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■n,C00^^lc' 


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ROMANCE  OF  WAR: 


THE   HIGHLANDERS   IN   SPAIN. 


JAMES    GRANT,    ESQ., 


"  In  the  gub  or  old  ObdI,  wltli  tbeHieolcM  Rome, 
Ram  the  heUh-cnTeicd  niaaatidiu  of  Scotia  «e  com 
Onr  lond-HmuUHKpIpe  biEstlies  the  tne  mirtjil  iti 
And  om  hcute  idu  the  old  Scottigh  TalDur  nlaln." 

Lt..aiN. 


FIEST    SERIES. 


LONDON: 
GEORGE  EOUTLEDGE  &  CO.,  SOHO  SQUARE. 


.-n,C00^^lc 


-n,  Google 


NoTwrTBBTANDiNO  10  maDT  able  tniiiCary  narratirfs  baTS  of  late  . 
yean  iuned  from  the  pren  relative  to  tbe  gloriotiB  operation!  of  the 
BritJih  Army,  for  reacniQK  Portugal  and  Spain  from  the  gnip  of  tbe 
iuTader,  tbe  Author  betierea  that  the  present  work  ii  the  first  wbicb 
baa  been  almost  eiclariTelT  dedicated  to  the  Adientnrei  of  a  Highland 
BeEinent,  during  tbe  laat  War ;  and  be  flatlera  himaelf  that  it  vilinot 
be  foand  deficieiit  in  norelty  and  ioterest.  He  aclcnowledgn  that> 
BCGording  to  precedent,  scenea  aod  incidenta  bare  been  introduced  into 
it  which  are  pnrely  imaginaTy,  and  whether  be  onght  to  apologixe  for 
these,  or  to  malic  a  merit  of  them,  he  mast  leaTS  hia  readera  to  decide. 
according  to  their  indiTidnal  Castes  and  preditectiona. 

It  will  need  no  great  sagacity  to  discrimioate  between  this  portioQ 
and  tbe  veritable  historical  and  military  details,  tbe  result  of  the  ejpe- 
rience  of  one*  who  had  the  honour  of  serving  in  that  gallant  corps  to 
which  these  TOlomea  more  eBpecially  relate,  during  the  whole  of  its 
brilliant  course  of  serrice  in  tbe  PeDininls,  and  who  participated  in  all 
the  proud  feelings  which  arose  when  contemplating  tbe  triamphunt 
career  of  an  army,  whose  deeds  aad  victories  are  unsurpassed  in  tbe 
annals  of  war. 

Moat  of  the  military  operations,  and  many  of  the  charactera,  will  be 
Amiliar  to  the  snivivars  of  the  second  division,  and  brother-officers 
wiU  recognise  many  old  assodates  in  tbe  convivialities  of  the  mess- 
table,  and  in  the  perils  of  the  battle-field.  The  names  of  others  belong 
to  tiiBtor;,  and  with  them  tbe  political  or  military  reader  will  be  already 


Few — few  indeed  of  the  old  corps  are  now  alive  ;  yet  these  aQ  re- 
member, with  equal  pride  and  sorrow, 

"  How,  apm  blmd;  Quatre  Biu, 
BraveCAMaaoH  heud  the  wild  hum 
Of  conqout  u  h«  filh  " 
and)  lest  any  raader  may  suppose  that  in  these  volumes  the  national 
endiD«iaim  of  the  Highlanders  baa  be«n  over-drawn,  I  shall  stale  one 
striking  inddtnt  which  occurred  at  Waterloo. 

Rtition  of  tb*  aniboi. 


v;/5c 


On  the  idTance  of  a  heavy  colnmn  of  French  inranby  to  attack  La 
Hnye  SamC«,  a  number  oE  the  Highlanders  eang  the  stirring  Tcrees  of 
"Brnce'i  Address  to  his  Army,"  which,  at  such  a  time,  hads  most 
powerfal  effect  on  their  comrades ;  and  long  may  such  senttoients  ani- 
mate their  represeatatiTes.  as  they  are  the  best  inceDtives  to  heroism 
and  to  honest  emulation  I 

It  is  impossible  for  a  vriter  to  spealc  of  his  own  prodnction,  without 
eipoaing  himself  to  imputations  of  either  egotism  or  affected  modesty  ; 
the  Author  therefore  will  meroly  add,  that  he  trusts  that  most  readers 
may  disoorer  soDtBtlng  toattnctin  UMMVotnmea,  which  depict  from 
th«  life  Hie  stnriiig  erents  and  all  the  roasHMe  of  mifare,  with  the 
Tarions  li^ts  and  shades  of  mihtary  serrlcs,  the  principal  chanoteri 
heiog  nembers  of  one  of  t^ose  faraTo  ncisKnta,  wfaidi,  froai  Uteit 
Mriking  gai^  noUoiul  iBellngs,  romantic  seutimeula,  uul  eiprit  A 
rorTH,  are  waeotialty  difinaC  fr«m  tlie  fenniHty  of  our  troopi  of 
tbelin*. 


.-n,C00^^lc 


THE    ROMANCE    OF   "WAR. 


CHAPTEE    I. 


ilarraim,  cuto  tI. 

In  the  Highlands  of  Pertluhire  ■  deadlf  fead  had  eiUled,  Ironi 
time  immeiDorial,  betweea  the  Lislei  of  InchaTOn  aod  Ihe  Stnarti  of 
Lochiila-  In  ths  days  when  the  arm  of  the  law  wu  tniak,  the 
proprietors  had  often  beaded  their  kiaimea  and  followen  in  en- 
coonters  with  the  award,  and  foe  the  hut  time  dnnng  the  memorable 
ciii]  war  of  1745-6.  But  between  the  heads  of  the  tunilies,  toward* 
the  Utter  end  of  the  last  century  (the  period  when  OOT  tale  commences), 
although  the  era  of  feodal  ideas  and  outrage*  bad  paated  awar,  the 
qurit  of  transmitted  hatred,  proud  rivalry,  and  reyenge, lurked  bi^iod, 
juid  a  feeliog  of  loost  cordial  enmitj'  existed  between  Stuart  and  Lisle, 
who  were  eier  engaged  in  lexatiaus  Uwsaits  an  the  most  ftiyoloni 
pretences,  and  canstintly  endeavouring  to  cross  each  other's  iatereita 
■nd  intentions — quorrelling  at  public  meetinEs — Toting  on  opposilo 
■idea — prosecating  for  treapaases— and  opposing  each  other  Bierywhere, 
"  as  if  the  world  was  not  wide  enough  for  them  both ;"  and  On  one 
occasion  a  duel  would  hare  ensued  but  for  Ihe  timely  interference  of 
the  sheriff. 

Sir  Allan  Lisle  of  Incharon,  a  man  of  a  quiet  and  moat  beneTolent 


jealousy  i 


jealousy  of  his  neighboor  Stuart,  a  proud  and  irritable  Highlander,  who 
wonld  nerer  stoop  to  reconciliation  with  a  hmily  whom  his  father  (a 
grim  duiiiJie'teataal  of  the  old  school)  had  ever  declared  to  him  were 
the  hereditary  foes  of  his  race.  The  reader  may  consider  it  lingular 
that  sncb  andquated  prejndices  should  eiist  so  lately  as  the  end  of  the 
last  century  ;  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  march  of  intellect 
haa  not  made  soch  strides  in  the  north  conntrr  as  it  has  done  in  the 
Lowlands,  and  many  of  the  inhabitants  of  Perthshire  will  recognise  a 
dianctei  well  known  to  them,  under  the  name  of  Mr.  Stuart. 


It  must  alio  be  remembered,  Uiat  he  was  the  son  of  s  man  who  had 
beheld  the  atanddrd  of  tbe  StnarCg  unfuiled  in  Glenfinan,  and  bad 
eiercised  despotic  power  over  his  own  vaasals  wben  the  feudsl  eyatem 
existed  in  its  full  force,  before  ths  act  of  the  British  Parliament 
abolished  the  fendal  jarisdictions  throaghout  Scotland,  and  absolved 
tbe  uiiwilUnE  Highlanden  from  allegiance  to  their  chiefs. 

Sir  Allan  Lisle  (who  was  M.P.  for  a  neighbourinB  county)  was  in 
«Tery  respect  a  man  of  snperior  attainments  to  Sloart,— being  a  scholar, 
the  master  of  many  modera  accompli shmeOla.  end  hariog  made  the 
grand  toar.  To  save  himself  further  annojadce,  he  would  gladly  have 
eitended  the  right  hand  of  feliawship  to  his  stubborn  neighbour,  but 
pride  forbade  him  to  make  the  first  advances. 

The  residence  of  this  intractable  Gael  was  a  square  tower,  overerown 
with  masses  of  iry,  and  bearing  outwardly,  and  almost  inwardly,  the 
same  appearance  ss  when  James  the  Fifth  visited  it  once  when  on  a 
h'lnting  eicursion.  Tbe  walls  were  eoofmnusly  thick ;  ths  grated 
windows  were  small  and  irregular;  a  corbelled  battlement  surmounted 
the  top,  fram  the  stone  bartilu  of  which  ths  standard  of  the  owner 
was,  on  gieat  days,  hoisted  with  much  formality  by  Donald  Iverach, 
the  old  piper,  or  Evan  his  eon,  two  important  personages  in  the  banse- 
hold  of  the  little  tower. 

This  primitive  forCalice  was  perched  upon  a  projecting  craig,  which 
overhung  the  loch  of  Isla,  a  small  but  beautiful  sheet  of  water,  having 
in  its  centre  an  islet  with  the  ruins  of  a  chapel.  Tbe  light-gieen  birch 
and  black  sepulchral  pine.  flunrisiHng  wild  and  thickly,  grew  close  to 
the  edee  of  the  loch,  and  east  their  dark -shadows  upon  its  generally 
unmmed  surface.  ArounJ,  tbe  hills  rose  lofty,  precipitous,  and  abrupt 
from  tbe  margin  of  the  lake;  some  were  covered  with  foliagBlo  the 
BHumit,  aad.other«,  bare  and  bleak,  aovered^nlyKith  th:  wUn.bash 
or  Aurple  heatber,  where  tbe  red  roe  and  the  bbck  cook  roved  wild 
and  free ;  white,  dimly  seen  in  ttae  diitance,  ruse  tbe  misty  craU  of 
Beumore  (nearly  four  thousand  feet  above  the  lerel  of  the  aei),  J4ie 
bigbmt  mountain,  aaveoBB,  in  Perthshire. 

A  little  elaclum,  or  hamlet,  coansting  of  about  twenty  gretn 
thatched  cottagsB  etuitered  together,  with  kail-yards  behind,  oceapled 
tbefootof  theaiceut  leading  to  thetower;  these  were  inhabited  by  tbe 
towata,  fnrn-ssrrints,  and  herdsmen  of  Sltuart.  The  graceful  giah 
of  the  Gu«lwas  almost  nnifoEmly  worn  by  tbe  men  ;  *nd  tbejild-wivea. 
who  in  fine  weather  sat,ipinning  on  the  turf-ieBta  at  tlie  doom,  wore 
the  simple  mulch  and  the  varied  tartan  of  tbsir  name.  The  wifo  of 
thisHigblHid  caatellan  bad  loag  been  dead,  as  were  their  obildreo -ei  ■ 
■epting  sue  son,  who  was  almost  the  only  bear  kinumm'  tiiBI  Stdart 
bad  left. 

Ronald  was  a  handsome  youtb,  with  a  pmud  dark  eye,  a  hangbty  lip. 
■nd  a  bold  end  fearless  heart, — posaeaaing  all  thOH  feelings  which 
render  tkeScottiib  Hi^landera  belns-of  a>a]oreelei«tad  and  lomantie 
cast  thau  biB.Lowlaod  neighbours.  Ueiwas  wdlaware  ef  the  groand- 
Icss  animosity  which  hia  father  nauriib«d  agaioflt 'Sir  Allan  Lisle  ;  but 
as  Ib  tbe  canrseilF  his  lonely  rambles,  liihing,  sboaliog,  or'hunting.  be 
ottuD  when  a  bay  eneouatwed  the  you^er  menibers  of  the  IncliBiiw 
fuoUy,  and  as  be  tband  them  agreeable  eompaaioBS  and  phiymatas,  he 
w«s  far  from  ahsriog  in  liie  feeliags  of  his 'prejudiced  father.  He 
foand  Sir  Allan's  <on,  Lewis  Lisle,  an  ubtigiagvud  active  fimlh,  • 
Barlsct ipaTttman ,  who  could  wing  s  bird  witha  single  tHil,  ■■d'f'bo 
Voew   timf  <(nuui.  and  jiiaim  ttn'ongh  '^ich  the  naanalariiit  Ui 


flowed,  and  the  deap  poola  wbere  the  bort  tront  were  «lws;«  to  bo 

In  Alice  Lisle  Roneld  found  >  pretty  and  agreeable  playmate  in 
yaath,  but  a  etill  more  aKreeabte  eoupaiiioD  for  a  eoUtartr  ramble  aa 
tbej  (ijiaiiced  in  years ;  and  he  discovered  in  her  aplendid  dark  eye* 
and  gtosay  black  hair  charms  wbish  be  bebeld  not  at  bome  in  hit 
father's  monntam  Cower. 

Daring  childhood,  when  tbe  dayi  paeiad  HriEtly  and  happily,  tbo 
brother  and  luter,  o{  a  Jnilder  mood  than  Ronald  Btnart,  admired  the 
activity  with  wbicb  be  was -want  to  climb  Ibe  liiEheit  craigs  and  trees, 
Bwioging  him»elf,  wHb  the  dtxlerity  of  a  sqiiirrel,  from  branch  to 
branch,  or  rock  to  rock,  seekmg  the  negls  of  the  eagle  or  raien,  or 
flowera  that  grew  in  tbe  clefUof  Cnigosaa,  to  .deck  the  dark  curie  of 
Ahce.  &liU  mureweEc  Aey  charmed  with  tbe  pecnliarity  of  his  die- 
po^tiofi,  which  waa  deeply  tioged  with  tbe  glnsmy  and  romantic,— a 
■entjment  wbichieiiaCain  the  bosom  of  mei;  Htgblander,  imparted  by- 
the  scenery  amidst  which  be  dwelb,  tbe  lonely  hills  and  eiieot  iborea  of 
hia  lochs,  pBthtees.aod  solitarf  healha,  where  cairns  and  moss  ^icoiered 
itooea  mark  the  tombs  ot  departed  warriors,  pine-covered  hilU, 
frowning  rocke,  and  solitary  defiles. — all  fraught  niitb  tnditiona  of  Ibe' 
----  -[  tales  of  inystedous  beings  who  abide  in  them.  These  cause 
^-  •         a  thoughtful  maa  than 

jcenes  less  (laitd  and 
mueaiic. 

ia  tbe  merry  laugh  and  tbe  gentle  loioe  of  Alice,  Roaald  Found  a 
charm  to  wean  him  Jrom  tbe  tower  of  Locbisla,  and  the  houre  which 
he  spent  in  her  society,  or  in  watching  the  windows  of  her  father's 
bouse,  were  supposed  to  be  spent  jo  search  of  the  black  cock  and  tbe 
fleet  roes  of  Beomori; ;  and  many  a  satirical  obseriatioa  he  enduced, 
in  consequence  of  bringing  home  an  empty  game-bag,  after  a  vhol* 
dwjs  absence  with  hiaftua. 

Bonald  enjoyed  but  fittle  socictjr  at  tbe  tower.  Hie  btber,  .in  cOD- 
■equence  of  tb«  death  of  his  wife  and  younger  children,  and  owing  tp. 
naoy  seiere  Joeees  which  he  had  aQit4iBed  :in  tbe  coarse  of  his  long. 
Ecriee  of  litigati«Ds,  had  become  a  moody  and  silent  man,  spending  liis 
da^s  either  io  reading,  or  in  solitu-y  rides  and  rambles.  His  voice, 
wmoh,  wbeo  be  did  speak,  w.as  autboritalive  enough  and  loud,  wit 
seldom  beard  in  tbe  old  tower,  where  tbe  predomioant  eounds  were  tbe 
irjinting  tones  of  Janet,  tbe  aged  honsijieeper,  wbo  quarrelled  con- 
linnilly  with  Dooald  Iveiach,  the  piper,  wbenerer  the  latter  could  tiui 
time,  from  his  almost  constant  occupations  of  piping  and  drinMug,  to 
eqjay  a  skiirmiab  with  her. 

As  years  crept  on,  tbe  inendship  between  the  jouns  people 
Btreogtbened,  and  in  the  breasts  of  Alice  and  Konald  Stuart  becaaiB 
a  dieeper  and  a  more  absorbing  feeling,  .binding  them  "  heart  ti  lieart, 
and  mind  to  mind,"  and  each  hecaine  all  the  world  onto  the  other. 
To  tbem  there  waa  something  pleasing  and  even  romantic  io  the  strange 
surecy  they  were  necesaitated  to  use ;  beiieviqg  that,  ehauld  their  in- 
tercourse ever  come  to  the,  eaiB  of  their  panentti.effectnal  means  .KKmld 
beiaken  to-piUiAittunta  at. 


I.  Coo^^lc 


CHAPTKB    II. 


The  HltUuul  glen— th<  h«li)iT  idc— 
He  (touiing  Bi-^-'' ' —  ■-'- 


He  f  towuing  glee — Ibe  cveDing  tmU^ 


oe  billoir,  O  !" 

Hagf  Farat  Mlnttrel. 

"  Axici  t  my  own  fsir  Alice  1  my  hard  deada;  orduns  that  I  miut 
leiTC  ;on,"  whs  the  sorrowfal  Ficlamsdon  of  RiiDsld  one  ereciDg,  aa 
lie  joined  Alien  st  their  naual  place  of  meeting,  a  solitary  spot  on  tha 
banki  of  the  lala,  where  the  willow  aad  alder-bash,  overhaogiag  the 
ftMp  rocks,  Bwept  the  dark  aurface  of  the  stream. 

"  Leave  mel  O  RoQsld,  what  can  yoa  raeaa?"  was  the  trembling 
lepty  of  the  fair  girl,  ai  the  pnt  her  arm  through  his,  and  gazed 
•nzioaaly  on  the  troabled  coiuitenance  of  her  loier. 

"  That  1  must  go — far  from  you  and  the  bonnie  banks  of  the  Itla. 
Tea,  ALce  ;  but  it  is  onlf  for  a  short  time,  I  trust.  Of  the  embarrasseil 
state  of  my  Other's  affejrs,  by  his  long  lawguits  and  other  matters,  I 
haye  acquainted  yoa  already,  and  it  has  now  become  neceaairy  for  me 
to  choose  some  profession.  My  choice  ba>  been  the  army :  what  other 
oonldone,  poisegsing  thetroespiriCof  a  Highland  geatlemau,  follow  ?" 

"  O  Ronald  I  I  eier  feared  oar  happinesa  was  too  great  to  last  long. 
Ah  I  yoa  mtut  not  leaya  me." 

"  Alice,"  replied  the  young  Highlander,  his  cheek  flashing  while  he 
■poke,  "  our  beat  and  bravest  men  are  going  forth  in  thouaanda  Co  meet 
tha  enemies  of  oar  country,  drenching  ia  their  blood  the  fatal  peoio- 
'■aU;  and  can  I  remain  behind,  when  so  many  of  my  name  and  kindred 
*«Te  fallen  in  the  senice  of  the  king  ?  Never  has  the  honour  of  Scot, 
land  been  tarnished  by  the  few  who  have  returned,  nor  lost  by  those 
irho  have  fallen,  in  every  ctime  where  tbe  Bridsb  standard  has  been 
unfurled  against  an  enemy.  An  ensigncy  has  been  promised  me ;  and 
in  a  Highland  regiment,  wearing  the  garb,  inheriting  the  spirit  of  the 
Oiel,  and  commanded  by  a  grandsoo  of  the  great  Lochiel ;  and  I  can. 
not  shrink  when  my  father  bids  ma  go,  although  my  heart  should 
almost  burst  at  leaving  yon  behind,  my  own— own  Ahee ! "  and  he 
pressed  to  liis  bosom  the  agitated  girl,  wLo  leemed  starded  at  the 
vehemence  with  which  lie  bad  spoken. 

"  But  hold,  Ahee,"  he  added,  on  perceiving  teara  trembling  on  ber 
dark  eyelashes ;  "  yon  must  not  give  way  thus.  I  will  return,  and  all 
will  yet  be  well.  Only  imagine  what  liappioeas  will  then  be  oars, 
dioald  the  fomilies  be  on  good  terios,  and  1,  perhaps,  Sir  Ronald  Stuart, 
ynd  knight  of  1  know  not  how  many  orders?" 

"  Ah.  Rooald  !  bnt  think  of  how  many  have  left  their  happy  homei 
with  hearts  beadng  high  with  hope  and  pride,  and  left  them  never  to 
return.  Did  not  the  three  sons  of  your  cousin  of  Stratbonan  leava 
itbeir  bones  on  the  red  asnds  of  Egypt  1  and  many  more  can  I  name. 
Ah  <  how  I  tremble  to  think  of  the  scenes  that  poor  soldiers  must 
tMhold— scenes  of  which  1  caunot  form  even  the  slighteit  conoepdon," 


TBI    KOUANCS    OF    WAH.  U 

"  These  ire  sad  forebodings,"  replied  the  young  man,  imDinr  ten- 
derly, "  and  from  the  lips  of  one  leas  Touog  and  le»  beaatifal  ttiin 
Jounelf,  might  have  beeo  cooiideted  u  omens  of  miaobance.  I  trait, 
owe»er,  that  I,  who  have  so  ofteo  shot  the  awifteit  red  roes  in  Strath- 
iila,  slept  whole  night*  an  the  frozen  heather,  and  know  ao  well  the  OM 
of  the  target  and  claymore  (thanks  to  old  I(erich),  iball  maks  no  bad 
soldier  or  campaigner,  and  endure  the  hardships  incident  to  a  military 
liTe  iofinitely  heller  than  the  fine  gentlemen  of  the  Lowland  cities. 
Tlie  prood  Cameron  who  ia  to  command  ms  will,  I  am  snre,  be  my 
rriend  ;  he  will  not  forget  that  hia  grsndaire's  life  waa  aaied  by  mine  at 
Callodea,  and  he  nill  regard  me  with  the  loie  of  Uie  olden  time,  for 
the  sake  of  those  that  are  dead  and  gone.  Ob,  Alice  !  I  conld  ytew 
tbe  bright  itrospect  which  is  before  me  with  InmoltDOas  joy,  bnt 
for  the  sorrow  of  leaving  yon,  my  white-haired  father,  and  the  bonni* 
btses  and  deep  eorries  of  Ista.  But  if  with  Heavea's  aid  I  tacape, 
promise,  Alice,  that  when  I  retnm  yon  will  be  mine, — mioe  byadearai 
title  than  erer  I  cDnld  call  Ton  heretofore." 

"  Ronsld — dearest  Ronald  !  I  will  Iotc  yon  as  I  have  erer  done," 
abe  said  in  a  soft  yet  energetic  tone  ;  ' '  and  1  feel  a  secret  voice  witlda 
me  which  tells  that  the  happy  anticipations  of  the  past  will — will  yet 
be  accompliabed."  The  girl  laid  her  blushing  cheek  on  the  shonlder 
of  the  yoang  man.  and  her  dark  thick  curls,  becoming  free  ^m  th« 
little  cap  or  bonnet  which  had  confined  Ihem,  fell  over  hia  breast  ia 


1  human  conntenanoe  obiening  them  sternly  from  a 
leaves  of  the  trees  that  flourished  near  them.  The  foliage  vru  sndoenl} 
polhed  aside,  and  Sir  Allan  Lisle  appeared,  scanaiDg  the  young  offend- 
era  with  a  atem  glance  of  diapleaaure  and  anrprtae.  He  was  a  tall  thia 
man,  in  the  prime  of  life,  with  a  fine  coantenance  expressive  of  mild- 
ncaa  and  benevolence.  He  wore  his  hair  thickly  powdered,  and  tied  in 
i  queue  behind.  He  carried  a  heavy  hunting-whip  in  his  hand,  which 
be  grasped  ominonsly  as  he  turned  his  keen  eye  alternately  from  the 
young  man  to  bis  trembling  daughter,  who,  leaning  against  a  tree, 
covered  her  face  with  her  handkerchief  and  aobbedbysterically.  Ronald 
Stusrt  stood  erect,  and  returued  Sir  Allan's  glance  as  firmly  and  •» 
proodly  aa  he  could,  but  he  felt  some  trouble  in  maintaining  hia  self- 
possession.  His  smart  blue  bonnet  had  (alien  off,  fully  revealing  hit- 
strongly -marked  and  handsome  features,  where  Sir  Allau  read  at  once 
that  he  waa  a  bold  yonth,  with  whom  prood  looks  and  hard  word* 
would  little  avail. 

"  How  now,  sir  !  "  said  he  at  length.  "  What  am  I  to  Qndentaod 
by  all  this  ?  Speak,  young  gentleman,"  he  added,  perceiving  that 
Ronald  was  puzzled,  "  answer  me  truly.  Aa  the  father  of  thia  imprn- 
dent  girl,  I  aro  entitled  to  a  reply." 

Ronald  waa  abont  to  stammer  forth  somethtng. 

"  Ytmare,  1  believe,  the  son  of  Stuart  of  Lochisls?"  intermptsdSif 
Allan,  sternly,  "  who  ia  far  from  being  a  ftiend  to  me  or  mine.  How 
kmg  ia  it  since  you  have  known  my  Jaaghter  ?  and  what  am  1  to  un- 
dSTBland  from  Ibe  scene  you  have  acted  here  !" 

"  That  I  tove  Miss  Lisle  with  tbe  ntmost  tendemeaa  dist  one  brine 
is  capable  of  entertaining  for  another,"  replied  Ronald,  his  face  saf^ 
fadng  irilh  a  crimson  glow  at  the  earnest  confession.  "  Bir  Allan,  U 
yon  bave  leen  what  passed  juit  now,  yon  will  pereuve  that  i  treat  bar 


«M  that  rttpeet  and  deFictcf  wbioh  tW  bwntict  of  h«r  tiriad  md  per- 

Tbij  ii  indeed  ril'verf  flue,  lirl  raid  varf  nmaDtio  too  ;  butralbn 

ted, — npon  my  honour  rather  bo,"  replied  the  baronet  saroeBti- 

ho  drew  flle  orm  of  the  wwping  Alice  through  hi«.    "  But 
■■ter  Staan,  hoir  \mg  hae  thia  clandestine  inetter  baen  Ritried 


-indbed  1  tall  yon  truly— froi 


etapaed' wttboHlr oar  Ktiag  each  other]  and  there  is  not  a- d^ighr of  th« 
ITOoda,  a  dark  corrie  of  the  ISIa,  or  a  spot  on  the  brses  of  Stralhonan, 
where  WW  hare  not  wandered  hand  in  hand,  tince  the  iaji  wtien  AHw 
waan  laughing  little  girl^with  fluen  carts  nntilnor,  whan  sheis  become 
t^  beaatifbl,  and  alnmat  a  woman,  with  ringlets  as  black  a»  the  wing 
tf  the  mnircock.  But  you  ram  Lewis  will  tell  all  these  tUnsibettM 
than  I  can,  aa  I  am  rather  confiiSFd  jnat  no*,  Sir  Allm." 

"  'Tis  very  odd  this  matter  has  been  concealed  from  ma  io  long," 
rtdfte  other,  softened' by  th«  earnest  tone  of  the  young  man,  wlroMt 
how  mnch  depended  upon  the  iastwof  tha-presenl  unlooked-for  inter- 
rtew;  "  and  if  my  ears  harenm  deceived  m»,  I  (hink  I  hmrd  TOtt  oflte 
Mlrriam  to  my  fbolisb  daughter  on  yoar  retom  Ttom  somewhere?" 
'    "  Itla  TCry  tme,  air,"  replied  the  yoong  men  modestly. 

"And  pray,  young  sir,  what  are  yoar  preteniiona  to  the  baod  of 

"  Sir  !"  ejienlatEd  Ronald,  bii  cheek  ftariiing  ant  lri»  ey«  tparkUiv 
MftUe  angry  ioqairy  of  ihe  other. 

"Task  yon,  Mr.  Stnart,  what  we  they?  Year  hth^-  T  know- to 
fee  aa  almoat  mined  mas,  whose  eatateB  are  deeply  dipped  and  o*ar- 
K&Bhned  bybondp,  mortgages,  and- what  not.  He  has,  raereorer,  bean 
a  deadlj  enemy  to  me,  and  has  mcBtunwarrantahljf  ~— " 

"Oh,  pray,  papa  !  dear  papa  !"  urgnl  the  young  ladv  implorin^tt 

"  Sir  Allan  Lisle,  "cried  RonaM  with  ■  stem  tone,  wbilebiahennbeat 
nnmltaoady.  "  Lowland  lawyers  and  nnlooked-for  misftortimes  are,  I 
teow;  completintf  ear  min,  and-  tbe  pen  and  parrbment  haneiBBde 
more  inroads  upon  us  than  ever  your  HtrcestorB  conld  have  done  witb 
^  Feltfaihire  ac  their  back  ;  but,  ttu^y,  it  ill  beoornra  a  gentlanan  of 
birth  sod  breeding  to  apeak  thus  stfgbtlngly  of  an  (dd  and  honoarsbt* 
H^land  fanrilf.  If  my  father,  inlKriiing  aa  he  does  andent  prpjn- 
Asei,  haa  hem  hostile  tO'yanr  inleresH,  I,  Sir  Allan,  never  hare  been 
id  the  time  was  once,  when  a  Lisle  dared  not  hare  apohen  tbtn 


dnttngly  to  a  Shwrt  of  'he  bonae  of  Loehisia.' 
BirATiana. 


idmirf^  the  proad  and  indignant  air  with  which  theyouth 
Bpi>KB:  oni  he  wiiAed'to  hmnWe  hhn  if  possible,  and  deeroed  thatirony 
was  a  better  weapon  than  anger  to  meat  the  fiery  young  Highlander 
with.  He  gate  a  sort  of  Irsgi-eomlir  sMtt,  and  waa  abent  Is  make 
smne  aarcaMlc  reply,  when  his  fbot  caaghttbe  root  of  a  tree;  he  reeled 
backward,  mS  ffell  over  the  reeky  bank  hilo  [he  Isla,  which  formed  ■ 
dtep,  dark,  and  nsiselesa  pool  belaw. 

A  load  and  stanling  C17  burat  treia  Mce  at  her  KiAer  wtddenly 
Mmpetred  from  her  side. 

"weMm,  smebin.  Rmmldl  Oh,  Bonald'!  if  yo«  lore  m^sara 
mr'fhtber  t"  Bh»erfed  in  Hceenta^at  «ec«  sonl-ailrring  and  irapUriBg, 
wUtoahe-tbmlteraaR  opm  htr  knees',  mi,  netdwrag  to  kicrk  npn 


the  atiearo  .  coTticd  her  ajwi'with  Iue  handk,  ciUS>a  iltcmldr  «piM 
BiKiea  and  tu  loTcr.  id  bum  which  Uefy  tha<  powei  of  l»B|WHt  to 

dawcib*,  to  sue  her  father. 

"  DesrcEt  Alice,  calm  younelf;  be  paoified,— be  ibdl  Dot  pniih," 
cried  Ronald,  nbosa  prennce  of  miud  bad  uSTcr  OBceionahen  bini>  ai 
be  caat  aside  hii  boonet  ud  ihort  iponisgi  coM,  and  gHedrarertln 
bink  Qpon  Che  rapid  river  runniDg  between  two  abra^  w>ll>.of  rocjc, 
(iniaet  the  daik  Kde»  of  which  the  aprajr  and  Tmid  reBodr  bf  Sir 
ABut's  tteagiUs  wudaahed.  Tb*  latUv  wee  beatinf  tho  wetci  ftDit> 
Imlr-iatbe  ccDtre  of  the  pool,  lAere  it  wag  deep  wd  the  oaraeot 
atrong;  yet  ha  made  no  0MC17,  Bi*  if  tuMnlUoa  lo- edd  tOLbeidiancH 
which  he  Ituew  hid  daughler  alreadif  expnieHmn. 

Ha  beatoired  one  loM  of  ieaai  and  ifouj  an  Bon^.  wb»<iailaB(ly 
ifiaitfi  off  thti  precipitoiu  rouk,  aed  smriBiiiiinc  rouniihim.  strowslr-aBil 
ncoroiulr  ia  wide  circles,  caught  bin>  warily  bjr  Iha  hairrand  heidlaf 
his  head  above  the  surface  of  the  stream,  tweo  doon  ttiecuiMBt  te  I'niirt 
where  tbe  bank  ww-leaaBtECp,  and  nitb  soma  eKrtiion  landed  bimaaftlT 
tHLlbesreea  turf,  where  ha  lajr  longspeeebiegaj  wbile  Alice  wrung  her 
lUada.aad  wept  in  an  ecstaa|r  oS  teiror,  embraeing  her  father  aodi  bi* 
pmeeETcr  by  turns.  Tha  latter,  nbo  wai  suthiug  the  wecae  for  bli 
docking,  put  00  his-boiiDet  and  upi^i  gmnent  with,  perfect  mng^/poiW,- 
bntit  vtui  same  tJro»  befw  Sir  Allen  itcoveitd  himself  so  far  as  to.  be 
obis,  to  tbauk  bis  prcsecver.  who  pouied  down  bis  threat  ax  belarpnn> 
tatjt  tbt  ctrntsataof  anetal  hunting- float,  which  be  generally  ouiMd 
abontr  with  him  fiJled  wttb  thB  beat  braodr,  prsoured..  by  iMMW 
BOkiiovn,  daty  fiM  at  LochialB. 

Shortly  sad  frnpliutically  did  Sir  Allau  Ihaoll  Boaild  for  tba  aid  ha 
had  landared,  as  be  rauat  iaeriCBbly  hsie  perUbed,  being,  ai^^  to 
swim.BJid.haiiDg  to  contend  nilhastroiig  curHnt.  wUidi  woold  eoaa 
bxe  carried  him  oisr  tbe  bigb  cAsoade  of  Cortis-avon.  ftoualdin- 
wndly  ble)sed  thsaccideot  wQoh  bed  rrndered  3ir  Allsa  to  nncb  bit 
debtor,  and  wrought  tucbia  heppy  change  of  aeBtimrDJI  in  bis  faMMk 
He  eEcempuiiad  Alics  aod  her  father  to  one  af  tbh  gate-lodiCe'  ef 
iBduTDO,  aiid  theie  reaietisg  sa  esnoat  iaritatioD  to  tbe  houea,  be 
ntoroed: with  sU  speed  horactjutiill.  pleated  with  the  iiMe  of  tba  daj'a 
adrcntnTci. 


CHAPTBR  in. 


The  £4ifjW4t/rW,  canto  T, 
Qua  Gb*  fcvanooD,  a  fewdais  )>fier  ttia  ocooieeuces  related,  iB>  the 
IhA  Bbaplew,  a.  bMStBan  appeatad.  ridiog  slsng  the  dauoib  tiDlveB 
road  Irading  by  the  banks  of  Locbisla  tnwards  tbe  tower.  It  wai  9r 
AlMiLlala  wbo  eame  aloDg.si  a  alow  trot,  dmi— gigg  his  nag  wilji  tbe 
ean.aad  gnee  of  a  peifiict  rider,  never  making  use  of  «thei  wbin^i 
ipor,  bat  often  drawing  in  his  rein  to  iniialg»tbepleo»»i»  ie*e«n- 


Oli^  with  whicli  be  beheld  (tboagh  accnBtomed  to  the  splendid  ■ccDery 
of  Ferthihire)  thia  aecluded  spot,  which  he  had  never  seen  before, — the 
black  and  aolitaiy  tower,  the  dark  blae  waveleu  loch,  and  th«  wild 
scenery  by  which  it  was  surronnded. 

As  be  advanced  np  the  ascent  totrards  the  tower,  bis  horae  began  to 
enort,  abaliB  Eta  mane,  and  grov  restive,  as  its  ears  were  salated  by  a 
noiae  to  which  they  were  unaccustonied. 

Donald  Iverach,  the  old  piper  of  [he  family  (which  office  bia  sn- 
ceatora  had  held  aince  the  days  of  Robert  the  Second,  according  to  his 
own  Bccoantj,  waa  pacing  with  a  stately  air  to  and  fro  before  the  door 
of  tiie  fortalice,  with  the  expanded  bag  of  the  piob  rahor  Dnder  bia  arm , 
blowiog  from  its  long  chaunter  and  three  huge  drones  "  a  tempest  of 
dissonance ; "  while  he  measured  with  regalar  atrides  the  length  of  the 
barbican  or  coart,  at  one  end  of  which  atood  a  large  atonp  of  whiaky 
(placed  on  the  end  of  a  caak),  to  which  he  appUed  bimaelf  at  every  tarn 
of  hia  promenade  to  wet  hia  whiatle. 

The  piper,  though  of  low  alatore,  was  of  a  powerful,  athletic,  and 


and  althoDsh  nearly  aii^,  wai  as  freah  as  when  onlr 
BUteen;  tna  facewaa  rongh  and  pnrple.  from  drinkii^  and  exposare  to 
the  weather ;  his  huge  red  whiakets  curled  round  beneath  bia  cbin  and 


Tew  np  to  hia  eyes,  which  twinkled  and  glittered  beneath  their  shaggy 
orows :  a  smart  bine  bonnet  eet  jauntily,  very  much  over  tbe  right  eye, 
gave  bim  a  knowing  look,  and  hia  knees,  "which  bad  never  known 
covering  from  the  day  of  his  birth,"  where  eipoaed  by  the  kilt  jrere 
biory  and  rongb  aa  the  hide  of  the  roe-buck  i  his  plaid  waved  behind, 
and  a  richly-mounted  dirk,  eighteen  inches  long,  banging  oa  his  light 
side,  completed  his  atlire. 

Great  was  the  anrprtae  of  the  Celt  when,  on  turning  in  bia  maroli, 
fae  suddenly  beheld  Sir  Allan  Lieie,  whom  he  had  not  eeen  aince  the 
last  year,  when  by  tbe  laird's  ordera  he  had  endeavoured,  by  the  over- 
whelming noiae  of  bis  pipe,  to  drown  a  apeech  which  the  baronet  wa* 
addreaaing  to  the  electora  of  the  connty.  But  what  earthly  errand, 
thoDBht  Donald,  conld  bring  a  Lisle  up  Stratbiila,  where  one  of  tbe 
race  Dad  not  been  aeen  since  the  father  of  the  present  Sir  Allan  bad 
beleaguered  the  tower  in  1746  nith  a  party  of  the  Scottiah  Fnailiers. 
He  cbaunter  fell  from  the  hand  of  the  astonished  piper,  and  tbe  wind 
in  the  bag  of  his  inatrument  escaped  with  an  appailmg  groan. 

"  My  good  friend,  1  am  glad  you  have  ceased  at  last,"  aaid  Sir 
Allan;  "  I  expected  every  moment  that  my  horaevonld  have  throws 
me.  Thia  fbrtreaa  of  yonra  will  be  aecnre  against  oaialry  while  yon 
are  in  it,  I  dare  awear. 

"I  dinna  ken,  air,"  replied  the  piper,  toacbiug  bis boanet  haagbtil)'; 
"  bat  wben  pare-legrit  giUiea  and  red  coats  tried  it  in  the  traableaone 
timea,  they  aye  gat  the  tead  man'a  share  o'  the  deep  loch  below," 

"  la  your  maater — is  Lochiala  at  home  ?" 

"  Hia  honour  the  laird  ia  within,"  replied  Iverach,  as  Sir  Allan  dia. 
nonated  and  desired  him  to  hold  bia  borae. 

*'  Lochiala's  piper  will  bold  nae  man's  bridle-rein,  bis  bonour'a 
excepted,"  aaid  the  indignant  Highlander ;  "  put  a  common  gillieinay 
do  tat.  Holloa  t  Alpin  Oig  Stnartl  Duald  1  Evan  1  come  an'  hoU 
ta  ahoitlnnaa'a  praw  aheltie,"  ahouled  be,  making  the  old  barbican 

"One  will  do,  I  dareaay,"  aaid  Sir  Allan,  smiling  aa  he  redgnedbia 
nag  to  Evan,  Iverach's  son,  a  powerful  young  monntwneer,  whoa^- 
pMred  at  hi*  fktber'*  thont. 


'  Pnceded  b;  Donald,  Sir  Allan  ucended  ths  irlnding  Btaireue  of  ths 
tovrcr,  and  wAi  uAhered  into  the  ha]L,  or  priacipil  Bpirtmeat  it  com- 
bined, the  root  of  vhich  w»  a  atone  Brcb.  At  one  aide  jiWDcd  ■  lu^e 
fire-place,  on  the  mouldered  lintel  of  which  appeared  the  crat  and 
badge-floner  of  the  SCiiarts,^a  thiitle.  and  anderneath  wai  the  family 
motto,  "  Orme  nlum/orti  patria,"  At  each  end  of  the  chamber  wa* 
■  window  of  moderate  >ize,  with  a  etone  mullion  in  the  form  of  a  croia; 
one  commanded  a  view  of  the  loch  and  neifbhonrin;  foreita  of  birch 
and  pine,  and  the  other  the  diitant  outline  of  the  high  Benmore.  The 
walls  were  adoroed  with  appantui  for  hunting,  fiahinr,  ahooling,  and 
■yi*aii  trophiea,  iatermiied  with  target!,  claymores,  Xochaber  axe*, 
□Id  maaketa,  matchlocVi,  &c. 

Ilie  fumitare  was  of  oak,  or  old  and  black  mnhogany,  manive  and 
mncli  dilapidated,  preaenting  a  very  diSerent  appearance  to  that  in  the 
iplendid  modem  drswing-room  at  InchaTon.  A  few  old  portraita  bnnc 
on  the  blackened  walla,  and  one  in  pardcuhir,  that  of  a  stern  old  High- 
lander, whole  white  beard  fiowed  oier  his  belted  plaid,  leemed  to 
Mowl  on  Sir  Allan,  who  felt  considerably  embarraised  when  he  naei- 
pectedly  fonnd  bimaeU  in  the  habitation  of  one  whom  he  coidd  not 
conaider  otherwiae  than  as  his  foe- 
While  awaiting  the  appearance  of  the  proprietor,  whom  the  piper  wai 
gone  to  infbrm  0?  the  Tint,  SirAllan'a  eye  orion  wandered  to  the  portrait 
■bore  the  fire-place,  and  he  remembered  that  it  was  the  likeness  of  the 
Aitber  of  the  prraent  Stuart,  who  at  the  b^le  of  Pilkirk  had  nnhorsed, 
bf  a  stroke  of  bis  broad-iword,  bia  (Sir  Allan's)  bthcr,  then  as  officer 
m  the  army  of  General  Hawley.  While  Sir  Allan  muted  orer  the  taka 
he  had  heard  of  the  grim  Ian  Hboc  of  Lochiila,  the  door  opetwd,  and 
Mr.  Stnsrt  entered. 


gentleman.  He  was  upwards  of  aiity,  bntbu  eye  was  clear,  keen,  and 
briglit,  and  his  weather-beaten  cheek  and  eipansife  forehead  were 
natarally  tinged  with  a  ruddy  tint,  which  wse  incieaaed  to  a  fluah  by 
the  excitement  caased  at  cbia  anlooked-for  yiait. 

Unlike  his  aerrBote,  wbo  wore  the  red  tartan  of  tbeir  race,  he  was 
tltired  in  the  oanal  dreia  of  a  country  gentleman,  and  wore  his  silver 
loclu  thickly  and  unnecessarily  powdered,  and  clubbed  in  a  thick 
qnene  behiDcl.i  -   ' 

'The  natural  politeness  and  hospitable  feeling  of  a  Highlander  had 
'baDiahod  every  trace  of  displeaanre  from  hia  bold  and  nnwrinkled  brow, 
and  he  gnaped  Sir  Allan'a  band  with  ■  frankneu  at  which  the  latter 
was  surprised,  aa  was  old  Janet  the  hooaekeeper,  wbo  aaw  through  the 
k^hole  what  passed,  tbougb  she  wat  unable.  In  conseqaence  of  her 


n  I  indebted  for  the  honour  o 
which,  1  mnet  have  the  candour  to  acknowledge,  ia  moat  nneipected." 
"  Lochlola,"  replied  the  other,  addrearing  him  in  the  Scottish  man- 
iet  by  the  Dame  of  his  property,  "  to  the  gaLantry  of  your  brave  boy, 
Banom,  bat  for  whose  exertions  I  abonid  at  this  moiaent  have  been 
ileeping  at  the  bottom  of  the  Linn  at  Corrie-avon.  1  have  deemed  it 
incombent  upon  me  to  viMt  Lochiala,  to  retain  my  earnest  thanks  per- 
■oanllr  for  the  signal  serrioe  he  baa  rendered  to  ine,  and  I  regret  that 


tba  tarmi-ea  which  t«u— OQ  »hii^  we  hurt  lived,  rendern  ia  jaar 
eitiniatioa,  mo  lislt  rather  aa  honour  than  a.  pleasure." 

A  ehaile  croHSsd  the  brow  o(  tha  Hi^laiuler,  bnt  an  beicIoE  ths 
pwticBlara,  be  oanKtatulaCed'  Sir  Allan  on  hia  eaoapein  adiiUiiC  aad 
poliCa  mnnei',  while  the  twinkle  of  bis  bright  eyea  shovnl  how  mndi 
iati£featiOD.  hs  enjoyed  at  tbn  brsva  conduce,  oi  hii  saa.  While  Sir 
AUaB  <ra»Tel^irR  thai  story,  Mr.  Stuart  placed  neai  hi<Q  a.lAi^ul«« 
liquenr  fraine,  contaiBJng  aii  nut-gtuss  botllas,  the-vaiioiuly .coloorad 
eontenta-of  wbicb  Bpackled  behind  tliwreitvei  lahalak 

"  Come,  Sir  Allan,  fill  your  glKsa,  aad  drink  to  my  boy'a  healtlL: 
ono:  dOBB  not  eiperimae-  ao  narron  ut  eicape-often,  noW'^Mlajw  «t 
leait.  Come,  air,  fill  your  glaa?,— there  ii  eharrr.  btandy,  poti,  snd 
tbe  purer  daw  of  the  hills  ;  cfcose  wUeh  you  tdeaaa." 

"  You.  Stnarta  of  Lochiala.  haie  loaK  borne  a  uaraa  for  htu^tt'^lri 
b^titia-ratheresrlyto  taste  alrong  waters,— 'lia  not  njwidian  yet." 

"  Our  hoepiCBlity  wsa  greater  in  the  olden  time  than  it  is  now.;  but 
it  ia  not  often  tbM  this  old  haU  ha£  within  it  one  of  ths  Lialei:  ot 
the  Inch,  and  you  nuut  poailirely  drink  with  m(  " 
boat,  campeliiog  him  to  till  his  gla^s  from  the  di 

'•  but  TtaitB  Jiarn  been  fewer,  snii  Uss  friendly,  tl 

be  for  the  future.     Your  health,  Lnut 

"  'Tia  sixty  yean  and  ntoie,  1  thii 
Strath  with  his  followets.  when—" 

"Ws  will  not  taUc  of  tbeat  mei^tRn,  Sir.  AUati)"  eiGlaimed  Stuart, 
aik  wboae  features- wea:g&UierE02a.stflm  eaproaaiaa»  whiah  Sir  Allan  ta^r 
•rot,  aahe  Mt.oithhiE  fooBta  a  winds w  and  Inalied  through  hit  ^a»t 
with  one  eye  closed,  watcbin;  a  crumb  of  ths  bee's-wingfloatioBSUttM 
bright  liquor.  "  They  are  the  laiC.I  weuUl  wish  to  think  of  who^jou 
aie  my  gaest." 

"  ^rdon.me,  I  had  aowiah.to  ofRnd;  we  haMi^ter  been  ai  itraafen 
to  each  other,  aUhougl^  our  acraa  march.  I  haye  had  eiary  deaire  t* 
live  an  amioatla  terms  with  you,  Mr.  Stuart ;  but  yaa.ba«s  btct  bCMI 
prejudioed  against  me,  ^nd.truly  withauC.a  cause." 

"  I  am  ons  of  the  fe"*  who  iuhsrit  the  feeliaga  of  a.  hyiOBeage. 
But,  Sir  Allan  Lisle,  Itt  us  not,  1  entreat  you,  refer  to  the  paat,"  ootdli 
replied  the  old  HighlaiiJ<fr,  to  wiuHH  two  parta  of  hiB.gueM'slaatapKch 
were  displeasing.  The  n'currence  to  the  past  terms  on  whidi  th«v  had 
Kved,  btou^t  to  hia  minJ  mare  ihaa  one  caae  of  litigation  in  wJiich 
Sir  Allan  bad.  come  off  victDrions  ;  ths  other  wsa  bamsaddraaaed  •* 
Mr.  Sluarl,  a.  title  by  wUah  he.  waa  never  known  aoiaai  hia  amn 
paople.  The  polite  aad  aSable  manner  of  hia  aiaitor  bad  leaded  ta 
diminiEh  his  pr^udices  during  ttie  last  five  minute*,  hat  Sir  AUw'l 
blunderiog  obserTstions  recalled  to  the  oiiud  of  the-oUl  duinAt'Vauai 
the.  bitter  feelinga  which  he  inherited  from  bis  ^her,.aad:bi»highfora> 
head  became  fluahed  and  caotraeted. 

"  It  appears  rery  unaccOBntabla,"  aal^  he,  aftsp  the  nncamfortabia 
paasewhich  had  ensued,  "  that  my. son  baa  nner,  daring  the  pastdajit 
■Benliooed  the  circumttaaca  otthe  happy  muwer  in  which  hadcev  T<"1 
fsem  the  Coriie-aTon." 

"  To  that,"  replied  tha  other  hwching,  "  «  gtory  ia  appeodcd,  a  «wr 
romaadc  one  indeed,  part  of  whick  I  inpf^aaaed  in  my  relatiav; 
notbiog  leaa,  in  fact,  than  alOToaSkir.  to  which ,  aa  I  bara.coacBn«d.a 
fiiendsbip  far  the  braie-boff  to  wbium  I  0He.a  Ufa.  1  drink  eneiruW" 


mm"  (drainiDthtiglaa);  "  bnt  this  mMbatratfedof  man  grarrir 
■t  B  Fatnn  inteniew." 

"  Sir  Allan,  I  undentud  jim  not;  batlf  Itonild  hu formad  ur 
■ttBohmrnt  In  ihU  ndgbboorbood,  he  mut  Irani  to  forgM  it,  ■■  ha  will 
soon  lean  LooUilii.  Soma  cottage  girl,  I  sappon  ;  thna  attaduncnti 
ue  eommaa  Fnaagh  among  tho  monntajm." 

"  YououitakeHie;  tbaTaniigladTiioiiC0m7w«TblieqiiiI,aiidtliey 
have  known  e»ch  other  from  their  childhood.  BM  1  will  le«*e  the  faon) 
10  tnll  hu  own  tale,  wUch  will  aoaad  better  ft-om-  Cb*  llpa  of'  ■  hHKl>- 
some  Highland  joath,  Chan  tioaaor  a  plain  grcf-haind  okt  fello*, 

"  IlikaT<)in-rraDkocas,"gaid  Stmit,>oft>nedlTT  thapraiH)i«it*«rd 
anhii  ton  by  hia  old  adtersar;,  whoK  band  he  (hook,  "  and  will  reqnita 
it.  Sir  Allan.  When  Roonld  conng  down  the  ^Isn,  I  will  talk  with 
him  over  thia  inatter.  which  1  coalk?a  traBbleamB  a  tiltla  at  heart,  m  I 
■ever  enppoaed  he  wni^  hcne  kept  an  attachment  of  hia  lecret  from 
mat  hii  only  parent  now.  and  oofl  tbM  haa  loTtd  him  to  dearly  as  t 
ha*H  dotte.    But  1  nniBt  be  gentle  widi  him,  aa  he  ii  abomt  to  leanr  ma 


I,  poor  boy." 

Ah  !  fbr  ch«  armyi—ie  X  have  heard  :  oar  boya  will  foUiFW' nothing 
alae  oow.a-diyi.    I  tear  my  own  spiii^ald,  Lcwia,  it  easting  wiitfiri 


tlHnighta  that  way.     BK  ihonld  you   with  it,   I   may  d 
Ronald'!  fatoor :  I  bnie  sonM  little  intereat  Witk  theaa  in  pawer  in 
LoBdan.  and—" 

"  I  thauh  yon,  bat  itneeda  not- to  baM.  Ibmtly  ha*  promiaad  ma 
ttat  Rowdd  (hall  not  be  forgotten  wkan  a  iseancy  oecora  in  the 
'OordoQ  HighUodera,'  a  regimeat  raiaad  among  hie  own  people  and 
kiDdred ;  and  the  Marqnn,  whoae  interait  ia  great  with  Iha  DdM 
of  York,  will  not  forget  his  word — bia  pledged  word — to  a  Highland 
gendeman." 

Ob  Sir  Allan  s  defurture,  Stuart,  freoi  obb  of  the  hall  irindowt, 
WBtabtdhia  retiring  fignn  a»  he  rode  rapidly  down  the  glen,  and  dia- 
anieared  among  the  birchen  foliage  which  averhnng  and  ahronded  tba 
■rioding  pathway.  A  loor  eaile  corled  hii  lip  ;  be  Mt  oldprejodices 
tialngitTOngly  infaiabreaat,  and  he  turned  hii  eye  on  the  faded  portrait 
•f  bit  father,  and  thonght  of  the  dme  when  be  had  tat  aa  a  little  child 
■WM-Uaknee,  and  heard  the  fatnaly  of  liale  meatiaocd  wkh  all  the 
Ultarnasa  of  Highland  rancoDi,  and  been  told  a  thouaand  tiuei  of  the 
day  I  whan  Colonri  Ijale  had  carried  tire  ud  awurA  throngb  all  Loeb- 
taM,  bcaieging  the  little  tower  for  days,  asdl  its  iimalea  were  pernhnm 
fDT  want.  In  the  tide  of  feeling  whitA  theaa-  reflectian  called  (brth, 
UwlateMsiableintmiew  waa  forgotten;  and  he  only  remem  bend  Sir 
ASaa  at  the  foe  of  hia  race,  and  the  rictorinmany  a  keenly  conleated 
en*  in  Hte  Parliameat  Home,  the  place  shoe  the  Court  of  SeasioB  ait 
BtBdnbu^ 

A  bnatle  in  the  narrow  ataircaie  recalled  him  M  himsdf :  Uie  daM 
mM  thrown  open,  and  Ronald  entered,  gun  ia  iiand,  from  the  bill, 
fnhed  and  eiciled  wiHi  tho  Datnre  of  the  aport.  Two  tall  Higttlandera 
atroda  behind,  bearing  on  their  ahouldmi  a  stent  pole,  ttom  which  waa 
atpinded  fay  the  beela  a  gigantic  deer,  whoit  bianidiing  antler*  traUtd 
•B  tba  fbar,  which  was-  apiinhled  with  apata  of  blood  falliog  from  its 
dilated  noatrita  and  a  death-wonnd  in  ita  iwek,  whink  tiad  been  guhad 
MfBM  by  the  aiaiaa-dAii  of  a  Highlander.  A  nnmbsr  of  red-eyed  dega 
■oeoanpanied  them,  displaying  i&  their  forma  die  long  and  masenlar 
limbs,  Tolaminona  cheat,  and  rough  wiry  coat  of  the  old  ScoCtiah  ho«nd. 


— ■  noble  uiima],  once  caicmon  in  the  Lawlanda,  bat  now  to  be  found 
odI;  in  the  north,  where  the  deer  waader  free  over  immeiiee  itretcbes 
of  wute  moorland  or  foreit,  aa  they  did  of  old. 

"  A  brave  beast  be  is,"  said  Ranald,  eiultingly,  ai  be  cast  aside  hia 
bonnet  and  gun.  "  At  tbe  head  of  the  loch  I  fired,  and  wounded  him 
here  in  the  neck  :  we  traced  him  by  the  blood  for  two  miles  down  the 
Isla,  where  he  flew  throagh  thicket  and  brake  with  the  speed  of  an 
arrow ;  but  tbe  gallant  dogs  Odin  and  Carrill  fastened  upon  him,  and 
drew  bim  down  when  about  to  take  the  water,  near  the  marcbstone  of 
Che  Lisles.  'Twas  Inckily  done  :  bad  he  once  gained  the  grounds  of 
Incbavon,  onr  prize  would  have  been  lost." 

"  Ronald,"  replied  his  father,  coldly,  >'  we  will  hear  all  this  matter 
afterwarda."  Then  turning  to  tbe  gillies,  "  Dngsld  Stnarl,  and  yon 
Alpia  Oig,**  said  he,  '*  carry  away  this  quarry  to  tbe  boDsekeeper,  and 
desire  her  to  fill  your  qaeghs  for  yon.  I  have  had  a  visit  from  Sir 
Allan  Lisle,"  resumed  Stuart,  when  the  Highlanders  had  obeyed  his 
order  and  retired.  "  Hah  1  you  change  countenance  alreade  :  this  has 
been  a  mysterions  matter.  He  has  been  here  to  return  thanks  for  f  onr 
pulling  him  out  of  Isla,  where  he  was  nearly  drowned,  poor  man,  a  day 
or  two  since,— a  eircnmstance  which  yon  seem  to  have  thonght  too 
worthless  to  mention  to  mc.  Bnt  there  is  another  matter,  on  which  I 
might  at  least  have  been  consulted,"  he  added,  watching  steadily  the 
changes  in  the  conntenaoce  of  the  young  man,  whose  heart  finttered 
with  eicitement.  "You  hne  formed  an  attachment  to  gome  girl  in 
the  neigbbonrbood,  which  has  reached  the  esra  of  thia  Allan  Lisle, 
altiioiigli  it  never  came  to  mine,  and  the  interconrae  has  continued  for 
years,  although  I  bare  been  ignorant  of  it.  Ronald,  my  boy,  who  is 
the  girl  ?  As  your  father,  I  have  at  leaat  a  right  to  inquire  her  name 
and  family." 

"  Do  pray  excuse  me,"  faltered  the  other,  playing  nervously  with  his 
bonnet;  "1  am  too  much  embarrassed  at  present  to  reply,— some 
other  time.    Ah  I  yonr  anger  wonld  but  increase,  I  fear,  were  yOD  to 

"  It  does  increase  1  Surely  she  is  not  a  daughter  of  that  grim  churl 
Corrieoich,  up  the  glen  yonder  ?  I  have  seen  his  taiidry  kimmers  at 
the  county  ball.  I  can  scarcely  think  this  flame  of  yours  is  a  child  of 
bis.  You  remember  the  squabble  1  had  with  him  about  firing  on  his 
people,  who  were  dra^ng  the  Inch  with  nets  nnder  the  very  tower 
windows.  By  Heaven  !  is  she  a  daughter  of  hia  ?"  cried  hU  bther,  in 
the  lond  and  imperative  tone  so  natural  lo  a  Highlander.  "  Answer 
me,  I  command  you,  Ronald  Stuart  1" 

"  She  is  not,  I  pledge  you  my  word,"  replied  the  young  man  gently. 
"  Ronald  !"  exclaimed  the  old  gentleman,  a  dark  flash  gathenag  on 
bis  cheek,  "she  must  be  spme  mean  and  contemptible  object,  other. 
wise  yon  vronld  not  shrink  from  the  mention  of  her  name,  was  it  gentle 
and  noble,  in  this  coward  way." 

"Coward  1  never  was,"  replied  Ronald,  bitterly,  "  I  may  shrink 
before  my  own  father,  when  I  would  scorn  to  quail  before  the  angry 
eye  of  any  other  man  wbo  lives  or  breathes.  Nor  do  1  blush  to  own 
riieDBme  of— of  tbia  lady.  She  is  Alice,  the  daughter  of  Sir  Allan 
Uale,  of  Incbaron.  Ah,  sir  1  I  fear  I  have  applied  a  match  to  a  mine ; 
but  I  must  await  the  explosion," 

Ronald  had  indeed  lighted  a  mine.  A  terrible  expression  flashed  in 
tbe  eyes  of  the  old  Highlander,  and  gathered  upon  bis  formidable 


TAK.  U 

*'  RoniM  I  Ronald  ;  tor  Ibii  dapliciCr  I  *m  DDprspared,"  he  u- 
nlaimed  ia  empbatic  Gaelic,  wiCli  >  tane  of  tba  bilteruC  reprawh. 
"  H»e  Tou  dared  to  addma  joorwlf  to  a  dangbtor  of  that  man  ? 
tjDOk  up,  dq^Deran  boy!"  he  added,  graaping  Ronald'a  arm  with 
fierce  energy,  while  he  apolie  with  item  distinctnen.  "  Look  apoD  the 
portrait  of  old  Ian  Mhor,  tout  brave  gruidiire.  and  imagins  what  he 
woDldbBTfl  thought  of  this.  The  Liilea  of  lachaion !  JJiia  gUdh 
inm  .'  I  bate  not  forgotten  tbeir  last  hostile  attempt  aixty-Gie  nan 
since,  in  174G.  when  Colonel  Lig]e,  the  fatherof  this  Sir  Allan,  beaieged 
our  tower  with  bia  whale  batCBlion.  I  ns<  ■  mere  iofaat  then ;  bnt  I 
well  remeaiber  how  the  mnaketi  of  the  fniilien  fluhed  daily  and 
nightly  from  rock  Aid  copse- woud,  and  from  the  dark  loopholea  of  the 
tower,  where  the  brare  rGtainers  of  Locbiils  defended  my  fiithei'i 
■tronghold  with  the  desperate  conrage  of  oatlawed  and  rained  men, — ■ 
mined  and  outlawed  in  a  noble  cause  I  These  days  of  death  and  liega 
I  have  not  forgotten,  nor  the  pale  cheek  of  the  mother  at  whose  breait 
I  hang  seeking  nourUhment,  while  >be  waa  perishing  for  want  of  food. 
Nor  have  1  forgotten  the  gal  low  a -tree— God  bs  gradooa  onto  me  I — 
raiaed  by  the  insolent  soldiery  on  the  brae-head  to  hang  onr  people 
when  they  surrendered  ;  and,  had  the;  ever  yielded,  they  woold  haye 
■wong  every  man  of  them,  and  baie  been  food  for  tbe  raaen  and 
hoodiecraw.  And  this  paternal  tower  would  have  been  now  ruined  and 
looflesi,  forming  a  lair  for  the  foi  and  the  awl,  bnt  for  the  friendship 
of  our  kinsman  Seafield,  who  wrung  a  respite  and  reprieve  from  the 
QDwilling  band  of  the  merciless  German  dnke. 

"  Oh,  Ronald  Stuart  1  remember  these  things,  and  recall  some  trace* 
of  the  spirit  of  I-ui  Mhor,  wboee  name  and  blood  yon  inherlL  He 
waa  a  stem  old  man.  and  a  proud  one,  possessing  the  spirit  of  the 
days  that  are  gone, — days  when  the  bold  son  of  the  bills  redressed  his 


wrongs  with  his  own  riiht  hand,  and  held  his  lands,  not  by  iwaaessioD 
'  '     ^  It  by  Ine  broad  blade  of  his  good  clavmore-*' 
t,  passed  his  hand  across  his  Elowing  b: 


thnscootinnedinBtone  of  sterner  import,  and  more  nigh-flown  Gaelic. 
"  Listen  to  me,  O  Ronald  I  Hearken  to  a  father  who  has  loved, 
and  watched,  and  tended  yon  as  never  father  did  a  son.  Think  no 
more  of  Incbavon's  daughter  !  Promise  me  to  sparn  her  from  your 
remembrance,  or  never  more  shall  you  find  a  home  in  the  dwelling- 
place  of  onr  fathers  :  yon  shall  be  as  a  stranger  to  my  heart,  and  your 
name  be  known  in  Lochisia  no  more.  I  will  cast  you  off  as  awitiiered 
branch,  and  leave  our  ancient  patiimony  to  the  hereditary  ehieftain  of 
oar  race.    Fledge  me  your  word,  or,  Ronald,  I  pronounce  you  for  Bier 

Daring  this  long  and  energetic  harangue,  which  waa  delivered  in  the 
sonorous  voice  which  Mr.  Stuart  always  assumed  with  his  Gaelic, 
various  had  been  the  contending  emotions  in  the  bosom  of  Ronald. 
Love  and  pride,  indignation  and  filial  respect,  agitated  him  by  turns  ; 
and  when  hia  father  ceased,  he  took  up  bis  bonnet  with  an  air  of  piido 
and  grief. 

"  Sir— air — O  my  father  1 "  said  he,  while  bis  pale  lip  quivered,  and 
a  tear  glittered  in  his  dark  eye,  "  you  will  be  spared  any  further  tronbts 
on  my  account.  I  will  go ;  leave  Lochisia  to  the  Stuarts  of  Appio,  or 
whom  yoQ  may  please.  I  will  seek  my  fortune  elsewhere,  and  show 
you  truly  that '  a  brsve  man  makes  every  soil  his  country.'  " 

.  _  ,._  ^ J  ._  . .^g  apartment,  the  stern  aspect  of  his  father'* 

1  li -.1.  — "-'ill  look. 


u 

"  Stay.  HodbU,"  he-exdikimed  ;  "I  have  beenhuty.  Yoa  noald 
notdoserc  me  tbua  ia  dit  old  age,  .mi  kaTe  me  with  aogct  on  yonE 
bnw  ?  If  [  na(  our  jiride  OTarcome  Otic  Ditaral  affectioD.  i  will 
^jeak  of  lliis  matCir  agua,  ud " 

Hare  he  vbb  interrupt'id  b;  Donald  leeracb.  who  entered  rMpect- 
fully,  bonnet  ID  band,  bsating  two  long  offiaid-loiduBglatterB,  wkitdl 
hehaodedto  Mr.  Etiurt,  wlioatarted  on  peixaWng  "  Oa  Ait  Majatp'm 
nnice"  (aDDnasiulnatioetobiDi)  printtid  on  tbe  upper  ooraerof  cub. 

"  Hoigli-  "  "aid  the^iper,  "  your  honour's  clory  diana  get  tna  aic 
■iKkle  lettcra  ilka  day.  Tbe  auld  doited  cailloch  Ut  keeps  the  paat- 
bause  down  at  tbe  clacban  of  BtrathlillaD,  lent  a  gilly  trottins  up  tlw 
water-tide  tri'  tbem,  ai&it'Bi  his  bouzbi  oonld  priug  hiia." 

Their  conteDtH  became  speedily  knowD.  The  first  irasa  letter  from 
tbe  Uorie  Gaardi,  k^tmiDg  Mr.  Stuart  that  hii  aan  maa  sppainted  to 
ancnsigscy  in  tbB92iid  r^meiil.  or  Gordon  UighlaDdera.  commuided 
by  tbeMarquii  of  Hontly.  The^aecoad  was  to  Ronald  himself,  aigaed 
t^  the  adjuUnt-geMia],  direotiiig  bim  with  all  «peed  to  Join  a  detach- 
mant  which  waa  ihortly  to  IstB  the  depfit  in  the  Caatle  of  Edinbargh 
Cor  the  leat  of  war. 

Pride  and  pleuure  at  tba  new  and  varied  proaptet  before  hiiD  va» 
the  lirat  emotiona  of  Eod^'«  mind  ;  lorraw  and  legietat  thongbtasif 
parting  so  anddenly,  perhaps  for  oyer,  from  all  that  was  dear  to  him, 
sacceeded  them. 

"Hoigbl  hui-uigb !  "  aned  old  Iveraeb,  capering  with  Highland 
agility  on  bearing  tbe  letters  read.  "  Hni-uii^h !  he  eicUtmed. 
m^ing  tbe  weapons  clatter  on  the  wall  with  bia  wild  and  startling 
about,  while  he  tossed  bis  bonnet  np  to  the  TaaUed  roof;  "  and  lo 
braw  Mailter  Ronald  is  going  to  the  clorions  wars,  to  sfaoot  the  Frenoh 
loons  like  tbe  muireocks  o'  Stratbiala,  or  the  boonie  red  roes  o'  Ben- 
more  !  Hoigh  t  Qot  tarn !  anld  Ireiach's  son  aall  gang  too,  and 
follow  tbe  laird's,  ^s  .iny  ain  father  and  mony  a  braw  sbentleman  did 
anld  Bir  Ian  Mhor  to  the  master  o'  Glanfioan.  And  when  pramotion 
ia  in  tbe  way,  braw  Maistcr  Ronald  will  noforgat  puir  Etbii  Iruacb, 

.1 jL„  c.:.i^..i.  _: —  .L..  t-i'o^g  liioj  for  Jove  to  the  tUr-awa' 

□iiKt,  neither  o'  them  will  fo^t 
true  hearts  tbey  bare  left  behind 
tbem  lb«^.  And  when  tbe  onset  is  nigh,  let  tbem  efaoat  Ibe  war-iiry 
oftheirrace;  my  praTC  piotbrrs  cried  it  on  Ibe  rainparta  of  Tuton. 
derago,*  where  the  aald  plaok  KBlch  were  mown  doon  like  grass,  in  a 
land  far  peyond  tbe  Mes,  where  the  son  sets  in  tiie  nest." 

As  tbia  en thaaiastii;<  retainer  left  tbe  apartment  to  communicate  tbe 
news  to  the  rest  of  the  bansehotd,  old  Mr.  Stuart  turned  to  gaae  On 

The  arriral  of  these  letiera  bad  caoasd  a  TBit  obaiwe  io  tbeir  feelings 
within  the  lost  fire  minatei;  all  traces  of  dlacord  had  fsnisbedi  >sd 
tbe  softest  feelinga  of  our  nature  remained  bchiod. 

■  In  (hit  lanEuinuy  alhlr,  the  42nd  Hlghlanden.  or  old  Block  Wstcti,  lo<1  A3 
cfflcm,  commLsiioned  snd  liOD'COcaDLiMioDed,  aod  fafti  093  (irivAICB  kiLtod  ajid 
woanAedt  vul  "tcmaoja-hEmrt  uid  Lame  in  tke  Highland  did  Iku  diBaiI:«iii 
llieBgli.elii™ui  ioteUiftBoo  kriag  df— '— ■ ■" ■ — " 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTER    IV. 

TBE   DZPABTDBI. 

"  roenU,  luvnU,  ■>  Ihi  iMai  I 
Adiw,  Ts  Ullt  wicl  d^>  »  met! 
AdiHi.  T>  gurgling  rilk,  for  fou 

Sweet  1«c1t  Kcar,  wilb  cbunt  nplttel 
Td  ^ffcidtr  cload-npti<d  town  1  go, 

for  the  midea  iepaitun  of  Ronild  iraa  the  preTalHag 
tendment  in  the  Mv«r  ot  LckIiuIs,  which  old  JansC  ttie  haaielief  mt 
enscd  to  re-e<Ao  with  her  ceueln*  lsmenUtian>,  poared  forth  eitter 
in  broken  braad  Sooteh,  or  in  bcr  more  poetical  and  descriptire 
Gaelic,  for  the  goin^  forth  of  the  bold  boy  whom  ibe  had  urilched  orer 
ind  nnrsed  from  childhood  with  the  tenderneu  of  a  moLher. 

His  father  felt  deeply  the  paog  of  parting  wit}i  the  only  child  that 
death  had  left  him ;  but  he  pent  his  feelings  within  his  own  prond 
bMom,  and  showed  them  but  litUe.  He  «aid  noting  more  of  Aliee 
Uile.  aanilling  to  sour  the  few  lemeluing  hoan  tbey  bad  to  speod 
togtitier  by  harsh  ioianotiotM  or  diaagreeabk  topio,  deeming  tiiat 
Eonah],  in  the  bmj  «oeae«  wbich  were  before  h)m  in  his  miDCarr 
career,  would  be  taught  to  forget  the  bo)ish  attaehment  of  hii  earl; 
daji.  It  ii  tfaui  that  old  men  ever  reokoo,  forgetting  that  the  firit 
iatpKBiione  which  the  yoDDg  heart  reoeiieB  are  crer  the  itrongegt  and 
mort  Urting. 

He  directed  with  cool  firmneis  the  snangeinmts  for  bis  ioq'«  earl; 
deinrtare;  and  (btc  dow  and  then  a  qainring  of  the  lip  or  a  deep 
oghi  no  otber  maotioo  waa  tiiible.  He  felt  keenly,  nor  would  be  ever 
hue  parted  with  Ronald,  notwitbstandtog  the  eagemcM  of  Ibe  Tpath 
to  jom  ihe  army,  bnt  for  the  enlanglemeat  of  bis  private  aSaira, 
whidi  Tendered  it  abaolalaly,  neeeiiary  Uiat  bis  Bon  ihaold  be 
iodepsnileiit  of  bia  ibattered  patrimony,  and  the  proud  and  martial 
dtpontiOD  of  botii  their  nuada  made  armi  the  only  profeaBion  to  be 

IC-wna  aloMiipou  the  time  of  his  departnre'ere  Ronald  could  make 
an  arrangement  to  obtaia  an  interriew  with  Alice  Lioie,  He  Ilespatched 
by  Evan,  the  sod  of  lygrach,  a  note  to  Alice,  Teqneiting  her  to  meet 
and  bid  him  adieu,  in  the  lawn  in  front  of  Inchavon-honss.  OD  1be 
•radng  of  the  laoond  day,  referring  her  to  the  bearar  for  a  recapitnla- 
ti03  of  the  ercnta  which  hiad  taken  place. 

fDw  fonng  Hifhlaader,  who  was  to  aeomDnqy  ^Ronald  to  the 
repeat  u  a  ■errant  and  tbllower,  was  aa  abrewd  and  aente  as  a  Idtb- 
araMnger  raqtured  to  be,  and  gnoceedrd,  after  conaiderable  trouble 
aad.di£y,  in  ddinring  die  billet  into  the  Mr  ttandi  of  the  young  lady 
"^  "  '  >,  although  ahe  neither  shrieked  or  fainted,  nor  erpirBd 
like  a  heroine  ofromance,  was  nevertkdesa  oierwhelmed 
retatudto  beraa  gently  ai  be  could.; 
ID  me  note  wichont  fail,'ataeTelired'tab«' 
» the  deepest  mgaiah. 


a  nroniMins  t 
trntmr-and  p 


At  lut  arrived  the  important  da;  which  irBl  to  behold  Ronald 
lailDched  froTD  bis  peaceful  Highland  home  inEo  the  itormr  tcenea  of  a 
ate  which  was  new  to  bim.  Evan  iverach  had  been  lent  otF  in  the 
momtng  with  the  baggage  to  the  hamlet  of  Strathisia,  where  the  atage- 
coach  for  Perth  wa>  to  take  up  big  ^onrg  taaster. 

Sorrowful  indeed  wtu  tbe  parCinf'  between  the  old  piper  and  hit 
son  Evan  Bean  (t.  «.  fair-haiiedEian),  and  they  were  but  little  com- 
forted bj  the  asanrancB  of  the  oli  crone  Janet,  who  desired  them  to 

Ronald  waa  seated  with  his  father  at  breakfast  in  the  hall  or  dining. 
room  of  the  tower.  The  table  waa  covered  with  viands  of  every  kind, 
exhibiting  all  the  profuaeneas  of  a  true  Scottish  breakfaat, — tea,  coffee, 
cold  venison,  cheese,  oaten  bannocke,  &c.  &c.  &c.,  and  a  large  silver- 
moalhed  bottle,  containing  most  potent  u«juebauefa.  distilled  for  the 
laird's  own  use  hy  Alpin  Oig  Stuart  in  one  of  the  dark  and  dangeroM 
chasms  on  the  banks  of  the  Isla,  a  spot  unknown  to  the  eiciseman,  a 
personage  much  dreaded  and  abhorred  in  all  Hi^laad  districts. 

The  old  caillocb,  Janet,  was  in  itteodance.  weeping  and  muttering 
to  berself.  Iverach  wis  without  tbe  tower,  making  tbe  yard  riog  to  the 
spirit-stirring  notes  of — 

"  Wd-ll  «w»  to  SWtrimuir, 

and  be  strode  to  and  tro,  blowing  furionslf ,  as  if  to  keep  Dp  the  failing 
spirit  of  bis  tough  old  heart. 

Mr.  Stuart  said  little,  but  took  his  morning  meal  as  Dsual.  Now  and 
then  he  bit  bis  nether  lip,  his  eye  glistened,  and  bis  brow  was  knit,  to 
disguise  the  painful  emotions  that  tilled  bis  heart. 

Ronald  ate  bnt  little,  and  aat  touUy  silent,  gazing  with  swimming 
nes,  while  his  heart  swelled  almost  to  bursdng,  on  the  lofty  hills  and 
dark  pine  woods,  which,  perchance,  be  might  never  more  buold  ;  and 
the  sad  certainty  tbeX  slowly  passing  yetra  would  elapse  ere  he  again 
stood  by  bis  paternal  hearth,  or  bebeld  his  talber'a  ^ce, — if,  indeed, 
be  was  ever  to  behold  it  again, — raised  within  him  emotions  of  tbe 

"Alasl"  thonght  be,  "how  many  years  may  roll  away  before  I 
again  look  on  all  I  have  toyed  so  longj  and  what  dismal  changes  may 
not  have  taken  place  in  that  time  !" 

"Hui-uigh!  Ochon — ochanaril"  cried  the  old  woman,,  unable  to 
restrain  herself  longer,  as  ahe  sunk  npon  a  settle  in  the  recess  of 
tbe  hall  window.  "  He  is  going  forth  to  the  far  awa  land  of  the 
stranger,  where  tbe  bnodiecrew  and  foi  pjke  the  banes  of  the  dead 
brave  ;  but  be  winue  return  to  us,  at  the  eagle's  brood  return  to  their 
eyiie  among  the  black  cliffs  o'  bonnie  CraigonaD." 

"  He  shalU  old  woman.  Wiiat  mean  yon  by  these  disheartening 
observatiDns  insosadan  hour  aa  this?"  sud  the  old  gentleman  stemljr, 
roused  by  that  propbetic  tone  which  never  falls  witbont  eSeot  on  tho 
ear  of  a  Scottish  Highlander. 

"  Dinna  speak  sae  to  me,  laird.  God  sain  me  I  I  read  that  ui  his 
bonnie  black  een  which  tells  me  that  they  shall  never  again  look  on 

"  Hoigb  1  prott,  tmtt,"  said  Iveraeh,  whom  her  cry  had  summoned 
to  the  toot,  the  anld  teenl  of  a  caillocb  will  pe  casting  dooo  Maistn' 
Konidd  t  heart  when  it  should  pe  at  the  stoutest.  Hniut,  Janet,  and 
no  be  bederiUing  US  with  visions  and  glaumorie  jut  tb«  noo." 


"  DoDiId  I(cnch,  I  tell  yon  be  ahalt  neTer  mora  bebold  tboie  whom 
lie  looks  on  tfau  day  :  I  tell  yoa  so,  eod  I  never  spoke  in  TaiD,"  cried 
the  old  Nb^l  in  Gaelic  with  s  ehrill  Toioe-  "  Wbta  tbe  brafe  loiu  of 
mj  bosom  petidied  with  their  leader  aC  CoranDA,  did  I  not  know  of 
thiar  fall  the  hour  it  happened?  The  secret  feeling,  which  a  tonsM 
cuuwt  describe,  iDrormed  me  that  they  were  ao  more.  Yei ;  I  heard 
thn  wild  wind  howl  thar  death-eoQg,  u  it  swept  down  the  pau  of 
Cnigouan,  and  I  viewed  their  ahapeleu  ipiril*  floatiog  in  the  black  miat 
that  cinng  round  tbe  tower  of  Locbisla  on  the  night  the  tirld  of 
Comnna  was  slrickeD,  for  maiiy  were  the  meo  of  onr  race  who  periahed 
ttiere :  the  dead-hell  Bung  to  me  tbe  live-loDK  aixht,  aad  our  caillocha 
■od  maidens  were  sighing  and  aad,— -but  1  alone  knew  whf." 

"  Peace  !  bu-d  of  ill  omen,"  replied  the  pi|ier  in  tbe  ume  luuoage, 
overawed  by  tbe  force  of  her  words. — "  Dhie  gledh  tintt!  wiU  fon. 
break  the  proud  ipirit  of  a  dvinhe-vaual  of  tbe  bonie  of  LoohiaU, 
wbeD  aboDt  to  gird  the  cLtimore  aad  leave  the  roof- tree  of  hiJi 
father*?" 

"  Come,  come ;  we  have  had  enongh  of  this,"  aaid  Mr.  Stnirt. 
"  Betire,  Janet,  and  do  not  by  your  nnaeemly  grief  disturb  the  last 
hours  that  my  son  and  I  ahall  spend  together." 

"  A  wreath,  and  'tis  not  for  nought,  ia  cooiiiig  acroas  my  auld  eea," 
■be  replied,  preasiug  her  withered  hands  npoa  ber  wrinkled  brow. 
"  Sorrow  and  woe  are  before  us  all.  1  have  >eeu  it  in  many  a  dark 
dream  at  midaicbt,  and  heard  it  in  the  croak  of  the  nicht-bird,  as  it 
screamed  from  its  eyrie  in  Coiman-Taischatiin,*  where  the  wee  men 
and  women  dance  their  rings  in  tbe  bonnie  moonlicht.  Greet  and  be 
woefo',  my  braw  balm,  for  we  shall  never  behold  ye  mair.  Ochon — 
ochon  ! ' '  and  preaaing  Konald  to  her  breast,  this  faithfu  1  old  dependant 
ruahed  from  the  hall. 

"  Grief  baa  detracted  the  poor  old  creature,"  taid  Mr.  Stuart, 
oaking  a  strong  effort  to  control  the  emotions  wlich  swelled  his  own 
boeom  i  while  Ronald  no  longer  concealed  his,  but  covering  his  face 
with  his  hands,  wept  freely,  and  the  piper  began  to  blubber  and  sob  ia 
comnny. 

"  Hoighl  oigh  !  Gottam  ;  it's  joost  narthing  bntfairiea'  spells  and 
gUomorie  that^  ever  and  aye  in  anld  Janet'a  month.  She  craiks  and 
croaks  like  the  bowlets  in  the  auld  chapel-isle,  till  it's  gruesome  to 
bear  her.  But  dinna  mind  her,  Maiater  Ronald ;  I'll  blaw  up  the  bags, 
and  chesT  your  beart  wi'  the  'gatbering'  on  the  bonnie  piob  mhar." 
The  piper  retired  to  the  yard,  where  the  cotters  and  many  a  shepherd 
ttom  the  adjacent  hills  were  assembled  to  bebold  Ronald  depart,  and 
bid  him  farewell. 

Ronald'a  lather,  the  good  old  man,  althongh  his  heart  was  wrung 
and  oppmaed  by  tiie  dismal  forebodings  of  his  retainer,  did  all  that  he 
posnbly  conld  to  raise  the  drooping  apirita  of  his  son,  by  holdiog  ont 
hopes  of  quick  promotion  and  a  speedy  return  home  ;  but  Ranald  wept 
like  a  youth  as  he  was,  and  anawered  only  by  hia  tears. 

"  Oh,  Ronald,  my  boy  \ "  groaned  the  old  man.  "  it  is  in  an  hour 
■neh  as  this  that  I  moat  feel  tbe  loss  of  her  whose  fair  head  has 
long,  long  beeo  under  the  grassy  turf  whicti  coveia  her  fair-haired  little 
ones  in  the  old  churchyard  yonder.  The  aan  is  now  shining  through 
tha  window  of  the  ruined  chapel,  and  I  see  the  pine  which  marka  their 
(rave*  tosaiug  its  branches  in  the  light."    He  looked  fixedly  acroas  the 

•  The  CITS  of  tbe  acen. 


loch  at  (Jie  ielct,  the  gntwynrhie  of  wbrieh  was  ^tnoit  coxrad  wtdi 

grey  tombstoneB,  beneatb  whidi  ilept  the  r««ainer«  »f  lug  m '— 

Kbo  tbemwlna  restad  vmong  the  Gothic  Toini  of  the  little  ca 
nhich  tbeir  piety  hid  endawed  isi!  fowidnl  lo  St.  John,  the  fi 
Baist'OF  Perth. 

The  dtf  apad  fast  away,  aai  the  hour  eaiae  in  which  Rooald'WBa 
compelled  to  depart,  if  be  would  be  in  timr  '-    "-  "  — '   -■ — 
irhioh  paaaed  thrtvgb  ^ra^iala.     fi«  iatber  4 
gate  oF  the  tower,   where   he  emhiBcsd  iind  uioeea  bwb.     oc 
tarDod  41]  depart,   aher  italfi«K  the  hard  haad  of  aaar  *■  t 

y  Got'H  pleoiag  *ad  all  ffoot  attaiid  ye!  Moiater  RpaaH," 
eiaii  lynueb,  who  wm     —    •—     •■  ■    ■  - 

hn  down  the  glen ;  "ant 

Bean,  that  followe  ye  for  lore." 

A  sorrowful  brewell  in  enphatic  GaaHc  wa*  miittered  thrnagh  Qie 
court  as  Ronald,  fareaking  frDni  amoni  tbem,  raahed  down  the  ataap 
deanent,  u  if  aniioua  to  end  the  (sainfal  aeeoe.  Hii  father  gaaed  wiit- 
fijy  aftar,  ai  if  hia  way  aoal  aaeaiaJte  fcltow  liii  atepa.  Roriald  Iwdiad 
back  but  once,  and  Uioidaafaedaa  aa  faat  aa  hia  atceogtb  eooblaany 
him  ;  bnttfaat  lookJM  ■smr,  oarer  fbnot. 

The  old  tern  had  Tevenuitl^  taken  W^bii  hat,  ^lowiDf  hi»  ^Inr  hrir 
to  stKam  in  the  whid,  and  with  eyaa  i^tumed  to  hcaimi  waa  frmntly 
^■cofaliaK — "Oh,  God  I  lltat  haapcat  uae,  1m  a  faUtar  aato  my  ^aor 
bn,  and  protect  hiaa  in  the  htnr  of  dancer  !" 

It  araa  tlie  last  tiiae  that  RooaM  btiieU  the  face  of  hia  fiidieT,.Kid 
deeply  waa  the  meiaory  of  ita  eipraanon  impreoed  upon  his  haatt. 
Not  daring  t^ain  to  tnm  bia  head,  he  hurried  aloaz  the  BonnlaiQ'Bttb, 
until  he  came  to  a  lurn  of  the  glen  which  would  bile  the  narcb-nvad 
»pM<OT  enr.     Here  be  taataif  a>d  kraked  back :  Ma  fatter  WM  bo 
loBgeriiaible,  hot  tl  "      '"      .....        ..- - 

rich  Copn-lHid,  witi 

cacling  over  the  batt ,     _ 

ear  tlM  waiL  of  Iverach's  bagpipe.    The  imooth  t 

ihooe  with  piin>le  and  gald  in  the  ligh'  ^  '"" ^~ 

which  Ml  MKosdyaa  ttaflaniagorSa 
DMontaiM  of  the  weaCero  HiiiUuida. 

"Abt  tmer  ahaU  I  bdiold  a  acaaa  Hke  diia  in  the  land  to  wUek.1 
go,"  thought  Roaald,  aa  ha  oait  aaa  eager  .^aoee  arcr  itatli  aadtbeM. 
eoteriDg  the  daq>  roc^  goigs<  tlnoagh  wtuju  the  road  wmmd,  InuriM 
towarda  the  nmaDlJc  bBMet«f  StnitUak,'thegneB  moaay  i««&aMl 
cuTlinsimokeof  which  he  saw  diroagh  the  tntta  of  birch aad^iaea 
Ehort  ^stance  before  hiaa. 

It  waa  dnak  before  he  readnd  the  (daater  of  yrjaaitiire  cMtBOTa,  at 
tbedooTof  ooeafwfaioh.di^tlfiad  by  the  name  of  "  tbe  (aaek<aitBa," 
stood 'Evan  with  the  bHfgan,  impatu&tlv  aaaalln  Iha  aMaar^naaf 
his  master,  as  the  tine  for  the  amrat  of  the  oaaofa  waa  ofaae  at  band. 
Talla^  him  hastily  (hat  he  wonkt  aoet  tke  yahiolB  an  Ifae  Mad  Mar 
laehavoaHMrk,  be  paaaed  forward  to  keqi  U*  promiae  to  Aliaa.  A 
few  nuDotaa'  walk  braaght  him  to  tbe  hMadanr^ali  of  Sir  ABaa'a 
paoperty ;  Tanlting  lightly  over,  he  fhnd  hianarff  aEoraig  the  thiokck 
of  iiinilM  wlatb  were  planted  here  and  I  ham  dioat  the  aBooth  uaal] 
lawn,  ia  the  eaOm  af  irtuch  apoeaped  iDBhaTOD-baaaa,  a  hanrtiaii 
modern  structure;  the  lofty  walla  and  portico  of  fine  Corintbian 
columna,  surmounted  by  a  sMall  dene,^  4hone  in  the  li^t  of  the 


umuiu  Mt«a,  by  witich  he  u«  the  ilimmer  of  a  wLite  dnu  ■JTaaUng 
l«itillT  t«*u^  biio . 

At  thaC  iDttaut  the  M>n»d  sf  tbc  couti,  u  it  mne  rattliag  asd 
ramblii^  down  *  iteifhboariag  hill,  iCmck  bi>  e*r,  tad  hi>  beart  diad 
withia  him,  at  be  knew  it  would  be  tbere  ainoit  iniBedUtelT. 

"  Alice  i"  he  eicUimed,  u  be  threw  one 


"Bondd,  OBauHI"nB*]l  the  wcepiBc  girl  conld  uticBlate,  W 
bIwgIbdc  M  hiK  trenhljiglr. 

' '  R^Mnber  an  when  1  am  gone  !  Lore  me  u  yea  do  now  whan  I 
Bball  be  far,  far  away  from  70U,  Alice '.  " 

"Ah,  bMr  osnld  I  srer  fiiriet  ;*<■  '■  " 

At  tbM  momeot  the  airwdcaaie  vdUole  drew  up  on  tbe  road. 

"Stoart— Ropald,  my  old  comrade,"  cried  the  fnak  thoagh  MlariBs 
voice  of  I^iriB  1Mb,  who  appeared  at  that  moBent ;  "  gin  aw  joar 
hand,  aty  bay.    Yaa  aorelT  womld  aot  so  withoat  aeetng  me  >  " 

"lUaaald  pnaaad  tbs  haiM  of  Lewis,  who  Ihiew  over  hu  neck  a  chali). 
It  whicA  tamg  a  mimatnre  of  bia  tiMcr. 

"AlaBl"aBtteradIloBBld,  "I.baTs  nothing  to  give  ai  «  keepaake 
iDiatDTH!  Ay,  tUaiinp, — 'tie  aTsry  iM  one,  bnt  it  wu  mytnatbar'ai 
wear  it  for  my  aake,  Alice."  To  kiu  her  p^  cheek,  place  ber  in  tbe 
uau  of  Iiewia,  to  <avMa  the  park  and  leap  tbe  wall,  were  to  tbe  yooBg 
KigUaiidnr  the  work  af  a  momeat, — and  fae  Taniabed  from  thrir  aide. 

"CasaalaBf,  air  I  We  aaana  be  kaepit  liere  tbe  baill  aiokt," 
baarlad  the  driro'  eroaaly  aa  Sonald  appearea  upon  ttw  raad,  irlMre  tbe 
wbita  tteam  wai  eaijiagfron  litefbar  panting  boneain  tbe  aMjaakght. 
whidi  revealed  ETan.aBited  witbthe  goodaaadcbattebof  binndfand 
iiaahii  a in  tbii  aiiillliiil  ap  p««aen(era  who  laadadlbeoaacb-top. 

"  Inside,  rt  >  "  «ald  tke  taard  from  behind  th«  abatrl  wbloh  mnfM 
hiaiwnfbBr-beatfp  hoe  aa  Le  hcid  open  tbe  door.  Ronald,  ■carMly 
liiiaaiiin  iilial  he  did,  atqtped  in,  and  tbe  door  oloeed  with  a  baag.  wbi^ 
ma^  the  driver  rock  oa  bis  iea(.  "A'  ridK.  Jamie;  drive  eii !  " 
ctied  the  gnard,  vaolting  into  tbe  dickey  ;  and  in  a  few  minutei  aaare 
tbaaoBB  ol  wbeela  and  hoata  bad  died  away  from  tbe  cars  >(  poor 
AJioeBdhcrbntUiar,  who liateoed  with  beating  hearta  to  Iberetuiag 


CHA^TJEH    T. 


Wbcn  dtu^terealii,  Imuit.Dbarj 

"nu  tnuBpart  wvU  pa  an  dw  QHiL, 

JatA  tli«  tnetn  I  frttl  be  fir  aa^r-*' 


Vat  yoBBg  Hi^riaoder,  who  bad  never  beheld  a  larger  «ltr  Dun 
I^rtb,«aagreativ  atraek  witii  the  ^leodid  and  pJetnreayieappearaaoe 
of  fidinbargb.  Tbe  lo^  Hnei  of  daaMty-crowded  atreeta,  ttaeanli^ 
and.loftiy  bDnaes,  tbe  apitM,  the  tvwera,  tbe  enarmom  biidBtn  apamai^ 
datynaniiKi,  the  long  darii  ^eya,  craoks,  aoolca,  and  semen  of  tba 
oU town,  villi  ita  ■mnwidiiig  oaatle)  nd  Aea  tbe  nav,  with  ita  in- 
noBerabte  aad  aiAeadid  *bana,-fillad  with  rich  and  ooitiy  atirfa,^ 
■■iha,.MhB,  a^owiBMioaaf  theyeattbownMbwaand  proaaanadaa 


Gontreited  with  tba  lombre  and  gloomy  grandeur  of  the  Cinonnte 
■Dd  Hotrrood,  were  all  sCraiiEe  iigbta  to  cme  who  rrom  Inriincf  hul 

*  ■        '  -     ••  the  eegle  «nd  tbe  rock,  the  ni       "  '         '   '  ' 

HighliDd  pi,.., 

the  garb  at  old  Gaul." 

From  the  castle  be  viewed  with  larpriae  4nd  delight  the  Tut  amphi- 
theatre which  aurtoond*  the  city.  To  the  westward  Contorphine, 
corered  (o  the  gommit  with  the  ricbest  foliage.  Craiglockart,  Blackford, 
the  ridges  of  Braid  aad  Peotiand,  the  CiUod,  the  craigs  of  Saliaburr 


eacircling  the  city  on  all  lides  except  the  north, 
Ibof  Forrti,— ■■     "    '     "      •-    " -      -' 


where  the  noble  Frith  of  Forui, — the  Bodoriaof  the  Romans,— 

beintiful  itream  in  Scotland,  perfaapa  in  Britain,  wonud  along  tha 
Tellow  sands. 

Far  beroad  were  aeea  the  Lomondi  of  Fife,  the  capei  of  Crail  and 
Glie,  the  broad  bays  snd  indentnrea  of  tbe  Gennan  Ocean,  and  the 
ialeti  of  the  Forth,  the  banks  of  which  are  atodded  with  *iltBgea, 
castle*,  chorchea,  and  rich  woodland.  As  he  entered  the  fortress,  he 
was  pirticularlr  struck  with  the  gloomy  and  aged  appearance  of  its 
embattled  buildiugs  and  lofty  frowning  baCteriea,  where  the  black  caa> 
nen  peeped  grimlf  through  antique  embrasures.  It  was  a  placii  pari 
ticularly  interesting  to  Ronald  (u  it  is  to  every  true  Scolimaa},  who 
thought  of  the  prominent  part  it  bore  in  tbe  annali  of  his  coautry, — of 
the  many  sieges  it  had  saitained,  and  the  many  celebrated  penonswho 
bad  lived  and  died  within  the  walla,  which  hold  the  crown  and  inrirnim 
of  Brace  wbose  name  and  power  had  passed  away  from  tbe  land  they 
had  ruled  and  iared  so  long. 

Kilted  sentinela,  wearing  the  plamed  bonnet,  tasaelted  iparan  or 

C-ie,  and  the  dark  tartan,  atriped  with  yellow,  of  the  Gordon  High- 
ders,  appeared  at  the  different  bastions  as  he  passed  the  drawbridge,- 
entered  through  many  a  strong  gate  atodded  with  iron,  and  the  block 
old  arch  where  tbe   two   portcullises  of  massivB  metal  bang  sos- 

Ronald,  for  the  first  time  aince  he  left  home,  found  himself  oon- 
founded  and  abathed  when  be  wta  received  by  tbe  haaghty  alafT-offiaer 
in  the  cold  and  stiff  manner  which  theae  gentlemen  assume  to  regi- 
mental officers.  Here  he  reparled  himself,  aa  the  phrase  is,  and 
presented  the  letters  of  tbe  adjutant-general.  It  was  in  a  gloomy 
apartment  of  the  old  palsce,  and  the  very  place  in  which  the  once 
beantlfol  Mary  of  Guiae  breathed  ber  last.  Its  furniture  consisted  of 
two  chairs  and  a  hardwood  table  covered  with  books,  army-lists,  papera 
and  dockets  of  lettera :  boards  of  general  orders,  a  conple  of  swords, 
and  forege-capa  hung  upon  the  wall.  A  drum  stood  in  one  corner,  and 
an  unseemly  caat-iron  coal-boi  hearing  the  mystic  letters  "B.  O." 
stood  in  lootber.  A  decanter  of  port  and  a  wine-glass,  which  appeared 
on  tbe  mantel-sbdf,  showed  that  tbe  occupant  of  the  office  knew  the 
•ecret  of  making  himself  comfortable. 

Considerably  damped  in  spirit,  by^edry  andansoldierlike  reception 
he  lud  eipflrienced,  Ronald  neit  sought  tiie  quarters  of  the  officer  who 
commanded  the  detachment  of  his  own  regiment.  On  qnitting  the 
citadel,  he  passed  the  place  where  tbe  French  prisoners  of  war  wen 
confined.  It  was  a  small  piece  of  gronnd,  enclosed  by  a  strong  |n11. 
aado,  over  whidi  the  poor  fellows  displayed  for  sale  those  ornament! 
■nd  toys  which  the  ingeniuty  of  their  nation  envied  tbsm  to  make. 
Little  ships,  toothpicks,  bodkins,  dominoes,  boxes,  &d.  were  manu* 


wxwi.  21 

faEtnred  by  them  rram  the  bona  of  their  muty  allowuica  of  ration 
meat,  and  offered  for  eale  lo  the  loldien  of  the  gurifon,  or  Tiiiton 
from  the  city  who  chsnccd  to  pui  the  place  of  their  caaflnement. 

Tber  appeared  to  be  generally  very  merry,  and  were  dreaaed  in  the 
peculiar  naiform  of  the  priMm  ;  but  here  and  there  might  be  obKrrcd 
aa  officer,  who,  having  broke  bts  parole  of  honour,  wai  now  degraded 
by  being  placed  amoDg  the  rank  and  file.  Rouald  waa  but  a  yonng 
aoldier,  and  conieqaently  pitied  them;  he  tbongbt  of  what  hia  own 
feelings  Woold  be  were  be  e  prisoner  in  a  foreign  land,  with  the  bayonets 
of  gnarda  glitteriBg  at  every  turn  ;  but  tbere  seemed  to  be  none  then 
who  yearned  for  home  or  hearts  they  had  left  behind  them,  asie  one ; 
and  of  him  we  will  speak  benalter.  The  reception  Rouald  met  with 
tram  the  officwa  of  hu  own  corps  tended  macb  Co  renie  his  drooping 
spiriti,  which  were  for  some  time  sadly  depresBed  by  the  remembrance 
of  LoEhiala,  and  the  affectionate  friends  he  had  left  behind  him  there. 

AaaoDg  the  officers  were  young  men  who,  like  bimaelf,  bad  recently 
left  dieir  hornet  in  the  distant  north,  and  a  unison  of  feeling  eiiaCed  in 
their  minds ;  bnt,  generally,  they  were  merry,  tboughtleas  fellowi,  and 
the  Tivacity  of  their  cnnTersstion,  the  frolics  in  which  they  were  ever 
engaged,  and  the  bnatle  of  the  garriion,  were  capital  antidotes  agaioat 
care.  Bnt  the  tear  often  started  to  the  eye  of  Stasrt  as  he  befaeld  the 
far-off  peak  of  Ben  Lomond,  fifty  miles  distant  from  the  window  of  bia 
room, — his  rank  as  a  subaltern  entitlin)^  him  only  to  one,  and  he 
tbongbt  of  the  romantic  hill<  of  Perthebtre,  or  of  the  lonely  hearth 
where  hia  grey-haired  sire  mourned  for  bia  absence.  But  little  time 
waa  allowed  him  Co  muse  thns-  Parades  in  the  castle,  the  promenades, 
.  tbcatna,  the  gay  blaze  of  bsU-raoinB  in  the  city,  crowded  with  beautiful 
and  faihionable  girls  and  glittering  nnifbrms,  left  him  little  time  for 
refleetioD ;  and  the  day  of  embarkation  far  the  I^ninsola,  the  seat  of 
war.  to  which  all  men's  thongbts — and  women's  too — were  toioed, 
insensibly  drew  nigh. 

Eian  iTerach  bad  been  enlisted  in  bis  master's  company,  aud  under 
the  hands  of  a  regimental  tailor,  and  the  tnition  of  the  drill  sergeant, 
waa  rapidly  becoming  a  smart  soldier,  while  he  stilt  remained  on 
attached  terrant  to  his  master. 

The  latter,  soon  after  his  arriral  in  the  capital,  bed  visited  his 
fatber's  agent,  Mr.  jGueas  Macquitk,  a  writer  to  the  signet,  who 
had  loog  tranaacled  the  bueiaess  and  fleeced  the  pocket  of  the  old 
iaird  in  the  moat  approved  legal  manner.  This  worthy,  having  lately 
procured  the  old  gentleman's  signature  to  a  document  which  WM 
ultimHtely  to  be  his  ruin,  was  therefore  disposed  to  treat  Ronald  drily 
enough,  having  made  the  most  of  his  father ;  and  he  would  never  have 
been  inviled  to  the  snug  froDt-doorhoute,  with  the  carpeted  staircase. 
conforTable  dining  and  airy  drawiug-room  in  the  new  town,  but  for 
the  vanity  of  Mrs.  and  the  Misses  Macquirk,  who  thought  that  the 
rich  uniform  of  the  young  officer  as  a  visitor  gave  their  house  a  gay  and 
(ssbionable  air. 

Quite  the  roerae  of  the  good  old  "  clerks  to  the  signet"  who  once- 
dwelt  in  the  dark  closes  of  tbc  old  city,  Macqnirk  waa  one  of  the  many 
contemptible  fellows  whose  only  talent  ia  chicanery,  and  who  fatten 
•nd  thrive  on  that  nnfortuDBte  love  of  litigation  which  poaaeues  the 
penple  of  Scotland.  Mean  and  servile  to  the  rich,  he  was  equally 
pone- proud  and  overbearing  to  the  poor,  to  whom  he  was  a  savage  and 
nmoTseless  creditor.    Man;  were  the  unfortunate  citizens  who  cursed 


22 

tbt  faonr  in  which  they  first  Icdcit  t^ 
A*  lav,  better  thsn  ever  his  father  ! 
meodiu  shaes  in  the  Weal  Bow. 

Mra.  Macquirk  waa  a  tnlEar-looliiiiS  womBB,  most  laibtcaMingljr 
bt :  her  moafl;  bad  procured  her  a  hnaband,  aad  abe  irea  aa  proad  as 
could  be  expected,  coniidsring  that  abt  had  fint  Been  the  light  ia  the 
low  pnrlietia  of  the  Krainiea,  and  aow  found  heraelf  miatreaa  of  odd  of 
the  haudtemeat  booaea  in  Edioba^h- 

TheTonng  ladies  were  more  agreeaMe,  b«DBrath«TE3od-laDkiDBb«t 
rarr  affected,  haiinc  recflTed  all  the  Bceomphehinents  that  it  waa  ia  the 
power  of  their  slighted  and  brow-beaCeB  goiemeaa,  the  daaghterof  a 
giwd  bat  aafbrtooate  family,  to  impart  to  theu.  They  gave  parties, 
tInU  Ranald  might  ahD«  off  the  imifarm  of  the-  Oordou  Higfalandan, 
aod  plared  aod  snug  to  hiai  in  their  brat  strle;  while  be  drew  nuqr 
comparisona  between  them  aud  the  Alice  whose  miniature  he  wore  in 
bis  bofom.  by  which  ther  loat  immmsely ;  and  while  listeoiag  (it  their 
ooofijMd  forngn  airs  and  songa,  he  thoi^^ht  haw  mach  aweetcr  afld. 
more  mBsical  were  the  tones  of  Alice  Lisle,  whea  she  ung  '^The  Birks 
of  InTermay,"  or  any  other  melody  of  the  raouataiaa.  making  bis  heart 
Tibr^e  to  her  worda.  Bnt  eren  in  the  Castle  of  EdiDbar|h  Rmnid 
had  recently  made  a  friend,  wboie  eeciet^,  in  spite  of  military  and 
Highland  gallantry,  he  preferred  to  that  of  the  dsiighters  of  Madtnirk. 

Among  the  Prendi  captifes  within  the  stockade,  he  hsd  frequently 
•obserred  a  yoong  officer  who  remained  apart  from  th»  reat.  the  detp 
dejection  aud  abMraction  of  whose  air  Ksiaed  him  tbe  readily- excitad 
■rmpathy  of  the  yonng  Highlander.  He  was  a  tali,  handsome,  weM- 
uaped  yoDQg  man,  with  re^lsr  features,  dsik  eyea,  and  a  heaxy  black 
moostactie  on  his  npper  lip.  He  wore  the  nnifarm  of  Napoleon's 
fcoKHii  Imperial  Guards ;  but  the  once  gsy  epaulette  and  lace  ware 
mneli  worn  and  faded.  He  wore  cr  long  aoarlet  farage-aap,  adorned 
with  a  hand,  a  tassel  falling  over  his  right  shoulder.  Tbe  gold  croaa  of 
tbe  Legion  of  Honoar  daogling  at  his  breast  showed  that  hebadaecn 
•w^ce,  and  distinguished  himself. 

He  hod  more  than  once  obserred  tlw  pecaliar  look  wilh  wfakli 
Ronald  Stnsrt  had  eyed  him  ;  and  on  ana  occasion,  with  the  polltcneas 
-of  his  nation,  he  gracefally  touched  his  csp.  The  Scotaman  bowed, 
«nd  beckoned  him  1^  a  retired  part  oF  the  palisado. 

"  Canyon  speak  oar  language,  sir  ?  "  asked  he. 

"  Oh,  yea.  Mooaiear  offieier,"  replied  the  Frenchman ;  "  I  bare 
learned  it  in  the  prison." 

"  1  regret  much  to  see  yon,  an  officer,  placed  here  ameng  the  com- 
mon rank  and  file.  How  haa  such  an  erent  ceme  to  pass  ?  Caa  I  in 
any  way  assist  you  ? " 

"  Monsieur,  I  thank  you;  yon  are  very  good, bat  it  ia  not  posaibia," 
atammrred  the  FreDobmaa  in  coafuaion,  hia  auD'buPoed  cheek  redden- 
ing while  he  spoke.  "  Crovv  Ditu  .'  yoara  are  the  firat  words  of  true 
kindDESB  that  1  have  heord  since  I  left  my  own  home,  in  oar  plcasMit 
Franoe.  O,  monsieur,  I  co:ild  almost  weep  !  I  am  degraded  among 
my  ftllow. soldiers,  my  Jrh-eg  d'armet.  I  bare  brokoi  my  parole  of 
hoDOor,  and  am  placsd  among  the  prirate  men;  conflnad  within  this 
paliaado  by  day,  and  these  dark  faults  by  night, "^ — pointing  to  the 
aiteient  dnngeoaa  wiiich  lie  along  the  south  aide  of  the  rocka.  aad  are 
tlM  moat  antique  part  of  the  fortress.  These  gloomy  places  were  the 
allotted  qoarters  of  the  French  prisoners  in  Edinburgh. 


lA.^.  23 

"  I  ba»B  been  placed  hara  ia  oanMcuianee  of  a  datpente  attempt  I 

made  Co  escape  fcom  tbe  dep&t  (Grseakw*  I  think  it  ii  nimed),  at  tbe 
teat  ot  Ummo  high  raouatsiui.  I  perceiie  you  pily  me,  mauaieur,  and 
Bdecd  1  am  veer  miserabla." 

"  I  daie  Bwear  ttas  penuicc  of  captiritf  i*  great ;  bat  'd<  the  fortune 
gf  waTt  and  Duy  be  my  <uin  chaflice  very  rood." 

"  Abi  mooMeur  1 "  said  the  FreQctuaan,  deapondiiiflT,  "  to  me  it  ia 
aadaatfa.  But'tia  notchcnji  du  paj/t,  the  bome-sickoeaa,  Boeomnion 
MaTmf  thi  SiNtiara  aad  yoa  Scota.  tbat  preyi  upoa  mjr  heart.  Did 
TOB  know  my  storr,  and  aJl  that  afflicta  me.  your  surpciae  at  the  dejec- 

■  '  ':woald  ceaae.    1  endure  much  miaery  here  : 

.._  ,.    .  .int,  ny  uniform  ii  &II  gone  to  r>g*.  and  I 

hais  not  wherawitb  to  procure  other  cloLhiog.  We  are  debarred  from 
mmtf  ocuforta—"  The  blood  rose  to  the  teiaplei  of  the  ipeaker,  who 
aadiirnlT  ccaaad  on  (Mrceiiing  that  Ronald  had  drava  forth  hia  purae. 
ntcefLldiLlaparathemoiiey.bat  be  preued  It  npoa  the  FrenchioaD, 
bf  shoao,  aror  much  besitatiou,  the  gilt  iraa  accepted. 

"  but  1  take  the  puna  aa  a  gift  from  one  brother  soldier  to  another, 
and  Kill  share  it  among  my  poor  comrades.  Thoogh  our  tiations  be  at 
wtXtfiiret  d'arme»  we  all  are,  monaieur ;  aod  ahould  it  ever  be  ia  his 

Ear,  Hf  Haasaa  and  St.Ijaaia  1  Victor  J'Elttouiillewill  requite  your 
laeaa.     If  by  tbe  fortune,  or  rather  misfortune,  of  war,  you  eier 
lavone  a  pnaooer  in  my  native  country,  you  will  And  that  the  memory 
of  la  Oardt  Ecmaaite  and  your  brate  m"'  >  r  ......   ..- 

kraed  BO  loag  and  well,  and  the  aufieriup  ot 
bltMteiL  ia  la  belli  Fraace." 

"  I  tniat  my  doatiuy  will  neiar  lead  me 

ataawheae.    Bat  keep  a  atout  heart:  the „ 

eaotiaBge  of  ptiaoaen  may  aet  you  free. ' ' 

"du«Ji>WH.'  I  know  not  what  may  have  happened  at  home  before 
that  comes  to  paaa.  Moaaieur,  you  have  beoome  ray  friend,  and  have 
therabre  a  right  la  my  coafidance  ;  my  story  shall  be  relaud  to  you  as 
brMy  aapasaible.  My  name  ii  d'Estourille.  I  am  deacended  from 
OBkof  the  best  famiiiaa  in  Fraace,  of  which  my  ancestors  were  peers. 
and  poaaeased  loive  estates  iu  tbe  province  of  Normandy, — a  oame 
wfaiia  hada  an  echo,  meChiiiks,  in  your  sister  liiogdom.  By  the  late 
rerolntion.  in  which  my  father  lost  his  life,  all  our  laods  were  awept 
fc«n  na,  with  the  exception  of  a  small  cottage  in  tbe  oeigbbDUTboad  of 
Haariqueville.  situated  in  the  fertilfi  valley  where  the  thick  woods 
SMd  beautiful  ilneyaids  lb  iatermiuEled  along  the  banks  of  the 
winding  Seiae ;  and  to  this  spot  my  poor  mother  with  her  fatherless 
eUdren  retired.  Ah.  monsieor  !  'twas  a  cbarming  little  place : 
mathiaka  I  ace  it  now,  tbe  low^raoEed  cottage,  with  the  vines  and  roses 
gCDWiDS  round  ita  roof  aod  chimneys,  and  m  at  the  little  lattices  that 
glistened  in  the  sunshine, — every  green  lone  and  clump  of  shadowy 
ttvaa,  and  every  silver  rill  armind  it. 

"  Luina  by  our  own  iodustry,  we  were  happy  enough ;  my  brother 
and  ayaeu  iacreaaed  ia  atrangth  and  manlineaa,  as  my  sisters  did  in 
Wanty  ;  and  the  sweetneas  of  my  noble  mother's  temper,  together  with 


1,  intcrrnl  Ln  tJia  m 


a^s 


"  Mansiear,  I  loved  ii  fair  girl  in  our  Dcighbonrbood,  a  neir  nUtion 
of  my  own, — Disne  de  Montmichel,  a  beautiful  brunetta,  with  dark 
b»ir  Bod  sparkliug  eye«.     Oh  !  could  we  but  see  Diane  now  1 

"  Man  Dieu  .'  The  very  day  od  which  I  was  to  have  wedded  ber 
was  Ried,  and  the  future  seemed  Tail  of  etery  happiness  ;  but  the 
great  Emperor  wanted  men  to  tight  his  battles,  and  by  one  conicrip- 
tion  the  whole  youth  of  the  Talley  of  LUlebonoe  were  drawn  away. 
Mr  brother  and  myself  were  among  them.  Ah,  monsieur  !  Napoleoa 
thmks  not  of  the  agony  of  French  mothers,  and  the  bitter  tears  that 
are  wept  for  every  conscription.  Britain  recmits  her  armies  with  tbon- 
Mads  of  free  volunteers,  who  tread  by  their  own  free-will  the  path  of 
honour.  France — but  we  will  not  talk  of  this.  Our  poor  peasant  boys 
were  torn  from  tbeir  cottages  and  vineyards,  ftvm  the  arms  of  their 
parents  and  friends ;  we  felt  our  hearts  swelling  within  db,  but  to  resist 
WHS  to  die.  O,  monsiear  !  what  must  have  been  the  thoughts  of  my 
high-minded  mother  when  abe  beheld  her  sons — the  sons  of  a  noble 
peer  of  old  France— drawn  from  her  roof  to  carry  the  musket  as  private 

"  And  Diane  de  Montmichel  ? " 

"  In  a  few  months  I  found  myself  fighting  the  battles  of  the  great 
Emperor  as  a  soldier  of  his  Imperial  Guard,  the  flower  of  la  belle 
JFVaHce.  In  our  first  engagement  with  the  enemy,  ray  brave  brother 
fell— poor  Henri  I  But  why  should  I  regret  him  ?  He  teil  gaining 
fttae  for  France,  and  died  nobly  with  the  eagle  on  his  breast  and  the 
folds  of  the  tricolour  waving  over  him.  Since  then  1  have  distingoiihed 
myself,  was  promoted,  and  received  from  the  hand  of  Napoleon  this 
^Id  cross,  which  had  once  bnn^  on  his  own  proud  breaat.  1  received 
It  amidst  the  dead  and  the  dying,  on  a  field  where  the  hot  blood  of 
brave  men  had  been  poured  forth  as  water.  From  that  moment  I  was 
more  than  ever  his  devoted  soldier.  He  had  kindled  in  roy  breaat  the 
fire  of  martial  ambition,  which  softer  love  bad  caused  to  slamber.  I 
now  looked  forward  joyously  to  quick  promotion,  and  my  return  to 
poor  Diane  and  my  mother's  vine-covered  cot  in  happy  Lillebonne. 
But  my  hopes  were  doomed  to  be  blasted.  I  was  taken  prisoner  in  an 
anlucky  charge,  and  transmitted  with  some  thousand  mare  to  this 
country. 

■'  O,  monsieur  1  not  even  the  pledge  of  my  most  sacred  honour  as  s 
gentleman  and  soldier  could  bind  me  while  love  and  ambition  fitled  my 
heart.  I  moamed  the  monotonous  life  of  a  military  prisoner,  and  fled 
from  the  dep5t  at  Greenlaw ;  but  1  was  retaken  a  day  after,  and  sent 
to  this  strong  fortress,  where  for  three  long  and  weary  years  I  have 
been  conflned  among  the  common  file.  O,  monsiear  I  Diane — my 
mother — my  sisters  I  what  sad  changes  may  not  hare  happened  amons 
them  in  that  time  I " 

He  covered  his  face  for  a  moment  with  his  hand  to  hide  his  emoOon. 

"  Adiea,  monsieur  I  Should  we  ever  meet  where  it  is  in  my  power 
to  return  your  kindness,  you  will  find  that  I  can  be  grateful,  and  n- 
member  uat  in  bis  diatress  yon  regarded  Victor  d'BstouviUe,  not  ■■  a 
Frenchman  and  an  enemy,  but  aa  a  brother  nfflcier  under  miaftir- 

He  ceaaed,  and  bowing  low,  retired  from  the  palisado  to  minglA 
among  the  prisoners. 
Since  his  arrival  in  the  capital,  Ronald  had  reeeind  muijr  lettacs 


from  bome,  bat  noiw  from  Alica  Lisle  ;  he  WM  deterred  from  writing 
,  to  her,  fearing  that  his  letten  might  fall  into  other  hsudB  than  her 
own,  and  he  grew  lad  aa  the  dsy  of  embBrkstiDn  drev  nvar.  and  be 
heard  Dot  from  the  fair  girl,  whose  little  ministare  afforded  bim  a 
pleasiog  object  far  coDtemplaCion  in  big  melancboLr  moodt. 

On  the  morning  after  the  arriial  of  lie  raste,  Ronald  *B9  awakened 
from  sleep  about  daybreslc,  by  the  loaud  of  the  bagpipe,  whieh  in  his 
dreaming  ear  carried  him  home:  be  almost  faoded  bimeelf  at  Loch- 
iaU,  and  that  old  Iverach  waa  piping  to  Che  oioming  bud.  when  other 
sounds  caused  him  to  start.  He  sprang  up,  and  looked  from  the  lofty 
old  window  into  the  gloomy  court  of  the  castle.  Ronald  Macdonnil- 
dha,  the  piper,  was  blowing  forth  the  regimental  gathering,  Che  wild 
notes  of  which  were  startling  Che  echoes  of  the  ancient  fortress,  and 
nmstag  the  aoldiers,  who  were  thronging  forth  in  beary  marching 
order — aa  tbe  military  term  is— completely  accoutred. 

"Come,  Stuart,  my  boy,  turn  up!"  cried  Aliater  Macdonald,  a 
brother  ensign,  who  entered  the  room  unceremoniously,  "  you  will  be 
late;  we  march  in  ten  minutes,  and  then  good-bye  Co  the  crowded  ball- 
rooma  and  fair  giria  of  Edinburgh." 

"  I  had  no  idea  Che  morning  was  so  far  advanced,"  replied  Ronald, 
dressing  himself  as  fast  as  possible.  "  There  goes  the  roll  of  the  drum 
iK>w  ;  why,  they  are  falling  in." 

"The  deuce  1  I  most  go,  or  our  hot- beaded  commander,  Che  major, 
may  forget  that  I  sot  a  kinsman  from  Che  Isle  of  tbe  Mist,  lliis 
morning  be  is  as  cross  as  a  bear  with  a  sore  bead,  and  expends  his 
ill-hnmonr  on  the  acting  adjatant,  who  in  (urn  e;ipends  his  on  tbe 
men.  There  is  tbe  sound  of  Black  Ronald's  pipe  again  ;  I  must  be 
off,"  and  be  left  Che  apartment. 

"  Come,  Evan,  bustle  abont,  and  get  me  hameased  !  Push  (his  belt 
nnder  my  epaulette,  bring  me  my  sword  and  bonnet;  be  ijuick,  will 
yoit^  "  cried  Ronald  to  his  folfower,  who,  accoutred  for  the  march 
with  his  heavy  knapsack  on  his  back,  entered  the  room.  "  You  will 
look  after  Che  baeE:ige.     Where  are  the  Cranks,  and  oCher  el  cattra  I" 

"  A'  on  the  road  to  Leilh  twa  boors  sync." 

"What,  in  tbe  dark?" 

"Ay,  maister,  just  in  tbe  dark.  Three  muckle  carts,  piled  lite 
toweiVi  wi'  kists  and  wives  an'  weans  on  the  tap,  an'  pans  and  camp- 
kettlea  jingling  frae  ilka  neuk  and  corner, — an'  uqco  like  flittea'  aa 

With  Evan's  sssistance,  his  master  was  garbed  and  armed.  On 
descending  to  the  csstle  square,  he  found  Che  detachment,  to  the  num- 
ber of  three  hundred  men,  formed  in  line,  molionleas  and  silent. 
Ronald  was  particnlsrly  struck  with  tbe  martial  and  service-like 
appearance  of  tbe  Highlanders,  by  the  combination  which  their  cos- 
tume exhibits  of  the  "  garb  of  old  Gaul "  with  tbe  rich  uniform  of 
OraaC  Britain.  The  plumed  bonnets,  drooping  gracefully  over  the 
right  shoulder,  the  dark  tartan,  tbe  hairy  purses,  the  glittering  appoint- 
ments, and  loug  lins  of  muscular  bare  knees,  together  with  the  gloomy 
and  antique  buildings  of  the  fortress,  formed  a  scene  at  once  wild  and 
picCnresque ;  but  Ronald  bad  little  time  for  surveying  it. 

There  is  sometliing  peculiarly  gallant  and  warlike  in  tbe  dashing 
appearance  of  onr  Highland  soldiers,  wiiich  brings  to  the  mind  tbe 
mcoUections  of  those  days  when  the  awards  of  our  ancestors  swept 
before  them  the  martial  legions  of  Rome — imperial  Rome,  whose  arms 
had  laid  proaCrate  tbe  powera  of  half  a  world — of  the  later  deeds  of 


26 

BaDnockbnm,  ud  ouuly  othsc  battlea  — the  remembranoa  of  oar 
bdrHbC  kinss  and  rtgal  independeoce — all  "  the  BtirTing  memory  of  a 
[haantnd  yean,"  raising  a  flush  of  praad  and  tumultuoui  feeling  ii^ 
thabreaUof  erery  Scotscoui,  »ho  beh-oLds  in  these  troops  the  braie 
repreaentatwes  of  his  caantry;  troops  who,  in  etery  dims  under  the 
SQar  have  maiatained  uataroi^ied  her  ancient  glory  and  her  name.  So 
Chonght  Ronald,  and  he  was  proud  to  cdaaider  hioiBelf  one  of  them,  as 
lie  dren  his  sword  aud  took  hia  place  io  the  ranks. 

The  tattling  bayonets  were  fixed,  and  flatbed  ia  the  morning  sns,  as 
the miiskeU  were  ebouldeced  and  "skped,"  the  line  broke  iato  sec- 
tioDS,  and  moring  off  to  the  stirring  saand  of  the  Qfe  and  drum,  b^on 
to  deaeend  the  ateep  and  winding  way  to  the  ga«  of  the  fortreaa. 

Tbeidea  of  departing  for  foreign  eeriice  hud  samBtliiDg  elevatiDK 
and  exciting  in  it,  which  pleased  the  mioda  of  all,  but  roused  to  the 
utmost  the  rooiantic  spirit  of  Ronald  Stuart,  whfisa  ear  wns  pleased. 
with  the  tread  of  the  marchiog  feet  and  aharp  roU  oftbedrnics  re- 
sonnding  in  the  holloa  archway ;  as  was  his  eye,  with  the  waiiog 
feathers  imd  glittering  weapons  of  the  bead  of  the  little  cohimo.  as 
they  descended  the  pathway  towards  the  city. 

As  they  passed  through  the  latter  towarda  Leith,  the  streets  were 
alntoat  empty,  none  being  abroad  at  that  early  hour,  eaie  bereaad 
there,  within  the  ancient  royalty,  an  old  city  guardsman,  arcoed  with 
hia  Lochaber  ajre ;  but  the  liead  of  many  a  drowsy  cicizen  in  his  night- 
cap appeared  at  the  windows,  from  which  many  an  eye  gaied  with  that 
iatereM  which  the  embarkation  of  tfoops  for  the  seat  of  war  always 
called  forth  ;  for  many  were  marching  there  who  were  doomed  to  leaTe 
their  bones  in  the  distant  soil  of  the  Frank  or  Spaniard.  Many  rela- 
tive* and  friends  of  the  soldiers  accompanied  their  march,  and  Ronald 
wu  wttoesfl  of  maay  a  painful  patting  between  those  who  migbtnerer 
meet  again. 

"  O  m;  baiiQ  I  my  [>air  deluded  bairn  I  "  eitdaimed  an  aged  woman 
wildlj,  as  she  rushed  into  the  ranks  with  her  grey  hairs  falling  over 
hei  uce,  and  with  atreaminc  eyea,  clasped  a  son  roand  the  neck ; 
"  O  lang,  lang  will  it  be  tili  1  see  ye  again ;  and  oh,  when  yon  ere  far 
>wa  frae  bonnie  Gleocorse,  wha  will  tend  ye  as  yonr  aold  forsaken 
mithar  has  dune  ?  she  that  has  toiled,  and  watched  oner,  and  prayed 
for  ye,  since  ye  first  saw  the  licbt.  O  Archy,  my  doo,  speak  ;  let  me 
hear  your  rotce  for  the  last  time !  " 

"  God  be  wi'  ye,  mither  !  O  leave  me  !  or  my  heart  will  btuat  in 
twa,"  sobbed  tbe  poor  fellow,  while  some  of  his  mare  thou^tless 
oMiradea  endeavoured  by  jests  and  ill-timed  merriment  to  raise  his 
drooping  spirits;  and  many  a  hearty  but  sorrowluL  "  Glide  bye,"  and 
"  Pareweel,"  was  interchanged  on  alt  sid(         '  .    ,  ™ 

Sttn  was  hi^h  in  the  sky  when  they  halted  ._  ..._  ., 

above  a  thick  morniag  mist,  which  rested  on  the  face  of  the  wi 
Ronald  saw  the  lofty  taper  spars  and  smart  rigging  of  the  Urge  trantport 
which  lay  oat  in  tbe  stream,  with  her  white  canvass  hanging  loose,  and 
"bine  peter"  flying  at  tbe  fore-mast  head. 

Ab  boat  after  boat,  with  its  freight  of  armed  men,  was  [Hilled  off 
towards  the  vessel,  shonts  loud  and  long  arose  from  the  sailors  and 
idlers  on  the  pier  end  quays ;  aud  stirring  ware  the  cheers  in  reply 
whlGh  arose  from  the  boats  and  floated  along  the  aurlace  of  the  river. 
aatbaHigblandera  waved  Ihair  bonnets  in  farewell  to  thoaa  they  left 
bdind.  Certainly,  like  many  others,  Ronald  did  not  feel  at  his  eaae 
wh^  oD  board  the  vessel,  and  he  became  confused  with  the  tramp  of 


STAB.  37 

feet,  tbe  bmtle,  (he  rattle  of  utds,  tlie  load  chint  of  tb«  Mdtors 
washing  anchor,  the  clatb  of  th*  Biodlare  |>*1b.  the  palling,  hulin|c, 
ordBiing,  and  sneorhiit.  on  all  sides, — aights  and  soondi  lo  him  kUke 
new  and  wondarful-  The  smell  of  tir,  gnue,  bilgs-water,  tobacco, 
and  a  hondred  other  drBigreoible  odeun,  aMiiled  lum,  and  be  felt  b; 
aaticipaUan  the  pleaaares  of  B«a-siekne«a. 

Ab  soon  BB  tbs  anchor  swdd^  sngpnrded  at  the  boir,  the  rardi  irtre 
braced  eharp  t>p,  the  canfass  Ailed,  nnd  Che  ripple  which  arose  at  the 
bow  anDOanced  the  vessel  under  weigh.  She  sLowl^  passed  (he  ligbl- 
bonsfl  which  C^sainstes  the  old  sTone  pier,  aoi  rounding  the  stroHg 
Martello  tower,  mored  down  tbe  glassy  waten  of  the  broad  aod  Doble 
Forth. 

The  officers  nare  grouped  together  on  tba  poop,  aod  tbeir  soldlan 
lined  the  side  of  the  ressel,  gazing  on  the  city  towering  above  the 
meming  miat,  which  was  rolling  bearily  and  slow)]'  along  the  bamof 
the  bills  in  huge  white  Tolnmes.  The  frowning  and  predpitoai  front 
of  the  bold  craua  of  Salisbury— the  sli II  greater  elevation  of  Artfaor'B 
lofty  cone — the  black  and  venerable  fortresa— tbe  tall  spirts  and  hooaes 
of  the  city — the  remantie  hills  of  Braid-^be  wooded  sumralt  of  Cor- 
Btorpbioe — and  the  undnUting  lim  of  the  gigantic  Pentlands.  were  ail 
objects  which  riveted  their  attention  ;  snd  msny  a  brave  man  waallwre 
whose  heart  swtUed  within  him  while  he  gaz^d,  for  the  last  time,  per- 
haps, on  the  Ereen  mountaine  and  ancient  cavitat  nf  Caledonia. 


CHAPTEB    TI. 


A  ueHTH  at  two  more  fbuod  Roiutd  with  bia  comrades,  after  baJBg 
boded  at  Liaboa,  pursaiag  their  roate  tbrongh  Portngsl.  to  join  their 
regiment,  then  campaigDing  in  Estreowdura  wiclv  the  divisioB  of  Sir 
Rowland  Hill. 

Everywhere  the  ravages  of  the  mthlcH  French  werovisible  aathey 
marched  onwards.  At  Santarcm,  Punhete,  Abrantes,  and  ntany  otiier 
ploees,  they  viewed  with  surprise  and  pity  the  pale  featares  of  the 
starving  inhabitaaCs,  the  lire- blackened  walls,  tbt  roofiess  streets  or 
nttcrly-deserted  villages,  from  which  everything  had  been  carried  off  or 
given  Co  deatrnction  by  tbs  Frei^ch  in  their  retreat.  Ancient  churches 
and  stately  coments  had  been  turned  into  stables,  where  csvairy  baraes 
snd  baggage -mules  chewed  their  wratohed  (brage  of  chopped  strair, 
snd  reposed  on  the  lettered  stones,  beneath  whieh  skpt  the  proud  cava- 
linv  and  brave  Hidalgos  of  old  Lcsitania. 

When  they  locked  on  these  scenes  of  deaolatlon,  and  coniidcred  tbe 
deancratioa  of  everything,  whether  sacred  or  profane,  their  hearts  grew 
sick  within  IJieni,  and  they  tbouglit  of  the  happy  isle  which  tlwy  had 
left  behind,  where  aoch  horrors  are  unknown — unknown  to  tbe 
mercantile  citizena,  who  grudge  so  much  the  miserable  pittance  received 
by  the  poor  soldier. 


LOitgn 

— , j„j ST  iroTQ  iniue  wbom  uiev  una  cc 

free  from  tbe  iron  grsBp  of  Baa 
welcome  cave  tlie  sepulchral  tolling  of  lonie  cBtbedrsl  or  chapel  bell — 
tbe  waiing  of  wbile  kerchiefs  or  veils  from  tbe  grsted  liittice  of  some 
convent  wbieh  had  escaped  the  raraiera,  when  their  walls  ruDg  to  tbe 
sound  of  Ihe  drum  and  war-pipe — the  muttered  beniaon  of  some  old 
Padre,  as  hs  viewed  with  surprise  the  bare  kuees,  tbe  wild  and  niartisl 
f  arbt  of  Cbe  raen  of  Albyn*  and  tbe  gigantic  proportioDs  of  the  officer 
who  commanded  them.  Major  Camp^tl  was  a  handsome  Highlander, 
of  a  most  muscular  make  and  Herculean  forni.  His  dark  hair  was 
hecoming;  grizzled,  for  he  was  nearly  fifty  years  of  age,  and  his  nut- 
browu  cheek  had  been  tanned  by  the  tun  and  storm  in  many  a  varied 
clime.  From  the  strength  of  his  arm  and  the  lenRth  of  his  sword  (a 
real  Andrea  Ferrera,*  with  the  maker's  name  on  the  blade),  he  was  a 
most  uncomfortable  aotaitonist  at  close  quarters,  aa  many  of  the  French 
and  others  had  found  to  their  cost;  but  Campbell  never  drew  hia 
Andrea  unless  when  be  found  himself  pressed,  but  made  use  of  a  short 
oak  stick  furnished  with  a  heavy  knob  at  the  eud,  which  he  had  cat  in 
one  of  the  wild  forests  of  Argylesbire,  and  slways  retained  and  carried 
with  him,  as  a  relic  and  memorial  of  his  native  moontains. 

It  waa  towards  the  end  of  a  chilly  day  in  the  spring  of  1912,  that  tha 
major's  detachment  halted  in  the  ancient  city  of  Albuqaerque,  where 
they  spent  their  first  night  in  Spain.  This  old  frontier  town  is  situated 
in  the  slope  of  the  Sierra  de  Montanchea,  a  ridge  of  mountains  in 
Eslremadnra.  By  a  miracle,  or  little  short  of  it,  it  had  escaped  better 
than  other  places  tbe  ravages  of  the  French,  who  had  left  the  roofs  aa 
all  tbe  houses,  which  were,  however,  gutted  of  everything  of  value.  In 
general  the  outrages  of  Napoleon's  troops  were  less  flagrant  in  Spain 
than  in  Portugal,  from  a  wish  to  conciliateth: farmer,  and  render  them, 
as  of  old,  friends  and  allies.  Owing  lo  the  eminence  on  which  the  city 
is  situated,  its  streets  are  much  cleaner  than  those  of  Spanish  towns 
geneially,  where  the  thoroughfares  are  cleared  of  tbe  mud  and  filth 
that  encumber  them  by  the  rain,  which  in  Albuquerque,  when  it  falls 
heavily,  sweeps  everything  down  the  eaasewayed  slopes  to  the  bed  of 
the  Gnadiana,  which  Bows  past  the  foot  of  the  city.  An  ancient  castle, 
as  old  probably  a>  tbe  days  of  Rodericit,  "  the  lastof  theGotha,"  stands 
upon  the  summit  of  a  rock  above  the  town  ;  and  around  its  base  are 
the  streets,  ill  paved,  dark,  and  narrow, — well  titled  for  Spanish  deeds 
of  assassination  and  robbery.  By  an  order  from  the  alcalde,  tbe  High. 
lenders  were  billeted  upon  difi'erent  houses,  and  Ronald  Staart  and 
Major  Campbell  were  both  qoartered  in  the  same  mansion,  the  patron 
of  which,  Senor  Narvaez  Cifuentes  (aa  he  styled  himself),  kept  a  shop 
for  retailing  the  country  wine.  Many  goodly  pigskins  filled  with  ir 
were  ranged  upon  the  rickety  shelves  of  his  store,  from  the  ruiomts 
rafters  of  which  hung  aoms  thonsanda  of  tempting  bunches  of  dried 
grapes,  and  many  of  these  fell  kindly  down  at  Campbell's  feet  when  tbe 
old  house  shook  with  his  heavy  tread. 

The  patron,  in  appearance,  was  not  qnite  what  one  shonld  wiab  a 
host  to  be,  especially  in  a  strange  country.  His  stature  was  low,  his 
face  was  so  swarthy  aa  to  reseoible  that  of  a  ne^to  in  darkness ;  bis 
monstacbes  were  ^ick,  fierce,  and  black,  miitgling  with  the  mattad 
hair  of  his  huge  bullet-head.  He  wore  a  long  stiletto  (openly)  in  tbe 
■  Th«e  iwordi  are  ctten  worn  bj  lis  offlcmt  of  our  Highland  coip>,  Uk  old 
blades  being  polished  and  Kl  in  DCir  ngimenul  baskel.hliti. 


km  wanted  Buh  which  encircled  hii  wiiit,  and  the  baft  of  ■  \mta 
■Bured  within  the  breut  of  hii  doablet,  or  lort  of  Teat  with  aleeTei, 
ich  wu.  like  the  rest  of  his  Mtire,  ia  t,  Tcry  dilapidmted  coDdition ; 
I,  altogether,  the  Senar  Narvuz  Cifaentea  diapUred  more  o[  Um 

]e  waa,  neverCbeleas,  a  rettling  joltf  lort  of  fellow,  eipeciilly  (or  a 


„        ,  .to  show  hi* 

loraltjF,  emptied  naoj  a  horo  to  the  health  of  Ferdiaind  VII.,  to  the 
freedom  of  S|uiD,  and  to  the  eternal  confaaion  of  the  French,  com- 
pellioE,  with  rouih  and  unixremonioua  hoipiulity,  Staart  and  the 
majar  to  do  ao  Likeniae,  until  the;  had  well  nigh  each  imbibed  the  con- 
tents of  a  pigakin. — the  common  leaael  for  eontaiaing  wine  in  Spain, 
whnv  neither  bottlei  nor  flaaka  are  aaed,  but  the  aimple  invention  of  a 
pigakin,  aown  np  with  the  hair  iniide,  which,  when  fall,  looka  not 
unlike  the  bag  of  the  Scottiah  piper,  from  ita  black,  bloated,  and  greaajr 
^pearance. 

Almoat  reeling  with  the  effects  of  their  potaCioni,  the;  were  ahown 
br  the  patroD  to  their  chamber,  where  their  bedding  conuited  oul;  of 
ablanket  and  mattreaa. 

"  What  the  miacbief  ii  the  meaniDg  of  thii,  Senor  Patron,  Mr. 
Narraez,  or  what  ia  Tour  title  P"  atamoured  the  major,  holding  the 
flickeriiif  candle  oTer  the  miaerable  coach  ;  "  'tia  all  oTer  blood.  What 
doe*  it  mean  ?  We  aoJiJDifiu  are  not  lo  fond  of  alaaghCerag  to  reliah  a 
bed  of  this  sort."  This  atrange  eiclamation  recalled  Ronald'a  wan- 
dering senses,  and  on  snrreTing  their  hamble  pallet,  he  beheld  it  ataioed 
with  blood,  which,  thongh  hard  and  dry,  appeared  to  have  been  re- 
eantlf  sbed,  and  in  no  aroall  quantit}'. 

"  Campbell,  here  haa  been  some  foul  work,"  aud  he,  inatinctiTelr 
laring  his  band  an  his  baiket-bilt.     "  Make  the  fellow  explain." 

"  Holloa,  Mr.  Cifuentea  ;  teU  us  all  aboot  it,  or  I'll  beat  the  pipe. 
claT  ont  of  joar  tattered  doablet,  and  that  without  parley,"  vocifhrated 
the  inebriated  major,  flonrishing  his  short  cudgel  over  the  bead  of  thcdr 
host. 

"  Duu  mia,  senor*  1  Ha  I  ha !  what  a  noise  yon  make  abont  ■  few 
red  ipota  ;  'tis  French  Malaga,"  replied  the  other,  laughing  beartily,  at 
if  (omething  tickled  his  fancy  eiceedingly.  "  Ent  1  will  tell  yon  the 
tale  aa  it  happened,  as  you  appear  ao  aniiona  ahoat  it.  The  last  time 
the  French  were  in  Albaquerigue,  1  bad  four  of  their  officers  billeted 
upon  me  by  oar  dog  of  au  alcalde.  Hiey  were  merry  and  handsome 
yoong  sparka  of  the  cbaiseurs,  and  I  plied  tbem  well  with  the  contenta 
of  half-a-dozen  plgsktca,  until  they  could  scarcely  stand,  and  then  led 
them  here  for  their  repose ;  aed  they  all  four  slept  apon  thia  very 
pallet.  In  the  night-time  I  and  two  other  comrades,  guerillaa  of  Don 
Salvadnr  de  Zag^'a  band,  atole  softly  in  npou  them,  and  plnnged  our 
ttilettos  into  their  heart*  i*  they  died  easily,  being  overcome  with  wine 
and  the  fatieae  of  a  long  march,  and  oar  stroke*  were  deadly  and  sura. 
Can7inf  on  ail  their  chattels,  we  bid  for  some  days  in  the  forest  of 
Albaqaerqne  ontil  the  enemy  had  retired,  when  I  retunwd.  and  wu 
aurprued  to  find  my  caia  but  littie  tbe  worse.  The  carrion,  whiqfi  we 
had  tossed  into  the  street  ia  onr  flight,  had  been  carried  away,  and 
buried  by  Dombrooski'a  corps  with  military  bononra. 

"  So  now,  senon,  yon  see  I  am  a  true  patriot,— a  loyal  Spaniard, 
'       •  TUspliBSf  enialtyia  BO  fletioa,  bat  setaaUy  happened  SI  rdaitd  her*. 


J 


wdXtt 


iBd  that  Ton  have  notliing  to  supeet  me  lot.  All  Albuquerque  knom 
thedorTof  the  fomr  cbsuenn,  aod  pnin  me  for  the  deed.  I  nill 
tamvp  die  mitCreu  to  hide  Ctie  marks,  and  you  will  repose  in  all  cou. 
fortapoB  it."  Atall  thi«  «w  related  in  Spaoisb,  but  little  of  it  ms 
nndentood  b^  Kaoald,  wbo,  however,  oraprebouled  enmiirli  to  malce 
1  with  deCeitiitiiia  and  korror  tte  nun  who  coolhr  OM- 
he  hid  tlaia  foar  helpless  fellow -beiiw*  in  cold  bkiod,  ami 
eiDlled  in  the  oarraliea  of  tlie  deed  with  the  feidiBg  of  site  who  hiul 
acted  a  meat  meritoriooi  part.  The  sstkfaclioa  of  tiis  patriotic  patron 
seemad  oonsiderab)^  damped  b^  the  eipreiiioa  wlii^  be  nw  defMMd 
in  thefeatnrea  of  bu  bearera. 

"  Ida  not  brUete  joa  :  thii  oaaiMt  be  Iroe,"  aaid  tbcf,  at  eneand 
the  flamfl  time. 

"IfadrtdrDiett  1  call  the  mother  af  God  to  witneii*  tint  it  i>. 
WhT.aeoor,  thaiMoweraonl]' Frmdimen,  and  roa  woald  have  taken 
their  lifsi  ^arielm." 

"  lu  the  open  field,  wben  eqnallr  armed ;  but  we  shoald  not  b>«e 
■trien  upoD  them  in  tbe  Mgfat,  and  botcJiered  ^lem  in  tlmir  tlei^,  bb 
jM  uy  yon  did.  And  foachall  die  for  It,  tod  base  Spaniah  dag  1" 
cried  Ronald  furiously,  as  he  nnsheathed  hii  iword. 

"Hold,  Stnajt,  my  ladl"  ciied  the  mqor,  who  was  perfectly 
sobered  by  Ihu  time  i  "  it  ta  beneath  a  loldier  and  gentleman  to  draw 
ODfo  vile  a  acoandrtlae  this;  I  will  deal  with  him  otherwise.  Loek 
ye,  Seaor  Narraei,"  aaid  Campbell,  turning  to  the  Spaniard,  who  had 
Hlarbed  baak  at  tbe  mghl  af  Ronald'a  ghctering  blade,  and  eyed  tbtfa 
baUiwith  a  aaTigeicowl,  while  his  hand  gratped  the  hilt  of  his  poi^anl. 
"  Yon  bad  batter  betake  yoaraelf  again  in  your  friends  in  the  fd  nest  of 
Albuquerque,  and  get  clear  of  the  dty  by  morning,  or  I  BUy  blTD 
iotareat  enangh  with  the  corrfBiaor  or  ^calde  to  hare  yoa  hattged 
like  a  scareciew  by  Uu  neck.    So  retuie  now,  feUow,  at  obcTj  and 

"  Dtmamm ,'"  cried  be,  frindjar  bis  teeUi ;  "am  I  not  master  of  m; 

ovnlMBae.'  Cinije, •enar "  Tbereit  was  cat  short  by  theHimauFy 

mode  of  ejectment  put  in  force  by  the  major.  Selling  bim  by  the 
thr»at  be  dragged  hun  to  the  dcnr,  and  in  ipite  of  all  his  atrumies, — 
tor  the  Spaniard,  thongh  a  stout  ruffian,  was  not  a.  match  for  the 
ginotie  Highlander, — hurled  bim  to  the  lower  landing-place  of  t^e 
old  •noden  itair,  aad  toaainx  the  maltreai  after  bim,  atant  aad.bollBd 
the  door. 

"  I  can  loaroely  b^eve  the  tale  to  be  true  which  this  fi>U»w  bas 
toU  as."  obsened  Rooald,  aa  they  compoaed  tbEmaehieB  to  rest 
npon  lie  bard  boards,  with  bo  other  covenng  than  their  gay  refi- 

"  I  eaterCain  no  doubt  of  its  trvth.  He  ealled  to  witaecs  sm, 
whom  a  Spaniard  names  only  on  taost  stdemn  oonaaions.  But  we  maat 
seek  some  sleep ;  'tis  two  in  tbe  mining  by  my  watob,  and  we  SMHclk 
in  three  hours.  Tbe  boards  are  aonfauBdedly  hard,  and  1  am  tMi 
sleepy  to  prick  for  a  ao(t  place.  Diaveio .'  wfaal  a  time  wa  have  waated 
with  that  tattei«d  lagBbixid  I  But  good  night,  Stuart ;  wa  will  talk 
this  patter  over  on  the  mareti  to-morrow." 

Campbell  stratdicd  bis  balky  form  on  the  boards,  with  bis  cudgel 
and  long  claymore  bcaide  hfaa,  end  tomiBg  fail  bee  to  tbe  wall  waa 
lOOn  In  a  deep-elumbcr.  as  a  oertain  aoise  proceeding  from  his  nostrils 
bidkated,    Bntit«aaimtsa  withtbe  yoai^ratddiar,  whocODrtadiQ    - 


TBI   KOIfANCE  O*  ITAK.  31 

din  tt»  iafhiesoe  of  the  drawrr  eodnhoM  power  had  otenthelmed 

the  Vantt  of  his  camrute. 

^le  fnniM  of  tie  unusaal  qnsHtity  of  wine  which  he  h»d  taken 
wcTB  "wioBiitHig  into  RoniM'H  head,  -Hnd  he  litr  wAt(4iin{  the  pile  light 
of  the  eUfb  throDEh  Ike  bUIned  windnwg,  Frightftil  ficsi.  which  he 
traaed  hi  the  Btaiiw  on  the  discoloured  wall,  teamed  to  peer  through  the 
gloom  npou  him,  and  every  rnmbiing  sound  that  echoed  through  the 
oU-BimnoD  ceaeed  him  lo  start,  gripe  hf«  Eword  sod  look  a^oot,  for 
^Wndidea  of  the  poor  chessenrs  who  had  been  asssfinaated,  in  A*t 
TOT  chamber,  haBDtrd  him  coBtineallT,  causing  liim  to  ihoddw. 
Wlaen  he  -^oaght,  also,  thai  hr  had  spent  the  night  in  caioosal  widi  ■ 
nnrderons  tnaro,  he  retolred  to  be  more  drcnm^pect  in  what  c<nnpa»; 
he  wodM  truBt  hit  prrfon,  in  ttiture,  while  in  Spain. 

From  a  deep  isto  niiich  he  iiad  sunk,  b*  ns  booq  awikened  b;  tka 
wamiBSpipe  for  the  «areb.  ubidi  pessed  dose  betwath  the  wiadow, 
aal  tiwo  grew  fainter  in  aoand  as  Macdonnl-dhu  strode  on,  aronibig 

iitik  aori  «amnr  itreets  of  Che  dtj.  The  major  sprang  up  at  the  weU- 
k  II  a  II  Mmd,  and  Roiald,  ahhopgU  weaned  and  narefrethed,  prepuwl 
tofbllaw  faim. 

**  Oalileimd  this  flnhioo  of  Lord  WeHineton'a  !  ttrie  mardiiiiR  alwaTi 
■n  faonr  before  daybreak,"   muttered  Casapbefl.      "  The  nomiaE  i« 

■o  AiBy  and  cold,  that  my  lerf  teeth  chatter,  and the  devil !  my 

coawen  hi  empty,"  he  added,  shaking  the  litth  wmden  barrel  whicn 
went  by  tiat  Dane,  and  oae  of  winch  every  officer  and  soldier  m 
HrtiEO  aarried  lAaag  in  a  ih solder- belt.  "  If  you  bare  Dooght  io 
janri,  Snrart,  wr  miHt  leaie  the  houee  of  the  honODrable  Bmsr 
Ilatauii  Ofaaltei  wlMioat  our  dimh-im-iUirni,*  at  we  aay  at  home  In 
pear  old  Scotland,  where -men  may  ileep  quietly  at  night,  withoot  ftar 
of  tlttbiy  a  dwk  imt  Into  their  wame.  Sbake  your  oanteeu,  my  boy  ! 
I*  ttaerv  a  (hot  In  the  locker  ?" 

lockily  Air  the  thtrtty  eommauder,  thm^d's  list  day's  aJhiwance 


ney  now  imceeded  down  Main,  where  they  found  thor  patron 
■oaleil  in  his  wineitoni,  aomninded  by  the  well-filled  skins;  he  sat 
boide-a  liskety  old  table,  on  wbich  be  leaned  with  the  clnmiy  and 
caitku  air  that  lo  iiell  became  Us  appear^ice  ;  hia  chin  naled  on  bia 
hnl,  and  bit  tanrisd  bUok  bair  fUl  over  hiafaee,  but  from  between 
tte  lochs  he  «yed  UMm  wtdi  a  gaze  of  mteeee  ferocitv  at  lliey  eetered. 
QuipbellMenilr  ibook  bii  Kick  oter  bia  head,  and  toaiing  tomrdi 
bimafewrealiforthebrlaat  Bight's  entertainment,  paued  with  Ronald 
lilts  the  atteM,  when  te  aoMinc  were  under  arma. 
Ob  leariag  Mdad  the  town  af  Alboqaerqne,  the  sannd  of  distant 

'iq:infrMitwanud-'         •'  

dMthmtion,  mtd  the  it 


. .  and  now  sod  then  ^  dMpcr 
le  floadng  tawarda  them  on  the  bracxe  whub 

,..._m;  bat  an  emineBce,  apon  which  the  ancient 

Je  of  Zmla-ii  titnated,  obstmoted  Ihdr  viewof  tbebosMevpan- 

tisag,  wnd  Aty  fftaaeJ  eagerly  fhnMrd  tO't<^  1^  hsigM,  ftul  *f 
-  '-  -  -     -  id  flee. 


32 

"  Welcome  to  Spain  !  "  cried  an  officer  of  the  13th  Li^t  DrRgosoi, 

who  CBine  galloping  up  from  Ihe  rear,  and  reined  in  hii  jaded  charger 
bf  the  Hide  of  the  marcliinK  Highlaaden  for  afeir  minnlca.  "There 
is  brave  sport  goios  on  in  front ;  press  fornard,  mv  bofi,  Bad  jonnur  ■ 
be  ID  at  the  death,  as  we  used  to  saf  at  liorne  it)  old  Kent." 

"  What  ii  going  on  in  adiance  ?  "  asked  tbe  miijor.  "  Are  ours 
engiged  ?  " 

"lliaie  little  doabt  that  the;' are  i  Cameron  neier  lags  behind,  tou 
know.  J  was  ieft  in  the  rear  at  Albuquerque  on  duty,  and  am  now 
hurryingforward  to  join  the  13th,  who  belong  to  Long's  cayalry  bri- 
gade. The;  are  now  driving  a  party  of  plonderiag  French  out  of  La 
Nava  I  vou  vill  have  a  view  of  the  whole  affair  when  you  gain  the  top 
of  the  hill.  But  I  must  not  delay  here :  adieu  1 "  and  dashiug  the 
■purs  into  hit  hone,  he  disappeared  behind  the  minous  castle. 

"  Forward,  taea  I  doobls  quick.  Let  us  gain  the  head  of  the  bne," 
cried  Campbell,  urging  forward  with  cn4Eel  and  spur  a  misarable 
Rosinante,  which  he  had  procured  at  Lisbon. 

Carrying  their  muskets  at  the  long  trail,  tbe  Highlandera  adiaiic«d 
with  that  quick  trot  BO  habitual  to  the  Scottish  maunCaineers,  which 
aooo  brought  tbrm  beneath  the  grass-grown  bsttlements  and  mool- 
dering  towers  of  Zagala,  from  the  emiaeoce  of  which  they  now  bod  an 
eitensiye  view  to  the  southward. 

Tbe  horizon  eiteaded  to  about  ux  or  eight  leagnet,  and  all  witlkia 
that  amplecircle  was  waste  and  barren  land,  where  the  plough  had  been 
unknown  for  an  age,  and  where  nought  seemed  (o  flonnsh  but  weeds 
snd  little  laurel- bushei.    There  was  no  trace  of  hahitstion  around  the 

iilain,  but  far  off  appeared  the  deserted  lillnge  of  La  Nava,  near  a 
eafless  cork.wood,  the  bare  bougha  presenting  but  a  poor  backgroaad 
to  roofless  waits  and  solitary  rafters.  There  was  something  chilling  in 
■0  dreary  a  prospect,  but  most  of  the  plains  in  the  aame  province  pre- 
sent  ■  similar  aspect,  because  in  no  part  of  Spiin  is  agricaltute  more 
twglected  than  in  Estremadura.  It  was  ear!^  in  the  spring  of  the  year, 
and  traces  of  vegetation  were  becoming  visible  i  tbe  wood  near  La 
Nara  was,  as  I  bare  said,  bate  and  leafless,  but  a  few  stunted  shrubs 
by  the  way-side  gave  signs  of  budding.  The  ruddy  sun  was  setting  in 
the  west  behind  the  lofty  Sierra  de  Montanchea.  tbe  dark  ridges  o( 
wbich  rose  behind  the  high  city  and  csstted  rock  of  Albuquerque :  the 
sky  ia  every  direction  was  of  a  clear  cold  blue,  save  around  Che  snn, 
where  large  masses  of  gold  and  pnrple  cluuda  seemed  resting  on  the 
curved  DDtUne  of  the  monnCaiui,  over  which  and  through  every  opeuii^ 
the  rays  fell  aslant,  and  were  reflected  by  the  anna  of  the  Croopa  who 
occupied  tbe  level  plain,  over  which  shone  the  long  line  of  its  setCiDf 
splendour.    From  the  height  of  Zagsia  they  beheld  tbe  opeialioni  in 


Ld  Geld'pieces  an  J  the  charges  of  the  cavalry  brigade  under  General 
Long,  who  took  every  oppOTtuuity  of  breaking  among  the  little  band 
through  the  gaps  formed  by  Ihe  cannon-shot,  wbich  made  complete 
lanes  through  their  compact  mass.  The  French  retired  with  admirable 
ooolness  and  bravery,  keeping  up  a  hot  and  rapid  fire 


an  dishing  tbeii 
E  forced  to  recoil ;  and  no  sooner  was  a 

Quare  by  the  fall  of  a  file,  than  it  was  Ins 

aaotber.    And 


tb)f  coDtinnsd  their  re 

lij,  dispntjni:  evary  too 

ratcbed  the  cork-wood,  wuji:u   ucmg   uaiavuurtiuia  lur  lutJ  mtjTvmeEltll 

•f  thecBTalry,  the  liCter  were  obliEed  U  retire  with  eooBiderable  toia. 

