, opened and + gave admittance to his hand. He made me remark, as if to break short the + subject on which Bailie Jarvie had spoken, that a small steel pistol was + concealed within the purse, the trigger of which was connected with the + mounting, and made part of the machinery, so that the weapon would + certainly be discharged, and in all probability its contents lodged in + the person of any one, who, being unacquainted with the secret, should + tamper with the lock which secured his treasure. "This," said he touching + the pistol—"this is the keeper of my privy purse." +</p> +<p> + The simplicity of the contrivance to secure a furred pouch, which could + have been ripped open without any attempt on the spring, reminded me of + the verses in the Odyssey, where Ulysses, in a yet ruder age, is content + to secure his property by casting a curious and involved complication of + cordage around the sea-chest in which it was deposited. +</p> +<p> + The Bailie put on his spectacles to examine the mechanism, and when he + had done, returned it with a smile and a sigh, observing—"Ah! Rob, had + ither folk's purses been as weel guarded, I doubt if your sporran wad hae + been as weel filled as it kythes to be by the weight." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind, kinsman," said Rob, laughing; "it will aye open for a + friend's necessity, or to pay a just due—and here," he added, pulling + out a rouleau of gold, "here is your ten hundred merks—count them, and + see that you are full and justly paid." +</p> +<p> + Mr. Jarvie took the money in silence, and weighing it in his hand for an + instant, laid it on the table, and replied, "Rob, I canna tak it—I downa + intromit with it—there can nae gude come o't—I hae seen ower weel the + day what sort of a gate your gowd is made in—ill-got gear ne'er + prospered; and, to be plain wi' you, I winna meddle wi't—it looks as + there might be bluid on't." +</p> +<p> + "Troutsho!" said the outlaw, affecting an indifference which perhaps he + did not altogether feel; "it's gude French gowd, and ne'er was in + Scotchman's pouch before mine. Look at them, man—they are a' + louis-d'ors, bright and bonnie as the day they were coined." +</p> +<p> + "The waur, the waur—just sae muckle the waur, Robin," replied the + Bailie, averting his eyes from the money, though, like Caesar on the + Lupercal, his fingers seemed to itch for it—"Rebellion is waur than + witchcraft, or robbery either; there's gospel warrant for't." +</p> +<p> + "Never mind the warrant, kinsman," said the freebooter; "you come by the + gowd honestly, and in payment of a just debt—it came from the one king, + you may gie it to the other, if ye like; and it will just serve for a + weakening of the enemy, and in the point where puir King James is weakest + too, for, God knows, he has hands and hearts eneugh, but I doubt he wants + the siller." +</p> +<p> + "He'll no get mony Hielanders then, Robin," said Mr. Jarvie, as, again + replacing his spectacles on his nose, he undid the rouleau, and began to + count its contents. +</p> +<p> + "Nor Lowlanders neither," said MacGregor, arching his eyebrow, and, as he + looked at me, directing a glance towards Mr. Jarvie, who, all unconscious + of the ridicule, weighed each piece with habitual scrupulosity; and + having told twice over the sum, which amounted to the discharge of his + debt, principal and interest, he returned three pieces to buy his + kinswoman a gown, as he expressed himself, and a brace more for the twa + bairns, as he called them, requesting they might buy anything they liked + with them except gunpowder. The Highlander stared at his kinsman's + unexpected generosity, but courteously accepted his gift, which he + deposited for the time in his well-secured pouch. +</p> +<p> + The Bailie next produced the original bond for the debt, on the back of + which he had written a formal discharge, which, having subscribed + himself, he requested me to sign as a witness. I did so, and Bailie + Jarvie was looking anxiously around for another, the Scottish law + requiring the subscription of two witnesses to validate either a bond or + acquittance. "You will hardly find a man that can write save ourselves + within these three miles," said Rob, "but I'll settle the matter as + easily;" and, taking the paper from before his kinsman, he threw it in + the fire. Bailie Jarvie stared in his turn, but his kinsman continued, + "That's a Hieland settlement of accounts. The time might come, cousin, + were I to keep a' these charges and discharges, that friends might be + brought into trouble for having dealt with me." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie attempted no reply to this argument, and our supper now + appeared in a style of abundance, and even delicacy, which, for the + place, might be considered as extraordinary. The greater part of the + provisions were cold, intimating they had been prepared at some distance; + and there were some bottles of good French wine to relish pasties of + various sorts of game, as well as other dishes. I remarked that + MacGregor, while doing the honours of the table with great and anxious + hospitality, prayed us to excuse the circumstance that some particular + dish or pasty had been infringed on before it was presented to us. "You + must know," said he to Mr. Jarvie, but without looking towards me, "you + are not the only guests this night in the MacGregor's country, whilk, + doubtless, ye will believe, since my wife and the twa lads would + otherwise have been maist ready to attend you, as weel beseems them." +</p> +<p> + Bailie Jarvie looked as if he felt glad at any circumstance which + occasioned their absence; and I should have been entirely of his opinion, + had it not been that the outlaw's apology seemed to imply they were in + attendance on Diana and her companion, whom even in my thoughts I could + not bear to designate as her husband. +</p> +<p> + While the unpleasant ideas arising from this suggestion counteracted the + good effects of appetite, welcome, and good cheer, I remarked that Rob + Roy's attention had extended itself to providing us better bedding than + we had enjoyed the night before. Two of the least fragile of the + bedsteads, which stood by the wall of the hut, had been stuffed with + heath, then in full flower, so artificially arranged, that, the flowers + being uppermost, afforded a mattress at once elastic and fragrant. + Cloaks, and such bedding as could be collected, stretched over this + vegetable couch, made it both soft and warm. The Bailie seemed exhausted + by fatigue. I resolved to adjourn my communication to him until next + morning; and therefore suffered him to betake himself to bed so soon as + he had finished a plentiful supper. Though tired and harassed, I did not + myself feel the same disposition to sleep, but rather a restless and + feverish anxiety, which led to some farther discourse betwixt me and + MacGregor. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0018"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER EIGHTEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + A hopeless darkness settles o'er my fate; + I've seen the last look of her heavenly eyes,— + I've heard the last sound of her blessed voice,— + I've seen her fair form from my sight depart; + My doom is closed. + Count Basil. +</pre> +<p> + "I ken not what to make of you, Mr. Osbaldistone," said MacGregor, as he + pushed the flask towards me. "You eat not, you show no wish for rest; and + yet you drink not, though that flask of Bourdeaux might have come out of + Sir Hildebrand's ain cellar. Had you been always as abstinent, you would + have escaped the deadly hatred of your cousin Rashleigh." +</p> +<p> + "Had I been always prudent," said I, blushing at the scene he recalled to + my recollection, "I should have escaped a worse evil—the reproach of my + own conscience." +</p> +<p> + MacGregor cast a keen and somewhat fierce glance on me, as if to read + whether the reproof, which he evidently felt, had been intentionally + conveyed. He saw that I was thinking of myself, not of him, and turned + his face towards the fire with a deep sigh. I followed his example, and + each remained for a few minutes wrapt in his own painful reverie. All in + the hut were now asleep, or at least silent, excepting ourselves. +</p> +<p> + MacGregor first broke silence, in the tone of one who takes up his + determination to enter on a painful subject. "My cousin Nicol Jarvie + means well," he said, "but he presses ower hard on the temper and + situation of a man like me, considering what I have been—what I have + been forced to become—and, above all, that which has forced me to become + what I am." +</p> +<p> + He paused; and, though feeling the delicate nature of the discussion in + which the conversation was likely to engage me, I could not help + replying, that I did not doubt his present situation had much which must + be most unpleasant to his feelings. +</p> +<p> + "I should be happy to learn," I added, "that there is an honourable + chance of your escaping from it." +</p> +<p> + "You speak like a boy," returned MacGregor, in a low tone that growled + like distant thunder—"like a boy, who thinks the auld gnarled oak can be + twisted as easily as the young sapling. Can I forget that I have been + branded as an outlaw—stigmatised as a traitor—a price set on my head as + if I had been a wolf—my family treated as the dam and cubs of the + hill-fox, whom all may torment, vilify, degrade, and insult—the very + name which came to me from a long and noble line of martial ancestors, + denounced, as if it were a spell to conjure up the devil with?" +</p> +<p> + As he went on in this manner, I could plainly see, that, by the + enumeration of his wrongs, he was lashing himself up into a rage, in + order to justify in his own eyes the errors they had led him into. In + this he perfectly succeeded; his light grey eyes contracting alternately + and dilating their pupils, until they seemed actually to flash with + flame, while he thrust forward and drew back his foot, grasped the hilt + of his dirk, extended his arm, clenched his fist, and finally rose from + his seat. +</p> +<p> + "And they <i>shall</i> find," he said, in the same muttered but deep tone of + stifled passion, "that the name they have dared to proscribe—that the + name of MacGregor—<i>is</i> a spell to raise the wild devil withal. <i>They</i> + shall hear of my vengeance, that would scorn to listen to the story of my + wrongs—The miserable Highland drover, bankrupt, barefooted,—stripped of + all, dishonoured and hunted down, because the avarice of others grasped + at more than that poor all could pay, shall burst on them in an awful + change. They that scoffed at the grovelling worm, and trode upon him, may + cry and howl when they see the stoop of the flying and fiery-mouthed + dragon.—But why do I speak of all this?" he said, sitting down again, + and in a calmer tone—"Only ye may opine it frets my patience, Mr. + Osbaldistone, to be hunted like an otter, or a sealgh, or a salmon upon + the shallows, and that by my very friends and neighbours; and to have as + many sword-cuts made, and pistols flashed at me, as I had this day in the + ford of Avondow, would try a saint's temper, much more a Highlander's, + who are not famous for that gude gift, as ye may hae heard, Mr. + Osbaldistone.—But as thing bides wi' me o' what Nicol said;—I'm vexed + for the bairns—I'm vexed when I think o' Hamish and Robert living their + father's life." And yielding to despondence on account of his sons, which + he felt not upon his own, the father rested his head upon his hand. +</p> +<p> + I was much affected, Will. All my life long I have been more melted by + the distress under which a strong, proud, and powerful mind is compelled + to give way, than by the more easily excited sorrows of softer + dispositions. The desire of aiding him rushed strongly on my mind, + notwithstanding the apparent difficulty, and even impossibility, of the + task. +</p> +<p> + "We have extensive connections abroad," said I: "might not your sons, + with some assistance—and they are well entitled to what my father's + house can give—find an honourable resource in foreign service?" +</p> +<p> + I believe my countenance showed signs of sincere emotion; but my + companion, taking me by the hand, as I was going to speak farther, + said—"I thank—I thank ye—but let us say nae mair o' this. I did not + think the eye of man would again have seen a tear on MacGregor's + eye-lash." He dashed the moisture from his long gray eye-lash and shaggy + red eye-brow with the back of his hand. "To-morrow morning," he said, + "we'll talk of this, and we will talk, too, of your affairs—for we are + early starters in the dawn, even when we have the luck to have good beds + to sleep in. Will ye not pledge me in a grace cup?" I declined the + invitation. +</p> +<p> + "Then, by the soul of St. Maronoch! I must pledge myself," and he poured + out and swallowed at least half-a-quart of wine. +</p> +<p> + I laid myself down to repose, resolving to delay my own inquiries until + his mind should be in a more composed state. Indeed, so much had this + singular man possessed himself of my imagination, that I felt it + impossible to avoid watching him for some minutes after I had flung + myself on my heath mattress to seeming rest. He walked up and down the + hut, crossed himself from time to time, muttering over some Latin prayer + of the Catholic church; then wrapped himself in his plaid, with his naked + sword on one side, and his pistol on the other, so disposing the folds of + his mantle that he could start up at a moment's warning, with a weapon in + either hand, ready for instant combat. In a few minutes his heavy + breathing announced that he was fast asleep. Overpowered by fatigue, and + stunned by the various unexpected and extraordinary scenes of the day, I, + in my turn, was soon overpowered by a slumber deep and overwhelming, from + which, notwithstanding every cause for watchfulness, I did not awake + until the next morning. +</p> +<p> + When I opened my eyes, and recollected my situation, I found that + MacGregor had already left the hut. I awakened the Bailie, who, after + many a snort and groan, and some heavy complaints of the soreness of his + bones, in consequence of the unwonted exertions of the preceding day, was + at length able to comprehend the joyful intelligence, that the assets + carried off by Rashleigh Osbaldistone had been safely recovered. The + instant he understood my meaning, he forgot all his grievances, and, + bustling up in a great hurry, proceeded to compare the contents of the + packet which I put into his hands, with Mr. Owen's memorandums, + muttering, as he went on, "Right, right—the real thing—Bailie and + Whittington—where's Bailie and Whittington?—seven hundred, six, and + eight—exact to a fraction—Pollock and Peelman—twenty-eight, + seven—exact—Praise be blest!—Grub and Grinder—better men cannot + be—three hundred and seventy—Gliblad—twenty; I doubt Gliblad's + ganging—Slipprytongue; Slipprytongue's gaen—but they are + sma'sums—sma'sums—the rest's a'right—Praise be blest! we have got the + stuff, and may leave this doleful country. I shall never think on + Loch-Ard but the thought will gar me grew again." +</p> +<p> + "I am sorry, cousin," said MacGregor, who entered the hut during the last + observation, "I have not been altogether in the circumstances to make + your reception sic as I could have desired—natheless, if you would + condescend to visit my puir dwelling"— +</p> +<p> + "Muckle obliged, muckle obliged," answered Mr. Jarvie, very hastily—"But + we maun be ganging—we maun be jogging, Mr. Osbaldistone and me—business + canna wait." +</p> +<p> + "Aweel, kinsman," replied the Highlander, "ye ken our fashion—foster the + guest that comes—further him that maun gang. But ye cannot return by + Drymen—I must set you on Loch Lomond, and boat ye down to the Ferry o' + Balloch, and send your nags round to meet ye there. It's a maxim of a + wise man never to return by the same road he came, providing another's + free to him." +</p> +<p> + "Ay, ay, Rob," said the Bailie, "that's ane o' the maxims ye learned when + ye were a drover;—ye caredna to face the tenants where your beasts had + been taking a rug of their moorland grass in the by-ganging, and I doubt + your road's waur marked now than it was then." +</p> +<p> + "The mair need not to travel it ower often, kinsman," replied Rob; "but + I'se send round your nags to the ferry wi' Dougal Gregor, wha is + converted for that purpose into the Bailie's man, coming—not, as ye may + believe, from Aberfoil or Rob Roy's country, but on a quiet jaunt from + Stirling. See, here he is." +</p> +<p> + "I wadna hae ken'd the creature," said Mr. Jarvie; nor indeed was it easy + to recognise the wild Highlander, when he appeared before the door of the + cottage, attired in a hat, periwig, and riding-coat, which had once + called Andrew Fairservice master, and mounted on the Bailie's horse, and + leading mine. He received his last orders from his master to avoid + certain places where he might be exposed to suspicion—to collect what + intelligence he could in the course of his journey, and to await our + coming at an appointed place, near the Ferry of Balloch. +</p> +<p> + At the same time, MacGregor invited us to accompany him upon our own + road, assuring us that we must necessarily march a few miles before + breakfast, and recommending a dram of brandy as a proper introduction to + the journey, in which he was pledged by the Bailie, who pronounced it "an + unlawful and perilous habit to begin the day wi' spirituous liquors, + except to defend the stomach (whilk was a tender part) against the + morning mist; in whilk case his father the deacon had recommended a dram, + by precept and example." +</p> +<p> + "Very true, kinsman," replied Rob, "for which reason we, who are Children + of the Mist, have a right to drink brandy from morning till night." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie, thus refreshed, was mounted on a small Highland pony; another + was offered for my use, which, however, I declined; and we resumed, under + very different guidance and auspices, our journey of the preceding day. +</p> +<p> + Our escort consisted of MacGregor, and five or six of the handsomest, + best armed, and most athletic mountaineers of his band, and whom he had + generally in immediate attendance upon his own person. +</p> +<p> + When we approached the pass, the scene of the skirmish of the preceding + day, and of the still more direful deed which followed it, MacGregor + hastened to speak, as if it were rather to what he knew must be + necessarily passing in my mind, than to any thing I had said—he spoke, + in short, to my thoughts, and not to my words. +</p> +<p> + "You must think hardly of us, Mr. Osbaldistone, and it is not natural + that it should be otherwise. But remember, at least, we have not been + unprovoked. We are a rude and an ignorant, and it may be a violent and + passionate, but we are not a cruel people. The land might be at peace and + in law for us, did they allow us to enjoy the blessings of peaceful law. + But we have been a persecuted generation." +</p> +<p> + "And persecution," said the Bailie, "maketh wise men mad." +</p> +<p> + "What must it do then to men like us, living as our fathers did a + thousand years since, and possessing scarce more lights than they did? + Can we view their bluidy edicts against us—their hanging, heading, + hounding, and hunting down an ancient and honourable name—as deserving + better treatment than that which enemies give to enemies?