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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> + + |