"HniTah!"  cried  Campbell,  flaDriehing  his  ttick ;  "1  h&re  not 
nen  this  sort  of  work  for  this  yet,r  and  more.  Yon  tee,  Stuart,  [hat  & 
•olid  sqaare  of  bold  iofanDf  miy  laugh  at  ■  chaise  of  borae.  vho  must 
recoQ  from  their  tujoneu  like  waler  fram  a  rock.  Tbere  are  the  9th 
and  13th  Idght  Dngoona,  and  the  fire  of  the  French  aeeins  to  hare 
coaled  their  chiTslry  a  little,  aod  ahowa  them  that  ■  sabre  ia  ta  Dothing 
■giioBt  brown  Beas,  with  a  baraaet  on  her  mozile.  The;  are  retiriof 
towarda  Ds,  after  doing,  however,  all  that  brare  hearts  could  do.  Foor 
fellows  !  many  of  them  are  tfiog  roUiuff  about  wounded  and  in  agony. 
or  alrsady  dead,  near  the  akirts  of  that  confoanded  copra  by  which  ths 
frog-eatera  haieeicaped.   Bat  where  are  oun  /  1  do  notsee  Howard'a 

"Yonder  they  are,  major,"  replied  Ronald,  "halted  on  thelereL 
place  behind  the  mined  village.  I  ace  the  bonneti  of  the  Highlandera, 
and  thecoloDrs." 

"  Ay,  I  Bee  them  now.  Yonder  they  are,  anre  enough  ;  aod  Che  old 
Half-hondred,  and  the  71>t,  the  light  bobs,  with  the  tartan  trewa  and 
hummel  boaneta,  all  aa  apmce  si  erer,  biyonacked  comfortably  on  tho 
bare  earth  aa  of  old.  We  shall  have  the  pleasuce  of  pauing  the  night 
withoDt  even  a  tent  to  keep  the  dew  off  us.  Carajo  !  as  the  Spaniard 
uya ;  vou  will  now  taste  Uie  delights  of  Boldiering  in  good  eameat,  as 
I  did  fint  in  Egypt  with  old  Sir  Ralph  Abercrombie." 

"We  are  seen  by  them.  I  hear  the  sound  of  the  pipes,  and  they  are 
WBiing  their  bonnets  in  welcome,"  said  Alister  Maodonald. 

"  Blow  up  yonr  baga,  Macdonuil-dhu,  and  let  them  hear  the  bray  of 
Qie  drones,  cried  Campbell,  whacking  the  sidea  of  his  nag  to  urge  her 
onward.  "  Push  forward,  brave  lads  I  we  will  be  with  Fossifem  and 
Bor  comrades  in  a  few  minutes  more," 

Skirting  the  miserable  village  of  La  Nava,  they  soon  arrived  at  the 
gnmnd  over  which  the  advanced  picqnet  of  the  enemy  had  retired. 
Two  dead  bodiea  attracted  the  eye  of  Ronald  aa  he  passed  over  them, 
and  being  the  first  men  he  bad  erer  seen  slaiu,  and  in  so  revolting  a 
manner,  they  made  an  impression  on  his  mind  which  was  not  easily 
tSaaA,  They  wftre  young  and  good-looking  men,  and  the  same 
cannon-Bhot  had  mowed  them  both  down.  A  complete  hole  was  made 
m  the  body  of  one,  and  hia  entrails  were  scattered  about ;  the  legs  of 
tk  other  were  carried  avay,  and  lay  a  few  yards  off,  with  a  ball  near 
them  half  buried  in  the  turf.  Their  grenadier  capa,  each  adorned  with 
a  brass  eagle  and  red  plume,  had  faluii  off,  and  the  frightful  distortion 
(rf  their  livid  features,  with  the  wild  glare  of  thdr  white  and  glaasy 
eyea,  stnick  Ronald  with  a  feeling  of  horror  and  compaasion,  which  it 
•as  long  ere  he  coold  forget. 

"  Qneer  work  this  !  "  said  the  major,  coolly  looking  at  them  over 
hiahorse's  flank,  "and  yon  don't  seem  to  admire  it  much, Stuart; 
bat  yoa  are  a  young  soldier  yet,  and  will  get  used  to  it  by  and  by. 
Notaiiw  hardens  either  the  heart  or  the  hide  so  mnch  as  a  campaign  or 
two.    lUaroed  that  in  Egypt." 

"  Pnir  callanta  !  what  would  th«r  mothers  think,  were  they  to  see 
their  bairns  aa  tikey  lie  here  noo?"  aaliloqnized  Evan,  lookiog  after 
Qmta  mefnllr. 

■■  It  woaLd  be  an  awfil'  sicht  for  them,  or  ony  o'  the  peaceable  folk 


3* 

at baine," replied  aDother  w)I(lieri    "Bnt  what  can  these  Cira  qoeer' 
cbield»  wi'  the  mnckle  brimmed  hatg  be  wmntinE  wi'  them  !  " 

"  The  SpiDish  doga  '.  Would  to  HeaTsa  1  might  be  allowed  to  riioot 
them  dead,"  Tociferated  Campbell,  malcitig  a  motion  wiUi  hlahanA- 
towaids  the  bear-ekin  covering  of  his  holiCen.  "  The  acoQiidrcli  t 
thCF  are  come  to  rob  and  strip  the  dead." 

Two  Spanish  peaianta  had  approached  the  bodies,  abont  whidi  ttieir 
exerciKd  their  hands  bo  buaily,  that  they  soon  piandertd  them  of 
knapaacka,  acccmtremeDta,  uniform,  and  creTythiDg,  ieaviDg  th« 
mndlated  bodies  stripped  to  the  akin  and  eipoied  on  the  pliiin,  whita- 
the;  made  off  tawards  La  Nava  with  tbeir  spoil.  A  few  miirates' 
more  marching  broneht  the  major's  detachment  to  the  spot  where  the 
brigade  of  General  Howard  was  halted  on  a  piece  of  waste  moorhmd, 
where  tbs  three  corps  had  piled  their  arms,  and  were  making  sneb  pre- 
parationa  for  biTonaekiog  for  the  ni^t  »a  conld  be  made  br  men  whi>  , 
bad  neither  tent  to  cOTer  them ,  nor  conch  to  repose  on  but  the  buB 
and  cold  earth.  ^ 

Notenti  at  that  time,  orfortonsaflerwnda,  wereaerrM  ontby  tiH» 
British  Goremment  to  oar  troops  in  Spain,  and  tiidr  priTatipna  and- 
misery  were  of  coarse  greatly  increased  by  the  want  of  proper  means 
of  racaminng.  The  men  were  lying  abont  in  all  direetiont,  worn  out 
and  exhaaated  with  the  load  they  had  carried  sod  the  htigae  of  a  long-  ■ 
man^  ;  and  the  officers  were  i^ioBiiig  Bmong  them  withant  cenonony. 
Apart  from  them  all,  on  the  r^ht  of  the  une,  Colo>el  Cameron,  of 
Fassifem,  stood  holding  his  csparisoned  horse  by  tba  bridle,  as  w*« 
his  usnal  custom,  alooF  alike  from  his  offlcen  and  wddien.  Hcwasft. 
proud  and  atrict  oommaader,  who  kept  flw  former  "  at  the  staff's  end," 

""  "" — "" '--i-  i-i — !--.-  ■■- --n  jn  J  manner  at  once  haurhtyj 

a  sood  officer,  a  braTErsoldter, 
and  beloied  by  bis  r^nent,  wUeh  would  haie  atood  by  him  to  tba- 
last  man.  He  was  a  well-made  flgnre,  abOTe  the  middle  hngbt ;  hi» 
features  were  bandBome,  and  bis  hair  was  Mraad  cnrly.  There  *••- 
erer  a  prond  and  fiery  sort  of  light  in  bii  dark  bine  eyas,  which,  when 
be  wag  excited,  were  wont  to  eparkle  and  flaah  with  pecnliar  briilimoy 
— an  eipreaaion  which  nerer  failed  to  produce  its  dne  effect  npoH  be- 
holders. To  him  the  mn}or  reported  hia  arriyal,  and  introduoed  tab 
officers  one  by  one. 

He  ei^  Ronald  Stuart,  of  whom  be  bad  heard  prerlonsly,  wilji  » 
keen  Highland  glance,  and  asked  some  qnestions  abont  his  fomily  and 
bis  bUier. 

"I  have  often  heard  of  the  Stnarti  of  Locbisla,"  a^dhe,  "bathaT«* 
never  had  the  pleisare  of  ee^g  one  tillnow.  Sir  John  Stuart,  of  thtt 
Tower,  saved  ttie  life  and  honour  of  my  grsBdbther  Loebiel,  at  tbe 
risk  of  his  own,  on  the  bloody  fidd  of  CaUoden.  I  am  happy  to  haT*- 
the  dcaoendant  of  so  bnTS  a  man  an  officer  of  tbe  Gordon  Hi|^- 

"  Enrirn  Maodonald,  eohmel,"  said  the  mqor,  presenting  Aliater. 

"Macdonald?  Ah!"  said  Cameron,  bowing,  "  your  fiunily  is  not 
unknown  to  me,  I  bare  bad  letters  from  Qlengarry,  and  all  the  MaiO- 
donald*  of  the  Isles,  respecting  yon  ;"  and  Uiua  ha  went  on,  aa  thera 
was  scarcely  an  officer  introduced  to  him  whoae  family  wag  not  well 
known  in  the  North.  After  some  little  conversation,  Ronald  wiQi- 
drew  to  where  the  officers  wen  ^uped  around  the  bulkTHgnro  of 
Campbell,  asking  a  hundred  questions  abont  tbe  news  from  home,  Su>.- 


met  and  greeted  by  some  lunsmBn  or  old  friend,  whose  cnnteeD  of 
ration  rum.  or  Lisbon  wine,  waa  at  liii  lerrice ;  had  loud  were  the 
■boats  of  luighter  and  merriment:  that  arose  on  all  aides.  Eager  sad 
earnest  were  the  iuqniries  aboat  vilUgs  homes  aad  paCeraal  hearths  in 
"  tbe  Isad  of  Che  mOQntaia  and  the  Bood,"  and  to  many  a  Jesn,  Jessr, 
sad  Tibb;,  were  the  woodeo  canCeena  drained  to  their  dregs;  but 
sllhongh  the  fun  "  grev  fsst  and  furious  "  amongst  man;,  Uiere  were 
■ome  whose  hearts  grew  sad  at  the  intelligence  whjch  their  comrades 
broaght,  of  some  grey  head,  which  they  lored  and  rerered,  being  laid 
in  the  duEt  in  soma  old  and  welt- remembered  kirk- yard;  or  of  a  Isith- 
lesB  Jenny,  tvho  preferred  a  lover  st  home  to  one  far  swsf  in  Spsin. 

As  the  shades  of  ni^ht  darkeoad  Orel  tbe  plaio  of  La  Nais,  the 
sounds  died  awsf ;  and  stretching  their  bare  legs  on  the  dewy  earth, 
the  hard]'  Highlanders  reposed  betneen  the  pyramids  of  tirelocka  and 
bayonets  that  glittered  in  the  red  glare  of  the  watch-fires,  lighted  at 
OBrtain  distancea  tbroogbont  (he  bitouac.  which  faeoame  qniet  for  the 
night,  aftca  strong  pioquets  had  been  posted  in  the  direction  of  Merida, 
where  fifl«an  hiwdred  Frsndi,  aader  the  oomnuDd  of  General  Dom. 
brauki(s.p[deiQ  Buonaparte's  gerTica],  ren  qosrtered.  Rolled  np. 
in  >  doak  aad  blankst,  Bonsld  lud  bisueU  down  lilco  the  reM,  with 
the  bBsket-biltofhiielaTnBoiefor  ■  pillow,  and  elay  for  his  bed  ;  but  to 
tfaepinantmliDO  ssnewoDd  nncsnifortabls  wuBlmost  impossible, 
and  he  irftSD  niaMl  Us  hwd  to  view  tho  stfance  scene  aronad  him. 


licU  amd  shade,  wbieti  inenaMd  tbs  piatnrMqne  and  n „ 

uoa  of  tha  bwonao.  T^k  ana*  of  the  seatriM  flashed  in  the  light, 
u  tlw  psoad  alow^  ta.and  fro  on  thesr  poms;  and  farther  off  were 
Sim  tka  molioalaie  fonnt  of  the  oaralrf  vldettes,  appeaciDg  like  blaek 
efocatnaa  stataua  In  the  distance,  ataading  pBrnetl*  still,  with  thur 
laag  dadc  ctoaks  fkwiu  <wer  their  horses'  flanks ;  but  aa  the  ui^t 
be  ught  of  tba  watck-flrea  waned,  these  distant 


>e  related 
by  Donald  lyeraah. 

He  thinight  tuUy  of  his  home,  and  of  poor  Alice  lisle.    He  gazed 
npoa  her  miniatDre  onlil  the  ^kering  light  of  the  fire  fuled  him,  and 


aneasT  slumber,  tiom  which  he  was  startled 
more  inon  once  oy  um  deep  howling  of  wild  dogs,  or  other  animals, 
btm  that  part  of  the.  plain  whwe  the  dead  bodies  of  the  slun  lay 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTER  Yn. 

"  An  wu  pnpiRd— tbB  ISrt,  the  aword,  tlw : 
To  iritid  thrm  in  Ihelt  Umbtt  nmj. 
TbemiTi  Ilka  ■  lion  foim  hii  dec, 

A  hnmu  hydn,  liaiilpg  from  iCi  pen 


Dmluim,  anto  nli. 

Towards  raomiog  a  itorm  of  rain  and  wind  arose,  and  Done  bat 
tliose  who  hsTC  eiperieoced  it  cid  imagiae  the  manifold  miseries  of  a 
tentleu  bivoiuc  on  >uch  in  occasion.  Howliog  diimallr  unong  tbs 
trees  of  the  cork-wood,  the  cold  wiod  swept  over  the  dewrt  plain,  and 
the  sleety  rsin  descended  in  torrents,  dreoidiing  the  nnshelterad  lolidicrs 
to  the  akin,  and  eitingiiiBhiDg  their  fires  ;  as  tbe  cold  increased  towards 
daybreak,  they  cursed  the  order  which  had  halted  them  in  so  exposed 
sad  dresrr  a  spot,  to  which  even  the  cork-wood  or  mins  of  La  Nava 
wonid  hsfe  heen  pniferable. 

It  became  bir  ahoat  daybreak,  and  Booald,  nnabla  to  ramain 
loDger  on  the  ground,  where  the  water  wai  actaalljr  fbrming  in  pnddlea 
aronnd  bim.  arose ;  and  so  wet  wss  Che  soil,  that  the  impression  msds 
by  the  weight  of  his  body  was  almost  immediately  filled  with  water. 
His  limbs  were  so  bennmbed  and  stiff,  that  he  could  scarcely  move,  end 
his  clothing  was  drenched  through  the  blanket  and  cloak  in  which  he 
bad  been  mnffied  np.  The  soldiers,  worn  out  with  the  fatigues  of  the 
preceding  day,  lay  still  nntil  the  last  moment  for  rest,  and  slept  in 
rvnks  close  to^thei  for  warmth,  wiUi  their  mnskels  under  their  great 
coats,  and  their  itnapsBcks  beneath  their  heads  for  pillows.  Here  and 
there,  apart  from  the  rest,  one  might  be  seen  with  his  mi3end>le  wife 
and  two  or  three  little  children  huddled  close  betide  him,  all  neatling 
nndecthe  solitary  blanket  (prorided  by  GoTernraait  for  eadi  manj, 
from  which  the  steam  arose  in  a  column,  owing  ta  the  beat  of  their 
bodies  acting  on  the  lain-soaked  corering.  The' distant  lentiQela  and 
caTalrv  yidettes  were  standui^  motionless  and  nlent  at  interyali  along 
the  plain,  where  banks  of  white  mist  were  rollioi  slowly  in  the  yelbnr 
lustre  of  the  morning  sun,  the  rising  Uicht  of  which  was  gilding  the 
sammits  of  the  mountains  aboye  Albaquerque.  AU  was  misery  and 
unutterable  discomfort.  Ronald  wrung  the  water  from  the  featbera  at 
liis  bonnet,  and  kept  himself  in  motion  to  dry  his  regimentals  and  under- 
clothing,  which  stuck  close  to  his  skin.  He  now  perceived  that,  in 
addition  to  his  blanket,  Eyan  had,  duriug  the  storm,  cast  oyer  him  hla 
own  great  coat,  itonding  out  the  misery  of  the  night  in  his  thinnnifonn. 
When  he  met  Ronald's  eye,  he  was  tliiyeriug  with  cold,  exhanstian,  and 
want  of  sleep. 

"O  Bran  I  my  faithful  but  foolish  fellow,  what  is  this  you  haye 
done !  Did  you  really  atrip  yourself  for  me,  and  pass  the  night  thoa 
eipaaed?"  exclaimed  Ronald,  his  heart  oyer^owing  with  tumoltuont 
feelings  at  the  kindness  of  his  humble  follower  and  old  &iend. 

"  I  tbooht  ye  would  be  cauld,  sir,"  replied  £r»n,  his  teeth  chatterinf 


while  be  ipote,  "andmyheartbled  to  wa  ye  lying  there  like  a  bcuto' 
the  field  dd  the  dreary  mnir,  in  nccan  a  misenble  end  eerie  nicht.  For 
me  it  mattered  DHCthinp — for  neither  my  name  dot  blaid  are  eetitle. 
I'm  the  Kill  of  your  futher'*  vbsuI  ;  and,  Mnister  Ronald,  I  did  but 
my  daty — what  my  puir  aaid  faitber  would  hae  iriihed  me  to  do." 

"  See  that  yon  never  again  anbiect  yourielf  to  inch  a  piivation  on 
my  Bcconnt ;  and  Heaien  Icdowb,  Evan,  I  will  not  forget  your  kind- 
ne«a,"  aaid  Ronald,  laying  hig  hand  hmiliarlyon  the  tufted  wing  which 
■domed  Iverach'i  ahoulder.  "  Yoa  appear  to  be  periebing  with  cold, 
and  my  canteen  ia  empty.  See  if  your  comrade,  Angus  Mackie,  or  any 
one,  will  give  you  a  drop  of  lomettaiug  to  warm  you.  Where  ia  the 
colonel  ?    I  do  not  see  him." 

"  Lying  yonder,  on  the  bieldy  lide  of  hit  horse." 

"  AndMr.  Macdonald— " 
_  "  Is  aleepiDg  by  the  bieldy  side  of  the  major,  and  a  bum  of  water 
rinniti  ronnd  them,    Ocb,  airi  J  its  awfu'  wark  this  for  gentlemen's 


□aid,  sdrring  him  with  hia  sword 
It  Howard  is  preparing  to  mount."    He 


through  tl 
tparing  to  mount."    He  shaded  the  rayi  of  the  aun 
^b  bis  band,  and  perceived  at  some  distance  the 


brigadiei.  „.  ,  .. 

the  girths  of  his  saddle  and  the  holsters,  while  he  despatched  the 
brigade-major  to  the  officers  commanding  re^ments.'  Tbe  long  roll  of 
■Bveral  dmms,  souodiD^  dull  and  muffled  with  the  rain,  immediately 
fbllowed,  rousing  the  bivouac  ;  and  the  troops  "  stood  to  their  arms, 
prqiaratoTy  to  moving  off,  all  draggled  and  wet,  and  with  empty 
■tomadis,  m  the  direction  of  the  enemy,  who  were  to  be  driven  from 
HeridB  at  the  point  of  tbs  bayonet. 

The  women  and  camp- follower*  were  sent  off  to  the  rear,  where  the 
baggage-moles  were  halted  on  tbe  1^  Neva  road ;  the  wet  cloaks  and 
buuikets  were  rolled  up  for  the  marrh,  the  officers  slinging  theirs  in 
their  sashes  of  crimson  silk,  while  those  of  the  soMierswere  strapped  to 
Uieir  knapsacks. 

"  Unease  tbe  colonrs,  gentlemen.  Examine  your  flints,"  cried 
Cameroa,  toncbing  his  bonnet  to  the  officers,  as  be  rode  along  the  front 
of  the  line. 

In  a  few  minutes  tbe  troops  moved  off  in  close  column,  with  the 
light  cavalry  on  their  flanks  ;  and  making  a  circuit  about  tbe  plain, 
advanced  upon  Merida,  skirting  the  cork-wood  throng  which  the 
French  had  retired  on  the  preceding  evening.  Ronald  scanned  the 
plain  with  an  earnest  eye  in  search  of  tbe  two  dead  men,  the  Blaugbter 
of  whom  badhaooted  his  mind  dnring  the  whole  of  the  last  night;  and 
the  reader  may  conceive  tbe  disgust  which  he  and  others  experienced, 
when,  on  the  spot  where  they  had  fallen,  the  acsttered  bones  of  two 
skeletons  were  discovered,  red  and  raw  ss  they  had  been  left  by  wild 
animals,  which  had  been  bus;  upon  them  the  live-long  night.  Yester- 
day they  were  active  yoang  soldiers,  animated,  probably,  with  spirit, 
courage,  and  many  a  noble  sentiment ;  to-day  they  were  bare  skeletons, 
left  to  bleach  unbnried  on  the  plain;  as  the  troops  bad  no  time  to  inter 
them.  The  old  campaigners  faced  them  with  comparative  in  difference ; 
but  there  was  altogether  something  rather  appallinn  to  so  young  a  soldier 
as  Ronald  in  the  lesson  of  war  and  mortality  before  him,  and  gloomy 
feelings,  whieh  he  endeavoured  to  shako  off,  took  possession  of  bis 
Mind.    Bnt  it  was  not  a  time  to  iqipcar  depressed  when  there  was  a 


diance  of  taesring  chot  whiziliig  in  an  bonr  or  «o  more,  and  his  spirits 
rOK  U  flie  ax  reximental  piperB,  with  their  tnijor,  Maedontiil-dha,  in 
thMT front,  struck  Dps  neU-knoim ScatHsh  qaiek-Btep,  ind allprcMed 
forward  in  hopes  of  ariving  the  eoem;  from  their  post,  and  obtuning  a 
meal  there. 

During  a  march  of  sereral  taSet,  tbcr  saw  but  Gttle  of  the  boasted 
frtiitfalnew  of  Spain.  The  soil  appeared  rich  enough  io  someparta, 
bat  it  layuDtended  and  ontilled,  for  the  roU  of  the  dram  and  the  glitter 
of  arms  had  scared  away  the  husbandman  and  *ins-drMser,  maklnE 
the  once-peaceful  peaaaHfry  dther  prowling  plonderen  or  fierce  and 
BSTage  guerillas,  turning  the  plongb-shiire  into  a  sword,  and  a  ferCih) 
coanCry  into  a  neglected  wilderness. 

As  the  wood  of  La  Nwa  lesaened  in  the  rear,  the  oltT  of  ^nrida, 
utnated  on  a  high  hill,  around  the  base  of  -which  the  Gaadiana  wan- 
dered amid  grOTes  of  cork-wood,  laurel,  and  oHie,  presented  itself  to 
view.  Merida,  one  of  the  most  ancient  cities  in  Spain,  was  once  the 
capital  of  a  province  of  the  same  name,  and  numerous  are  the  reairina 
of  Romsn  and  Gothic  grandeur  iriiich  are  prcaerved  within  the  circle 
of  its  monlderiTig  fortifications. 

DombroQski,  a  brare  satdier  of  fortune  in  Uie  Mrrice  of  FruMe, 
commanded  the  CBemy ,  and  he  bad  put  the  t<nrn  in  the  l>eat  posatble 
state  of  defence  bv  raising  a  few  redoabts  on  the  granite  hill  beside  tlie 
dtf.  He  barricadoed  the  streets  with  the  Aimitare  of  the  eitizens,  and 
aU  that  the  soldiers  r»nld  lay  hands  on  for  the  purpose ;  the  aaburbBii 
bonsea  and  walla  were  loop-holed,  and  the  Pole  was  determined  to 
defend  his  post,  if  a  force  came  againit  it  for  which  he  dwmed  biiaaelf 
a  match  ;  but  when  the  waving  eolaure  and  poliabcd  arm«  of  Sir  Row- 
land Bill's  division,  aiiteen  thonsand  strong,  appeared  deacending  the 
gentle  slope  towaida  the  city,  he  saw  the  folly  of  bis  molution,  and 

Erefwred  to  abandon  his  position.  On  the  nearer  apprraeb  of  the 
ridsh,  they  beheld  the  corps  of  Dombrouaki  formed  outside  Uw  town, 
preparatory  to  moving  oflT  by  the  eaeient  Soman  bridge,  Ae  lofty 
orcjies  of  which  apan  the  deep  waters  of  the  Gnodiana.    Oo  a  ttout 


nt  being  made  among  our  cavalry,  the  French,  not  w 

icEi  LUG  steel  of  those  who  had  so  lately  gaiaed  the  battle  of         .  . 

del-Molino,  retreated  double  quick,  wlt^nit  ftring  a  that ;  and  in  k 


their  glazed  shakoes  disappeared  among  the  oHvs-gtoves  and  broken. 
ground  in  the  direction  of  the  town  of  AlmendraMo,  where  a  ■CmQK 
tarty  lay,  commanded  by  the  Count  d'Brlon.   The  division  haltiHl,  aiitl 


short  time  the  ghtter  of  thdr  appointmenta  and  the  flashing  tops  of 
"■"■"  "' — '  "^akoes  disappeared  amo"   '*■"  "" ■" —  "~'  *■""' — 

party  lay,  t    .  ,  .    .  _     . _    . 

bivonacked  about  Merida,  to  which  those  inhahitanta  who  bad  fled 

during  its  oecnpation  by  Dombrouaki  retamed :  the  etreats  were  Slled 
with  acdamationa  of  welcome  to  the  British,  and  the  bells  rang  merrily 
from  the  eteeplea  of  the  churelres  and  convents.  A  inMll  ration  wu 
now  served  out  to  the  half -famished  soldiers,  end  thonsands  of  *r«« 
were  lit  in  every  direction ;  white  all  the  camp  kettlea  and  pans  ware 
pat  in  reqtrtsition  for  cooking,  and  the  aiea,  aawe,  and  bftl-books  a£ 
the  pioneers  made  devastation  among  the  underwood  end  wild  grOTea 
to  procure  fuel. 

"llie  miserable  ration  consisted  of  a  hw  oonces  of  flour  and  fletk, 
rival  to  each  man  alike,  witbout  distinction.  1^  Heab  was  that  ot 
ul-fed.  jaded,  and  wearied  bullocVs,  which  had  become  too  old  ftir 
agrieultural  labour,  driven  ap  rapidly  after  the  army.  Thoae  given  t* 
each  regiment  were  instantly  ehot  tbroagh  the  head,  flayed,  and  in  k 
' — Skiing  served  ont  In  the  allotted  qaentities,  iHiieh  were  placed  wtna 


-in  the  oBBp-ketUe*  to  boS,  idnoBt  before  the  oirenlatioa  of  the  blood, 
«r  the  nbtatioa  of  ths  Sbm:  hid  ««aied. 

This  was  the  niaal  vay  in  which  the  miliCsrr  rations  were  aerred  ont 
iti^Bin, — killed  and  eaian  when  the  aoimaU  were  in  ■.  atate  of  ferer 
from  ioag  aod  baatr  joameyi.' tough  and  bard  b»  Ijend-Uother,  in 
copiBqacnce  of  age,  iU-foadiiiE,  and  want  of  proper  cooking. 

Hore  lucky  (tan  UmnaaBd*  of  their  oomradei,  who  pursued  their 
^iiliiury  c^ieratiaaa  io  tbe  open  air,  Ronald  and  Aliiter  Macdouald 
obtained  poMOMOii  of  a  daaerted  ihed  or  hoou  in  the  subarbi,  where 
.  Bran  Iveradi,  eutiH  oiide  hii  •ccontremenB,  began  (o  prepare  in  tbe 
-beit  wnwnrr  he  erala  the  poor  meal,  for  wbieb.  howevw,  the  appetites 
«f  all  were  anfficieBtlr  ibarpeoed,  for  Ihey  had  not  brokea  tbeir  fktt 
usee  tliey  qnittad  AUmqaerqae. 

Hie  wretched  Bparlment  bad  nether  windowa  nor  ahntterg  to  boaat 
of  i  Bid  the  arsta  of  Uafleat  ikie*  atntgled  ia  at  the  apertarei,  through 
whuh,  noir  and  then,  the  cwarthy  face  of  a  peiaiDg  Spaniard  appeared, 
loekmg  in  with  enideot  osriotity.  Strong  black  raflera  croiaed  by  red 
tiles,  thejointBof  wU^  adautted  Ihe  daylight,  eompwed  the  roof;  the 
taor  wa  eartii  pomuled  bard  by  meaM  of  apa*ioi  a  ninmer,  or  some 
aticb  inatnunent.  As  the  room  had  DO  fire-plaee.  Erao  made  one  by 
n>f  iiri  of  two  atenea  placed  in  tbe  Deutre  of  Ihe  floor  ;  between  them 
waa  kindled  afirewlth  one  of  the  doors,  wlucb  Ranald  had  tarn  down, 
.nd  bswn  in  pioaes  with  hij  iword. 

IXhssmiAaliUed  the  place,  and  rolled  ia  volumes  ont  at  every  aper- 
ture. A'la^B  atoneand  Eraa's  knapHck  set  on  end  oomposed  their 
ftmitare,  aai,  aa^cd  thoi^  tbey  set  about  the  disoussioD  of  their  me*), 
aUobwbnsooked  waibnta  eorry  mesa,  being  merely  tbe  tough  fleah 
.MM  with  the  flour,  without  the  aid  of  a  Binsle  legible,— tssteleM 
and  insipid ;  bat  hng^  is  said  to  be  "  Che  Dest  -lauce,"  and  tbsy 
.4eMatebed  it  with  infinite  reliah.  Each  bad  prodoocd  bis  knife,  fork, 
.and  spoon  fruD  his  haneaack,  a  strong  bag  of  ovsrse  lin«i,  in  which 
.fRmaona  are  carried  enseTrloet  and  their  diaoEr-cat  was  complete. 

"-Hesh  me,  airs  1  I  would  rather  sap  soor  crowdy  at  the  ingle  oenk 
•Vanld.LoidiMla,  than  chow -tie  loBhioBksi  traehaa  thia,"  aaidEran 
widi  strong  contempt,as  he  aataqnatted  on  tbe  floor,  taking  liia  share  of 
tw.  ..»..{..«..  ™.r  „f  .  ~— p-kattle  lid,  and  acaroely  seen  amid  the 
"  a  pulr  obield  like  me  ;  hut  I  trow 
i,  or  you,  .Maiater  Hacdonald,  or 
uMw-genOeman  o'  that  Uk." 

''  It  ii  ooafiKuided  itaff,  oeHainly,"  replied  Aliater,  langbing  at  Ibe 
jeniw  Highlander's  quaintmada  of  eiprission  ;  "  the  flesh  ie  as  tough 
f.aaaonffbelt,  and  the  old  bull  it  belonged  to  has  seen  bard  senile,  no 
donbt,  ia  bis  day.  But  I  wish  that  we  bad  a  drop  of  the  purple  Lisbon 
■winetA  waah  it  down  with,  eh,  Ronald?" 

"  We  are  better  otftliaA  our  Fortngoese  comradea,  boweier  bad  onr 
preaent  fare;  thev,  poor  fellows,  have  only  received  a  few  ounces  of 
vAeateach  man. 

"  Aod  an  mco  ehappin'  tbey  are  making  by  tbe  water-aide,  sir,  illca 
laaB^nndlng  )ua  wlieat  betwem  tna  itaaes,  into  something  to  mak'  ban- 
■ookswi'.  Pnir  blaak-atised  deevila  I  I  pity  them  muckle."  obsemd 
Eno,  who.  from  many  circumatancea  combined,  preiamed  to  break 
Om  law*  of  military  etianette,  and  miogle  in  Ihe  consetsation.  "  It'a 
anmco  thing  to  march  far  wi'  an  empty  wame  and  fecht  faating.  It 
Buke*  my  fery  heart  loi^i  like  a  iaverock,  whei  I  think  o'  the  bnw 


Iff" 


"  If  TOO  p^mble  tfaai,  Etmi,  I  sbalt  baled  to  inppowi  yon  will  nuke 
lint  ■  poor  (oldier.  WeiwTe  mn  little  of  Spiin  yet;  tbs  beit  putttf 
the  conntrr  *ad  the  iqmmer  are  iCill  before  ns,  and  let  ui  hope  thM 
thii  ia  Che  »□»[.  Bat  there  is  little  pleamni  in  abiding  in  thla  vretd^ 
■heiling,  where  we  arealmoit  ohoked  and  blinded  with  amoks.  Letoi 
find  oat  some  wine-hoiiM,  where  we  on  get  aomethint  to  gargle  onr 
tbrosta  with.  Come.  Macdonald.  we  sbali  be  smoked  like  deer'a 
buna,  if  we  sit  here  longer.  There  are  the  rning  of  tbe  Roman  amphi- 
theatre, and  other  things  in  this  citf  of  Meiida,  which  I  would  wiih  to 
«ee,  and  oar  time  ii  short;  we  marob  again  ia  tbe  morning,  m  yos 


n  paasing  down  the  tirinctpal  street,  their  attention  was  attracted  by 

""~"  or  a  noble  trinmpaal  arch  f ''"  ""--  " ' 

ich  lay  mouldering  fragments 
«  that  had  fallen  from  abore.    Near  tbe  arch  stood  two  tall 


._- -.  a  noble  trinmpaal  arch  (a  relic  of  the  Roman  power), 

under  which  lay  mouldering  fragments  of  the  rich  comioe  and  marbla 


Corinihiui  colnmni,  npwardj  <tt  forty  fMt  In  height,  the  liut  re 
of  aome  magnlBoeat  temple. 

The  honiea  were  lofty,  and  decorated  with  heaVy  entablatnrei,  pilas- 
ters, and  ornaments  of  stnoco  or  plaster,  some  of  them  richly  gilt,  and 
many  had  broad  balconies  of  stone  or  iron  projectfaigoTer  the  pavement. 
On  some  of  tbem  appeared  dark-haired  and  dark-eyed  iSoMn'to,  wearing 
the  long  aweeping  tuI  and  graoefnl  black  mantula,  of  which  so  macE 
has  been  said  by  romancers,  inrreying  with  imile*  of  wonder  and 
pleasure,  tbe  strange  soene  of  so  many  fbrein  nnifbrms  erowdinr  the 
streets,  and  waring  tbtir  ftns  and  handkerchiefi,  crying  to  the  BntUi 
officers  who  peised  them,  "  Viva  I  la  vaUeiUt htgltia  !  mat" 

"  What  beaatifU  eye*  and  splendid  flgnres  tluse  girls  have,"  aaid 
Msedonald  raptnranily,  doffing  IAm  bonnet  to  a  grout  of  lair  onat, 
whose  attention  their  Highland  garb  had  attracted.  "  By  Heaven  1  wa 
have  no  snch  eyes  st  home.  How  they  flash  nnder  thdr  long  Uabes  1 
I  never  belield  snch  glossy  curls  as  tliose  ^t  stieam  from  nnder  tb^ 

"  i  have,  Allster,"  was  Ronald's  brief  reply. 

"  *~  'i  her  wbote  minlatare  yon  wear  under  the  fold  of  yovr 
...  ^t )  I  WW  it  for  an  instant  the  other  day  at  Albuquengne. 
jiay,  Day,  man,  yon  need  not  colour  or  look  so  cross ;  I  shall  not  bdl 
any  of  our  fellows,  and  we  have  no  mess  here  to  try  your  Aery  temper 
by  jokes  and  quiiiing.  Bat  keep  it  In  a  more  secure  place ;  shonld  it 
be  teen  by  Grant  or  Sevan,  or  any  of  them,  it  may  become  tbe  sonree 
of  continoal  jesting." 

'-  Tboie  who  dare  to  Jest  with  me  on  such  a  sabjeot  may  find  it  dan. 
gerons  work,"  laid  Ronald,  coldly  end  haughtily.  "But  here  it  the 
place  we  have  been  looking  for — the  Caxada  Vino." 

A  baach  of  gilded  grapes,  suspended  over  the  door  of  a  tow  flat- 
roofed  building,  announcea  it  to  be  the  shop  of  a  retailer  of  wine.  The 
doorway  was  crowded  by  Britl^,  Portuguese,  and  German  ofloers, 
who  were  pressing  their  way  in  and  out,  intermixed  with  a  few  dgar- 
smoking  citizens,  wearing  brpadMMireru  and  the  eternal  long  Spaaiah 
'-  '  ■-  '     -'-■-'-'    '--    ' Win 


'Ay,  ; 
ulder- 


cloak,  enveloping  their  whole  form  in  a  manner  not  unfraoefal,  ti 
tbe  style  of  mysterious  gentry  on  tbe  >tage,  renderir~  ''  *—- ~"i 
discover  their  rank  in  society ;  in  fiot,  an  the  Span 


■bant  ■mokinB  br  dtj,  ud  to  __. , __. 

Duntks,  with  tbnr  feet  rettiiir  on  «  pan  of  hot  diarooal  wUk  Aej 
ripped  Arir  wmr  wIdb,  appeared  to  b«  uuii  onlf  enplorment. 

Bonald  and  hia  friend  made  thMr  najr  into  b  ipaoooa  obtooi  apart- 
mnit,  fltted  np  in  the  plaineat  maimer  with  rough  deal  aeUa  and  tablet, 
at  which  aat  man;  of  the  officers  of  the  lecond  diTiiion, — the  redi  or 
rather  pnrple  coats  of  the  Britiih,  Che  blue  of  the  Portofaeae,  thef[reen 
of  the  Oennan  riflea,  and  the  brown  of  ■  few  Spaniard!,  beiDi  inCer- 
niogted.    Several  olive-cheeked  young  glrlt,  with  their  knig  blaok  hair 


"As  aoon  aa  von  pleaae.  I  an  alnoit  etifled  with  the  tmaa  of 
gariio  tivm  tim  Portuneae,  and  tohaeeo  ftom  the  Germani.  Look 
Btold  Bluner,  of  the  SOdi  Riflet,  how  qnieUjr  he  dti  In  that  ooinar, 
filtinc  the  whcds  |daea  with  theimokeof  hialoupipe." 

"Lo<danf  at  gniTeaihlaaerenemightiDeuof  HeaaeHumbng.  But 
I  do  D«t  tee  an;  of  our*  beie." 

"nten*!  Camphdl,  tlttlng  beride  Armttrong,  of  the71it;  donbt- 
kw  he  ia  fighting  aome  battle  in  Egrpt  over  again.  He  apeaki 
to  eanuatlf,  that  he  It  not  aware  of  ooi  pretenae,--«nd  rooder  \t 
Chitholm." 

"  Stuart."  eiclumed  Aliiter,  abmptlTi  "  'lio  ean  that  itnnga 
fdlow  be  who  Keou  to  icratiniie  yon  lo  narrowlr  ?  See,  bridnd  the 
ehair  of  Bladar,  in  the  dark  reccaa  of  the  doorwajr/' 

Bonald  looked  in  the  dir«ction  pointed  oat,  and  beheld  the  fierce 
MTp«ait.like  eyea  of  •  well-knowa  face  flied-  on  him  with  a  aettled 
itam. 

"  It  ia  the  rascal  Narraei,"  whifpered  Eonald,  making  a  ttride 
tmrarda  the  place ;  bnt  the  worthy,  inlliiix  hia  lombrero  over  hia 
face,  preaied  through  the  crowd,  guned  the  A>or,  and  diiappearcd, 

"  maw  1  let  him  go,"  i«id  Abater,  hcdding  Ronald  bwk  by  hia  rilk 
Mtfa.  "Yoa  nrely  mmld  dM  fUlow  him?  Yon  are  nmther  an 
alMMe  nor  an  algnaiil,  and  yon  need  not  care  how  many  he  aeodata  th» 
ahadea.  He  eyes  yoa  with  ■  look  that  bodea  you  no  gcMid,  and  the 
mmccfdl  dlipomaon  of  tfaeae  swarthy  gentlemen  it  well  known.  I 
woaM  adviM  yoD  to  be  on  yoor  guard;  perhaps  he  ii  dogxiof  yon  fte 
yoKr  aqsabble  at  AlbnqiieniaB." 

"If  eierlmeetthaTagationdonahillside,"  replied  Ronald, angrilr, 
"  I  will  teadi  bim  to  model  his  face  differently,  when  be  darea  to  look 

"  Ay ;  bnt  'lis  not  decently  on  the  bill  side  that  diipntei  are  settled 
hare.  A  stab  in  the  dark,  or  a  ahot  from  behind  a  hedre,  ends  matters, 
and  all  ia  over,"  answered  Macdonatd,  as  they  issaed  into  the  street, 
after  aattltng  with  the  palntn.  "  And  now,  before  it  is  qoile  dark,  let 
aa  take  a  view  of  the  amphitheatre.  Iseeitaraimabontbeflat-rooted 
homea  at  the  end  of  the  street  yondw,  and  a  bold  ootUne  it  reaia 
againat  the  dear  aky  of  the  crening." 


OHiPTEE   TTTT, 

■-, 

— , RB>irtlM  Si.-. 

Wbow  iimba'd  miu  b^  itt  thick  Suhu  Kod ; 
Loud  nal|h  the  eamcn  q'r  Ibrii  hcKpi  of  corn. 
And  ftrdeblmrrianBiAUttieiialDgmflm." 

nifl,  book  wia. 

u  alniost  do^'whoa  their  odared  Cha  Tut  md  glooniT  ndn*  of 
lOiphillieHtre,  the- apprannoa  of  whiob  ma  rendered  dontilr 
aaiTs  br  (he  a^bre  light  io  whidi  it  wuvkwed.  Thebroad 
uEia,  where  once  the  bold  ilBdiatoT  oontsiidad  for  hanonr,  or  flu 
■nratoiied  malcftotw  'for  fau  life,  MrdninB  Mtorr  dMperats  eavgr  ia 
battle  wiUiths  farewt  aaim^  of  th«wildemBH>  waamvuieigiinm 
with  tma,  aa  wtie  alao  the  irids  oinlea  of  aeata  rUngiiaai  it)  -Mtd 
from  thearcadeaofanfaaa,  (nm  themealdaredooinieu.'thealiaUtnd 
oolmnna,  and.  eaptr  niohia,  «mBd  -weadi  and  nrtUn,  ibmiuit  how 
vain  ma  the  [ulde  of  Hie  tboader  aad  t^  uehitact,  and  telling  lUt 
.tiaMwaatoopoTOfiiLifor  tfw.mt^Mieit  wori:.of  human  handa, — that 
'EBan'a  labouEa,  like  Uonol^.ace  wiririiahir 

In  aomajJaaBa  ■nat-M«He*  of  suaonnr  had  fallco  doim,  whse  the 
damps  of  iron  and  braaa  had  mouldered  away,  and  ponderooa  anhi- 

dwM,  vcre^yin^  oantra  of  tiia  bubbb  half  boried  in  tiw  loil.  All 
iraaiilence  asa  nriaoos  Jaaalalhin  bow  in  tka.pUoearhare  onee  Ae 
baanttfnl,  Ae  brara,  w>dthentMe,ib»d  wttuwwa  and  applandod  aonl- 
.■limag  daada  of  iMViiat  prewMt,  aMBlT'«tisngtii,.md  wnaqnaHrd 
cmeltr  and  ferodtr*  Iti  vaat  arcade*  and  emptr  fallerie*  taag  ao 
'  uMiis  with  the  lonaMh^  Ofl  bu^et,  lkD.daA  of  ornbab,--&«  afaont 
'wtiiob  fneted  dw  trinrnphantnetar^mthe  Uatt,'the]rdl  or  the  dying 
cram  of  hia  T>n<ni>bed«pp(Hi— ' 
"  'lerMi-emradlaTei 
tu,  tigan,  and  loth 

id  hii  .firiaodiidBmlu.. p  _. , 

■boVe  aoother  liken  flight  of -broad  atepa,  and!  thar  gained  the  upps- 
.moatoonidor  or  gaHwr,  wbi^.mn  Toand  the  whole  fabric  on  tba 
.ontaide.  From  Una  e^nance  thcr  obtained  a  liew  of  the  aaanarf 
beloK  uid  BToand  tbem.  Night  had  now  aotin,  end  darfcn 
inthestrMtaof  Ueiidtu  TewerlngabOTcthe  Inwroofan 
.other  remaina  of  BMn«n.^nf««tM», — the  noble  areh  i^di  b 
often  to  the  tread  of  tbeir  martial  legiont,  and  the  ihattered  ta 
where naarUegodahndTeceind  the  hnfot  adoration  of  iiUaleM. 


A^  thooaand  WBtdi.flraa  aaA  tlvir  lorid  g lara  on  tb«  allentwata*  «f 
ueGaadiina,  ontbe  ^eik  grares  of  olive  oiertwugintr  iti  irfaan  ani- 
&(»,  on  Ifa  lofty  ontHne  of  Uu  .Boman  bridge,  i 


bnildingt  of  tts  adjaoiat  town,  froai  tlie  fajronao  of  Sir  Rowland* 
difiaian.  Tbe  idles  of  bniaiibed  arma  glittered  in  the  Isht,  whioh  was 
•■dected  b;  the  bayonets  of  the  aoitria  at  the  ritcr  sQ»,  and  bj  Oib 


43 


rabres  ot  &o  ttr-off  etnirj  liietlM,  aad  of  the  Bdvanaed  pioqaatiol 
ita  oppoiite  nde,  keeping  watch  and  ward  on  Che  road  to  Almoi 
dralejo.    A  loir  bum   of  many  miDgled  «oicea  rose  from  the  plao 


where  the  soldiers  laj,  mingled  with  the  occasioaal  neigh  of  a 
the  rtarper  Bound  of  the  cavalry  trumpet  taming  out  the  picqnel 
r  the  roll  of  a  distant  Infantry   drum  recalliog  stragglers  echoti 


among  the  granite  ciags  and  dying  away  in  the  CbiukeCa  D,  . ._   . 

dde;  and  nearer  rang  the  more  diinordant  noise  of  liagbter  and  reck- 
less military  merriment  from  the  wine- bonse  in  the  neigbbooring  street. 

"  Yonder  is  Xhe  evening  star  glimmering  above  the  Bnmmit  of  the 
dark  monntain  to  the  eonthward  of  ni,"  obaerred  Ronald,  in  a  low 
tone  :  "  it  daea  twinlding  just  as  I  have  Been  it  rising  above  the  noble 

.   n  Perthshire  ;  and  while  I  view  its  well-knovn  appearanee, 

mjp  heart  fills  with  aCrange  emotions.  1  can  almost  fancy  myself  at 
iome  in  the  H{gblaads,~st  home  in  my  father's  house." 

"  I  am  animatnd  by  similar  feelings,"  replied  Macdanald,  In  Hie 
Mme  aubdned  voice.  "  Many  that  love  na  deariy  may  at  thia  moment  bo 
watching  it  and  thinking  of  its.  Many  a  snmmer  gloaming,  in  my  dinad 
moods,  1  have  watched  it  rising  amid  the  white  breakers,  and  sbiniqx 
above  the  ruined  spire  of  lona,  while  the  empt^  arches  of  the  catiiedrtd 


■e  illumined  with  the  red  fluih  of  the  setting  sna.  Ab,  Stnart  1  I 
_jw  these  places  well :  mv  father  dwells  in  Inch-kenneth,  in  the  wild 
and  aurf-beaten  western  isles.     It  is  a  sweet  little  place  the  inch,  with 


dark   foliage  hanging  from  the  tall  rocks   over   the  boiling  o 

TheEe  mins  around  ua  are  all  very  well  in  their  wiy,  but  I  would  not 
give  the  Runic  cross  and  the  Culdee'a  cell,  which  caver  the  graves  of 
my  aDceetora,  even  for  all  the  ruins  of  Rome  1  But  let  us  not  begin  to 
muse  thus ;  I  shall  become  too  melsmcboly  to  feel  agreeable.  We 
miist  retrace  our  steps  to  the  bivonac,  for  both  fighting  and  bard 
DtBrchiDg  are  before  us  in  the  marnlDg,  overlbe  bills  yonder,"  said  he, 
pointing  in  the  direction  of  Almendral^o,  where  a  faint  crimaon  ttreak 
illmnined  the  dark  sky,  caused  probably  by  the  w%tch-fireB  of  D'Srlon'a 

"  what  I  do  yon  think  of  returning  to  the  den  where  we  cooked  onr 
(plendid  repast  ?  " 

"  We  should  be  esten  ap  by  rots  and  the  j^aish  mnsqnitoM  befots 
Doming ;  better  the  bivonac  where  our  comrades  stretch  their  bare 
legs  on  the  cold  sod.  Fasslfern  would  ill  like  ua  seeking  even  the 
dielter  of  a  kennel,  while  he  sleeps  as  usual  nnder  the  heels  of  hia 
horse,  with  the  pommel  of  his  saddle  for  a  pillow." 

"Too  speak  of  a  kennel ;  I  assure  you,  Macdonald,  that  last  night 
I  envied  the  old  barrel  in  which  onr  bonsehotd  dog  at  Locbisla  takee 
Ha  repose  in  the  barbican.    Bnt  we  shaH  lose  onrselves  here,  the  strwts 


the  Plaaa.  It  was  empty,  and  ita  stillness  was  broken  only^by  the 
ripple  of  the  Goadiana,  chafing  against  the  atone  quay  at  one  end,  past 
winch  its  broad  and  rapid  current  flowed  unceasingly. 
"Have  Sir  Rowland  and  bis  staff  qoarters  in  Menda!  " 
"  1  have  not  heard  that  thev  have.  But  hash  !  we  have  somethhiB 
here  that  savours  of  romance,  replied  Macdonald,  as  they  heard  tne 
notes  of  a  guitar  sounding  as  if  struck  by  a  bold  and  firm  hand ;  and 
immediately  [the  prelude  Being  over)  a  fine,  clear,  and  manly  voi^ 
_!.!_■.  !._!__  ■_   D — i_i. .  understood  by  hia 


sang  a  aoDg,  which  being' in  Sponbh,  n 


listom,  exeeptint  the  bnrdea  whi^  he  repeated  *t  the  end  of  every 


"  What  CRTaliero  is  (his  ?  "  nhiBpered  MacdoiuM.  "  I  thought  that 
these  dayi  of  aerenadiDg  h»d  osMed  swav.  eien  in  Snain." 

"  I  knoir  him  :  it  is  AJ 
cavalry.  I  les  the  CsU  oi 
helmet  with  the  red  horsa-oBir  on  iis  creei. 

"  Kerp  under  the  shado*  of  Cbs  housei,  Staart; 'perhaps  he  may 
siiieagain.    But  he  surely  hears  us ;  he  is  looking  round." 

The  fonn  of  (he  Spanish  officer,  the  outline  of  hii  hijih  helmet,  and 
his  large  butliou  epaulettes  were  now  distinctly  visible.  When  his  sons 
ceased,  a  window  above  opened,  a  light  flashed  tbtougti  the  shutters, 
anda  lady  sppesred  on  Che  iron  balcony;  she  clapped  her  bands,  and 
the  dragoon  drew  near,  when  a  conversalion,  earned  on  in  low  and 
earnest  tones,  ensued.  The  don  had  placed  bia  hand  on  the  lower  part 
of  (be  balcoDir.  preparatory  to  Bwinging  liimself  up,  when  a  uoiieintbe 
Street  caused  the  lady  to  start  anay,  and  close  the  shnttei*  of  Che  win- 
dow with  (he  utmost  precipitation. 

"  Caramia .' "  cried  the  Spaniard,  fiercely  turning  round  and  endea- 
vonriuff  to  pierce  the  darkness  which  enveloped  the  stradi:  but  nothing 
could  be  discovered.  After  a  vain  attempt  again  lo  obtain  a  bearing 
from  the  lady,  be  took  his  guicarunder  bis  arm,  and  proceeded  leisurely 
down  tbe  street  on  the  darkest  side,  ss  if  to  etude  observation,  still 
hnmniing  the  burden  of  bis  ditty,  "  Adios,  que rida, "•  while  his  heavy 
spnn  and  long  steel  scabbard  clattered  in  accompaniment.  The  two 
British  officers  had  turned  to  pursue  tbeir  way  towards  the  Plaza,  when 
a  crjr  of  "  DiaeoJo .'  Ah,  peTTOa—ladronn .'  CaraJoJ"  burst  fcom  the 
"  ~~'~~I,  followed  immediately  by  a  clashing  of  steel  blades,  die  noise 


Spaniard,  f 
of  which  d 


hasUly  to  the  spot.     Here  they 

the  wall,  contending  fiercely  nltb 

»  single  weapon  against  six  armed  men,  from  whose  sworiu  and 

iniards  he  made  tbe  fire  fly  at  every  stroke  he  dealt,  keeping  (hem  at 


found  Don  Alvaro,  with  his  back  to  the  wall,  contending  fiercely 
■■      "    '  ■    .    ■  .  .  .  ^^^ 


with  admirable  courage  and  skill. 

One,  two,  three— six  to  one  '.  the  rascally  cowards  ',  Draw,  AIll- 
ter, — draw  and  strike  in,"  cried  Ronald,  nnshesthing  his  sword,  an 
example  which  his  companion  was  not  slow  in  following,  snd  all  three 

ingaged,  two  to  one,  against  the  assailants  of  Alvaro,  who 

at  this  unexpected  attack,  and  fought  with  double  des- 


on  engagi 


of  the  inffisna  fell  upon  him 

e  they  wan 

.-gimental  gorget 

le  deadly  thmst  at  his  tbroar,  and  tbe  thick  folds  of 


long  blades,  while  they  watched  every  opportunity  Co  use  ue  sharper 
"'"'"""is  which  ajTned  their  left  bands.    Ronald's  regimental  g"    ' 


his  plaid,  where  they  CI  .       .  .  ,. 

saved  him  from  more  than  one  doworieht  blow.  Sweeping  bia  long 
dajnnore  round  him,  with  botb  bis  bands  clenched  in  its  basket-hilt, 
he  fongh(  with  the  utmost  energy,  but  only  on  the  defensive,  end  was 
compilied  to  retire  backwards  step  by  step  towards  the  quay  of  tbe 
■  yanwsll,  loiti 

^■'>"8l>-' 


Gudiuu,  where  he  must  hare  baen  iaenlabl^  drowned  or  ilain,  but 
for  the  timel;  iDterference  of  a  Touith  BHord,  which,  mmglingit*  itrokei 
wilfa  theirs,  strack  the  three  Spimiab  blades  to  tbiTera.  Two  of  the 
fellows  immedutely  ded.  and  plnngiDi  into  the  liiei  iwam  to  the 
opposite  bank  ;  Che  third  woold  haie  followed,  bat  Ronald,  grupiug 
him  by  the  throat,  adraitlr  stmck  the  poiaard  fram  hii  hand,  and  pia- 
ningluiu  to  the  earth,  placed  hia  foot  upon  hia  neck.  At  the  lune 
moment  Alister  Mecdonald  passed  bis  long  claymore  through  the  body 
ofthefoarth,  who  fell  shjeikini— '■  Sanrtifaria/  OCio*/  ODioa!" 
and  almost  instantly  expired.     The,  other  two,  who  bad  been  driven  £ir 

"  Hot  work  thia,  geullemen,"  said  Campbell,  in  hia  iimal  jocular 
tone.  It  was  his  sword  which  had  ioteriened  so  opportnaelf  betw««a 
Ronald  and  destmctioB.  "  The  fiay  has  been  braietir  fought  and 
gallantl;  finished.  Yon  have  drawn  your  sword  to-nigbt  for  the  first 
time,  Stoart,  and  proved  yonrself  a  lad  of  the  proper  stuff.  Keepyonr 
foot  tight  npon  that  growhng  scaandrel,  and  if  he  dares  to  itir,  pin  him 
to  the  pavement.  This  affair  beats  hollow  my  brawl  at  Grand  Cairo, 
when  we  were  in  Egypt  with  Sir  Ralph.  By  the  bye,  what  did  the  fray 
begin  about?  " 

"I  am  snre  I  cannot  say,"  replied  Ronald,  panting  with  his  late 
exertioD  ;  "  botfor  yonr  prompt  assistance,  major,  it  might  have  ended 
olberwiae.     Alist       '  ' 


"  Senorei — (i;fficialfs,  I  thank  yon  for  the  good  service  yon  havo 
rendered  me  to-night,"  said  the  Spaaisb  olficer  in  good  English,  while 
he  made  a  low  obeisance,  "  and  am  happy  that  yon  have  all  escaped 
HDbarmed  :  bat  we  mutt  dispose  of  this  remaining  villain.  Be  pleased 
to  stand  aside,  senor,  that  I  may  ran  him  through  the  heart.  A  fair 
thrust  from  the  blade  of  a  noble  cavalicro  is  too  good  a  death  for  such 
a  fellow." 

"  Sir,  1  shonld  be  sorry  to  thwart  yon  in  your  pleasure,  but  have  a 
little  patience,  pray,"  replied  the  major,  laaghing  at  the  coolness  of  the 
don's  request,  and  parrriug  with  his  stick  a  throat  made  at  the  bravo, 
who  lay  prostrate  under  Ronald's  foot.  "  As  thia  fellow's  skin  is 
whole,  he  may  be  inclined  to  let  yoa  know  his  employer,  or  what  all 
this  row  be^an  abonC." 

"  Right,  senor  ;  I  had  forgotten  that.  Dog  !  "  cried  Don  Alvaro,. 
fiercely  dashing  bis  guitar  into  a  thousand  fragments  on  the  head  of 
the  bravo,  "  tell  me  who  employed  yonr  rascal  bands  against  my  per- 
son 1  Yoa  will  not  answer?  Well,  we  must  prove  what  materials 
your  skin  is  made  of.  By  Santiago  I  I  will  have  it  flayed  off  you  with 
a  red-hot  sabre,  if  yon  do  not  confess  I  The  tortures  of  the  Inqni- 
sitton  will  be  as  nothing  tfi  what  I  will  iuflict  on  yoar  miserable  body, 
if  yon  are  stubborn.  Aid  me,  noble  aenors,  iu  taking  this  wretch  to 
the  Conventqde  San  Juan  de  Merida,  in  the  Plaza;  my  troop  is  quar- 
tered there.    'Tis  but  a  pistol-sbot  from  here." 

It  was  impossible  to  refuse.  Dau-Alvaro  tied  tightly  with  his  silk 
sssh  the  hands  of  the  capdve,  who  was  dragged  witbont  ceremony 
from  street  to  street,  to  the  entrance  of  a  narrow  dark  alley  leading  to 
the  conTenC  of  Saint  John,  the  front  of  which  looked  towards  the 
Flaia. 


"  Qaitn  «me?"  elitllcnged  Hie  Spaaiih  trooper  oa  wiitry  vith  Ub 
oarbine  in  the  tiotfaic  porch. 

"  Etftma,"  retnmed  the  don,  u  the;  puud  into  the  gloemy  bixly. 
of  tbe  baildinp,  in  the  Tut  eittot  of  which  their  footitepi  awoke  a 
thousand  echoes. 

"Ho!    there,   mrglmiot  y  toliadaa!"    cried   Alraro.      "Pedro 


,   mrgvl' 


Gomesi  H  light — a  Ta^hS,  \  'Route, — do  yon  hi 

A  Btruiga  bustle  uumediitelf  rose  aronno  mem.  una  s  ginenio 
sppeired  beiriDB  a  lamp,  the  light  of  which  revealed  hia  brown  maSoTTa, 
and  browiuff  futures.  Ther  Ibimd  themielrea  in  dta  chapel  of  the 
conTCDt,  and  the  red  cUre  of  tba  btudDg  lamp  was  oast  on  its  flatad 
colamns,  groined  archee,  and  Gothic  onununti,  giving  a  wild  and" 
romantic  appearance  to  the  Kene,  which  was  beightanad  by  the- 
presence  of  Don  Alvaro'a  troop.  About  aiity  fine  Spamsh  Steeda, 
with  Sowing  tiili  aad  minea,  stood  ranged  on  each  side  of  the  at.it  of 
the  building,  saddled  and  bridled,  bearing  the  earbinea,  holsters,  sbd 
Talisea  of  £eir  riders,  who,  muffled  in  their  lon^  brown  cloaks,  with 
their  swords  and  belmetS'tieside  them,  were  sleeping  among  the  bone- 
litter,  or  looking  up  anrpriaed  at  the  intcmiptioii.  Every  man  lay 
beside  bis  horse,  and  their  tall  lances  were  reared  agsiost  ttie  shsitod 
pfBara,  from  whidi  military  acxuiutrenients,  cnrry-combB,  horse- 
brushes,  Sec.,  wera  snapended  from  the  necks  of  angels  and  atbec 
ettgle*  that  aduned  them. 

«Pfidr      "  


"  i>ioi  nuo ,'"  eried  Pedro,  placing  the  lamp  within  an  inch  r£  the 
prisoner' B  nose. 

"The  fillain  Narraei,  by  heavens!"  exclairaed  Ronald,  recoiling  at 
'   1  of  indescribable  hatred  and  ferocity  legible  in  the 

.  .;enance,  while  his  eyes  shone  with  the  sparkle  of  a  dranon's 

as  the  sullen  glare  of  the  lamp  fdl  on  their  black  bolls. 

"  How  d'ye  do,  Senoe  Cifnentes?  SpeBic  up,  man.  Tou  are  tho 
Tery  prince  of  rascals!"  said  the  m^or,  giving  hioi  a  prob  in  the 
stomach  with  his  stick. 

"Whatl"  Gxclumed  Macdonald,  scrutiniiing  him  with  disgust  and 
ooriotity,  "  is  this  the  fellow  yon  told  us  about?  thie  keeper  of  tha 
irine-bonse  at  Albnanerque  ?" 

"  Ay,  the  same,'  answered  R^nld ;  "  a  wretch  who  slew  in  cold 
blood  the  French  officers.     Bnt  he  shall  not  escape  us  now." 

"  If  I  sfaonld,  yon  shall  lira  to  repent  it,— you  sh^,  by  tbe  holy 
mother  of  God  !"  said  the  bold  ruffian  with  a  soomfnl  smile. 

A  few  words  made  Don  Alraro  acqusinted  with  tbe  story  of  Narrae^ 

"  Fellow  1"  said  he  sternly,  "I  might  almost  forgive  you  tho 
slsngbter  of  the  fonr  Frenchmen, — I  wish,  however,  that  it  had  been 
done  less  treach^'ously  \  but  for  this  attempt  on  my  own  life  yon  shall 
hang,  and  that  instandy,  by  San  Juan  of  Merida  I  as  a  waramg  to  all 
low-bom  knaves  to  beware  era  they  draw  their  weapons  on  a  noblo 
UdalgD.  Diego  de  la  Zarza,  Pedro  Gomes!  briag  hither  a  horse- 
halter,  some  of  you,"  cried  he  to  tbe  astonished  troopers  who  crowded 
nnnd.     "  Run  this  fellow  up  to  the  roof.     Santos!  doyoahear?" 

He  had  scarcely  spoken,  before  Pedro  Gomez  cast  his  horse's  halter 
over  the  neck  of  s  gigantic  stone  angel,  whose  extended  winga,  oarved 
oat  a  corbelled  stone,  supported  one  of  the  oak  beams  of  the  roof,  and 
prepared  with  ready  huids  a  noose  with  a  slip-knot  to  encirole  the  neck 


«f  Names,  -mho  bdirfd  thne  mmmnT  praptnrtuMM  with  eosaiderablB 
trepidMon  j  md  ba  would  KXin  have  awioig  a-  oone,  bat  Ait  the  iDtBr- 
hranoe  of  the  three  Britith  officcn,  who,  luUtea  of  ■  oUme  where  the 
pasiions  an  ku  Tiobsnt  than  in  Spain,  revolted  at  the  ids*  of  to  indden 

"  Stay,  Don  AItsto,  aod  pot  off  hii  exit  until  to-morrow,"  odd 
CampbaU.  "  1  do  not  admire  nich  quick  deapateh,  athongb  I  baro 
■eeaa  Turk's  head  lly  off  like  dthiatle'e  top,  wbeo  I  WBi  in  Egypt  with 
Sir  Ralph." 

"  It  woakl  be  loaiag  time  in  the  mominE.  ai  we  march  by  day- 
break," replied  the  Don;  "  bnt  northleiB  hi  the  yillain  is,  I  may  alter 
my  deooeif  he  ^reametha  name  of  hiabaaa  eni|iloyeT." 
•  "  Tba  hoaband  of  her  whom  yov  aaranaded  thi«  night  in  the  CiUft 
de  San  Jnan,"  auwared  Narraes  in  a  cnttnal  tone. 

"  Whatl  the  goeriUa  chief ,  Don  Bamdor  Xarier  de  Zagria  ?"  cried 


Atnra  fiuiosriy,  faU  nea  flaihing  fire.  "Baaa  oowudl  Ignoblo 
todaleo  1  Bnt  my  iword  ihall  retch  him  ere  long,  if  lie  ii  to  be  foimd 
olbbiiAaof  tbePyvMeaa,— itabaUibytbeboneaof  theCldl    Your 


«  rascal  comrades  ware  gneriUaa  of  hi*  band.    I  thoaght  I  knew  the 
■oarlet  caps  of  the  Tagaboi '-  " 
'  "Nobl^  cavalier  I  dam         „     . 
idie^i^y.    "  WhatisDowyoQTdecreer' 
"ThM  yonahallbe  (botlnthemomiDginstead  of  being  hanged  to- 


Witfa  all  the  indifferenoe  Oat  he  aMomed  at  fiiat,  Ohentes  was  a 
ovmrd  at  heart,  and  plteonawere  the  entreaties  be  made  for  merey, 
and  the  promiaei  he  gave  of  refomuliiHi  for  the  fntnre,  if  the  caraUer 
would  spare  his  Ufa  i  bnt  Uiey  wera  m^aeded.  "Ris  dragoona  tfamst 
Um  into  «  narrow  dormitory  Bd)oimng  the  cjiapel,  and  a  sentinel,  with 
Us  mrbine  loaiied,  waa  placed  at  the  door. 

"  Send  tbr  the  hdre,  Alrtirez ;  and  let  him  make  hb  peace  wi0k 

"  Noble  se«m  it  w&l  be  dlfficalt  to  And  tl«  tererand  Padre  in  lua 
■oker  sensea  atthii  honr,"  reidied  Gomex. 

"  Yon  are  tight,  Pedro;  he  baa  no  longer  tbaHtdylnnuiiiUon,  of 
tsrrfblc  menory,  to  loaie  ksm  from  his  enpa.  Hii*  fellow  may  die 
easily  eoonght  witbont  the  hdp  of  Latin.  Should  he  make  Ae 
lightest  attanat  to  eacape,  remanber,  Diego  d«  la  Zana,  to  shoot  bta 
dead  withcnit  oiL  And  now,  Maota,  I«t  n*  retire  and  leave  my  troopoa 
tnrepoee,  as  we  nnat  ba  all  in  on  saddles  at  er»w  of  theeook." 

"  What  wiU' be  dons  whh  tiie  fellow  who  ttee  dead  in  the  street?" 
tAai  Rm^d,  if  they  itmnblad  down  tlK  dark  alley  leading  from  tha 

"Whateeold  wa  dowitii  him,  soiar?"  replied  tba  don  with  sorpriM. 
"  Tha  careaae  will  be  finnd  in  tits  morning,  and  the  finder  will  bnry  it 
tar  the  sake  of  the  elothei,  perhaps.  To  find  a  man  atabbed  in  tlM 
sMet  is  no  marrellons  natter  in  obt  Spsirish  towns.  Yon  saw  bow 
ttUe  notioe  the  dash  <4  our  award*  attraoted :  searody  a-  window 
Opened,  and  no  person  approached.     We  take  these  aShin  eooUy  here, 

''  80  it  seems,  Don  Akara,"  aaid  the  major.  "  Bat  there  i*  the 
dock  of  the  town-boaae  Btrikiog  the  honr  of  eleten,  and  we  havo 
■  wearrronta  bafbreailn  the  mondag;  ■»  the  ioimer  we  ledc  some 


pUoe  to  nxwt  in  the  better.  I  left  Colonel  Ckmeron  and  the  re«t  of  , 
onn  preparing  for  repou,  under  the  bieldy  side  of  a  granite  craig, — , 
but  I  fear  you  don't  understand  me,— at  the  confounded  biToonc 
yonder  |  and  the  sooner  we  join  them,  tbe  longer  rest  «e  shall  have." 

"You  Bball  hare  no  bivoaacking  to-night,  senors.  One  gets  quite 
enough  of  it  in  these  times  ;  and  when  a  good  billet  comes  in  tbe  way, 
it  ihoold  be  accepted.  1  ceside  in  Merida ;  m^  &inily  mansion  is  St 
the  comer  of  the  Plaza  :  ^ou  ihall  pass  the  night  with  me  there.  My 
■ister,  Donna  Catalina,  mil  be  most  happy  to  entertain  the  preserrer* 
of  her  brother, — three  caraliers  nho  draw  their  tworda  tot  the  freedom 
of  Spain." 

"  Certainly,  Don  AItbto,  we  shonld  be  sorry  to  iligM  yonr  offer," 
said  the  miuor.  "  A  comfortable  quartet  is  a  scarce  matter  in  Spain 
jast  noi* ;  and  if  Donna  Catalina  will  not  be  incommoded  by  three 
»aldadoi  billeting  themBClve*  upon  her  mandon  without  notice,  we  are 
very  much  at  your  aerrice.  When  I  was  in  Egypt  in  1801, 1  remember 
an  adventnrejnat  snch  ai—" 

"  Take  care  of  the  curb,  major,"  cried  Ronald,  as  the  bulky  field- 
officer  tripped  against  the  side  of  the  pavement. 

"  Jast  such  as  this.     We  were  qnartered  at — " 

"  Glrand  Cairo,"  intermpted  Ronald  rathlessty,  for  he  dioliked  tbe 
repetition  of  long  Btories,  which  was  a  failing  of  the  worthy  major's, 
who  lugged  in  Egn>t  and  Sir  Ralph  Abercrombie  on  all  occasions. 
"  Ay,  I  remember  the  story,  and  a  capital  one  it  is  t  But  here  is  Don 
AlTaro'a  bouse." 

As  he  spoke,  they  halted  befbre  a  large  mansion,  ornamented  wiUi 
lofty  columoB  and  broad  balconies,  upon  which  the  tall   w:-^~ 

epened ;  through  the  curtains  bright  rays  of  light  streamed  iL— 

dark  street.  Aliaro  applied  hia  hand  to  the  large  knocker  hangiu  on 
the  entrance  door,  which  appeared  more  like  the  portal  of  a  prison  Uian 
tiiat  of  an  hidalgo'a  residence,  beii^  low,  arduid,  and  stadded  with 
iiDD  nails. 

' '  Quien  et  T"  said  a  voice  within. 

"  Genif  depaxl"  replied  Aliaro,  while  the  light  from  Ibe  pan^^ 
flashed  through  a  little  panel  which  was  drawn  atide,  and  throafh- 
which  they  were  eantioasly  scrutioiied. 

The  door  was  immediately  opened  by  an  aged  and  wrinkled  female 
serranc,  whose  bright  black  eyes  contrasted  strangely  with  her  sldn, 
which  was  shrirelied  and  yellow  as  on  old  drom-bead.  Old  Dams 
Agnes,  lamp  in  hand,  led  them  along  a  paicage,  np  a  broad  wooden 
staircase,  and  into  a  noble  and  ipadona  apartmmt,  whidt  displayed  the 
usual  combination  of  elegance  and  discomfort,  so  common  in  the 
houses  of  Spanish  nobles.  The  ceiling  presented  beaotifally  pajnted 
panels,  and  a  gorgeous  cornice  of  gilt  stucco,  supoorted  by  [ulastera  at 
the  Corinthian  order  ;  while  tbe  floor  from  wbich  they  rose  was  com- 
posed of  brge  sqnare  red  tiles.  Four  large  caMmenu  looked  toward* 
the  Flsza ;  they  were  glazed  with  glass, — a  luxury  in  Spain,  bat  dkeir 
siinttais  were  rough  deal  boards,  which  were  barely  concealed  by  tbe 
rich  white  curtains  overhanging  them  :  the  fumitore  was  oak, — mas- 
dve,  clumsy,  and  old  as  the  days  of  Don  Qiuiote.  Upon  the  panels  of 
the  ceiling,  tbe  bases  of  the  pillars,  and  other  places,  appeared  tbe. 
blazonry  of  coats  aimoHal,  duplaying  tbe  alliances  of  the  family  of 
VtUa  Francs. 

On  tbe  table,  betide  *  guitar,  eaitaneCs,  mosic-booki,  &c.,  stood  a 


km  lilTer  oudeUbrnm,  bouing  faiiT  tall  cudlM,  the  Aaniei  of  which 
Oiuered  in  the  cairoiti  of  (ir  ftoini^  thraBgh  many  a  cbink  mi 
cnimT,  u  if  to  remiiid  the  three  BriEuh  officer*  thit  it  vas  at  home 
onlr  Uuit  troe  comfort  wai  to  be  foiuid.    Heat  wu  diffnud  thronih 

the  room  by  toeaui  of  a  pan  of  glo— = *■ '  -' — ■*  ■-  ■"■ ' ' 

the  floor,  and  a  ladf,  who  BM  w 


CHAPTEE    IX. 


"  Divn  tma  Im  band  Iba  loi^  Mr  tn—m  flow. 
And  ipart  iriEh  ivrHj  Obt&m^itt  bcloir. 

Ai  crimaoD  TitU,  in  pilacei  dupUfcd, 

To  the  while  mml«  loud  ■  bluhlos  shade." 

OeWi  UiUantrphatl: 

As  *he  itood  erect,  her  telret  manmia  fell  from  bee  white  ihoulderi, 
dUplarini  a  ronnd  and  eiqoiaitelf  moalded  farm,  tall  and  full,  yet 
light  and jtraceAil.  The  noble  contour  of  her  bead,  and  the  delicate 
outline  ofbec  featnrea,  were  abown  by  the  remoral  of  her  black  lace 
Teil.  which  shethrew  back,  perrmttinE  it  to  hong  sweepiDg  down  behind, 
lOTing  her  that  atatdy  ana  dignified  air  bo  cammon  to  the  Spaniah 
Udiea,  bnt  of  which  our  own  are  «o  deficient,  owing,  probably,  to  the 
extreme  aliffneaa  of  thdr  iiead-dreaa.  Her  akin  wai  rair,  exeeedingly 
ao  for  a  Spaniard  ;  bat  the  gloaay  curia  of  the  deepeat  black  &Uiag  on 
her  neck,  rendered  it  yet  mora  ao  by  oontrait.  Her  crimson  lipi  and 
the  fine  form  of  her  noatdla,  her  white  ttsnapaient  brow  and  fall  dark 
Bjrea,  ahining  with  ioeiprMrible  brilliaiKe,  atniek  tbe  three  Scota  male 
wiA  Bupriaa, — almoat  with  awe.  So  ahowy  a  beauty  bad  not  met  their 
caxe  aince  their  departure  from  Bdinhurgh,  and  even  Ronald,  while 
ieepinE  hia  hand  wiUnn  the  breaat  of  hia  coot  upon  the  mloiMure  of 
Alice,  mt  hit  heart  beneath  it  atrangely  moved  at  tbe  light  of  the  tm 


^e 


preClily. 
-'Nay,  my  dear  Catalina,  yon  mutt  not  recdve  oi  thna,"  replied  her 
biother  En  Spaniah,  her  knowledge  of  Eogliah  being  tery  slight. 
"  Allow  ne  to  introduce  three  Brwah  offioers,  to  whom  I  am  indebted 


,d  anothiir  thall  be  le 

,  __, CUilina  -       ■         - 

flianked,  in  broken  Engliah,  bnt  in  a 
three  wearied  eoldadoa,  nho  had  aeai 

laaluoaed  diaira,  tlia  crimion  leather! 

to  be  the  work  of  the  prerioua  century. 


"  mU  CWriki*,  "dM  Torr  poai  braa 
■t  Ton  with,    f     ■"       '    '  •  .,-. 

., g  ...JtUiem  thia  ma 

"On- fire,  thutks  to  the  Imxj  cb— ikmiit  Jrjtirtmft,  hi  baenan 
bud  of  hte,  that  almoit  tintliing  will  paia  mmatsrwilhiu,"  re^iail 
Bonald  ;  "but  hen  ars  dUnea  cnsn^fork  wbolatncf ."  Whilolle 
■poke,  Uie  oak  table  w»  laid  in  a  twinkling  with  a  Tuiety  of  coven  ; 
of  which  tbey  conld  gcarcely  taste  any,  owing  to  the  garlic  and  oliie-oil 
wiQi  which  Uie  Spaniard!,  ai  well  aa  the  Portugaese,  alwaya  aeaaoa  and 
cook  Dp  their  victuala. 

"  You  do  not  aeem  Id  rtXah  Qw  piieaa,  ttnor  mia,"  »ud  Donna 
Catalinato  the  loajar,  who  wu  nukiag  wiy  fiusea  at  erery  numthfiil  ha 
took.    "Ttt  the  piece  ofoeldrMBtedveM  on  Uie  cover  near  TOD." 

-Til li  iiriii.''^ain nl  fan^yrll.  iinljiku  hlmanW  InrinVi      "It 

woold  be  excellent  to  mftaate, -ma  it  *«t  for  the  otiTCwnl  and  ^icea, 
not  used  in  out  conntiy,  with  wUdi  it  ii  leaamied." 

A  haahand  ragout  wera  fikewiae  attempted,  bat  In  run;  the  farlle 
with  which  the;  wen  dceiied  rendered  it  impoaaible  for  the  three 


avab^,  and  the  eondescendinK 
Baaple  amenda.    Bat  ths  duree 


«reetaeM  of  bia  beantthd  alater,  nade  aMpl 

bungrf  Seot*  were  very  well  pleuad  to  see  the  firat  eoarae  Bspbeod  by 

tbe  second,  wMoh  ooneietedof  white  Spaoiili  bread  of  the  |urat  fioar, 
dried  grapea.  and  gererU  large  cryrtBl  jogs  of  the  pmrjle  conatry  wine, 

"Ton  Brltiih  are  rather  mora  tetidiaiia  than  onrPortnieaefnaids 
and  yiiei,"  laid  Airwo.  laoKhmg.  "  The  last  (idm  the  6U)  Cafadores 
lay  quaitend  here,  the^  leR  not  a  aingla  eat  nneaM^ — a  Itui  atiU 
ren»mbeted  with  peeulur  aoimority  by  the  boaienrirea  of  Merida. 
Hie  Potlitgueae  are  not  over  niee  in  anytUng,  eertnaly,  aad  we 
I 1 .^...  "^dSpeMard  Bkkei  ft  good  Porta- 


a  prererb  nooiv  ni,  'tiiata  bad'S 


.  .  n  -not  very  ^t  to  be  paitioalar 
"Whenl'waa  in  Egypt witii Sir IU|d>, 
sieyatBak  eat  from  abone'i  flanki-ud 


!gS    .,      __ 

HngtoD  and  the  Bridah  £Mrce*,  (JtcddWrnn  «f  ^ain  and  Ferdinaiid 
fheanoidi. 

After  ttia-eoinplimentary  taait  had  been  July  hgBwwed,  "Aboii- 
ver,  gentleman!  emlainied  t)M major:  "fill  ap yoai' daaaea  -regnlar 
brinmers,  and  they  mnat  be  dmnk  off  wiUk  trve  HtpilBndhoBaiirB. 
A  la  Uterlad  ie  Btpoma!  hnnab  I"  and,  ipriogiBg  ap  enct  wiGb 
native  acility,  the  three  Scott,  pUcing  their  left  feet  on  their  seats  and 
tiwir  r»U  on  ti>e  taUe  (a  Movement  whieh  ooaiideraUy  sBrjiriBed  tho 
grave  don  and  hit  riMer,  vrito  trembled  for  her  ciimson  ciiain),  tbey 
Sooriihed  thdr  rlaaaea  daft,  and  diank  to  the  toaat  willi  what  are 
called  fTf^andAonevr*. 

"Pin/  viva/"  cried  the  oanUier,  hi  apidaoae  of  tJN  nailmiwl, 
tkongh  nther  pniizled  at  the  made  of  pradaimaig  it. 


;  and,  U  the  vioB-hoiiu  were  filled  end  emptied  a^unand  agiJn, 

ther  grew  mors  meny,  the  lutionil  gntity  of  the  ^aa  diMppearioE 
giadoolly  tt  their  conTiTittlitv  iucreaied.  He  lanabed  uid  lang  with 
the  frankneu  of  a  loliUer,  uul  trolled  forth  mare  thui  once  the  Smig 
of  Ktc  Hnndred  Hoiae,"  b  Spuiiih  leilitiuy  carol.  At  RonUd'i 
Tcqaeit,  CsUlioa  took  her  guitar  from  the  back  of  her  chair  where  it 
hoagi  uidi  without  requiring  the  eatraatiea  necsMarr  to  obtain .  the 
'woor  ftom  »  Britiah  .'-■■-   "--  ' — '- --' '"■ ^-•- 

tiich  peculiarly  bea«T] 

a  BODg  well  blown  ii 
paiKning  th^, 

"SheMenubent  onmiikiDsaeonqtieatofyoti,  Alister,"  wbitptrnd 
BrOnsld. 

"  Of  Touneifp  rather,"  retorted  the  other,  coldlf.  Indeed.  Uu:- 
dtmafcl  had  said  bnt  little  all  night ;  hia  mind  waa  cmtimiailT  wan- 
deriDKto  the  reoent  fnj,  and  the  remembraace  that  be  had  forthefirtt 
time  liBiii  a  fellow-being, — a  reflection  which  troubled  him  verj  little, 
trolT,  a  few  weeks  afterwards,  when  he  bad  become  used  to  that  aort 
of  work.    "  Of  jronnelf ,  rather,  StuarC    Her  ejes  are  ever  on  yon, 

"Hnah!  she  hears  ai,"  replied  the  other,  hurriedly,  bis  cheek 
reddening,  yet  more  with  mental  shame  than  anger.  "  O,  Alice 
liale  I"  thmght  he,  "  this  Spaniard,  beaaCibla*  she  is.  cannot  anrely 
be  teai^iing  me  to  forget  you  so  soon.  Her  eyes  are  blacker  than  thOM 
of  Alice,  cartunly,  but  ttiey  are  leas  soft  and  (smmine, — less  gentle  bi 
eiprenion ;  yet —  Here  be  was  interrupted  by  the  load  and  BOnoroui 
voice  sf  Cakpbell,  who,  at  the  request  ot  Catalina,  waa  commeacing  a 
wmg- 

Ronald  wu  rapidly  beooming  so  confiued  with  the  eSecta  of  the  wme 
be  bad  token,  that  be  lutew  not  whether  it  waa  Alice  Liale  or  Donna 
CataUna  who  sat  beside  him  ;  but  haying  a  vague  idea  that  it  waa  some 
beantifnl  female,  before  the  major's  aong  was  ended  he  was  makiag 
downright  lore,  which  the  lady  took  in  yery  good  homour. 

Campbell's  aoDg,  the 


altboo^  it  KWted  tbe  hearts  of  his.  countrymen  by  its  martial  and 
forcilMlangiiage,  waa  litUned  to  with  a  graye  and  pleaeant  smile  by 
Don  Alvaro,  ma,  ot  oonrse,  comprehended  not  one  word  of  tbe  ditty, 
wbicb  in  his  can  sounded  aa  a  most  barbarous  jargon,  and  might  haye 
been  a  Hooriab  battle-song  far  aagbt  that  he  kaew  to  tbe  contrary. 

The  tttiriag  of  D<ntna  Catalina  did  mt  pat  an  end  to  the  carooaal ; 
and,  al  tbey  had  to  leaie  Merida  an  bonr  before  daybreak,  tbey 
betook  themaelyei  to  reat  (after  ereryjug  of  wine  had  been  discossed), 
on  the  diairs,  as  it  was  nseleaa  to  go  to  bed  for  an  hour  or  two  only. 
Ibe  short  time  they  poased  in  slnmber  flew  quickly,  and  they  wen 

iiviued  bytk     ''      •  ■■     -  ■         -■"  -       -    - 

cauaewayed  t 

"  Carambal    Bouse,  senors,"  cried  Alyaro,  who  was  the  £ 

"  Congo.'    Ay,  there  go  the  field-pieeea :   old  Rowland's 
uddle  already,"  muttered  the  nuyor,  scrambling  up  from  the  & 


vhloli  he  luul  rolled  in  the  nigbt-timsi  and  placing  his  largs  bonnet  on 
tiie  wrong  war.  permit^ng  the  long  feathers  to  (treain  doirn  his  back. 
"  Room,  gentlemen  I  Up  and  be  doing,  aira,  or  we  ibBll  be  misaed 
from  oDT  poat*.  Old  Mahond  take  the  rule  far  marching  before 
daybr^ !  Sir  Ralph  nerer  made  ua  do  ao  in  Egrpt,  and  we  gained 
lanrels  there,  gentlemen— I  aar  we  did.  Thli  infernal  bontietl  'tis 
alwan  foUing  off." 

"  I  wiib  to  Heaven  I  eonld  ileep  an  boor  longer ! "  leidBonald.  "  I 
have  acorcelj  bad  three  honra'  deep  tUi  week  peat." 

"  Our  bngtide  nerer  steep,  geotiemen,"  cried  Campbell,  who  was 
-^'  a  little  Stebrtated,  "  nererT    We  march  all  night,  and  fight  all 

:  we  naed  t»  rererae  the  matter '-  " — '    "-'  -'■-•  "■ ■■ —  ' 

_     _r  Forbes— or  what  ia  yoor  nai 
bronski's  diagoons  among  jv  i " 

"AeeMaria!  O-Diotnuo!  0  Seiur  Don  Alvaro .'"  cried  Sia- 
^ento  Pedro  Gomel,  appearing  at  the  entrance  of  the  room  witik »  Ump 
m  bia  hand ;  "  we  hsTe  had  toe  devil  amoiw  lu  last  night." 

"  How  ao,  fellow  ?     What  has  happened  ?" 

"  The  bravo  haa  eicaped— " 

"Howl    Diavolo,  escaped?" 

"  At,  noble  aenor,  and  carried  off  the  carbine  of  poor  Diego  de  la 
Zarxa,  whom  we  found  Ijing  witliin  the  chamber  with  bia  throat  eat 
from  ear  to  ear." 

The  cavalier  ground  hia  teeth  with  abaolute  fury,  while  bis  oliTe 
cheek  grew  black  with  ririDg  paaaioa. 

"  Saaloi  I  Saniiitimut !  cried  he  ;  "  would  to  San  Juan,  and  all 
the  calendar,  I  had  banged  Mm  laat  nightl  Mv  brave  Diego, — but  he 
must  have  slept ;  if  ao,  he  deserves  his  late.  Well,  there  is  no  help  for 
this  matter ;  we  will  give  Nacvaez  Cifuentes  a  short  prayer  and  along 
stab  the  next  time  we  meet,  and  that  without  delay.  Bat  we  muat  be 
off;  the  CBValrr  advance'goard.  and  part  of  the  artilleri,  have  already 
paued.  Let  ibe  troamlero  aound  '  to  horse ;'  and  haaten,  Pedro, 
■nd  get  the  troop  into  thdr  aaddtea.  IViagh  we  belong  to  the  diviaion 
of  Alurilla,  we  will  croaa  Che  bridge  with  yon  to-day,  senora,  and  strike 
a  blow  for  honour.  Vha  Eipana  y  iuMU  Sraertmza  1  "tn  a  better 
war-ahout  than  the  Vivt  VSn^traxr  al  the  faUovrera  of  the  perfidious 


"  Hiere  are  the  drams  of  our  brigade,"  ssid  Ronald  Stnart ;  "  and 
should  we  he  miased  by  FaHifem,  the  excellency  of  Don  Alvaro's 

Eurple  Malaga  and  iherry,  or  even  the  imiles  of  Donna  Catalin* 
erself,  would  form  bat  a  poor  excuse  for  lingering.  Hark  I  the 
gfiUralt'' 

' '  Yon  improve  in  the  art  of  gallantry,"  observed  Macdonild ;  "  yOB 
conld  not  have  tamed  anch  fine  apeechea  the  morning  wa  halted  in  the 
Black  Horae-aqoare,  at  Lisbon.  But  I  r^ret  that  we  mnat  nardt 
without  bidding  adieu  to  our  fair  •paiToaa" 

"  Forward,  cavaliers ;  Catalina  will  eicuae  onr  departing  without 
bidding  her  farewell.  Down  the  stair-case  to  the  left,  senorB,"  cried 
Alvaro,  "  Pedro  Gomez,  knave,  light  the  way  1"  and  they  pressed 
forward  into  the  street,  Feeling  the  chill  air  of  the  morning  blow 
strangely  on  their  faces,  while  their  heads  awam  with  tbe  fumea  of  Um 
wine  taken  lo  lately. 

"  It  will  be  long  ere  I  forget  the  night  we  spent  la  Merida,"  lud 
Macdonald. 

i».„,.-.  I.  Coo^^lc 


"  And  long  ere  I  do  w,  tral;,"  replied  Stiurt,  cutins  Mi  lyu 
vmeaDtly  over  the  dark  windoiri  of  the  maDnon  of  Villa  Pruicw. 

"  Ah  1 — Donna  Catalina ;  an  yon  looking  for  her  ?" 

"  3och  atrange  acenes  of  fray  and  other  matteri  I  Had  inch  a  row 
occaTTfsd  at  home,  all  Britwn  wonid  hare  nmg  with  it,  from  Oorer  to 
Cum  Wrath  ;  bat  here  it  ii  ai  nothing." 

"  Hark!  what  ii  that,  Stuart?" 

"  A  cry— bi  Heaten,  a  most  appalling  one  I "  A  lond  ihriek  arow 
from  amid  the  darkneaa  in  which  the  Plaza  wai  iDTalved.  Hey 
haatened  to  that  part  of  the  aqoare  trom  whence  it  appealed  to  iuoe,  aod 
fbnnd  that  the  conflict  in  which  tbey  had  Imnie  so  conaiHcnoua  a  part 
wu  not  the  only  ontrage  eommitted  that  niEht  in  Merida.  They  dii- 
coverad  a  yonng  Portagoese  lad,  the  private  lerrant  of  Lleatenint- 
colonel  Maedonald,  of  Uie  Gordon  Highlander!,  lymg  dead  nnder  the 
piaziat,  (tabbed  to  the  heart  with  a  long  atilelto  or  knife,  and  the 
■awWHll  wai  narer  diaoOTered. 

For  ■□me  honn  the  daric  itreeta  of  the  dty  rang  to  the  meamred 
tramp  of  mardiing  aoldiera,  die  clatter  of  accoutrements,  the  clang  of 
hoofa,  and  the  mmble  (rf  heavy  wheeli,  ai  artillery,  cavalry,  and 
inUinirj,  moved  raindly  forward ;  bat  by  aanrise  the  whole  division  bad 
crowed  the  bridge,  and  on  the  opporite  ajde  of  the  river  pnraaed  their 
nata  towarda  AuoeDdraleja. 

"Colonel  Cameron l"orisd  old  Wemyai,  the  brig*de>m^or,  can. 
to  the  bead  oftheeolamn,"Haior-geaeral  Howard  rajneat*' 
rill  inereaae  yoar  (root.    It  is  Sir  Rowlaad's  order." 


that  yon  wUi  inereaae  yoar  fr 

ied  flaninm,  in  the  lond  and  manlj 

,     ecamebira.    " Bear seetioiu, left obliqae 

— doable  qaick !"    The  order  wu  ol>eyed  along  the  whole  column  by 


at  yon  will  inei —  , 

"  Form  anb-dividana  1"  cried  Fanften,  in  the  load  and  manlv  tone 
of  aathority  whidi  lO  well  became  him.    "  Bear  seetioiUi  left  obliq 


each  regiment  fai  saccesiioD.  Tbur  fine  braaa  bandi  filled  the  air  with 
martial  masic.  caavng  every  heart  to  vibrate  to  the  sharp  sonnd  of  the 
nnl'Btirring  tmmpet,  the  cymbals,  and  trombone.     The  boraea  abook 

'*— '- -w, — their  riders  sat  more  erect;  the  waving  colours  were 

ird  on  the  breeie  above  thested  rldgea  of  glittering  bayonets, 
and  the  brave  hearts  of  those  who  marched  beneath  tbent  grew  light 


flung  fbrward  on  the  breeie  above  thesteelridgeai^  glittering  bayonets, 

. .,.  _  >. ■uarts  of  those  who  marched  beneath  thent  grew  light 

ttheproipectofabnishirithaie enemy.  The&itanW 
ir  Med   nniftirm,  the  discoinlbrt  of  the  last  ni|jkt^ 


miUtary,  gay  nid  exciting  to  the 
llliog  every  bosom  with  the  pride  of  the  profession  and  the 
glow  of  chivalry."    Sir  Rowland  Hill,  with  his  staff,  viewed 


profession  and  the 

.. ..       ..ith  his  staff,  viewed 

eminence  the  whole  length  of  thecohnnn  of  thatdiviuon 


of  the  army  nnder  his  command,  ai  they  passed,  and  a  pleating  amUs 
animated  tbe  benevolent  featores  of  the  bloff  old  general,  when  he 
beheld  tbe  wiUingneas  with  which  tbe  footsore  and  almost  shoelets 
Midlers  pressed  forward,  althongh  they  bad  endared  all  that  eoold 
nnder  troops,  less  persevering  and  disciplined,  less  hardy  and  leas 


slniMt  ever  in  arrears  of  pay—oo  one  occasion  for  ax  months,  —nothing 
bat  tbe  htwe  of  a  change,  and  the  redoubtable  spirit  which  animated 
them,  conUbave  supported  theBridab  soldiers  under  the  BCCnmalation 
of  miseries  sntfrred  by  them  in  the  Peninsnla,— coiseriM  which  were 
lessened  to  the  French  troops,  by  their  Uving  at  free  qoarters  wherever 
tt!v  went. 
These  things,  however,  were  forgotten  for  the  present  tine,  and  with 


inn  ibone  trom  in  tmclcHided  sky.  filling  th?  dtar  bine  TSalt  iriQi 
wunitb  i  the  birdi  were  chinriBg  and  ht^tpins  nwrril;  anmag  the  deny 
ImnchcB  of  the  olira  thieketB  and  dark  laareUbnahM  oferlunpDg  tbis 
broad  path,  the  deep  dingles  on  each  side  of  vtueh  ecJioed  to  the  notes 
of  the  sounding  mnsic. 

RoTuld  looked  back  to  the  flut-rDofed  nnuuionl  and  Roman  rains  of 
Merida,  on  the  ffreywalta  of  which,  caating  boldahadowa,  atresmed  the 
fnll  Bpleitdoar  of  the  moniisg  inn.  The  canlry  mr-gnard  were  Bknrif 
cioaBing  the  aoeient  bridge,  and  with  the  red  coati  camB  the  brown 
uniAinn  of  Spain :  it  waa  the  troop  of  Don  Aliaro  adTandDg,  with 
tbeir  poliahed  hefaoeta  and  tall  laaoea  ttasMng  in  the  ami,  and  nndinK 
a  iparkliag  reflection  in  the  deep  bloe  coirent  of  tbs  Qnadianii 
b^w. 

Ronald  csrried  for  the  fint  time  the  reftmeatal  eolonr,  which  bore 
erident  muk*  of  aerriea,  being  pierced  in  mun  place*  by  mniket-ahot. 
It  waa  a  laboriWH  aCtir  to  sustain,  especially  dniing  ■  laeeia,  beinc 
large,  and  of  ridi  yellow  lilk,  Mnged  lonnd  with  bnllioa.  nMTaplunz, 
—tbe  badge  of  Bgypt  (the  piide  of  the  major's  heartj.nuToimdMby  a 
wreath  of  the  brare  old  tUstle,  aadtbehoaonraUeinottoe*  "BffJiumt- 
ep-Zee,"  " Mandrira,"saA"  Bergm-op-ZMn''''»[i»ewn,  agnnul.by 
fair  hands,  sad  dona  la  massive  gold  embrMdery, — appeared  in  the 
centre  of  the  eCandard,  which  the  Dneheas  of  Gordon  had  preeanted 
to  the  claa  regiment  of  her  ton, 

"  Staart,  I  see  yon  are  caatlag  longing  looks  back  to  Merida,"  aud 
Alistei  in  his  uaaal  jestiiig  manner,  as  he  marched  by  Ronald's  aide 
with  the  gaudy  king'a  cirfonr  sloped  on  his  ahouHer.  ''ITierB  ia  some 
Bttnction  in  oar  rear,  1  perceive ;  yoa  are  erer  looking  that  way." 

"Ay,  yonder  conies  Don  Alyaro  and  hia  troop  of  lances  i  how  gallant 
they  appeal  1  But  they  are  almost  hidden  in  the  dnat  raised  by  the 
rear  of  tlie  coluain." 

"Iiook  aboTe  the  cotoars  of  the  71it,  and  yon  will  see  the  roof 
which  contains  the  fidr  CataUna ;  it  whs  for  that  yoa  were  aearehing  w> 
narrowly.  I  cui  read  your  tbongfata,  yon  see,  withoat  beiu  a  con- 
JCTer.  Stnart,  my  boy,  yon  are  r^y  green  in  those  matters,  otherwisa 
yoQ  wonld  not  blush  as  aoarlet  a*  yoar  coat,  whicfa,  by  the  bye,  is 
rapidly  becoming  purple." 

"Whatstoifyoatiak,  Macdoaald!    Whatls  CataHna  to  me?" 

"  Pshaw  I  now  yon  need  not  briiUe  op  so  fiercely.  Were  yon  not 
making  dowtwight  love  to  bar  last  night  ?  And  the  Don  himself  wonld 
have  seen  it,  bat  had  drunk  too  mu<£  Mliaga." 

"  Impoaaible,  Alifter[  You  must  dream,  or  this  is  some  of  yonr 
nanal  nonsenea.  I  haTB  no  recollection  of  speaking  to  Donna  Cstalina 
othecwiie  than  I  would  hate  done  to  any  lady — uoA  Campbell  heard 


li  iOKiTj  under  hti  belt,  ai 
[tyramida, — 


lanch  noise  about  ^ypt, — the  pyramids, — Pompey's  pillar, — the  battle 
of  Alexandria,  and  flearen  knows  all  what,  to  hear  any  ot 
bnt  himself.    We  spent  the  night  in  glorious  style   ' 
taMte  of  that  horrible  garlic — Uettrens  abore  I  what 

*  Sneh.  vltli  many  additioni,  an  itill  tli«  badgst  of  the  Oordnn  BigUudan. 
For  cbe  informitiaD  of  uDnuli^rj  readen,  I  mar  itALe,'lliHt  every  eorpi  bu  two 
colonn,— aUng*!  and  nginuatal;  the  9nt  earned  by  Uie  Hniai,  udtlie  lUUt 
ij  the  jnaiot  ensign. 


Alistar's  raddMi  axdiaution  wai  not  gifm  iritboDt  niaiiiant  iimiiii 

A  carbine  fluhed  from  unong  the  duk  erergrecoi  which  oierimu 
tbm  ronl,  B^  Renold  Sturt,  «tweriii$  bkckirardi,  fell  prottnta  u2 
htwitini  at  the  feet  at  hii  eomradM,  frain  wbam  bant  a  vild  Aoot  ot 
rage  aDd  mrpTiae ;  but  Ibe  ilrijlneM  of  Britldi  "irti^pliiHt  prerented 
■BT  man  from  moViB^  in  aeerdi  of  tks  usutm. 

"  Hell's  fnrj  I"  cned  Colonel  Cuneron,  iporriai  hli  borw  to  Iht 
nctjwUIe  Ui  ^es  tbot  fin.  "Seacd  Uiebuhei;  formrd.  nieD] 
Do  not  fire,  in  cu«  ofeUuinin^  tb«  n«t  of  the  colomni  bat  fix 
hnronati, — ^aj,  kew,  liB  eotta  pueci  irba«v«r  jroa  Sad-" 

Widi  nmwled  oamii^  and  ihonta.  a  hundred  RighUaden  daahod 
through  the  uickitt  bat  their  faeaaj  knapaaeki  and  the  tall  plomMof 
thrir  boaneta  impeded  Oai  motamanta  in  pierdM  tb«  twlMed  a>d 
tmgled  bnochea  of  the  Uiiiiklj-lcand  lawelB.  fhvf  aeareh»d  the 
pwretiumMhaadlhraagbrbsaaBsthaba^eaineTefy  diraetion:  bat 
DD  tzaae  of  the  (awi^  waa  favad,  ma  •  bioad-brimBed  lomirtra 
bearing  the  fipin  of  the  Tir|in  stamped  in  Mwtar,  fiMeoed  to  tha 
band  endreKnf  it,  iriuch  Aluto'  Macdooald  found  near  a  ligantio 
liwel-btuh,  in  the  midat  at  the  ombrageona  branchea  of  wni^  ita 

"  It  ii  the  hat  of  CifMntM,— the  Tigabond  of  oar  laat  nichea  idien- 
taic,"  said  Aliatar,  beiring  a  paBsage  throsgh  the  bniheiwitB  bianrord, 

"Lmiidd  rm  hadbronriil  bis  head  rather.  O  that  it  was  wltUn 
tha  loaeh  of  mj  tmtfj  stidi  I  I  would  Kom  to  wet  Andrea  with  hia 
baaeUood."  AfRnrsof  ngecontracted  tha  broad  brow  of  Campbell 
wUle  be  apoke,  hotding  in  one  liand  a  steel  Uigfaland  pUtol,  whiw  ho 
lad  diBwn  fitiiB  hia  hwiters  for  Che  pm^xMs  of  eieontiiig  din  Ten>- 


I  had  opBortnnitT  offend. 
J  all  the  pr — '  -•—"' 


NT  thi«  aomraed  Spaniard  crosses  my  path,  1  will  nuke 
ma  neaa  njr  irom  his  shoulders  as  I  would  a  thistle  from  ita  stalk  I  nor 
Aallall  thecoReEidoraandalealdeafn^ainpmeDtme.  Buthowts 
Stoart  ?    Poor  Ulow  I  he  looks  very  pale.   Hai  he  loat  mnch  blood  I " 

Ronald,  nipported  m  the  aim  of  Evan  iTeraeh,  stood  enot  within 
X  eirde  tbrnM  b;  th»  ofioirs  who  oiowded  roand,  while  one  of  the 
n^mmtal  fo^eona  examinsd  hia  left  arm,  whidi  had  been  woudad 
brtheahoL 

"  O  gnde  sake  1  be  gentle  wi'  him,  doctor  1  "  said  honeat  Efan  in 
gnat  wignish,  aa  be  obaened  Banald  to  wnce  imder  tha  banda  at  flie 
medioBl  officer;  "  be  aa  gentle  wi' him  as  pouible.  Yon  doctor  folk 
are  imco  nni^  vrerand  i$a  :  dinna  forget  Uiat  he  ii  your  namesake, 
and  kinaman  forb^a,  thoogh  ye  caona  find  oat  the  exact  degree." 

"I  hope.  Doctor  Staart,  the  wonnd  is  not  a  very  W  one?"  uiil 
Csmeroo,  disuooadog  tram  bis  horw  end  approacbmg  the  dnde. 
aagvr  ill  from  the  eipreeiBiEi  of  coooem  which  yoar   ~  "  ~ 

'"Die  shot  baa  paased  compleMy  ttroogb,  eolDnel,  breakii^c  dia 
bene  in  ita  pasMge  1  bntaadtefraotnra  is  not  compound,  it  will  satm 
.  >Mn  after  sMtlag.  I  hope  that  none  of  the  red  coat,  or  any  oChea 
AM«bn  body.  Is  lodsed  in  the  woond." 

"  Oh,  if  it  shonld  be  ajpeitoned  ball  1 "  groaned  poor  Enn  In  gieat 
oStBrr  at  the  idea,  while  Doctor  Staart  remored  the  alecTC  of  the  coat, 
ad  iMiald  eadenmired  to  cooeeal  the  miniatore  of  Alice  Lialey  which 


wai  DMrly  revealed  b^  Ae  dUarraDgement  of  his  anifbrm.  "Oh,  if  it 
■booM  be  a  poiaoned  ball !  "  be  repeated. 

"Some  of  ourTerjbeat  chield*  baTs  been  alain  wi'  tbem  before  now, 
— espedallf  at  ihe  battie  orAmya-del-HoliiKi,"  obaerred  hii  comrade 
Ani^na  Mackie,  nitb  a  solemn  shake  of  his  bead. 

"  Ob,  Chat  1  bad  onl;  beoi  at  his  side!  It  micbt  bare  hit  me  ia  his 
itead ! " 

"Silence,  Tnen !  Yon  chatter  DOiiHiite,"  sud  Cameron  stemljr. 
"  And  what  think  you  now,  doctor  ?  " 

"  That  u  Mr.  Stoart  is  toiii>8>  u>d  of  a  AiU  habit,  1  most  bleed  him 
inmedistely." 

"  SCnff!    Mr  good  fellow,  he  baa  lost  blood  enongh  alreadr." 

"/am  the  beat  jadge  of  that,  Colonel  Cameron,"  replied  Eaculipiaa 
bangbtilf;  "deUr  ia  fraught  with  danger.  Holloa,  there  !  wliere'stbe 
ho«pital  attendsnt  >  Serjeant  Maconub,  undo  the  service-caic  and 
bring  mc  tlie  pasteboard  splints,  Che  t<relTe.tailed  bandage,  and  Other 
et  cffitenia  :  I  will  set  the  hooe." 

"  IC  is  impossible,  DocCor  Stosrt,"  interposed  Cameron.  "Yonr 
intentiDniareallTerTgood  ;  but  jonr  cUnamaQ  must  return  to  Merida, 
where  I  sincerelv  hope  he  will  be  properly  attended  to.  Wc  hare  no 
time  to  await  yoar  operatioDS  just  now,  for  wliich  I  *m  (nilr  MrrT,  aa 
£nnni  SCnart  will  be  well  aware." 

"Do  not  mind  me,  colonel."  replied  Ronald,  whose  teeth  wen 
clenched  with  the  agony  be  endured.  "  I  will  return  as  you  say,  ud 
shall  donbtleu  find  a  medical  attendant.  1  hear  (he  rear  regimeota  era- 
cliTnonms  at  Chia  stoppage  in  their  front,  and  yoBder  it  Sir  Rowland 
iumself,  adranciug  to  diacovn'  the  cauae."  He  spoke  with  difficulty,  ud 
■t  interrals ;  the  new  and  painful  seontiaD  of  a  broken  limb,  together 


ih  rage  swelling  his  heart  at 
ide  his  uf 


made  bb  utterance  low  and  indiitinct.  Among  the  group  around  him 
he  recognised  Don  AlTaro,  who  had  galloped  from  Che  rear  to  diacorer 
the  meioing  of  the  eonfasion. 

"  StBor  coronel,"  said  be  to  Canuron,  rising  his  hand  to  the  peak 
of  hia  helmet,  "lee  him  be  taken  to  my  booaebi  Merida,  where  he  will 
be  properly  attended  Co.  Fedro  Oomn,"— -tanUng  to  lul  orderly  aer. 
ieant,~"digmooDt.  Oire  tbia  cavalier  yonr  liorse,  and  attend  him 
yonrself  to  my  reeideoca  in  the  Calle  de  Ooadiana,  uid  deaire  Donna 
Catalina  to  have  his  wound  looked  after.    Yon  will  remain  with  him 

""edr. 
_._iedi«enlcyin_ 

"  I  thank  you,  lenor,"  i^d  Cameron,  toudiing  bia  bonnet,  " 
am  glad  this  disagreeable  matter  is  so  satisfactorily  arranged;  the 
alcalde  might  baTo  ordered  him  but  an  indifferent  billet.  Good  by,  my 
dear  fetlow,  Stuart ;  I  trust  we  iball  see  you  soon  again,  and  with  n 
whole  skin.  Mr.  Grant,  take  the  colours.  Oentlemen,  fall  in ;  get 
into  your  places,  men — into  your  ranks.  Forward  \  "  He  delitered 
his  orders  with  lirm  rapidity,  and  being  a  strict  martinet,  who  was  not 
to  be  trifled  wilb,  chay  were  inatantly  obeyed,  and  the  commotion  was 
hnibed.  TIib  troops  were  too  much  accustomed  to  wounds  and 
lUngbter  to  care  about  the  hurt  receiied  by  Ronald ;  bnt  it  was  tlu) 
ludden  and  concealed  shot  which  had  niied  thdr  anrprise  and  indig. 

Evan  lyerach  alone  dekyed  eieentii«  Cbe  orders  of  CuneroD,  and 


ratmted  tliat  he  might  be  penoitted  to  tttend  bit  wounded  mutei  to 
tbenw. 

"M;  l^ood  fellow,  it  caimot  be,"  replied  the  eoloiul,  pleeeed  with 
the  geaiuDe  coDoem  manifested  bj  Koaeld'i  honeit  follower ;  ' '  the 
enemy  are  before  a»,  end  I  ctnnot  ipare  a  man.  Na;,  now,  joa  need 
sot  entreat ;  fill  into  yonr  plaoe  at  once,  *ir." 
"Ohl  if  you  please,  sir,  dinna  speak  laeiternly.  Did  ya  but  ken— *' 
"Into  yoor  place  thie  iaatant,  airl  or  1  will  heie  yon  iCripped  of 
yonraccuutremeDta,  and  sent  prisoner  to  the  quarter- raard,"  eicUimed 
Cameron  sKmly,  hia  eyra  beginning  to  iparkle.  To  Bay  more  was 
Dselesg,  and  sbouldering  bis  muBket  with  a  heavy  heart,  Eran  took 
bis  place  in  the  ranka,  and  moved  forward  with  the  rest ;  but  be  cast 
many  an  aniiooa  look  to  the  rear,  watching  the  retiring  figure  of 
Ronald  as  he  ant  on  the  troop-hone,  which  wu  led  by  Pedro  Oomes 
towards  the  bridge  of  Merida. 


CHAPTEB  X. 


Ronald  experienced  moat  intenae  pain,  together  with  a  cold, 
benumbed  feelmg  in  the  fractured  limb ;  bat  it  waa  aa  nothing  in 
comparison  to  the  mental  torture  which  he  eadnred,  or  the  indignant 
and  fierce  thouKhtt  that  Bnimated  hia  heart.  He  entertained  a  deep 
and  coDoentrated  hatred  of  Che  wretch  who,  aiming  ttaua  malicionalr 
and  savagely  at  his  life,  had  in  to  daring  a  manner  inflicted  a  wound 
by  wUeh  he  might  ultimately  loie  hia  arm,  and  which,  for  the  preaent, 
diaabled  him  from  accompanying  his  comrades,  who  were  npidly  fol- 
lowiug  up  the  retreating  foe,  and  euer  to  ensige. 

As  nil  re^ment  belonged  to  Che  Brat  brigade  of  the  division,  it  con- 
sequently meiehed  in  front,  or  near  the  head  of  the  colama,  and  in  hi» 
leturo  to  Merida  he  had  to  paaa  nearly  16,000  men ;  and  the  hittemeas 
of  bia  feelings  was  increased  at  the  idea  that  every  man  there  would 
probably  share  the  honour  of  an  engsgemenC,  of  which  his  mutilated 


state  forbade  him  Co  be  a  participator.    Solemn  and  deep  w 
inward  vows  he  Cook,  Co  seek  dire  vengeance  for  this  moming's  work 
on  Narvsei  Cifoentea,  if  ever  he  again  confronted  him ;  and  bis  only 
tear  was,  that  he  might  nerer  meet  with  him  more. 

From  the  bridge  of  Meridahe  cut  a  Earewdllook  after  biscomradea, 
.  but  nonght  could  he  see,  aave  a  kiDf  and  dense  iriood  of  dDBt,tbroaEh 
which  the  glitter  of  polished  steel  and  the  waving  fold  of  a  atnadard 

■    -  '"      -    aa  the  extended  length  of  the  n      "         ' 

he  gentle  eminence,  above  which  i 
endralejo,  several  leagues  distant. 


Br  ^dro  QiMDra  ba  wu  eondnctcd  to  Ote  tUttij  tunwn  of  Dob 
AItuo,  and  deliTered  over  to  the  tender  care  of  EKmni  Catalina,  wkoM 
wfMt  irmpitluea  w«re  dnlEaied  iA«n  flu  yomi  oSeer  wu  braa^ht 
back  to  her  uaicely  able  to  ipaak,  and  fail  gar  nnitem  enranJ  wittt 
blood,  fttr  he  had  loit  a  great  quantitr,  mviu  to  the  haitr  miimrr  in 
which  hii  nameaake,  the  nrgean,  had  bovad  np  tba  wound.  Add  to 
this,  that  be  wai  a  haudsone  jonth, — •  addieT  who  had  oome  to  fight 

for  Spain,  and  had  but  7< ' *  '  -  -^ --'  -•---   ■    - 

1^  ^m^  ladf'i  iatenat,  i  .    , 

&TO(ir.     Har  large   dark  area  iparkled  with  minted  a 

pleaiare  irtiea  ilie  bdield  him, — rarrow  at  the  pain  he  snared,  and 
pleanre  at  the  haf^neaa  <it  bthg  Ua  nnrae  and  enjoring  U«  aoeietT  ia 
.  a  man^on  of  which  alie  wa*  abaolute  miitrew,  B»d  where  tbwe  wu  no 
oM  mudeo  aont  or  dneoaa  to  be  a  mrj  dihui  liar,  or  aremiler  of  hcc 
movemenU;  and  ufor  theacandalof  Merida,  orqniznngof  lier&aaala 
companions,  ihe  wu  reaolveil  not  to  care  a  itraw, — she  wu  above  the 
reach  of  dther.  Her  uncle,  the  Trim  of  San  Jaan,  redded  in  the 
maniion,  but  Cbe  worthy  old  padre  wu  lo  enlarged  in  cireomference 
br  eaae  and  good  living,  and  M  crippled  br  Ifae  gout,  that  he  never 
moved  further  than  from  hii  bed  to  flie  weu-bdatered  cbair  in  which 
he  >at  all  dsy,  and  from  the  chair  back  to  bed  again,  and  no  one  ever 
altered  hie  room  save  old  DameAgnu  (alresdT  mentiODed),  who  alone 
aeemed  to  possess  the  power  of  plenamg  him;  conieqnentlr  he  waa 
never  seen  br  the  other  inhabitauta  of  the  honae,  anr  more  than  if  he 
did  npt  eiiBt. 

We  will  pau  over  the  iccomit  of  the  bone-setting  hj  the  Padre 
Mendizabal,  the  famoui  medical  practitioiicr  in  Merida,  who  nearly 
drove  Ronald  mad  by  an  oration  on  dlfltomt  aorta  of  fracture*,  limple 
and  compoond,  and  the  diSenot  treatment  requliite  for  flie  cure  of 
varioiug>M.dMtM)nnds,  bc^ire  hia  armwu  splinted  and  baodafed 
up.  Weak  and  eibauttM  (himlhe  k»s  of  blood,  and  his  bead  bozzmc 
mdi  Mendiiahd'a  diacourse,  ridit  glad  wu  Rraald  wbeir  he  found 
Imnadf  in  a  comfintable  and  mlenud  oouoh,— Catalfau'i  own,  wUdl 
rite  had  redsued  for  his  OH  a«  me  beat  in  the  boaae,— witti  its  cartaina 
drawn  roond  fortbe  mght;  and  he  forgot,  in  a  dreamr  and  nneaar 
slumber,  flie  exdting  paifagca  of  llie  last  few  dajs,  the  dangerof  hia 
wound,  and  ttie  BumiT  aju  of  the  donna. 

Tlie  tolling  bella  of  a  neighbonring  steeple  awakenod  him  early  next 
momiDg.  and  brought  hii  mind  back  to  the  world,  and  a  long  chain  i^- 
dingreeable  thonchta. 

Tneiq  is  scarcely  anyQung  which  makn  one  feel  so  much  from 
home  u  Qi«  «ound  of  a  atrange  church  bell ;  and  the  deep  and  htdleir 
ding-dons  which  rung  ftom  the  Gothic  steeple  of  San  Jniin  wu  very 
di^rentfrom  the  merry  rattle  of  the  weU-knoim  kirk  bdl  at  Locbisla. 
Bouald  thought  of  tiiat  village  bdl,  and  the  tuAAi  peasantry  whom  it 
wu  wont  to  call  to  prayer,  andtiie  afsodaUon  bnnuht  a  gush  of  fbnd 
and  sad  reoolleotions  i:^  hit  mind.  He  felt  Um*^,  u  it  were,  da- 
aerted  in  a  aUvnge  country, — among  a  people  of  irtiase  language  hs 
knew  almost  notUng ;  he  looked  round  Inm.  and  hia  apartment  appeared 
atrange  and  fbrdgn, — averr  ol^act  it  preeented  wu  new  and  peotuiBr  to 
his  eye.  He  thoi^it  of  Soothnd— of  Bonn,— bone  with  all  ill  ten 
thousand  dear  and  deeply  impreased  anodatloni,  nndl  he  went  like  ■ 
diild,  aikd  his  mind  became  a  prey  to  the  most  profound  aai  iatenae 
dnection, — suAring  from  the  Wne^sickuaa,  an  aentenass  and  agony 
of  ieeling  which  only  tiMse  can  know  who  have  beoi  so  onhapnr  a*  to 


experieuiM  ^!i  avtbble  feeling  ;  one  wbioll  eiiata  Bll.poverfbllT  in  the 
iButa  of  the  Scots,  who,  iltboogfa  gn*'  tnirilen  lud  wutdcren  fiom 
home,  erer  tivn  tlMlr  tboDgfati,  foodljr  ind  ladlT,  to  tlie  loft^  moan, 
taiiu,  the  gTMB  ftoreiti,  ud  the  imhisg  liten  which  the;  firat  baheld 
whoi  youi^  and  to  the  gniMj  sod  that  coren  the  dnat  of  tbdr  wwrior 
■nceston,  aad  whidi  tbt^  wiih  to  corec  their  own.  wbta  tbey  fbllow 
them  "  to  the  lud  of  tiM  letl." 

.  The  fererish  ttate  of  hii  body  had  eoiainniiicated  ibetf  to  hb  ndnd, 
md  for  smral  daja  aad  ii^:bti,  in  tha  loiitods  of  hia  chamber,  he 
brooded  over  the  menuwy  of  hia  natire  placG,  endnripg-  the  aenteiNH 
of  the  noatalgia  in  do  anall  degree  ;  md  even  the  fair  Catalina,  with 
her  song*,  hw  gnitar,  and  ba  caataueti,  failed  to  enliven  him,  at  laaat 
for  ■  time ;  his  whole  pleainre — aod  a  gloomy  pleuore  it  was — bang 
to  brood  orer  the  memorr  of  hia  far-off  home.  Hie  itreama  that 
hanoted  the  broken  ilamberB  which  the  pain  of  hia  wonnd  pernnitted 

"     '  '"'"    tt—A.^.' le  the  disorder  !  and  often,  fpom  a 

nfli  ill  moanUdn  lodi  and  pt'^'Wl 

iaefiimati,  of  hnwbite-bairediireae  be  lost  beheld  bin,  or  of  Aliee 


n  of  hia  patenud  tower  wifliilemoanUdnlodiaDdpathleM 
"hnwbite-bairediireaehelastbelieHbfni,  or  of  Aliee 
i  beaotlhl.  wiUt  her  bright  erfca  and  owKactrgssaa,. 
nmuBB  BET  HOI*  wdeorl^ly  Tonnd  him,  and  Uying  her  softdutdcto 
his,  he  wM  awnkeDed  bf  aaine  confbnnded  drconutaDoa,  which  anln 
bran^lt  on  him  the  painful  and  sonl-abaoilnng  letbatfy  whieh  wdtfied 
-* — a  erery  &ealtr,  i«(Mt«Tin>ldB  carelees  of  eterr  prssMit  ob|eot, 
the  mniatnre  of  Alie«>  Thepelenessof  hi*oMBpteii*n,aBd  te 
ue  sadiM**  of  Ua-  ere.  pnnad  his  medical  aMsMlant,  Doctor 


Sue^ 


BfendiMbal,  bnt  aaitber  to  Um  nor  to  Donna  Catalina,  who  twed  tL. 
Doetbewttdunf  entreatlea,  would  the  fbrioniTOniwa^ridlereonttat  the 
MoM  of  hia  dqection, — ooDcealBant  of  the  Mental  recllnp  tnxn  otben 
''it  of  the  disease.  So  eM^fonned  their  own  opiidoiii, 
'-'  "  Wbeloeiof  Ueod;  and Uie  lady,  after  cc" 

„_. ainnton,  Ineaallad' "' — """    " 

t  imqneationdljr  be  in  lore.-'^bBt  el 
some  an  offEeiaJsao  very  sad  ? 

This  cODClnsion  gave  him  additional  interest  with  her  ;  and  «ertes, 
Alice  Liale  would  little  hsTe  admired  the  attendance  npon  Rooold's 
nek  couch  of  a  linl,  and  one  so  dangeraatly  beaatifbl ;  bnt  her  fears 
might  hare  decreased,  had  ihe  seen  how  in*ss»anaj_,  dorine  the  days  he 
was  confined  to  hia  bed,  he  gaiad  apon  the  little  miniMiire  which  Looi* 
liide  liad  Riven  aa  a  parting  gift.  CoaeeallngitfhnntbedewofoCheTi, 
he  watched  it  nith  mitlring  eT<*t  milil.  In  the  ferrencr  of  his  &ncy,  the 
featares  seemed  to  become  animated  and  expanded.^^e  sparkling 
eyea  to  fill  with  light  and  Eendernesa,— the  pale  cheek  to  flush,  and  the 
dirt  coils  wMt^  Ml  aronnd  it  to  srare,— the  coral  lips  to  smile  i  while 
he  atmoat  imagined  that  be  beard  the  soft  mormon  of  her  voice  min- 

"  ■  with  tbe  gnrgle  of  the  Isla  and  the  roitle  of  the  fbliago  oa  the. 


^am  wi 

In  a  kw  days,  howetec.  his  mental  snd  bodily  langtwr  disappeared, 
•■d  when,  by  the  nrgeoD'a  advice,  be  Itft  his  sick  chamber,  Um  ninal 
lightn***  of  heart  retomed  rapidly,  and  he  wu  booo  able  to  promenado 
aider  the  piaasas  of  the  Flaia  vrith  Catalina  dniing  the  Ihie  sanny 
eiaiinfB  i  and  althoigh  the  minittoie  wu  not  less  admired  thui  fbr- 
nsriy,  tiM  fair  ori^oal  would  have  trembled  could  she  have  vritoessBd 
an  oe  Honing  wUcb  Ronald  received  from  hii  beaiiljfal  patrona,  and 
imtA  all  the  soft  thinga  which  were  uttered. 

As  his  (tresgth-lnerened,  thur  strolia  were  extended,  and  the  young 


lidiei  of  Meri<U  imiled  »t  ench  other,  and  ihook  thrir  heads  dgnifi- 
cantlr,  utbe  ETBceM  doniu,  attired  ia  ber  veil  and  mintilli,  iwept 
throagh  the  ETeaC  atrHdi,  flirtiiiE  her  little  faa,  with  the  foreiga  officiate 
in  the  plumed  bonoet  and  rich  icarlet  aaifbrm.  Hli  fair  paCrona 
dioiredhim  all  the  remalni  of  Roman  magnlficeDre  ia  Merida.  and 
Ronald,  who,  like  most  of  bia  countnmen.waiaa  eathnnaitio  admirer 
of  the  itloomr  and  Hntiqae,  eiplored  erecr  cranny  and  nook  of  tl 


g  raina  of  the  once  important  caitle ;  ■nrreimg  with  a  lad 
n'tbe  aqnarea  of  the  teMellated  paienient.    Time  had  ret 


feelins  the  pillared  halli  *lucfa  once  had  rang  to  the  soond  of  the 
trumpet  and  the  clashiog  hamcal  of  Spaniih  chinlr;,  but  where  now 
the  if)'  hong  down  from  the  roofleta  wall,  and  Che  long  ctbu  grew  be- 


little more  Ihiu)  a  heap  of  ahattered  atoneai  but  it  was  as  ancient,  pro- 
bably, u  the  da^i  of  the  Gothi,  daiia;  whose  dominion  a  strong  gar- 
rison Isr  at  Merida. 

The  Urge  amphithaatre,  of  which  the  dtiiena  are  so  proud,  formed 
anothM  Bttnction,  and  ita  circnlar  galleriei  were  the  scene  of  maiiT  ui 
erenmc  walk  with  Calalina  and  ber  cooain  Inesalla  of  Tniiilla,  a  nrj 
gay.  and  lerybeanliM  lirl,  with  whom  a  great  deal  of  Isaghiog  and 
flirtiu  ensned  in  damberiog  np  the  iteep  atone  seati,  and  rambling 
throagh  it*  meie  of  areada*,  arched  passagt*,  projecting  galleries,  and 


the  lODK  dark  dens  opaning  on  the  arena. 
The  Roman  baths  of  D&oa,  a  anbtirranetn  ediAce  of  an  on!  form, 
'     uet  of  draadm-chambers,  and  a  la^e  stone  bathing- 
llh  pnre  water,  farmed  another  object  of  interest ;  and 
a  pleannt  strolls  Oer  ei ... 


Ealninglnuuet  of  draadm-chambers,  and  a  l^e  stone  bathing- 
oaiin  fillM  with  pnre  water,  farmed  another  object  of  interest ;  and 
manr  were  the  pleannt  strolls  tter  eminad  along  the  grusiy  banks  of 
the  Qnadiana  and  by  the  snmmit  <^  a  high  hill  (the  name  ol  which  I 
haTB  foT^tten),  in  the  shade  of  the  broail  trBllis,  where  the  vin^  were 
bnrsting  into  leaf,  and  in  eyery  green  lane  and  embowered  walk  abont 
Merida,  eren  to  the  hermitage  of  San  Bartolomi,*  where  a  white- 
bearded  anchorite  showed  them  the  boiling-hot  spring  of  Alange. 

During  this  intercourse,  Konald  rapidly  improred  in  his  Spanish ; 
and  who  wonld  not  hsTe  done  so  under  the  tuition  of  sn^  fair  initroo- 
tresses  ?    He  found  it 

**  — jiluaiiiK  to  be  Khoord  in  a  ttmiH  toe^e 
B7  temiie  lipi  ud  e;<a— that  ii,  fmoui, 
"Wlien  both  the  tester  ud  the  nevht  are  fomig, 
Ai  wu  the  esH)  jlG  leittt  wtivn  I  bHTe  been ; 

I  Inm'd  His  Ultle  thai  1  koow  by  tbii." 
More  than  one  wtek  had  slipped  away,  and  Ronald  had  nearly 
recovered  from  his  wound,  though  still  obliged  lo  keep  bii  aroi  slnnr 
in  a  scarf.  In  the  garden  at  the  back  of  the  mansion,  he  was  tested 
by  Catalina's  side  one  eiening  on  the  steps  of  a  splendid  fountain, 
where  four  braien  deities  spouted  the  crystal  liquid  from  their  capa- 
dous  throata  into  abroad  basin  of  black  marble,  from  which,  by  tome 
snbterraneons  passage,  it  wet  carried  to  the  Onadiana.  The  spring 
was  now  adTsnced,  and  the  delightful  climate  of  Spain  was  fast  srray- 
ing  natnre,  and  bringing  her  forth  in  all  her  glory.  From  the  fouo- 
tain,  broad  gravelled  walks,  thickly  edged  with  myrtle,  branched  off  in 
erery  direction,  and  between  them  were  bede  where  the  crimson  gera< 
*  A  plsce  (biee  lesguei  eaitward  of  U erlda. 


EFAB.  61 

DJBiD,  the  gigaado  roM-buhei,  thepala  lilac  blouom,  and  a  tbODMiid 
other  garden  Bowen,  which  it  would  1>e  nwleu  to  meDdon.  were 
bnddiDg  in  the  be&t  of  the  Temal  lan  by  diT,  and  in  the  Mft  molM 
d«wi  by  Digbt.  Anmnd  and  abOTe  them  uie  gracefDl  willow,  the 
tufted  acacia,  the  itaCely  palm,  the  oraoge-trea  with  iU  aiognlarly 
besntifiil  leaTcs,  and  nnmeraai  other  ahiabs,  were  apreadiDg  into 
fblJBge,  which  appeared  to  increase  daily  in  richneu  ottint  and  variety ; 
and  beantifiil  TJita*,  winding  walks,  and  ambrageOM  b  ~  ~ 
formed  among  them  with  all  the  art  end  nicety  of  Spaui 
gardening. 

The  young  Highlander  and  Cataliua  were  aaatad  on  the  margin  of 
the  (oDDtain,  a*  I  have  already  laid.  They  eonrersed  bnt  little.  The 
doniui  biuied  berselT  with  ttiB  stringi  of  her  gnitar,  and  Ronald  watched 
in  silence  the  nimble  motions  of  her  white  hands  as  she  tied  and  sntied, 
serswed  and  unscrewed  the  strings  and  pegs,  «nd  stmok  the  chords  to 
ascertain  the  tme  tone.  Strange  and  conflicting  thonghts  flitted 
throngh  his  mind  irtiile  he  gsi«d  upon  bis  beantifid  companion.  He 
was  aware  how  dai^erons  to  his  peace  her  presence  was,  and  he  almost 
longed  for,  yet  dreaded  the  coming  time,  when  he  should  be  obliged  to 
return  to  bis  regiment.  To  Alice  Lisle  he  felt  that  be  was  honnd  by 
enery  tie  that  early  latimaey,  lo*e,  and  bonaar,  conid  twine  aroond 
'  bim, — hononrl  bow  could  be  think  i^  to  cold  a  word?  and  while  be 
did  so,  he  bloshed  that  he  could  find  room  in  his  heart  for  the  image 
of  another. 

"  Catalina  is  rery  beantiftil— decidedly  so,"  (honght  he,  while  he 
viewed  the  cone  of  her  white  neck,  and  the  ontline  of  her  superb  bust. 
"  Her  (ace  is  one  of  aurpaaiing  lOTClineas,  and  her  evBa — bnt  Alice  is 
equally  bewitching,  altbougb  perhaps  a  leas  showy  beauty.  Alice  is 
Tery  gentle  and  winning,  so  lady-liks,  and  we  have  known  each  other 
so  long — it  is  impassible  I  can  forget  her.  Why,  then,  have  1  been 
trifling  with  one  whose  presence  is  so  dangerous  to  my  peace  ?  Yes  I 
if  I  would  preserre  a  whale  heart  and  roy  allqiance  to  Alice,  I  must 
fly  from  you,  Catalina." 

While  he  reasoned  thns  with  himself,  Catalina  raised  her  dark  and 
laughiiijt  eyei  to  his,  while  she  struck  Che  chorda  of  her  instrument,  tnd 
sang  a  few  word)  of  avery  beautifal  Spanish  air.  So  melodions  was  her 
tone,  so  graceful  bar  manner,  so  winning  the  eipreaaion  of  ey e,  who 
can  wonder  that  Rtmald'a  retolnlion  melted  like  snow  in  the  sunshine, 
and  that  he  fdt  himself  Tanqniibed  ?  Poor  Alice  I  With  an  sdr  of 
Ceademess  and  embarrassment  be  took  the  little  hand  of  the  donna 
wicbin  bis  own.  She  read  in  his  eye  the  thoughts  which  passed  through 
his  mind ;  she  cast  down  her  long  jettr  lashes,  while  a  rich  bloom 
suffused  her  soft  cheek.  Ronald  was  aboat  to  moimnr  forth  some- 
thing—in tact,  he  knew  net  what,  when  a  loud  knocking  at  the  oater 
gate  of  the  mansion,  and  the  sound  of  a  well-known  yoice,  aroused 

"  Uohar  the  yett— this  instant  1  ye  anld  dmCsd  ^meral  1  I  will  see 
my  maister  in  apite  o'  ye,"  cried  Evan  impatiently,  while  Ague* 
delayed  unbarring  tbe  door  to  so  boisterous  a  visitor. 

"  CarmMa,  tenor  r    Qtifm  ct /"  she  repeated. 

"  Gude  wife,  I  speak  nae  l«"gf  gt  bat  my  sin ;  so  ye  needna  waste 
your  wind  by  apeirin'  qoeatious  that  I  canna  answer." 

At  Ronald'a  deure,  the  old  housekeeper  undid  the  door,  which  was 
wall  aecnred  by  many  a  bar  and  lock,  and  be  immediately  saw  the 
waving  plumes  of  Evan's  bonnet  dancing  above  the  shrubbery,  as  he 


taae  hulilr  tomnia  the  Anntuii,  with  hU  lOBiket  tt  the  loag  traH, 
aad  his  muform  and  ■ccontrements  coraed  with  the  diut  of  i  long 
ixj'a  nwrcb.  Hia  joy  vu  nnboiuided  od  leeing  bis  master,  uil  nfM 
and  qniok  wera  tiw  earoMt  iaqiiirieH  he  made,  withont  wtitiBg  for 
aanreii,  cooccnikig  his  wanod,  aod  how  he  had  been  treated  "  bT  the 
nnco  fi^  he  had  Men  left  to  bide  laisaag, — be^iiigthe  boimieledd]''a 

Catalina  bowed. — althongfa  ihe  knew  not  a  word  tint  he  wid  ;  bat 
by  Uta  natonl  politaneaa  «Dd  expicHion  of  the  ■oldiet'i  look,  she  know 
that  be  referred  to  her. 

"  Now  Uien,  Enn.  that  I  have  anawBrcd  all  your  inqniries,  be 
'pleaied  to  rtand  iteady,  and  moderate  youn^  so  far  as  to  reply  feo 
■mint,"  and  Bonald  kindly,  far  from  feckng  anaoyad  at  Ui  appsuance 
at  a  janetora  ao  pecnliany  awkward  and  tmder.  "  How  oeaae  yon 
b«B  inBtnow?  aadtewalinie?" 

"1  got  baTC  fa»  the  coloael,  after  an  nnoo  dosakig,  to  come  here 
and  attend  yoa,  far  I  Ihocht  yon  would  lEel  yosel  nnco  qaeer,  left 
dane  among  the  Uaak-anNd  folk,  that  eamw  apeak  a  decent  tongm. 
Sat  here,  lir,  ii  a  lettK  land  a  nawapaper,  ant  ym  by  Ha&ter 
'Macdanaid."  Eian,  after  Camblkig  moog  Uu>  lation  hiacniti,  Aoa- 
bnidiei,  and  ottier  matten  whtsh  cMonzaed  hU  baTraaaok,  prodooed 
tium.  "  jDstaaloam'awa'  ft«elii«^aoe*>har' tlw  Fegiment  lay,  in 
'd>«aryatnth—«plac«  like  Corria>4adi  Ait  a' the  world— aennty  niks 
&ae  Uiis,  I  heard  that  the  order  had  come  to  rettre  to  the  reauv- 

"  Upon  MeHda  ?" 

"I  caana  Bay,-ar,  bacanas  Hie  «ry  Boment  (bat  Cavenm  gied  me 
leave,  and  Maiater  Maedooald  gied  ne  ki*  letter,  I  act  off,  and  iuve 
travelled  nichC  and  day,  witbonC  stopping,  except  may  be  iast  for  so 
hoDT,  to  sleep  By  the  Toad-side  or  to  get  a  mootUn  o'  meat,^ — ftaib  ho 
aaane  wadnagie  topvjraald  Hector  the  wstek-dog  at  hame,  at  anid 
^Lochisla.  O it w«« a&rand.aweary gait;  bnt  I  wai  aae  aozioiu  to 
tee  ye,  siriUistl  have  trod  it  oaC  in  twa  dsyl,  in  heavy  marching  order 
at  ya  see  me,  aad  I  am  like  to  dee  wi*  eheer  fktigee." 

"  You  are  a  &ithAd  fellow,  Evan ;  hnt  I  faar,  by  yonr  lava  for  me, 

C.  may  work  mischief  to  yoarself.    Here  cornea  Dame  Agnei, — to 
oare  I  OHUt  cobi^  yon.    She  was  a  kind  attendant  to  me  when  I 
aiach  wanted  oi    " 


"  OodUeaa  ve  for  that,  gnde  wife!"  cried  Iveneh,  catdiiiig  her  in 

I  anni  and  kisiing  bar  withered  cbeek ;  a  piece  nf  lalluitrv  trhinh 

she  owed  mora  to  Elan's  native  drollery  and  his  pi 


dtement,  than  any  adninitiaa  of  her  paraon. 

"  1  believe  (here  is  aoaoe  gaocT  kionier  at  home,  who  woold  not  like 
flat  dittrihnlion  of  bvonr,  Evan,"  aaid  Ronald ;  while  Cataliiia 
Qlapiied  her  hands  and  laaghed  heartily  at  Uia  cdd  dame,  who,  althoogh 
very  well  pleased  at  the  complimtDt,  aiEsated  great  iDdignation,  and 
arranged  her  velvet  bood  with  a  mighty  air. 

"  Ifa  JDst  qtiet  fiiesdship  for  the  aald  body,— oaatluar  «Ise,  sir. 
Even  pair  wee  Jessie  Carers  wadna  has  been  angry,  had  she  been 
present  and  seen  me." 

"  Cavers — Jessie  Caven  1    I  have  heard  that  naaie  before,  anrely  1" 


I  yoong  Highlander, 
aing  his  ci    ' 


ig  bis  dieek.    "  She  is  Miss  Alioe 


ihe  Toong  Highlant 


tdl  the  imlituy  newi  to  Balm  G«mei,  who*]  I  Me  wdtinE  jmim- 
jMtiently  ponder.' ' 

ScMuiug  tlie  nnrntper  for  (mther  time,  BoniU,  wilfa  Iha  doau'e 
fcrmiaioa,  opened  HacdaneU'i  iettcr. 

"lUt  tnlletie  fi««tbe«m>T,"  leid  ibe,  finoilurly  plidnc  ber  aim 
tttoBgh  the  TtMBg  oSeer'i  enl  diawtag  cIom  to  fajji  ikk,  while  Ae 
oH^dhiibeuttotlinllat  herUaidi.  " Ah  1  tdl  Me  (f  then li  aay 
SOW!  of  mf  brother  Alnro  in  it  ?" 

"  I  will  reed  tt  aloa4.  tnulitJnsUweepulerondoaetiiiuletitiad. 
it  is  dated  Crom  Villa  Frann :— * 
"  Dbar  SniAaT, 

"  FMdfem  and  the  ntt  of  onn  are  uuioni  to  ktum  how  tqU'CM, 
after  fiiat  woand  toU  received  *o  vabnondr',  and  from  which  I  hope 
joa  ate  afauoit  recorered  by  tiiia  time.  Be&d  na  word  by  Qie  fint  mee- 
emser  from  Maids  to  the  front.  Remember  me  perticnlaiiy  to  the 
Mr  Catalina,  and  I  BHore  ysa  that  toiit  qiartan  at  ] 

Vlendid  maoiioii  are  very  diffignnt  from  mine  ber^^._  _     

hat,  where  Q»  nSa  eemea  in  at  Uie  mof,  end  the  wiod  at  ■  tltooiaiKl 
cranniea.  Yon  may  eonaratidite  a,  my  (dd  comrade,  on  tbe  eaey 
lietoriea  we  obtain  oyer  Henenra  tlie  Fren^  who  hare  been  driren 
from  AhDcmdrahijo,  and  dl  the  ^eei  adjacent,  with  liOla  lorn  on  onr 
part.  I  now  write  yoali«niadlase,oM4f  wlikJi  oar  br^ade  drore 
them  a  few  day*  tga.  How  moah  yoa  would  hays  adiDtred  tbe 
— "— ' '  -IT  Spamdi  friend  Don  Alnro,  who  »r '-'  —  "- 


oiia  affair.  On  onr  uproaehing  the  enemy,  they  retired  withoat  flrins 
a  ihot  at  firet,  and  hu  troop  of  lanoen,  who  were  halted  on  the  road 
kadfaig  to  La«  Santo*,  diarged  tfam  at  fall  galk^,  Renting  Viva 
FtrdmoHdl  Bfpauil  Btptma y  tmiia Bmeraiua I" 

"Noble  Alnnil  aiy  bnTS  tether  1''  ialarrapted  Cati^a,  her 
eyee  iparklint  with  delight.  "  I  will  ilwaT*  taye  tbi>  officiaie  for  what 
he  Bays.  Oh  1  that  Inraella  wai  here '.  Sae  ii  betroUed  to  Alyaro, 
tenor,  and  wonid  baye  been  wedded  long  dnce,  but  for  a  qnarrel 
they  bad  about  Donna  Ennina,  the  wife  ot  otd  Salyador.  the  gnerills 
ddef." 

"  It  wBi  a  noble  eight,"  continned  the  letter,  "  to  xe  the  t«U  la 
'     "    '  'a  the  rest,  the  iteel  helmet*  9 


tbe  claoK  of  the  rapid  hooA,  aa  the  Spaniarda  malwd  down  the  brae 
and  broke  upon  tbe  aeemywUlitheforee  ot  a  whirlwind,  a  thondm- 
bolt,  or  anything  dee  yon  may  n^ose.  Campbell  protested  it 
eqnallad  the  eheqn  of  the  Hamelukin,  whoi  A«  '  w«i  in  Enpt  wifli 
Sir  Bdph.'  Alwo  Ikas  now  gone  off  to  join  Hniillo,  where^  ''°Ff* 
tomeet  Don  Salyador  deZagalaj  whom  be  TOWS  to  Impale  aliye.  -Be 
Itftmebnt  anhonr  ago,  anddenreeme  in  my  letter  to  send  a  Idas  to 
bis  sister.    This,  I  due  swear,  yon  wUI  be  most  happy  to  deliyer." 

Ronald  Mtered,  and  tamed  his  eye  oa  Catuina,  who  blnthed 
deeply.  It  wa*  imiMBsible  to  reeist  the  tem^tlou ;  her  Gwe  was  yery 
dose  to  Ml,  indheprMiedhi*lipBoponherbBraing£hedc. 

"Beadon,*aioriMa,"  she  said,  disengaging  herself  with  exquisite 
|noe;  "  peihaps  there  may  be  inMvaboBtAlTarof" 

Boiald  gisnoed  his  eye  over  the  neit  paragraph,  and  pused  It  oyer 
hi  tfnce  and  oontksion. 

'AedMeW  pan  Ifudmild'i  Icttei  wMw  oUitentiid,  mid  I  hm  foigHSSu 


.64 

"A  little  flirtatioQ  enpauant,  you  kiunr,  will  Dot  injure  yoar  tile' 
giuice  to  the  fair  ladye  whose  mioiature — bnt  jou  may  baro  my  letter 
without  re&diag  farther,  ihoald  1  write  mach  on  that  aabject.  Aogiu 
Mackie.  a  prirste  of  your  company,  was  the  other  night  eogaged  in  ■ 
Tegular  brawl  with  thenalJTn  of  AlmendnilBJo, — some  Ime  affair  with 
the  doaghter  of  an  old  aiogado  (lawyer^.  I  rd^r  yon  for  the  particn- 
lin  to  the  bearer,  who  wa*  eogaged  m  it.  We  had  another  row  at 
Almendralejo  (he  day  we  entered  it.  Some  Spaniard,  by  way  of  ingnlt. 
ran  hii  dagger  into  the  bag  of  Kanald  Dhn'a  pipe,  and  >o  great  waa  ths 
wrath  of  the  'Son  of  CheMiit,'  that  he  dirked  him  on  despot;  and 
althongh  the  fellow  ii  not  dead,  he  ii  declared  by  Doctor  SCnart  to  be 
'in  adonbtfnl  atate.' 

"  1  hare  sent  yon  an  Edinburgh  paper  (a  month  or  two  old),  wherein 
jon  will  aee  by  the  Gaxetit  that  a  Xonia  IJtle  Laa  been  appointed  to 
at,  Bice  poor  Oliphant  CaosiliB,  lulled  in  the  battle  of  Arroya.  There 
ure  people  of  the  name  in  Ferthahire)  perbapa  you  may  know  lome- 
thing  of  this  lisle." 

The  blood  rmhed  into  Kooald's  face,  and  a  mixed  feelinic  of  pleosnre 
and  ihame  lo  meet  the  brother  of  Alice  filled  his  mind.    He  read  on — 

"  I  wai  just  about  lo  conclude  this  loa^  letter,  when  lome  Btrange 
news  arrived.  Cindad  Rodrigo  has  been  invested,  and  it  is  soppoaed 
moit  capitulate  Boon.  Our  diiision  hoe  been  ordered  by  Lord  Welling- 
ton to  retire  ioto  Portugal  forthwiOi :  the  'gathering'  is  at  this 
moment  ringing  through  the  itreeta  of  villa  Franca,  and  the  corpa  ia 
getting  nnder  arms.— Adlen,  &c., 

"  Alister  Macdonald," 

"  F.  S.— L.  lule  i*  at  Udioat  brining  up  a  detachment  for  oon , — 
a  hundred  rank  and  file.  I  do  not  know  what  route  we  take  for  Por- 
tugal ;  bnt  you  had  better  endeaToar  to  join  us  oa  the  way." 


CHAPTEE  XI. 


Hen  conld  I  liie,  ud  lore,  <md  die  fej 
Now  I  to  fijthliiig  Belili  un  ttat  ttu. 

Whjlt  you,  alu,  tint  1  Hboold  find  it  ■ 


rirga,ruttatix. 


WiTSTN  the  chamber  which  he  occupied,  Ronald  aat  late  that  night, 
nnsing  on  what  was  to  be  done,  and  what  coarse  was  now  to  be 
steered.  He  saw  that  it  was  ahaolntely  necessary  that  be  ehonid  pro- 
ceed instantly  to  rejoin,  —  a  measure  which  the  healed  state  of  bia 
wound  rendered  imperative.  "The  division  is  retreating,"  thought  he, 
"  and  the  Count  D^rloQ  will  without  donBt  posh  forward  immediately 
and  regain  poB>esBion  of  Merida,  and  I  must  inevitably  be  taken 
prisoner.  Iwilljoin  Sir  Rowland  aa  he  passes  through;  the  troopi 
must  pass  liere  en  route  for  Portugal.  How  dangerous  to  my  own 
quiet  u  my  acquaintance  with  Catalins,  and  how  foolishly  have  I  been 
tampering  with  her  affection)  and  with  my  own  heart  1  Good  heareDB  1 
I  baTB  M^  very  wrong  in  awakening  in  her  a  sentiment  towardi  me. 


her  downcast  eye«,  and  her  iweet  conftision  haie  betrRyciI  it 

tinei;.  'Tu  very  agreeable  to  feel  one'i  aelf  beloyed,  and  by  eo  ^t  k 
girl,  for  Cntalina  is  yery  beautiful ;  bat  1  most  fly  from  her,  and  break 
those  magic  speUs  which  are  licking  onr  heRrts  together.  To-marrow 
— no,  the  day  after,  I  will  leiTc  Merida,  and  join  the  diyiaion  aa  aoon 
M  !  hear  by  what  ronte  it  is  retiring." 

Loais  Lisle,  too,  the  brother  of  Alice,  via  now  an  officer  in  the  aame 
corpa,  and  his  bold  spirit  woald  instantly  lead  him  to  seek  Tengeance 
for  any  false  or  diehononrable  part  acted  towards  his  aiater.  ' '  Poor 
Lotus  I  he  ia  tlie  first  friend  I  ever  had ;  aad  how  will  ao  delicate  a 
boy.  one  so  tenderly  nurtured,  endure  the  many  miseries  of  campaini- 
ing  here  ?  A  single  ni^iht  sncb  as  that  we  spent  in  the  biionac  oflia 
Nava,  woald  nnqnestionably  be  his  death." 

Here  hia  cogitations  were  intenapted  by  the  voice  of  Evan,  who  was 
caroiuing  in  the  room  below  with  Gomel  (hafiag  apent  thn  night  toge- 
ther oTer  their  eaps,  althoagh  neither  andentood  a  word  of  the  other's 
lugnage),  singing  land  anaboisterously,— 
"  Sett  lata  thE  dnw.welt, 


«  perfbrmHice  which  drew  many  mmu/  from  his  brother-soldier. 
Sonaed  from  the  reverie  into  which  he  had  Mien,  Konald'a  eye  fell  od 
the  newspaper  sent  him  by  Macdonald,  and  he  now  took  it  op,  tbinUng 
to  find  something  in  it  to  direct  the  cnrrent  of  his  thoughts  ;  and  some- 
what be  fonad  with  a  Tengeance  !  Better  wonld  it  haie  been  if  be  bad 
:t  thonght  of  it  at  all.  It  was  an  Edinburgh  Jouraal,  dated  serer^ 
__liabaek,  and  appeared  to  have  paaied  through  the  ban*"  *  "'  - 
whole  division,  it  was  so  worn  and  frittered.    After  icanDini 


weeks  back,  and  appeared  to  have  paaied  through  the  hands  of  the 
--  .  - J  frittered.    After  icanDing  o' 

Jinsttnc 

It  was  headed — 

"MAnRiAOE  IV  High  Life.— Veuoderatsnd  fliat  the  gallant  Earl 
of  Hyndford  is  abont  to  lead  to  the  hymeneal  altar  the  beantifiil  and 

accomptisbed  daughter  of  Sir  Allan  Lisle,  Bart.,  M.P.  for .  The 

happy  event  is  to  take  place  in  a  few  weeks  at  Inchayon  House 
fPertbahire),  the  family  seat  of  the  venerable  and  much. respected 

~  id  him,  and  the  light  faded  for  a 

-'--*-"--'-• " ■   -"1  _ 

'ring  all  his  scat- 
tered energies,  he  read  it  over  once  more,  while  mingled  sorrow  and 
fory  contracted  and  convalsed  the  muscles  of  big  handsome  features. 
There  waa  no  doubting  the  purport  of  the  torturing  intelligence,  and 
Catalina  was  forgotten  in  the  fierce  excitement  of  the  moment.  "  O 
Alloc!  Alice!"  he  said,  bitterly  and  alo  ad,  "could  I  ever  haye  ejpected 
this  of  yon  ?  'Tis  bnt  a  few  months  since  we  parted,  and  she  is  false 
alreaily.     I  am,  indeed,  soon  fbrgotten  !" 

He  crushed  the  paper  up,  and  thrusting  it  into  the  charcoal-pan  on 
the  hearth,  it  waa  consumed  in  an  instant.    "  Hyndford, — Carmicbael. 

it  be  my  father's 


bitter,  I 


•on,  ahonld  I  think  more  of  her  after  Uiia.  1  will  lean  to  turgat  ker, 
aa  die  has  forgotten  me,— and  Hus,  too,  shall  periBh  1"  He  took  tiie 
miniature  from  hia  neck,  and  was  abont  to  croah  it  beneath  hia  beel ; 
bat  when  the  well  -known  featnrea  met  hia  eye,  hii  fierce  reaolatioa 
melted  awa;4  be  aTerted  hia  bead,  and  replaced  it  in  hii  boaom,  wlule 
a  lad  and  anbdoed  feeling  took  poBaeialoD  of  his  heart. 

"  I  cannot  dectroyi"  thoDght  he,  "  what  hu  been  ao  long  a  aolace, 
and  on  object  almost  of  worship  to  me.  £>ea  were  die  the  bride  of 
another,  a»  ptn-haiiB  ahe  ii  at  thin  very  hoar,  1  vonld  yet  wear  and  bear 
it  for  her  sake,  in  memory  of  the  dsya  that  are  paaaed  away,  and  tbe 
thoDghts  I  had  nonriihed  for  years — ay,  for  years^-ainoe  the  dava  «• 
gathered  the  wild  roae  and  tbe  beatber-Ml  on  the  bonnie  braei  I  now 
almost  wish  oevet  to  behold  again." 

For  tbe  Irrst  honr  or  two.  be  felt  as  if  eTarr  oord  that  bound  lum  to 

of  mental  agony  ewelled  his  breast  almost  to  bursting.     Hia  Highlud 

— -1 howeTer,  to  bis  aid,  and  roused  within  him  feelinaa  eqnaUy 

igb  perhaps  leai  distressing;  and  starting  np,  ne  stia>de 
It  the  apartment,  and  emptied  more  tban  once  a  large  ham  of 
Malaga,  from  a  pig-skin  which  la;  on  a  side-table  near  him,  drinking 
deeply  to  drown  care,  and  aUay  the  wild  tumolt  of  hia  IboaghtB.  Bot 
the  wine  was  aa  water,  and  he  quaffed  it  without  effect. 

The  baaeoeas  of  her  desertian  grew  erery  moment  more  Tivid ;  and 
how  openly  must  she  have  renoaneed  him,  wheneren  die  public  jonr- 
nalB  had  become  aware  of  her  intended  alliaaoe,  whiidi  must  ika*a  boiB 
a  meaaure  of  her  own  five  will,  as  her  falber,  Sir  Allan,  would  nenar 
control  hw  affections,  and  tbe  age  of  forced  marriage*  waa  paioed  kwar, 
or  eiiated  only  in  the  pagea  of  romance.  I/ne  and  jealooay,  aoiTOV, 
pride,  and  a  feeling  of  helpleaanesa  at  the  great  diatance  which  aepantad 
bim  from  Britain,  paaaed  rapidly  throogh  hia  mind;  and  during  tjie 
mental  agony  and  tnmultof  the  first  few  nonrs,  be  forgot  Catalina  utd 
.tiie  honourable  struggles  be  had  made  with  lumself  to  withstand  the 
witchen  of  ber  lieaatT,  ontil  the  recollection  of  it  raabed  folly  upon 
him,  raiung  him  in  hu  own  Mtimation,  and  taaaening  tbe  fickle  Aline 
in  an  equal  degree. 