—Here I stand, + have been in twenty frays, and never hurt man but when I was in het + bluid; and yet they wad betray me and hang me like a masterless dog, at + the gate of ony great man that has an ill will at me." +</p> +<p> + I replied, "that the proscription of his name and family sounded in + English ears as a very cruel and arbitrary law;" and having thus far + soothed him, I resumed my propositions of obtaining military employment + for himself, if he chose it, and his sons, in foreign parts. MacGregor + shook me very cordially by the hand, and detaining me, so as to permit + Mr. Jarvie to precede us, a manoeuvre for which the narrowness of the + road served as an excuse, he said to me—"You are a kind-hearted and an + honourable youth, and understand, doubtless, that which is due to the + feelings of a man of honour. But the heather that I have trode upon when + living, must bloom ower me when I am dead—my heart would sink, and my + arm would shrink and wither like fern in the frost, were I to lose sight + of my native hills; nor has the world a scene that would console me for + the loss of the rocks and cairns, wild as they are, that you see around + us.—And Helen—what could become of her, were I to leave her the subject + of new insult and atrocity?—or how could she bear to be removed from + these scenes, where the remembrance of her wrongs is aye sweetened by the + recollection of her revenge?—I was once so hard put at by my Great + enemy, as I may well ca' him, that I was forced e'en to gie way to the + tide, and removed myself and my people and family from our dwellings in + our native land, and to withdraw for a time into MacCallum More's + country—and Helen made a Lament on our departure, as weel as MacRimmon* + himsell could hae framed it—and so piteously sad and waesome, that our + hearts amaist broke as we sate and listened to her—it was like the + wailing of one that mourns for the mother that bore him—the tears came + down the rough faces of our gillies as they hearkened; and I wad not have + the same touch of heartbreak again, no, not to have all the lands that + ever were owned by MacGregor." +</p> +<p> + * The MacRimmons or MacCrimonds were hereditary pipers to the chiefs of + MacLeod, and celebrated for their talents. The pibroch said to have been + composed by Helen MacGregor is still in existence. See the Introduction + to this Novel. +</p> +<p> + "But your sons," I said—"they are at the age when your countrymen have + usually no objection to see the world?" +</p> +<p> + "And I should be content," he replied, "that they pushed their fortune in + the French or Spanish service, as is the wont of Scottish cavaliers of + honour; and last night your plan seemed feasible eneugh—But I hae seen + his Excellency this morning before ye were up." +</p> +<p> + "Did he then quarter so near us?" said I, my bosom throbbing with + anxiety. +</p> +<p> + "Nearer than ye thought," was MacGregor's reply; "but he seemed rather in + some shape to jalouse your speaking to the young leddy; and so you see"— +</p> +<p> + "There was no occasion for jealousy," I answered, with some haughtiness; + —"I should not have intruded on his privacy." +</p> +<p> + "But ye must not be offended, or look out from amang your curls then, + like a wildcat out of an ivy-tod, for ye are to understand that he wishes + most sincere weel to you, and has proved it. And it's partly that whilk + has set the heather on fire e'en now." +</p> +<p> + "Heather on fire?" said I. "I do not understand you." +</p> +<p> + "Why," resumed MacGregor, "ye ken weel eneugh that women and gear are at + the bottom of a' the mischief in this warld. I hae been misdoubting your + cousin Rashleigh since ever he saw that he wasna to get Die Vernon for + his marrow, and I think he took grudge at his Excellency mainly on that + account. But then came the splore about the surrendering your papers—and + we hae now gude evidence, that, sae soon as he was compelled to yield + them up, he rade post to Stirling, and tauld the Government all and mair + than all, that was gaun doucely on amang us hill-folk; and, doubtless, + that was the way that the country was laid to take his Excellency and the + leddy, and to make sic an unexpected raid on me. And I hae as little + doubt that the poor deevil Morris, whom he could gar believe onything, + was egged on by him, and some of the Lowland gentry, to trepan me in the + gate he tried to do. But if Rashleigh Osbaldistone were baith the last + and best of his name, and granting that he and I ever forgather again, + the fiend go down my weasand with a bare blade at his belt, if we part + before my dirk and his best blude are weel acquainted thegither!" +</p> +<p> + He pronounced the last threat with an ominous frown, and the appropriate + gesture of his hand upon his dagger. +</p> +<p> + "I should almost rejoice at what has happened," said I, "could I hope + that Rashleigh's treachery might prove the means of preventing the + explosion of the rash and desperate intrigues in which I have long + suspected him to be a prime agent." +</p> +<p> + "Trow ye na that," said Rob Roy; "traitor's word never yet hurt honest + cause. He was ower deep in our secrets, that's true; and had it not been + so, Stirling and Edinburgh Castles would have been baith in our hands by + this time, or briefly hereafter, whilk is now scarce to be hoped for. But + there are ower mony engaged, and far ower gude a cause to be gien up for + the breath of a traitor's tale, and that will be seen and heard of ere it + be lang. And so, as I was about to say, the best of my thanks to you for + your offer anent my sons, whilk last night I had some thoughts to have + embraced in their behalf. But I see that this villain's treason will + convince our great folks that they must instantly draw to a head, and + make a blow for it, or be taen in their houses, coupled up like hounds, + and driven up to London like the honest noblemen and gentlemen in the + year seventeen hundred and seven. Civil war is like a cockatrice;—we + have sitten hatching the egg that held it for ten years, and might hae + sitten on for ten years mair, when in comes Rashleigh, and chips the + shell, and out bangs the wonder amang us, and cries to fire and sword. + Now in sic a matter I'll hae need o' a' the hands I can mak; and, nae + disparagement to the Kings of France and Spain, whom I wish very weel to, + King James is as gude a man as ony o' them, and has the best right to + Hamish and Rob, being his natural-born subjects." +</p> +<p> + I easily comprehended that these words boded a general national + convulsion; and, as it would have been alike useless and dangerous to + have combated the political opinions of my guide, at such a place and + moment, I contented myself with regretting the promiscuous scene of + confusion and distress likely to arise from any general exertion in + favour of the exiled royal family. +</p> +<p> + "Let it come, man—let it come," answered MacGregor; "ye never saw dull + weather clear without a shower; and if the world is turned upside down, + why, honest men have the better chance to cut bread out of it." +</p> +<p> + I again attempted to bring him back to the subject of Diana; but although + on most occasions and subjects he used a freedom of speech which I had no + great delight in listening to, yet upon that alone which was most + interesting to me, he kept a degree of scrupulous reserve, and contented + himself with intimating, "that he hoped the leddy would be soon in a + quieter country than this was like to be for one while." I was obliged to + be content with this answer, and to proceed in the hope that accident + might, as on a former occasion, stand my friend, and allow me at least + the sad gratification of bidding farewell to the object which had + occupied such a share of my affections, so much beyond even what I had + supposed, till I was about to be separated from her for ever. +</p> +<a name="image-0009"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb284.jpg" height="500" width="778" +alt="Loch Lomond +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + We pursued the margin of the lake for about six English miles, through a + devious and beautifully variegated path, until we attained a sort of + Highland farm, or assembly of hamlets, near the head of that fine sheet + of water, called, if I mistake not, Lediart, or some such name. Here a + numerous party of MacGregor's men were stationed in order to receive us. + The taste as well as the eloquence of tribes in a savage, or, to speak + more properly, in a rude state, is usually just, because it is unfettered + by system and affectation; and of this I had an example in the choice + these mountaineers had made of a place to receive their guests. It has + been said that a British monarch would judge well to receive the embassy + of a rival power in the cabin of a man-of-war; and a Highland leader + acted with some propriety in choosing a situation where the natural + objects of grandeur proper to his country might have their full effect on + the minds of his guests. +</p> +<p> + We ascended about two hundred yards from the shores of the lake, guided + by a brawling brook, and left on the right hand four or five Highland + huts, with patches of arable land around them, so small as to show that + they must have been worked with the spade rather than the plough, cut as + it were out of the surrounding copsewood, and waving with crops of barley + and oats. Above this limited space the hill became more steep; and on its + edge we descried the glittering arms and waving drapery of about fifty of + MacGregor's followers. They were stationed on a spot, the recollection of + which yet strikes me with admiration. The brook, hurling its waters + downwards from the mountain, had in this spot encountered a barrier rock, + over which it had made its way by two distinct leaps. The first fall, + across which a magnificent old oak, slanting out from the farther bank, + partly extended itself as if to shroud the dusky stream of the cascade, + might be about twelve feet high; the broken waters were received in a + beautiful stone basin, almost as regular as if hewn by a sculptor; and + after wheeling around its flinty margin, they made a second precipitous + dash, through a dark and narrow chasm, at least fifty feet in depth, and + from thence, in a hurried, but comparatively a more gentle course, + escaped to join the lake. +</p> +<p> + With the natural taste which belongs to mountaineers, and especially to + the Scottish Highlanders, whose feelings, I have observed, are often + allied with the romantic and poetical, Rob Roy's wife and followers had + prepared our morning repast in a scene well calculated to impress + strangers with some feelings of awe. They are also naturally a grave and + proud people, and, however rude in our estimation, carry their ideas of + form and politeness to an excess that would appear overstrained, except + from the demonstration of superior force which accompanies the display of + it; for it must be granted that the air of punctilious deference and + rigid etiquette which would seem ridiculous in an ordinary peasant, has, + like the salute of a <i>corps-de-garde,</i> a propriety when tendered by a + Highlander completely armed. There was, accordingly, a good deal of + formality in our approach and reception. +</p> +<p> + The Highlanders, who had been dispersed on the side of the hill, drew + themselves together when we came in view, and, standing firm and + motionless, appeared in close column behind three figures, whom I soon + recognised to be Helen MacGregor and her two sons. MacGregor himself + arranged his attendants in the rear, and, requesting Mr. Jarvie to + dismount where the ascent became steep, advanced slowly, marshalling us + forward at the head of the troop. As we advanced, we heard the wild notes + of the bagpipes, which lost their natural discord from being mingled with + the dashing sound of the cascade. When we came close, the wife of + MacGregor came forward to meet us. Her dress was studiously arranged in a + more feminine taste than it had been on the preceding day, but her + features wore the same lofty, unbending, and resolute character; and as + she folded my friend the Bailie in an unexpected and apparently unwelcome + embrace, I could perceive by the agitation of his wig, his back, and the + calves of his legs, that he felt much like to one who feels himself + suddenly in the gripe of a she-bear, without being able to distinguish + whether the animal is in kindness or in wrath. +</p> +<p> + "Kinsman," she said, "you are welcome—and you, too, stranger," she + added, releasing my alarmed companion, who instinctively drew back and + settled his wig, and addressing herself to me—"you also are welcome. You + came," she added, "to our unhappy country, when our bloods were chafed, + and our hands were red. Excuse the rudeness that gave you a rough + welcome, and lay it upon the evil times, and not upon us." All this was + said with the manners of a princess, and in the tone and style of a + court. Nor was there the least tincture of that vulgarity, which we + naturally attach to the Lowland Scottish. There was a strong provincial + accentuation, but, otherwise, the language rendered by Helen MacGregor, + out of the native and poetical Gaelic, into English, which she had + acquired as we do learned tongues, but had probably never heard applied + to the mean purposes of ordinary life, was graceful, flowing, and + declamatory. Her husband, who had in his time played many parts, used a + much less elevated and emphatic dialect;—but even <i>his</i> language rose in + purity of expression, as you may have remarked, if I have been accurate + in recording it, when the affairs which he discussed were of an agitating + and important nature; and it appears to me in his case, and in that of + some other Highlanders whom I have known, that, when familiar and + facetious, they used the Lowland Scottish dialect,—when serious and + impassioned, their thoughts arranged themselves in the idiom of their + native language; and in the latter case, as they uttered the + corresponding ideas in English, the expressions sounded wild, elevated, + and poetical. In fact, the language of passion is almost always pure as + well as vehement, and it is no uncommon thing to hear a Scotchman, when + overwhelmed by a countryman with a tone of bitter and fluent upbraiding, + reply by way of taunt to his adversary, "You have gotten to your + English." +</p> +<p> + Be this as it may, the wife of MacGregor invited us to a refreshment + spread out on the grass, which abounded with all the good things their + mountains could offer, but was clouded by the dark and undisturbed + gravity which sat on the brow of our hostess, as well as by our deep and + anxious recollection of what had taken place on the preceding day. It was + in vain that the leader exerted himself to excite mirth;—a chill hung + over our minds, as if the feast had been funereal; and every bosom felt + light when it was ended. +</p> +<p> + "Adieu, cousin," she said to Mr. Jarvie, as we rose from the + entertainment; "the best wish Helen MacGregor can give to a friend is, + that he may see her no more." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie struggled to answer, probably with some commonplace maxim of + morality;—but the calm and melancholy sternness of her countenance bore + down and disconcerted the mechanical and formal importance of the + magistrate. He coughed,—hemmed,—bowed,—and was silent. +</p> +<p> + "For you, stranger," she said, "I have a token, from one whom you can + never"— +</p> +<p> + "Helen!" interrupted MacGregor, in a loud and stern voice, "what means + this?—have you forgotten the charge?" +</p> +<p> + "MacGregor," she replied, "I have forgotten nought that is fitting for me + to remember. It is not such hands as these," and she stretched forth her + long, sinewy, and bare arm, "that are fitting to convey love-tokens, were + the gift connected with aught but misery. Young man," she said, + presenting me with a ring, which I well remembered as one of the few + ornaments that Miss Vernon sometimes wore, "this comes from one whom you + will never see more. If it is a joyless token, it is well fitted to pass + through the hands of one to whom joy can never be known. Her last words + were—Let him forget me for ever." +</p> +<p> + "And can she," I said, almost without being conscious that I spoke, + "suppose that is possible?" +</p> +<p> + "All may be forgotten," said the extraordinary female who addressed + me,—"all—but the sense of dishonour, and the desire of vengeance." +</p> +<p> + "<i>Seid suas!</i>"* cried the MacGregor, stamping with impatience. +</p> +<p> + * "Strike up." +</p> +<p> + The bagpipes sounded, and with their thrilling and jarring tones cut + short our conference. Our leave of our hostess was taken by silent + gestures; and we resumed our journey with an additional proof on my part, + that I was beloved by Diana, and was separated from her for ever. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0019"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER NINETEENTH. +</h2> +<pre> + Farewell to the land where the clouds love to rest, + Like the shroud of the dead, on the mountain's cold breast + To the cataract's roar where the eagles reply, + And the lake her lone bosom expands to the sky. +</pre> +<p> + Our route lay through a dreary, yet romantic country, which the distress + of my own mind prevented me from remarking particularly, and which, + therefore, I will not attempt to describe. The lofty peak of Ben Lomond, + here the predominant monarch of the mountains, lay on our right hand, and + served as a striking landmark. I was not awakened from my apathy, until, + after a long and toilsome walk, we emerged through a pass in the hills, + and Loch Lomond opened before us. I will spare you the attempt to + describe what you would hardly comprehend without going to see it. But + certainly this noble lake, boasting innumerable beautiful islands, of + every varying form and outline which fancy can frame,—its northern + extremity narrowing until it is lost among dusky and retreating + mountains,—while, gradually widening as it extends to the southward, it + spreads its base around the indentures and promontories of a fair and + fertile land, affords one of the most surprising, beautiful, and sublime + spectacles in nature. The eastern side, peculiarly rough and rugged, was + at this time the chief seat of MacGregor and his clan,—to curb whom, a + small garrison had been stationed in a central position betwixt Loch + Lomond and another lake. The extreme strength of the country, however, + with the numerous passes, marshes, caverns, and other places of + concealment or defence, made the establishment of this little fort seem + rather an acknowledgment of the danger, than an effectual means of + securing against it. +</p> +<p> + On more than one occasion, as well as on that which I witnessed, the + garrison suffered from the adventurous spirit of the outlaw and his + followers. These advantages were never sullied by ferocity when he + himself was in command; for, equally good-tempered and sagacious, he + understood well the danger of incurring unnecessary odium. I learned with + pleasure that he had caused the captives of the preceding day to be + liberated in safety; and many traits of mercy, and even of generosity, + are recorded of this remarkable man on similar occasions. +</p> +<p> + A boat waited for us in a creek beneath a huge rock, manned by four lusty + Highland rowers; and our host took leave of us with great cordiality, and + even affection. Betwixt him and Mr. Jarvie, indeed, there seemed to exist + a degree of mutual regard, which formed a strong contrast to their + different occupations and habits. After kissing each other very lovingly, + and when they were just in the act of parting, the Bailie, in the fulness + of his heart, and with a faltering voice, assured his kinsman, "that if + ever an hundred pund, or even twa hundred, would put him or his family in + a settled way, he need but just send a line to the Saut-Market;" and Rob, + grasping his basket-hilt with one hand, and shaking Mr. Jarvie's heartily + with the other, protested, "that if ever anybody should affront his + kinsman, an he would but let him ken, he would stow his lugs out of his + head, were he the best man in Glasgow." +</p> +<p> + With these assurances of mutual aid and continued good-will, we bore away + from the shore, and took our course for the south-western angle of the + lake, where it gives birth to the river Leven. Rob Roy remained for some + time standing on the rock from beneath which we had departed, conspicuous + by his long gun, waving tartans, and the single plume in his cap, which + in those days denoted the Highland gentleman and soldier; although I + observe that the present military taste has decorated the Highland bonnet + with a quantity of black plumage resembling that which is borne before + funerals. At length, as the distance increased between us, we saw him + turn and go slowly up the side of the hill, followed by his immediate + attendants or bodyguard. +</p> +<p> + We performed our voyage for a long time in silence, interrupted only by + the Gaelic chant which one of the rowers sung in low irregular measure, + rising occasionally into a wild chorus, in which the others joined. +</p> +<p> + My own thoughts were sad enough;—yet I felt something soothing in the + magnificent scenery with which I was surrounded; and thought, in the + enthusiasm of the moment, that had my faith been that of Rome, I could + have consented to live and die a lonely hermit in one of the romantic and + beautiful islands amongst which our boat glided. +</p> +<p> + The Bailie had also his speculations, but they were of somewhat a + different complexion; as I found when, after about an hour's silence, + during which he had been mentally engaged in the calculations necessary, + he undertook to prove the possibility of draining the lake, and "giving + to plough and harrow many hundred, ay, many a thousand acres, from whilk + no man could get earthly gude e'enow, unless it were a gedd,* or a dish + of perch now and then." +</p> +<p> + * A pike. +</p> +<p> + Amidst a long discussion, which he "crammed into mine ear against the + stomach of my sense," I only remember, that it was part of his project to + preserve a portion of the lake just deep enough and broad enough for the + purposes of water-carriage, so that coal-barges and gabbards should pass + as easily between Dumbarton and Glenfalloch as between Glasgow and + Greenock. +</p> +<p> + At length we neared our distant place of landing, adjoining to the ruins + of an ancient castle, and just where the lake discharges its superfluous + waters into the Leven. There we found Dougal with the horses. The Bailie + had formed a plan with respect to "the creature," as well as upon the + draining of the lake; and, perhaps in both cases, with more regard to the + utility than to the practical possibility of his scheme. "Dougal," he + said, "ye are a kindly creature, and hae the sense and feeling o' what is + due to your betters—and I'm e'en wae for you, Dougal, for it canna be + but that in the life ye lead you suld get a Jeddart cast* ae day suner or + later. I trust, considering my services as a magistrate, and my father + the deacon's afore me, I hae interest eneugh in the council to gar them + wink a wee at a waur faut than yours. +</p> +<p> + * ["The memory of Dunbar's legal (?) proceedings at Jedburgh is preserved + in the proverbial phrase <i>Jeddart Justice,</i> which signifies trial <i>after</i> + execution."—<i>Minstrelsy of the Border,</i> Preface, p. lvi.] +</p> +<p> + Sae I hae been thinking, that if ye will gang back to Glasgow wi' us, + being a strong-backit creature, ye might be employed in the warehouse + till something better suld cast up." +</p> +<p> + "Her nainsell muckle obliged till the Bailie's honour," replied Dougal; + "but teil be in her shanks fan she gangs on a cause-way'd street, unless + she be drawn up the Gallowgate wi' tows, as she was before." +</p> +<p> + In fact, I afterwards learned that Dougal had originally come to Glasgow + as a prisoner, from being concerned in some depredation, but had somehow + found such favour in the eyes of the jailor, that, with rather + overweening confidence, he had retained him in his service as one of the + turnkeys; a task which Dougal had discharged with sufficient fidelity, so + far as was known, until overcome by his clannish prejudices on the + unexpected appearance of his old leader. +</p> +<p> + Astonished at receiving so round a refusal to so favourable an offer, the + Bailie, turning to me, observed, that the "creature was a natural-born + idiot." I testified my own gratitude in a way which Dougal much better + relished, by slipping a couple of guineas into his hand. He no sooner + felt the touch of the gold, than he sprung twice or thrice from the earth + with the agility of a wild buck, flinging out first one heel and then + another, in a manner which would have astonished a French dancing-master. + He ran to the boatmen to show them the prize, and a small gratuity made + them take part in his raptures. He then, to use a favourite expression of + the dramatic John Bunyan, "went on his way, and I saw him no more." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie and I mounted our horses, and proceeded on the road to + Glasgow. When we had lost the view of the lake, and its superb + amphitheatre of mountains, I could not help expressing with enthusiasm, + my sense of its natural beauties, although I was conscious that Mr. + Jarvie was a very uncongenial spirit to communicate with on such a + subject. +</p> +<p> + "Ye are a young gentleman," he replied, "and an Englishman, and a' this + may be very fine to you; but for me, wha am a plain man, and ken + something o' the different values of land, I wadna gie the finest sight + we hae seen in the Hielands, for the first keek o' the Gorbals o' + Glasgow; and if I were ance there, it suldna be every fule's errand, + begging your pardon, Mr. Francis, that suld take me out o' sight o' Saint + Mungo's steeple again!" +</p> +<p> + The honest man had his wish; for, by dint of travelling very late, we + arrived at his own house that night, or rather on the succeeding morning. + Having seen my worthy fellow-traveller safely consigned to the charge of + the considerate and officious Mattie, I proceeded to Mrs. Flyter's, in + whose house, even at this unwonted hour, light was still burning. The + door was opened by no less a person than Andrew Fairservice himself, who, + upon the first sound of my voice, set up a loud shout of joyful + recognition, and, without uttering a syllable, ran up stairs towards a + parlour on the second floor, from the windows of which the light + proceeded. Justly conceiving that he went to announce my return to the + anxious Owen, I followed him upon the foot. Owen was not alone, there was + another in the apartment—it was my father. +</p> +<p> + The first impulse was to preserve the dignity of his usual + equanimity,—"Francis, I am glad to see you." The next was to embrace me + tenderly,—"My dear—dear son!"—Owen secured one of my hands, and + wetted it with his tears, while he joined in gratulating my return. + These are scenes which address themselves to the eye and to the heart + rather than to the ear—My old eye-lids still moisten at the + recollection of our meeting; but your kind and affectionate feelings + can well imagine what I should find it impossible to describe. +</p> +<p> + When the tumult of our joy was over, I learnt that my father had arrived + from Holland shortly after Owen had set off for Scotland. Determined and + rapid in all his movements, he only stopped to provide the means of + discharging the obligations incumbent on his house. By his extensive + resources, with funds enlarged, and credit fortified, by eminent success + in his continental speculation, he easily accomplished what perhaps his + absence alone rendered difficult, and set out for Scotland to exact + justice from Rashleigh Osbaldistone, as well as to put order to his + affairs in that country. My father's arrival in full credit, and with the + ample means of supporting his engagements honourably, as well as + benefiting his correspondents in future, was a stunning blow to MacVittie + and Company, who had conceived his star set for ever. Highly incensed at + the usage his confidential clerk and agent had received at their hands, + Mr. Osbaldistone refused every tender of apology and accommodation; and + having settled the balance of their account, announced to them that, with + all its numerous contingent advantages, that leaf of their ledger was + closed for ever. +</p> +<p> + While he enjoyed this triumph over false friends, he was not a little + alarmed on my account. Owen, good man, had not supposed it possible that + a journey of fifty or sixty miles, which may be made with so much ease + and safety in any direction from London, could be attended with any + particular danger. But he caught alarm, by sympathy, from my father, to + whom the country, and the lawless character of its inhabitants, were + better known. +</p> +<p> + These apprehensions were raised to agony, when, a few hours before I + arrived, Andrew Fairservice made his appearance, with a dismal and + exaggerated account of the uncertain state in which he had left me. The + nobleman with whose troops he had been a sort of prisoner, had, after + examination, not only dismissed him, but furnished him with the means of + returning rapidly to Glasgow, in order to announce to my friends my + precarious and unpleasant situation. +</p> +<p> + Andrew was one of those persons who have no objection to the sort of + temporary attention and woeful importance which attaches itself to the + bearer of bad tidings, and had therefore by no means smoothed down his + tale in the telling, especially as the rich London merchant himself + proved unexpectedly one of the auditors. He went at great length into an + account of the dangers I had escaped, chiefly, as he insinuated, by means + of his own experience, exertion, and sagacity. +</p> +<p> + "What was to come of me now, when my better angel, in his (Andrew's) + person, was removed from my side, it was," he said, "sad and sair to + conjecture; that the Bailie was nae better than just naebody at a pinch, + or something waur, for he was a conceited body—and Andrew hated + conceit—but certainly, atween the pistols and the carabines of the + troopers, that rappit aff the tane after the tother as fast as hail, and + the dirks and claymores o' the Hielanders, and the deep waters and weils + o' the Avondow, it was to be thought there wad be a puir account of the + young gentleman." +</p> +<p> + This statement would have driven Owen to despair, had he been alone and + unsupported; but my father's perfect knowledge of mankind enabled him + easily to appreciate the character of Andrew, and the real amount of his + intelligence. Stripped of all exaggeration, however, it was alarming + enough to a parent. He determined to set out in person to obtain my + liberty by ransom or negotiation, and was busied with Owen till a late + hour, in order to get through some necessary correspondence, and devolve + on the latter some business which should be transacted during his + absence; and thus it chanced that I found them watchers. +</p> +<p> + It was late ere we separated to rest, and, too impatient long to endure + repose, I was stirring early the next morning. Andrew gave his attendance + at my levee, as in duty bound, and, instead of the scarecrow figure to + which he had been reduced at Aberfoil, now appeared in the attire of an + undertaker, a goodly suit, namely, of the deepest mourning. It was not + till after one or two queries, which the rascal affected as long as he + could to misunderstand, that I found out he "had thought it but decent to + put on mourning, on account of my inexpressible loss; and as the broker + at whose shop he had equipped himself, declined to receive the goods + again, and as his own garments had been destroyed or carried off in my + honour's service, doubtless I and my honourable father, whom Providence + had blessed wi' the means, wadna suffer a puir lad to sit down wi' the + loss; a stand o' claes was nae great matter to an Osbaldistone (be + praised for't!), especially to an old and attached servant o' the house." +</p> +<p> + As there was something of justice in Andrew's plea of loss in my service, + his finesse succeeded; and he came by a good suit of mourning, with a + beaver and all things conforming, as the exterior signs of woe for a + master who was alive and merry. +</p> +<p> + My father's first care, when he arose, was to visit Mr. Jarvie, for whose + kindness he entertained the most grateful sentiments, which he expressed + in very few, but manly and nervous terms. He explained the altered state + of his affairs, and offered the Bailie, on such terms as could not but be + both advantageous and acceptable, that part in his concerns which had + been hitherto managed by MacVittie and Company. The Bailie heartily + congratulated my father and Owen on the changed posture of their affairs, + and, without affecting to disclaim that he had done his best to serve + them, when matters looked otherwise, he said, "He had only just acted as + he wad be done by—that, as to the extension of their correspondence, he + frankly accepted it with thanks. Had MacVittie's folk behaved like honest + men," he said, "he wad hae liked ill to hae come in ahint them, and out + afore them this gate. But it's otherwise, and they maun e'en stand the + loss." +</p> +<p> + The Bailie then pulled me by the sleeve into a corner, and, after again + cordially wishing me joy, proceeded, in rather an embarrassed tone—"I + wad heartily wish, Maister Francis, there suld be as little said as + possible about the queer things we saw up yonder awa. There's nae gude, + unless ane were judicially examinate, to say onything about that awfu' + job o' Morris—and the members o' the council wadna think it creditable + in ane of their body to be fighting wi' a wheen Hielandmen, and singeing + their plaidens—And abune a', though I am a decent sponsible man, when I + am on my right end, I canna but think I maun hae made a queer figure + without my hat and my periwig, hinging by the middle like bawdrons, or a + cloak flung ower a cloak-pin. Bailie Grahame wad hae an unco hair in my + neck an he got that tale by the end." +</p> +<p> + I could not suppress a smile when I recollected the Bailie's situation, + although I certainly thought it no laughing matter at the time. The + good-natured merchant was a little confused, but smiled also when he + shook his head—"I see how it is—I see how it is. But say naething about + it—there's a gude callant; and charge that lang-tongued, conceited, + upsetting serving man o' yours, to sae naething neither. I wadna for ever + sae muckle that even the lassock Mattie ken'd onything about it. I wad + never hear an end o't." +</p> +<p> + He was obviously relieved from his impending fears of ridicule, when I + told him it was my father's intention to leave Glasgow almost + immediately. Indeed he had now no motive for remaining, since the most + valuable part of the papers carried off by Rashleigh had been recovered. + For that portion which he had converted into cash and expended in his own + or on political intrigues, there was no mode of recovering it but by a + suit at law, which was forthwith commenced, and proceeded, as our + law-agents assured us, with all deliberate speed. +</p> +<p> + We spent, accordingly, one hospitable day with the Bailie, and took leave + of him, as this narrative now does. He continued to grow in wealth, + honour, and credit, and actually rose to the highest civic honours in his + native city. About two years after the period I have mentioned, he tired + of his bachelor life, and promoted Mattie from her wheel by the kitchen + fire to the upper end of his table, in the character of Mrs. Jarvie. + Bailie Grahame, the MacVitties, and others (for all men have their + enemies, especially in the council of a royal burgh), ridiculed this + transformation. "But," said Mr. Jarvie, "let them say their say. I'll + ne'er fash mysell, nor lose my liking for sae feckless a matter as a nine + days' clash. My honest father the deacon had a byword, +</p> +<pre> + Brent brow and lily skin, + A loving heart, and a leal within, + Is better than gowd or gentle kin. +</pre> +<p> + Besides," as he always concluded, "Mattie was nae ordinary lassock-quean; + she was akin to the Laird o' Limmerfield." +</p> +<p> + Whether it was owing to her descent or her good gifts, I do not presume + to decide; but Mattie behaved excellently in her exaltation, and relieved + the apprehensions of some of the Bailie's friends, who had deemed his + experiment somewhat hazardous. I do not know that there was any other + incident of his quiet and useful life worthy of being particularly + recorded. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0020"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TWENTIETH. +</h2> +<pre> + "Come ye hither my 'six' good sons, + Gallant men I trow ye be, + How many of you, my children dear, + Will stand by that good Earl and me?" + + "Five" of them did answer make— + "Five" of them spoke hastily, + "O father, till the day we die, + We'll stand by that good Earl and thee." + The Rising in the North. +</pre> +<p> + On the morning when we were to depart from Glasgow, Andrew Fairservice + bounced into my apartment like a madman, jumping up and down, and + singing, with more vehemence than tune, +</p> +<pre> + The kiln's on fire—the kiln's on fire— + The kiln's on fire—she's a' in a lowe. +</pre> +<p> + With some difficulty I prevailed on him to cease his confounded clamour, + and explain to me what the matter was. He was pleased to inform me, as if + he had been bringing the finest news imaginable, "that the Hielands were + clean broken out, every man o' them, and that Rob Roy, and a' his + breekless bands, wad be down upon Glasgow or twenty-four hours o' the + clock gaed round." +</p> +<p> + "Hold your tongue," said I, "you rascal! You must be drunk or mad; and if + there is any truth in your news, is it a singing matter, you scoundrel?" +</p> +<p> + "Drunk or mad? nae doubt," replied Andrew, dauntlessly; "ane's aye drunk + or mad if he tells what grit folks dinna like to hear—Sing? Od, the + clans will make us sing on the wrang side o' our mouth, if we are sae + drunk or mad as to bide their coming." +</p> +<p> + I rose in great haste, and found my father and Owen also on foot, and in + considerable alarm. +</p> +<p> + Andrew's news proved but too true in the main. The great rebellion which + agitated Britain in the year 1715 had already broken out, by the + unfortunate Earl of Mar's setting up the standard of the Stuart family in + an ill-omened hour, to the ruin of many honourable families, both in + England and Scotland. The treachery of some of the Jacobite agents + (Rashleigh among the rest), and the arrest of others, had made George the + First's Government acquainted with the extensive ramifications of a + conspiracy long prepared, and which at last exploded prematurely, and in + a part of the kingdom too distant to have any vital effect upon the + country, which, however, was plunged into much confusion. +</p> +<p> + This great public event served to confirm and elucidate the obscure + explanations I had received from MacGregor; and I could easily see why + the westland clans, who were brought against him, should have waived + their private quarrel, in consideration that they were all shortly to be + engaged in the same public cause. It was a more melancholy reflection to + my mind, that Diana Vernon was the wife of one of those who were most + active in turning the world upside down, and that she was herself exposed + to all the privations and perils of her husband's hazardous trade. +</p> +<p> + We held an immediate consultation on the measures we were to adopt in + this crisis, and acquiesced in my father's plan, that we should instantly + get the necessary passports, and make the best of our way to London. I + acquainted my father with my wish to offer my personal service to the + Government in any volunteer corps, several being already spoken of. He + readily acquiesced in my proposal; for though he disliked war as a + profession, yet, upon principle, no man would have exposed his life more + willingly in defence of civil and religious liberty. +</p> +<p> + We travelled in haste and in peril through Dumfriesshire and the + neighbouring counties of England. In this quarter, gentlemen of the Tory + interest were already in motion, mustering men and horses, while the + Whigs assembled themselves in the principal towns, armed the inhabitants, + and prepared for civil war. We narrowly escaped being stopped on more + occasions than one, and were often compelled to take circuitous routes to + avoid the points where forces were assembling. +</p> +<p> + When we reached London, we immediately associated with those bankers and + eminent merchants who agreed to support the credit of Government, and to + meet that run upon the funds, on which the conspirators had greatly + founded their hopes of furthering their undertaking, by rendering the + Government, as it were, bankrupt. My father was chosen one of the members + of this formidable body of the monied interest, as all had the greatest + confidence in his zeal, skill, and activity. He was also the organ by + which they communicated with Government, and contrived, from funds + belonging to his own house, or over which he had command, to find + purchasers for a quantity of the national stock, which was suddenly flung + into the market at a depreciated price when the rebellion broke out. I + was not idle myself, but obtained a commission, and levied, at my + father's expense, about two hundred men, with whom I joined General + Carpenter's army. +</p> +<p> + The rebellion, in the meantime, had extended itself to England. The + unfortunate Earl of Derwentwater had taken arms in the cause, along with + General Foster. My poor uncle, Sir Hildebrand, whose estate was reduced + to almost nothing by his own carelessness and the expense and debauchery + of his sons and household, was easily persuaded to join that unfortunate + standard. Before doing so, however, he exhibited a degree of precaution + of which no one could have suspected him—he made his will! +</p> +<p> + By this document he devised his estates at Osbaldistone Hall, and so + forth, to his sons successively, and their male heirs, until he came to + Rashleigh, whom, on account of the turn he had lately taken in politics, + he detested with all his might,—he cut him off with a shilling, and + settled the estate on me as his next heir. I had always been rather a + favourite of the old gentleman; but it is probable that, confident in the + number of gigantic youths who now armed around him, he considered the + destination as likely to remain a dead letter, which he inserted chiefly + to show his displeasure at Rashleigh's treachery, both public and + domestic. There was an article, by which he, bequeathed to the niece of + his late wife, Diana Vernon, now Lady Diana Vernon Beauchamp, some + diamonds belonging to her late aunt, and a great silver ewer, having the + arms of Vernon and Osbaldistone quarterly engraven upon it. +</p> +<p> + But Heaven had decreed a more speedy extinction of his numerous and + healthy lineage, than, most probably, he himself had reckoned on. In the + very first muster of the conspirators, at a place called Green-Rigg, + Thorncliff Osbaldistone quarrelled about precedence with a gentleman of + the Northumbrian border, to the full as fierce and intractable as + himself. In spite of all remonstrances, they gave their commander a + specimen of how far their discipline might be relied upon, by fighting it + out with their rapiers, and my kinsman was killed on the spot. His death + was a great loss to Sir Hildebrand, for, notwithstanding his infernal + temper, he had a grain or two of more sense than belonged to the rest of + the brotherhood, Rashleigh always excepted. +</p> +<p> + Perceval, the sot, died also in his calling. He had a wager with another + gentleman (who, from his exploits in that line, had acquired the + formidable epithet of Brandy Swalewell), which should drink the largest + cup of strong liquor when King James was proclaimed by the insurgents at + Morpeth. The exploit was something enormous. I forget the exact quantity + of brandy which Percie swallowed, but it occasioned a fever, of which he + expired at the end of three days, with the word, <i>water, water,</i> + perpetually on his tongue. +</p> +<p> + Dickon broke his neck near Warrington Bridge, in an attempt to show off a + foundered blood-mare which he wished to palm upon a Manchester merchant + who had joined the insurgents. He pushed the animal at a five-barred + gate; she fell in the leap, and the unfortunate jockey lost his life. +</p> +<p> + Wilfred the fool, as sometimes befalls, had the best fortune of the + family. He was slain at Proud Preston, in Lancashire, on the day that + General Carpenter attacked the barricades, fighting with great bravery, + though I have heard he was never able exactly to comprehend the cause of + quarrel, and did not uniformly remember on which king's side he was + engaged. John also behaved very boldly in the same engagement, and + received several wounds, of which he was not happy enough to die on the + spot. +</p> +<p> + Old Sir Hildebrand, entirely brokenhearted by these successive losses, + became, by the next day's surrender, one of the unhappy prisoners, and + was lodged in Newgate with his wounded son John. +</p> +<p> + I was now released from my military duty, and lost no time, therefore, in + endeavouring to relieve the distresses of these new relations. My + father's interest with Government, and the general compassion excited by + a parent who had sustained the successive loss of so many sons within so + short a time, would have prevented my uncle and cousin from being brought + to trial for high treason. But their doom was given forth from a greater + tribunal. John died of his wounds in Newgate, recommending to me in his + last breath, a cast of hawks which he had at the Hall, and a black + spaniel bitch called Lucy. +</p> +<p> + My poor uncle seemed beaten down to the very earth by his family + calamities, and the circumstances in which he unexpectedly found himself. + He said little, but seemed grateful for such attentions as circumstances + permitted me to show him. I did not witness his meeting with my father + for the first time for so many years, and under circumstances so + melancholy; but, judging from my father's extreme depression of spirits, + it must have been melancholy in the last degree. Sir Hildebrand spoke + with great bitterness against Rashleigh, now his only surviving child; + laid upon him the ruin of his house, and the deaths of all his brethren, + and declared, that neither he nor they would have plunged into political + intrigue, but for that very member of his family, who had been the first + to desert them. He once or twice mentioned Diana, always with great + affection; and once he said, while I sate by his bedside—"Nevoy, since + Thorncliff and all of them are dead, I am sorry you cannot have her." +</p> +<p> + The expression affected me much at the time; for it was a usual custom of + the poor old baronet's, when joyously setting forth upon the morning's + chase, to distinguish Thorncliff, who was a favourite, while he summoned + the rest more generally; and the loud jolly tone in which he used to + hollo, "Call Thornie—call all of them," contrasted sadly with the + woebegone and self-abandoning note in which he uttered the disconsolate + words which I have above quoted. He mentioned the contents of his will, + and supplied me with an authenticated copy;—the original he had + deposited with my old acquaintance Mr. Justice Inglewood, who, dreaded by + no one, and confided in by all as a kind of neutral person, had become, + for aught I know, the depositary of half the wills of the fighting men of + both factions in the county of Northumberland. +</p> +<p> + The greater part of my uncle's last hours were spent in the discharge of + the religious duties of his church, in which he was directed by the + chaplain of the Sardinian ambassador, for whom, with some difficulty, we + obtained permission to visit him. I could not ascertain by my own + observation, or through the medical attendants, that Sir Hildebrand + Osbaldistone died of any formed complaint bearing a name in the science + of medicine. He seemed to me completely worn out and broken down by + fatigue of body and distress of mind, and rather ceased to exist, than + died of any positive struggle,—just as a vessel, buffeted and tossed by + a succession of tempestuous gales, her timbers overstrained, and her + joints loosened, will sometimes spring a leak and founder, when there are + no apparent causes for her destruction. +</p> +<p> + It was a remarkable circumstance that my father, after the last duties + were performed to his brother, appeared suddenly to imbibe a strong + anxiety that I should act upon the will, and represent his father's + house, which had hitherto seemed to be the thing in the world which had + least charms for him. But formerly, he had been like the fox in the + fable, contemning what was beyond his reach; and, moreover, I doubt not + that the excessive dislike which he entertained against Rashleigh (now + Sir Rashleigh) Osbaldistone, who loudly threatened to attack his father + Sir Hildebrand's will and settlement, corroborated my father's desire to + maintain it. +</p> +<p> + "He had been most unjustly disinherited," he said, "by his own + father—his brother's will had repaired the disgrace, if not the injury, + by leaving the wreck of his property to Frank, the natural heir, and he + was determined the bequest should take effect." +</p> +<p> + In the meantime, Rashleigh was not altogether a contemptible personage as + an opponent. The information he had given to Government was critically + well-timed, and his extreme plausibility, with the extent of his + intelligence, and the artful manner in which he contrived to assume both + merit and influence, had, to a certain extent, procured him patrons among + Ministers. We were already in the full tide of litigation with him on the + subject of his pillaging the firm of Osbaldistone and Tresham; and, + judging from the progress we made in that comparatively simple lawsuit, + there was a chance that this second course of litigation might be drawn + out beyond the period of all our natural lives. +</p> +<p> + To avert these delays as much as possible, my father, by the advice of + his counsel learned in the law, paid off and vested in my person the + rights to certain large mortgages affecting Osbaldistone Hall. Perhaps, + however, the opportunity to convert a great share of the large profits + which accrued from the rapid rise of the funds upon the suppression of + the rebellion, and the experience he had so lately had of the perils of + commerce, encouraged him to realise, in this manner, a considerable part + of his property. At any rate, it so chanced, that, instead of commanding + me to the desk, as I fully expected, having intimated my willingness to + comply with his wishes, however they might destine me, I received his + directions to go down to Osbaldistone Hall, and take possession of it as + the heir and representative of the family. I was directed to apply to + Squire Inglewood for the copy of my uncle's will deposited with him, and + take all necessary measures to secure that possession which sages say + makes nine points of the law. +</p> +<p> + At another time I should have been delighted with this change of + destination. But now Osbaldistone Hall was accompanied with many painful + recollections. Still, however, I thought, that in that neighbourhood only + I was likely to acquire some information respecting the fate of Diana + Vernon. I had every reason to fear it must be far different from what I + could have wished it. But I could obtain no precise information on the + subject. +</p> +<p> + It was in vain that I endeavoured, by such acts of kindness as their + situation admitted, to conciliate the confidence of some distant + relations who were among the prisoners in Newgate. A pride which I could + not condemn, and a natural suspicion of the Whig Frank Osbaldistone, + cousin to the double-distilled traitor Rashleigh, closed every heart and + tongue, and I only received thanks, cold and extorted, in exchange for + such benefits as I had power to offer. The arm of the law was also + gradually abridging the numbers of those whom I endeavoured to serve, and + the hearts of the survivors became gradually more contracted towards all + whom they conceived to be concerned with the existing Government. As they + were led gradually, and by detachments, to execution, those who survived + lost interest in mankind, and the desire of communicating with them. I + shall long remember what one of them, Ned Shafton by name, replied to my + anxious inquiry, whether there was any indulgence I could procure him? + "Mr. Frank Osbaldistone, I must suppose you mean me kindly, and therefore + I thank you. But, by G—, men cannot be fattened like poultry, when they + see their neighbours carried off day by day to the place of execution, + and know that their own necks are to be twisted round in their turn." +</p> +<p> + Upon the whole, therefore, I was glad to escape from London, from + Newgate, and from the scenes which both exhibited, to breathe the free + air of Northumberland. Andrew Fairservice had continued in my service + more from my father's pleasure than my own. At present there seemed a + prospect that his local acquaintance with Osbaldistone Hall and its + vicinity might be useful; and, of course, he accompanied me on my + journey, and I enjoyed the prospect of getting rid of him, by + establishing him in his old quarters. I cannot conceive how he could + prevail upon my father to interest himself in him, unless it were by the + art, which he possessed in no inconsiderable degree, of affecting an + extreme attachment to his master; which theoretical attachment he made + compatible in practice with playing all manner of tricks without scruple, + providing only against his master being cheated by any one but himself. +</p> +<p> + We performed our journey to the North without any remarkable adventure, + and we found the country, so lately agitated by rebellion, now peaceful + and in good order. The nearer we approached to Osbaldistone Hall, the + more did my heart sink at the thought of entering that deserted mansion; + so that, in order to postpone the evil day, I resolved first to make my + visit at Mr. Justice Inglewood's. +</p> +<p> + That venerable person had been much disturbed with thoughts of what he + had been, and what he now was; and natural recollections of the past had + interfered considerably with the active duty which in his present + situation might have been expected from him. He was fortunate, however, + in one respect; he had got rid of his clerk Jobson, who had finally left + him in dudgeon at his inactivity, and become legal assistant to a certain + Squire Standish, who had lately commenced operations in those parts as a + justice, with a zeal for King George and the Protestant succession, + which, very different from the feelings of his old patron, Mr. Jobson had + more occasion to restrain within the bounds of the law, than to stimulate + to exertion. +</p> +<p> + Old Justice Inglewood received me with great courtesy, and readily + exhibited my uncle's will, which seemed to be without a flaw. He was for + some time in obvious distress, how he should speak and act in my + presence; but when he found, that though a supporter of the present + Government upon principle, I was disposed to think with pity on those who + had opposed it on a mistaken feeling of loyalty and duty, his discourse + became a very diverting medley of what he had done, and what he had left + undone,—the pains he had taken to prevent some squires from joining, and + to wink at the escape of others, who had been so unlucky as to engage in + the affair. +</p> +<p> + We were <i>tete-a'-tete,</i> and several bumpers had been quaffed by the + Justice's special desire, when, on a sudden, he requested me to fill a + <i>bona fide</i> brimmer to the health of poor dear Die Vernon, the rose of + the wilderness, the heath-bell of Cheviot, and the blossom that's + transplanted to an infernal convent. +</p> +<p> + "Is not Miss Vernon married, then?" I exclaimed, in great astonishment. + "I thought his Excellency"— +</p> +<p> + "Pooh! pooh! his Excellency and his Lordship's all a humbug now, you + know—mere St. Germains titles—Earl of Beauchamp, and ambassador + plenipotentiary from France, when the Duke Regent of Orleans scarce knew + that he lived, I dare say. But you must have seen old Sir Frederick + Vernon at the Hall, when he played the part of Father Vaughan?" +</p> +<p> + "Good Heavens! then Vaughan was Miss Vernon's father?" +</p> +<p> + "To be sure he was," said the Justice coolly;—"there's no use in + keeping the secret now, for he must be out of the country by this + time—otherwise, no doubt, it would be my duty to apprehend him.—Come, + off with your bumper to my dear lost Die! +</p> +<pre> + And let her health go round, around, around, + And let her health go round; + For though your stocking be of silk, + Your knees near kiss the ground, aground, aground."* +</pre> +<p> + * This pithy verse occurs, it is believed, in Shadwell's play of Bury + Fair. +</p> +<p> + I was unable, as the reader may easily conceive, to join in the Justice's + jollity. My head swam with the shock I had received. "I never heard," I + said, "that Miss Vernon's father was living." +</p> +<p> + "It was not our Government's fault that he is," replied Inglewood, "for + the devil a man there is whose head would have brought more money. He was + condemned to death for Fenwick's plot, and was thought to have had some + hand in the Knightsbridge affair, in King William's time; and as he had + married in Scotland a relation of the house of Breadalbane, he possessed + great influence with all their chiefs. There was a talk of his being + demanded to be given up at the peace of Ryswick, but he shammed ill, and + his death was given publicly out in the French papers. But when he came + back here on the old score, we old cavaliers knew him well,—that is to + say, I knew him, not as being a cavalier myself, but no information being + lodged against the poor gentleman, and my memory being shortened by + frequent attacks of the gout, I could not have sworn to him, you know." +</p> +<p> + "Was he, then, not known at Osbaldistone Hall?" I inquired. +</p> +<p> + "To none but to his daughter, the old knight, and Rashleigh, who had got + at that secret as he did at every one else, and held it like a twisted + cord about poor Die's neck. I have seen her one hundred times she would + have spit at him, if it had not been fear for her father, whose life + would not have been worth five minutes' purchase if he had been + discovered to the Government.—But don't mistake me, Mr. Osbaldistone; I + say the Government is a good, a gracious, and a just Government; and if + it has hanged one-half of the rebels, poor things, all will acknowledge + they would not have been touched had they staid peaceably at home." +</p> +<p> + Waiving the discussion of these political questions, I brought back Mr. + Inglewood to his subject, and I found that Diana, having positively + refused to marry any of the Osbaldistone family, and expressed her + particular detestation of Rashleigh, he had from that time begun to cool + in zeal for the cause of the Pretender; to which, as the youngest of six + brethren, and bold, artful, and able, he had hitherto looked forward as + the means of making his fortune. Probably the compulsion with which he + had been forced to render up the spoils which he had abstracted from my + father's counting-house by the united authority of Sir Frederick Vernon + and the Scottish Chiefs, had determined his resolution to advance his + progress by changing his opinions and betraying his trust. Perhaps + also—for few men were better judges where his interest was concerned—he + considered their means and talents to be, as they afterwards proved, + greatly inadequate to the important task of overthrowing an established + Government. Sir Frederick Vernon, or, as he was called among the + Jacobites, his Excellency Viscount Beauchamp, had, with his daughter, + some difficulty in escaping the consequences of Rashleigh's information. + Here Mr. Inglewood's information was at fault; but he did not doubt, + since we had not heard of Sir Frederick being in the hands of the + Government, he must be by this time abroad, where, agreeably to the cruel + bond he had entered into with his brother-in-law, Diana, since she had + declined to select a husband out of the Osbaldistone family, must be + confined to a convent. The original cause of this singular agreement Mr. + Inglewood could not perfectly explain; but he understood it was a family + compact, entered into for the purpose of securing to Sir Frederick the + rents of the remnant of his large estates, which had been vested in the + Osbaldistone family by some legal manoeuvre; in short, a family compact, + in which, like many of those undertaken at that time of day, the feelings + of the principal parties interested were no more regarded than if they + had been a part of the live-stock upon the lands. +</p> +<p> + I cannot tell,—such is the waywardness of the human heart,—whether this + intelligence gave me joy or sorrow. It seemed to me, that, in the + knowledge that Miss Vernon was eternally divided from me, not by marriage + with another, but by seclusion in a convent, in order to fulfil an absurd + bargain of this kind, my regret for her loss was aggravated rather than + diminished. I became dull, low-spirited, absent, and unable to support + the task of conversing with Justice Inglewood, who in his turn yawned, + and proposed to retire early. I took leave of him overnight, determining + the next day, before breakfast, to ride over to Osbaldistone Hall. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Inglewood acquiesced in my proposal. "It would be well," he said, + "that I made my appearance there before I was known to be in the country, + the more especially as Sir Rashleigh Osbaldistone was now, he understood, + at Mr. Jobson's house, hatching some mischief, doubtless. They were fit + company," he added, "for each other, Sir Rashleigh having lost all right + to mingle in the society of men of honour; but it was hardly possible two + such d—d rascals should collogue together without mischief to honest + people." +</p> +<p> + He concluded, by earnestly recommending a toast and tankard, and an + attack upon his venison pasty, before I set out in the morning, just to + break the cold air on the words. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0021"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-FIRST. +</h2> +<pre> + His master's gone, and no one now + Dwells in the halls of Ivor; + Men, dogs, and horses, all are dead, + He is the sole survivor. + Wordsworth. +</pre> +<p> + There are few more melancholy sensations than those with which we regard + scenes of past pleasure when altered and deserted. In my ride to + Osbaldistone Hall, I passed the same objects which I had seen in company + with Miss Vernon on the day of our memorable ride from Inglewood Place. + Her spirit seemed to keep me company on the way; and when I approached + the spot where I had first seen her, I almost listened for the cry of the + hounds and the notes of the horn, and strained my eye on the vacant + space, as if to descry the fair huntress again descend like an apparition + from the hill. But all was silent, and all was solitary. When I reached + the Hall, the closed doors and windows, the grass-grown pavement, the + courts, which were now so silent, presented a strong contrast to the gay + and bustling scene I had so often seen them exhibit, when the merry + hunters were going forth to their morning sport, or returning to the + daily festival. The joyous bark of the fox-hounds as they were uncoupled, + the cries of the huntsmen, the clang of the horses' hoofs, the loud laugh + of the old knight at the head of his strong and numerous descendants, + were all silenced now and for ever. +</p> +<p> + While I gazed round the scene of solitude and emptiness, I was + inexpressibly affected, even by recollecting those whom, when alive, I + had no reason to regard with affection. But the thought that so many + youths of goodly presence, warm with life, health, and confidence, were + within so short a time cold in the grave, by various, yet all violent and + unexpected modes of death, afforded a picture of mortality at which the + mind trembled. It was little consolation to me, that I returned a + proprietor to the halls which I had left almost like a fugitive. My mind + was not habituated to regard the scenes around as my property, and I felt + myself an usurper, at least an intruding stranger, and could hardly + divest myself of the idea, that some of the bulky forms of my deceased + kinsmen were, like the gigantic spectres of a romance, to appear in the + gateway, and dispute my entrance. +</p> +<p> + While I was engaged in these sad thoughts, my follower Andrew, whose + feelings were of a very different nature, exerted himself in thundering + alternately on every door in the building, calling, at the same time, for + admittance, in a tone so loud as to intimate, that <i>he,</i> at least, was + fully sensible of his newly acquired importance, as squire of the body to + the new lord of the manor. At length, timidly and reluctantly, Anthony + Syddall, my uncle's aged butler and major-domo, presented himself at a + lower window, well fenced with iron bars, and inquired our business. +</p> +<p> + "We are come to tak your charge aff your hand, my auld friend," said + Andrew Fairservice; "ye may gie up your keys as sune as ye like—ilka dog + has his day. I'll tak the plate and napery aff your hand. Ye hae had your + ain time o't, Mr. Syddall; but ilka bean has its black, and ilka path has + its puddle; and it will just set you henceforth to sit at the board-end, + as weel as it did Andrew lang syne." +</p> +<p> + Checking with some difficulty the forwardness of my follower, I explained + to Syddall the nature of my right, and the title I had to demand + admittance into the Hall, as into my own property. The old man seemed + much agitated and distressed, and testified manifest reluctance to give + me entrance, although it was couched in a humble and submissive tone. I + allowed for the agitation of natural feelings, which really did the old + man honour; but continued peremptory in my demand of admittance, + explaining to him that his refusal would oblige me to apply for Mr. + Inglewood's warrant, and a constable. +</p> +<p> + "We are come from Mr. Justice Inglewood's this morning," said Andrew, to + enforce the menace;—"and I saw Archie Rutledge, the constable, as I came + up by;—the country's no to be lawless as it has been, Mr. Syddall, + letting rebels and papists gang on as they best listed." +</p> +<p> + The threat of the law sounded dreadful in the old man's ears, conscious + as he was of the suspicion under which he himself lay, from his religion + and his devotion to Sir Hildebrand and his sons. He undid, with fear and + trembling, one of the postern entrances, which was secured with many a + bolt and bar, and humbly hoped that I would excuse him for fidelity in + the discharge of his duty.—I reassured him, and told him I had the + better opinion of him for his caution. +</p> +<p> + "Sae have not I," said Andrew; "Syddall is an auld sneck-drawer; he wadna + be looking as white as a sheet, and his knees knocking thegither, unless + it were for something mair than he's like to tell us." +</p> +<p> + "Lord forgive you, Mr. Fairservice," replied the butler, "to say such + things of an old friend and fellow-servant!—Where"—following me humbly + along the passage—"where would it be your honour's pleasure to have a + fire lighted? I fear me you will find the house very dull and dreary—But + perhaps you mean to ride back to Inglewood Place to dinner?" +</p> +<p> + "Light a fire in the library," I replied. +</p> +<p> + "In the library!" answered the old man;—"nobody has sat there this many + a day, and the room smokes, for the daws have built in the chimney this + spring, and there were no young men about the Hall to pull them down." +</p> +<p> + "Our ain reekes better than other folk's fire," said Andrew. "His honour + likes the library;—he's nane o' your Papishers, that delight in blinded + ignorance, Mr. Syddall." +</p> +<p> + Very reluctantly as it appeared to me, the butler led the way to the + library, and, contrary to what he had given me to expect, the interior of + the apartment looked as if it had been lately arranged, and made more + comfortable than usual. There was a fire in the grate, which burned + clearly, notwithstanding what Syddall had reported of the vent. Taking up + the tongs, as if to arrange the wood, but rather perhaps to conceal his + own confusion, the butler observed, "it was burning clear now, but had + smoked woundily in the morning." +</p> +<p> + Wishing to be alone, till I recovered myself from the first painful + sensations which everything around me recalled, I desired old Syddall to + call the land-steward, who lived at about a quarter of a mile from the + Hall. He departed with obvious reluctance. I next ordered Andrew to + procure the attendance of a couple of stout fellows upon whom he could + rely, the population around being Papists, and Sir Rashleigh, who was + capable of any desperate enterprise, being in the neighbourhood. Andrew + Fairservice undertook this task with great cheerfulness, and promised to + bring me up from Trinlay-Knowe, "twa true-blue Presbyterians like + himself, that would face and out-face baith the Pope, the Devil, and the + Pretender—and blythe will I be o' their company mysell, for the very + last night that I was at Osbaldistone Hall, the blight be on ilka blossom + in my bit yard, if I didna see that very picture" (pointing to the + full-length portrait of Miss Vernon's grandfather) "walking by moonlight + in the garden! I tauld your honour I was fleyed wi' a bogle that night, + but ye wadna listen to me—I aye thought there was witchcraft and + deevilry amang the Papishers, but I ne'er saw't wi' bodily een till that + awfu' night." +</p> +<p> + "Get along, sir," said I, "and bring the fellows you talk of; and see + they have more sense than yourself, and are not frightened at their own + shadow." +</p> +<p> + "I hae been counted as gude a man as my neighbours ere now," said Andrew, + petulantly; "but I dinna pretend to deal wi' evil spirits." And so he + made his exit, as Wardlaw the land-steward made his appearance. +</p> +<p> + He was a man of sense and honesty, without whose careful management my + uncle would have found it difficult to have maintained himself a + housekeeper so long as he did. He examined the nature of my right of + possession carefully, and admitted it candidly. To any one else the + succession would have been a poor one, so much was the land encumbered + with debt and mortgage. Most of these, however, were already vested in my + father's person, and he was in a train of acquiring the rest; his large + gains by the recent rise of the funds having made it a matter of ease and + convenience for him to pay off the debt which affected his patrimony. +</p> +<p> + I transacted much necessary business with Mr. Wardlaw, and detained him + to dine with me. We preferred taking our repast in the library, although + Syddall strongly recommended our removing to the stone-hall, which he had + put in order for the occasion. Meantime Andrew made his appearance with + his true-blue recruits, whom he recommended in the highest terms, as + "sober decent men, weel founded in doctrinal points, and, above all, as + bold as lions." I ordered them something to drink, and they left the + room. I observed old Syddall shake his head as they went out, and + insisted upon knowing the reason. +</p> +<p> + "I maybe cannot expect," he said, "that your honour should put confidence + in what I say, but it is Heaven's truth for all that—Ambrose Wingfield + is as honest a man as lives, but if there is a false knave in the + country, it is his brother Lancie;—the whole country knows him to be a + spy for Clerk Jobson on the poor gentlemen that have been in trouble—But + he's a dissenter, and I suppose that's enough now-a-days." +</p> +<p> + Having thus far given vent to his feelings,—to which, however, I was + little disposed to pay attention,—and having placed the wine on the + table, the old butler left the apartment. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Wardlaw having remained with me until the evening was somewhat + advanced, at length bundled up his papers, and removed himself to his own + habitation, leaving me in that confused state of mind in which we can + hardly say whether we desire company or solitude. I had not, however, the + choice betwixt them; for I was left alone in the room of all others most + calculated to inspire me with melancholy reflections. +</p> +<p> + As twilight was darkening the apartment, Andrew had the sagacity to + advance his head at the door,—not to ask if I wished for lights, but to + recommend them as a measure of precaution against the bogles which still + haunted his imagination. I rejected his proffer somewhat peevishly, + trimmed the wood-fire, and placing myself in one of the large leathern + chairs which flanked the old Gothic chimney, I watched unconsciously the + bickering of the blaze which I had fostered. "And this," said I alone, + "is the progress and the issue of human wishes! Nursed by the merest + trifles, they are first kindled by fancy—nay, are fed upon the vapour of + hope, till they consume the substance which they inflame; and man, and + his hopes, passions, and desires, sink into a worthless heap of embers + and ashes!" +</p> +<p> + There was a deep sigh from the opposite side of the room, which seemed to + reply to my reflections. I started up in amazement—Diana Vernon stood + before me, resting on the arm of a figure so strongly resembling that of + the portrait so often mentioned, that I looked hastily at the frame, + expecting to see it empty. My first idea was, either that I had gone + suddenly distracted, or that the spirits of the dead had arisen and been + placed before me. A second glance convinced me of my being in my senses, + and that the forms which stood before me were real and substantial. It + was Diana herself, though paler and thinner than her former self; and it + was no tenant of the grave who stood beside her, but Vaughan, or rather + Sir Frederick Vernon, in a dress made to imitate that of his ancestor, to + whose picture his countenance possessed a family resemblance. He was the + first that spoke, for Diana kept her eyes fast fixed on the ground, and + astonishment actually riveted my tongue to the roof of my mouth. +</p> +<p> + "We are your suppliants, Mr. Osbaldistone," he said, "and we claim the + refuge and protection of your roof till we can pursue a journey where + dungeons and death gape for me at every step." +</p> +<p> + "Surely," I articulated with great difficulty—"Miss Vernon cannot + suppose—you, sir, cannot believe, that I have forgot your interference + in my difficulties, or that I am capable of betraying any one, much less + you?" +</p> +<p> + "I know it," said Sir Frederick; "yet it is with the most inexpressible + reluctance that I impose on you a confidence, disagreeable + perhaps—certainly dangerous—and which I would have specially wished + to have conferred on some one else. But my fate, which has chased me + through a life of perils and escapes, is now pressing me hard, and I + have no alternative." +</p> +<p> + At this moment the door opened, and the voice of the officious Andrew was + heard—"A'm bringin' in the caunles—Ye can light them gin ye like—Can + do is easy carried about wi' ane." +</p> +<p> + I ran to the door, which, as I hoped, I reached in time to prevent his + observing who were in the apartment, I turned him out with hasty + violence, shut the door after him, and locked it—then instantly + remembering his two companions below, knowing his talkative humour, and + recollecting Syddall's remark, that one of them was supposed to be a spy, + I followed him as fast as I could to the servants' hall, in which they + were assembled. Andrew's tongue was loud as I opened the door, but my + unexpected appearance silenced him. +</p> +<p> + "What is the matter with you, you fool?" said I; "you stare and look + wild, as if you had seen a ghost." +</p> +<p> + "N—n—no—nothing," said Andrew.