He  haaUly  tlii«w  open  his  bagga^-tmnk,  and  prodncing  wridi^ 
materials,  commeneed  a  letter,  in  which  he  meant  to  upbraid  her  bit- 
terly.  and  take  a  bauglity  and  sad  brewell  of  ber  for  ever.  Bot  ao  great 
waa  his  agitadon,  so  fiut  did  hia  ideas  crowd  upon  eadi  other,  and  ao 
nnch  were  they  mingled  together  and  confas^,  that  be  wrote  only 
rhapsodies  in  incoherent  sentences,  and  eheet  alter  sheet  was  filled, 
torn  up,  and  oommitted  to  the  flames ;  ontil  at  laat  it  flashed  upon  bis 
mind  that  there  were  no  means  at  present  oF  transmitting  a  letter,  uid 
he  abandoned  tbe  attempt  altogether.  Whenever  he  thooght  of  Cata- 
lina, he  felt  more  conaolsd  for  the  loss  of  Alice  ;  bat  yet  the  deep-rooted 
affection,  tbe  cherished  sentiment  of  years,  which  be  felt  for  her,  waa  a 
very  different  feeling  from  the  temporary  admiration  with  which  the 
Spanish  lady  bod  impressed  him  ;  bat  ideas  of  a  prouder,  and  perhaps 
more  besUag  kind,  came  to  hia  aid. 

"  I  tread  the  path  which  leads  to  the  greatestof  all  earthly  honours — 
even  the  passage  to  the  throne  lies  tbroufjh  the  tented  field;  and 
although  I  look  not  for  that,  tbe  BmbiCians  Alice  may  yet  repent  baTing 
Blighted  tbe  love  of  Bonald  Stuart  of  Lochishi.  We  know  not  what 
fate  may  have  in  store,  or  what  tbe  great  lottery  of  life  msy  Mat  up  fitr 
me.    Alice  1  oh,  bow  £ilse,  bow  fickle,  and  bow  heartleM  1    Like  twin 


■teodrih  of  the  Him  tree,  like  liltle  bird*  in  the  wne  imt,  m  fimr 
nqto  each  other— crar  lore  iooreaBing  irith  oar  hub  and  yeui ;  sad  j»t, 
after  all  the  teader  sentimeDta  we  have  exabanged,  end  the  hippliwu 
WB  bare  enitijtd,  ibe  bat  thus  craelly  abandoned  me,  prefernDg  die 
glitter  of  H  title  to  the  lore  of  a  brave  and  honeat  hnrt  1  Bat  IM  ber 
go  ;  ihe  will  hear  of  me  yet,"  be  nid  almoit  aloodi  while  )di  aparkHog 
eye  fell  on  his  claymore,  which  Jay  upon  Ote  UAle,  "  far  thu  i*  dwt 
land  irtiere  hoDoar  end  fame  ore  within  the  gnw  of  a  noblsii  and 
darins  soldier— for  reckless  of  life  Bnd  limb  will  1  be  ftom  lUa  honr. 
But  1  may  fail  Dnhcmoared  and  anknowB,  aa  tkonaanda  ba*e  already 

done — aa  Uiaiaands  more  ihr"  '-     — '   '"—   " "-  — *^ ■— 

mar  drop  a  tear  for  me,  wilt  d 

Long  and  nleaUy  be  oontinuad  broi)din(oi«'tlMcnrK)d  intdligvoM, 
whi(A  every  moment  grew,  in  his  fancy,  more  like  tome  liiion  of  a 
diatarbed  idamber,  or  aome  homble  enigma  ;  and  the  lionr  of  twdve 
tolled  from  the  belfry  of  San  Joan,  yat  he  thought  net  of  real.  He 
had  grown  careless  of  all  external  objacta,  aul  lat  witb  bia  brow 
leaning  on  his  band,  absorbed  io  bis  own  heart-corrodlot:  fancies.  His 
lamp  sunk  down  in  the  socket  and  expired;  the  stara  and  the  pale- 
moon,  sailing  apparently  through  cloada  of  gauie,  glimowred  throagb  the 
tiU  osaement  into  the  ^omy  chamber,  and  poor  Rondd  etJU  aat  there, 
rerolving  and  re-rerolfing  the  matter  infaiatnind,  which  became  a  prey, 
by  tarns,  to  tbe  very  opposite  sentimenta  of  love  and  Borrow,  pride, 
rerenge,  indignation,  and  ambition. 

He  awoke  saddenly,  and  foand  that  be  bad  been  asleep  in  his  cbair. 
Tbe  brigbt  light  of  the  morning  sun  was  streaming  between  the  dark 
hangings  of  the  lofty  windows,  and  the  lolling  bells  of  the  neigbbonring 
dinrobea  reminded  him  that  it  was  Sunday.  Tbe  instant  be  awoke,  tbe 
aching  memories  of  tbe  past  night  rushed  i^ion  bis  mind ;  but  he 
thODght  of  tbe  matter  with  a  little  moie  compoBare,  and  tbe  presence 
of  Donna  Catalina,  aU  bliBbea,  smiles,  and  beauty,  when  tbe  morning 
was  farmer  advanced,  ccctribntedTerycoDsiderablf  tothe  re-eatabliah- 
raeot  of  bis  serenity,  but  her  keen  eye  obwrred  tbaC  be  was  ill  at  eaae. 
His  QBoal  liTAcity  was  gone ;  he  appeared  much  abstracted,  seldom 
■peaking  except  of  fais  departure,  and  in  a  tone  of  more  than  naoal 
regret.  They  had  prenously  arranged  to  riait  the  churub  of  San  Joan 
on  that  daf,  that  Ronald  might  see  bigb  maaa  perfoimed,  and  hear 
tbe  snb-pnor,  whom  the  citizens  coniidered  a  miracle  of  learning  and 
piety,  preach. 

citrine  retired  to  don  her  walking  attire,  while  Ronald,  from  tbe 
balcony,  gazed  listleasly  into  the  street,  scarcely  obierricg  what  was 
passing  there.  Peasantry  from  the  neighbonrbood  were  crowding  in. 
attired  in  dresses  at  once  gracefnl  and  picturesque ;  tbe  men  wearing, 
some  tbe  close  vest,  tbe  broad  sombrero,  knae-breecbes,  and  large 
mantle,  while  others  were  withontit,  ina  loose  jacket,  wiUi  a  sash  of 
ample  size  and  gaudy  colours  tied  round  their  waists,  and  baling  on 
their  heads  long  slouched  caps.  Many — almost  all — wore  knives  dis- 
played somewhere  about  their  person,  and  all  had  a  peculiar  swaggra*  In 
thcjr  walk,  which  seemed  not  ungraceful.  Bright-eyed  women  in  their 
black  hoods  or  mandllas,— priests  in  their  dark  robes  of  sack-cloCb,  tbair 
waists  encircled  with  a  knotted  cord,— graceful  peasant  girls,  tbdr 
■hnt  bnnehy  petticoats  disj^ying  the  moat  qiloidid  andes  in  Hie 


world, — etnrdy  mnleteerB  with  their  long  whips, — knd  mBrket-wonlMi 
from  the  wnth  bearing  lo>d>  of  battu',  milk,  anil  frait,  on  their  beads, 
were  crowdinz  the  etreeti  and  throngiDgabonCtbedarl[pianasin**eiy 
direction,  and  a  load  gabble  of  toogues  in  Spanitb  was  heard  on  all 
ndea.  Claads  of  imoke  arose  from  dgare.  as  eiery  man  had  dds  Id 
tus  moath ;  and  here  and  there,  ander  aoine  of  (he  pium,  might  be 
Been  a  few  mnletMn  and  oliTe-cheelced  girls,  dancing  a  hndaogo  or 
btdero  about  the  door  of  a  wine~boDae  to  the  sonnd  of  the  gnitu,  the 
tambuine,  and  the  eastaneti. 

"  Mow  Trar  different  ii  all  this  from  the  sotier  graTity  whioh  marki 
OUT  Scottish  Sabbath-daf  1 "  thought  Ronald,  as  he  glanced  laoguidlr  ' 
around  the  Fkiia.      Notwltlistanding  the  mental  excitement  under 
which  he  laboured,  the  ohiiu  of  ideas  recslled  to  his  memorf  a  few 
linee  of  a  poem  he  bad  once  read,  and  which  he  now  repeated  to 


WanderlBa  aod  Btof^lu  oft  to  hear  tbA  loag 
Of  kiDdrnTpwH  snH  from  liuDblfl  roofa  ^ 
Or  whH  tbe  idiuple  Knl«  eadi,  to  h«ar 
The  liftsd  IstiA,  nd  murk  tbe  gnj-hmircd  mn. 
The  CiUker  aad  the  prteM,  walk  fi>r[h  alone 
IdIo  hie  giiden  pUi  « linle  Odd, 

This  was  one  of  the  many  passages  in  it  which  were  impressed  upon  hil 
memory,  and  be  remembered,  with  pecaliar  bitterness  of  feeling,  that 
it  was  with  Alice  Liile  be  bad  firet  perused  the  pn^ei  of  thut  now  for- 
gotten poem,  seated  by  bei  side  in  one  of  the  green  birchen  gladet 
through  which  the  Isia  flowed  towards  the  Tay. 

Tbe  be«Ty  clsog  of  a  charger's  hoofs  broke  iu  npon  his  rererie,  and 
ruiinE  his  eyes,  he  saw  an  otEcer  of  the  light  cavaliV  rids  furiously  into 
the  Plaza,  with  his  uniform  cohered  with  dost,  and  his  horse  and 
accoutrements  dripping  with  white  foam.  Casting  arapid  glance  around 
him,  he  spurred  st  once  beneath  tbe  balcony  over  which  Ronald  leaned, 
laiowing  bim  to  be  a  British  officer  from  bis  oniform. 

He  checked  his  horse  by  tbe  curb-atoce  of  the  payement. 

"  ETelyn—Lieateaant  Evelyn,  13th  Light  Dragoona,"  said  he,  intro- 
-dacing  himself.    "  Mr.  Stoart.  I  presnme  ?" 

"Yes, — Stuart,  of  tbe  SSod  Raiment,"  replied  Ronald  bowing.  "I 
believe  I  hayehad  the  pleasure  of  seeing  you  before?" 

"  Ay,  near  La  Navs,  the  eieoing  we  £oTe  in  Dombronsli's  advanced 
picqaet." 

"  I  now  remember.    Bat  what  word  from  the  front  ?" 

"  Ohl  tbe  old  story, — a  countermarch.  Campaiguiug  istikeagame 
at  chess  :  we  have  been  ordered  to  retire  into  Portugal,  and  tJie  second 
^TiilDa  will  be  in  full  retreat,  by  this  time.  I  suppose  they  will  come 
down  the  other  bank  of  the  Guidiana." 

"  This  moTeoient,  likely,  has  some  relation  to  the  recent  iuTestment 
of  Cindad  Rodrlgo.     Yon  i>ill,  of  course,  have  heard  of  that  ?" 

"  Our  works  are  carried  within  a  yery  short  distance  of  thdn.  It 
is  said  that  Marshal  Marmont  imagiaes  it  will  hold  oat  for  sereral 
weeks  yet ;  before  which  time  he  will  give  Lord  Wellington  battle,  and 
a  "TluSihiHth:  sPoeni."    Seemd  EdlUoa.    Blukmsd,  Edhihaigh,  iws. 


attempt  its  relief.  His  lordship  sppesn  to  bs  prepuing,  u  troapi  from 
>11  qnuten  are  coDcentrating  ander  bi*  commancl;  so  that,  iboold 
Cindwi  Bodrigo  not  Mon  cspitolata,  we  hut   eipect  ■  battle  with 

"  Ofcanne  icmiut  ^;  MsrmODt  will  dstct  attempt  its  relief.  Bnt 
.  irill  joa  not  disnunmt  and  refresh  louraelf  ?  You  appear  to  bare 
.  ridden  Hr." 

"  I  regret  that  it  is  imposaible  to  diimonnt ;  I  hsTS  tarried  too  long 
alreadr.  1  tm  carrring  despatches  from  Sir  Rowland  Hill  to  tbe  rear, 
■nd  1  mnal  be  far  be}'oad  Albaqnerque  bofors  night.  Mr  orders  were 
to  ride  wilbmt  drawiDg  bridle  ;  bat  hit  "'g  i>  failing  already-  Jast 
before  !  left  Puenta  del  Maiitre,  an  orderly  dragoon  broogfat  up  tbe 
mail-bags  from  Lisbon  ;  and  a  M^or  Campbell  of  yoan,  aniraiDenaelT 
big  man,  bat  a  loldier-like  fsUow,  who  insisted  that  he  had  seen  me  in 
Elfypt,  altboogh  I  oerer  was  there,  gare  me  a  letter  for  )on,  that  I 
migbt  deliver  it,  on  taj  ronte,  at  Merida." 

"  I  thank  ;oa,"  replied  Ronald  in  a  seareelT  articnlite  loice, 
while    his  flnttering   heart  became  a  pre;  to  alcemats  hopes  and 


ust  it  will  contain  good  news  for  Toa,"  said  the  boraeman, 
onbnckling  his  sabre-tacbe.  "  Oar  Utters  here  are  like  angels'  TJsits, 
'  few  and  &t  between,'  tbe  post  delirerr  being  less  regnlsr  than  within 
Dght  of  St.  Paul's.  By  the  hje,  how  is  that  wound  yon  received  tbe 
morning  we  marched  from  this  >  1  heard  something  of  the  storr,  and 
wonld  be  glad  to  hear  it  all,  had  1  time ;  bnt  there  are  so  minj  hard 
knocks  going  now,  that  one  cares  little  abont  tbem.  Your  arm  is  stilt 
in  (he  sling,  1  see." 

"  I  mean  to  discard  it  to-dsT.  I  am  quite  recovered  now,  and  am 
abont  to  rejoin  immediatelv-     But  tbe  letter  ?" 

"  Af,  here  it  is,"  replied  EvelTQ,  raising  himself  in  his  stirrups,  and 
handing  the  letter  to  Ronald,  who  recdTsd  it  br  stooping  over  the 
balcony,  snd  knew  at  once  the  large  round  family  seal,  and  the  band- 
wridnc  of  his  father. 

"  Ahce,  Alice  !  Evelyn,  is  there  not  another  !"  he  groaned  alond, 
in  the  bitterness  of  his  apirit. 

"  Another  ?"  laoghed  the  cavnlry  officer,  who  heard  him  bnt  imper- 
fectly. "No,  by  Japiter;  and  1  am  sorry  tbe  one  yon  have  received 
does  not  seem  to  be  in  the  tmall  ninmng-band  of  a  bir  lady  ;  bat  it 
may  contain  what  makes  ample  amends,  yon  know, — a  remittance  from 
the  old  gentleman,  tbiongb  Gordon,  yoar  paymaster,  who  is  as  jolly  a 
fellow  as  ever  broacbed  a  pipe  or  a  pig-ikin  of  wine.  Ah !  'tis  well 
when  the  old  boy  bleeds  liberally.  But  now,  go  ho  1  for  the  road 
■  ■  '  I  wonld  adviae  yon  to  look  ont  sharply  while  here.  lyErlon, 
•meat  he  becomes  aware  of  our  temporary  retreat,  will  throw 
forward  some  of  his  cavaby,  and  regain  the  places  he  has  lost.  The 
low  grounds  by  the  river-side  afford  great  adTantages  for  a  concealed 
movement,  and  yon  rnn  a  risk  of  being  taken  prisoner :  the  idea  struck 
me  as  1  entered  the  town  a  few  minntes  ago." 

"How  be  Is  tbe  divinon  from  this?"  asked  Ronald,  impatiently 
awaiting  the  other's  departure,  that  he  might  penue  the  letter ;  a  day's 
march,  think  yon  ?  " 

"  ^niree,  perhaps ;  Fnente  del  Maistre  is  a  long  way  off.  Remember 
that  yon  most  be  oaretnl  what  kind  of  guide  you  employ,  should  yon 

The  other  gave  bis  horse  the  spor 


KL. 


reqidre  one  in  r^oining.     And 
Adien  1 "   ecboed  Konald. 


LI  rains  dnp,  and  ma  nKmd  tb«  oonMr  of  the  Flua,  antof  >i|te 


tiMkhtw 


Cb»  beirt,  BiMiald  ton  it  ohd,  bat  tor  loiiie  nuimtn  wu  bafBod  in  hii 
attempts  to  rod  b;  an  eDiUHis  mist  or  film,  wfaiob  aaeBiad  to  intowpt 
ikis  sight  and  preroited  him  ftvni  proceeding  Airtber  thin  (be  data, 
wUdi  was  Qpnrds  ol  a.niOBth  back.  The  lettnr  raa  tbne.  and  Uie  ideas 
and  atyle  of  tbe  ftod  old  gttitlemaa  weraobienable  inerarT  liar;  of  it : — 


"  Mt  dear  Boy, 

"  I  raonted  y oar  letters  dated  from  Lisbon  aod  Portalajn  in  dm 
oonrse,  and  oauDot  ftod  wards  to  eipreaa  bov  arerjojred  I  *«  to  uiidera 
stand  bj  than  that  Toa  were  well,  sod  did  not  feel  tbefiitlgiseof  long 
mardiea.  Bimald,  mf  son,  ma;  God  proleoC  Tov '  '^o»  *•«  *»T  dear 
to  me  indeed,— deu^r  even  than  the  little  osiea  that  ilee|t  in  l^  cdd 
Idrkywd.  I  oan  scarce  get  on  fartltar,  for  tbe  salt  and  hot  tears  are 
filliii(  Biy  eyes,  and  it  is  no  comaion  emotion  which  mokes  •  ttera  old 
man,  like  me,  weep.  We  are  liiin;  mucb  in  tlie  old  way  here  at  tin 
tower,  with  the  eieeptioD  that  yanr  absence  bis  meile  a  sad  blank  in 
the  little  eet^diihmant.     My  dear  boy,  I  am  lery  lonely  now,  and  it  ia 


r  little  hoys,  aie  with  the  ang< 


Sb    Your  gntUla 
„      in  heairen ;  the 
Eceeo  grasa  ao*en  Uieii  snnny  ringlets,  and  yon  Bl<uie  were  spared  me, 
nt  only  to  ha  exposed  Id  the  dangBn  of  a  aoldier**  life,— daogora 
which  make  my  beut  ihrnk  within  me  for  your  la&ty. 

"  How  rery  i^tiiet  ie  all  aioond  a 

-Sebright  BTBUi^  sua  is  strcannst 

ball  window  on  die  heard^  when  yoo.  naad  to  play  whan  a 

And  your  two  old  cmnpauons,  Carril  and  Odin,  are  atretohed  npon  the 
rag  ;  Uiey  often  whine,  and  look  aadly  in  my  fiuis,  or  at  yonr  oonnet 
and  gun  in  the  corner,  as  if  they  atill  miiwd  yon.  The  aohlB  hoimds  I 
I  b^ere  that  ahhoDgh  six  montha  baM  elapsed  since  yon  were  bare, 
they  have  not  forgotten  yon.  Thewind  scarcely  atirs  thethidaitsaboBt 
the  tower,  and  ^  ia  lery  calm  and  still,  all  save  the  beating  at  my 
nm  Boiioas  beait,  and  its  pnlaatioDS  are  audible. 

"  All  our  friends  and  dependants  here  deaire  to  be  reaMmbered  to 

Sin  and  (a  Evan  Iverach  ;  and  I  am  aaaared  danger  iriil  never  Tiait  yon. 
Ha  prayera  of  brave  and  honest  bearti  can  avert  it ;  for  the  pee^  at 
the  clacboD,  and  in  all  the  glen,  pray  for  yoa  nightly  and  daily,  partj- 
colarly  old  Donald.  He  does  not  pipe  about  so  mndt  aa  heaaedto 
do,  bnt  pays  more  attention  than  ner  he  did  to  tbe  whiskey  kegs  in 
Janet's  pantry.  Poor  man  1  I  forgive  lus  melancholy;  like  me,  hs 
moami  the  absence  of  an  only  son. 

"  Coriie-oich  and  I  have  qoarndled  again,  abont  a  igbt  whioh  took 

Cm  at  die  last  bir,  between  bia  berdiman  and  Alpin  Oig.     1  woold 
harry  the  lair  of  the  old  foi,  and  give  his  lacreted  bosseto  the 
flames,  as  my  fbthc*  did  ia  174&    1  woold  teaeb  his  fellows  to  beware 

avon  also.  He  haa  treepaasad 
more  uan  once  oo  our  maronee  m  nia  shoatiH  eicariions,  in  which 
he  ia  always  BocompeBied  now  by  the  Elairi  of  Uyndivd,  who,  it  ia 
said,  is  to  te  married  to  Miss  Ijalc,  an  old  iluna  of  yonrB,  whom  I 
truat  yon  have  forgotten  by  this  time,  aisbs  baa  oodoabtedly  done  yoa. 


"  iDdmTm'B  Mm  hu  reedrod  a  ■ptir  tjl  mAoiut  in  roar  regiment, 
and  bu  left  Peithabire  to  join  ;  yon  will,  ot  coone,  keep  him  at  a  tea 
dJatance,  aiiil,  u  yoa  Talae  rar  pateniil  lore,  make  neither  a  friend 


"  Sir  AUbii  km  rerind  Ua  tM  daln)  to  the  lan^  aod  Tacant  peen^ 
of  Ljde,  aSd  Hjvitotd,  who  ie  ooe  ot  oar  repmentatiTe  psen,  u 
jmag  an  hia  inlareit  Air  hin  in  tha  npper  booee.  Let  Ura  fiab  for 
■If  nmk  he  pleaaa ;  enr  bkuxi,  mj  boy,  i>  nobler  (bm  bia  own.  We 
hate  boen  Sloaita  of  Lodiiila  rinte  ttte  days  of  our  rojal  hdc 
B«taemhe  Sacond,  a&d  I  aeek  no  ottiar  title. 

"  Bj  tke  bye,  that  Mowdral  .Xaeaa  MacqiMc,  the  W.B.  in  Bdin- 
■■ — ' -^ ^  my  name,  m  caatioDer  for  avery  ]nge 


iridch  1  knew  nothing.  I  fear  the  fellow  ii  tottering  in  Ida  cirema~ 
tfancee ;  and  ehonld  be  (ul,  I  will  be  Utterly  rained,  mi  the  old  tower, 
atach  hju  often  daied  an  armed  hast,  trill,  perham,  be  sarrendefed  to 
HBA  dea^eable  Lowland  uredlCor.  To  a  Higblnder,  wlio  knows 
■■*"~e  &S  legal  t^ieaiiery,  what  a  carse  thoie  barptn  of  the  law  are  ! 
BMumber  me  to  John  Cameron  of  Fouifkm.  your  colonel ;  be  ii  i 
tBBM  and  gpod  officer,  and  a  trae  BigblatHl  gentleman.    Ba  attentin 

toyonr  duties,  and  never  abrink  from But  1  need  not  say  that: 

1  kniMr  tbot  yon  wttl  do  what  man  dare  do,  rod  will  nerer  tKsgrace  the 
honsa  yon  apring  from,  or  the  gallimt  regiment  to  wbieh  yon  belong. 
Gaod  bye  to  yea;  my  boy  !  let  me  hear  from  yoa  soon  and  often ;  and 
tte  He,  whose  presence  ii  arerywhere,  may  ever  bless  and  protect 
jaa,  will  be  alwaya  the  esnest  prayer  of  yoar  desolate  old  fitther, 


CHAPTEE  YTT. 


8o  madh  wa*  Kooald  engroaaad  in  tb«  peraail  of  this  letter,  which  ■• 
UBj  disid^s  the  eeontiic  mauDcrs  of  his  father,  tha*  it  was  net  anti 
bo  had  withdraws  hiB  eyes  from  its  pages  th&t  he  beoanis  aware  of  CliA 
pttaencB  of  Catalina,  who  Mood  by  his  uds,  veiled  and  robed  in  bee 
aaiut  muitiUa  for  charch. 

"Tfoa  have  recdved  a  letter  from  year  home?  I  trast — I  bops — 
thtre  is  DOtbiDC  in  it  to  caoie  you  sorniw.  Why  do  ysn  sigh  so  TSry 
Mdly  f  "  and  we,  in  a  tone  of  thrilling  tendemeaa. 

"ladBed  1  cannot  say  that  its  contents  are  calcnlated  to  instil  aay 
other  sentimaBta  than  aorrov,"  replied  Ronald,  depoaiting  it  in  b» 
bssaat;  "  tod  I  fnr,  CUaliim,  that  the  lait  day  I  shidi  paaa  with— with 
ftt,  <nll  b«  a  *sy  oalBppy  ode." 


l2  TBE  noHANCB  Or  WAR. 

"  The  last  da; ! "  ghe  » Deated  •orrowTolly.  "  And  *re  jon  ttiU 
resolved  on  goiDg  so  Boon  ? 

"  Mj  arm,  you  perceive,  is  perfecUf  well  now,"  replied  tbe  officer, 
touing  away  ue  eling  la  which  it  hung;  "and  it  is  indiepenaable,  if  1 
would  uTe  mr  honour  from  diaagreeable  Buriniaee,  that  1  r^oin  mr 
regioient.  Dearest  Catalina !  ■  bandred  other  drcnmstances,  of  whicD 
yoo  are  ignorant,  compel  me  to  leaye  you,— to  leave  yon  perchance  for 
ever."  While  he  ipoke.  a  paBHiunate  doth  gathered  on  his  cheek,  and 
paasinc  hii  armaronDd  the  waist  of  tbe  yielding  girl,  he  drew  her  gently 
toward^  him  i  yet  even  the  feeling;  of  delight  which  he  experienced  at 
that  moment,  mingled  with  ■  aensation  of  aoger  at  tbe  faithleaineaa  of 
Alice  liale.  To  rerenge  bimielf,  be  pressed  bis  lips  a  second  time  to 
the  soft  and  bamior  cheek  of  the  beauiifal  Spaniard,  and  felt  hia  blood 
fly  like  hgbtning  throngh  hia  veins,  while  be  watched  the  long  lashea 
which  modestly  shaded  the  briUiance  of  her  eyes,  and  read  the  smile  of 
pleasure  and  ineipressible  sweetnesi  that  played  around  her  Gnely- 
fbrmed  month. 

A  itep  was  heard  on  the  staircase, 

"Santa  Maria!  Senor  mio,  ei  leimr  Gobtmador ;  my  nncle  the 
prior  I  "  she  whispered,  starting  from  Ronald's  encircling  arm.  "  Oh. 
tis  only  my  gossiping  cousin,  she  added  with  a  imile,  as  Inesellad* 
TroxiUo  swept  into  the  apartment,  with  a  long  lace  v^  reaching  from 
hN'  stately  head  nearly  to  her  feet,  esTelaping  her  tall  and  dasbins 


veil  and  long  glossy  ringlets  are  all  sadly  disordered.     Indeed,  se 
have  qnite  turned  tlie  poor  girl's  bead,  and  I  fear  ws  ^sJl  ^.    _ 
e  unhappy  brawl,  shDuld  my  brother  the  Cond^  de  TroiiUo  hear  «{ 


yon  have  qnite  turn^  the  poor  girl's  bead,  and  I  fear  ws  shsill  have 
1_        '-rawl,  should  my  brother  the  Cond^  de  TroiiUo  hear  «{ 

if  Catalina'a  moat  passionate  admiren,  and  we  expect 


lina,  blashing  with  confution. 

"  Onr  nncle,  the  padie?"  cried  the  gay  girl  with  a  loud  langh. 
"  0  madre  de  Dim  I  do  my  little  feet,  which  our  cidzena  of  Mendk 
admire  so  much,  make  ao  great  a  noise  a*  yoar  old  gobemador'a  ? 
Besides,  he  never  leaves  his  room,  Mi  qutredo,  yon  compliment  me  ! 
Bat  you  most  remember  that  1  am  considered  the  best  waltier  in 
Madrid,  and  the  csvaliera  there  pretend  to  be  very  excellent  judges. 
My  poor  cousin,  yon  ate  very  much  abashed ;  allow  me  to  arrangs 
your  cnrls.  Bnt  yon  should  not  be  flirting  here  with  a  young  a^iciale 
insUad  of  being  at  mass,  and  ei  Gobrmador  should  sive  yon  a  sermort 
rOr  doing  so.  Bat  the.  bells  haTe  ceased  to  toll,  and  we  shall  be  late  ; 
'til  fully  five  minutes'  walk  from  here  to  tbe  porch  of  San  Jnan's 
charcb.  So  let  us  be  gone  at  once,  and  use  our  joint  endeavoura  to 
make  yon,  senor,  a  convert  to  tbe  true  faith." 

Konald  replied  only  by  an  unmeaning  smile ;  and  taking  hia  aword 
and  bonnet,  prepared  to  accompany  tbe  young  ladjea.    They  were  fbl- 


lowed  by  Evan  Ivemch  and  Pedro  Gomez,  carryine  camp -atoola  for 
their  aecommodatian,  tbe  church  (as  usual  in  Spain)  not  being  fitted 
np  with  pewa  ;  so  that  all  who  do  not  provide  themaeliea  with  aaata. 


their  accommodatian,  tbe  church  (as  usual  in  Spain)  not 
np  with  pewa  ;  so  that  all  who  do  not  provide  themaelit 
are  obliged,  to  remain  either  on  their  feet  or  on  their  kneea. 

An  indescribable  emotion  of  deep  religions  veneration,  iiiipiraimi 
almoat  of  holy  awe,  filled  the  agitated  mind  of  the  young  UighUndcr 


which  be  hsd  nirer  before  uperiebced,  whm,  for  the 
DTu  ume  in  nu  lifsi  he  raimd  himielf  benFBtii  the  groined  roof  ud 
■inDtic  archei  at  the  Romin  Calholic  utiiednl,  white  all  iU  thoDWnd 
h<Mlaw  echoei  wen  ntplfiot-  to  the  DotM  of  the  inblimeorgu).  the  bold 
tnimpet-toaes  of  which  ihook  the  wery  paTement  *nd  gra«e-HoBea 
beneath  hu  ieet.  The  ■ppeeruice  of  the  church,  beioK  h>  rerj  difTeroit 
from  what  he  had  erer  beheld  before,  mide  aleo  a  de^  impreuum  on 
his  mind:  the  tell  tnceried  windowi,  filled  with  |;orgeoail;-itailied 
— the  itrong  Tariatiaiie  of  light  sod  ibadow  which  Iher  earned, — 


Jblia«ed  capitalj,~the  perfamea  of  the  laTender-flowari 

which,  ariiing  irom  Nnokiag  ceoaeii,  filled  the  air, — the  dark  and 
(loomr  altar-piece,  with  the  altar  itaelf  bearing  a  gigantic  orneifii  of 
gilt-wark  and  enormooa  candlesticka  of  nlrer,  the  |i^  light*  twinkHnt 
•roiud  it, — the  floating  draper;  of  the  officietiag  priesia, — thaaonimMia 
prarere  nttered  is  an  anknown  langnage,  and  the  Esnent  refponiea  of 
the  twarthj  eongrttation,  togeiher with  "the  pealing  organ  and  tbe 
melodjona  khw  of  the  jroong  choriiten, — all  theae  combined,  entranced 
and  elevated  the  enthoaiaitic  loul  of  the  TQung  Highlander,  laiiinf  it 
from  the  groaaneai  and  trittemeaa  of  earth  almoat,  M  it  werSf  to  beano, 
to  grand  and  inwreauie,  in  Rmn  and  eerenonf ,  ii  tbe  relntiona  ferrice 
of  the  Chnrdi  ot  Bone,  u  it  exieU  on  the  Motineot  in  all  iU  ancient 

Poor  Evan,  who  had  never  beard  any  other  reliiiona  mnsic  than  tbe 
bsmble  I^vibyterian  pealm  in  Locbiila  kirk,  waa  for  lome  time  itmck 
with  a  feeling  of  anch  awe,  that  be  icaicely  dared  to  lift  hie  eyea,  leit 
be  ahoold  encoonter  the  fonnidable  xtae  of  aome  apirit  or  ditinitf 
standing  on  the  altar ;  and  tbe  wonderful  Eoiind  of  the  oiiuio  eauietl 
Ina  bold  heart  to  abrink,  although  he  could  baie  heard,  without  hi* 
oonrage  Uling,  tbe  roar  of  a  thooaand  pieoea  of  cannon.  However, 
when  the  maaic  ceased,  and  he  had  recovered  hii  uaual  BElf-ponaaaion, 
thenatire  ptcindicea  and  inherent  iourneu  of  tbe  trae  Preabfterian 
aasnmed  ita  aacendaacir  in  hii  mind. 

"O  air,  is  ttaia  no  an  nnco  kirk?"  he  whispered  from  behind. 
"Gnde  guide  lu!  never  will  I  tmat  myaelf  within  the  yett  □'  ane 
mair.  Jnst  look,  air,  at  that  pnir  papist  Pedro,  how  he  yammcra,  and 
cotut*  his  string  o'  yellow  beads  oner  and  ower  again.  O'd,  air,  thi* 
ding!  ■' !  And  look  at  tbe  pictureB,  tbe  imagea,  and  a'  that :  it's  juat 
a  tamptin'  o'  Providence  to  trust  ouneli  inaide  o'  this  neat  o'  papialryr 
idolatry,  and  deevildom.  Hecb  me,  air,  what  would  tbe  aold  men  and 
eaiUocha  in  tbe  clachan  o'  Lochiita  think  or  lay  if  they  kenned  we  were 
here  ?  And  what  would  oar  decent  body  o'  a  miniiter,  anld  midster 
MncklBwhame,  think  o'  that  chield's  awfa'  blatter  o'  lang  nebbit 

Ronald  had  often  motioned  him  to  be  aileot,  utd  be  now  «e**ed  a* 
the  Bub-prior,  a  black-browed  prieat  of  (he  order  of  St.  Franda  of 
Aanii,  aacended  barefooted  the  marble  atepa  which  led  to  the  lofty 
pulpit.  He  was  attired  in  tbe  garb  of  hii  order,  a  grey  gown  and  a 
oowl  of  wooUoi  stnff,  girt  about  bia  middle  with  a  Knotted  cord  of 
diieipline.  Hia  cbsplct  hung  at  his  girdle,  and  hia  cool,  falling  over 
hi*  neck,  diinlayed  hi*  iwarthy  feature*,  coal-black  bair,  and  shaven 
■calp.  At  the  lame  time,  Ronald  enconnternl  the  amiling  glaneea 
which  the  keen  bri^t  eyea  of  the  ladies  bettowed  on  him,  aa  tiny 
watched  from  time  to  time  the  impression  made  npon  Um  bj  the 


n,  dwelling  Bmi^MtioBUT  on  tfas  sinKaWr 
ta  tbc  Sponufa  CUaduRu  at  that  dme, 
'to  lore  all  maBkind,  ezesptmr  frenchiiMm,  of  whom  it  wo  tbar 
dotr  to  kill  u  mmr  ai  poaaibk.  * 

"  W«U,  Ethi,  irtat  think  yoa  of  the  diacourae  ?  "  nid  Ronald,  fai 
tliA  ln«  *aie«  in  <rtdch  the  gronp*  c)iuMrcd  mmd  Ua  oahmuu  Bn«- 
rall](  oauirenad.      '•  1  date  My  tlie  SpinUh  laaDdi  idrr  angslar  ta 

"JLy,  sir,  k  pola  me  ia  mind  o'  an  anld  uyine  o'  my  faitbertiiai 
idpsT.  '  A.  MM  may  wtnuBle,  but  ita  mnnlb  ii  no  aaade  for't.'  O'd, 
sir,  I  wadoa  gie  the  boonie  wn  kirk  at  Lochiala,  wi'  its  graaiy  (Tare- 
yard,  wbnr  we  naed  to  play  oD  Uk  SabbaCh  mondogB,  iar  ■'  die  kbfca' 


a  SpliB,  fbrbyii— " 


t  that  mamcDt  Qte  piieit  had  raUed  hia  voiee,  whi 

deaomwiiDg  a  iiane  npan  aU  heretic* ;  and  hia  ksm  exunnain  aya  fe 

"      Id,  wfaoie  aheek  reddened  with  m 


^^■i 


the  hnmble  i 


e  Scottiah  aeeeM,  canaed  Ronald  to  m- 

._-  u.     He  acknowledged  labia  own  heart. 

lading  the  ncgaoiH  dicplay  bdore  him,  he  wonld  pnfyr- 

ir '   «-       ■       ■  ■  ■  

Tlllam  kirk  at  hi , , 

and  tike  alowly  aong  paaLm,  raiaed  with  all  the  Ime  ferrosr,  the  itif 
aod  aober  fseUng  wbioh  animate  ■  Scotdah  ooogientkni,  and  raeall  tiM 
aoal-atiiTiBg  amotioni  which  inapiiied  those  who  Ued  at  Bottwdl,  at 
l^ntlaad,  and  Dnuaelt^.  He  Uunght  of  Alice,  toe ;  and  e«gwl»  did 
helong  for  the  arrival  of  her  broker  Lowa,  that  the  eaa*e  Of  bar 
baailiaaa  deaertun  might  be  explained. 

nteery  of  "  Viaa  la  Btligiim  y  Sajnau.'  ibura  Buoitaparlt  t" 
bom  the  preacher,  etdioed  by  the  deep  tone  of  a  Ibonaand  Spaniah' 
tongnea,  awoke  bim  &om  hi<  rererie,  and  be  look  priaoncr  witmn  hia 
own  the  white  band  of  Catalina,  wlio  wai  playing  with  the  silk  laaauL] 
of  bia  aash,  nnconadooa  of  what  die  waa  doing. 
" "         "      ■'  '      "  lud  withdrawing  it,  "  jiiii  aiiiiiii  iiiij 


lie  ncgeoiH  diiplay  b^ore  Um,  he  wonld  pnAr- 
t,  the  aimple  and  unaaBiimlnf  aervice  in  ths  aid: 
■the  qniec  aaimon  <rf  the  wlota-haired  miDials, 


, ,  aBwdi  raaaon  to  be  ao.    Hew  can  I  antear  otkea-  - 

wiae,  wbaai  the  hears  we  ihall  apend  together  an  ao  few  P  Bat  afae 
may  ffniget  dm  bb  aoon  aa  A£ce  baa  done,  thought  be,  and  hia  heart 
awnled  at  the  Idas.  The  donoa  made  no  iBmediate  reply,  and  Ronald 
WB  BDrpriaed  to  peTMbe  her  coloor  ehM^e  from  white  ta  ths  deepest 
ctimaon,  and  ^en  baeome  deadly  ;pale  fiia,  vibHa  her  dark  eys 
Saahed  with  peculiar  brilliancy  and  light. 

"  Benor,  me  crigiaal  of  lUa  ia  ptobably  the  caoae  of  yonr  aatoeaa," 
aha  said,  in  a  tnnmloiia  Toiee,  wtiile  afae  held  n^  h^  liiid'a  nriniatnn^ 

hdl  extent  of  the  chain,    ''^heia  tery  bcaotifuL    If  tUa  ia  her  miOM- 

ndie  moat  be  a  qoeen  among  wnneu ;  and  yon  Ion  her  T» 
,  donbtlem,"  ahe  added  in  a  crAl  and  aoirowftil  tone,  whidi  nnik 
dea^y  kOo  the  Ittart  of  Ronald,  as  he  haatfly  ooncealed  the  ohieot  at 

oioinoltheWBrlnSpan,  &«m  Itaala  tNO  by  MaidiBt Saafeat, 


*'H*}i  I  Mk  wtio  ibe  ii,  UBor?" 
"  A  »ery  de«r  friend,  or  rathar  one  who  ww  lucb." 
"  She  ia  dead,  then ;  or  perhapa  it  is  a  portFsit  t^  a  nnter  ?  " 
"I  Derer  had  one/'  replied  the  yoang  mm,  colouring  with  coDftvioB, 
while  be  taxed  hia  imagination  to.  find  a  reply  in  vam.     Happily  ioi 
him,  he  waa  ntliesed  from  hia  dilemma  by  an  eirkiinstion  from  Dddiu 
Inewll*,  who  had  hitberto  sat  aitenC,  aod  bad,  or  affected  lo  htne,  bMu 
gmiaic  intently  at  the  preadicr. 

"Holy  Virgin  1"  die  earneBtly  wbiipeied.     "  Sae,  Catalina,  yondei 
ii  inj  brother  the  cond^,  leaoing  (gainst  the  third  column  from  Tiatzio't 


"Ueie  at  churdi— the  Cond^de  Tnmlla  here?"  replied  her  cooin, 
becoming  pale  and  agitated. 

"Would  to  Heavem  aaid  San  Joan  &at  Balthauar  wu  anywliere 
ebe  tlwo  bare  at  this  moment!  Somewhat  <Usagteeabhi  will  cert^nly 
come  of  it.    Oh,  Benor  I  I  tremble  for  yon." 

"  For  aae.  Drama  IneKelle  I  Sore  yon  mean  not  what  yon  Bay.  I 
hasesband  tOpn>teEtinf*elf  with,  and  care  not  a  straw  for  any  cimd^ 
or  csvalier  in  Spain." 

"  True,  aenor.  I  meant  not  to  t^end,  bat  my  brother  Bolthaiiar  ia 
so  fiery.    Ah  !  he  sees  tu  now." 

Ronald  looked  ia  the  direction  pmnted  oot,  and  law  a  handwrne 
Spanish  officer  in  a  dathing  stBfF'aniform,  wearing  masaiie  epaulets 
and  aigidets  of  nlrar.  and  li  soore  of  mihiary  orden  of  knighthood, 
sCara,  badge*,  ribanda,  m^ab,  and  crosses  on  bis  hreaat,  leaning  list- 
lenly  agaimt  a  pillar  of  tiie  church,  holding  in  one  hand  his  cackad 
hat,  wbioh  was  adorned  with  a  large  plame  of  red  aad  yellow  featbcn, 
while  the  other  rested  on  the  hilt  of  a  yery  long  and  straight  Toled*. 
With  acardess  sort  of  glance,  he  cast  his  eye  al^ig  the  aule,  as  if  he 
hsd  been  watching  them  erer  since  theic  first  entrance ;  but  on  per- 
ceiTing  himself  obs«T*ed,  he  came  hastily  towards  litem.  A  frown  for 
a  moment  cmaMd  hia  6m  forehead  {  bnt  the  next  a  soft  amile  replaoed 
it,  and  he  stroked  the  coal-blank  monitachE  which  ouled  oo  his  npp^ 
lip,  forming  a  contrast  in  hne  with  hia  remBrkd>ly  white  teeth  below. 

To  hii  nster  and  coonn  he  paid  his  comt^imenla  in  a  gracefnl  and 
pofite,  yet  diAmt  mannar. 

"  BatthaiWJ,  thli  Is  the  British  i^cer  of  whom  I  tnld  yon  in  my 
Ustlattar,"  whiapoed  Ineaella,  iUrodaoiBg  Ronaldj  "thcaamewho 
mad  Alvara  de  Villa  Franca'a  life  when ' ' 

"  I  have  beard  all  the  story  ;  so  spare  me  a  rqetition  of  it,"  replied 
he,  waving  bis  band  and  coldly  bowing  to  Ronald,  at  wluMe  presence  he 
felt  a  diaptsosore  which,  certea,  he  took  very  Httle  pMna  to  conceaL 

"Bat  teU  ae,  Baltbozzar,  what  has  brought  you  here  so  oim- 
pededly  ?  and  why  do  yon  frown  in  so  nnbaconing  a 


"  Ikilh,  IneaellB !  yon  ore  excaedingly  nnpolibs ;  but  to  b«  angry 
with  you  is  useleti.     I  am  oarryitig  daapa'  '        '  ,       ,    .,  . 

Cmi6  Petme  yiilunnr,  tn  DoD  CailoB  d 


a  oarrying  daapatmB  from  my  colonel,  Ifatt 


*  hours,  or  leas.     Bat  how  ia  it  that  my  bir  eooiin 

Cttilina  has  not  me  smile  of  weleome  to  beatow  on  me,  thongk  lix 
montlu  hsTe  elapsed  since  I  waa  last  at  Merida?" 

"  Indeed,  Balduuu',  I  am  most  happy  to  see  yon ;  bnt  el  atnor 
ftirt  would  litUe  like  my  lau^ng  in  church,  you  knon." 

"SfMNsr^odre/pho!  Bnt  where  is  that  most  pmdeot  of  brothen 
Don  Alyaro  now  ?  I  heard  that  he  had  ran  bii  captain  through  the 
body,  and  so  got  command  of  his  troop." 


"  'T«ai  a  base  &laeliood  circalated  b;  old  Don  Saliador,  whoee 
guenllu  were  suppiMed  to  have  done  the  deed  ;  but  Alvoro  has  jniaed 
the  Spanish  armj  aoder  Marillo.  coaiin  Gondf." 

"  He  ta  B  thonghcless  brother,  truly,"  replied  the  cond£,  glincins  at 
Ronald,  "  to  go  off  tbna,  leaving  you  under  the  care  of  mv  uncle  the 
prior,  who  is  nearly  aa  aaeleaa  dow  aa  a  piece  of  spiked  ordnance.  A. 
yonng  lad;  without  goidance Bnt  jOn  look  as  if  aboat  to  speak, 

"  Don  Salvador  de  ZagaU,"  obsened  Ronald,  whom  the  coiid^  bad 
never  addressed  antll  now,  "  ia  alto  with  MurUlo  ;  and  there  may  be 
some  dan^rona  brawl  between  Aliaro  and  him,  should  tbey  meet." 

"  0  Diot  mio  I  Santa  Maria  forbid,"  exclaimed  the  young  ladies 
toEcther. 

"  It  would  ba  more  prndent  in  Alvaro,  aenor,  to  allow  the  goerillo 
chief  to  go  in  peace,  and  withont  moleaCalion.  He  Buffered  llie  wrong, 
and  was  in  the  right  to  reaent  it.  My  cousin  AWaro,  although  an 
accomplished  soldier,  is  no  match  far  old  Salvador,  who  in  the  use  of 
the  sword  and  pistol  has  scarcely  bta  equal  in  Spain  ;  besides,  Marillo 
is  a  fine  old  fellow,  and  he  takes  most  aommary  vengeance  upon  anv 
uoble  cavalier  who  seeks  the  free  privilege  of  the  ctaello  in  the  camp.  I 
preanme,  senor,  you  are  at  Merida  on  some  dnly  ?  I  believe  you  will 
find  it  very  agreeable,— much  more  so  than  hard  fighling  and  long 
marches." 

"No,  cooAi;  I  have  been  here  for  the  recovery  of  awonnd,  received 
from  a  Spanisli  hand  in  a  manner  at  once  base  and  dishonourable." 
replied  Ronald,  bia  brows  contracting  at  Che  sarcastic  tone  used  by  the 
Spanish  officer :  "  a  wonnd  in  the  arm  which  is  barely  healed,  and  it  ia 
scarcely  an  boor  since  I  relinquished  the  icarf  in  which  it  hung." 

"Then,  senor,  I  think  that  Ae  sooner  yon  rejoin  your  brave  regi- 
meut,  the  better  for  your  fair  fame.  A  gallant  loldado  who  valoes  hia 
honour  would  scarcely  permit  a  scratch  to  detain  him  from  the  field." 

"  A  scratch  1  How  now,  cond^  !  what  am  I  to  uoderstaod  by  this 
premeditated  rudeness  ?"  said  Ronald  furiously  and  aloud,  his  cberk 
flushing,  and  hia  eye  aparkUngwith  anger.  "  Wbsl  mean  yon.  senor  ?" 

**  Merely  what  1  bave  said,  senor  omcisle,"  replied  Don  Balthazzar 
in  the  same  provoking  tone  of  sarcastic  coldness.  "  Bnt  be  pleased  ti> 
moderate  your  tranaports  for  anothar  and  more  fitting  time.  It  would 
ill  become  a  noble  cavalier,  hke  me,  to  brawl  at  church  or  in  the  pre- 
sence of  ladies.  But  you  shall  bear  from  me  again,  senor;"  and 
bestowing  a  vindictive  glance  at  Konald,  and  a  cold  bow  on  bis  couaia 
and  lister,  he  preased-throogh  the  crowd,  and  left  the  church. 

"  Holy  Virgin '.  Ineaclla,  O  Dioa  !  1  dreaded  that  thia  wonld  come 
to  paas  the  moment  1  saw  Balthazzar  here,"  whispered  Catalina  in 
greet  agitation.     "  He  is  so  fierce  and  untraetable,  that  he  never  visits 


.  without  fighting  a  duel  with  aome  one.     But  you,  a 
BurEly  you  will  not  lay  to  heart  what  he  has  said  to  you  ?" 

"  Calm  yourself,  Catalina.  I  know  not  what  to  think  ;  butcertainly 
bis  behaviour  to  me  ia  very  nnacconntable.  Have  no  apprehenaion  on 
my  account ;  aa  I  aaid  before,  1  care  not  for  any  cavalier  in  Spain,  and 
Heaven  knows  there  are  plenty  of  them." 

"HioI  Catalina,"  said  her  thoughtless  cousin;  "heed  not  Bal- 
tiiBizar's  angry  looks,  though,  indeed,  he  can  be  fierce  enoogb  when 
be  pleases.  He  will  probably  depart  immediately  with  his  de«p>tob«l : 
he  iiud  he  had  bnt  ■  short  time  to  tarry." 

"  Pray  Heaven  that  may  be  so  1" 


I.  Coo^^lc 


"  Andtlien  Doa  Rantld  and  he  will  perhapi  aejtr  meet  ieud." 
"  Lict  us  ItaTe  Che  church.  O  IneEellB  1  how  my  heart  fluttera." 
"  lDiie«d,  niT  sweeC  coueia,  jioar  e yee  ba<e  been  the  cauM  of  more 

than  one  duel  already,  as  the  notcbee  on  Balttaazzar's  »ord  can  teatify  ; 

aod  you  have  great  reaaaa  to  feel  sorrow  and  diaqniet." 

■■  1  hear  the  hooh  of  a  horse;  'tis  galloping  through  the  Piaia." 
"  Jt  must  be  his,  CatBliuB ;  thanks  to  our  Ud;  ot  the  rock,  be  i> 

gone  '.    They  may  meet  uo  more." 
like  ladioa  were,  however,  both  mistaken.    Scaicely  had  Bonald 

eaeoTtcd  them  liome,  before  Ena  placed  in  his  band  a  note,  addr^ted 

to  "  El  Nobie  Caballeio,  Doa  Bonaldo  Slnart,  92Dd  Reglmienio,  Calle 

de  Oaadiana." 

In  spite  of  the  many  lexationi  which  annoyed  him,  Ronald  wcU  nigh 

Umsbed  on  teeing  this  strange  and  imperfect  addreu.    "  This  is  some 

trick  ofAlister's,"  tbonght  he,  ai  he  tore  open  the  billet,  the  contents 

«t  which  andecsiTBd  him. 

"  When  the  clock  of  the  Caia  del  Af  nntamiento  atrikei  tits  boor 
of  two,  I  shall  be  awaiting  you  in  the  thicket  behind  the  mioa  of  the 
castlB  of  Meiida.    Yon  wiU  not  fail  to  come  well  armed. 

■'  Balthazzab  UK  TacxiLLo." 

Aiwcr  and  sorprise  were  Ronald's  first  emotions  on  pemslng  this 

ulooked-for  cluUeng^  — i-r-i.  i . — :j — j jji.j — ,  ^ — _ — ?  — 

and  hSTing  ah-eady  1 

b«  bad  not  "  stolen  a  march"  i 

message  first. 

"  The  dsiil !"  mnttered  he;  "  Ibis  will  be  a  pretty  winding-up  of 
matters,  to  be  ebot  by  this  TindictiTe  Spaniard  !  But,  everythiug  con- 
sidered, my  life  is  scarcely  worlh  having  ;  certes,  a  challenge  could  not 
bane  come  at  a  better  lime,  when  my  heart  U  filled  with  misaalbropy. 
gall,  and  bitteraeas,  and  my  feelings  deadened  by  the  news  1  haie 
received  within  these  twenty-four  hours.  Perhaps  Alice  msy  weep 
when  she  resds  of  my  death  in  Che  GaitiU,-~»a  and  so  to  be  ensign, 
tict  Staart,  deceased.  Sorrow  or  death — come  what  may,  my  heart  is 
stniDg  for  it  all."  A  sour  smile  crossed  bis  featares,  and  he  glanced 
at  the  clock  of  the  corporatiDn-house ;    it  wanted  but  a  qnarler  of 


pistols  to  nse ;  and  the  oond^  may  object  to  so  formidable  ■  weapon  as 
tbi  broad-sword.  Would  to  God  Macdonsid,  Chisholm,  or  any  of 
oars,  were  berel  Evan,"  said  he,  tnioing  to  bis  servant,  who  had 
watdied  bis  excitement,  and  beard  bis  half-muttered  speeches  with 
considerable  concern  and  surprise.  "  Evan  !  " 
"  O'd,  sir,  ye  needna  speak  sae  loud  :  I'm  jnst  behint  ye.    What's 

"  I  have  received  a  challenge  to  fight  that  Spanish  officer  yon  saw  at 
chnrcb,  and  yon  moat  accompany  me  as  second.  It  will  be  pradent 
to  come  armed,  as  some  of  Uiese  Spaniards  are  treacherous  hounds, 
■Ad  thecond^  may  be  no  better  than  his  neighbours.  Oet  your  musket 
and  accoutrements,  and  follow  me  to  the  ruinous  castle  at  the  end  of 
the  town  ;  but  do  not  alarm  the  young  ladies,  who  I  see  are  waliiing 
in  the  garden  below." 

"A  duel!  to  fecht  a  duel  ?    Gude  guide  ns,  ur,  that's  unco  and- 


78 

den,"  raflied  Bnm,  tarning  pale  with  coaoem.    "  Aud  &re  ya  reilly 

gann?" 

"  Going,  IvBrach  !  can  you  ask  mg  snch  ■  qnertion  ?" 

"  And  yoar  uir  arai  iciircely  weel  yet  I — it  will  never  do.     O'd;  ~  ~ 


in  toar  place,  and  my  nkme'i  ao  Gnn  iTench  if  I  dinna 
y-Looking  chield  hia  kail  tiiroai{li  the  reek." 
"Obey  me  inetanUy, — the  time  if  Dearly  op  ;  follow  u 


witbonc  rorther  triflicg.  I  ebould  regret  to  speak  harshly,  I*erach,  u 
this,  perhaps,  i>  tlie  last  day  we  may  era-  apeod  together.  I  have  ■ 
great  regard  for  yon,  EvKQ ;  we  hsTe  bean  friends  rince  we  wore  little 
fihildren,  and  I  always  forget  the  diataace  which  birth  and  the  rules  of 
the  service  place  betweea  us  in  coasequeoce." 

"Osirl     O'd.ttr— " 

"  Shoald  I  fall,"  said  Ronald,  speaking  in  a  rapid  thoagh  fkltaring 
tone,  "  should  I  fall,  you  wilt  find  some  papers  and  other  mattna  in 
my  baggage,  which  I  wish  transmitted  home  to  Lochida ;  and  these  I 
dnire  yan.  will  delirer  either  to  Major  Campbell  or  Mr.  Macdonaid." 

**  Sir.  sir — O  Muater  Konald  1  my  very  heart  is  bursting  to  hear  ye 


]  that  gait,"  replied  Gian,  beginning  to  ahed  tears,  which  he 
acroie  in  rain  to  conceal.     "1  would-!  n      

Kior  place,  face  this  chield  mysel,  and  j,-_ --   
inna  think  the  wsur  o*  me,  sir,  becanse  I  greet  like  a  bairn.    I  would 


i'  pleasure  gang 


.e  band  to  hand  ony  mortat  man  wlthoat  qnai^g ;  bat  my  spirit 
floM  clean  swa'  when  itenger  draws  oigh  you." 

"  Stay,  Etan,  my  dear  old  playfellow ;  hold,  for  Heaven't  Mke. 
Yon  will  quite  auman  roe.  I  am  indeed  deeply  sensible  of  the  regud 
yon  bear  me,  and  hare  not  forgotten  the  kind  act  you  performed  in  oar 
wretched  birouac  at  La  Nava.  But  dry  your  tears  ;  your  fathera  did 
not  weep  when  they  followed  mine  to  battle," 

"  Ye  are  ricbt,  air,"  replied  Eian,  recorering  his  self-possessian  aa 
his  pride  was  ronaed ;  "  but  my  failher  wadna  be  aEhamed  to  yammer 
himsel,  if  he  kenned  that  danger  waa  nigh  you.  May  be  at  this  lionr 
they  ken  it  at  Lochisla  :  antd  Jau«t  sees  tfaingi  farther  off  than  jAn' 
folk.    ¥e*ll  no  forget  she  has  the  gift  o'  Uie  second -sicht." 

"  Listen!  If  anything  should  hap^n  to  me,  you  will  find  attached 
to  this  chain  a  miniature  of  Miss  Lisle. — Miss  Lisle  of  Incbavon," 
continued  his  master  in  a  treronlons  voice.  "Tell  Mr.  Macdonaid  it 
is  my  particular  desire  that  it  be  restored  to  her,  or  her  brother  Lonii, 
who  will  shortly  be  with  the  regiment.  1  trust  io  HeaveD  you  will  see 
lids  done.    And  for  my  fathei^my  poor  father  I  you  will  find  in  my 

largest  trunk But  I  will  tel!  you  the  rest  by  the  way :  it  is  nsalew 

addreaaing  you  while  yon  are  in  this  agitated  state.  Keep  up  your 
heart,  Evan,  like  a  man  and  a  Highlander  ! " 

"  Sir,  if  ye  should  fa',"  repIiM  Evan,  in  a  tone  of  assumed  firm- 
ness, "  a'  t}uit  ye  teU  me  most  religtoiuly  will  I  obey, — ay,  obey  ai  I 
wonid  the  commands  o'  a  voice  frae  Htnven  itself, — that  is,  if  I  can 
inrvive  yon,  which  I  dinna  think  possible.  O  boo  could  1  ever  fkce 
the  puir  auld  laird  at  hame,  and  tell  o'  what  had  oome  over  ye  in  this 
nnco  place  ?"  The  honest  fellow  pressed  his  malter's  hands  between 
his  own,  while  he  endeavoured  to  enhdne  bis  sorrow  and  dread. 

■  "       '         ■        ■     -  1,g^  placing  hia  regie 

A  Sootchman  ia  as  gude  as 

a  ftpaniaro,  ana  better,  may  tie.  Ye  were  aye  a  deadly  shot  on  the 
muirs,  and  may  settle  this  chield,  as  je  have  dnne  mony  ■  bonnie 
fallow-deer,  by  an  ounce  o'  lead  in  the  wame." 


M  tliat  monent  the  bdl  of  tha  Cum  dal  Arnatuniemto  tolled  the 

hoar  of  two. 

"  Hme  ii  np.  bv  besieiis  1"  exclsiiDed  Ronald  pMnonatalT  i  "  »ul 
tikis  cnned  coant  bu  obtained  ■  triumpb  orer  me :  be  will  be  flnt  on 
1ie  nvond ',"  He  cut  s  hastT  ulance  at  the  graoefal  fi^ra  of  Cataliu, 
■  Ae  leant  on  the  nurgin  of  die  fooatain  conTenuu  with  Donna 
■"  ■...._._  .i_   _.  i^  mnikot,  and  tber 


CHAPTEE     TTTT 

It  hu  a  itmifeT  q 
Thataddagof    . 

Upon  jimr  peiviQ, — tn^va  jmt  off,  oi 
Aianll^iaiiljduUDK,  not  too  near, 

UTOohiTefMafDRDerfrieDd  forfsi. 
But  after  baSf  Srrd  at  mice  or  lill«. 


''X'^^^'ShSi""" 


of  the  city,  where  the  remains  of  the  mouldering  fortreu  itand.  It 
was  a  soliCarr  spot,  inrrounded  b;  tbicketi  of  bnsbei  and  tall  weeping 
wUlowB.  Thne  was  little  dunce  of  an  interToption  in  innh  a  place, 
Mpwaallr  at  an  hoar  when  the  itreeti  were  almoet  deserted,  while  the 
iai;  Spaniards  were  enjoying  their  aiesta.  Within  one  of  the  square 
courts,  roond  which  rose  the  idobbt  fragioente  of  shattered  towen. 
Ikn  fonnd  the  CoiuU  de  Tnuillo  holdior  his  charger  br  the  bridle, 
and  conversing  with  the  Spanish  doctor,  Hendisabat,  whoie  case  of 
iaMrdinenta  was  diipla;ed  on  a  large  man  of  fallen  maaonry  near. 
The  condS  seemed  to  be  impatiently  awaiting  Booald's  appearance. 
"  Suior  1"  saU  be  bangbuy,  "  yon  bate  been  in  no  hurry  to  attend 
By  lommotM.  1  beUeve  I  mentioDed  in  the  cbnreh  of  Sao  Juan  that 
I  was  hastening  with  deipatclkei  to  Don  Carlos  d'Espaua,  and  conse- 
qoently  bad  no  lime  to  lose  in  Merida." 

"  I  am  bat  a  few  minates  beyond  the  upointed  time,  cond^  j  and 
you  mnst  be  aware  that  the  nodce  I  received  was  yery  luddeu." 
"  As  sudden  as  anwelcome,  perhaps." 

"  Senor  I  your  abserratiDDg  are  contemplible  and  yonr  hlood  alone 
can  wipe  oat  yonr  repeated  ingoleace,"  was  Sonald'a  fierce  reply. 
"  Cond^.  your  life  only  can  atoae  for  such  conduct;  and  by  the 
hcareDs  aboie,  we  part  not  thia  day  until  the  sword  is  dyed  with  the 
blond  of  one  or  both  of  ns." 

"  This  is  mighty  gay  1  Your  Isnguage  promisee  bold  deed*,  senor," 
replied  the  other  ironically. 

"  For  what  have  I  receiTed  this  hoatlle  tommbc  &om  yon,  oomd£  i 
from  yon,  whom  I  bare  never  wroDsed  ?" 

"  When  I  acquaint  you,  senor,  replied  the  SpanluMl,  hia  olive 
deck  glowinc  for  an  instant ;   "  when  I  acquaint  yon  that  Catalina  de 


VIU«  Fnno  ia  RI7  hetrotbed  nite,  I  luTe,  pectispi,  laffideotlr  ■!■' 
smred  that  qaestion." 

"  Donna  Cacalina  ii  no  more  to  me  than  any  other  lady  in  Spmn,' 
(nid  Ronald,  cotouriiiB:  in  tain,  for  he  knew  the  tnertion  to  bi 

I  Aid  not  come  her«  ti 
Yoa  bare  bronsb 
pistols,  of  conrse?' 
"  I  haTC  nownponbat  m;r  sword  ;  and  1  am  perfect  master  of  it." 
"  Wa  will  prove  that  in  good  time.  I>  however,  am  better  pro- 
Tided."  He  took  from  his  Dolaters  a  very  handsome  pair  otUmg 
borM-pistoU.  "Chooie  one,  seoor;  and  bere  are  ball-cartridges 
enough  to  last  ng  titl  snnset,  which  yoa  are  scarcely  like  to  see,  if  my 
hand  ia  ii  ateady  a*  it  ninally  is." 

Ronald  replied  only  by  a  KOrnfoI  araile,  and  they  proceeded  sacb 

IiriU 

'Tis  ■  very  canienient  distance.  But  what  mean  yon  by  briniing  aa 
armed  soldier  with  yoa  here?"  be  exclaimed,  bis  attention  banc 
attracted  to  Evan  b^  the  latter,  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment, 
loosening  hii  bayonet  in  the  aheath. 

"  He  IS  a  private  soldier  of  my  own  regimant.  I  had  no  other  friend 
In  Merida  to  accompany  me." 

"  Friend  ?  A  brave  soldier  requires  none  to  assist  him  in  defenos 
oF  bis  honour.  You  mait  know,  lenor,  that  a  Spanish  cavalier,  in  an 
affair  of  this  aort,  seeks  no  other  ally  than  a  aharp  blade  and  anre  eye : 
however,  desire  yonr  fellow  to  retire,  that  there  laly  be  no  treadiery. 
We  draw  lots  for  the  flrat  shot,  1  preaame  ?" 

"Agreed,  cond£,"  answered  Ronald,  whose  Highland  blood  was  aQ 
on  fire,  and  wboae  anger  had  been  gradually  increasing  at  the  eavalier'a 
insolent  demeanonr  and  aasnmed  tone  of  aaperiorlty,  until  he  longed. 
with  a  fierce  eagemeaa,  to  ohaatiae  him,  by  the  infliction  of  some  aerera 
bodily  injnry, — if  not  totally  to  depriie  him  of  lifci.  Lots  were  drawn 
by  Doctor  Mendizabal,  and  the  Jirtt  shot  fell  to  the  cond£.  Aa 
eipreasion  of  triumphant  malice  glittered  in  his  large  dark  eyes ;  ha 
smiled  aonrly,  showing  bis  white  teeth,  and  retreated  dose  to  the 
rainoas  wall,  where  he  planted  liimaelf  abont  aiiteen  paces  off,  and 
examined  with  the  moat  acrapaloiu  accoracy  the  flint,  priming,  and 
muzzle  of  his  pistoL 

With  the  other  in  bis  right  hand,  Konald  stood  erect,  awaiting  the 
cond£'a  Are. 

I  muat  own.  that  when  he  heard  the  click  of  the  lock,  his  heart  for  a 
moment  biled  him  at  the  prospect  of  eo  endden  a  death,  and  the  fear 
of  falling  nnrevenged  ;  it  was  the  feeling  of  a  moment  only, — the  next 
he  was  idl  atem  e^ernesa  to  b«  fired  at,  and  to  lire  in  his  torn,  should 
he  Burvive.  With  clasped  hands  and  starting  eyea  Evan  watched  Che 
heart-atirring  a^r,  stoutly  resolving,  ahoald  his  mssCer  fall,  to 
avenge  him  by  driving  his  bayonet  through  the  heart  of  Don  Bal- 
thazzar. 

"  Cmdado,  imor  offldale,"  cried  the  caaii,  triumphantly  ;  "Dob 
Alvaro's  imprudence  la  likelv  to  cost  yoa  dear.  By  Our  Lady  of  the 
Sock,  your  lileiafbrfeitpd.  I  am  the  moat  deadly  shot  in  aU  Coitile; 
but  yet  1  woald  spare  yoa  on  one  condiiioD,— ^uuit  yon  iiNar  by  a 


•oldier'i  nend  word  of  honour,  nercr  igun  to  come  into  ths  pnunce 
of  DoDUK  C«taliiii." 

"  What  right  hkie  yOD  to  dictate  tmni  lo  deeding  ?  Never,  prond 
Spuiinrd,  wbile  I  lire  will  1  mBke  ■uch  ■  promise. " 

"Then  die  !"  cried  tbe  other  furioailv.  He  raised  bit  pistol :  hii 
«ye  glanced  over  tbe  sigbt  for  a  second,— lie  fired,  and  the  surroDnding 
nmu  rsng  wicb  (he  sharp  report.  Ronald's  palaei  beat  more  freely  as 
tbe  bisaine  shot  whistled  through  bis  Highland  booiiet,  sending  one  of 
tbe  long  buck  feathers  wbicb  adorned  it  floating  away  on  the  ereiuDS 

.  "^usebe  to  tbe  Lord  in  Heaven  1  ye  have  eacaped,"  said  Evan, 
fervently.  "  Bat  it's  yoar  turn  now,  sir  i  level  low,  and  if  the  muzzle 
rises,  you'll  be  sure  to  niog  him  like  ony  muir-coclt ;  and  many  a  gude 
thousand  we've  bagged  Ibegither  in  StraCbonan,  and  mony  mair  we'll 
bag  pn  we  get  ower  this  awftt'  adveotare." 

Jiioi  y  Dernoniot !  some  demon  o(  hell  bas  tamed  aside  m^  band. 
I  have  shot  at  a  score,  and  never  yet  swerved  in  my  aim,"  cned  tbe 
cond^,  in  a  hoarae  tone  of  anger  and  surprise,  when  as  Che  smoVe 
cleared  off  he  beheld  bis  antsgoniBt  stil!  standiiig  erect  before  him. 
"No,  by  Santiago!  I  never  missed  before.  Yon  bare  stood  my 
dischara  bravely,  senor cavalier ;  bat  mycourageis  not  less  tbaayour 
own.     Fire!"  be  cried,  laying  bis  band  upon  bis  heart. 

"  Noo,  Maister  Ronald, — noo,  sir !  O,  be  calm  ;  may  be  ye'U  never 
hae  sic  onither  chance.  This  chield  looks  unco  saucy  ;  but  mind  ye 
tbe  anld  proverb,  '  Ilka  cock  crawa  croase  on  ita  ain  niiddeoatead.' 
It's  moat  awfii'  wark  this  for  a  Sabbath  evening ;  but  oh,  sir !  level 
low;  mark  tbe  buckle  o'  bis  waist-belt,  and  if  the  piece  throws  high, 
like  the  liber,  the  brsw  dies  at  bis  button-holes  stand  a  bad  chance. 
Evan  spoke  in  an  sniioos  and  hurried  tone,  while  he  eyed  the  cand£ 
with  DO  slight  feeling  of  hatred  and  animosity.  Ronald  levelled  his 
pistol  at  the  tall  and  finely-formed  figure  of  bis   brave  opponent, 

■      surveyed  him  ateadily,  withont  a  moscle  of  his  noble  feottirei 


cbwuing. 


nniB  Highlander,  and  fired  his  weapon  in  the  air.    An  exctamat^ 
sorrow  from  I^van,  and  anoUker  of  angry  snrprise  from  the  Spaniard, 

followed  the  report.- 

"  Santoi  Banliuiraot  I  what  mean  yoo  by  thia  ?  Am  I  unworthy  of 
bong  fired  at  ?  Yon  have  most  groBaly  insulted  me  by  this  acQOn, 
aenor  ;  and  you  ought  to  have  couBiderM  the  very  great  honour  1  did 
yon  in  becoming  personally  your  antagonist." 

"How!  Don  Balthazzar;  honour? 

"Certainly.  Save  myself,  perhaps,  no  cavalier  of  noble  lineage,  or  a 
lang-tranBmitted_  name,  would  have  condescended  to  contend  thus 
apeolyin  arms  with  a  stranger,  whose  birth  and  blood  are  bothobacnre. 
No,  senor  !  a  dagger-throat  from  a  dark  corner  would  have  put  an  end 
to  our  rivalry.  But  think  not  to  escape!  for,  by  onr  Lady  of  the  Rock 
In  Leon,*  we  part  not  this  day  until  the  sod  smokes  with  the  blood  of 
OMOr  other  of  us, — so  defend  yooraelfl"  He  unaheathed  hia  lone 
cavalry  sword,  and  rushed  so  suddenly  upon  Ronald,  that  the  latter  bad 
liarely  time  to  draw  and  parry  bis  impetuoua  onset.  So  fierce  was  hi* 
uch-frcqnflDlAd  imiga  of  tSieVtrgiD  Uary,  on  a  mtrnnt^  eilled  di«  Bock 

-  •--■ V- j_^<  BsltBisMS  sod  Rndrito,  In  Leon.    ItvUndtlMn, 

which  is,  I  belim- '  '— --' — 


a  a  buiWDB,  i 


woen  ineir  meea  oaaca  ciuDca  mgaacri  ana  wo  □ 
riated  St  this  nntoofccd  for  ausiJt,  tfait  for  lome  m  . 
blindlr  ■nd  M  rBiidom,  whirUnc  Mi  Iubtt  dsfmora  roiuid  fab  hmd 
Hka  >  wiDow  mnd,  *iul  hsTlng  booj  iwrroir  ocapcB  from  ths  ikup- 
pointedbluteof  theSpcDiud,  irtio  («Uiii«d  bia  temper  ltd  pwtneaW 
mind  ulminblj'.  Ronald  *ooQ  (band  the  neecHiCy  of  bebisooollto- 
wUe,  and  niiag  art  ai  weU  u  eaoisge.  Id  the  faihion  of  the  Hlgbland 
.  _.  ...    -_^  jjg  placed  forward   his  right  foot  with   a  long  stride. 


itiDg  it  as  a  temptiiig  object  for  a  blov,  whike  he  nairowlr 
watched  the  tje  at  bis  >d*en«Ti  who  uutantlr-  dealt  a  sweepiiu 
stroks  at  tbe  MeoceleB  limb,  wluidi  the  yoang  Gael  withdrew  wioi 
die  rapidity  of  Ughtoiiis,  bestowing  at  the  ume  time  a  blow  on  die 
i»nd6,  whieh  broke  the  theU  of  his  Toledo  and  womded  bii  right  hand 
sererclTp     He  dropped  hU  ihatteted  weapon. 

"  Clapnare  for  e*er  I "  shooted  Evan,  tiiaiaphaiitlT  capering  abon^ 
napping  his  flogen,  whooping  and  hiHooing  in  a  trahr  Highland  strle, 
10  Meiiofsd  was  he  to  see  his  master  netorioua.  "Oaymorefor  em 
anif  Bfc  I  boanilr  dane, — braTely  dime.  Sir  Wallace  himself  conldn 
hae  matched  .him  better.  It  was  my  puir  anld  faitfaer  teamed  ye  (hat 
trick,  Maister  Ranald  ;  and  God  be  thanked  if  i  a'  ow«t  soo,  and  thrt 
yoor  >luD  is  a  haill  sne." 

Tha  discomfited  caralier  bestowed  on  him  a  prond.look,  at  omK 
wtthering  and  disdunfol. 

"  Noble  aenoT,"  >ud  he,  taming  to  Ronald,  "joa  bare  tUi  d^ 
Tanqoished  one  of  the  moat  accomplished  of  King  rerdlnand's  oanJrj 
officers  1  in  fact,  senor,  I  am  one  of  tbe  best  swordsmen  in  all  Hie  tea 
prOTiDces  of  Spain ;  and  to  disarm  me  thes,  i>  do  smalt  feat  fbrta 
joong  a  soldier,  and  1  honimr  yon  fbr  IL  Catalioa  de  Tilla  Franot 
most  be— 'bat  strike  I  Fortune  has  placed  my  life  a  second  time  at  row 
abaolale  disposal :  take  it ;  for  1  swear  by  erery  saint  on  oar  moDkiA 
moster-rolls,  I  will  have  no  ignominions  terms  dictated  to  ma,  eren 
thongh  disarmed  and  at  your  mercy.  So  strike  the  blow  that  will  firea 
yon  from  me  for  B*er." 

"  Nerer !  gallant  oond^.  Tliii  quarrel  was  yonr  own  seeldnCi  and 
I  fbreive  yoD  for  it  freely,  and  for  tiie  many  inialta  yon  have  oftmd 

"  Senor  ojflciate,  yon  ere  too  generous :  no  caraSer  or  rival  in  Spain 
wonld  lose  the  dunce  yon  cast  away  so  carelessly." 

"  Eian.  hand  this  gentleman  his  sword.  And  now,  coad£,  we  most 
look  to  your  wound.     1  tnut  it  is  not  a  sBiere  one?" 

"  Pho  1  'tis  a  mere  scratch." 

"  '¥et  it  bleeds  much." 

"  Congo  I  it  does — more  than  I  wish  it  to  do.  But,  aenor,  t  kn> 
nCRTed  so  many  wounds  iadiflbrent  ways,  and  have  bledsomuch,  ttit 
I  marvel  I  hive  any  blood  left  in  me  at  atl." 

"  1  regret  that  the  cut  is  so  seTere,"  said  Ronald,  as  ttu  eondfi  ImH 
np  his  hand,  fiom  which  Uie  blood  streamed  freely. 

"  Pho  )  aeoor ;  to  express  retret,  thoegfa  it  may  appear  rsry  gftM- 
HMis,  it  folly.    A  tew  minutes  noc^  we  would  with  pleasure  liay« 
r  blades  thiongh  each  otben  hearti — but  that  feeling  la  paat 

A  ndeudi    ■   '      " ^-    .       -,_ 

nldily,  and  let  n 

Carlos  d'Bapana  will  seareoly  get  the  despatehei  widxin  the  aapoin 

time."  The  wocad  was  tied  up  hastily,  so  impatient  was  Don  &ltbi 


tar  to  be  gone ;  and  s  itruiKe  eicitei>tnt  and  irritabjlitf  p< 
fahn  now,  iiuEeul  of  his  former  coolaeas  and  wlf-pounnoii. 

The  momeat  it  was  over,  be  ibarplr  scmtiDiied  bii  uddte-iirthl  and 
haiaan-tnekies :  after  w^uA  ka  ranlUd  «ilh  Ike  grace  ot  a  true 
horaeniaii  npoo  the  back  of  bi*  noble  Spanith  ohaT^er,  which  bad 
■tood  bj  vnamrei  dBiini  Um  coufliM  betinen  Um  ridar  and  Ronald 

"  Sanor,"  aaid  tbe  and£  to  the  Utier,  in  a  k>i>  but  empbatki  voioc^ 
"  our  qoarrel  i*  ended  amicab^  br  the  prcicRit,  bat  penapi  we  nu^ 
Bnet  again.  Do  not  think  that  a  ea*d>cr  of  oU  Caatile  will  Ihaf  eaaily 
reiign  to  anotber  >o  fair  a  price  aa  Cetalina  de  ViQa  Tranea.  Nd^ 
Mnor ;  I  most  lire  for  her,  or  laam  to  die  for  Spain." 

He  daabed  the  aharp  rowvli  into  Ua  hona'a  SaBhi,  tMrinc  th«  -rtrj 
akin ;  and  tordag  Ike  animal  to  le^i  a  mined  Wall,  fnllr  rii  Rxt  higk. 


EBtra  atrcet  of  tbe  eity. 


ihed  from  their  (ight,  and  rode  madl;  and  reckleaaly  towurd 
ity.    A  few  minMea  more,  and  ibeTbdkatdbii 

flaahing  in  tbe  eraDing  lan,  at  be  plmgedfor- 

e  fcriomi  speed  beyoDd  tbe  widla  of  tbe  dly,  and 
diBappeared  o«er  tbe  emfawncei  in  tke  dire^OD  of  Albaqmrqoe. 

"iBe  ia  a  gallant  fellow,"  tbonsht  KnuU,  who  wal«had  hua  antil  ha 
diaappeared,  "  and  a  noble  example  he  baa  flren  me.  To  bim  I  bare 
^moat  anwitlingly  acted  Ibat  ^lart,  whiek  now  Hyadferd  aola  to  me. 
B«t  fbr  Tnuillo— I  have  nollnng  to  regret :  I  kare  acted  koBomrablr 
towards  bim;  and  in  mr  own  heart  1  Ibaok  Sod  that  tbaa^namlu 
ended  amicablf,  and  wilb  lo  littk  damage." 

Anintermpivn  now  occaired  to  STan't  sxpieasiODi  of  ^ey  for  the 
MiMr  of  bi>  naster,  who,  alUxm^  nott  inlMMtod  in  Oa  ferliBBte  isiae 
eftednel,  eared  ^d«d  least  aboMiL  F«r  Ua  altMdaaoe,  DoeUc 
Mnirfijahal  had  rteeiTed  frem  Bonald  a doMoa,  M  OMtil.  *  «^  worlk 
Ant  ^3.  lOt.  Bogliah;  and  aa  k  was  the  Brat  tune  in  his  lib  that  ka 
had  e«Er  received  ao  great  a  f^  bia  Ikanba,  kia  i^oteststiona,  and  die 
HKOpa  he  nade  wiA  iia  somWero,  mn  mnnmerabie ;  and  be  bad 
JDSt  taken  hi)  departare,  wken  Saiglulo  Oome*  seiambled  kniriedlf 
oier  tke  minoaa  walii,  and  laa^ng  into  the  aort  af  ooort  wkere  tkef 
Hood,  adnnnd  towanb  Ranald  wtlh  a  flpanitb  military  aalala. 

"  Noble  lenoc,"  said  be,  breathlessly,  "  IbaTobeen  JBacafcbof  JM 
•TST  the  whole  of  Merida— " 

"Mylifeon'l,  aaitherfetMiD'  job  '■"  qacnl«tedEnn,wboiBwPedTa 
WH  higfalF  excited,  altboogb  be  know  not  ■  word  be  nttated.  "  Oot 
aft,  Oonei,  in  ■mse  decent  tgngna  a  bodj  can  camprebenil." 

"  A  maletecr  Ima  within  this  boat  arrind  from  Foente  del  MaistrCi 
■nd  aaTB  he  saw  a  {mrtr  of  Freadi  earalrj  adi^unag  down  this  liiie  of 
the  Gnsdiana.  Donna  Catatina  wiabes  to  asa  row  inmadialelr.  Yea 
meat  fly,  seaor,  if  yon  wonld  sicape  baag  made  prteawer." 

"  twmA  eaiaby  I  How  oan  it  be  passible  ?  Yet  Evijyu,  of  tks 
Ulfc,  said  eometking  abeat  te,  wirick  Ibare  forgotten.  Can  the  reiaeilr 
of  yoor  iafoTDUot  be  relied  on  ?" 

"  He  ia  tmo  to  daub,  senor  1  He  iamy  own  brother,  LaaaToCrOBia& 
rf  Marida,  and  an  bonester  maletecr  will  not  ba  haad  □■  tbe  road 
beCweon  Madrid  and  Alcantara — and  that  is  one  of  mncy  leagnaa  in 
kmdi.  He  bu  beat  the  boDonr  to  be  employed  moreOian  onoe  by  my 
Lent  WdUDgtoa,  aa  a  ipy  span  Mars^l  Sonit  and  Marment." 

"'  "  '  "^ "  a,  tmly  1    Are  the  enemy  in  foree?" 


"  'Til  Tcry  nnacooiiDtabla  how  ther  Iato  ontflinked  our  dirinon  ia 

"  Senor,  tber  ™<iM  bsTS  sdnneed  by  Mine  lecret  mj  pointed  oU 
by  •ame  of  those  tnutorona  banditti  which  infist  ercrr  tierra  uid  wood 
jaat  DOW.  ThMS  fellowt  would  hug  their  mother  for  ■  merwedi ;  to 
til  no  woodor  tbef  ars  often  fUie  to  Spain." 

"  These  Udccts  most  UMnitably  be  captured  bj  Sir  Rovland's  ad- 
vanced gnwd,  which  cannot  Ite  far  off  now." 

"  True,  senor ;  bat  ron  ma;  either  be  killed  or  taken  captive  before 
the  British  cosie  np — *ad  so  nu;  I,  as  a  Spanish  soldier.  We  mnit 
retire  westwards  to  Albnqnerqae.    Bot  come,  senor;  Doniu  C*ta- 

"  Yonder  they  oame,  by  haavens  I  "  eried  Ronald,  as  a  cloud  of  dnst 
and  the  glitter  of  aocoatrementa  appeared  alwat  two  or  tbree  mites  off. 
adfBDciDg  rapidly  towards  Msrida  by  tbe  ri*er  aide.  "  We  shall  have 
to  retire  withoot  delay ;  but  I  most  first  bid  the  ladies  adiea._  Get 
yoor  harness,  Pedro;  sod  thongh  there  are  hot  three  of  ns,  we  will  not 
surrender,  eren  to  them,  wichont  firing  a  sbot." 

"Vila  I"  otied  tbe  Spaniard,  toBiinghii  red  forage-cap  into  the  air. 
and  leaping  ap  to  catdk  it  ania.  "  Tira,  noble  aenor  '.  I  will  follow 
yon  to  death,  even  n  I  wonld  the  noble  csralier  who  command*  i^ 
troop,  or  Kii^  Ferdinand  the  Serentb  himself." 

Desceoding  firom  tbe  roitu  of  (he  fortress,  they  entered  the  city, 
vhere  all  wa«  terror,  eonfndon,  and  dismay  at  the  nneipected  appear* 
ance  of  tbe  enemy,  whose  nnmberi  were  exaggerated,  and  declared  to 
be  the  whole  of  Uarshal  Ney'a  dinslon,  and  which,  aooording  to 
repOTt,  had  utterly  annihilated  the  British  nnder  Bir  Rowland  HiU. 
Most  of  the  inhabitants  were  takii^  to  flq^t,  laden  with  their  bedding 
and  clothing, — matters  which  a  9{>>niard  renka  among  his  moat  vali^ 

able  goods  and  cbatteb.    Bn-^-'-  -'--   ■--— -t— . ' 

sort,  were  pressing  towards 


a  afnniard  renka  among  his  moat  vi 
ndreds  of  men,  bearing  Imrdaos  ot  ei 
Uia  western  gate,  foUowad  by  won 


the  iDTadem  of  thrir  soil.  Among  others  appeared  Doctor  Mendiaahal, 
carrying  a  carUne  in  one  hand,  while  witii  the  other  holed  by  the  bridle 
« stoat  male,  on  which  wM^  seated  his  wife  and  two  children.  Othen 
led  males  and  dMiiteys  ladea  with  all  kinds  of  hoosebold  stnff,  and  a 
dense  pren  enaned  amoi^  the  crowd  about  the  «ity  gala,  and  loud 
enraes  of  anger  and  inpatunoe  were  nttoed  on  all  aides  at  the  dela)[  in 
front,  the  intense  pmsore  from  the  continoally  increasing  mass  behiad 
permitting  bat  lew  to  get  ont  at  a  tiaae. 

At  length  a  passage  wm  made  throa^  the  dense  colnmn  by  tb^ 
•TriTsl  ofaa  important  partooage,— tbe  oorregidor,  or  chief  mariitrBte 
of  tbedtr,  anrnrandedbyseTefalalgnasilsin  broad-leaied  sombreToa. 
wearing  the  livery  of  the  city,  and  armed  witli  long  halberta,  or  Spanidi 
blonderbaases  with  brass  tidl-inoatht.  The  oorregidor  wss  a  grave 
old  hidalgo,  weaiiiiu  a  large  military  cocked-hat  and  long  mnnstarhni 
twisted  np  to  Ms  can ;  be  was  mafSed  in  a  Urge  Imtwn  cloiA,  and 
naiAed  his  c^ar,  wUle  be  sorveyed  with  an  nnmored  eye  the  crowd, 
where  almost  every  bee  wore  the  eipreasina  of  terror,  rage,  impaHeno^ 
•nd  dismay.  However,  all  fell  back  on  tbe  right  and  left,  as  hit  old» 
fcshionad  coMih,  with  i(*  enblssoned  coats  otmoriol,  and  drawn  by  a 


n&  K  livery  tmnt,  wearing  ■  red  feUher  in  hii  lombrero,  t  itiletto 
in  hia  mh,  tnd  krined  with  u  cnormoiu  whipt  which  wu  never  ■ 
monumt  idle,  being  eontianatly  at  work  dtber  among  the  people  to 
■aka  tbam  give  way,  or  on  hia  cattl«  to  make  them  iocmae  tbdr 
need,  and  place  M  gnat  a  diitaoce  at  poiaibla  between  himaalf  aod 
tndieadcd  Isfiooa  ot  Pranoe.  lUa  acrrant  rode  along^e  of  the 
B>^  which  drew  the  vehicle,  leading  it  by  tfae  bridle,  the  niiial  cuton 
ia  Spain,  atkd  one  whidi  it  tmly  very  awkward  and  snngbtly. 

At  the  gati  of  the  garden  Riniald  waa  met  by  the  yoou  ladiea,  who 
both  advanced  hastily  towarda  hiin,  eiclalning,  "O  Don  Bonald! 
haveyoa  beard — " 

"  ITiey  are  io  tight—" 

O  Main de  Dm/  yon  will  be  either  killed,  or  talteiia  priMMM 
over  tliB  FyreOEes  to  France." 


"  To  euape  either  of  theie  fatei,  I  moat  bid  yon  initantlv  adi 
MDoritaa, — nnleaa  yon  will  content  to  retire  with  me  from  Meri__ 
wUdi  wiUaoarcely  beaiafepUcefor  yon  while  the  French  areioit 


MDoritaa, — nnleaa  yon  will  content  to  retire  with  me  from  Merida, 
'y  beaiafepUcefor  yon  while  the  Fr      ' 
irty  are  tome  of  Dombroniki'a  Poliil 
>r  thdr  aentinienta  either  of  chivdry  oi 


Tlw  advancing  party  aie  tome  irf  Dombroniki'a  PdI^  laneer*.  wbo 


teiy.  They  are  rongfa  doga,  I  nnderaUnd  i  and  in  gallantry,  are  far 
inferior  to  the  brave  cavalry  of  Fnuwe." 

"  Oh,  they  are  aad  fellowa,  theae  lanoera,  tnd  wear  frigbtfol  wbllkera ; 
bat  we  do  not  (ear  them,  Moor,"  replied  Ineaella  in  her  ainal  langhing 
tese.  "Yon  tnnu  know  that  the  Cand£  d'Erlan,  who  it  one  of  my 
many  mott  hnmble  and  dav oted  adaoiren,  gave  me  a  written  protection 
telaat  time  he  waa  here,  and  all  aoldiera  who  march  under  the  tri- 
eidovr  of  Prance  mnat  reapeet  and  obey  it ;  therefore,  we  do  not  ftar 
them — qoite  die  reverae.    Some  of  the  FrentA  are  very  gay  cavaliert> 

*Bd  I  knew  a  very  haDdaome  cfaataeni But,  pbol  poorfeUowl  be 

w«i  aaaaaalnated  with  aome  otben  at  Albnqnenine." 

"Tbea,  Donna  IneaeUa,  yon  tear  not  to  remain.  And  will  yons 
Iptter  protect  your  eonsin }" 

"  O  yea,  aeoor,  it  protects  all  who  are  with  me;  bnt  of  conrie' yon — " 

"  MnM  depart  at  ODoe." 

"Exactly,  aeoor;  oMD'Erlon'aletterwillnot  protect  yon,  who  an 
Ua  enemy. 

"  Then,  emoribu,  now  for  Sight,"  replied  Ronald,  tightening  Ua  uih 
and  belt.  *' I  moat  abandonmybaggageto  yonr  charge.  Theoitiieni 
are  nearly  all  off  en  itmie  for  the  north  and  weat,  and  all  the  ehnrcli 
balla  are  tolUng  diimally.  Bat  1  tniat  Sir  Rowland  HUl'l  advanced 
nard  will  be  here  by  to-monrow,  and  if  «o>  onr  cavalry  nnder  General 
Long  will  aoim  oaptoi*  ttia  bandfiil  oflanoen." 

"  11m  appear,  however,  to  have  aeared  away  my  fiery  brother,  the 
coedt ;  tie  galloped  (arioody  down  the  atreet  a  few  minaCei  ainoe, 
nearly  riding  over  a  poor  old  padre  (protect  ni,  Heaven  \),  and  left  the 
lowD,  without  even  bidding  na  adien,  althoogh  Catallna  called  to  him 
bam  Ae  atreet  balcony." 

"Alaal  Inetella,"  aaid  Catalina,  "  yonr  prattle  will  detain  him  her* 
Me  loM.  and  every  moment  ia  fraught  with  danger." 

"Holy  Tirgin,  I  hope  notl  Do  not  eompromiae  yonraafetyby 
taiyiBg  longer  here,  lenor.  Take  the  road  for  the  foreat  of  La  Neva, 
nd  Fadra  Oomex  will  direct  yoa.  The  Mother  of  Qod  keep  her  holy 
hind  over  yon,  brave  cavalier  1  for  we  may  never  meetagain. ' 

"breweUI  aeaorMJe.    We  b«ve  been  very  happy  In  Hwida,"  aail 


CatiliiH,  in  a  *oiea  of  ti 
hiad,  vdUb  bcr  lip  qniicrc 
mommit  the  dlitaid  aoniid  of  a  ovaliy  InunpM  «n 

OB  &•  I— IlilH  blHB. 

"Come  Mm,  bt;  waniMiuiaMdaamiiialiB  miir, — ifa  jnst  a  tamiiliil' 
e*  PRmdeace,**  arged  Enn,  emnuiuic  hia  flint  ••  be  iCood  at  tha 
nrdm  (ita  with  fNadro  Gonei,  vbo  wm  smed  widt  hii  carioBe,  and 
bad  dannad  fab  helmsC  aitd  acoootiemetiti, 

"  Gude  bf  to  y>,  leddiai,"  added  tha  Hi^Uan^ar,  famdiing  bia  boa- 
nat ;  "  aad  monT  tfaoccaaii  tiiaaka  t«  ye  fin  yoar  IdniltiMa  to  idt  aiaiater 
m  tUa  imaa  kola  o'  a  plaoe." 

"  Keep  this  for  my  uke,  hie  CitaUna,  and  ihink  of  ma  aoBudaaca, 
wbec  I  am  br  any  from  joa,"  eaid  Ronald,  caatiDi:  hia  tartan  plaid 
Bvar  hn  wbaCs  abinJdMi  a«  a  paHingiift;  and  Idadai  her  pale  bcow, 
and  her  coumn'i  hand,  he  ntired  baBtily  fi:CT  the  gmlea,  fbllimed  by 
theaoUlraa. 


CFATTEB    HV. 

MCLBTiaBa. 


TSB  red  aan  wai  aettaiig  amidat  a  aea  of  lijlit  floatini  daudi,  which 
diaplayad  a  thonMDd  bleDdliig  ihadea  of  pBTple,  aaffroD,  and  g^  abed- 
dini  om  aame  irann  huea  on  IJie  aocaery  BiDnsd  Heiida,  tinpnt  ervf 
object  of  ihe  beiautiM  landacape,  thionch  whidi,  menndnring  batmen 
dvh  green  groves  of  the  orange  and  oliTe,  wonnd  IIm  dowly  rolling  ' 
and  broad-maomed  Guadiana,  seeming  like  a  flood  of  load  goU,  in 
wUdk  the  ottjeota  on  ita  sidsa  were  raoeoted  downwudi.  the  chaa^ng 
aky  above  and  the  black  roaod  arches  of  the  uobla  bridge  all  ai^earBiE 
lD*artedin  the  boaem  of  the  (tream,  a*  on  theaurfaoe  otapollghed 

liie  dark  ihadoiw  of  the  neighbonring  monntain  were  Ming  acnwa 
die  ^Ma  and  the  dty,  nodering  yet  dulcer  the  gloomy  and  antique 
•tneta,  where  all  wa*  itm  oonfimiaD  and  diaotay  and  from  whidi  the 
diaat  of  the  ecclewaatiti,  and  tha  itef  ding-doiig  of  the  tolUi^  belli 
were  boma  on  A*  wind  toward)  them,  ningled  wiOi  the  •bonla  of  tha 
advandDg  caralrr,  who  ome  on  in  a  elataoioaa  atyle  truly  Frowh. 
Suddenly  the  daric  KaM  emctwed  (rail  Mnang  tte  tMea  which  had  oob- 
cealed  thcnt  (Vptoieh,  and  guloped  acKxalhe  bridge  aome  handred  in 
tmmber,  with  aecontremenla  glittering,  phnnea  waring,  and  their  tri- 
<^ined  pennoDS  fluttering  hma  tha  baada  of  their  lofty  lanoaa. 

"  Now,  t^n,"  exclaimed  Ronald,  as  the  last  file  ditappeand  fimn  the 
bridge,  "  we  mnst  strain  erery  obttb  to  gain  the  wood  of  l^  Nara.  A 
party  of  these  liDcen  may  be  sent  brwaid  to  iconr  the  roads,  and  wa 
■re  very  fcr  from  mfe  vet." 

"  Coniage,  amor :  tis  but  a  couple  of  leagnes  or  so  from  hanoe,  and 
1  am  well  aimred  Uiat  no  patrol  will  they  s«od  oat  while  there  is  • 
*  .f  ™"  "■■"       "     -"  ■ 


Oie  abelteT  of  tbe  wood,  and  w«  will  there  awut,  m  nle^t  um  unval 
flfowr  ewBtn>^Mi,utlievMascnf««<«forPortu^" 

Xn«  trckLiikn^Mackbr  the  «nM«iul  cut  It  into*  i)«cp  pool  bv 
tt*  mr  ade,  wTiof  it  nu  better  "  A  thwild  |«at  tt«t  gate.  ONi  fit" 
into  the  bands  v  ancaeiiT  fillk." 

Aboat  tif^Dule*  ftom  Herid*  ther  met  Lanro  Gomei,  Uia  broflicr 
(tf  fedn>,  tod  a  paHv  «f  noleteai  of  Catalmia,  halted  at  a  fountain 
wldch  babbled  thmi^  au  iron  pipe  fixed  into  tJie  lock,  from  nhldi  ■ 
ttewatei'p'Bk^i  ""'^ioto  &  Utile  pebbled  baaiD.  Naai  it  itaod  an 
■nrirmt  ibnie  croaa,  maridng  the  tumb  of  one  of  Don  Altaic**  aucea- 
tma,  who  Topoaed  here  in  nnconaecrated  groand.  Id  the  cooiae  of 
onAniea  it  bad  rank  deep  into  the  eatth ;  but  on  the  upper  part  yat 
vpeared  tke  time-woin  and  half-obliterated  iuaciiplitui : — 
AaUI  ¥AC£L 


it  tomb  had  been  tbe  ^ject  of  nanr  "> 
with  Catalina,  idio  ralaCed  the  hiatorf  of  Don  Jnsn,  a 

,- -»  whicji  1  may  giie  to  Oe  pnbhc  at  same  ftiture  tune.    Ronald 

pud  but  little  attention  to  either  the  ooaa  or  brook,  bat  adTanced 
tBwaida the joTial  muleteen,  vW  were  inwkiag  paper  dganoftbdr 
cnn  msnnfactnre — lauching,  di^iig,  and  drinUiig  agnardiaite  to  wash 
down  tbtir  iCfsigt  of  bread,  onions,  uul  taeallao,  oil  and  lettuoe,  vhidi 
«M  nead  on  the  sward  bv  the  ode  of  the  fonntain ;  anKmd  irtiich, 
ooppbig  Uie  herbage,  wandered  their  moles,  from  whose  bamesE 
jiHfed  a  thonsaad  lutle  tinklmg  bclla.  Oa  tbe^iproadi  oftbeBri&h 
oBcer,  the  fiank  f^iUow*  spninc  to  Oior  feet  witii  one  accord,  and  held 
their  brimminc  homa  toward*  him,  while  he  was  greeted  with  many 
nw>  and  aweepa  of  their  aomhMrM. 

"  Senor  nralier,  I  am  glad  yon  have  eecapcd  onr  enemies  by  means 
of  the  inteUigence  I  brought  to  Meiido,"  said  Vtxtm)  Gomez,  the 
■laate'-inaleteeT,  ■  »boit,  tliidi-set  fellow,  with  a  round  bullet-head 
and  KOOd-homanred  face,  contuning  that  rogoisb  sort  of  aipresaion 
iriiiim  is  always  given  by  arttals  to  me  feattuee  of  Ssjicho  Panza.  He 
was  tanned  to  the  colour  of  mahogany  by  eaotinoal  eipOBure  to  Ihc 
Sim,  and  his  chin  displajed  a  aliort  Unnted  black  beard,  snd  aloyenl]' 

"lam  much  oUiged  to  you  indeed.  Master  Lasaio ;  and  I  would 
tint  It  was  in  my  power  to  reward  you." 

"Mention  not  reward,  1  beg  of  yoo,  senor  cavalier,"  replied  Lazaro, 
maloDK  another  sweep  with  his  sombrero.  Bonald  answered  b^  a 
graye  bow.  He  had  became  too  much  accustomed  to  the  i^pdlation 
of  "  cayalier,"  and  the  pompous  politenesa  of  the  Spaniards,  even  to 
noile  when  he  was  addressed  in  a  style  that  would  pass  better  with  the 
rtfwwned  Cid,  Bodrigo  of  Bivar,  than  Ronald  Stuart  of  tlie  Gordon 
HijghlandCTa. 

"But  you  must  condeacand  to  drink  with  us,  senor,"  said  a  mnla- 
tes.    "  My  bom  is  filled  with  the  best  aqaordieute." 

"  Tiya  u  Rey  I "  said  Ronald,  in  a  oomplimentary  tone,  as  he 
Hnptjed  the  c^. 

TivB  el  Key  1 "    cned  the  nflwrs,  druniog  their  liquor  to  the 


"Erau,"  otuened  IbtDald,  "jron  wiU  retiih  tlui  berosga;  'tis 
'■omewhat  like  our  own  mouDtuD  dew  at  home." 

"  It  smells  o'  the  pent  reek,  sir,"  Btdd  Evan,  muffing  with  his  now 
OTer  the  horn  whith  Lazaro  had  eiTsn  him.  "  Sour  water,  I  declare ! 
perfect  fiisbionlefia  water,"  aaid  the  young  HighlaodmaQ,  a^r  he  had 
drnnk  It  all  off,  however.  "  Meescrsbls  trash  I  O'd,  sir,  I  wadna 
pa  a  gill  itoup  ^'  o'  wbaC  Alpin  Oig  used  to  brew  wi'  the  ima'  gtill  in 
the  hole  at  Colr-naiL  Tuschatrin,  for  a  loch  fii'  o'  this  ■grerdent,  aa  ye 

"  How  is  tlui.  LazBTQ  ?  "  asked  Pedro,  obaerring  that  Evan  diilikcA 
tbeliqaor.  "Hare  yon  notliing  else  but  mndd;  aquardienta  to  ofer 
to  boDest  eoldieiB?  Come,  my  jovial  brother,  broach  na  one  of  tboae 
bloated  pig-elcini,  which  at«  piled   on   the  backs   of   your   mnlea 

"  Our  Lady  del  Pilar  I  a  modeat  ^neat,"  replied  Lizaro.  "  Why, 
broOier  Pedro,  bedilDk  yon.  I  cannot  tonch  the  bardeni  of  my  cattle 
^-thej  are  the  property  of  others.  Could  I  broach  a  akia,  oar  beat 
wonld  be  at  the  service  of  the  noble  cavalier.  And  a)  for  our  aquar- 
diente,  I  avouch,  by  the  head  of  hia  Halineei  1  th&t  better  never  c^ne 
ont  of  Catalonia." 

"  I  may  pretend  to  be  a  jndge,"  aald  the  aoldier,  "  as  I  have  dntnl: 
■Dme^Dogand  Saaka  of  iti  and  avouch,  in  return,  'tia  muddy  ai  Om 
Tajo  in  a  shower,  and  only  fit  for  a  Portuguese  or  a  dog  to  drink  1 " 

"Never  mind,  Laiaro;  your  aqnardienlo  is  most  eieellent,"  ob- 
served Ronald,  seating  hinuelf  by  ttis  gushing  fountain,  and  partakinc 
of  Uie  bread  and  bscallao,  or  &ed  cod-liih,  which  composed  their 
umple  fare.  "  Your  mules  seem  heavily  laden ;  how  far  do  yon  mMD 
to  brtxel  ta-nitht  ? " 

"  Aa  far  as  the  first  posada  on  the  road  to  Majorga." 

"What  do  your  cattle  carry  in  these  lam  packagea.'" 

"  Oh  1  sonor,  many  things ;  prindpalt^  floar,  rice,  com,  pnlae,  and 
irine  and  oil  in  skins.  Thme  commodities  wo  have  brought  from  the 
centre  of  CaUdoniA  and  Artagon,  and  are  carr^ag  to  the  ftvntiera  of 
Portugal,  to  sell  among  the  British  troop*.  We  hope  to  find  a  good. 
market  at  the  camp  before  Cindad  Rodrigo,  in  the  kingdom  of  Leon." 

"  Catalonia  and  Arragon,  did  yon  Bay  ?  Howl  These  proiincee  ore 
in  pesaessiaD  of  the  French  troops  !" 

True,  aenor ;  bnt  we  muleteers  have  ways  of  our  own,  by  which  we 
evade  the  out-picqued  and  fcmging  parties  of  the  enemy." 

"  8nch  ai " 

"  levelling  ^t  all  night,  and  eoncealing  onrselves  cloaely  all  day, 
— and  a  huDdrad  other  modes.  Senor,  we  wonld  evade  Satan  hiouetf, 
did  he  lay  snares  for  na.    We  muleteers  are  cunning  fellows !" 

"  You  speak  truly,"  obierved  Pedro.  "  A  Spanish  mnletea  il  * 
strange  bemg,  and  one  that  is  as  wily  and  active  ai  a  aerpentj  bat 
they  are  happy  fellows,  I  assure  yon,  aenor,  and  like  no  other  men 
tluit  I  know  of.  A  mnleteei  makes  his  home  everywhere,  because  he 
is  for  ever  wandering  over  all  wide  Spain.  Cracking  his  whip  and  hia 
joke,  he  travels  wioi  a  light  heart  over  oar  long  dosty  pluns,  and 
through  the  deep  passes  of  the  lofty  hills  and  sierras,  singing  merrily  to 
the  jingle  of  his  mules'  belts,  stopping  only  to  smack  his  wine-hom  or 
the  lipa  of  the  peasant  girls,  whom  he  lores  almost  as  well  as  hia 
moles. — otdy  almoil,  senor.  because  he  loves  his  mnlea  better  than 
himself.  Be  givea  them  fine  names ;  he  scolds,  talks,  kisaes,  and 
aingi  to  tliem',  to  cheer  them  by  the  way ;  and  at  the  poaada  or  tte 


biTDDSc  he  proTidM  for  tbeir  wanti  before  he  looka  after  hil  otm. 
Cartmi&a!  were  I  not  a.  Boldier,  I  wonld  ceibunlF  become  •  jollf 
naleteer.  He  it  a  droll  fellow  indaed,— soft-heBrted  md  hard-he^ed, 
Int  dmTS  houeU,  and  tme  u  the  aan,  leoor." 

"  Toa  hire  made  a  moat  eicrllent  panegyric  apon  them,  Pedro," 
lemaHced  Bonild,  when  the  soldier  had  (topped  to  take  breath,  and 
the  aboat  of  lai^ter  which  bia  obierrationii  called  forth  from  the 
mnleteera  bad  mbBided. 

"  Our  lAdy  del  Pilar !  ^ood,  good !  W«ll  lud,  Pedro ;  ;aa  dnerre 
noQier  horn  tot  that,"  cned  the  muter-muleteer.  "  Bnt  if  it  pleaie 
yon,  dnw  aome  diitiDCtion  betveea  ai  and  the  mnleteera  of  Talend*, 
who  are  none  of  the  beat, — in  fact  the  Terieit  roguea  in  all  Spain. 
Tlwy  wonld  cheat  the  hdy  Virion  b««elf,  were  abs  to  traffic  with  them. 
Bnt  tallciiu  of  rogoei,  aenor,  if  yon  woDld  travel  with  ai  to  Majorgs, 
we  ahould  be  prood  of  the  hoDOQT  of  your  ctnnpany,  and  in  Imu  yoa 
may  find  aome  adranlage  in  oars." 

■'  Why  BO,  Master  LuEaro  V 

"  The  minODS  cjiapel  of  Santa  Lacia,  in  the  cork-forest  yonder,  hM 
become  tLe  hannt  of  aome  depecadoes  for  this  week  past,— fellows  who 
aie  very  nnsctnpolons  whom  they  attack  or  encounter,  and  with  ua, 
who  are  all  stout  and  honest  men,  and  well  armed  to  boot," — every 
man  had  a  trabuat  or  bluaderbDfls  with  a  brasa  bell-muxzle  sLuDg 
across  his  back,—"  yon  will  be  in  mater  safMy.  Our  escort  is  not  to 
be  despised  in  these  perilont  times. 

"  1  thank  Ton  for  your  offer  and  adnce ;  but  aa  I  mean  to  await  in 
Ihia  ne^hboorhood  the  arriTal  of  our  troops,  it  would  not  suit  me  to 
traiel  ao  hx  westward  as  Major^,  and  ao  I  care  not  to  take  my  i^ncc 
of  encountering  the  thitnes  in  the  wood  yonder.  My  Highland 
follower  wilt  of  comae,   stand  by  me;  and  Pedro  will,  I  suppoee, 

"  May  I  be  blasted  by  a  cone  if  T  do  not,  senor  ["  The  moleteet? 
duped  th^r  hands  in  a^laaae. 

"  Are  the  rogues  numerous  ?"  atked  Ronald. 

"Three  or  four,  senor;  but  stoutly  armed  desperadoes,  and  led  by  a 
regular  demon,  long  well  known  as  a  frontier  guerilla,  whose  only 
d^ht  was  slaaghter  and  war  to  the  knife  !  A  fellow  that  coDtd  eat 
fire,  aa  the  proverb  says,  and  upon  whom  lead  and  steel  were  alike 
fauiffectnal." 

"  We  will  put  him  to  the  test,  if  he  crosses  our  path.  I  never 
heard  of  a  hide  yet,  unless  covered  by  steel,  that  was  proof  against  the 
point  of  a  claymore.  Three  or  four,  did  you  say  ?  We  are  bat  three ; 
bat  then  we  are  soldieTS,_yon  know,  and  are  alone  worth  a  dozen  snch 

aefoUowB] 
nn>bber.>^ 

"  Why,  senor,  'til  A  long  story ;  and  we  bad  It  yesterday  from  a 
poor  muleteer  of  Codeciera,  whom  the  villuna  rifled  of  bis  mules  and 
evtry  maravedt  in  his  poudi, — the  devil  confound  them  for  it  I" 

"Well,  and  this  gncrilla— " 

"  Kept  a  wine-house  in  Alboquerqae ;  bat  for  some  attempt  to  as- 
•aaainate  tba  fankons  cavalier  Don  Alvaro  de  Tilla  Franca,  his  goods 
wtni  eonfiscated  to  King  Ferdinand  by  the  corregidor's  order.    On 


himself  a  penniless  outlaw,  he  took  his  musl^  and  dagger. 


I  bandit— keeping  himself  it   . . . 

AlbuqneTqae  and  the  Sierra  da  Montanches  for  some  weeks  past. 
Now  he  luu  begun  to  collect  followers,  and  hat  ttaCtoned  MniMlf  in 


Oe  wood  of  Ia  NaT!,  randmi^  iti  nrigUwhoaJ  tatOJag  bat  a 

■rikoue." 
"Go(»,  I^nro/'aaiclRaDalde^Brif ;  "hknuneii— " 
"  NBrroez  Cirnente*— •  fallow  I  aeniT  much  liked,  iltboagb  I  hna 

^ptM  WHiia  tboBimd  ba(M  at.  bit  cmu    Bst  wJiat  ii  Bw  bmOv, 

Eould* 

■welled  wi  „  , 

■ad  bu  wild  ncUcM  ^irit  lod  Ime  ot  adTeutuie  cude  him  imtiiitlr 
nolTe  to  Huicli  (be  wood  and  oonfFont  hii  hated  eDcaof ,  af  all  riahs 

"  ETan— Ewi  1  the  iariag  wretch  who  attamptod  to  aiaasiinate  me 
!•  Inrkiog  amine  <^'  diivlea  of  the  wood  jondcr.     1  will  seek  him  wt 


noble  MOM ;  mtij  1  have  not  ondided  *an  f 

Eould'a  ere*  asarUed  with  atera  ddifhl^  and  tni*  mEUand  ftnr 
awelled  withiD  his  bteaat,  at  the  intelligence  that  Ci^uiitea  «u  to  hmti 


Sriih.    Hehat  butthneannedTiUidM 
How  B 


with  him ;  jaa  will,  of  i 

"  Sir,  I  widna  be  my  faither'a  son,  if  I  didoa  follow  whare'er  je  led  Uv 
war,"  replied  Enrn,  teatH;.  "  lie  ventore'a  no'  what  1  iroold  ioA 
like ;  folk  BboBldna  tempt  danier  or  Proridenoe.  bat  foUow  je  1  will 
•a  loiig  aa  I  can  draw  breath  ;  and,  troth,  I  would  anaiat  pe  op  nf 
hope  0^  laiTation,  to  h«e  bnt  a  cbanoe  at  the  ioteaul  rierer  wf  mf 

To  i%dro  and  the  maleteer,  wiio  were  BBrpriasd  at  faia  ndden  eir 
atamcB^  Rmiald  related  all  he  knew  of  Cinieotaa;  and  daring  Itw 
narratiTe  hewaa  intetinpl«d  brmaay an iodianant  "corqje"  andmal*- 
didicm  on  Om  wiae-aaUer.  wbfm  ha  had  b^ahed,  the  mnklaaa 
declared  with  one  vmco,  that  if  the*  had  not  their  nnl<«  to  attend  to 
1lier  woBld  have  followed  him  into  uu  wood  and  aaaiated  Mm  to  ttX»A 
atB  hannt  of  the  robbers  among  the  ruina,  and  to  Idll  or  capture  Ui 
euMny  ;  but  Pedro,  animated  hy  the  natnral  daring  of  a  Spaniaid,  and 
aa  a  soldier  of  Spun  considering  it  hia  duty  to  follow  Ronald  aa  an  oflU 
OK  d  the  allies,  he  at  once  Tolnnteend  frankly  to  attend  him  in  hia  lo^ 
undertaking. 

The  erening  bad  hegaa  to  deepciD  into  the  darker  ■hadowa  id  nbfat ; 
and  the  pale  eiaiiBg  atar,  IwUilding  amidst  the  Mashing  blaM  of  the 
weetem  akr.  had  risen  above  the  wood  of  Ia  Nava,  when  the  *tar^ 
moletoCTS,  collecting  tlidr  beaats  of  buidsn,  anored  off  with  much  nakn> 
joffitr,  and  crafking  of  whips,  in  the  direction  of  the  place  where  tha 
meant  to  pass  the  night-^  inn  on  tbe  road  to  Usjorn.  Bonala 
Stnart  hade  them  fikrewell,  and  recoring  aiMoy  honest  wiabea  for  •nc- 
cees,  parted  bom  them;  and,  followed  by  hia  two  eoldiera,  left  A« 
ibiBtaiD,  makiDK  abaight  for  the  ooric-lbrest,  the  dark  foliage  of  whieh 

^iuTolved  in  a  brown  borKv"  bef(»e  them. 
t  waa  a  ckar  and  beaudiul  moonU^t  night  when  thej  reached  the 
skirts  of  the  wood,  whence,  on  looking  back,  they  bdieul  a  red  ligU^ 
which  spread  OTei  the  aky,  rising  in  the  direction  of  Merida,  telling  that 
tbe  Flmich  wae  at  their  old  work—pillage  and  nilhleas  deraalitliaB. 
Stnart  trembled,  for  the  safely  of  the  bir  friends  he  had  left  heUnd, 
and  eameBtl;  truBt«d  that  the  Count  d'Erlon's  letter  would  protect 
them  from  iuaolt  or  outrage. 

"  &aw  nark  at  Merida  thii  boimie  nicht,  az,"  obserred  Enn, 
ghring  a  last  look  to  the  rear  ere  they  jjnnged  into  the  recessea  of  thn 
lorest  "Mycer^!  the  veryliftBeemaa'inalow.thBcbudsareiedwi' 
■tnakso'  fire  i  and  here's  Fedro,  pnirgomarill  he  la  like  to  gang  Glean 
daft  at  the  aichb  o't." 

"  Toa  woold  not  he  in  a  Teiy  pleasant  htuuour  yomwdl^'  Smi,  wcae 


«oalDieetlisdacb>Bar8tntlifill>u,OTtlM  'furcitj'  of  hrth.  UMinf 
by  tiu  hudi  of  iovwleri ;  aBil  Jame  Cwen,  perLafit— ar,  even  TOnr 
Jwwi,  canied  off  libs»  stnc^eiL  dwr  acrau  tha  laddle-barof  aTiench 

''Sic  vwAi'  tiiiais  will  imer  h^ipen  at  buna  in  anU  Scotland,  God 
btpniaedSar'tl  uevar,  nr,  whils  our  oun  Be  made  o'  tbs  itsff  thn 
mt  J  the  broad'iword  bas  bent,  bat  it  haa  not  yet  brakea  I  But  it^ 
naoo  Sxoh  to  hear  ko«  Pedro,  pnir  chidd,  haTora  to  bioueL" 

IJaawai*  of  how  he  ma  UitEiied  to,  Fttdro  Qomez  grouiiil  Mi  laetli 
«il^  ill'ialBolaled  n^,  vbile  ha  ioTDtod  tb«  oirtea  itf  Ban  Jnan,  San 
QenKomo,  nd  a  hvnilrcd  ether*,  not  fitrgetliiic  our  Holr  Ladr  of 
■..  .  .  .i..__  mi  f_  _.      ___^._..  _     ...   1.     jjeiumadeBl 

D  tonrdsOe 


)•  »{  Saota  Lwaa,  b^  >  patluraf  «Uh  which  he  wa*  well  Bcqaainled. 
-  tt  only  one  cob" 

,  .  id  baind,  by  h. „_, 

IkiBT  had  infinite  konble  in  pMoMdiiv  at  all.    ItkddiaaiBtoadMiMr 
and  douar  pact  at  the  (great  the  dewy  bnocJM*  of  which  wera  now  Sa 


JatanirrtHi  csovad,  and  baind,  by  trramMiiii  buiiha,  and  foliaie,  that 
'  ■■    ■      'leiDpiaaaefinKatall.    ' 


-jaSOat^ii^ 

dwdei  of  rreeD,  aa  the  pale  moonbeama  feU  on  them,  iliiiaiiiiiin  in  a 
raah  of  ainer  li)^  on  tha  gtiatcoing  giaai,  or  down  the  daric  dindea,  at 
mer  pnahed  tMe  tha  heavy  bnndwa  in  tfadr  la^ignaa,  tearing  me  luta 

ofnlraTsaiae  lAidt  many  a  buya^der  w '--  ' —  ' 

lintfaeBeiiT  "■  "' 


_jo  in  the  mttiy  mo< — .__ 

"  for  on*  aak^  Pedro,  hand  yeoi  wheeaht,  n  _.. 

flwWinli  audia,  impaliendy  J  "ira  enosKb  to  nuk'  a  body  eerie  to 
haar  ye  tcrowlieaand  yamnering  that  gate,  in  nccan  a  dianul  place  u 
thia.  (yd,  air,  1  Data  heard  <ny  ane  bl&tter  aic  worda,  eioeptin'  tbe 
Hald  lawyer  body  at  Alaiendrelan<Ay,  when  Angua  Mackte  and  mvael 
l^afechtwi'liun.    Wonld  ye  like  to  hear  that  story,  •ir?"  headded, 

"  No,  not  at  preaeut,"  was  tbe  reply ;  "  we  moat  move  in  aileiioe, 
elie  'tia  nieieaa  to  more  at  all.  Look  well  to  your  Sint  and  priming, 
and  keep  yonr  lock  clear  at  boahea.  Sbonld  a  maikBt  be  diicbargeS 
it  woald  alarm  the  thieiea,  on  whom  I  wiih  to  ateal  nnperceifm,  U 
poaaUe."  Rooald  repeated  theae  injnndiona  in  die  Spaniah  laz^aage, 
aa  indeed  be  had  to  do  moet  of  hu  obaeivatioaa,  and  the*  now  ad- 
nooed  in  paifent  aileooe,  fottowiiv  tliB  intricate  windinga  of  the  noiTDW 
track,  which  in  former  day*  had  been  a  weU.bealen  road  to  &e  leiinea- 
tared  chapel  of  the  loreat,  tbe  faaoe  of  whoaa  retieario  drew,  in  aaijent 
tiMBa,  Bcorea  of  darovt  pdlpima  tt  oertain  aeoaoDa.  Aa  the  pathway 
WM  now  more  open,  Rooald  toc^  die  lead. 

It  waa  oertainl;  a  raah  and  daring  attempt  to  enter  thna  a  wood, 
■wry  pBHH  of  wliich  was  onkdown  to  tbem,  and  at  ni^t,  on  Bocb  an 
errand,  to  search  for  so  formidable  h  desperado  aa  Narvoez  Cifuentea, — 
a  name  irtkidi  ia  vet  a  bugbear  to  the  children  of  EsCremadura,  end 
naed  by  their  mothers  to  Jriff/Uen  them  to  sleep  ;  more  tapedally  aa 
the  number  of  hia  foQawera  wbs  doubtful,  and  it  was  only  certain  that 
diey  wonld  all  be  equally  deeperUe  and  ferodans  as  himself.  Bat 
Bfloald's  bold  blood  waa  up,  and  bis  eogemefla  to  tnke  TeDseanoe  upon 
him  tor  the  recant  wonod  tbat  bis  hand  had  inflicted,  and  me  pain  and 
anftring  which  tiiat  wound  had  caoaed,  reodared  him  blind  to  what 
might  be  the  probable  conseqaeDces. 

Alica'a  desertion  of  bim  for  a  h%ber  bom  and  more  wealthy  lover 
had  midend  htm  oareleaa  of  life,  prompt  to  encoanto'  and  utterly 


TCgardlesa  of  any  dsDEer,  shtch  was  proved  b;'  the  cold  ingenaibiUly 
«^  which  he  condacted  himself  doring  hii  duel  with  theeond^.  That 
native  spirit  of  daring  wbicb  eiists  in  the  bosom  of  every  monntuneeri 
and  which  he  possessed  in  no  slight  degree,  likewise  spnired  bim  OD^ 
and  thinting  not  of  the  rash  manner  in  which  he  wu  perilling  his  o( 
life  and  thelivea  of  h'"  '-'—'-   ■--   ----.j-^-j  *.-  ^^--^^-_ 1_*. 


of  hia  frienda,  he  contiDoed  to  penetrate  reaolotcly 


cbarging  his  mnsket  breast  high,  while  he  aUrted  back  in  dismav  a* 
Bome  hn^e  animal  arose  from  its  lair,  upon  which  they  had  encroached, 
and  dashing  iimoaaly  past  them,  awept  throngh  the  (brest  glade  like  a 

"What  an  awlii'  like  beast  to  meet  in  siccsn  erne  a  place  !  " 

"  Many  tach  have  we  shot  at  home  on  the  green  braes  of  StraUionail 
and  side  of  Benmore.     Is  it  possible  that  you  knew  not  what  it  was  ?  " 

Evan  was  abashed,  and  Irod  on  without  replying,  while  he  was  sadly 
incotnmoded  by  the  rough  hramhles  ajid  atanted  bushes,  which  tore  hia 
bare  l^;s,  where  left  nncovered  by  the  tartan  kilt  and  gartered  hose. 

"  Senor,"  said  Pedro,  "what  a  noble  deer  it  was  thatnuhed  past  08 

"Ay,  faith!  and  a  splendid  mark  for  a  nngle  ball  at  a  range  of  forty 
yards  or  so;  but  I  am  sarprised  to  find  it  here  in  a  cork-forest" 

"  It  most  have  come  down  from  the  Sierra  de  Hoatanebea,  bt  tbei«, 
and  among  the  high  monntains  of  Goadalnpe,  many  thoOMnda  of 
gallant  deer  and  the  dark  brown  roe-bnck  rove  about  in  freedom."  ' 

Their  atteotion  was  now  attracted  by  a  straogs  noiae,  which  seemed 
to  approach  them  in  front :  it  waa  a  aeries  of  sonnds.  In  tone  something 
between  the  snorting  growl  of  some  wild  animal  and  the  squeaking  <H 
young  Bwina.  Ronald,  who  had  never  heard  such  noises  before,  waa 
Tery  much  anrprised,  and  kept  his  hand  oo  the  hilt  of  his  sword ;  but 
poor  Evan's  ncores  were  sadly  discomposed,  and  he  felt  every  hair  on 
hia  scalp  bristling  under  his  bonnet,  as  the  dismal  remembrance  of  tha 
many  awfal  beings  who  peopled  the  Cknman  Tajscbatrin,  and  every 
thicket  and  corrie  about  Lochisla,  raahed  upon  bis  mind.  All  tha 
stories  he  had  heard  of  the  dreadful  water-hoTM  that  dwelt  in  tha  caatla 
locb  (and  which  bis  father  the  piper  htbeii  one  dear  moonlight  night 


floating  on  the  snrtace  of  the  placid  mita,  aa  he  waa  returning  fi 
'  'dgie) .  of  the  little  fiiiiies  who  lived  under  the  green  hohna  of  CivTie- 
in,  and  the  yet  more  terrible  white  woman  who  haunted  the  bladi 


nnir  of  Stnthonan  and  howled  to  the  wind  the  live-long  n 
TDwded  horribly  upon  his  memorv,  and  the  perspiration  bnrst  foTttt 
n  every  pore,  as  lomething  like  a  legion  of  flying  devils  swept 


tnmultuously  past  them,  and  plunging  into  the  underwood  dii 
eqae^dng,  growling,  and  tearing  the  busbea  to  fragments  '- 

"  Pedro  1    What  are  all  these,  in  the  devil's 
starting  back  and  half  nnsheadiing  bis  weapon. 

"  Ctely  a  herd  of  wHd  swine,  senor,"  replied  Pedro  with  a  lai^h. 
"  iWoaiM  ono  fellow  has  given  a  atroka  with  his  tnik  in  passing, 
which  I  little  like.' 

"Twaa  only  a  drove  of  wild  pin,"  said  Ronald.  "Cbeernp,  Evan; 
■nrely  yon  were  not  frightenedl  Yet  yon  seem  very  pale  in  tha 
moonlight." 

"Pruhtened,  sud  ye,  sir?"  replied,  or  rather  asked,  Evan  indig- 
nantly. Dot  feeling  contideTably  re-asanied  the  while    "ftigbtened! 


tha  ddl  ■  bit,  sir.    But  I  a... _  „ _, 

Oie  nicht  the  howlet  eiad  ms  &  uff  wi'  its  wing,  when  we  took  Al 
Mkcquirk  ower  to  tbe  niins  on  the  Kirk-incb.  Ye'll  miiid  o'd,  dr ; 
h«  wu  liviDg  wi'  the  lold  Urd  for  a  dsf  or  twa  at  the  tower,  *od  we 
rawed  him  ower  the  loch  ia  the  boat,  to  tie  a  look  o'  the  bonnie  itiini 
in  tbe  mooolicht." 

"  Macqnirk  ! "  ratsnted 'Bonald,  the  name  niaUiiig  a  dieagreeahls 
paange  in  hi>  father'fl  letter. 

"Ay,  BIT,  Bfaister  Hacqoirk, — s  pleaunt  imooth'Spoken  gentleman, 
sa  a'  Ediabnrgh  wntei-folk  are.  Eb  !  God  be  wi'  u>,  sir  1  what's  thil 
noo  ?     Mair  wildpiga,  I  declare  !"  cried  be  in  conaiderable  trepidation. 

"  Pshaw  1  Eran.  Your  father,  old  Dooald,  baa  made  a  complete  old 
wife  of  jroo,  hf  hie  honible  legends  and  stories." 

"  If  a  DO  for  me,  sir,  to But  it's  just  a  temptin'  o'  Frovidence 

"  Hnshl  'tia  odIt  Oie  barking  of  dogs.  Tread  aoftlr,  and  keep  dose 
under  the  darkest  shadows  of  the  foliage." 

"There  is  a  man  Tonder,  senor, — efidentljr  a  sentinel,"  whispered 
Fedro  in  a  low  voice. 

"  Where  !"  uiked  Elonald,  as  ther  halted. 

"  About  thirty  paces  olC" 

"  Under  the  dark  tree  ?" 

"  Ay,  senor,— the  moon  shinea  full  npon  him." 

"  Keep  close  in  the  gloom  ;  he  sees  ua  now,  I  tluuk." 

Tbe  fignre  of  a  man  armed  with  a  long  musket  appeared  clearly,  as 
the  bright  radiance  of  the  moon  streamed  down  the  narrow  path,  glit- 
tsriag  OQ  Che  butts  of  his  pistols  and  hilt  of  the  poniard  stuck  in  tha 
wocs^  BBih  which  was  twisted  roond  bis  waiit.  He  wore  a  long  slouched 
■ap,  which  hung  down  his  back,  and  f ariooa  tassels,  ribbons,  and  gew. 
gswa  of  gold  laoB  that  adorned  bis  short  Tel* et  jacket  glimmered  in  tba 
moonlight. 

"  Qlnm  rive  1"  diallenged  he,  like  a  Spanish  sentinel,  while  he 
•looped  his  MT  towardi  the  ground,  listening  intensely  for  a  few  seconds- 
He  appeared  to  have  heard  (omething.  It  was  Evan's  feet  rustling 
among  tha  last  year's  leaves.  The  robtier  stood  eiect,  and  cocked  his 
musket  while  he  looked  forward  into  the  gloom,  a  passing  cloud  having 
abscnred  the  t*ce  of  tbe  moon. 

"  Carajo  .'     Qaien  tire  t    Amiaoi  6  rartaigot  ? "  he  repeated,  the 

" ■ '  "-is  voice  re-echoing  in  the  dingles  of  the  wood,  and 

^ rowling  of  some  dogi  near  at  hand. 

This  ia  one  of  the  vulams,  senor,  bedecked  in  all  hia  ill-gotten 


"^;, 


oatora]  impetn< 
but  bow?'' 

"  Quietly,  senor,~leaTe  him  to  me.  Every  man  lost  to  the  eneiay 
is  one  gained  to  as,— so  says  Murillo,  aad  he — " 

"  Pstiaw  !  never  mind  Hurillo.  This  fellow  must  be  settled  warily, 
if  we  woold  steal  upon  the  rest.  What  would  you  advise  ?  He  cer- 
tainly bears  us,  and  abould  be  fire  in  this  dlrectioa,  one  of  us  may  bo 
knotted  on  the  head.  I  will  rush  on  him,  and  disarm  or  cut  hin 
down  in  a  twinkling." 

"  Nay,  noble  senor ;  his  outcry  would  be  as  mischievous  as  Ae  dii- 
charge  of  his  mnsket ;  the  mini  of  the  chapel  sra  close  at  hand, 
remember.     Leave  him  to  me,"  was  Pedro's  answer,  while  he  coolly 


ffieplned  the  blade  of  ■  lone  Spuiiih  kmfc,  whick  Saalied  u  be  drew 
!t  and,  ifdiog  from  Ronalif  >  mde,  idruiced  airfUy  towards  the  brigtoid 
under  die  ebadow  of  the  trees. 

Tbe  chsDenge  of  the  budit  una  sounded  throngb  thelonelj'  wood. 

"Oaidado,  amigot  mhn  cmdado?"  h«  added  in  a  voice  of  taant 
and  warniag,  bat  eiidentlf  wbile  he  wag  nncertain  whether  or  not  aa; 
one  had  approached  his  post.  Hi  drew  his  timmb-nail  caationalT 
■crois  the  sharp  edge  of  his  flint,  he  raised  his  musket  to  his  aboaldcr, 
■nd  WW  aboDt  tn  lire  in  tbe  direction  of  the  place  where  Roiuiu  and 
Bitn  itood  concoiled.  Another  eecand  would  perhaps  have  sealei)  the 
&te  of  one  of  them,  when  tbe  stiletto  of  l^e  dragoon  glittered  near  Urn 
m  the  pale  moonlight, — a  heaTi  How  was  given,  and  a  deep  groan  suc- 
ceeded i  the  robber  fell  dying  upon  the  sward,  while  bis  muilnt  <ndf 
flatted  in  the  pan,  and  feU  rMtKng  from  his  graip  witboot  daing  damage. 
Ronald  rosbed  towards  the  spot,  and  found  the  blood-thirsty  sargento 
wt[ring  Ma  deadly  weapon  with  scrupulous  aecnrucy,  ivhile  he  kept  bis 
foot  npon  the  yet  warm,  though  breathless  corpse  of  the  man  he  had 
destroyed.  The  light  of  tbe  moon  fell  with  a  cold  and  ghastly  lustre 
on  tbe  pale  and  rigid,  yet  tery  fine  features  of  the  dead  man,  becomkig 
contracted  and  fierce  with-  the  recent  dealh-strnggle.  His  white  and 
ini-tnmed  eyes  shone  with  a  terrible  glare  as  tbe  moon-beams  fell  on 
them,  and  altogether  there  was  something  e«d  and  appalling  itt  the 
sudden  manner  in  which  tiiis  desperado  had  been  hurled  into  eternity, 
with  all  his  ucr^iented  and  manifold  gins  upon  bis  head. 

"Awfn'  work  this,  sir!"  said  Evan,  with  a  shudder,  while  be  Bor- 
Teyed  the  stark  and  bold  featuies  of  tbe  slain,  around  whom  a  black 
pool  tbrmed  by  his  blood  by  increasing.  "A  dour-brakiDg  diieU  t^ 
1^  wl'  a  gloom,  on  his  brow  that  would  suit  Rob  Roy  bimsel. 

"  1  would  to  Heaven,  Goroei,"  obserred  the  eqnaDy  eidted  Stuart, 
"  you  had  found  some  other  mode  of  silencing  him  than  this  ;  there  i 
somewhat  in  it  at  which  I  levott." 

He  Spaoiard  laugbed  grimly. 

"Senor,"  sud  he,  "Uie  man  was  only  a  robber;  and  when  aU 
HiirillD  geta  hold  of  snob  he  bangs  them  by  scores  at  a  time,  and  I 
have  seen  a  stout  beech  ben^ng  under  a  Irad  of  such  devil's  fndt. 
Vba  !  sanor,  it  matters  not.  We  are  now  close  upon  tbe  mins  of  the 
chapel,  and  the  villains  who  barboor  there  have  some  formidable  allies. 


— masdffdogs.  I  hear  them  growling,  and  I  aseore  yon,  senor,  that  a 
demon  may  be  as  easily  dealt  with  as  a  Spanish  hound.  Yon  will 
reqoire  all  yonr  resolution  snd  energy  to—" 

I  do  not  mean  to  leKminish  the  search,  after  having  proceeded  so 
&r,"  replied  Ronald,  interrupting  the  Spaniard,  at  whose  lone  he  Mt  a 
EUie  piqued.  "  I  assure  yon,  Saigenio  Gomez,  'tis  not  the  sight  of  a 
little  Mood  that  will  make  the  heart  of  a  Scottish  Highlander  ful." 

"  I  meant  not  to  offend,  senor ;  but  let  us  proceed.  The  mim  of 
Bmta  Lucia  an  some  twen^  yards  from  Ods." 

"Forward,  then,— lead  on. 

Honald  in  passing  possessed  himself  of  the  dead  man's  loaded  musket 
and  well-fiQed  pouch  of  ball  lartridges,  an  BcqtdsitiDD  on  wiadh  he  had 
soon  reaaon  to  cmigtBtnlate  himself. 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTEE    IV. 


"  1^  Bi*  Ibr  Bookt.  buU  Dincu  mfcd, 

fllii  ihiliiltim  iiiilfciwlnj 


uAia  iAa  tkt^  Huj  bfl.*' 


occnfded  the  iominitofagnsarmoimd.wluA  Blopeddinm  oaaUadi^ 
atii  i^tat  tte  moiddecad  remuna  of  laae  uicnnt  traaua  and  lomb- 
■tanM  li7  Iitf  sank  and  buried  aaoBg  tbe  long  ruik  fnM.  Tin 
duqwl  hid  ilmOBt  duappearad ;  BWerenuiBed  one  tha  <^|itt  andM 
mterrals,  amid  a  heap  «r  ihattered  itonn,  auMetaU  ornametited  btt- 
trMM*  (nmMtiK  the  intenuetiate  walk),  thdr  Mmmite  ^hnaerios  Id 
flu  aaoo^iBh^  wuah  itnamed  flkmo^  Uo^oln  Bid  7««nita>c  Fenti  b 
Iha  tiatmra  mtMoarj,  ihowii^  the  woedi  aau  griiwhMi  —red  imnu  i 
BO(A  and  oomer,  floaruhJBg  anxuid  tin  proalnte  effieei  of  dqartad 
«amon,  whow  momumnba  bmto  ky  rtratdwd  Ufa  ri(k  ooriM  nndw 
Odr  Tnfawd  canopiei. 

"The  old  kirk  o' IniibiilB  just  ower  agtun  !"  erdsimed  Evan,  ai  he 
■arwyed  thebeapeof  proetrate  pillait  and  arambkd  arcbea  viUi  tbel- 
ian  M  tMre  B»d  mnention. 

Bmtoet  Kin  iron  be  ■ilent?'*  eekfd  Pedro,  is  a  fierce  w)uqi^i> 

"  I  dinna  ken  what  ye  fay,  mm ;  je  are  waor  than  an  AberdoinaB. 
"  Keep  sBence,  Giai)  1 "  aaid  Ronald ;  "  we  are  doae  upon  thar  bur 

A  njr  of  VAt,  atreemiBc  flirovgh  *  aom  farmed  bNnhole,  drew 
lem  toward  K;  and  on  lo(&iBgin,tiieYbcdwldlheiBMnibWeaDeh«« 
'  tlie  wra^iee  they  were  in  leuch  of,  bnt  ftrand  diem  more  nnmerooa 


ef  a  hafe  oil-lamp  placed  amid  them. 
m  amhrmdercd  jackets,  adorned  with  lidi  Bdlitarr  lace  tarn  from  tte 
mMatwa  of  the  dead,  hieed  bose,  and  higb-cro<nied  tombrenn  adorned 
iriaftaOMT^orkingckithhaad-draBaBreHBibKoRaniihteap.  Some, 
hmnenr,  wtBelivabMtBteract;  iimu«ppe««d  taSaieEMnaMmnfbr 
BwsHai«tlaart,andhBd  tikeir  fenwieM  fceee  awoMd  wHh  mi— ■  of 
black  (lorny  hair, — 'probably  ii  a  diagnii&  to  be  remand  aa  oaweii 
nmed.  AB  earned  pirtola  and  ponianU  in  Aeir  nabai  ot  w^et- 
Mbi,  tod  noet  of  Oera  wcM  armed  wiUt  mtlkan  earbiaea,  maakeM, 
•nd  accoatremeata,  Ftmcb  and  English,  thooaana  of  wUeh  ware  m 


thirty  SI 


The 


trouble  of  taking;  them  sirar.    Trtrnks 
mersble  Euiicles  of  plunder  Inj  piled  in 

Fastened  by  strong  cords  to  the  pillars  which  supported  the  groined 
roof  of  the  crvpt,  sppesred  flre  or  sii  flerca  Spsnish  mBstiff  dom,  aoi- 
mali  of  ft  reddish  colour  seneratly,  larger  and  stronger  than  Britiih 
greyhoandi.  They  seemed  aware  of  the  approach  of  etrangera  :  ereiT 
moment  they  made  the  hollow  Faults  ring  with  their  hoarse  jella,  while 
they  rolled  about  their  fierce  red  eyes,  and  shook  the  snoir.iibile  foam 
from  their  jat-blacl  mnzzles  as  they  strained  and  strove,  almost  Strang, 
ling  tbemselTei  in  the  attempt,  to  sni^  the  cords  which  bound  them  to 

"  Scnor,  WB  muit  retire,  if  it  please  yon,"  whispered  Pedro;  "it 
woold  he  worse  than  Moorish  rashness  if  three  of  us  were  to  enconnter 
:h  derils.    And  then  the  dogs — " 

:  we  mnst  abandon  the  attempt,"  replied  the  officer,  tn  a  vtAee 
oi  sieni  regret.  Diacretion  is  the  belter  p«t  of  (alonr,  and  Nanaez 
and  1  may  meet  agmn  }  but  now — *' 

"It  is  just  a  temptio'  o'  ProTidence,  ur,"  said  Evan,  "  to  bide  here, 
wi'  aic  a  nest  o'  bom  deils  below  us.  What  aa  awfu'  looking  gallows 
— ae  the  cbield  is  that  counts  oot  the  uller." 

'he  light  fell  fully  upon  the  robber's  foce  as  Eran  spoke. 
'It  is,— it  is  the  veiy  villain  who  l^red  at  me  near  Merida,"  mut- 
tered Ronald,  almost  aloud,  in  a  tone  of  uncontrollable  passion,  and 
feeling  scarcdy  able  to  restrain  himself  from  shooting  Cifuentes  dead 
upon  the  spot ;  bat  be  repressed  the  fierce  sentiments  of  intense 
hatred,  indignation,  and  horror  which  he  entertained  for  him,  aod 
paused  even  when  his  hand  was  on  the  lock  of  the  mnsket  which  ha 

"Whelp !"  exclaimed  one  furiooslv  to  Narvaex,  "think  you  I  wHl 
thus  tam^y  submit  to  be  defi^uded  of  my  share  in  this  matter  ?  Be- 
member.  yoa  are  not  at  yoar  old  work  of  dealing  out  sour  wine  at 
Albuquerque !  The  rings  I  took  from  the  image  of  our  Lady  at 
Majorga  were  alone  wortn  two  hundred  daroi." 

"  Pcnlat,  yon  mean,  Julian  Diaz,— peMfM .-  they  wetfl  cofipeT 
trash." 

"  I  say  duroi;  they  were  pure  and  beaten  gold,  embossed  richly. 
Methinlcs  1  should  beat  know  :  I  have  prayed  at  that  shrine  some  hun- 
dred times  ere—"    He  paused  and  grew  pale. 

"Bethink  yon,  Julian,  of  my  last  night's  work,  and — " 

"  Bah  I     The  stabbing  of  an  old  abogado." 

"  Old  ?    Perdition  sane  him !  be  fought  fiercely  for  his  ill-gotttm 

Eld.    I  broke  the  blade  of  a  choice  knife  on  the  bone«  that  corer  his 
rd  heart.    But  silence,  Diaz,  my  pet !    Though  we  may  eat  flesh  in 
T  —  __j  JO I  _!..  _.  .r_. gjjj  scorn  to  cheat  e«£li 

End  the  adage  at  once,  driieller,"  cried  be  whom  they 

^■--    -     ^'d-looVing  fr"-         ■■'    -  ■"    '--    ^- 

'"    adde 


named  Julian  Dial,  a  wild>Iookin|  fellow,  with  a  broken  n 

tly,  "Bounds         _   , 
I,— the  broken  keeper 


frightful  squint.   "  Honour,"  he  added  impattontly,  "  Bounds  strangely 
indeed  in  snch  arogne's  month  as  tlune,  Narraei,-  """ '-— •—  ' 


¥hyni 


o  the  lowest  aiogiido,  swears  now  by  his  word  oi 

and  why  may  not  we  ?" 


*^^taljl 


"Anced,  igreod.  Go  on,  iUnolol  go  on  with  die  distriboCioii," 
cried  the  otbcrs  impBtiaDtlr. 

"  Kend  take  these  dogi  \  what  do  they  growl  at  ?  3omB  one  snrelit 
^proaches." 

**  Impoaible,"  anmered  Diu.  "  Laxarillo  is  watching  the  ODly 
•PpTOSch,  and  all  is  right;  «o  coaat  on,  Nairuz." 

Where  wat  1  ?  Ay — three  traadrad  and  ninetT-nght,  three  hnn- 
Aed  tod  ninety-nine,  fonr  hundred  reali"  continued  Narvaei,  coanting 
the  moiieT.  "we  one  hundred  pelelali  now,  we  are  thirty  in  number, 
■DclDdiiig  Laiarillo — " 

"  But  the  necklace  and  ringe  which  I  took  from  the  old  lawyer's 

— '''XT  ?"  iutormpted  the  araricians  Julian. 
__ii  Jago  of  Compoatdla  wither  your accnraed  tongue  1''  eidiimed 
Cifdentet,  grasping  fiercely  the  hilt  of  hia  poniard  i  "  how  oflen  am  t 
to  loae  count  iiy  yonr  intennptionB  ?  Allow  me  to  deal  to  each  man  hii 
«hM«,  and  then  preach,  aa  of  old,  until  you  are  weary.  When  you  left 
jooF  ckriatar  at  San  Jnao,  yon  ahaiild  hsTe  left  there  your  monkish 
greed  with  your  beada  and  eowL  One  hundind  peaetas,  then,  la — )• — 
twenty  duros,"  Ac  &c ;  and  eo  on  he  continued  to  rei^n  and  count, 
wlule  niB  brother  deeperadoea  watched  round  in  ailence,  with  louring 
hMln  of  Mgemees,  ferocity,  and  aviirtce,  their  hird-featored  counte- 
nances ^>pearinE  like  those  of  demons,  u  the  yellow  lustre  of  the 
lamp  fell  on  their  hoiah  outlines. 

"  Let  ne  retire  now,  while  wB  may  do  so  in  safety,"  whispered 
Ronald.  "  But  how  now,  Pedro  !  what  ii  the  matter  mth  yea!"  he 
asked,  on  obiervinE  that  the  face  of  the  Spaniard  was  pale,  fierce,  ami 
betrayed  symptoms  of  deep  excitement. 

"Ah  I  iiTtor  q^jnnff,"  he  replied  in  a  scarcely  audible  voice,  "Julian 
Diaz,  the  wretch  who  wae  tills  moment  dispntjng  with  the  master  rogue, 
has  done  mo  more  wrong  than  eren  his  life  can  atone  for." 

"  How — how  so  ?     Speak  low  and  qnickly." 

"  Two  years  ago  I  was  about  to  be  wedded  to  a  girl  of  Merida. 
Iiobel  Znarea, — a  fur  creature,  senor,  and  of  ^ood  birth,  ft>r  her  gtand- 
fiilher  bad  been  an  ^calde.  The  very  cTenin^  before  our  marriage, 
this  fimd  Julian  Diaz,  who  was  then  a  monk  m  the  ConTsnto  de  San 
Juan,  ssailegiously  conceived  a  passion  for  ber  at  the  canfesaional,  and 
bore  bis  that  night  by  fbrc«  to  the  forest  of  Albnqnerqne.  Dioi  I  O 
"■-    • ^-—MSgain  beheld  h- '-  ■-  '■'-  -'  ' — ■- 


"  Since  that  day  baa  been  a  robber  and  outlaw  :  as  such  he  has  eluded 
my  SBarefa.    Bat  now — "    He  coekfd  and  raised  his  carbine. 

"For  Heaven's  sake — fin  our  onn  sakes,  beware  what  you  do, 
Gomel  I  We  mnaC  retreat  rather  than  attack.  Our  lives  would  pay 
for  our  isahness  in  encountering  so  many." 

"  God  be  wi'  us  !  Would  ye  he  temptin'  Providence  by  firinj  on  sic 
•  neat  a'  raterana  ?"  said  Evan  angrily,  as  he  dragged  Pedro  tram  the 
wall  towards  the  gloomv  dingle.  "Comi 
yehandyoar  life  st  a  bawbee  only,  I  h 


^ 


L  UiB  hill  o'  Keir ;  and  there  lies  the  ransom  o' 


"  Pollinr  me,  lenon  I  I  know  erery  pass  aod  thicket  of  the  wsodk 
■nd  mil  eMlr  elade  ttieiz  panuit,"  eicwiiiiiwl  Pedro,  i^«»hm|  iato  the 
bushes,  uid  Uireoding  his  mr  ab  nadom  ttroogh  the  nua  a(  daA 
tUduta  and  eatugled  uBderwood.  TIm  two  nountuncan,  aBtjnf  od 
tiie  fint  irapalM  (S'  tbe  mornant,  abo  aoafbt  aa&ty  l»  ntinBc  and 
foUoired  Pedro  wilk  eoae  and  raiiidiCf  tliroueti  sTsry  ob9Caala>  Wna^ 
been  accustomed  &am  their  boyhood  to  thread  the  danaa  ptna  fiKMto 
of  tjia  Soottisb  hi|Uands. 

Onward  they  hurried  al  raodon,  pmwing  ande  tlie  tteeiy  bosheaand 
biancbea,  Eetting  Uteaadvea  bniiaai  awl  tota  by  sharp  hramblM  and 

hafdit  ■   -  '-  -   '     ---^ "■  ■     • 

itanaot  of  tlia  mniarait   ai  th^,  ^ 

_  .  .t  bailiog  m&  ii_.  ._  .  _^ 

...  j  tbos  from  wnitabes  whosa  ha  m 

heartily  hated  and  dea^aed,  and  more  tjian  once  he  almoat  te*cil«*4  to 
■taod  and  fight  acaiwt  thsaa  to  the  death  i.  but  his  di«cretioB -orenaM 
bsa  dsapnate  nwduUm.  patating  oat  ''-'■  "-^''  — '  ■■-* — ' —  '^- 
mrenga  till  HMlliet  tiiBe  «Diild  be  the  m 
but  but  a  AUms  IspM  wauM  enr  b^  M 
Fiercely  in  pursuit,  fbUowing  Oieir  path  with,  scmpuloiu  pvacUMb 
eaiBetheonaaii>.eageFfornlBader  andnrcsiM.  ThMesaaaee deape- 
ndoea  bad,  however,  been.diMnoed  by  same  bandred  yards  ;liiit  (Mb- 
ahanla,  oidaiaa,  and  the  tnad  of  tbeir  that  ware  distinotly  hemi,  w 
they  poTsoed  with  the  speed  and  aocoiarcy  of  nea  aocosttmed  to  tlw 
KHHiad,  and  to  theiiKgiilarwHfeMaf  goedilaa. 

Now  and  tbea  the  gloom  (tf  the  dvll  wood  was  illnmined  by  b,  lalid 
flash,  as  a  raodom  shot  mu  fired  in  tlie  diiectioa  of  the  fu^iai,  who 
more  than  once  had  narrow  eM>|iBa  frosn  baiii<  killed  or  wounded ;  the 
laUer  «■•  to  be  dreaded,  a«  it  would  ban  ensured,  parbi^i^  a  deadi  of 
li»tare  fiom  the  poniards,  of  the  baii£te>  A  part  of  tba  foreM  wm 
BOW  gaiaed  wbeis  tha  txaea  grew  thinner,  aud  tha  giound  was  man 
open;  but tlieir pafli  ww  ambanasaed  W^Oed  maaws  of  rodit, looto 
and  stumps  of  decayed  tMes,  Mitwined  Dusha*,  fallen  codc-tt«es.  deep 
■ones  and  Itolea,  and  bei«  wd  thete  tiie  itony  bad  of  some  bobhluig 
brook.  Neccrtheisss  they,  still  kept  tiwii  poisuecs  at  tha  same  dia- 
ID  quickly  and  in  sileaoa. 


and  lighted  the  wild  scenery  with  the  pale  splendour  of  its  silverr  Hg)^ 

"These  wretchea  are  undoubtedly  sauiing  upon  us,"  siud  Kooald, 

pausing  a  moment  to  listoi  and  drawbrutb.    "Your  ill-timed  laah- 


9,  Pedro,  will  CHOunly  cost  ni 

"For  my  own  I  oare  not;  but  I  regret  that  yours,  noble  senor,  or 
that  of  my  ^tUant  comnde,  abonld  ba  placed  in  Buch  deadly  peril 
by  me." 

' '  It  WIS  a  tomptiii'  o"  Flondence  to  attack  sic  a  gang,"  observed 
Eran,  who  iiad  begun  to  comprelieiid  Spanish  a  little.  "  O'd,  sizl 
gio  we  had  but  ten  o'  our  ain  braw  fellows  iiere,  we  would  soon  gar 
thera  aa'  a  halt." 

' '  Yes ;  oh  I  bad  we  but  so  many  of  the  Gordon  Highlsndara  hva,  I 
would  soon  give  these  vagabonds  fight,  thirty  of  them  though  tbwe 

"  Twen^-eigbt,  seaorj  my  band  baa  stnuk  two  &om  tha  mnatai^ 


Mdl,"  iuti-  EMroi  &»dUog  kta  hmd  to  wold  a  ibM  whM  wldrtled 


vpalimmt  «ith  11m  activity  of  roes,  v4iile  tbe  wild  jella,  imtal-. 

fl>  ud  tituirliani;,  witb  vluch  ttw  itvtM  the  fat  mbiMi  ef  tte 

iMelr  fiireBt,  innrtad  to  tlie  bom*  ■  MHgnlar  and  eidtiif-,  but  cer- 
teinlT  toriUe  etleet.     Svme  bsoaning  wary,  or  niuine  the  tnoll^ 


■bottfacT  Mttt  alUr  tlw  One  MUtm,  tto  gUtttP  or  whoM  paUdlMt 
■pwniABeilU  fiwr  amid  phiulr  ocarn  in  tile  noMlliglit. 

''ffwoaasml  taksadoalHiddelibamtBrin, ttst ereryriMtiaMr 
talM  Anniitsman)"  cried  RoD^,  U  a  voieeirilMi  had  beeonte  !»■■■*- 
with  punoD  md  (Uigiie  r  wUlSi  bf  in?  of  eBMnple,  be  ItrriUdllM 
MvABt'Of  Um  dtail  robker  owara  Inimeitt  vf  iwdi^  end  let  Itritf 
■onttna  rt  ifc»»iM«it  patpoef,  wba  MliMUt  a  ihriek  tkM  ttwtadtti* 
vUdbiMbiDlfce  IMheat  necana  of  theirood,  and  gao  a  tempMBrr 
check  to  the  aidoar  of  tte  bMidHtl,  «ko  >tUl  Mtowed  Utem  dMdn 
biatmoeewarily— Bri^at  theai  flom  bebiad  roAtaud  buhee,  luui- 
tiiiikK  ■  nmnlQg  akinaiA.  urinefa,  aatwilkMiadaf  the  dMqrer,  ImMI 
aMnethinr  Teir  enntiiig  in  It,  aod  ph—^  Hmald'a  bold  and  Sery  A>- 
poiitiDn  better  tina  tbe  anreaistiag  manner  of  their  p>«T4DaB  flight. 

"  O^r  lady  of  Mqorga  auist  as  I "  cried  Pedro  in  a  roice  of  i&MMifi 
*''WeBiBlr«tiiow^  souor:  Htefiendi  bavabrooebtnp  tbe  dogtCothur 

*'ffBDniKitaMaoBd,b«t AreaadrakMd;  « 
be  dB^  aa- well  «8  tor  Uieir  )em  noble  m 
Idd  mS,  B*«i." 