—"but your worship was pleased to be + hasty." +</p> +<p> + "Because you disturbed me out of a sound sleep, you fool. Syddall tells + me he cannot find beds for these good fellows tonight, and Mr. Wardlaw + thinks there will be no occasion to detain them. Here is a crown-piece + for them to drink my health, and thanks for their good-will. You will + leave the Hall immediately, my good lads." +</p> +<p> + The men thanked me for my bounty, took the silver, and withdrew, + apparently unsuspicious and contented. I watched their departure until I + was sure they could have no further intercourse that night with honest + Andrew. And so instantly had I followed on his heels, that I thought he + could not have had time to speak two words with them before I interrupted + him. But it is wonderful what mischief may be done by only two words. On + this occasion they cost two lives. +</p> +<p> + Having made these arrangements, the best which occurred to me upon the + pressure of the moment, to secure privacy for my guests, I returned to + report my proceedings, and added, that I had desired Syddall to answer + every summons, concluding that it was by his connivance they had been + secreted in the Hall. Diana raised her eyes to thank me for the caution. +</p> +<p> + "You now understand my mystery," she said;—"you know, doubtless, how + near and dear that relative is, who has so often found shelter here; and + will be no longer surprised that Rashleigh, having such a secret at his + command, should rule me with a rod of iron." +</p> +<p> + Her father added, "that it was their intention to trouble me with their + presence as short a time as was possible." +</p> +<p> + I entreated the fugitives to waive every consideration but what affected + their safety, and to rely on my utmost exertions to promote it. This led + to an explanation of the circumstances under which they stood. +</p> +<p> + "I always suspected Rashleigh Osbaldistone," said Sir Frederick; "but his + conduct towards my unprotected child, which with difficulty I wrung from + her, and his treachery in your father's affairs, made me hate and despise + him. In our last interview I concealed not my sentiments, as I should in + prudence have attempted to do; and in resentment of the scorn with which + I treated him, he added treachery and apostasy to his catalogue of + crimes. I at that time fondly hoped that his defection would be of little + consequence. The Earl of Mar had a gallant army in Scotland, and Lord + Derwentwater, with Forster, Kenmure, Winterton, and others, were + assembling forces on the Border. As my connections with these English + nobility and gentry were extensive, it was judged proper that I should + accompany a detachment of Highlanders, who, under Brigadier MacIntosh of + Borlum, crossed the Firth of Forth, traversed the low country of + Scotland, and united themselves on the Borders with the English + insurgents. My daughter accompanied me through the perils and fatigues of + a march so long and difficult." +</p> +<p> + "And she will never leave her dear father!" exclaimed Miss Vernon, + clinging fondly to his arm. +</p> +<p> + "I had hardly joined our English friends, when I became sensible that our + cause was lost. Our numbers diminished instead of increasing, nor were we + joined by any except of our own persuasion. The Tories of the High Church + remained in general undecided, and at length we were cooped up by a + superior force in the little town of Preston. We defended ourselves + resolutely for one day. On the next, the hearts of our leaders failed, + and they resolved to surrender at discretion. To yield myself up on such + terms, were to have laid my head on the block. About twenty or thirty + gentlemen were of my mind: we mounted our horses, and placed my daughter, + who insisted on sharing my fate, in the centre of our little party. My + companions, struck with her courage and filial piety, declared that they + would die rather than leave her behind. We rode in a body down a street + called Fishergate, which leads to a marshy ground or meadow, extending to + the river Ribble, through which one of our party promised to show us a + good ford. This marsh had not been strongly invested by the enemy, so + that we had only an affair with a patrol of Honeywood's dragoons, whom we + dispersed and cut to pieces. We crossed the river, gained the high road + to Liverpool, and then dispersed to seek several places of concealment + and safety. My fortune led me to Wales, where there are many gentlemen of + my religious and political opinions. I could not, however, find a safe + opportunity of escaping by sea, and found myself obliged again to draw + towards the North. A well-tried friend has appointed to meet me in this + neighbourhood, and guide me to a seaport on the Solway, where a sloop is + prepared to carry me from my native country for ever. As Osbaldistone + Hall was for the present uninhabited, and under the charge of old + Syddall, who had been our confidant on former occasions, we drew to it as + to a place of known and secure refuge. I resumed a dress which had been + used with good effect to scare the superstitious rustics, or domestics, + who chanced at any time to see me; and we expected from time to time to + hear by Syddall of the arrival of our friendly guide, when your sudden + coming hither, and occupying this apartment, laid us under the necessity + of submitting to your mercy." +</p> +<p> + Thus ended Sir Fredericks story, whose tale sounded to me like one told + in a vision; and I could hardly bring myself to believe that I saw his + daughter's form once more before me in flesh and blood, though with + diminished beauty and sunk spirits. The buoyant vivacity with which she + had resisted every touch of adversity, had now assumed the air of + composed and submissive, but dauntless resolution and constancy. Her + father, though aware and jealous of the effect of her praises on my mind, + could not forbear expatiating upon them. +</p> +<p> + "She has endured trials," he said, "which might have dignified the + history of a martyr;—she has faced danger and death in various + shapes;—she has undergone toil and privation, from which men of the + strongest frame would have shrunk;—she has spent the day in darkness, + and the night in vigil, and has never breathed a murmur of weakness or + complaint. In a word, Mr. Osbaldistone," he concluded, "she is a worthy + offering to that God, to whom" (crossing himself) "I shall dedicate her, + as all that is left dear or precious to Frederick Vernon." +</p> +<p> + There was a silence after these words, of which I well understood the + mournful import. The father of Diana was still as anxious to destroy my + hopes of being united to her now as he had shown himself during our brief + meeting in Scotland. +</p> +<p> + "We will now," said he to his daughter, "intrude no farther on Mr. + Osbaldistone's time, since we have acquainted him with the circumstances + of the miserable guests who claim his protection." +</p> +<p> + I requested them to stay, and offered myself to leave the apartment. Sir + Frederick observed, that my doing so could not but excite my attendant's + suspicion; and that the place of their retreat was in every respect + commodious, and furnished by Syddall with all they could possibly want. + "We might perhaps have even contrived to remain there, concealed from + your observation; but it would have been unjust to decline the most + absolute reliance on your honour." +</p> +<p> + "You have done me but justice," I replied.—"To you, Sir Frederick, I am + but little known; but Miss Vernon, I am sure, will bear me witness that"— +</p> +<p> + "I do not want my daughter's evidence," he said, politely, but yet with + an air calculated to prevent my addressing myself to Diana, "since I am + prepared to believe all that is worthy of Mr. Francis Osbaldistone. + Permit us now to retire; we must take repose when we can, since we are + absolutely uncertain when we may be called upon to renew our perilous + journey." +</p> +<p> + He drew his daughter's arm within his, and with a profound reverence, + disappeared with her behind the tapestry. +</p> +<a name="2HCH0022"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + CHAPTER TWENTY-SECOND. +</h2> +<pre> + But now the hand of fate is on the curtain, + And gives the scene to light. + Don Sebastian. +</pre> +<p> + I felt stunned and chilled as they retired. Imagination, dwelling on an + absent object of affection, paints her not only in the fairest light, but + in that in which we most desire to behold her. I had thought of Diana as + she was, when her parting tear dropped on my cheek—when her parting + token, received from the wife of MacGregor, augured her wish to convey + into exile and conventual seclusion the remembrance of my affection. I + saw her; and her cold passive manner, expressive of little except + composed melancholy, disappointed, and, in some degree, almost offended + me. +</p> +<p> + In the egotism of my feelings, I accused her of indifference—of + insensibility. I upbraided her father with pride—with cruelty—with + fanaticism,—forgetting that both were sacrificing their interest, and + Diana her inclination, to the discharge of what they regarded as their + duty. +</p> +<p> + Sir Frederick Vernon was a rigid Catholic, who thought the path of + salvation too narrow to be trodden by an heretic; and Diana, to whom her + father's safety had been for many years the principal and moving spring + of thoughts, hopes, and actions, felt that she had discharged her duty in + resigning to his will, not alone her property in the world, but the + dearest affections of her heart. But it was not surprising that I could + not, at such a moment, fully appreciate these honourable motives; yet my + spleen sought no ignoble means of discharging itself. +</p> +<p> + "I am contemned, then," I said, when left to run over the tenor of Sir + Frederick's communications—"I am contemned, and thought unworthy even to + exchange words with her. Be it so; they shall not at least prevent me + from watching over her safety. Here will I remain as an outpost, and, + while under my roof at least, no danger shall threaten her, if it be such + as the arm of one determined man can avert." +</p> +<p> + I summoned Syddall to the library. He came, but came attended by the + eternal Andrew, who, dreaming of great things in consequence of my taking + possession of the Hall and the annexed estates, was resolved to lose + nothing for want of keeping himself in view; and, as often happens to men + who entertain selfish objects, overshot his mark, and rendered his + attentions tedious and inconvenient. +</p> +<p> + His unrequired presence prevented me from speaking freely to Syddall, and + I dared not send him away for fear of increasing such suspicions as he + might entertain from his former abrupt dismissal from the library. "I + shall sleep here, sir," I said, giving them directions to wheel nearer to + the fire an old-fashioned day-bed, or settee. "I have much to do, and + shall go late to bed." +</p> +<p> + Syddall, who seemed to understand my look, offered to procure me the + accommodation of a mattress and some bedding. I accepted his offer, + dismissed my attendant, lighted a pair of candles, and desired that I + might not be disturbed till seven in the ensuing morning. +</p> +<p> + The domestics retired, leaving me to my painful and ill-arranged + reflections, until nature, worn out, should require some repose. +</p> +<p> + I endeavoured forcibly to abstract my mind from the singular + circumstances in which I found myself placed. Feelings which I had + gallantly combated while the exciting object was remote, were now + exasperated by my immediate neighbourhood to her whom I was so soon to + part with for ever. Her name was written in every book which I attempted + to peruse; and her image forced itself on me in whatever train of thought + I strove to engage myself. It was like the officious slave of Prior's + Solomon,— +</p> +<pre> + Abra was ready ere I named her name, + And when I called another, Abra came. +</pre> +<p> + I alternately gave way to these thoughts, and struggled against them, + sometimes yielding to a mood of melting tenderness of sorrow which was + scarce natural to me, sometimes arming myself with the hurt pride of one + who had experienced what he esteemed unmerited rejection. I paced the + library until I had chafed myself into a temporary fever. I then threw + myself on the couch, and endeavoured to dispose myself to sleep;—but it + was in vain that I used every effort to compose myself—that I lay + without movement of finger or of muscle, as still as if I had been + already a corpse—that I endeavoured to divert or banish disquieting + thoughts, by fixing my mind on some act of repetition or arithmetical + process. My blood throbbed, to my feverish apprehension, in pulsations + which resembled the deep and regular strokes of a distant fulling-mill, + and tingled in my veins like streams of liquid fire. +</p> +<p> + At length I arose, opened the window, and stood by it for some time in + the clear moonlight, receiving, in part at least, that refreshment and + dissipation of ideas from the clear and calm scene, without which they + had become beyond the command of my own volition. I resumed my place on + the couch—with a heart, Heaven knows, not lighter but firmer, and more + resolved for endurance. In a short time a slumber crept over my senses; + still, however, though my senses slumbered, my soul was awake to the + painful feelings of my situation, and my dreams were of mental anguish + and external objects of terror. +</p> +<p> + I remember a strange agony, under which I conceived myself and Diana in + the power of MacGregor's wife, and about to be precipitated from a rock + into the lake; the signal was to be the discharge of a cannon, fired by + Sir Frederick Vernon, who, in the dress of a Cardinal, officiated at the + ceremony. Nothing could be more lively than the impression which I + received of this imaginary scene. I could paint, even at this moment, the + mute and courageous submission expressed in Diana's features—the wild + and distorted faces of the executioners, who crowded around us with + "mopping and mowing;" grimaces ever changing, and each more hideous than + that which preceded. I saw the rigid and inflexible fanaticism painted in + the face of the father—I saw him lift the fatal match—the deadly signal + exploded—It was repeated again and again and again, in rival thunders, + by the echoes of the surrounding cliffs, and I awoke from fancied horror + to real apprehension. +</p> +<p> + The sounds in my dream were not ideal. They reverberated on my waking + ears, but it was two or three minutes ere I could collect myself so as + distinctly to understand that they proceeded from a violent knocking at + the gate. I leaped from my couch in great apprehension, took my sword + under my arm, and hastened to forbid the admission of any one. But my + route was necessarily circuitous, because the library looked not upon the + quadrangle, but into the gardens. When I had reached a staircase, the + windows of which opened upon the entrance court, I heard the feeble and + intimidated tones of Syddall expostulating with rough voices, which + demanded admittance, by the warrant of Justice Standish, and in the + King's name, and threatened the old domestic with the heaviest penal + consequences if he refused instant obedience. Ere they had ceased, I + heard, to my unspeakable provocation, the voice of Andrew bidding Syddall + stand aside, and let him open the door. +</p> +<p> + "If they come in King George's name, we have naething to fear—we hae + spent baith bluid and gowd for him—We dinna need to darn ourselves like + some folks, Mr. Syddall—we are neither Papists nor Jacobites, I trow." +</p> +<p> + It was in vain I accelerated my pace down stairs; I heard bolt after bolt + withdrawn by the officious scoundrel, while all the time he was boasting + his own and his master's loyalty to King George; and I could easily + calculate that the party must enter before I could arrive at the door to + replace the bars. Devoting the back of Andrew Fairservice to the cudgel + so soon as I should have time to pay him his deserts, I ran back to the + library, barricaded the door as I best could, and hastened to that by + which Diana and her father entered, and begged for instant admittance. + Diana herself undid the door. She was ready dressed, and betrayed neither + perturbation nor fear. +</p> +<p> + "Danger is so familiar to us," she said, "that we are always prepared to + meet it. My father is already up—he is in Rashleigh's apartment. We will + escape into the garden, and thence by the postern-gate (I have the key + from Syddall in case of need.) into the wood—I know its dingles better + than any one now alive. Keep them a few minutes in play. And, dear, dear + Frank, once more fare-thee-well!" +</p> +<p> + She vanished like a meteor to join her father, and the intruders were + rapping violently, and attempting to force the library door by the time I + had returned into it. +</p> +<p> + "You robber dogs!" I exclaimed, wilfully mistaking the purpose of their + disturbance, "if you do not instantly quit the house I will fire my + blunderbuss through the door." +</p> +<p> + "Fire a fule's bauble!" said Andrew Fairservice; "it's Mr. Clerk Jobson, + with a legal warrant"— +</p> +<p> + "To search for, take, and apprehend," said the voice of that execrable + pettifogger, "the bodies of certain persons in my warrant named, charged + of high treason under the 13th of King William, chapter third." +</p> +<p> + And the violence on the door was renewed. "I am rising, gentlemen," said + I, desirous to gain as much time as possible—"commit no violence—give + me leave to look at your warrant, and, if it is formal and legal, I shall + not oppose it." +</p> +<p> + "God save great George our King!" ejaculated Andrew. "I tauld ye that ye + would find nae Jacobites here." +</p> +<p> + Spinning out the time as much as possible, I was at length compelled to + open the door, which they would otherwise have forced. +</p> +<p> + Mr. Jobson entered, with several assistants, among whom I discovered the + younger Wingfield, to whom, doubtless, he was obliged for his + information, and exhibited his warrant, directed not only against + Frederick Vernon, an attainted traitor, but also against Diana Vernon, + spinster, and Francis Osbaldistone, gentleman, accused of misprision of + treason. It was a case in which resistance would have been madness; I + therefore, after capitulating for a few minutes' delay, surrendered + myself a prisoner. +</p> +<p> + I had next the mortification to see Jobson go straight to the chamber of + Miss Vernon, and I learned that from thence, without hesitation or + difficulty, he went to the room where Sir Frederick had slept. "The hare + has stolen away," said the brute, "but her form is warm—the greyhounds + will have her by the haunches yet." +</p> +<p> + A scream from the garden announced that he prophesied too truly. In the + course of five minutes, Rashleigh entered the library with Sir Frederick + Vernon and his daughter as prisoners. +</p> +<p> + "The fox," he said, "knew his old earth, but he forgot it could be + stopped by a careful huntsman.