"Ay,  rii%tbefkllewi«liiekil9ii|iU3riioeBli](eand-ne.     I  geellil 

lege  in  tb»  nWDalicfat  dawBiig  oner  the  cairn  &  ittum,"  nplied  tl» 
otMt,  MullytlailiaKhiBiHHei  udraamiicaaotlnrehai^  hard  faomei 
"Bltto'd,  rir,  kwkat  t^aeawlVi'  black  t^ea,  loaping  ower  loaar  and 
hub,  bonk  and  btaa,  like  fidriea,  or  sie-l&ia  awBOBa  ttiinga.  Sleath' 
dan.  I  dtolarel  tbe  beni deenlt  t " 

''  Onrnnk* !  tarn*.  1  toll  yoa  we  ais  lost,"  aaid  Pedro,  in  a  IdbB 
of  BBgiVBinl  iaifMititnee.  "Ton  ktMW  not  ttie  nanwtobed  ferodty  of 
DW  SpBiisfa  ataitlfi.  They  an  yet  fir  off ;  bat  iboald  they  raaeh  ost 
aH  tlu  rotten  boan  ia  the  ifMraHvof  San  Joan  wobM  not  Mie  lu,  if 
we  had  ttna  here." 

"  Take  oeaiue,  gargento !  I  place  more  reliuioe  npoa  a  strong 
bMd  and  a^boldi  heart,  tbaa  all  tbe  rehcarios  in  Spain :  but,  cerWat 
tbiae  ai«  MOit  derilMk  aatagonfitB."' 

bitacte  with  incredible  spaed,  aawai4 

„_.  , „  ud  growlinf  as  If  i^ndemoniDm  had 

« Icon.  Clearing  taak  sod  baih  at  a  bound,  oo  they  ceme,  tbBh> 
glossy  skins  and  starting;  eyee  shining  and  sleaming  in  the  licfat,  wUA 
Aowwl  diBtinotly  one  that  had  ontalripped  ite  comrades.  IM  pnwla. 
were  deep  amdltoaree;  tbe  snow -white  fua'D  was  dropping!  on  thegru* 
■iad  learei  fnxn  JH  red  open  month,  as  it  came  careering  rorward  witlif 
the  tMTlaesaess,  ferocity,  and  determinalieH  of  aome  diaboliori  spirit. 

"Jbr  this  oaeliWillreserre  my  fire,"  BBid  atnalt,  knowing  himielf 
to  bo  B  deadly  shM ;  *'  meanwhils  blBic  away,  nd  atm  ateedily,  braw 
beartil'' 


100  TBB  ROUANCI  OF  VAB. 

"AiitinDt«mare,and  itwiUbe  npoD  u;  raumnitcertuDlf  become 
Itt  fictim,"  replied  Pedro :  "  tbat  TJclitD  must  be  me,  if  my  poniard 
^1*  to  despatch  i(.  My  ruhneu  biongbt  thii  about,  and  I  am  road; 
to  par  tbe  penalty." 

"  Pihaw  i  never  despond.    Msrk  tbat  fellow  wiUi  the  red  cip." 

"  He  i>  down,  aeiior,"  replied  the  other  cobUt,  sa  be  ahot  the  man 
dead.  "  I  can  die  content.  I  baie  gained  TCDgeance  on  Julian  Diez, 
and  I  ahonld  bare  beeo  no  true  Spaniard  had  I  not  rerenged  myself." 

"  I  will  hold  yoa  hat  medio  Etpanal,  if  yoD  talk  tbue.  CJoorage, 
|ood  Pedro  1     I  will  rid  as  of  this  pursuer, — my  aim  is  deadly." 

"Could  we  but  escape  this  one,  our  safety  would  be  Becnred.  On 
the  other  side  of  thii  stream  is  a  ca«em,  the  mouth  of  which  is  con- 
cealed and  ovei^rowii  with  wild  vines ;  but  1  Icnow  it  well,  as  1  do 
every  foot  of  ground  bere^Kint.  Lrtus  but  gain  it,  sod  we  can  remain 
tiiere  in  safety  nntil  some  aasistance  arrives.  We  are  now  dose  on  the 
road  that  leads  IVom  La  Nav»to  Albnqnerqae." 

They  fomid  themaelvet  on  the  brink  of  a  ruihlnc  torrent,  whidi, 
hurrying  down  from  tbe  sitmmili  of  the  Sierra  de  MonlaniAes,  swept 
oier  its  nigeed  cbunel  towards  tbe  Qnsdiaiu,  leeking  tbe  most  nnfte- 
qnented  aiid  stdltur  gorca  and  defiles  to  wander  through. 

"Letns  jamp  into  uw bum,  sir,"  cried  Eiaoeegeriy.  "Iietns  jump 
in,  and  gai^  up  the  water  a  wee  bit,  and  tbe  sleoth  honnds  will  sune 
tyne  the  scent.  My  ffdther,  tbe  piper,  aye  telled  tbat  was  tbe  only  way 
to  get  rid  o'  evil  speerita  and  sic-liks,  to  pnt  a  rinnin  water  between 
them  and  yanrseL"  , 

"Rjght,  Evan!  we  an  almost  safe.  Plunge  in:  follow  me!  cried 
Ronald,  springing  into  the  stream,  which  rose  to  his  waist :  tbe  others 


itB  chape,  and  stood  i^ft'i'g  and  growUng  on  the  bank  above  them.  It 
Beit  ran  fiercely  to  and  fiv,  sDoiting  sod  saaffing  tbe  air,  aod  tearing 
Upbure  piecee  of  tuif  withits  sharp  fangs,  as  ifto  discover  tiie  lost  py~~ 
■'"^  and  fain  0  _,r..  ..  .  .. 


S7, 


bed  of  the  corrent  a  little  way,  treading  with  difficulty  on  the  sUp- 
-,  pebbles.  "  I  know  the  path,  »mor  o^eiaie  ,■  follow  me  promptly, 
yon  please, — now  is  the  criti^  time  to  elude  them  allKetber." 
'-'-'  nprajtg  with  s^litj  up  the  Bl«epbank;  Booald  followed,  bat  poor 

__ tre  of 

ukwards  the  fierce 
quedruped  sprang  upon  bim  from  the  bank  above  with  a  wild  yell,  and 
seizing  him  by  the  thick  folds  of  bia  filledh-b^,  drew  liim  under 
— '--     " much  disconcerted  at  finding  himself  grasped  by  th- 


•obigonisL 
^MJod,  I 


, ._ "  eidumed  Konald,  when  on  looking  bsck  he 

beheld  the  danger  of  his  fbthful  follower.  Half  swimming,  he  hurried 
to  the  spot,  with  his  broad-sword  shortened  in  his  hand,  and  graspmg 
the  dog  by  the  throat,  plunged  the  sharp  weapon  twice  thrnugbito 
body.  Its  teeth  relaxed  the  hold  of  Evan's  (artan,  and  the  quivering 
carcase  floated  bleeding  down  the  stream;  while  the  rescued  High- 
bnderi  propping  himseu  with  bis  musket  (which  luckily  he  bad  never 


relinqnishecl),   ipnug  np  tb«  bank,  irhere  he  ihook  himtelf  like  • 

water-dof,  the  wet  Btnaming  fkim  hi«  bonaet  and  ever;  part  of  hu  dress. 

"  Viva .'  noble  cavalier ;  gallantly  done  I    Follow  toe,  this  is  the 

"  exclaimed  Pedro ;  andnuhmg  np  a  steep  ascent,  ther  fallowed 


mple  Id  plimgii^  at  ones  thnrach  a  thicket  of  duk  ^reeii  boibMi 
ind  themBelvea  in  a  gloom;  hole,  the  extent  or  height  of  which 
impoeaihle  to  diacorer,  being  involved  in  utter  darkoeBi.    The 


■nd  found  themselvea  in  a  gloom;  h 

it  was  impoeaible  to  dii 
densely  ttdck  foliage  ai 
to  the  lishC  of  the  moon,  which  now  revealed  a  dozen  or  more  of  their 
nrBnen  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  stream,  about  which  the;  hunted 
m  every  direction  ibr  mine  trace  of  those  they  bad  pursued,  and  UTfed 
on  tlieir  dogs,  which,  now  complete!;  at  fault,  ran  np  and  down,  scenting 
among  the  willow  trees  and  ehelving  rocke,  mingling  their  hoans 
ba;ing  with  liiB  lend  and  bitter  coiws  of  the  banditti. 


CHAPTER    XVI. 


<•  beard, 

DBnitl  VmUtr. 

"  Thbt  must  be  sonewhras  hereabont,"  cried  Cifbentea,  with  a 
horrible  oath,  spealdiiE  at  intervals,  while  he  panted  with  exhaoilion 
and  fatigue.  "Bat  latere  in  the  name  of 'Bedzebub  can  the;  have 
concealed  tbemadves  ?" 

"  The;  crossed  the  stream,  I  can  swear,"  replied  one  fbllow,  while  be 
loaded  his  mosket.    "  I  saw  them  descend  the  bank  with  m;  owne;e9." 

"  Yon  cosld  scarcely  see  them   well  witb  another  man's,  Pneroo 

""'--'■ —  "■- — -■---■ •.i.-_   -Q  tJie  opposite  bank.     One  of 


VwUias  hot  there  is  no  traoe  of  tl 
the  dogs  it  mining,  too." 
"  There  it  Uaa,  OoMdog  among  th 


it  Uaa,  Soaring  among  the  rodca  and  fbam  ;onder,"  replied  a 
dilrdmffian. 

"Dead?" 

"  A;,  dead  as  Judas." 

"  Demonioi !  How  can  these  cursed  flettds  have  escaped  us  ?" 

"Rends  thm  appear  to  be,  certainlv.  The;  were  but  three  in 
unmbe^  and  a  hundred  shata  have  missed  them,  while  the;  have  slain 
tome  of  oar  heat  men." 

"  B;  all  the  might  of  hell  I "  exclaimed  Narvaei,  in  a  voice  of  bitttr 
nge,  the;  shall  not  escape  us,  if  we  once  more  gain  sight  of  them. 
To  the  gay  bravo  with  the  Urge  black  feathers  1  bear  a  hatred,  that 
erery  drop  of  blood  in  his  cowvd  heart  onl;  can  qneocb.  To  think 
that  they  ahonld  escape  aa  scatbless,  after  havmg  slain  so  many  I " 

"  Poor  Jalian  Diaz  I "  said  Vadija.  "  A  more  jolly  monic  naa  not 
in  Estreraadnra,  where  there  are  well  nigh  six  thousand  of  the  cord 


"  How,  Tadiia  1  what  of  bim  >" 

"  I  found  him  Inog  dead  in  th«  .patlitHtr.  ataUiad  tn 

"  Somifes  I    Cliue  roimd  ae,  t 

|Jw  to  BBek  TBUgeanae.    It  is  en_-_.   ,   _.  . . 

■biani— -we  nmit  haTe  uen  them  kad  tiuf  ctoEM  K  . 
Kiut  b>  -close  at  baad.  ^d— "  Tke  nat  via  k«t  in  tb«  c 
flwothsN,  who chutered iwmd ClfwolcB,  HWib ddlinrinc  hia  apiBion, 
wdhtddiacAirtliohatinattly  tpwetUiaaMif  hi*  hralliar  ropwa,  aaaw 
SMM  of  iduua  wow  cotnins  abanlit^  op  tram  tke  raar,  putms  and 
glmoit  laaathlaaa  iridi  exettiaa.  MeaBimiJe  tke  tkiee  fositnaa  kad 
tfoowD  tkemaalvfa,  —     -  ■' ■'--  ' " '  "^- 


From  bebind  th^  BonaiL  of  thick  fob«e  BoawU  hCB(4  all  tkat 
pOHted,  and  watched  with  increasing  intereat  the  picCnresqae  appear- 
ance of  the  bandite,  whom  be  coud  plainly  discern  in  the  radiant 
moonlight,  that  Khed  its  clear  cold  Initi^  throu^  the  dailc  blneiuilt, 
where  myriads  of  stars  wcm  twinUiiig.  Mesnwliile  Iverach,  who  had 
quite  recovered  ftoia  the  iliiiiij  oaaied  hf  his  recent  immersion,  waa 
bnaily  employed  drying  kis  wetted  nnuket,  and  piepBiitig  for  action  by 
'^TJni  a  new  Rint  and  reloading,  Tejoldng  to  find  that  his  ^ck  leathca- 

incb  had  kept  his  ball  otftrM^a  perfectly  dry. 

"■"      kstoSantaT ' ..  -!m_^__  .  ,..i__ 

discover  this 
cealment.     It  was  in  ancient  dajs 
drowned  one  dark  nigbt  in  the  ri 
flesh  npon  a  FHdaj,  they  say." 

"  I  witb  -we  had  fone  to  M^jorga  with  yonr  brother  Laatro  ;  this 
oused  adtKBlMie  wamU  then  haae  besn  ayoidad  Thi«  kola  ia  very 
OMWi  and  eotd  aa  Hiet'*^-'* 

."fiatltienitia«Dseain«,  eenor ;  aadwe  owdetdid  it  ta4ke  kwb 
and  sell  onrlives  dearly,  should  they  attack  us."    firfueJieBaU  aoaU 

^' JBah  I  Lwe  UtioBtx."  enad  Nbmmb,  "  ktrw  ^aald  -Ikey  kaov 
«r  this  coBoeided  e»i«Di  «>ueh  yoa  My  is  ap  j^kdw?  An  A^not 
Bnlieii?  aadtwo  ef  tbeu  b«lai«  to  tbo*eMK«(ca  tkat  govithlkslr 

.  "ThesuiesBideUiatMlibBBi  to  tka  niMof  aantal'naia.aai^t 
■how  them  the  cavern." 

"  Right,  Ordonez.  I  thonght  not  thst  tiere  waa  so  mixk  «it  in 
that  empty  calabaah  of  thine." 

"  They  bsM  a  Spautid  -wHh  Uma,"  Bid  ke  wioai  lk«r  mattA 
Tadqa ;  "  1  saw  the  moon  reflaeted  on  his  steel  halBet." 

"  A  dngoon !  Had  he  a  pliuae  of  ted  iMavaihair  ?" 

"He  had;  but  I  think  he  has  left  the  half  or  whole  efitaaiMstka 
kwiMsintoflicht." 

"  CoTtartbrn  I  t^es 'til  «ithet  DouAlvaie,  er  OBe.ofhiaxaseiJlrtroopI 
I.riiall  haie  reveage  £m'  the  aigfat  they -oade  «ie  s^eud  ia.  the  ConfcDbi 
da  San  Jnon  at  Merida.  We  will  aeardi  this  CHveni.  aad  takia  a  -tnw 
Spmish  wmtonnce  on  wheev«r  vw  find  there.    iLaokwelt  tnTSorkanM 


"I  peroeive."  said  Ordonea,  "some  alHrabaa  has  talcen  plase 
among  the  vine*  which  conceal  the  CDtrance.  They  are  all  bi(ri*ea  and 
trodden  down;  I  can  sirear  they  were  not  so  this  morainf-" 

'"nten  there  it  ia  they  are  osnceakd.    '^iip^daisl  Uad'lbnn 


tB  Itm  tfMM-,  arena  fts  idem.    Let  whener  Hdnti  ftr  TnuMmce, 
fbBnr  me  I  ht  wboerw  <•  MnoHJed  fliwa  IrMtila,  for  tMr  bsor  U 


tioa  Bm  three  BearT  fngitiTei  bebald  tluir  remamden  pnTMsn  boldlf 
eras  dn  Uimib  to  *toiw  Ikeir  UdiOf-plMa.  Bat  pnb^  CUbcDtra 
^id  ki*  Mkiwen  woaU  hive  a^nuiaed  lencoancMwilT,  hwl  the;  been 
ffcuUj  wbwhL  tlwt  Ihoe*  aF  wbnm  Ifaer  ■«•  la  MMck  were  ra«U; 
M>  dose  at  hand. 

-  ''^''^u^  Ua»aB,  ■ida>r(nncaatlaB,<faeBna>aaManiB^,'*uid 
ksBiU ;  "  aad  tfaa  riatji  toimA  we  bare  annong  u  wiK  laat  antil  tv- 
H^Btnr,  if  we  aee  apaainc  aad  earn  welL  Let  m  fen  «■  them  aa  th^ 
ooaa  the  abeam  ;  'tia  neck  oi  nothing  with  ns  now.  See  that  to«  maa 
ancfjaBTBiM.  IidUaiaiat  OCiHDtaB-tiMBMUibd  wkhtiMlooB 
faaOier  and  Ugkorovaiad  hM." 

-  Ihe  tfene  Madceta  ■  Mee  ftaahad  iNia  dM  dafk  cMaaa.  tti*  diatant 
aaawaafwUdi  tckoad  to  tte  bod  reptnt,  whits  the  aaddaolicbC 
filled itawiBdmn  and  err "-  "-- ■— ^-  -^ —  ' ' — — ■ 


ith  diamST.  Ronald  miaaed  Namei,  oiriaf  ts  ■  wmiim  maUom  at 
■•  MKr )  W  anoelr  woMdad  Pbmo  Tad^  whs  waa  baU^  Un. 
Mw-MlKdn>  had  bMii  UBadtiuir  man. 

The  wild  ahrieka  and  outcriea  of  liiB  iliaaMMi  aaMtar,  wi  aifaiilufc 
MM^^awtndiBga  af  the  ih— .fgaWlr  awJledawl  twiMtdliia 
biiiaiBr»afaaa,ttt,  laali«d«f  aitaMfllu  tathaaawlt,  thCTM  lowwid 
OsataaaB,  fled  vp  A*  taafc,  Mid  aMMDeed  thanadaaa  hatiiMl  Ae 
tdAb  and  tieea,  aeeldi^  ibeltei  fromthadaaArainaf  iMraaiMeaM 
auoAai,  a^  ahwdoniBff  Taflia  to  hta  ftrt*  i  bat  Ua  kat  dnwatac  137, 
aa  it  came  aireepiiis  towarda  ^em  oa  the  night- wind,  fa^d-aa  adao  m 
thehMrtafbiaBlaYaT.  ham bAind &e aonnirttenfta* bad  posted 
■-■•-'•    ■^Mfareawelw 


igehaiDgdaM.  a*i«*N»,tb*t)K«e«a 
I  buak-fightiBB  Mit  of  «■■*«•.  aa  ti 
.or  a  leg,  «r  M  ma,  Oa  momewt  it  aa| 


flteadUT  at  a  head,  or  a  leg,  «r  at  ma,  tha  momewt  it  aaaaand  b  tim 
'-'KFiit«xpo*ii«themieliMJKliia  digbtatdeme;  i^«a their oppc 
I*  tMfc  Ibr  ttair  object  afiAteek  Iha  lata  daA  chut»  •(  tiaaa  wluc 
ft«M  file  caran'a  month,  and  laadl  bidMa  iuiUMiaMe  aain 
wMillito<hroa«htheialaiti»h»dl>Baie,a«l»Mrefl«t«i>taiaiiietBi 

— ■ >--— ■  -  '-'  ■- —  ^^  '^-  ~- 'Trf  noBfitaai 

eulooaly,  whUa 


AaahetluHCd«ften  within  aaiBch  af  tfamr  aari,  cuiunEaiMOBMarlr 
midMBBiit  and  tingKnt  lenaation  within  liiaai,  vriiicb  moat  be  ezpt- 
jwtal  to  be  oeoaprAeodad  pnmrlr. 

"SiMai<a,'BenMei  mj  oarbidfae  m«  searlr  expended.  I  hei*a  bat 
dtMt,"  ciied  Ae  diagaan,dMkawthe  little  aartndge-hM:  wkidi  hong 
athJaAoalder-bidt. 

"  ■ewwni  1  I  have  Srad  my  bet  ibat,"  aielajmed  Snart,  in  leplf, 
wbeni  on  putting  his  hand  into  Lamille'a  ctunaaa  poach,  he  feaad  it 
oilpM.  "  Wecanoenr  bold  ont  tUiemeTeUrfcoBta.  £thi,  how 
Maiia  TOBi  poneh  ?" 

"Vtmi'iAaTges.aiTi  deilsMMiawr.    WemanDdafsad  tbiafaolebr 


101  TUB  BOHUICB  OF  WAa. 

"  Star— ccoM  firing,  Rasene  the  tea  ronncb,  to  be  iMed  oa\j  bi 
case  of  Bome  preiaiDg  extremity,"  caid  RoogJd,  first  In  Engliih,  and 
tben  in  Spiuiili. 

"  EiBctlT,  aenor ;  ten  roDnJs  are  the  liiea  of  ten  maa.  Should  Am- 
ladiunea  advance  again,  we  will  not  fire  until  ve.are  well  aunisd  OUr 
fire  will  prove  etfeclive." 

"  Tbey  are  more  numcroiu  now  than  before,"  obeerred  the  offiocr, 

SQsbinj  aside  the  Tinea  to  view  tb^  foes.  "  There  are  a  dozen  mm* 
igb-crowned  tombreroa  among  Otem ;  I  see  them  pUinlf  abore  lli» 

"  Sttmlot  I  O  acEoor,  allow  me  to  fire  V  aiked  Pedro,  ilappios  im- 
padently  the  butt  of  his  caibioe.  "  See  yonder  fUkiw  behina  tbff 
chealnnt;  his  whole  body  i«  Tisible.  Do  allow  me,  noble  aeirar?'lii  a. 
Uiz  chance." 

"Hold,  my  fiery  sanento;  wemuit  be  sparing  of  what  is  left  nB—~ 
The  tteril !    Draw  back,  man,  or  yon  will  otrtaiuy  be  shot." 

At  that  moment  six  mnsketi  flashed  from  conosaled  places,  and  some 
of  the  bolls  grazed  the  cone  of  Pedro's  steel  helmet,  which  the  waning 
light  of  the  moon  had  reyealedto  them. 

It  soon  became  apparent  to  the  bandita  that  the  ammnnition  of  tbeir- 
antagonialB  waa  aipended,  and  their  coDiage  and  insolence  rose  acooid- 
ingly.  Tbey  showed  their  whole  flgores  at  times,  and  fired  wiA  greater 
rapidity  than  beftee,  abontiiu, — 

"Jltunm  lot  lurtgotl  Mutra,  iorracHoi !  vemt!  ladr»iiMf" 
and  many  a  loud  and  deep  tango,  together  with  innDmerable  other 
Spanish  uathets  and  maledictiona. 

"  Thank  Heaven,  day  b^na  to  break,"  observed  Pedro  Oomez,  ■• 
a  pale  light  in  the  east  buan  to  replace  ^at  of  the  faded  moon. 

"  Weaball  tbengst  rid  of  these  bawling  rascals  ;  they  will  scanaly 
dare  to  besiege  ns  m  open  daylight." 

"  I  have  my  doobts  as  to  what  course  they  may  porsae,  seoor." 

"How,  Pedro.'" 

"  Indeed,  eenor,  in  tiie  nreeent  disorgtniied  slate  of  the  country,  onr 
Soanisb  robbers  are  bold  enoagb  to  do  anythint-  llirouriiout  the 
whole  land  tbay  are  anmerow  as  the  leavea  M  tba  fbrest,  and  keep  np 
lines  of  rsgnlar  commanication  betwesn  one  place  and  another.  Ws 
may  thank  the  Prsnoh  invasiaD  for  snub  s  state  of  things." 
Why  are  such  banda  permitted  to  exist?" 

"  Exist,  senor !    Can  abavcn  monks  or  lazy  alcaldes  enbdoe  tbem  V 

"Hoj  bat  armed  soldiers  may." 

"  Lord  Wellington  does  not  meddle  with  them,  as  tbey  never  sasanlt 
Us  troops ;  and  old  MoriUo's  soldiers  have  always  work  enough  on 
hand  withoat  making  war  on  the  banditti." 

*'  But  how  do  thus  fellows  come  to  be  so  numeroos  ?  Ah,  cnrM 
that  belli  a  narrow  escape. " 

"Senor,  war  compela  oar  peaeintry  to  become  fleroe  and  roving 
guerillas  :  from  the  guerilla  to  the  bandit  is  an  easy  traniition." 

' '  I  may  njoice  that  at  home,  in  my  own  country,  we  hsva  notluDC- 
ofthatkind  to  ezperience.  'Tis  perfect  daylight  now  :  the  thisTes  ar* 
atiU  on  the  watch.  I  would  tbey  had  retired,  as  1  feel  very  nndl 
exhausted  by  fatigue  and  want  of  steep." 

He  two  soldiers  felt  in  the  aame  predicament,  and  the  reader  mar 
imagine  the  comfort  of  being  drenched  by  fbrdiug  the  deep  stream,  and, 
then  being  obliged  to  pass  the  uight  iu  a  damp  caTcm  without  sleep  or 
rest,  after  the  stirring  eyents,  ezfaanstioa,  and  fatigue  of  the  day,  and 


ITAM.  IH 

the  eipoinrB  to  the  balleti  of  tame  tweat;  deapendacs  for  m  eatire 
night.  E>aa  au  leiied  with  b  cold  thivecing,  like  a  lit  of  (fas  agae, 
and  begaa  to  drop  asleep  ia  spite  of  bis  Btrenaoo*  effort!  to  ke«p  bbn- 

Pedro  produced  hia  crucifii,  aod  begBa  to  mutter  fail  momiDi 
OrisODii  miDglmE  with  them  sundrr  invectiiei  against  ladrooei,  ana 
wMiM  for  a  cup  of  aqaardiente  tg  Btimulate  him  to  freili  exertioD. 
TitB  fire  of  the  beiiegen  had  now  ceased,  and  they  contented  tliera- 
■elvei  with  watching  the  spot  ai  they  >at  among  the  roolu  imoklD( 
paper  t^jut,  and  fijiog  nev  flints  to  their  pieces;  while  cnanejokea 


"  Tba  sun  has  liseo,"  said  Ronald,  as  its  bright  beams  darted, 
duoogfa  openincs  in  the  vines.  "  1  will  reconnoitre  round  abont,  and 
pefbi^ia  1  may  diseover  some  signB  of  our  troops,  if  I  can  see  the  road 
whi^  leads  to  Merida."  He  received  no  uitwer.  The  miunble-jambl* 
of  Fodra'a  paterDoatsr,  and  aprokinged  snore  from  Iveracb,  informed 


ipaDions  in  peril  were  not  inclined  for  conversatioB. 

laying  aside  hi*  MniMt,  he  crept  dote  to  the  mouth  of  the  cave,  asd 
ptimncbadc  the  (bUage  softly,  ea«t «  canful  and  Iceen  gtaikca  around 
am,  ThcJi*  1)edi^«rt  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  itream  were  still 
ttatioDed  as  I  hare  descKbed  Ihem,  and  appeared  cridently  determined 
to  lenn^  the  fall  of  tlieir  comradea  by  starring  tlieir  stayers  into  k. 
caidtnlation.  Balucid  tliem,  and  to  the  right  rose  the  umbtageoni 
[e  of  the  oork-vood,  intarmiagled  nitb  lofty  chesnuts,  stretching 

pUn  eiteniUnr  away  in  tiie  direction  of  Merida,  its  broad  and  level 
extent  bonnded  by  a  blua  nndulalji^  lidge  of  far-off  moontaine,  the- 
Une  of  which  Iw  low  down  in  the  distance,  and  formed  the  boundary  of 
Ifae  hotiKm.  Tua  warm  Inttre  of  the  miniung  sun  was  abed  ioyoMi* 
on  die  wide  expanse,  calling  into  life  a  thonsand  birds  and  insects,  and 
tWMiiig  the  wild  flowers  to  raise  thtir  dewy  heads,  and  shake  fta 
moisture  from  thnr  opening  petals. 

Bnt  thtougbout  all  the  wide  prospect  which  the  lofty  situation  of 
thai  retreat  enabled  him  to  command,  i   '  ' 


niB  report  of  a  mnsket,  the  whiz  and  crack  of  a  Sail,  as  it  waa 
flstteoed  aqainst  the  hard  granite  walls  of  the  cavern,  made  him  suddenly 
wilhdm  bis  bead ;  and  the  loud  shout  of  savwe  derieion  and  laoghter 
vhidi  aroae  from  those  below  caused  bis  blood  to  boil  tumultnoosly, 
Hkd  bis  benrt  to  swell  with  anger  and  impatieoce.  He  soon  found  him- 
ssU  becominga  prey  to  weariness  and  exhaustion,  owing  to  the  fatine, 
esatement^  and  want  of  sleep  which  lie  had  endured  during  the  last 
tweotr-fonr  hours,  and  it  was  with  the  utmost  difficulty  ha  retrained 
(roDibUowing  Evan's  eiample,  and  Miing  into  slumber.  Often  did 
Bedro  Gomes  recommend  bun  earnestly  to  do  soj  reminding  him  how 


o  be  mdurfl^,  and  promtrinf  to  Inep  fctthftil 
ORald  dared  not  trust  him,  fearing  that  ha  too 
mll^  b«  meroHDe  with  dromiaeeB,  and  leave  them  at  the  meror  of  tlM 
bandits.  Towiids  noon,  to  their  ineipresgible  wtiafsction,  tbe  baala- 
gen  began  to  drav  off  bf  depeea,  as  if  wearied  of  tfae  aBar,  aad 
retired  into  the  wood,  leaTtnf  tLe  ftvd  of  the  river  fVee. 
■  "fflo.'  Ota  Lady  del  Kiar!"  cried  Pedro,  HultiMlT.  "Vmat 
senor ;  tber  haTc  abaadoned  their  post.  Kiould  we  im  on  acdthleaa,  I 
TOW  moet  aolemnlr  to  ™Lt  tbe  ibrjiio  of  oor  Ladf  of  MBJorga,  aad  pt^ 
aent  her  with  three  da;*'  pay.  and  •  new  bat  of  the  beat  -Ukd  HM 
Bad;4oi  or  Zafra  can  protnix."* 

"  And  ihould  we  not  get  off  Malhleaa,  Pedro  !"  aaid  BmaM  bmhIIf, 
aa  be  roee  from  ttie  gronad  and  atretcfcetl  bis  Itmba. 
"  neo  not  a  mararedi  ihaU  she  get  from  Sargeato  Goib«i,~-'1M, 


Ronald  laughed  aloud  at  the  Bpaniard's  ideas  of  mli|, 
^  BTonaed  his  aervant,  '•Ao  Malted  up  wiA  acil^,  jpaaplBg  Kt 
moricet,  aB  aEve  in  an  IniCant  t«  Ibe  rect^acttott  ef  tlii^  >taatiaB. 

"'Gradom  me,  sir !  I  danr  aa;  1  hsfe  slept.  Ob  sis  la  oceaatea  M 
(Us  to  tempt  PtoTJdenee  wiV-" 

"Never  mind.  Erso,  mrbmeatnaB;  aH  la  light  Dow." 

"  But  tbe  reiTing  ^oorm — " 

"Have  abandoned  their  port  Knd'SEd.  WebaienMMng'todo  fl<Mr>M 
a>  uarcb  off,  and  make  the  beat  ef  our  way  te  arane  sah  place.  Had  «• 
accepted  the  o^t  of  die  honest  BwMeer,  we  ebeold  Mne  esei^iart  • 
iBoat  disagreeable  night ;  bat  as  the  ptaj  bbtb,  'Alt  la  well  tlMtewli 
weffl.'" 

'"  But  dimu  be  ower  rash,  A,"  nU  B>an  ewrttonrir.  m  be  WlMi 
Aroagh  tbe  aereen  of  tfnes,  utd  tmrrtyvi  the  giowd  wWi  a  ih» 
^anee.  "  Be  wed  awnred  that  -Oe  caWtwu  at*  mm  brgoieMl 
a*,**  he  added,  grasping  Irii  maalsi'l  bdt  ashe  waa  aSsot  to  deaeabA. 

"  Gone  ?  I  ten  yon  theyare  ao  nadoBbtedly,"  relied  KoaaU,  tMUtjt. 
"Ton  see  Hsmn  is  no  trees  ef  fliem  now,  and  we  had  lllWw  JUfMt 

"  1  beg  yonr  pudon,  ^i  bvt  jot  bide  a  wee  bi*e  a  wee.  What 
oa'jre  that  ?" 

WbBe  he  spohe,  Ae  head  of  a  mas  raaa  alowlr  above  eae  «f  A^ 
gusaes  of  granite  overhaDEUig  the  finest  Hvee ,  evideatlr  wMdikvttife> 
iflace  of  concealment.  The  instant  it  atnwared,  Evaa  lt*«H*il  «ud 
•rsd  Ua  nnsket,  and  the  Mack  acowKi^  vnage  «f  Narvaea  CUmMw 

-^'■' = 'latrfr." 

nlr  in  BmbnaV  aaid  IhHuU,  h  a  flwce  tow 


of  Aaaepoi' 
"  I  Ai  »i 


"  Ther  are  watcbinc  us  s 
"  dPedrs,  ' 


.     .CbebeTe.  senor,"  replied  Pedrs,  "  that  the;  wonM  dH»  to 
IS  m  flma,  {f  Ae  French  were  net  in  Hnida.    Tbe  voittfUot 
■ad  algvazils  of  tbe  eitr  would  haTe  been  npon  then  Img  eretfais 

ttBB." 

"  I  do  not  tliinic  so.  Few  peas  fids  deserted  place ;  and  BBlee*  ssbb 
of  rar  troops,  when  croasing  tfae  plain,  ate  attracted  towards  at  by  Ik* 
snnrd  of  onr  arms,  vebare  bo  other  chance  of  friendly  aneeoor." 

"  And  if  not,  senor  ?  " 

"  Hen  nothing  is  left  us  hut  to  mike  one  hoU  daab  Ssr  onr  Hbartr, 
or  fell  oar  lives  ss  dearly  as  poastble.  Tbrir  design  is  evideoOrto 
Btam  Q8  ODt,  the  revengefid  iogi  I  " 

*  Ocett  nttDDfscCoiia  of  b>t>  m  curled  oa  In  tbeie  town. 


"TbiriiolBtudMtenrincfnwi  IbarMtar.  BielH  I  bad  m  left 
tbii  csTern,  what  >  GUe  wooii  tate  bMB  emri !  Otidado,  ttKor! 
OBToja.'  kditp  book." 

Scarcely  bed  Pedro  ipoken,  wken  the  report  of  twmty  mmkfte 
awke  the  echoes  of  the  piece,  ud  coTeloped  the  beok.  Uie  itreHn, 
and  the  oood,  in  white  ToloMce  of  evUnt  entoke ;  end  mmtj  of  tba 
dkst  vUitled  inlo  the  e«Te,  but  leiAdlr  fdl  m  Un  iwAm,  «aiMt  wbit^ 
ther  were  Battened  u  bnwd  ■>  EK>w»-ptMM,  leMiof ,  wfafmer  ther 
■track,  a  white  nsmd  ttar  Maiktd  apo^  Ibe  etoaa.  Sluit  after  ihot 
mi  fired  at  tbe  ptaee,  b«t  withmtt  bettar  ancaeia.  Jkaort  Dfnakwal 
breut-work  of  tarf,  niQnlngseroei  the  month  of  the  den,  oomyleMly 
■hielded  (he  thrM  fa«iliTM  tnm  Oe  ia^intM  aad  avU^diNclMl  flie 
iif  Ilia  iiiiCUai.  iiImi  ml  lit  hill  nil  tlili  ijal—  iif  illitMit  iiiihiiifiii  >fir«ftl 
bonn,  nniii  tonarde  ereniiw  they  Main  ccMMd-aMiMlTi  ''"'  — " — "" 
to  «>t4:h,  aJtboo^  tber  did  Mt  dare  to  mm  t»  «kM 
tbeir  opponent*,  the  deadly  aecnraey  of  wboas  um  « 
MMB  to  deter  them  fraai  attemptini  Id  Mrn  As  «aTar>  ay  mmmt. 

"  The  rogrnea  are  indeed  Tery  determined,  eenoi,"  mU  F*dn>. 
hope  we  iball  not  baye  to  ipend  another  night  in  this  diimal  |da 
•ower^  and  ibiveriDg  like  rala  ooBeeaM  in  a  drain." 

'•  I  tnut  not ;  but  whan  it  |p*—  ^-'— - 

nrtaattMir-- 
Wdforai      . 

"  Onr  I^y  of  Snoconr !  would  that  the  hosr  was  cduidi  jlob 
Mr  ^tker  dwt  dwek  Iwre  swat  ham  Uhad  a  dMip  oi^i  bellw  than 

"  DtwbUeee  he  Stored  hiawlf  with  mny  a  long  hm  af  aqoardiMtai 
if  Hiey  bad  it  in  those  dayi." 

"  Aj,  senor,  and  the  nlace  wna  eAan-folrF^tsd  V  *^  presMca  of 
the  mmmU  gtd*  of  L*  Nan.  who  eanw  hither  for  confaMioa.  They 
are  droll  doas,  tliese  solitary  monjci.  Many  a  strange  story  ia  eNmat 
•I4ie  rtiW-beaAd  Padre  af  Saa  Battolom." 

"  What  he  who  ahowa  4he  ■dphrn'ou  apni*  of  AkDH  ?  " 

"At;  he  is  as  annit  a  kaaniB  b«  we  hna  ao  tUa  ade  the  pMt  «( 
RoDcmnlles.  But  the  son  is  seMing  now,  aenor  caballero :  1  ise  da 
kM«  «e  easlteiaitt  •bMUnrsMroe*  tte  riiin  lowaHs  the  esetward." 

"BMulyeawM.fo*o.  AaaweMl&r^"— ^  ' — -..jrfji. 
o'  a  bag-]Hpe." 

"A, pipe,  Erac^'  racUaad  fitoast  " 

=-^^I    Byallth^est — "' ■ 

lionsly  to  ItMen.    " 

__.    Haa^  o' Crosdal        

HigUaader  in  ■  thick  toiee,  wiitetw  eye*  began -to.^atai. 

"  Sfwr  niKeMit,"  said  PadM, -wko  had  been  r*eo<i>^tnu  Ihra^ 
die  yine-basQei,  "  there  are  JbdtiA  txK^  aaoving  tm  tte  pUn, — nd 
wafonsat  lean." 

"  Higbhnders  I  Hiridandeis  1 "  va|diad  Boaald  eznltiDgly,  u  ha 
baheU  a  long  way  oT  a  party  af  UHed  et^lars  marchiBg  aMM  the 
Aaty  piMi.  The  Mtting  son  was  shiiw«  on  the  peliahsd  barrel*  of 
Aeir  (toped  arm^  whidk  laBbed  aad  gisaaed  hatweea  tba  traaha  of  the 
treea  at  eiery  step ;  even  the  ribhooa  flnttcab^t  from  tin  dronaa  on  &o 
piper's  ■hoalders  ooald  be  tyscamad,  sad  the  tteMt-attrring  alnln  be 
was  blowing  came  floating  towards  them  <M  the  ttfal  wind. 

"  Wlut  troopa  are  tMae  ?  awl  iriiere  eaa  tbey  hare  ooma  from  ? 
They  »ardi  towardi  Merida,  aad  tike  Frtnoh  are  there." 


106 

Whit  reEimenl  Ihcr  bdanito.  air.  I  dinna  t . 

,  that's  cerlaii 


Whit  regiiuenl  ther  belang  to,  dr,  I  diDoa  care :  let  that  fl«a  stick 
'a'.     Bnt  I'  .  -         ■ 


the  bran  feathcreil  bonnet,  the  filledh-bi  „. 
MtUter  Stuart !  can~we  no  fa'  on  some  plan  to  win  their  attention  ? 
Ther  are  fast  leaving  ub  behind  ;  and  it's  an  B«fu'  tbocht  to  be  here, 
hunted  in  a  hale  like  a  yirded  tod  lowrie,  and  yet  to  eee  the  tartan 
wariDE  in  the  eun,  and  hear  the  Wild  skirl  of  the  piob  mhor.  O'd,  eir  1 
my  biree  is  getting  up  ;  I  feel  mrielf  turning  wild." 

"  Stay,  Evan.  Unless  yon  vent  a  bullet  to  make  a  button-hole  in 
yonr  skin,  keep  back  I  A  msn  oa  honebick  haa  met  them: — ther 
have  baited." 

"  "nt  a  pity  tbe  knaTCB  cannot  see  tbem,  senoT.  By  the  elevation  of 
'*'"  place,  we  command  a  fulber  new  than  the  post  which  these  rascals 


marehed.' 


must  haie  heard  the  tonad  of  the  pipe  to  which  they 


b  think  lo  ;  fliey  would  hare  fled  had  they  heard  it.  Sonnd 
it  Mid  to  ascend,  aenor." 

"True—" 

"  O'd  air,"  interrupted  Evan,  who  continued  to  look  throngh  tho 
linea,  in  ipite  of  one  or  two  ihota  which  were  fired  at  bim,  "  1  would 
fain  ken  if  tbae  chielda  are  Gordon  Highlanders  or  no.  1  think  they 
belong  to  the  auld  forty-twa :  they  have  lome  red  feathers  in  their 
bonnets." 

"Redfeatlken?  Not  one;  they  are  all  black  and  white :  I  see  them 
diitiuctly ;  bnt  whether  they  an  uie  RoBS-ahire  BulTa  or  any  of  aura,  I 
know  not.  They  are  certainly  not  12nd  men  ;  their  long  feathers  are 
aU  white." 

"  The  gloaming's  sse  mirk  and  sae  far  advanced,  that  I  cinna  see 
toy  weel ;  and  my  een  are  sair  wi'  being  in  the  gloom  o'  this  dismal 

"  They  aie  British  troopa ;  to  what  corps  they  belong  we  need  not 
care,  aa  aU  are  frienda  alike.  They  have  piled  their  arms.  Surely 
&ej  mean  to  bivouac  there  for  the  night.    I  pray  to  Heaven  they 

Osir!  let  us  do  something  to  let  diem  ken  o' their  friends  that  are 
here  in  tribulation  and  jeopardy.  Yix  twa  or  three  shots,  just  to  draw 
tham  towards  us." 

' '  Not  one.  We  have  bat  nine  roanda  left, — three  each ;  and  as  our 
lives  depend  upon  them,  they  must  be  reserved  for  a  grand  attempt  as 


it  is  dark.    Besides,  &om  the  wsy  the  wind  blows,  they  w 
•r  the  reports  at  such  a  distance.  The  clonds  are  fast  gathering, 
id  I  see  with  pleasure  we  shall  have  a  very  black  night.    We  shall 


cerlaitdy  eacape  them,  if  we  are  conrBgeons  and  discreet.  What  think 
yon,  Pedra  Gomel  ?"  he  asked  in  Spanish. 

.  "  Of  course,  senor  cabollero.  And  as  yoa  will  scarcely  know  the  way 
after  it  is  darii.  if  I  have  the  honour  to  be  again  your  guide,  Iwill 'get  yon 
off  seoorely.  Shoold  I  be  shot— a  fata  which  our  Lady  of  Snccour  avert  I — 
yon  will  find  an  easy  ford  some  hundred  yards  down  the  stream.  Ton 
may  irasa  it  fearlessly,  and  gun  safely  the  place  wiieie  our  friends  ara 
bivomdud  so  quietly  on  the  plain." 

"  We  ^11  scarcely  find  tlie  spot  in  the  dark,  even  with  your  aid, 
Pedro.     What  mai^tiie ford?" 

"A  stone  cross,  erected  by  the  monks  of  San  Juan  lo  guide  trarellers. 
During  a  storm,  one  of  the  brotherhood  periahed  nhen  crossing  the 


(tcMm  jost  beloir  m  here,  uid  ther  muked  ths  ilulloir  put  b;  ■  itooe, 

to  aToid  sucb  accideaU  in  fotuir. 

"  But  think  o'  the  sleuth- bonods,  Master  Ronald,"  uid  Enn,  who 
had  been  liatening  attentively  to  Fsdro,  and  endeaioaring  to  compre* 
bend  bit  Spanish.  "  I  ■cuDiur  at  the  very  thocht  of  them,  after  the 
doaVing  that  ane  gied  me  in  the  barn  below." 

"  We  must  take  our  chaace  of  these  infenuls.  Bat  be  cool  uidflrm  : 
the  time  is  comioa  when  we  miut  have  all  our  wits  aboot  ns." 

Their  coDvcnatum  had  often  been  interrupted  br  a  stray  bullet  from 
the  besi^ers,  who  lounged  lazily  on  the  opposits  bank,  smoking  their 
cigars,  tearing  hard  American  bacallao  with  their  teeth,  and  sncldng 
the  purple  wine  from  >  huge  pig-akia,  which  (bey  had  pierced  in  seTe- 
nl  place*  with  their  knifes,  allowing  it  to  stream  on  the  green  award 
with  B  heedless  prodigality,  which  showed  how  eauly  it  bad  been  come 
by.    This  employment  they  variedby  venting  curses  at  each  pther,  and 

doca  shot ;  and  en  one  occasion  &  cntnplete  Tolley  at  Eian's  bonnet, 
which,  by  way  of  bravado,  be  bad  elevated  to  their  view  on  the  point  of 
bia  bayonet.  A.  atonn  of  bails  whistled  about  it,  and  the  yonng  Gael 
IwiChed  heartily  at  the  joke. 

"  YoDi  bonnet  is  nddled,''  sud  Bonald,  on  aeong  the  feathen, 
nearir  all  shot  away. 

"  Deil  may  care,  sir!  the  king  has  mair  bonnets  than  this  ane;  and 
there's  plenty  ostrich  feathers  whar  tbae  cam  frae,"  replied  he,  hoist- 
ing it  again  Uirough  the  vines ;  bnt  the  Spaniards  did  not  waste  their 
•mmnnitian  upon  it  a  second  time. 

The  bivouac  of  their  comradrs,  which  thw  watched  with  untiring 
eyes,  and  other  distant  objects,  faded  gradnally  from  tbeir  view  as  the 
increasing  darkneaa  of  night  deepened  around  them.  The  sky  grew 
black,  as  masses  of  dense  and  heaTT  cloods  drifted  slowly  across  it ; 
Aod  the  cold  Spanish  dews  began  to  descend  Doiselessly  (yet  heavy  and 
wetting  as  a  sbower  of  rain)  on  the  grass  and  leaves,  ahich,  as  the  wind 
died  away,  bung  motionless  and  still;  and,  says  the  muttering  voioes 
of  the  outlaws,  not  a  sound  broke  the  stillness  of  the  lonely  place  bat 
tlie  hoarse  htawl  of  the  moDntain-lorreut  a*  it  rushed  over  its  atony 
bed,  from  which  the  white  fbsm  glimmered  through  the  darkness. 
Now  and  then,  afar  off.  a  red  streak  shot  tbroagbthe  parted  clouds,  or 
a  broad  lurid  flash  of  sheet. lightning  lit  the  edge  of  the  horiion, 
ahowing  distinctly  the  curved  ontline  of  the  distant  bills,  and  the  tall 
black  trunks  of  the  neighbouring  trees  )  bat  no  sound  of  thunder  fol- 
lowed those  appearances. 

*'  Senor,"  whispered  Pedre,  "  the  night  is  perfectly  dark, — just  inch 
M  one  wonid  wish  for  on  sodi  an  occasion." 

"  Then  now  is  our  time  to  aally,"  was  Ronald's  reply,  as  he  grasped 
his  mnsket,  and  slung  bis  claymore  on  the  brass  book  of  his  Bboulder- 
bdt,  that  it  might  not  impede  him.     "  Now  or  never ;  follow  me  1 " 

He  paabed  softly  aside  the  foliage,  and  issued  from  the  cavern.  They 

lo  dense 
that  one  could  not  discern  the  face  of  the  other.  Enabled  ihus  to  sea 
lus  way  with  greater  accnracy,  Ronald  descended  the  bank  of  the  river 
in  (he  direcli^  of  the  atone  cross.  Tha  others  followed  with  hasty  and 
■traltby  footsteps,  and  in  a  few  minutes  tbey  gained  the  rude  colnmu 
which  marked  the  fold. 


110  im*  ttniMnia  ftr  wak> 

"Wfluie  tafb,  tenor  oKballerol"  wdilned  ?»i)ra,  wbeit  titer  itood 
on  the  oppoaite  side.  "Our  Lady  of  Hajorgs  Aril  get  the  tJWoe 
6tm'  p«Tt  B  lot  of  tiM  beM  Zafrk  fUt,  and'  a  poand  of  wax  cuidles  to 
boot.'* 

"  Yom  «M  ttbar^  to  hsr  Udyahip.    When  are  ysm-  praMnti  lo  be 

"  Tlis  first  time  I  pBiB-herthrin^"  tanrbad  tin  otber,  "  wUdi  may 
not  be  doriu  tiia  tmn  of  ny  utnral  1Kb." 

'  "  Yondn  u  ^0  binnae,"  nM  RobiM,  m  thsy  Bcmnbled  fannMlj 
vptiMamburiuBsnt;  "tiwr  hneBta  firsL    Hoir  very  c^obb  aprm  ns 

"l%e]MB  ia  aa  krcl,  tbat  diXun  daoelwa  j  but  ther  are  fbUf  a 


I  of  k  mile  fr 


"Fooll" etcbdmed SonaU augrilj';  "bow  hsTa  joa  dared tt»ffre 
•dtlMMt  n*  dnlriag  ja*  ?  " 

B**aVdep>«c*this  tt^f  wtm  rat  abort  by  a  abost  from  Aeir  bafSsd 
enemiw.  wiio,  firing  their  piecea  at  randomi  niihed  borricdlf  towwdg 
dkaftird,  tainiKnc  thrif  oatoiia  with  the  Tells  of  ttlei^  doga.  Bat  the 
nneipeoted  appearance  of  the  lai^a  watch-fire  blazing  on  the  plaia,  and 
the  00^7  fornH  of  the  loldierT  crowdiRg  around  it,  terrsd  complelelr 
to  check  their  parauil ;  and  irfcb  maaf  a  hoarae  malediolion  and 
threat,  after  flriag  a  TOlley  in  On  dlieotJon  where  tbe;  euppoaed'  liw 
fagitires  to  be,  tbey  retired  with  ppMdpitrtioti  into  the  fiutneacea  of 
the  cork-wood. 

"  What  a  otinad  advmttnra  we  hara  )»d  1 "  eidaSmed  tba  «ffleer, 
tbrowfas  awaT  On  poach  wd  maaiM  of  Laxarillo  da  Zena  de  In 
Caidleraa.whan tbarbaKedlBdrawbraath ftarafeWHieonds.  "EniB 
Iterac^  jam  are  a  rub  AsllOw;  b^flriDgdtat  BBehsa  ibot,  wendghtaH 
hate  loat  onr  Ilna.  It  aiaf  dio  have  atenaed  the  Inepa  joo^tr,  and 
eaaaed  then  to  get  imder  Bnin> " 

"  O'd,  air,  nenr  mind ;  there's  nae  IMk  like  our  ain  folk,"  repKed 

-  *-" ' " — ■■—  "■■—  "— —  of  their  ommttyiaea,  dad 

„_  „ , B  dialinct.    "O  how  my 

heut  loupa  at  akfat  o'  the  belted  plaid,  the  brenr  fiUedh-bep,  aad  the 
bare  ksge  o'  oar  ala  doace  cfaietda. 

"Wha  guga  tfa«a  ?"  shouted  doee  by  On  T«ica  of  ao  advaaoed 
aeutr^,  Iba  blaek  oMlioe  of  wboae  boimet  and  grav  neat-ojat  (hcf  aaw 
looming  tbrongb  the  gloom.    "Wha  gangs  there? 

"Friend,"  replied  Ronald. 

"  Friends,  frienda, — huTTBhl"sriad  hia  faltower,  rugfaing  nponthe 
aatoalihed  ■enttr,  and  grasping  him  by  the  hand. 


-n,  Google 


CHAPTER    XVn. 


lan  contn^d  in  nri  b«  we  mtt  tsnthtF  U  lb*  t—tt.  Om 
iniHi  oaikafHsf  Duilud:  Ih  iMlti  iMfore  u  on  lk(  fliU,  bd 
LIT  (UlKn  bs  foigst,  tun  g(  Kiwf  Stnunm" — Putin 


md  Ihe  Btripei  of  Iheii  .. ^ „,  „ 

the  bright  colour  of  their  nntamiRhed  Qaiform,  lerTed  likeiriietoibov 
that  the;  had  but  recenCI;  uriied  from  Gnat  Britun.  Some  Ii;  fut 
mImp  betneea  the  piles  or  bdls  of  arm*,  while  othen  cronded  [onud 
Hie  an,  conierMug  ia  that  low  *oice,  and  beb&Ting  Id  tlial  reetruned 
muiaer,  which  the  [ffcaence  of  an  officer  always  impoua  oa  Britiilt 

13m  officer  himself  sat  clon  bf  the  watch-fire,  which  ihone  brightlr 
on  bu  new  epuuleta  and  other  la;  appoinCmeata.  Hia  plumed  booiiet 
kj  beaidehim  on  the  turf,  and  hia  fur  carl;  hair  glistened  ia  the  Same. 
which  rereiled  the  handsame  and  delicate  bat  roar  features  of  a  TCry 
jooDg  mail — one,  perhaps,  not  moch  above  seTenteen  jiars  of  ace.  He 
wai  langbin;  and  conTereiog  with  the  Boldkra  near  him,  in  that  SMf 
nanner  which  at  once  shows  the  frantnese  of  the  gentleman  and  aaldier, 
and  which  ia  dul;  appreciated  br  those  in  the  ranlu,  althouzb  it  tenda 
in  no  wai  to  lessen  the  respect  due  to  the  epaulet.  A  black  pig-alclD 
k*  near  him,  from  which  he  wai  r^aling  himself,  allowing  also  lomF 
of  the  soldiers  to  iqueeze  the  liquor  into  th«r  wooden  csnteens. 

On  Ronald  Stuart's  approach,  the  audden  apparition  of  an  officer  in 
the  uniform  of  their  own  regiment,  coming  they  knew  not  whence, 
<a««ted  no  small  surprise  in  the  little  bironac ;  and  the  andden  mnrmar 
and  cammotiOB  which  areas  among  them,  oaoaed  the  yonng  officer  to 
tani  hia  head  and  look  arouod  him. 

"  Ronald — Ronald  Stoart '. "  he  exclaimed,  id  well-known  aceenta, 
Bi  he  sprang  lightly  from  the  green  tnrf,  his  eyes  aparkling  with  snr- 
ptise  and  joy;  "  how  have  you  come  so  uoeipecledl^  open  us?" 

"  Ah,  IiOuia,  my  old  friend  I  and  you  hare  really  joined  ui,  to  fhlloir 
the  pipe  and  the  dram?"  replied Stusrt,  grsspingbis hand. and longiag 
to  embrace  him  as  he  would  haie  done  a  brother  ;  but  the  presence  at 
as  many  restrained  him,  and  he  contented  himself  with  gaiiug  fondly 
on  the  fiice  of  his  early  friend,  and  tracing  in  hia  fine  featurea  the 
icaemblance  he  bore  to  his  sister.  The  expression  was  the  same,  but 
the  eyes  and  hair  of  Alice  Lisle  were  dark;  the  eyes  of  Louis  were 
light  bine,  and  his  hair  was  hir— of  that  soft  tint  between  yellow  and 
anhnm.  His  features,  of  coarse,  possessed  not  that  eiquieiCe  feminine 
ddieacy  whioh  appeared  in  the  nir  face  of  Alice,  but  yet  the  family 
likODM*  waa  sCrikiDg,  and  pleasing  for  Ronald  Stoart  to  contemplate 
and  rec<^aise. 

"  He  baa  her  yetj  accent  and  voice,"  thought  he.  "  Well,  Louis! 
a>d  how  are  all  at  home  among  the  monntaina  ?  -Doea  old  Benmore 
keep  hie  head  in  the  mist,  aa  nsual  ?" 

''All  were  well  when  1  left  in  Jaanary  last ;  and  I  dare  say  the  red 


de«r  and  mniribwl  keep  jubilee  in  our  si 
m  the  freed  oa 


s  auld  friend  Mai» 


DOS  of  vonder,  he  culed 

any  were  the  qntu- 
—«-,«"■  (EiTen  about  nome  anu  ar — '  '—--■■--  — -* 

It  of  h 
certainl^f  did  not  impress  Louij  Li«le  with  a  Tery  high  opinion  of  Che 

"  This  muiC  be  a  Btraoge  cQuntr;,"  absened  he,  "  when  fellowi  can 
rove  about  plnnderiog  aod  rieeing.  as  Rob  Rof  and  the  Serjeant  Mbor 
used  to  do  in  our  grandfathers'  daya.  And  the  villains  from  whom  too 
have  suffered  so  much  are  still  InrliiDg  in  that  dacli  forest  of  cork- 

"  Yes  ;  thdr  fsitoess  is  in  the  heart  of  it.  If  the  rales  oftheserviea 
simctioned  such  a  proceeding,  I  would  with  Uiis  partv  of  ours  enrronnd 
the  wood ,  huDt  out  the  rascals  from  their  lair,  and  pnt  every  one  of 
them  to  death." 

"  But  Lord  Wellington—" 

"  Would  make  it  a  general  court-martial  affair.  But  there  is  a  thus 
for  everythiog,  aad  this  Spanish  robber  and  I  may  meet  again." 

"  Spain  appears  a  wretched  conatry  to  eampaiga  in." 

"Truly  it  IS  so." 

"  I  liked  Lisbon  pretty  well ;  and  foand  much  amniemeot  in  fre- 
quenting the  assembly-room,  Che  Italian  opera-hoose,  the  theatre,  and 
lurcns  for  the  bnll-lightB." 

"  Faith  I  I  saw  none  of  these  thingt,  Louis  i  mjr  purse  is  scsrceljr 
so  deep  as  yours.  And  the  public  promeuades,  you  visited  them, 
donbtleas  ? " 

"  The  trees  and  shrubbery  are  heantifuUy  arranged  ;  but  t  cannot 
admire  the  ladies  of  Liibou,  they  are  90  little,  so  meagre  and  lawny." 

"  You  will  like   Spain   belter.     Hand  me   the  pig-skin,  if  yon 

"  I  have  not  been  very  favourably  impressed  by  what  I  have  seen 
of  it.  The  roads  on  our  route  are  all  but  impassable, — mere  aheco- 
tracks  in  some  places;  and  the  posadaa  ace  the  most  wretched  to  be 
imagined." 

"Rather  different  from  the  soug  'Old  George'  at  Perth,  with  its 
portly  landlord,  bowing  waiters,  and  smiiiog  hoatess." 

"  Bather  so  ;  and  tiresome  indeed  I  found  the  marcb  thus  far, — the 
towns  io  ruins,  and  between  them  immense  desert  tracks,  whera 
neither  a  house,  a  human  being,  nor  a  vestigs  of  cultivation  was  to  iM 

"  Bat  it  was  a  useless  order  to  march  four  detachment  thna  far  to 
the  westward,  when  the  divisiouis  retreating.  You  could  havejoinad 
at  Portalagre." 

"  I  am  aware  of  it ;  bat  to  match  and  join  the  regiment  witboot 
delay  were  the  orders  given  me  by  the  commandant  at  Portalagre.  By 
my  route,  this  day's  march  should  bate  ended  at  Merida ;  but  a  mule- 
teer, Co  myno  small  inrprise,  informed  US  of  its  being  in  poiaeasiaD  of 


*M  BOltAMCa  or  WAR.  IIS 

(ka  Frouk ;  ud  hning  do  om  to  cmmilt,  I  Mt  tt « loM  bow  to  Mt, 
•od  halted  here." 

*'  'Tww  ruh  of  tbe  butIt  old  commuidaDt  to  lend  lo  ronng  and 
iBazparieDcsd  ma  officer  In  chure  of  s  dctmchtnent  thrangh  ■  fbrai(n 
aoaDtr; ;  but  thoH  felloxi  on  &«  >Uff,  vho  iknlk  in  the  rear,  biTO 
narar  the  trae  intercK  of  ths  unrice  at  hisart." 

"  And  Sir  Rowland  HUl  iiretiriiiBon  the  Portagaen frontier?" 

"-£)(  routt,  I  beliore,  for  Ciadad  Eodrigo,  whm  Lord  Weltington 
■nana  to  rire  battle  to  Marmont.  The  troop*  are  nurriiinK  from  all 
paints  to  join  him,  and  we  mar  looa  baxe  the  glorf  of  bainK  anon  In  » 
lenenl  engagemant." 

"  Well ;  and  thii  place  Meriila— " 

"  Ii  poneaaed  by  three  or  fbur  troopa  of  French  lanoen :  I  mr 
them  enter  last  nigbt.  Yon  bafeacted  moat  pradentljr  in  halting  hare, 
aaa  akirmish  with  ao  nnmaroDi  a  partr  wai  well  aToided.  Bat  we 
ahall  probably  bare  the  pleaaare  of  aeelag  them  priaooera  of  war. 
when  onr  people  come  Dp  in  the  conrie  of  to-norroir.  I  ihall  make 
a  tour  lonnd  the  aentrlea  in  •  few  DlnDtM.  and  aee  that  iba;  are  on  the 
alert,  and  then  retire  to  rooat  under  that  Unrel-bnab:  I  feel  qnito 
worn  oat  with  my  lail  night'a  affair." 

"  Yon  mnit  act  tor  yonraelf  now.  Stoart.  Shonld  anything  occnr, 
jm  of  ooorae  takecommaad  of  the  iMutT,"  replied  Loatadrilr,  and  In 
a  tone  totally  different  from  that  of  hu  late  ohaerrationi. 

"ATiItfuii;  1  am  a  aenior  anb,  yon  know,"  aaid  Ronald,  eolovr- 
ia>  at  the  other'*  tone. 

"  What  lort  of  man  ia  Cameroo  of  Faaailera  ? "  aiked  Ijoni)  atHVptlfi 
after  a  long  paaie, 

"  A  true  loldier  erery  incb ;  and  a  pToader  Highlander  nerer  drew 

**  I^erce  and  hiagbty,  ii  he  not  ?  " 

"Yea,  bnt  a  perfect  gentleman  withal.  Yon  will  find  tbemoatof 
onn  Tery  fine  followa— young  men  of  birth  and  blood,  fire  and  anima- 
tion ;  and  yon  will  be  charmed  with  the  appearance  of  the  r^ment. 
"Ha  indeed  a  splendid  corpi. " 

Aaothrr  long  and  perpleiio,, 
donbt  and  perturbation  began  ti.  ___ 

that  Alice — Alice  Liile,  of  whom  neither  bad  ^et  apoken.    ._ 

caoH  ?  Altboagh  until  now  he  hid  diigaiied  it,  Liale'i  indication 
waa  bitterly  arouaed  to  find  that  Ronald  conieriwd  on  a  Tanety  of 
tojiics  with  Hn  air  of  lightneu,  and  aaked  a  thonaand  qnationi  abont 
ftiends  at  home  in  Perlhabire,  yet  that  nerer  once  had  the  name  of 
Abee  paued  his  lipa,  Hia  pride  waa  rooaed,  and  conleqaently  he 
determined  not  to  be  the  first  to  apeak  of  hi)  litter,  and  the  anger 
which  waa  awelliot  in  bii  iMtrt  earned  Mm  to  aianma  a  diitant  and 
haughty  bebarionr  towardt  hii  friend,  who  contidered  it  bat  a  con- 
-Armation  of  the  report  which  he  bad  leen  in  tiie  Edinburffh  Joumal  i 
and  AU  mountain  pride  and  indiipint  feelinga  were  likewiae  rooaed, 
laaking  him,  in  turn,  diiplay  a  cold  diitance  of  manner  to  one  whom 
he  had  erer  regarded  aa  bii  earliest  and  dearest,  almost  only  friend  and 
Wmpanion— as  his  Tery  brother. 

And  this  wu  the  luppy  meeting  to  which  both  had  so  ardently 
looked  forward  as  a  source  of  pleisare  for  some  time  put  I 

"Tmly,"  thought  Eonald,  "my  father's  old-ftahiooed  pnjadioea 


with  «ther  the  KDtiiiient*  of  dfeetioa  or  hoi 

"Poor  AUcsl"  thoni^  liile,  at  Ihe  «. ,      __. 

lurfondoadmiiplaoedaCMtioo*  boon  tliflsd  with  1  Scwoalr  bu  lidt 
iMitku  JiiahlBuhr  (foU.  at.  hii  DOMBtain  prido  and  bontnut)  pkM 
with  her,  before  the  h  forgoHen  u  ntterlr  m  if  «he  did  Dot  eziat." 

Hoii«>er,  Umt  ktfrt  thoa-  tbowdia  to  thenuelie*,  and  cooliDmed  to 
■MBB  tbtir  uiait  into  a  ttti*  at  hot  indjciudini  sguoit  each  sUwr, 
BidisPBtiaD  mingled  widifoalingi  of  diaofipaiiitmeat  and  MMroir,  mpm- 
•i^f  on  th»  part  of  Ijmui  litiL 

He  had  prodneed  from  hia  haTresack  the  renraini  of  hit  lait  in't 
Tationi — a  few  hard  biicait*  uid  soin»  oold  meat,  on  whioh  Runud, 
ritliimgh  be  b«d.futed  bo  long,  maralr  made  dahow  of  ngalini.biBi- 
mU:  ha  felt  litUe  inaliBatioa  ta  est,  but  often  applied  MaiBirtB  tht 
■wiae-akin,  Aftv  a  k>B|  aod  cod&ibbc  .aott  of  paua,  dDniit,«luah 
IwHi  had  a«ra«lj  taxed  dtov  ii 


IBoiudd,  "UiatnKirfathorii 
fto'tfaoloBg  diwmauli  pwraae,  tho  title  of  Lordi  I^ale." 
"  ■"      How  heard. TOQ-of  it?" 


"  Tban  ia  littla;  doubt  bat  we  shalL  ttaj  our  pmnt  daiiw  tfiii 
■eadon  of  Parliament :  mj  Other's  dewent  in  a  diraot  line  bcaatlMi 
JmI  ]oo^  18  now  oiaar  bBrCMil  (kdoubt  oa  'pihWti  He  la  ontaia  to  p^n 
tliB  day." 


manner,  "  ii  my  ^ther'a  moit  parthailar  Mend,  aad  ha*  maa  intonit 
nidi  thfrlmloTda.    Hation  tha-miniitrnaliida,  and— ^   Sukiriiat 

"  Nothinc  ootbinc.  la  theM  any.  aors  wine  in  the  akin?  I  fari 
yery  faint  after  my  late  fatigne,  inrely,"  mattered  Stnart,  making. t 
tnBicndawnMRtalBfiiitUappewcalB).    Bat  thenameaf  Hyndlbrd 


Hyodlbrd 

.     .  baniTMod 

fbrabead  grew  Imd^out 


"lil,~aiiik  at  heart,"  repliatl  St««rt,  acarcelr  knowiog  wh^  be 


_4  while  he  eagerlri  hinged,  to  a^  a  qnaation — a  Mngla  qnaaltDn, 

wtdohbe  dreaded  ta  hearamwered ;  hdt  the  fierce  native  pride  of  iW 
BMa  oame  to  hie  aid,  and  th»iDoliBBliaB  —•reprmed. 

" Bur lehat eball  1  owidewMid  ta  mgntlou  her  Dame?"  thsogbtbfc 
"Xo.adc  in  a.tramblMg  tone  a&er  one  wha  ba*  EBBeakan  ma  tha% 
baeomea  me  not.  Futfleia  Alice  [  neither  farewell  word,  tolcci^  «r 
latter  haa  >he  leot  ma;  bat — bat  I  will  be  calm ! "  and  he  placed  hla 
hand  apon  Ibe  little  miniature,  which  at  that  moment  he  imagiiwd  waa 
(■rei^Dg  liks  a  load  ^on  hie  hearL 

"Good  HeBTen,  Staarti  ^n  areoartainlTTeryiinweU,"  uid  I^Daia, 
aniioualy,  his  indignant  feelinga  gitingvay  to  csjacerik  "  What  caul 
do.forrouJ" 


"  No  ;  that  ii 

Hb  wm  rdieved  from  kU  aulwiiiiiwiiwifr  by  an  mdMnti**  of  nr- 
prise  and  intonie  diagrat  from  Ljile,  nho  ■niMenlr' leapwl  or  bom  Ikl 
(Teen  tnrf  on  which  the;  ware  ualsd. 

"  It  ia  a  skall  I "  he  eiclainied,  tumiag  somallliDi'  nNmd  and  iritkte 
iMt  of  (kB  and  ititli  bia  [bob. 

"■A.A>li;" 

"Yea;  I  knew  notiwlwtitwas.  IfcUaomathingnmnd'aad-aBoaCk 
Mng  haU  ■OBhiit  tfas-eartb,  and  nif  band  ixatsd:  on  It  foi  aonM)  time. 
Sow  dM»it  oodte  tolie  haa  ?" 


bona  drove  tb  PrcDch  adraaeodplcqiiBt  into  tiia  eoik-vood.' 
"  What !  did  tod  not  barrthem  ! 
"  No ;  we  bad  no  time.    The  wolmcMM  ak  mi^  asid  aavedaithe 

"  And  tbi*  i*  drlnrin  H>a  bed  (rf^ory  I" 

**At>  Stoait.'tia  all  tcbf  fim  tt  read  ofr  bolKmr  andiglUT^  Ila 
chanjc,  the  eDoomileT,  aod  the  liotoiy,  in  a  noreM— '' 

"■Wtaaii  amlitd  in  a  mH-ontued  and  aofOr-ntpated  rMHt  mtb 
janluut  eDBBMd  in  moimoo  aUnoa, aDda.kafa  fire  KMiitit  np-lte 
'*'— — y  i  bat  ben  it  ia  t  fen  difllBaab  maUo-." 

"  Nercrtheleaa,  'Cia  ■  gaf  tbing  tO'  be  a  aoldier/'  aaid  'ijtma,  tfnuf 
Mliahaalhg  eyitot  wkanon.  * 

'*It  i(,  indeed!  1  bave  felt  aome  deliciinu  momenta  of  ntiSBd 
pride  ainee- 1  firat  domed  tbe  red*  coat, — manenU  in  which  1  would 

aiHiwilf  ha wJtaimiil  aij  <il»iiii>iii  fur  A.cavwn.    Batthia  ihaKlr 

daMVateWtedbamrbersannML  riebaUr  tbapoorborithnteaaM 
tn,  ftw  he  waa  aoaccctr  aarltiinc  alaai  had  lua>  own  biigM  dream*  of 
tfaaywlmilitMf  rwwwn,  and'hfthiaannnriHneTardawidiboBaatbnt 
oae  dny  livahoald'aidMnae  (he  |oat  akin  poet- 
riad'vrilnaae^    If  ha-tedandiriBiana,  wfaaeaM-lbeTaUBOw 


another  cnpfVoni  die  horachio' riiio  ;  I  will  drink  to  Sb 
AJlaa'a  nauih  bfAna  I  oonpoB-  MyaeH  lo'  nM  fbn  tha  Bgh^"  aaU 
BoDald,  anxioui  (o  put  an  end  to  it  by  retiring, 

"Drink  and  repteniahagn.r-Tea a«enMat wdeome*,  bBtreawiU 
•unaa  mi^  Stnart,  if  I  reply  aeaiewhaboaldl)' to- yiMu  manyvapraaaieai 
of  r^;srdfor  myftmily,"  repliedIi«aiata«a>miD|ahi>^^M«ataua> 
nar  wifaieii  it  wal  imponUile  to  paia  over. 

"How  ao  ?  What msMi  yoi > "  aiked Ronald  bame^y,  ha  UMd 
monnliiV  to  bia<«err  tenple*  while  ba  toaaed  the  wioe-bem  froa  hiaii 

"To  me  it  appaare  rery  eingnlar,"  began  the  other  ia  a  deteminad 
tonai  "  indaed  moat  onacewinlJibfa,  that- yon  hue  nerer  yet  ipanlred 
§ar  or  mentiooed'  ana,  whom  I  had  arary  reaaoa,  nniil  to-nigbt,  !• 
b^ere  lo  be  Tery  dear  to  you.  end  erer  uppermoat  in  yonr  tboaghUt.'.' 

"YODmeaii,"  Mtered  Bonald—  < 

"M yaitcr.  Alias,— Mna  ImU,"  aaid  lonii^  girawTait  to  bulanst 


(WDOMled  pauioD  uid  ipleen.    "What  am  I  to  anderataDd  by  this 
■UiEiilBritT  of  condnet,  at  once  io  crnei,  «o  diihononrable,  nnd— " 
"Halt,   air!      Stay— beware  what    jon    nttor  1  "  replied    Ronald 

"  Aa  her  brother,  I  demand  an  immediate  eiplioaUon  I  "  crie4  ttie 
Otber,  itarting  from  the  groand,  tibila  be  grew  pale  with  aoger, 

"  By  he>T«ni  ]  joo  ihall  have  none." 

"None  I     Do  yon  then — " 

"Speak  lower,  air.  I  am  not  accnstomed  to  b«  addreaied  <□  Oil 
impenoni  way.  Faaaifitrn  himielf  would  not  dare  to  ipeak  to  me  thtn. 
Realrain  your  manner,  or  the  aoldien  will  obaerte  it. 

"By  the  gode!  "  uid  the  other,  in  a  tone  of  fierce  irony,  "1  little 
thon|ht  to  find  that  one  of  the  Stnarti  of  Loebiala, — a  bmily,  a  hoaae. 

n'ded  tbemidres  on  tboc  notiona  of  booonr  and  noble 
lebaTe  thai  to  a  gentle  and  too  confiding  girl.    Bnt  X 
ii  matter  at  another  tima." 
ord  Hfodford  >  '* 
Lonii  dunged  colonr  eridently. 
"  How,  Mr.  Lisle, — how  can  yon  tbni  get  into  heroici  with  toe," 
nud  Ronald,  obaernng  it,  "  and  in  ao  bad  a  eanie  ?  " 

"  Cinae,  air  t    Yonr  condnet  ia  at  once  unbecoming  either  ■  loUier 
or  a  geDtlemaD,"  exclaimed  the  bold  boy  atontly,  "  and.  a 
Ing  moat  be  rendered  at  another  time  t '' 


TanRtt 


rer  pride 
ontd  bell 


Ingmo. 

Ronald  imiled  aeomlUly,  while  hia  eye*  flaahed,  and  bia  tremUinr 
fingera  inTolantnril j aonght  the  ba*ket-hilt of  hb award;  but  be  paased 
hia  nand  oyer  hia  hot  throbbing  (brehead,  and  aubdaing  hii  emotknui 
turned  hanghtily  npon  bia  heel  and  withdrew. 

And  thna  ended  hia  fint  iCterview  with  the  brother  of  Alice  after 
tbrir  long  aeparation. 

•  •  »  •  « 

Seeking  a  aoUtwy  part  of  the  b 
afaelter  of  a  bnah.  and  yidding  to  the  eiceasire  fatigue  that  oppri 
him,  fell  into  ■  deep.aleep,  which  waa  dsatined  to  be  of  very  ahori.  .  . 
tation.  Meanwhile  Louia  Liale,  unable  to  enjoy  the  alnmbar  whidi 
caaled  the  eyelida  of  the  earrounding  aoidiert,  aat  liatknly  by  the 
flaring  Are,  watching  ita  red  crackliog  ember*  [or  boon,  while  hia 
yonng  heart  wu  ao  filled  with  aonrow,  indignation,  end  diaappoiotmoit 
at  what  he  conaidered  the  alcered  behaTionT  of  Ronald  Stnar^  tbM  he 
eoold  hare  wept  like  a  diild  bnt  for  rery  riiame.  At  lait,  orercome  br 
the  wine,  of  which  he  bad  drank  deeply  to  dnnra  thought,  and  by  At 
heat  of  the  blaiiu  fingote,  be  ttretcbed  hlmaclf  npoo  the  turf  and 
dropped  aileep,  todrcamofhif  bappyhaoieendthebdrdaUrhe  lored 

Abont  an  hour  before  daybreak,  a  time  when  the  chill  feeling  of 
tiie  atmosphere  increaaca  in  Spain,  Ronald  waa  rouaed  from  hia  hesyy 
■lamber  by  aame  one  ahaking  hia  arm. 

"  Another  abntl  Keep  up  yonr  fire,  Pedro!  "  be  mnttetvd,  not 
knowing  where  he  wu.  "  Hollo  !  what  ii  the  matter  ?"  he  cried,  as 
the  glare  of  the  fire,  flashing  on  tbe  epanleta  of  Louia,  recalled  hie 
wandering  ideaa. 

"  Mr.  Stuart,  troopa  are  in  motion  on  the  plain  to  the  eastward.  I 
Conaidered  it  my  duty  to  acquaint  yon,"  replied  the  okhBT,  and 
withdrew. 

"  Tbey  are  either  onr  own  people,  or  some  French  party  throwa 
fmraid  fi'oni   Merida.     Stand   to  your  uma,  there.     Men  route. 


Ill 

lOBte !  Piper,  blow  the  gstheriDg.  Mr.  Liale,  get  the  rata  nnder 
■nut, — let  then  fix  bujoneti  uui  iotd  i  1  will  be  with  toQ  im- 
mediately." 

Moriag  in  the  direction  of  [he  ■dTaoced  aeotry  who  had  girea  the 
tlann,  &  diitiuetlr  hwd  the  rapid  tramp  of  hone  ipprouhinE 
towards  them  along  the  beaten  track, — it  deiemd  not  the  name  of 
road,  from  Merida. 

"  Cavalry  1"  thonght  he,  drawing  hii  iword.  "  Now  then  for  a 
wild  aqnare  :  I  will  not  inrrender  to  Uombroatki,  without  ■  ibow  of 
fight,  BTHD  alioold  he  come  with  M  hi*  lancers  at  his  back,  in  flieir 
panoply  of  brass  and  ateel."  At  that  inataot  the  caTalry  baited  ;  bnt 
the  darlcneu  was  so  grsit,  that  he  coold  not  diicam  any  trace  of  tJiem 
tun  their  «abres,  which  flittered  in  the  light  of  the  watcb-lira, 

"  Teerila  and  gliumonet !"  shouted  the  advanced  aentiDel>  a  bluff 
Gael  from  the  fraett  of  Athole,  ai  he  "  ported,"  hii  musket.  "  WWa 
tst  ?— -wha  gaes  there  ?" 

"  What  the  devil  does  be  ssf !  The  challenge  was  Oerman, 
WfBdliain."  •aidadiatantvoice. 

"  Low  Dutch,  decidedly,"  replied  anotlier  with  a  redklSM  hragh. 
"  Perhaps  the;  are  aome  of  the  cAauairt  BrilamUqtut." 

"  What  would  bring  them  here  ?   Some  of  tbe  cafadorea,  probably." 

"  Who  goes  there  ?    What  troops  are  these  J"  cried  Ronald. 

"  Holloa!  all  right.  A  reconnoitrine  partf  thrown  ont  &om  the 
advanced  guard  of  the  second  division.    What  are  you  I" 

"  A  detaebment  for  the  first  brigade." 

"SooU?" 

"  Gordon  Highlandera." 

"  Cqitain  Wyndham  took  yon  for  tbe  drowsy  Germans,"  said  thfr 
officer,  riding  forward.  "  All  is  right,  then:  we  belong  to  the  9th  Ugbt 
Dragoons,  and  General  Long  sent  tii  foriasrd  to  discover  what  the  hre 
mi  the  plain  meant.  We  took  yoa  for  some  of  the  enemjr,  a  partf  of 
whom  we  captured  at  Merids  •  few  hours  ago.  Lord  knows  how  they 
came  there  I     1  am  sure  old  Sir  Rowland  does  not." 

"  Then  it  seems  the  diviiion  is  on  a  forced  march  }" 

"  Ati  the  devil  take  it  I  It  knocks  up  our  eattle  confoondedlr,"  an- 
swered Wyndham.  "  The  whole  column  will  be  herein  an  honr:  but 
I  mtut  retire,  and  report  to  Long.  Adieu.  Party  I  threes  about ;  tor- 
ward — trot  I"  and  awsj  they  went. 

Scarcely  had  five  mmates  elapsed,  when  the  advanced  goard,  con- 
nsting  of  part  of  the  9tb  and  13th  Light  Dragoons,  with  tbe  2nd  Huuars 
nf  tbe  King's  German  Legion,  came  np  at  an  easy  trot.  Fierce-looking 
fellows  were  these  last— wearing  blue  uniforms,  large  hMvy  cocked- 
bats,  leather  jack-boots,  and  enormous  moustaches.  The  appearance 
' ' '    brigade  of  horse,  as  they  passed,  wss  at  oDoe  striking,  martial. 


They  certainly  had  not  tbe  showy  and  ball-room  ^ipearance  of  cavalry 
on  bODC  service,  yet  they  were  flie  more  military  and  soldierlilie. 
Continual  exposure  to  all  wesUiers  bad  bronsed  thdr  cheeks,  and  turned 
Uw  onee  gay  scarlst  cost  from  its  original  hue  la  purple  or  black,  and 
the  bi^jht  epaulets  to  little  more  than  dnaky  wire.  Tkie  canvas*  liavre- 
nA  and  round  wooden  canteen  bung  at  th«r  back* ;  and  the  coane 
y«llDW  blanket,  strapped  behind  tbe  saddle  of  officer  and  private,  did 
not  (Uminish  the  effect  of  tbe  scene.    When  the  morning  was  ftutbei 


IIS  TBE  KOaAMOE    mW  WAB. 

■dnncid,  »id  the  InnkB  of  raffing  T»pooi,  wbidi  for  aoat  liie  nttai. 
«n  the  face  of  the  plain,  roie  into  the  air,  HodbIiI  foond  tliB  higppi 
of  the  diTisiaa  close  upon  the  spot  ocCDpieil  bjr  the  detach  meat  iriiiab 
Imdow  cDinmanded.  A  itruige  medley  the  tnm  prennUd.  Hainei, 
nnlea.  and  bskb,  Udea  with  trualu,  iportmantewu,  bafi.  ■oMian' 
•riTai  and  cbildren,  tents  «iul  teat-polet.  bedding.'aod  canp^oUBaila  ; 
and  here  and  there  rode  a  few  ofBcerg'  wiieg  on  faonebaidc,  attired  in 
dose  warm  ridiai-hibita.  The  «b(da  af  the  Jong  atraggluiE  Bn>y  ma 
mmHinded  b;  a  gBsrd  «lHi  tiied  barooati,  ander  ithe  i  niiMiaail  tyla. 
field-officer,  who  apuirad  Ui  hoaae  at  a  gaillap  towwda  the  pari;  (tf 
Bighlanden. 

SMart  adranoed  to  nMot  liim.  It  'iraa  impoaaible  to  miitdH  th* 
gigantic  figure  wMch  bettrode  tiie  panting  hone,  the  foreat-ef-wtBudL 
plaaaea  wanmg  in  hk  bonnet,  or  tiie  Mout  oak  ataff  wltidi  he  AauialKd 


"  EgTPt  for  ererl"  cried  the  muor,  reining  in  bisborH,iiluch*bD(dc 
IW'Bod  benoatii  ih  boob.  "  Holloa,  Stnart'iny  bor,  is  it  r»lk  f  on  ? 
Ohd  to  see  tod  eonnd  vud  and  limb  •■■■■■.    wig  tba^^it  ^  mnoli 


bad  anied  pni  off.    Whom ^^^  ,__ 
"Tbed^■lt  joatcMaaap'frau  Jiahon.    UWra>eloitttrad«aaHr. 
Liale,  of  onra.   KMJor  OampbaU,"  aaid  BanaM,  yraat nti ng  Jjniaf  with 

"fffonMhtrwt 

litle?    Abl 
trjrl     WebBda.H. 
etruigB  adTentnres  he  and  I  had  at-Grand  Cairo.    Helaftw  tttmroar 
retnni  home  :  acme  relation  of  yonn,  perhaps  ?" 

"  Mj  uncle;  be  ii  a  yonnger  brother  df  m;  father'i,"  anawered 
lioaia,  ejloarinr  alight^  ■with -pi  fame. 

"Ah,  -indaedl  a  deiillafa  -fine  felknr  fae  vaa;  bat  Lpartui  ite  -ia 
dianged  brmalriwoiif, (rtiiebahraritpcalB*  tmeaoldieT.sndaDta ^ 
the  ttprit  dt  «»iiM«hi^«e  Hlghlamt-traopa  hwe  imbiiMd  Kiatmag^. 
I  heard  6ttt  ba  had  maniad  an  EagHah  beinaa.Bad  new  waannMda 
■ome  foreign  battalion  in  onr  aanioe  up  the  hladilerrantau." 

"  The  Greek  Light  Infantrr." 
-  "  A  aplendid  climate,  itiicar  aCatiiiD.  little  drill  «id  dnlycwlue  to 
be  'had  like  water ;  -and  then  the  wUte-boaomed  Greoiaa  glrla,  .with 
their  bare andea and  blsek  Bfaa !  Ahl  it  beata£!gjpt,  wbicbJaa-iWT 
good  place  to  live  in,  if  one  is  a  ahnkh  or  pacha.  And  mo  jotx  ana 
really  b  neplmr  of  my  old  erony  and  bottle  companian,  Lodotalck 
Liale  ?  1  remember  hia  fitet  joining  ua  at  Aberdeen,  •rben  vewaaa 
ambodied.  in  17M.  A  baodaooae  feUow  he  was;  staadi^g  mz  feat 
three  in  hia  shoes ;  bat  J  overtopped  him  l>y  four  inobee." 

"  I  bare  often  heard  lum  nenciiin  yoor  moe— OJin  Campbell,  at 
ladiBTan — ^th  terms  of  aiBgalar  aflintion  and  reapaet." 

"HBniyon,reallr  ?  Honeat  Xoduwick,"  repliad  the  m^ior,  hiaoiaa 
aliBtenin^.  "  Womd  that  I  liad  aometfaing  in  my. canteen  to  drink  hia 
health  with  1  Did  he  erer  tell  you  of  am'  march  to  Grand  Cairo,  i4si 
m  were  in  Egypt  with  Sir  Ral^  ?" 

"  I  do  not  resnrober." 

"  'Twaa  a  noat  hataaalng  afiUr,  1  assore  yoa." 

"  Now  for  an  Egrptimatorir,"  tiunght  Ronald,  obwrriog  the  m^or 
-eanpoaing  hia  raat  bulk  more  eaaily  in  hia  aaddla. 

*'  It  was  aad  work,  Mr.  lisle,  marching  orer  duaty  plains  of  burning 
nnd, — the  ecorclnn^  mn  glaring  fiercely  above  us  in  a  olondlesa  aky, 
blistering  and  atripfeng  the  akin  liom  oar  bate  lags  and  faoea  t  whue 


Mr  Mvcbed  Uvaati  wera  dry  ^id  unftod.  but  M>t  ■  drop  o!  witor 
Mndd  be  found  to  moisten  theaa  with  in  the  acoaned  desert  Ibronch 
iriiicli  we  Duirdied.  Onr  shoes  were  wom  out  com^ttelf,  ud  the  hot 
'      r  lint  to  the  bane.]  mm!  I  easare  you  we  wale  In 


ie  appean  lili 
Id  Wilkoe,  tl 


tbE'gaadr  biwdca  and  flowtty  p«rd«M  U  G»d  Caiio,— •  ^m«  wLkih 

its  dietwaee  apgnan  like  a  city  af  candlestieka  and  innrled  paHb- 

'w  qoanvnaiter  (■  qnaer  irid  earia  hewaa), 

c  Awa  for  Hie  ooln,  who,  by  his  exertHm, 

..  ,  _..^  _, «_  -'"^  riiish  sMHara, 

, ,  ^. Droll-loAiBg 

>,  ceitaiDly,  tar  the  6onlon  Highlwifaw.  in  thaf 
^rterad  bou  and  fillaadh-bcsa;  jtt,  eartea,  IW  ware  better  Oaa 
wtOmK-  Bat  I  waa  out  M  hukjr  as  the  ntf.  In  aU  Oiand  Cairo 
Hien  was  DOt  a  pair  of  thair  oanae-lookiDg  riimisi  to  be  foand  whish 
weaManit  aie.'-'iBy  foot,  yon  aee,  is  a-aini  abore  a  yavnc  lady's.  And 
BO  I  -mjght  bays  marcfaed  the  next  day  in  my  tarln  neae,  had  not 
Oimin  Djihoim,  ■  ihoemaker  (wbuMeihopaeespted  tkeyaryatlefrftlM 
fRst  temple  «f  Stnpis,  wUefa  we*  destwfed  by  TlieophUas  the 
yeHiwefa.-'as  yon,  bant*  jaet  come  ftsaa  aehoel,  wlU  rememberl, 
■BdAtakae  to  prsdaee  ne  >  pair  of  ihaai  by  neit  suKsina,  nndot 
(MTor  «f  the  baitliiado  and  bowitriaK,  which  tbe  Sheik-al-Btlad, 
w  ■ayemor  of  the  oity,  lliieatenad  dulf  to  admhiirter  if  iw  &Ued 
lado." 

"Wan,wii^or;  •adyonriwrtdK'si  "      - 

■feed  JtmaU,  who  had  lieteaed  with  in 


Lsidvwiek  Lisle  bore  a  part,  it  h^paned  at  th£  IMaBioad  lala.  TbB 
DinaKiMd  ble,  yoD  laiiatlaiaw,  is-aplaaatthe  mouth  of  the  new  part 
•Thkandmh.aa  the  Anhs  call  theicttiyiofAleiandar  the  Gnat.    Old 

Lodowicb  and  I " 

"  Tbc  bagme  has  idl  Mwcd,  mqor.  Yon  will  starody  cncltake 
mr  oommandliT  nnsrt,  if  tod  wait  to  tell  ■■  4i^  (tory;  itiaveiy 
long,  fnrt,  nerathelees,  lery  inHraUag.    J  ka«a  beaad  it  some  ^oaen 

__Bnet  be  tl^ 

Bat  I  will  not  ioaertheM 

i^ytritlKl,  end  with  aU  the 

aa  BTolixity  and  fMiBC  of  entiae  aelf  laaHrfsetion  that  erary  old 
■MBier  displays  Id  the  aamtion  of 'aome  pMWOMJadTentare. 

"  ^  the  bye,  Stnart."  said  te,  m  be  oeoelnded,  "  iMve  yen  uy- 
Ibne  in  the  pig-Ate  1  see  lyiasniaar  Mm  Are  yonder  ?" 

-  "  Nat  a  drop  I  odurwise  it  dionld  hare  beoi  «fle>ed  long  «|0.  lam 
sorry  'tisempCri  ^iitniit  rTirrtinnTJsJtnri.  thn  Iset  rlraiii  iim  njainanrt 
ontlasCnigbt.'' 

-  "  Carigo.'  Well,  Lisle,  and  faow  are  >n  tbe  depOt  ?  How's  old 
InyernEie,  and  Rosse  of  Beinderig, — tbe  Barba-Roxo,  as  the  dons  used 
to  call  him?" 

"  All  well  when  I  left." 

"  Glad  to  bear  so, — jorlal  old  Egyptiins  they  are;  many  a  cask  of 
Islay  and  trne  Ferintosh  we  hsye  drank  together,  *nd,  throogh  Ood"* 
help,  many  more  J  hope  to  drink  with  them.  Tbe  leif  idea  of  the 
smoking  toddy — the  lemons  end  nutmeg,  makes  me  confoondedly 
tbirsW.'^  ^_ 

"  Doubtless,  msjor,  yon  bnd  a  moroing  draught  at  Mecida  ? 


m)  THB  ftONANCK  OF  WAB. 

"  The  deril  the  drop,  Staart ;  bnt  very  nrsrlr  a  mma  fiiO  of  coM 
PBWter, — end  ODDce  bsUs  are  hard  to  diceat." 

"Howl     Whatoreurred?" 

"  It  iru  nalnckilT  mj  tnrn  to  be  field  officer  of  the  gnsrd  orer  this 
iofenia!  bifgage,  irhicfa,  ai  n  are  retreating,  moTee  of  conree  in  froDt 
of  the  colamn.  We  adTaoced  a>  faat  aa  pogrihlit  to  get  into  Merida. 
hoping  to  halt  there  and  rerreah.  Aa  we  approached  the  bridge,  J  was 
drawing  pleasant  visioDS  of  the  dark  parple  wine  in  the  borachio  aldoa 
at  the  wine'WilEri  in  the  Plaza,  and  was  thinking  of  the  long  galpiag- 
drapght  of  the  cool  Malmaej  liquor  I  would  enjoy  there ;  when  bang, 
whizz,  came  a  bullet  from  the  carhlne  of  a  French  vidette,  who  appeared 
aaddenlr  hefbre  ua  at  the  bridge-end.  My  belt-piate  turned  ths 
■hot,  of  el<e  there  oould  be  a  majority  TacanC.at  tbis  hour  in  the  Gor- 
don Highlanders.  The  lame  thing  happened  to  me  once  in  Egypt,  •hen 
1  wai  therewith  Sir  Ralph.    I  will  tell  you  how  it  waa." 

"  I  would  rather  hear  it  at  the  halt,  major,  if  it  be  all  the  game  to 
you,"  aaid  Ronald,  interrupting  the  proiytield. officer  wicbont  cera- 
inony.    "  Well,  and  thin  ridette  ?    His  ahol^" 

"  Caneed  a  devil  of  a  oommotion  among  my  motley  command.  Tb« 
ladies  shrieked  and  galloped  off,  the  children  cried  in  concert,  tbe 
donkeys  and  mnlea  kicked  and  plunged,  the  driiera  lashed,  and  awore, 
and  pnyed,  while  the  gnard  began  to  fira.  I  knew  not  what  to  do, 
when  up  came  the  9th  and  Germans,  iword  in  hand,  aweeping  on  like 
wildlire;  and  entering  the  city,  after  a  little'  lighting  and  a  great  deal 
of  ghoDttng  and  swearing,  captared  a  hundred  and  fifty  French  lancers, 
■11  in  their  ahlrts.  Their  quarter-guard  slone  escaped  by  iwimminK 
the  Guadiana ;  but  their  ch^  d'tteadrt,  a  French  colonel,  the  Baron 
ClappoDrknnii,  waa  taken  in  hia  aaddle.  Yon  will  aea  him  when  Sir 
Rawland  cornea  np.  Bnt  1  mnit  ride  hard  now,  and  regain  mjr  stru^ 
gling  command,  which  haa  left  me  ttr  in  the  rear,  Adiea,  !■£, 
sdiea  I"  and  awsy  he  went  at  a  haad>gal1op. 

In  a  abort  time,  the  long  line  of  dnst  which  appeared  in  lifht 
annoanced  the  approach  of  the  diiiuon ;  and  the  bright  steel  points  of 
standard -poles,  of  pikea*  and  bayoneta,  glanced  "  momentarily  to  Uie 
mn  "    aa  they  advanced  across  the  level  plain.    About  a  quarter  of  * 

maaaea  of  .  .  „  „ 

cavalry,  covering  the  flanks  of  theinAmtry.  Elsgerly  did  Staart  watch 
the  dark  forest  of  waving  baibertwhiohdia^igaiahed  his  own  n^iment, 
while  he  awaited  their  arrival  standing  apart  from  Looia  liale,  wba 
eyed  him  with  an  expreaaion  of  anger  and  dlaqniet.  Since  Che  departnra 
of  Campbell,  neither  had  addressed  a  word  to  the  other,  and  both  fiJt 
how  eiceediogly  Irksome  and  disagreeable  waa  thia  aaanmed  indif- 
ference,  thia  appearance  of  haotear  and  coldness. 
*  Cairicd  by  Biitasli  st  that  tine.  Instead  of  ths  taiet  sod  haysBSt  Bosr 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTEE    XTin. 


Tike  0B«  whtch  icarcc 
Tfl  gi«  M  lo  BSlhliold, 
tutej  RTDva  colder,  m 


"  WmLL,  Ronald,  mv  £on  eamarnifo,  ■Dti  so  too  m  reslljr  here,  and 
in  ufet;  ?  uid  M«cdon>ilil  »  he  came  up  at  the  head  of  bii  nib' 
diTuioa.  "  QniCe  veil  now,  I  pecceJTe.  You  leceiied  my  letter  from 
jonr  Miraiit,  of  conrae  f  " 

"  Yei.     I  hne  a  tboDHnd  Btrance  idTCntarei  to  tell  foa  of;  but  I 
'e  them  fur  the  halt,  whica  I  suppose  will  be  at  the  castle  of 

But  meaunhile,  let  me  I      "  "  "         '-' " 

that  till  the  halt  al>o,~ 

file  were  knocked  on  the  head  at  _ ,   

loa  maj  Ke,  an  all  preient.     We  feared  yon  were  on  your  roiile  tor 
inaae,  when  we  heard  that  DombrouBki'i  draEmni  were  !□  Merida." 

"  A  daring  deed  it  wb«,  for  a  handfal  of  men  to  adiance  thiu." 

"  Daring  mdeed  I  " 

"  Bat  then  they  were  Poles, — and  the  Poles  are  no  eommon  troops- 
Sad  work,  howerer,  they  hairemsdeac  Merida.  Every  shop  and  honse 
in  the  naaa  has  been  sntled  and  destroyed." 

"  More  shame  to  the  citizens  !  A.  dty  coataiaing  fire  or  lix  tbon- 
nnd  inhabitantSi  should  haTS  made  some  reaistance  to  so  small  a 

"  Ay;  but  the  cits  here  are  oot  like  what  our  Scottish  burghers  wei* 
two  oentolie*  ago, — graaping  aie  and  spear  readily  at  the  slightest 
alarm.  By  Sir  Rowland^a  orders,  Tbiele,  the  German  ecgineer,  blew 
np  the  Roman  bridce,  to  prevent  d'Erlon  from  pressing  qpon  part  of 
the  13th,  who  form  the  rearguard." 

"  'Twas  a  pity  to  destroy  so  perrsct  a  relic  of  antiquity." 

"ItwMdfreneoeseity.'' 

"  Did  yon  see  anything  of  onr  friends  in  the  Calls  de  Guadiana, — 
the  honae  at  the  comer  of  the  Plaza  ?  " 

"  Ah  1  Donna  Catalina's  residence  .'  Blushins  sgaio  !  Why,  no  ; 
it  was  dark,  and  I  was  so  fttigned  wheo  we  marched  throngh  the  mar* 
ket-place,  that  1  coold  not  see  the  house,  and  Fasaifern  ia  ao  strict  that 
it  ia  impossible  to  leaye  the  isnks.  But  I  could  obserte  that  nearly  all 
the  bausea  abote  tba  piaiiaa  are  in  roina.  However,  we  have  captured 
neariy  ttetj  man  of  the  raragers.  A  glorioos-lookin^  old  fellow  their 
--    A.^  ^^ — ^  French  cA^-<fe-£iii(iiJI(n>,^Maiisieur  le  Baron  de 


Clapponrknnii,  as  he  stylea  himself." 
"  Clappotirkniui  t    Tb 


ippotirkniui  i  That  haa  a  Scottith 
'j  purely  Scottith.  I  ha<f  - 
Ha  is  grandson  of  the  lai 


is  purely  Scottish.    I  had  a  !ona  conreraation  with  him 
i¥- 1.  __  J 1 ,1.-  «i„,„m  jjjm  i^„  of  Lamieston, 


122  TBI  BOMAitca  or  wa%. 

and  brother  of  the  Frendi  general,  the  great  Marqaia  of  lAQiieston.* 
He  takes  his  title  of  Clappourkaiiia  from  some  little  knowes,  which 
stand  betneea  the  old  castle  of  Lanrieston  and  the  Frith  of  Forth. 
What  joy  and  enthaaiasm  he  diapUfed  at  eight  of  ooi  regiment,  and 
the  71stl  'Ah,  men  ami,''  be  eiclBiined,  holding  np  hii  hands. 
'Braaie  Scots, — rer;  superb  troupee!'  be  added,  in  bis  broken 
Eogliah,  and  the  soldicra  gaie  him  a  beartf  cheer.  He  !■  a  tnu 
Freachman  of  tlie  old  schooi,  and  has  a  pecnUai  Teaeration  for  Scot- 
land, which  is  only  equalled  bf  his  bitter  hatred  for  England  )  and  all 
my  argumenta  were  lost  in  eadeavouriag  to  prove  to  bim  that  we  are 
" '  tionnow.    There  is  one  of  the  7 lit,  a  relation  of 


"£lu? 


to  hare  a  great  affectiaa  far  al!  wbo  come  from  the  land  of  bis  bthen. 
— A  haadsome  yoang  man,  appareotlf,  this  Iaiois  Lisle,  our  newanb." 

"Ver7  agreeable  yoa'll  tad  bim,  I  dare  say,"  replied  Ronald, 
colouring;  slightly. 

"  A  amart  fellow  he  is,  and  will  plme  Fuitfbni.  His  famiBm 'ii 
mi|^ty  gay  and  glossy  jnst  now,  but  a  nif  bt*B  bnonaoklng — by  die  'byi, 
he  la  from  Pertbabire,  is  he  not?" 

"Ay,  the  mounlainooa  part  of  the  country,— my  Own  ««it«'flaee. 
He  Domea  of  good  bmily,  and  wc  are  dM  acquaintaaee." 

"  Yet  you  seem  to  bebaie  lery  drily  to  bim  :  why  foa  iiave  not 
flpoken  to  bim  since  the  corps  eame  np.' 

"  1  haye  my  reaaons.  A  few  wi^rda  with  btaa  last  nli^t— I  will  tell 
you  afterwarda,*'  said  Ronald  in  oonfOsion. 

"  Pshaw,  Stuart  I  ¥od  ahonld  sot  dishearten  a  yoang  nh,  who  lutt 
jnst  joined  by  this  sort  of  hdhaTionr.  Nothing  diagnste  one 'Whobu 
recently  left  bii  home  with  the  aerriee,  so  much  as  ooMdmi  on  Che 
pui  of  those  that  he  considered  hia  frienda.     I  shall  see  it  made  ini-^" 

"I  beg,  Macdonald,  you  will  not  inttrfeee  in  thia  matter,  WM 
Bonald's  apawer,  with  a  yebemence  that  mirpriaed  his  friend.  "I  an 
aware  how  I  ought  to  behare  to  Mr.  Lisle:  we  moit  IwonillataBlt 
terms,  for  the  present  at  least." 

<'¥oD  are  the  beat  jndge,  of  etnme,"  -said  Maedonald,  wMi  aoiam 
confuiion.  "  I  merely  meant  for  the  beet  what  I  said.  I  dislikfl  dk- 
oord  among  brother  offieen." 

"lam  aware  that  yonr  inteatiflns  were  good — tfagy  alwaj«  are-w>, 
Alister;  but  change  the  flat)|eet.     How  did  yon  likG  Almendnlejo?" 

"Notwdl:  a  dnll  place  It  is,  and  the  dona  are  «wy  iiaarrelsolBB." 
"  Ay,  1  rem^nber  your  letter  mentianlugCwo'lnavIs  witit  theinlik- 

"  Your  servant,  Mr.  Tverach,  aod  that  rogue  HaoUe,  of  ymtr  iMni 
company,  were  tJie  heroes  of  one," 

"I  should  be  glad  to  bear  the  story  now.  Hy  serrant  has  oflt 
DMntioned  it,  when  1  had  neither  time  nor  ineHnatHiil  to  listen!" 

"  There  ia  an  old  aboifado  at  AlAendralejo."  aaswered  MaeUoB^, 
"  a  fieree  old  fellow  be  is,  with  bristling  moDstaches  twisted  npto  fab 
»ery  ean.  and  eyes  like  those  of  a  hawk— the  Braor  Sanoho  de  loa 
Garcionadaa,  the  people  there  call  him,  for  abortneaa,  bat  he  has« 
name  as  long  as  a  Welsh  pedigree.  This  lawyer  dwells,  of  conne.  In 
one  ofthe  best  houses  in  the  town,  and  on  him  beraoh  andAngm 
Hackle  were  billeted.    He  has  a  daughter,  whom  I  have  eeot  ondu 


Bnia,  a  fiDB-lookuig  girl,  with  i^BlBr  Gntarei,  Spaniih  ejt»,  and 
Spuiib  anklea— quite  bewitching,  in  t»tt;  aad  *lUi0URh  eheliuuat 
XiiHini,  CaUlioa's  Btatelj  and  aplesdid  ■ppsuiDce,  yet  she  ia  pluiop  u 
a,  partridge,  and  loay,  pretty,  and  merry  ag  can  be  imigined.  Her 
beantj  eonpletEiy  «anqniibed  tbe  Iwart  of  Msokie.  on  whom  ihebad 
nat  &(ODrable  gtonoea,  for  he  is  what  Campbell  nails  one  at  Um 
dtudiMs'i  jdclied  men  ^a  fCrappiiie  JiUir-Athole  mui,  fram  the  noiw- 
Inn  of  Bern  Meadhoiuudh). 

"  A  Tflry  wi  livable  oorrapondenoe  enraed  between  them,  bat  hov 
ibej  jD«nag«  1  cannot  taD,  w  neither  knew  a  word  of  the  other'a 
lugDORe,  and  Ang oi  »p«alu  mere  Gaelic  than  Ei^lish  ;  lo  I  lagfoat 
Aey  convened  bj  the  eyes  iaMead  of  the  month. 

"  There  ii  a  Preoch  writer  who  eiclaima,  '  Ah  I  what  eloqaence  ii  N 
powerful  aa  tbe  UnRDaiie  of  two  charming  eyei !  '*  and  very  .paobabif 
Blaster  Auoa  (whom  1  now  aee  trudging  awar  yonder  with  his  kuap- 
■aok  on)  round  this  b>  be  tbe  «aM.  At  laat  tbe  aiogaio  btgta  to 
■wpcot  what  was  going  On,  and  hia  4]lood  boiled  op  at  tbe  idea  that 
fc  Scgttish  priiate  aoldier  aboold  bB*«  the  presamptian  to  addrew 
Ue  daaghter,  and  the  treacharooa  old  fox  liaCchad  a  Mry  nine,  bat  ul^ 
wmrdly  plan  foroattinf  off  poor  Maokie. 

' '  The  Seaora  Maria  ne  put  Becnrely  aoder  loch  and  key,  and  da- 
fpalched  a  meeiage  to  ^ar  cavalier  that  ihe  would  eipect  iiim  that 
•leniDg  after  vaipere,  lendiiig  at  the  fame  time  a  atout  ladder  at  ny, 
with  wbiiJi  he  -waa  to  toale  iier  window.  The  plan  aacccedad  to 
admiration.  The  UTage  old  attorn^  and  aome  &we  or  lii  kinamn. 
Mwffled  and  maaked,  lurked  in  a  dark  ftlaoe,  .giaaping  their  kiuTg«.aiid 
tnd&XM,  for  a  Spaniard  nrrer  thinka  be  oan  cammit  a  marder  ooai- 
[prtabty  wiliiout  baling  hia  crucifix  about  bim  :  if  it  contains  a  piece 
of  (he  trae  croaa,  bo  much  tbe  better.  Maokie  came  to  the  reodai- 
toaa,  but  attanded  by  hia  comrade  Ireracb.  and  both  had  InokUf 
broaght  their  side  arms  with  theca.  Scarcely  bad  tbe  nuiuuectiqg 
gallaot  placed  hia  foot  on  tbe  first  atsp  of  the  ladder,  when  the  COB- 
oealed  aaaasBinH  mahEd  upon  him,  dagger  in  hand,  from  tbeir  ambuah* 
Che  Highlanders  drew  and  fboght  manfulty  with  their  bayoneta,  lan 
two  throagh  the  tiody ,  and  aftar  receiiing  a  Itm  cuts  in  retam,  pat  the 
Teat  to  Ai^C  ;  and  ao  the  matter  ended  for  the  oight.  But  a  Carribia 
row  was  made  about  it  next  day.  Cameron's  qnarters  were  bemwsd 
by  all  tbe  alcaldea,  alguaxils  wi^i  their  halberts,  abogados,  and  oiliv 
lagoes  in  the  town,  headed  by  the  corregidor,  demanding  rermge. 
Msaifarn  made  a  abort  matter  of  it  with  them,  and  desired  thenud 
to  drire  th^m  out.  I  know  not  haw  it  might  ultimately  have  ended,  if 
IbBroate  for  Villa  Franca  had  not  arrived  Just  then,  and  put  a  atop  lo 
Ate  affair  by  our  sudden  march.  But  since  that  occurrence  I  undST' 
atand  Mackie  has  not  been  the  same  sort  of  man  be  wae— alwayi  gran, 
abasrbed.  and  thoughtful.  I  fear  he  will  giie  us  the  slip,  and  desert. 
Xbe  old  lawyer's  daaghter  teema  to  haye  bewitched  him.  He  has 
Dkore  than  once  asked  leaire  to  return  to  Almendralejoi  altbonjih  be 
knows  that  it  ia  now  in  posaeauan  of  the  enemy,  and  that  hia  daath  is 
eertam,  abould  he  be  seen  there  again." 

SariDE  the  five  daja  of  the  weary  forced  march  across  tbe  Spanidi 
frontier  to  the  town  of  Portalagre  (which  aiaoifies  the  "  happy  port") 
in  foitDgal,  the  same  diBtance  of  manner  auiT  reciprocal  cooinSB  wbiidi 
we  have  described  in  a  preceding  chapter,  aubaisted  between  Ronald 
Stuart  and  young  Liale  ;  and  although  aecretly  both  longed  to  come  to 
■  The  aulhot  of  (he  "  Mcdhhh  of  Kadme  de  MaintinaB." 


torae  retiifaclory,  and  if  poiaible  ■  friendly  eipluiatiaa,  their  Sfiottish 
pride  and  Btubbornneia  forbade  them  bath  alike  to  make  (be  6nt 
adiancn  towards  a  reconciliatioa.  Iiooiahad  written  to  his  slater,  bat 
had  said  nothing:  of  Ronald,  farther  than  that  be  was  well,  &c. 

At  Niza,  Ronald  parted  with  Pedro  Grocoez,  oho  had  accompanied 
bim  thna  far,  but  whom  he  now  despalched  to  join  hia  troop  in  a  neigb- 

The  morning  the  firat  brigade  entered  Niza,  they  found  the  greedy 
inhabltanCa,  on  their  approach,  busily  employed  in  pulling  their  half- 
ripe  oranges,  shaking  them  down  from  the  Creei,  and  carrying  them  off 
in  baskets  with  tbe  utmost  eipediticn,  lest  some  of  those  soldiers — 
soldier*  who  were  shedding  their  blood  to  rescue  tbe  Peninsula  from 
the  iron  grasp  of  Napoleon  1  should  have  plucked  a  few  in  po&aing 
under  tbx  groTcl. 

That  night  a  part  of  the  Highland  regiment  were  qnartered  in  the 
convent*  of  9an  Higuel,  and  great  wai  the  surprise  of  the  rererend 
Padre  Job^,  and  the  rest  of  the  worthy  brotherhood,  to  find  themaelves 
addresied  in  pure  Latin  by  private  Boldiera,  who  could  not  speak  either 
Spanish  or  Portuguese.  But  to  fiiose  who  know  the  cbeaiiness  of 
education  at  our  Sicottiih  Tillage  achooli,  this  will  excite  little  or  na 
WDDdar. 

Next  day  tbe  troopi  entered  CaaCdlo  Branco,  a  fortified  place, 
■itaated  on  the  hce  of  a  mgged  mountain  a  conple  of  leagkes  oortli  of 
the  rirer  Tajo,  or  Tagua,  a  city  of  great  importance  in  bygone  days. 
Its  streets  are  narrow,  close,  and  dirty,  like  those  of  alt  Portuguese 
towns,  where  the  refuse  of  the  household  lies  piled  up  in  front  of  the 
street-door,  where  lean  and  ravenous  dop,  ragged  mendicants,  and 
starving  gitaoas  Contest  the  possession  of  tbe  well-picked  bones  and 
fragments  of  melon*  and  pumpkins,  that  lie  raouldeiing  and  rotting, 
breeding  flies  and  vermin  innumerable  under  the  influence  of  a  burning 

burgh  and  Paris,  b^  means  of  barrels  carried  on  the  backs  of  men  from 
the  public  fonntams.  The  streets  are  totally  deatitnte  of  paying, 
lamps,  or  police;  and  by  night  the  passenger,  unleai  he  goes  well 
armed,  is  exposed  to  attacka  of  masked  footpads,  or  annoyed  by  the 
bands  of  hungry  doga  which  prow]  in  hundreds  about  the  streets  of 
erery  Portuguese  (own,  howling  snd  yelping  for  food  until  one  dies, 
when  immediately  it  becomes  a  prey  to  Che  rest. 

Major  Campbell  and  Stuart,  with  some  of  the  officers,  were  seated  in 
one  of  the  best  rooms  of  their  billet, — tbe  most  comfortable  posads 
Ihe  place  possessed,  and  truly  the  Peninsola  inns  are  like  no  others  that 
1  know  of.  As  they  were  in  the  days  of  Miguel  Cervantes,  to  are  they 
still ;  in  everything  Spain  and  Portugal  are  foar  hundred  jeais  behind 
Great  Britain  in  the  march  of  civilization. 

In  a  posoda,  the  lower  story,  which  is  always  entered  by  a  large 
round  archway,  is  kept  for  the  accommodation  of  carriages  and  cattte. 
It  is  generally  one  large  apartment,  like  a  barn  in  size,  the  whole  leogUi 
•nd  breadth  of  tbe  building,  floored  with  gravel,  and  staked  at  d)B- 
tances  with  posts,  to  which  the  cattle  of  travellers  are  tied,  and  receive 
their  feed  of  chopped  straw,  or  of  Indian  corn  which  has  become  too 
rotten  and  mouldy  for  the  use  of  hnmaa  beings.  The  whole,  fabric  ia 
generally  ruinous,  no  repurs  being  ever  given  ;  the  furniture  is  always 
old,  rotten,  and  decayed, — the  chairs,  beds,  &c.,  being  butnesti  for 
•  CoDRnt  is  a  term  applM  IndiKrimiiHtdy,  la  Spain,  to  hossn  ocenpladby 


myriads  o(  insects,  vhich  render  gneits  anfficientlf  nneorafartable. 
Sabanai  limpitiu  (clean  sheets)  are  b,  Iniurr  seldom  to  b«  bsd  i  and 
provisions,  s  Cbing  scsrcely  to  be  thongbt  of  in  ■  Spaoith  inn.  How- 
oer,  as  Seiior  Raphael'i  posada  wai  at  Mme  diiCsoce  from  tbe  actual 


I  hoped  that  t 


e  itcuCorian  Toioe  of  Campbell,  tha  hi 
bang  destitnte  of  belli. 

"  Well,  Senor  de  Casa,"  said  the  major,  aa  he  stretched  bimteU 
along  half  ■  doien  bard-seated  cbaira  to  rest,  "  what  hare  too  Id  tha 
larder  ?  Anything  better  than  cmtanai  gvem^dai  and  cold  water  { — 
affua  AemutUitnnia  de  la/uentt,  as  they  say  here?" 

"  Si,  ti,  noble  caballero,"  -replied  the  patron,  as  he  stood  with  hU 
ample  beaver  in  his  left  hand,  bowing  tow  at  ererj  word,  and  lajing 
hi*  right  upon  his  heart. 

"  Ab  !  Well,  then,  hare  yon  nny  beef  or  nntton,— ro*tl«d,  btdled, 
or  cooked  in  any  way  ?" 


roMciaie;  no  hay." 
?  \ou  an.  near  the  Te 


"Anyliah 

"  Si,  baceallao." 

"Pho!  bombre!    What,  haxe  yon  nothing  else  J    Anyfbwl?" 

"Any  frnit?" 

"No  hay." 

" Diaeoto  I  Senor  Raphael,"  cried  Campbell  angrily,  after  reeurinf 
tke  same  reply  to  a  doiea  thinga  he  aiked  for;  what  on  earth  ban  fon 
iPt,then?'' 

"  Hutvaty  iocina,  iittormia," 

"  Coald  yon  not  haie  said  so  at  once,  hombre  ?  Ham  and  eggi, — 
excellent  1  conld  we  but  hare  barley-meal  bsnnaclis  and  whisky  toddy 
with  them  ;  but  here  one  Taight  as  well  look  for  nectar  and  the  cake* 
that  Homer  feeds  his  gods  with.     Any  Malaga  or  aherry  i" 

"  Both,  tenor,  in  abun dance." 

"  Yonr  caaa  eeems  well  supplied  for  a  peninsular  one.~-|ian  y  etbol- 
lat,  eorsed  onions  and  bread,  with  bitter  sqasrdienle,  being  generally 
the  best  fare  they  bare  to  offer  travellers,  however  hungry.  Bat 
preilo  I  Senor  Raphael;  look  sharp,  and  grt  ui  our  provender,  for 
sarinc  a  handful  or  so  of  rotten  cailioia*,  the  devil  a  morsel  have  wa 
(aited  since  welefl  NizB  yesterday.  And,  d'ye  hear,  a*  yon  valne  the 
reputation  of  yuar  caaa,  put  not  a  drop  of  your  pOLtoDOUs  garlic 
among  the  viands  1  Talking  of  garlic,"  he  added,  after  Raphael  had 
withdrawn,  "  I  was  almost  suffocated  with  the  fumes  of  it  to-day, 
when  we  passed  to  tbe  leeward  of  my  namesake's  Portuguese  cavalry." 

Aa  the  evening  was  very  fine,  diey  experienced  no  inconvenience 
from  the  two  nnglazed  aperturea  where  windows  ought  to  have  been, 
through  which  the  soft  wind  blew  freely  apoo  them.     The  apartment 


:h  woand  the 

.  ug  tint  of  green  and  brown.     Oolden  ia  the  term 
the  Tajoi  and  encli  it  really  appeared,  while  tbe  saffron  glow 


distant  Tagus,  like  a  thread  of  gold  among  the  fertile  fic._, 
closures  of  every  varying  tint  of  green  and  brown.     Oolden  ia 


of  the  western  sky  was  reflected  o 
along  through  ample  vineyards,  grovel  of  orange  and  olive-treea. 
varied  here  and  there  by  a  patch  of  rising  corn.  Far  down  the  plain, 
and  around  the  base  of  the  hill  of  Caatello  Branco,  tbe  red  fires, 
marking  the  posia  ot  tbe  oat-lying  picquets,  were  seen  at  eqaal  di>- 


M  dotttng  the  landfoape ;  sad  Hieir  whits  carlint*  smoke  stom 
igk  ttie  green  foliage,  or  from  tlie  open  eorn-fiald,  in  tnll  spirri 
mii9,  melting  away  on  the  calm  evening  tkj.  Now  and  then  tba 
BT-song  from  the  htlle  chapel  of  S«n  Sebaetian,  half  way  down  the 
nl»in,  came  floating  towarda  them,  swelling  lond  and  high  at  one 
unit,  and  almoat  dying  awaf  the  neiC.  Here  and  there,  opon  the 
way  leading  to  it,  atood  a  Portngnese  peaiant  wilh  hia  head  na> 
red,  Ititening  with  sapentitioiis  devotion  to  the  raondt  comtng 
from  the  lltdb  edifice,  the  gilded  apire  and  Gotbin  windowB  of  whiidi 

[tofaioeetr' 

serred  Rot 
I  reminda 

«hen  the- bine  Tay  wJBdtt  pait  ths  green  cnrae  arOowrie.  That  hill 
ytnider,  covered  with  orange-treea  to  its  snmmit,  might  almoit  pui  for 
ueidll  of  Klnoonl'witll  iu  wooda  of  birch  and  pine,  and  thoH  atony 
tiumenta  for  the  mined  tower  of  Balthayoclc." 

''^Traly  the  scene  is  beautiful ;  but  its  aercnity  mi^t  better  xiit  an 
Eogliah  taste  than  oura,"  replint  Uaodonald.  "  For  my  own  parf,  1 
lore  better  the  wild  Hebrides,  with  the  foaming  sea  roaring' bMwieil 
tbeir  shorn,  tbui  so  qniet  s  soene  ai  this." 

"Hear  the  western  isleqman  1"  said  an  officer,  lauhing.  "Hfl  i« 
nerer  at  home  but  among  sterile  rocks  and  bailing  breiuiera." 

"Yon  are  but  southland  bred,  Captain  Bevan,"  anawereit  Mkc- 
lODalil  gravely,  "  and  therefbre  cannot  appreciate  my  taste." 

"  The  view— tbongh  I  am  too-  Sred-  to  look  at  it— is,  I  dare  «^ 
better  than  any  I  ever  saw  when  I  was  with  Sir  Ralph  in  Egypt,  when 
tite  iCBDery  is  very  fine." 

"The-  sandy  deserts  ese«ptadi"'  observed  Bevau.  "  Many  ■  dhy, 
mrdting  togetber,  we  have  coraed' them,  Campbell." 

"Ofcoaree.  Bnt  irilereia  diat  yonng  M tow,  Lisle?  I  intended  to 
bare  bad  him  bere-to-nigfat;  fac  die  purpose  of  wetting  hii  eommiatiO 
in  Senor  Raphael's  sherry." 

"  HS  IB  at  Chiibolhi'*  blUst,  T  bdienr.  They  have  become  clbte 
MendM  of  taM,"  npUed  another  offioer,  who  had  not  spoken  bsfOra. 

"  So  I  have  observed,  Seanedy;  he  i»the  nephew  of  an  old  Egy|itlM 
ewnp^gner,  and' I  tove  the  lad  as  if  he  was  a  kiaimaa  of  my  own,  Bu 
Hem  name  the  'vivres  !'  8mo1linB--hot  and  tempting,  ftJthl  espMoidy 
to  fdlowB  so  sharply  set  as  we  are.  Senor  Raphael  deserves  a  pillar 
like  Pompejr's  ereeted'in  hii  bonoor,  as-  the  heac  casa.keeper  bet  mew 
lisbon  and  Cartbagena." 

Wbiletbe  talkative  major  ran  on  thus,  the  "matitomea"  of  tile 
esteblisfament  hrodghtrin  the- mpper,  or  dinner,  on  a  broad  woodoB 
tray,  and  arrayed  it  on  the  rough  t^e — cloth  there  waa  none — to'tbe 
best  advantage,  flunking  tbe  covers  with  several  leathern  flaak*  ef 
Aenr,  brown  ulazed  jnga  of  rich  oily  Malaga,  and  ronnd  loavM  of 
bresd'from  the  Spanish  frontier, 

"  Now,  this  is  whsO  I  conaider  Iteing  oomfortable,"  obstB'ved  tbe 
major,  as  he  stowed  bis  gigantic  limbs  under  the  table,  and  gaied  oa 
the  dishes  with  Uie  eager  eye  of  BhaDgrr.man'Wha  hod  tasted  noUiieg 
for  twentT'fbnr  honra. 

"  We  have  been  IncVy  in  receiving  a  billet  here,  and  are  maidi 
indebted  to  tbe  wraibipfnl  alcalde,"  said  Bevan,  intermpting  a  silenoe 
i^ieh  nothing  had  broken  for  some  time,  CMept  the  olatter  of  piatea 
and  lunves.    **  A  littie  nuns  of  tbe  ham,  iD^<n." 


"  Aad  hwwD«  >  Whb  ^leuiirB.  Bat  eat  away,  g/mtitrntta ;  b«  qidle 
tt  home,  and  make  the  moat  of  a  maal  wheo  yon  oau  gat  on*.  I'll 
tronblayou  for  that  rauud  loaf,  Emmedy." 

"  Splendid  bread,  tbe  Spuiish." 


Egypt,  when  I  oud  to  riait  the  bouse  of 

■■  at  Aleimdiia " 

n«t  marty  coit  yon  yonr  life  (here  ooca^  mqor," 


Camtan  MaliBntined  Djadda,  at  Aleindiia ' 

*A   ■  ■  


it.    Bnt  U  is  too  ioob  for  a  itiKy  jet ;  oUierwiae  I  waald  tell  tha  aflUr 
to  the  yoong  sabs.    Help  youraelf  pleudfally,  Sloart.    Lonl  k 


Jte  yoong  >abB.    Help  youi 
■Lwamafigol  aoch  anothar 


i  aloce  mil  for  tO'Bwiraw'i 


a  Ffitat  Ikuled  at  Ow  Castle  of  Bdem,  Kmie  u«hta8D  montfa* 
ipi.-" 

"Sga^e  Itaa  it  ii,  indaed,"  vrfdied  tte  majotu  "'Tb  very  well: 
the  Seoor  Raphael's  tocino  is  eicelleDt,  being  cured  probably  tbrhis 
MBLvas;  bM  hiaeggs  are  not  b»  fnah  as  1  oaed  to  get  from.my  om 
narii  atGi«ig6«Dte(ioh,  nsar  Inveiary." 

"A  deuced  hard  name  your  estate  has,  Aaion    A  little  monham, 

Iffaoetmee  it  so  well  ■■  myadf,  BenD.    Craig!fi'ai>teadt, 
rock  of  the  hoBse  of  flngal,  wban  tnmtiated?" 


"'Rii^  Staart,  i>7  boy :  ftemekof  Ifcekiaffof  Sahaa." 

".ItwlMRtloDgiByOBrbmi]^,  iwrnmoml 

"  Since  the  year  400i  Yoa  nasrr  iMigt  Bsran,  heing  bnta-Low- 
lander,  yet  it  is  not  the  less  tnu.  Sinse  tha  dsfs  of  tha  old  Oabriadie 
)ifaaKii'Mit.tBegr«atdBDC>iiipbell,.thcinaa;af  Diannid,  (int  became 
lerda  of  Argyle,  replied  the  major,  with  conscious  pride,  as  lut'pwliad 
MByb^pbteandatreteheit  UmaeU  baolcm  bis  obanr,— "  Atdpls,  or 
ArgaQielia,  as  it  was  then  called.  Hy  fathers  ac«  dasoendad  in  a-dinaC 
line  from  Diarmid,  the  first  loid  of  Iioofaow." 

"A^lnisaadndila  pedineak  ostainly,"  obaened  Macdon^  with 
ai  vawl'  MaUa.boconnns  mtti^ted  in  the  ccmTeraatioa.  "IC  onk 
herods  mine,  thoogh  1  oome  of  tba  Uae  of  DowUd,  tha-  lord  of  the 


GomB,  o         . 

of  these  sherry  bottlaai" 

frequently  a  eabjaebfor 

odaced  oKen  enongh  at 

when  we  had  one.     Yesterday,  at  Niza,  at   IIm  leutlle,  IheM, 


Jtlyaei 

St  and  were  inttodaced  onen  e 

onrs.  when  we  had  one.     Yesterday,  at  Niza,  at   IIm  leutl..   

.^noh.wacalled.a.diDBBr,  Uieoolond  and  old  Mscdoaald  nearly  came 
to  loggerheads  aboat  CliB  comparsliTe  anUqnily  of  the  CanerOM  ef 
Faasiftro  and  Loeheil." 

"D-~»(ill  pedigrecel"  oriad  Kennedy,  aneorkins  the  ■henT"  "I 
Mk-HaB  uadebtcd  to  my  fortMarstha  valaeof  a  herring  scale  1" 

"THiaaa  are  matters- only  for  pipsrs  and  aeaiucbiea  to  diienss."  said 
B«Dald,  aflfeadng  s  euielrasness  whicb  ha  wes  very  fai  from  fading. 
Bnr,  indeed,  eberishad  with  a  tmei  foaling,  of  Uigblaud  astiafscKoB.die 
ldea.tbat  he  cuae of  a  royal  and  long>.d«BGended  line.  "  Lut  (heanb- 
JBcb  hn  drappedL.  nentleBien.  Fill  yow  glassefci  let  os^  driulc  to  tke 
dawnbU  of  Gindad  Kodrigo ! " 


123  THB  KOMAHCR  Or  WAft. 

"  Well  iud,  StiwH,"  echoed  Kennedy  ;  "push  the  Malaga  tbiswtr." 
"I'll  drink  it  Bith  all  mr  heart,"  said  the  major,  liltiiig  up  hi*  clua  ; 

"letitbe  abnmper,  a  brimmiag  bumper,  gentlemen,  the  domi&ll  of 

Cindad  Rodrigo !" 
"  Pretty  tail  aheny  thii,  major." 

"  But  it  hog  all  the  greasy  taste  of  the  CDnfoonded  pig-aliia." 
"Why  the  deuce  don't  the  lair  dogs  learn  to  blotr  decent  elui 

bottles.'^' 
"Try  the  Malsgi.    Fill  up,  and  drinlc  to  the  bearta  we  h»B  left 

"Bight,  Macdooald,— an  old  ScottUb  toast,"  anawered  Campbell, 
emptying  his  ham.  "  Bnt  far  Ciudad  Rodrigo,  J  almost  irish  that  the 
place  may  hold  oat  until  we  enconnter  old  Marmont,  and  thnsh  hia 
It^iODs  to  our  hearts' canteut,  eh  !  Bevan?" 

"A  few  days'  march  will  bring  ns  close  on  Lord  Wellington'i 
head -quarters ;  and  should  the  place  not  capitulate  by  that  time,  we 
shall  probably  act  Yimiera  orer  again  ia  the  neighbonrbood  of  Cindad 
Rodngo." 

"I  shall  be  yery  happy  to  see  aometbing  of  ths  kind,"  obwned 
Ronald.  "  I  hsie  been  six  months  io  the  peninsula,  and  hare  searoely 
heard  the  whiz  of  a  Preach  ballet  yet." 

"Sbonld  we  come  within  a  league  of  Marmont,  yoar  longiii|[fbr 
lead  will  probably  be  gratified — as  we  lued  to  asy  in  Egypt,  especiaDy 
shaald  he  attempt  to  raise  the  siege.  Bnt  drink,  lads;  talking  makes 
ODorery  thirsty." 

"  I  am  heartily  tired  of  our  long  forced  marches  by  night  and  ilay, 
and  was  very  f;lad  when,  from  the  frontiers  of  PortngaJ,  I  looked  bade 
and  saw  the  wide  pluns  of  Spanish  Estremadnra  left  *o  ^  behind." 

"  Many  a  weary  march  we  haTB  had  there,  Alister." 

"And  many  more  wesbsU  have  again." 

"  Nerer  despond,"  aaid  Bersn.    "  With  hononr  and  the  enemy  in 

"As  we  used  to  say  in  Egypt— '  Both  be  !'    Canjol    I'll 

thank  you  for  the  sherry." 

"  But  the  troops  <tf  the  Count  d'Erlop— " 

"  Are  srrant  coirards,  1  think.  They  haTe  fled  befbre  the  glitter  of 
oar  arms  when  three  leagues  off:  theiery  flaaat  of  our  colours  i*  qnite 
enough  for  them,  and  they  are  off  double  quick  I" 

"  The  soldiers  of  la  telle  France  behaved  otherwise  in  Egypt,  whea 
I  waa  there  with  gallant  old  Sir  Kalph.  But  we  shall  come  op  with 
them  some  time,  and  be  revenged  for  the  trouble  they  haie  given  ns  in 
daocing  after  Ih^m  between  Fortslagre  aod  Fueute  del  Moiatre." 

"  That  was  a  brilliant  affair,"  said  Macdonald,  "  and  yon  nnlocktly 
missed  it,  StuatL" 

"Ay  ;  butlbopeMarabalMarmont  will  make  me  amends  nut  week  ; 
•nd  if  eier  Senor  Narvaez  cornel  within  my  reach — " 

"  Or  mine,  by  Heavens  I  he  shall  be  made  a  mammy  of  i" 

"  Yon  could  warcely  reduce  him  to  anything  more  diiagreeable, 
Aliatet.  1  saw  some  in  Egypt  a  deviliEh  deal  closer  than  1  reliahed," 
■aid  Campbell,  filliug  his  gUai  as  if  preparing  for  H  atory,  while  a  smile 
passed  over  the  features  of  hia  companions,  who  began  to  dread  one  of 
those  long  narratives  which  were  readily  introduced  at  all  times,  hut 
rapecially  when  wine  was  to  be  had,  and  the  evening  waa  far  advanced. 
The  smile,  however,  was  unseen,  is  the  dusk  had  iucreaaed  so  much 
th^t  the  gloomy  apartment  was  almost  involved  io  darkness.    Bnt 


.  t  BOfl  breeze  from  the 

brtile  plain  below  go  odoriferoaB,  tbat  they  would  scuroe  have  ei- 
ebanged  the  ruinous  chamber  of  the  posada  in  nbich  tbeywere  seated  for 
themoBC  an n^  parlour  intbemostcomfarCsbleEnKliifaiaD,  witb  iU  sea- 
coal  fire  blazing  through  the  briebt  steel  bars,  the  soft  hearth-rag  in 
Ikiint,  the  rich  carpet  around,  and  the  foi-huntg  framed  on  the  wall, 

"  Mammiea,  indeed  ! "  continued  the  field  officer ;  "  I  almost  ehiver 
It  Oie  name ! " 

"  How  so,  mqor  ?"  asked  Sonald.  "  What!  a  British  grenadier 
likeTOU,  that  would  not  dock  hii  head  to  a  fbrty-sii-pOQnd  shot?" 

"  Wbr.  man !  I  would  scorn  to  duck  to  a  shot  from  anld  Mods  Meg 
herself ;  but  then  a  mummy,  and  in  the  dark,  is  another  affair  alto- 
gether. I  cBie  nothiuK  about  cutting  a  man  down  to  the  bieeks,  aod 
did  Ml  at  Corunna,  in  Ggrpt,  and  in  Holland,  more  than  once ;  but  I 
am  not  over  fond  of  dead  corpsea,  to  tell  you  the  truth,  and  very  few 
Highlaudmen  you'll  Bad  that  are.  Haie  I  nerer  before  told  you  of  my 
sdientitre  witb  the  mammiea,  and  the  luliie  that  Fassifern  and  I  bad 
(t  Alezaadria  ?" 

"  No— n«erl" 

"  Bevan  knows  all  about  it." 

"  Ho  was  in  Egypt  ■  with  Sir  Balph,'  yon  know.  It  mutt  be  some- 
tUsg  new  to  us,  major." 

"I'll  tell  Tou  the  story ;  meastime  light  cigars  and  fill  your  glasses, 
for  talking  ie  but  drf  work,  and  there  s  sherry  enough  here— not  to 
mention  the  Malaga — to  last  as  till  rtveiile,  even  if  we  drink  as  baid  ai 
Ilul  Knig'e  German  Legion." 

His  companions  resigned  tbemselres  to  their  &te — ttiree  of  them 
consoled  by  the  idea  that  it  was  one  of  the  major's  stories  they  had 
never  heard  before.  Cigars  were  promptly  lighted ;  and  the  red  pointe, 
l^owing  strangely  in  the  dark,  were  the  beacona  which  dimly  showed 
each  where  the  others  sat. 

"  Drink,  gentlemen ;  fill  ■^aia  glasses,  fill  away,  tads.  However,  I 
must  tell  yon  the  affair  as  briefly  as  possible.  I  am  field-officer  for  the 
day,  and  have  to  ™it  the  quarter. guards  and  cursed  out-picqueta  in 
the  plain  below :  but  I  will  go  the  rounds  at  ten,  and  desire  tbem  to 
mark  me  at  two  in  the  morning.  They  are  all  our  own  fellows,  and 
will  behave  like  Trojans,  if  1  wish  them." 

"  Well,  Campbell,  the  story." 

After  a  few  short  pulls  at  the  ci^r,  and  long  ones  at  his  wine-rap, ' 
the  major  commenced  the  story,  which  is  given  in  the  following  chapteff 
and  as  near  the  original  as  1  can  &om  recollection  repeat  it. 


CHAPTER    XIX. 


"  Who  bss  Tmt  litard,  vbere  Enypt'i  nilnii  srt  turned, 

"  Wb  are  a  fine  regiment  as  any  in  the  lim ;  bat  1  almost  think  we 
vim  a  finer  corps  when  we  landed  in  E%ypt  in  1801.  We  had  been 
oohodied  amoi«  the  clan  of  Gordon  just  sii  jeara  before,  and  there 


ma  wntelya  niaa  iathe  nalu  abe*e  <<p  lad-twanty  yam  of  if*,— - 
^  fioT  yoiuiR  HigbUiiden,  raiMd  wmnf  tbe  mea  of  Blair-J^li^ 
BraeiDir,  Sltwidn,  Gariocb,  StiWhbogie,  aBd  tba  dnlu^B  own  pa^d^ 
UiB  'gf  aaitbe  gilimt,'  »  they  wbtv  ■triad  in  Uw  olden  tioMi. 

"  There  ii  B  aCoTT  anmBt  that  As  conn  HM-  ai««d  in  oonu^BWiuu 
of  some  wacer  betiHen  tka  Dbc^imi  of  GoadoB  aad  tbe.MoM  ot 
Wales,  .  "  ""  -  -    - 


mperinteBded  the  ractoilinii  depwtiMnt  in  &monl  itylat — ens  ' , 

Camilla benalfl  Wthadrnin  and  Ua,— onsMEwidisKore;of  fapm 
atnittiof  betee  bar, — oodiades  tUDntjog  and  darntoies  gleanung,  I 
haie  Men  hir  paradiDg  tfaioDgb  tlia  Highland  Mia  tad  at:d^trfitM, 
lecraitiiig  Itar  the  '  Gmdon  Highlanders ;'  and  a  haartr  kiai  on  tlia 
cbcek  lbs  gm  to  nerr  mui  who  Eook  from  bar  awn  white  hand  tfaa 
■hilling  in  King  Gcorga'a  naTOe. 

"Hnndrada  of  picked  manataiaaara — regnlardirk  and  darmsnnoi 
— abebroagfac  a*;  sad  pieiented  the  baUilion  witb  ihair  ootonn  rt 
Aberdeen ,  where  we  were  fully  maitertd  and  equipped.    'Antlins  bar 


vellow  fL._._„ .  ..    

heartf  cheer  we  gaia  her  oa  ahe  came  praacil^  alo^  witb  tfaa  ibtf. 
Attracted  her  atteotioa  first,  for  I  was  aenior  aub  of  Che  grenadien,  a*d 
tbe  grenadiera  were  dwajra  Air  faTonriMi.    I  waold  trll  jaa  what  ahe 
aid  to  me,  too,  aboot  tbe  length  erf  my  legSr  bnt  it  ill  bfxoiaea  a  miat 
to  npnC  compUmantB. 

"  Right  proud  I  waa  of  old  Scotland  and  tbe  coiya,  while  I  krakal 
dona  the  aerried  line  when  we  draw  np  onr  bame-froD,t  on  the  Hod; 
beach  of  the  Bay  of  Aboukir.  Sploidid  Hier  appeared, — the  gluing 
■---- -^-r  phiids  and  planter,  aad  lines  of  bomiabed  ana*. 


.  a  prond  one  indeed,  aa  we  adTanced  towarda  them,  aniuiBted  by 
the  heart;  Britiah  cheerB  from  oar  Eaaa-of-war  in  the  baj.  All  kiM<* 
the  battle  of  Alexandria.  We  drOTs  the  aoldien  of  BnonapartS  befbre 
ni '  like  chaff  before  the  wind  ;'  bat  the  lictory  cost  oa  dear:  nanf  a 
bold  heart  dred  the  hot  sand  with  its  gallant  blood,  and  amonf  tbeea. 
onr  countryman,  noble  old  AbercTombie- 

"  Poor  Sir  Ralph !  When  atruck  bj  the  death-abot;,  I  saw  him  reel 
inbia  saddle,  bis  silver  hair  and  faded  oaiform  dabbled  with  his  blood. 
Hia  last  words  are  yet  ringing  in  my  oars,  aa,  waring  bia  three-cocked 
hat,  be  fell  from  his  hone,— 

"  'Give  tbem  the  bsyotiet,  my  boys!  Forward,  Higblandera  !  Ke- 
member  tbe  hearts  and  tbe  billi  we  baTO  left  b^ind  as  I ' 

"  Here's  hia  memory  in  Malaga,  thoo^  1  would  rather  drink  it  in 
Islay  or  Gleolivet.  We  did  giie  them  the  bayonet,  and  the  pike  too, 
in  a  st^le  that  would  hare  dooe  your  hearts  good  to  have  aeen.  It  was 
a  glonons  rictory, — Vimiera,  the  other  day.  was  nothing  to  it, — and 
wul  worth  losing  blood  for.  That  night  we  boiated  the  anion  on  die 
old  Arab  towers  of  Aboiddr,  and  Lord  HntchinMU  took  comaaDdof 

fcW.aaaiga^  ted  awaa  la  the  Jtatognlikfag  badge  rfewayaaglhh    igriiiiit. 


»**.  131 

^Bcny.  OaUw  iaUi3«^nb*c,  laOUve  pUcidAlci*Bdnainttw 
power  of  tbe  Tnrkx.  Our  «oauJed  ns  itavcd  wnir  in  tba  mofquu 
«Dd  eiUfity  hooMS;  oi.r  tEOOpi  were  qHu-Cered  on  the  inhabibuiti.  or 
plMied  uadcr  cuives  nitbout  the  city  naUa,  aad  na  found  oorselTw 
iriula  tbtre  ttAeabiy  tatafotuMe,  aicaptiag  the  uuioyuioe  wa  saSeAii 
tuna  inaecUand  the  enmating  beat,  iMiiuh  waa  like  that  of  a  fumaca; 
hot  the  isaatin,  or  '  hot  mod  of  the  daaert,'  oai  must  e^JCiitBce  to 
know  iriiat  it  raallj  ia. 

"Wbeii  it  b^ina  Ca  blav,  the  ur  bela  p«TetaalI|r  like  a  bint 
raibiBs  ttom  ■  bot  &re,  and  the  atauapliere  aiul»r(Dea  a  cbanf  e  luK- 
(••Dt  to  Btiike  erm  the  heart  of  a  lion  with  terior.  The  laurmg  akr 
beeenes  duk  vith  clouda  of  a  bloody  hue,  aikd  the  asii,  ihora  of  ita 
nji  and  ita  glory,  aeema  to  float  amoog  them  like  a  round  ball  oC 
'miDK  purple,  while  the  whola  air  bacemsa  dense  and  dnety,  ren- 


reapiiatiOD  Out  of  doon  aliuait  au  impoHibiJity.  AlChoulk. 
oniuiB  the  reiau  of  the  terrihle  iamua  the  sau  wu  acarceiy  rUiUe. 
the  watst  in  uie  pablic  foantaiuB  gtew  hot)  oar  moakBt-barfeb  ami 
attel  waapoBa,  the  wood,  marhla,  iron,  and  ererythiDg,  felt  waru  and 
bnniing.  When  the  airfal  blait  ii  diaeoTered  afiir  off,  coming  sweepof: 
from  the  aiid  deaerta  of  Libpi  aod  Arabia^  the  inbahitaota  <tf  oiliaa  fv 
to  their  dwelliaga  for  refiiEe,  and  ahut  thenteliea  op  doaely  ;  Che  wan- . 
itoiBu  Aiab  ia  the  gilenC  inldemaaa  hoUowa  a  pit  in,  the  aaiid  wfaneia 
toliide  himielf ;  and  the  unfortunate  traveller,  when  uupriaed  on  tlia 
TSf-side,  throws  himself  on  the  earth,  with  hia  iaoa  towarda  Mseoa, 
wtele  ha  ooiera  his  mouth  and  nostidta  with  the  lawn  of  hia  turban,  or 
the  skirt  of  hia  robe :  the  ler^  camel  buriae  it*  head  in  the  saod  till  the. 
faaifiil  btaat  ia  OTOi:.  Head  me  the  aherij,  Kennedf  ;  the  mj  remam- 
bnooe  of  the  iaamu  mikea  me  thirsty. 

"Cameron — I  mean  Faaaifem — and  I  lired  together  ia  the  iamctOBt, 
which  waa  [Htohed  without  the  city,  in  a  spot  where  enornona  rnioe- 
inciuBtBd  with  saltpetre  were  piled  on  eiery  aide.  I  well  remember 
draHiug  bacii  the  iriaiieilar  door  of  the  tent,  and  looking  caatioualy 
tprtfa  when  the  wind  hod  paased.  Here  and  there  I  saw  the  prostrsts 
corpaes  af  same  Tnika  and  Egyf  datis,  who  had  beau  suffocated  by 
iBhaUng  the  hot  SEidy  air.  Thay  presented  a  terrible  apeclacle,  ceir- 
taiuly.  They  were  awdled  enoimoualy.  tsnied  Co  a  pale  blue  eolonr  i. 
uid  there  they  lay,  rapidly  feateriug  and  decompoung  in  the  heat  of  Uic 
roo,  although  Chey  had  been  aUia  and  well  that  morning. 

"  By  it  I  nearlf  lost  Jock  Peotlsad,  my  aerraiit.     1  diacorered  the 

C(3iield  lying,  half  dead,  at  the  haee  of  Cleopatra'a  Needle,  sod  bad 
looked  to  in  time  to  save  hi*  life.  Many  of  our  men  were  dan- 
gerooaly  affected  by  it ;  but  when  it  paaacd  away  ^all  waa  right  again, — - 
and  I  remember  how  pleased  Faseifern  and  1  were,  when,  (or  the  finC 
time  after  the  tattuin,  na  Milled  forth  on  our  daily  *iait  Co  oac  friend 
Meltaiiimed  Djedda,  a  TurkUh  GBptaia,  with  wheat  wa  had  become 
aaqnaiated  in  the  course  of  garrison  duty,  and  who  bad  a  very  handi- 
some  bouse  of  hia  own  within  the  walls  of  Aleiandria. 

"Cameron  and  1  had  become  cloae  comcadea,  then  being  only  a. 
couple  of  jovial  auba.  He  was  senior,  and  baa  got  in  advauce  of  ma  ; , 
hot  aiace  ha  haa  obtained  command  of  the  cor[|B,  he  keeps  ua  all  at  the 
itafaend.  anda^^s  the  Highland  chief  on  too  extended  a  scale.  Yet. 
latk  (we  ealled  him  Jock  then,  for  shortneaa  ;  but  it  would  be  mutiDy 
tadosoDOWj  ie  a  fins  fallow,  and  a  beam  officer,  and  1  pledge  Uu 
heartily  ia  Seoor  Bsfhael's  sherry. 

"  To  a  straiuar,  the  apnearaace  of  AlectBiidBia.i»  urtain^  rtrdung. . 
K  2 


132 

"Bie  gignntlc  Tnini  of  ■  people  irbose  power  bu  paMcd  >wayi  orertop 

the  terraced  nra&  of  the  modenu.  Tbe  embattled  towers,  the  gMoins 
dome>,  Ihe  tail  ■ndtlnnder  miiiaretB,riiB  onererj  dde  ■mong  groresof 
the  gracefal  palm  and  apreading  fig-tree,  intermiDgled  with  the  lad  re* 
maias  of  tbe  jeara  that  ere  gone,  the  crtunbling  temple,  the  prottrata 
pillar,  and  the  monlderiag  archwar  !  Friezea  lod  pedeatali,  riofa  with 
carving  and  bleroglTpbics,  lie  piled  in  shapelesa  masaes,  oorered  with 
moss  and  coiTDded  with  taltpetre,  meeting  the  view  on  ererr  aide,  and 
striking  the  stranger  with  veneration  aod  awe,  while  his  heart  ia  filled 
with  sadDBBB  and  aablimily.  The  mlna  of  these  vait  palaces,  which  the 
great  geoina  of  Dinocrates  deaigoed,  and  which  the  immense  wealth  of 
Alexander  erected,  are  now  the  dweltiog -place  of  the  owl  and  the 
jackal,  the  serpent,  the  asp,  and  the  scorpion,  "nie  inhabitants  of  the 
modem  dty  areindeed  strange-looking  bemgs,  with  brown  ftu»s,  bnsbf 
black  beards,  and  wearing  large  tnrbans  of  linen  on  tbor  bald  pates. 
Tbtir  dresa  appears  like  ■  sbapeleas  gown  of  divers  coloois,  enieloping 
them  from  ohin  to  heel ;  a  arimitar  and  poniard  in  the  aash,  BKppers  on 
the  feet,  and  a  pipe  ail  feet  long  in  the  hand,  completes  their  coatnme. 
Th^  women  are  mnffled  ap  to  the  eyea,  which  are  the  only  parts  of 
them  tigiblei  and  then  tbe  shany  cameli  and  Mdeooa  aaaet  with  whidi 
every  thoroughfare  is  crowded—^' 

"Well,  msjor.  bat  the  mummies  iyonhayenattoldus  of  them  yet," 
said  Ronald,  becoming  impatient. 

"  1  am  coming  to  tbe  pointj"  replied  the  major,  not  in  the  least  dia- 
pleaaed  at  tbe  intermption,  abrupt  thonf:h  it  was;  "but  yon  must 
permit  me  to  tell  a  story  in  my  own  rambling  way.    To  continue, — 

"  Tbe  redonbtable  captain,  Mohammed  I^edda,  had  become  a  very 
great  Mend  of  oors  :  we  used  to  visit  him  daily,  in  the  cool  part  of  the 
evening,  pretending  that  we  came  to  enjoy  a  pipe  of  opium  with  him, 
tinder  the  huge  nopal  or  cOchineaUtree  which  flonrished  before  bis 
door.  He  knew  no  English,  I  very  little  Turkisb,  and  Cameron  none 
at  alii  conaeqnently  our  coniersation  wag  never  very  spirited  or  in- 
teresting, and  we  have  sat,  -for  four  consecutive  houra,  pulling  asaidu- 
onaly,  or  pretending  to  do  so,  at  our  long  pipes,  without  uttering  a 
syllable,  staring  hard  at  each  other  the  while  with  a  gravity  truly 
Oriental,  until  we  scarcely  knew  whether  our  beada  or  heels  were  upper- 
most- We  took  great  credit  to  ourselves  for  never  laughing  outnght 
'  "le  Btrange  figure  of  the  Capitau  pjedda,  as  he  sat  opposite  to  ua, 


squatted  on  a  rich  carptt,  and  garbed  in  hii  aQken  vest,  sown,  wide 
cotton  pantaloons,  and  heavy  turban,  looking  like  Blue  &aTd  in  the 
story-book.    You  may  wondeT  what  pleasure  we  found  in  this  sort  of 


...  :  Mohammed  was  one  ot  the  most  fa^on- 

able  old  bucks  in  the  Turkiah  service,  and  of  conrse  could  not  do  with- 
out tbur  wives,— no  Turk  of  any  pretenaions  to  rank  being  wiUiout  that 
number,  lliese  he  kept  in  most  eicellent  order  and  constant  attend- 
ance upon  his  own  lazy  person,  altbougfa  be  had  a  score  of  wretched 
slaves, — poor  barefooted  devils,  who  wore  nought  to  hide  their  brown 
■kins  but  a  blue  shirt,  girt  about  their  waist  with  a  leather  belt,  and  a 
red  kerchief  twisted  round  their  crowns. 

"But  Mohammed's  Teiled  and  draperied  iponse*  were  the  genttatt 
creatures  I  ever  beheld,  and  not  in  the  leaat  jeajons,  because  be  eater- 
taioed  for  them  all  tbe  aame  degree  of  cool  contempt ;  and  often  ke 
told  us,  that '  women  were  mere  animals,  withont  souls,  and  only  good 


133 

i  kept  hit  rooad  ey«i  obatinitely  filed  od  the  EFaimd,  oi 
bectune  ■  Turk  and  superior  beini;.  Ttaia  etrauga  old  geDtJemBU  bad 
two  dsughlera  :  perfect  sngels  they  were,— seraphs  or  honii.  We  could 
mA  see  their  flicei.  all  of  which,  with  the  exception  of  tlie  erei,  were 
concealed  by  is  sbomiDBble  cloth  veil,  which  it  ww  slmoBt  incorriDg 
death  to  MmOTo  before  luch  in  ialidel  M  me.  But  their  eyea  !  By 
iKarens  each  were  oeTer  beheld,  not  even  iu  Che  lend  of  innay  eye* — ' 
M  la^e  ua  black,  so  hqoid  and  iparkliog  1  No  otber  perti  were 
fiiible  except  tbetr  bands  and  ankles,  which  were  bare  aod  white,  small 
and  beantiful  enough  to  turn  the  heads  of  ■  whole  regiment.  The  ei- 
pretaion  of  their  lustrous  eyes,  the  goddeM-lile  outline  of  their  thinly- 
clad  fbrma,  made  Cameron  and  me  imsgiue  tbdr  beta  to  be  possesied 
ofthat  lablime  degree  of  duzling  beauty  which  it  it  wldom  tbe  lot  of 
mortali  to — " 

"BzccUent,  major,"  eiclaimed  Alieterj  "of  all  your  Egyptiaa 
ttories,  this  is  the  best.    Then  it  was  the  danghlers  too  went  to  see  ?" 

"To  be  sure  it  was  !  and  for  the  pleaeareof  beholding  them,  endored 
every  eieuing  the  ataring  and  smoking  wiUi  their  ferociaua  old  d<u  of 
a  papa,  who,  eonld  he  have  dirined  what  the  two  giaouri  were  after, 
woald  soon  have  employed  some  of  his  follower!  to  deprive  us  of  our 
beads.  I  am  sure,  by  the  pleased  and  melting  expression  of  their  eyea> 
that  the  girls  knew  what  we  came  about,  and  we  would  certainly  haie 
opened  a  correspondence  with  them  by  some  means,  could  we  have 
done  so ;  but  as  they  were  kept  almost  continually  under  lock  and  key, 
we  uerer  found  an  opportunity  to  see  them  alone,  and  letters — if  we 
eonld  have  w(itten_  them — would  have  been  useless,  as  they  could 
nmther  read  nor  write  a  word  of  an^  known  lBngaa|;e,  their  education 
being  entirely  confined  to  dancing,  singing,  and  plajring  on  the  'o-id,  a 
kind  of  guitar  need  in  Egvpt :  it  is  a  plano-convex  affair,  which 
yon  may  often  see  introducM  in  Eastern  liewi  and  paintings. 

"  Wdl,  a*  I  related  before,  on  the  evening  aRer  the  blowing  of  the 
tamtin,  Faiaiferit  and  I  departed  on  our  daily  visit,  eagerly  hopii« 
that  we  mlgbt  have  an  (^portonity  to  see  Zela  and  Azri,  the  two 
daoghteri,  done,  ai  we  mai^ied  the  next  day  en  nmte  for  that  great 
dty  of  Ibe  genii  and  the  hiiiea.  Grand  Cairo,  and  might  never  again  be 
at  Alexandria.  We  were  confouitdedlj  smitten,  I  assure  you,  though 
we  have  often  langbed  at  it  since,  we  were  as  much  in  love  as  two 
very  romantie  jonng  anbaltenu  could  be,  and  very  earnest—hoping, 
tearing,  trembling,  and  all  that — we  were  in  the  matter." 

"Well,  major,  and  which  was  your  flame  ?" 

"Zela  was  mine.  They  named  her  'the  White  Rose  of  Sidrah;' 
which  means,  I  believe,  '  the  woudertbl  tree  of  Mahomet's  paradise.' 
Bat  to  condone : 

"  On  approaching  the  house,  we  found  it  all  deserted  and  silent. 
The  carpet  and  pipe  lay  under  the  shadow  of  the  umbrageous  nopal, 
but  the  grave  and  portly  Mohammed  Djedda  was  notthen.  Thehouse 
and  garden  likewise  were  tenanUesi,  and  after  wandering  for  some  time 
among  its  maze  of  flower-beds  and  little  grotea,  where  the  apricot,  the 
pom^ranate,  date-palm,  enstard-amile,  and  &E<tree,  flourished  luxu- 
riantly, we  were  met  by  one  of  Hobammed's  half-naked  slaves,  who 
mfbrmed  ns— me  at  least,  aa  I  al<me  knew  a  Utfle  of  his  guttural  lan- 
goage— that  the  Capitan  Djedda,  hii  fimr  wivei,  his  slaves,  and  all  his 
hoaaehold,  were  gone  to  Oie  great  mosqne,  to  return  thanks  for  the 
pasimg  away  of  the  kamtin. 


134 

"  A>  we  wore  lery  tnadi  CTercome  Vj  Ibe  beat  «f  the  stmotpheiv, 
«re  wen  Kbont  to  enter  the  ooaO  marble  TtHttftnle  af  the  maniion,  ifhert 
tbe  atiT  'fipiret  of  tbe  jmmg  ladies,  inllieir  twUng  drapery,  appearnl 
■t  an  upper  window. 

"  'Nov  or  Defer,  Crihi '.'  and  'Eanirem.  'The  yODDg  Udies  are 
-npgtwra  and  the  home  h  emptj ;  we  wifi  par  them  s  Tiat  now  itt 


Bnt  ii  irat  death  the  peaaHy  ethexag  found  in  (be 
dunben  of  Tarldeh  women  ?' 

"  'So  I  have  tieard,'  aaid  1,  ahrngging  inr  Aonlden;  'bat  oM 
Mabammed  will  eciircel7  Iry  eiperimenta  in  the  art  of  deeatdtation 
wbtle<»r  CrwD  trooiw  are  ea  nov.  Toadercre  Hie  sentinels  of  tiM  12iul 
amoDCtbe  tiudi  of  tbe  Roman  tower,  ahnast  within  bsil.' 

"  '  W'hidi  ia  Ifae  wBy,  Cotin  ?'  asked  he,  as  we  wandered  about  the 
-TMtibDla,  nuoDE  colnmnB  snd  pedestils  sDrmonnted  by  aplendid  rases 
filled  with  gort^ous  flowers. 

"  '  Up  tBs  itatrcaie,  I  think.' 

'"Bnl  what  thederilam  I  to  aaywhen  we  meet  thota  ?  I  knowiMt 
&  word  of  the  Isngosge.' 

"  '  Tntb  I  neyer  miod  thU,  Jock  ;  do  is  1  do,'  mid  I,  as  we  alcettdsd 
the  white  marhle  Iteps  leading  to  the  ttpperstory,  and  passed  throng)) 
seversl  spBrtmeirtB,  the  very  appearance  of  which  Taade  me  long  to 
become  Mohammed's  son-in-law ;  bot  I  can  assnrB  you,  that  Derer 
until  that  moment  had  I  thought  seriously  of  maWioe  the  'White  Kose 
of  Bidrah'  Mrs.  Colin  Campbell  of  Craigfianteoch.  TTie  ehstnbera 
tbrongb  which  we  passed  were  singnlar,  and  gorgeously  rich  beyond 
CDQCeption  ;  realising  all  those  ideas  of  orieotal  magnificmcc  whidi  are 
so  well  described  in  the  "Thousand  and  One  Nights.'  The  walls, 
floors,  and  colamna  were  tff  polished  marble,  pure  and  spstless  >s 
mow ;  and  then  there  were  arches  faung.'  and  pillars  wreathed,  witli 
festoons  and  gartandB  of  dewy  and  freshly -gathered  Howers.  Globes 
of  crystal,  yases  of  (be  pnrest  alabaster,  Peiaisn  tfarpeta,  hanginga  of 
damask  and  silk,  girtirhh  cords  and  tassels  of  gold,  appeared  on  eyery 
aide,  and  in  many  of  tbe  apartments  babbled  Dp  fsnntains  of  bright 
and  sparkling  water,  difiosing  a  cool  and  deligtttftil  feeling  throngh  the 
close  atmosphere  of  the  mansion. 

"  The  tinkling  sound  of  the  'd-M,  or  Egyptian  Inte,  attracted  ua 
towards  the  kiosk  which  contained  tbe  fsir  objects  who  had  led  ns  on 
the  adyentnre.  We  raised  the  heavy  folds  of  a  glossy  damask  cnrtaill, 
and  found  ourselTes,  for  tLe  first  time,  in  their  presence  nnobserved  by 

"  The  two  gracefol  erertnrea,  who  were  as  nana!  closely  vt^d, 
■prang  from  tbe  ottomans  on  which  tliey-were  seated,  and  came  ttajtUy 
towards  us.  eicfeiming  in  anrpriee  mingled  whh  fear  and  pteaanre, 
'  Ma  f  Ac  Allah  !  Va  mol/arel,  pa  Allah ."  and  a  bcotb  of  such  phrani 
at  the  tnmnlt  af  their  minds  cairaed  them  to  ntter. 

" '  St^tm  aba  iim,'  laid  Faasifem.  meaning  'good  morrow,'  wlndi 
was  an  the  progress  be  had  made  in  tbe  oriental  languages,  vid  we 
-doffed  our  botmets,  making  a  salaam  in  the  most  grscefQl  manner. 

"  '  Colin,  tell  tfaem  to  take  off  their  coafouoded  veils,'  whispered 


"iMked  tkam  M  do  Min  OeoMM  hi|b4b>«*  ityl*  imK<nable,  h* 
ibqr  •aomed  oot  aogtW  loUay  of  vdamttieam,  and  «cd  aiNT  to  the 
JvihtK  teraer  of  the  iipiilawil.  Tit  oame  ifiiii  tovardi  ■■  tfanidlr, 
wUle  1  felt  an  baut  beatiDg  ■o^bly  ■■  I  nrrarMl  the  Mtt  oprCMiok 

of  [■' that  beamed  in  tluii  otieat  tm.    The;  ireN  eridentlr 

deIii|litadatlheiio*c)tTef  oartidt.thoa#i  Ihdr  pleaMm  mM  tiD(«cl 
wiA  a  dadi  of  dread  whao  Chv  ttMiight  ol  (heir  fMbv'a  radim,  and 
-the  boandkat  ftn?  «r  a  Tarhiib  nenaeatiae.  ZiU  pUead  Ur  little 
white  lianda  on  my  epauleta,  and  laokioK  iteadfaitly  at  me  throagli  tlw 
■inmd  bait  in  her  -veil,  bant  into  a  morj  about  of  laoc^cc. 

"  '  Beantiful  Zela,'  aaM  I,  aa  I  threw  bit  ■">>  arannd  bar,  '  White 
Bona  of  fiidrah,  at  what  do  TBK  lantb  ?' 

"  '  Yon  have  no  beard  I '  aaid  ahe,  Uiighint  louder.  '  Where  ii  the 
boahr  liairwbiciibaDp  fron  the  (diiniFf  aman?' 

" '  1  baira't  got  anr  ret,' I  auwerod  in  Basliah,  mBtfdetabir  POt'Oitt 
br  tbe  vieation ;  bat  1  «■■  odr  aiob,  yen  know,  and  badu 


.aooane  her  a^tisa,  Hat  I  deaated  for  a  tima.  But  betwew 
■araariag  and  Mtreatjng^  ai  a  bw  minntal  we  ooaqDared  dieir  aoraptaa 
aadOTkntalideaaof  ponclilio,  when  we  were  sa^ittad  to  ramere  the 
.hwnJeoadi,  aad  view  thdrpwe  and  anblime  laaluraa,  with  thebearr 
muaea  of  long  blacli  and  gloujr  bur  falling  orcr  naked  neoka  aoct 
ahnaldrri.  which  were  whiter  ttian  Barian  muUe.  Ther  wereindeed 
miracnlDualr  beautiful,  and  iilllT  realiied  ear  nMat  reaiantic  and 
■oiaited  ideae  of  Ibeir  king'biddeD  lowlintaa. 

"I  had  mit  obtained  aome  balf-daaen  Umu  from  the  dtwy  Utile 
moDth  erf  Zela,  wlkan  I  aaw  Cameran  atart  up  and  draw  bia  aword. 

"  '  What  is  the  wMttar,  Pamibm  ? '  1  uobuniad :  bnt  the  ippaUIng 
and  portlT  fignie  of  Mobirowed  Djedda,  a*  be  etood  in  tba  doorway 
— ^tag  with  rage  and  Eartern  ferooty,  waa-a  anBcient  aaawer.  Inbia 
'ti^it  hand  be  bNd  bia  diawu  mhn  of  kean  Damaaona  ateel,  and  in  the 
oUter  a  long  biaaa  Xaridah  piatol.  Crowding  Ae  marble  atairoaw 
b^tmd,  we  lav  Us  ficodoaa  Haaaefaihe  aoldiers,  clad  in  their  oiinlMn 
JemitkMtm  long  robes  of  eaUon.aul  bdl  vlMMei*  or  cf  lindrieal  7«Usw 
taafaana,  while  tbdr  spears,  Dcwsrda,  and  Mamitara,.eheit,  oookad, 
-•ad  ^Dnmascna  steel,  flashed  n>d  gliMand  in  a  manner  Tciy«n|llaa- 
aatit  to  behold.  The  poor  girU,  bonifiad  barond  dascripticmat  being 
diMOTared  in  the  aodety  of  aaan,  Af  Cboitiana,  aad  uwriled  too,  were 
■amnA  overcome  by  tfamrtMrtcfa,  (bat  t^  were  uaUe  to  fly ;  and 


, jB  the  bode  of  M^iwtt  IB  FUwiiae  to  protect  th^ei 

aaidi  other  firantioly  and  fondly,  e^geotiBf  inri«nl  death. 

"  '  Here  ia  a  deril  of  a  mess,  Cameron,' cried  I,  drawiiig  out  Andrea. 
*  Letwsisap  d>e  window,  and 'fly  for  tbeoan^i  1' 

"  '  Bat  their  oarbinea  throw  a  daswa  iwUi  at  onee,'  was  hit  harried 
reply. 

"  '  ShowtdertosbiHddB',  Jackl  new  for  the  onset,'  sud  I,  prqwrmg 
to  niah  leoklasaly  npmi  them.    '  We  most  take  oitr  cbanoe  trf — ' 

'"nerestwssentdKHt'by  aslsab  the  old  UTige  made  at  bh  with 
km  Bomitar,  which  took  three  inchfla  off  the  oak  stidt  I  cut  at  borne 
fa  tba  green  woods  of  IsnnBry,  before  I  left  them  to  follow  the 
idmsa.    My  blood  began  to  bidl. 

"  'Moimmmad  Djaddal'  aaid  I,  in  Tnrkiah,  'we  baie  done  no 
wrong;  we  are  etrangera  amav  JWi  ""^  know  not  the  Jaw*  of  the 


13S  TBB  BOW AWCK  OP  WAK. 

loud.  AIlciw  Di  to  depirt  ia  peace ;  otherwise  foa  may  hare  good 
reuon  to  repent,'  1  added,  poincingto  theteatgof  Che  '  auldforty-twa.' 

"  '  Depart  in  peace,  uid  ^du?  Degpicable  giaour  !'  tbandered  he, 
hia  Turkish  tone  brcomiug  mare  gnttaral  by  bisferocitf.  'Never — 
never  I  By  the  aacred  atooe  of  Mecca ! — by  eiery  biur  in  tlie  beard  of 
the  holy  Prophet !— by  the  iaferual  bridge  which  spans  the  eea  of  fire  t 
gUve  of  Ut  accursed  race,  ye  never  shall  1     Never'.     1  have  sworn  it.' 

"  I  saw  Cameron's  eyes  fluh  and  glare  as  he  prepared  to  sell  hia  liAi 
ai  dearly  as  possible. 

"  '  Then  oar  steel  for  it,  old  msn  ;  aod  remember,  should  we  f^, 
onr  friends  in  the  white  tenta  will  aienge  ne.' 

"  '  Thou  too  shalt  die  ! '  growled  the  old  barbarian,  discharging  hii 
pistol  at  poor  little  Zela,  who  fell  dead  without  a  groan,  with  the 

Eurple  blood  atreamtng  from  her  white  bosom,  which  I  saw  heave  its 
1st  coDvolslve  throb  around  the  death-shot.  The  thick  muslin  tarban 
of  Mohammed  saved  him  from  one  tremendous  blow  which  I  dealt  at 
his  acowhng  visage,  bnt  he  tank  to  the  earth  beoeath  the  weight  of  the 
claymore. 

"  'Allah,  a  Allah  1  death  to  the  soldien  of  Jmuri.''*  yeil«d  U« 
infariated  follovrera,  ruahing  madly  on  me.  and  in  an  instant  I  wh 
Tan^niahed  :  I  received  a  terrible  blow  on  the  back  of  my  head  fhuB 
the  uvD  msce  of  a  Mameluke.  I  remember  do  more  thaa  just  sedag 
Cameron  cut  down  two  to  the  teeth,  tun  a  third  through  the  btiaket, 
leap  the  window,  and  escape. 

"  '  Good  bye,  Cameron  ;  galiantlydone  !'  cried  I,  as  I  sank  stunned 
and  senaeleaa  by  the  lifelees  corse  of  Zela. 

"How  long  I  lay  insensible  I  know  not ;  bnt  when  my  facoltie*  re- 
turned, I  faand  myself  stretched  upm  the  gronud,  which  felt  cold  and 
damp,  and  in  a  place  involved  in  the  dsemet  and  most  impenetratils 
gloom.  1  found  that  theepanlets  and  lacehadbaeQ  torn  from  my  co^ 
and  an  intense  pain  on  the  back  of  my  head  reminded  me  of  the  blow 
of  the  steel  mace ;  and  on  raising  my  band  to  the  wound.  1  found  mj 
hair  clotted  and  hardened  vrith  coagulated  bli>Dd.  Bats  or  some  moit- 
strons  vermin  running  over  me  caused  me  to  leap  from  the  gronnd.  and 
endeavour  to  discover  where  1  was.  This  the  darkness  rendered  im- 
possible ;  bat  by  the  chill  atmosphere  of  the  place,  the  difficulty  of 
respiratioD  I  experienced,  and  the  hollow  echoes  of  my  feet,  dying  eit- 
maily  away  in  distant  cavitjes,  I  conjectured  rightly  that  1  was  im- 
prisoned in  lome  aabterranean  vault.  What  the  agony  of  my  mind 
was  when  this  ides  became  confirmed,  you  may  better  conceive  than  I 
describe.  I  reooUected  that  the  troops  marched  next  day,  and  that 
nnlesa  Faasifem  made  some  moist  strenuous  attempt  to  discover  and 
free  me,  I  abouid  be  left  at  the  mercy  of  theUwieea  Mohammed,  either 
to  be  hii  perpetual  captive  in  a  dungeon,_  to  be  left  to  a  slow  lingering 
death  by  starvation,  or  a  more  eipedittons  one  by  some  mode  of  tor- 
ture, sncb  as  the  most  refined  s[dnt  of  Baalem  croelty  uid  barbarism 
couid  invent, 

"In  gnyiing  about,  I  soon  came  in  contact  with  a  atone  wall,  which 
1  felt  carendly  all  round,  but  no  door  or  outlet  could  I  discover.  A 
succession  of  wooden  boxes  placed  nprigbt,  sounding  and  hollow  wW 
I  touched  them,  informed  me  at  once  of  the  truth,— that  1  waa  cm( 
into  one  of  those  andent  catacomba  whii^  are  so  numeroua  under  tiw 
aty  of  Aleiondria, — honibte  caverns  hollowed  in  the  bowels  of  llw 
«artli,  where  the  mommy-remalos  of  the  snbjecta  of  the  Pharaohs,  tha 


Ote  mouldy  triill,  tooekiiig  d_ ,   , 

kJl  heavily  and  holkmly  upon  the  pBTement. 

"  Yon  may  imagina  whsC  were  my  feelings  when  I  reviewed  my 
(Hoation.  I|  a  inpentitions  Highland  boy,  that  used  to  abake  in  my 
brogoea,  like  a  dw  in  a  «et  aock,  if  I  pasaed  the  kirk-yard  of  laTerary 
afler  nightbll,  and  never  went  into  (he  dark  bat  with  my  eyes  cloaed 
tlaht,  for  fear  of  leeinE  BomBthing  '  nncanny,'  when  1  fband  myself  in 
tlds  f;loomy  repoaitory  of  the  dead,  I  wai  lo  confounded  and  Certified, 
diat  It  waa  long  before  I  recovered  my  celf-poaaeaiiDn  so  far  ai  to  caat 
a  firm  glance  of  acniduy  aroond  me,  and  endeavaur  to  diicover  aome 
■leana  of  eecipe.  I  perceived  with  joy  a  ftint  ray  of  dayliglit 
•tresming  tbnnigh  ■  amali  qiertnre,  which  afipeared  nearly  twenty  net 
alNn«me. 

"  *  Dawn  haa  broken  1 '  1  eiclaimed  la  audden  anguish ;  '  tha  tn>opa 
MMat  bare  marched !  Cameron  cannot  have  eicaped  Mohammed,  or, 
•k,  Bf  God !  anrely  he  would  not,  without  making  an  effort  to  aav* 
■•,  abandon  me  to  periih  here  1 ' 

"'Perish  hetel'  repeated  half  a  dozen  dreary  ecboea.  I  looked 
immad  me  in  constemHtioo.  The  aoqnds  atmoat  aeemed  to  proceed 
from  the  red  blabber-like  lipa  of  the  frightful  faeca  which  1  now  ps- 
•rived  carved  and  painted  on  the  outside  of  the  upright  mummy- coffera. 
They  were  the  fi^rea  of  the  dead,  and  tinted  with  thoae  imperi^iablB 
otdonra  with  which  the  ancient  Egyptian!  decorated  the  eiteiior  of 
their  templea.  The  large  round  eyes  of  these  appalling  elBgiea  seemed 
to  ba  Btanng  bard  at  ma  from  every  dark  comer,  winking,  goggling, 
and  rolUng;  whil*  tbdr  very  moutha,  capadona  and  red,  expanded  int« 
*  broad  grin,  netboDgbt,  at  my  miaen.  Againat  the  black  wall  thnr 
w<te  ranked  at  equal  distBDCes,  bat  heie  and  there  were  some  which 
had  lUlen  to  piacaa,  and  lay  upon  the  earth,  expoliog  the  decayed  and 


.    Others  had  fallen  down,  and  lay  prostrate  among  liCtla 

a,  oOQlainlng,  I  suppose,  the  embalmed  remains  of  the  sacred  ibia, 

the  nwnkey,  or  other  animals  revered  by  the  ancient  idolateia.  Enon- 
mans  bate  were  sailing  about,  black  acorpiooi,  and  many  a  hage  bloated 
lepCile,  of  which  I  knew  not  even  the  name,  appearing  si  if  farmed  alone 
for  snch  a  pUce,  crawled  about  the  oofflns,  or  fell  now  and  then  with  a 
heavy  sqasbhy  sound  from  the  wet  slimy  wall  on  the  moist  and  watery 


keyatone  of  an  areb  above,  I  waa  ni2lad  to  note  these  things,  and  I 
did  BO  with  wary  and  fbarfal  glances,  while  my  heart  swelled  aimoat  M 
bnaklDg  when  i  thought  of  my  blighted  hopes,  and  that  home  which 
was  Ev  awa — the  green  mountains  of  Mull  and  of  Morten,  and  the 
deep  salt  lochs  of  Argyle  ;  and,  dearer  than  all,  the  well-known  health 
where  I  had  sat  at  tha  knee  of  my  mother,  and  heard  her  rehearse 
titoae  wild  tiadiciona  of  hill  and  valley,  which  endeared  them  more 

**  '  Baye  the  followers  of  the  Mse  laanrl  departed  ? '  aaked  the  gut- 
tnal  voice  of  old  Mohammed  or  Bomeoneabovo  me;  while  the  crannr 
omr-head  became  darkened,  and  the  trampling  of  feet,  together  with 
the  datter  of  weapons,  became  audible.    'Havethe  eaten  of  pork  and 


HB  TBI  BOMUIOS  or  WAR. 

di  Mu.  I »  of  wiao.— juure  the  unclaui  dags  <ieputal  fnn  the  — "-—'' 
Idoandrieh  ?  '    1  lieteaed  %>  breaihUu  viupeBM. 

"'The]' hue,'  ■mwared  the  yetinoregBttiiralTCTceof  »  MwiihIbIm; 
'  Aaf  go  toirard*  Uh  ^aerC,  Maf  tbey  perjab  io  ^s  Bind,  that  the 
jwl>l  and  wolf  m»t>  faCtea  and  howl  over  their  boom  '.'  '  . 

"  'Amen. — AllaA  kebw  I  Great  is  God,  and  Mahemat  bis  holf 
'ho^etr  replied  the  Capitan  Djedds,  while  mv  heart  died  ititlun  me 
to  hear  th*t  onr  pestle  had  dqurtedfrom  Akundrw.  Tbeeeawe 
•OBM  of  Out  ongnlabil  infitleli  for  whom  bme  Sir  lUlph,  tai  wo  maes 
:sallant  BritoBs,  had  vaMened  the  and  aHidrwith  their  bkwd! 

"  'Then  bring  jrenpthia  follower  of  iaaori.'  iaid  Hahamood,  'and. 
Jn  will  »e  whether  hii  prophet,  or  all  the  derridMa  and  molUfaa  of  Ida 
^&hh,  can  preeerve  him  from  the  death  I  have  ewom  he  ahall  die.  Ere 
sigfat,  his  carcan  aball  be  food  for  the  jackala :  aodwhile  tiieuobelieTar 
looks  his  last  on  the  bright  wHtJng  bqd.  Hadji  Kiondh  get  lemig 

Ibe '    What  word  he  Snished  with  1  know  not,  bat  it  was  «&- 

dent  to  strike  terror  to  the  inmost  reoesaea  of  my  heart.     I  wali  lUMnr 
«ame  terrible  imtruBieDt  of  tvrtore  was  aasied. 

"  Wiiat  mr  emotioiu  ware  J  cannat  iacabe,  wfam  I  Eband  death  t» 
near,  and  knew  that  I  was  ponerkss,  defennekaa,  and  .anarmed,  kaving 
no  other  weapon  bat  myoalien  staff,  which,  atiaoge  to  aaf,  I  b&diieTcr 
TeBngnhhed.  I  beheld  the  daw  of  .an  iron  crow-bar  inserted  in  the 
1  wbiob  aiiroittad  light,  for  the  pirpoae«f  raising  ike  stone  tnp> 


omb;  and  as  the  spaoe  opened.  1  saw.  (S  iu 
at  Mohaannod'iaMhnrersflaibiasiutheat 


1  piilars.  1  new  towards  it,  aa  wnoi 
LOlMoaa  hopes  emd  feara,  prajnng  in 
Mna  dumoe  of  escape  from  the  mai- 


My  life  never  appeared  so  dear,  or  of  aoch  ineatimabla  value,  aa  at&at 
moment,  when  1  fnukd  m^elf  abont  tolouit, — to  be  aaorifioad  She  « 
poor  noose  in  a  trap.   .1  cast  aroand  a  furious  glanoe  of  eagt  ' 

deapair.    A.  small  rosud  archway,  wluch  J  had  not  b«foie  

dnetmy  ^e;  yawinq  asd  black  it  appeared  in  Ifae  gloom,  tMdi 

{MTtad  byciumay  shirt  Egyptian  piUars,     '  " —  ' ^-  ■' 

•ay,  animated  bi)  the  BMUt  ta; 

Hearen  that  it  might  aOord  DO  «ome     

tars  of  the  sarage  MabonMana,  who  had  already  raised  the  trap  atona, 
.and  lowered  a  long  ladder  into  the  vaolt. 

"  Hw  passage  waa  long  bat  sizaight,  and  saided  by  a  distant  ljgbt> 
^liinnerlDg  A  the  other  eod,  I  spol  tXai^  it  with  the  .fleelness  M  a 
roebuck,  raceiiing,  as  I  went,  many  a  bard  knock  from  tlie  bold  oanr* 
ioBS  and  knobby  jin^eotitHii  of  the  short  dumpy  pillars  tiuit  formed  a 
coloBnade  on  eadi  ride.  I  beard  the  aabrea  mid  iron  naaces  of  Qm 
Manwlohe  warricois  iclattar,  bb  ancceariTdy  five  or  sii  of  then  le»Bfl 
into  the  iBult,  and  Bet  np  the  wild  sbont  of  *  Ya  Allah  !'  when  laof 
Amnd  that  I  wu  not  there.      By  thor  not  ' '    -' ^-- 


the  paaaage.  1  concluded  that  they  were  niuiciiBBinled  with  tin 
«GOgmfhy  of  the  place,  and,  in  oonsequenoe  of  thrir  haviag  come 
irom  tiie  ationg  glare  of  the  aan,  were  nnable  to  perceive  the  u'idi  in. 
the^loom  of  the  caTem.  They  bEoame  terrified  on  finding  that  I  wm 
graas,  end  withdraw,  scaupning  ap  the  ladder  nith  the  utmost  imA- 
pttatioQ,  attribatiDg,  I  auppoie,  my  aacape  to  Buperaatural  means. 

"  1  kept  BBjveK  oloae  betwean  the  twisted  colamna,  scaroely  dari^t 
to  breathe  until  tbey  bad  withdrawn  and  all  was  quiet,  when  I  af^m 
pawned  my  way  towarda  the  gbmaierlng  tight,  which  waa  still  in -new, 
fHit  at  what  distanoe  before  me  I  oonld  form  ne  idea.  Somettmea  it 
dose  at  hand,  aometiBiei  a  mile  i^,  dandsg  before  me  like  a 
e  wisp.    My  progreBB  waa  often  embanaaaed  by  proatMir 


37t£ 


orimnia,  and  oAiaer  b^  bap*  of  tWea  BMoniy.  Mere  thtu  ora  I 
WH  nearly  KiffMMted  bj  the  Tonl  ■»  of  fiie  dnip  Tanlti,  or  tho  dMt 
nd  mortar  anoBi:  wUdi  I  aomaimm  (M.  Bat  I  atra^led  oowaid 
mutfallT,  yet  feeliDg  a  sort  of  lallrD  and  racUeM  despair,  puUliq  m> 
tbe  wbije  maay  a  pio«  pnyer  and  ^aoalalioD,  atrannly  niafled  Willi 
many  an  MTSMt  mrM  in  Gaelic  on  Mohmtaed  DiedJU,  aad  ue  ardn- 
tect  who  planiied  the  iBbjriath,  tboogb,  periHua,  it  Bicht  fane  bam 
the craat  Gnidian  Soatntea  hiandf.*  Mitr mHagOiuatofaMiatiae, 
mtil,  wearied  and  worn  ant,  I  found  nyaelf  in  die  lower  Tanlt  of  one 
-(tf  tkoBC  large  ronnd  towerawbidt-are  n  nnmenm  BBOBf  tfae  andiBt  and 
ndnoms  forbficationa  of  Aleimdria.  A  ronnd  and  riiKhnd  apcttnw, 
aboirt  ten  hetfroni  the  flosr,  admitted  tbe  pore  breeae,«ibM  I  inlMlea 
greedily,  wbile  my  «Tet  gloated  on  tbe  cleat  bine  iky ;  and  I  telt  nkon 
(xiiaiaila  deHclitin  doiacto  ttiaa  «>en  iriwti  Buing  on  tbe  pure  «u>wy 
boaDB  of  tliebeaatiftilzi!la,iAau,  totdlyoa  Ibe  tnttb,  I  bad  aboal 
fargutten  dnrii^  tfae  quandary  in  wfakh  1  (band  myi^.  The  err  af 
'  Jedfftr  Allah  !'  iboated  doae  JMiidt  ttie  minoui  toner,  inftmnedme 
I  was  noar  tbe  poet  of  a  Hnasulnuai  sentinel,  and  conpellBd  me  to  aat 
witli  greater  (mtiin.  I  heard  the  cry  (which  oDswers  to  onr  'AII'b 
wen  t  )  taken  ap  by  other  aealinelB  at  intenalii,  and  die  away  aBaOig 
ofOiewalli. 


t«re,  urongh  wbich  I  Iaoke3  caMainily,  to  lecaniioitre  the  groBod. 
It  wM  a  gloriona  ereoiag,  and  the  daizlmg  blaae  af  tlMradeDn,«ait 
-reined  towaid*  tbe  weet,  waa  ebed  on  tbe  alill,  glaray  Ma,  when  Ae 
wbtte  aaila  of  armed  lebaca,  galleyi,  and  Brltiab  riiipi  of  war,  were 
ndaoted  downwarda  in  the  bcMom  of  the  ample  bu-bonr.  Aiipnitag 
in  bold  li^t  orabadow,  aiaeaonpoamditaetronglDitreapanthen, 
I  aaw  theloag  linea  of  BoaUniDg  battkDMDt*,— tM  rooad  dsnua,  tbe 
*-  -  spirea  and  obelisks  which  rote  aboie  the  embrasares.  where  llie 
and  bnoee  of  (he  Turks  gn«  bade  tlw  light  of  the  getting  ann, 
wnoae  funwell  rays  were  beanting  on  tbe  {ultar  of  IKooletian  and  tbe 
giuj  old  towers  of  AboDkir,  from  the  sinnmttB  of  which  were  wow 
wariiiK  tbe  red  Dokran  of  MabnieL  Bat  the  beauty  of  the  aceavy 
bad  no  charms  for  tbe  drowiy  Moslem  [whose  cry  I  had  heard,  and 
whom  I  now  perceived  to  be  a  cBvalry  lidette),  Btudoned  under  the 
cool  shadow  of  a  palm-grove  close  by.  He  was  seated  on  a  carpet, 
with  bis  leg!  folded  aodcr  him.  His  sabre  and  dagger  lay  near  him, 
drawn,  and  he  sat  without  moving  a  moecle,  smoking  with  grave  asai- 
dnity,  and  wearing  his  tall  yellow  iouact  very  mach  OTCr  his  risht  eye, 
which  led  me  to  suppose  that  he  was  a  smart  feUow  among  the  Mame- 
lukes— perceivlDg,  to  my  great  chagrin,  that  he  was  one  of  Mohammed's 
savage  troop.  His  noble  Arab  borae,  witJi  its  arching  neck  and  glit- 
tering eyes,  >tood  motionleas  beside  him,  its  briJle  trailinK  on  ^ 
gronnd,  while  it  gaied  with  B  sagacious  look  on  tbe  columns  of  smoke 
'wbidh  at  times  eorled  opwards  from  tbe  monstached  mouth  of  its 
ttaater,  who  was  ataring  fixedly  in  an  opposite  dlncIiDD  to  tbe  city-  I 
followed  the  point  to  which  be  tamed  his  round  glasiy  eye.  and  beheld, 
to  my  inexpreesihle  joy,  an  EngUsh  infkntry  re^menC — Hntchinsoa'a 
rear-gnard — halted  nnder  a  grove  of  fig-treea,  bat,  alaa  1  at  a  distance 
far  beyond  the  reach  of  my  call. 

"  I  formed  at  once  the  resolution  of  conTrantttig  the  sentinal,  and  en- 

deavoQring  to  escape.    He  moment  was  a  precious  one  ;  the  conis  was 

evidently  abont  to  move  off,  and  was  forming  In  open  column  irt  com- 

•' A  fanuHu  aieUteet,  oho  liTCd  iuibe  nlgn  of  DM  at  Ilia  PMIenilta. 


140 

-piniea,  with  their  faaod  in  tfae  eentre.*  While  I  waicatlectini;  all  1117 
scattered  enei^ea  for  one  desperate  and  headlong  efllbrt,  a  loud  uproar 
in  the  distaot  CBCacomb  arrested  me  for  a  moment,  and  J  h«aid  the 
terrible  voice  of  Mohammed  Djedda,  eiclaiming — 

'"  Barei  Allah ,'  wa  shall  find  him  yet :  the  pusBge.  alaves!  the 
jjaauge!  B7  Qod  and  the  holy  Prophet,  if  the  giaonc  escape,  folsa 
dogs,  je  shall  die  l     Forward ! ' 

"  A.  confascd  trampling  of  feet,  B  rush  and  clatter  followed,  and  I 
ipraDK  lightly  through  the  apertare  into  the  open  air.  Stealing  softly 
tonaros  the  QDConsdoni  Hametnke,  I  wreathed  my  hand  in  the 
flowing  mane  of  his  Arab  horse,  and  seizing  the  dangling  bridle,  vaalted 
intohu  wooden-boi  wddle;  while  he,  rMiing  the  cry  of  'Allah,  il 
Allah!', sprang  up  like  a  barleqain,  and  made  a  sweeping  stroke  at  me 
with  his  sharp  labre.  He  was  abont  to  handle  his  long  brass- barrelled 
csirbiDe,  when,  tmhooking  the  steel  mace  which  httng  at  his  saddle-bow, 
and  discharging  it  full  on  his  svsrthy  forehead,  I  stretched  him  mo- 
tionlen  on  the  earth.  At  that  instant  Mohammed,  sabre  and  lance  in 
band,  mshed  ft^m  the  ruined  tower,  at  tbe  head  of  bis  rollowers. 

"  'Hoichl  Qod  save  the  Icing — hnrrah!'  cried  1,  giving  them  a 
•Iwnt  of  reckless  Unghter  and  derision,  as  I  forced  the  fleet  Arab  steed 
ODwardi  lUce  an  arrow  shot  from  a  bow — madly  com[>elliaK  it  to  leap 
high  masses  of  miaous  wall,  blocks  of  marble  and  granite,  all  of  which 
it  dearcd  like  a  greyhound,  and  carried  me  in  a  minute  among  onr  own 
people,  with  whom  1  was  safe,  and  under  whose  escort  I  soon  rejoined 
the  regiment,  whom  I  found  all  assured  of  my  death— especial Iv  tbe 
senior  ensign,  Cameron,  who  had  got  aS  scot-free,  having  related  tbe 
dolefal  story  of  my  brains  being  knocked  out  by  the  Mameluke  soldier 
of  Mohammed  Djedda,  a  complaint  against  whom  was  about  to  be 
lodged  with  the  Shaii-el-beled  by  Lord  Hutchinson,  commsnding  the 

"  Well,  this  was  my  adventure  among  the  mummi 


that  left  a  itroog  impreuion,  yon  may  be  mre.  How  dry  m;  throat  ia 
with  talking  : — Pass  the  decanlerH — the  sberry-jegs,  I  mesn — whoeTer 
bai  them  tiegide  him  :  'tis  now  so  dark,  that  1  cannot  see  where  they 


OHAITEEXX. 

of  the  pMuIa  I*  heud  no 

._  . ^  tilcDcvia  Ij3  UuhdUBfl  of 

bet  fuhen."— 0«»(im'«  Pmhu,— Ciuthon, 

Tbi  conversation  which  ensued  on  tbe  close  of  tbe  major's  story, 
was  inteiTapted  by  the  clatter  of  a  hone  trottiDg  along  the  caosewajed 

"  That  mngt  be  my  batman,  Jock  Fentland,  with  my  hone  for  tha 
ronnds,"  said  Campbell,  impatiently.  "  1  am  sure  I  told  the  Lowland 
loon  not  to  come  till  the  bells  of  Saa  Sebastian  rang  the  honr  of  ten." 

"  It  is  a  dragoon,  I  think ;  but  the  night  is  so  dark  I  am  not  oer< 
tain,"  said  Ronald,  as  he  drew  back  &om  the  open  itindow.    "  He  has 


le  door  opened,  ud  tbi  boit  kppewed,  bearing  » 


"  Welcome,  noble  cood^ ! "  lud  Stout,  riling,  *ad  ktrodndug  him 
to  ttie  mt. 

"  Ah,  Don  Ronald,  are  yoa  bere  ?    I  am  indeed  proud  to  tee  ;oa."  j 

"You  come  upon  na  moatnneipecCedlr,  coadf, 

"  I  have  been  id  my  saddle  all  day,"  replied  the  other,  caiting  him- 
self lang^dlf  inUi  a  chair.  "  and  hare  thU  momeot  oome  from  the 
quarters  of  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  for  whom  I  bad  deipatcbei— " 

"  Prom  Lord  Welliogton  ?" 

"  Yes,  caballeroB." 

"And  Oinilad  RodriiD?"  cried  theT,  ewterlT. 

"Has  fallen-" 

"FaUen?" 

"Two  daji  «so." 

"  Hurrah  1  Weil  done.  Lord  Wellinttoa  1 "  cried  BeiiD,  draining  U* 
glan. 

"The  Jeiil  I "  mattered  Campbell ;  "  then  wb  ahall  hare  no  fighting 
wMi  Marmont." 

"  He  haa  retreated  to  SalaraaTtca,"  said  the  oond^,  "  abandoning  t« 
{li  hte  the  forlresB,  wfaich  1  aav  the  gallant  Inglttot  tairj  hj  atom  in 
die  coorae  of  halt  an  honr, — killing,  traandiag,  and  capturing  three 
(hoaiand  of  the  enemy ." 

"  Glorioaa  news,  Don  Balthaizir,"  aaid  Ronald.  "  Bat  refreth 
yooraeir;  here  ia  iherry,  and  there  Idataia,  with  cigars  in  aband- 
ance.  After  you  haie  rested,  we  ihall  be  glad  to  hear  an  aeeount  of 
Ibe  aaaautt." 

"  I  thank  yon,  lenor  caballero,"  aud  the  coant,  providing  bimaelf. 

*'  What  ii  onr  loai  V  asked  Campbell.  "  Hate  many  offleialei  y 
nUmfo*  fallen?" 

"  What  the  allies  suffered  I  hare  never  heard, — at  least  'twas  not 
known  when  I  left  for  Castello  Branco  ;  but  two  brave  general  officers 
have  been  slain." 

-    ■  ™d^?" 

e  fell  dead  while  I  was  spesldog  to 

„ ,_—.„_, "Bat 

'tis  the  fortune  of  war;  every  bullet  us  ita  billet, — their  fate  to-day 

Darioi;  a  long  diacnaiion  which  eniued  upon  the  news  brought  by 
flie  conde,  the  latter  had  applied  bimaelf  to  the  remiumts  of  the  toiuno 
and  hnevoa,  with  iafiuite  relish. 

"  J  wonder  what  the  despatches  for  Sir  Rowland  may  contain?" 
obMTved  CaptuD  Bevan,  supposing  that  the  condf  might  throw  some 
light  on  the  matter  j  bat  the  baagry  Espanol  waa  too  buiy  to 
hmr  him. 

"  Moat  likely  an  order  to  i 
would  wager  my  majority  a 

"  Very  probaWy.    The  devil  1  we  are  a  men  corps  of  obserralion 


142-  THE   mOMAJKM.  aw  WAB. 

"  It  -urn  xabwnt  to  b«  lo  with  tlie  Hoond  dbiuoo,"  obHrred 

"  Nncr  miod,"  rapliad  Campbell ;  "  il  will  be  onr  tarn  la  good 
bnt.  I  drink  this  hofiito  oar  aoMnsbla  Ml«ei,aiiil Hah  I  U>ai« 

are  Che  bells  oF  San  Scbaatum.  I  must  be  off  to  not  &eae  amfoimlad 
picqaets ;  my  horw  will  ha  hen  ininsduktely." 

The  major  rose  and  buckled  on  Andrea,  gnrreymg  with  a  eonr  look. 
tbe  lonr  lioaof  eqok-diatant  firv»  which  ware  ^ovinf  ^aroff,  marklD^ 
the  chaiQ  of  oat-poita,  anuuid  the  baa*  of  the  manntaiB,  and  algog^ 
Inri  plain. 

"  Here  come*  ny  batmaa,  Jock,"  uid  he,  looking  intxi  the  street. 
"  Pentlaad,  my  man  ;  iatlutyoa?" 

"  Ay,  air  1"  replied  ■  soldier,  dressed  in  Ms  white  shdl-jsoket  and 
kilt,  as  be  rode  a  horse  np  to  Che  door  and  dismonntsd- 

"  Yon  are  a  paactnal  Miow.  I>arii«  SenoT.  Raphael,  the  innkeeper, 
to  give  yon  a  canteen  fall  of  aqnardieate.  Are  the  holHten  on,  the 
pistoli  loaded,  and  fresh  flinted  r' 

"A'b  richt,  sir,"  replied  the'groom,  ruling  his  hud  to  hii  flat 

"  I  will  see  yon  again,  lads,  when  weget  underarms  in  tbemoniii^," 
.  Slid  Campbell,  inTeloping  hiinaelf  in  an  immsnan.blnB  cloak. 

"  How.  major  I  Are  yon  so  fbnd  of  bivooacking  that  yoa  niMa  la 
sltep  with  the  oat-ptcqnets  ?  " 

"Not  quite,  Alister ;  bat  I  mean  to  finish  the  night  at  Fanifem'a 
Ullet,  and  fight  one  battles  and  brails  ia  Egypt  over  again  Esc  the 
entertainment  of  hii  host,  a  rich  old  canon,  who  is  said  to  have  in  hln 
cellarsBomeofthabeatwinaoathiasidiithePcakof  Oasian."* 

"Do  not  fbr)[et,  eeoor,  to  make  tJie  rererend  Padra'i  bara«hii»- 
skina  gsdi  fbrth  like  *  rirer,"  >^  th«  cood^.  "  A  priest  would  *• 
sooD  part  with  his  hearths  blood,  as  hie  wine  Co  a  stranger." 

"  I  am  too  old  a  soldiar  to  raqnire  tint  adnce.  Balthazxar,"  aid 
Campbell,  wrapping  Ua  mantle  annnd  hia  gigantic  figore,  which  Iho 
Spaniard  aur«eyed  with  a  stare  of  sorprise.  "  I  regret  yon  ban  nM  . 
all  JanCationsi  bat  be  as  moch  at  bome  here  as  yoa  can,  Mid-lM 
carefal  bow  yoa  tnut  yanrselres  within  ao^  of  Senor  RinhtfiPs  oenebes. 
Peaiasnlar — pardon,  cond^— I  mean  Fortagnese  poaadas,  are  none  of 
the  moat  cleanly  ;  and  if  yon  would  wish  to  araid  btuic  afflicCBd  with 
~  s  moaCha  Co  come,  it  would  be  ^te  as  safe  nnd  pleaaant 


to  repoae  on  the  floor.'" 
"Thesa 


!  nujor,"  oKclaimedSt^ut;  "  what  does  that  sean  ?" 
-  we  give  a  lesa  claaaioal name  for  it  athoma  is  the  land  a'  cakes," 
9^  CacDpbell,  as  he  descended  the  stair,  "-""'"g  the  place  shake  with 
his  heavy  tread ;  "  but  yoa  will  discover  to  yoot  cost  what  it  means,  if 
yoa  are  rash  enoagh  to  sleep  betwem  the  aheeta  of  any  bed  in  IJte 
posadai  of  this  ctmntry." 

Dun  B&Uhazzar  retnraed  neit  morning  to  rejoin  I^jrd  W^inglon's 
staff  at  Cindad  Rodrigo. 

Ht>  despatches  contained  an  order  to  Sir  Rowlaad  HiH  to  reComiDto 
Spanish  EstremadDra,  tiie  retraat  of  Matshal  Manaont  rendacing  tbe 
presence  of  the  second  division  unnecesaary  in  Portuna^  Many  were . 
aadty  disappointed  when  this  order  was  read  neitmomiag  in  the  hellow 
sqcares  of  regiments, — all  baring  been  in  high  apirits.  and  filled  wi& 
enchuaiasm  at  the  proapectof  a  bruah  with  the  enemy  before  th«  ex- 
pected cepitnlalion  of  the  celabEaled  foiireM  ;  bat  there  waano  help  for 
*  A  high  peak  of  the  FynQean  SMronlalni. 


iM^—obedienee  bmiK  &>  first  dotjr  of  ■  laldicr.  On  the  march  townds 
Iferida  again,  thty  cansolid  tbemselfes  with  the  hofiB  tbmt  tha  Hu^l 
Dttko  of  Ddmmlu,  Gennal  Droiut,  or  some  of  tha  eooiDunilan  in 
tWr  front,  would  make  them  uMndi  bf  ibowinv  flgkL  Ttie  BiHitii 
mnoj  had  now  been  sopplied  with  tenU  gent  out  to  th«n  froaa  BritafiLf 
and  thej  bad  the  proipect  of  encamping  with  wb»6  thcT*  oneideieii 
trienUe  comfbrt  durinf!  the  laoiMwr  campiigii,  and  not  JTiBg.  Uke  tha 
beasts  of  tbe  field,  without  a  shelter  from  the  inclsmnic*  of  tha 
WMtfaer. 

The  same  drgree  of  coIdneiB  and  banteaTWHTet 
SonaM  and  Loaie  Lisle,  who  never  addrasMd  ea 
eenpelled  by  mililarf  dut*  to  do  so;  and  only  tlMB  in  the  mostdJMaot 
tame,  and  studied  s^le  <H  polileiieaa.  The  qoarrel  wfaicb  had  enined 
onilMir  fint  moitiiig  was  yet  rankling  in  Om  beaita  of  both,  sad  their 
Sot  SaattUb  pride  wa«  btit  adtdofaig  the  bcciM  mW  of  &iendship 
lAKh  atiU  Inrited  ia  Hie  brcsat  of  cadi. 

Tba  ««Mher  had  bceoMe  Tcry  w«io,  and  the  sddiecB  soffovd  anat- 
tf*dr  from  the  banrinc  heat  of  the  eoB  and  the  eitraos  scan^  of 
«ater,  when  trererring  dm  wHA  and  arid  phins  of  Sstremadiub  TUr 
ittiBnm  wereof  swdiaDiiuUBersnt  qoaUt]',  and  sa  (arr  scant,  as  bai^ 
to  soBtsin  life ;  sod  Ronald  Stuart,  although  a  itoot  joaag  HigUaodnv 
*-"  -*'—    " Ik  axbanaled,  that  his   hea«T  broad-airoA  newly 


drapped  mora  than  once  fh)m  Us  hud. 
WW* 


his  dtoatioii,  what  mast  that  havs  bsea  of  die  poor 
soUisi*,  laden  ai  they  were  with  their  heavy  arms,  ammani- 


i>d  faring,  kangfag  above  them  in  the  bine  and  cknidless  ranlt, 
witheriDr  th»  f»  Deneolh  Uieir  feet,  and  caniing  the  earth  to  gape 
■ad  ocaoH  as  if  all  inanisiate  aatarv  were  atliirst  fbr  rain  and  moistnTe. 


Bvcry  breath  of  air  they  inhaled  seemed  hot  uid  soffiMatinf,. 

tsry  blast  whii:h  gndies  from  an  o*«n  when  the  door  is  opened. 

Hare  than  once  on  the  msrdi  bad  Ronald  relieved  tonis  by  carrr- 
ing  his  heavy  standard,  when  he  was  almost  »l«lri"g  widi  eihaoation ; 
bnt  the  waot  of  water  was  Ibe  oUef  misery  endand.  Tha  supply  with 
whieb  tfaey  filled  their  wooden  esnteas  at  ^  public  fountains  of 
AUmquerque,  Zagals,  and  La  Kava.  beeame  dnrtug  die  march  heated 
■ad  tainted,  sickly  lo  the  taste  and  unreftcahing. 

Now  and  then,  when  a  apring  was  passed  on  the  line  of  msrdi,  the 
nUiera,  unrestrained  by  discipliae,  crowded  sagerif  snd  wildly  about 


"  O  for  ae  sonrii  o'  the  cauler  bresxe  tlwt  blawl  ower  the  braca 
o'  Stratbonan  1 "  Evan  would  often  eidaim,  as  he  wiped  away  the 
psTspimtion  which  streamed  from  under  his  bonnet;  "  cr  a  single 
■loutbfa'  o'  the  I>!a,  where  it  rins  sse  cauld  and  deep  at  Corrie-avon, 
or  the  foaminE  iwirl  at  the  lisn  o'  Avondhu,  for  my  tongue  ii  amsiit 
bsontto  a  cinder.     Gnde  guide  us,  Haister  Roudd,  tbiais  awfu'." 

"  O'd*  man,  Iieracb,  if  1  was  again  on  the  bonnie  Ochil  or  l^mond 
hnk,"  ssid  a  Lowlaader,  "  de'il  ding  ms  gin  I  wadgie  ower  driving 
dMep  and  stole  to  follow  the  drum." 

"  Or  Btann  to  pe  ahoot  at  for  twa  powbees  ta  hoar,— tasvil  Uk'  it  I" 
tddad  *.  Q«*doB  frg*  Gariaeh. 


"Hear  to  the  pee^j  kite  I"   eiDlumed  the  Ijowlander.     "An 
Aberdoniaa  ii  the  chjeld  to  recktm  on  the  bawbee*." 
"Teevil  and  hii  tsm  pe  od  yoa  and  youra!"  cried  tbe  GordoB, 


"  Hat  work  thia,  Stuart,  Terr.  Beati  Egrpt  ilmoat,"  Campbell 
wonid  aay,  aa  he  n>de  paat  at  time*. 

Various  were  the  emotiona  which  antated  Ronald'a  breast,  when  be 
beheld  before  bim  the  windiegi  of  tbe  QnadUna  and  tbe  well-known  dtf 
of  Merida,  which  waa  again  in  poueaaion  of  the  French.  The  jealooa 
feeling  with  which  he  regarded  Alice  Lisle  caoied  bim  to  look  forward 
with  almost  nnalloTCd  pUaiare  to  the  eipected  meeting  with  hia 
winning  and  lieantiful  patronai  Ind  it  waa  with  a  aecret  lenaation  of 
aatiabction — of  triumpb  perbapa,  of  which,  howeier,  he  almoat,  felt 
■abamed,  that  he  had  vitnesaed  the  prond  blood  mantling  in  the  dieek 
g  Louia,  when  he  (Ronald)  was  rallied  by  Aliater,  Kenned;, 


ofvonng. 
and  othen 


I,  about  hia  reaidnice  at  Merida,  and  tbe  ATOur  he  had  found 

with  Donna  Catatina. 

At  the  foantaia  where  Stuart  had  been  regaled  b;  tbe  muleteers,  ■ 
fierce  struggle  cnaned  among  the  aotdiera  for  a  mouthful  of  water. 
Tbe  French  troops  had  maliciously  destroyed  Ihe  pipe  and  baiin  ;  the, 
water,  in  conseqoeace,  gnehed  acroas  the  pathway,  where  tbe  cnmmt' 
bad  now  worn  a  cbtumel.  Although  the  whole  of  General  Loog'a 
brigade  of  caTairy  bad  paised  through  it,  rendering  it  a  thick  and 
moddy  paddle,  yet  bo  intense  was  the  tbirat  of  tbe  soldiers,  that  an 
angry  acramble  ensued  aronnd  it  to  £11  canteens,  or  obtun  a  manthfaL 
to  moisten  their  toagoes,  which  were  awoUeD.  and  cIotc  to  their  palates. 
By  dint  of  the  most  atrenuous  exertions,  Eaan  Iveraeh  had  aupplied 
his  master'!  canteen  with  the  sandy  liquid,  neglecting  to  fill  his  own, 
althodfjh,  poor  fellow,  be  waa  perishing  with  thirst.  Eonald  had 
placed  It  to  his  lipt,  but  fonnd  tbe  water  so  mncb  saturated  with  sand, 
that  it  was  impossible  almost  to  taste  it.  Ha  was  replacing  the  aidgot 
in  the  little  barrel,  when  the  eielamation  of — 

"  My  God  1  I  ahall  certainly  faint  with  eihaostioa.  Soldiers,  I 
will  giie  a  guinea  for  a  drop  of  water— only  a  single  drop,"  prononnced 
in  ■  remarkably  soft  and  mniical  English  accent,  arreat«l  hi*  atten- 


>king  up,   he  perceiied  a  young  lady,  i 
.  .        linE-bsoit  and  hat,  pressing  ber  graceful 
horae  among  the  Highlanders,  who  were  crushing  and  jostling  aroaiid 


the  mutilaW  fountain.  The  wind  blew  up  her  lace  veil,  discoTeiiog  k 
quantity  of  fair  silky  curls  falling  around  a  face  which  was  lerj  pretty 
and  delicate,  but  thin,  apparently  from  the  fatigue  and  pnrationa 
which  were  making  many  a  atout  soldier  gaunt  and  bony.  Many  who 
had  filled  their  TCsaels  at  tbe  fountain,  held  them  towards  ber ;  but  she 
gratefnlly  took  Ronald's,  thanking  him  by  a  smile  from  the  finest  blue 
eyeain  the  world. 

"  I  am  afraid  it  is  impoasible  yon  can  drink  it,"  said  he,  as  lie  hdd 
her  bridle,  "it  is  so  thick  with  clay  and  animalcolB." 

"  It  is  very  bad,  certainly  ;  but  yet  better  than  nothing,"  replied  tbe 
lady,  as  she  drank  of  it,  queoching  ber  burning  thirst  ea^iy.     "  *  ■- 


>Ha  M0M4KCB  OF  WAB.  l& 

Dnpwni,  wOl  Tstnm  too  ■  thonmid  thuiki  for  jonr  Iclndneii  to  me. 
But  I  most  rids  ftat,  if  I  would  tee  him  igain  before  they  ittick 
Herida ;  and  w,  lir,  good  monuns  1 " 

Sbe  itnck  her  Aadalnnu  with  her  little  riding.roJ,  and  bowing 
fncefoUr.  galloped  alODg  tbe  line  of  the  inhntry  column  toward* 
where  the  hone-brinde  were  forming,  pretiouBl;  to  attacking  «etea 
bDadred  foot,  which,  with  a  itroDg  party  of  aUel-clad  cnirauien, 
Mcnpied  the  city.  Erery  eje  wu  tnrned  on  the  rooag  Udy  aa  ibe 
lew  alons  the  line  of  march,  with  her  long  fair  ringleta,  her  lace  reili 
and  the  skirt  of  ber  riding-habit  wiTing  wide  and  tree  about  her, 

"  Ood'a  blesnDg  on  her  bonnie  face  I" 

"  Her  een  are  u  bias  and  bricbt  as  tbe  vera  lift  aboon  I  "  exel^med 
Ql«  toldiera,  charmed  with  her  beauty  and  grace. 

"  What  a  happy  fellow  Eyelyn  ii  to  pouesi  so  fine  a  girl,"  aaid  Cq>> 
bin  Beran. 

"  How  hmoual*  *he  managCi  that  AadalDiiaii  hone  !" 

"  Had  BTclyn  been  a  wise  man,  he  would  hate  left  her  et  home  in 
Koat.  Hb  baa  a  aplendid  property  there — a  regular  old  baronial  ball, 
wlU)  ita  mnllioned  windows  and  rookery,  sarronnded  by  lawns  and 
fielda,  where  myriads  of  fliea  boii  about  the  ear*  of  tbe  ginntio 
ploiuh-honei  in  the  warm  weather.  How  foolish  to  bring  a  delicate 
fnguah  lady  from  b«r  laxorioni  home,  to  undergo  the  ten  tboniand 
mlKTiea  incideat  to  campaigning  I  " 

"  Bat  what  on  earth  can  baie  broogbt  her  up  from  the  rear  jost 
now,  when  her  husband'!  corpa  am  about  ta  dnre  the  enemy  from 
tbdr  positioo  ?  " 

"There  goea  Long!"  uid  Campbell,  eiultingly  floniisbing  hi* 
itick.  "Keep  up  your  hearti,  mj  boysl  It  will  be  onrlnm, iua 
few  minutes,  to  giTs  them  a  epecmiea  of  what  we  learned  wtun  in 
£npt  with  Sir  Ralph." 

It  wai  Sir  Rowluid  Hill's  eameit  doire  to  capture  thia  amall  party 
of  the  enemy ;  for  which  purpose  the  caratr*  were  ordered  to  ford  the 
Gnadiana  at  some  distance  below  tbe  mined  bridge,  to  ouC.flank  them, 
■nd,  if  possible,  to  cut  off  their  retreat.  The  French  battalion  of  in- 
hntrr,  dreued  in  blue  uniform  with  wlute  trowien  {rather  nnoaoal, 
tha  nvnch  troopi  being  generally  yery  dirt^  in  their  peraoni  when  on 
nM-rice),  wen  Men  in  positioD  on  the  opposite  aide  of  tbe  rirer,  drawn 
n  front  of  some  orange  plantadanB,  while  their  squadron  of  cnlras- 

n  oconpied  the  aTEnue*  of  the  dty,  where  their  bran  caiques,  steel 

conleta,  «>d  long  aCraiilit  iwordi  were  seen  fluhing  in  the  noon-day 
■an.  While  the  rest  otthe  diylsion  halted,  tbe  first  brigade,  consiitinr 
of  the  SOtii  and  71it  Highland  Light  Infantry,  92nd  Higblanden.  and 
Captain  Macier'a  German  Rifle  company,  commanded  by  Maior- 
general  Howard,  were  ordered  to  adrance  with  all  speed  npon  the 
town ;  while  the  9th  and  13th  English  Light  C»alry,  and  liing'i 
Germao  Hnann,  boldly  plnoging  into  the  Gnadiana,  swam  their 
horae*  acroo  tbe  stream  under  a  fire  &om  the  carbloea  of  the  euiraa- 
nen,  irtio,  on  findiiq;  their  flank  thua  tnrned,  fired  one  regular  yoiley, 
which  onhoned  for  erer  manj  of  Long's  brigade,  and  tben  fled  at  fiul 
talion  of  infantry  disappeared,  without 


(hot,  •OMag  the  ^ye«  in 

"  Porward  [  double  onick ; "  wai  the  word ;  and,  with  tfanr  nutling 

oolonra  balding  forward  on  die  breeie,  the  first  brigade  pressed  onward 

■t  tlieir  ntmoat  speed  down  Uui  descent  lowarda  the  city,  and  tbrongh 

iXM  deserted  streets,  making  tb^  echoes  ring  to  tbe  elank  of  accoutre. 


ocape  of  the  ciiem)r  •was  favoarcd  br  tL , _r 

planks  to  croas  the  blovn-np  arch  of  the  Roman  bridge.  Raften  hh 
Soaring  were,  without  eereinonr,  tora  from  some  neigfabanriDg  hatues, 
tiirown  hnnifldlf  acroia  the  gap.  and  onvard  again  swept  the  impatifrTit 
iufuitrr,  eacBT  to  comenp  wicb,  to  encoonter,  and  capture  thialitt^ 
band,  which  had  so  adroitl;  slodad  then.  Bat  for  tfa&t  eremng  Abt 
■aw  |ibem  no  morei  and,  after  a  Atiitleas  pnmit  for  some  mileat 
returned  to  Merida  wearied  and  btlgned,  wun  tlie  ihadom  of  lagU 
had  begun  to  darken  the  sVj  and  eaeaerf. 

FollDwed  by  oars,  the  enemy's  cavalrf  bad  refo'ed  at  a  gallop  along 
the  lard  road  to  Almflodnlejo ',  often  wvj  tnnied  on  the  way  ta  ahdnt 
"  Vine  PEmperetiT .'"  to  brandish  tbelr  ewonh,  or  fiie  a  shot,  wbiA 
now  and  then  atretehed  a  Britiah  dragoon  rolltng  in  the  dnat.  Aa  the 
first  brigade  were  retnming  toward!  Merida,  a  monrnfiil  episode  in  mf 
narrative  came  nnder  their  obserratioD, — one  whicb  ealli  forth  all  tlie 
best  feoUngi  of  the  soldier,  when  Hie  wild  exdleinenC  of  the  honr  of 
conflict  has  patted  away-  Near  one  of  tbsse  mde  wooden  croun  ao 
common  bj  the  wa^rida  in  Spain,  placed  (o  mark  a  spot  wliere  mordw 
hai  been  comtnitted.  lay  an  Ei^liih  troDp.horte  in  ths  asonka  at 
death ;  the  froth  and  blood,  oozing  from  iti  qiunring  nostrua,  roUad 
ararad  in  ■  paddle,  wliila  klckiog  faintly  with  its  hoofi,  it  made  dam 
indentations  in  the  smooth  grassy  tarf.    Beside  it  lay  the  rider,  wila 


clay  and  doat.  A.  carbine-ahot  had  paased  through  his  brain,  and  he 
was  lying  stark  and  stiff;  his  smart  ehako  had  rolled  away,  and  th* 
ieatnTet  cf  a  dasUng  Ei^ish  dragoon,— the  onoe  n*  Eretyo,  tPCfe 
exposed  to  view.  Beside  the  corse,  weepii^  in  spsecbless  sorrow  and 
•gonjr,  sat  Ua  wife,— the  HDne  interating  you^  lady  who  had  tliat 
moming  drai^  from  Bonald'g  canteen  at  the  fbsntain.  Bar  faea  wna 
■ahy  pale, — pale  eren  as  that  of  her  dead  soldier, — and  she  ■ 


«  rtetrviaed  froM  making  a 

(alien  off,  pemittfqg  her  f  .   _ _  _ __   .  ._  __.   

shonlderai  d>entt«i«d  nosonnd  of  woe  or  bmieotatiaB,  bat  sat  with 


approadi  of  the  Highlanders,  who  ooald  not 
g  an  imolnntary  halt.  Her  hot  and  veil  had 
T  fklr  enrls  to  atream  oier  bar  VMk  Mtd 
onyaoi  of  woe  or  bmieotatiaB,  bat  sat  with 
ig  DO  her  In,  taiiiuE  on  his  faee  with  a  wild 

irliile  her  litde  wUte  bands  werabetkbUed 

■h  the  blood  wbidi  clotted  hia  oulr  hair.  Praia  Hsrlda  Aahad 
■  him  nnhoraed,  and  dragged  away  in  the  stirrup  by  bi*  ftj^ btened 
_  .ed.  whieh  had  dso  beeo  woaoded.  With  shrieks  and  ontcnea,  she 
had  tracked  him  by  die  bkwd  for  two  milM  ftmn  Uie  town,  vbUI  the 
whansted  charger  snnk  down  to  die,  and  she  fomtd  her  hnslnnd  that. 
Colonel  Canieron,  on  spproacUng,  sprang  (h>m  his  boise,  ud  rabsd 
her  from  the  ground,  entreating  her  to  rstnm  to  Merida,  ss  niilit  waa 
approsoUng,  and  to  be  left  in  (O  desolate  a  place  was  onsafo  and  MMd- 
Tinble.  Bnt  aha  protested  a^aiait  being  asperated  lioni  the  corpee  of 
her  husband,  and,  as  it  waa  impomlble  to  leave  her  Sien,  Cameron 
cave  orden  to  carry  Mr.  EvdyiPa  remains  to  Merida.  A  temposan 
bier  was  made  in  the  osnal  manner,  by  fatteniiw  a  blanbt  to  two  rsdt 
menta)  pike* :  fa  thi*  the  dead  cficer  was  placed,  aad  borne  off  by 
two  stont  Highlanders.  Mn.  Evelyn  mounted  her  Andalnain),  which 
Evan  Iverach  had  adroitly  captured  while  it  was  graaing  qnietiy  at 
Musa  distaBoo,  and  CamMon,  riding  beside  ber,  gallant^  ndd  Mr 


Inidle-rain  aa  they  procaeded  towirds  the  city.  It  wu  tobJljr  duk 
when  the  brigsde,  formiiiE  close  column  of  ceginenti,  lulled  in  tbe 
wxr  dewilate  Flaza. 

Tbe  loldieri  wen  iostuitlT  diioiiBged  to  thair  Hveral  billita. 

lliatoliieh  Ron&ld  hid  reoeiTol  «u  upon  tbe  bovel  of  a  poor  pottar, 
nsding  Dear  the  coDTSnt  of  Su  Jaaa  i  but  initead  of  cotag  ttaitiur,  he 
made  Btraight  towards  the  hotue  of  the  old  prior  de  TilU  Franca,  it 


"  I  will  draw  this  Gery  MaMer  Lisle  of  oan  that  I  hare  mora  thai 
ooe  ibring  to  iiiy  bow,  ai  well  u  the  fickle  Alice,"  he  muttered  aloud, 
and  in  a  tone  of  gaietj  whicb  I  muit  own  be  did  not  enlirelr  ftel. 

That  morning  tbe  maili  had  been  broncht  ap  from  Ijiaboit,  and  both 
IiOiUa  and  himialt  had  received  letCan  from  home  ;  and  lUnald  con- 
di^ed  tbat  Uiere  wal  (till  no  letter  Irom  Alice,  aa  Lonii  had,  as  uinal, 
not  addreawd  Um  doriiig  aU  tbat  day.  Old  Mr.  Slnarf  a  letter  wai 
hr  from  beinc  a  aatiabiXory  one  to  his  son. 

"Jnehavon,"  aaidhe,  in  one  part  of  it,  "  haa  now  taken  spon  him 
flKtiUeof  Lord  Lyile,  and  bas  gained  a  great  laaded  property  in  tbe 
Ti^™"*  Aa  tbeas  ptople  rise,  we  old  families  aeem  to  link.  All  my 
aSain  are  beoomiiig  more  loeitricably  inrolred  ;  the  rot  bas  destroyed 
all  mT  sheep  at  Strathman.  and  a  nurrain  bas  broken  ant  smoog  oor 
black  Argyleehirea.  The  moat  of  Uie  lenaota  have  (ailed  to  pay  thair 
natB ;  the  f^rm  towns  of  TiUy-whnmle  and  Blaw-wearia  were  bnmed 
last  week, — fifteen  hundred  ponnds  of  a  dead  km ;  and  the  danased 
Ediabor^  lawyers  aremolti^ying  their  insolent  threats,  tbeir  cifilioiis 
and  homings,  for  my  debts  there;  and  all  here  at  honiB  is  going  to 
wicck,  mia,  and  tbe  deril  I  1  trait  tbat  yon  keep  the  Hon,  Lools 
laale  at  a  dae  distance;:  1  know  yon  will,  kr  my  sake.  Polk,  here- 
about, say  Mb  sister  is  to  be  married  to  Iiord  Hyndford,  daring  some 
part  of  ibe  neit  month." 

Hie  last  KDtenoe  Sonald  repeated  more  tJian  onee  through  hts 
floured  teeth,  as  he  stambled  forward  oyer  the  rongh  pavement  of  the 
market-plaoe.  As  he  looked  anmnd  him,  bis  heart  sickened  at  the 
ntter  silence  and  deaolatiou  which  rdgned  averywberB :  not  a  sin^ 
Ugbt  Alible,  aave  that  of  the  silver  moon  and  twinkling  itini. 

Aa  be  approachsd  Ibe  well-knoirn  manrion  where  he  bad  tpent  ao 
■any  delightful  bonri,  tbe  gannt  appearsnoe  of  the  gsUe,  the  roofless 
.waUa,  ^e  fallal  baloonies,  the  shattered  casements,  informed  bimat 
oDce  that  "  tbe  glory  had  departed." 

Hie  bonae  had  been  completely  gutted  by  fire,  and  Ronald,  while  he 
gaied  around  him,  recalled  the  old  tales  of  Sir  Ian  Mhor's  days,  when 
the  savage  cohorts  of  Cumberland  (Cumberland  tbe  bloody  and  the 
merciless)  were  let  loose  over  tbe  Scottish  hirblands.  Id  the  garden, 
the  flowET'heds  ware  trampled  down  and  destroyed, — the  abmbbery 
laid  waits, — the  marble  fbuntalu  was  In  ruins,  and  the  water  rushing 
like  a  mooDtain  torrait  through  CaCalina's  favourite  walk,  The 
utmost  labour  had  been  expended  to  min  and  degtTo;^  everythiog,  Don 
Alvaro's  rank  and  bravery  having  rendered  him  partimtarly  odious  to 
tbe  soldiers  of  tbe  usurper,  Joseph  Buonaparte.  Fragments  of  gilded 
chain,  bangings,  and  books,  ware  tossing  about  in  all  direoCions. 
Some  of  tbe  latter  Ronald  took  up,  and  saw  by  the  light  of  the  monn 
tbat  ^ey  had  belongad  to  Catalioa's  little  library  (books  are  a  scarce 
emtmodily  in  Spain),  and  were  bar  most  bm>uiite  anthers.    Xbate 


ni  the  romuice  of  "AmRdia  de  Oani,"  written  b;  tb*t  good  and 
TBlfuit  kniriit,  Vuco  de  Loberia,  "Lopei  de  Raedii,"  "Armriini," 
"  Easeaia,  "Loa  EDgaoadoB,"  all  lepants  work*,  and  other  dramas 
Bad  pBitoraU.  Bat  one  ricbly  bound  little  book,  printed  at  SaUmanca, 
the  **  Vidai  de  lo«  Sintoi,"  nponnhicb  ber  own  hand  had  written  her 
name,  he  kept  u  a  remembrance— he  scarcely  required  one, — and 
beBtoiTing  a  heartf  malediction  on  the  French,  agiinit  whom  he  now 
felt  the  bitlereit  penonal  enmilT,  be  left  the  place  with  an  aniiona  and 
heaTy  heart,  intending  to  question  the  first  Espanol  he  abonld  meet  aa 
to  the  fate  of  the  familr  of  Villa  Franca.  He  enconatered  eeveral  in 
the  itreeta,  bat  none  could  gite  him  Che  least  Information ;  and  aa  he 
•TBI  veary  with  the  faCignea  oF  the  day,  be  retired  to  hia  billet  at  the 
hooae  of  the  potter.  On  tba  way  thither,  a  ray  of  light  ihiuing  through 
a  low  barred  window,  and  the  wailing  aa  of  one  in  deeu  diatreai,  at- 
tracted bia  attention.  On  looking  in,  ha  perceind  the  lady-like  and 
gracefn!  figure  of  Mn.  Erelyn  bending  orar  a  table,  on  which,  mufBed 
Dp  in  a  oiTalrr  cloak,  lay  the  cold  remaini  of  him  abe  loTed  with  her 
whole  heart.  A.  wearkd  dragooa,  booted  and  accoutred,  lay  asleep  in 
one  comer ;  in  another  were  groaped  lome  Iriih  aoldien'  wirei, 
■moking  and  lippiDg  sqnardienta,  while  they  listened  in  rilence  to  the 
■orrowfQt  moanioga  of  the  young  lady,  and  the  lowly-mattered  ^et 
eameat  prayer  which  a  poor  Ciatertiaa  padre,  aloioit  worn  one  with 
yean  and  priiatioD,  offered  up  fbr  the  aoal  of  the  deoeaced,  aroiuid 
whoM  bier  he  liad  placed  aereral  candlea,  which  he  bad  conaecrated  by 
lighting  them  at  the  abrine  of  San  Juan,  llie  chamber  waa  miaom 
and  deaolate,  without  rithei  fire  or  (UrniCnre.  It  was  tn  aooth  a  aad 
and  itrange  aituatjoo  for  the  poor  girl,  whoie  fair  head  rsaled  on  tbe 
boaom  of  the  ilain  ;  and  Ronald,  aa  he  tamed  away,  tboeght  of  what 
her  gay  and  faihiooabla  friends  at  borne  would  have  aaid  conld  tbey 
haraseen  her  then, — bowed  down  in  aheorbing  aorrow,  without  a  friend 
to  oomfbrt  her,  and  inrronoded  by  aqnalid  misery  and  deiolatioa. 


r^t  amoDf  Oie  mini  of  the  eastie  of  Merida, — the  alcalde  bBiinz 
piously  oMected  to  the  barial  of  a  htntie  in  oMsecrated  grooDd. 
Without  oUkt  ihrood  bat  bts  tattered  and  bloody  oniform,— without 
other  coSn  than  bis  large  military  cloak,— he  was  lowered  into  die 
haatily  made  tomb.  Tbe  chaplain  of  tbe  brigade  perfbrtoed  the  bnrial 
service,  and  he  waa  hurriedly  covered  up.  A  volley  of  carbinea  finm 
his  troop,  and  the  aoba  of  his  young  widow  as  she  atood  by,  leaniim  en 
the  arm  of  Faaaifem,  were  the  last  requiem  of  tbe  English  dragoon. 


CHAPTER    IXI. 


■  billet  could  not  give  him  taj  information 
about  Donna  Catalina,  or  any  of  the  inmate*  of  ber  mansion — the  hotel 
da  Villa  Franca,  as  the  oitiiens  named  it.  He  knew  that  it  bad  bam 
oocnpied  by  the  French,  whose  commanding  officer  qoartcred  himidf 


149 

^oa  it  u  the  beit  Iwom  in  Uie  place,  and  that  hU  wldier*  bid  bnrnt 
it  wbeii  they  «air  that  (hty  ghonld  be  compelled  la  abandon  Merida,  On 
the  aecond  kdrancc  or  the  British.  I^m  thr  fint  OEcapation  of  the 
town  by  the  eoemy,  none  of  the  Villa  Franca  rsmily  had  been  imd. 
ibis  wai  all  the  iuormation  he  coald  obtain  ;  and  Ronald  vai  led  to 
conclude  that  CaCalina  end  her  coniin  had  escaped,  and  mijht  be  at 
Uaiarga.  or  aome  other  town  on  tbe  Snaniab  frontiert. 
The  poor  patron  was  a  potter  by  trade,  and  made  hrown  eartbenwani 


■Inng  on  the  back  of  a  male ;  bat  lie  earned  barelf  aaffldent  to  anpport 
Ilia  wife  and  family.  Nevertbeleea,  to  ibow  tbdr  loyalty  la  King  Fer- 
dinand, and  their  gnlitiide  to  big  alUea,  tbe  palnma  bad,  by  dint  of 
nocb  exertion,  procured  for  Ronald,  an  the  maraini  of  bis  d^arture, 
what  was  cooiidered  in  Spain  a  tolerable  breslihst. 

On  the  Tooden  table  wai  placed  a  large  crock  fall  of  bailed  porkimd 
pna,  oppoiite  to  wbicb  itood  ajar  of  goat's  milk,  plates  of-egga,  dried 
raisins,  and  white  bread, — area  coffee  was  on  the  table ;  a  diaiday  alto- 
nthcr  of  liandi  that  raised  the  wonder  and  iocceBaed  the  appetites  of 
Uie  til  hangr;  children  who  crowded  roaod  the  board,  balding  up  their 
little  brown  hands  with  manyeiclematiDnBof  wander,  and  cries  to  their 
vudre  and  padrt  to  help  tbem  ;  bat  tbeir  parents  were  intent  on  doing 
tba  hoooBTS  of  the  table  to  the  noble  caballero. 

In  one  corner  of  the  miaerable  apartmant  lay  the  gloasy  hide  of  aa 
Bngliah  hone.  Ronald,  by  some  particular  spots,  recognlaed  it  to  be 
that  of  Evelya'a  charger,  about  the  flaying  of  which  the  boat  had  been 
employed  since  daybreak,  inteuding.  at  he  said,  to  male  it  into  capa 
and  shoes  for  bis  children.  The  latter  were  all  swarthy  and  active,  but 
sadly  disguised  by  rags  and  fiUb,  which  obscarad  tbe  nataral  beanty  of 
their  Spanish  faees  and  fignres,  excepting  one  little  girl,  abaat  ten 
years  or  age.  wbo  appeared  to  be  her  mother's  pet,  and  consequently 
Waa  more  neatly  dreased.  Ronald  was  ofteo  amsaed  at  the  loolis  of 
wonder  with  which  this  tittle  creature  watched  him  while  eating — 
keeping  at  a  distance,  as  if  he  were  an  ogre  ;  bat  when  slie  becime  more 
familiar,  venturing  to  touch  the  black  feathers  of  bis  bonnet,  and  other 
parts  of  his  glittering  dress,  tboogh  always  keeping  close  to  the  short 
■kirt  of  the  nunlre's  petticoat,  u  if  she  feared  bemg  eaten  np,  or  eirried 
off  for  same  futnre  meal,  by  tbe  strange  cabsllero,  thericbness  of  whose 
wuTorm  filled  the  little  bays  with  wander  and  envy. 

At  last,  by  dint  of  mnch  entreaty,  she  permitted  iierself  to  be  drawn 
towards  him.  Raising  up  her  radiaut  eyes,  she  took  a  copper  cmcifix 
from  ber  boaoca,  and  allied  him  if  the  people  in  hit  caantry  wore  a 
thing  like  thaL  On  Ids  telling  her  do,  she  broke  away  from  his  arm, 
and  crying,  "  Omi  ntodre— the  heretic  1  the  deyil  I"  bid  herfai^inher 
mothert  skirt ;  while  tbe  rest  of  tbe  children  ^nink  around  their 
mned  mncb  diacom- 
bogbear,  Ronald,  bl 

by  Uie  wamint  bngln  &rtbemardi. 

bit  six  pipers  blowing  the  gathering,  in  c 

the  dnunt  of  other  corps  beating  tbe  "assembly,"  in  the  Plaza,  t..  . 
'  "        '        '  '  e  left  the  lionae  of  tbe  hospitable  but  tuperatitioas 


Ihe  grey  dftylight,  finished  liis  breakfiHt  at  tpeedily  as  poasible,  and  wa» 
bnmed  in  doing  to  by  the  wamins  bugles  for  tbe  march. 
BanaldDhn  and  hit  six  pipers  blowing  the  gathering,  in  concert  with 


potter,  who  would  not  accept  a  ungte  'maraTedt  1 _ — 

ne  bad  giTcn— a  circumatance  which  Ronald  did  not  regret,  his  pecD> 
Biary  affalra  not  being  then  in  a  very  floarisbing  condi^on,  at  tba  troops 
were  three  mantht'  pay  in  srresr. 


iprmcbed  Almendnuejo,  QieT  found  taar 

J joenijin  the  ciffht.     As  on  themBrx^oT 

the  preceding  dn;,  the  troops  sn9ered  greatly  by  thint  and  the  in. 
teoae  best  ol  the  weathET;  and  aa  the  rniments  puied  tbroogb  in 
KDcceasioD,  the  inhabitants  vere  employed  for  hours  handing  water 
diroagh  their  barred  wiadomi*^  to  the  aoldiers,  while  crowds  in  (ho- 
•treets  were  kept  running'  to  and  fro  from  the  fonntains  with  all  sorts 
(rf  Teesets,  as  if  a  general  conflagration  had  taken  plane. 

"  Viva  Ferdinando  !  muera  Napolerm .'"  cried  a  M>ft  Toice  from  tto 
balcony  of  a  home  near  the  Ca»a  dt  Apunlatmenio,  the  tiU  q>ire  of 
whiBh  I*  yisihle  for  leagnes  around. 

"  Who  can  that  Handsome  girl  be— she  with  the  tight  bodice  Htd 
braided  hair?"  asked  Stuart  of  Aligter,  aa  the  corps  halted,  forth* 
(uual  rest  of  five  mioutea,  ia  front  of  the  town-honie. 
'  "  Handsome  girl  I    Uow  should  I  know,  Ronald.    Where  ?" 

"  Jjeaning  over  the  antique  stone  balcony :  she  has  tossed  ■  chi^riet 
among  the  men  at  the  oUier  flank  of  the  company." 

"And  one  fellow  has  placed  it  on  the  point  ot  his  bayonet.  Ilwtl* 
the  Senora  Maria  1  told  yon  of." 

"Whatl  thedaoghter  of  theo^Djiadfl;" 

"  He  same.  1  used  to  meet  her  often  at  the  Frado  and  at  eburdi, 
when  we  lay  here.  Her  true  knigfati  Angus  Maclde,  hat  ohbdned  Uw 
WTBBlh,  I  perceiTe." 

"  A  haDdsouM)  girl,  indeed  1  The  flowers  were  intended  for  him, 
douhtlesB." 

"  And  there  il  the  abagaio  himedf,"  exclaimed  Maodonald.  "  Whit 
the  deril  is  the  old  fellow  aboot?" 

While  they  were  apealcitig,  a  fierce- looking  little  Spaniard,  with  a 
bald  head  and  lai^  grey  moustaches,  wearing  an  old-faihioned  doublet 
of  blank  doth  slashed  ou  the  breast  with  red,  rushed  into  the  haloonri 
and  grasping  the  yoong  lady  by  the  arm,  drew  her  roughly  inta  tba 
1 j.-L.^  ^  ^^  easement  wi&  mich  Tiolenee  that  several  pane* 


of  glait  ware  shattered, — a  damage,  ohtch  he  was  obterred  ■ 

afterwarda  to  b«  Inspecting  with  aruefbl  countenance,  glass  heiiig  at 


To  describe  the  wearying  manges  parfnrmed  by  the  tTDOpi  under  Sir 
Rowland  Hill's  commaiid  In  that  prcniiuie  of  Spain,  mold  be  at  nnoe 
oseleai  and  unintwetting.    Saoonng  tbt  oountir  ~'  *^  — 

bad  many  a  march  and  wanter-marcb  betwem  K. , . 

Qoerena,  Medellin,  aad  Don  Boiito.  From  Oe  lastti 
were  driyen,  bat  not  without  some  fighdnc,  eapeotally  at  Don  Benito. 
During  that  woA  often  on  the  march,  as  they  traicised  Vtm  Mtf 
sierras  or  level  plains,  diey  beard,  mellowed  by  distance,  ttw  row  M 
tlie  hr  ardllery,  wbicti  annowioed  that  the  str«ng  dty  of  Bad^joi  hsii 
been  besi«ed  by  Lord  Wellington,  by  whoM  orders  Sir  Bowland'a 
dirinon  edranoed  towards  that  pleca,  to  form  the  omering  army. 

On  (heeyeoing  when  it  was  known  the  ftntios  would  be  stonnad, 
while  the  greatest  anjEletrnrradedeiary  brent  for  the  succen  of  fliB 
great  attempt.  Hill's  divUint  halted  and  encamped  near  the  yUlsM  of 
LoboD  ^t  about  sunset.  Making  a  compOMlng  movement  to  Khin 
ajnuction  with  the  seoDnd  dlvisinn,  Sh-ThonMB  Graham,  "the hero  of 
BtrouB,"  hovered  wi^  hb  troths  fai  liie  dineUon  of  tte  heights  of 
*  The  lower  windowt  In  Bpifai  tri  dl  bured. 


AUnOB,  rMtdr  b>  MmniitntB  ukd  nod  totsdiar  ur  atttnipt  wMoh 
the  grwai  Duke  of  D*lai*ti>  Kith  Ml  ietitaia  mi^t  miikB  to  raliire  the 
balc«g««T«d  (anitoo  of  Gcttenl  Fhillipon  at  Sadi^,  vhicbwwi  Urn 
■ukadittaut.inUierear  of  Aohambtof  Iioban. 

Alt)ioii(k  the  troopi  mcuniMd,  all  wars  in  leadiima  to  march  at  a 
awBBcnt'a  notioi  to  natain  tfao  beaiapiif  armr,  if  tbej  ihould  ftH  in 
oanriiic  tbe  plaoo.  Soaioelr  bad  tbej  bdled,  before  tlie  KruLd  gnardi 
of  caralrr  were  formed,  and  flie  oat-pioquett,  to  be  fumiuied  from  tk> 
''*'     '  •  '  -   i  deapalcMd  to  tAur  aercral  poati  where 


finwaid  bii  chain  of  advaneed  aentriei.  eit«lidiiig  tltem  to  that  the; 


d  keep  i^  tbe  line  of  commiiBioation  with  those  of  other  picqscl* 

on  the  eight  and  Idt,  and  to  donble  them  abonld  the  weather  lhiok«a 
dnrinK  tbs  night. 

"  Bj  what  thall  I  know  where  to  halt  the  maia  bodf  of  my  laoviet, 
aaajor  I"  aaked  Bonald,  looking  ra&er  blanklr  towardi  the  waate 
■apanie  of  deaert  plain,  which  extendi  for  more  than  aeren  leagnei 
anoond  Bad^ioi.  ''  Jt-ia  aj  level  aa  the  ivf  tea  ;  nothing  boanda  it 
bat  the  diitant  iieighta  of  Albnera." 

"  Uarcli  OH  that  alar,"  Mid  W laehnioallr,  aa  he  railed  hinuelf 

im  bia  adrrapa,  and  pointed  towarda  a  bright  planet  which  wai  twinkUng 
iriiere  the  liagering  atreaki  of  rellow  edged  the  dark  boriion,  ^wing 
like  heated  ban  of  gold  Ihroogh  opednga  in  the  doakr  maiaes  m 
riondi,  iriiich  appeared  to  rett  o'er  Albnera,  Uia  pofitlon  of  Graham, 
."YoD  will  mardi  ttraigbt  upon  it,  and  bait  yo«r  pcqoet  where  fon 
find  a  mui'i  head  stock  npoo  a  pole." 

"  Upon  apola  1" 

"At.    Queer  maHc,  !b  it  not?" 

"  Ter^.    I  am  to  lialt  there .' " 

"  A  dianial  thing  to  hare  beaide  one  tor  a  wliole  night,— in  a  place  ai 
drearjp,  and  eerie  too,  ai  the  pan  of  Dmmoiuliter." 

"  Ib  it  (he  heMi  of  a  mnrdsrer  ?  " 
.    "  Yea.    Hia  bod;  ii  bniied  benaath  it,— a  comnu>a  practice  in  tbit 
part  at  tlie  ooontrr,  I  bdiere." 

.  "  A  man'i  head  mad  la  be  qnile  a  common  marli  when  I  wai  in 
Egypt  with  Sir  Ralph  Abercrombie,"  chimed  in  Campbell,  who  had 
tfiMched  Mmtelf  on  the  dewy  gnai  near.  "  I  haie  Men  a  oorpe 
of  tnrbaned  Tnrki,  reriewed  near  Alexandria,  naing  the  ipiked 
headi  of  Frencbmen  ai  we  do  our  red  camp-cokmra,  a«  pointa  to 
lAeelon." 

"  Yon  had  batter  take  np  TOBrgrDGiid,Hr.  Stuart,"  laid  the  brkade 
•taior,  to  cnt  ihoit  any  intoulea  atoar.  "  and  remember  caieAil^  to 
make  yonnelf  matter  of  your  titoalion.  by  "•"■""■gi  not  only  the 
qtaoe  yon  aotoaUj  occnpy,  bat  the  height)  within  moiket-ihot,  the 
road*  and  pathi  leadli^  to  or  near  the  poat,  aacartaining  Uidr  biMd& 
and  practicability  for  caTalnr  and  cannon,  and  to  eainreBreadyaad 
eonrtant  commanicatioti  wilo  the  ad)aining  poaCa  and  *idettoa,— m  the 
'day  by  "p"*'!  in  the  night  by  patroli,"  Sk.  ;  and  the  old  fellow  did 
■at  oean  hia  Img  qnotatioii  from  tbe  "  Keguladona,"  which  lio  ha^ 
gotten  by  rote,  antil  compell«d  to  do  ao  by  want  of  breiUi. 

Whan  he  niade  an  end,  and  had  ridden  off,  Ronald  marched  hi« 


picquet , ^._„ 

meationed.    He  looii  fonodthehiltiiig-plBce,  and  th<  „  . 

wu  «  humui  hud  placed  upon  t  pole  about  ten  foet  high  j  aod  a  more 
grislTi  hiiiy.  ferociDiu,  aod  terrible  &ee  than  tt  prcteDted,  haman  eyM 
oner  beheld.  In  ftrocitr  It*  expreuion  wu  that  of  Narraei  Cihieate^ 
but  itwai  fixed  aod  rigid, — the  eyes  flanr  and  bunting  from  tbe  totiiHt, 
— the  iawi  vide  aadopea,  diaplaTmr  a  fonnidable  row  of  larfe  while 
'      -       Itw '-  ' '^.-^     ......      ...._    _...__„,. 

it  earned  the  long  damp  tresiei  of  black  bair  to 
brow  with  an  effect  at  once  itruge  and  terrible. 

Haring  poited  hia  line  of  leotriea  to  the  beat  advantage,  showing 
tbem  in  what  direction  Iher  were  to  keep  a  "  ^rp  ]o6)c-tmt,"~-tite 
direction  wbara  Manhal  Soult  lay, — he  nfauned  to  the  ipot,  where, 
atretched  upon  the  tnif  among  the  reit  of  the  aoldien,  be  lay  liateniu 
to  the  distant  thonder  of  ■rtilkry,  and  watdung  the  lurid  light  whien 
filled  the  Iioriion,  coaCiDaallr  iocreaaina:  and  waning  aa  the  tide  of 
oooJIict  turned  on  the  battlement*  of  Badajoi.  More  liTidly  at  time* 
the  red  light  flaahed  acroaa  tha  aky,  and  londer  at  timei  came  the  b(KMa 
of  the  b^TT  cannon,  aa  the  aaWoea  were  diacbarged  against  the  waU* 
of  the  doomed  cftr  ;  and  while  tha  aoldian  looked  and  liatened,  th^ 
tbought  of  the  bkxid  and  lUugbler  in  whieh  they  might  aoon  bear 
a  put,  abould  the  preaent  beai^rs  tul  in  the  aaianlt.  Although  at 
that  bonr  hnudreda — ay,  thanaanda,  were  being  iwept  into  eteniltv, 
the  aoldien  cared  not  for  it,  apparently ;  many  ■  tale  waa  toU 
Ht  which  they  Ungbed  heartily,  and  many  a  reminiscence  nanatad 
of  Bergen.ap-Zoom,  Egmont-op-Zee,  Mandora,  Conmna,  and  other 
fields  and  coontleu  iraya,  iu  which  some  of  tbem  had  borne 
a  nart. 

1  fine  moonlight  night :  the  most  distant  part  of  the  plain 

istincdy —a.*' :-j.  ^»  _ l___  . ,_   __  .» 

-ivsl  the  radial 


could  be  distinctly  seen,  and  the  myriadsof  ttara  sbaoe  joyously,  i 
to  rival  the  radiance  of  their  queen,  while  every  blade  of  grass,  aaa 
every  leaf  of  the  scattered  shmbberT,  so  eommon  on  Bpauiah  pUnt, 


glittered  ae  if  edged  with  liquid  sOrer.  From  the  dark  village  of 
Lobon,  and  the  white  glimmering  tenti  of  the  encampment,  aroae  the 
hnm  of  voices ;  from  the  plain  ihrODgh  which  wound  the  Guadiana, 
came  the  murmur  of  its  current;  and  save  these,  no  aonnd  broke  tha 
stilbieas  of  the  hour  but  the  roar  of  Badqos,  vihich  growled  and 
Bounded  afar  like  thunder  among  distant  hilla. 

While  Simald  was  renling  binaelf  flpon  a  dkss,  eonsiating  of  a  few 
ounces  of  ration-beef  fried  in  a  (unp.kettle  lid,  with  a  handftil  of 
garbaiuet  or  beans,  which  Evan  had  brought  bim  from  the  adjacent 
village,  hia  attention  waa  aroused  by  the  glitter  of  steel  on  the  plaii^ 
advandng,  as  he  imagined,  from  the  direotiDn  where  Soult  was  known 
to  be,  and  from  wMiA  he  waa  eipected  to  make  aome  demonstration  to 
relieve  General  PhiUipon's  nrriaaa. 

Ronald  waa  iostantlr  on  the  alert.  He  ijmag  to  his  feet,-~ordeted 
the  picquet  to  "  stand  to  their  arms,' '  himself  advanciDg  a  little  to  the 
front,  to  reconnoitn. 

Perhaps  there  is  no  iltnation  more  eidting  to  any  officer,  espedallr 
a  young  one,  than  oat-picquet  duty:  he  is  left  to  act  entirely  fu" 
'  'imsel^ — to  lely  on  his  own  judgment,  and  so  moch  depend*  ■£«> 
-  ''■-'■  ■—  --'  'i  grow  bewildered.  li« 
'a  kingdom  may 


dtpnid  on  Um  akrtnew  «(  hii  KnUndi,  and  tbe  post*  bo  bu  Miigned 

Pall  J  aXne  to  all  tbe  dutiu  of  hb  ntntdon,  Ronald  rnond  aniloalf 
to  tbe  FroDt,  and  behdd  a  dark  gnmp  ad*aoeint  farionaly  alof^  the 
^•in  Bt  full  gallop,  makinc  Mnigbt  for  Ua  pott,  with  ited  catqnea 
■>d  Ull  laooea  (littBriiig ;  W  that  Owy  were  only  six  aimed  hone- 
»«B  be  could  we  dlatioctly,  and  the  ttfot  "Aaiijni.'  nnf^o*  a  la 
murrm  de  la  htimndtneia  I  VivaBipanal  Vita  EMpana  !  ia  fmt 
CaadliaB,  aaanredhim  that  tbey  were  Epaniarda ;  and  betprang  forward 
Jaatin  lime  to  arreat  the  arm  ol  hia  adianced  >entiiiel,  who  bad  Inelled 
bit  niuket  to  fire,  a  drcnmitance  which  woold  have  canted  the  whole 
cnounped  diTuion  t( 


AuothEr  moment,  and  the  atrancera  esniB  ap.  the  hooft  of  IheiT  pant- 
inc  stccda  thaking  Uie  earth,  and  teariiw  the  turf  at  they  were  inddenly 
rraied  in,  while  tbe  white  foam  fell  nom  their  dilated  uoslrili.     A 


fiance  ibowed  Ronald  that  tbey  were  tii  luicet  oFDon  Alvaro't ,.. 

BcortinK  a  party  of  Spanith  ladiei,  who  to  bit  do  gmall  sarprite  were 
•11  mounted  like  men,  wearing  wide  trowtera  and  broad  flapping  lom- 
krenM,  witb  leilt  and  long  iraiing  plumea.  Although  thie  mode  of 
riding  anrpriaed  the  Scot  very  mnch,  it  it  one  extremely  common  in 
■BDe  parti  of  Spain.  Kaiting  Ui  hand  to  hia  bonnet,  he  inquired 
wbidh  way  they  bad  come  ? 

"  Ah  !  Don  Ronald, — haTB  yoU  qnite  forgotten  me,  and  the  tad  night 
—    .........  .... p^i^ 


"  Commaikding  an  cacort,  tmar  /(ffKialt!  truTcUing  witb  fow  ladiea 
of  our  regiment  frnm  Segnrs  de  I^n  to  Idanda  Nora,  to  keep  tbem 
but  of  barm 'a  way." 


"  Saiorilat  I  Pko  I  Soma*  iodoi  Aomtret,"  aaid  one  ooutempl- 
■mialy  in  Spaoiih. 

"  All  men  !"  r^lerated  Ronald  in  inrpiiBe. 

A  bmat  at  laaghter  from  the  lair  ■peaker  followed  ;  and  bendinr  ber 
ftoa  eloie  to  bia,— to  doaa  that  ber  aoft  curia  fell  upon  it,  the  added, 
"  loeaella  de  TVniillo.  I  knew  not  that  my  feaEurea  wero  to  eaaUy 
fivgotlen,  even  by  the  admiren  of  my  conaia." 

"  "  ''  '  0  tee  yoa  here,  and  in  tafety  I    He 

..   . .  ..    -ipcGt  the  wonU     And  yonr  couain, 

la  Catalina,— ibe  it  of  eodiw,  witb  yoa ;' '  taid  Ronald,  looking 
■niioaaly  at  Ebs  face*  of  the  other  three  ladiea. 

"O  moat  nnfbrtanate  Catalina ;"  eidaimed  Ineaella,  b^Doing  to 
weep,  "  I  fear  she  ia  for  ever  lott  to  ns." 

"  How,  Donna  IneaelU  I  Speak,  for  HeaTen'a  take  I"  aaid  Ranald, 
'  wUle  bit  heart  fluttered  with  agitation. 

"  O  Juan  Ht  Diet .'  be  ber  protectioh.  She  vat  ctrrisd  off  by  the 
neeay,  while  I  eaeaped  in  conaeqnenee  of  tbe  Count  d'Erlon'*  man- 
date. Tbe  boaae  wa*  deatroyed  by  fire,  and  onr  miierabls  uncle,  tbe 
poor  dear  old  padre,  peritbed  in  it. 

A  deep  nukdtction  wai  growled  by  the  eacort,  who  rdoed  thdr 
boraca  back  a  liiw  paoei. 


"  He  ia  noir  ■  priaoner  in  the  luiMtle  of  Belem;  bat  Cotalina — " 

"Wu  torn  from  m;  arms  by  force.  A  field-ofScet  of  the  Frmclt 
gimrdi  carried  her  off  acnw*  Oib  bow  of  hia  aad41e;  I  heard  her  fcufut 
oriea  ai  be  awim  hia  hone  scrost  the  Giudiwu,  on  the  Digbt  that  tha 
Briliah  returned  ind  attacked  Marid&.  I  bave  b«BD  wmiuring  idxiat 
in  Berersl  pbu:«i  dnoe  tbeo,  and  am  anzioiia  to  reach  Iduid&  Nova, 
Idoihi  m.  Telha,  or  *nj  place  of  aafe^,  until  all  thia  temble  mA  ia 
over.  Uother  of  God  1  look  tonrda  Badqoi  1  The  ak;  aeema  all  on 
fire  !     Alai  I  Ibe  poor  aoldiiira — " 

"  Uai  Don  Altara  beard  of  hia  ■iater'a  (■(«?" 

"  O  yea,  lenar.  Poor  Alvaro  1  1  have  had  aad  work  chearing  him 
under  tbe  miafoitoDe.  He  ie  now  my  baihand."  added  the  gEaodU 
f)ly,  white  her  nmally  aoft    voice  innk  into  a 


"^',  i 


.....  I  most  happy.  Donna  IneMlIa,  to  hear-'— 

Bat  how  eaaU  yon  celebrate  lO  joyons  an  erstit  while  to  great  a  niyn> 
lary  hanga  oyer  the  fate  of  poor  Catalina  >  " 

"O  Iran  Ronald  1  I  know  not,"  replied  the  yonng  lady,  eoDfaHdly. 
"What  a  very  atcange  queation  to  aak  1" 

"  Pardon  me,  aenon  !  " 

"  Sant^  Maria  !    I  am  not  angry  with  yon  j  bnt  Don  AlvaroilW 

very  impetnona,  and  (bdiing  tha  cbanoe  of  war Bot  ah  1  senor, 

we  mnit  bid  yon  adien  if  wa  would  reach  the  city  of  Elvai  babn 
dawn,  and  'tis  manf  toad  leagaea  from  Lobon." 

He  other  Udiea,  who  had  become  impatient  at  the  delay,  now  pro- 
poaed  to  ride  on,  and  the  arriyal  of  the  field-ofBeer  on  dntf,  to  viiit 
tbe  ont-pioqnet,  put  ■  —        .  .   .  . 

minted  oat  lo  th 
Elvaa,  and  the  oi 

to  be  met  with  j  auu  lucu  uuijicu  uu  wj  uu  !»■ 
dteir  eacort  galloped  In  the  direction  of  I^obnn. 

Ronald  watched  the  belmeta  and  apeara  of  the  troopera,  and  tlw 
waving  feathera  of  the  ladiea,  aa  long  aa  they  were  in  light ;  and  ao 
negligent  waa  he  daring  the  iBapeotion  of  hia  picqaet,  that,  to  nte  a 
meaa-room  phraie,  be  gained  a  Iwarly  TOwUm  bdta  old  Lienlmant- 
— 1 — i«._.j__^,i  1.  -_, i — I  "-ii  regiaMnt,  who  vraamigfatf 


wdnted  oat  lo  them,  to  the  best  of  hit  knowledge,  the 

igguwSitw. 


That  Cattlina,  the  prond,  die  gentla,  and  die  beantiAil,  i 
«aptiv«ln  thehandaof  ao  nBaerapoJona  an  anamj  aa  the  Fmpii,  wod- 
JBCted  to  their  iniolenee,    and  perhaps   barbanty,  filled   him  with 

loaleep,  altbongh  the  graaa  Wat  toft  aa  velnt,  and  the  b^jit  moon  waa 
■binfaig  gloriondy,  he  regained  walking  to  and  fro  betwem  the  pUm  of 
arau  niml  davligbt,  watddng  4w  «B«ing  blaae  «f  Badajoa,  and  lirte»- 
log  M  tbe  noite  of  11m  attralt  at  llie  mi^wind.  swaeinng  over  th* 
plain,  broBght  it  to  hit  ear.  IntenHy  ha  watched  the  lidit  i  and  wbeoi 
towardi  momint:,  the  boom  of  "  toe  ml  artillery"  died  away,  he 
almott  hoped  that  the  aaaault  bad  fidled,  and  that  an  order  woold 


WMM.  1» 

urire  for  the  aecond  dirukm  to  advance  to  support  the  bnuegen,  thit 
be  iai){bt  haie  kd  opportuDJCy  of  meeting  hand  to  band  tbe  eaemy, 
■gunst  whaoi  be  bad  conceived  a  pecnbar  'eeling  of  deteatatioa ;  or 
that  he  laieht  have  the  desperate  hononr  of  leauiiift  a,  forloro-hape,  an 
aJtaiTj  bf  the  bye,  of  which  he  had  as  yet  hat  a  very  slight  eooceptiori. 
Tbe  din  of  war,  which  bad  lasted  tbe  liva-laog  night,  ceaaed  at  day- 
break, and  tbe  flashes  of  caunoa  and  mueketrj'  Here  no  longer  aeeii  an 
tbe  ramparti  of  tbe  cipiUtl  of  Estremadora,  in  the  direction  of  wbioh 
all  eyes  were  anxional;  tnmed,  sUhoogb  it  U  not  diltinclly  vUible  from 

Abont  Bnoriie  a  Biitiah  itaff-oflcer  spurred  Ui  hone  fbriowlv  into 
tbe  encampment.  He  vraa  covered  with  dual,  and  even  blood ;  hii 
flnaaea  were  gone,  and  bia  whole  abearance  told  of  Aa  part  b»  had 
acted  in  tbe  dangen  of  the  pait  nigfat.  and  tbe  ipead  wiUi  which  be  bad 
ridden.  It  waa  towards  Ronald'i  pioqnet  Ibit  be  advawied. 
'■  What  news  from  Badajoi  i "  cried  Ow  latMr. 
"  GloriooB  1  (lorioai  I  "  replied  he,  evidoatly  in  a  fiarae  atala  at 
exultation,  ^lU  of  wild  ezcitemBit  and  tumult,  aa  one  might  be  aia»> 
ed  to  be  who  had  spent  saob  a  night  of  aconmolatsd  horror*,  wbiw 
checked  with  tome  diffioulty  tbe  beadlong  speed  of  hii  Jaded 
Ter.  "  I  have  not  a  nuunent  to  ipare :  where  are  tbe  qnaitert  of 
LeralHill?" 
Our  troop*  hare  carried  tbe  p)Me,liien  ?' 


CT^ 


in^ht.    Bad^oi  la  in  rains, — bai  it  ii  onn  ;  uie  brmchet 

and  ditcbei  are  filled  with  tbe  dead  and  tbe  dyiDg.  PhiUipon,  retiring 
to  fort  Sao  Cbriatoval,  sorroidcred  bia  garriaos  priaoner*  of  war  Uul 
Borning  at  daybnak,  after  dinngaU  Hut  mortal  men  could  d«l"  A 
eheer  arose  from  tbe  pioqnet,  who  crowded  round. 

"  Fonr  ^onnd  killed,  wfNmded,  and  miuing, — rongh  cahmlaliOD ; 
diatof  the  enemy  fire  tbousand." 

"  Nine  thouaaiid  in  onanist  I" 

"  A  strange  trade  is  war,  ^y  I  bnt  a  night  laeh  aa  tbe  laat  ia  an  era 
m  a  man'a  litettme.    SirKowluid'B  qoarteri,  where  are  tbey  ?  " 

"Tbe  cottage  yondci — " 


Daibiog  bia  gory  nnreli  into  tba  flanka  of  hia  bone,  be  gallopad 
towudame  tented  caop.  Innnedialidy  on  hia  raacbing  it,  a  tremob- 
dona  cheer  arose  amoar  tbe  soldiKa,  who  oame  raabing  from  tbdr 
tents  and  cantoomeuts  m  ttM  village.    InfimUy  cbaluM*,  ireDadiar 


eapi,  and  H^blsnd  bgoneta  were  toned  into  the  air,— canf^t,  & 

teased  np  again.    Tbe  re(piaental  bands  played  "  KoleBritanma,'' a — 

'oiling  of 

UsinDg, 


other  natifaul  aire ;  w^e,  amid  the  ahonta,  cbeera,  and  rolUj 


e  the  rqoiciog,  ordered  a4 
vj  man  on  the  oocMlm  by 


I.  Coo^^lc 


CHAPTEE    XXII. 

THB   FLAO  or  TBUCI. 

'ct.  ba  it  knowD.  htd  bugle*  blown. 


Lait  JfiHlrel,  cinto  r. 

Aboct  a  fortniglit  ifter  thU,  Sir  Rowland  Hill  reviewed  bis  divinon 
of  tbe  army  near  the  town  of  Almendralejo,  so  often  mentioned  in 
preceding  chapters.  In  the  evening,  s  itrooj  detachment,  conaiitii^ 
of  the  first  brigade  of  infantry,  part  of  the  senond  brigade,  a  body  of 
British  cavalry,  artillery,  and  Portngneie  caf  adores,  were  selected  from 
the  division,  and  marched  an  hour  before  daybtealc  neit  morniog,  paiw 
Boidc  tlie  road  to  Madrid,  ander  the  command  of  the  general  himself, 
who  left  Sir  William  Erakine  inchargeof  the  remainder  of  the  divisioD, 
•rbich  coQtinned  in  cantonmenti  at  Almendralejo. 

That  some  great  enterprise  was  on  foot  there  conld  be  no  donbt, 
from  tbe  secrecy  muntained  by  Che  general  as  to  the  object  of  tile 
Inarch,  the  solitary  places  throngh  which  their  route  lay  after  leaving 
the  Madrid  rosd,anatbe  deserted  places,  corlc-woods,  chesnnC  thickets, 
&c.,  in  which  they  concealed  their  bivouacs  at  night.  Great  eKcitei 
tnent  eiiated  among  the  troops,  and  many  were  the  surmiiee  ax  to  wiuii 
mjgbt  be  the  nitimate  object  of  this  sudden  expedition,  until  it  became 
known  that  to  force  tbe  pass  of  Mirarete,  and  destroy  certain  forts 
erected  at  the  bridge,  of  Almarei  on  the  Tsgns,  were  the  intentions  of 
the  enterprising  leader. 

On  the  evening  of  tbe  15th  Ma;  the  troop*  destined  for  thii  parti- 
cnlar  service  entered  the  city  of  Truiillo,  the  place  from  which  DoD 
BalthaizBT*  takes  hii  title.  It  is,  like  most  Spanish  cities,  sitnated  on 
B  rocky  eminenee,  contains  about  four  thousand  inhabitants,  a  band' 
some  Plaza,  and  several  churches.  Ronald  was  billeted  on  the  very 
house  in  which  the  famous  conqueror  of  America,  Piiarro,  was  bom, 
and  the  mouldered  coat-armorial  of  whose  noble  bmily  yet  appeared 
over  the  entrance-door.  He  had  just  finiahed  a  repast  of  hsshed  mntton 
and  garlic, — time  bad  reconciled  bim  to  the  latter, — and  was  discussing 
a  few  jngs  of  Xerei  leco  witb  bis  host,  when  the  seijeant- major  of  the 
Gordon  Highlanders,  tapping  at  the  door  with  hi*  Cone,  warned  him  to 
join  Captun  Stnart's  out-picqnet  as  a  lapenmmerarr  aabaltem.  , 

His  host,  Don  Goniago  de  Conqnesta,  a  lineal  daseandant  of  Pitarro, 
was  detailing  the  once  great  honours  of  his  now  decayed  house  irtien 
tUs  onwelcome  intelhgenoe  was  brought  to  StoBrt,  vrtio,  snatdiinc  Ub 
cloak  and  sword.  Tented  a  malediction  on  the  adjataDt,  anddepartedln 
DO  pleasant  mood,  bearing  with  him  a  couple  <H  botUes  of  the  X*n» 
leco,  which  were  pressed  upon  bim  by  Don  Ooniago,  who  said  that  he 
never  went  on  duty  (he  was  a  Cepilan  it  Cazadora)  irithont  plenty  <^ 
liqnor.  It  was  a  lesson  be  had  leanied  in  bis  campwgn*  "  onder  ths 
great  General  Linioi,  at  Baenos-Ayres,  in  IB07."  The  ont-picqnM, 
which  Konald  departed  Lo  join,  wa*  posted  near  the  river  Almmle,  at 
•  The  eonii  is  itiU  bIItc.    I  ••■  Ui  nsme  laentiaiud  in  a  Fnneb  pipn  lome 


157 

tlie  bue  of  the  Urn  moonUin,  on  the  sammtt  ud  ndn  of  irtiich  ap- 
peared the  three  diTiaiaiu  of  Truiillo,— tha  eutle,  the  citr.  and  the 
town,  as  thef  ue  itjled.  And  often,  aa  he  hurried  down  the  hill,  be 
looked  back  at  the  pictaKsqne  Spanith  citr,  with  ita  QotHc  apirea  and 
belfriea,  ita  embattled  fortreaa,  linee  of  frowning  rBmparta  built  on 
masaea  of  rock,  and  iti  thousand  casementi,  gleaminK  like  bumiihed 
gold  ID  Che  light  of  the  letting  sun. 

It  was  s  beautiful  evcninE  :  the  air  waa  cool  and  balaiT,— the  aky 
blue  and  cloudlesa,  aad  the  cfesr  atmoephere  showed  viTidlf  the  rarioua 
tinta  of  Cbo  eitenaiTe  landscape,  where  yellow  fields,  green  thicketJ, 
and  the  niadiniaof  the  Almonte  stretched  away  far  in  the  diitauce. 

Tbs  cbain  of  aenCinels  were  posted  along  the  aeigj  banks  of  the 
river,  and  on  a  green  graaay  knoll  beside  it,  amid  grovea  when  the 
nilow  orange  and  clualeriiig  ^pe  were  ripeaiog  ii    '' 


^uald  and  the  officer  commanding  the  picqnet,  Captain  Stuart  of  the 
lent,  duenssing  tbe  Saeki  of  Xera  teco.  While  they  were 
;  on  the  probable  isane  of  the  intended  attack  on  the  castle  of 


50th  regiment,  • 


MiraTGte  and  the  Freoch  forta  at  Almarei,  a  sentry  by  the  ri 
pained  the  word  of  alarm,  that  some  of  the  enemy  were  in  mooon  on 
the  other  side  of  the  stream. 

Far  donn  the  Almonte,  adrandng  orer  flie  lerel  ground  from  tbe 
Erection  of  the  Madrid  road,  appeared  four  Ggmrea  on  foot,  and  tbe 
glitter  of  polished  metal  showed  thai  they  were  armed  men. 
.  -"  Mr.  Stuart."  saidthe  captain  of  the  picqaet,  "takewithyonaSlaof 
men  and  a  bugler,  and  see  who  these  may  be.  Yon  may  cross  here, — 
I  anppose  the  river  is  fordable.  Should  you  ace  auylbing  suspicions 
farther  off,  let  the  bugle-boy  sound,  to  warnns," 

"  This  promises  to  be  an  adTcnture."  said  Ronald,  fixing  bis  sword  in 
hiibelt,  and  preparing  to  start.  "  A  flag  of  truce,  probably,  sentfrom 
tbe  castle  of  MiraTEte." 

"  Moat  likely  ^Chey  have  come  from  that  direction.  Sir  Kowland  will 
be  ill  pleased  to  think  the  enemy  know  of  bii  yiciDity,  But  as  theie 
commnnicationB  are  generally  only  for  tbe  purpose  of  reconuoitering 
and  gaining  intelligence,  you  must  be  careful  to  fniatrate  any  such  in- 
tentions hy  answermg  retenedly  all  questions,  and  beware  that  tbsir 
cnnning  does  not  oat-flank  yourcaution." 

"Fear  not:  man  to  man,  if  they — " 

"  Nay :  should  it  be  a  flag  of  truce,  yon  moat  recelTB  it  with  all 
attention  end  courtesy ;  but  yon  bad  better  moye  off,  and  meet  them 
■•  far  from  here  as  poasible." 

"  There  are  two  stout  fellows  of  my  own  company  here ;  I  will  take 
them  with  me.  Eweo  Maepherson  Mackie,  nnpile  yonr  arms,  and 
follow  me.    Look  sharp  there,  men  I " 

Accompanied  by  two  sturdy  Highlanders,  and  a  bugler  of  the  50tb 
foot,  he  crossed  the  Almonte,  which  took  them  up  to  the  waist,  and 
scrambling  orer  tiie  opposite  bank,  adianced  towards  the  atran^era 
withont  feeling  much  discomfort  from  the  wetting,— fording  a  riTer 
being  with  them  a  daily  ocenrrence. 

Four  French  soldiers  appeared  to  be  coming  ttiaigbt  towards  them, 
through  tbe  middle  of  a  waying  field  of  yellow  corn,  treading  it  down 
in  a  remorseless  manner,  that  wonld  have  put  any  bluff  English  firmer 
oc  donee  gude-man  of  tbe  Lothians  at  his  wits'  end,  had  he  seen  them. 
It  appeared  to  be  a  toilaome  pathway,  aa  it  rose  breaat-bigh,  and  in 
Mme  placea  bid  them  altogether,  sbtb  the  tops  of  thor  grenadier  caps. 
On  gaining  the  akirta  of  the  field,  they  broke  their  way  through  the 


Mtj  TiDe-tnltia  which  oorered  the  road  like  b  long  gretn  vbovr,  and 
coud  now  be  perfeotljr  dUcenwd ;  and  a«  they  unml  each  other, 
RodbIiI  felt  a  decree  of  eioileinent  and  pleasure  Toused  within  hini,  for 
wbich  it  was  not  difficult  to  aceonnt,  tnii  being  bii  firit  meeting  wiUi 
the  enemjF  in  arm*. 

Two  of  them  were  tall  Frendi  granadiera  in  darV  great-coata, 
adorned  with  Itrge  red  worsted  epaalMa,  wearriiE  beavy  beu-.Blrin  capa 
and  hairy  knapaocka,  and  had  Uieir  bayonets  fixedon  their  long  moaketB. 

In  front  adranced  an  officer,  wearing  the  same  sort  of  cap,  and  the 

Ji  BDiform  of  the  oftf  Gnard.     A  litCle/amiour,witb  his  brassdnim 
g  on  his  back,  trotted  beside  him. 

Haiti"  exclaimed  Konald,  wIibd  ttiey  were  about  four  hondred 
Tarda  off.    "  With  ball -cartridge  prime  and  toad." 

nw  performance  of  this  acUon  was  seen  by  tbe  straDgen.  The  little 
(onioBr  beat  a  long  roll  on  his  dmm  ;  and  the  officer,  halting  hia  file 
of  grenadien,  displayed  a  white  baodkerchief,  and  adyannd  alone. 
Ranald  did  bo  likewise,  and  they  met  at  an  eqnal  distance  from  tbar 
Teapective  parties.  The  officer  (whose  brown  cheek  bore  witneaa  of 
■errice)  wore  die  little  rold  cross  that  showed  he  was  a  CAeno/irr  de  U 
Lfgiim  d'ifomttvr,  and  raiting  his  hand  to  his  grenadier-cap  in  aalnte, 
ho  pnlled  from  the  breaat  of  his  coat  a  long  sealed  deapatch. 

"  Monriear  offieier,"  said  he,  "  here  is  a  commanicatioa  from  Mar- 
thai  Soult  to  General  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  which  I  bare  the  hoDoar  to 
request  you  will  see  forwarded." 

Konald  bowed  and  took  the  letter,  snniriBed  to  hear  aubh  pnM 
English  spoken  by  a  Prenchmau  ;  while  the  latter  anslnng  s  metal  fl«^ 
which  hung  at  his  waist-belt,  to  share  iti  content*  in  ftieadthip. 

"Oroix  Dim  I"  he  exclaimed,  starting  back  with  a  look  of  recogni- 
tion and  surprise.  "Ah,  Maosieur  Stuart,  mon  ami,  have  yon  forgotten 
me  quite  ?  Do  yon  not  remember  Victor  D'Estouyille  and  Che  eaaUe 
of  Edinbnrgh?" 

Ronald  gazed  upon  him  in  astonlsbment. 

"  D'Estonyille !  is  this  indeed  yon  ? " 

;  who  else  eoald  i( 


alnog  on 
"Hall 


Sccrttish  capital;  but  an  exchange  of  priaonera  took  p . 

you  left  it,  and  now  I  am  again  a  free  man ,  fighting  the  battles  of  the 
Emperor,  with  the  eagle  over  my  brow,  and  wearing  my  belted  Bword. 
Brave  work  it  is, — bat  I  am  as  miserable  now  as  1  was  then." 

"  Hard  fighting  and  no  promotion,  perhape  ? " 

"  We  have  plenty  of  both  in  the  aerrice  of  the  great  Emperor.  Tarn 
now  major  in  tfae  battalion  of  the  6aard." 

"  Allow  me  to  congratulate  yon.  And— and— what  was  the  lady's 
name  ?    Diane  de  Montmichel?" 

"  Cut  Udiabltl"  muttered  be,  wMle  his  eheek  grewp^leB'  death; 
but  the  emotion  instantly  passed  away,  and  a  bold  and  careless  look  re- 

;  find  her  faithless,  I  hope  ?" 

, s  la  Cplanetie^  as  wo  say  in  onr  serrlce." 

"  Hie  wife  of  yoBT  colonel  1  How  mncb  I  regret  to  bear  i(.  lie 
devil  I  I  think  women  are  all  alike  perfldiatia." 

"  Parfidioui  indeed,  Monsienr  Btnart,  aa  many  a  hniband  and  lover, 
<m  hia  ratnm  fh>m  oaptirity,  finds  to  hia  eoit.  But  I  mean  to  revenge 
'  uyielf  on  the  whole  aei,  and  care  no  man  for  the  best  of  them  tbim 
fcrthe  meuMitjUJe  dtjoit  that  ever  ma  honed  .thri)agh  a  camp  oaths 


wooiloii  iteed.  On  hit  ntont  to  Fruun,  I  hutened  to  tlw  nllef  of 
lilleboniie ;  bat  it  was  Do  loDger  a  ptnidiie  to  me.  M;  nttan  wen  ill 
aiarriad  to  kiuiTaB  who  cared  Dotbiog  for  me,  and  a  fnuar  gntre  m  tha 
drarchTBrd  wsi  all  that  remained  to  me  of  tut  dear  mother.  But 
'  '  '  '  .'  la  idle  Diane  wai  no  longer  tbera, — ihe  bad  bsoome  the 
'      ':■,  forgetting  poor  Tiotor 


"Loam  to  forget  her,  D'EMonnlle;  you  maj  find  it — " 

"  She  ia  fiirgotten  aa  mf  loae.    Croix  iNcu .'  nay,  more ;  the  i*  for- 

"  And  ibo  ia  noir  Banmeu  Qappoiirkiraii  ?  " 

"  Out,  tmnuieur, — ancb,  1  Bnppow,  ahe  woaM  nther  be,  with  th* 
boorijih  oU  colonel  for  her  hoabaod,  than  the  wife  of  Victor  D'EMon- 
*ille,  ■  poor  wubalttnu  aa  1  ■<«  than." 

"  CcRm,  ^n  hate  mt  rapid  iiromotioD.  And  yon  ire  rally  now  a 
Bwwr?"  Hud  RonaliT,  feelms  a  little  ehagrin.  "I  am  itillonlraa 
Mrirn, — eab-lieatenant,  I  beHere  yon  atjla  it." 

"iHaile !  your  promo^n  is  long  Of  oomin;.  etpeeially  in  theae 
tunea,  when  headi  are  broken  like  egg-ahelU.  Bat  I  wonld  rather  have 
my  peace  of  mind,  than  promotion  to  the  baton  of  a  manhal  of  the 

Then  yon  hare  lot  forgotten  her,  eltbaaih  yon  lo  often  pratatyoB 

"  I  baTe forgotten  to  lore  her,  at  leut.  Putt!  I  am  quite  oared. of 
fliatpawion.  1  can  regard  her.  and  ipeak  of  her  with  the  ntmoetnon- 
dialance  ;  and,  aa  a  proof,  I  TolaDtaerad  to  bring  Uiii  letter  from  the 
Soke  of  Dalmatia  to  yonr  genei*!,  ralatiTe  to  pmearing  the  ralanM  of 
tha  baron,  my  eh^,  by  eichanging  him  for  aome  Britiab  priaonen  oa^ 
tored  at  Tilla  Garcia,  where,  by  lome  miaadyantnre,  onr  rear-goard 
wai  10  lererely  cat  np  by  your  heav*  eayairy  muler  Sir  Stapleton 
Cotton.  Ton  aee,  Honaienr  Stoart,  I  am  ao  calmed  down  in  thia 
matter.  Hut  I  can,  eren  without  a  pang,  negetiate  for  the  naloratiou  of 
her  hsfband  to  her  arma." 

At  (hat  moment  a  bogle  (nun  Captain  Stnart^a  poit  lonnded,  ai  if 
waniiD«  Ronald  tc 

»ll,'    _     . 
MIt-picqnet  has  Inat  hii  j 

"  I  mnat  now  bid  yon  farewell )  m  may  *ocm  meet  again,  bnt  in  leas 

**nen  ^on  io  mean  to  carry  MiranCeP"  (aid  the  Frenchman  with 

it  laid  ao,"  replied  Ronald,  coldly.    "  I  moely  aald  we 

n  farther  thii  way.    Thefoitaof 

-^ f  the  TagaaatAt 

, _  —      _-e  by  the  brayeatbi 

the  old  Guard,  might  bar  the  panage  of  Xenea  with  hia  boat." 

"  B*t  inrety  not  againat  the  oaptnren  of  Badqoa  and  Cindad  Rod' 
ilgof"  aaid  Bonald,  gently,  wid)  a  mile. 
"Ptittt  oui.    Theiewere  miiad*entiirea,  and  tlie  great  Emperor 


in«a 

^  bngle-oall,"  said  D'EatonyiUai  "the  officer  c 


cheek,  mi  be  twiated  up  bis  beaTf  moustache  with  utmiot  military 
pride  and  Indicrou  coniuiiait. 

Agaia  the  bugle  ioanded  from  the  other  ude  of  the  nrer,  wiring 
them  to  part.  D'ElitoniiUe  uncorked  his  flask,  and  filliag  up  the 
■topper,  which  held  sbont  a  wiae-glui,  with  hrandy,  preaeoted  it  tf 
Koiwld,  and  tber  drank  to  each  other.  The  two  grenadiers  of  the 
Guard,  their  tambour,  the  two  HigbUnderg,  aod  the  yonag  bngler, 
were  now  beckaned  to  idTance,  and  D'EstouTille  shared  (be  contents 
of  bia  flaik  among  them,  while  the;  shook  hands  all  ronnd  heaittly, 
and  regarded  each  other*!  nnifiirm,  accootrementa,  and  bronzed  lilage* 
with  eTident  cariosity. 

"  We  have  drunk  to  tiie  health  of  yonr  Gemral  Hill.  CttI  im  vitta 
nmiUr,  as  we  Frenchmea  say,"  obsarred  D'Esbmiille,  replaeing  his 
empty  flask.  "As  for  joar  leader,  MoDuenr  Wdlingtoa,  I  cannot 
say  I  admire  him  :  he  is  not  tba  man  to  gaiu  the  loie  of  the  soldier. 
No  medals, — no  ribands, — no  praise  in  t£e  grand  bulletin,'       ~ 


Napoleon  is  the  man  for  fliasa, — Hit  man  for  a  soldier  to  live  i 
under.  Bat  I  must  bid  you  farewell — without  retnimng  what 
kindly  lent  me  in  the  castle  of  Edinburgh." 

"  1  beg  ;oD  will  not  mention  it." 

"There  is  little  use  in  doing  so.  all  the  gold  I  hsTS  being  on  mf 
ahoulders.  JVom  if sos  papt  I  nerer  will  I  fhrget  four  kindness.  But 
I  hope  yonr  general  baa  no  intention  of  beating  up  our  quarters  at 
Ahnarer  ?" 

"  I  hare  not  heard  that  meh  is  fals  intention,"  said  Ronald,  coborlng 
tX  the  equiTocal  nature  of  his  reply. 

"  We  are  Tsry  comfiirtabla  Utere  at  present ;  quite  coantry  quarters, 

"  How  !  are  yon  stationed  there  ?  " 

"  I  am  commandant  of  the  forts  of  the  bridge.  A  wing  of  my  own 
battalion  of  the  Gnard  fonn  part  of  the  garrison.  But  we  must  part 
now,  monsieur.  How  dark  the  erenini  bss  become  1  Almaiea  la  a 
Img  way  off  among  the  mountains,  and  we  shall  baielf  reaefa  it  by 
to-morrow.  I  am  amious  to  return  and  console  a  certain  lady  there, 
who  has,  I  suppose,  been  pining  yery  much  in  my  absence," 

"  Indeed  I  Tis  no  wander,  then,  that  Diane  de  MontmicluJ  It  to 
eanly  forgotten,* ' 

"Pale!  I  am  eieeatrngbot  a  part  of  my  grand  plot  of  vcageanea 
af^aiust  the  sex,"  replied  tlu  other  gaily.  "  1  am  a  droll  fellow,  moD- 
eiear,  but  quite  the  one  for  a  soldier.  The  yonng  creature  it  npetUy 
beautiful.  I  captured  her  at  a  town  near  lliia  a  few  weeks  am,  aiw 
oanied  her  to  Almarei,  to  enliven  my  qnartera  Aere.  But  oteUe  / 
she  is  ever  drooping  like  a  broken  lily,  weeping,  sod  upbraiding  ma  In 
Spanish  )  bat  1  must  make  a  bold  effort,  when  I  return,  to  carry  her 
heart  by  escalade.  I  ba*e  half  won  the  outworks  already,  I  beliete. 
Soidatt !"  cried  he,  turning  quickly  round,  "poriex  vot  amsss;  dmsj- 
fow  i  droile, — nurciU  /  " 

He  touched  his  cap  uid  went  off  with  his  party,  saying,  in  a  land 
and  laughing  tone,  "  Adieu,  no*  onu;  when  1  return  to  Almaret,  I 
■hall  speak  of  you  to  la  belle  Catatine." 

Ronaldi  who  bad  listened  to  bis  last  obserrationt  wlQi  some  emotion, 
rtuted  at  the  name  ht  mentioned,  and  wontd  hSTC  ncalled  him ;  but 


WAM.  161 

a  lonf .  lond,  and  ■ngn  bule-blait  ^m  the  out-pioqaet  compelled  him 
to  letire  and  recroes  tiw  Almoiite,  but  be  cut  tneuy  an  aoiioiu  gUnoe 
titer  dkc  dark  aod  leseening  fi^rtg  of  D'Eetoaville  and  hu  Kildieri,  m 
tiUT  toiled  tfadr  <ra<r  thronth  the  field  oF  tall  coro. 

The  etttias  had  no*  given  pUce  to  the  night,  the  kit  trace  of  day 
bad  hded  thim  the  moDatainous  lidge  of  the  Lina,  and  the  waniiu 
"  '  g  coldlf  and  palely  above  the  ipireg  and  caetle  of 


o  Bdvisci  it  waduB  be  umH  to  aak  that  chield  with  the  aark  ovroe 
hia  ctaefl,  what  hemeuiH  bf  followia'  tu  abootj  aa  he  hu  daiie,glJatiQ' 
add  glidin'  here  and  there  in  the  EloamiDg." 

"  Who — where,  Macphenon .' 

"Under  the  Tioe-treea,  on  yonr  richt  hand,  lir." 

Ronald  now  percciTed,  for  the  firit  time,  a  priest  in  alight  grey  cu- 
wck  or  sown,  which  enveloped  hia  whole  body,  keeping  pace  with 
them — tJtiot ttKftoT  ttep,  ate  ihort  dietance. 

"Be  hai  been  ctoie  bedde  ye,  sir,"  coatinaed  the  aoldier,  "the 
htilttimeye  were  apealung  to  the  Frenchmui,— liateaiag  and  glower- 
infwi'  eenlfke  a  gosahawk,  although  be  aye  keq>it  hitnael  sae  cloaa 
amang  the  Wvee  iT  the  bothei,  that  yoa  conldna  see  him  aa  we  did." 

"  Do  yon  reillv  aav  «o  ?  What  can  the  fellow's  object  be  ?  By  the 
colour  of  bia  robe,  be  looka  like  one  of  the  FrBnciscaos  of  Merida," 
.«ijd  Konald,  eonaidKably  intereated  while  he  watched  the  priest  nar- 

E'  ,  and  aaw  that  he  was  evidently  moving  in  time  with  ihem,  bnt 
ig  himself  concealed  aa  mach  u  poiaible  among  the  polei  of  the 
-work,  and  the  vines  which  were  twisted  aroand  them. 
"  Holloa,  Senor  Fadre,  holloa !"  cried  Staart.  Bat  no  eaoner  did 
lie  speak,  than  the  myitenoDa  padre  glided  away,  and,  aa  any  monk  of 
romance  would  have  done,  diaappeared,  and  no  farther  trace  could 
thay  find  of  him  at  tikat  time.  Many  were  the  anrmiaea  of  the  soldiera 
abonttbe  matter^  and  Ewen  Macphenon,  a  Gael  from  LochOich,  gave 
deadedly  hia  opiiuaa  that  "  it  was  sometlung  no  cannie."  But  the 
affair  paaaed  immediately  from  the  mind  of  Bonald.  whose  thoughts 
were  abaorbed  in  the  idea  that  Donna  Catalina  was  a  prisoner  in  the 
~s  of  the  French.    It  roused  a  thousand  stirring  and  liarrowlDg 


Fndiiig  the  Almonte  anin,  tbey  clambered  n 

gaining  the  grassy  knoll,  Ronald  preaented  Soult .  .. ^ 

Stoart,  from  whom  be  endured  a  very  disagreeable  croii-qnestioniDg 


D  what  hia  lon^  conversation  with  the  Frenidmiaa  had  been  about. 

Hefbond  hia  senbmenta  of  regard  for  D'Eatonvilievery  mooh  lessened 
when  he  appeared  in  the  new  cbsovoter  of  a  rival,  and  eagerly  he  longed 
for  die  asaanlt  on  Almarei,  that  he  migbt  have  an  opportunity  of  dis- 

tingoishing  himaelf ,  and,  if  possible,  freeing  Cstsiins  at  the  point  of 
the  aword.  Often  Ike  repented  not  having  followed  D'EstODville  stall 
riaka,  and  commanded  him,  on  his  honour,  to  treat  the  lady  with  the 
rentect  which  was  doe  to  her  rank  snd  sei. 

It  waa  a  clear  mooidight  night,  and  he  lay  awake  on  the  grassT  sod, 
musing  on  tfaese  matters,  and  thinking  of  Alice  Lisle  and  the  relation 
in  which  he  stood  to  her.  Old  Staart,  the  captain  of  the  picquet,  after 
hrring  drained  the  last  drop  of  the  JtTeres  aeco,  had  wrapped  himself 


o  ia  U«  aloalc,  lad  a 


'W  ia  fci«  aloak,  lad 

[dUaw.    froBi  hit  n „, ,, 

auBefitim  of  the  monk  in  the  gnj  tnoic,  endcntly  vateliiiiB  turn, 
aad  with  do  commoa  doKrae  of  iiitsmt,<u  bh  erei  Mcmsd  to  ^tuUe 
imdw  the  Upt  of  Ui  oowl,  in  ■  mMuwr  whudi  fare  bim  ft  pecnUu  and 


"Ho !  the  yicqaet  tiural"  cried  Stout,  tpriDgiiu  bi  his  ftet,  ud 
■king  B  ploue  unong  the  oruin  foliage  where  the  figare  had  Bp- 
■Md.  "  Holm,  aentry  I  aiiM  Ait  fdlmr  I  Coofooiid  it,  he  hai 
■aped !"  he  addad,  u  tbe'ipptuBBeonntihed  igup,  without  loaiing 


"Rut!  aawi^ammammt4ilKaM,»iiaUwb.t. 

"na  huto  Si  uidin  iiftUunnf  fBoC  on  nnk.  I 
1«1  dmkr  ■■im,  iteri  in  iubjam  light. 

Akac  t&e 'lapnd  wall  (ad  btiMlut  liuk 
Of^HiiudriTa "  DnJHhMBtDii. 

It  vai  &  Kowlaad  Hiiri  Intntim,  ia  oiflv  to  kaap  Ua  nartaamtt 
oonecaled  frfMD  Aa  mamj,  M  BHcdi  hia  itroops  in  the  night,  and  iA 
dmn  bdbra  drnm  in  IM  wood  of  Jatsi^,  ritoate  abont  half  war 
botmai  AlmaiM  andTrsiiUa. 
inn  Oe  Bight  of  the  intasdad  datMrtam  from  flu  h>tt«- plue-  BmaU 
!e  wiA  Oe  worthr  daaeandanl  of  Khoio,  Oaptain  D 

i__  ._  t._  ■ |(Hlei  about  that  "&niona  and  n . 

tBcaapalgniafBn^na  Ayna,"  nntillhedvffi 
DOfiBS'B me uinr oi  midnight  aonndad  "l^eimmbhi"  tiinnghllai 
aAtrinK-atiMt*  of  -Ofteity.  la  «n  toinBta*  flte  wliola  of  tha  troop 
daatinod  lo  farMlbfttlnmg  plaeoa  of  tia  hMuh  wars  andet  anna,. and 
'llie«Dapiiiiutorfliata,dieTiBgiiigofitaelramn>di,  thatrampoteaialn 
•■d  (daih  of  iillllaM  gnaa,  inTelling  caJMONt  and  -''"'"-i  tmnbru 
'Oarning'thetDoli'Of  MppcBi,  minon,  pionean,  &o.,  gan  tMen  of  Iha 

Ml 

.dark ^ 

troopa,  whom  th«T  greeted  with  many  

Departing  frantteanaanthaaaeofl'iianra.BanaddbarTiedtlwangb  i 
tliedark  and  atrannatnela  towarda  Uie  auiateT-plaaa,  andtiriceiwlai  | 
way  tfaithar  wat  hta  iwIIl  emaaad  \tf  Uie  piieat  maitiaiied  in  mr  laat 
chapteri  butflie^ndeontlineof Uafigamdadadhiaaeanh, — thefint 
time  br  dleapytaiing  under  the  bbek  riunaa  of  the  townihonn,  and 
the  eeoond  time  in  tEe  deep  gloomjr  ahaoow  of  the  eldaten  of  San  Jago 
daCompoateUa;  and  althooih  RonaMeageriThmged.to  folio* him,eo 
mnch  waa  ha  preaaiid  for  tJEDCi  that  he  found  it  impoantde  to  do  ao, 

Withoat  the  wnnd  of  drum  or  bom,  liaief  began  Iheir  aaidid^t 
mamfa,  dceeeading  fromTmiiLa  towarda  the  Almonte, — theaoldioa 
caiTTing  with  them,  in  iddition  to  tliejr  beavr  accoatremoiti,  am, 
.  iledge-hammen,  ud  iron  leren,  to  beat  down  atoi^adea  and  gatea, 
and  acaKog-ladden  to  aid  tlie  aannlt ;  wliich  cnmbeiaoBia  implenentt 
tbwr  bore  far* 

Oh,  the  i 


Xo  faal  onMdf  orerpomnd  wilb.  dsap,  and  jet  b«  o 
tmdce  OB  throafh  lou  ud  nakaown  roatH  mm  tnuit*  i 
KODK  with  beary  tad  hair-cloaed  e<re«  the  ro«d  punof  bi 

nioK  Mrakm,  no  ■owhI  bnakins  tha  moaotoMHu  tr«>d  of  t , 

(M — to  drop  ulegp  for  a  momaot,  and  ba  un^uaaDtly  ■rcniMd  bf- 
»nar  noddiiw  head  aomiur  in  awtaat  vith  tha  knapaack  r'  ~  '  ~"''  "" 
r  limb  and  ftkre  ia  o' 

Lble  ««Miai 

ra  daybreak,  »bila  y 


laiaitnde,  and  h««iiic  the  mrafortKble  atMiaoM  Oat  man  wiU  b* 
•       ■  ido»tbekead1>rfbradi  ^     '      ■■    *    '       ■ 


knocked  on  the  head  DiAra  daybreak,  »bila  voor  IHeoda  at  boaat  aitt 
Ijriiv  atmrir  in  bad,  net  kiMxriof  or  caiiag  a  Jot  afaovt  the  mMtM'. 

Befbredmn  tha  daOchamta  vera  aeoralad  and  UTOMokadinO* 
wood  at  Jardeia,  whan  they  nnafned  tha  whola  dav,  k«epii»  olow' 
within  itancHBeB,.«  they  wa«  now  in  the  lotnMdiata  naifhbMifwod 
of  tlu  enemy,  opon  irho«e  Knin|hold»  ii  iilahl  allaiili  iim  ihiliiimlpiil 

"-  *- -*».    Mfore  nortdnc  htofca,  BcaaM  bad  an  oppotttmity  i^ 

•  paHartha  maak,  who  ai^aaradia  Jhtbimiinomyito- 
A'ahadaBf  alaiwanh—rt.MlffiiteowBatl. 
the  fllimmar  of  hfa  Ioh  and  floatini  pvr 
ihlanMr  afUely  aprwic  fbnrtrd,  and  ani^ 


"What 

Jdly  wva 

"FrieatI  Idemadofraa/'niiliadtheaaaraBinlr, 

tiona?  Tour  followiiu  me  abont  that  cannot  be  for  goMi  aMPlil  W 
atoaae.iTyoBdaFal  I  wiU  dcM  nn  to  tha  ^oartar-cnard,  Multa*a 
|im  nnfroekeA— by  Haaren,  I  wifl,if  yopanawgmeaotinatanllT." 

•■£bnln,I«»<laral«ady««MC''««UlbeF>it«tiBaolMtly.  ''V*- 
hand  m T  cope,  tmor  q^idMt,  oi,  aOMMJa/  Ibwwadiagar — " 

"Aoanari    How, yonraaoaUy patel  daniTontt[iMtenma?'* 

"  Why  Dot,  if  yon  ana*  me  thoa  ? "  ■■■■iiiiiil  ha  ia  a  tsoe,  tha  im^' 
vtm  and  fervcity  «(  wfauh  oaoiad  BtmaU  to  itait.  "Unband  m», 
iau>r  caTaUer,  or  It  nay  be  tbe  wone  for  ye«  in  the  end.  I  am  a  hoir 
■rtcat  of  W  OhmmId  it  fudot  BaMot,  at  Herida,  and  bear  a  lailar 
mm  the  eotT^iidoc  ^  Sir  Bowland  HUl,  who  h^  amplo^d  ma  al  bU 

"I  beUeve  yon  not;  yon  are  no  print,  bat  aome  coned  tpy  at 
BoalCa,  and  if  ao,  ihall  hau  bifan  lonriaa.  Dnw  back  hia  cowl  1" 
i^  JBtnart  to  the  toUlen,  who  thronsed  round. 

"  Stmtet-SamtittiiKmi !  O  Madre  dt  Siatl"  ociad  tb«  other,  ni- 
deoUy  te  tribolatiaa,  "  tooch  it  not,  leat  ye  commit  ■  gnroiu  ii>t  I 
m  Hnder  a  tow,  which  ye  comprehmd  not.  Unhand  m^  uobta  aai*- 
br  1  I  am  bnt  a  poor  priaat,  and  may  not  oanMod  wllfa  aimad 
nldivB." 

The  (TDffToic*  of  the  priest  died  away  in  a  wbiniwr  tone ;  and  attfal* 
aina,  np  came  the  bri^de-mHJor,  uymc  that  8ir  Sowland  wiabed  t» 
■peak  with  the  guide,  adding  that  In  nai  aitenialMd  to  find  an  oMcer 
bnwiias  wilb  ■  monk,  and  eipoandad,  for  Ronald'a  bonaSt,  the  wbide 
af  ibflJinMy  paaaami  in  (enam  orden  nlatioeto  "gnidea,"  "oondlia- 
tioa  of  the  Spaoiardi,"  &c.  &o.,  all  of  wUdi  ba  had  at  bfa  tongna'l 
end,  to  nee  aa  inele(*nt  phraa*. 

The  prieM  broke  away,  and  followed  him  throngh  the  wood,  hattew- 
ingaaM  departed  ■  hauty  •>-     <> 


bentic,  who,  although  he  iralaed  it  not  ■  rash,  was  111171149611  it  tacK 
on  ebullidon  of  wrath  from  a  friai — a  character  in  Spain  generally  »i 
medi,  humble,  ind  conniliatdDi^. 

The  digger,  too  !  The  meoUoD  of  it  had  aromed  all  hii  soipicion, 
and  he  recotied  to  watch  the  rererend  father  moie  narrowlf  in  ratore ; 
and  yet  Ganeral  Hill  mait  have  been  well  usnred  of  bis  honoar  and 
Teracitr,  before  be  would  tnut  to  his  goiduice  on  »  important  an 
occaaioQ  as  the  preient. 

AmngemeDta  baTing  been  made  for  a  night  attack  npon  the  enemy, 
thetroope  were  again  nnder  anna  at  dusk,  mastered  and  called  together 
from  the  dingles  of  the  wood.ai  noiseleselT  as  possible  by  Tr'"~  * 
orderliw,  and  not  hj  note  of  bug"  '  * 
oolnmni ,  they  qaltted  the  f  ' 
pointed  out  by  their  guide. 

Another  long  and  weaiy  night-march  was  before  liiem, — a  night  that 
might  have  no  rooming  for  some  of  them  ;  but  they  entertained  not 
■nch  dismVl  reflections,  and  remembered  only  a  high  spirit  of  emn- 
JMioD,  which  th«  recent  captnres of  Ciudad  lUidrigoBnd  Badajoi  called 
forth.  The  night  was  intensely  dark,  not  a  star  lit  the  rest  black  dome 
<rf  lieweD,  and  eaeh  column,  guided  by  a  Spaniard  who  knew  the 
country  weU,  set  out  upon  iCa  separate  march.  The  first,  composed  of 
Uie  gallant  £8lh  (hmilnaly  known  as  the  iIiaAeri)  and  34th  regitnenta, 
witii  a  battalion  of  Foiti^eBe  caf  adores,  under  the  orders  of  Genmal 
ChoWDS.  were  direeted  to  take  by  storm  the  tower  of  Miravete, — a 
fortress  crowning  the  anmmit  of  a  rugged  hill,  rising  on  one  side  of  0» 
mountain  pass  to  which  it  gave  its  name,  and  throngh  which  the  rood 
to  Madrid  Ilea* 

The  second  column,  commanded  by  General  Long,  was  directed  to 
Itorm  the  worlci  erected  by  the  garrisDD  of  Mirsvete  across  the  pas^ 
which  consisted  of  a  atrong  gate,  with  bresBt-work  and  paliMtdoes,  h>Op- 
boled  for  musketry,  and  defended  by  cannon. 

General  Howard's,  or  the  first  brigade,  formed  the  third  cohimn, 
composed  of  the  50tli  regiment,  the  7tst  Highland  Light  Infantry,  and 
the  Gordon  Highlanders,  together  with  some  artillery.  Thne  marched 
by  the  monntams ;  the  priest  acting  as  their  guide  to  the  forta  at  the 
bridge  of  Almarei,  which  they  were  ordered  to  "  take  at  tlie  point  of 
the  bayonet."  Sir  Rowland  Hill  accompanied  them,  riding  beaide  the 
crey  jiadre,  who  had  been  accommodated  with  a  mule,  with  a  doaen 
bells  jan^ng  at  its  bridle. 

Tbe  night,  ai  I  have  already  nit,  wu  intensely  dark ;  a  general 
blackness  enreloped  the  whole  surrounding  scenery,  and  the  snmmlta 
of  the  gloomy  mountains  among  which  th»  march^  coald  BCsredy  be 
discerned  from  the  starless  sky  that  closed  behind  them  like  a  vast  sable 
cnrtaiu.  Many  hours  more  than  the  general  bad  erer  calculated  upon 
Wise  spent  on  the  way,  and  numerous  suspcions  of  the  guide's  know- 
ledge or  veracity  were  entertained ;  yet  to  all  questions  he  replied  wiQi 
le  monkish  benediction,  mutterM  ii  ~ '  


that  the  route  he  led  them  was  the  nearest  to  the  village  of  Almarez. 

But  many  ft  maledictioD  ^d  the  bearily-armed  soldiers  bestow  on 
their  monldab  guide,  and  the  deeolate  and  toilsome  way  he  led  tbem. 


Strai^ling  tiinnigh  dark  defiles  and  nairow  gorges,  encombered  with 
fallen  trees  and  runed  nusses  of  rock,  twisted  btnshvood  and  thidiet^ 
every  one  of  whi^  might,  for  aught  they  knew,  contain  s  thouaaofl 
riflemen  in  ambntb, — through  toilsome  and  slippery  channels  of  rudh. 

ing  atnams,— over  immenw  tracta  of  barren  mountainous  waste,  tbey 


wme  led  duiin^  the  whole  of  that  night,  tha  priesf  •  ae;  cope  ind 
cutock  wning  m  the  gloom  w  be  rode  at  the  head  of  the  colanu), 
upesring  like  the  igmM-/ahiiu,  which  led  them  abont  imtiL  at  last, 
whea  marniug  waa  drawing  near,  the  colanin  halted  in  the  midst  of  ■ 
deep  swamp,  which  took  some  ankle  deep,  and  other*  abore  Ouit  kc- 
gJDS  or  gartered  hose,  in  water,~-the  tevereud  padie  deolailnKi  b;  tfia 
Ranctity  of  emy  saint  in  the  calendar,  he  knew  not  whereahmt*  tber 
were.  A  scarce-nDotbered  maUBOn  broke  ont  from  front  to  rtar,  and 
the  soldien  itwoped  their  feet  in  the  water  bom  pore  Tezation.  CloM 
oolonut  was  now  Tarmed  on  the  50th  regtanent,  and  Sir  Rowland  qM»< 
turned  the  padte  in  so  anpy  a  tone,  that  tlie  whole  hriaade  heard  um. 

"  Hold  the  bridle  of  his  mnle,  and  cut  him  down  snoold  be  Mttniirt 
to  tj,"  said  be  to  bis  orderly  dn|ooo.  "And  now,  mnot  pair*, 
answer  lae  directlr,  and  attempt  not  to  preraiicate ;  for  by  Heaven  if 
foa  do,  roa  will  find  yonr  castook  no  inotectioD  from  the  balboto  oc 
»  amaket- shot,— one  or  ofber  Toa  iludl  (eel  without  eei«aion7." 

"  Noble  cahaUcro,"  n^ed  tbe  padre. 

"  Klmue  1  This  ni^t  yon  baie  played  the  traitor  to  Ferdinnid,  to 
%aiB.  and  ts  ns.    Is  it  not  so  i " 

"  No,  s<nor  leneral,"  replied  the  other  stontly. 

"Tbroogh  TOUT  UMtrnmentali^,  the  attsdi  OB  Almam  hsa  Ulad." 


"Tbroogh  tout  UMtrnmentali^,  the  attsd 
"  Ira  M  en  Mwo  /  "*  replied  v»  ^ieet,  di 
"  Do  yon  mock  u.  rascal  ?  " 


Br;  bat notraeBpaniardliket tobeqneettoned thniim- 

"  Yon  speak  somewhat  boldly  for  a  priest.  Bat  daylight  is  already 
Itreaking.  and  we  must  retire  into  concealment,  or  abandon  the  attempt 
tUoMther,  Foint  oat  some  track  by  which  we  may  retreat,  or,  »iest 
and  Spaniard  u  yoa  are,  J  will  order  a  dmm-head  oonrt-martial,  anil 

have  you  shot  as  a'—" -"  —     -  ' '■*-  •■- " 

"  Orociof  txetll 

"Yourentreatie 

sal  treachen  of  yoor  nation,  false  monk  1 " 

"  By  Sbb  Jimt,  I  have  not,  generall    The  robe  I 

iter  of  the  conegidar  of  Uerida,  saffidently  atteat  i 


forlnd  I  sboaU 

At  that  moment  ttie  flash  of  a  cannon  a  long  way  down  the  moan- 
tuna,  among  whose  shUtEred  peaks  the  report  was  rerabeiated, 
anawared  the  queatioa. 

By  the  time  whioh  elapsed  between  the  ^ht  of  the  fluh  and  the 
sonnd  of  the  report,  it  seemed  to  be  fired  abaat  a  mile  distant.  "  The 
momlDg  pin, — that  is  Almarez,"  mattered  the  soldiers. 

"  Cabaiitrotj/nUada*.'"  cried  the  priest  with  radden  energy,  "I 
bare  been  no  traitor,  as  jod  seem  to  sappose  me.  In  truth  I  knew  not 
the  road,-by  Saa  Jago  de  CompoiteUB,  I  did  not  I    To-morrow  night. 


without  fail,  I  will  gaide  yoa  to  the  gates  of  Almarci.     1  tell  yon 
as  tmly  u  that  eiery  miraredi  of  my  reward  shall  go  to  the  ahrinc  ui 
my  good  Lsdy  of  Mqorgs,  whom  some  rogoes  hare  lately  plnnderedof 


"Unhand  hii  bridle,"  said  Sir  Rowland j  "I  moi 
lS»joT,  what  think  yoa .' " 

*  ItwiUsadiBSDokt,— aepaaSahnjing, 


" Hmts  ii DO  MenutijK,"  repUod  the  nsjor  of  brigada;  "hwt  >■ 
tia  TegnlBtknii  mj,  'GduJim  cannot  bs  too  juknulf  irBtcbedj'  mail 

"  "Til  a  waiCa  of  tima  to  eipoBBd  tbe  i^olaUotM  to  a  mas  whoM 
kmnrledge  ii  confined  to  hia  bible  and  uiw-book,"  raplied  tba  Keoeral 
with  a  emile.  "  We  irill  retire  op  tbe  nouDtaina,  ud  lie ooDceued  till 
ftnoared  agun  by  the  datkneis.  Let  tiie  ooloma  break  into  aaotiens. 
«>d  more  off  left  in  front.  Cokiciel  CameioB,  ^oar  HigUandera  will 
iHd  the  mt" 

A  aolltarr  pbtce  of  ovneeahnant  ww  gained  amoas  tbe  mned  moan- 
tains  of  tbe  Lina,  whive  Om  biToonc  ww  biddm  tram  tlie  Hsliuals  on 
tiM  caatlB  of  Mtmrete. 

n*  oficov  auioQ*  to  lead  tl»d  wott  deaiMfte,  bat  gallMit,  of  all 
nUilaiT  antarpriua^  the  fyrbr*  AefM  in  tha  intended  aannlt,  wen 
MqMMed  to  send  thmi  names  to  tbe  ceoeral.  In  qdtiof  aU  Aat  Um- 
doiuJd  and  bia  more  cantiana  frieiidB  conld  sar  to  dissmda  RooaU 
from  so  heedleaalr  eipoaiiv  himself  to  danger,  tb«  fierr  jmof  Higb- 
laadwan  offHred  to  lead  the  >tereaiag-pwtr-  H*  '*'ll  ^i^  bow  great 
was  tbe  danger,  and  bow  little  tbe  chance  c^  escape  attendiBg  tikoae  irtis 
headed  the  forlorn  band  t  bnt  he  was  wibDated  b;r  no  ordinuY  bdinga, 
and  qnured  on  bf  tba  BvMt  powerffal  of  all  bnman  ^aanona, — lore  and 
ambitioD.  With  tbew  inapirii^  lus  iddI,  what  is  it  tfaat  a  bniTe  nuul 
feels  himeelf  unequal  to  enoouiitcr  and  oreHOme?  Ron^  waa  alao 
eagsr  to  dMIagulili  bimwif,  to  gain  tbe  faronr  of  tb»  mural,  die 

aplause  of  the  Iioapi,  the  freedom  of  Cataiina,  and  Uie  admifatiiiQ  ■  ■ 
la  i  be  coiUd  oo  longer  look  ftir  the  lom— of  AUe*  Liala. 

Tbe  brigade-m^ier taforeaed him  (uotfbrgettiDg  toaddaataTvof  tlw 
MfUbtlons  tbento)  tbat  Us  namesake,  C^tain  Stuart,  of  tbe  MA 
reglnaif^  had  likewiaa  scot  his  name  m  a  o— djdate  fbr  Hie  dtafalB 
faononr,  and  had  becu,  efooane,  acoaptod.m  eeoMqwaoe  of  Us  npa- 
lior  rank,  adding  that  Sir  BowUndwoBld  iMt  forget  Hr.  Stnait in  Um 
nazi;  alMr  of  tlie  same  UmI,  and  that  on  the  iireMat  oocMion  ha  mi^t, 
if  be  tiioBe,  attend  the  itoraring^pattr  m  a  sapantmneraiy,  aa  it  was 
Terr  likely  tiie  first  ibe  would  knock  its  leader  on  the  bead.  With  this 
SonaldwaiobllgedtDbeooatmted, — iBtlierehagnnad,bowvTer,tofind 
that  be  bad  eipoaed  bima^  to  die  same  danpir.  wittioat  a  olMce  <rf 
obtaining  the  aame  honour. 

DuHng  that  day  the  greand  was  cersiultT  emnined  and  racanaoitTad. 
Tbe  ruKcd  bed  of  adned-np  stream,  which  led  from  the  summits  irf 
the  Lina  to  the  Agns  at  AtmareK,  was  choaen  as  the  sureat  Una  of 
nmie  on  Ae  next  ooeadon. 