—I had not forgot the garden-gate, Sir + Frederick—or, if that title suits you better, most noble Lord + Beauchamp." +</p> +<p> + "Rashleigh," said Sir Frederick, "thou art a detestable villain!" +</p> +<p> + "I better deserved the name, Sir Knight, or my Lord, when, under the + direction of an able tutor, I sought to introduce civil war into the + bosom of a peaceful country. But I have done my best," said he, looking + upwards, "to atone for my errors." +</p> +<p> + I could hold no longer. I had designed to watch their proceedings in + silence, but I felt that I must speak or die. "If hell," I said, "has one + complexion more hideous than another, it is where villany is masked by + hypocrisy." +</p> +<p> + "Ha! my gentle cousin," said Rashleigh, holding a candle towards me, and + surveying me from head to foot; "right welcome to Osbaldistone Hall!—I + can forgive your spleen—It is hard to lose an estate and a mistress in + one night; for we shall take possession of this poor manor-house in the + name of the lawful heir, Sir Rashleigh Osbaldistone." +</p> +<p> + While Rashleigh braved it out in this manner, I could see that he put a + strong force upon his feelings, both of anger and shame. But his state of + mind was more obvious when Diana Vernon addressed him. "Rashleigh," she + said, "I pity you—for, deep as the evil is which you have laboured to do + me, and the evil you have actually done, I cannot hate you so much as I + scorn and pity you. What you have now done may be the work of an hour, + but will furnish you with reflection for your life—of what nature I + leave to your own conscience, which will not slumber for ever." +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh strode once or twice through the room, came up to the + side-table, on which wine was still standing, and poured out a large + glass with a trembling hand; but when he saw that we observed his tremor, + he suppressed it by a strong effort, and, looking at us with fixed and + daring composure, carried the bumper to his head without spilling a drop. + "It is my father's old burgundy," he said, looking to Jobson; "I am glad + there is some of it left.—You will get proper persons to take care of + old butler, and that foolish Scotch rascal. Meanwhile we will convey + these persons to a more proper place of custody. I have provided the old + family coach for your convenience," he said, "though I am not ignorant + that even the lady could brave the night-air on foot or on horseback, + were the errand more to her mind." +</p> +<p> + Andrew wrung his hands.—"I only said that my master was surely speaking + to a ghaist in the library—and the villain Lancie to betray an auld + friend, that sang aff the same Psalm-book wi' him every Sabbath for + twenty years!" +</p> +<p> + He was turned out of the house, together with Syddall, without being + allowed to conclude his lamentation. His expulsion, however, led to some + singular consequences. Resolving, according to his own story, to go down + for the night where Mother Simpson would give him a lodging for old + acquaintance' sake, he had just got clear of the avenue, and into the old + wood, as it was called, though it was now used as a pasture-ground rather + than woodland, when he suddenly lighted on a drove of Scotch cattle, + which were lying there to repose themselves after the day's journey. At + this Andrew was in no way surprised, it being the well-known custom of + his countrymen, who take care of those droves, to quarter themselves + after night upon the best unenclosed grass-ground they can find, and + depart before day-break to escape paying for their night's lodgings. But + he was both surprised and startled, when a Highlander, springing up, + accused him of disturbing the cattle, and refused him to pass forward + till he had spoken to his master. The mountaineer conducted Andrew into a + thicket, where he found three or four more of his countrymen. "And," said + Andrew, "I saw sune they were ower mony men for the drove; and from the + questions they put to me, I judged they had other tow on their rock." +</p> +<p> + They questioned him closely about all that had passed at Osbaldistone + Hall, and seemed surprised and concerned at the report he made to them. +</p> +<p> + "And troth," said Andrew, "I tauld them a' I ken'd; for dirks and pistols + were what I could never refuse information to in a' my life." +</p> +<p> + They talked in whispers among themselves, and at length collected their + cattle together, and drove them close up to the entrance of the avenue, + which might be half a mile distant from the house. They proceeded to drag + together some felled trees which lay in the vicinity, so as to make a + temporary barricade across the road, about fifteen yards beyond the + avenue. It was now near daybreak, and there was a pale eastern gleam + mingled with the fading moonlight, so that objects could be discovered + with some distinctness. The lumbering sound of a coach drawn by four + horses, and escorted by six men on horseback, was heard coming up the + avenue. The Highlanders listened attentively. The carriage contained Mr. + Jobson and his unfortunate prisoners. The escort consisted of Rashleigh, + and of several horsemen, peace-officers and their assistants. So soon as + we had passed the gate at the head of the avenue, it was shut behind the + cavalcade by a Highland-man, stationed there for that purpose. At the + same time the carriage was impeded in its farther progress by the cattle, + amongst which we were involved, and by the barricade in front. Two of the + escort dismounted to remove the felled trees, which they might think were + left there by accident or carelessness. The others began with their whips + to drive the cattle from the road. +</p> +<p> + "Who dare abuse our cattle?" said a rough voice.—"Shoot him, Angus!" +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh instantly called out—"A rescue! a rescue!" and, firing a + pistol, wounded the man who spoke. +</p> +<p> + "<i>Claymore!</i>" cried the leader of the Highlanders, and a scuffle + instantly commenced. The officers of the law, surprised at so sudden an + attack, and not usually possessing the most desperate bravery, made but + an imperfect defence, considering the superiority of their numbers. Some + attempted to ride back to the Hall, but on a pistol being fired from + behind the gate, they conceived themselves surrounded, and at length + galloped of in different directions. Rashleigh, meanwhile, had + dismounted, and on foot had maintained a desperate and single-handed + conflict with the leader of the band. The window of the carriage, on my + side, permitted me to witness it. At length Rashleigh dropped. +</p> +<p> + "Will you ask forgiveness for the sake of God, King James, and auld + friendship?" said a voice which I knew right well. +</p> +<p> + "No, never!" said Rashleigh, firmly. +</p> +<p> + "Then, traitor, die in your treason!" retorted MacGregor, and plunged his + sword in his prostrate antagonist. +</p> +<p> + In the next moment he was at the carriage door—handed out Miss Vernon, + assisted her father and me to alight, and dragging out the attorney, head + foremost, threw him under the wheel. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Osbaldistone," he said, in a whisper, "you have nothing to + fear—I must look after those who have—Your friends will soon be in + safety—Farewell, and forget not the MacGregor." +</p> +<p> + He whistled—his band gathered round him, and, hurrying Diana and her + father along with him, they were almost instantly lost in the glades of + the forest. The coachman and postilion had abandoned their horses, and + fled at the first discharge of firearms; but the animals, stopped by the + barricade, remained perfectly still; and well for Jobson that they did + so, for the slightest motion would have dragged the wheel over his body. + My first object was to relieve him, for such was the rascal's terror that + he never could have risen by his own exertions. I next commanded him to + observe, that I had neither taken part in the rescue, nor availed myself + of it to make my escape, and enjoined him to go down to the Hall, and + call some of his party, who had been left there, to assist the wounded.— + But Jobson's fears had so mastered and controlled every faculty of his + mind, that he was totally incapable of moving. I now resolved to go + myself, but in my way I stumbled over the body of a man, as I thought, + dead or dying. It was, however, Andrew Fairservice, as well and whole as + ever he was in his life, who had only taken this recumbent posture to + avoid the slashes, stabs, and pistol-balls, which for a moment or two + were flying in various directions. I was so glad to find him, that I did + not inquire how he came thither, but instantly commanded his assistance. +</p> +<p> + Rashleigh was our first object. He groaned when I approached him, as much + through spite as through pain, and shut his eyes, as if determined, like + Iago, to speak no word more. We lifted him into the carriage, and + performed the same good office to another wounded man of his party, who + had been left on the field. I then with difficulty made Jobson understand + that he must enter the coach also, and support Sir Rashleigh upon the + seat. He obeyed, but with an air as if he but half comprehended my + meaning. Andrew and I turned the horses' heads round, and opening the + gate of the avenue, led them slowly back to Osbaldistone Hall. +</p> +<p> + Some fugitives had already reached the Hall by circuitous routes, and + alarmed its garrison by the news that Sir Rashleigh, Clerk Jobson, and + all their escort, save they who escaped to tell the tale, had been cut to + pieces at the head of the avenue by a whole regiment of wild Highlanders. + When we reached the mansion, therefore, we heard such a buzz as arises + when bees are alarmed, and mustering in their hives. Mr. Jobson, however, + who had now in some measure come to his senses, found voice enough to + make himself known. He was the more anxious to be released from the + carriage, as one of his companions (the peace-officer) had, to his + inexpressible terror, expired by his side with a hideous groan. +</p> +<p> + Sir Rashleigh Osbaldistone was still alive, but so dreadfully wounded + that the bottom of the coach was filled with his blood, and long traces + of it left from the entrance-door into the stone-hall, where he was + placed in a chair, some attempting to stop the bleeding with cloths, + while others called for a surgeon, and no one seemed willing to go to + fetch one. "Torment me not," said the wounded man—"I know no assistance + can avail me—I am a dying man." He raised himself in his chair, though + the damps and chill of death were already on his brow, and spoke with a + firmness which seemed beyond his strength. "Cousin Francis," he said, + "draw near to me." I approached him as he requested.—"I wish you only to + know that the pangs of death do not alter I one iota of my feelings + towards you. I hate you!" he said, the expression of rage throwing a + hideous glare into the eyes which were soon to be closed for ever—"I + hate you with a hatred as intense, now while I lie bleeding and dying + before you, as if my foot trode on your neck." +</p> +<p> + "I have given you no cause, sir," I replied,—"and for your own sake I + could wish your mind in a better temper." +</p> +<p> + "You <i>have</i> given me cause," he rejoined. "In love, in ambition, in the + paths of interest, you have crossed and blighted me at every turn. I was + born to be the honour of my father's house—I have been its disgrace—and + all owing to you. My very patrimony has become yours—Take it," he said, + "and may the curse of a dying man cleave to it!" +</p> +<a name="image-0010"><!--IMG--></a> +<center> +<img src="images/pb338.jpg" height="819" width="537" +alt="The Death of Rashleigh +"> +</center> +<!--IMAGE END--> +<p> + In a moment after he had uttered this frightful wish, he fell back in the + chair; his eyes became glazed, his limbs stiffened, but the grin and + glare of mortal hatred survived even the last gasp of life. I will dwell + no longer on so painful a picture, nor say any more of the death of + Rashleigh, than that it gave me access to my rights of inheritance + without farther challenge, and that Jobson found himself compelled to + allow, that the ridiculous charge of misprision of high treason was got + up on an affidavit which he made with the sole purpose of favouring + Rashleigh's views, and removing me from Osbaldistone Hall. The rascal's + name was struck off the list of attorneys, and he was reduced to poverty + and contempt. +</p> +<p> + I returned to London when I had put my affairs in order at Osbaldistone + Hall, and felt happy to escape from a place which suggested so many + painful recollections. My anxiety was now acute to learn the fate of + Diana and her father. A French gentleman who came to London on commercial + business, was intrusted with a letter to me from Miss Vernon, which put + my mind at rest respecting their safety. +</p> +<p> + It gave me to understand that the opportune appearance of MacGregor and + his party was not fortuitous. The Scottish nobles and gentry engaged in + the insurrection, as well as those of England, were particularly anxious + to further the escape of Sir Frederick Vernon, who, as an old and trusted + agent of the house of Stuart, was possessed of matter enough to have + ruined half Scotland. Rob Roy, of whose sagacity and courage they had + known so many proofs, was the person whom they pitched upon to assist his + escape, and the place of meeting was fixed at Osbaldistone Hall. You have + already heard how nearly the plan had been disconcerted by the unhappy + Rashleigh. It succeeded, however, perfectly; for when once Sir Frederick + and his daughter were again at large, they found horses prepared for + them, and, by MacGregor's knowledge of the country—for every part of + Scotland, and of the north of England, was familiar to him—were + conducted to the western sea-coast, and safely embarked for France. The + same gentleman told me that Sir Frederick was not expected to survive for + many months a lingering disease, the consequence of late hardships and + privations. His daughter was placed in a convent, and although it was her + father's wish she should take the veil, he was understood to refer the + matter entirely to her own inclinations. +</p> +<p> + When these news reached me, I frankly told the state of my affections to + my father, who was not a little startled at the idea of my marrying a + Roman Catholic. But he was very desirous to see me "settled in life," as + he called it; and he was sensible that, in joining him with heart and + hand in his commercial labours, I had sacrificed my own inclinations. + After a brief hesitation, and several questions asked and answered to his + satisfaction, he broke out with—"I little thought a son of mine should + have been Lord of Osbaldistone Manor, and far less that he should go to a + French convent for a spouse. But so dutiful a daughter cannot but prove a + good wife. You have worked at the desk to please me, Frank; it is but + fair you should wive to please yourself." +</p> +<p> + How I sped in my wooing, Will Tresham, I need not tell you. You know, + too, how long and happily I lived with Diana. You know how I lamented + her; but you do not—cannot know, how much she deserved her husband's + sorrow. +</p> +<p> + I have no more of romantic adventure to tell, nor, indeed, anything to + communicate farther, since the latter incidents of my life are so well + known to one who has shared, with the most friendly sympathy, the joys, + as well as the sorrows, by which its scenes have been chequered. I often + visited Scotland, but never again saw the bold Highlander who had such an + influence on the early events of my life. I learned, however, from time + to time, that he continued to maintain his ground among the mountains of + Loch Lomond, in despite of his powerful enemies, and that he even + obtained, to a certain degree, the connivance of Government to his + self-elected office of protector of the Lennox, in virtue of which he + levied black-mail with as much regularity as the proprietors did their + ordinary rents. It seemed impossible that his life should have concluded + without a violent end. Nevertheless he died in old age and by a peaceful + death, some time about the year 1733, and is still remembered in his + country as the Robin Hood of Scotland—the dread of the wealthy, but the + friend of the poor—and possessed of many qualities, both of head and + heart, which would have graced a less equivocal profession than that to + which his fate condemned him. +</p> +<p> + Old Andrew Fairservice used to say, that "There were many things ower bad + for blessing, and ower gude for banning, like Rob Roy." +</p> +<p> + <i>Here the original manuscript ends somewhat abruptly. I have reason to + think that what followed related to private a affairs.</i> +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0025"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + POSTSCRIPT. +</h2> +<p> + The second article of the Appendix to the Introduction to Rob Roy + contains two curious letters respecting the arrest of Mr. Grahame of + Killearn by that daring freebooter, while levying the Duke of Montrose's + rents. These were taken from scroll copies in the possession of his Grace + the present Duke, who kindly permitted the use of them in the present + publication.—The Novel had but just passed through the press, when the + Right Honourable Mr. Peel—whose important state avocations do not avert + his attention from the interests of literature—transmitted to the author + copies of the original letters and enclosure, of which he possessed only + the rough draught. The originals were discovered in the State Paper + Office, by the indefatigable researches of Mr. Lemon, who is daily + throwing more light on that valuable collection of records. From the + documents with which the Author has been thus kindly favoured, he is + enabled to fill up the addresses which were wanting in the scrolls. That + of the 21st Nov. 1716 is addressed to Lord Viscount Townshend, and is + accompanied by one of the same date to Robert Pringle, Esquire, + Under-Secretary of State, which is here inserted as relative to so + curious an incident:— +</p> +<p> + <i>Letter from the Duke of Montrose, to Robert Pringle, Esq., + Under-Secretary to Lord Viscount Townshend.</i> +</p> +<p> + "Sr,<i>Glasgow,</i> 21 <i>Nov.</i> 1716. +</p> +<p> + "Haveing had so many dispatches to make this night, I hope ye'l excuse me + that I make use of another hand to give yow a short account of the + occasion of this express, by which I have written to my Ld. Duke of + Roxburgh, and my Lord Townshend, which I hope ye'l gett carefully + deleivered. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Graham, younger of Killearn, being on Munday last in Menteith att a + country house, collecting my rents, was about nine o'clock that same + night surprised by Rob Roy with a party of his men in arms, who haveing + surrounded the house and secured the avenues, presented their guns in at + the windows, while he himself entered the room with some others with cokt + pistolls, and seased Killearn with all his money, books, papers, and + bonds, and carryed all away with him to the hills, at the same time + ordering Killearn to write a letter to me (of which ye have the copy + inclosed), proposeing a very honourable treaty to me. I must say this + story was as surprising to me as it was insolent; and it must bring a + very great concern upon me, that this gentleman, my near relation, should + be brought to suffer all the barbaritys and crueltys, which revenge and + mallice may suggest to these miscreants, for his haveing acted a + faithfull part in the service of the Government, and his affection to me + in my concerns. +</p> +<p> + "I need not be more particular to you, since I know that my Letter to my + Lord Townshend will come into your hands, so shall only now give you the + assurances of my being, with great sincerity, +</p> +<p> + "Sr, yr most humble servant, + (Signed) + "Montrose." +</p> +<p> + "I long exceedingly for a return of my former dispatches to the + Secretary's about Methven and Colll Urquhart, and my wife's cousins, + Balnamoon and Phinaven. +</p> +<p> + "I must beg yow'll give my humble service to Mr. Secretary Methven, and + tell him that I must refer him to what I have written to My Lord + Townshend in this affair of Rob Roy, believing it was needless to trouble + both with letters." +</p> +<p> + Examined, + Robt. Lemon, + <i>Deputy Keeper of State Papers.</i> +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0026"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + STATE PAPER OFFICE, +</h2> +<p> + <i>Nov.</i> 4, 1829 +</p> +<p> + Note.—The enclosure referred to in the preceding letter is another copy + of the letter which Mr. Grahame of Killearn was compelled by Rob Roy to + write to the Duke of Montrose, and is exactly the same as the one + enclosed in his Grace's letter to Lord Townshend, dated November 21st, + 1716. + R. L. +</p> +<p> + The last letter in the Appendix No. II. (28th November), acquainting the + Government with Killearn's being set at liberty, is also addressed to the + Under-Secretary of State, Mr. Pringle. +</p> +<p> + The Author may also here remark, that immediately previous to the + insurrection of 1715, he perceives, from some notes of information given + to Government, that Rob Roy appears to have been much employed and + trusted by the Jacobite party, even in the very delicate task of + transporting specie to the Earl of Breadalbane, though it might have + somewhat resembled trusting Don Raphael and Ambrose de Lamela with the + church treasure. +</p> +<a name="2H_NOTE"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + NOTES TO ROB ROY. +</h2> +<a name="2H_4_0028"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note A.—The Grey Stone of MacGregor. +</h2> +<p> + I have been informed that, at no very remote period, it was proposed to + take this large stone, which marks the grave of Dugald Ciar Mhor, and + convert it to the purpose of the lintel of a window, the threshold of a + door, or some such mean use. A man of the clan MacGregor, who was + somewhat deranged, took fire at this insult; and when the workmen came to + remove the stone, planted himself upon it, with a broad axe in his hand, + swearing he would dash out the brains of any one who should disturb the + monument. Athletic in person, and insane enough to be totally regardless + of consequences, it was thought best to give way to his humour; and the + poor madman kept sentinel on the stone day and night, till the proposal + of removing it was entirely dropped. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0029"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note B.—Dugald Ciar Mhor. +</h2> +<p> + The above is the account which I find in a manuscript history of the clan + MacGregor, of which I was indulged with a perusal by Donald MacGregor, + Esq., late Major of the 33d regiment, where great pains have been taken + to collect traditions and written documents concerning the family. But an + ancient and constant tradition, preserved among the inhabitants of the + country, and particularly those of the clan MacFarlane, relieves Dugald + Ciar Mhor of the guilt of murdering the youths, and lays the blame on a + certain Donald or Duncan Lean, who performed the act of cruelty, with the + assistance of a gillie who attended him, named Charlioch, or Charlie. + They say that the homicides dared not again join their clan, but that + they resided in a wild and solitary state as outlaws, in an unfrequented + part of the MacFarlanes' territory. Here they lived for some time + undisturbed, till they committed an act of brutal violence on two + defenceless women, a mother and daughter of the MacFarlane clan. In + revenge of this atrocity, the MacFarlanes hunted them down, and shot + them. It is said that the younger ruffian, Charlioch, might have escaped, + being remarkably swift of foot. But his crime became his punishment, for + the female whom he had outraged had defended herself desperately, and had + stabbed him with his own dirk in the thigh. He was lame from the wound, + and was the more easily overtaken and killed. +</p> +<p> + I always inclined to think this last the true edition of the story, and + that the guilt was transferred to Dugald Ciar Mhor, as a man of higher + name, but I have learned that Dugald was in truth dead several years + before the battle—my authority being his representative, Mr. Gregorson + of Ardtornish. [See also note to introduction, "Legend of Montrose," vol. + vi.] +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0030"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note C.—The Loch Lomond Expedition. +</h2> +<p> + The Loch Lomond expedition was judged worthy to form a separate pamphlet, + which I have not seen; but, as quoted by the historian Rae, it must be + delectable. +</p> +<p> + "On the morrow, being Thursday the 13th, they went on their expedition, + and about noon came to Inversnaid, the place of danger, where the Paisley + men and those of Dumbarton, and several of the other companies, to the + number of an hundred men, with the greatest intrepidity leapt on shore, + got up to the top of the mountains, and stood a considerable time, + beating their drums all the while; but no enemy appearing, they went in + quest of their boats, which the rebels had seized, and having casually + lighted on some ropes and oars hid among the shrubs, at length they found + the boats drawn up a good way on the land, which they hurled down to the + loch. Such of them as were not damaged they carried off with them, and + such as were, they sank and hewed to pieces. That same night they + returned to Luss, and thence next day to Dumbarton, from whence they had + at first set out, bringing along with them the whole boats they found in + their way on either side of the loch, and in the creeks of the isles, and + mooring them under the cannon of the castle. During this expedition, the + pinnaces discharging their patararoes, and the men their small-arms, made + such a thundering noise, through the multiplied rebounding echoes of the + vast mountains on both sides of the loch, that the MacGregors were cowed + and frighted away to the rest of the rebels who were encamped at Strath + Fillan."—<i>Rae's History of the Rebellion,</i> 4to, p. 287. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0031"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note D.—Author's Expedition against the MacLarens. +</h2> +<p> + The Author is uncertain whether it is worth while to mention, that he had + a personal opportunity of observing, even in his own time, that the + king's writ did not pass quite current in the Brass of Balquhidder. There + were very considerable debts due by Stewart of Appin (chiefly to the + author's family), which were likely to be lost to the creditors, if they + could not be made available out of this same farm of Invernenty, the + scene of the murder done upon MacLaren. +</p> +<p> + His family, consisting of several strapping deer-stalkers, still + possessed the farm, by virtue of a long lease, for a trifling rent. There + was no chance of any one buying it with such an encumbrance, and a + transaction was entered into by the MacLarens, who, being desirous to + emigrate to America, agreed to sell their lease to the creditors for + L500, and to remove at the next term of Whitsunday. But whether they + repented their bargain, or desired to make a better, or whether from a + mere point of honour, the MacLarens declared they would not permit a + summons of removal to be executed against them, which was necessary for + the legal completion of the bargain. And such was the general impression + that they were men capable of resisting the legal execution of warning by + very effectual means, no king's messenger would execute the summons + without the support of a military force. An escort of a sergeant and six + men was obtained from a Highland regiment lying in Stirling; and the + Author, then a writer's apprentice, equivalent to the honourable + situation of an attorney's clerk, was invested with the superintendence + of the expedition, with directions to see that the messenger discharged + his duty fully, and that the gallant sergeant did not exceed his part by + committing violence or plunder. And thus it happened, oddly enough, that + the Author first entered the romantic scenery of Loch Katrine, of which + he may perhaps say he has somewhat extended the reputation, riding in all + the dignity of danger, with a front and rear guard, and loaded arms. The + sergeant was absolutely a Highland Sergeant Kite, full of stories of Rob + Roy and of himself, and a very good companion. We experienced no + interruption whatever, and when we came to Invernenty, found the house + deserted. We took up our quarters for the night, and used some of the + victuals which we found there. On the morning we returned as unmolested + as we came. +</p> +<p> + The MacLarens, who probably never thought of any serious opposition, + received their money and went to America, where, having had some slight + share in removing them from their <i>paupera regna,</i> I sincerely hope they + prospered. +</p> +<p> + The rent of Invernenty instantly rose from L10 to L70 or L80; and when + sold, the farm was purchased (I think by the late Laird of MacNab) at a + price higher in proportion than what even the modern rent authorised the + parties interested to hope for. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0032"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note E.—Allan Breck Stewart. +</h2> +<p> + Allan Breck Stewart was a man likely in such a matter to keep his word. + James Drummond MacGregor and he, like Katherine and Petruchio, were well + matched "for a couple of quiet ones." Allan Breck lived till the + beginning of the French Revolution. About 1789, a friend of mine, then + residing at Paris, was invited to see some procession which was supposed + likely to interest him, from the windows of an apartment occupied by a + Scottish Benedictine priest. He found, sitting by the fire, a tall, thin, + raw-boned, grim-looking, old man, with the petit croix of St. Louis. His + visage was strongly marked by the irregular projections of the + cheek-bones and chin. His eyes were grey. His grizzled hair exhibited + marks of having been red, and his complexion was weather-beaten, and + remarkably freckled. Some civilities in French passed between the old man + and my friend, in the course of which they talked of the streets and + squares of Paris, till at length the old soldier, for such he seemed, and + such he was, said with a sigh, in a sharp Highland accent, "Deil ane o' + them a' is worth the Hie Street of Edinburgh!" On inquiry, this admirer + of Auld Reekie, which he was never to see again, proved to be Allan Breck + Stewart. He lived decently on his little pension, and had, in no + subsequent period of his life, shown anything of the savage mood in which + he is generally believed to have assassinated the enemy and oppressor, as + he supposed him, of his family and clan. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0033"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note F.—The Abbess of Wilton. +</h2> +<p> + The nunnery of Wilton was granted to the Earl of Pembroke upon its + dissolution, by the magisterial authority of Henry VIII., or his son + Edward VI. On the accession of Queen Mary, of Catholic memory, the Earl + found it necessary to reinstate the Abbess and her fair recluses, which + he did with many expressions of his remorse, kneeling humbly to the + vestals, and inducting them into the convent and possessions from which + he had expelled them. With the accession of Elizabeth, the accommodating + Earl again resumed his Protestant faith, and a second time drove the nuns + from their sanctuary. The remonstrances of the Abbess, who reminded him + of his penitent expressions on the former occasion, could wring from him + no other answer than that in the text—"Go spin, you jade!—Go spin!" +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0034"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note G.—Mons Meg. +</h2> +<p> + Mons Meg was a large old-fashioned piece of ordnance, a great favourite + with the Scottish common people; she was fabricated at Mons, in Flanders, + in the reign of James IV. or V. of Scotland. This gun figures frequently + in the public accounts of the time, where we find charges for grease, to + grease Meg's mouth withal (to increase, as every schoolboy knows, the + loudness of the report), ribands to deck her carriage, and pipes to play + before her when she was brought from the Castle to accompany the Scottish + army on any distant expedition. After the Union, there was much popular + apprehension that the Regalia of Scotland, and the subordinate Palladium, + Mons Meg, would be carried to England to complete the odious surrender of + national independence. The Regalia, sequestered from the sight of the + public, were generally supposed to have been abstracted in this manner. + As for Mons Meg, she remained in the Castle of Edinburgh, till, by order + of the Board of Ordnance, she was actually removed to Woolwich about + 1757. The Regalia, by his Majesty's special command, have been brought + forth from their place of concealment in 1818, and exposed to the view of + the people, by whom they must be looked upon with deep associations; and, + in this very winter of 1828-9, Mons Meg has been restored to the country, + where that, which in every other place or situation was a mere mass of + rusty iron, becomes once more a curious monument of antiquity. +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0035"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note H.—-Fairy Superstition. +</h2> +<p> + The lakes and precipices amidst which the Avon-Dhu, or River Forth, has + its birth, are still, according to popular tradition, haunted by the + Elfin people, the most peculiar, but most pleasing, of the creations of + Celtic superstitions. The opinions entertained about these beings are + much the same with those of the Irish, so exquisitely well narrated by + Mr. Crofton Croker. An eminently beautiful little conical hill, near the + eastern extremity of the valley of Aberfoil, is supposed to be one of + their peculiar haunts, and is the scene which awakens, in Andrew + Fairservice, the terror of their power. It is remarkable, that two + successive clergymen of this parish of Aberfoil have employed themselves + in writing about this fairy superstition. The eldest of these was Robert + Kirke, a man of some talents, who translated the Psalms into Gaelic + verse. He had formerly been minister at the neighbouring parish of + Balquhidder, and died at Aberfoil in 1688, at the early age of forty-two. +</p> +<p> + He was author of the Secret Commonwealth, which was printed after his + death in 1691—(an edition which I have never seen)—and was reprinted in + Edinburgh, 1815. This is a work concerning the fairy people, in whose + existence Mr. Kirke appears to have been a devout believer. He describes + them with the usual powers and qualities ascribed to such beings in + Highland tradition. +</p> +<p> + But what is sufficiently singular, the Rev. Robert Kirke, author of the + said treatise, is believed himself to have been taken away by the + fairies,—in revenge, perhaps, for having let in too much light upon the + secrets of their commonwealth. We learn this catastrophe from the + information of his successor, the late amiable and learned Dr. Patrick + Grahame, also minister at Aberfoil, who, in his Sketches of Perthshire, + has not forgotten to touch upon the <i>Daoine Schie,</i> or men of peace. +</p> +<p> + The Rev. Robert Kirke was, it seems, walking upon a little eminence to + the west of the present manse, which is still held a <i>Dun Shie,</i> or fairy + mound, when he sunk down, in what seemed to mortals a fit, and was + supposed to be dead. This, however, was not his real fate. +</p> +<p> + "Mr. Kirke was the near relation of Graham of Duchray, the ancestor of + the present General Graham Stirling. Shortly after his funeral, he + appeared, in the dress in which he had sunk down, to a medical relation + of his own, and of Duchray. 'Go,' said he to him, 'to my cousin Duchray, + and tell him that I am not dead. I fell down in a swoon, and was carried + into Fairyland, where I now am. Tell him, that when he and my friends are + assembled at the baptism of my child (for he had left his wife pregnant), + I will appear in the room, and that if he throws the knife which he holds + in his hand over my head, I will be released and restored to human + society.' The man, it seems, neglected, for some time, to deliver the + message. Mr. Kirke appeared to him a second time, threatening to haunt + him night and day till he executed his commission, which at length he + did. The time of the baptism arrived. They were seated at table; the + figure of Mr. Kirke entered, but the Laird of Duchray, by some + unaccountable fatality, neglected to perform the prescribed ceremony. Mr. + Kirke retired by another door, and was seen no wore. It is firmly + believed that he is, at this day, in Fairyland."—(<i>Sketches of + Perthshire,</i> p. 254.) +</p> +<p> + [The treatise by Robert Kirke, here mentioned, was written in the year + 1691, but not printed till 1815.] +</p> +<a name="2H_4_0036"><!-- H2 anchor --></a> + +<div style="height: 4em;"><br><br><br><br></div> + +<h2> + Note I.—Clachan of Aberfoil. +</h2> +<p> + I do not know how this might stand in Mr. Osbaldistone's day, but I can + assure the reader, whose curiosity may lead him to visit the scenes of + these romantic adventures, that the Clachan of Aberfoil now affords a + very comfortable little inn. If he chances to be a Scottish antiquary, it + will be an additional recommendation to him, that he will find himself in + the vicinity of the Rev. Dr. Patrick Grahame, minister of the gospel at + Aberfoil, whose urbanity in communicating information on the subject of + national antiquities, is scarce exceeded even by the stores of legendary + lore which he has accumulated.—<i>Original Note.</i> The respectable + clergyman alluded to has been dead for some years. [See note H.] +</p> + + +<br><br> + + + +<center> +<table summary="" cellPadding=4 border=3> +<tr><td> + <a href="p1.htm">Previous Volume</a> +</td><td> + <a href="7025-h.htm">Main Index</a> + </td></tr> +</table> +</center> +<br><br> + +</body> +</html> + + |