Almarei  was  a  miserable  little  Spanish  village,  eensittiBgof  twoiows 
•f  bats  or  cottagci,  leading  to  an  ancirat  Dri^,  which  bud  bam 
neeatl;  blown  up,  btit  the  wmnt  of  wfaidi  the  noiefa  siqnikd  bj  > 
strong  pontoon,  extending  beti*eea  their  foits  en  each  Hde  of  AaiiTer, 
— the  one  usmedBagusa,  and  the  other  N^Mleoo.    TheU 


u  the  midst  like  a  keep,  added  gre^y  to  the  Btrni|th  of  the 


f«ta«,te  Braid  lfiiMete,Hrti«d*b  aw  iMi  of  dwatras,  «Uefc,  In 
Ihii  rtiiitiMi.  im  lliiii  iiiiiiil  |iiiil«  In  filiMim  Hil  luliiiii  iiwiiliJui 
lb>i|riM»,  dther  bf  tbeignnnioa  or  tnulury  of  tlkor  fnida.  ^>eir  wa 
— J-  i-i  -- .—  _j .  — -^L ^-i^ "-'"igBboBt  Bll^l■d■ri&- 


b■•gnlbwaill•da>•<ltU««B?AlmK«>  at  tiMbMBirf  tbBfaiUi,b^ 


_  is  nB|h  duiuri  ol  tbc  riU,  • „ , , 

^mMtrnmhat ooe Ha ibntat,  ■■  Am  radn  row abrapUr on Msh tUft 
ctfiti  Md  lb«  paaiga  «n  eneuubaad  bj  largi  MoBM,  proitatiNrnotl 
«d  tnakBif  lUaa  tmt,  iriiidi  chmJ  but  oftk  Mliian  ta  tobnC 
■Mnar,brftiUinciBtiM^Tk  m  On  tottad  on,  bi^Bf ,  ^  aiUiliiw 
to  &dr  ana*,  tlM  aaaUng.liJdm,  tbs  Inaman,  taran..aDd  <ite'iM» 
liiHMita  ftr  the  aMatdt  on  tfai  ptM  of  Iha  ««*>dK-|Ma(. 

Hi*  nrtMitiim  of  taUncAlaMNa  b*  Mttpb*  «m  frutoattd  bf  Ika 
(■nigon  in  tha  caatla  of  Hiincte.^   GaMfal  Chowtia'*  oe' '— ' — 


an  Buanlt  on  the  outworki  of  tha  pbee,  iU  ioldien.  to  alarm  tlia 
It  the  bridH,  sent  off  learei  of  roekcti  in  fiery  circlra  throat 
inky-black  Aj  ;  beaconi  of  tar-bands  bbied  on  erery  tl 

'  "  "  "  embrunre  of  the  embattk , 

talby  bda»rfl*HnK  on  the  hideoos 

^ pracipitOQa  fmntm  oF  me  Imm  beialde 


im  of  llw TkfMk  Iblomeplaen 
me  DBS>Linc  cngi  rearea  xaar  mmn  la  Ae  bcMit  at  Mferal  kmidnid 
IM  aboTB  tbe  Mn^gUng  rante  of  the  Ohd  eohinn.  The  aoane  wia 
wild,  aplenilid,  pictoreaqoe,  and  impicaslTelr  ^and,  noh  m  faw  men 
bars  looked  on, — the  duk  iky,  the  treinendam  taenerj,  nd  tbe  tower 
Uasing  with  it!  Toriona  lighta  and  firei,  while  the  paal)  of  moiketiT 
ftMr&eaMUantBoid  &e«MiUadi«iwl>ented  aMar  tbe  UUtMhe 
owfllnea  of  which  were  now  diatjnctlf  TUibls, — Oiar  mta  dotted  hn* 
^tkei«  by  flock*  of  Merino  Acep,gaMB|  &e.,  wMch  had  lau^iil  Ifaa 
fhran-paitiM  of  tbe  cBeaay. 

e«Bmd  HfU  wM  Dew  perfhoHy  aws*  that  an  attMnfrtt  cany  the 
•>rt*  by  mrpriae  ma  ft«aMlad,  aa  tbe  aaiMilt  vpon  tMn  dl  dwvld 
Have  coHnnneed  at  oneai  yat,  nlytor  an  the  nettle  endddnfey  ol 
hi«  gallant  boops,  went  oW  ••  Oey  were  b*  tteir  Bl|ht-iBaralw8i  ba 
£d  Dot  bealtate  to  nuke  tba  eflbrt,  allboq;b  Iw  Imaw  ttaVOw  nni- 
Mna  of  tfaa  ttlm-du-pimt  woald  ha  ander  arm  for  bit  neerttM^ 
'-"'in  IB  hour  of  daybreA  tbe  ^raancinMttU  imJt  qoMed  their  palb^ 


„ joddark.    BMbraAim  lay  (■>«  <l>MIUarTill«na« 

lOmtnm,  wUh  ila  om)ge*tna(  and  Tiweyafda,  and  wHk  it*  nuned 
biidn,  tte  broad  abntnenia  and  pieraof  tba  eenM  amh  af  iririoh  baai 
•rsr(taeTacai,wboeedeer  dark  waten  awept  iln^^  ob,  rMN: 
^linBtaejaTTinKaBdbeaiTlag  boflti  of  the  pontoon  btidia  wMA  tba 
AehadATownaeroai  tbe  rtrcr  a  little  lower  down,  aod  at  taefeaad  at 
nMcli  appeand  tha  riling  mosBda,  ciawnad— tbe  iiBanat  br  Port 
ItoolMB,  and  that  on  tha  oOmt  Ma  by  tha  extended  trmctai  nd 

Mb  tOWCT- of  RHtUB. 

Alt  «>B  iiDgnbrly  and  amhoulT  itai  wiOhi  &e  (bit) :  MM  appeand 
Mntat  eiaept  tbe  aeotriea,  wboae  fignes  apraet  Oa  iky  woe  dl»- 
ovned  moving  to  and  lh>  on  the  baatioiu,  or  ttuding  itill  to  ntA  tha 
Igliti  of  Mfrarete,  wbiidi  were  yet  bboing  afcz  off  ameBr  tfaeilMk 
MOBBtaina  of  the  slemk 


168^  niB  kokjuics  or  wuu' 

'  FrepBntioni  Tere  noir  made  for  tha  attack.  Ths  colonn  were  w-* 
caaed  and  thrown  a|Kin  the  breeze;  the   flinta  and  pnminfk.  ■«(« 

eiBmined,  The  ethrc(imentof  the  Fortwoeaeline,  nnil  tun |iaiii»i 

of  German  riflemen  tmd«r  Captain  SacMr,  «ran  ordeicd  to  fona  Barn 
corpt-de-r^iene,  and  moved  behind  a  tUng  gtmrnd,  wliidi  wa«ilA; 
cover  them  from  llie  enamr'a  &ra ;  while  the  tluee  Bntiah  iinlnwiiili. 
formed  in  two  cohmmi,  pfoaied  -forward  pcU-mell  npoo  tha  tSm-A^ . 
pmt.  Now  Indeed  waa  tlie  Dunnent  of  oiiataaient.  and  Um  |iiilwliiM> 
of  everr  heart  IwoHne  qoioker.  But  tine  aoldicn  placed  Uie  ntmoai 
reiianee  npon  the  «kill  and  pllantrr  of  tlidr  leader  and  eolondi.  At 
die  head  of  Bie  MHh  regimmtwM  Stnar^  anan  wboae  perftot  coalui 
and  apadir  in  the  hotteat  aetioni  anrpriaed  iH,  and  formed  a  Mmhmt 
contraiC  to  the  rathoiiaitic  iinrit  of  galant  Cadogan  of  the  HighlajwL 
"''''''  '  '  ptoud  aentimcals  of  cEiiTahrr,  martial  flrCi 


light 


CHAPTER  3XC7. 

d'bBTOU  VILLI. 

an  Man  IhM  woriiap  ^adi  and  tanUar 
«par  than  tUa  ■■eeBt,  •haa  f**T*n.  oulwia, 
iMoet,  mod  huhbut  ■iioirer'd  their  ^ol  npoD  thett 
d  farmed  I  with  ccatelaM  hlu«,  aAory  firluid 


double- quick  to 

"  HeaTca  cnide  yon,  Eonild  I"  wl^ipoed  liOnia  litle  haniedlrr 
preuiutbe  hand  of  Stoart  ai  he  passed  tlie  flai^  of  liis  company. 

"  Ciod  blesa  joa,  Uals  I 'tiiUie  last  time  we  may  look  on  each  other's 
' "relied  the  oUur,  Ua  heart  swelling  with  enddeaei-" * 


.     .    .       AiritomhahadloDibeMiBt     _  ..   .__. 

"  Maua  U  dngMaii  I  fite  P&Kptrem'  I  Affr&ti  mi  orawi  / 
Itntt—fml"  cried  tlie  dear  mice  dt  D^SabanTille  from  tlie  fort;  mA 
iastanUy  a  ToUey  of  moakMry  broke  over  the  dark  line  of  breaitworiu, 
flaabing  like  «  ooDUnned  nulaad  of  fln  showing  the  hionaed  nMigaa 
and  laU  grenadier  caps  ofthe  old  French  Goaid,  while  the  wBriag  td* 


TOice  fWim  the  anile  of  the  qpanlei  and  the 
pounders  shook  the  Tagni  in  its  bed,  while  i 


roar  of  une  twcmtT-fbar 


mpesodctn: 
bw-parWinto 
and  ladders  in 


oitT,  and  sGremng  Uragmsnti , . 

J  direction.    A  roar  iK  mnsketry  front  tiie  Britidi. 
Vlin,  and  onward  pressed 


ru.  IGS 

MMt-be  owned  that  Rondd  Stnart  c 

tt:tUck  wid  tamoltnow  beatinc  in  ii . — — 

mnantr,  intenie  and  thrUUnt  ezcitement,  iihicli  eran  tin  nio*t  bn/n 
wri  d«iuitte*s  moit  feel  when  /irtt  expoied  to  tbe  dinnoi  of  mortal 
Aife.     Bnt  ilmoU  initsntly  tlicae  emotionB  xaniihed,  and  hi*  ^' 


id  ud  betrt  bj  Ote  firal  in  from  tbe  epuUe— end  Boneld,  iwcud 
ataand,  now  led  on  the  etormen. 

"  FnUowme,  gallantil  and  we  irill  ibmr  them  vhattbeflnt  brigade 
CMido."  medhe,  leaidnginto  the  avanl-fim.  A  wildbnrrah  waaUa 
nptf  I  and  the  nldien  raihed  after  him,  croning  the  ditcfa,  and  plant- 


laddoi  against  tbe  itone  Ace  of  tbe  aloping  glad 
'      '   im  loop-bo'  ... 


inctbeiT _ --,-„_        .      . 

adesdlf  £re  from  loop- bole,  parapet,  and  embraaore,  while  tbe  Prenefa 
k^t  abotidDK  their  war-erf  of  "  Long  liie  tbe  Emperor  1"  andtho 
nace  of  D'£liti]unlLe  itat  beaid  ahore  the  dio^  oivng  them  to  keep  np 
k  rapid  fire. 

"  SoldaU—jmtM !  Cimrgtz  vo*  nrrnei  Jon*  /  Vlvtl !"  echoed 
■fanja  bf  the  boarae  Toice  of  the  artillerj-offlcer  from  tbe  baition. 

"  Sleadr  tbe  ladder,  Evan  Bean  Ireracb,"  cried  Stoart.  "  Keep 
eloeebTiiie,udabawTonraelfTour  fother'a  ion.  Ood  aid  onr  Med  1 
Vdtaw  me,  toUien— fuward I  Hairahl"  With  hit  award  in  bU 
light  band,  hii  btmnet  in  hii  left,  and  bia  dark  bair  wiTing  tixiM  U> 
iwB,  he  aaoended  flie  ladder  barloaalT,  and  atiiking  np  1&  bajweta 
which  briitled  over  the  parapet,  leaped  npon  it,  brudiihed  hi*  iword, 
Bineoloaalr  eacaping  the  uower  of  ahot  whidi  hailed  around  bim. 
With  daonlieM  bT»Ter]r,  be  aprang  flwn  the  parapet  among  them,  and 
hiitantir  tbe  Yltadb  gaxe  war  before  the  inoiitible  atream  of  Britiah 
tiQopa  who  ponced  in  DpoatbcEn,  and  a  deaperateatrnggle  took  plac»— 
Aott,  bloodf,  bnt  dedtife. 

"  jU,  Mon  iMev  ;  BaUie—r^lit !  leldah  !  BiaiU!  Cniitx  la 
Imtmtlle!"  ahonted  D'Eitonnlle,  franticir, — letting  hia  men  tbe ei- 
ample,bj  throwing  himaelf  headlong  on  the  bajoneta  of  the  aaaaUanta; 
bathe  waadrlTOD  Mok,  andhiaefforta  were  inrain;  aecore  of  laddera 
bad  been  placed  agaitut  tbe  glada  atoAer  i^acee,  and  the  woAi  were 
Monned  on  almost  every  put  at  mtce.  Tbe  defnidera  were  driren 
bade,  b«t  flghlinr  with  tine  Freneh  braverr  for  arerr  indi  of  ground. 
Tke  Britiah  aaaaiW  them  with  irreaiiUUe  impetnodtr,  bearing  tbemi 
h^kwaida  with  the  chai^Bd  bayonet,  the  dabbed  moiket.  the  pike,  and 
dieaword.  By  tbe  paitieiilarfaToar  of  FroTidenoe,  Ronald  esoaped  the 
dangam  of  the  fiiriora  hope,  while  the  aoldien  who  compoaed  bu  band 
were  mown  down  like  leavM  in  antnmn ;  bnt  irtille  pretaiog  torward 
•Moulbe  enenr,  two  powerful  grenadkn  of  J«a  GarilatFrBnfait  nubed 
nnon  him  with  thcdr  lereUed  baroneti,  putting  him  in  imminent  peril. 
Ae  piloi  of  a  aergeant  of  the  50th  tntA  him  of  one  aaiailant,  and, 
doaiag  with  the  other,  he  daahed  hii  bead  acalnit  the  breed)  of  a  car- 
nmade,  and  paxed  hia  fword  through  the  broad  breaitof  a  third,  who 
eamenp  toUaretoue,  and  the  warm  bhwd  ponred  over  the  bond  and 
blade  of  bi«  conqueror,  who  now  coald  tearcdr  keap  bia  feet  on  tbe 
wooden  platform  annonnding  the  hiaar  ^da  of  tbe  brcaatwork,  wlucb  i 
wat  covered  with  blood  and  liraina,  and  idled  with  dead  and  wonndfd 
-•with  druna,  diimoanted  osnnon,  end  broken  weapons.  The  accne 
which  waa  now  preienled  i«  tar  beroud  mj  humble  powen  of  deierip- 
tfan.  Hie  blaie  of  cannon  and  mnaketr*  from  Hagiua,  at  tbe  other 
end-Bfthepcntoonbrldgo-wbere  tbegarruonfiredattheriakofklU- 


mstbair  oomradsi—Staredoii  Uia  glanrboioat  of  tbs  Tuw,  tinging 
it  with  that  red  and  golden  cokiar  ao  fnielT  bettowed  npon  it  br  p«el9<. 
Bat  vitbia  tba  inner  talut  ot  Che  bnutirork  and  bloody  plalfiRiii,  Iba 
■ceae  would  hne  prodoeed  horror  in  one  leia  eidted  than  men  cob* 
titing  hand  to  huid,  and  who  regarded  honour  rather  than  life. 

There  lay  the  giiudydnKl,  cold  and  palein  tbe  gre;  light  of  the  moraioff 
— aeroiatbeDi  in  bMq>*.tbe  voaDded,qaiTeringwiihintenBitf  of  igoor, 
gnning  tbe  gorr  ground  with  con*D]ahe  olotchee,  and  tearing  op  the 
earth,  which  wai  aoon  to  cover  them.  In  hradlib,  while  their  «;«% 
Mnrttag  bom  the  aoeketa.  ware  beooming  glaied  and  terrible  in  deaOi. 
Othen,  who  had  reoared  woonde  in  leae  *»al  parti  of  the  frame,  weia 
endawoBling  to  dcu  UkenaelMa  from  the  preaa,  or  ataaeh  t^is 
•ttewainf  bkiod,  im^oring  ttioae  who  nritter  beard  Bor  heeded  them  Ibr 
"  WatarT  water  few  the  lore  of  God  1"  Yelli  of  andden  agonr.  tlw 
dBB|i  groaa  of  the  leferelr  weanded,  and  bearw  deeth-iattie  of  ttM 
dring  mbb,  aibaeM  aad  were  loat  lit  Hm  tannltooae  eboat*  of  tkv 
PVench,  the  ateadr  and  heartjr  cheen  of  the  Britiah,  the  elaah  of  tMt, 
the  trunp  ofAat  end  dliebarn«(  tmiketrr.  thenoteaaftbe  '"d  ^'''- 
pipee  of  die  Hat  and  Vtai,  whlah  were  blown  lend  ano^  to  awalmk 
tkeheroea  tA  Selma  in  thair  tonaha.  Many  acta  «#  penoinl  hendm 
«4n  peift»Bed  oo  both  lidca  heAra  the  cocaay  wera  trtrir  driven  boR 
thrir  woAi,  br  wMdi  the;  fbvght  with  the  oharaelctMio  biawy  e< 
thdr  gaUaMoMlon. 

Bnt  kmgar  centMlicmwvald  hnv  been  wadneaa.  Tba  rightwbs 
of  Hat  Highland  L%fat  laJutij,  and  the  whole  of  Ae  Wth  regfneotv 
potmd  in  npeo  Uien  lilce  •  flood :  the  whtda  {daee  waa  captaied  iM 

"*  "' "'  "" .---..-.    —  .  j(j  j3,.,j,on  driven  i^o  the  litHe 

id  Into  the  bMdoB  (hnnwhiah  ttaelF 


•  of  «4« 
mied  trr  Ih 


A  formed  br  the-oHnqt'e  baj 


ucSraB^ 


ended  thert^  had  netbMlTarad,  at  Oe  peril  of  UilUh,plBngedaTa>  the 

flMBnaa  after  Urn,  ud  borae  to  the  eaidi  ■  Trend  oSoM-,  whoae  arim 

'  ie  maalet'i  head. 


The  atUeUcHighluider  pinned  the  Oaal  to  the  earth,  andoniheetk- 
ii«^  a  »)«n«.(Uu  [bUok  katfe),  droveitchroaghtbabreaatof  hUdi». 

'•Sombril  ie  Bttn^itb!  Let  taavaga  Sea*iai»!  Batrt  Um/ 
(Umaradr*,  tmnn-moi  /"—but  Ma  eomntdea  had  berriy  lime  to  aavn 
themerive*  from  the  dde  of  armed  men,  who  poured  throagh  the  gv 
wfcigli  Bvan  and  his  miater  had  formed. 

"  Harrab,  HtgUuideta  t"  cried  the  rfentorian  vidoe  of  Campbtl 
from  another  part  of  the  works,  where  he  appeared  on  Ibot  at  the  head 
<t  hia  conpHir  (be  wai  ma^  by  brovet)  armed  with  a  long  HighUod 
diik  in  addition  to  hia  formidable  Andrea  Perrara.  "  Harrab ;  bim 
beartti  Give  Hiem  Bgrp^  over  agais  I  Honnt  te  ^tform,  lidll 
riaermind  the  cannon,  wd  blow  their  aknllaofF!"     A  Imadied  aetiiv 


HlKhlptideri  riwyad  the  order.  Tim  tweot^.feur  pOBBilan  wan  »■ 
Tdwdi  louled,  puoMd,  and  Gied  in  ■  twiDkliuf ,  aandiug  t  tremendoos 
ToUej  of  gnpe-afaot  aDioDg  the  doue  miu  wbich  crowded  tlie  dark 
•qoare,  tram  which  uose  ■  yell  nuth  *•  might  come  trom  the  ntiooi  of 
the  diKDed,  mingled  with  the  galluit  cry  of  "  Vive  I'Bmftrtur  I" 

' '  WbII  dime,  brmn  fellowi  I  Load  aod  6ra  uain  !  tb^'e  plenty  of 
inipe  I  Another  doM  1  Girs  it  them  I— hum  V'  cried  the  inncorabla 
Cunpb^  Wkin.  The  al&et*  of  the  leMad  T<d)«T  wtn  indeed  ap- 
paUing,  as,  from  the  elermdon  of  the  plitflsm,  Uie  shot  ectaallv  bmr 
^tbeaknlla  of  tbo  unflirtBimtB  FmuA  in  icgne.  Thie  wu  Iho  do- 
diire  atroka.  The  baitiDD  aod  aqiurB  we  aUn  alMndooad,  aod  aU 
iBdMdtowardithangoi.toeroaaDdnnthotewBrof  RafOaaj  bntthe 
pRiaoBoflbat^aoB,  wi  fladiag  that  Fort  Napoleon  wai  aaptored  and- 
A  fDoa  turned  on  tbem  bj  the  Germin  irtiUerr,  ta  eoma  tlwir  or~ 

retreat,  deetroyed  that  of  tbdr  oomrai'"    '^-   —■^--  ■'- '- 

I»idge.    D'Bstoaville'i  troopi  had  ui 
tliein<elvei  prisoners  of  war. 

So  euthndastic  were  the  soldiers  while  flnihed  with  excitement  and 
victory,  that,  fatlowini  the  hold  exampb  of  BTan  Bean,  nombeiB  Biram 
the  Tagiu,  aod  from  the  other  tide  fired  after  the  fngitiie  garrison  of 

"  Smrender,  noble  D'Eatoanlle!  BeBistanee  is  nnavuliag,"  cried 
Bonald  to  his  old  acqaalUanoe,  who  with  bit  back  afUBaC  tiie  colonr- 
Uaff,  mrroDnded  by  co^isea  aad  teMtared  faadnea,  atood  on  his  guard, 
with  his  proud  darit  eyaa  flaaMag  flie  under  his  crenadier  cap.  He 
was  reaofute  apparently  to  die,  but  never  to  surrender  to  force. 

"Haiti  kwp  bftck,  icdditttl"  a^Staar^  striking  down  a  r)di»  of 
thnat^uDi  VMi*  aod  haroBCti.  "  Ha  will  suTtoder  la  me.  Yialtb 
ullaBt  DEatoofiUel  ysd  may  aow  do  so  without  a  riudov  of 
d^oiHMr." 

Bat  be  seemed  to  hara  fbrgottan  &a  ^nher,  •«  he  only  ntplied  bf 
«  Uow  sod  a  th  rust. 

"Hais  a  gaUant  Mlowl  nid  Faadten,  tossing  ttw  biMl*  of  hia 
horse  to  aa  orderly,  and'inaking  his  way  tbimgh  tha  preaa.  Save  hiai, 
it  poasibie,  Staait,    MoJitieiir,  rtmdl  eefre  ya,  vt  eiiwet." 

"  JfiMuitwr,  permit  me  to  retain  my  mwd,  and  I  will  nrnmd>^ 
*tia  bat  i*  dnil  di  ta  fmrrt." 

■■CeilaiBly,  tii,  if  it  is  your  wish." 

"Cnix  Dm/  Cursed  foTtuuel  So  anon  agma  to  beecsythei' 
Snnily  I  was  bom  tuidsr  someeTil  stBcV 

"  MOKsisw,"  replied  Cameron,  "  toq  bare  babaaed  most  noUy  in 
tUaabir.  The gtoty  of  tbe  rauqaldied  ia  acanely  less  thta  that  of 
C^tfaKoa."  The  Fcannhntanwas  subdued  by  the  *ea>tiniadftMttry, 
tad  layinc  !>>■  hand  upon  his  breaat,  answered  by  a  hof. 


a  jtm  i  neader  myselt.    C'ssf  ■ 
syuig  his  h"""*  "—""--•-  —  ■"- 


lyEstouTille,  laying  his  head  Asniliuly  on  Ranald's  epaulet  white 
duatliiDghisBwoTd;  "IbaoeiDeapriacaierwitiUBtsiumM.  Tbegr«et 
XiaiMm  airirt  yield  Umadf  wiUioat  dishoDOiir  la  yen,  sayoldfrimd; 
tai  in  tmlh  1  would  latho'  auneDder  to  >  desoesdant  oi'  the  andesit 
Fi  kill  of  France  than  to  yoar  aoa^em  neitJihaDre,  fi>T  with  them  • 

_.     ....__._!., 1 -^      «._...  •j(^;,rtati,this; 

it  of  my  soldiera  1 
■all  bear  of  thia. 

A.  pnrad  and  pscnliai  smile  riiot  over  hia  tetnrea  as  the  aoldierv 


E ailed  down  Om  tri<coloar,  tnd  bore  it  off  ai  ■  trophf  fram  tte 
ution.  He  folded  his  ftrmi,  and  letoiag  uaiiut  the  Biig-Btiir,  inr- 
Teyed  the  ebbing  conflict  apparently  with  the  ntmiMC  cooloew  uiii 
perfect  nouctulaDce ;  but  the  quiTerlne  of  hii  moustached  lip  abowvif 
the  workiDgt  of  liii  heart,  tboagh  he  endnvoared  to  caoceal  tbcm. 

With  mauf  a  cry  ot  "  Faittt  botau  guerre,  meatietira  let  Eeeuait  I 
Qiiariiei — gwirlierf  Lei  toit  de  la  guerre,  meatievra!"  the  dia- 
oomfited  enem^  elamoronily  detnaiided  to  be  talien  sa  pruonera  of 
WOT,  aa  the  Anns  had  now  ceased  ererywbere  ;  and  they  often  called 
aloud  on  "  iea  Ecoimii,"  probably  from  seeiog  that  the  uuuority  oS 
their  conqneron  wore  the  kilt  and  trawa  of  tartan. 

"  Soldali,  tot  armei  a  lerre  !"  cried  the  crest-fallen  D'Eitoorilla 
over  the  parapet  of  the  baaUou  ;  and,  ai  one  man,  the  fbatteied  remainm 
of  the  gallant  ^arriion  giounded  their  anui,  while  a  itrong  party  of 


CHAPTEE  XXT. 


Ttamn^  ill  tba  lOat  Kreeu  CreOn'i  oim  I 

GicltnMiUInUi  it  luih  ibe  bcum, 

jLod  uddaD  duongh  Lhe  uadu  ol  ni^C  qipcan." 

XniU,  hMk  a. 
It  wu  now  dear  daylight,  and  over  heap*  of  dead  and  iroonded 
which  were  atretched  aroond,  lying  aoroM  odi  other,  aa  Eran  aaidr 
"  like  herrina  in  a  k^,"  Rimald  went  in  tearch  of  Cataiina  thnwgh 
the  bnildingicomposiDg  the  barracka,  iriiich  were  arranged  intbaforn 
of  a  aqoani.  At  erery  turn  hia  paaaaga  waa  eDosmbecea  by  the  miiU'- 
able  nctimi  of  the  moming'a  carnage,  moatly  French,  «« the  mtiotitf 
of  the  Britbh  killed  and  wonnded  lUl  in  the  msnl-ybM*.  Ben  lay 
tbs  war-wom  and  |T*)>*'»'red  grmadier  of  the  Guard,  seamed  witk 
the  scan  of  Aniterhti  and  Jana,  blowing  tha  bells  ot  (roth  and  blood 
from  hia  qniTcting  lip,  and  acowUnc  denanca  with  hia  glasing  aye  at 
the  passer.  Beside  or  across  him  lay  the  saaacnlar  Highlander,  hit 
bare  1<^  drenched  in  gon,  casting  looka  of  luploring  hdpleataen, 
oraiing  "  Maister  atoart,  for  tbe  lore  o*  the  faeerin  aboon  them,  bi  Iniiut 
tha  wcfi^at  droo  of  HaCfr.  nr  aand  aoma  ane  to  atanrii  thor  hloid-'' 


h  marked  the  lane  nude  by  flie  e ...  

Bchuve  of  grape,  and  the  whole  pWe  twam  widt  blood  tad  braina— 
a  horrihle  paddle,  like  ibe  floor  of  a  atanghter-hoDM. 

All  thia  waa  ■•  nothing  to  witoeasing  the  (ti|^tfnl  agonies  of  Dm 
wretched  wontided  wtd  dyiu,  goaded  with  the  most  eicrooiating  pain, 
choking  in  their  bioad,'-tiMC  limbs  qniTcring  in  extremity  of  twtnra, 
while  tney  abriekad  the  eternal  cTf  of  "waterl"  and  ahrieked  in  van. 
Bonald  preaaed  fbrward  almost  without  heeding  them, — war  for  a  tisat 
arara  and  hardens  the  heart  in  no  oommon  degree,  eten  against  tlw 
ntmost  Bccnmidation  of  human  wretchedneaa ;  but  ha  certainly  waa 
rather  appalled  at  the  appeaiaace  of  a  solder  of  the  50th  foot,  who  had 
crawled  away  into  a  comer  to  die  unseen.    A  muiket-shot  bad  paued 


-  ...  ..  B  red  blida  dripped  irith  the  liKai  of  it,  turned  awKf  in  borror. 
litUe  know  our  poicefol  and  ploddins  citizciu  at  bomt  of  the  mbedet 

In  search  of  DamiB  Catalina,  Ronald  wandered  eTerywhera  through    ' 
the  deserted  and  confined  qnartere  of  the  enemy,  but  Ae  was  nowhera 
to  be  found  i  and  he  wu  about  (o  crms  tha  riier  md  aeirch  the  tower 
of  Rmdm,  ar  anestion  lyEHoiiTille,  whra  drama  beating  in  the  aqoare 
MUed  him  to  the  pamde  at  the  regimeDt. 

It  was  now  a  beiDtifnl  monunr.  and  the  riring  mn  shed  iti  liube  on 
flie  ridges  of  (be  Lina  and  winaingi  of  the  bnght  Tagna.  At  tiieir 
base,  in  the  pure  boaom  of  the  gtesar  river,  the  trees  and  TineTardi. 
es  and  mined  bridge  of  Almarei,  the  baatioii  '"  ■  " 
Bck  tower  of  lUgnia,  wsra  reflected  downw 

>e  huge  mirtoT.    Above  them  the  rooming  n. 

woods,  and  the  smoke  of  fire-arme  from  the  forts,  mingling  together 
and  ascending  in  volnmea,  melted  away  on  the  thin  breezy  air.  Long 
and  lond  blew  pipe  and  bugle,  moMering  the  troopi  in  the  aqDaie  M 
the  i^e-du-feat :  but  many  who  had  marched  to  them  merrily  yeater- 
da*,  lay  staric  and  stiff  now,  and  beard  their  blast  no  more.  The 
mJUtaiy  atore-honsas  of  the  enemy  had  been  broken  open  and  given 
over  to  pillage,  and  akins  of  wine,  bottles  of  ram,  and  kegs  of  French 
brandy,  were  to  be  had  for  the  broaching.  Barrels  were  staved,  and 
bams,  roundi  of  beef,  ttc.,  were  tossed  by  the  soldiers  from  one  to 
maOSUer,  and  borne  aloft  in  binmph  on  the  points  of  bloody  Iniyoncls, 
■■d  every  man  filled  iiia  havresack  with  such  proviaions  as  be  ooold  lay 
Us  hands  on. 

Wbeo  this  seene  of  tomnlt  and  disorder  was  ended,  the  aptnren  of 
llw  Fort  Napoleon  were  mnatered  in^the  barrack-aqoare,  to  receive  the 
thanks  of  Genera)  Hill  for  tbe  Bteadinen  and  dashing  nllantry  of  their 
oondact  (hroughont  the  auBult.  The  soldier*  bomed  to  give  the  fine 
old  teUow  three  hearty  cheera,  but  discipline  withheld  them. 

Addresaing  himself  to  Ronald  id  pfvticular,  he  thanked  him  for  the 
danntlesa  manner  in  which,  on  Captain  Stuart's  fall,  he  had  led  tira 
BMBnlt.  While  the  general  spoke.  Ronald  felt  his  beart  glowing  with 
Iha  moat  nudloved  delight,  and  the  reward  of  being  tbna  pnbKcly 
thanked  before  Ida  eomradea  was  euffident  for  the  dangera  tie  had 
dand  and  overeoma.  "  How  prond,"  thought  be,  "  will  the  people  at 
a*  iM  tower  of  Locfaisla  be,  when  they  liear  of  tlus  day's  work  I  And 
AUce  Liale — snrely  she — '" 

Hoe  tbe  soft  and  plaintive  voice  of  one  well  known  to  him  broke  the 
Aain  of  M»  thooghts. 

*'  0  Sautr  Don  Ronald  I  O  par  amor  dt  Diot  I "  exclaimed  Cata- 
Bm)  widk  andden  j(n,  "  for  the  love  of  the  holy  Viixin,  ^tect  me  1" 

"  For  tbe  love  of  yonraelf,  rather,  inir  Catalina,"  aaid  he,  advancing 
from  the  flank  of  his  compaoy  to  where  he  saw  her  kneeliag  on  the 
ponnd  between  the  cloae  nmka  of  German  rifles,  who  beheld  her  dis- 
Itesa  with  sullen  apathy.  How  beautiful  she  looked  then  I  Her  whits 
fea«da  were  daned  in  an  agony  of  terror,  and  her  long  Rlosay  bur 
Klled  in  disherelled  ringlets  about  her  fine  neck  and  shoulders.  Ho 
rused  her  from  the  grouod. 

"  Catalina,"  a«id  bt,  "  I  cannot  leave  my  post  to  lae  yon  ttorn  BM 


fort;  bat  do  ma  fin  fkronr  to  t^n  my  ano,  and  piay  do  not  bas* 
agitated.    There  Is  do  duiger  now." 

"  O  no — with  TDO  I  a™  tafe."  die  replied  with  a  deligbtfol  aadlB  of 

—•^—   — " ,  whioh  oaaaed  a  ttriU  to  p»m  throoBh  Kos^d'a 

'  '  r  ann  in  hii.  "  0  armigo  mia  !  itiat  a.  teniUa 
How  terrified  I  hate  bit  once  the  mr  U  Oo 
oaiinon  ronwd  me  inm  bed.  A.ad  yoa  have  escaped  1  Praiie  he  la 
the  Virgin  for  it  I  she  beard  my  pcayen.  All  I  tiow  I  tnmbled  for 
yon,  vhen  1  anr  iitxa  a  loop-tiole  tbe  bla<^  irfamea  of  your  renmant.*' 

Koi^d  [ireewd  the  UtUs  band  wUcb  lay  on  fail  am,  bntliB  knaw 
Bot  what  to  My.  AtDemeforaoftiMBi  aiidjovfill«dbi*li«Bit,DBiiriiV 
him  to  turn  with  diigait  from  tlM  objaota  of  bloodahed  and  atrUb  tbat 
lay  cvaryKhan  amwtd,  and  lua  i^ai  nated  on  tiw  dooaa'i  radiant 
fiiitaica  with  a  pUaann  idildi  he  had  nenr  known  till  tlm.  How 
aaneable  it  wai  b)  bear  the  bank  Bill  tdkinc  in  tiiii  way '. 

..«  — ^  .,-,.  .»  ^x. ,.C.j  „ja,  ,  (hndder.  aftara  — 


I  canaoKcely  loM  aroimd  me,  an  mam  mhbI  u|hb  pran 
flrirea  erer^here  lo  my  ere — lighta  of  which  we  knew  nothi^  Bt 
hup*  Henda,  bafore  tiie  fUae  Napoleon  OFoned  the  Pyntneea." 
^^"With  Ood'i  he^  and(nr«iKMl  itoei,  Catalioa,  we  will  dineUa 
laiona  baok  nain,  or  into  the  tia  at  Bayonoa;  aad  then  afain  at 
lurida  tbe  fiuKEiDgo,  tbe  bolico,  and  wtba—" 

"Amiffavria,  mdotI  yon luwlcaa might beaana the CidRodrigaj 
but  aUhooth  yoar  hand  nuf  be  ai  rtant,  and  year  awotd  aa  longiM 
Ina,  why  be  ao  laah  ?  How  yoa  leaped  ovar  the  parapet,  amwit  Iht 
horrid  bayontU  of  the  Vren^—" 

"  Yon  aawme,  thenf  uud  Bonald,  with  deligfat. 

"  And  trembled  fbr  yon." 

"  Howfnrtaiuaiam  tohareyonrgood  wkhecl  Idaren^yOBaM 
TCry  happy  at  hefng  freed  from  tbi>  place  ?" 

•'O  Tmy— »ei|  1  But  am^yit  wm  not^my  aoeaDntthataliaia 
fr^tfol  wmkha  ba^mada.  Pertiapayoa  hare  heard  how  Iwaaow* 
ried  off  ftom  Merida  ?  " 

"  Y««  ;  tad  I  sanBOt  azpniB  the  nnaaaineM  the  relation  jraie-aaa." 

"  A  Frenoh  offioer,  a  Major  D'Ettonriile,  carried  me  off  aoroM  Ut 
iaddleBii»tiTeMaideB,-byfbTae,  aa  any  fierce  Moor  of  Graoadaiwoald 
have  done  Ion  ago.    I  bB*e  bem  alacB  a  pdttmar  here." 

"  WoU,  bnt  tUa  lyEitouviUo— " 

"  Sacb  a  gay  oa*ilier  he  ii !  Bat  I  wv  Tiry  ttnd  of  him,aitd  km^ad 
to  bs  at  pteaaant  Merida,  with  Iti  sanny  Prado  and  oraDg^^rarea,  b< 
_. . .  ■  _  ■■ ..  j^  j^l^  guwdod  fort,  with  itt  bolwarhs  and  '*'  


iafe?' 


among  the  prisoner),"  h*  added,  examining  U»  snllen  and  diaarmed 
band  as  they  marcfaed  past  out  of  the  fort,  Bamuaded  In  theur  armed 
escort  commanded  by  IjOuib  Lisle,  tirom  whose  cheek  me  blood  waa 
Uickling  from  a  sabre- wonnd,  which  be  beeded  not. 

The  officen  on  parole  uncOTerad  their  heads  on  paasiag  the  yoang 
Udy,  who  now,  when  her  terror  wu  over,  began  oatanlly  to  fed 
abated  and  coofnged  to  find  herself  leaning  on  an  oSMf't  vm  OB  • 

military  parade,  wpoMd  tothegaieof  Hvar^regimantf. 


.    "Oh,  Itnutheliunapad;'twer«Bt])oaMailpitiM[fMvii^ar 
1  nidido  ihonld  be  iqjnred-" 

"  On  mr  word,  if  TOO  Uke  bo  gntt  in  intcnat  In  tUi  nnb  Fnnch- 
maa,  I  sbul  hel  quite  jaaloui." 

..^.     I.   .  .._ I  Mil  yon  I  norerwiih  toMehkfcai 

«,  with 

■■  Hair 


HwTt  wDidtl  ibid  taftiil  lionl    to  be  U>u«  p 


e  iaformatioii.    Uaodonild, 
iDt— D'EitoanUe;  di«  jon^  mai  with 
Ab  bcar-ikto  wp  ind  ctiauoa  fcathar  }" 

••  Whh  Ui  Uhen,  I  bdien,  poor  (dlow.  Hewu  i  gallant  xddtar  m 
vrer  drew  sword,"  replied  Aliiter,  who  at  that  moment  came  paat,  and. 
p^  his  napeota  to  Donna  Catalina,  whom  b«  wh  not  a  little  nuprlasd 
to  aee  amidit  the  nub  of  tho  HiKhlandan,  leaninB  on  Ronald'a  am, 
while  her  lonf  beaocibl  ttMaaa  itraamed  aboBt  Ilka  thoM  of  name  wiwd- 

"  1  nntrice  lo  lee  yon  in  nhty,  a^Hnn.  Ihaardof  jonr  bainf  infhc 
handa  of  Am  enaaar, — indaad  it  made  ao  deep  an  impraaaioD  on  nay  ban 
asMrad«,  l^t  ha  oDBld  not  kMv  U  ■  aeoM.  Btitb,  Stout,"  beaddiB 
faiawUapBr,  "  jaahaMpfBk«dnpao«D«thiiiSMOt«Fra«kMaQHika<Un 
of  Maliva,  or  a  keg  of  Pmich  eon  ia  n't." 

»  BMa    A  Kab*. ''  kmiImi)  tlui  nthnr.  with  an  m 


"  A  few  indMa  of  akin  rioped  np— •  men  nodiiliK,"  aaid  Uaedonald, 
iAmb  ano  waa  ilnog  in  hia  aaih.  "  I  iwaiTCd  it  fl<am  the  bqoDtt 
of  n  fine  old  franadiet,  whom  Angn*  Uadtle  taaa  leat  to  Ua  1ms 

"  Wldl,  bnt  the  eominandant— " 

"  FowMlDwi    iBm-Kurribr  hia  late,— he  wainad  »o  grilaatMd 


"  The  detO,  mm  I  what  hw  hai^sBad  ?" 
"  Have  yon  nai  heard?" 

•■  No;  hayidded  himKlf  toae.  wiUi  paniaaion  to  retain  hb  ewtttd." 
"Better  had  he  toaaed  it  into  the  Tho*  I  SaaroelThadTOiiMtUm, 
^ri^opoama  that  fiarr  bordenr,  AnuMramt,  of  the  71ct  (at  baMl 
te*e  baard  Oat  It  waa  Anaatronf),  df  anffiiy  hia  aword,  not  baiag 
aware  of  the  terma  on  whidi  he  had  leadarad  lilinaalf  priaoawr.  Dm 
fieadunan,  D'Eatoonlle  1  tfaiak  yon  sail  bfai,  either  oonld  notiv 
-wanld  not  wmprehend  Um ;  Mad  Annatronf ,  by  a  aimtle  stroka  of  Ua 
sword,  deft  hia  ikoU  throogh  the  thick  itenadier  cap.''^ 

An  tsdamiiion  of  r^e  and  impttianoe  brofca  Arom  Bonald,  Bad  of 
.'pity  firom  Catalina,  who  da^ad  her  haada  and  r*l«ad  her  dark  melan- 
choly eyea  to  beairen,  while  he  eaat  an  angry  and  leardibiK  ^aase 
alonr  the  noka  of  tha  Highland  I^t  Infantry. 

"or  Rowland  Hill,"  eontinaiifAIiiter,  "  regreta  tiiia  nafortniiBte 
fimiin**""*  Tery  math,  aad  haa  aent  liiin  off  in  a  bulloek-car  to 
Merida,  in  charge  ^  a  French  medical  officer  Ubsroted  on  bii  parol*. 
Bntl  mnst  bid  yon  adiea.aa  our  company  iaord«ed  to  ■uistThiele,  the 
Oerman  engineer,  to  destroy  the  tower  and  bastions  of  JUgiua. 
B«ven  knows  how  we  sball  sccamplish  it :  it  looks  aa  maaaire  oa  tt>» 
old  pile  of  Maoial  in  the  'Western  Isles." 

"  what  ia  that  lillanona  priest  about?"  said  Ronald,  When  Macdooald 
had  withdrawn,  and  he  saw  their  Koide,  with  the  grey  coeooek  badanbed 
.  yirtt  ||h(od,  boaying  himaelf  about  the  jvoatrate  oead  and  woanded. 


m 

"  Surely  ha  li  not  plaudoriDi.    Prick  him  with  yanr  t»70iiet>  3I>o^ 
phenon,  aod  drive  him  oR. 

"O  no,  tenor,  Hmtoi  forbid!"  uidthe  yanns  lady  harriedly.  ""He 
mnit  be  coDfeulog,  or  cndenronriag  to  coarert  tome,  before  they  dif 
and  arc  loit  for  ever." 

"  Scarcely,  CaUlins,"  replied  Ronald,  leeing  they  were  mm  of  the 
71rt.  '"  The«e  are  true  Presbyterians,  from  a  place  called  Glaagow,  in 
my  coniitry,  and  would  a*  toon  bearlcen  to  the  denl  as  a  Roman 
Catkolic  priest" 

"  How  good  m 

■oldierfrom  the  t...  „.. .,    ..   _ _ .     _ ^. 

bendins  him.    "  Call  him,  Don  Ronald ;  I  have  not  coatstsed  ai 
left  Merida." 

"  What  aim  can  yon  hare  to  confeu,  Catalina  ?  Bcaldci,  I  do  not 
like  this  fellow.  Bot  aincii  yon  look  so  imploringly,  and  dedra  it  ao 
mndi,  I  will  bring  him  to  yoa.  Bnt  let  him  beware.  Ho  rererend 
goberiiador  S  Senor  padrt  ot  tba  ConvfTito  de  todot  Simtot,  let  ti/aic 
the  haTreucks  of  dead  men,  and  come  htther." 

Tbe  priest,  atarting  from  his  occnpstion,  croraed  his  handa  npoa 
bia  breast,  and  cams  stalkiDg  slowly  towards  them,  with  Ul 
liead  enveloped  in  bit  cope,  and  his  cross  and  rosary  H«n|-Km 
before  him. 

Catalina,  wearied  with  excess  of  agitation  and  tha  want  of  sleep,  waa 
■niioos  to  procnre  a  female  attendant,  and  to  be  sent  to  tbti  village  df 
Almarei,  from  which  she  hoped  to  find  some  means  of  trareliing  to  the 
residence  of  her  cousin  and  sister,  Donna  Inesella.  And  as  Rooald'a 
duties  at  that  time  leqiured  Ms  being  bIods,  he  sent  her  off  on  Major 
Campbell's  horse,  accompanied  by  the  priest  and  Emn  Iverach,  whom 
be  desired  to  see  her  safb  in  the  best  house  of  the  Tillage,  and  to  remain 
•rltb  her  until  he  oonld  coma  in  die  ereninr,  Imme^ately  on  means 
being  procured  to  conrey  the  EntTering  woandad  to  the  rear  in  blanket*, 
bullock -carta,  hnrdlee  of  branohee,  craned  pikes,  ftc.,  the  forts  were 
ordered  by  Sir  Bowlaad  Hill  to  be  compleMy  destroyed.  Eighteen 
pleca  of  eanncm  ware  a|«kad  and  cast  into  the  Tagi**-  ^^  dead, 
firitiBh  and  FrenA,  Mend  and  fbe,  the  rieton  and  the  Tanqulshed, 
found  one  common  grsTS.  Abont  bnr  hundred  eorsos  were  toaed 
into  the  avamt-Jbitt — arms,  aooontrenMnts,  and  every  HBng,  for  bmial, 
>Dd  a  horrible  rile  they  formed,  lying  belied  over  each  ouier  like  fidi 
in  a  net  The  heavy  atone  parapeta,  tne  ravAmMM/,  and  earthen  woifcs 
were  thrown  over  on  diem,  tor  the  double  purpose  of  cohering  them  np 
and  to  dismantle  the  place.  Gates,  palisades,  and  bridges  weea 
deatroyed,  and  banadka  and  stoie-hotMM  ^ven  to  the  flames,  con- 
suming in  one  noiteiMl  blaM  of  deatmotlon  everything  that  oould  not 
tia^KTledor 

ist , ,    

_.,.  Lutbevanlts  of  thetc  -      -   .   -, 

tfEplosion.    Lieutenant  Thiele,  a  German  officer  of  en^eera,  having 
fired  the  train,  and  fonud  that  the  powder  in  the  vaults  did  not  explode. 


From  battlement  to  (bnndation  the  masdve  stone  toweh  burst  and 
rent,  tottered  for  an  instant,  and  then  sank  like  a  bouse  or  cards,  but 
with  a  mighty  crash,  which  shook  the  frail  cottages  of  tha  adjacent 
village.    A  shower  M  stpnes  and  mortar  was  scattered  in  erery  diroc- 


ftn,  and  the  mangled  conwofnileleM  into  the  rirer  nuur  T«rdi  off, 
wd  annk  to  the  bottom  nnheeded  and  nncand  for. 

Sudi  wu  the  Btonning  of  Almarei,  which  took  place  on  the  IBtii 
Mar,  1312;  Biidfbrtbec*ptiureoririiichSiTSoirlaiid,aftanrard*Iiord 
Bin,  received  the  title  of  Baron  Almara  of  the  Tagni. 

As  soon  BS  the  laborious  vork  of  deMmctlon  was  completed,  th« 
troops  were  marched  &am  the  nii&ed  forts,  with  th^  cAonn  fljrilig 


of  about  half  B  league,  biionackw  oa  their  orany  eidet.  Aa  tber  n>- 
tbed,  Ronald  looked  back  to  the  place  where  io  many  had  found  > 
tomb,  aod  where,  but  for  another  dcetioy,  he  might  hare  foand  hie. 
Und^  the  mouodi  made  Inr  the  leTelled  nmipartt,  la]'  the  mangled  tb- 
maina  of  men,  iriio  bat  a  few  honra  before  were  in  litl^  Md  In  the  fidl 
eqjoyment  of  health  and  epirita.  A  cloud  of  dait  and  smoke  yet  hnnK 
oierfiie  rains,  between  wUch  the  ilany  Tmt  waa  flowing  adll  and 
dear, with  ita  eoThee  glowing  in  the  lUl  iplai£>nr  of  Uie  mendiao  inn, 
— flawing  onwsrdi  ae  it  had  done  a  thonaaad  yean  before,  and  m  it 
will  do  a  thonaand  after  those  who  fought  and  died  at  Almarei  an 
fonotteni 

Leaving  the  biTooac  on  the  moontun-side,  where  Area  were  lightinK 
■Bd  prepBTstiong  maldo^  to  resale  on' what  had  been  fbnod  in  the  stoma 
of  tliB  enemy,  Ronald,  immediBtelT'  on  arms  hdng  '  piled,'  letnmed  to 
fiieTillB^,  which  he  foand  almost  deserted  by  the  popnlatkon.  who  wore 
mmmaging  and  searching  ^lont  the  mini  of  uie  forte  for  wliaterer  they 
conld  lay  their  hands  on,  beedleaa  of  the  lamcutationa  made  by  the 
widows  of  some  of  the  slain,  who  hotered  near  the  nnconth  tomb  lit 
tlieir  hosbanda. 

At  the  door  of  a  dilapidated  cottaga,  the  walli  and  roof  of  which 


liiB  mniket  andBanuae,  <riiieh  were,  of  ooitne,  idled  with  Om  moru' 
ing'a  strife,  and  chanting  the  lAile  hii  foronrite  "  Keek  into  the 
draw-well,  Ite.,  to  drown  the  monotonous  Afe-lf aria  of  an  old  blind 
village  matron,  who  was  Idling  over  ber  roewy  while  riie  sat  on  a  tnrf 
by  the  door,  warming  herself  io  the  rays  of  the  bright  nm. 

He  entered  softly  the  desolate  earth-floored  ^tartment  in  which 
Donna  Catalina  was  awaitioE  his  return.  In  one  comer,  with  his 
bands  aa  Dswl  meekly  croasea  over  his  bosom,  stood  the  Irarly  and  dis- 
agreeable flgore  of  the  pTie>t,^diiagi«eable  because  there  was  a  sort  of 
myatery  attached  to  hiin,  which  the  sbtqieleea  a{>pearBnce  of  his  gar- 
ments, and  the  custom  of  wearing  a  cowl  insMsd  of  a  scull.o»p  or 
ehOTBl-hat,  tended  not  a  little  to  juaeaae ;  and  Boimld.  as  a  Scotsman 
Bud  thoroDgh  Freabyterian,  was  naturally  not  orer-fbnd  of  any  one 
eonnected  with 

"    H  Flip,  that  pagan  ta! 


and  conaequ^Uy  he  bestowed  on  the  apparently  unconadoos  padre  ■ 
id  roaes  formed  a  rural  cnrWa,  Catalina  ir 


stem  look  it  •eraliny  and  distrust.  At  a  Utde  uisan  opening,  that 
aaned  the  purpose  of  a  window,  wid  around  wbkb  the  dujteting  papea 
—  I r 1 .  ,     n  ....... Mted with  htratat pale 


_  n  her  hand,  wUdi  was  almoat  hidden  among  tl 
eadi,  tiie  hue  of  which  contrasted  with  its  wUtencM.  Her  daric  eyea 
wtiw  intently  fixed  on  the  green  roountaina  of  the  Una,  where  the 
Antiah  bironas  was  Tiiibte.  The  sc^bard  of  Stuart^l  olaTmcre  janing 
on  tike  tike  of  the  floor,  roused  ha  from  her  rereile,  ana  a  rv^  bhiA 
■nSued  her  {see,  from  her  tetnplei  to  her  dimpled  chim,  aa  she  ad- 


mmd  tmnids  Urn  id  bar  uoal  coBfidiog  ind  hnHc  mumtet,  >Bd 
puMd  her  arm  throuli  hii. 

"  Tfae  meraud  fcner  will  pediip*  lelire,  Bnd  iao  tbe  oU  pstrona 
«t  tke  door  companv  in  ter  dentioiu,"  wid  Konaid  iher  some  coava- 
Mtlon.  and  the  monk  immediitdT  wUhdmr. 

"Ak!  «nu)r  ana,"  nid  Catolaia  in  m  nntle  tone  of  d^irecatiall, 
"wlndoi^bwt  thojmorpikMMhaiigbilT  P" 

"  Ido  not  like  Um,  Cii»UnBr-aii  my  bononr  I  do  not:  tnd  I  beliere 
Obto  ii  no  lo>e  loM  betimtB  «s.  I  eonU  b»a  nrom  I  kw  the  cram 
liOt  a(a  d^nv  gliltar  ladm  tiio  civ«  itf  bii  CMsodC,  ■*  Iw  fritUiew 

"  Hii  eradik,  jnAopt." 

"He  toU  me  ke  emmi  t,  dinWi  irken  I  GOnironted  Jilm  in  the 
wood  of  JiRatio." 

"Wen,  'tii*«rf  probatde  he  bevo  it  inthcaeiid  tuna  for  [oateo- 
4uiii  h^atDamrimsi^utjtrmncroaor  ame  now,  Henygbeia 
S'allMr  JoDBia,  of  tfaeconmnt  of  AUfiointiatMerida.  IthinklfaaTB 
ImbmI  kia  voioa  bcAire:  ke  bai  not  Aown  kii  fltc^  aa  be  sna  a  tow 
compela  him  to  conoeal  it.  But  indeed  70a  muff  be  respedftu  to  him. 
ne  nobltat  Udalgoaaad  caTiJian.ianrconnkyrapect  the  poorest 

a  laik  for  the  Pcye 


4md«MM  of  flaaexprauian,  whiki  be  draw  ker  towards  him. 

"Ok,  at»r,'  -whal'-^Fho  is  that?"  said  Ike  ladj  hoiried}:,  m  Um 
300H  beoMMauddBolrdm-kaBed. 

"Ti*  oidr  dnt  ooraed  prieW." 

"fiotiiT  it  WM*  BiMahaAca-;  hia  tfanleta  clittendamoqi;tke 
Tine-teares." 

"Wa  Itoladtke'padraaana-diopping.kiacaaiDck  wooldaaaRelr 
■are  UmfroB  B  gaoi  emanf." 

"  Abu  1  OBt  wooM  be  noat  feal  aaiaiiMe.  Bat  apaakint  of  Un, 
TsmindamBaf  •  Bias «e  bad  focmadinBtbefbie  foncMiein.  I  m«ai 
'toinitniTKlf  andor  bia  eaeoct,  and  to  tmd  to  Tnixilio,  wkeraOe 
alcalde,  or  my  motfaar'a  bTotker,  Dan  Oonngo  da  Conqnetta,  wiUGad 
~"         ~     ~  t  to  Iilanha  1  Trlhi.  mare  you  aay  my  oowin 

I  will  intni 

iractet, — a  prisit  wi , 

,.  Mie,"  ilia  aka,  pootiBspnttitr,  "aniely  I  can^i^OMftf      1 

Myself  ail  plMM?"    ^^        ^^  ,^         i.,.  ^T     ■ 


._,"  aatd  Ronald,  kiuinj  her  foraliead.    "I  will  n 

tnwel  with  yon  to  Idauha^a-Telha." 

"  1  dunk  yon ;  bat  it  may  not  be.    I  may  trarel  with  &  padre  ;,1 
— ■-    -•       '-  "     ~  ■■  ■•  '■     -    (oLJadotoha 


■wtij  damofly,  aad  I  cm  tnut  la^wlf  with  iiim  vitboat  ftv,  upcddlr 
fbrKuhaita  duUoceaj  fiiMii  tlui  to  Tmiilio.  1  luneno  CMr  of  tks 
FrsBdi,  BDd  Boitber  robber  nor  tnerillt  in  Spiin  will  ioMlt  tbe  rel«tiTe 
"       '  B  DSTalier  u  Dod  Alnro  de  ViU>  FVaaea.    AJ)  i  bad 


n  this  nutter  wu  ended  by  tbe  arrinl  of  ib 

Vmg  uuc  loe  eolonel  wkhed  to  see  him  u  loon  m  pouible. 

.. . .  B  coofonnded  prediramBnt  1 "  eicUimed  the  impotieot  £»• 

■aid,  wh«D  tbe  HigUnnder  wu  lOBe.    "  I  do  not  half  like  iutnuting 


KwiUl  Uda  coBniiiK  priett ;  esd  Tst  I  niut,— then  ii  no  tltenutiTa. 
Uew  I  am  »deel«d  bf  Sir  RM.t«d  r" 

oT««,li . 

Boneld  racked  bii  ianatuQ  to  fiod  otbar  aoheiaei,  bat  the  yoDOf 


bf  Sir  Rixilud  Hill  to  canr  tbe  tieeoaat  of  thi* 
iaiiii»  to  I^id  Wellii  '  ... 

net  renpi  yon  to  Um." 


lady  had 

few  bar  earalier 


to  I^id  Welliii(toa;  and  m  I  oubM  protect  yoa 
pi  yon  to  Um." 

Ill  ionatioQ  to  fiod  other  aoheiaei,  bat  the  yoniif 

IP  her  mind,  aad  «■■  obrtinale  is  eoBaeqaBOfie ;  Aart- 

had  to  tidMdt,  and  mAt  audi  HraDgementi  for  bw 

lid  anaUe  bim  to  tanair  Inmediatelr  to  FaaaUva. 

[  proenved  D'ErtonnUe'i  iplcBdid  black  cbar|er  from  a 

Isadora,  whoae  riiara  of  plnndar  it  bad  became,  and  a 

le  ^aoed  mpon  it  for  tbe  lady.    The  prieat  bid  Ui  itoitt 

'  Bude,  and  auoUwr  wei  procnied  for  «  ruddy,  brovn-cbeekedyawaiM, 
DryDBiiK  paatant  gu-I,  irboBi  Calaliu  bad  eiwwed  In  Bcoompany  hw 
by  the  iray  ai  a  feiuale  attandant,  and  irtKi,  uthbtigb  the  had  a  proper 
Mddle,  tiwDgbt  it  did  aat  m  the  leait  uwoar  of  want  of  otryiiMMS 
Cmodeily)  to  ride,  i  la  eotiajier,  in  the  Spanidi  awnnar. 

BoaaM  bayinc  cot  all  dww  maRan  amnfad  aatufkctorily  witb 
pnnnptitadB  and  da^ateh,  ntanted  to  bid  adieu  to  Catalina,  win 
dmapednpoahlaabanlder,  andnyeway  to  apautonof  (can. 

He  waa  ao  modi  agilated  by  tUa  diipbiy  of  afltetion  and  tandemaM, 
ttat  be  eonld  icaicdy  p<miade  himulf  to  Mparate  froai  her,  and  witn 
difficnlty  restrained  a  itrong  inolination  to  make  lome  raeb  and  formal 
froyoaaL  But,  hi  he  pruaed  fail  Up  to  bcr  pale  oheek,  be  aHnnd  her 
(hat  he  wooid  in  ■  very  abort  ttme  oUain  Inre  «f  abaatiae,  and  viiit 
her  ^  Idanha-a-Velba. 

bit  Cor  lonie  hint  bo^i  and  linimng  loye  tor  Alice  Liile,  Ranald 
wo^d  at  tbii  eidtiiq:  monutit  bave  broiq^ht  matten  to  a  cUaux  witb 


«  certainly  in  tlat  aintalar  pro 


Bight  iriUisglf  nj  hart 

*'  taj  b«art  it  k  ni«ed  and 

I'dlWe  wV  or  meioF  tlieiuQtmi: 
Vn  dune  whu  I've  oTud  rgpoiHd, 
To  buUi  1  btTC  fMghtti  aj  ■Jth." 
niey  WOTa  lacliniog  in  the  nceH  at  the  opei 

Kbiidi  the  yinea  atr^gled.     Poor  Catalina,  (_ ^ 

draw  Vffi,  DO  looger  cared  to  caaceal  the  sentiounta  of  ber  heart,  bat 
ha^  on  Ronald'a  breait ;  while  he  retnreed  her  embrace  with  ardos- 
lad  tlKir  ^OHy  hair  't<'lgltH  tosether  in  the  bright  aaoihinB.    At  tb 
Bomaat  ue  door  waa  ^a»i,  and  Looia  Liale  eolared  ^rnpUy. 


ISO 

Haring  ddiTcred  orer  hii  priioaen  to  a  CIT1I17  gnird  among  the 
moQDtBiiu,  he  had  retanied  hutih  to  AJmana,  amioiiB  to  lee  Ronald 
Stuart,  sod  bring  Bbont  Ihitloiig-deltTKt  reconciliation  and  eiplanatioD 
for  which  he  u  mach  yearned, — the  few  wotdi  (pokes  before  the  forts 
were  itormed  haiing,  to  nie  ■  common-place  phrue,  "  broken  the  ice 
between  tbem."  Ptdl  of  thii  frank  intentioD,  Li«lB,  alter  learching 
.  the  Tillage,  bad  found  the  cottage  where  Ronald  wai ;  and  enterioK 
with  that  nnceremDnioag  ^edom,  which  is  learned  by  a  residence  in 
camp  or  qnartera,  found,  to  hli  no  small  anrpriae  and  indignation,  that 
there  wai  one  more  there  than  he  expected. 

Cataliaa  itarted  fhim  Ronald'i  arm,  and  hid  her  bluhing  dieek  in 
■mniing  the  maaaei  of  ber  laxnriant  air.  Ronald  eyed  the  nnirelconifl 
intruder  with  a  look  of  anrpriee,  which  he  waa  at  no  pains  to  conceal ; 
while  Ifae  latter  gaTe  him  a  flsrce  glance  of  impatience,  anger,  and  die- 
like  ;  and  muttering, — "  Pardon  me.  I  am,  I  beliers,  under  a  mis- 
take, irhidi  will  be  eipltiaed  when  I  have  a  fitting  tiine  and  plaoe," 
he  withdrew  aa  hastily  aa  he  had  entered. 

Scarcely  had  he  reared,  when  the  monk  of  Merida  brongbt  hia  male 
•nd  Catouna'*  borse  to  the  door  of  the  eottiM.  The  lady  fastened  db 
her  Mmbrero,  with  lla  kmr  veil  and  whita  iSeallier.  Ktmald  tied  the 
Tibboni  of  the  yelyet  mantilTa,  and  leading  her  to  the  door,  assisted  her 
to  monnt.  Her  new  attendant,  Uie  blaok-eyed  paiaans. — all  blnahei 
■nd  smilei  of  pleatare  at  the  prospeot  of  a  Badigoz  bat  with  a  lilrer 
band,  a  paliMe  and  frock  of  the  Mat  doth  hata  Anago  de  Pnerco, 
trimmed  with  lace,  &e.,  which  her  lady  had  promised  ber, — appeared 
mounted,  as  we  have  before  described,  upon  a  mule,  the  honainga  of 
which  were  better  than  the  friar's,  which  consisted  entirely  of  rope. 

PoorTictDrD'Estoayille's  black  war-steed  still  had  its  emboned 
* oatipread  winga  of  the  Imperial  a 


tingale, — which,  with  the  uddle.cloth, 

of  the  old  " 


embroidered  with  the  badges  of  the  old  Guud,  formed  a 
contrast  with  the  faded  side-pad  of  coarse  Zafra  leather,  which  wat 
girthed  on  it  for  the  lady's  accommodation. 

When  they  had  departed,  ha  watched  tbdr  retiring  fignrea  M  long  aa 
they  were  in  aighC,  until  a  tnrn  of  the  road,  aa  they  entered  the  Dow- 
deserted  pais  (rf  Mirarete  at  a  gallop,  hid  them  trma  his  view,  and  b« 
.. 3  . ..  .1.  f _ .  ^jj  jiij  i^onntain  sit""  '"" "" — ' ' 


heart  and  presentiment  of  approaobing  eril,  canaed  probably  br  a 
re-action  of  the  spirits  after  the  fierce  eicitement  of  the  morning,  bat 
for  which,  at  that  moment,  he  conld  not  account.  His  distmat  of  tlie 
padre  Jerome,  the  guide,  increased  when  he  recalled  and  nrriewtd 
many  inipicioaa  and  singntar  points  of  his  character. 

CommnniDg  with  himself,  be  was  slowly  ascending  the  slope  towards 
the  biToosc,  forgetting  altogeflier  the  ordm  of  the  colond,  and  turning 
now  and  then  to  view  the  little  yillaga  of  Almarei,  embosomad  anonc 
the  unibrageoas  grores  that  grew  around  it,  andf^np  tiie  udasof  tlM 
unduIatingLina behind ;  tbewinding l^gnsflowingin front, and ttavait 
expanse  of  landscape  and  bine  sky  beyond,  were  all  pleashig  objecta,  and 
he  gaied  upon  them  with  the  delight  of  one  who  knew  how  to  appridate 
their  beantr.  He  was  aroused  &om  his  rererle  by  hearing  his  own 
name  called,  and  00  looking  about,  saw,  to  his  surprise,  Mqor  Camp- 
bell, reiKMU^  his  bulky  frame  in  a  little  grassy  hollow.  His  neck  wu 
bare,  his  coat  was  unbuttoned,  and  hi*  belt,  ss^,  flee.,  lay  scattered 
about.  Near  him  his  horse  was  grazing  quietly,  bnt  the  muor  leemed 
i_<..„.:,  i_  ^_  _. . ,   ___-. .      Ronald  ai"-       " 


IBI 

iutO^  towardiikim,  utd  peretiied  that  hiiHrruit,  JockFentknd,  wu 
Inmiic  ■  wound  on  hii  neck,  wbicb  itu  covered  with  blood. 

"  What  hu  hu^awd,  Campbell  ?  " 

"  Such  Ul  aBiU  u  nerer  luippeDed  before,  enn  in  B(Tpt,"  replied 
fte  other  torioiulT,  with  a  miglitr  oath— iworn  in  Qulic,  howorer. 

"  NotUnt  T«r:^  bad,  I  hope  ?" 

"  Onlr  a  itab  in  the  nedc,  thrM  incbM  by  one !" 

"  I  knew  not  that  fon  wore  wounded.  Saral;  t  Btw  jon  aafe  and 
(Mnd  after  ^  mine  was  Hining  at  R^Dia.  Bnt  t  bad  iMUr  und  the 
Hrn«n,  or  Btoart,  bi*  wwrtMit,  to  toq." 

''^Oh,  no  I   'tia  a  men  HTBtch,  which  I  « 


I  woold  not  nloe  a  bnn 

„  — ,_  Jit»  morning  j  " 

■•  I  did, — d — n  it  1  it  oicitei  all  my  fDrf,    Did  ;oii  » 


bodle,  bad  I  renuTsd  it  daring  tlie  bnuA  tbit  morning  ;  bat  to  gain  it 
■ "■■  ■   tblaited 


roil 


"Tliegnide?    I  left  him  but  an  hoar  ago.    Bnt  who  wounded  yon? 

orely  not  the  ptieit  ?" 

"Ad  old  aeqaaintance  of  jontt." 

"  Of  mine  r 

"Of  jonn,  by  the  Lord  !  Hie  rascal  ii  dijgnlied  u  a  print  of  the 
Cmventa  dt  lodai  Sanlot  at  Merida.  A  short  time  up  I  met  the 
— ine  lemding  a  mole  tiiii  way :  hii  &ce  was  bare, — I  knew  bim  inttantly, 

1  Btrore  to  captnre  Mm,  Uiat  the  provost-marahal  mi|bt  in  tima 

become  Bcquainted  with  his  throat,  wluch  I  graaped.  Qaick  M  ligbt- 
ning  he  onshesthed  »  poniard,  and  dealt  a  blow  at  my  neck,  wludi, 
■lightiDB  luckily  on  my  gorget,  glanced  apwards,  gifing  me  aMverecnt 
mder  t£e  ear." 

"  Hiaery  1     Yon  have  not  yet  told  hii  name." ' 

"Are  von  really  lo  doll  as  not  yet  to  have  goeued  irha  he  h! 
Kgliten  the  bandage,  Jock !  I  kncvr  the  cheat- the -woodie  as  well  as  I 
wmiid  have  done  old  Mohammed  Djedda,  Oemin  Djihoun,  the  shoe- 
maker at  QiMid  Cairo,  or  any  queer  carle  it  has  been  my  luck  to  meet 
b  camnigning.  Bnt  come. to  the  bivouac,  and  I  will  give  yon  a 
debdled  aoeonnt  of  tiie  matter  over  the  contents  of  a  keg  of  especial 
good  east  dt  vie,  which  it  was  my  luck  to  capture  this  mormng." 

"  'iia  Cifoente*  I  Powers  alxiTe  1  and  to  him— a  bandit  and  mor- 
demna  bravo,  have  I  iutmated  the  cuidance  of  Don  Alvaro'i  slater  [ 
I  must  follow  and  tesene  her  &om  Uiig  monster,  ere  worse  may  coma 
ofiL" 

"What  ia  all  this  ?  Of  what  do  you  speak  ? "  aaid  the  rnqor,  strock 
with  wonder  at  the  other's  vehemence  and  emodon. 

"  How  shall  1  fbllow  them  ?  Withered  be  my  hand,  that  It  struck 
not  the  cowl  from  his  accoised  viiage,  and  discovered  bim  ere  he  out- 
witted ma  in  snch  a  manner  I" 

"  Br  the  tomb  of  the  Campbells,  he  ha*  a  bee  in  his  bonnet  1 "  con- 
tinned  the  major,  with  increased  wonder,  while  even  Jock  Pentland  (& 
hsnl-featured  Lowlaader  with  high  cheek-bonas)  stayed  hisemploy- 
ment  to  stare  at  bim. 

"  What  tempted  the  viUain  to  come  hither,  disgnited  aa  a  priest  i" 

"Hie  reward  offered  by  ^  Rowland  fbr  a  gnide,— and  perliaps  ha 
h*d  tome  design  against  your  life.    He  been  yon  no  goed  wllL" 

"  Aa  he  h»«  ftdled  In  that  by  my  vigilance,  tbe  brunt  of  his  bate  will 
lUl  with  double  (arv  on  Donna  CataBn*,  to  whoae  noble  brother  ha  is 


Jt  ImdlM 

_  _   _  _  K  for  me  yon  can  to  tb»  colonel,  m 

I  ihsU  not  bs  back  tUl  to-morroir  psrhaps.  Ho  1  nowtdrtbe  <±MMa  1 
Namei  is  likeljr  to  find  ■  raim  hdddc  the  ia(nnitnD«>  if  he  oomeB 
witiuD  rcaoh  of  niT  sword." 

He  leaped  npoa  Campbell's  hone  wbile  qieakhis,  uid  argiog  it 
...  .._i.  .t_  l:i._   _jj  „jy  j„  ^  momsnt,  while  the  pn^irietor  ^mng 


art  I    Bt  he 
ides  It  t^t  T 


his  neck,  and  the  borse'a  wiad,  if  be  Hdes  it  tut  rate.  Andwhitahall 
I  do  »ithont  my  horse?  I  mnrt  visit  the  susrds  to-nigtt  oa  foot. 
What  on  earth  oan  the  fellow  mean  ?  Sorely  the  uproar  of  this  moni- 
tDg*!  aswolt  has  crazed  him  <  Yon  remembar,  Pentlsaid,  that  two  of 
the  2W-roiM*  went  mad  ontright  after  the  battle  of  Aleiondria,  whoi 
we  wet«  in  E^pt  with  Sir  Ridpli." 

Beedless  ahke  of  the  cries,  threats,  and  entreaties  whiefa  tbe  m^at 
tent  after  him  in  a  voice  of  no  meMored  compue,  on  west  Sonald, 
flyinK  at  fiill  speed  through  the  bivooac  oT  the  SOth  regimeBt,  ploognig 
tight  through  ■  large  fire,  icmttBring  bnniiitg  bUletB,  oamp-loitaea, 
cook^a  ratJon-meat,  Sn,  in  nerr  diivctioB.  Orcrtaniing  soloim  and 
piles  of  anns  in  lui  procres^  lie  drove  imUsmIt  on  with  faeadkoi 
ipeed  toward*  tbe  MM  of  Hirnele,  down  the  deep  duk  fforge  of  wtahifi 
he  galloped  jast  men  the  pniple  smi  wu  dipping  berond  tbe  a-eitiu 
honion,  and  tbe  notes  of  the  bn^lea  Mondii^  the  evening  "  rabMt* 
died  away  on  the  Imaie  behind  hun. 

Onward  he  rode  along  the  narrow  monnttun-path,  the  hUb  bceomtng 
darker  and  loftier,  the  ovvfaanglBg  crain  more  awM  and  pnoipitons 
on  each  Bide,  u  Oer  hewed  tbdr  black  fronts  over  die  Mad,  fiUed  with 

Eiwning  flsswea  and  rent!,  growing  blidc  in  Hw  gloom  of  tkeerening'. 
at  theae  bad  no  tenota  for  the  SoMnun,— be  heedtd  nat  tfaeiniinaa- 
lag  depth  of  (be  diadows >  or  tbe  wild  appearance  <rf  the  baialtlfliitdMi 
he  kept  hie  tm  fixed  on  the  windings  oFttia  read,  bat  no  traoa  cdi^  ha 
.discover  of  ifaosa  of  whom  be  was  In  pnittdt.  lie  lina  of  manih  waa 
dotted  irith  wonnded  aoldien,  itr^Iing  on  to  Mnida  (whither  tfaB]i 
had  been  ordered  to  retire),  and  some  were  dying  cm  the  road,  unable 
to  proceed  fsriher,  while  otlierB  liad  expired  ontrigbt,  and  were  iThig 
n^ected  by  the  waraide. 

Ronald  returned  not  that  evening,  and  when  the  troopi  were  paraded 
next  dar,  he  was  atUl  ahient;  and  Hie  na^s  account  of  the  ringulai 
manner  in  which  ha  galloped  off  among  the  n       ^  '  -  '     - 


and  resolved  that  tbe  moment  he  did  retnrn,  he  ahonld  be  dmivei 

hii  sword  and  pat  nndtr  aneat.     Tbe  despatch  and  captorsd  otdc 

«f  Oie  fbrtrese,  together  with  Genaal  HiU'a  earnest  reooromendatiOB  of 
Bonald,  whidi  it  waa  intended  he  ritoald  have  carried  t«  Lord 
Wellington  himself,  were  sent  in  chai^  of  Captain  Bevan.  Tbe  Nant 
day  the  victors  of  Almarei  retired,  to  nqoin  Uie  rest  of  the  divi^on  at 
Almendralejo,  where  G^  ^dliam  BnUne  (who  had  been  left  In  aom- 
mand)  expected  honrly  to  be  attacked  by  Marshal  Soolt,  whoss  baofm, 
however,  neverappearad,  but  kept  close  within  their  eantonmentiinme 
neighboniing  prtnWe. 

•  A  (nnillsr  ata*  In  the  r™ad1«i,  as  IJgU.l»tt  foe  iha  Uglii  iahati},  sad 
nit-/»((^tbebattBllannwn.    Thtea  old  msst^soia  pbnies  are  gidag  oat  (f 


Noe  dsjB  flUpitd  befbn  tha  n^tMola  i^^wnsd  tlw  dirUoB,  udaft 
ward  iraa  vet  bwil  of  lbs  miwing  Stuart,  althouh  era}  inqniiy  wm 
mde  at  Villa  Maria,  San  Padro,  and  Madilin,  where  thaT  mad*  loaf 
katla.  Ha  na  pna  owtt  br  hk  fraadi  aa  a  l«t  man,  and  poor  Snn 
Inntcli  iraa  well  nigh  deueaUd. 


CHAPTER   XSVX. 


TIwhqI  hat  puHd  wnji 
Thie  hrigfat,  the  beaadAiL  U  now 
A  UaediDf  pioca  of  eWj^" 


BoMAXD  rode  at  a  noid  jaUop  tiouf  Qw  wild  moiubiin-path  wUelx 
Ibwe  aliodr  daacribM.  Aie  areniiu  ma  iniwiDi  dark,  and  la  Cliat 
■olitaij  place  tlw  aoood  of  the  honra  lumb  alona  broka  tlw  deaUtr 
lika  itillnnart.  and  awoke  the  adtoei  at  the  frownini  locki. 


....  _sr  to  oTertake  Cata* 

-  — .--Moompaiiion,  to  waatelime  muKOBuarilr.    But 
u  iiiTOlDntarr  itop  a  little  fkrtjier  oo,  where  ■  aoldier  of  U* 
1  compaqT,  a  imaTt  loiuic  fellow,  Damad  Archihald  Lofan,  lar 

u.: .' ... .    _:.!.   .v_  J...  _.  _i.j^  iJ,  y^ 


w  the  road,  with  the  dwt  of  which  U 


ji  the  animal  he  rade,  to  (tay  for  a  nipiaait  and  nu  B| 

— ,-— . *  whoeo  ued  mother  had  acoc 

him  vith  aacb  Borrow  to  the  beach  al  Lmth.  01 


«  the  fame  joiug  soUler  w 


Campbell's  detacbmeat  embariied.  and.  Ronald  (noder  whose  ooSc*. 
Hua  drennutauee  bad  bron^t  him)  had  dwajra  admired  hia  aoldlar-Uke 
Murtaaaa  and  itaadliuaf.  lie  wai  ijint  now,  and  endantlr  In  aatate 
of  delirium ;  broken  kt'tp'^  and  wild.  obMrratiaoa  fell  front  hja. 
eltfflinjr  lipa.    Bonald  apoke  to  him  : 

"  Ha  baud  it,  hat  lia  IwaOd  Mt  1  hit  ma 
Vat  wllb  bia  hnrt,  ud  tbia  WM  fti  anj." 


...yEdhibar^. . , 

baimtT  hia  balrn'a  btald  iilln'.  PotTerfaaaolonlomJoaimothan  forX 
bear  yer  peelin'  and  mouiiii',  but  I  oaona  *ee  the  face  1  fiun  wo^' 
kmk  on.  IWI  my  faitber  to  lay  me  is  the  num^r  aide  o*  the  Urk-nrd, 
—jv  km  tlib  plan  wed.  I  aje  load  to  pu'  Ute  gowana  aad  hItvlMlla 
ttat  pew  thara  in  aimoMr.  Mania  Onulte  haa  than,  wnaiqt  the  laag 
neandeidsTaaai  Uf  m»~4a]r  me  oloae  to  her.  OboHibpI  ya  kas  i 
loedherwMtj  we  herded  the  aame  kyc,  and— "  Hia  rolaa  amik  away 
iato  a  whisper,  and  Ronald  baeamgdeaphafCKted.    Afker. *-- 


Soden  Lilr  I  She  lin  btfwem  the  mnckle  ddd-itane  o'  ths  lidrdi  •' 
eaootie,  ind  tlu  T*nlt  o'  Che  anld  folk  o'  CRBtle-Onter.  Lay  am 
clou  by  bar  stdt.  utd  plant  aame  o'  the  broon  heather  trae  the  ixiDnia 
Peottandt— the  Pantlaadl  1  loe  au  wed— on  the  heavy  howma  that 
oorenme."  Thii  vu  the  lut  effort.  AEuborblaodiponted  &wb 
the  wound,  and  he  di«d  witfaont  a  ETOon. 

Stuart  could  acaioe  refrun  from  tean  at  witneaaing  tlie  fate  of  thia 
poor  prints  aoUier.  Death,  anidat  the  fieroe  ezcitement  and  temolt 
of  battle  where  "Oe  Toy  mafuitude  of  the  ilaacbler  throws  a  loftaa- 
iug  diagniae  over  it*  orneltiea  wd  hoiron,"  i*  DOthing  to  d«di  when  it 
oomea  itealiufc  oter  a  bnmui  bemg  thna,  alovrir  and  ijradnaUf,  haTfate 
in  it  aonwlbiiu-  at  once  awAil  and  terribly  impresaive ;  and  Ronald' 
StOBit,  blonteaand  deadened  aa  hia  tedlnga  were  br  campaigning,  felt 
tfaii  aeuEelf,  aa  he  turned  awa;  ftam  the  oone  of  bii  comrade  and 

Hia  attention  waa  next  amatcd  hj  a  monatroul  raiea,  orcorbla, 
which  eat  on  a  fragment  of  rock,  watchiiiK  attentiTelT  the  icene,  aa  if 
awailiog  hia  coning  banquet)  bnt  Ronald  eompelled  it  to  take  to 
flight,  D;  ntterinc  a  lond  holloa,  which  remberatad  amoug  the  niah* 

of  the  mountain  wOdemaaa.    It  waa  now  night ;  but  tiis  n —  

aboTe  the  aununita  of  the  hiDa,  (lowinf  fliraugli  (■{ 
clondalikeaildl" 

•long  the  puM  ol  . . 3  —  , f  , 

roda  which  orerhnne  it.  The  speed  at  wliich  be  rode  aoon  left  tks 
monntaina  &r  bebiniPbim,  and  ai>ouC  midni|^t  bnmgtit  bimdOMbr 
the  gloomy  wood  of  Jaiciejo;  bnt  on  all  that  line  of  load  he  had  ifi>- 
corered  no  trace  of  Donna  Catalina,  or  the  ruffian  who  had  dec^red 
her ;  imd  aa  the  conaCry  thereaboata  wai  totally  uninhabited,  ha  met 
so  one  who  coold  giTe  him  the  alighteat  intbnnation,  and  hia  mind 
became  a  prey  to  fear  and  appreheQUon  that  aome  act  of  blood  or 
treachery  might  be  perpetrated  before  he  came  up  with  them. 

"There  they  are  f  Now,  then,  HeaTen  be  thanked!"  he  exclaimed, 
on  aecing  firurea  on  boraeback  atanding  at  Soiot  Mary'a  well,  a  rode 
fonnltun  at  the  croM-raad  lea^ng  frnm  fnuiUo  lo  Lacorchnda,  which 
interaect*  that  from  Almara  to  Jareitda.  Ha  looaencd  hia  aword  in 
the  acabbardf  bnt  ca  advanoiu  found  tbat  he  waa  miaCaken.  He  met 
a  Btout  caraber  of  I^craehnela  eacortinc  two  ladiea,  whoae  aingidar 
equipage  would  hare  inclined  him  to  lan«i,  bad  he  b  ' 
1     m.. ...._j  .- . m-tfiairi,  alnng  ac 


nunmita  of  the  hiDa,  riowing  fliTaugh  apeninca  In  the  tbin 
a  ildeld  of  poUahed  aQrer,  and  pouring  a  flood  of  pale  Iwfat 

M«  of  AliraTete,  casting  into  yet  deeper  ahadow  the  rifted 


a  atrtiag  mida,  and  &cW  onttrard*,  rode  bade  to  back.  They  weie- 
enveloped  in  lam  mantiuat,  and  tbdr  brit^t  eyea  flaahed  in  tbe  moon- 
light. «  Ibey  eadi  wiUkdrew  the  antt^ai,  or  maak  of  black  ailk,  wbit^ 


corered  tfaidr  fbcea  to  protect  them  from  the  dnat,  the  lieat  of  Uie  i 
or  the  chill  nlght-dr  when  traTellinr. 

RonaM  haitily  iaiated  them,  and  aaked  tbmr  eecort  if  a  priest  and 
two  females  had  paaaad  that  way?    The  cardiar,  who  waa  mounted  cm 

^....^^ ,_.,,,    broadbeaTer,"        '      '     ''■    '       " 

.    .       »ahowtbatb(      _ 

playing  the  dittaiing  monntinta  of  the  plMola,  long  atL _^ 

maaii>«ToMOMdM«,  wfaidi  for  proleelioa  ha  curied In  tbe  leatheen 
baldric  endieUdg  U*  w^aL  Ha  aaid,  diat  whan  be  bad  firat  Mopped 
at  iJm  fountain  to  nat,  about  an  hour  ago,  a  piieat  and  two  ladies  bad 
paeaed,  and  taken  the  road  direcdy  for  the  foiuat  of  Jardejo. 


Id  waited  to  hear  no  more,  bat  liQniedly  muttering  hii  '^'nlffc 
w  good  animal  he  rode  to  a  gallop  in  the  direotiaii  pointed  «u^. 


rtkirdlBU  u  to  wlMtbcT  01 
iMng  NuTui  Cifneiitea  1 
kM  Dot  ridden  hilT  a  mOe  tiirllier,  when  the  hone  of  D'E^touTilla 
futaed  bin  at  a  raiiid  but,  with  iti  bridle-iein  tniling  on  the  grosnd 
MritliB  Mddli  imenei,  tumtiiix  ukder  iti  baity,  girtha  nppemiott. 
Some  terrible  estiatraphe  mnat  utb  happened  1  A  gtotn  broke  front 
Bould  ;  andia  aaCfonr  of  apprefanaioD  for  the  fata  of  the  fair  rider, 
he  madly  goaded  omnrd  the  hone  he  rade.  uiiig  the  polat  of  hia 
■word  u  a  anbalitnte  fw  qmn,  whidi  aa  a  reciawntBl  infaDtrr  clBca' 
be  fid  n.-'  — - 

The  e ^_ _      ,. 

aitranoe  of  the  irood,  next  met  hu  Tieir.  Tbe  lint-eoknired  gi 
ofafcinaile  Ibriii  lying  on  tbe  road,  canted  him  to  ipring  fhmithe 
nddle  in  diimay.  It  «aa  not  Catalina,  but  the  poor  peannt  girl  ot 
Alniarez :  her  gilt  omoifix,  which  ihe  had  worn  oaCentatioiuilr  on  her 
bare  boaom,  wu  gone,  aa  waa  likewiae  the  tniDk>mBil  which  ebe  bad 
oarried.  She  waa  tying  dead,  ttabbed  by  a  dagger  In  the  throat,  whm 
aghaatlywonadappeand.  ThefsaUun  and  rdlof  CataUna'ahatlaT 
ftrtterinc  near,  and  Oie  bniiaed  and  lorn  appearance  of  tbe  graii  and 
babes  nre  erideaoe  that  aome  deaporate  itnig^le  liad  tafien  place 
btfe.  Theae  ovtragea  aeemed  to  hare  been  committed  recendy,  aa  tbs 
chaek  of  the  dead  gbl  was  yet  warm  and  lOft  when  Ronald  touched  it 

"God  help  yon.  CataU     '    " 

tla  I  that  have  done  all  tL_ 

IMaiillintiil)  npon  hia  ftarebead,  and  reded  againat  a 

"  O  graciot  eabmlttro  I "  aaid  a  decrepit  and  wrinkled  old  roan, 
Mrayad  in  tbe  garb  of  aome  religiDaa  order,  emerging  aa  if  fiom  con- 
eealment  among  the  treet;  "a  moit  horrible  tcene  baa  been  acted  here. 
I  aaw  it  &om  among  the  oliye-bnthee,  when  I  lay  aleeping  till  tlic  noiw 

"  The  donna,  mi  amij^, — the  yonng  lady,  where  ia  she  ?  Tdl  me, 
Ibr  tiie  lore  of  that  Virgin  yon  adore  n  mnch  I  " 

"  O  lot  atfidelat  I  and  doat  not  tboD  adore  her  ?  "  aaked  the  old  man 
qneridonaly,  while  hia  mnken  and  bleared  eyee  kindled  and  lighted  np. 

"  TVifle  not,  old  man,  bnt  t^  me  inaUntly  \ "  cried  Stuart,  in  a 
boarae  and  fhriona  Toioe. 

"  Twaa  done  in  a  ^Mment, — en  girifan  aOa  tua*  pajat,  aa  the  pro- 

"  Cnrae  on  yonr  prorerb — " 

"  Tie  no  boaineaa  of  uise,  inter  loldado,  and  I  will  hsTe  nooght  to 
do  with  it.    A  aire  perro  am  tut  httttto,  uya  the  prorerb." 

"  Wietch  1  you  will  drive  me  diattactad  J  Tell  me  what  yon  bare 
Hen,  or,  in  daipile  of  yonr  grey  bain,  I  will  cleave  yon  to  tlie  teeth. 
liie  aenora — " 

"Waa  dragged  into  the  fbreat  abont  ao  honr  ago,  and  horrible  noiiea 
have  come  from  it  ever  ainee,  dietnrbing  me  and  kennng  me  from  aleqi. 
Tfa  lunl  fin*  an  old  man  to  be  annoyed  :  the  i^ovBrb  laya — " 

"  Silence  I "  replied  the  other,  placing  hia  hand  on  the  tootUeta 
mondicrftbe  poor  dotard.    "  Sorely  I  heard  aometbini  1 " 

At  that  mommt  •  deipairing  ay,  audi  aa  it  ii  aeUom  oWa  lot  to 
faev,  aroae  &vm  Uie  dbglea  of  the  wood,  and  aeemii^lji  at  no  great 
dhtance.  Staart  waited  to  hear  no  more,  bnt  rmbed  with  big  lUawn 
weapon  towarda  tbe  epot,  making  the  fbmt  ring  with  threata,  criea. 
Md  te  bold  boUoa  with  which  he  bod  leaned  to  awake  the  ecboea  of 
Ub  natiTe  *■■"■  and  roeka.    Hia  Hij^Uaiid  habit*  aa  a  forealet  and 


buntanm,  ■eqniredimderttetaith>nof  Dan>U  iTenA,  whwi  tuaMug 
tbe  foi  and  tbe  deer,  gm  Idm  mmmI  aid  ntnr,  and  mternuiljr  be  ft^ 
lowed  the  direction  of  ttut  tertibls  err. 

He  had  not  pemtrated  abore  a  bundred  Tarda  imont  tbe  beaobei  and 
ooTk-wood,  wben,  on  breakinic  into  a  narrow  pathway,  he  ftiand  iywt 
modonlcM  on  Itie  lod  and  bedabbled  with  blood,  from  a  woand  in  her 
boiom,  tbe  nnfortnnale  of  whom  he  wu  in  Hareb. 

"Cabllna  or  Villa  Franeal  Adond  Calalhu  I "  be  eidaimed,  fat 
tocenta  of  boiror  aad  afibctioB,  ai  be  towed  hii  anaid  Item  bin  Mid 
■niik  down  beside  her  on  hii  knea  ,■  "  this — Ihii  ia  all  njp  ihriin  I 
hare  brought  yon  to  iketmcUon  by  intmattng  yon,  in  an  eiil  hour,  to 
■  bandit  ud  malMlor  I " 

He  had  mo  ide*  of  wimiina  the  ■■wwb.  Bto  wbolo  inl  ww  wnwft. 
np  in  the  Bad  tpeetobb  before  hini,  and  he  tboaght only  ef^^MMUBC 
to  UTO  ber,  if  MMible.  befbra  aha  periled  from  loM  of  btood.  «US 
WM  Aowing  fraa»  trom  a  deep  daffer^womd  in  har  ponand  btaatiM 
naek,  evidently  mnn  dis  aame  weapoo  wUdi  had  etrnck  Ma^  CaM|^' 

i.i.   __.  _!_._  .1 3 by  a  blow  in  the  lanw  part  of  (be  ft 

1  eovend  wiUi  the  red  aanant,  *. 

d  prtali  of  the  fonat  fl(w«ra  wlkecB  A* 

lay.  UnBinehingly  had  RonM  that  mmning  bdirid  moi  wdtcriaf 
uid  wallowmg  in  tdood;  bnt  he  ahnmk  in  agony  at  the  aght  afCitfc 
llna'a. 

"CatalinadeTillaFruical  deucst,  hear  ny  voice  1  Speak  t*  U« 
Never  antil  tbla  moment  of  horror  and  woe  did  !  know  bow  nuMii  I 
loved  yon."  He  rent  theiilk  aaabfrom  hie  ahouldet*  and  eadaavonrad 
to  ataocb  the  blood,  while  Ae  nnfortsnate  gii4  op«oed  bar  IuiUikh. 
eyes,  and  ntedimm  him  with  a  look  wiiicb,  while  it  told  of  axqucMa 
pBiii--of  lore  and  ddlgli^  too  sorely  ooniuioed.  him,,  by  ita  t  " ' 
eipr« 


I  hare  loved  so  long,  a 

Merida  and  Almarw.     _   __.  _^    ,  .._ 

Holy— holy  Motfaer  of  God  1  look  on  me— I  am  dying  1 " 

"Ah,  Catalina  I  apeak  not  Ihue  :  everv  word  ainka  like  a  swotd  intft 
my  heart.  Dyini  I  oh,  it  cannot  he  1  Yo«  sluU  live  if  the  aid  of  art 
and  affection  can  preaerve  yo«.    YoD  tiaU  live,"  he  abided  ftantidy, 

"Ono— never— not  fbr  yon!"  ihe  aald  bitteriy,  in  tones  giadnally 
becoming  mora  hollow ;  "  it  may  not  be.  Alat !  I  am  not  what  I  Mft 
an  hour  ago.  I  cannot, — I  caonot  now  be  yonrs,  even  shodd  leaeaiM 
death,  whose  oold  bud  ia  paaring  over  my  heart." 

"  AlmMity  Power,  pnnerve  my  aeesea  I  Wiiat  ia  this  yo*  aa|ii"' 
he  replied,  raiung  her  head  upon  bis  knee,  and  gathenng  in  hia  hand' 
file  soft  didieveHed  curie  whiuh  atreamed  &esly  opon  the  tnif.  "  What 
mean  theas  terrible  worda,  Catalina  ?" 

Before  she  replied,  ashndda'convalsadheiframa,  ami  drape  of  viUto 
froth  fell  from  her  lips.  A  atrsnga  light  sparkled  in  Itar  eyea ;  than 
waa  Bometbing  wognlarly  tevfal  ar-" ' -^' '-  **■ ' •  »— 


which  u 


Hut  the  moment  of  diuelDtian  is  at  hud.     I  hail  it  with  jo . . 

■Dt  to  lire.     Ha  wntch  who  deceiTed  na  btt  nibbed  ma  oif  that  wbkll 

u  most  precious  to  >  iromui,  ind  then  irith  hii  iafger — " 

A  moaD  caopad  the  lipi  of  Ronald,  aad  ba  inaalMd  hii  teath  irtth 
abiolDte  fnrr.  while  big  dropa,  gUttcring  in  the  moonli^t,  atood  spaa' 
Ida  Hdc  forehead,  and  bii  tluvnt  bcianie  to  iwotka  that  b«  waa  almMt 
choked.  He  anatdwd  op  bit  «word,  and  with  diMoaltir  reatrained  Ilia 
inclination  he  ftit  to  nuh  deeper  into  Bia  wood,  in  laarnh  of  Ciftwntaa. 

But  hoir  could  be  leiTa  Catalina,  tha  torn  and  disordered  conditioa 
of  whoae  garmenta,  together  with  the  wounds  and  bmiw*  oD  ber  deli- 
cate hauda  and  ama,  bore  eridence  that  a  deapente  ttrnggle  bad  lakoi 
^  before  the  Ant  oatrue  waa  acconipBaMd.  Stnatt  reeled  at  if  a 
lad  paiaed  through  hit  Drain,  and  the  £anat-treea  aeemed  t«  rock 
aroaiid  him  aa  if  ahaken  b*  an  earthquake.  The  fierce  emotion  paiaed 
away,  and  waa  inceeeded  br  a  horrible  eolnmen, — a  f^eliof  of  aettlcd 
and  mtHbid  desperation.  He  paaaed  Ua  band  once  or  twice  over  hia 
brow,  u  if  to  dear  hit  tbowbti  and  arrange  them  before  he  again  knelt 
beaide  CataUna,  who  had  cloaed  her  eiea  and  lay  atill,  ai  if  in  a  deep 
alnmbw.  He  thoa^it  that  the  spirit  had  paaaed  from  her ;  but  die  hint 
bating  of  her  beut,  as  he  laid  bis  cheek  on  her  soft  breast,  convinced 


..-,  , . lenudpriHt,  ta 

Uie  dd  that  aoaaa  meana  might  bit  pmeurad  to  save  her  Bit,  if  it  wM 
jet  poaribla  to  do  so.  Bat  he  bad  not  boiaa  ber  a  doaan  jarda  whaa 
du  branch  of  a  tree  Mm  off  the  aash  with  which  ba  had  haMly  bonnd 
np  the  would,  and  the  blosd  gnihed  forth  with  peUar  riolonBa  tlua 

"  Holber  Morr,  be  grsdona  nnto  me  I  and  Ibrgin  me  if  I  tluak  at 
aught  lAae  Chan  haavoa  In  thia  awfol  moiMiit  t "  murmured  Catalina  in 
■  eott  and  plaiatire  nuce.  "  Ah,  the  pangi,  tbe  torments  I  andnie  I 
Oh,  mi  giierida,  earrf  ma  no  farther  ;  tii  uselesa, — 1  am  dying.  Alaa 
diaboDoured  aa  1  ara.  I  woold  not  wish  to  live.  La;  me  down  lurai 
where  tbe  grtm  i»  soft  and  green.    Ronald,  here  ends  our  lore  and  mj 


,  I  am  ret  with  TOO, — my  Mnlaaniiiad<rau. 

"JUaa!  theligbthaaMtmy  eye*)  death  ia  daAening  my  vision." 
"  Mercy  of  HsBTea  I  it  camot  ba  thna, — llwy  are  bii^t  aa  aw; 
bnt  a  clond  has  orersbadowed  the  moon." 
"  Bonald,  it  ia  the  band  of  death ;  I  aea  jnit  m>  Imger.    Ara  yon 

"Hy  hands  ura  prtwing  yosrt,— «Usr  tbey  we  mj  aold  nd 
clammy/' 

"  I  Ael  them  uot ;  the  numbness  of  my  limbs  will  soon  sxtand  to  say 
bmut.  When  I  am  gone,  let  twelve  msuts  be  said  Air  m*  soul.  Alaa, 
yon  will  Chink  them  of  Do  use  I  But  promise  me  this,  that  I  may  dla 
more  easily  and  peaceftilly." 

"  I  do,  Catalina,  1  do.'' 

"  O  Chat  Alvaro  was  hers,  that  I  might  hear  ttie  annnd  of  his  ivSa&, 
— Uiat  hs  night  hear  mine  tW  the  last  time  before  I  paaa  to  Om  world 


of  ibtiowt.  He  will  be  loadr  ia  ths  world  widiotit  me.  AItito  is 
the  lut  of  Mi  rice, — the  lest  of  a  loag  line  of  lUnstrioiu  hidslsoe. 
Holf  LiiIt  of  HijorgB, — iweet  San  Jiun  de  Diot,  intercede  for  ma  ! 
Deuwt  Ronald,  kua  me— kiu  me  for  the  kit  time,  while  I  b»ye  ;et 
IMing,  for  death  it  chilliDg  tny  whole  fnuue." 

In  en  uonv  of  love  and  eoirow,  be  nuaiotMtely  preued  hli  Upai  to 
thoie  of  the  dyio;  girl.    She  nerer  ipoke  icain.    It  almost  srcmed  •• 

if  hehadinteroeptedher  laet  I       

•  alight  tremor  paaied  over  bei 
bedubM  donna  bad  fled  (or  ei 


CHAPTEB   XXVU. 


ilieimwiok.' 


jy  of  Santa  Croi  de  Jardajo,  iriiich  stood  close  On  the  ikirte  of 

the  wood,  when  the  portreaa  waa  aroused  from  her  rtnw  paUxt  b;  a 
load  peal  at  the  bell,  whkh  hung  ia  the  potch.  On  withdrawing  tbe 
wooden  cover  of  tbe  ntxT-bole  in  the  outer  door,  ahe  croiied  henalf, 
and  torned  op  ha  ere* ;  and  inatead  of  atteudlng  to  tiioie  without,  ran 
to  tell  the  lad*  abbeia  that  a  Britiib  officer  on  boriebadc,  twariog  in 

a,  had  Iieea  led  thithet  br  tbs  old  padre  I|ii«cio 

-..u  ^^  demandiiQ  admittance.    Ilie  abbeaa,  who  mthe 

ji  known  m  Bl  Madrt  Soda  Martka,  had  many  temples 

abont  openinr  tbe  gate*  to  them,  but  anotber  tremendona  paal  at  the 
beli,  aeconded  by  a  blow  wUch  Ronald  dealt  with  tbe  baaket-hiU  of  bfi 
•wordoo  the  inin-itndded  door,  pat  an  tsoA  to  the  matter,  andibo 
deiired  tbe  portreia  to  niber  them  into  the  partaierio.  Entering  the 
gateway  in  ue  maiaTe  w*U  Bnnoandins  die  gardens  of  the  vaaWt, 
Uiey  were  led  thronth  the  formal  lineg  of  flower-bedi  and  ihrnUieiy  to 
the  nuun  bonding,  lAere  acarred  Godiic  door  In  alow  roondardiway, 
on  the  key-atone  of  which  appeared  a  nunildered  ~  " 
erctdfedthefi    '  '    '       ' 


allowed  to  receivo  the  naits  of  their  friends  at  tiie  Iran  gntinfa  in  a 
stone  aoreen  whidi  croaaed  flie  room,  oompletdy  Mpawting  it  limn  the 
reet  of  the  convent  Tluse  grateswere  Btrou  bMf  of  iroo,  oTOMcd  and  re> 
CTMied  widi  wire,  10  Bl  to  preclude  all  posaibility  of  toodilnc  the  inwttM, 
who  now  crowded  ekwe  to  them,  all  gadng  with  amaiement  and  vafoe 
appreheniion  at  tbe  corpea  of  the  vonng  lady,  which  the  officer  d^. 
Bited  geoUy  on  a  wooden  bandi,  and  leated  UmaeU  beeide  it  in  apathetie 
sonow,  nnmindfU  of  tbe  man;  pi^g  eyea  that  were  fixed  npon  bin. 
Ueanwlule  the  lady  abbea,  a  bandiome  woman  about  t>n~~    ~'**  ~ 

_,_., , ,,  lie  tendereit 

oommiaerdlon  slroDglv  marked  on  bee  batOTM,  irtuch,  like  those  of 
the  uiterhood,  were  pue  and  sallow  &om  coofinement. 

For  in  esplMialion  of  the  Kene  before  bcr,  ibe  turned  to  tbe  decr^lt 


old  print  Igntdo  d  Tutor,  or  tie  Siepierd,  ■  nimB  which  h«  had 
(lined  ia  coDHquoaca  of  hii  hsTing  become  a  gnirdiui  of  Merino  shaep 
inoos  the  monotuiu  of  the  Lioa  on  the  demolitian  of  hit  monuterr, 
fhidihad  ■   "     '""'""   "    -    ■"       '  -  ....   1.. 


whidiiiad  been  deetrored  b;  (he  French  troopi  w1 
WH  d«TMt>tin>  die  eoiuilry  la  bit  retreat. 
InterlardiDE  nil  namtbe  with  mini  a  Spinw 


uMiniud  U 


tJOD  from  "the  neter*  at  the  gratiag,  guing  with  morbid  cnrioritr  on 
the  fair  fbrto  of  the  dead,  whoie  high  bosom  wu  covered  with  coi^- 
lated  blood,  and  the  long  iplral  cnrS  of  wboae  ringleti  iwept  the  pare- 
meet  of  the  chamber. 

The  lad;  abbeag,  who  waa  hi  from  being  one  of  thoie  lonr,  andent 
daines  that  the  aaperiora  of  conrenti  are  generaUr  reputed  to  be,  ieited 
hinelf  bj  Ronald'a  nde,  and  ■eeing  that,  althoogh  hu  prond  darlc  ejea 
were  irj  and  tearleai,  lie  wai  deeply  afflicted,  abe  prajed  him  to  be 
comforted;  bnt  he  liid  hie  hce  among  the  thick  treiaei  of  the  dead,  and 
made  no  immediate  leplf. 

"  She  ii  indeed  moat  bnnlifal  t  Aa  ihe  now  liei,  her  featoraa  wear 
a  anblimitT  which  might  become  an  Image  of  Our  Lady,"  obaerred  the 
abbeM,  pasting  h^  hand  toftlT  orer  the  cold  white  Ijrow  of  Cataiiaa. 
"  She  aaema  only  to  ileep,— her  white  ejelidi  and  long  black  laihea  are 
ao  placidly  doied  !  And  thta  ia  the  lifter  of  the  noble  Caralier  de  T^Ua 
Franca,  of  whom  we  liear  lo  mnch  ?  If  man  can  aTenge,  Don  Alvaro 
nilldoitamplr." 

"A*eoge  her!"   mnttered  Ronald. 
"  Noble  lenora,  that  talk  aball  ha  mine 

"  Alai !  cavalier,"  iDterrupCed  Che  abfaeu,  "  we  commit  •  dcsdlf  ain 
in  talking  thoa." 

"  BcMtuDi  ptUltot  a  la  mar,  tm  the  proTarb;  we  mnat  fiirgetand 
Jbrpre,"  chimed  ia  El  Paalor.  *  Vengeance  belonn  not  to  thii  earth, 
—'tis  not  onra,  mlaerable  reptile!  that  we  are.  What  aareth  the  hoir 
writ?    Lo,  you  now — " 

"Peace,  Ignado;  I  woold  apeak.    Ton  are  getting  into  the bnrden 
of  some  old  (ermon  of  yonn,and  itii  a  wonder  *on  put  lo  manT  wordi 
together  withont  another  pTorerb,"  laid  the  lady  abbess,  as  ihe  took 
Ronald's  hand  kindly  wttbm  her  own,  which  indeed  wa*  a  TSr;  soft  and 
white  one.    "  El  Pastor's  accoant  of  Ihia  affair  ii  lomewhat  confiued. 
Tell  me,  senor,  how  long  it  it  since  this  dreadful  deed  was  perpetrated." 
"  But  yeetemizht — only  yesternight.    To  me  it  appears  aa  if  a  tbon- 
aand  years  had  eJapsed  since  then,  and  the  erenta  of  years  ago  seem  to 
liaTepaaaed  bat  yesterday.    All  Is  confusion  and  chaos  in  my  mind." 
"  The  noble  senora  was,  perhau,  soma  reUtion  of  your*  ?  " 
"  No.    She  is  of  Spain,— I  of  Scotland." 
"  Your  wifti,  possibly,  senor  ?" 

"  My  weddnl  wife  indeed  she  would  hsTe  been,  had  she  lived ;  but 
tliat  reaoUe  cane  too  late  I "  be  replied  in  a  tronbled  voice,  aa  he  preened 
the  hand  of  Catalina  to  Ua  lips.  "  Bnt,  aenoritas,  I  must  not  spend 
longer  time  in  chUdlah  twcaw,  he  added,  starting  op  and  erecting  his 
atout  and  handsome  tenre  before  the  eyes  of  the  sisterhood,  who,  in 
spite  of  titeir  TCdls  andnooda,  knew  how  to  admire  a  amart  young  sol- 
Aer  with  a  war-worn  suit  of  harness.  "  Itwonldnot  becomemetodo 
so,  and  my  dntle*  call  me  elsewhere.  ETerr  meani  must  be  talceo  to 
bring  retribution  on  the  head  of  the  demon  Narraei,  and  I  tnut  that 
tfte  great  Power  whicdi  lofiier*  no  crime  to  pass  nnpnnished,  will  «d  ma 


biiinsofaiBg  him  one  day  b^re  I  lean  Spila.  Dtviae Tmig««ncB 
will  ((am  plaee  bin  at  m;  mercf ,  as  he  has  bean  twice  bafoMi  wben, 
bat  hn'  in7  iU-tini«d  interfweocc,  Don  Alraro  hut  aUin  him,  and  my 
bcMt  leap*  willuD  rae  at  the  thoof  ht  of  baviDe  bis  base  blood  DpOD  mr 
weapon.  Ye«,  BonoritoHt  bii  bloody  vbed  with  my  own  bands,  and 
itnaming  hot  and  thick  upon  them,  can  aione  aTenge  the  deith  of 
Catalioa.  Sams  fatality  leems  contitmalJy  to  throw  thii  mamteria  my 
way;  and  if  ever  we  cross  each  otlier  agiiin.  most  folly,  amply,  md 
bufiilly  ahall  Ibis  anfortnaata  be  rerengea  ;  for  I  have-sworn  a  lecret 
oath — an  oath  which  may  not  be  broken — ttutt  whererer  I  moct 
CiAwntm  within  the  rEslm  of  Spain,  on  moor  or  moniiaiD,  in  oitT> 
Damp,  or  held,  there  will  1  slay  him,  though  the  otat  isomBnt  ihoiijiil 
be  my  last." 

His  form  af^ouvd  to  dikte  while  be  spolEe,  and  his  eyes  ^larkled 
with  a  keen  and  ftery  ei^FCSBon,  which  attattad  the  finniieaa  of  liis 
detnrmiiulioa  and  the  bold  recktiimiiimi  of  bis  heart.  The  eicitement 
BBdsr  which  be  I^onrHd  imparted  a  new  eloqumos  to  Ms  tones,  and 
nace  to  bii  gesture ;  but  be  panted  rather  than  bnathed  while 
Be  spoke ;  and  the  fierce  glitter  of  bii  eye,  together  with  the 
■trance  feroci^  of  tba  words  whick  his  lore  and  sorrow  prompted, 
ems^  &a  tbnU  hmw  ^  "-'-  " —  -  -'^-'-'-  '-'^-  *—    "^- ' — 


"^i. 


B  of  Bant*  Cna  to  sbriiA  back  frtxa  the  ir 


nef  voa,  BS&eoldprawb  tellsna." 

Bat  wben  this  borat  of  passion  evaporated,  he  was  again  tl: 

MfTOwbil  yonng  man  ttat  he  had  at  fint  ai^nrtd.     As  be  refnaed  tt 
yortake  iFf  aw  Tefreshmmt,  although  prei 
the  padre  Bl  Pastor  led  him  out  to  the  oo 


IsnUyl' 

"  A  Boblecav^erl  Yira!"  cried  El  Putor,  in  a  chndcliug  tone ; 
"Hemaadei  de  Cordova  could  not  bave  spoken  more  braveiy.  Bueno 
— -  ''--»,  Bs^oldprawb  tells  OS." 

m  this  hnrat  of  [nssion  evaporated,  he  was  a^ain  the  sad  and 

, „-    r . M*)BO, 

he  padre  El  Pastor  led  him  out  to  the  oonrent  garden,  while  the  noBS 
naoe  preparations  for  the  entombment  of  Catalma  in  their  oratory,  or 
diapef.  n  was  a  bright  inashine  nMraing;  bot  Il«nald  was  candess  of 
itB  beauty  and  of  the  fragraawe  t^  ttie  flowem  'ftoably  blooniiic  in  flta 
morning  dew ;  tiie  beaotifal  arrauemeots  of  the  plaos,  d>e  arboon,  tbe 

X riding  foontains.  the  itatoes  of  stone  and  marbl^ — be  jtaawd  Ihma 
by  snheeded.  Habbliog  by  his  side.  El  Putor,  instead  of  endta* 
Tearing  to  ooDsole  him  for  bis  loss,  pooECd  into  Us  nnhaeding  Ban, 
with  BstiiBg  of  old  prtnerha  and  wise  saws,  ■  toagb  leotore  Arths 
irrereread  maaaer  in  which  he  iud  treated  the  nmne  of  MaSrt.Marit 
the  evening  before,  nntil  tfae  impatient  Hijfci"J«r  stiode  away,  and 
left  him  to  commnne  ^ne. 

Tbat  night  Catalina  was  boned  in  the  cha|iel.  He  bmldingwaa 
brilliantly  illumioated  with  coloured  lamps,  tfaeMiftenfld  lights  of  wUch 
ware  reflected  from  ttie  gilded  cohunns—fram  Que  organ,  with  it(  tall 
row  of  silver  tmnpet'like  pipes — Irom  the  rich  altan  and  atatoM  of 
polished  metal  placed  in  nicneB,  where  golden  candlsaticks  bore  tsl 
twinkliag  t»ar»,  wbidi  from  thdr  recesMS  ost  a  slangs  light  on  lb 
marble  tombs  of  Indgbtt  and  long-dqiartad  worrian,  wbose  nM^ 


twinkliag  t»ar»,  wbidi  from  thdr  recesMS  ost  a  slangs  light  on  tbe 

>-■-  tombs  of  Indgbtt  and  long-dqiartad  w — ' —    -^ ^ 

_. nan,  and  feded  banners  ware  yet  tn  si. r— —  ■    ■■-.. 

them,  uid  whose  deeds  were  represented  on  the  onciant  pie«es  of  mooldy 
and  motb'eatea  tapestry  wbion  bong  gloomily  on  the  side-walla  of  U 
diapel,  Eontnating  strongly  with  Ibe  jittering  imiges  and  gorgeoady- 
Eoloored  acnpMia-pieee*,  many  of  llkem  asid  to  betbsprsdaclioDMf 


m  Ccno,  the  Michael  Angela  of  Spain,  who  floorubcd  duriog  the 

Isenlli  ceatory. 

Boinld  Stuart,  ths  onlf  Dooroet  tbara,  walked  bj  the  tide  of  the 
-riull,  or  bartet  ot  wiclier-vork,  which  cooUined  all  that  remuaed  of 
OitTii"Hi  B>d  which  wa*  borDe  ^nMigh  the  etaapel  and  dnmuted  on  the 
Ji^  hUbt  bf  *ii  of  -die  Tonngeat  num — three  on  each  lide,  oarryii^  it 
%j  baudlea  ^rojectiiig  from  the  lidei  of  tlte  frame. 

Hie  requiem  for  the  dead  w«  now  cbai^edi  and  &e  doloet  DOtM  of 
Ae  loft;  oFg&D,  blendinc  in  one  ddigfatfal  atisin  witb  (ba  inelodioM 
-wnccH  of  1&  II1ID3,  noflas  among  a*  piUated  aides,  edioioc  in  the 
Jidknr  TBDlti,  and  dfing  awn  in  the  dutant  aniieB  of  the  aaistetti 
IDOdnced  audi  heavenly  aminda  aa  inbdned  Uie  heart  of  Stuart^  eoftoa- 
hf  and  eoothmc  hia  aonow.  He  lialond  hi  a  tatt  of  ecetasT,  afaaort 
■^—"'"g  that  the  thrilling  TOice  of  CaUlina  waa  ningled  witb  Uie  i»- 
■piring  bamiODr  he  heard.  He  waa  moved  to  tears,  tears  of  sadoeaa 
ud  eathiuiaun,  and  almost  inToIuntariljr  he  innlc  on  his  knees  at  the 
mmrble  st«)>a  uf  tbaattar,  an  attitmde  which  i^aed  him  imDMDselT  in  the 
■KtiBatiaB  of  Bl  PMtor  and  the  aiateitood,  while  the  bright  ere*  of  Uie 
mitrad  abbesa  sparkled  at  she  ttratobed  ba  white  hand*  glitlrn^-  wilik 
jeweb  vter  fain,  M  If  wdoomhig  Un  to  that  ehnrdi,  the  tenets  of 
irtiidi  ke  had  aenr  yet  inqoiiwl  into.  Ha  had  knelt  down  thoa  meretr 
finm  Bzeeas  of  nDeration  and  a  hoi;  feding,  wiHi  which  tiie  Mbllme 
-■vrine  of  tiie  Roman  CaAoHe  chnnA  bad  m^ired  him.  The  music 
'^roae  to  its  utmost  pitch  at  that  moment ;  (he  TOtcn  of  tin  nana  and 
-tlmaisloa  monnted  to  the  fnll  ewell ;  die  tram^ti  of  the  organ  pealed 
mbUfg  tin  groined  roof,  and  caosed  the  mamiie  columns  aad  the  pare. 
3aaot  beaeath  them  to  tnmbls  ami  vibrate  with  Ike:  Bool-stiniac  grsm- 
denr  of  the  sc  ~     ' 


In  Oe  ctencel,  bofbra  Um  great  dtar,  a  weaient  atoae  had  been 

•__i  — «  ,  jgq,  grave  dug,  tiie  soil  ot  which  li       "-  ■ ' 

lettered  stones  aroond  iti 


itiaed  and  a  deq>  grave  dug,  the  soil  ^  wlkieh  lay  |ded  in  a  gloomr 


*%• 


n  the  chsnt  being  ended,  four  pricate  bore  Ae  bier  of  Catalioa  to 
owlJdBof  the  gnve  wfaich  was  to  renlTc  her.  Tlie  wkker  coffin  or 
Aell  had  DO  lid,  and  Kooald  now  looked  upon  her  pale  and  stiU  beanli- 
All  features  for  the  last  time.  She  was  not  enveloped  in  a  ghutlr 
ahrond,  bnt,  after  the  fashion  of  her  own  canntiy,  bad  been  arrayed  by 
the  nuns  in  a  dress  of  the  whitest  mnalin,  adorned  wiH  the  richest  lace 
amd  edginga  otM«dle-waric.  Her  fine  biii  was  disposed  over  her  neck 
and  bosom.  A  aige  chwlet  of  freshly-gathered  white  roses  eneirded 
imr  findiead,  giving  horaeaiqwuanDe  ota  bride  dreased  for  the  bridal 
vathB"  than  a  oone  fbrtketonib;  aad,  bat  far  the  nrartal  paleness  of 
bcr  complenaD,  one  wo«ld  have  sonHited  that  the  only  riept,  m 
ilactdh  aid  her  cteMdeya-behM  repose  apon  her  Mft  cheek , 

While  a  slow,  sad,  bnt  exquisitely  melancholy  dirge  arose,  tlie  ban- 
bsted  printa  prooeeded  to  lower  her  into!  (he  cold  damp  grave,  bat  in  a 
■laiMii  ao  pecnUar  and  revoltii^  flut  the  lover,  who  had  never  wit- 
Deaeed  a  Spanish  interment  before,  almoiit  sprang  forward  to  atay  Ibdr 
ptotMsDuy.  Inttead  of  lowering  the  cofin  into  tlie  grave,  they  took 
out  the  body,  pennitdng  it  to  sink  gently  into  its  narrow  bed  without 
vtiiar  covering  than  Uielace  and  muslin,  part  of  wtuch  El  Pastor  drew 
iFver  h^  faoe  and  ria^ela,  to  hide  them  from  mortal  eyes  for  war. 

red  np  witb  dry  sand,  provided  for  the  poipeae. 
lefe^b^i  tg  poor  Ronald  were  sadly  ouUn^edat  the  baAarcmB 
-'  "  ■        -  - 'n  Spun  for  those  not  of  the  fomilias  of 


decBTed  booes,  damp  ted  cUf ,  itonet,  and  aand  od  that  nir  and  i^- 
protected  form,  grated  honibly  on  hiietnt  but  bov  did  be  duink  and 
rBColt  fram  tlie  puimtulUiiji  of  tha  body  I  A  rtont  padre,  seisi^  a 
billet  of  wood,  ibod  wiUi  an  iron  ferule  Uke  a  pavier'a  rammer,  bagan 
to  tread  npoD  tbe  graTS  aod  rapidly  beat  do<m  Uie  eartb  into  it,  so  ttat 
■11  tbot  bad  been  takm  out  efaonld  be  ^un  admitted.  He  had  not 
giien  a  dozen  itrokes  ia  tUa  diggaadng  manner,  before  Ronald  Bbook 
off  hia  apathy ;  and  ^mping  him  by  tbe  cope,  dngged  bim  Rantitf 
baclimtrai,  commanding  tbem  at  once  to  detiat  from  a  proeeediaK  ao 
diitresaing.  Two  priesti,  with  the  aid  of  iion  leran,  depodted  a  alab 
of  marble  abore  the  tomb,  and  it  |wa*  cloaed  for  erer.  It  bora  the 
fawtily-euTed  legend, — 

JjuS  |>a«  CstiKaa  i4  riUi  Fmai. 

Hie  ilab  probably  remaiiia  yet  id  the  chapel,  if  tha  conrent  of  Sanla 
Cnil  bu  eacaped  tbe  wan  of  tbe  Carliata  and  Chriatiiiog.  Ae  eoon  aa 
tbil  ud  ceremoDy  wu  concluded,  Sonald  retired. 

Two-and -thirty  yearg  haye  now  elapaed  aince  the  tomb  olosad  Over 
Catalina,  bat  time  ha*  not  yet  efnced  from  Staart'i  memory  the 
emotioai  which  be  felt  when  heaiiiu  the  loimd  of  tbe  dnll,  cold  earOi 
Mling  on  her  nnihrouded  boiom  !  In  the  parlaiorio  he  composed  him- 
•elf  to  write  a  long  letter  to  Donna  Ineaella,  giTiiw  an  Bocannt  of  bar 
cousin'*  deatmctioa,  and  bitterly  a|Aniding  Uiiiaeli  a*  bong  the  lead- 
ing came  in  the  affair,  althoogfa  In  reality  he  was  not.  Tbe  reader  wSl 
remember,  tiiat  It  wai  her  own  dedre  and  determinadon  to  confide 
hersElf  to  the  cue  of  the  preteoded  prieat  at  Almarei. 

Owing  to  the  tnmalt  in  hla  mind,  Ronald  foond  the  compoeitios  of 
the  letter  no  eaay  taak,  cepedallr  aa  that  garmlona  old  man,  El  Paator, 
remdned  at  hia  elbow,  cbatMring  away  on  onoonnectBd  anbjeeta,  and 
bringing  out  now  and  Oien  aone  tniuty  Spanith  proverb. 

"Look  ye,  aenor,"  aaid  he,  regardlew  of  the  biota  andblnnden 
that  bis  interrnptionl  earned  Sbiart  to  make ;  "  do  yon  see  that  image 
of  onr  Holy  Lady  in  tha  niche  yonder  !  " 

"  Well,jHdre.'' 

"  'Ha  the  work  of  AlonnCano." 

"  Pshaw  I  what  ia  that  to  me  ?     I  nerei  heard  of  the  gentleman 

"  He  was  the  flnt  of  Spanish  architects  and  painters,  and  wiUi  Ul 
own  hands  adorned  many  of  onr  finest  cborclies  and  palacea.  He  wu 
bom  at  Grenada  in  the  year  1600.  and  aa  the  proTerh  says—" 

"  Never  mind  what  it  aaya.  For  bearen's  (she,  nu  atnigo,  lesvamt 
to  write  in  peace." 

"  Did  yOD  bnC  know  that  he  lost  the  woman  he  loved  by  «  d^gcr- 
-atroke  from  a  matador,  yon  wonld  probably  care  more  for  the  atory  of 
his  singular  miafortaoes." 

"Pardon  me,  psdre,"  aaid  Ronald,  with  a  meUncholy  lotarMti 
"what  were  they/" 

u  cnt  ahort  Ihns.  One  eraning, 

„    .    .. a  moat  beantifiil  woman,  M^ 

dead,  with  a  dagier  planted  in  her  heart.  His  serrant,  ■  rile  ItaUaa, 
tbe  perpetrator  or  tha  deed,  had  fled,  and  by  order  of  the  alcalde  mayor, 
Alonza  was  arreated,  and  charged  with  baring  slain  tbe  lady  in  a  nt  of 
jealaaay.    The  dagger  which  the  assaatia  uiwd  wsa  known  to  be  thatof 


r  WAB.  193 

lymx*;  be  wai  •  mux  nutanOj  of  a  fierce Biidjedomi  temper,  snd 
kid  kept  watchful  eyes  tta  ChflKaorH,  who  wu  the  undBomut  womva 
tmt  evtt  pramenaded  on  the  Prado,  or  Flu&,  kt  Hftdrid :  and  the 
eotnplimenti  paid  her  by  tiM^aj  caiilierB  and  g^rdimen  of  the  capital 
iKre  OS  molten  lead  poured  into  the  heart  of  her  bniband,  thDn(h  of 
coarse  very  proud  of  ber,  forahe  ma  a  fine  creature, — Coma  unpai- 
mito,  aa  ttfl  old  proverb  aari." 

"  Is  this  all  the  atory,  Ignacio  ?  ^* 

"  The  rest  is  yet  to  come.  The  iait  ii  the  wortt,  tenor ;  *M  Ibe  old 
nw  sa.-jt,—Avn  ie  falls  la  cola  por  detoUar." 

"The  dcTil  take  your  aairs  and  proTcrbi !  Yon  are  as  full  of  Ihem 
ai  your  couotrymaa  bancho  FanzB. 

"Well,  senor;  Alonia  naa  racked  without  mercy  to  eitort  con- 
feiaion,  and  he  endured  the  moat  horrible  tormeuta  without  uttering  a 
word  to  criminito  hinuelf.  By  the  liiog'a  order  he  wu  let  free,  and 
died  at  a  great  age,  a  poor  priest  like  myself,  In  his  dying  hour,  when 
a  brother  held  toe  crucilix  before  bia  glazing  eyea,  he  desired  him  to 
remove  it,  aaying  the  image  of  our  Sariaur  wai  lo  clumsily  done,  that 
the  sight  of  it  pained  him  ;  a*  the  proverb  says,  senor,  De  paja — " 

But  Ronald  did  not  permit  him  to  finish  the  adage,  requesting  bim 
to  retire  in  a  manner  that  was  not  to  be  disputed.  Early  neit  morning 
he  was  despatched  to  Idanha-a-Vellia,  bearing  the  letter  for  Donna 
loeaella.  He  resolutely  refueed  to  take  a  aingle  moraTedi  to  defray  hit 
eipenoes,  although  the  journey  was  a  lery  long  one.  So  simple  were 
his  habits  of  living,  learned  while  a  abepberd  among  the  mountains, 
that  he  could  easily  snbaiet  on  charity  and  what  he  could  pick  up  by 
the  way  aide,  where  ri^  orangei,  luscious  erapea,  and  juicy  pnmpkina 
grew  wild,  or  by  chanting  tonga  to  the  Boond  of  the  rebeck,— a  primitive 
kind  of  guitar,  baring  only  three  strings. 

"  I  am  accustomed  to  a  wandering  lift,  aenor,'*  said  he,  as  he  bade 
Ronald  adieu;  "it  suits  and  aqus  res  with  me  pCTfectly,— QaadrflJo  y 
etqtiinado,  as  the  proverb  has  it.  Frail  and  withered  as  I  appear,  I 
can  well  bearfetigne,  and  am  as  tough  as  an  old  toledo,  and  will  uudcr- 
taks  to  reach  Idanbe-a-Velha  almost  aB  aoon  as  if  moonted  on  the  best 
mole  that  ever  bore  the  sign  of  the  croaa  on  ita  bock." 

To  keep  bis  promise,  pledged  to  Catalina,  Ronald  paid  into  the 
Ireaanry  of  the  conient  two  golden  omai,  to  obtain  maaaea  for  her 
departed  apirit.  Let  it  not  be  imagined  for  a  moment  that  he  believed 
in  their  efficacy;  bat  he  remembered  that  it  waa  Catalina'a  wiah — 
indeed,  almost  her  last  request,  that  anch  should  be  done,  and  he  paid 
the  oiuaa  rather  as  a  duty  of  affection  than  religion.  This  act  leftliim 
in  indifferent  pecuniary  circumatancea,  as  it  carried  off  the  whole 
month's  atih^tence  which  he  had  received  from  the  regimental  pay- 
moater  after  the  storm  of  Almarez.  Pay  waa  a  scarce  matter  with  Uie 
Bsunaular  troops,  who.  at  the  time  the  battle  of  Tittoria  was  fought, 
had  not  received  a  single  farthing  for  nnwards  of  six  mnntba. 

An  apartment  opening  off  the  parlatorio  bad  been  fitted  np  for 
Konald,  by  the  orders  of  the  lady  abbess,  and  perhaps  this  waa  the 
only  occasion  ever  known  of  a  man  sleeping  under  the  roof  of  the 
convent  of  the  Holy  Cross. — an  event  which,  bad  it  happened  during 
Utf;  daya  of  the  terrible  Inquisition,  would  probably  have  been  the 
meant  of  dooming  the  abbesa  to  death,  and  her  nuns  to  some  severe 

r.  with  a  grated  wind 

d  the  ri^  firagtance  of  flowers  frai 


the  nrden.  A  gmdltr-pdnted  Spanbh  bedstEad,  wttfaoot  ourtring, 
<tood  In  ODE  corner,  ud  ■  solitaTT  chsir  reitiDg  in  another  oeoiUatad 
b  fnltiitarF,  nnleai  I  inclnde  i  lu^ e  woodm  craeUx  nai«d  afsinM 
AeWatl.  aads  skall,  gfautl;  ind  (trinning,  pla(wdnearlt<mabrukM. 
Ronild  ■caTcelf  slept  during  all  thst  night.  Hia  mftid  irti  ^tstBatrir 
a  prsf  to  the  deepeiC  aorrow  and  wildcat  loi^ingi  for  tngeuiM,  Unt 
the  hnman  heait  ii  capable  of  feelicg.  Manr  wtn  Hm  pUn*  nMdl  Mi 
fertile  imagination  lancBt^  '■"'  ^'  dlicomy  of  lite  matador )  bnt 
owing  to  IM  totaUr  dnorganiMd  atate  of  tlie  coontrr,  the  aabrcnioa 
of  it*  la«(,  and  the  Keakneai  of  iCa  cirU  aotiioiftira,  he  wai  awan 
tliat  hb  attempt  iroaM  be  alike  frnitleei  and  ana>si)lng,  and  that  the 
eavaliar,  Don  Alrira,  from  the  rank  of  hia  hmilf,  bia  knom  btinttf, 
and  Anonr  among  the  popnlsee,  wonld  be  mors  likdr  to  hare  him 
brought  to  juitice. 

"   '     I,  when  the  ontnige  which  Catalkia  had  aaSfered  oane  vifityf 


il  tataginattOD,  hia  blood  boiled  within  him,  i 
J  t^r-like  fedwg  for  rereiigo— de 
DOtUng  ihort  of  the  blood  or  Cihe 


inth  a  tiger-like  (Ming  for  re* enge—deep,  deadly,  and  ai 


happT  daji  be  had  ipent  with  Catdina  at  Merlda,  ttw  mR  tsarctdoB 
ofbereref,  the  eweet  tones  other  TOice,tbeiriamble*  among  oiendM 
and  rich  weseTT  of  the  citr,  It*  RinitT  etreeti  aad  idudj  poblic  walkt, 
where  ihe  waa  uke  leadhig  belle,  and  the  glonr,  dcdight,  and  admicafiok 
of  the  cloaked  and  monatadied  caraliera,  and  the  enr^  ef  Dm  mUbA 


e  enT7  ti 
..jd  etatelr  dimnas  who  ftvqnented  the  green  Prado  in  n>e«*enl*g,  <_ 
promenaded  tindw  tbe  cool  ardiet  of  &ep(modtir)tigtbehottertp«t 
of  the  daf.  While  the  ncoUectione  of  tlieae  departed  aononta  af 
tranutorr  enjoyment  paaaed  In  qaick  mtcoesaion  tbroogh  Ua  ami, 
Alice  Liale  waa  not  foi^:otten ;  bat  the  nmembnuice  of  i>Hr  entf  added 
to  the  tortares  of  that  mental  radc  on  which  Staart  appeared  to  be 

Thon^tBof  the  dan  Diat  were  gone — darsipentin  perfect  h^pipMa 
with  her—thtmsfata  that  he  itrove  in  vain  to  repel,  arose  at  ilmei, 
canring  hia  dliidcd  hmrtto  twell  within  hii  boaom  till  its  corda  ateuiad 
abont  to  map.  IjOto  atn^led  ttronglr  with  lote  in  hia  breaat. 
anclaaped  dm  mi  '  '         *  *"  '  '  -.  -    - 


re  of  Alice,  and  gazed  upon  it  bj'  the  light  of  the 


ejee  filled  with  tean  while  he  did  so  now,  and  teaeOed  dn  iojwm 
expreadon  of  her  hazel  eve  and  meiry  ringing  of  her  giriiA  laDgu ;  bM 
when  he  thought  of  Lord  Hfodford,  the  newspaper  paragra]di,  aBd  flm 
cold  ooDdnct  of  her  brother,  he  closed  it  with  tebemence,  and  teidfad 
npon  it  DO  morB  that  niiht.  Even  a  long  wisbed-for  slnmber,  irhen  It 
came  at  last,  wu  diaCnrbed  by  dreams  no  less  puOfUl  than  his  wakiag 
liiooghta. 

Be  imagined  that  he  was  in  the  splendid  chapd  of  9anta  Cma,  mad 
that  Catatma  stood  beside  him  in  all  her  digmt;  and  beaatr,  arrajred 
■a  be  had  seen  her  lost  in  a,  profkidtm  of  while  laoe  and  mtda.  She 
yet  lived  t  Tie  idea  of  her  death  WU  bat  a  hoitible  dream.  Oh  lAat 
ecataay  was  in  that  thai^ht '.  No  black  tomb  was  yawning  in  Ibtt 
ehancel,  bat  the  utlta  were  crowded  by  a  gay  party,  whMe  term 
appeared  warering,  indistinct,  and  indesoibaMe.  Bat  Ronald  iiiiikeil 
not  of  them-,  Catalina  wu  there,  with  her  eyea  iparkling,  hercfaaik 
Hosbing,  and  her  treases  flowing  as  of  aid,  and  oiBoga-bnds  ware 
antwined  witli  the  whit*  ma  of  her  coronal.    He  embrasetf  hW'^W 


ime  orcr  tiw  fstnm  af  tbe  SpuiA  maiden,  mad  l^ar 
<r,  but  MuUj  beautiful  featnna  of  AUca  Lute  I  A  Inr 
'    1;  itola  Q^OD  hi*  esn :  he  itarted,  and  aw^oe. 

baud  in  Ua  a'" -"^-- - 

,  that  morning  n  _  .       _ 

fr^  aB  aooeb,  troubled  wiUi  bi»  vbiooa.  and  OBTCfraabed  by  Ua 
rianban.    Ha  haatily  donoad  Ma  wgjnwmtala,  aad  eataring  the    ' 
aiatad  Imnaalf  in  that  part  whicb  ma  aa|iaratB<  from  t£e  m 
atasng  but  ricUy  gih  IroD  i^inc.    Ha  i 
Mia  Lut  by  Iha  aammtniiad  aiatw&iod,  to 

Mcnt to  have  wWiin  their  wslla  a  Bale  „ _. 

bnrdad  aad  item  n4Mt*  who  caiiH  «  prirUaged  individnala. 
handaoBe  Toanf  •otdado,  maiiof  the  maitial  imrb  of  »  land  wiam. 
waa,  in  their  jdcaa  of  g«ogra|ihf,  at  an  inmaaae  daUance,  and  of  wtaich 
thnr  had  atnogi  nedona,  capeoiallf  lit  the  farookf  and  wildaeat  of  ili 
s,  wa*  an  object  of  tbrillinf  intarert  to  theie  tiaiid  erek> 
1-1 1 1,  nuu  iJCiiUited  at  die  lery  menlioa  of  the  dsagera  which  Auir 
mSitary  gvest  had  Been  Bud  dared.  He  ma  -werj  diffinmt  from  Pietao. 
their  defoeaad  gaidenar,  or  El  Editor,  tiiat  badget  of  proierba,  who 
WBB  Arir  daily  naitor ;  and  many  bright  and  beantifiil  eyai,  ttiriiigh 
auutuuJ  by  hood  of  Msn  asd  veil  of  lawn,  were  fixed  aearchini^  npoa 
Ibb  froo  the  ngan-loft  and  aUar-alepi  i  bat  tiieir  preienca  waa  ma~ 
beaded  a>d  oBMnd  for  by  Stnart,  moM  eyes  were  bentonOegnr 
*hiB  tka  imbM  «f  the  dBuoel,  utile  Ua  th«iiglita  were  irith  Oa 
aeld  and  rnfllnlaM  form  that  lay  baneath  it,  bmiaed  mti  ormbed  do«B 
in  that  daik  and  ^oony  bole  nnder  a  load  of  oarth.  h  was  not  antfl 
Ika  matiaa  wwe  eoda^  and  tls  astEra  had  wididaawn,  tbU  be  M- 
■anbarcd  where  he  im,  and  dut  the  BO<nnr  ha  prepared  to  rqoin  Ua 
nnment  and  apologize  fbr  his  linnliB  abeence  tba  batter.  Indeed  ha 
MdberaatvfMl  mm*  most  an^oueot  qni^ns  and  de^ita  aa  to  be 
iaaaBolaenutta-,  wtthae  Mriot  aoommaodB^  cffieer  u  Caneren  <■( 
raaiilfliin — tieeM^,  ai  ha  waa  naaMd  by  the  meu  ;  andTislaiia  of> 
d ooart-aaarlial,  afonnidaUe  arra^  of  charnei,  andar~  ~ ~~ 


He  knew  not  Wther  (be  troopg  might  bare  marohed  from  Alniana; 
aaid  he  fcared  Ihat  by  erouing  Uie  Luia  tdlls,  which  were  luaiiy  mSea 
diatant,  he  mi^  ftll  into  the  tiandi  of  the  French,  who  he  knew  soca- 
pied  the  adjaceot  CDontry.  For  some  time  he  wai  at  a  leea  how  ta  aeti 
bat,  after  dae  cooaiderBCion,  was  led  to  believe  that  he  might  fall  in 
with  some  of  the  British  troops  at  Tnuillo,  for  which  place  he  deter- 
mined to  depart  immediately,  rememberiog  at  the  same  time  that  he 
ahoold  have  to  appease  the  wrath  of  the  Buenos  Ayrean  campaigner 
Don  GoDzago,  who  wonld  nadonbCedly  be  very  iadignaat  at  his  niece'a 
interment  withoat  hii  knowledge ;  bat,  io  fact,  Ronald  Stuart  had 
totally  foi^tten  the  exiiteDce  of  her  Dncle,  which  was  the  reason  of 
the  Oiersight.  At  he  left  the  chapel,  he  wsa  met  by  the  demure  and' 
starched  old  pottreat,  who  invited  him  to  breakfast  with  the  lady 
abbeaa  in  an  arboor  in  tiie  garden.  It  would  ham  beeo  iocoaaiiteDt 
with  coortear  and  gaUantry  to  hare  refused,  and  coatrsrif  to  his  own 
JaeBaHJin.  lar  in  tratb  be  was  halt  famished,  as  he  had  not '  brohea 
bread'  nee  tbe  nl^t  befiTre  the  capture  of  Almara,  and  natoiw 
da— I  111  III  >ewTisliBi«<ie.  In  the  arboara  of  tfae  garden,  which  tnee 
famed  of  besiTy  maaaea  of  blaommg  roae-Weea,  faaoBysookle,  and  rina, 
-  ----^  -  "»  pamUd  tieffia-werk,  the  nnaa  were  lealad  at  a^ 
0  2 


196 

gjmple  reput,  wbich  wbs  no  sooner  a*er,  than  tber  commraced  their 
diil;  occopstiOD  of  making  pin-cuabioni,  embroidered  sbirt-collaf^ 
tinting  {*aa,  md  irnrking  brocade  dresses,  all  of  wliicb  were  sold  for 
the  benefit  of  tbs  poor,  or  of  tbe  funds  of  the  cDnvent. 

Jn  ■  Urge  arbour,  at  the  back  of  whicb  a  cool  ipriiv  of  sparkUnK 
water  babbled  up  in  a  marble  baaio,  the  Bmiling  abbess  oaa  leatei^ 
awaiting  ber  gneet.  The  table  was  cotered  with  a  white  dotb,  wrotigbt 
oTor  with  leligioug  embli^Dis,  Tarionsly  colonred,  and  in  elibontte 
needle-work.  A  Spanish  breakftst  is  usoally  a  very  simple  one,  bnt 
the  abbesi  had  made  an  nnDsiial  display  this  morning.  Tbete  were 
platters  filled  wiUi  grapes  and  oranges,  freshly  pnlled  from  the  brancbea 
that  formed  tbe  roof  of  tbe  arbonr,  A  vaie  of  bailed  milk,  flanked  by 
two  silver  cups  of  cbocolate—so  thick  that  the  spooui  stood  in  it, 
bread,  butter,  efgt,  jellies,  and  marmalade,  compoied  the  repast;  to 
which  was  added  a  llask  of  tbe  wine  of  Ciudad  Real,  B  place  k>Dg  fiunoaa 
for  the  quality  of  its  produce. 

The  abbess  did  the  honours  of  the  table  with  a  grmce  whicb  showed 
that,  when  in  tbe  world,  she  had  been  accnatomed  to  tbe  best  society 
in  Spain.  Tbere  was  a  sweetness  in  her  tones  and  an  elegance  in  ererr 
moTement.  which  could  not  bare  failed  to  charm  one  less  abeorbea 
in  other  thoughts  than  Rnnald  Stuart.  However,  he  could  not  help 
remarking  the  fine  form  of  her  bands,  the  dazzling  whiteness  of  her 
arm,  and  the  beauty  of  her  dark  brown  cnrls,  whicb  she  wore  in  nn- 
uanal  abundance,  and  showed  rather  more  than  was  qnite  in  character 
with  one  of  her  profession.  Stuart  was  too  full  of  thought  to  prore  an 
agreeable  companion,  and  behaved,  I  dare  say.  so  very  inattentively, 
that  the  gay  abbess  thought  him  a  very  dull  fellow,  notwithstanding  toa 
Highland  nniform,  and  the  lively  account  be  gave  of  hia  own  dittant 
home  and  what  be  bad  seen  on  service  in  Spain. 

Alter  paying  a  last  visit  to  the  tomb  of  Catalina,  he  departed  from 
the  convent.  The  abbess  made  a  sign  of  the  cross  on  his  (orebead, 
kissed  him  an  both  cheeks,  gave  him  her  soiemn  blessing  in  Latin,  and 
dismissed  him  at  the  back  gate  of  the  buiiding,  which  atood  on  Um 
TraiiUo  road. 

Aa  be  rode  along,  mounted  again  on  Campbell's  horse,  many  & 

G'  inee  he  gave  behind  him,  not  at  the  figure  of  the  abbess,  who  waved 
r  kerchief  from  the  gate,  bnt  at  tbe  Gothic  pinnacles  and  high  stone 
roof  of  Uia  chapel,  benealh  wbich  lay  the  mortal  remains  of  tl|e  onoe 
gtneroas  and  ardent  Catalina. 


CHAPTEB    XXVIII. 


It  was  a  deligfatfol  sommer  mominft :   there  was  an „ 

frtahnesa  in  tbe  air,  which  raised  the  spirits  of  Stuart,  as  the  diatance 
imreased  between  him  and  the  scene  of  hia  aorrawa.  The  merry  birds 
were  happing  and  chirping  about  from  spray  to  spray ;  the  wild  flowat 
which  bloHOtaed  by  the  wayside  were  ^mg  forth  their  lichotperftmu. 


tad  Bipandiai  Ibor  dcwf  caps  tmd  leara  to  tbe  irirmth  of  tlie  rfaoiig 
■on.  Behind  bimkr  the  dark  v(K>d  of  JirciqD,  aodeboreit  aroNtbe 
Gurred  ridna  of  the  line,— their  brjf  ht  linti  DieUowed  bjr  diitince  >• 
ttMy  itretded  kwaj  tow«rdi  New  Cutile.  Before  him  l*r  a  Ions  tract 
of  beaotiAil  conattT.  tnfted  woodi  end  viaeT>rdi>  with  here  ud  there 
fdlow  cDrnGeldt,  mcki  •omoaDW  b;  old  feadal  itrouglioJd*,  n: 
them  loinDui,  end  io  mau'  >  -  >  -' 
remtuns  of  the  cottages  of  d 
tioiii  made  bj  Mi—ma  in  hii  reveai  lome  nine  oeiore. 

Eonald  would  hate  contemplated  with  delight  the  Tarring  of  the 
UfKlacBpe  a*  he  rode  along,  but  for  the  lonow  which  presied  heaTT 
B^on  wa  heart,  lnt«miii>glM  with  certain  fean  of  what  hit  reception 
might  ba  at  the  regimMit  after  bo  unaccountable  a  deantion,  and  in 
■hat  light  it  aug^t  he  viewed  by  hi>  brother  officers.  Pull  of  these 
exciting  ideaa,  at  timea  he  drove  hie  horae  forioiulir  ftirward,  ai  if  he 
■troTT  to  leave  bii  thoughts  bdiind  him,  aoil  aborten  as  mnch  as  possi- 
ble the  distance  between  himself  and  hi*  comrades.  He  longed  to 
behold  the  embattled  lowers,  the  slender  spires  sad  belfnea  of  Tmiillo, 
where  he  hoped  to  find  his  comrades,  and  eiplain  his  singular  disap- 

KBUce;  bat  Tmiillo  was  yet  leagues  distant.  As  the  road  plunged 
Q  among  the  green  woodlaods  throagh  which  it  wound,  he  enjoyed  the 
coot  ahadaw  which  the  tsU  chestnuts  cast  over  the  otherwise  hot  dusty 
load,  which  shone  glariug  and  white  in  the  rays  of  the  meridian  ton. 

A.  faint  cbomi  came  floating  ou  the  breeie  towards  him  ai  he  rode 

-■ and  swelled  out  into  a  bold  and  merry  s'-'-   -     •'-      -  - 

rm. .         ,....     ..     .  ■  .  ■■    ,       r  innumerBt 

_.  ia  after- 
wards, and  gave  a  boisteroo*  cheer  at  sight  of  the  scarlet  aniform. 
According  to  the  cnslom  of  the  muletcEri  during  hot  wesCber,  tbey  all 
wore  large  cotton  handkerchiefs,  knotted  round  their  hesda,  oudertbur 
■ombreros;  thMr  tasselled  jackets  were  flyiuE  open,  and  their  broad 
ihirt-eollars,  stiff  with  flowers  and  needlework,  were  folded  oyer  their 
ihonldars,  displsying  every  bare  and  brawny  neck.  The  train  halted, 
and  Ronald  recognized  his  old  acquaintance,  Lazaro  Gomel,  the  master 
mnleteer,  who  took  off  bis  beaver  with  one  hand,  while  he  reinoj-in  the 
leading  mule  wilh  the  other.  Lazaro'e  speculations  appeared  to  have 
been  successful.  His  jaclietwas  now  of  flne  green  velvet,  covered  with 
tiDsel  lace  and  ■amished  with  about  six  doxen  of  those  brass  bell- 
bnttous  with  which  the  molateera  are  so  fond  of  adorning  their 
garments. 

"  Well,  Micer  Lszsro,"  said  Stuart,  "  why  do  yon  drive  your  cattle 
'■0  fast  during  the  heat  of  the  day,  wben  tJiey  should  be  enjoying  a 
iieifa  ooder  tiie  greenwood  ?  They  are  likely  to  drop  before  jon  reach 
the  forest  of  Jarci^o." 

"Per  Diet!  I  hope  not,  senor,"  replied  the  muleteer,  in  evident 
trepidation  at  the  idea.  "They  shall  reach  Jarciejo, —we  are  rained 
else  ;  and  I  trust,  in  this  perilous  time,  that  the  gracious  senors,  our 
Lady  of  Msjoi^a,"  crassing  himself  and  1  soiling  upwards,  "wiUnnC 
forget  the  honest  mnleteer,  that  never  passed  her  shrine  wi^oat  bestow- 
ing on  it  a  handful  of  maravedis.  She  will  put  mettle  in  tbe  legs  of  his 
molei,  and  enable  them  to  save  his  hard-earned  goods  and  cbittels," 

"Hour,   Micer  Gomel, — what  ia  the  matter?      Yaa  seem   much 

"  Sanlinima  Cam!  is  it  possible  that  you  know  not  the  reason, 
•enor  !    El  dtmonio  !    I  thought  you  had  ten  thousand  British  at  yoor- 


feal^.  Hie  wMb  cmntiT  r«ni4  abaot  ii  ia  pomcarforf  af  A* 
nreBch,  Hid  hud  wark  we  ban  kad  ■inse  wa  leA  TraiiHoto  aempg 
boDg  plaadcrcd  of  every  maravedi.  And  onlf  tirink,  bcbot,  otiat  a  liM 
I  ahrald  hare  raffered  I  Wbr  there  are  thirty  ikiot  of  tha  (wttninewF 
<5ad>d  Seal  oa  the  bUek  isnie,— CoHtaita,  we  oall  ber,— ebe  trice*  tbe 
laid  i  u  nanr  'Vbm  of  the  oHTC-eit  ef  LebHja.  Hm  beat  fai  Soain,  o« 
Ifea  pad  of  the  aeoond, — BoeimLfia,  of  'the  blaek  naaala,    m  we 


"On  bis  march  for  Merida,  eenor;  and  bf  (U« tine maXT a lea(«a 
berend  Tills  Macia.  On  Oe  third  aigle—OufMa,  wenanMho',  (kMM 
her  eoloar,'  there  are  tweMr  atrobaa  of  corn  from  the  Hoerta  af  Otl- 
hsela.*  all  fat  the  nana  <rf  Santa  Cms,  and  worth  in  rrala— " 

"Aretbeenenf  in  rrcetfcraehereabooti?"  aaked  Rsmld, whs Mt 
eoDiiderablr  conoarmd  toe  bii  own  ufetr. 

"TVnlf,  senor,  I  know  not;  bnt  their  Kgtit  earBlry  ara  riding  ia 
«*erT  direction.  Seme  aay  that  Maraha)  Boalt,  and  othaa  that  the 
C««Bt  D'Brlon,  hal  entered  Egbeniadara,  and  ^at  the  BritUh  ar«  d 

"  That  I  do  not  brieve." 

"  Nor  1  j—no,  by  the  bonea  of  the  CSd  Campeidar,  'til  not  likrif. 
Bat  ae  I  waa  aajinc,  amor,  twenty  Brrabae  ef  corn — " 

"Tarentr  deiib  1  Hidt,  Miner  Laiiro;  if  yon  ati^ta  tallerar  A* 
tanvntorr  of  ye«r  goods,  yon  are  not  likely  to  e«aat>e  the  clawa  erf  tta 
eDtmy,  a  partf  of  wbom  1  see  on  the  top  of  the  bill  yonder." 

A  volley  of  enrsea  brake  from  the  noletcen  at  thia  intelli(eBe0.  A 
■BrtT  of  oavalry  in  blae  nniform  appeared  oa  tiK  road,  dexandlBg  bb 
at  some  dietanoe,  and  (lui  glitter  of  their  weapona,  aa  thm' 
Aasbed  in  the  enn,  wae  loen  between  the  brBoahee  of  Ae  tceea.    Cms 

"AveMaria — dmuMot—parDiex  !  we  are  plondared  and  mined  t" 
cried  the  mals-dnrers,  as  the;  lariied  tlieir  long-eared  cattle  into  a  traL 
"Tbenf^  oil,  the  wine  and  earn — carafe  ! — to  benllsged  by  the  baaa 
French  I  Bat  what  is  Co  be  done  ?  Were  tbey  nnoer  the  nwf  of  die 
SoD^ima  Cau,  which  tbe  bleaeed  an^a  brought  from  Gdilee  M 
Lnretto.  tbey  would  not  be  safe.  Forwtird,  Capitana  1  nllanC  aiAt, 
wan  of  foot  and  long  of  wind.  Hob,  V*dm  de  Pnebla  !  keep  up  tdbt 
-black -muzzled  ilotfa ;  we  will  Say  ita  flank;  with  our  whips  else.  Papa. 

well  to     -- "    ■     '  ■  "■■--  -"     - 

pkkle.' 

^eed,  nnning  by  the  side  of  their  mules,  and  lashing  then  laaMy, 
learing  Stnart  looking  steadily  at  tbe  adiancing  party  of  hone,  Int 
dabiona  what  coorae  to  poraue. 

He  ccald  not  stoop  to  have  reeonrae  to  a  ddiberalo  flight;  aol 
M  the  enemy  was  between  him  md  hia  friends,  it  was  neoeasary  ta 
4taile  them  by  any  means.  Reining  back  his  horse,  be  wIlhAw 
beneath  tite  cover  of  ■  thiaket  benie  the  road.  Ha  was  scaic^ 
eBseonoed  among  the  fi^iage,  when  abont  twfOity  ehattiirM  k 
ehaial,  with  thrar  short  carbiiMS  restiDg  on  their  tttigba  and  their 

*  Tha  fflTtllitv  of  Oribtldm  hu  bMame  ■  nram-b  amnnff  thflSDiniudi:  "Wlfl. 
Oaa  tlun  ia  niD  «  not,  U 
*w*  M  OritM^.    An  SI 


nSuK  lidiu  in  froat,  whtelad  roond  k  comw  of  tb«  TMd,  and 
pMied  hU  place  of  concadmeDt  at  an  eu;  p*De.  As  looa  u  thsf 
■Mn  hiddeu  bf  the  vliidi(i|i  of  tbe  road  and  the  hwTy  (nen 
faiiap*  wlucli  oversliadowcd  it.  Stuart  emerged  fiam  hii  cotct,  and 
GODtmned  his  route  at  a  bsrd  giillDp  tovirds  Tnuillo,  whicli,  bow- 
mv,  he  deternuDed  to  aroid  by  a  detoor,  ia  caae  of  fidliD(  in  with 
■on  of  the  Fiencb.  He  had  not  ridden  a  qoarter  of  a  mile,  before  a 
■ndden  angle  of  the  patbi  which  now  puied  under  the  cool  ahade  lit 
mftni  «iMitnlliaM,  braa|ht  him  abrapUf  &ce  to  bee  with  two 
ftnaah  ofEeera,  whoM  horie»  were  ttottlat  along  «t  a  >ery  ambling  rat«. 
Od  seeisg  him,  they  iiutanlly  drew  np,  while  tbeir  facet  uiamsd  bd 
oi^enioit  of  unmeaiured  >iiTpriie<  They  were  not  above  twelve 
Twda  diitant.  Ronald  UkewiaB  drew  his  hridle,  and  unsheathing  hla 
sword,  reconnoitered  the  Gaols,  between  whom  a  few  norda  paiaed. 
One  waaa  pale  and  thin  num,  in  a  staff  uniform  embroidered  withoak- 
ka*ei.  He  carried  hii  right  arm  in  a  bUck  silk  gliag.  The  other  wat 
•  dadliog  officer  of  cairauieri,  a  miia  of  giugiibrL;  fine  and  mnacDlar 
propoTtioDi;  he  was  monnted  on  a  powerful  black  war-hone,  and 
wore  a  hiah  braia  helmet,  with  the  Imperial  eagle  on  its  creat,  and  a 
■hiine  of  Black  horse-hair  floating  oier  it.  He  was  accoutred  with  a 
bright  ateel  cnirau  and  back. plate,  and  leather  jack-boots  which  cwne 
aba*«  the  knees.  Both  wore  splendid  epaulets  and  ajgnilleta,  and  were 
corand  on  tbe  breast  with  medali  and  DiiUtaiy  orders  of  knighthood, 
— indeed  there  were  tew  French  officers  who  were  not  so. 

Soaald  saw  at  a  glaoca  Utat  the  heavy  dragoon  would  be  hia  OHio- 
Mst)  and  be  felt  lome  aDpleaiant  doabta  ai  to  tbe  issne  of  a  oonfliot 
with  a  practiaed  onalry  officer,  and  one  thus  gheathed  in  a  panoitlr 
id  itcel  and  leather,  white  he  himself  had  nothing  to  protect  him 
fiooa  tb«  Uade  of  bis  adTosarr  but  hia  thin  regimental  coat  and 
tarinn  plaid- 
Hie  officer  with  the  woonded  arm  moved  his  hone  to  tbe  road-aide, 

coirasaier  twirled  bis  moustaobea  with  a  nim  s    " 

landstraij 


^ — . Jd  hia  glitteriaf  weapon— a  apeciaa  of  long  and  straigbt  baclt- 

awofd,  worn  by  the  French  cavalry,  and  daaired  Ronald  imperiously  to 
•nnNoder  wlttKiiit  Mriking  a  blow. 

"  Sendti  tani  eotip  /irir,  Motuieur  Qgicier." 

TJniittf  that  he  waa  nut  uuderatood,  and  that  Stnart  prepared  to 
dafand  himself,  he  reined  hii  steed  back  a  little  way ;  and  then  dashiu 
hia  ((Din  into  its  flanks,  came  Uiuadering  forward  at  fiill  speed, 
abonbnc  "ViMFSmptrewt"  with  hlslang Uade apliFtod,  intending 
te  bvA  nia  i^venary  into  eternitj  by  a  aingle  atr^.  But  Stuart  by 
an  adroit  manageiiuait  of  his  horse's  bridle,  made  a  deni-wtit  or  balf- 


. —  — .  __e  time  stooping  his  bead  till  the  f 

«f  hia  bonnet  mingled  with  the  mane  of  his  borse,  to  avoid  ibfi 
Freachman's  sweeping  atrokc,  which  whistled  harmlegaly  through  the 
air;  while  he  in  retnm  dealt  him  a  baok-handal  blow  on  the  crest  of 
hia  halioat  aa  he  passed  him  in  hia  career,  which  at  once  tumbled  him 
W  bia  horse's  head  and  stretched  him  senseless  in  the  dust,  while  hia 
Bword  fell  from  his  grasp,  and  broke  in  a  dozen  pieces.  Elated  «i& 
tbiM  sodden  and  nnlooked  for  snccesi,  KonaU  brandished  his  clvmore 
aloA,  and  rushed  on  to  tbe  next  officer ;  but  drew  back  and  lowered 
the  point  of  hia  weapon,  on  perceiving  the  atsrtled  and  indig^iant 
look  of  the  veteran,  who  held  up  bis  wounded  arm. 

"Pass  on,  ilrl"   said  Ronald,  substituting  Spanish  for  French,  of 
afhich  be  leueeiy  knew  above  a  dozen  words.    "  I  might.  If  I  cbose. 


mile  jon  priMnier;  but  I  wiah  not  to  take  advuitue  of  ymx  liefaiF' 
wouniJed.    Fua  on,  sir ;  the  road  ia  upea  before  jou. 

The  Frenchmui  appeired  to  aadentaud  bim  imperfectlr,  bat  raMnf 
hi)  cocked  hat,  ks  prepared  at  once  to  take  the  benefit  of  the  jMi^  ' 
xniaiioii* 

"  Adien,  Monriear  de  Mennai  1 "  laid  he,  on  puing  hli  Mten  eeta^ 
rade,  adding  lomethiiig  in  a  whiiper,  fragmenla  of  wluoh  onl^t  naofatMl 
BoDBld. 

"  Malheurt,  mon  ami—&  la  fftrnrt — eontmt  h  la  gnerri — rtlmmez 
tl  Tairem-vota—ehaueuri  i  ehnal,"  and  he  gnllDped  off.  BoBkM 
vai  half  tempted  to  ride  after  and  cut  him  doiro,  and  tbna  aeeotfilr 
atop  hia  intention  of  returning  with  the  twenty  light  horaeman,  aa  he 
inpposed  he  meant  to  do,  for  the  disjointed  fragmrata  be  had  heard 
implied  an  nnderstanding  between  ttem. 

''  Ah,  la  malice  du  diaile !"  cried  the  coirauler,  ai  he  endesToarad 

"  Come,  Senor  CniranEer,"  said  Ronald  in  Spinlah  ;  "  I  believe  I 
am  to  conrider  fon  a  prisoner  on  parole?" 

"  DiableiHtni  !"  mnttered  the  Frenchman,  mbbing  hi*  tore  bonea. 

"  Come,  to  horae.  Get  into  your  aaddle,  and  without  delay.  Do  nOt 
imagine  I  wilt  picley  here  long  enough  to  permit  your  cnnning  (dd 
oonuade  to  bring  np  the  light  dragoons  Co  yODr  reacoe." 

The  Gaul  atill  delayed  to  move,  declaring  that  to  aerere  were  hb 
bruisei,  he  was  nnable  to  rise. 

"Monsieur,"  aaid  Honald  atemly,  placing  hia  hand  in  hif  baaket- 
hilt,  "I  be1ieTeyOQnot;'diB  mere  trick  I  And  If  you  do  not  inBtanOy 
mount,  I  ahall  be  tempted  to  try  if  that  iron  harnest  of  yonn  is  proof 
aghast  a  Btab  from  tneba  blade  as  thia." 

Thus  anirily  urged,  the  cniraaaier  with  a  fallen  look,  and  lome 
tronblo  eridoitly,  mounted  hii  horse,  gate  his  parole  of  bononr,  and 
tossing  the  flints  from  hia  pistols,  threv  away  with  a  cune  hia  empty 
acabbu^,  and  prepared  to  follow  his  captor,  who  inquired  abotit  bia 
harts  and  bmises  with  ■  frank  kindness,  to  which  the  other  replied  by 
cold  and  ban)[hty  mouoayllableB ;  and  his  diapleaaure  appeared  to  in- 
crease, when  Ronald,  instead  of  continniog  on  the  Truiillo  road,  stnek 
at  once  across  the  country  to  make  a  detour,  thna  cuttinE  off  any 
chance  which  the  Freuchman  had  of  being  rescued  by  the  chassmTS, 
ahould  hia  eomponion  bring  them  back  for  that  purpose.  Stuart  was 
aecretly  well  pleased  at  the  capture  be  had  made,  and  doubted  not  that 
the  French  capltan  would  make  a  Tery  timely  peace-oflering  to 
Cameron,  who  would  be  the  roverse  of  well-pleaaed  at  his  long  abseiice. 

"Cheer  up,  Monsieur  de  Meauiai, — I  think  your  friend  named  yon 
De  Mesmai,  aaid  he ;  "  there  is  no  use  in  being  cast  down  abont  diis 
maiheur,  Snch  happen  doily  to  out  brothers  in  arms,  on  both  tidct. 
And  it  is  a  wander  our  cases  are  not  rereraed,  when  my  opponent  was 
Bo  accomplished  a  chevalier." 

De  Meamai  twirled  his  black  monatachea,  ahrugged  his  ahouidert  tiB 
his  epaulets  touched  his  ears,  and  made  no  reply, — but  gave  an  anxioos 
glance  behind  them. 

"'llano  use  looking  for  your  friend  and  his  cioMrHrt ;  they  will 
scarcely  find  us,  since  we  are  so  fcr  from  the  main  road.  So,  I  pruy 
you,  give  yourself  no  further  concern  about  them." 

To  this  tauntios  injunction,  the  Frenchman  answeied  only  bj  a  atetn 
military  frown.  He  was  a  man  above  forty  years  of  ue,  and  hia  figare 
was  a  model  of  combiaed  atreogth  and  aymmetry.    Eipoaore  to  tlse 


iw  kad  tsrood  tlie  hne  of  Ui  bee  to  BomcthiDg  between  deep  red  and 
dnk  brown, — tbe  fimaa' wu  yMticalarlr  ipparent  in  ■  deep  tcuaeron 
tke-jiAedc,  wUdihe^deMixned  tohidebf  UwonrlDr  bii  nouMdM. 
Hi-uMued  to  nnr  hii  captor  with  mj  fiMliDC  but  ■  friendlj  one  ; 
indeed  it  wee  sdUne,  fliM  an  ■ceoaipliahed  embj  officer  like  Umielf 
duwlid  bare  beeo  nD&Med  and  compelled  to  enrrender  br  one  whom 
htnpided  as  •  law  eoMieT,— a  meie  itripUng ;  bot,  aa  hii  brad  had 
Kood  reason  to  know,  a  Ttrr  ttont  one. 

"And  10  Monueor  de  Meiniai  ii  four  i 
endeBTOOiuig  to  trad  bim  into  cfniTenatioD. 

'"i^not  unlikely,  moniieur.  I  am  pretty  well  known  an  both  ridea 
otibt  Pyieneea;  aod  pennit  me  to  acquaint  yoa,  that  it  «u  no  com- 
mon feat  of  yonn  to  Doborae  me  u  yon  did  to-day.  But  aa  for  my 
name,  it  ban  nude  b  □oise  in  tbe  pubUo  jonmals  once  or  twice.  Yod 
may  baie  beit^it  it  Almarei, — I  commuided  in  the  tower  of  Bagiin." 

"  I  now  remember ;  bat  it  waa  not  rery  kind  of  yon  to  cot  the  pon- 
toon.  and  &iti  destroy  the  retreat  of  D'EstonTiUe  and  bis  ioldiera. 

"  Charity  begins  at  boms.  Yoa  know  lliat  vulgar  adage, — strictly 
Bi^iah  I  beliere  it  is,"  retorted  (he  cniraasier  baoghtity.  "  8mre 
Mm.'  'tis  aomethiDS  new  for  a  French  officer  to  be  icbooled  by  ft 
British,  in  the  rales  of  military  hononr." 

"Nothing  new  in  the  least,  sir!"  retorted  the  other  in  tbe  same  tone 
oTflqae.  "Military  banoar!  What  think  yon  of  the  poisoned  balls, 
whidi  oni  troops  say  yonrs  nse  so  freely  !" 

*'  Saere  wDfli  dt  Diru .'"  exclaimed  the  cnirassier,  hoarsely,  wbile  bis 
cbeek  grew  ibsolately  pnrple ;  "  'tis  hiae,  monsieni ;  I  tell  yon  'tis 
&lse  1  ^Ti»  a  tie  of  the  bue  meroenBry  German  Legion,  or  the  rssosUy 
PortiWDew.  Barely  British  soldien  wonld  neier  isy  so  of  Frencbmen  ? 
Ilink  TOD]  moniienr,  that  we,  whose  bsyonets  haie  fluhed  at  Aoster- 
lits  and  Jcna~thiDk  yon,  tbat  we  now  wonld  bare  recourse  to  means 
so  tbnl  ?  i^nrre .'  to  poison  our  bullets  like  the  cowardly  Indians, — and 
now,  at  this  time,  when  under  Hraven  and  the  great  Emperor's  goid. 
snee  tbe  nutla  of  the  bBDnera  of  Pranoe  have  sbaken  the  world  to  its 
centre  ?    I  trow  not ! " 

"  It  has  been  mmonttd  by  our  soldiers,  however ;  bnt  I  rely  too 
mnA  on  the  hononr  of  Frencbmen,  to  imagine  that  they  wonld  resort 
to  anch  dastardly  means  of  maiming  an  enemy."* 

"  Monsiear,  were  wa  otherwise  sitnsted,  I  wonld  put  this  matter  to 
Uiaabarpertest'of  coldiroD."  repliedDeMesmBi.whowasmDcbmffled 
at  Hie  mention  of  the  poisoned  balls ;  "  hot  a  time  may  yet  come,  and 
for  the  present  1  accept  yoor  apology.  As  for  the  story  of  the  ptdwned 
balls,  donbtleas  yon  are  indebted  for  it  to  the  base  Germans — merAenary 
dogs  I  whom  their  bugarly  princes  and  little  mightinesses  sell  by  thon- 
Sinds  to  figbt  the  bstUes  of  alt  nBtions." 

"  In  oar  serrlce  we  bsTe  a  l^oo  of  sereral  tboDsands,  and  they  are 
excellent  troops." 

"  Honsiear,  we  have  many  legions.  Bnt  the  German  is  witbOQt 
chinlry  or  aentiment,  and  fitted  only  for  the  mere  mechauical  part  of 
war.  They  flgbt  for  their  daily  pay  :  bononr  tbey  Tains  not ;  to  tbem 
'tis  aa  moonsUne  in  the  wsler— an  nnsnbstantial  glitter." 

"  Yon  are  severe,  Captain  De  Meamsi." 

"  I  cannot  speak  of  diem  in  more  gentle  terms,  when  I  remember 


tbktali  tka  GouB  rraoBBn  Toa  Ma  fHMi  «•  ianriiUr  Ant"  bMi^ 
BMi.  wid  Mlkt  in  Jim  Mmcs.  Smnl  battilioM  hkie  iMMinlMd 
iMivn  ft«  Sittoh  ■iUtey  priwa  of  Irta.  AMdtbw«G«nn*M— bakj 
Bat  to  ttM  <knl  wltk  tb«ia  I '' 

"  Bf  the  bfe— wba  «M  yaar  fn«ad,  nith  bii  m  w  tfa*  ili>g  ?  Am 
Offiotr  of  loma  nuik>  aiidantlr?" 

"  Tiulf  be  is.  1  UD  gUd  lau  did  not  tika  bin  uatead  ot  DM.  Ab, 
moDsienr,  yon  hire  onCwitted  yomaeU  sonlwudBiU;.  Wluit  a  prJite  he 
woBtd  hue  bem  to  Hawnt  ta  rav  seMnll  Hut  attc«r  mm M«ii- 
aisBi  le  Comte  D'ErloB." 

"  D'Erlon!"  exclaimed  KoiuJd  ;  "  would  to  Hearea  he  wboUmv 
ton." 

"  Wltk  tha  NhKa  «f  twmtr  eha—turi  a  ckmai  giittetiag  ^itHaA 

"  No,  oortainlr.  But  oh  1  bad  I  oolr  gnened  hia  nak  and  (aou^ 
ilu>«ld  not  Iwn  euaped  me.    1  would  aitber  kan  takan,  or  cut  tw 


n.  vaia.    I  don't  like  ladies  ttiat  we 
Terging  lomrng  lorcj  yeare.' 
"  Y(Hi  BseBi  to  haie  raaoverad  your  equaiiUait*  of  tamper  wur." 
"  Ob,  perfectlj ;  but  my  bead  riagi  like  a  belfry,  wttt>  that  est  y«« 

"  So  that  old  officM,  with  Ui  arm  alaBEi  wat  leall;  tha  lamoot 
IVBrloa,  of  wbom  vabaTe  faMrd  ■□  muctt?' 

"ThenllantoldcviuthimMlf,  He  recelvad  a  atroke  fram  a  apmt 
])iitot-bail  a  day  or  two  |tut,  whi^  diiabled  hi«  award-arm ;  atkonriaa 
yoa  weuld  have  bad  ■«  eaoounter  with  him  alao." 

"  I  iball  eiercuiaa  my  tbougbtleaanew.  in  hariog  pennitted  bin  4o 

Hia  oakaiaiiBr  laa|faed  eioltingly. 

"  I  am— diail«  / 1  uof  hta  >ide-de-cu»p  ;'ai>d  we  hftd  merely  eroaaed 
the  Tactu  last  aight  with  a  sub-division  of  chuaeora,  to  make  a  r*eo»- 
mtinamet ,-  and  «■  wbib  latBniinR  laimrely  in  the  naz  of  oar  party, 
wben  yoa  ao  nxlaakily  &1L  in  with  ua,  like  Bome  waodeiiiis  ''"■;'■'- 

"  £iDBH  me.  moBiiaur ;  bat  u  1  pwoetie  that  yonr  aahte-taiGlie^  ia 
very  foil  of  anaiathing,  if  you  have  any  of  the  Count  D'Erlon'a  dea- 
-patcbai  or  paper*,  I  mut  monder  it  my  dstj  to  leqoast  Ibtt  yon  "HI 
'eotnut  thmn  to  my  c«i«." 

"EicdlcDt,  by  tba  bomJb '.    That  yoa  nay  preMat  tbem  to  yonr 

"  Uudonbtedly,  monBienr." 

"  I  belieTB  he  w  erary  iodi  a  true  aoldier  i  and  were  be  hare,  would 
be  welcome  to  ahire  the  coatenta  of  my  labra-tacbe ;  but  aa  he  ii  net, 
we  will  divide  tham  boantly  at  tbe  kettla-drum  bead>  Here,  yoa  lee, 
ia  •  roaU  fowl,  &mou>ly  itufTed  with  aage  and  ffarlic,  which  yetferday 
att«moaa  I  carried  off  from  the  dinaer-table  of  a  fat  caAOn  of  Toitk- 
ooio,  when  jnit  about  to  carve,  and  very  moob  avhaat  the  padre  lookad 
wbea  1  seized  it  unceremonioiuly.  Here  alao  ia  a  bottle  of  poaaitrd, — 
rare  itoff,  aa  jou  will  find.    I  took  it  out  of  IVErloa'i  bal«ten  not 


time  §mt  be«n  aso.  Ha  ■Ivafi  kecfa  •  bottla  in  oar,  Bad  a 
■Md  !■  Ow  otbr.  A  ksowiM  oU  ii«npaiciMr,  tmbv  St.  Grill 
And  now,  itD«  yon  h&n  reminded  kb  of  tbe  Mbrv-Ucbe.  let  m  U 
hiDclieoQ." 

TbiB  pomard  and  the  fowl  were  ihared  together,  and  had  an^  itranfcr 
bdield  diem  as  the;  jogged  along,  he  wooU  never  have  imagined  that 
Iker  bad  been  engaged  in  mortal  strife  an  hoar  before. 

"  Ah,  this  horrible  garlic  '  the  taile  of  it  would  midden  a  PurUian 
ehrfde  euinne/' obserred  De  Meamai.  "I  drink  to  the  health  of 
jeuor,  the  reierecd  canon  of  TorbiscMO,  who  hai  provided  for  ui  thii 
eq)eejal  good  Inncheo*.  Cone,  my  friend,  yon  donotdrink  i  ^on  an) 
u  melancholy  as  if  you  fiad  loat  your  love,  while  I  am  as  merry 
ai  if  I  had  juat  buried  my  wlfc.  But  why  ibonld  I  be  cast  down  in 
ipiiitE  ?  The  old  count  cannot  do  without  me.  and  will  soon  get  me 
eidianged ;  he  might  oa  well  lose  hie  head  aa  Uanrlce  do  Meamai.  I 
MM  bam  a  world  of  tionbb  by  drinking  hta  wiM,  amolring  Ua  ctgan, 
■akiag  lui  hit  deapatehea,  in  wbwb  I  uke  eip«ewl  care  that  ny  fm» 
is  always  dnly  eomiaendad  to  the  ootioe  of  wo  finpetor.  I  study  tha 
laesBliaa  for  csd^m,  sod  alwsya  umIu  thcM  in  the  nsighbonrhssd  of 
oaaveots.  A-pcopoa  of  ooDrents :  I  ton  baUir  to  esptoM  and  Mck 
Am  tfaan  ■nytlunc  eke.  'Tii  en^  deUghtfal  hido-aikUaaBk  cwt  ait 
wnrib  to  pnll  th«  Mr  fanriaoo  from  the  nook*  and  auelwi  irtMn  tbv 
hidsfiomns.  I  ka>e  bad  a  tcore  of  anna  aerowUiisMry  aaddla-liawt 
andi  bvt  br  yoor  coned  iot«miptiMi,— ■««c«ie  me,  PMouesr,— woold 
by  this  tioaa  hare  had  the  abbeia  of  the  Jaidgo  ODDTcot.  An  im- 
BiBsely  fios  orestni^  won  mj  hmiowi  with  a  MCk  and  bnat  beaaltfid 
BBDvgh  to  toni  the  hesda  of  mesajenra  their  eminmitta  the  sardinak. 
k.  ^nsiotu  CMStara,  In  fiui,  sad  »»  kind  a  one  aa  may  be  net  wlUi  <m 
alaasdaiy'a  march.  I  bad  maiked  bBrforapriae,  ■ndD'OUn  bad 
aner  dared  to  «ar  ma  bb*  ;  otbarwiaa  ba  woold  baie  bad  to  prorid* 
IwMlf  with  another  aide." 

De  Uaamal  aeemed  to  hara  raeoTsrad  that  buoyancy  of  temper  so 
nabual  to  Frenchmen,  and  be  diatted  on  in  tbii  gay  and  nnooniMctnd 
■BBBcr,  and  aanf  aoakiiee  of  military  and  taTcm  aoafsiuilil  thar 
aai*«d,  wban  araoing  was  approaching,  at  Villa  Uaoia,  where  it  was 
Maoassaty  that  Ihey  abould  halt  for  uia  iii|ht.  Hare  they  reoaired 
jafamaatioD  that  Kr  Rowland  Hill,  with  the  troops  ratnrniog  from 
filmarnr.  had  paaaed  tlvoof^  tw.o  daya  belbre.  In  ao  imall  a  TiUagc 
Ihera  «aa  bo  afcalda  to  order  them  a  billet,  and  no  ion  at  wMab  Umt 
conld  procure  one  otherwiie  ;  and  while  Btiading  in  the  atreet,  Irreatt' 
late  bow  t«  act,  titer  ware  nrroaaded  by  a  crowd  of  awaKhy  vill^en, 
who  greeted  Ronald  with  many  a  hearty  viva .'  but  reganlad  tha  dia- 
amed  Prenehmsn  with  laorinf  looks  of  hatred  and  hostility,  to  which 
he  replied  by  otbera  of  dafianca  and  eontempt.  SI  eura,  the  reoCot  or 
eorate  of  the  plsM.  a  rcrcreod-looking  old  chorcbman,  with  a  bald 
bead,  a  few  (rey  hairai  and  a  wriakled  yiaaga.  approaohed  (bam  with 


_  .re  welooiae.  The  faoraea  ware  aonommodated  in  an  out-houaa  be- 
Und  the  oottage,  while  the  canto  Introdused  his  gaests  into  hia  beat 
apatfnent, — a  room  Soored  with  tilest  wbidi  had  jast  been  cooled  br 
the  spplicstioD  of  a  water-aprinkler.  Neta  ot  oniooa,  orangea,  and 
inaamerable  bonehea  of  prapet  hnng  from  the  rode  rafters  of  the  root 
WBriag  in  the  fretb  erening  brecie  which  blew  thraagh  the  open  wia- 
dew.    Drawings  of  Tsrioni  kinds,  particolarty  Uudscapes,  adoruad  the 


inat.tb«i 


W*llt  ot  the  room,  in  which,  if  poTertf  v, 


CHAPTEE     XXIX. 


■*LaaHDe,alnI  and  iU  bMlde  tka ! 
Giin«  upon  Hwb  T  IaE  me  go  i 
Wan  iboB  Mha  thu  bit  fuhar, 
H«av«u  I  1  would  tulte  thee  [ov  T " 

"Ol  Cid:  a  Spiniili  BOBOKt. 

"  Ik  DeitM  laudamta!  we  ■ball  bara  ■  mt  at  lastl "  eiclumed 
'  Do  Memiu.    "  I  thanghC  I  had  forgotten  mr  Latin  ;  and  yet  mr  aU 

ropiH  of  a  tutor  rahbad  it  hard  into  me  with  a  toogh  rod."  He 
clattered  Uirongh  the  room  with  hii  heavy  jadc-boots  and  janclii^ 
■pora  clanking  on  the  flimr  1  and  aeatiiig  hirUBelf  in  the  cnrate'i  ean- 
chair.  itretched  oat  hia  legs,  and  half  cloaing  his  eyes,  contnaptuooilT 
anrrejed  the  place.  He  threv  bis  heary  canne  on  the  table,  criutung 
the  leaves  of  a  large  bible,  which  el  cava  had  been  reading. 

"  DiabU  !  my  head  is  ringing  like  a  ketlle-dnun  with  tiie  yiolence  of 
<-■••*  Qnlocky  stroke.     Mansiear,  the  basket -hilts  of  yonr  Scottish  regl- 

round  bullet  head  and  ttiick  and  black  curly  hair,  which  clastered 
aronod  a  bold  high  forehead.  Hia  featares  were  ver^  bandsome, 
Btrongly  marked,  and  classically  regnlar.  Campaigns  la  Italy  had 
broDzed  and  scarred  them  in  no  ordinary  degree,  and  there  w  '  " ' 
rockleaaness  in  his  eye  and  a  fierceness  in  the  curl  of  big  mo 
which  seemed  quite  to  appal  the  poor  old  curate,  DOtwithstandiog  Che 

nsenco  of  Ronald  Stuart.  "  Vivt'XajaU!  let  us  drink  and  be  merry. 
m  a  prisoner  of  ym—tacrt  !  a  prisooer  1  "Tii  something  new ;  bnt 
thanks  ta  D'Erloc,  and  madame  Ms  dear  little  countess,  who  will  nenr 
be  able  to  mount  horse  withont  me,  I  will  not  be  long  so.  Vim  la 
joit,  Moruinir  le  Cttri— Setter  Cara—oT  what  do  yon  style  youTMlt 
among  the  rebels  of  Joseph  Buonaparte — wiiat  on  we  to  luve  for 

'  OaqjacAo—fialy  a  dish  of  gatpaeho  ,■  'tis  all  I  have  fo  offer  you, 
graeio*  tenorti." 

"  SOHpe  maiffn,  by  the  Lord!  Bah!  »mor  Btpagitol:  'tit  (6od 
only  for  hoga  or  youraelves,  not  for  a  cuirassier  of  France." 

'"Tie  all  that  France  and  misfbrtnne  enable  me  to  offer.  Tluy 
hare  broaght  me  low  enoUKh,"  replied  the  izurate  meekly,  while  he 
speared  astounded  by  the  boisteroaa  behaviour  ,of  the  dragooa,  (or 
whom  Ronald  (thongh  sectetly  angry  at  hia  conduct)  endeavoured  to 
apologize,  and  to  re-assare  their  kind  host.     "  Bat  something  else 

~    '        '  >   >  .      -  •  ^^  sennres,  and  yon  will  And  the  latter 

.„.,.„  „         iithebest  preparer  of  ilia  the  village." 

Diable.'  your  grand-danghter  ?  what  a  merry  monk  yo a  have  bees 
in  your  young  days.      But  how  came  yon,  imor  citrf,  to  have  a 

"  I  was  married  before  I  took  opan  me  the  mpulary  and  girdle— 


asi? 


fixed  look  o(  indinudun,  which  « 

"AjoUf  moakl  Vive  lajoit !  And  is  toQ''  gruid.ddighler  young 
uid  pntty  ?  I  bope  so,  oa  I  fe«l  eonni  creeping  aier  me  in  this  dull 
dingeoD.  But  be  not  aogry,  rererend  cure.  I^t  as  have  bat  a  mu- 
■nre  of  decent  wine  to  muti  down  tbii  tame  gatpaeAo,  tud  we  shall 
miMee  pretty  well." 

"  B  momiear  knew  that  1  was  his  coniiCrymui,"  mid  the  CDraCe 
|(ntly,  "be  might  peihsps  treat  my  grey  hairs lesg  inndtiagly." 

"Not  a  wbit,  moiuieiir  renefade  1  cried  the  cairastier  fiercely. 
"What!  you  are  some  base  emigrant,  I  aappoee.  Hey  are  ever  the 
biClenat  enemiea  to  the  great  Napoleon,  to  his  faithful  ■oldiere,  and  to 
ia  belie  JVance." 

"  'Tia  falae,  mde  aoldiet '.  "  said  the  old  man,  bia  faded  eye  kiodliDi 
up.  "  We  are  the  only  CniG  frienda  to  beautJfut  France,  and  the  out- 
rind  hooBe  of  Bourbon." 

"Beelzebub  atrangte  the  Bourbona  ! 
hah  to  your  chBttering.  Alao,  take  ca 
gentleman,  or  I  awear  1  will  dash — " 

"  Hold  !  De  Meamai,"  aaid  Stuart,  iaterfering:  now  for  the  second 
or  third  time.  "  I,  aa  a  Britlah  officer,  cannot  permit  you  to  persist  in 
insnltiiig  a  Spaoisb  dtiien  thua — " 

"A  dog  ofanemigrant!  1  have  mown  them  down  by  troopa — nei^er 
yet  granted  quarter,  even  to  their  moat  pitiable  eatr«aCiea.  Death  - 
was  the  word  whercTer  we  bavo  fallen  in  with  them— in  Holland, 
Flanderv,  Spain,  Portugal,  and  Italy.  When  I  served  with  the  army 
of  the  Moselle,  we  once  formed  a  tbooaand  emigrant  prisontra  into 
solid  sqaares,  and  poured  in  volleys  of  grape  and  musketry  upon  them ; 
while  the  cavalry  charged  them  by  Equadrons,  sword  in  hand,  to  finish 
by  hoof  and  blade  what  the  fire  of  the  platoons  hod  left  undooe." 

The  curate  clseped  hia  hands  and  tamed  up  hia  eyea,  bnt  made  no 

"  Yon  have  little  cause  to  boaat  of  that  eiploit,"  aaid  Bonald  ;  "  but 
H<m*ieur  de  Mesmai,  we  have  been  very  good  friends  on  the  way 
Utber,  yet  we  are  likdy  Co  quarrel,  if  you  abuse  oar  kind  boat  thua." 
At  that  moment  tbe  carate's  grand -daughter  entered,  and  stole  close 
to  hia  side.  The  two  officers  rose  at  once,  each  to  offer  her  a  seat,  and 
she  took  Stnart'a,  bowing  coldly  to  De  Mesmai,  who,  seating  himaelf 
in  irtiat  he  thought  a  fine  position,  muttered,  "A  dazzling  creaturei 
really.  Upon  my  honour,  beats  Mariette  of  the  Rue  Nenve  des  PeCils 
C^buupB  quite,  and  will  make  amenda  for  tbe  loss  of  the  abbess."  He 
raised  hia  class  to  his  eye,  and  scanned  tbe  poor  girl  with  ao  intent  a 
look,  that  oer  face  be<^jne  suffused  with  blushes.  She  was  indeed  a 
very  beantitnl  creature.  She  was  abont  twenty  years  of  age ;  her  eyea 
had  a  blackness  and  brisbtnoas  in  them  truly  continental-  Her  teeth 
wse  perfKtly  regular,  and  of  the  purest  white,  and  the  fine  proper' 
tjoni  of  her  fienra  were  displayed  to  the  utmost  advant^e  by  a  tight 
faladl  idret  bodice,  with  abort  sleeves,  adorned  with  frills  of  lace  at 
the  elbow,  bdow  whidi  ber  white  arm  was  bare.  Her  luiuriant  black 
hair  was  plaited  in  two  rigantic  tails  or  bnida,  which  hnni  down  to  the 
rod  flooDce  attached  tolier  brown  bunchy  petticoat,  which  was  abort 
Bnongh  to  display  a  well-tnmed  l«ot  and  aokle. 

Dhring  supper  innumerable  were  tha  fine  things  and  complimentary 


speecbM  whidi  tbe  cninwer  sd^eteed  to  the  SaBon  Mni^  tb  ■&  of 


irhidt  ahe  lutraed  with  ft  calm  smile,  and  msdemiehcarelsniTetmxo- 
[rnnte  re[diei,  as  ■htnved  that  Ae  knew  their  trae  tsIim,  and  whicA 
wmetinieB  coiifbandeil  the  Frenchman,  vho  thought  to  win  h«r  tm 
tbta  ;  wbile  he  ahocether  lost  the  curate's  by  int  insolent  rsmufa 
sneers  at  Hieir  hmnble  reput — tiui  gtapadio,  a  nie»  made  af  tm 


1  spriDkHDg'  of  vinegar,  spioei,  nit,  and  oil,  to  wtnch,  ■■ 
a  Mcond  cBuim.  to  Da  Mesmai'a  great  d^gfat,  was  added  a  dllh  of 
Btewed  meat.  Aftor  BUpper  the  curate  rose,  uid,  la;il%anda  hillkldl- 
Dap,  dettiend  a  long  pr>Ter,  which  De  Meamai  pronowwai  to  be 
confouodedlr  tedlaun,  end  for  which  be  lAowed  hia  eantempt  t>r 
bummiDg  "  The  Ausbioa  Ketreat,"  and  drwmBia;  cm  flw  tahto  wHli 
his  Angen. 

A  ftnr  stoops  of  the  common  pKninciBl  wine  were  BOW  pntdwed,  sad 
while  discQsimg  these,  the  corste  enfnged  Staart  in  a  long  (wnvenatioB 
•boot  Scotland,  in  the  atliuri  of  which  he  appeerad  to  be  moA  inter- 
ested,  Kke  ■  trae  French  prieit  of  tbe  old  ediaoL  Hia  iktber,  be  sbM, 
bad  aerred  in  Fiti- Jomea  s  horse,  under  the  iUastrioQf  Wooa  Cl—hia 
Stoan,  in  the  campaigns  of  174S-G.  He  apoke  aln  of  the  laoons 
Scottidi  winrd.  Sir  Hichwl  Scott,  of  Bahtearie,  Eseotaio,  a>  ttw 
Spaniards  name  him.  Ronald  knew  little  mora  abvnt  thit  MCont 
Seotti^  phSnaopber  than  what  be  had  ao(|Dired  tnim  tho  "  L*r  *f  the 
Laat  MiBBtrel,*'  pnblisfaedafewT>»*)>B'^i*><">d***>iotv«rrmlable 
to  answer  the  interrogatioiiB  of  the  cacmt«,  wbo  prodoeed  &oia  hia  Btde 
book-osa  a  moit;  idd  oopT  >f  ^'  Hiohael'i "  CoamiBtarr  on  Aiia- 
tntle,"  pnblisbed  sit  Venice,  a.d.  1496,  a  priia  which  wtnld  ha*«  tk 


the  Seoietr  of  Sootddi  .^itiqiiaiians  into  ecatasiea  of  delight  eo«M 
'    <e  laid  their  bands  npon  it.    llie  cnrate  infbiraed  BodbU  ttot 
inan  of  hia,  a  Fadn  Haodosald,  who  n 


town  of  Alba  de  Torraes,  and  who  bad  fonnnlT  bean  a  finest  u 
tbt  Scot!  College  of  Dena;,— when  a  scream  from  Senna  MtBia 
intermptBd  blm. 

While  Il«uld  and  bia  boat  ware  msvam^,  tiie  yowag  ladf  hadbaen 
explaining  the  labject  of  some  of  ber  drawings  to  the  dragoon,  iriw 
bestowed  apoD  them  all,  indlacriminatelT,  sodi  Tehwnaat  pvriaa,  ibt  Xhe 
poor  girl  ««■  Bometinnqaite  abaAed,  u>d  oonrid«iiad  kirn  a  peiihat  oeo- 
DoiBuaT,  thongfa  in  truth  he  knew  not  a  Ihie  he  saw.  Bat  be  seemed 
onile  eiM^anted  irith  the  young  |»o*indtd.  Us  oompaaion.  "  Vttt 
Vamatrl  ma  itOe  Marie,"  he  whiapered;  and  timwing  hia  btv 
anand  ba,  kissed  ber  on  ^  cheek.  Her  eyes  filled  with  Are,  slia 
acrenmed  aloud,  and  bi«Aii:«  ««ay  &am  kim,  draw  daw  ta  Ae  aida 
of  the  cnrate. 

"How,  uootiear  I  Imw  wi  job  be  so  Ttry  rtide  i"  eiohdmedtlie 
eUuan,  :ririBgin  wtstfa.  "  Do  yon  dare  to  treat  her  n  if  she  waa 
BOmejWe  At>a1e  of  the  BooleTards  ornigfat-praneBadoa  of  Hm  iniqnitona 
city  of  Paris?" 

''ByOiebembl  I  believe  Ae  old  EenUHman  is  flatting qnteiala  a 
-  pasaion,"  replied  the  other,  oocOf  twlrlb^  his  WMOtacbe.  "Mmie, 
ma  firtacewe,  surely  yon  are  nnt  so!  ne  women  an  ail  dnffiifa  fcsd 
of  me.  When  I  ride  in  anilbnn  1iire«|l  the  stnets  of  Pnis,  tk» 
sweet  griHtlm-ioA  to  the  doors  m  handrMS,    Hatie,  m-  Harkk— " 

**  Insert l"exidaimed  tbeonnM.  "By  oa«  wcrd  1  onnld  wtnga 
bD',  VHJ  oreTwfaelm  yon  with  omrfMnn  asd  AaaaT." 

'-  Pttle  I  cried  the  astomAed  miinaeiar,  iMIo  whole  tend  thB  wi 
bad  triten  wM  lafiidir  nwostfaig;  ""  '  '    " 


m,  Oiuiilnlm  me  with  eonlamta  ?  ma,  Moiuieur  do  Menaii,  bf- 
iia  bniMror'B  gnica  and  mj  own  dowita  ofitHn  of  No.  4  troop  of  tlie 
inUilBiwutillll'  jDistJe  /  thA  would  be  M  "' 
m  moveable.    Maria,  MS  i«Jie  ni<7Hff>, 

Art  tumble' 

HcBd*^wed  Bga'i' towards  HniaSoMt!  bat  Ronald,  wbow 

Miooalf  aucrr,  iMmKMSd  brtw«en  him  and  tbs  temfed  girl. 

,.^ _.. ^ :.  j.« ....   ^be,    .-T! 


D  ;an,  Ci4>Uiii  de  Metmal  I "   ■ 


jw,  and  a  lotdier  ererf  inoh,"  aniwnvd  tb« 

Kurtartiy;  "bat  let  u  Botcome  to  blows  abont  a  nnatctiet  Ukc 
At*,— cspMnaltr  *■  JMii  monnmr,  kave  the  adTantage  of  ma.  Yon  an 
■nu>d'  md  frH  >  I  ■«  weapmlen  and  a  prUoner  on  parol*.  Bat, 
Lt  no  tavm.  In  a  atddicr-lika  wt,j,  t  Iotb  M 
— .  a  soft  ohsek.  No  harm  km  tMendcd, 
'•that." 

"  Ah,MauieurMBUriM— "  bdcan  the  curate. 

"  Ha  I  Manrloe  i"  ioUiTDpted  tha  cairaMia'  Eharplj.  "  Howonw 
rsa,  gM  genUtiHan,  to  know  bt  name  ao  well  ?  " 

"  iBMHDt  Btd  libcrtina  aoldier  1 "  re{riied  the  cnraM  tttmlj,  "  I 
bwir  not  tf  I  ahonld  te)l  yon.  I  wooU, — I  aay  again  I  can  eoBCnnd 
■■ddfanMjr  TeBu;onde*mete  be." 

"A  rue  UooUhm  tilit !  rare,  Bionewo«ld  meet  insmarcfaof  tott 
hagnr«i      Do  so,  {n  the  detU'e  name,  Sir  Cnrate ;  bat  as  ftir  Maria—" 

"  Name  her  net,  baae  fWK^/     She  la — she  is — " 

"  T^e-diea!  who  U  she,  most  pollM  monaieiir?  A  wrincesi  in 
diiFli«e>" 

"  Tour  dat^tsr,— 7a«r  own  child  1  Mnrice  de  Mesmai  of 
Qmnsajr,"  repUed  fiM  old  priest  with  Kdsmn  enem ;  white  Ifae  dark 
iHtuna  of  the  entavsaierbecMBe  purple  and  then  dMdIr  F<d«i  etui  M( 
•res  wandered  from  the  ftcea  «f  RotuU  and  MaHa  So  Ibe  caln  AMnrea 
<rf the  enrate,  whose  arm  he  gra^Mtd,  as,  with  emphatio  ■terensaa  ^td 
ki  a  tene  staaetbuig  Terr  like  constemBtioD,  he  answered, — 

"  Mr  dan^ter  i  Impossible  f  Wiat  hare  fon  dared  t*  Idl  ma, 
eUsaan?" 

"  Tratb,  trath  1  as  1  shaU  snawer  to  Henen.  when  aH  men  AaD 
stand  at  the  tribmal  to  be  Jndiod  on  the  great  dajr  wtaioh  is  t«  eome. 
I  tdl  roa  truth, — she  is  yoar  itanghtei." 

"  Her  moUu9'  ? "  askM  the  dragoon,  bend^g  forwsi<d  his  darken*, 
■■  if  he  would  look  seardHogl;  into  theiei;  soulof  theeoiaU.    "Her 

"  Was  JnstiH  Bosat,— fte  Illy  of  Besanfon." 
"  Poor  Justine  t"    sxdsimed  ^e  other,  cmwring  Ms  fsce  ftir  a 
MtMeot  with  kis  hand.    "  And,  Moomobt  le  Ctai,  yon  are — " 
**  Francis  Bosat,  ber  falfaer,  and  frmdalre  of  Ibis  poor  orphan." 


la  base  republican  aefjwnics  who  filled  it, 

"  Mcmateur,  I  am  he,"  repUed  the  eurate. 

Maria,  with  ber  heads  crested  en  her  besom,  knelt  at  the  (wt  of  De 
Meamai  weepiog  bitteily,  and  unploriog  him,  if  be  was  TcnSf  hM- IMist, 


to  speak  to  her,  to  look  upon  her.  Bnt  tha  dsvil-mar-eirs  ipirit  of 
Ifas  true  Pariiiui  roue  and  libertine  itu  not  at  all  sobdaed :  b«  tnirMd 
from  her  to  RoD*ld,  who  bad  been  liBtening  in  silence  and  wooder. 

"  Ah  I  MoQsiear  Stout,"  said  ha  with  a  laagta,  "  1  biTS  been  a  aad 
fellow  wben  a  eabaltern.  Tete-dieu .'  what  woald  old  D'Eritm  and  his 
connleii  think  of  th»?" 

"  Noble  lenor,"  said  the  kneeiing  girl,  in  a  aofl  plaintive  v(>ice, 
"ah,  if  foa  are  indeed  my  father,  ^>eak  to  laei"  and  she  prested  his 
hand  between  ber  own.  ^' Father,  hear  me  ! " 

imetbing  new  when 

... —  . hia  plnmed  and  aiguletted 

■uui  nonld  laugh  at  this  !  Maurice  deMeimaiof  the  lOtbcDinusiera, — 
the  most  dashing  aide-de-canip  in  the  Imperial  serrice,  to  be  father  of 
a  little  Spanish  paitana.  By  the  bomb  \  }oti  do  me  infinite  hOQour. 
What  a  very  iidd  adventure  !  And  so,  monsiear,  my  old  rebeliiona 
gardener  escaped  the  explosion  at  QuinssT  ^  Gioellently  planned  affair 
that  was  I  Hand  me  wine:  thank  yoa.  Really,  'pon  hanoar,  thia 
respectable  title  of  father  has  in  it  aomething  very  oierpowering." 

He  quaffed  a  long  horn  of  the  wine,  which  had  already  begun  to 
cloud  bis  faculties,  and  he  endeaionred  b^  talking  inbis  usually  careless 
manner  to  hide  the  confusion  that  be  evidently  felt.  Maris,  who  had 
shrunk  from  his  side.  wepCbitterly,  and  cohered  herfiice  with  ber  hands. 

"  Diadif!"  said  the  cuiraaiier,  turning  round.  "  'Tis  horrible  wine 
tbis.  Ah  I  for  B  einglB  glass  of  Hermitage,  Chateau  Margot,  Tin 
Ordinaire,  Volnay,  or  glorious  Champagne,  such  as  old  Marcel  retails 
at  Uie  Eflgle  on  the  Qusi  d'Orssi.  opposite  to  (he  Foot  Royal,  in  oar 
good  and  glorious  Paris.  Bnt  what  is  Ibe  girl  weeping  about }  Yon 
should  rather  laugli,  baling  just  found  your  father,  and  found  him  as 
haadsome  a  fellow  as  ever  stood  in  jack-boats.  All  the  girls  ere  in 
love  with  me — 'pon  honour  they  are.     Some  of  the  fairest  creatares  at 

B  court  of  Che  Empress  are  dying  for  me ;  and  I  mean  to  act  the  put 

a  beard-hearted  dragoon,  and  let  them  die  if  they  will.     I  swear  to 

,  u,  Maria,  by  athonss   '       '  ' 

now,  with  your  lashes  ci ,.._,_ 

blushes,  like  tbe  west«m  sky  in  a  shower,  yon  are  pretty  enoagh  to 
tniu  the  brain  of  monsieur  ue  Pope,  Co  whom  1  drink  that  he  may 
have  a  long  and  joyful  hfe.  But  1  must  retire.  My  head  is  boziing 
anew  with  that  sword-aCroke.  Diable .'  my  gay  helmet,  what  a  dinge 
you  haie  got.  But,  messieurs,  we  will  talk  OTer  these  matters  in  the 
morning,  wben  I  suppose  we  shall  leap  to  sadJIe  withaut  blast  of 
trumpet.  Adieu !  msdemoiselle,  my  daughter ;  pleasant  dreams  to  yon. 
Vive  la  joie — leU-dleal"  He  took  op  his  heavy  military  cloak  and 
iCa^ereil  oat  of  the  room,  withdrawing  to  the  hnmble  attic  set  apait 
for  himselC  and  Bon^d.    A  long  paoae  easoed. 

"  There,  he  has  gone  with  the  same  swa^^  as  of  old — thi  poHabod 

Bntleman,  the  accomplished  and  gallant  soldier,  oombined  with  dm 
nstering  tsTem-brawler  and  tbe  libertinism  of  Cbe.  perfect  nmi.  Ha 
is  all  sntJbaDged,  although  twenty  years  hare  passed  into  eternity  line* 
T  beheld  him  last,"  said  tbe  curate,  in  a  mournful  accent;  "and  yet, 
when  I  remember  what  he  was,  I  cannot— no,  I  cannot  implore  a  carte 
upon  bim.  I  carried  him  in  my  arms  when  te  was  an  infant,  and  he  is 
the  father  of  tbis  poor  weeping  girl.  Alas  I  from  the  day  that  as  ft 
stripling  soldier  he  first  buckled  on  a  swnrd-belt,  time  has  wroDght  no 
change  upon  him.  He  is  the  same  daring  and  galfaat,  bnt  reeklmvid 
hollow-hearted  man  as  erer.'' 


"iSmot  Cnra,  to  mi  thii  bti  been  ■  moit  incamprebeniible  icnte," 
.  uid.&toirt;  "lo  much  bo,  that  I  truityoa  «ill  not  conBider  me  impM- 
.    lUMOt  or  inquiiitiTe  in  wUbing  for  ui  eiplsnatioii." 

."  Quite  tbe  rererse, — an  eiplaaBtion  19,  iadeed,  neceiBorji.  Bat  re- 
tin.  Maria,  mr  poor  cBat-awaj  ;  I  will  speak  to  yoQ  a(  tbia  ollerwiu'dB. 
Be  seated,  moDBienr,  and  draw  the  vine-jug  tooards  you." 

HeJed Maria  from  the  room  ;  and  on  retaminsi  leated  himBelf  at 
the  table  add  commenced  in  the  following  words : — 

"  MonHemr  offUier,  I  am,  aa  yoa  alreadr  know,  a  Frenchman,  a  oa- 
lifeof  the  fertits  district  of  BeUD^oD.  I  ancceeiled  my  father  in  the 
hninble  occupation  of  gardensr  to  the  bmily  of  thia  Monaieur  Manrlce 
dsMeamai,  at  the  eastle  of  Quinsay,  a  nohle  chStsau,  huilc  on  the 
baoki  of  the  Donbs,  which  flows  through  Besanfoa.  The  chSteau  is 
of  Tenerable  antiquicr,  and  it  b  said  to  have  been  granted  to  an  ancestor 
of  De  Meamai's  by  Charlea  Martel.  Ah,  moniienr  !  when  I  had  only 
n;  flower-beds  sad  vineries  to  attend  lj>,  do  caan  was  happier  than  I^ 
FrBDCois  Roeat.  With  my  flowera,  my  wife  and  daughter  were  roy  sole 
deligBtB ;  and  when  I  retnrned  in  the  evening,  alter  working  duTiog  the 
hot  dusty  daya  in  the  garden  of  the  chUtean,  what  pleasure  was  mine 
tobsmet  by  my  smiling  Suzette,  with  the  little  laughing  JuBtinein 
artna.  atretcfaing  one  ber  hands  and  crowing  with  delight  it  the  iouqvet 
of  (ioleti  and  rosea  I  always  brought  her  from  my  choiceat  beda.  And 
toenily  we  used  to  spend  our  evenings,  far  SnzeCte  auog  while  I  played 
■ocosa  on  the  flute,  and  we  taught  little  Justine  to  dance  as  soon  aa 
she  could  walk.  My  life  was  all  bumble  happiness  then,  monsieur ;  but 
it  WW  not  destined  to  continue  long  so.  JuetiDewasjustBiiteeowhenmy 
wife  died ;  and  our  old  lord  dying  soon  after,  this  sad  rou/.  Monaieur 
Manrioe,  came  to  take  possession  of  the  cbSteau,  and  terrify  the  poor 
peasantry  by  the  wickedness  he  had  learned  in  Paris  and  the  garrison 
lowDB  where  he  had  been  stationed :  he  belonged'  ta  the  drigooDS  of 
HoDsieiir  le  Due  de  Choisenl.  This  dissipated  Maurice,  arrayed  in  all 
the  eitmne  of  Fariaian  dandyism,  the  first  Sunday  wo  saw  him  in 
dmrch,  formed  a  strong  contrast  to  our  venerable  old  lord  his  father, 
■ho  used  to  occupy  ue  same  pew  so  devontly,  dressed  in  his  old- 
faahioned  way  of  Louis  the  Fifteenth's  days, — his  deep  waistcoat,  lilk 
coat,  with  its  collar  covered  with  powder,  and  his  rufflea  and  frills 
rtarcbed  as  stiff  aa  paat«board  \  and  we  soon  discovered  that  if  there 
was  a  difference  in  their  appearance,  there  saa  an  equal  difference  in 
their  hearts  and  sentiments. 

"  My  little  Justine  had  now  become  a  woman,  and  a  very  beantifnl 
one— more  eapedally  ao  for  the  daughter  of  a  peaaant.  She  was  the 
belle  of  the  rtiral  district,  and  the  people  named  her  thelilyof  BesaofOD. 
Ah,  monsieur !  although  the  cliild  of  a  low-bom  man,  a  vassal,  she  was 
snrprinDgly  beautiful ;  too  much  so  to  be  happy,  as  my  friend  Kerre 
Baoul  told  me  more  than  once.  Her  fignre  was  not  the  leas  handsome 
oi  graeefol,  because,  instead  of  satin  or  brocade,  she  wore  oar  homely 
brown  atnffs ;  and  her  long  black  cnrls,  flowing  in  freedom,  seemed  a 
thtnuaud  times  more  beautiful  than  Uie  locks  of  high-born  ladies, 
powdered  and  pasted  into  puffs  and  bows  by  the  hands  of  a  tsshionablc 

"  Monsieur,  I  perceiVe  that  you  almost  comprehend  my  Btory,  ere  it 
ii  told.  My  daughter  was  charming,  and  our  lord  was  a  liberdne.  In 
Ibat  sentence  are  the  caoses  of  all  my  woes.  I  was  kept  in  a  constant 
State  of  anxiety  lest  the  debauchee,  our  young  lord,  or  some  accom- 
plitbed  rascal  of  hia  ocqaaintanM,  might  rob  me  oi  my  treasure— for 


210 

meb  ibt  wai  to  me  ;  lad  wbst  I  hid  dnsdcd  came  to  pais  at  lait.    T 
bad  obBerred  that  the  manner*  of  JostiDe  were  chuiBSd.     She  rilimned 
the  Tillagera,  and  often  went  oat  alone  ;  ihe  ■eldain  Ungfacd,  andneto-    . 
sang  as  aha  nsed  to  do;  but  was  erer  mood;  and  melancholy,  and 
ottra  I  fonnd  her  weeping  in  soUCary  places. 

"  Never  shall  I  forget  the  erening  when  &e  dreadM  tmtb  broke 
upon  me,  with  all  Its  maddening  aogniih ;  when  I  wu  told  Aat  my 
datighler  was  lost, — that  tfae  bloom  of  the  lily  was  blighted  1  I  was  no 
longer  Francois  Romt, — no  looger  the  same  man  appafvntly ;  a  cload 
of  borror  seemed  to  hare  enveloped  me,  for  allhongfa  bat  a  poor  peaaant 
of  Besancon,  1  held  my  honoar  as  dear  to  me  ai  Louis  XVI-  conld 
have  held  Mb.  One  evening  I  returned  to  my  cottage,  bearing  with  nw 
a  basket  of  choice  flowers  for  Hie  decoratioa  of  Jnatine,  who  bad  been 
elected  qaeen  of  a  fSte  which  was  to  be  given  by  the  villagers  and 
tenantry  of  Quinsay  on  the  morrow.  I  letnmed  to  my  home,  mo>i- 
rieuT, — a  hoHse  whieb  was  to  be  no  longer  a  home  tor  me.  Jnatine  w«» 
not  aiaaitiDg  me,  as  nmial,  under  the  porch,  >vhere  1  had  trained  Bp  the 
honeygnckle  and  woodbine,— nor  was  she  in  our  aitUng-room ;  but  she 
conld  not  be  fiur  oft  I  imagined,  ai  her  gnitar  and  work-basket  lay  on 
the  table.  I  know  not  how  it  was,  but  I  noted  these  little  matten 
anxlooaly,  and  I  felt  my  heart  beat  qnickn',  as  if  in  dread  of  oomiDg 

"'Justine!'  said  1,  laying' down  my  basket,  'eome  hither.  Yon 
never  saw  such  Bowers  as  these  for  fnshnesa  and  bcanty,  and  I  bare 
been  employed  the  whole  day  in  cnliing  them  for  j'oa.  Here  are 
anemoniea,  crimson  and  lilac,  and  blue  anil  white  pmkF,  camMians, 

ETlyflower,  anricnlai  witb  eyes  of  scarlet  edged  with  grten,  violets  as 
rge  as  li^s,  aod  tnlips  and  roses  anch  as  were  never  before  seen  in 
Besan^^on.  JnaKne  !  come  here,  girl.  Why,  where  are  yon  ?'  Bntno 
Jostlns  anBwered  my  call.  Her  little  room ,  the  room  in  which  her 
mother  died,  was  deMMed,  and  my  heart  swelled  in  my  breast  Willi  an 
inward  presentiment  of  evil,  as  I  went  Ibrtb  to  seek  her  by  the  river 
aide.  Here  I  met  the  steward  <rf  Qoinsay,  Pierre  Raonl,  a  snrly  feBinr, 
whose  addre»es  she  bad  leiected.  He  informed  me.  widi  what  I  thon^lt 
a  grin  of  triumph  and  malice,  that  my  danghter,  widi  Monsienr  Maa- 
lice,  hadjust  swept  throDghBesaDfoninatravelUng-(»rriage,  and  wo* 
off  for  Paris  as  fast  as  four  horses  conld  take  them.  As  he  noke,  the 
earth  swam  aronnd  me,  and  I  saw  his  lipt  moving,  although  1  heard 
not  his  conclusion ;  there  was  a  hissing  sensation  in  my  ean, — the  cord* 
of  my  hesrt  felt  as  if  riven  asunder,  and  I  sunk  on  the  turf  at  tbe  feet 

"  When  I  returned  to  coDscionsnesa,  be  was  bathing  my  hriTW  md 
hands  in  the  cool  water  of  the  river;  bnthe  soonleflme,  and  oh  !  mon- 
■,  what  a  sense  of  loneliness  and  desolaCi 


my  daughter  should  desert  me  thus  bearllessly,'~that  l^e  little  t 
I  had  <£erished  in  my  bosom  aboald  turn  upon  me  and  stJUE  m 
I  raved  like  a  madman,  and  tore  tbe  hair  from  my  head  uA  tl 


.  .  n  handhls.    When  this  fit  passed  away,  all  was  aiteDoe 

and  stillness  around  me :  the  moini  was  shining  brightly  in  the  sky, 
and  silvered  the  boughs  of  the  trees  my  own  bands  had  trained,  and  the 
petals  and  buds  of  the  flowers  that  it  had  been  my  didight  to  attend ; 
tmt  they  were  unheeded  now,  and  I  tamed  to  where  appeared,  in  tb« 
■Irong  light  and  abadow,  the  old  chStean  de  Qnlnsay,  with  its  batUe- 
merited  towns  and  elevated  torreta.  1  prayed  deegdy  for  my  errii« 
Jnstlne,  and  implored  Heaven  and  the  S]nrit  of  her  mother  to  mstafak 


THB   KOMANCB  «r   WAk.  211 

ne  imilv  oo  hearf  a  diepeaution.  I  irfHild  rather  hkva  Men  the  child 
<if  Saxette  laid  de«d  bj  ber  tide,  than  the  duhonoureil  miiCreu  of 
Hurica  de  Hramai-  But  my  prsTers  vera  impioDi.  m  I  miDRled  them 
with  die  bitterest  maledictions  upon  her  aocompliabed  aedocer.  At  the 
chfttean  the  sairuits,  aome  wi(h  pitT.  wme  with  the  nulice  felt  by  litile 
BUEtdst  uorzobonted  the  hlaAtiof  iofonnHtion  giTea  me  b^  Pierr* 
Baool,  BOd  that  <ery  night  I  let  oat  far  Puis  in  ponuit  of  mf  liut 
ibiK^  I  set  out  OQ  foot  on  my  •orrowfal  |Hlgrimaga,  almost  heart- 
broken,  and  without  a  waa  to  deftay  my  cipeuBei  by  the  way.  How  I 
wched  the  coital — a  distance  of  two  huodced  and  thirtr-fiTC  milea- 
fioiii  BeMnfOn— I  know  not.  But  He  nho  fed  the  childreii  of  IkmI 
is  tbe  deaeit  snnlf  BHiated  ms  b j  Uie  waf .  How  pwC  «■*  aj  miwrf, 
when  hegging  as  a.  miserable  mendiouit,  expOMd  to  .the  InBuIti  of  the 
f  flu  d'amtt,  1  wandered  about  that  wide  wildemei*  of  Paris,  with  the 
TB^ne  Bod  eager  hope  of  reeoming  Joatine  1  Once — jet,  once — 1  got 
a  aight  of  lier ;  only  a  aiugle  (laBce,  but  one  I  diall  oerer  forget,  u 
s  dashing  carriage,  the  paoda  of  irUoh  flaihed  in  the  aun  with  gilding 
and  airaonalbearingi,  she  waa  seated  by  the  side  of  De  Mesmai,  tricked 
sat  in  all  the  gandy  and  wanton  finery  that  wealth  and  pride  could 
bestow  npon  her.  Bnt  she  looked  paler;  leu  happy  than  she  was  wont 
to  be,  mod  the  roses  bad  faded  from  her  cheek,  and  the  lustre  from  her 
once  BUnny  eye.  lliey  swept  past  me  on  the  Bonlevards,  where  I  was 
seeking  alms  as  waa  my  won^  and  Jnstine,  iHon  Ditu  I  my  own  bllen. 
bat  Idnd-bearled  daughter,  threw  a  demi-frano  into  my  tattered  hat, 
without  looking  apon  my  face.  I  attempted  to  cry  out)  but  wtiat  I 
wonld  hsTe  aaid  expired  on  my  lips.  My  tongue  doTe  to  the  rotrf  of 
my  month,  and  when  I  recovered,  the;  were  ^gone  1     I  nerer  bdield 

"  I  was  starring  at  that  mtnuent,  monsieiir ;  food  Ikad  not  passad  laj 
1^  for  three  days,  and  I  looked  wistAdly,  till  my  eyes  becune  blinded 


ears,  npon  the] 
thoDght  atrnck  ae.    I  spat  spon  it,  and  tossed  it  from  m_  .... 
«  of  her  iatamy.    Twel™  months,— long  and  weary 


with  tears,  npon  die  little  coin  I  had  receiyed  from  Josline.  A  snddMl 
htatruckaa  Ispatspi 
.  as  the  wage*  of  her  iara  , 
SKinlhs  of  wretdedness  and  sorrow,  I  wandered  aboot  tl 
Paris,  a  woe-begona  mendicant,  andl  all  hope  of  seeing  her  again  waa 
eitiDgaiahed,  and  I  retomed  to  Besanfon  more  heart-broken,  if  poa- 
sible,  dim  when  I  had  left  it.  My  eottags  had  Mien  into  rain ;  hot 
hoaeat  Piens  Baonl  restored  me  again  to  the  occnpation  of  nrdenar, 
and  repaiied  mj  old  reridence  for  me.  Onr  lord  had  been  absent,  no 
one  knew  where,  erer  idoca  be  bad  carried  off  Jnstine,  and  I  bq[ui  to 
bare  aom*  tUnt  hope  tbat  he  might  hare  married  her. 

"These  thon^its  stole  at  length  like  sunshine  into  my  desolate 
heart )  and  T  thiMght  so  much  of  the  chances  and  probslnlities,  that  at 
laM  it  appeared  to  nte  to  be  beyond  a  doubt  that  Jnstina  was  the  wife 
at  Ha  MesmaL  I  tducked  up  fresh  cauiag^  and  attended  from  dawM 
IQI  aunset  my  loaded  orchards  and  bloomiiv  flower-beds  aa  of  old. 
The  gaideii  waa  agwa  m^  delight  and  glory,  and  not  e*en  does  the 
neat  N^Mleon  anrvey  hiB  troops  with  man  delight,  than  I  did  my 
beds  of  tulips  and  anemonies  :  I  had  brouglit  to  perfection  the  art  m 
cnltiTStion,  and  where  can  it  bs  pmctised  with  mocesucoese  thanaiider 
the  climate  of  my  own  beautiful  France  ?  In  the  garden  of  the  diaieae, 
the  aloe  of  Africa,  the  pine  of  Scotland,  the  oak  of  England,  the 
cypreas  of  Candia,  the  lanreb  of  Greece  and  Portugal,  the  rose-tree  of 
»KSia,  the  ps^  of  ladia,  thn  figs  of  Egypt— all  bLooming  togcCher, 


I  pictDrcd  bri);ht  images  of  moDBieur*!  returning,  with  mj  beantlfU] 
Jastine  to  be  mistreat  of  hie  chSceau.  But  these  were  doomed  BOon  to 
-end.  One  evening  I  ant  on  the  turf-eeatiitmydoor,  employed  as  hbimJ 
fmildiug  cBstlea  in  the  air,  while  I  made  up  and  drii^  packi^ea  of  seed 
<whicb  were  never  to  be  lown  by  me.    It  was  a  beaatiful  lammer 

landscape  leemed  bright  and  joyous  in  the 

Ciear  a<  a  mirror,  the  river  mnrmnred  at  my 
■feet,  aweeping  paat  the  old  chfiteau  on  its  oppoafte  bank,  where,  above 
trees  a  hundred  yean  old,  the  slated  roofs  of  its  turrets  and  gilded 
vanes  were  shining  in  the  sun.  Abr  off,  between  openinRt  in  the  trees 
of  the  lawn,  could  be  seen  the  fortifications  of  the  citadel  and  city  of 
'Besan^on,  with  ita  round  toners  and  the  tsU  spires  of  its  colleges 
And  churches  reared  against  tbe  cloudless  sky.  I  desisted  Irooi  mj 
employment  and  took  off  my  hat,  for  the  sound  of  the  evening  service 
came  floating  on  tbe  wind  towards  me  from  the  rich  abbev  of  the 
drder  of  Citeaui.  The  very  air  was  filled  with  perfume,  for  the 
4ireeze  swept  over  the  wide  orchards  and  gardens  of  the  abbey  and 
chSteau. 
"  We  French  are  enthasiasUc  creatures,  monsieur ;  and  I  was  fiUed 


■n  northern  country. 
^  utterance  to  ray  thong 
fate  has  been  in  all  this.  Justine  will  certainly  be  the  lady  of  Quini... 
ond  poor  old  Frao9ois  Roaat  will  get  a  comer  in  some  part  of  that 
hngeold  cbiteaut«  rest  in.  Iiet  me  see,  now:  the  octagon  turret  which 
overlooks  die  orchard  will  suit  me  exactly.  It  has  a  window  to  the 
south,  which  overlooks  the  garden.  Excdlent  I  I  can  watch  the  bnda 
-and  blossoms  in  spring. — I  will  look  at  them  the  moment  I  leap  from 
bad  ;  but,  alas  1  I  must  not  do  more.  1  shsll  then  be  a  gentleman,  and 
Monsieur  Francois  Kosat,  father-in-law  of  the  lord  of  Quinsay,  most 
not  be  up  with  the  lark.  likeMutre  Francis  the  gardener,~-that  wonid 
never  do.  This  red  nightcap  I  will  eichange  for  a  hat  of  tbe  beat 
teaver,  tied  up  with  a  silver  loop,  o  la  Louis  XVI. — My  ooat — ' 

"The  trun  of  my  vain  but  happy  thoughts  was  cruelly  cut  short  by 
the  apparition  of  a  woman  standing  before  me.  Her  appeaisnce  declared 
faer  to  be  sunk  to  the  lowest  ebb  of  misery  and  degraded  destitution- 
She  was  tanned  by  eiposare  to  the  weather  \  bare-beaded,  bare-footed, 
— almost  without  covering,  and  bore  in  her  arms  a  poor  child,  almost 
as  wan  and  meagre  as  herself,  AA,  mon  Dim!  how  keenly  at 
this  distant  time  can  my  memory  recall  the  agony  of  that  terrible  re- 
cognition. Oh,  what  a  moment  waa  that!  Disgnised  as  she  was,  [ 
recognised  her;  but  a  mist  overspread  my  vision,  and  t  felt  her  fall 
into  my  open  arms,  although  I  could  not  for  some  minutes  discern  her. 

"  '  My  father  !  oh,  my  uther !'  said  abe.  But,  alaa !  her  voice  was 
not  so  sweet  SB  of  old. 

"  '  Justine,  I  foraive  yon,'  was  my  answer.  '  Come  again  to  Biy 
bosom  ;  the  past  shall  be  forgotten.' 

"  She  sunk  down  between  my  knees  upon  th«  earth,  and  lay  motlon- 
'lesB  and  still.    Monnenr,  I  will  not  protract  this  intrusive  story  of  my 


,_    . e,  and  miMry  hsd  uronght  their  w _, , 

destroyed  1  De  MeitD&i  hod  (alien  bar  to  Ital^,  &nd  there,  ruthlessly 
•baudODing  her  for  aome  new  victim,  the  itas  left  to  find  her  wsf  M  iha 
best  could  to  BessD^oD.  to  place  in  laj  cbsrie  the  infeat  to  which  ehe 
had  giien  birth  on  the  way.  The  child  of  De  Mesmai  is  the  Maria  t» 
whom  he  behaved  so  insolently  (o -night.  Two  daya  afterwards  the  poor 
polloted  lily  of  Besaofon  was  laid  in  her  mother'a  grSTe;  and  as  h 
strewed  the  fresh  flowers  on  the  green  turf  which  covered  her.  I  knells 
down  npoD  it  and  solemnly  swore  a  low, — a  tow  at  ODce  terrible  and 
impiona, — to  seeli  revenge  upon  her  destroyer. 

"  I  joined  one  of  thoie  secret  band«.  or  locietiei.  then  so  numeroas 
m  Prance,  composed  of  men  who  were  desperate  by  their  characters  and 
fbrtDoea,  and  the  sworn  enemies  of  kings  and  of  nobility.  I  longed  for 
desperate  lengeaace,  and  the  hour  for  iluCttng  it  seemed  at  hand.  A 
bloody  standsjd  was  soon  to  wave  over  Fiance,  and  destiny  had  pointed 
out  that,  like  your  own  Scusrts,  the  Bonrbons  were  a  doomed  race. 

coantry,  blighting  and  blasting  it  like  Cbe  simoom  of  the  African  deaert ; 
and,  eager  as  I  was  for  vengeance  on  Db  Mesmai,  I  hailed  the  approach- 
ing tumult  with  joy,  and  entered  into  the  wildcat  schemES  of  the  moat 
■avBge  republicans  and  beaveQ-daring  atheists.  So  eagerly  did  I  attenc^ 
die  taverna  of  Beaanfon  to  hear  the  news  from  Fans,  that  the  little- 
innocent  confided  by  Justine  to  my  charge  was  auite  neglected.  My 
garden  became  a  wilderneas ;  I  became  sollen  and  morose,  and  forgot 
even  to  hang  fresh  floweri,  as  had  been  my  custom  daily,  on  the  grave 
of  Jastine. 

"  About  six  months  after  her  return,  the  once  dreary  chSteau  was 
filled  with  sudden  life  and  boatle.  Mousieor  Maurice  had  returned, 
bringing  with  him  a  number  of  wild  and  reckless  fellows  like  himself. 
Iliese  were  all  officera  of  his  own  regiment,  except  one  very  sad  dog, 
worse  evcu  than  the  reat.  Monsieur  Louis  Chateaufieur,  captain  of  the 
Gent  d'armet  Eeottoii,  or  first  troop  of  the  French  gendarmerie. 
Nothing  was  beard  of  now  but  feasting,  drinking,  and  desperate  gam- 
bling within  the  ch&tcau:  hunting,  basking,  shooting,  frolics,  and 
outrages  of  every  sort  committed  out  of  it.  The  guests  of  De  Mesmai 
vrere  some  of  the  wildest  roufia  about  Paris— and  the  mess  of  the  Doc 
de  Choiseul's  regiment  had  produced  many  of  them, — and  a  great  com. 
motion  tbeir  appearance  made  in  Besan^on  and  the  mral  district  oF 
Qninsay.  All  the  lamps  in  the  former  were  sometimea  broken  in  a 
single  night,  and  the  whole  city  involfed  in.  darkness,  while  these  mad- 
caps and  their  servants  possessed  themselves  of  the  iteeplea,  where  they 
rang  the  alamm-bells  backwards,  and  mshed  through  the  atreeti, 
crying  '  Fire !  murder  !  robbery  and  invasion  1'  until  tike  peaceable 
citizens  were  scared  out  of  their  seven  senses. 

"  Nor  were  their  brawls  and  outrages  conlined  to  the  night  alone- 
He  wig  of  Monsieur  le  Maire  was  dragged  off  and  flung  in  hia  lace, 
when  he  was  passing  through  the  Rue  de  I'Uuiversit^.  Swords  nere 
drawn  in  the  lohbies  of  the  theatre  every  night,  and  the  gens  d'armes 
w«re  always  beaten  and  msulted.  Monsienr  Chateaulleur,  of  the  Genr 
tanatt  Eeauou,  as  a  crowning  outrage,  carried  off  by  force  to  the 
oh&tean  a  youi^  milliner,  or  gnsette,  of  the  Rae  de  Faradis  ;  and  the 
dtliens  of  Besanfon  were  enraged  beyond  what  I  can  describe  at  the- 
insolencM  of  these  young  aristoorali,  who  were  at  once  atrnck  wittk> 


sit  TUM  KOIfANCK  «F  WAS. 

tenor  uid  diimar  when  news  arriTcd  of  the  nTolatian  which  bad 
))n>keD  ODt  in  Fvu.  uid  of  the  bloadf  [ainalti  vbioh  h*d  eamed  there. 
De  Hecnuu  armed  hii  MmoU.  uid  the  inhabituita  ot  the  chttcaa  kept 
don  within  its  will*. 

"  Tbe  mno  wild  apirit  of  apToar  and  ■nardtf  that  pnratled  at  Puis 
Mumed  also  to  penade  the  prorinces,  which  appeared  aaddenl;  in  a 
atateof  iDeDrreotioD.  tbe  people  of  France  Beeming  to  coander  their 
allegiance  lo  Lioais  XVI.  at  an  eod.  The  spirit  of  diMaCisftuUion  bad 
■pread  to  the  Ireopi-  Those  in  EBirieon.  at  BeMDfon  laid  down  tb^ 
arma,  and  abandaucit  the  citadel  to  tbe  bourgeoiB.  who,  on  beconuDg 
thiu  auddcnl^  armed,  aiaamed  Che  eoeade  dt  la  libtrU,  and.  wearing 
this  republican  badge,  committed  the  moat  frightful  onlragei.  No 
dwellini*,  lacred  or  profane,  aioaped  aaek  and  pilbge  %  no  age,  or  rank, 
or  MX  did  we  apare,  eieenting  indiaariminateljr,  ot  the  muaket  and 
sabre,  all  who  oppo*ed  ns.  Bnndng  for  TeogcaDoe  againit  the  family 
of  De  Heunai,  1  bad  anodalcd  myauf  witband  became  a  leader  among 
tbe  repabUcani.  We  niiDed  the  atj  of  Beaaafoo,  glnng  iu  pwblio 
bnUdinga,  ita  achoola,  aad  mureraitir  to  tba  flamei.  Alaa,  mMubear  1 
daepl;  at  thia  boor  do  I  repent  me  of  the  part  I  bore  in  theae  deapemie 
atatragta.  We  compelled  the  proud  noblei  to  acknowledge  that  llie)' 
had  iMt  their  priiilffiea,  and  we  bamed  to  llw  gronod  tbeir  (dice  at 
iBoordaintbecitT.  WeHudcedaQdatterlTleTeUadthericbabbeTof iLa 
Ckaai,— [hat  piaoe  mada  ao  fiuDOOa  br  the  animadTeiauMiaaf  Voltain. 
The  yoang  and  beaotifal  Prinoeai  de  BaaGresumt,  and  the  Baroaeaa 
d'Andelioa,  who  dwelt  there,  owed  their  eicape  from  onr  fur^  to  &b 
ioterpDaitioii  of  HeaTen  and  the  chiTatric  gallantrT  of  Loaia  Cbatean- 
flesT,  who,witb  two  of  the  OmaiTeniui  fcMioit,  cut  hia  way  throngh 
ua,  aword  in  hand,  and  carried  the  noble  demoiselles  olT  on  honebaek. 
Flnihed  with  Bucceas,  eicilement,  ferocity,  and  tbe  wioei  ioKOiA  in  the 
vanUa  of  Che  rich  old  abbey,  wo  became  abaolatelf  fiaotio,  and  some, 
imbroiug  their  hauda  in  each  otber'a  blood,  alew  their  oomradEa;  while 
others  daubed  tbeiDBelvea  with  gore  or  blade  paiat,  to  make  tbemaelTEa 
mOTe  hideoni.    Eager  for  more  plunder  and  devaitalion,  we  cried  out 


lead  ns  agaioit  the  atately  old  chateau  irfQaliiear,  thi 

rneda  might  be  giiBn  up  to  onr  TOageaaee.  With  the  dawn.  Da 
Hetmai  waa  ronaeJ  from  bis  bed  b|r  the  beatiu  of  drmii,  the  brndng 
of  honu,  discharge  of  &re-arma,  the  yelk,  the  bowla,  the  shriek*  of  tbe 
foniied  nbble,  mingled  with  ihonti  of  '  Vite  U  moIism  /  Vma  la 
Mierti!  Pttiab  tbe  name  of  God  and  the  king  I  Freedom  to  Ttaue  I 
Long  Htc  Monsieur  Beelaebnb  1'  and  abnadtedothermadandim^oaB 
cries.  The  gay  lord  of  QaiaaaT,  and  bii  eomradea  of  Chmsetil's  horia, 
beheld,  to  their  no  small  tewor,  tbe  gardeot,  tbe  erchards,  and  pirin 
in  possesaton  of  a  deapeiate  mob,  annel  with  baTOoetB.aiiuketB,  pikesr 
acTtbea,  and  ererr  weapon  they  conld  lay  their  hands  on — iron  railsand 
fences  where  natbing  else  could  be  procured.  All  were  fiiU  of  wine  and 
frenzy  :  many  were  only  half-4res>ed,  blackraed  with  amdie  aod  dnat, 
and  besmeared  with  blood,  preaenting  a  frightful  troop  of  hideona  faces, 
^listortad  by  the  worst  and  wildest  of  baman  passiona. 

"  Yon  may  imsgiiM  the  anrprise  of  PiErre  Raoul  and  bis  worthiea, 
when,  at  the  gate  of  the  chuean,  we  were  met  by  Hoosieur  Maorice 

— J  1.1 '~at,  bowing  and  smiling,  graoefiilly  waving  tl    ' 

9d  oa  with  cries  of  '  Long  lire  the  nation  1    L 


jneted  them  with  the  most  tremendous  yella,  while  a  hundred  black 


uhI  dirty  luuida  wning  thein  in  burlesque  iriandahip-  The  vhole  band 
were  tonaaUj  invited  to  •  repwt,  ktt^  up  in  tbe  hall  of  til*  (ilitleaq, 
from  which  Ds  M^-ri"'  liad  hnrriedl^  torn  down  tlX  Ibe  bumert  tnd 
annorial  ba&riiigs  of  his  liouse,  EubBtitatiii[  Id  their  place  on  '■""^■■"t* 
tri-«oloared  cockade,  that  wag  fattened  to  the  baok  of  tiie  ctuii  of 
'a  which  the  ineoleol:  I^ercc  Raonl  installed  his  anninlf  figure. 


Maav  DOW  itrode  about,  dsiing  sad  unreatrained  iDtruden  mh 
verrtiall  where  they  had  aften  stood  ai  bumble  dependaota  '' 
and  absahsd  in  tho  presence  of  Dt  Meamai,  who  had  b 


_jizhbourliood  of  B«^nfOD,  a  macb  jcrealerman  tban  Louia  X VJ.  was 
at  Parii  or  Veraaillea.  At  ttie  hastUr-prepared  feast  with  whiiiih  he 
sitErtained  as,  we  ate  and  drank  of  everythiiii,  lOrgiDg  oarselves  like 
aaTBges  as  we  were.  The  ncheit  and  most  expeiuiTe  wines  in  the 
oallan  of  the  chiUean  were  flowing  at  our  oiders  like  water.  Pipes  and 
puncheons  were  brought  up  by  dozena  and  madly  lUvnd,  until  tbe 
floor  swam  with  crimBaa,  purple,  and  yellow  liquor,  to  the  immineilt 
dufsr  of  those  who  lay  upon  it  in  a  state  of  eihaustioD  or  intoiicalioil. 
'  Wine  E  wiue  ! '  was  the  en,  and  the  conteota  of  wdl-sealed  flaska  of 
I^chrymae  Christi  and  CStCToti  were  poured  down  our  plebeian  throats 
like  the  coromoneit  beverafie.  We  ordered  all  sort)  of  tdiing>,  beatiDC 
and  iosaldng  the  anoffending  gerfants  of  the  chitean  uatil  they  fled 
aoca  DS  ;  and  the  noise  and  uproar  in  the  hall,  crowded  as  it  was  to 
mffocatiou  with  armed  and  iutoiioated  madmen,  becaioe  atnnning  and 
appalliDK- 

'  A  haodred  times  I  had  resolved,  by  a  single  tbmst  of  my  piki 
sacrifice  De  Momu  to  the  shade  of  Justine ;  but  the  hourly  massa 


for  van^eBDOD,  and  when  I  remembered  that  De  Mesmoi  was  the  Rillier 
of  Jastjoe'l  Uttl»  girl,  my  fierce  resolution  releuled.  As  often  U  I 
lused  ray  hand  to  stab  him  to  the  heart,  my  eonl  died  within  me, — and 
be  eecc^iad.  Very  E''eat  howerer  waa  our  EUrpriie  at  the  coDdaaceoNoa 
of  liii*  once  proad  noble,  aod  the  gay  chevaliers  his  campanions  ;  and. 
while  doing  the  honours  of  the  table,  we  Bubjected  them  to  a  tbousand 
nioTtificetioDS  and  gross  insults.  We  tore  tbe  lace  and  fooings  from 
tiieir  nnifbrm ;  transferred  their  epaulets  from  their  shoulders  to  those 
of  Pierre  BaOulaDd  our  leaders;  tosied  wiue  in  their  faces,  and  folly 
tried  their  patience  to  the  utmost  limits  of  mortal  endurance;  but  dire 
ODd  nnheai^-of  was  the  len^eance  they  were  meditating '. 

"While  we  were  thos  rioting  in  the  aneiuiC  hall,  chosen  servants  of 
3De  Mesmai  were  placing  barrels  of  gunpowder  in  the  vaults  imme- 
diately benenth  it.  When  all  was  prepared,  oar  boat  withdrew,  and 
<Hie  by  one  bis  guests  followed  him,  and  left  the  chateau  unperceived. 

"  Tbe  train  was  fired,*  and  the  mine  sprung.  Never  sIibII  I  forget 
the  eipreesion  I  read  in  the  faces  of  the  lepublicaos  at  that  moment,— 
the  last  of  their  exiateooe  l 

' '  We  heard  beneath  our  feet  an  appalling  roar — a  noise  as  if  the  globe 
was'splitUng  asunder.  All  looltA  aghast,  and  I  cried  atoud  on  that 
Cod  to  help  me,  whose  eiisteoce  I  had  denied  a  matneot  before  ;  but 
tike  nnfortonate  wretcbea  around  me  had  scarcely  time  eitlier  for  pra^ei- 
-or  blaapbemy.  The  pavement  heaved  beneath  their  feet ;  the  maaaive 
wnlla  trembled  and  sunk  inwards;  the  itone  arched  roof  desceaded 
thonderiiu  on  their  devoted  heads,— all  was  daiknesB,  chaos,  and 
indeacribable  horror !  Of  a  tbouiand  men  who  crowded  the  place,  not 
one  escaped  save  myself :  all  were  buried  in  the  mina,^he  masonry 
•  Poi  an  actounl  of  Ibii  affnir,  ■«  aoj  Preach  paper  ot  Jounmlfor  Jnly,  ITSJ. 


KG 

of  s  whole  wing  of  the  chsteui  covered  them.  Yea,  monsienr,  I  alone 
ewaped  thit  terrible  explodoa.  Bj  Heaven's  gnce,  tether  than  my 
own  deserta,  1  happened  it  the  inatant  to  be  atending  in  the  receaa  (rf 
an  oriel  wiadow,  and  wu  blown  into  the  gerdea.  where,  when  my 
a^iaea  retained,  I  found  mjaelf  lying  aate  and  whole  on  my  {avoorite 
tulip-bed. 

"  De  Meamii  end  hia  friends  had  fled  to  Hime  place  at  a  distance, 
irtieie  they  took  abippiog  for  Britain.  Mcsaienra  Hie  bourgeois  were 
exasperated  to  madnesa  at  the  eiploiiaa  of  Qoiaaay.  They  rose  «■ 
node  in  stidi,  and  the  noble  old  chateau  wu  razed  almost  to  the 
foondatiou,  and  all  the  cutlea  in  the  neigh bonrliood  af  Besanf  on  shared 
the  same  fste.  The  populace  were  even  ander  le*s  reatraint  tlian 
before,  and  committed  eicesses,  incanceivable  to  those  who  bebeld 
tbem  not,  nuder  the  banner  and  sacred  asme  of  liifrlg.  The  Nationtd 
Aaaembly  ofTered  a  reward  for  De  Mesmsi'a  bead ;  but  he  was  &afe  in 
London,  aod  the  British  goveniment  refoied  to  give  him  np.  After- 
warda,  when  Lonis  waa  no  more,  aod  the  silver  lilies  of  old  Praoce 
were  trodden  u  it  were  to  the  earth,  De  Meamal  made  his  peace  witii 
,  and  fought  sa 
■■        ■  '    i  hi 

D  the  rank  of  a  captain  of 
cavury  onuer  lue  vAfmcan  usurper, — -inis  self-made  emperor,  who 
nsorpa  the  crown  and  eceptre  of  a  better  race, — a  race  now  exiled,  aad 
finding  a  refuge  in  the  capilal  of  Scotland.  Napoleon  has  restored  to 
De  Meamai  his  estate  of  Qningay,  and  as  he  la  a  feionrite  botli  with 
the  court  aod  armv,  he  may  yet  became  ■  marshal  of  the  Empire. 

"Of  myself,  I  have  little  more  to  ssy,  mousieur.  Taking  with  me 
my  grand -daughter,  the  little  Moris,  1  abandoned  BesaofOD,  the  scene 
of  such  tumult  and  diaorder,  and  wandered  I  know  not  why,  or  how, 
acioBH  the  Pyrenees  into  Spain,  where,  as  I  had  receiyed  a  good  eduea- 
tioa  in  my  youth,  I  was  admitted  as  a  brother  into  the  order  of  Jo> 
CiipucAinM,  at  Trniillo,  and  soon  afterwords  receiTed  the  sitoation  of 
curate  here,^ — at  this  peoceful  little  hamlet,  Tills  Macia,  wbere,  tor 
fifteen  years  past,  I  hate  dwelt  in  retirement  and  happiness.  AlUiongb 
the  memory  of  my  wife  and  Dufbrtunate  daughter  is  not  effaced,  time 
has,  in  a  great  meaaure,  aoftened  the  pangs  I  fed  when  thou^ts  of 
Uiem  occur  to  my  mind. 

"  I  now  conaider  myaelf  a  happy  and  conlented  old  man.      My 

Eariahioneis,  my  books,  and  the  fair  youog  girl  my  crand-cbild,  have 
ecu  the  companions  of  my  incrcasiuK  yeara.  But  1  am  aoon  to  be 
deprived  of  my  merry  and  volatile  Maria.  A  ver^  noble  cavalier  of 
TrDiillo,  Don  Gonzogo  de  Conqueata,  has  not  disdained  to  sue  for  and 
obtain  the  promise  of  her  bond.  They  will  soon  be  wedded,  and  I  am 
to  perform  the  bappy  ceremony. 

"This  is  oU  my  tale,  monsieur,  in  elucidation  of  the  singular  scene 
you  saw  acted  here  this  evening.  I  truat  I  have  not  wearied  yon  in 
this  sketch  of  ny  life:  although  an  bumble  one,  it  has  been  full  of 
sorrows.  I  never  thought  sgtun  to  have  recalled  them  so  fully  to  my 
mind  ;  hot  the  oneipected  oppeorance  of  their  author  nnder  my  roof 
has  roiled  back  the  tide  of  yeoiB  to  the  hour  in  which  we  first  met— I 
knew  the  flue  and  noble  featurea  of  hia  race  the  moment  he  laid  aside 
his  helmet.  But  I  will  net  detain  you  longer  from  rest,  mousieaT. 
Takeonother  cup  of  this  simple  wine,  and  permit  me  to  bid  you,  as  we 
asy  here  in  Spain,  Bumot  nocha — Good  night." 


CHAPTER    XXX. 


FmcA  MOUarf  Pretirt. 
Tbb  next  momiiig  br  davbreak  Bonald  ■nd  hii  priioiwr  qaittod 

The  young  Scot  w»  diigasted  iritb  the  levity  and  careleisneaB  with 
which,  tt  their  departare,  De  Mpsmai  treated  the  tears  and  lorraw  of 
hit  daorhter,  and  the  pious  Bdmooitiong  of  the  reverend  cvra. 

"  Bod;  o' the  Pope !  "  mid  he,  ai  they  cantered  under  the  ihade  of 
the  cork-trees  which  lined  the  road,  "what  a  rare  blockfaead  has  l>e- 
come  nnoDsienr  my  old  gardener,  now  cnrate  of  Villa  Macia.  How 
lyErlon  and  his  aiguletted  staff  would  liagb,  if  they  knew  I  had 
beoome  quite  a  family  nun  l  I  am  always  apprehensive  that  some  of 
my  wihi  pranks  will  come  nnlackily  to  light,  as  tbis  affair  of  poor 
Jiutine  Rmat's  has  done ;  bnt  I  am  too  old  a  soldier  to  be  pnt  to  the 
blnak.  Blush!  I  have  no  blood  to  spare — the  bleeding  of  twenty 
yean'  oarapaigning  baa  cured  me  of  that.  How  the  poor  girl  wept ! 
Wbsit  tbe  deuce !  sorely  she  did  not  eipect  me  to  take  her  with  me  ? 
C^itun  Maurice  de  Mesmai.  of  Monsieur  le  Compte  d'Erlon'a  staff, 
with  a  femily  !  Corbauf!  the  idea  is  most  excellent!  'Tis  weH 
Yiator  d'Batoaville  and  our  fiist  major,  Louis  Chateaufleur,  know 
nothing  of  this;  otherwise  they  would  quiz  me  out  of  the  service. 
However,  I  commend  my  daughter  to  the  long-visaged  and  noble 
cavalier,  Don — Don — ^what  the  devil  is  his  name  ? — Goozago  de  Con- 
qoests  ;  and  vow,  if  he  makee  not  a  good  huaband,  affectionate  father, 
and  diiqilays  not  all  the  good  qualities  yon  will  find  graven  on  every 
great  man's  tombstone,  1  will  crop  his  ears — I  will,  by  the  name  of 
the  bomb  I  Ho,  ho  1  now  when  I  remember  it,  what  a  long  roll-call 
Monaienr  le  Cai^  made  of  my  early  scrapes,  last  night.  I  listened  to 
him  through  a  chink  in  the  partition.  Tflt-ditvl  how  impertinent  the 
old  dof  was.  I  own  to  you  I  was  on  the  point  of  cutting  short  his 
exceedingly  rude  baraa^e  a  doien  times." 

De  Mesmsi  kept  talking  thus  for  an  hour  at  a  time,  without  heeding 
the  inteimpdons  of  Ronald,  who  did  not  hemtate  to  acquaint  him 
freely  with  the  opinion  he  eatertuned  of  his  feelinn  and  sentiments,  at 
i^iidi  the  other  only  laoghed  in  his  usual  loud  and  binslerons  manner. 

At  San  Pedro  they  were  received  into  the  bouse  of  the  alcalde,  who 
showed  them  every  atteutjon  and  civility.  But  there  an  unlucky 
brawl  ensued.  De  Mesmai,  probably  to  spend  the  time,  paid  sndi 
cloee  attention  to  the  patTona,  a  plump,  rosy,  and  good-natured-like 
matron,  that  the  worthy  alcalde,  her  lord  and  master,  started  up  froca 
the  supper-table  in  a  sndden  fit  of  jealousy  and  rage,  and  would  have 
stabbed  the  cmrassier  with  a  poniatd,  wUch  he  suddenly  uiirtKBthed 
from  hia  boot — a  place  of  concealment  often  used  tor  such  a  weapon  ilt 
Spain.  Ronald's  timely  interference  unelled  ttiis  dangerous  brawl,  and 
mollified  the  fierce  merchant,  for  the  alcalde  waa  a  retailer  of  Cordovan 
ieaOer;  and  Stuart  waa  very  glad  when  be  bad  his  traubleaome  oom- 
panioQ  once  more  out  on  the  highway,  where  his  wide  and  peCutaace 
had  tcai  opportunitiM  of  rotwng  uio  in  of  the  fiery  Spaniards. 


SS'ri: 


ut  of  Meiida,  their  haaai 
who  WB8  chsfed  to  fury  at 

*^— -   ia  lie  conld  QOt 

Ij.  Next  day, 

the  ninth  of  hia  absence,  he  b«helJ  before  him  the  musife  Bmpbi- 
theatre,  the  Gothic  epiree  and  well-known  bridge  of  the  old  T 
cit;,  whicb  was  associated  with  so  many  9ad  ana  lender  retninis 

of  Catalina,  a  thousand  recoUediDTu  of  whom  same  crowding;  i: 

mind,  plnngiag  him  into  melanclioly,  from  which  De  Mesmai  Tsinly 
CDdDaiOBred  to  ronM  bira  by  an  Bnimated  deuaiptiaa  of  tlte  folliea  and 
die  fiiety  of  Puis,  and  biographicBl  Bketchea  of  the  reipiiDs  beat ' ' 
with  all  (^  whom  ha  wia,  by  liu  own  acetniiit,  a  decided  tMoorite. 

It  wat  dark  wbeD  they  tetohed  &e  bodfe,  on  the  ceotie  of  which, 
where  the  blown-iqi  aica  wai  croned  by  woodok  pUnka,  they  mr  two 
Hif hland  aentiDeli  padng  at  tfaor  poit,  the  flatter  of  ,tli«r  plaids  «nd 
wanni  Iblds  of  their  kiUa  siiins  to  them  the  appearanoe  of  a  ooaqile 
of  those  anaent  Romaiia  who  had  often  k^  wnlitb  and  waid  upon  the 
•ameapoL  On  bearing  the  aoimd  of  flu  approaohi^  booft,  they  came 
to  their  front,  and  one  ehallMced,  in  Uie  lanulur  voioe  of  Em 
herach,  "Stondl    Who  goea  there  ?" 

"  B«nald  an  dtigk  »am  fimm"  (die  last  of  hia  raoe},  aoawwad 
Stnait  in  Gaelic,  almoit  laaghing. 

The  two  astonished  Highlandere  set  us  a  loud  shniah,  which  startled 
the  very  leaies  of  the  oUnca  «■  the  oOier  side  of  tie  Goadiana,  and 
'  Dcing  and«  the  arofaea  of  the  bridge,  died  away  in  the  wiodias  roeki 

"Who  is  the  officer  on  guard  hen  ?"  asked  W""»Mi  after  Elan's 

travagant  U      '    '  ...... 

"Mr.Uao .  _. 

"  Which  i    We  hare  six  or  seren. ' 

"  Lieatcoant  Ronald  Macdonnil,  «r.  The  gnard-bonse  is  oloac  by 
the  fine  barricade  ye'U  find  oaat  aorasa  the  croon  t>'  the  caoaeway,  jntt 
indde  the  yetu  o*  the  toon." 

Promieing  to  aatiafy  to-morrow  the  eager  and  af ectio^te  inqniiica  of 
Enn,  who  hung  on  at  Mb  plaid  very  UDceremonioasly,  Stnart,  with  his 
priaonec.  cnMaed  ttie  bridge ;  and  entering  the  citr-gate,  found  Mae- 
4i}i)ilU'i  guard  under  arma,  having  been  startled  by  the  halloa  (tf  tb^ 
two  aentinela. 

"  Where  are  the  colonel's  qoerters  ?"  aaked  Bonald  of  the  ofEoer  m 
duty,  when  congratulatJona  had  ceaHd. 

''^NMndoor  to  the  town-houiei  yon  will  eaeily  know  iC—« large 
btdlding  with  a  portico.  Bat  I  would  adviae  you  to  dcAr  leportisg 
your  artiial  until  tO'morrow." 

"  Why  ao>  Macdonuil  ?    Hie  sooner  so  mnah  ttie  bettar,  (Krely  ?" 

"  But  Cameron  ia  inre,  from  the  direction  in  which  Casiphdl  asul 
^□u  left  Almwei,  that  yon  were  not  in  the  band*  c^  the  aneuy ;  and  he 
IS  (trangely  enraged  at  your  siDgniar  atMance." 

"  Sngnlar  ?    How  I  have  I  not  otplained  to  yOB— " 

"  Oh,  perfectly ;  I  am  quite  satiafied.  But,  my  dear  Stuai^  Cmm- 
ron  ia  audi  a  fiery  lort  of  fellow,  that  be  will  not  be  •<>  Matb-  plraand. 
notwithstanding  ywu-  having  eutvred  tUs  Traaoh  officar.  Von  anst 
prepare  yourtdf  for  aomething  aisagreeabk,  as  be  is  determined  to  put 
yon  auder  anest ;  and  it  will  not  put  him  in  a  bettar  honour  to  repsrt 
}ot>T  letam  just  now,  almost  at  midni^t." 

"You  are  right,  Macdonnil.     Bat  what  shall  I  do  to  a  billet! 


219 

Twdre  o'dadc, — Hurt  it  6m   bcll-ulock  of  the  corponfioa-lHRue 
rtrilmg." 

"  We  have  eitabliihed  a  tsBnoniT  mesB-nom,  and  yon  had  better 
go  to  it ;  onr  feUova  are  aU  there  etill,  I  have  little  doubt, — they  aie 
nerer  in  a  hurrr  to  break  up.    You  koow  the  CaUe  de  Gaadiana — " 

"  Ljing  between  the  liver  indflie  Pliza?" 

"Y«.     Pus  down  there,  wlieel  to  yoor  left,  and  yoa  will  nine  to 
the  chapter- hoaso  of  the  San  Jnan  convent,  wht--   —  •— ■ 
mesa-houie  is  eitablisbed." 

"Bat  I  shall  probably  find  Fisrifisni  diere ;  and  if  anything  dl(- 

"  There  is  no  danger.  1  saw  Men  at  sanset  retnm  to  his  billet  in 
the  CaUe  de  Santa  Clsjat  accompanied  by  hii  fnithfuL  esqaire  and 
Otderiy,  Dngald  Mbor ;  so  ho  ia  without  doubt  boiued  for  the  eight." 

Ronald  foltowed  Macdoonil's  directiona,  accompanied  by  De  Meemai, 
who  bad  been  so  otlen  in  Merida  that  he  Icnew  the  atreeta  u  well  ai 
an  inhabitant  conld  have  known  them.  On  reacMne  the  foot  of  the 
e  Guttdiana,  the  lighh  ahining  throngh  Uie  1    " 


windowa  of  the  chapter-boose,  together  with  the  imaeemly  toonda  of 
midnisht  roiatering  and  merriment  wluch  issued  from  it,  informed  them 
that  this  was  the  place  they  Bought. 

"  Here  we  diimannt,"  nid  Stnart ;  and  alighting,  they  tied  their 
briAes  to  the  net^  of  two  stone  Runta,  ithose  weather-beaten  head* 
had  for  sii  hmndred  yean  inBtained  the  weight  of  a  canopy  over  the 
Ootluo  doorway.  Before  entering,  Roneld  gave  a  glance  through  a 
window,  between  the  thick  stone  mulliDni  of  which  be  took  a  mrvey 
of  the  company.  The  gloomy  old  chapter-hoase  was  hut  indiS'enntlj 
hghted  by  a  dozen  yellaarold  commiasariat  cendlea,  atuck  on  the  head* 
and  hands  of  coriielled  saints  and  angels,  bedding  a  dull  and  uncertain 
light  on  the  table,  whiefa  was  composed  oF  a  few  rough  boards  nailed 
topetber.  ArDnad  this  mde  conteivance  lat  aboot  thirty  officers  in  fiw 
Highland  uniform,  occupying  the  high-backed  oaken  chairs  which  ertt 
were  naed  by  the  holy  fathers  of  San  Joan,  when  araemblcd  in  wlemn 
coDclave.  Ronald  saw  that  nearly  all  his  brother  officera  were  (ffesent, 
M  few  were  on  gnaid,  and  there  was  not  one  married  man  amoDC 

Tbe  gawral  equipage  of  the  t^Ie  was  different  from  that  of  a  home- 
■OTice  mesa,  and  contiaated  strongly  with  the  rich  anifbnns  of  the 
evonserv,  who  were  drinking  Bponiah  wine  from  bonis,  tin  caotetus, 
glaaw,  and  all  sortj  of  vEaaels  flt  for  the  purpose  that  conld  be 


"  Carbaiff,'"  excUimed  De  Mesmai,  "  what  a  jotial  song. — more 
mwry  Aan  mnsieal,  though.  I  hare  a  doien  minds  to  strike  np  the 
Hamcdllais  hymn." 

"  Stay, — hearken  a  moment." 

Tliey  w«re  singing  a  well-known  Scottish  song,*  and  one  wUeh  bad 
become  ao  nopnUr  at  the  mess,  that  it  always  followed  the  standing 
toast  of  "Here's  to  dia  Bighlsndmen,  shonlder  to  shoulder  I"  and 
was  dnniaed  in  a  most  methodical  manner.  By  the  noisy  accompani- 
ncBta  of  glissaa  dankedopon  the  table,  and  heels  apoa  Ibe  floor,  it 
was  evident  the  company  were  pretty  mellow.  Some  of  the  windowa 
being  open  lor  tiie  admittaiice  of  cool  air,  the  bold  cboros,  chantsd  by 

*  "DoBaldKacdould;"  KHngeompoudLa  IB«3  by  tha  UtrickSbqlMid,  ta 
Ihetmeol  ••  Wswd,  and  tnuried,  audi'." 


Wi'  (vonl,  Hd  buckler,  uda'," 
Now  Cunpbell'i  land  Bonorona  voice,  chuitjng  aloiw,  awoke  the 

echoM  of  the  place: 

"  ThB  Gordon  i>  md*  Ip  ihnirrj 
Xod  Glut,  ud  MKkeniie.  and  Mnrnr, 

"  Tba  atnut  li  iturd;  and  miiot], 
ADdueliUadaodaodMukij; 


•rEalaal 


Hlaal  in  Lhefraf." 
"  Chorus  atun,  geDtlemoa  " — (and  the  ChirtT  struck  in) 


As  the  chonis  died  mj  in  the  usin  and  claUtert  of  the  sdjacmt 
eliurcli,  the  doorwu  thrown  open,  and  Ronald,  leading  hig  French 


11  eves  were  turaed  instantlf  towards  them, 
t!   kona'^ '■---■"      '--' -■---     ■ 


"  Stnart  1  Stuart !  Ronald  Stuart !  "  cried  twentr  roicei :  bat  the 
light  glittering  on  De  Metmai's  helmet  and  breast-plate  startled  some 

so  mnch,  that  -'■---  ' —  ' ' ' — ■—  "■-- — ^ 

ft  dirk  aod  clai 

filled  with  Frei  

sober  enoneh.  rose  from  thcs  table  to  welcome  their  newlj-tbund  friend  i 
bat  Looig  Lisle,  takiog  bis  sword  and  bonnet  from  >  stons  aaint  who 
had  them  in  keeping,  abraptlT  withdrew. 

"  Intmdace  me,  Moaaieur  Stuart,"  said  the  cuirassier,  with  ■  proud  ' 
■mile,  "  or  bv  the  bomb '.  we  will  have  each  other  by  the  throat.     Da 
yoor   comradea   thos    welcome   straogen,    by    baring   iword   and 

Koodd  could  gcarcelf  get  a  word  spoken  as  his  brother- officers 
crowded  roond  him,  and  a  trulf  Scottish  shaking  of  hands  ensued  ;  while 
a  hundred  qnestioDS  were  asked  bim  bj  the  sober  in  Euglish, — bj  the 
less  so  in  their  more  natural  Gaelic,  shout  his  abeeDce,  and  retnToing 
thus  accompanied.  It  was  imposiibte  at  that  time  to  relate  any  parti- 
culars, so  be  determined  od  deferring  all  explanations  nntil  another 
time.  Thoogb  angry  at  the  conduct  of  Liale,  he  *aa  nerertheless  mudk 
gratified  by  the  friendly  reception  he  met  with  from  the  other  officers  ; 
but  ai  he  had  no  heart  to  partake  in  their  caronial.  he  withdrew  soon 
after  (to  the  disappointoient  of  all)  with  Allster  Macdonald  to  his 
billet,  undl  another  conld  be  procnred  from  an  alcalde.  De  Meamii 
remained  at  the  table,  and  soon  established  himself  as  the  lion  of  the 
company,  and  although  he  apoke  always  in  Spanish,  or  very  impeHiM^ 
Ennlish,  he  became  a  general  hTourite,  and  kept  the  meaa  in  roars  of 

.      m;i;. —  1. — ;— -.tndionaly  avoided,  but  he  talked  in 

nels  and  girls,  brawls  and  dcbaac^MS, 
„    .      .  military  trolics,  antil  the  momiBg 

drami  beating  rfttiUt  thiongfa  the  street*,  wtmed  the  jovial  party  to 


N«it  monuDg  Staait  completed  hu  toilet  hnrficdly,  with  the  inten- 
tion of  waitiag  OD  tbc  colood. 

"  Prepare  ^onnelf  for  somethini'  diBagreeable,  Ronald,"  uid  Hw- 
doB«ld,  nba  wag  leuiinK  OTer  a  window  which  looked  oat  on  thn 
principal  street  leading  from  the  Plaxa  to  the  ri*er.     "  CUode  A — 

and  forget,  u 
nat?' 

"  1  expected  nich  ;  yet  Me  cAi^issomewluit  hnrried." 

"  Talce  ore  iiow  yon  style  him  so  :  I  was  nearly  pnt  nnder  arrest  for 
it  at  San  Pedro.  Come  in  i "  cried  Alitler,  ■■  a  smart  knock  wai  heard 
at  the  room- door. 

"  Sorry  to  spoil  yoor  breakfut,  SCaart.  by  tliia  early  TiiiC,"  laid  the 
■djulant,  euccnuc;  "hntCBmeroa  hai  sent  me  for  yonr  iword,  and 
daires  me  to  aay  that  yoa  moat  consider  yonrself  under  arreat,  nnbl 
you  can  itaCe  aatisfitctorily  in  writing  your  reasons  for  absenting  yonr- 
aelffor  these  nine  days  pait  wilbout  leare.  He  is  in  a  towering  pasaion ; 
all  the  blood  of  Lochiel  ■eema  to  be  babbling  up  in  him,  because  you 
did  not  report  yoaraelf  laat  night.  I  neter  before  aaw  bia  eyea  glare  aa 
tiiey  dothia  mominE." 

"  J^aw  !     Clanoe,  you — " 

"  A  fact,  upon  my  honour.    Bat  do  not  be  alarmed  ;  he  is  too  well 

!Ieaaed  with  your  condoctat  Alnurez  lo  carry  this  affair  to  eitremitie*. 
beiieTe,  bat  for  that  nigbf  a  work,  he  would  bring  yon  to  a  cosrt- 
martial  iiutanter." 

"The  dence  he  would  1    Do  yon  think  to,  A ?" 

"  Of  ooune.  Yoa  know  Cameron ;  there  ia  not  a  atricter  fellow  in 
the  aerrice, — a  regular  martinet.  But  yon  bad  belter  take  your  pen, 
and  endeaTonr  to  aatiafy  him  by  a  sheet  of  foolscap.  'Tis  well  you  left 
lu  HO  loou  laat  ni^hl,  ai  yon  will  require  a  clear  bead  this  morning. 
Mine  aches  aa  if  it  would  fall  in  pieces ;  hut  I  mean  to  call  at  the 
wioe-booae ;  (you  know  the  saying),  '  to  take  a  hair  of  the  dog  that 

"A  very  strange  fellow,  ths  Frandi  cnirassier,  Clande?"  obaerred 
Hacdonald. 

"  A  hair-brujied  snrk  aa  erer  I  met  with.  He  baa  played  aid  mis- 
chief with  all  onrs.  We  shall  not  have  one  officer  to  esich  company  on 
parade  this  morning.  A  dozen,  1  believe,  aie  lying  nnder  the  table  with 
himself.  Campbell,  old  Macdonald,  and  onr  most  seasoned  topers, 
were  pat  to  their  mettle  by  him.  Bnt  giie  me  yoar  iword,  Stuart ; 
the  colonel  is  waiting  for  it,  bnt  I  trast  will  not  keep  it  long.  Yon 
must  endeavour  la  make  your  peace  with  bim  aa  soon  as  possible,  and 
not  be  under  any  fear  of  beii^  put  in  Coventry  by  onr  mesa :  we  know 
you  too  well  to  do  that." 

Ranald  felt  conaiderable  chagrin  as  he  beheld  Claude  A ,  the 

adjutant,  carry  off  his  weapon,  and  fouud  himself  under  arrest,  and  in 
imminent  dauger  of  being  arraigned  before  a  general  court-martial. 
He  oomposed  himself  to  indite,  for  the  colanel'i  perusal,  an  acconnt  of 
his  absence,  which  he  found  a  very  delicate  and  difficult  matter,  aa  he 
vaa  nnwillinc  that  the  meaa  abonld  get  bold  of  poor  Catalins'a  name  1* 
make  it  a  anbjcct  of  ridicule,  and  quiz  him  abont  it,  which  he  feared 


— ons  givins  ■■  bdef 


le  SQ  account  as  possible  of  hia  adTftutorsa,  a 
_*  Lf  J  J  3  -  tf._  ..  ^m^j^j  ^im  ^g  jj^P  mg  suiter 
1  CUseutea,  the  well-koo^ 
bandit,  who  had  accompanied  Che  fiiat  hrigade  diagniied  aa  a,  pri^it. 
Bian  wai  deapatched  with  the  letter  to  the  colonel's  qoartere  ;  whilat 
Stuait  and  Maedouald,  accompanied  by  I^  Sbamai,  went  to  vuic 
D'EstouTille,  the  unfortunate  commsridaDt  of  Fort  Napoleon,  who  iru 
dying  of  the  woand  be  bad  leceiied  from  the  otSccr  of  the  71(L  * 

An  old  chapel,  sitoated  near  the  Balbi  of  Diana,  had  been  apiuro^' 
■ted  aa  an  bospital  tm  those  wocuded  at  tbe  forti  of  Almarei.  The 
design  of  some  Gothic  irchitact  wbeo  tbe  art  waa  in  its  infuicy,  it  *» 
a  low  darh  buildinE,  with  ahart  clumsy  columns,  gloomy  orchei,  euor- 
moasly  thick  walla,  and  diamal  little  windowa,  be^reen  the  tliidc 
mnUions  of  which  tbe  grey  daylight  seemed  to  Mrufgle  to  be  seen. 
On  tbe  wocu  flight  of  steps  atcendiDg  to  the  great  door-way,  lay  a.  few 
dozen  lega,  arms,  bands,  and  feet,  which  had  been  amputated  and  wem 
lying  there  ontii  l^e  liospital  orderlies  were  at  leisure  to  inlar  them. 
Daring  the  last  war,  Che  leckleas  maDner  in  which  roadioal  (d&cen 
hewed  off  wounded  limbs,  without  attempting  to  rednce  a  fiactmv,  hai 
been  often  leprehcDded.  What  a  scene  of  maltiplied  bnmaa  maacrr 
the  interior  of  Uie  cbapel  presented  I  The  wounded  aoldten,  Britiah 
and  French,  to  the  number  of  some  bundteda,  lay  in  ranks  on  tba 
damp  paTemant,  orer  which  a  little  straw  was  thrown,  as  no  badding 
could  be  given  them.  Deep  and  hollow  groans  of  acute  agony  and 
sulTering  sonnded  from  many  parts  of  tbe  building,  and  tbe  centiimal 
nutting  of  the  atraw  anoouoced  the  impotieat  restlessness  of  sickness 
and  pun.  Here  lay  the  gallant  and  Ugh-spirited  cooacript,  brooding 
^OOmil;,  and  almost  weeping,  over  Ihoae  liaians  of  gtory,  which  the 

nputation  of  a  1^  bad  suddeoly  cut  abort ;  and  there  the  stem  gn- 
—idier  of  the  Imperial  gaard  lay  cooUy  Burreying  his  own  blood  b  it 
trickled  through  the  stiaw,  and  filled  the  caned  lettara  of  epitapha  ob 
tbe  paiement  stones.  Near  him  lay  his  conqueror,  the  British  aoldier, 
duHn  of  a  limb,  dejected  and  misersblei  haviiu  notiiing  before  him.  now 
I...  _   ,, .  ._  u._..  _.j  .u_  _^3^  apology  '- ' '^-'- 


£"    laapoit  to  beg,"  and 
ritain  bestows  on  her  oeienorra,  witn  me  nappy  rsaonnee  oi 
starling  in  a  parish  workhouse.    All  were  pale  as  deatn,  and  aii  dia- 


0  the  parched  hpa  of  aoms  wooudad  man,  who  drank 
greedily  of  the  hot  stale  water  it  contained,  and  pnned  tl 

**  --^uat  his  banda^ea,  or  by  doing  aoma  little  osioa  tl       .  . 

Some  were  dying,  and  lay  convulsed  among  their  straw,  with  Qie 


Mdily  of  the  hot  stale  water  it  contained,  and  pnned  theni  pitaously 
a^juat  hia  banda^ea,  or  by  doing  aoma  little  osioa  to  alleviabi  ui 

death-rattle  m 

. they  were  cold,  tiiey  were  aajzed  by  the  boapUal  ordodiaa,* 

and  carried  off  for  interment. 

A  wretched  aombinadon  of  misery,  pain,  and  aorraw  tbe  interior  of 
Qiat  liula  chapel  presented,  and  it  made  a  deqtra  imprenion  on  Stoart 
and  Alister  than  on  De  Meamai,  who  was  an  older  Mldiar,  tnd  had 


Wold,  in  tmntr  yean'  campugninf ,  too  modi  bloodabed  and  «gonr 
to  riKXHl  mt  the  sight  ot  it  Ihero ;  but  ha  loudly  eiprewed  his  pleuors 
rt  brftoldiiis  Uie  attention  paid  to  hb  cotmtrymeii.  He  tuM  iiat  no 
dbtinctiOQ  was  made ;  the  wonaded  of  both  natiooa  receifid  Che  raiia 
■ScndBDefl  from  the  medical  officers  and  their  arderlies :  and  morE 
than  ODe  grenadier  of  thi  Guard  slloned  bii  dark  featnrei  to  ralu  into 
■  grim  amile,  as  his  red-coated  attendantp  held  pp  bia  bead,  to  poar 
down  bia  ttroat  some  dose  of  diSHgreeable  itnff. 

"Ha!  EKewuti"  said  Ronald,  catdiiDg  hii  oameiBke  (heaanstut 
sirgeoD  by  the  belt  as  he  wai  ratiung  paat,  with  a  law  in  on*  hand  and 
4  ImTjg  knife  gleaming  in  the  ether- 

"  Dtm't  detain  me,  pn.y.  I  baie  jiut  dapped  tiia  tonmiqaot  on  that 
poor  devil  in  die  comer.  I  bav«  to  take  bia  arm  ont  of  the  socket,  M 
the  akonlder,  too — a  fearfnl  operation  :  fOu'U  bear  bia  abrieka  iame- 
diatdy.  Sony  to  hear  yon  are  nnder  armt-  You  will  get  tbnragh  it, 
though,  doabtlese, — being  a  faiourite." 
"Where  is  D'BBtonville,  the  French  major  j  and  how  is  he?  " 
"  Near  liii  lut  gaap,  poor  man.  Yon  need  not  go  to  him  now,  as  he 
'-'-  ;,  and  trtmblin^  hita  wUI  not  lengthen  bii  life  a  second.  I  oonid 
for  him,  end  so  bsTe  resigned  him  to  his  fitte.  Imoat 
n  people,  whose  lives  are  of  niore  conaeqaenoe, — erery 
man  bdiig  worth  exactly  taienty  ponnda  b)  goiemment,  aa  yon  will  sen 
in — I  (brget  what  page  of  the  'Matiny  Act. 

"  How  can  yon  jeat  in  anch  a  horrid  den  ae  tiiis  ?  Yon  anrgeoni  are 
■tmnly  cool  (Ulowa,  eerlunly.    But  lyEstoaiille-^' 

"  u  lying  yonder  at  ibe  foot  of  t^at  marble  monnmmt.  Do  not 
toonble  him  now  ;  he  will  be  dead  in  five  minntcs.— Eicnse  ma  :  J  have 
to  ampntate  a  leg  to  prevent  mortification,  and  its  ownor  ia  growling 

liut  are  gone. 

was  represented  in  armour,  and  lying  at  full  length ,  with  bis  bands 
eroBsed  on  bis  bosom.  The  canopied  recess  had  been  made  a  receptacle 
forHte  caps  and  knapsacks  of  dead  men,  which  were,  wi^ont  cere- 
mony, piled  aboTe  the  figure  of  the  Spaoieh  CBTnlier.  A  tattered 
pomon,  a  maty  cssqne,  and  a  tima-wom  sword,  hung  over  the  niche, 
where  a  marble  tablet  announced  it  to  be  the  totnb  of  the  noble  knight 
DonRodrigo  deTilla  Francs: — " Mnerloenma  batalla  conlotMeroa, 
a  diez  dt  Noviembre,  del  ano  de  mil  y  vitnle  y  aitte."* 

In  front  of  this  ancient  tomb  lay  D'EstauillIe.  Alai !  how  much 
ten  days  of  pain  and  saffering  had  changed  the  gallant  young  French- 
man !  He  was  stretched  on  a  pile  of  bloody  straw,  stripped  to  hie  shirt 
and  regimental  trowsers.  A  large  bandace,  clotted  and  fory,eiidm;li»l 
his  head,  and  his  once  very  handaome  natnrea  were  aadl*  cbmged ; 
Aey  were  snnken  and  bcluw,  pale  and  emacbted  to  the  last  it^te. 
He  lay  motioiiless,  witbbi«eyMoIotad;  bnt  hia  hpa  were  parted,  and 
he  toapired  tfaimuh  bis  clendied  teeth  with  diffionlty.  Hia  head  naled 
<mab»p»ack,  p&ced  under  it  In  an  honeat  Irishman  of  the  50th,  irtio 
lay  on  fata  left,  amolnnc  a  abort  black  pipe,  while  he  aorreyed,  with  a 
composed  but  raefnl  took,  the  stnmp  of  fai*  right  arm.  On  the  other 
ride  lay  a  Gordon  HiBhlander,  qid*Ering  in  the  agonies  of  death :  » 
Aot  bad  lodged  in  his  DrMtt.  •nd  he,  too,  bad  beco  ciTcn  np  as  incur- 
able by  the  medical  officen.  The  agony  be  endaivd  had  brongbt  va  » 
•  "  Slain  by  the  Moon  1b  battle,  the  iMi  NQtemberof  llnjiarmT." 


3fthe 

MorUtuI  poor  Victot!"  isid  D«  Meamai.    "Ah]  meuifntrs, — 
mrelf  be  is  Dot  dead  ! " 

At  the  KMind  of  the  French  eiclanutioo,  lyBftoiiville  opened  hia 
eyes,  and  stCempted  in  lain  to  raise  hia  head;  bat  ■  tiiat  amile  of 
ren^nition  puwd  OTcr  hia  pile  features  aa  be  beheld  Ronald  SEoart, 
■ltd  ^aied  on  tiie  well-kDOwn  nniform  of  De  Mesmai.  "  Poor  fellow  !" 
continued  the  latter,  while  a  tear  glistened  inbii  eye,  as  he  knelt  down 
and  took  the  band  of  Victor;  "  he  ia  evidently  bi  gone.    Many  a 


"Therha 


"  X«i  malheuri  de  la  gutrre  I  Alt,  De  iltmai,  mtnt  ami,  let  tnal- 
jimra  de  la  guerre!"  muttered  the  wounded  man,  and  sunk  backward 
on  his  miMrable  bed ;  then  pointing  to  bis  bead,  he  added.  "  A.  nton 
eamarade—bieattrt — oit — oit— plait  morttlte  ' " 

"  ■"  ij  have  bronght  me  here,  too,  Victor,  (bote  caned  mlafortanen 
— '  caae  ia  not  to  bad  as  yoort.    The  belmet  is  a  better 

„ . B  greoadier  cap  aninat  tbe  itraight-cuttiDg  blades  of 

theae  fiery  Scota.  Cheer  up,  D'£9CoaiilIe;  while  there  ia  life,  hope 
remains.  You  may  yet  lead  tbe  old  Guard  in  the  charge !  the  esglea  of 
the  empire  may  yet  flap  Iheir  wings  over  you." 

."Never,"  whispered  Macdondd ;  "hia  race  of  eiistence  is  orer. 
Why,  then,  inioire  him  with  false  hopes  of  living  iflnger  V 

"  He  ia  one  of  thoae  fdlaws  tbat  are  very  bard  to  kUl.  I  know 
Victor,"  whiapered  the  other  in  re^l; ;  theu  eontiaued  as  before,  "  Tbe 
"""-T  has  marked  you  for  bis  owo. — tbe  whole  service  aay  so, 

iville,  and  suppose  that  yonr  promoB '"  ' "^ 

it's,  Macdooidd's,  Bemadotte's.  or  i 
empire.  Remembet  these  tbinga,  mon  a 
doath." 

"  DeaUi'l  cold  hand  is  upon  me.    Ah '  Maurice,  how  can  I  expect 

"  Morbleu  !  by  determlrung  to  live,  and  to  earn  honour  and  fame  in 
spite  of  him.    Coarse,  mj  friend." 

"No,  no,  DeMesmul"  replied  D'EsConviUe,  with  that  sadden  life 
and  enngy  which  often  animates  tbe  dying  when  Qie  moment  of  digao- 
hition  draws  near,  while  his  pale  cheek  fluslied,  and  a  light  spsrkled  in 
his  sunken  eye.  "  Honour  and  glory—these  are  (be  dreams  of  every 
Frenchman,  and  they  once  were  mine,  my  constajit  thoughts,  never  fbr 
a  moment  absent  from  my  mind.  The  very  visiona  of  my  sleep  were 
fall  of  the  gloss  and  glitter  of  military  parade :  martial  honour  woi  the 
idol  of  ray  heart-  As  a  gaJlant  young  conscript  when  I  left  my  native 
home  at  Lillebonne,  aa  the  hardened  grenadier,  aa  the  dasbinE  subaltern 
of  the  Guard,  as  a  wretched  prisoner  pining  in  Scotland,  and  again  aa  a 
free  and  daring  soldier, — tbe«e  higb  hopes,  this  proad  ambitiOD,  neva" 
left  me  for  an  instant, — buoying  and  bearing  me  ap  nader  all  the  toils 
of  war  and  misfortune,  until  I  faand  myself  stretched  on  the  pavement 
of  thia  chapel,  a  dying  captive  I  Honour  baa  ^ed  away  from  me,  and 
the  proud  aenttments  which  caused  my  heart  to  swell,  to  bound  with 


isjitim  *t  the  aWp  roll  of  tbe  dnim,  Doir  inimate  me  no  mors.  Never 
u4ii  irill  druin  or  bugle  Bound  for  me  !" 

"  Yon  speak  very  sorrowfully,  in  trnth,"  replied  De  Mhthu  ;  "  bat 
unae  droniQg  monk  hia  beea  putting  tbene  nocioai  in  your  head.  Take 
oalt  joo  do  not  eihamt  yourself,  men  ami." 

"Ah,  Maurice!  a  ChoueanEl  times  I  wish  I  had  ftUen  sword  ia  hand 
(tAlffiarez,  ntber  than  liDgered  here,  eaduring  forlbese  put  ten  ds]» 
tiie  Bitremes  of  mental  and  bodily  agony.  Yet  had  J  only  received  a 
mmneDt'a  iramiog,  1  queation  much  if  that  officer  of  the  Scotlilh 
thasseurs  conld  ha»8  cut  me  down  aa  eaaiiy." 

"  No.  In  tnith  yon  wece  an  excellent  awordtman,  Victor — Bharp  of 
eye,  and  sore  of  hand-" 

"I  trnat,  Maniice,  yon  wiU  not  be  long  a  prisoner.  'Twagasad 
blank  in  my  Life,  my  csptiiity.  Faith!  man  camaradt,  I  almost  shiyer 
at  remembrance  of  the  caacle  of  Edinburgh.  You  wilt  remember  me 
(0  Louis  Chateaufleor  and  the  reat  of  your  regiment ;  and  do  so  par- 
licalarlr  to  my  own,  should  yon  ever  fall  in  with  tbem  on  service." 
He  spoke  now  with  more  difficulty,  and  at  lonrer  intervals.  "  Glorr 
to  I^wice.  and  long  life  to  the  ^rest  Emperor  I  I  trust  be  will  think 
Major  D'Estonville  has  done  hia  duty.  Almarez  I  defended  to  tba 
laatt  and,  Maurice,  bad  you  not  cut  the  pontoon,  we  might  have 
eSicled  our  retreat.  Tbe  emperor  would  ba>e  saved  four  handled 
soldiers  of  his  noble  old  Guard. 

"  And  your  life,  Victor." 

"A  mere  bagatelle '.     I  lay  it  down  in  bis  aeTTice." 

"  Vitre  I'Bn^erear  !  "  cned  some  of  hia  soldiera,  who  lay  within 
heariDg  on  their  pallets  of  straw.  Tbe  about  was  taken  up  by  many, 
and  echoed  through  distant  parts  of  the  chapel.  D'Eatauvitle's  eye 
flashed  brightly  ;  he  waved  his  hand  aa  be  would  have  brandished  his 
sword,  and,  exhausted  with  speaking,  and  tbe  emotions  which  tbe 
l^lant  battle-cry  aroused  withm  him,  he  again  sank  backwards,  and 
by  the  spasms  which  crossed  hia  pallid  features,  they  aaw  too  surely 
that  tbe  momEut  of  death  was  nigh.  Again  rousing  himself  from  his 
lethargy,  be  beckoned  to  Ronald,  who  knelt  down  br.nide  him. 

"  I  would  speak  to  you  of  Diane  de  Montmichel,"  he  whispered,  in 
tieronlnns  and  broken  sccents.  "  Her  huaband.  Monsieur  le  Baron — 
de  Clappourknais — the  letter  I  gave  yoa  at  Truiillo ;  ah  1  mon  ami, 
do  yoa  not  understand  me  ? " 

"  Indeed  1  do  not,  D'Bstoaville." 

"Tbe  hand  of  tbe  grim  king  of  terrors  is  upon  me;  the  sanda  of 
life  are  ebtui^  faat,  and  my  voice  will  iti\  me  soon.     Monsienr  la 

"  Is  released  from  the  ftaalle  of  Alhuqnerque,  and  has  passed  over  to 
the  Freneb  lines.     Think  not  of  these,  D'Bstouville." 

"  I — I  would  give  you  a  message  to  Diane." 

"Alas!  how  oau  I  ever  deliver  it  ?  " 

"Find  means,  croix  Dim!"  mattered  he  piCeonsly.  "Kneel 
iJaaer  to  me.    I  depend  on  your  honour,  Moniienr  Stuart.    Diane — 

"  What  of  her  ?     Say— say,  ere  it  be  too  late ! " 

Bnt  there  was  no  reply.  What  the  Frenchman  would  have  sud 
Bipired  on  his  hps,  and  be  fell  back  speechless  on  the  hard  knapsack 
which  formed  his  pillow. 

He  never  spoke  again ;  but  in  a  few  minutes  died,  and  without » 
strunle. 


CHAPTKR    TTTT 


Tbb  datth-bed  sogne  ot  poor  D'Estoarille,  alttiough  it  mbde  on  Hia 
witnessas  of  it  a  deep  impreivoii  for  the  tims,  waa- eawly  passed  o«er 
whan  tbe  feeliiigs  ue  bluated.  aad  desdened  by  tiis  canlJDiul  exciU- 
mant  of  cmdpUeuhK.  The;  h»l  scarcelT  left  the  ohipel  or  hoqiital, 
before  the  abadB  of  Borrow  wbiok  theb  bees  had  woin  diuppwrad. 
HiodoDBld  went  awajr  on  some  duty ;  Stoart^a  Ihooghta  revated  to 
hla  aimt.  aud  the  dist^raeahle  pnodicament  in  which  he  was  plMsd) 
while  De  Maasoai  begin  to  talk  in  bis  lunal  light  and  cweleas  i^le. 
Be  pUoed  lus  scarlet  lOage-cap  very  much  on  one  side,  tishteoed  kii 
■aab,  erreasii^  the  taaiela  gncetiilly,  and  stuck  hii  glB«a  in.  bis  aye  to 
ogle  and  scratinize  the  females  who  pasted. 

"  Poor  Victor!"  said  he;  "a.  merrier  conuada  or  mam  gallant 
soldier  than  he  was,  there  ia  not  in  tba  imperial  aerTioe.  Maur  a 
gloriouB  evenuiE  we  hue  bad  in  Paris  flirting  with  the  joliei  griattta 
of  tbe  Kne  des  Troii  Marias,— fl^htiiig  with  tin  Bendannerie,  and 
omnuDg  ourselies  by  froiicldiig  with  meaaiears  ue  good-Datiu«d 
bonrgeoia, — aome  doien  of  whom  we  bare  ducked  in  the  Scone. 
liuae  days  are  all  passed  sway,  and  poor  Victor  is  gone  tr  ' '  ' 
home.    War ....... 


'ar  leads  to  death  or  glory,  and  bis  fate  to-day  may  be  onn 
m-moiTow;  so,  then,  what  ia  tbe  otiLity  of  being  cast  down  ?  FiM  ia 
joii!  let  na  live  and  be  meiTy  while  we  an.  Praised  be  onr  Stan! 
here  is  a  wine-boute,  where  we  can  spend  tha  ereniog  in  a  joTitd  style, 
and  soars  away  from  our  hearts  the  gloom  oast  upon  them  by  the 
duitix  of  lyE^atanTille.    DiabU.'  men  ami.-  for  what  do  yoo.  stare  so  U 

' '  'Tis  the  honse  of  tbe  Villa  Fruica  family.  1  receiTsd  great  kind- 
ness from  them,  when  I  came  to  Merida  for  tbe  first  tJme." 

"  A.  pictnrBune  rain  it  makes,  with  its  Matured  capitals  and  empty 
windows.  D"  Eaton  Title's  grenadiers  did  all  tliat.  1  have  heard  that 
be  cariied  off  a  very  pretty  creature  Irom  this  place,  at  least  so 
Cbateauflenr  of  uura  told  me.  Ue  had  ber  at  Almartx;  bat^  likela 
cunningdDg,  kept  her  closely  out  of  my  sight,  lest  I  might  hweproeniwl 
her  transfer  Co  tbe  tower  of  Ragoaa,  when  1  was  left  in  temporary 
command.  But  we  had  plenty  of  girls  thra«,  by  tha  Pope  1  We 
eaptared  a  score  of  ptump  yonng  paaayuu;  bat  their  skins  were 
devilish  brown,  and  their  hands  were  all  chapped  with  milking  gaUl 
and  cows.  Here  ia  the  wiae-hDuae, — but,  moritev  .'  I  have  not  one 
infernal  soua  to  cliok  upon  another  1" 

"  1  hare,  hum  caniarade,"  sud  Stuart,  prodiuang  a  pane  ccmtainiDg 
forty  daros,  which  he  had  borrowod  ima  Hqjor  Campbell,  to  pracare 
fBTonr  with  whom  he  was  obliged  to  endure  two  long  stoiios  abiMit 
Egypt. 

"  Saart  I  forty  dnros  ?    A  lucky  dog  and  a  most  gorgeous  display, — 


ShanoDr— reill;.  Eater  tiieu,  and  we  will  drink  »  long  gluafnl  to 
ontiuuance  of  the  war." 
lima  tbe  wine-housa  they  idjQunied  to  tlie  Prada,  wbcre  thef 
■trDlled  about  under  the  shade  of  tbe  ticb  oreage-treea,  or  lounged  on 
ttM  woodeu  sofas.  De  Meiraai  amoked  a  cigu,  &nd  kept  up,  to  nte  a 
camp  pbrasa,  a  ruaning  fire  of  woxde,  aod  Uuihed  beaitilf  at  bis  own 
jokea  ;  while  Rooald  hateaad  in  ailence,  and  aurveyed  with  feelings  of 
mortification  tbe  regiment  on  ita  aTeaiiiE  parade,  from  wluch  for  the 
piewnt  be  was  excluded. 

"  I^ne  fellow*,  theae  bare-lcneed  Celts  of  youis.  Monsieur  Stuart," 
BMd.  Db  Ueimu,  as  be  knocked  the  ashes  tiom.  hia  cigar.  "  A  goodlf 
nm  of  most  c^jtiTadng  brown  legs,  tbey  have.  How  pretty  tbe 
wwinfl  tartan  seamed,  ailbe  oot^  wbealedfroDi  open  colnmn  into  line. 
Th*f  call  forth  tbe  adipiradon  of  the  ladies  too,— the  delightful  crea- 
taraa  I  Keally,  'pan  honour,  I  think  they  peep  more  at  the  Scottish 
plaids  and.  plumes,  than  at  this  soiait  uoiionu  and  bri^t  steel 
Mnrgoinstte  of  mine.  A  galUnC  cbeialisr  your  colonel  is.  He  gives 
U*  «rdere  with  tiiaC  firm  tone  of  anthority  which  marks  tbe  true,  tbs 
bold-hearted  aoldiei;,  and  one  bom  to  couatpand.  A  toldado  of  most 
gaadly  prooordjinB  is  that  long-l^ged  Seld-offiGec,  who  last  night  bored 
4M  to  death  about  Egfpt,  and  oia  campaigns  there.  Bodyo'  UiePope! 
tpok  at  that  girL" 
"  Which  ?'' 

"  With  the  black  veil  bong  over  the  high  comb.    What  a  roguish 
Utek  eye  and  moat  exceaaiiely  attracdia  pair  of  ankles  she  has  J    I 


what  yon 
dy.andoi 


.. 1*  of  unk  eridsa^y,  by  the  lace  emhroidanii  OB 

har  atomacber  and  ni^miiifi  Some  officers  of  the  39th  are  with 
hav,  too." 

"  Diable .'  tol  DOW  perceiTe ;  and  one  of  your  aavase  Scotch  cbas- 
WW8,  I  think." 

"  Savaga  I "  npeat«d  Stuart,  dubioas  whether  to  lough  or  front. 
"  Ha  il  an  officer  of  tbe  Highland  Light  In^tri, — that  corps  with  the 
tartan  trews,  and  bonnets  witbont  feathers.  By  Jove  !  'tis  Armstnjnj; 
■-' le  officer  who  ont  di>wn  poor  D'EitouvDle  at  ALnarez.    "-  '- 


SirUng  with  thia  yoniw  lady,  and  recks  no  more  of  the  deadly  atrok* 
benre, thanif hehadkilledainuiicock.  Letuimoieon.  TheHigb- 
tandna  will  march  past  this  way,  and  1  little  like  Co  be  litting  here  Uke 


W;  outcast  from  them,~-and  without  my  sword  too,  by  heavei_  . 

"Ayrisoner  of  war, — diaUe  ■'  Me  veiia  a  voire  aertice,  Iwiilgo 
withyoQ  wherever  yoa  please.  Bui;  there  are  more  girls  congregated 
berst  to  see  the  tioopi  qd  eretuag  parade,  tbau  in  any  other  part  of  thif 
niunu  old  city  of  Uerida.  In  Fraooe  they  ioie,  like  tbe  butterHies, 
to  be  in  the  auni  bat  hen  they  promenade  undcn  the  cold  shades  Of 
Hw  treea,  or  sail  about  beneath  their  gloomy  damp  piauas.  fiy  the 
way,  it  has  a  most  siognUrly  pictaresque  effect,  a  tall  graceful  figure 
Witt  a  flutteriBg  wl  and  floatine  mantilla  glidiag  iindsr  these  old 
Itrhaa  ;  qnite  mysterions,  in  fact.  Look,  foi  instance,  at  tb«t  lovely 
wattnr*  with  the  auburn  traasta.    md-diru  /  howl  lona  to  wheel  that 

ewwul  in  a  walta.    Ha  1  Acre  ia  a  rotwe.ct.Hoir  table  not  far  irom 
aad  a  tbonght  strikes  bu  ;  1  shall  mak*  my  fortune  to-night.  WiU 
fan  lAttd  mil  a  ooimja  of  those  dauiing  duros  yon  shoved  sie  a  short 

Ti  and  with  pleasBre."  ^         i,  C.OO'jIc 


"  Vivt  lajoie  I  Come  iloag.  Ihen.  There  is  a  gaming-tioiif  e  in  tbe 
CsUe  de  FerdinaDdo,  kept  by  some  olEcen  of  the  Portugese  cB^adorcSii 
Come  vith  me.  and  I  mil  shov  yoa  how  to  break:  their  bank,  aod  carry 
off  their  gloriona  piles  of  daroaaad  dodbtoone." 

"  I  neier  gamble,"  replird  Ronald  ;  "  snd  hy  the  rules  of  oar  wr- 
vice  'tis  strii^F  forbidden  to  do  ao,  either  in  camp  or  quarter*." 

*■  Bah  1  man  eamarade.  If  1  hod  yoa  within  sound  of  the  bells  of 
Notre  Dame,  I  would  aoou  learn  yoa  to  forget  your  aortherQ  pn- 
jndices." 

Stuart*!  remoDilniilcea  and  protestations  were  made  in  Tain.  The 
gay  impetuosity  of  thn  Frenchman  oTercame  them  all ;  and  while 
argaing  about  the  matter  they  arrived  at  the  door,  where  a  board, 
painted  red  on  one  aide  and  black  on  the  other,  aonouneed  that  the 
rouge-tl-noir  table  waa  kept  there.  A  crowd  of  English,  Portngnese, 
and  German  ofliceri  were  pressing  round  the  table,  at  the  head  of 
which  sat  the  banker,  a  swarthy  Portuguese  officer  of  light  infantry, 
with  a  long  cigar  in  his  mouth,  and  having  heaped  up  before  him  several 
piles  of  dollan,  doubloooa,  and  British  guineas, — all  of  which  weie 
rapidly  changing  hands  at  every  turn  of  the  red  and  black  cards- 
Stuart  remarked  that  there  was  not  a  single  Scottish  bonnet  in  the 
room,  and  his  national  abhorrence  of  gambling  cansed  him  absolutely 
la  htaab  at  being  there.  He  was  disgnsted  at  the  wild  eagemeaa,  tin 
intense  aniiely,  the  hitter  disappointment,  fierce  angoish,  or  emel 
triamph  which  he  witnessed  in  the  featarea  of  the  players.  The  two 
dollars  De  Mesmiu  had  borrowed  were  soon  added  to  the  goodly  pile 
which  lay  before  an  officer  of  the  39th  ;  and  nrged  on  by  the  former, 
Bonald  betted  on  sereral  cards,  all  of  which  turned  up  fatally,  and  he 
had  the  mortificatian  to  behold  every  one  of  his  remaining  dollan 
swept  across  the  table  in  quick  snccession,  and  coolly  pocketed  by  a 
fierce-looking  Spanish  officer  of  De  Costa's  brigade,  who  evidently 
thought  it  no  siji  to  gamble,  although  he  wore  on  his  left  breast  the 
enamelled  red  cross  of  Calatrava,  a  religious  order  of  knighthood.* 
Ronald  rushed  away  from  the  hell,  feeling  sbsolutely  furious  at  his  own 
folly  and  at  De  Mesmai,  who,  however,  continued  at  the  table,  in  hopea 
of  borrowing  from  some  one. 

Tbalesson  was  not  lost  on  Stuart,  who,  from  that  day  until  this,  haa 
^Ter  touched  a  card.  But  that  night's  play  left  him  literally  penni- 
less, and  in  a  strange  city.  He  was  ashamed  to  apply  to  any  of  bis 
brother- officers,  or  eipoae  his  folly  to  them ;  and  as  Gordon,  llie 
regimental  paymaster,  bad  not  received  the  arrears  of  pay,  there  waa 
nothing  to  be  hoped  for  from  him.  It  was  now  dusk,  and  he  was  wan- 
dering among  the  proves  of  ohve  and  willow  that  flourish  by  the  sedgy 
banks  of  the  Gnadiana,  and  overhang  its  cnrrent.  Here,  while  porsoing 
the  narrow  pathway  by  the  river  side,  he  was  anrprised  by  seeing  Oa 
figure  of  Dugald  Mbot  Cameron,  the  colonel's  private  servant,  stand- 
ing at  a  short  distoaca  from  him — a  sun  rign  that  Cameron  himael. 
was  not  far  off. 

Dagald  Mhor  (or  big  Dugald)  was  an  aged  but  hardy  Highlander, 
from  the  country  of  the  Cameron,  or  the  luid  of  the  great  Ixii^iel  on 
the  banlcs  of  Loch  Linnhe.  among  the  wild,  dark  monntains  of  Lorn 
and  Morven. — the  Morven  of  Osaian.  From  these  he  came  to  follow 
the  son  of  the  laird  through  the  continental  wars,  and  he  had  been  by 
the  side  of  Cameron  in  every  battle  in  which  the  corps  had  been  engaged 
in  Egypt.  Denmark,  Holland.  Portugal,  and  Spain,  and  had  beentmo* 
•  laultutedbjDonSintio,  o(T(il«ita,iBim. 


aB*nded,~'Once  at  Bergen  •op-Zoom,  and  igain  at  the  battle  of  Alez- 
laitii,  in  Egypt.  Dugald  was  nearlr  MTent;  years  of  age,  yet  hie 
■reU-knit  frame  waa  strong  and  muaculat  aa  that  of  a  horae,  and  hia 
bpif  waa  white  as  aaoir ;  wbile  hia  face  was  aa  dark  as  bin  tartao,  by 
cODitant  Biposare  to  tbe  *eatber. 

Witb  tbe  broad  bine  bounct  orer  hia  thin  white  haSeti,  the  heayj- 
'  ' 'a  galiaat  breast,  the  dirk,  the  piatol,  and  the 


claymare  dangling  at  his  belt,  bis  stion) 

■tndded  Higbkand  target  slnng  on  biaBho     . ... „ . _, 

Uau-ideal  oi  tbe  loyal  old  Jacobite  of  tbe  'forty-fite;'  tbst  period 


1  Higbland  target  slnng  on  hia  Bhoulder,  Dugald  Mhor  was  the 


r  of  tbe  Stnarta,  amid  the  laat  blaie  of  the  true  Scottish 
ipirit,  flashed  forth  but  to  vanish  roc  ever.  It  need  acarcely  be  added 
that  old  Dugald  was  a  stanch  Jacobite.  He  had  witneased  the  battle 
of  Calloden,  whither,  as  a  sort  of  page  or  attendant  silly,  he  had  fol- 
lowed Cameron  of  Locbiel.  Since  tbe  day  Fassirem  left  bis  home  to 
follow  the  drum,  Dugald  Mbor  had  been  to  him  a  kind  of  standing 
orderiiy,  friend,  BOmetimea  a  goTernor,  but  alwayi  a  leal  true  northern 
henchman,  that  would  cheerfolly  have  laid  down  his  life,  if  by  doing  ao 
he  aboiild  hate  pleased  his  maater. 

When  Stoart  beheld  this  kilted  lassal  of  the  colonel's  standing  on 
tbe  oartow  path  before  him,  he  was  sure  that  the  latter  could  be  at  no 
graal:  distance  ;  a  flush  sufiused  his  cheek,  and  he  became  confused  at 
tba  idem  of  enconntering  so  proud  and  fiery  a  man  while  lying  under 
his  displeasure.  A  turn  of  the  path  brought  him  in  liew  ol  Cameron, 
who  was  just  bidding  adieu  to  Sir  Rowland  Hill.  To  avoid  a  rencontre 
now  aeemed  impossible.  Tbe  general  rodeotf  in  the  opposite  direction. 
while  Cameron  advanced  straight  towards  Ronald  by  the  narrow  foot- 
■ray  at  tbe  river  side. 

"  Well,  Mr.  Stuart,"  said  he  frankly ;  "  this  morning  from  my 
tmsty  Dugald  Mbor  I  received  and  perused  your  long  letter  concerning 
ymr  absence,  for  which  1  believe  1  must  excuse  you.  It  was  a  very 
unfortunate  alTair  that  of  tbe  Spanish  lady's  death ;  but  every  means 
must  be  taken  to  discover  tbia  raacat,  Micer  Cifuentea.  How  deeply 
yon  colour  !  I  trust  I  have  said  nothing  to  oSend  ?  Abl  Icooiprehend 
tbe  matter  fully  now,  by  yonr  confnsion.  There  was  a  great  dul  more 
in  tlwt  letter  than  what  met  tbe  eye,  though  it  was  very  cunningly 

rescue  of  every  distressed  damsel,  and  a  knight-errant  in  a  red  coat  is 
A  Btnoge  anomaly.  Bnt  I  belieie  there  was  much  more  of  love  than 
chiialry  in  the  affair;  therefore,  Stoart,  I  pass  it  over,  as  I  trust  it  will 

"  To  that,  colonel,  I  may  pledge  you  my  word  of  honour ;  one  inch 
adventure  is  quite  enough  for  a  lifetime." 

"  You  are  aware  how  far  I  might  have  mrried  this  matter ;  for  one 
who  commands  a  Highland  regitaent,  composed  of  such  Hery  spirits, 
and  BO  different  from  the  line  generally,  must  be  strict.  Your  absence 
has  made  a  noise  through  the  whole  division,  and  I  have  just  been 
making  your  peace  with  Sir  Rowland  HID,  who  is  very  favaurably  dis- 
posed tnwarda  you,  in  consequence  of  the  dashing  manner  in  which  yon 
W  the  atormers  OD  at  Almatez,  and  for  this  last  aSsir,^the  capture  of 
D'Erlon's  aide.de-camp.  How  very  nnlnckily  the  count  escaped! 
U*  would  have  been  a  noble  priie  to  have  sent  to  Britain.  The  adju- 
t«Dt  will  send  yon  your  sword;  and  remember  not  to  be  restive  at  tbe 
men,  as  it  is  probable  yon  will  be  severely  quizzed,  the  officers  having 


heard  of  tLis  Spaniih  domia,  and  got  a  TcnioD  of  the  atoiy  yetf  dMfek 
rent  from  the  real  one." 

TbaC  night  Ronald  retamed  to  lib  billet  with  it  Kgliter  lietirt  thui  he 
had  felt  Binoe  the  death  of  Catalina.  H<B  traatr  eqnlre  of  the  'body, 
Eran  iTeracb,  on  lesniing  the  loir  atate  of  hia  eicheiner,  pressed  apon 
him  a  pnrse  of  dollars,  which  he  had  carefully  saved  up  from  bia  jiay, 
with  the  intention  of  parchastng  a  silreT'inounted  let  of  pipes  for  Ms 
father  Donald,  the  old  piper  at  iochiela.  Ronald,  with  mnoh  reluct- 
ance, loolt  the  money  as  a  loan,  Evan  Towing  if  he  did  not,  he  wosM 
throir  it  ont  of  the  window  into  the  Gnadiana.  which  ran  b«low  it. 
Any  chagrin  he  had  feit  at  being  put  under  arrest,  was  entirely  oMitn- 
rated  by  the  hearty  congratalations  and  welcome  he  received  from  tbb 
officers  assembled  en  parade  nrxc  mortdng.  But  hia  indication  was 
soon  called  forth  again  by  the  manner  in  which  Lonis  Lnle  greatal 
him.  Dn  adTancing  lowiirds  him  with  his  outstretched  hand,  Lille 
beatowtd  npon  him  a  cold  and  angry  glance,  tamed  on  his  bed,  mA 
withdrew  to  a  distant  part  of  the  parade.  Ronald's  fiery  blood  boiM 
np  within  him ;  and,  had  not  the  memory  of  Alice  arisen  in  hit  naind) 
subdoing  and  softening  him,  he  would  there  end  then  have  called  bar 
brother  to  an  account  for  hia  singular  conduct.  Bnt  sntotbariBe  bit 
indignation,  he  returned  to  the  groiqi  of  officers  with  a  flashed  oiw* 
and  an  angry  eye,  to  hare  his  temper  sorely  tried  for  some  time  ahoat 
the  Spanish  Isdy,  with  regard  to  whom  many  stories  bad  been  dnai. 
latedattbemeis-tsble. 

On  theeyeningof  Hiat  day  the  atreeta  of  Merida  nme  t«  the  e«bo  Of 
maffled  drums  and  the  sad  notes  of  the  military  dead-march,  ■■  Um 
funoral  of  D'EstDUfille  passed  on  its  way  to  the  chnrch  of  Saa  Jmb, 
all«Dded  with  similar  honours  as  would  have  been  ^own  to  a  BrWA 
officer  of  the  same  rank. 

The  sword  and  cap,  bearing  the  badges  of  the  brave  old  Guard,  were 
kid  on  the  lid  of  hia  coffin,  the  pall  of  which  vras  borne  by  FasiMeRi 
and  five  other  fieid-ofllcera.  His  coontryman,  De  Mesroai,  acted  ■■ 
chief  monmer.  Another  officer  of  t)ie  French  medics)  staff,  who  Was 
bIeo  a  prisoner  in  Merida.  attended  likewise.  A  smile  of  pteamn 
kindled  in  the  proud  eye  of  the  cnirssaier  as  the  mournful  procorioD 
passed  between  the  ranks  of  the  first  brigade,  leaning  on  their  ams 
reverted,  and  lining  the  Streets  on  both  sides.  He  was  well  pleaaed  it 
the  sentiments  of  generosity  and  chivalry  which  directed  Sir  Elolflmd 
Bill  to  evince  the  same  respect  to  the  remuDs  of  a  foe  that  would  have 
been  paid  to  those  of  a  friend  ;  and  De  Meamai  w 

fbrmed  outsid 

and  fired  three  volleys  in  the  air,  whiiethe  grave  closed  over  the  re 

of  what  was  once  a  gay  and  a  gallant  heart.  The  officers  of  tbe  first 
brigade  of  infantry  would  have  erected  a  monnment  to  the  memorf  Of 
D'Bslouville,  but  it  was  known  that  it  would  be  demolished  by  the 
Spaniards  the  moment  the  British  left  the  city ;  therefbro  the  ides  ma 
abandoned,  and  the  tomb  of  the  guardsman  lies  onmarited  and  n»~ 
known,  under  the  chancel  of  the  great  church  of  Merida,  a  few  fbotln 
front  of  the  mutilated  monument  credited  to  the  memory  ofFmaiMa 
Pizarro,  ofTrnxilto.  At  the  wine  casa  and  the  roujie-e(-noir taU*, 
De  Mesmai  was  loud  that  night  in  praises  of  British  generosity  Md 
gallantry  ;  hut  these  he  suddenly  changed  for  sometfcing  very  Hketo- 
vecdves.  when  he  was  infarmed  that,  by  daylight  neJtt  morning,  he  MMt 


be|M«pared  to  accampuir  >  detachrctnC  oF  sick  and  prisoDcra,  who 
inn  ordfred  to  tbe  rear. 
"And  ffhere  is  our  destination,  monaieor,  if  I  miy  inquire?"  uked 

luof  Ciande  A .  tbe  adjatuitof  the  Ooidon  Highlander!,  who  had 

nade  the  communicatioD  to  taim  in  Fiench.   "  Some  gajr  place,  1  hope. 

"The  caitle  of  Albaqaerqne,  I  belimc." 

"  Itle-dieu  I  a  moiit  deteetable  and  (loomy  hole !  And  1  am  to  be 
laeved  op  there,  am  I,  monuenr?" 

"  For  the  present,  until  an  opportnnitf  occnn  for  Toor  transmiigion 
to  tome  atrong  garriaoD-town  Bcrosi  the  Portagneie  frontier,  or  home 
to  Britain." 

"YOQ  are  eiceedingly  liind,  Monnmr  Q^rJn-,  by  the  name  of  the 
bomb  I  moat  aupeibly  «i.  Bat  I  trust  that  dilatory  little  deiil.  General 
the  Count  d'Erloii,will  sare  yoa  all  this  troabls.  And  as  formy  trana. 
mMon  to  Boglsnd — diable.'  I  should  be  aorry  his  Britannic  Majesty's 
gDvemmaDt  ^ould  take  so  ranch  eoueem  in  my  afiura."  He  amiled 
aonrly,  and  twirled  hia  black  monstaohei.  "Ha!  and  what  sort  ot 
beitiK  ia  the  officer  who  commande  on  the  way  to  Albuquerque.  I  hope 
he  will  halt  at  La  Nava  :  I  left  a  aweMheart  then  twelve  months  ago, 
«)th  whom  I  must  leave  my  canl  in  puBing.  Bat  the  officer ,~iB  ho  a 
JMud  Uonp,  that  will  drink  and  play  deep— stride,  swagger,  and  swear 
liha  a  Hentor  ?  " 

"  None  of  ow>  are  moch  ginn  to  any  of  theee  habiti."  ■niwcred 
Cliode.  drily.     "  The  Honourable  Louia  Liale  commands." 

"  Lisle  I  An  eneigu,  ia  he  not  ?  A  pretty  boy  with  yellow  carlfl, 
nine  tike  tbe  Dacbeaa  de  Choiaeol'a  page  than  a  belted  soldier  ?  Ah  I 
we  shall  get  on  famously.  Such  a  chit  will  not  crosa  me  in  my  amuse- 
innTtB  with  these  don  Spaniards.  De  Mesmat,  of  Qninaay,  under  the 
Dider«  of  a  young  Scots  mb-lienleBant.  Ho,  ho!  excellent.  But,  body 
o'  the  Pope  !  tell  me,  monaieur,  am  I  really  to  be  kept  in  Iba  caatle  of 
Attrnqneo^e?" 
"  Captain  de  Mesnui,  I  hne  already  told  yon,"  replied  tbe  adjDtant, 

"  Then  permit  me  to  acquMnt  you,  monsieur,  that  aueh  tnatment  Is 
tadtlr  saying  yon  donbt  that  Sacred  word  of  honour  which  I  pledged  to 
Ensign  Ronald  Stuart,  wben,  as  on  officer  and  gentleoiaD,  1  sarnen- 
dcred  myself  to  him  on  parole.  This  hsing  the  case,  Ait  parole  ia 
disflolTcd  ;  and  I  consider  myself  at  liberty  to  effect  my  escape  where, 
lAen,  and  bow  I  please,  without  dishouonr." 

rou  cbooae."  answered  Claude  quickly.  "  But  rememher,  yon 
bably  be  ahot  in  tbe  attempt ;  or,  if  retaken,  will  be  degraded 
a/  mo  nBik  of  a  pritate  dragoon — wtrat  in  your  seniEByoncallatimpIe 
emaUtr.  Remember,  mamienr,  to  be  on  the  alert  at  daybreak  ;  yon 
will  hear  the  sound  of  the  wamtng-pipea  as  they  pass  under  the  piazsas 
of  Tonr  bWet." 

With  Lisle's  detacbment  De  Mesmai  departed  next  momiag  fOr 
Albmnerqne,  bat  by  aone  Beana  effected  bis  escape  on  the  ronte  there. 
He  afterwardB  fell  into  tbe  handa  of  Bome  of  the  gaenllag  of  Don  8al- 
ndor  de  Zagala'a  band,  by  whom  he  was  treated  with  less  kindoeas  and 
wutesythan  he  had  reeeiTed  at  Merida,  and  with  whom  I  mnstfor  the 
preaent  leare  him. 


'■Aayoucl 
U  probably 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTER    XXXIl- 


Coma  cTflrr  lEfd  hlid«.  and 
SDoDi  hud  Out  bcm  oim." 

Piineh  nf  DattuUdAu. 

Oh  the  night  of  the  llth,  or  rather  the  moraiDK  of  tha  12Ch  of  June, 
Roasld  KU  awakened  from  iloep  by  aa  officer,  who  occupied  the  oamie 
billet,  entering  his  chain  her  bolt- dressed. 

"  RouH,  Stuart,"  said  be  I  "somethiagitrangehsshappened.  There 
ii  a  noise  and  biutle  oTer  the  whole  lown." 

"  I  have  heard  □□thing  yet,  Kenoedf,"  anawered  the  other,  sprnw- 
ing  out  of  bed,  and  ntth  militarjr  inatinct  donning  his  reg^mentats 
bestilT  in  the  dark.  "  You  hare  aroused  me  from  the  m^st  pleasaat 
nap  I  haTfl  enjoyed  f^r  these  six  moatbs  past." 

"  Hark  1  there  ge  the  pipes." 

""ns  not  t)>e  turn-out.  What  can  be  the  matter?  'tia  still  two 
hoan  from  daybreak.  We  shall  be  roughing  it  again  wi^  D'BrloD  or 
Dronet,  I  anpp(»e." 

"Tbe  pipes  have  ceased,"  aaid  Kennedy,  throwing  open  the  oaw- 
ment,  where  tiie  Toicea  of  tbe  musicians  were  heard  engaged  In  a 

"Flaw  the  vaming.  Hector  MadarlanE,  yoa  very  great  ininph '. " 
eielaimed  Macdouuil-dhn,  the  pi  per- major,  in  great  wrath.  "Waait 
Hoggil  ■nam  Bo — the  pibroch  of  yoor  ain  moahroom  name,  I  deiiced 
jou  to  plaw  ?  " 

"Oich,  prot  truti"  replied  MacfsrUne  fiercely.  "I  do  anppoae 
tat  la  Uds  o'  LochsluBJ  ant  aa  good  and  as  pretty  men,  and  bear  aa  aaU 
a  name,  as  ony  Micdonald  o'  the  Istes.     Diaoal  I  " 

"Hoch,  Got  tam  !  it's  mntiny  and  repelliou  thia  I  Did  ye  more  yer 
hand  to  yer  dirk,  Macfsrlane  1 "  aaked  Macdonald  furiously.  "  Did 
ye  grip  yer  dirk  to  threaten  me  ?  " 

'It's  a  far  cry  to  Lochowe.  Gin  yon  and  I  itrode  there,  ye  would 
na  cock  your  feather  or  craw  aae  cronae,"  «ud  tbe  other  cooUy.    "  It's 

K'per-matchor  yan  are,  and  sorrow  tak  the  hoor  that  Hector  Hac&r- 
ne,  tbe  son  of  Rori.bh^,  has  to  obey  your  orders  1 "  The  Bogry 
reply  of  the  non-cammisnoned  ofBcer  was  last  in  the  soand  of  the 
war-pipe,  the  drooea  of  which  Hacfarlane  threw  oier  hi*  shoulder,  and 
Strode  down  the  street  swelling  with  Highland  indignation,  while  he 
made  Merida  ring  ftr  and  wide  to  the  tune  of  Joimiit  Cope,  tbe  warn- 
ing for  the  march,  while  the  dnuns,  bogies,  and  tmnipBts  of  other 
regiments,  horse  and  foot,  were  heard  in  yariou*  parts  of  the  schoiog 
city. 

"  Holloa  I  Seqeant  Macdonald,  what  ii  all  thia  noise  and  nproai 
about  ? "  Btked  Stoart. 
"  I  ken  nae  mair  than  an  unpom  purn,  sir,"  replied  the  leader  of 


tbepipers;  "pntit'a  a  tammed  canld  morning  to  ronie  pair  ehielda 
fne  tbeii  pluikets.  Tbcre  ia  b  sooihiDg  me»erable  HaHOntrian  mtind 
pluring  frke  the  cut,  sbarp  enough  to  skin  our  ptre  tkogba,  ud  be 
tamniHi  titt  1  And  thit  bnnkea  loon,  MacfarUoe,  hu  ue  nioay 
qDCshafa'  ander  bis  belt,  thit  be  took  the  dorti,  and  in  ipits  o'  ■' 
«d^  blew  the  pibroch  o'  Loduloy.  A  ponnie  thing  for  him — tfaa 
nno'  Rori-bhegi  ■  lieier,  hsaged  at  Cries'  for  liflin',  to  ipeakin 

The  voice  of  the  adjntant  biwliDg  for  his  hone  waa  now  beard,  ii  he 
inncd  from  under  the  piaxxu,  attended  by  an  orderly  vith  a  lighted 
laDtem,  to  collect  the  reports  and  get  the  compaaiea  moetered.  The 
men  vue  already  folliiig  in  at  the  alaim-poat,  and  the  muaket-bntla 
irere  heard  clattering  heaiilf  on  the  paTement,  as  one  by  one  they  took 
their  places  in  tbe  laokt. 

"Stoart,  don  your  ligtatingjacket;  padc  np  yoDT  beat  acaileti  for  ■ 
ball  wben  we  reach  Madrid,     oried  Claode,  aa  be  passed  the  window. 
"  WearBaboat  toahow  iir.  Sonlt  the  point  of  war, 
'  Gin  be  BKCti  n  in  tba  momiag,' 

— „ — , -D  the  boot  forthwith,  to  prevent 

E^Hnadnra  being  invaded.    Tom  ont  a>  aoon  as  jon  can  ;  the  corps 

are  nearlf  hU  moatered  in  our  Plasa  de  Armal.  Ho.  there  !  ordeily 
drammer;  beat  for  the  cuverers  !     Pall  in,  covering  serjeants!  " 

Tbe  grey  daylight  was  now  beginning  to  make  objects  visible.  The 
aky  waa  clear,  and  of  a,  cold  and  dark  blue,  and  a  iJiilling  blast  awept 
tiuoogh  the  dall  and  gloomy  itreeCa,  where  all  was  martiBl  bnatle  and 
preparation.  While  dressing  iiimaelf  with  more  haale  than  care, 
Stuart  heard  the  voice  of  Cameron  and  the  adjutant  ordering  and 
directing  the  serjeant-major ;  he  in  turn  bawled  to  the  Serjeants  of 
compaaiea,  who  were  vociferansly  calling  the  tolls,  in  which  an  im. 
nMuae  number  of  Jocks,  and  Tarns,  and  Donalds  followed  each  other 
in  snccesaion.  All  waa  commotion  and  "  hurry -sVurry,"  amid  which 
Da  CoBta^a  brigade  of  Spanish  horse  galloped  past,  brandishing  tb^r 
swards,  and  shouting,  ■"  .lirwu .'  arma!  Viva!  Viva!"  with  might 
and  main.  Oeoeral  Long'a  brigade  of  British  followed,  bat  in  cbaiac- 
leristic  silence. 

To  prevent  Marshal  Soolt  from  invading  EBbemadnra  from  the 
adgbboaring  province.  Sir  Rowland  Hill  marched  his  brigades  of  horse 
and  foot  to  Sancho  Perez,  collecting  from  Zafra  and  other  {daces  on  his 
march  all  tbe  Spanish  and  Portuguese  troops  he  coald  bring  together  to 
meH  tbe  enemy,  who  advanced  towards  him  in  great  atreogtb,  plun- 
doing  and  destroying  tbe  grain  and  vines  on  their  route.  At  Za&a 
they  attacked  and  defeBted  an  advanced  corps  of  Spanish  dragoons, 
eommaDded  by  the  Condf  Penne  VilUmur.  Animated  by  this  success, 
Seult  continaed  to  press  forward  at  the  head  of  thirty-eight  or  forty 
thousand  men;  and  Sir  Kowland  Hill  prudently  ftll  back  upon  tbe 
hragbta  of  Albuera  with  his  diviaion,  twenty-two  thousand  strong. 
Turn  he  took  np  a  position,  which  every  meana  were  taken  to 
Btrengthen  by  the  erection  of  trenches,  breastwarka,  and  traverses,  at 
the  formation. of  which  fatigue- parties  wru ugh C  day  aud  night.  Fi^sh 
troopa  joined  them  here  daily,  aud  Ronald  beard,  with  considerable 
(deaure,  that  Don  Alvaro's  troop  oF  lances  were  expected  to  join  the 
Spanish  brigade.  Alvaro's  command  was  a  sort  of  independent  troop, 
uattached  to  any  regiment,  like  let   ctn^agnia  fnmckti,  tbe  free 


tnxtps  or  companieB,  in  tbe  old  Preach  ■ervicB.  The  Becond  din^on 
oecnpied  this  jntrrnched  position  twelre  daT^t  BWHitins  the  eppearuicB 
of  Sonlt,  who  advanced  no  nearer  than  Santa  Martha,  s  town  aboat  B 
long  dar's  march  dislaDt.  He  showed  no  diapoeition  to  fighC  a  second 
battle  of  Alboeni,  the  groand  being  so  strong;  and  its  oucupien  so 
detemioed,  that  tb«  bpi^hta  conid  only  bave  been  captared  with 
hamenBe  loss.— if  indeed  Sonlt  conld  have  csnied  them  at  all.  On  the 
first  night  after  the  poeitian  was  taken  up,  a  blander  of  Evan's  caasadao 
ordinary  commotion  throaghout  the  canip. 

At  the  base  of  the  heishls,  where  a  stream  c^led  tho  Albuera  rnm, 
he  was  posted  as  aa  advanced  sentinel  in  a  most  wild  and  drearr  spot. 
A  wide  and  desolate  plain,  stretching  away  towards  Santa  Martha,  Ibt 
before  him ;  bla<^  ridges  like  waves  ofink  rose  behind  ;  and  all  onMad 
were  scattered  the  ghastly  remnants  of  the  battle  fought  on  the  gronod 
twelte  months  preTtously.  The  night  was  gloomy  and  dark,  the  skr 
waa  starless,  ana  not  a  soand  broke  the  solemn  atillnees  of  tbe  hoar, 
aave  the  AlbuBia,  tjrawling  and  gHrgling  along  that  deep  and  s»"age- 
loolfing  ranoe,  by  meBU  of  which  the  French  had  out-flanked  the 
Spaniards. 

Excepting  tlie  mnrmar  of  the  monntaitt-torrent,  all  waa  dlent  as  the 
tomb  ;  not  a  blade  of  gran  was  stirring,  and  those  gloomy  fiuitaiie*.  so 
B^t  to  fill  the  strong  imagination  of  a  HigUander,  arose  appoltiiigly 
before  Evan.  AniioDsly  and  intently  be  had  Aied  hie  eyes  on  stnae 
ahrubberr  or  tall  weeds,  which  appeared  in  tbe  twilight  abr  off.  T^eae 
Ma  heated  imagination  tnnSformsd  into  battalions  of  foot  and  sqaod- 
Tons  of  horse,  advancing  stealthily  onr  the  plain.  Ha  fired  hia  musket, 
and  retired  on  the  main  body  of  hia  picqnet,  which  lay  witbia  an  aMa- 
ti*  eomposad  of  cork-trees,  ^ed  and  interwined  for  a  breaatwork 
around  them.  The  iiii<^  camp  me  in  amu,  expecting  instuitly  to  be 
Kttacked,  but  the  dawn  reve«led  the  canw  of  Enn's  mistake.  A  tern 
days  after  Sonh  had  taken  poesearioD  of  Santa  Martha,  Renald  had  the 
cominand  of  one  of  tfaepieiiaeta  thrown  out  indiat-diieetion.  All  ware 
on  ttie  dert,  as  the  enemy  were  continually  expected  to  advance  fron 
their  cantonments.  Thepioqnet,  which  consisted  of  thirty  Uighlaoden, 
OcoBpied  the  mmroit  of  a  rocky  eminetice ;  where,  piling  their  anna, 
ttey  lay  down  on  the  green  sward  to  watch  tbm  san,  aa  it  f«gad 
towards  tbe  western  horizon.  gUttering  on  the  polished  anns  of  aoUtsiy 
sentinels  and  yidettes  posted  at  eqnal  dietancee  along  the  banks  of  the 
rocky  river,  aiid  in  front  of  that  imk  forest  from  tbe  bosom  of  wtirfi 
its  wataracame.  A  Spsnish  sunset  is  e  florkms  srane  in  Jnne,  hnt 
which  of  the  Highlanders  there  wonld  have  eiehanged  the  Scottish  pine 
or  pnnile  heath,  for  the  olive-grove  or  clustering  grates  of  Spain? 
Ronald  was  seated  in  a  grassy  nook,  employed  In  eonning  oyer  tJK 
pages  of  the  Madrid  Gscefa,  when  he  waa  routed  by  the  tramplin|(  of 
hoofs  and  clang  of  harness.  He  sprang  ap  in  time  to  see  t^  atainug 
hefaneta  of  a  hundred  French  caiisssiers  flsshhig  fn  tbe  mnbeaoM.  as 
they  issued  snccessively  from  a  deep  and  narrow  gotle  Mi  hia  Wt,  inio 
which  they  had  contrived  t^  penetrate  and  adranee  nnaeen, — a*a£og 
thus  the  sentinels  of  the  other  picqnetB. 

"Deatti  and  fury  I  we  are  lost  men.  Our  rrtreat  is  cut  off !  Stand 
to  yoar  arms,"  cried  he,  drawing  bis  sword.  "  Poim  cirde  roand  the 
face  of  the  rock, — show  your  front  to  them  1  Be  cool,  and  steadily 
take  your  aim.  Keep  Dp  your  fire  till  the  cavalry  pioqaets  in  front  of 
Ihe  wood  ride  to  our  reaeue.    Ha  !  the  gallant  9th  are  in  their  -aaddlta 


VIUi  coolnen  and  pnciiioQ  bis  orien  were  obeyed.  Tbe  bn*e 
MtSe  band,  awvre  oFthe  poner  ot  foot  over  boMe,  formed  circle  round 
tts  emiDSDoe,  ind  opeoea  a  clwe  sad  well'direoCed  lire,  before  whiidi 
the  cniraasiers  were  compelled  to  water,  recoil,  and  atay  for  eome 
■RmiteHtiinr  hodloBg  cLwfe,  beiDgimpuded  and  entangled  with  tail- 
iDg  msn  and  bona  ;  and  the  former,  if  not  dead  whea  they  fall,  wera 
•aim  trodden  to  death  by  tbe  hoofii  of  the  rear  rank. 

"Charge!"  cried  tbe  officer,  a  dashing  fisllow,  who  led  them  od. 
"  CAarges  eti  queut  la  iroape/"  and,  firing  their  piatole,  they  came 
hrionJy  forward  sword  in  hand,  making  the  torf  shake  as  they  tbnn- 
dved  aloDg.  It  waa  a  critical  moment  for  ths  little  band  1  A  aharp 
twinge  ID  hia  left  tbOBldcr  informed  Ronald  that  a  piaCoUahot  had  taken 
rf^there,  deprinngfaimof  thetiBBOf  biaann;  and  sereral of  hia  men 
]ay  killed  and  woanded  among  the  feet  of  their  comrades,  who  coaU 
not  bHp  feeling  a  little  dismayed  at  tbe  oyerdhelming  camber  of  theb 


•'  Keep  up  your  fire,  bra^e  HigbUnders  !  stand  fast,  tme  Scotamsil" 
OM  Stuart,  brandiahlng  his  clayBaore.  "Aim  deliberately,  and  level 
low;  strike  bfdow  the  corslet.  Conrage,  my  boya  !  'Cieallforoar  llres. 
Tbsy  will  kill,  as  they  cannot  capture.  Hold  yoar  gronnd !  keep 
riuialder  to  staoalder,  and  give  them  tbe  baymet  at  the  face  of  the 
roata.  Hurrah  <  well  done,  my  own  braye  comrades  !  We  shall  be 
naoBod  instantly." 

Tbe  cnirassiere  adranced  in  a  aemidrde  boldly  enough ;  but  the 
BtMdy  file  of  their  opptMenCa  caaaed  them  again  to  recoil. 

"  Vihre  rEmpertur.'  ChaleaHjIeur,  CAattaii/leiir/  ntimmez  &  la 
etarge.  Charge  I"  cried  tbe  officer  again,  and  again  the  serriedrankB 
lauae  rnafaiDg  on  with  renewed  impetuositr;  but  they  were  once  more 
driven  (Mck,  leaving  tbe  ground  etrown  with  writbing  men  and  steed*. 
A  few  resolntely  preaaed  forward  in  tbe  raatness  of  Iheir  daring,  and 
atraci  at  the  defenders  of  the  rock  acroia  the  ridge  of  deadly  bayonets 
Whiob  protrmied  orn-  it.  Bat  they  were  at  once  deatniyed,  shot  and 
koyoneted.  One  soldierT  who  wae  cut  acrosa  tbe  face,  clubbed  fail 
musket  and  dashed  out  tbe  brains  of  hia  advereary.  Anil  onepowerfid 
Pieneh  ^tregoon  grasped  tbe  eerjeaM  of  the  picqnet  and  attemptad  to 
A«g  him  down  by  main  atrenglfa  from  tbe  rock ;  bnt  Ronald  sand 
him,  by  plonging  faia  sword  throagh  the  cordet  of  the  Frenchman,  who 
tumbled  ttoin  bis  aaddte,  and  was  dragged  away  down  the  ravine  of  tbe 
AUnera  by  his  affrighted  bone. 

Tbe  rook  was  agoui  free,  but  not  entirdy  ao,  as  tbe  LUirassieiB,  wbo 
wse  reduced  to  half  their  original  number,  were  preparing  to  renew  Ae 
attack,  which  appeared  to  be  general  along  tbe  whole  obam  of  outpoM, 
■s  the  asnnd  of  firing  waa  heard  in  every  direction.  The  picquets  of 
the  39th  and  66Ch  n^iments,  on  the  right  and  left,  were  retiring  rear- 
ward on  the  hdgfats,  firing  as  tbey  fell  back,  on  iMdiea  of  the  enemy's 
eanlry.  which  were  adrancing  over  the  plain.  Ranald  beheld  all  ttie 
other  ont-picqueta  retiring  in  safety.  His  alone  had  been  cut  off,  and 
by  means  of  that  accursed  ravine  1  His  little  party  were  now  redooad 
tosiKteen  effective  men,  and  he  gave  them  and  himself  up  fbrioat.  Bat 
aid  waa  nigh ;  part  of  De.  Coata'a  cavalry,  lying  in  front  of  the  wood, 
were  ordered  fm-ward  by  Sir  Rowland  Hill  to  hia  rescue.  Onward  tiiey 
came  with  tbe  speed  of  the  wind,  bearing  death  on  the  points  of  their 
nem.  Ronald  beheld  with  delight  (bat  it  was  the  troop  of  Alvaio  de 
Vibi  VlWDoa,  wbo  bad  joat  joined  De  Costa,  which  waa  Kovhig  to  his 


Kid.  As  they  came  on,  they  rained  the  old  battle-err  of  Spain.  "Sat 
Jago,  y  cirrra  Eapana .'"  wis  the  ehont,  lu  they  swept  gallnntly  «b  in 
B  compact  mau,— hone  to  hone,  halnu  and  conleta  gluidng,  plitme* 
and  pennons  naiinK. 

"  Senora  Bealifieada  atrengtheD  onr  speira  I"  eri«d  Alvuo,  mshii^ 
forward  with  his  uplifted  swnrd.  "  Pollow  me,  Montesa  1  SaintJames 
Bad  Close  Spsin  !  Stand,  Frenobnien,  if  ye  be  tme  csTalien  i  Vtvaf 
San  Jago,  y  cierra  EB/iana  .'     Cerrar  con  el  rntmigoi !" 

The  lancei  of  the  front  rank  sank  to  ^e  rest,  while  thoHi  of  the  rear 
protruded  over  Che  caaqnet  of  the  former,  and  onward  still  they  pressed, 
shaking  the  yery  rock  from  vhich  the  reacaed  picqoet  viewed  this  new 
conflict.  Nat  a  whit  dismayed  at  the  cumber  or  chamcCer  of  their 
opponents,  the  nndannted  cuiraaaiera  met  them  half-way,  and  a  most 
eallant  hand-to-hand  conflict  eoaned.  The  s«ene  when  tbe  advenaries 
first  met  was  a  perfect  combat  in  the  style  of  the  days  of  chiyalry,— Iba 
realization  of  a  scene  of  romance.  The  proud  battle-cry  of  the  Spa- 
niards, anawered  by  the  "  Vivt  I' Emptrair  J"  of  the  French, — the 
crash  of  lancea,  apliaterlag;  on  casque  and  cordeC,— the  clash  of  bladas, 
— the  tramp  of  hoofs, — tbe  dost, — the  blood,— the  groans  and  shdeka, 
— thecnraea, — the  spurring  and  prancing,  aa  Che  parties  infermii^led, — 
the  brown  nniforma  and  the  blue,— the  iteel  helmets  and  the  braaa,— 
the  red  plamea  and  the  black, — the  tall  spears  and  nplifted  aahiVB 
flashing  in  tbe  setting  sun, — the  gaudy  standard  of  the  SpaniardB.-^the 
eagled  guidon  of  tbe  French,  fluttering  and  waring  above  the  coafliot — 
the  dead  and  the  wounded  trodden  heedlessly  beloff,— formed  altogether 
a  most  ei citing  and  aouI-sUrring  scene. 

Alyaro  distinguished  himself  in  no  ordinary  degree.  Tlie long  hone- 
hair  on  hie  crest  was  seen  dancing  up  and  down  amidst  the  thickest  of 
the  mSlie,  and  nhenever  his  sword  descended,  a  saddle  was  emp^ed  by 
the  blow.  But  Ronald  contd  not  remain  long  to  witness  tbe  laloor  m 
bis  friend,  although  he  eagerly  wished  to  do  so.  He  drew  off  the  rem- 
nant of  his  picquet,  and,  crossiog  the  Albnera,  retired  into  the 
trenches  of  the  camp,  where  of  coarse  the  whole  diyjsion  were  under 

The  outposts  were  driien  in  on  all  sides ;  and  satisfied  with  this 
display,  Soolt  brought  ofi'  his  cavalry,  who  had  snfiered  severely  in  tbe 
contest.  Ronald's  wonnd  was  found  to  be  severe  i  bat  the  shonlder- 
blide  bad  escaped  fracture,  and  as  soon  as  it  was  dressed,  he  rejoined 
his  company  with  ilia  arm  alung.  On  the  disappearance  of  the  French, 
the  troops  piled  arms,  and  all  was  again  the  same  as  befiire,  aave  tbe 
plain  in  front  of  Albnera,  which  was  strewn  with  dead  and  wounded, 
and  other  relics  of  the  skirmish. 

Aa  Stnart  sat  in  his  tent,  writing  an  account  of  the  day's  ft«y  tat 
IxKJusla,  the  door  became  darkened,  and  Don  Alvaro,  enteriu, 
groaped  him  by  the  huid.  He  was  pale  with  fatigue,  and  Hon^d 
knew,  by  the  increased  gravity  and  sorrow  imprinted  on  bis  features, 
that  he  was  aware  of  his  sister's  death,  and  that  it  lay  heavy  on  his 

"  Amigo  mio,"  said  he,  "a  minute  later  had  seen  your  braye  picq«t 
eat  to  pieces.  Ws  drove  back  these  gay  coirassierg  in  glorious  s^te 
4gliting>  like  true  soUados,  at  point  of  aword  and  spear  every  indi  of 


ratoDgh  fellows,  and  foaght  with  a  brava?  equalled  only  by  tb«t  of 

;  there  is  another  subject  on  which  T  would  ntber 
.._._.  -  .  .1,  than  of  our  hourly  occupation  of  lighting,"  repli" ' 
Villa  Franca,  as  he  cast  aside  his  leather  ganntlets,  ana  unclasping  1 


with  you,  than  of  our  hourly  occupation  of  lighting,"  replied 

nca,  as  he  cast  aside  his  leather  ganntlets,  ana  unclasping  his 

et,  wiped  the  duBt  from  his  swarthy  face  and  dork  nioustacheB. 


"Catalina,  my  idoUied  sister,— I  would  at- . 

StHBTt^s  heart  beat  quieket.  "You  have  then  heaid  ?"  said  he 
■OROwfollr. 

"  Yes,  senor;  from  Ignai^  El  Pastor,  a  priest  of  Estrnaadora, 
I  learned  the  terrible  totelliieDce.  I  fell  in  with  him  near  fiad^oz. 
when  bearinjf  yonr  letter  to  my  cousin  and  wife  Donna  Inesella.  I 
took  the  liberty  of  opening  it,  and  making  myself  master  of  its  con- 
tents ;  and  thus  becamoanare  of  my  sister's  dishonour  and  deplorable 
murder.  Don  Ronald  Stuart,  there  is  something  very  singular  in  ^ 
that  affiur ;  and  I  must  request  that  you  wiQ  give  me  u  detailed  account 
of  the  whole  occnrrence,  without  the  omission  of  a  single  circum- 
sMnce.  for  the  truth  of  which  1  bold  yonr  honour,  as  a  cavalier  amd 

"How  is  tiiia,  Senor  Alvaro?"  replied  Ronald,  alike  surprised  and 

displeased  at  the  tone  and  bearing  of  the  Spaniard.  "I  consider  it 
neit  to  an  impossibilicy  that  you  should  suspect  me  of  anythiDg  wrong, 
or  of  leaving  anything  undone." 

"  Amiga  mio,  yonr  pardon.  I  spoke  somewhat  hastily  ;  hut  when  1 
mention  the  tnmultof  this  day's  conflict,  and  the  eidtemcnt  which  the 
recolleotion  of  my  dear  and  beautiful  sitter  arouses  within  me.  1  have 
a  snfficient  apologv."  He  leant  against  the  pole  of  the  tent  and 
covered  his  face  with  his  hands,  betraying  an  emotion  in  which  Ronald 
oonld  not  but  participate.  "Pardon  me,  Senor  Stuart,"  continued  the 
csTBlier,  "  you  loved  my  poor  sister  too  well  to  deserve  that  I  should 
judge  barsbly  of  yoD ;  but  lay  on,  and  teU  eH  you  know  of  her 
dreadful  death." 

The  Spaniard  stretched  himself  on  the  turf  floor  of  the  tent,  and 
ratiDg  on  his  helmet,  leant  his  head  upon  his  hand,  and  iiiing  his  keen 
dork  eyea  upon  Ronald's,  listened  to  the  account  given  by  the  latter  of 
her  death.  He  began  with  his  meeting  her  at  Almarez,  and  without 
concealing  a  single  sentiment  which  had  animated  them,  or  an  obser- 
vation which  had  passed,  he  continued  the  narrative  down  to  the  hour 
of  her  burial  at  the  convent  of  Jardejo.  But  both  became  greatly  el- 
ated as  the  tale  proceeded.  Love,  sorrow,  and  indignation  caused 
Ronald's  features  to  flash,  and  his  brow  to  knit;  but  those  of  the  hot- 
Iwained  Spaniard  became  black  with  fury,  and  convulsed  with  the 
Bicesa  of  those  passions  to  which  bis  tonioe  could  not  give  utteriDce. 
He  wept  and  groaned,  and  grasped  the  hilt  of  his  poniard  energeticaUy. 
When  Ronald  ceased,  he  started  trom  the  grouad,  with  his  large  dark 
eyes  flashing  like  those  of  an  incarnate  demon. 

"  Moderate  yoar  trinsports,  Don  Alvara  ;  be  calm,  1  beseech  yon  1" 
Slid  Stuart,  grasping  him  by  the  arm. 

"Cavalier,  your  story  has  driven  roe  to  frenzy,"  cried  he,  through 
his  (benched  teeth.  "  Yon  cannot  have  loved  Catalina  as  she  deserved 
to  be  loved,  otherwise  yon  would  not  he  so  calm  in  each  a  terrible  hoar 
as  thts.  Excuse  mo,  senor ;  alas  I  I  know  not  what  I  utter.  You 
come  of  a  northern  people,  less  prompt  to  ire  and  vengeance  than  the 
fiery  Spaniard.    But  much  as  you  may  have  b^ard  of  Spanish  ven- 


23i  TBI   KOHAirCI   OF   WAS. 

uaaoe,"  said  ha,  becomini  luddealf  calm,  "  all  tlie  tilaa  t^BfrbaM 
been  told  of  it  eince  the  days  of  King  Baoibaor  Roderick  tha  Gotti  will 
bll  immeuarablr  short  af  mine.  I  Iia^e  left  do  mesm  untried  to- oap- 
tnn  Nsrraez  Cifueatas,  bat  where  tha  ban-dog  lurks  at  prcMetl 
ioow  not.  But  the  lioar  of  retribntiDn  will  jet  come,  aad  mj  tarj  vilt 
bunt  on  biB  devoted  brow  like  a  thnndeibolt."  He  sank  apMi  hii 
knees,  aod  ratified  a  lolemn  tov  of  vengeance  bj  Idasing  the  ban 
blade  and  croet-bilt  of  bia  stiletto.  "  SeeoT,"  said  be,  "ia  it  Ifaa 
custom  in  jonr  native  Und  to  swear  across  the  dagger  ?"* 

"  Id  the  days  of  m;  grandsire  it  was)  and  there  ars ;■>( aonw  wnong 
our  Scottish  hills  who  Doasider  none  now  bindinci  anleae  ewora  Mer 
the  qnsheathed  dirk," 

'"Tiswell:  it  showB  the  military  >iHrit  of  TOUT  people.  Co^tanato 
the  ]»veeut  customs  of  Spain,  and  to  tboae  of  joar  nortbem  ancoatcMV. 
Swear  with  me,  cavalier."  i 

Promptly  as  Alvaro  coald  baye  wisbed,  Eonsld  oDsbeatbed  the  bwc 
Hi^ilaud  dirk  with  whieh  be  bad  lately  equipped  himself.  It  was  a 
bandsoma  weapon  seC  with  jewel*,  and  accoatred  with  knife  and 
fork,  like  the  "regimental  dirka  now  worn  by  eyery  Highland  offioer; 
Htd  across  it  he  lowed  to  abl  Aliaro  in.  Mimrii^  CiAwntaa  op  to 


ia  well.    I  will  now  becalm,"  said  the  oaraliai  in  •  tone  of 

satisfaction.  "You  may  have  some  scrapie*  aboHt  slaying  the  daf 
with  your  own  hand  j  but  deliver  bim  over  to  tha  first  alcalde,  and  he 
wiU  reeene  him  for  the  fury  of  AlTaro  of  Villa  Franca. ' ' 

"  Such  a  resenation  may  do,  shoirid  1  meet  him  in  campevoitT) 
but  woe  to  Mm  should  we  fbi^ather  in  any  deaert  ^mK, — »J  nrord 
Bud  his  heart  will  not  be  long  aiundar." 

"  Spoken  like  a  true  hidalgo,  who  needs  no  tirieod  save  hie  own  li^t 
hand.  Our  Lady  del  Pilar  I  slay  rae  l^ia  eortbly  fiend,  and  I  will  om- 
aider  you  as  much  my  bniCher  as  if  my  stster,  my  euhlinie  CaMino,  bad 
wedded  you  at  the  altar.  Although  in  tralh,  to  be  frank  witli  you,  | 
would  rather  she  had  bestuwed  her  band  on,  her  caBsin,  t^  Caodi  of 
Trniillo,  a  brave  cavalier,  wba  baa  loved  her  long  and  dearly.  What 
noir,  Pedro  ?  Do  you  hHug  me  tbe  liat  of  killsd  and  wounded  ?"  aiid 
be,  as  Serjeant  Gomel  stood  erect  at  the  triangular  door  of  tiu  tep^ 
and  brought  his  right  hand  up  to  the  peak  of  bis  helmet,  in  a  ■■aoring 
nilituy  udiite. 

"  The  Valendan  rogue,  senor  oavalisr;  bow  aro  va  l»  di^MMH  of 

"Ha!  1  had  forgotten.  Right,  my  tna  aoldado.  A  baaa  yfcari, 
tenor,"  said  be,  turning  to  Rouald,  "  a  most  conteoiptible  trmtM^  wto 
guided  up  tbe  raiiae  those  hundred  ouinaasiars  who  eo  nearly  cnt  your 
picqnet  off.  Pedro  captured  the  rogue  afior  the  akirmiib.  Ua  ii  a 
notoriooB  spy  and  trutor.     Where  is  he  now,  Pedro?" 

"Tied  hard  and  fast,  like  a  MeHno  she^,  under  tbe  bollr  irf  mf 
Andaluaian,"  answered  Pedro  with  e  grin. 

"  You  had  better  turn  bim  over  to  the  proroat-marahal  of  thaoMnii" 
aaid Ronald ;  "be  will  give  bim  bia  deseMi  from  tbe  braoob li the 
nearest  tree.  Tbe  rascal  1  by  bis  trwcberr  to  bis  country  my  COMpaq 
baa  lost  fourtoao  gallant  hearts,  and  I  haw  wm  tUawoond. 

"As  he  is  aprisonorof  mine,"  said  Aiioio,  "  1.  will  dispose  af  ki«. 


naiBmittm.    I>a*e 

>  fiJa  of  troopan  to  dUmoimt  uid  loM  ttacir  cubian, — no  I  tlwt  wen 
imMeof  lung  Ferdinsod's  powder.    Bun  your  <Uf  gtir  ioto  lui  throat, 

Pedio,  ind  SM  that  you  strike  deap  ;  th""  "■ —  '• "— 

lodu  iato  Oia  Alboaca,  and  let  ie  lot  iu 
>o  well." 

Ptdro  diwpptued,  and  almost  ioatantly  a  proloond  ihruk,  irtiidi 
(tartled  the  whole  camp,  anooanced  that  the  nmcropulani  largttttti  had 
cdwyad  bis  orders  to  tha  lerr  letter.  Smiald  wu  about  to  ^pma 
MHne  abboireiice  of  this  saaunary  mode  of  aMcnliaD,  whea  he  wh 
iitampted. 

"ViJla  FrBDca."  suil  a  handioma  Spanish  caialr^  offioar,  aboot 
twmCr  )>eBra  of  age,  sppearitig  at  the  dooi  of  the  tent ;  "  the  Condj 
Fcsoe  ViUamur  wuhea  to  sea  foa.  Our  brigade  and  De  Caata's'hare 
been  ordered  to  Che  front,  a*  an  adranced  post.  Such  are  tiie  ocdera 
ofSir  Rowland  Hill.  The  coode  woobl  apeak  with  ion  irithoDt  dalaj, 
■ad oar  tiampeta  will  aoiud  'to  horae'  Id  an  hour. 

"  'Tia  well,  l^reazo.  I  sm  in  a  trae  fitting  mood  to-dar,  and  o« 
troop  of  Uncen  ue  in  gkirioua  order.  The  Marqueaa  de  MonteiBtrf 
Taleocia,"  said  Alvaro,  iatrodudug  the  stranger  to  Honald.  "Um 
smior  lieutenant  of  my  Uoces." 

"  A.aliarp  akirmiah  that  waa,  in  which  w«  ware  engaged  a  short  time 
ago,  tenor."  said  Monteu  with  a  laugh.  Ua  vaa  odb  of  those  gaf 
fellows  who  langh  at  ateri  thing.  "  We  appear  to  haae  ahared  alike  in 
the  miafoitonea  of  war,"  he  added,  pointiiig  to  Lis  left  arm,  wUch  waa 
bomd  np  in  hia  red  Spanish  scarf. 

"  Ha,  marquess  !  tout  prasence  rmoinds  nae  of  what  other  tbouchta 
had  nearly  dnien  from  my  meiDory.  Look  you,  Senor  Don  Ronald," 
■aid  Aliaro,  displayinc  a  goidea  croas  suspaoded  by  a  red  and  yallow 
riband.  "  We  bare  been  commiBtioned  by  my  relative,  Alfaosa  d« 
Coaqneata,  Giaiid-maater  of  the  military  order  of  Saint  Jamea  of 
Spain,  to  invest  you  with  this  badge,  and  create  yoa  a  knight-oom- 
panion  of  our  most  honourable  order,  ai  a  reward  for  your  bravery  at 
AliDHres,  accouala  of  which  have  been  folly  blazoned  forth  bj  the 
Gacelat  of  Madrid  and  other  places." 

Stuart,  who  had  longed  with  all  the  aidoiu  of  a  TOnng  soldier  foc 
some  of  those  mihtary  decorationa  with  which  the  bosoms  of  fbrtini 
troops  ara  covered,  received  the  cross  with  a  pleasure  which  ha  oomd 
not  coDCeaL  At  that  Ume  aeitber  oudal  nor  star  was  to  be  aeen  in  our 
service,  save  among  the  otScers  of  the  15th  Light  Dragoons,  who  i«- 
c«i*ad  from  theKmperor  of  Germany  an  "  Order  of  Merit"  for  thui 
singular  bravery  at  Vilherg-en-Couob£,  in  1794. 

''A.  most  beautiful  cross  indeed,  Don  AJisro,"  said  Stoarti  "but 
ovr  mees  are  droll  fellowi,  and.  I  shall  be  auUy  quizzed  about  it," 

"  A  badge  such  as  (his  should  raise  other  aencimeots  than  thota  of 
ridicule  in  the  minds  of  honourable  cavaliers,"  observed  Monteaa. 
"  Von  will  find  it  a  star  for  the  ladies'  eyes  to  follow.  Our  Spanish 
damaala  know  wail,  that  the  tried  and  proved  soldier  alone  wini  lii^ 
CHMB  and  riband  of  St.  James." 

"  Tite  marquaas  haa  you  diploma  of  knigfalhood  in  his  aabna.taahe : 
lie  will  explain  to  you  the  rales  of  the  order.  Meanwhile,  I  shall 
attend  the  noble  cond£."  said  Alvaro,  and  departed.  The  diploma,  a 
parchment  containing  the  oath,  tbe  rules  of  the  order,  and  bearing  its 
seal  appended,  was  written  in  Spanish  and  Latin,  and  Ronald  waa  a 
little  startled  at  the  tenour  of  the  tow. 


240  TBI 

"  Tis  no  mull  bonoar  the  noble  and  venerable  Grand-moater  asiu 
fcrs  opOD  yon,  senor,"  iBid  Mooteas,  after  readinB  orer  the  docunoit. 
'  >  The  order  of  Saint  Jimcs  is  one  of  the  moat  ancient  and  chir^ric  ia 
Spain.  It  v»  insCitated,  in  the  jeai  1170,  by  Ferdinuid  II.,  king  of 
lieoD  and  GKlicia.  It  in  conferred  aolely  on  hid^goa  of  tfae  hicheac 
rank,  Teiy  aeldom  on  foreigner),  anil  nerer  jeC  on  a  heretic." 

"  I  am  afraid,  marqnesa,  yooF  Spanish  prejudices  will  iodine  jou  to 
class  me  with  the  Utt«r." 

"  1  trust  that,  alChongh  as  true  a  Catholic  as  erer  kissed  tzon,  I 
hare  more  liberalitf,  and  the  Grand-master  is  too  aniious  to  enrol  foq 
aa  a  gaJIant  goldier  in  tbe  order,  to  inquire  much  about  your  tenets, 
i>hi(£  in  truth  are  doubtful,"  said  Monteu  laughing,  "if  1  may  believe 
the  reports  of  my  fair  cousin,  the  abbess  of  Santa  CrDZ.  Religious 
inquiriei  may  be  diepeDsed  with,  but  for  form's  sake  the  vows  mre 
indispensable  ;  and  when  Alvaro  returns,  we  will  BJamiae  and  sign  the 
diploma  lent  hither  by  DoD  Alfonso." 

"Tfaevowa;  I  should  be  glad  to  know  them.  By  yonrcroas,  I  per- 
ceive Chat  you  are  s  knight  of  the  order." 

"  Every  Spanish  officer  of  distincSon  ia,"  replied  Moutesa,  with  a 
prond  smile.  "  We  are  aoppoaed  to  obaarvB  the  rulea  of  Sau  Austin, 
and  vow  obedience,  conjugal  fidelity  to  onr  wives — denumio  I  and  ser- 
vice to  all  ladica.  ThiDga  easily  twora  to,"  added  he.  laughing  hoartUy, 
"  but  hard  to  keep  in  Spain.  By  San  Jago  !  I  have  broken  tbem  • 
score  of  times.  Senor,  you  know  that  vowa  and  restrictions  which 
soited  the  steel-clad  knights  of  Ferdinand  of  Leon,  will  scarcely  aojt 
the  cigar-amoking  ud  daahing  officers  of  Mnrillo  or  Don  Carioa 
IVEEpagna's  diviaions.  Our  Lady  I  vie  would  ai  aoon  swear  to  tbe 
vows  of  Che  bare-footed  Franciscan.  But  you  will  have  to  make  it 
appear  that  your  ancestors  have  been,  at  least,  Mdalgoa  or  gentlenen 
for  four  generations." 

"For  siiteeo,  if  you  choose,  marqaessi  but  I  shonld  need  the 
assistance  of  some  qorthem  bard  to  nnrsvel  the  matter.  However, 
my  colonel  will  Tcsolve  that  point  for  you." 

"  And  that  in  your  veins  there  rans  not  the  base  blood  of  Jew, 
Horisco,  or  heretic  ;  and  that  you  have  never  been  called  in  qoeatioa 
bj  the  lata  Inqoiaition,— the  devii  confound  it !" 

"  To  theae  I  may  freely  swear  No  !  on  blade  and  bible." 
"  You  see  by  the  diploma,"  conCinned  Montesa,  with  a  droll  smUe, 
"  that  knights  in  their  noiiciate  are  obliged  to  tog  an  oar  in  the  king'a 
galleys  for  sii  months,  to  harden  them  to  labonr;  and  then  live  for  six 
months  mors  in  a  Carthusian  monastery,  fiisting  and  praying,  being  tke 
while  Bcantity  supplied  with  black  bread,  and  liberally  with  water  to 
wash  away  their  sins  and  enormities." 

"  The   deuce,   marquess  I      These    disagreeable    prelimioBriea   will 
■CBTcely  suit  me  ;  and  I  fear  I  must  forego  the  high  honour  intaided       | 
me  by  the  venerable  Grand-master." 

"Not  at  all,  senor,"  replied  Montesa.  "  Were  these  parts  of  the 
military  noviciate  Co  be  rigorously  eiacted,  how  very  few  of  onr  Spamih 
caballerosof  Madrid  would  display  their  crosses  on  the  gay  Prados. 
Bv  Santiago  I  I  would  see  De  Conquests  and  his  order  at  the  bottom 
of  the  Mediterranean,  before  I  would  submit  to  such  degradation. 
Betides,  senor,  if  twelve  months'  campaigning  here  will  not  hanlen  nl, 
nothing  on  earth  will." 
"  How  then,  marquess?" 
"A  few  doubloons  paid  to  tbe  graoid-treiisurer,  at  Cadiz,  whareat 


prMent  Don  AlfonM  midet,  will  proeani  you  ■  diapensntioa  from 
tUse,  and  all  will  tfaeo  be  right.  Hi  1  here  comeB  Villa  Fnoca.  Yoa 
haTBmada  deapatcli  with  the  coad^." 

"Hontesa/'aiid  Aliaro,  enteriag,  "our  IranipeUi  will  blow  'boot 
■sd  Biddle'  iostaDtly.  The  Spauiih  hona  will  reliere  General  Lmg'a 
brigade  of  the  oat-picqnet  duty  on  the  Santa  Martha  roiid.  We  move 
the  moment  the  enn  dips  behind  the  heighti  of  Albnera." 

"  Yon  will  probably  see  some  fighting  before  dawn." 

"Troe,  Senor  Stuart;  and  perhaps  a  few  saddles  will  be  emptied 
before  the  bogles  toand  the  r^eille,"  replied  MoQtesa,  whose  own  was 
doomed  to  be  one  of  them.  "Ho!  there  go  our  trumpeters  slreadT. 
Atraro,  we  had  better  inieit  our  friend  with  his  cross ;  dispensing,  of 
conne,  with  the  mammerr  of  monks  and  godfathers.  Dtaeolo .'  we 
ooght  to  hare  had  a  fair  lady  to  clasp  on  bis  belt  and  affix  Cha  star. 
Woald  we  were  nesr  the  convent  of  Jarciejo ! " 

"The  lad;  must  be  dispensed  with  likewise.  Hark!  tbe  coad£ 
slmdy  blows  '  (a  horse  1 '  He  is  somewhat  impatient,  truly.  Lend 
me  your  sword,  marquess ;  I  csnoot  bestow  the  knighthood  wi^  mine, 
ai  tbe  cross-guard  was  brokeuoffin  our  Iste  fandango  with  tbe  enemy. 
Let  ns  seek  tbe  tent  of  Dou  Juan  Cameron  ;  and  when  we  have  been 
SBliified  on  some  points  of  lineage,  amigo  nuo,  amidst  the  officers  of 
jour  own  brave  regiment,  yon  shell  become  our  sworn  knight-com- 

"  A  most'DDceremonioiu  instalment,"  said  MootesOf  "  but  war  and 
necessity  most  be  pleaded  for  our  eictue ;  audthe  knight  that  is  created 
in  a  tent,  ii  more  likely  to  prove  a  tme  cavalier  than  he  who  receiTea 
his  spurs  in  the  carpeted  paUce  or  decorated  chapel." 

In  Fassifem's  tent,  Stuart  was  duly  dttbbed  knigbt  of  Saint  James, 
having,  as  such,  the  privilege  of  wearing  his  bonnet  in  the  presence  of 
ihe  king  of  Spain.  As  siwn  as  the  hasty  ceremony  wag  over,  the 
Spaniards  sprung  to  their  saddles  and  departed,  leaving  Ronald  with 
the  cross  on  his  bresM,  amid  a  circle  of  his  brother -officers,  who,  with 
thur  coQgratnlationi,  threw  in  sundry  dry  jokes.     ^ 

For  miny  months  afterwards  he  was  known  smong  them  as  "tbe 
knight  of  Santiago,"  seldom  receiving  any  other  name  except  when  on 
duty.  Jokes  must  he  furnished  for  mess  and  parade,  and  Ronald's 
cross  was  a  standing  one.  He  became,  however,  a  greater  hvourite  with 
the  colonel  and  regiment.  He  was  esteemed  by  the  officers  uid  beloved 
by  the  soldiers,  who  would,  as  they  emphatically  s^d,  "storm  heil's 
yetts  to  serve  bim."  Than  British  soldiers,  none  know  better  how  to 
sppnciate  tbe  gooff  qnolities  of  an  ofticer  who  treats  Aem  well ;  and 
their  love,  esteem,  and  confidence,  which  cannot  fail  bein);  of  service 
to  the  officer  himself,  are  easily  gained  by  kindness  and  aSabilitji.  Nor 
was  Saint  James's  cross  theonly  piece  of  good  fortune  that  Ronald  ob- 
tained. He  had  returned  (a  his  tent,  where  he  sat  finiihing  his  letter 
for  Locbisla,  and  regretting  bitterly  thst  he  was  unable  to  send  another 
for  Incbavon,  when  Alister  come  in  with  a  newspaper  in  each  hand. 

"  I  congratulate  you,  Sir  Knight  of  Santiago  dc  Compostclla;  the 
saints  are  propitious  to  you  certainly,  or  tbe  Horse-Guards  at  least. 
Lisle  bas  sent  me  these  papers  op  from  the  castle  of  Bdem,  from  which 
place  he  was  just  about  to  set  out  on  his  return  with  a  detachment  of 
convalescents.    Look  you  here." 

"  What  1  any  moreorders  of  knighthood?" 

"  Something  more  inbstantiol.    'War-office,  2jth— no,  26th  fooC, 


Limt.  Dalbisc  to  be  captain,  vice  Paget,  killed  jn  action.    Biui^ 
Stnart,  from  tb«  92ad  Hithlandera,  to  be  lieutenant,  nm  Dntbtac'  " 

"  Hi  1  is  it  reall;  pmaible  ,'"  eidaimed  Ronald.  sptiiuiiiK  up. 

"  Qnile,  anil  b  moit  Incby  doc  joa  are.     You  raaf  tbank  Almarez 
and  Sir  Roolsnd  Hill  for  thia.     He  recommended  ytni  ti 
ron  koow." 

"  The  28tb  ie  an  EDi^ish  rettment—" 

"  The  gallant  slathtrt." 

"  I  ahoald  be  eony  to  leave  the  HigUaaden — one  of  en 


Campben  lo  be  ta^or,  viet  HacdatBld,  appoiBted  to  tbe  8tli  Garrison 
BattaUon ;  Lient.  Hacdooald  to  be  cap^Bn,  mm  Campbell ;  Ltent. 
itooald  Stuart,  fnnu  the  28th  foot,  Co  be  lieoteiuiit,  mm  the  HoBonr- 
able  Sholto  I>D(i(la9,  who  eicbangee.'" 

"  Eioelteat  I "  eiebimed  Stant,  as  tbey  sbeok  baudB.  "  I  abd  be 
witl)  yon  itill:  Cameron  baa  ptamned  this  raatttr,  sorelr.  BM  this 
HoBoarablG  Sholto, — I  have  nei"er  had  tbe  pleaanre  of  seemg  him.*' 

"  Oh  I  be  hag  been  on  the  ataffki  Ireland  for  these  three  yeara  past. 
A  drawioE-coom  eoidier,  that  has  n«  idea  of  biromice  md  lo^h 
ration  beef— fording  riren  itp  to  tbe  neck,  and  baling  forced  mardwa 
of  fortf  miles.  Shollo  has  kept  himself  clear  of  these  matters,  and  is, 
•onsegaentlf,  no  (aronrile  with  the  chief, — Cameron,  I  mean ;  (he 
iraminghe  gave  me  abooE  tbal  title  at  San  Pedro  most  not  befor^rottea. 
I  wish  yon  jo)r  heartily,  Ronald,  BOt*itbBtiiDdiDg  yea  are  pronoted 
over  my  head.  Howerer,  1  am  Be«r  tbe  top  of  the  enngna,  and  tlie 
next  engagement  ta»j  provide  fcr  some  of  the  sentori.  We  mnst  vet 
the  new  eommisatoo  to-night  in  glorions  style;  aikl,  bark  !  firing,  by 
Jorel  The  ont-pioqaete  are  engaged  1  Sontt  ia  at  it  again."  Drawing 
back  tbe  door  of  the  tent,  tbay  saw  the  flashes  of  mneketry  and  gleun 
of  steel  appear  on  tbe  Santa  Martha  road,  and  wreatfas  of  white  smoke 
cnrliDg  up  among  tbe  roeka  and  brekm  gnmnd  between,  showing  that 
a  rnnrntig  skirmiBh  had  coBneBCcdl 

The  noise  of  the  firing  became  more  rapid  and  loud,  utd  ben  died 
Bwar :  and  the  Spanish  cavalry  were  seen  aword  in  hand,  pnnmDg  tbe 
French  a(  full  gallop.  The  Cood^  Penne  Villamnr  bad  lepdled  tbe 
attack  of  tbe  Frew*  cnimasier!,  aad  having  defeated  them,  raahly  left 
bis  groond  m  pamit  along  tlte  rood  to  Santa  Martin ;  wiwm,  fUlipg 
into  an  ambnah  oT  several  sqaedrooe  of  hivse,  bia  Spaniards  were 
almost  all  cat  to  pieces.  Don  Alraro,  at  tbe  head  et  his  IsDcan, 
dsuged  madly  throngfa  and  throug'h  them,  and  brought  off  tlte  eond^, 
aAer  a  moat  despermie  and  bloody  conflict  fonght  hand  Co  hand  with 
sword  and  spear,  amid  wtueb  tjis  gay  and  brave  young  Marqicaiof 
MoDtesa  was  alain,  being  "clijven  to  the  teeth,  tbr^igb  ptm  and 
Eione,"  by  Loais  Chataaaflear.  a  major  of  cninisBierB,  meBtiowid  by 
De  Meamai  in  preceding  chapters.  AJraro  was  so  severely  woanded 
by  a  Bword-thrait  between  the  jeinCs  of  Ma  breast  and  back-plate,  that 
be  was  rendered  BBservioeable  for  some  time ;  and  praenring  have, 
departed  for  Idanha-a-Teltui,  where  Donna  Inmdla  still  resided. 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTER    XXXni. 


*^  O.  leoe  me  on  the  pliilvbef , 
Tbtt  tairj  kaoe  and  gutend  leg  1 
B«  sfe  iht  ititnt  Uu  gludi  mfs'i, 
Iji  Um  vkite  cetiatiU  abooD  th«  bne," 

JncoAUr  S«m^. 

SiK  Kowlaud  H11.1,,  fiiidn^  that  tfae  Fnnch  raarabal  hcbed  deter- 
-^— '-—   — -'-'-^-^- -^--  --.---  -         „i,  bi, 

TBDg  i^  the  lit  Jnljr.  TJm  enemy  retired 
tt  UBBal  before  hrm,  their  remr-^aaril  ikirntiibiD;  with  the  cavalry 
linwact  of  the  Britiah,  who  sufferHl  lOBie  Ion  BtftB-cing  the  pauage  ot 
the  GuidBCis,  upon  tbe  ford  of  wbicb  the  Fnoch  bnosghC  Ikeir  flying 
■rtUlerr  to  hear ;  and  againat  Berlenia  some  fighting  euned,  asd 
Banald  Stnart  narrowly  eaciped  being  cnt  in  two  hjr  m  eighletn- pound 


-ri  nuBlercBtini  town  of  Dob  BeaLte. 

a  TORuntioUy  eilBated  at  tbe  baie  of  tbe  bogs 
Siam  San  Bonarda,  thn  reccired  iDtelligaice  of  the  glonoua  iktorjr 
won  by  Lord  Wellington's  army  a>er  that  of  Manhal  MMmoat  w  the 
fcU  of  SaliBiam;  aad  leamni  Hat  Joa^h,  tbe  d-dmant  king  of 
Spam,  had  beea  driren  froia  hia  oaarped  throne,  and  compelled  to 
eatahliah  bia  head-quarter*  in  Uie  city  of  Valencia. 

A  Spaniih  peaaaat,  who  had  witneued  tbe  battle,  bnm^it  the 
tidings  to  Idsrena,  wiueh  was  iUmniDated  ia  coBseqnence ;  and  a  huge 
benfire,  lighted  by  the  36th  regiiaaBt,  Uazed  from  tbe  snmmit  of  San 


When  uewa  of  the  riotory  obtoiaed  al  Salamanca  reached  Marshal 
8o«dt,  be  rabed  tke  siege  of  Cadii  and  retreated  towards  Cordova, 
kariDg  bia  camion  and  ammaiiition  ia  tbe  hands  of  the  Britiib.  He 
dnw  off  all  bia  tnx^  from  Eatrenaidura,  in  eonseqntBce  of  which  tbic 
pnecBce  of  the  aecond  diniion  waa  no  longer  requiute  in  that  pn>- 
nnce :  hence  the  oneipeeted  route  foi-  Aranjnei.  Gladly  they  bade 
farewell  to  Don  Bettito,  laratng  their  faces  tawardi  Caatile — tbe  funoos 
and  romatitie  Castile,— «f  old  tbe  land  of  tbe  warrior  and  troabadonr, 
of  Ime  and  ckiralry,  "  of  battle  and  ot  son;." 

At  TroxiUa  Ronald  bad  tbe  pleainre  of  ^aio  aeehig  Ida  friend  tbe 
Capitan  Conqniata.  who  preaeoted  him  to  hii  newly-IKdded  bride, 
Doina  Maria,  arith  wboae  history  the  reader  is  already  scquunted. 
Ronald  ipcmt  a  mry  plauant  eiening  with  tbe  eaialiet,  who,  for  bis 
education,  fbu)^  over  agaiik  tlie  csmpa^a  of  Buenoa  Ayrea,  «a- 
ricbed  with  many  e^sodea,  in  which  he  h&iself,  and  "  that  stonl  naJ 
boDoorable  caimW  the  Oeneial  Liniers,"  acted  prominent  psr^. 

At  Truzillo  Stnart  was  appointed  one  of  tbe  lienteniuits  of  the  light 
eompany,  an  alteratiim  whid  he  conndcred  no  amall  conpliment,  as 
tlia  amartest  fellowi  alCHW  are  telected  fbr  tbe  flank  companies.    On 


2U 

marching  pa«t  the  c  .  .         , 

maDyscira  from  the  nam,  who  iisved  their  white  kercb 

gnted  loop-holes  ia  the  iroopt,  vbo  replied  to  them  by  loud  cbecn, 
each  corps  making  the  old  walls  shake  as  the;  came  np  in  sacceadon. 
Ronald's  heart  was,  perhaps,  the  saddest  there  amocg  thirty  thona^ul 

the  tnmb  of  the  high-aouled  and  noble  Catolina.  The' same  emiiig 
they  croised  the  Tagua  at  Aimsrez,  by  a  pontMD  bridge.  It  waa  with 
mingled  feelings  of  ptide  and  veaeraCioa  that  the  tiiree  regimenta  of 
the  first  brigade  passed  the  spot,  where  so  many  brave  comrade*  bad 
found  a  soldier'a  last  resting-place-  The  ruined  forta  were  now  orer- 
bnag  with  wild  weeds  and  grass ;  the  wall-flower,  the  hoaeysuekle, 
and  ivy  clnng  to  the  embrasures  of  Fort  Napoleon,  and  nodded  on  the 
temnant  of  the  old  tower  of  Ragusa.  In  some  places  a  fleahlcss  boiM 
projecting  from  the  sod  hore  witness  of  the  bastj  inCetmcDt  received 
by  the  d^d.  Ou  deecendipg  from  the  pass  of  Miravete  they  came  ia 
sight  of  Almarez,  iU  rocks,  and  woods,  and  winding  river,  just  la  tlic 
broad  setting  son  went  down  in  all  its  glory.  A  lood  and  exalting 
cheer  bant  from  the  bonneted  Highlanders,  and  was  carried  along  the 
colamn  to  the  rear,  rererbeiated  a  thousand  times  among  the  spliutovd 

reaks  and  frowning  craigs  of  the  Lina.  The  bands  of  the  50tli,  Hie 
1st,  and  92ad  regiments  struck  up  the  "  British  Grenadiers ;"  and 
thus  they  passed  in  their  glitter  and  pride,  with  drums  beating  and 
colours  fiymg,  above  the  sod  that  covered  the  breast  of  many  a  gaUant 
comrade.  It  was  a  prond  time  for  the  first  brigade  ;  aad  while  Uicir 
hearts  throbbed  quicker  to  the  "spirit-stirring"  roll  of  the  drain,  or 
swell  of  the  merry  bugle,  they  forgot  not  that  they  trod  near  the  t«mb 
of  those  who  heard  their  notes  no  more. 

Two  days  afterwards  the  troops  occupied  the  town  of  Ctdiada  de 
Orepesa,  in  the  midst  of  which  stood  an  old  baronial  fortalice,  or 
sqaare  embattled  tower,  which  was  garrisoned  by  a  party  of  Dob 
Salvador  de  Zagala's  guerilla  corps.  Soon  after  seeing  his  light  com- 
pany dismissed  to  their  several  billets,  Ronald,  on  passing  this  keep, 
tras  surprised  to  hear  his  name  eagerly  aud  distinctly  called  by  some 
one  within  it ;  and  on  looking  up  at  its  huge  gloomy  front,  beheld  a 
hand  beckoning  to  him  through  a  narrow  loop-bole,  which  was  cut  at 
the  top  and  bottom  for  the  ejection  of  arrows  in  the  olden  time.  Who 
could  be  thus  imprisoned  here,  and  acquainted  with  his  name,  he  wae 
utterly  at  a  loss  to  conjecture  \  but  he  turned  to  the  guard  of  guerillas ; 
who  lay  reposing  on  the  earth  in  a  coot  shady  place,  ander  the  masses  of 
wild  vines  which  straggled  over  the  barbican  wall,  smoking  cigars  and 
burnishing  Iheir  arms,  which,  as  well  as  then:  dress,  were  of  so  motley  a 
kind  as  to  remind  Ronald  of  bis  old  acquaintances  in  the  wood  of  La 
Neva.  All  wore  the  red  military  cockade  of  Spain  fastened  to  tfae 
iiont  of  their  broad  hats  or  slouching  caps. 

On  inqniriog  who  was  imprisoned  in  the  tower,  they  replied  a  Ud- 
Tone  ortbief.  and  brought  to  him  a  guerilla,  whom  they  dignified  witk 
the  title  of  Senor  el  Catlelleno,  i.r.  the  constable  or  governor  of  Oe 
castle,  a  huge-headed,  broad-shouldered,  brawny,  and  muscular  ftHow, 
who  had  evidently  been  a  muleteer,  but  had  resigned  the  whip  and  belb 
for  the  musket  and  poniard.  He  wore  a  pair  of  French  epaulets  onbil 
mule-driver's  jacket;  a  sash  encircled  his  waist,  bearing  a  powder -bom, 
and  aeveral  pistol*  and  daggers ;  the  large  plume  of  some  staff  offior 
decorated  his  sombrero,  and  his  followers  were  most  of  them  ariBy«l 


ttoriie  In  dke  trappings  of  the  slain.  Tha  caiteltano  receiied  Rtmild 
with  much  tespect,  aad  led  him  through  the  winding!  and  [ntricaciesof 
ttaeancient  tower,  vbicb,  with  its  round  nhetl-ttairs,'  arched  pussgea, 
md  luirrow  loopholei,  reminded  bim  orthe  old  pile  it  LocbitU.  From 
tiw  number  of  doors  which  were  unloclied  by  huge  clanking  keys  in 
thsr  pn^TEBB,  Stuart  was  led  to  etpect  samethiDg  extraordinarT  p  bat 
Onreacfaiug  a  solitu;  turret  chamber,  when  the  door  was  Ibrowu  open, 
wkUwaa  hia  surprise  to  behold  Captaia  de  Meimai,  whom  be  e ap- 
posed to  b«  in  the  castle  of  Albuquerque.  He  was  miserably  altered, 
ud  Ronald,  while  be  beheld  him,  became  filled  with  pity  Badindigna' 
tioa — pity  for  hia  aituation,  and  indignation  at  the  ungenerous  Spa- 
niardi.  Hia  blue  aniform  had  been  stripped  of  its  lace,  epaulets,  stars, 
and  medala,  and  hung  about  him  in  tattcTa,  tbowing  bis  akin  in  manT 
placei.  A  gDerilla  on  sentry  at  the  door  bad  appropriated  the  helmet  and 
coralet  of  the  10th  to  himself.  De  Meemai  bad  been  plundered  of  bis 
boots,  and  bis  feet  were  in  a  miserable  state  in  consequence  of  the  long 
msTcbes  the  guerillas  had  compelled  bim  to  make.  He  was  thin  and 
gauBt,  and  a  beard  of  a  week'a  growth  bristled  upon  bis  chin ;  hot 
there  was  the  same  merry  devil-may-care  twinkle  in  hia  eye,  which 
abowed  that  bis  bold  and  buoyant  heart  was  yet  unchanged. 

"  Vtee  la  bagaieU&-~Hott  !  Vivelajoie  !"  ctiti  be,  springing  for- 
ward and  clusping  Ronald  in  bis  arms  with  true  French  enercy,  "  My 
dear  fijend,  yon  may  judge  bow  glad  I  am  to  see  you.  I  shall  now  be 
lesened  from  the  brutality  of  these  base  and  accursed  Spanish  dogs." 
As  this  was  aaid  in  Spaniah,  lightning  gleamed  in  the  eyea  of  Caslel- 
boo,  who  stood  by.  He  grasped  the  hilt  of  bis  poniard,  but  relinquished 
it  aa  Ronald's  jiery  and  threatening  glance  felt  on  him.  Yet  he  scowled 
malignantly  at  De  Mesmal  aa  he  withdrew  hia  band. 

"Ah,  Stuart,  mon  ami  I  of  what  I  have  eulTered  at  the  bands  of 
these  guerillas  yau  can  form  no  idea.  I  bate  been  plundered  as  you 
see;  Iharebeen  beaten,  kicked,  eien  spit  upon.  Mon  Dieu  /  such 
treatment  fur  a  gentleman  and  soldier  of  France  !  I  have  been  looked 
qp  In  tbia  desolate  stone  chamber  for  four  nights  and  days,  during 
which  not  one  morsel  of  food  has  passed  my  lips." 

"RbscbU  do  you  dare  to  treat  an  bonoutsble  prisoner  of  war  thus?" 
eidaimed  Ronald,  turning  to  the  Spaniard,  who  bestowed  a  sullen  look 
upon  him,  but  made  no  reply- 

"  I  fully  Bipectcd  that  before  this,"  continned  De  Mesmai,  "  D'Er. 
loa  would  hate  made  some  effort  to  effect  my  eicbange.  The  devil 
confound  him  I  I  will  revenge  myself  on  him  for  bis  forgetfulness,  by 
bang  doubly  sneet  to  madame,  his  dear  little  countess,  whose  fortunate 
eier  ami  I  have  the  bonour  to  be.  Diabit!  what  would  the  10th 
cnirassiera, — the  pets  of  the  Parisian  ladies,— the  dandies  and  glory  of 
the  Boulevards  ™  ~."i/Hi>—-"  ".-;-.  tiii.  ..ii-.i.n  f-ii*.  i  k.i.'™ 
a  doien  girls  in 

faiow  of  it.     Diailemtat  /  shirtiesL 

holy  as  that  of  Moaaeigoeur  St.  Denis,  which  hangs  in  the  aisle  of  the 
old  church  of  Besanfou.  Look  at  me,  Monsiear  Stuart;  your  allies, 
the  guerillas,  have  don«  all  this.  But  1  will  revenge  myself  on  lyErloD, 
and  garniah  his  empty  old  head  with  certain  ornaments  which  shall  be 
nameleta,— I  will,  by  the  name  of  the  bnmb  I" 

"1  am  glad  to  find  that  your  high  spirits  have  not  deserted  you,  and 
that  you  are  aa  merry  a  fellow  as  ever.  Can  it  be,  that  those  wntchea 
hkre  really  starved  yon  thus  ?" 


24S 

"  Pot  fonr  days,  my  friend,"  said  De  MioiBU ;  "  foiu'  day*  lod  ibor 
nights,  on  mr  ucred  booour!  mv  most  earoeit  entnatiei  for  bread 
were  disregarded.  When  I  lued  humbly  to  request,  Mat,  fraeior 
Senar  CaMieitaBOr—ptm  Ai  el  noi»tre  de  Diaa  7  Lbis  loawliD^  cavard 
□iKd  to  point  to  Che  •illafe,  ruiDed  by  MasHna'g  \1aa9t,  Bud  replf, — 
Carejo  I  Perro  4  tadrone  !  El  Etpanol  no  iay  ttada.  A  ftiit*  Dioa 
de  mala  veniura  !  '  Dog  and  thief  f  the  Spaniard  has  none.  lU  tuck 
to  you  1'  Tbis  was  my  hourly  antver.  ITte-DwH/  hair  my  blood 
bis  boiled  np  within  me,  and  I  Itave  lonied  to  throst  my  huid  isto  hu 
QDEeiieraaB  hart.  Sucre  !  witb  two  of  my  n^ant  lOcb  at  my  back, 
Hod  were  I  again  astridi  of  my  ftaet  NDrmao,  1  could  saaa  mala  thaae 
rascals  fly  like  harea  before  the  hoimd.  But  may  this  i^t  hand  aad 
arm  be  withered  and  ■hmnken  nnto  theshanlder,  if  everacaiu  itapana 
the  life  of  a  Spaniard  when  my  awmd  baa  ouce  laid  the  d<^  at  my 


metcy.    I  wiU  rerenn  in  red  blood  the  eomitleai,  tlie  a 
forgocteniodignitiea  1  liayarcceivad  from  theaemfanalsaeriUal.  Ih 
have  beeo  taantinE  me  for  tlieae  few  daya  past  with  •.defeat  whisii.  Ih 


aay,  Mannont  has  met  with  at  Salamanca.     Bah  !  Laid  WelliagtOB 
could  never  beat  Marmaot,  aod  I  know  the  n^naa  ban  lied." 

Ronald  smiled,  but  made  no  effort  to  OBdeoeiie  him.  "Takamy 
arm,  De  Mesmni.  and  permit  me  to  lead  yoo.  from  tliis  place,"  said  he, 
apprehensive  that  blows  woold  soon  be  excbaaged  between  the  fiaal 
and  Spaniard,  who  glared  at  each  other  with  wtspeskaUa  hatnd  and 

"  Viee  iaioU  !  how  I  rejoioed  when  I  behald  the  aeariet  colnmaa  at 
the  British  daaoendiot  by  the  Nani  Moral  roadaa  Caliada  de  Qwpaaa. 
I  knew  that  my  hoar  of  deliraraace  was  at  hand." 

"  ComBi  then  ;  march,  monatenr.  Let  «s  laara  thii  dismal  tOMr  ? 
Stand  aside,  worthy  Senor  Castellano." 

"  Sataiuit,  Stnor  (^ieiale  I  it  rnnnot  be  thsA  yon  mean  to  reieaan 
oar  prieooer  ?"  asked  the  goerUla,  cruping  his  poniard  agnin. 

"  Unhand  yonr  dagger,  yon  rascally  guerilla  !  or  1  will  aciae  yon  by 
the  throat,  and  hnrl  ^on  to  the  bottom  of  yoor  tower,"  cried  £oaalJ, 
layinK  his  hand  an  hu  sword. 

"  "  '  ye  guerritr,"  said  De  Meamai,  iDeeriBgly,  in  hia  aaliTe 


laDjtnage,  and  laughing  at  the  guerilla,  who  st 


i  bssn  to  handle  the  locki  of 
their  masketsr  "  Would  to  St.  Belnhnb  f  had  a  weqion  to  saike  in 
with  yoa  I    We  would  cut  onr  way  through  thcas  baaa  {riebeiaaa,  aa 

through  so  many  children." 

"Look  yon.  Benors,"*said  Ronald,  "'tis  madness  of  you  to  obdraet 
me.  Oar  Boldien  ant  thrmgiog  all  aboat  the  Tillage,  and  by  a  iiiaala 
blast  on  thU  1  will  summoo  a  hundred  men  in  a  moment."  As^ 
spoke,  he  disengag«d  from  his  beit  Che  siWer  whislle  whidi,  aa  a  light 
inlkntry  officer,  was  now  part  of  his  t^tpoiotmeata.  B;  this  moTCDunt 
tiie  folds  of  his  plaid  wer«  railed,  and  the  golden  cross  of  St.  JamM 
glittered  before  the  eyea  of  the  Spaniard*,  whose  faiour  was  ioatant^ 
won  by  the  sight  of  Che  well-known  Spanish  badge  of  military  aduera- 
ment.'  They  fell  back  right  and  tefc,  and  (^  pwaap  was  free.  &• 
Meamai,  vowing  vengeance  agsiaaC  them,  departed  with  his  deliveraii 
who  soon  got  him  attired  in  other  clothiDg,  which,  thingh  sotmiahat 
motlar,  was  preferable  to  the  rags  he  had  lately  worn. 

Adjourning  to  a  taieraa,  kept  by  an  old  Jenwss,  they  partook  of  SB 
olia  podrida, — a  meas  eomposed  of  fragsaeBtB  of  finsl,  Saah,  and  wtiso* 


iiifndi«Dti  itewed  together,  ao  eicallent  dlth,  vbeo  well  ipieedud 
uaaomeA.  and  one  Ihu  U  coniidered  my  lubMaDtLal  Mid  nouiiibian  bf 
For  thia.  and  >  atonp  of  tctj  lonr  wine,  tiie  coucien- 
auam  fwrawi  chBrged  Ronald  two  durog. 

AfUx  thtt  they  MTbed.  Biuiald  had  to  take  mmuiind  of  the  eicort 
of  the  r^uaent^  bag);ige,  and  De  Mesmai  waa  MOt  to  the  rear.gnard. 
wiUk  wboni  Mme  other  pruoaen  of  oar  marched.  The  aofortunate 
cmiauier,  with  true  French  Tolubilitr,  gaTe  Stuart  a  prDfiuion  of 
duaka  for  hie  kiadBeas,  and  departed,  aweuiog  by  the  bomb  that  be 
mwldmake  hia  eacapa  on  the  liral  opportaoity  which  offered.  Iliia 
ttnat  be  eiecuCed  two  days  afCerwardB,  Dear  Talaiera  de  U  Reioa, 
wbeo  the  diiiiion  was  on  iU  march  ;  and,  aidrd  by  ■ome  Spaniards  in 
the  Fnmch  intcreat,  he  ft^ined  Aodalosia  in  Bafety,  and  rejoined  H«r- 
■hal  Sonlt'i  army  at  Cordova. 

After  pusinc  tkrongb  a  variety  of  towni  and  ritlafea,  the  troopa  of 
Sir  Bowland  Hill,  on  tbe  29tb  of  Septenber,  beheld  before  them  the 
'Toledo — of  old  the  [lopuloug  and  weallby 

, braCfd  for  ita  magni&cenoB  and  fliory,  oif 

which,  alaa  I  ao  littl^  now  remaisa.  Tha  appearauce  of  the  dark  city, 
fliunined  by  tbe  glow  of  the  aeCdng  aan,  which  bathed  in  pnrple  every 
thins  that  ita  rayi  fell  npon,  formed  a  oew  and  agreeable  object  to  tbe 
biipulea,  aa  tliey  emergid  in  aacceaaian  from  tbe  rieh  grovea  and  cool 
vina-trdliaea  that,  beading  nnder  purple  gr*pei<  bad  for  mitea  aad 
milea  ovei^adowcd  their  line  of  march,  and  echoed  to  the  muaic  of  tbe 
tbir^  regimeatal  bauda.  A  cheer  arose  from  the  advanced-nurd 
when  tiMy  came  in  tight  (rfToleda.  Sitoated  amidst  the  moat  delight, 
fal  and  romantic  aoenery,  it  crowns  tbe  aummit  of  a  rocky  eminence, 
aroBod  which  raaa  ila^irdle  of  wallaand  battlemented  towera,  circled 
oa  three  udea  by  tbe  Tagua,  which,  reflecting  tbe  hue  of  the  aky,  waa 
BOW  wandering  bka  a  river  at  blood  among  gloomy  treea,  aylvan 
raviiwa,  and  rocky  placea,  adding  greatly  to  the  ain^ubu'  beauty  of  tbe 
■ornHuiding  conntry.  The  roofs  of  the  honsea,  which  are  ganerally 
ab«Bt  five  or  nix  atoriea  bigb,  were  seen  shining  in  the  son  ^>oie  tlie 
serrated  linea  of  tlie  ramparta ;  and  rearing  high  above  all  rote  tbe 
eooraiont  CiBthio  tower  and  ipire  ef  tbe  aneirat  cathedral,  the  red  aky 
appearing  between  pisnade  and  buttreaa,  flying  arch  and  traceried 
window,  giviof  a  p*^**"^  appanranoe  of  lightnssa  and  richness  to  tbe 
bnge  dnrk  maaa.  Tha  opinion  fbcmed  by  the  aoldien  an  first  viewinc 
Tolcck)  waa  diuigad  on  entering  it,  and  aeeing  tbe  close,  crooked, 
deaalste,  and  filthy  alleys  which  braneb  off  in  every  direction. 

y  haadsoBB  street,  where  the  cathedral  staoda,  and  whiq^  leadi 

tathe 

,, ,, , -CB.  wealth 

glory  have  departed  firom  Toledo.     Tbe  popolatioa, 

caaded  taabandred  thoniand  aoala,  baa  now  tonic  to  abont  ona-eigMh 
af  that  nnsabor. 

At  tbe  dty  gate  the  troops  were  met  by  a  number  of  tbe  Spaniab 
nebiUty  and  Oim  attendants  on  horseback,  fallowed  by  crowds  of  tbe 
ciliienB,  who  received  tliem  with  loud  noclamitiona.  The  alcaldes, 
beaded  by  the  governor,  E)  Medico,  afierce  gnerilla  chief,  appeared  at 
tiie  arobway.  stiirod  in  tbeir  robes  of  scarlet,  and  attended  by  halber- 
diera  aod  algiiaiils  dreaaed  in  abort  black  doaka  and  doublets,  and 
■Mcing  bnjiS  baU,  tiom  beneath  which  tbeir  long  bair  kung  down  on 


thdrjtned  lice  collari.  Kameroiu  baadi  of  eoclesiutina.  ohan^inE 
Mtber  csme,  ud  beuiaf;  banner,  crou,  and  smoking  cbnlicr,  were 
likewise  in  tttendknce.  Above  tbeir  dtrk  masses  were  borne  HluEt  the 
drcMcd-up  imigei  of  the  Virgin,  Suta  Cuilda,  and  San  lldefonao,  of 

_. ^y  legends  are  lold  in  Toledo.     These  sfTair",  flnUe ring 

-aperr  »nd  '■'--■ ■-'■  - — '-   •■■— ' — '  -"  "--- '-- 

miiture  of  mammerf,  r    „ 
the  riCea  of  tbe  cborch  of  Rome. 

In  the  nsms  of  King  Ferdioand  of  Spnin,  at  his  representatjie,  and 
of  the  alcades  and  cidzens  of  Toledo  lu  their  goremor,  El  Medico  wel- 
coined  Sic  Rowland  Hill  and  the  loldien  of  the  fighting  division  to 
the  sncieat  capital  of  Spain,  in  S  speech  of  wonderful  length  and 
pomposity. 

As  the  brigadei  mardied  tbrongh  the  oit;,  thajoyoasacelamatioiu 
of  tbe  people,  the  tolling  of  bella,  Oat  chant  of  the  prieata,  the  din  and 
uproar,  the  reiterated  cheers  and  ihouM  of  "  Long  live  Ferdinand 
tbe  Serenth  1  Long  lire  the  brave  Britiah  nation  1  Viva,  Don  Bote- 
land  Hill,  elva  /"  resonnding  on  all  side*,  almost  drowned  the  music 
of  the  baoda  and  tramp  of  the  marching  feet.  Even  Ranald-dhn.  the 
piper-mi^ar  of  tbe  Gordon  HighluDders.  with  hia  eii  coUeaguea,  had 
to  blow  Uieir  bags  up  with  might  and  main  hefore  the]'  conld 
malce  themselves  heard.  The  martial,  yet  wild-looking  garb  of  tbe 
92od  BttTBcted  great  attention,  aad  a  dense  crowd  of  staring  Spaniarde 
squeezed  along  on  the  flanka  of  the  regiment,  accompaDying  it 
through  all  the  streets.  The  Highland  garb  was  a  new  sight  to  the 
citizena  of  Toledo,  who,  although  they  had  heard  of  tbe  bare-kneed 
Soottiah  regimenta,  with  whoae  valour  all  Spain  waa  ringing,  they  now 
beheld  one  of  them  within  the  nails  of  the  city  for  the  first  time.  The 
remarkable  appearance  of  Dugald  Mhor,  with  hia  snowy  treasea  and 
blue  bonnet,  marching  close  to  the  colonel's  side,  elicited  many  ashout 
of  wander ;  hut  the  old  Gael  was  too  much  acciulomed  to  be  dtstin- 
guiahed  thua,  and  cared  nothing  about  it,  as  be  atrode  on  with  bis  long 
claymore  awinging  at  his  thigh,  and  his  brasa  tai^t  slung  on  hia  back. 
What  the  latter,  with  lis  bcuaa  studs  and  steel  pike  could  be,  it  was 
impossible  for  the  Sponiarda  to  conjecture  :  but  they  Imagined  it  to  be 
some  unmeaning  badge  of  olEce,  like  tbe  gold.alick  of  the  Guards,  and 
coucluded  that  Dugald  waa  some  very  important  personage  among  the 
strangers.  The  windows  and  terraced  tops  of  the  houses  were  crowded 
with  people,  and  tbe  balconies  overlooking  the  streets  were  filled  with 
ladies,  who  kissed  their  white  bands,  waved  their  veils,  and  tossed 
boaquata  of  fiowera,  and  even  their  little  gloves,  to  the  officers,  crying 
ever  and  anon—"  Lang  iheSirReielandHilt  I  Sui  valimie  caiallerai 
y  toidadoi,  viva!" 

Tbe  balconies  were  decorated  with  garland)  of  flowen,  quilts,  car- 
pets, and  pieces  of  ancient  tapestry  ;  the  banners  of  noble  familiea,  of 
corporations,  and  of  Spain,  waved  from  the  windows  amid  gaudy  pen- 
iHiDB  and  streamers  of  every  kind.  Hurrah!  it  waa  indeed  a  magniliceBt 
aceie  of  joy,  noiae,  and  uproar.  E<ery  man  wearing  tbe  red  coat  was 
the  friend  of  the  Spaniard ;  and  even  the  wearied  little  drum-hoy, 
lugging  along  bis  drum,  was  a  hero  and  a  deliverer  of  Spaio.  Hist 
niirht  solemn  nravers  for  the  auceess  of  the  British  anos  were  offm^ 
bedral.  The  outside  of  ita  dome  and  spire  were 
.  s  of  variegated  lamps,  and  the  town  waa  illuminated 
with  great  aplendoor.    The  ligbted-np  apira  presented  a  moit  aingolar 


up  in  the  gi 
blRziog  with 


THK  mOMANCI  OV  WAB.  M9 

ippearanee  for  Icafiiea  around.  Suing  from  the  glittcrinit  citf,  ft 
nood  like  s  tubI  cotama  of  fire  >g*ingt  the  dnsk;  sky,  cauling  th« 
winifings  of  the  Tagos  to  gleam  a&r  off,  from  the  laTage  dcfikt 
and  deep  gorges  through  wluch  it  wandera.  The  aoldiers  irBre  bil- 
leted on  the  inbabitanta  dF  the  city,  within  the  walls ;  and  the  general, 
wi^  Mb  ■Caff,  was  received  into  the  maniion  of  the  gavemor.  El 
Medic* 


The  Highluiders  and  the  left  wing  of  an  Engliib  reniinent  (the  66tb, 
i  beliete)  were  quartered  in  the  mouldering  palace  of  the  ancient  kinsH 
otCaatite,  iheAlca:  '    '■ '"        ■•   f 


houso  of  refiifB  for 

with  officera  of  the  diTision.  tli 

the  town,  to  witneBs  the  repreeenution  or  a  new  piece.     11  waa  enciiiea 

me  Plaini  of  Sidanianea,Uii  conipased  byayoun^  ttadent  of  Toledo, 

inbononrof  the  late  victory  obtained  hy  the  Briiisb  arms.     Between 

tite  acts  at  jomadoi,  the  bands  of  the  Mtb  regiment  and  of  the  High- 

Undera  occa|iied  the  orcbeatn,  and  pUyed  a  number  of  Spanish  am, 

in  eompliment  to  the  aadience. 

A  nomic  opera,  called  the  Tonadilla,  closed  the  amoiementa  of  the 
erening.  It  was  performed  by  a  single  peraon,  a  young  and  pretty 
aetreas,  wbo  tang,  in  a  remarkably  sweet  Toice,  a  long  slory,  or  ballad, 
full  of  drollery,  loye-adTentnres,  and  gallantrv,  drawing  loud  applause 
and  aatootMling  vivoM  from  the  andieoce,  with  whom  she  appeared 
to  be  a  decided  fsToarile,  the  alage  being  strewed  with  tbe  chapieti 
and  bouquets  of  flowers  tossed  to  her  by  caialiers  from  the  tioiei 

Certainly  the  whole  performance  did  not  impress  the  British  portion 
of  the  audience  with  a  very  high  opinion  of  the  state  of  the  Spanish 
theatre.  The  honse  waa  amaU,  ill-constrncted,  ill-fitted  up,  and  ill- 
ligfabad  with  a  few  oil-lampi,  the  naoseoua  fumes  of  vhich,  mixed 
with  those  ot  oranges,  dgara,  and  garlic,  rendered  the  atmosphere 
yery  far  from  pure.  The  scenes  were  daubs,  tbe  attire  of  the  actors 
rags,  and  tbe  plsy  destitute  of  talent ;  but  the  beauty  of  the  bright- 
^ed  ladies  in  the  boxes,  tbe  pretty  actress  with  her  ionadilla,  and 
the  martial  music  in  the  orchestra,  were  sufficieuC  to  counteHialance 
other  drawbacks  and  defects. 

Sir  Rowland's  diriiion  lay  two  days  in  Toledo.  On  tbe  eiening 
before  they  marched,  Eooald  made  a  tonr  of  the  city  to  view  all  worth 
seeing.  After  visiting  the  famous  sward  manufactory,  which  yet  flou- 
rishes as  of  old,  he  bent  his  steps  towards  the  cathedral,  the  doors  of 
which  (like  those  of  all  contiaenCal  charehes)  stood  open  day  and  night. 
It  was  almost  dark  when  he  entered  it,  and  the  appearance  of  that  Tsst 
temple,  when  ioTolred  in  gloom  and  mystery,  is  fully  calculated  to 
impress  tbe  mind  witb  holy  sadness,  with  pore  veneration,  and  with 
awe.  The  pale  light  of  the  moon  and  stars,  twinkling  through  eighty- 
Ux  tinted  and  traceried  windows,  Alimmered  alternately  on  tbe  scorea 
nif  massiie  and  magnificent  coluiMs  that  upheld  the  lofty  roof,  and 
showing  them  where  Che  perspective  of  "  the  long-drawn  aisles"  yanisbed 
away  in  dirkoeas  and  otiicnrity.  Six  tall  candles  twinkled  before  the 
dark  painting  on  the  altar,  and  many  holy  tapers  gleamed  fitfully 
infkr  recesses  before  the  brines  and  images  of  Eugenius,  Casilda, 
Ildefonio,  Leocadia,  and  other  favourite  saints  of  Toledo,  before  which 
many  a  solitary  devotee  knelt  on  the  cold  pavement  in  earnest  prayer. 

Tm  dark  figures  of  monks  and  cavaliers, — Che  latter  in  broad  hats 


and  long  clailcs,  ««r«  Eliding  noiKleBBly  about,  adding  grotty  to  tin 
nneral  effect  ef  the  tcete,  Tker  moved  Kke  sbadaire :  mraelr  ■ 
fooehlt  wasbrwd  u  they  trod  lightly  on  the  csried  Elonei,  bflueath 
irUch  sleep  mmy  ■  Iring  sad  qaeea  o(  teii  Cutile, — mnij  ■  praad 
grandee  and  redonbCifale  warrier. 

After  eodeaioaring  to  dcoipher  by  the  dim  ligbt  of  a  neigbbmiriTig 
shrioe  the  poiopoos  ioscripCiona  on  the  marble  tombs  of  the  greol  Don 
Alyar  de  Lnna,  Cardinal  Mendoia.  and  others,  Ronald  tnmed  to  leaTe 
the  place,  fan  mind  filled  vith  adniratioQ  a»d  eutbasisra  at  its  iiit' 
Bern,  grandeur,  Mleamity,  and  nagnificeoce.  As  he  passed  don  ose 
of  Uie  side  aisles,  indn^ngin  a  train  of  these  fine  BentimantB,  tiefweto 
cut  short,  somewhat  abraptly,  by  a  person  coming  vioieotly   »|;«ii* 

"Sir,  yon  are  TCry  nneeremoniotia,"  cried  SimaM  mgrity,  fceBag 
fir  bis  sword.  "What  do  yon  nteao  by  coming  agUMt  me  thai 
radely  ?  " 

"  I  believe  T  may,  vitboat  injastiee.  ask  the  saiae  qnaalion  of  yoa," 
ananered  a  familiar  Toice;  and  as  they  adranced  ^m  bMwtoi  tke 
oolnmns  into  the  light  of  a  shiiae,  ftonald  beheld  with  BDtpriM  the  lace 
of  Louis  Lisle. 

"  ]  did  not  expect  yoa  an  very  aoddenly,  add  especially  here  atTt*- 
ledo."  said  he,  dabious  in  what  manner  to  greet  his  old  friend,  vkoae 
f^area  became  at  once  donded  by  the  cold  and  stern  eiprciina 
whidi  they  had  generally  worn  at  late,  eapecially  since  the  hovin 
which  he  beheld  the  interview  between  Btaart  uad  Catalina  in  tb« 
cottage  at  Almarez.  ' '  YoD  have  made  eipeditioD  in  yonr  maiGli  btm 
Lisbon." 

**  I  arrived  bat  about  two  bonrs  ago,  with  a  detachmeDt  of  oanv>- 
leacentB  from  Belem.  Yoti  ate  aware  Hiattfae  diviaMm  marches  otaut- 
riae  to-mono*  ;  so  I  wish  to  we  tbe  cathedral  before  leaving  Toledo," 
and  tnming  coldly,  be  was  about  to  mora  off. 

''Lonis  Lisle,"  exclaimed  Ranald,  soddeoly  and  fiercely,  a>  he 
sb^e  before  and  intercepted  him,  while  all  Ui  long  pent.np  indif- 
nation  brohe  forth  nncaatrollably  ;  "  halt,  sir  !  Yon  shd  not  aDr 
OBB  pace  from  the  spot  until  I  haye  spoken  with  yon.  We  moat  cone 
to  an  explanation  ;  my  own  bonoor  demands  it.  Whence  is  it,  Ukat 
yon  treat  me  in  this  stadied,  cold,  and  insolent  manner,  and  have 
ever  done  ao  since  that  kov  in  wbiob  we  met  on  tbe  f)am  at  I« 
Nava?" 

"  Recall  to  mind  yoor  conAnet  on  that  aecaaioii,  and  I  pnawae  yon 
areanfllciently  answered,"  was  the  cold  reply. 

"  IJale— Lisle ! "  eioladmed  Boiuld  bitterly,  "^en  chUdreD,  w' 

Caths  athomi  in  onr  own  coar* ''■ ^ — '  " 
icbiela,  we  were  conatant  co 
bat  blood.     Oh  1  why  aboald  il 


Veil  that  question  of  yottrseir^ir, — aak  of  yoai  ownfidwlMWCtl" 

pued  Lonia,  proudly  and  hidignlntly. 
''  Puny  !    Were  yon  ni  ' 


/,  Mr.  Stnart ;   1  am  not  accuatoraed  to  be  addteasad  in  tfaaae 
Orandering  tones." 

"  Diaoal,  Mr.  Lisle '.  I  an  at  a  losa  to  onderstamd  what  yoa  nMtS," 
exclaimed  Ranald,  hii  wrath  increaaing.  "  Did  yoa  not,  daring  Ibe 
retreat  into  Portiual,  and  tiw  advanee  agaia  from  CaatcDo  Brawjn  into 
^uniab  Eattemai&ra,  treat  bm  with  nn^ar  baDtesr  and  ocddueaa  !  ao 


mvch  K>,  that  it  hu  bem  reaurked  br  tb«  whola  i^;uaeBt, — trj,  BTcn 
the  brigiide  ? " 

"  I  •ckmwIedgB  that  /  Aotw,  lb.  Staut,"    said  I^ale,  (lii»iii| 
Mmself  op  to  hiB  foil  hright,  and  aettiDg  hia  bonnet  hani^itilr  on 


"Derth 

and    hlf  f    XjOQiA ! 

eicbinied    Stnart,    regndlen    of 

■  thoDiand  echws; 

"aod  for  «b>>t  hu  thi(  been  tlw 

"I  repeat  to  jrou  again— -search  roar  own  heart j    the  cauaa  liea 

"  Bluted  be  mj  heart  if  I  ask  it  of  an;  but  yourself  I"  replied 
Ronald,  hia  hot  Highland  blood  follT  roused.  "  As  I  hope  to  lire,  but 
otu  conaideratioa— one  remembrance  slouestBTS  mrhand  from  seeking 
the  DBDal  BBtiafaction— aj,  even  in  thia  cathedral.  Hal  snr^ly  thi* 
nurked  change  of  condnct  and  mamier  toirarda  an  old  companion  and 
brother- soldier,  caunot  be  in  conaeqaence  of  SirAllanliale's  obtaining 
the  peerage,  so  long  dormant  i " 

"  Ronald  Stuart,     exclaimed  the  other,  with  a  scornful  smile,  "too 

-btknowmt '--'—  "---  '-  ■---•-  •     --■■  •- '^--- 

.'  childish  ai 
as  mortal  man  could  be ;  ....  .      .  .      . 

Ronald  Stuart,  have  behaved  moat  cmelly,  faitUesslT,  and  basely  to 
one,  vkKue  name  raj  lips  shall  neTsr  utter  in  yoiu  presence  and 

"  Basely  1    Louis — Louis — " 

"  Well  do  yon  know  whom  I  meanl"  inlerrvipted  the  other  with 
increasing  vehemetice  ;  "  ahe  ia  inaeparably  connected  with  the  memory 
of  yoor  native  place.  Her  you  have  falsely  forgotten, — and  why, 
Hearen  only  knows.— forming  aMachments  here  among  Spaniards  and 

-' a,  while  her  heart  has  never  wandered  from  you." 

~ '  what  is  this  you  tell  me  now  ?" 

-  j.rniji,  and  the  feelings  of  an  enraged  yet  sorrowing  heartl  for  I 
have  long  mourned  in  secret  yonr  fickleness  and  inconatanpy— as  Ch>d 
is  my  hearer,  Ranald,  I  have!  I  deemed  that  yonr  hearts  were 
entwined  together  in  such  wise  that  nought  but  death  conld  laver  them ; 
but  I  have  been  mistaken.  1  believe  the  predictions  of  old  Cavers,  our 
nnne,  when  ahe  warned  the  poor  girl  to  beware  of  <iou,  are  now  ful- 
filled. Your  mother  was  one  of  the  Monteiths  of  Csimtowis,  and  the 
perfidy  of  the  race  appciirs  to  be  renewed  in  yourself, — even  at  this  late 

"  You  speak  strangely,  Liale,  and  in  riddles.  You  cannot  mean  to 
uualt  me  openly,  by  this  allusion  to  my  mother'a  hanoursble  and 
ancient  family  ?     I  can  forget  and  forgive — " 

"  Fahaw  1     J  supposed  so." 

"  How.  Mr.  Lisle 
cannot  anppoae  for  ai 

"  No,  Stuart;  acoward  never  came  of  your  race,  aa  my  ancestors 
ham  oftan  known  to  their  coat.  Thh  cross  which  at  this  moment 
glitters  on  your  breast  reminds  me  that  you  woald  not  shrink  from  any 
earthly  danger;  therefore  do  not  suppose  that  ray  indignation  will  lead 
—  'o  be  uujnat." 

V ?.....    ^nff,,  nFfim-  r  wnuiii  *|,v— . 

eiclumed  the  other,  as  if  the 


'angers,  while 
"  Lisle !  whs 


"  Yomr  sister— Alice!  of  her  I  would  speak." 
"  Never  let  her  name  pass  yoor  lipa  I "  eiclui 


Terr  toond  of  it  raiued  him  b>  freazj.  "  YoahHTe  destrajed  b«r,  ind 
almost  broken  her  too  leaaiEiTe— too  gentle — and  too  confiding  lieirt; 
but  I  will  revenge  her,  Stnut,  bj  the  powen  ot  He^iea  I  will '.  and  yua 
shall  bear  from  me  hj  daybreak.    For  thia  night,  1  defy  and  spit  apou 

He  nuhed  from  the  cathedral,  leaiing  Eooald  transflied  with  nge 


rinlid  by  COX  iBnUuii)  &  WYUAS,  74-71,  anU  Qbhii  Stmt. 


THE 

ROMANCE  OF  WAR: 


THE  HIGHLANDERS  IN  SPAIN. 


JAMES    GRANT,    ESQ., 


"  In  the  garb  of  old  Oo.nl,  wHli  Uie  In  of  old  Rome, 
From  tlie  besth-coreied  monntiiliu  of  Scotia  we  come ; 
Qdi  hnid-aoandliig'  yipc  braOhet  Uie  true  mnitiiil  ginfa 
And  DDT  taeun  lUll  tbe  old  Scottiiti  TalonrntelB." 


SECOHS    SESIIS. 


LONDON: 
GEORGE  ROUTLEBGE  &  CO^  SOHO  SQUABK 


.-n,Googlc 


THE    ROMANCE    OF   WAR. 


„e  at  Lionia  B  maaltini  defiance,  Ronald  returned  to  bis 

,   .    n  the  AlcBDzsr,  determined  at  daybreak  to  anniiDon  him  farlb,  to 

ligbt  or  apolDgiie.  He  often  repeated  tbevorilB,  "  Her  heart  hu  never  naii - 
dered  from  yon."  Ah!  if  thia  ahou  Id  indeed  ho  the  case,  and  that  Alice  loved 
him  after  all !  Bat  from  Lonia  his  honour  demanded  a  full  explanation 
and  ample  apology,  either  of  which  he  feared  Hie  prond  spirit  of  the  other 
wonld  never  stoop  to  grant.  Yet,  to  leret  a  deadly  neapon  axaioat  the 
brother  of  Alice. — againat  him  to  whom  he  had  been  a  constant  friend  and 
companion  in  childhood  Bnd  matnrer  yoatb,  and  perbapi  by  a  single  shot 
to  destroy  him,  the  hopes  and  the  peace  of  bit  amiable  father  and  siater, 
be  felt  that  ahnuld  thia  happen,  he  never  could  forgive  himself.  But  there 
■as  no  altcraatiie ;  it  vas  death  or  diabooonr. 

Two  wayi  lay  before  him,~to  fight  or  not  to  fight :  and  hia  lense  of 
injured  honour  made  him,  without  hesitation,  choose  the  fiist,  and  he 
waited  in  no  ordinary  anxiety  for  the  da<rn,  when  Alister  Macdonald,  who 
was  a&sent  on  duty,  would  tetnm  to  the  quarters  of  the  regiment. 

Next  morning,  when  the  grey  daylight  was  beginning  faintly  to  show  the 
dark  court!  and  gloomy  arises  of  the  Alcanzar,  he  sprung  from  hia  couch, 
which  had  been  nothing  else  than  his  cloak  laid  on  the  poliabed  floor  tiles ; 


dnty  ?" 

"No.     Why?" 

"  Because  Liale  has  asked  me  Co  wait  upon  you." 

"Upon  mef"  asked  Konald,  with  a  frown  of  anrprise.  "Upon  me, 
Chisboloi?" 

"Yes  ;  of  eonrw  yon  will  remember  what  occnrred  in  the  cathedral  last 

"How  could  I  everforeet  ?  Mr.  Liale,  nnder  its  roof,  inaulted  me  most 
groasly,"  replied  Kondd.  his  lips  n^wing  whit«  with  anger.  "  1  wesja.'^t 
■bout  to  aeek  Macdonald  to  give  him  a  message,  but  Mr.  Lisle  has  antici- 

"For  Heaven's  lake,  Stuait,  let  na  endeavoar  to  settle  this  matter 
amicably  !  lliink  of  the  remorse  which  an  honourable  survivor  most 
always  feel.  A  bnndred  men  slain  in  action  are  nothing  to  one  life  lost  in 
1  dnel." 

a  these  worda  to  Tonr  principal, — they  are  lost  on  ue;  bat  you 


"  It  is  long  line 
Cameron  is  qaiU  ai 

of  my  own  honour, "  uid  Rontld  haoghtilr. 

"  Ab  you  plBHse,"  replied  the  other,  with  an  air  of  pique:  "Liileand 
yOD  have  long  been  on  very  distant  terms,  and  tlie  omcers  have  alwavs 
predicted  that  the  matter  would  lerminate  in  this  way." 

"  Curse  their  unpertinenl  curioBity  1  A»d  so  Liale  rails  me  ost  is  con- 
Beqnenoe  ef  the  lugh  words  we  exchanged  in  tha  eatfaedral  last  nighi  ?" 

'-  That  is  one  reason— the  least  one,  1  believe.  He  mentioned  that  his 
sister.  MisFi  Lisle—" 

"  Stay,  Chisholm  !  I  w 
anddenly  chanKing  his  mi 
Lisle.    Goon." 

"  Faith,  Stuart,  you  seem  mnroandrdly  confused.  Do  settle  this  matter 
in  peace.  Lisle  has  told  me  the  story,  in  confidence,  and  I  think  you  hare 
been  to  blame, — indeed  yoa  bate.  Send  Lisle  an  apology,  for  I  assure 
yon  he  is  bailing  with  passion,  and  will  not  yield  a  hair's  breadth." 

"  Chisholm,  then  how  in  the  deviL's  name  can  ^on  suppbce  that  I  will?" 
exclaimed  Ronald,  bis  aager  getting  the  better  ot  his  confuaioo.  "  Never, 
by  Heaven  !  never  will  I  apohigiie  when  I  have  suffered  tb«  indinuty.  He 
haa  challenged  me,  and  fate  most  now  decide.     T  wilt  meat  bim. 

"  Alister  Macdona^,  if  he  haa  returned ;  if  not,  I  shall  have  Logan." 

"  Macdonald  returned  about  midnight  with  same  stragglers  fiom  Tar- 
riioB,  and  will  not  relish  being  disturbed  so  early," 

•■  Never  mind  that  j  an  hour-s  sleep  less  or  more  ia  scwcely  to  be  coa- 
aidered  when  lives  are  in  jeopardy.     Where  is  the  meetiof-plaEe  ?" 

"The  bridge  of  Toledo.  Yoa  will  barely  be  in  time.  8ij  is  the  hour  i 
it  wants  fifteen  minutes  of  it  by  mv  watch, 

"Well,  you  may  leave  tne  now. 

Knowing  it  vas  needless  to  say  any  more  about  a  reconciliatioD,  CU»- 
holm  departed-,  and  Bonald,  after  buckling  on  his  svord  and  dirt. 
stood  for  a  few  minutes  holding  his  boanet  in  bis  band  irresolutely,  wUle 
he  sunk  into  a  reverie  of  deep  and  bittar  refleotioos,  of  what  his  affectionate 
old  sire  and  faithful  depeni^ts  at  Lochisla  would  fe^  should  he  die  by 
the  hanil  of  Lisle,  whose  very  name  they  rerarded  with  so  much  jealoosy 
and  distroat.  He  also  thought  of  Alice  tad  Lord  Lisle,  what  their  ■»!■ 
timents  would  be  if  the  reverse  was  the  case,  and  the  one  lost  a  dear  brother 
— the  other  a  beloved  son,  who  was  the  only  heir  and  hope  of  an  aiKdait 
honae,  and  the  successor  to  its  title.  He  remembered  also  th«  wordi  of 
Louis.  Could  it  be  that  Alice  might  yet  love  him  ?  Bat  no  j  tbat  wis 
imposaible !  He  threw  his  cloak  around  him,  and  rushed  from  the  dma. 
ber  to  seek  that  of  Macdonald,  who  was  ready  to  attend  him  in  a  moment 
Suddenly  remembering  that  he  bad  no  pistols,  be  toroed  into  aa  apaitmeat 
occupied  by  Major  Campbell,  to  request  the  loan  of  his. 

It  was  a  spafious  and  splendid  room,  with  i  ceiling  twenty  feet  ui 
height.  A  colonnade  supported  the  root,  the  carved  beams  of  whicli 
stretched  across  from  the  gilded  cornices  on  each  side.  The  ceiling  sad 
walla  were  covered  with  frescoes,  hut  the  plaster  sad  the  once  bright,  am} 

Oeous  gilding  were  miserably  faded  and  dilqiidatedby  time  aad  neglect, 
ed  in  his  cloak,  and  coiled  Dp  in  a  comer  of  tbia  vast  ai^  empty  hill, 
the  bulky  frame  of  Campbell  by  on  the  tessellated  pavement,  and  u 
doubt  be  found  it  a  bed  somewhat  cold  and  hard.     Mis  pillow  was  formeit 

Khis  long  Andrea  and  favourite  rUKg,  with  a  plaid  railed  round  tbao. 
s  dirk  and  steel  Highland  pistols  lay  on  one  aide  of  Lim,  and  an  empt; 


injitin  BD  the  odin.  T«7  deaelate  indeed  he  appeared,  lying  in  ■  coraer 
of  thiChotcipiHtawBt,  vliich  was  UteU]' deatitnce  of  funutaie.  Soiiald 
ihDok  him  k^r  the  ibeahkr. 

"  Jf  that  is  yom,  Serjeant  MadMhoi,"  said  he,  »pB«lling  Tery  FroaglT 
beocath  the  cape  of  hii  cloak,  "  I  Dniat  beg  lesTe  Co  ioAnvi  yen  that  I  have 
aathiui  to  do  noir  «ith  No.  1  eampan;.  1  am  dooe  with  all  that  sort  of 
diity  Hoik,  aa  yoi  wiU  ae*  by  Che  latl  Gaittte.  Applr  to  Mr.  Kennedy, 
and  taJte  jr>wne\t  oft  mi  tb«  drata  brats.  I  wish  the  inferaal  Harse 
Goards  wonld  order  eii  halting  daya  every  week,  iaBteMl  of  anty  Sanday 
and  Turaday," 
"  Look  op,  major  !     'Tis  I— Stuart." 

"  What  is  the  matter  ? "  cried  Chn  other,  boHing  np,  and  ihoinBg  that 
Ihecontanta  of  the  borachio-Bkia  were  operating  still  on  hii  brain  ;  "what 
it  the  n^er  now  ?  It  ia  very  hard  that  a  field-officer,  aai  OM  tod  that 
liM  seen  the  tirida  of  Alciandria,  Eemont-oii-Zee,  and  the  onilaucht  of 
CopeBhocea,  sboold  be  bd  iwsleced  by  snbalCems.  How  Ihia  hard  bed 
nakfs  uy  boasa  ache !  1  hare  ^lept  softer  on  the  hot  yellow  aand  in 
Egypt'  £hey  tell  me  this  was  the  hed-raom  of  I>Dn  Albnao  the  First, 
liiDg  of  Caatile.  Deril  mend  him  I  I  anppnse  he  did  not  sleep  on  the 
pavement  with  a  claymore  for  a  pillow,  like  CoKd  Campbell,  of  Craigtian- 
leoch,  IB  Leme.  a  better  man— for  what  ia  any  Caetilian  don  when  com. 
'  pand  to  a  daine-iratsal  of  Argyle  ?"  The  mejof  snapped  bis  flngera.  and 
it  was  erideut  he  was  lety  bpsy.  "  But  what  do  you  waot,  Roaald,  aiy 
boy?"  he  added. 

"The loan  of  yoorpistola,  vHVor,  for  ten  DtinBtesonly.    I  hare  a  very 
dinn-eeable  affiur  to  adjust  this  moming." 

"1  regret  to  bear  it;  liaCit  ia  with  none  of  oaia,  Ihope,  ny  knight  of 
Santiago  ?" 

"Thiaia  no  time  for  jesting.    'Tls  with  a  PoitagaeM  of  Colonel  Caoip- 
belt'a  brigade,"  said  Rniald,  colovring  at  the  neceaaary  falaehood. 

"  Pah  r  only  a  Partugriese, — a  dirty,  garlic-eating  deril.    There  are  the 
inslo)«;  and  remember,  always  level  low.  and  fire  the  instant  the  word  is 
given.     I  hope  yonr  aim  is  steady.     A  little  hartshorn- water,  or  Eaa  de 
Cologne,  are  eicellent  things  to  njb  it  with.     I  am  sorry  1  neyer  keep  any 
nfHwae  thincsi^ut  me:  Egypt  cnred  me  of  them.    Take  Stewart,  the 
nKsistant-BargeoH,  with  yon,  and  come  back  when  tb*  tubie  ia  orer,  and 
Eire  me  an  acconot  of  it." 
"  Yon  forget,  major.     I  may  never  come  back." 
"And  yonr  oppoaenta  Portngnes*  !     Who  ia  yonr  second  ?" 
"  Macoonald,— Maodonald   of  tnehkenneth.      These  pistols  are  «ery 
hsudBDv*.**  observed  Ronald,  with  afected  careheasBesB,  as  he  esanaincd 
the  MDOea  with  which  the*  were  studded,  and  aorreyed  the  flints  and 
locks. 

"Ah!  tbey  ere  indeed  handsome.     My  grandfather  took  thetn  out  of 
theltalu  of  Douglas's  belt,  after  he  had  anhoraed  hina  at  Shirraaiair, 
They  did  some  eieentiqn  at  Cnlloden,  too." 
"  Or  I)m  right  side,  of  ooarse  ? " 

"Yes;  lathe  army  of  the  Princa.  Use  this  aae,  with  t6e  nairn-goniTO 
ontebott.  The  other  throws  high,  aod  you  wnold  need  Balevd  to  the  boot 
to  hit  the  belt.  It  happened  so  with  me  al  Grand  Cairo,  when  firing  at  a 
Turkish  thief.  I  aimed  al  his  sash,  and  the  ball  knocked  off  hia  turban. 
1  wonld  teUyina  all  the  story,  but  there  is  no  tia>e.  1  havena  fear  of  you  ; 
so  be  off.  my  lad.  Qod  bless  yoo  I  and  steady  yonr  hand.  Do  not  let  it 
be  said  ^t  a  Fartagnaae  gained  and  kept  the  gronad  before  a  Scotsman, 
and  OM  of  the  Gor&n  Htghlandera." 
At  the  gate  of  Um  Akanzar  be  met  Mudoo^,  and,  wrapping  them- 


kItm  up  in  ttiwr  doski,  as  ths  momin;  air  wai  cold  and  chilly,  dieT 
tinrried  towardg  the  bridge  of  Toledo.  The  itreeU  appealed  Eloomy  aod 
doll  in  the  grey  ligbtof  tbe  morning,  and  bite  their  o«d  ftoothlU  no  other 
sound  broke  the  ailence.  The  moit  public  places  were  absolutely  deserted. 
Tbe  shops  noder  the  piazzu  of  the  Plus,  the  stalls  in  the  market'plicr. 
the  i:af4»  and  tabemat  vers  slill  all  closed.  Too  or  three  halberdien 
stood  at  tbe  gate  of  El  Medico'i  reaidence,  and  these  were  ill  they  met. 
UTeacIoaiied  cavalier,  who  by  a  ladder  of  ropes  suddenly  descended  from 
the  window  into  die  street,  and  disappeared. 

On  reaching  the  bridge  which  ipana  tbe  Tagus,  immediately  beneath  the 
cannon  and  bottleiiieDta  of  the  city,  tbey  foond  Lisle  and  Cliiahalm  amit. 
ing  tbeni.  A  pistol.csBB  lay  on  the  parapet  oier  which  they  were  leaning, 
watching  the  smooth  waters  of  the  riier  as  they  hurried  on  between  rocky 
led^s,  banks  overhung  with  foliage,  aud  willOH-treei  ^at  flourished 
amidst  the  atrcam.  A  thick  white  mist  was  beginning  to  curl  up  from  the 
bed  of  the  river,  exhaled  by  the  increasing  beat  of  tbe  morning  enn,  whoae 
rays  were  tiugine  the  east  with  red,  and  ibe  cross  on  the  beautifal  spire  of 
the  cathedral,  from  one  of  tbe  towerj  of  which  waved  a  broad  and  crimson 
banner,  bearing  the  arms  of  Toledo— the  imperial  crown  of  Spain. 

"  A  very  disagreeable  bnajness  Chie,  Mscdonald,"  whispered  Chisliolm, 
as  he  took  the  arm  of  tbe  other,  and  led  him  aside  to  the  parapet  of  the 
bridge,  where  they  communed  for  a  few  aeconda,  leaving  the  principals, 
awkwardly  enough,  to  atare  at  each  other  or  admire  the  acenery,  wbicbever 
tbey  cboae. 

Anotber  attempt  at  an  amicable  ariangement  was  made,  but  without 
snccees ;  both  parties  were  too  much  dasperated  to  yield  in  ths  leaiC 
degree.  "  Once  more  I  ask  you,  Stnart,"  said  Cbisbolm,  coming  fbraard, 
"  cannot  this  unhappy  affair  be  sdjaated  without  recourse  to  arms  ?" 

' '  You  are  a  good-hearted  fellow,  Chisliolm.  and  I  fully  *p|H«ciate  your 

Eiod  intentions,  bnt  your  words  are  lost  upon  me;  I  refer  yon  to  Mr. 
iale  for  an  answer.  Mine  was  tbe  iniolt,  and  any  apology  sbooli]  there- 
fore come  from  him." 

"  It  abatl  not  1 "  exclaimed  Liale,  bitterly  ;  "  I  will  rather  die  than  apo- 
logize.    Stuart,  you  sAafl  Gght  me ;  and  if  not — '' 

"  ijile, — Lisle  1  your  behaviour  ia  very  violent  and  moat  anjuatifiable." 

"  I  am  the  beat  judge,  Mr.  Macdonald,  1  fight  in  the  cause  of  another, 
and  not  for  myselv'  said  Iiouia,  and  he  turned  baoghtily  on  his  heel,  and 
again  walked  to  tbe  parspet. 

"  '  im  perfectly  disposed  to  accept  of  an  apology,"  observed  Ronald  to 


ZS!' 


thasecanda,  in  a  subdued  voice;  "but  as  one  wiU  not  be  given, on  Lisk's 
own  bead  will  rest  the  guilt  of  tbe  blood  shed  this  morning,  lids  qnarrrl 
has  been  of  his  own  aaeking,  not  mine.  Heaven  knows  bow  loath  1  am  (o 
fight  with  him,  but  there  ia  no  alternative  now.  MeasuTB  tlie  ground,  and 
give  us  our  weapons." 
"Then,  Macdonald,"  add  Chisholm,  "all hopes  of  an aocommodslion 

"Quite:  yoarpriadpal  Is  much  to  blame.  But  we  must  be  eipedilions, 
— see  how  red  the  horizon  is  ;  tbe  drums  will  beat  in  ten  minutes." 

Daring  the  measuring  of  tbe  ground  and  the  loading  of  tbe  pistnla, 
Ronald  nied  bia  eyea  on  Che  saffron  eait,  where  the  ann  was  about  tn  rise 
iu  all  its  splendonr  above  tbe  mountains  of  Castile.    Appearing  black 

black  old  mina  of  tl 
romance,  where  "  Rd 

in  prayer  and  vigil.     __.       ,      ,_ 

xppty  windows,  brighlaung  in  a  blaze  of  glory  ijl  tKnmd,  and  giving 


prDtniae  of  another  day.  Ronald  gueJ  eutwar J  wistfally.  In  ten  minntes 
more  the  boq  would  be  op,  but  bj  that  dme  the  eyes  of  either  Lisle  or 
himulf  might  be  sealed  for  ever.  Ronald  iiicCurad  what  wonld  be  the 
eniatiaiis  of  Alice  if  her  brother  nas  slain,  becauae  «he  lOTed  him  well. 
He  thonght  of  his  father,  too ;  and  remembered  paiafoUjr  that  he  iroald 
ilmost  emit  if  yonng  Liale  was  slain  in  this  coiiteat. 

His  reTerie  was  interrnpted  by  Alister. 

**AI1  is  readyt — Lisle  has  taken  his  ground, "  said  he,  putting  into 
Ronald's  hand  the  cold  steel  bntt  of  the  Highland  pistol.  "  For 
Haven's  sake,  or  rather  your  own,  appear  a  little  more  collected. 
lide  seems  determiiied  to  shoot  you,  in  rerecge  for  your  neglect  of  his 

"•Yoa  bave  mentioned  the  only  thing  which  can  annerveand  nnman  me. 
Chiriiolm  haa  told  you,  I  suppose?" 

"  Yes.     An  eiplanalion  might  yet  clear  np  this  business." 

"  I  scorn  to  ask  it  now  !" 

"  Are  yoa  ready  .'"cried  Cbisholm,  who  had  posted  Lisle  fourteen  paces 
off. 

"AU  ready." 

"  Stand  aside,  Macdonald.    I  believe  that  I  must  gire  the  word." 

"  A«  yon  please."  Alister  retired,  but,  like  Chisholm's,  his  heart  was 
filled  with  a  pdnful  feehng  of  SBspense  and  dread. 

The  fatal  word  was  given,  and  the  report  of  both  pistols  instantaneously 
followed.  Ronald  fired  into  the  air,  but  reeled  backwards  a  few  paces  and 
sunk  on  the  roadway.  Louis's  steru  loek  immediately  relaxed,  and  he 
rushed  towards  him,  tossing  wildly  away  the  other  pistol. 

" Hesven  be  merciful  and  look  down  on  me,  I  have  killed  him!  O, 
StoBrt,  Ronald  Stuart  t  speak  to  me,"  and  he  knelt  over  iiim  with  all  the 
remoiae  that  a  brave  and  generous  heart  is  capsbleoCfediDg,  after  the  gust 

"  The  ball  has  passed  throogh  his  breast."  whispered  Macdooald,  in  an 
agitated  tone.  "  Unclasp  the  plaid,  and  open  his  coat.  There  is  do  blood; 
it  must  be  flowing  inlemally.'' 

ITiese  observations,  though  made  nnintenlionally,  added  greatly  to  the 
distreaa  of  Louis  Lisle  ;  hut  the  unclasping  of  the  sbonlder-belt,  the  undo, 
ing  of  the  sash,  the  plaid,  and  yellow  riband  of  his  gorget,  aroused  Ronald, 
who,  to  tJieir  great  surprise,  rose  slowly  to  his  feet. 

"Why,  what  are  yon  all  about,  unharnessing  me  thus?  I  am  not 
vonnded ;  but  I  have  received  a  devil  of  a  shock.  By  a  perfect  miracle  I 
have  been  saved."  * 

"One  I  shall  everbli^  !"  said  Lisle,  praising  bis  hand. 

"How  is  this?"  eiclumed  Chisbolm,  in  astonishment;  "the  boll  has 
glanced  off  and  torn  your  coat,  as  if  you  wore  a  corslet  nnder  it." 

"ByJovel  the  miniature  hassaved  him.  Heweareone:  lusedtoquiz 
him  aboQt  it  at  Merida,"  said  Macdonald,  as  be  pulled  open  the  yellow 
Isppel  of  the  regimental  coat,  and  displayed  the  little  portrait  hung  around 
hisneck  by  a  (*iin.  "You  perceive  that  the  silver  case  has  turned  the 
ball,  whicli  has  become  flattened  against  the  parapet  yonder.     Such  a  very 

'-  The  miniature  I  how  comes  this  tc 


, and;  and  from  Chat  timo 

nuil  thii  1  have  contiaually  worn  it  near  my  heart,  preserving  >'  carefully 


*nd  pceaknuly  aa  aay  taoak  doea  here  the  |Heee  of  vood  irbidi  he  oim- 
ndea  >  put  of  the  true  oroH.  Never  f  et  hare  I  parted  with  du  relic  for 
k  momeift,  ihhough  I  awn  that  I  wu  on  the  pwt  of  deatrofiiK  it  when  I 


Hfadford  and  yottr  n 
tbii  time." 

"The  Eirlof  Hjndford  1"  eiciainHd  Louis,  is  a  ione  of  aitoudiBBSit. 
"  Hbb  that  acoaned  and  allf  rapon  been  Ae  raaae  <^'»ai  long  aliCBMiaa 
and  qaanelliiffi  ?  Hyndfard,^!  had  fbrgotten  that  kfair  altoHnher,  or 
uerer  aappoced  it  coold  have  reached  jm  here  in  Spain.  We  have  both 
beencniellr  mistaken,  but  all  viU  }k  happmeaa  again.  Gi*e  me  you 
hand,  Stuart,  aod  we  will  be  frieDde  and  brothers  as  of  yore.  Your  heart 
is  Btill  unhanged,  and  I  pledge  you  my  biniour  that  &e  aSBCtioDa  of  Alice 
are  yours  as  much  as  erer.  Bnt  this  bustile  naeting  caait  he  coneealed 
from  her,  atherwise  we  ahoald  never  be  forgiren.  Oar  eeoondi  will  ttera 
speak  of  the  mstler ;  their  honour  is  a  safficieut  wamnt  for  their  aecFen." 

Farther  cODTereatiDa,  and  the  congratailatiaiis  of  Cbashobn  and  Mac- 
donald,  were  cut  short  by  the  drums  beating,  and  they  were  all  compeikad 
to  hurry  off.  Lisle  took  tlie  arm  of  Ronald,  and  they  went  tawarda  the 
muEter-plice  by  «  tliftereat  route  from  that  parsned  by  thor  seconda,  so 
that  tbey  might  Avely  cODverse  and  giie  acDjie  to  their  thoogbta.  A  coiDst 
agreeable  revulsion  ot'feeKng  had  taken  }dace  in  their  la'    ' 

"  O  Ronald  StdaKl  I  have  been  moe^  to  blame  ia  t 
Usle.  "  much  to  Uaane  indeed.    And  can  you  forgirec 

"Fredv,  Louis,"  replied  the  other,  presamg  his  haad.  "ladnitathi 
spirit  with  which  yon  bare  peiSled  life  and  iimb  for  Hie  causa  of  Alice. 
Andso  the  dear^ia  yet  true !" 

*'  Traa  aa  the  aon  I  But  1  wai  inAniated,— «h«>it  laddt—d  br  ?Mii 
aaening  indifferenoe.  It  now  flashes  spaa  my  mind  tkat  yoD  ttaatiaatii 
Lord  Hyndford  in  our  oulucky  qaarrel  at  Ia  Nara.  UatH  thia  In^  1 
had  forgotten  that ;  and  probably  bat  far  our  monntate  ptideaad  ScKttdi 
BtDbboraoes^  we  might  Imtb  oome  to  a  satiafaetoiy  uplaiutiOD  tarelra 
months  ago.  What  a  deal  of  hitter  feeling  theyar^nphof  ttratwrMAad 
newspaper  has  ooossioned  '.  Bat  that  is  all  at  as  ead.  and  aaw,  ttank 
Heaven  I  we  wiH  no  iocger  igreet  oach  other  like  hostile  claBsaten.  widi 
(looBiy  and  aTcrted  eyes,  as  our  sins  did  of  yore.  In  all  hec  letton  to  me 
Alice  has  deplored  tbat  for  twelre  montta  past  jiM  bave  brolDen  off  all 
correspoodence  with  her, — indeed  never  having  wntten  ones  SBce  yoa  left 
Locbisla ;  and  my-eicusea  appear  to  have  been  very  onsatiabiMry  to  ber." 

"  I  feared  that  my  letters  mieht  fall  into  Sir  .Mian's  hands,  bmI  eidta 
his  displeasare.    And  afterwarOs  our  ipiarral  t(t  L*  Nma  ai^Mred  ta  «an- 

"  Say  no  more  of  them.  I  Inve  in  my  poaaearion  a  letter  fhmi  her  to 
yon.  1  was  totrasted  with  it  on  lewtug  faome ;  hot  so  ifreat  was  the  irrita- 
tioD  I  felt  from  onr-meetine  at  La  Nava,  Ikat  inatBad  of  deKrecsni  it,  it 
has  lain  in  my  bagnge  «ntif  diis  honr, — ■sarlysubeleHar." 

"  Cnul  and  foBtiib  1      Ak,  Lisle  1  bow  c«wld  70D  •«  M 
DonbilesB  It  would  bav«  nnraveHtd  thit  natter." 

' '  You  know  not  by  what  indignant  eenldments  I  was  prsBpted.  Mdo 
hardened  my  beaM,  for  I  toVsd -Alice  dearly ;  bnt,  Stuart,  I  have  heard 
some  Strang  stotieawUapeiedatow  mess-table,  ia  which  year  tune  was 
entwined  with  tbat  of  a  certijn  Donna  Catalina.  Yon  change  countenaeea." 

"Poor  ViBaFrBnea;  aha  was  indeed  a  very  beaotifbl  woman,  and  I  wiD 
■cknoiriedn  that,  jealeoa  and  irritaled  aa  I  was  at  Alioe's  suppgsad  daa^ 
tion,  I  yielded  gieatly  to  the  lAaamM  ef  the  noUe  Spanish  lady ;  hot  I  awaat 
toyoa,  Louis,  that  Alice— Alice  aloae,  is  the  only  beinf,  the  oalywoMM 


"OcMleDteB,  ttte  regnaeot  baa  fellen  in,"  nid  tin  KrjcHit-nujor. 
bwflifawiy  orertaking  the  loiMra^.  "  The  adjaUtDt  sent  me  to  look  for 
Tm,  Mr.  Iirie<    Von  arete  ouiy  the  Idng's  coloiir  M-<bT,  rir."    llqr 

SoDild  Aetired  dte  moct  eiqidflU  pleHore  ftom  Ab  raeoiMdIi>tion  with 
hit  (M  friend ;  ud  it  im  akma  equalted  b;  (be  d«li|^tfal  idm  that  Alice 
Tstfctred  hin,  and  was  the  shdc  gentle,  wimtini,  andnloomiof  ereatarsaa 
enr, — and  wmHyet  be  hi*,  when  dlthe  psrih  of  campaigning  were  put. 
Eagerly  he  longed  for  m  ononanitT  to  write ;  and  wluit  a  d^  he  had  to 
tell  her,- — of  love  asd  war,  -of  fatvre  happineai,  and  nnltnil  tandenteu ! 

Tlte  long-<ktsined  letter  of  Atioe  coud  not  be  procured  from  Che  depths 
of  Li»le'H  baegage-trnnliB,  nntil  the  halt  Ht  the  raiDOuB  little  town  of  Villa 
HayOT.  AhboDgh  the  march  was  only  twelte  miles,  and  lay  along  the  left 
bau  Of  the  Tagm,  among  Ae  most  beautifal  scenery, — wood  and  water, 
nicba  and  nnne,  ficMa  and  Tinerards, — it  appeared  to  Ronald  ttie  longest 
■id  nwBt  weMiBome  he  bad  em  perfbrmed.  As  soon  u  he  tec«Ted  the 
Isttei  from  IiOids,  he  nnbed  hway  to  a  aeclnded  nook  or  bower  <^  oran^ 
trees,  by  the  riter  side,  and  jtrepwed  to  oon  it  orer  in  secret.  '  He  haatdy 
\i8sed  and  broke  lln  seal,  which  tioie  the  cre«t  of  ^  Monteiths  of  Cum- 
towii,  witb  ttae  sraUo  Setpt  (nnte.  Konsld  knew  the  si^fnct  ring  of  his 
iDother,  wtach  he  had  giTen  to  Jl^ce  when  he  bade  hei  adien  in  t£e  lawn 
farfbre  Indiama-lMnee. 

"laeteTflD,  FerOsbire,  ]<MiDeoembeT,l811. 

"Vt  Dbasist  Itoir&i.D, 

**  Loins  has  dMBdyaetitroit'Ba  less  than  three  letters,  addressed  to  the 
it  tM  E4iBbu^  and  LiSban,  hot,  sIbiI  ve  haTe  oerer  yet  teceived 

'■' — -'— -one  oftliBin  hate  reached  von.     Iknownot 

1  SpaiK,  bnt  I  am  afraid  that  all  oar  letters 

^  J t  lu(Te  written  Lonts  and  bk  many  by  this 

e  1  seid  in  tile  care  of  my  dear  brother,  who  leB«eBns  lo- 

monow  to  join  yoiir  reghnent  Ah  I  t  ibdl  be  lery  lonely  withont  him, 
and  'wiaSl  -weep  long  nod  bittarly  when  he  is  gone.  I  anall  have  nn  me  then 
to  whom  1  oaa  imwrt  my  tiuMghte,  or  spesk  of  yon ;  and  my  tsars  and 
anxiety  will  be  rraonbled,  when  yon  are  both  exposed  ts  the  dangers  of 
war.  9mce  yon  left  Peillishire,  I  hare  never  heard  of  a  victoiy  wiUiout 
weepJog,  and  I  dare  not  read  the  lists  of  '  killed,  wounded,  and  miasing,' 
test  the  Dame  of  one  AonH  be  there, — one  on  whom  my  thooghts  erer 
dwdl  ai  tbar  dearest  treoiH*.  I  cannot  look  at  the  paper,  which  a  ser- 
fT  momingfrem  Perth  onhonebadc,  bnt  I  sichreitthlessly. 


gB  eretr  moKiuig  from  Perth  onhonebadc,  be 

a  trembUng  wsUhing  the  hce  of  nipa,  si  he 
.    O  gosdnev  gnide  sae,  fionaldi  ny  anxiet 


breakfbst.  O  gosdneas  gnide  sae,  fionaldi  ny  amMy  asd  pain,  lest  bis 
fcttwea  Aonld  change,  ase  indeed  beyond  descoiptian.  How  drcsrily  the 
dbya  hare  passed  nnoe  yen  left  as;  an  I  generally  qiend  0iem  in  waader- 
ing  among  the  places  TUB  nd  LonisIoTed  best.  And — hot  enoi^h  of  this  : 
I  mnst  nM  amnce  my  IMMr  a  dimal  one.  Lonls  tame  time  ago  appeared 
rtthensRh  bifl  in  llieiinilbTm  of  the  OordoB  Highlanders;  sndlaasnre 
ytin  tbot  Aihe  yooBg  hdira  were  qidte.ia  kne  with  Idm,  hirly  tooohed 
wick  fte  soartet  fever.  He  ontsboise  the  -militia,  Teomsnry,  and  even  Ute 
imrtartaDaiyf  fligUHrf  gentlemren&vm  Ae  bills.  How  well  a  gay  oniibnii 
iMca  in  a  ball-toafa  1  mi  ineii  a  Hotter  it  creMes  in  Oie  bnrts  of  tha 


them  more  agre«a1>le  than  itll  the  rest  of  mankind.'    If  tbia  is  the  cass,  ne 

are  to  be  excused  for  being  eabdned  by  the  gay  epaulel:. 

"  Lord  Hyndford  hiu  been  iovra  here  residing;  with  as  for  some  time 
pMt,  ciyojing  tba  grauaa -shooting  with  papa.  He  is  »  lery  nice  old  gentle- 
man,  with  white  hair  and  a  purple  Saca, — tue  lastoccaaionedt  J  aappose.  br 
his  ddnMng  so  much  of  port ;  for  e^erj  day  afti:r  iliimer  he  takes  for  his 
share  a  battle  of  papa's  own  '  paiticalar.'  He  has  become  lery  peculiar 
and  Enarked  in  bis  atteotioae  to  me  of  late,  (the  idea  of  the  thing  !)  and, 
dear  Ronald,  it  would  almost  make  yau  jetdous,  could  you  but  see  him 
hanging  over  me  with  a  aentimontal  expression  on  his  droll  old  facet  when 
lam  playing  on  the  haip  or  piano.  But  I  love  to  tease  him,  sad  always  singi 
**  '  Hfl'icpminK'fnu  tbenoTlb  tbafatoinvTy  mc, 

A  fnlbtr  in^it  boni]«?aad  Ibe  kiJt  ab^  hii  knee : 
Bo'i  ■  banaie  KiglUwd  laddie,— but  jou  ue  do  be.' 

"Indeed  he  annoya  me  very  much,  aa  I  cannot  be  troabled  nitli  hk 
attentions,  and  you  know  I  never  Sirt.  In  this  afBur,  that  Wliich  annoyed 
me  moat  was  a  notice  which  appeared  in  a  newspaper  about  bis  proposals 
to  me.  Such  horrid  prying  creatures  those  news-people  are  1  But  the 
editor  came  here  to  lachason,  and  made  so  many  apologies,  that  he  got  off 
free,  Bltbaagh  papa  had  tbreatened  to  borsewhip  faim.  But  I  shall  soon  be 
rid  of  Hyndford,  as  the  grouse- sbooting  ends  to-day  ;  and  hSmuat  aouago 
to  Edinburgh,  to  attend  a  meeting  of  Scots  peers  at  Hol^rood; 

"  Your  father,  poor  man,  moat  feel  veir  lonely  now  withoat  you,  espe- 
cially as  he  lives  so  far  up  the  gleu,  in  that  dreary  old  tower,  sunonnded 
by  heather  IuIIh,  water,  and  rocks.  1  wish  greatly  that  papa  and  be  were 
goad  friends ;  but  he  is  so  very  prond,  and  so  very  distant,  that  1  see  no 
chance  of  ita  ever  coming  about.  Attended  by  mv  Servant,  Jeaaie  Cavers, 
I  rode  up  the  glen  one  Sunday,  and  went  to  the  afd  kirk  of  Locbisla  to  see 
him  i  and  I  declare  that  I  could  with  pleasure  have  given  him  a  kias  for 
your  sake,  Ronald,  such  a  noble-looking  old  gentleman  he  is  1  He  aat  in 
his  dark  old  oalten  pew,  with  hia  white  burs  gliatening  iu  the  sun,  which 
sh.-ine  through  the  western  window,  and  he' often  bowed  down  bis  head  on 
hia  huge  clasped  bible.  It  was  to  pray  for  you  he  did  so — I  am  sure  it 
was,  because  I  aaw  his  lips  move  and  his  eyes  brighten.  He  never  looked 
OUCB  towards  the  pew  of  the  Corrie-oicb  family,  with  whom  I  sat,  and  so  1 
oei-er  encountered  hia  glance  ;  but  his  fiercs-looking  old  piper,  who  stood 
behind  him,  accoutred  with  dirk  and  claymore,  stared  at  me  fixedly  during 
the  whole  service. 

"When  the  aged  and  venerable-looking  old  minister  prayed,  firatio 
Gaelic  and  then  m  Bnalish,  for  the  success  and  safety  of  the  British  army, 
m;  heart  beat  earnestly  and  responsive  to  the  worda  which  fell  from  bu 
withered  lips.    Indeed  yon  may  be  aure  it  did. 

' '  Whether  or  not  papa  favours  the  attentions  of  the  Earl  of  Hyndford  I 
do  not  know  ;  but  he  .often  speaks  kindly  of  yon,  and  I  love  to  Uslen  to 
him  when  he  does  so.  He  has  not  forgotten  that  daageroua  docking  at 
Corrie-avon.     Ab  !  what  a  day  of  terror  Ibat  one  was  ! 

"  1  am  very  busy  just  now,  working  a  pair  of  colours  for  the  Greek  Light 
Infaotry,  the  refjiment  of  my  uncle  Ludovick.    They  are  of  white  silk, 

Siite  covered  with  embroidery  and  needle-work.  I  am  heartily  tired  af 
cm  ;  bat  Louis's  old  fismes,  the  Grxmea  of  Corrie-oich,  are  living  with 
OS  just  now,  and  we  ply  onr  needles  from  day-dawn  till  sunaet  Uke  so 
many  Feiielopes,  and  the  slaodards  will  Boon  be  dancipg  in  the  breezes  of 
the  Ionian  isles.  When  the  Gordon  HigblaDdera  want  a  new  pair  of 
colours,  you  will  know  where  to  apply.  With  a  tbonsand  prayers  for  your 
safety,  andatboiuuidmore  for  your  return,  I  must  now  conclude,  sspapa 


and  Hpiford  hiae  jiut  come  from  tlie  moars,  with  dx  men  laden  with 
f  rooae- tiBgs,  and  Imast  bairr  down  to  the  dnwing. room.  So  beliere  me 
toba,  my  own  dearest  Ronald,  jaanevtr,  "Aj-rCE  X-iste." 

"  P.S.  Do  endeBTonr  to  aend  yonr  neit  letters  by  same  other  my,  ae 
they  muat  all  baie  miscarried.  Try  Cadii,  or  Gibraltar, — but  perhipi  it 
is  impossible.  Jeasio  Caien,  my  fa«ter-Biiter  (who  is  at  my  tide  while  I 
am  writing),  begs  you  will  remind  here  to  her  '  Jo  and  dearie  O.'  a  yosn^ 
man  named  Bvan  Irsrach,  who  belongs  to  your  compan;;  and  tell  him, 
that  hs  is  Dot  fbrgottea  by  Me  beart  be  baa  left  at  Aame.  "A.  L." 

"Alice,  my  own  beloved  Alice!  and  yoa  are  yet  tniel"  eiclaimed 
Stoart  aloud.  preuiDg  Che  letter  to  bis  lips.  "What  a  wretch  and 
madman  1  have  been  to  doubt  you  for  a  moment  I  How  nnwortby  I  am 
that  yoa  should  condeicend  to  write  to  me  I  Alas  I  oh,  Alice,  how  much 
1  haie  wronged  yon  by  my  falM  and  wicked  saspiciona  of  your  truth  and 
eonatancy.  Ah!  my  own  dear  girl,  my  repentant  heart  tama  to  yon 
more  fbiidly  by  a  thousand  degrees  than  of  yore."  He  drew  forth  her 
miniature  to  g^  upon  it,  and  wbile  doing  to.  let  fall  the  letter. 

"  Upon  my  word,  a  moat  indaatrioug  creature  !"  laid  Lonis  Lisle,  who 
h*d  been  standinf;  by,  as  he  picked  it  Dp.  ' '  She  has  given  you  no  lesa 
than  four  closdy-written  pages,  of  a  very  pretty  lady-like  and  current  little 
hand.  1  have  beea  littiag  beside  you  for  this  hour  past,  akimmiag  atones 
Blanc  ^B  gurface  of  the  Tagus, — not  a  yery  intellectiul  amnsemeoL  I 
did  uatwish  to  interrupt  you,.bDt  I  thought  you  would  never  come  to  ■ 
halt.     How  often  have  you  read  liiis  letter  over  i" 

"  Three  times." 

"Thrice?     See  what  it  is  to  be  in  lore !"       . 

"  O  Iionisl  how  bumbled  and  mortified  I  am.  What  shall  I  say  to 
Ahce  when  I  write  to  her!  1  dare  not  tell  the  truth,— and  yet,  by 
heavens  !  I  cannot  deceire  her.  Is  there  no  alternative,  but  to  wound  ber 
feelififics  by  a  whisper  of  my  cursed  suspiciona  ?'' 

"  Ccme,  my  old-friend,  I  will  endeaionr  to  make  your  peace;  and 
Alice,  I  believe,  will  not  he  very  inexorable.  I  am  bitleced  on  the  honaa 
of  the  Bicrhjan,  or  town-clerk  of  this  pUwe,  Villa  Mayor,  and  there  wo 
shall  have  writing  materials  in  abundance.  Let  us  set  about  our  cor. 
respoTidffiice,  and  have  our  letters  ready  for  Lisbon,  to  be  despatched  by 
the  first  orderly  dragoon  who  rides  to  the  rear." 


'With  every  demoustration  of  joy  Sir  Rowland's  division  of  the  army 
were  received  by  Che  good  people  of  Aranjuez,*  a  very  interesting  town, 
which  stands  near  the  Tsgus  and  Garama,  abont  twenty-aeven  miles  from 
Madrid,  and  twenty-one  from  Toledo.     Aranjuez 


„ ,. which  spread  the  royal  gardens, 

justly  eonaidered  the  most  beautiful  and  elegant  in  Europe. '  Tbe  town 
contains  a  Prado,  or  public  promenade,  four  miles  tn  length,  which  crosses 
the  Tagus  twice,  by  gaily-painted  wooden  bridges,  before  it  loses  itaelf 
among  llie  orchards  and  fragrant  orange  thickets. 

"Hie  streets  oF  the  town  are  perfectly  regular,  even  moaotonoosly  so,  but 

(ichly  ornamented  on  the  outside  with  projecting  cornices,  fulssters,  and 

•  PmnmmMd  by  tbt  apaniudi  ATuiiM-hm(t. 

J 


btkmira.  Yliere  is  *  (foieUmi,  uid  an  air  of  dipiity  and  "  oiIdi  r^K»e,"  I 
aboU  AraQJiKZ.irhidi  is  notottoHmet  within  Spain,  but  nhich  marksit  I 
a»  being  atriclJf  tbe  reiidence  of  peofile  of  rank  and  fortnuD.  l^e  tawu 
containa  three  chnrdiea,  and  jn  aiea,  for  bull-figbta.  The  HighlaBderi 
halted  in  the  largre  sqaare,  whicb  is  paved  a^th  marble,  and  coabUDB  the 
■plendid  braaa  matue  of  Charles  the  Fifth.  The  Emperer  ia  r^reaented 
armed  cap-a-pie,  trampling  down  bereiyin  the  rormof  fonrardi-berBtic*. 
Tbe  atatne  aad  pedestal  were  dscorateil  witli  flowerB — kidieed  aU  Che  atreels 
Were  atrewed  with  them — in  honotir  of  the  occaaion. 

Wellington,  who  Dy  thia  time  bad  been  created  a  Marqnia,  lay  before 
" 3,  bEBieging  the  castle,  and  ihe  aoirendBt  of  Ita  ganiaoB  ww  looked 


BnTvos,  bei 
1^  diiUy. 


J  Um  nwond  ArifiioD  niiected  io  remain  somewe^aat  AranjwK.  Utar 
were  MBaW  n  asoal  •on  the  inbabitsite ;  and  iStt  hng  atrearH  tk  paf 
kariog  been  le^ini,  they  were  snaMed  to  m^e  tbemseliea  Coln^lf 
camfsrtable.  The  'offioera  d[  tbe  Highlanderg  hHTing  so  maoh  loon 
CMh  on  tbeir  baMa,  dctcrinkRd  to  get  rid  of  it  ca  aoea  as  possible,  br 
Eiving  a  gpleeftid  Wl  to  tke  Itdin  of  Armijaex  awl  tbe  offioera  «f  the 
divieion. 

JL  'CsmmlctBe  wu  appeiUteS  ta  vrao^  matters,  despatch  Ae  inTiMians, 
■ad  get  tbe  palace,  -wbuft,  bad  b«sa  prooDred  fbr  tbe  pntfoae,  doty  finei 
np  aotd  ^ecoreMd.  la  '^a  priooely  and  spaciooa  taiidmg  the  Sapreme 
Junta  of  the  SpanskgorerDiBentwereinstalled, and keldAeirfirBtBeA-  i 
hig  in  leOB.  Jaset>h  fiooBaparCe  occupied  it  pmiMdy  to  his  retnait  to  I 
Valencia,  and  a  great  quan^of  bia  hanaehoM  sBitifl,  cryMal,  Sc«.^  mrt  | 
foand  in  it,  lery  opportonely,  and  aeized  by  tbe  committw  to  sqwp  the  i 
Buppei- tables.  From  Madrid  some  tkonaaod  *niqtatsd  iamps  were  pro-  | 
cared  to  iUmBiaate  tha  ^rdeBs  nnd  aTCDOea  IsadiBt  Co  the  palace,  and 
nearly  twelre  tnHMtred  -oil-paintiDas,  many  of  tbtm  tiy  the  best  •adcDt 
■Dd  atedttn  masters,  iveTe  oollectvl  frt^  diileraBt  pairts  of  Hie  biddug, 
and  bung  np  in  the  anites  of  apattiMHils  sppropriiKed  to  tbe  fesCivitieB. 
Hie  troops  mtavd  oa  the  Itt  «f  October,— tbe  ball  wia  to  b«  on  tha 
night  of  tbetir«tii((tli,aDd  of  oottne  d  the  lurmarried  laiUea  of  Atagaa 
were  in  a  flntter, — nay,  bi  fact,  in  a  atats  of  citrame  ercitemeM  abont  tba 
affUr.  Tbe  ItaU,  tbe  ball  to  be  given  by  the  Sostttsb  officers,  was  tbe 
aoly  snbiect  discnBaedMtbe  loir/et,  ttrMiai.  aadpnlieaat  tbefaomesof 
tha  citizens;  at  the  Frada,  ^d  in  tbe  eq^tft and (aterwot  la  tbe  Wwb. 
Tbe  committee,  which  consisted  of  Captain  Seatoa,  Macdonald,  and 
Ronald  Stuart,  usnally  met  ever^  cyeoing  in  the  palace,  to  send  off  the 
IDTitations  and  discuss  some  of  King  Joseph's  wine. 

"  I  muBt  send  one  of  tliese  te  the  yoDsc  ladies  of  my  biliet,"  asid 
Alistec  on  one  occasion,  aa  tbey  aat  writing,  fading,  and  aeoling  the  cards 
at  an  open  "iriodow,  where  they  were  Inmnating  in  the  fragrant  perfame  of  I 
the  gardens,  smo^^cigara,  and  sipping  VolsaiK.  "  They  are  botb  yoang 
and  pretty,"  conlinaed  AJiater,  "  bat  sadJ^  curbed  ia  by  an  cM  •bbUgb 
watt,  whs  regards  fliRB  as  very  daagareuanTaJa."  I 

"  They  are  tikdy  to  pMre  so,"  said  Seaton,  tbe  capCaki  of  the  ligbt  '■ 
cMManyt  "  tke  giA  haw  auMTb  eyes  and  teeth,  in  tbia  oapitii  VdMia 
1  Mnk  to  tbtir  beallte,  aad  OMt  af  lbs  «z-king  of  Spaw,  t»  wboM  «e  ai* 


m;  agar  uid  drink  with  ;oii,  to  long  4S  Ilia  Tiiliiai  fa 


"  So  the  cond£  hu  left  the  staff,"  obKerred  Sturt. 

•'  Be  betonga  noir  to  lbs  ttb  Hr^'otk  InfiuHry  ;  tbsr  an  wttli  De  CMta'l 

"HereUAcaniforSeDorestbe  finu-mcut  »arilii|rfslda*MMef  Amb- 

"  Wbatia  Ifae  on  of  uldng  theie  people  to  >  bill  ? "  Mid  Saitou.  "  No- 
tUu  moM  lliu  matdBainl  citiieiM,  <rrtioaB  bkiirajr  whm  and  dw^lcn 
mil  l>e  iDR-odtBq:  LhamMhes,  bedbased  in  the  drcuea  of  the  iHt  centmrr." 

"It  is  ioipoauble  to  pass  them  over,  andTolcarity  uar  b« oooaei ia a 
lugutnte.  Here  are  inTitations  for  the  lOtb  EWogaeMi  for  tbe  Cal>lo- 
muCafadonctbe  39tli  and  66tb  Britiab,<uWI  aU  the«nalrT  bripUlBB. 
Naw.  Ihea,  far  die  ladJes." 

"GodbltHstlumi" 

"  Amen  !  Seaton.  Doima  Iiabd  -At  Campo,  aad  her  f  aor  daoghkra. 
Tboe  people  lire  near  this,  de  tbey  BOt  ?" 

"No;  in  tile  marble  sioare,  tlirae  4oaM  fr«ni  ihe  pilacia  D'Alaimo. 
Tiro  of  tbe  light  dng«"B*  ■'*  qxartored  (iMm,  and  a  pleamC  time  t^r 
Mnn  to  IwTe  of  it.  aa  Ike  five  domua  qiend  tbe  day  in  flirting,  tnKiiH, 
or  tmogiaK  Bie  gaitar  aad  funo.  Asd  tten  ~"""",  althoagli  a  litCu 
^andstala,  aJ^yvngta  diapoaitioa." 

'       Ive  wiraae  in  Spaa.    Yob  are  a  men  goasipiiig  Mlow, 

trrefto  dm  how  toK  ham  tbe  biatory'Of  aeople  as  tok 

do.  OoaFeliiiM><)ND,laN^ofC«Jatram,"*aintiinKdAhMer,  raAnc 
' — -tliat. 


JoKpb'a  bmiA,  the  day  hsfora  he  fled  te  Talaacis.     You,  ai  a  tive  kaigu 

of  Santiago,  ahoold  oertainly  bre^  hia  head  for  bim,  Staart." 
"  Think  jroa :  I  iball  Dot  take  tbe  trouble.    Read  ob.  Macdonald." 
"  Tbe  Terj  noble  cavalier,— what  a  noat  aRiirOBOaBoeabk  naipe, — Don 

Zanasbnl  Asoaajbarde  Yoarritegn." 
"A  fellow  aa  mad  aaOncrtahiraaelf!     Invite  him,  bf  all  means." 
"He  is  n]r}Mfre«L"  aaidKOB^d  ;  "afine-old  feUow^^b-oe  Spaniard  of 

tliedd  adiOM;  sad,  like  Coeata,  aticks  to  tbe  pluaed  bearer  and  alaAod 

doiUet  of  bis  grandfatber'a  da;;!.    Wliocoiae>>eit?" 
"Micer  Aatuto  Rubia,  and  hie  lady." 
"MMiw!"aa>d  Sealm,  "imaiosada.-  in  other  wacda,  a  rogae.    j1*> 

Md  /  ab,  he  ii  well  atmrit ;  that  ia  Spanish  for  craft  or  ohicanwy,  «f 

iriiiRk  be  kaa  asmiM^  Ibdim,  ■•  any  £dinbargh  W.S." 
"OoMaElinaMdra,  OiiJeiivor.    Aair  Mawlal  ahaot  her,  SeatOB  ?" 
"netity,«adtea|)are.    Thetown  ia  full  of  atrangB  atoriea  aiheat  her 

nd  her  eteudtre,  or  goitleEaaa-aeher,  an  •fioe  M  irhiidk  she  aaddeolT 

ami  him  from  being  k  auco  de  mtdm.^    Ilia  coodly  prapectiaDaflBnaa 

tbeereeflhewida^' 
"SoMMtalwdDl    HkeDnkeofAIba'deT .aaidUatindaiMblm— 

Doana  Olivia  and  Donaa  Virginia." 
"Thnse  yparate  cards  maaC  be  seat  to  tiem,"  said  StaaA,  laditiBg 

tben  wbilele^ofce. 
"The  duke  is  sappoaedto  be  a  tnitar,  and  in  die  Vimaah  iatercM." 
•Ttiu  order  •tin  (data,  Bad  li  poHsiMd  of  flnr-ni  comnundulai,  ud  itarteea 


"  I  Bssare  Toi>  Scntoa,  his  dsDKbten  are  not,"  replied  Ronald,  mitin) 
the  while.   "They  are  verT  beautiful  girls,  and  Lisle  is  a  Incky  dogtohan 

hig  hillet  in  the  palace  of  De  T .     He  li  continnally  with  them,  eiCheJ 

among  the  gardena,  tiding  on  the  Frado,  or  Birting  at  home,  1  beliervtt 
"Hie  young  senoras  are  nner  to  be  leezi,  either  at  church  er  la  Piaada  ^t 
lot  Repreienlei,  witbotit  their  most  faithful  cavalier  and  tacudero,  tbt 
Honourable  Louis  Lisle." 

"The  meaa  get  very  little  of  bis  company  jnst  cow.  He  nerer  sppearl 
among  ns  bat  at  paradej  and  when  the  vord  'distniss'  is  gireB,  be 
TaniaheslikeaghoBtatcoclccrow.    I  wonder  what  the  dnkethii^orthe 

"  I  believe,  Aliater,  he  never  thinlta  of  it  at  all,"  replied  Seatou.  "  He  is 


keroiDg  ererr  one  at 
''But  his  danghtei 


at  an  awful  distance." 


"  Are  strictly  watched  by  on  old  duenna. 
the  family  from  my  old  goaaiping  pation.  it  appeani 
Mahoud  takes  the  duke  to  himBelf,  the  two  giils  will  be  immensely  ricb. 
Donna  Olivia,  who  ia  as  ^y  a  coquette  aa  one  can  imagine,  has  a  cattle 
and  estate  of  her  own,  l]riaB:  by  the  banks  of  the  Nive,  on  the  French  side 
oE  the  Pyrenees.  Her  sister,  Virginia,  who  has  Utely  obtained  her  liberty 
from  a  convent,  by  the  Pope^a'dispensation  dissolvinc;  her  vows,  has  become  ' 
the  laading  star  of  Madrid  and  Aranjuez.  By  the  death  of  her  coDsin,  the 
Margnia  of  Monteaa, — who  wai  killed  near  Albuera,  you  will  remember. — 
she  has  succeeded  to  lar^e  estates  in  Valenda— Valencia  la  hermosa!* 
the  land  of  wine  and  olivea.  The  fair  sbters  are  closely  beai^ed  by 
all  the  threadbare  cavaliers  in  the  provinee.^fellows  who  trace  thrir 
pedigrees  beyond  King  Bamba's  days;  so  that  IJste has tcit  little  chance." 

"  Ha  will  forget  them  when  the  ronle  comes,"  said  Alister.  "  I  have 
been  desperately  in  love  abant  eight  times,  sinoe  we  landed  at  the  Blsck 
Horse-sgnare  in  Lisbon ;  and  lAois  will  get  over  this  a^ir,  as  1  hi*e 
done  others.  The  flirta  of  one  gairiaon-Cown  efface  the  impreiaioas  Uade 
by  those  of  the  laat." 

"Now  end  then  a  raw  sub  is  inesbed  and  caged,  though  \" 

"  Or  an  old  field-ofBcer,  in  desperadon  of  getting  a  wife  at  all ;  hot 
generally  we  rough  ii  too  mnch  at  present  to  Snd  time  to  ^1  in  love." 

On  the  evening  of  the  Highlanders'  ball,  all  Aranjuez  was  in  a  state  of 
commotion :  myriads  of  lights  were  burning  throaghoot  Qie  palace  snti 
royal  gardens,  where  everything  bora  evidence  of  die  good  taste  and  expe- 
dition of  the  committee. 

For  promenading,  there  were  set  apart  a  long  suite  of  rooma,  eitending 
from  one  wiog  to  the  other.  Their  floors  were  tessellated,  and  the  ceilings 
gilded  and  painted  in  fresco,  while  the  walls  bad  been  adorned  by  a  thou- 
saud  choice  pictures,  selected  by  the  committee.  These  rooms  had  quite 
the  appearance  of  an  eihibitian  ;  but  at  intervala  were  hung  wreaths  of 
lanrel,  Intenningled  with  festoons  of  tartan  plaids,  garlands  of  flower;, 
glittering  stars  of  bayonets  and  claymores,  pistols  and  muskets,  wbicb 
were  reflected  in  many  a  polished  mirror  bung  between  the  white  marble 
pilasters  which  supported  the  ceilings  of  these  splendid  apartments.  In 
*.!.-. ; richly-earved  n--"-' -'    ■'- ' 


n  each  stood  a  magnificent  alabaster  French  clock,    Behini 
■    ■   ■  '  ■■     -  "     B  *a 


.  „  ,     II  of  Paris  * 

part  of  King  Joseph  8  ooasebold  stuff,  abandoned  by  him  on  hit  hutr 
flight. 

•  The  baantiful. 


13 


I  were  brillUntlr  li(|hted  np,  u  mdeed   mre  t 


iicades.  and  eiery  psrl  of  the  ipaaooB  pslace.  The  'ij?*  b*"  »ppropri»ted 
jiUieduicers  wai  decorated  like  the  promemde.  The  rejimeutiJ.  band 
iccnpied  the  maaic-gallerr,  in  front  of  which  hung  the  yellow  silk  atandardt 
>f  the  corps.  The  curtuas  of  the  twelre  lotly  wiadowa  were  hung  in  fet' 
Mxc,  Bhowiug  the  open  cueraetits  aad  steps  of  white  marble  leadiog  (o 
ilie  ilintaiaitted  gjardena,  ia  Che  bowers  of  which  the  refreihmeat-tables 
woe  laid,  and  attended  by  waiters. 

A  Highland  guard  of  honour,  coosiatlng  of  a  hundred  grenadiers,  were 
dram  up  in  the  portico,  to  receive,  with  the  naoal  compliments,  the 
magiatTBlei  and  persona  of  rank;  and  the  memben  of  tlie  committee 
oigbt  be  seen  hunyiog  through  tbe  lighted  rooms  in  fnll  puff*  dmsed  in 
their  gayest  uniform,  ordering  here  and  tbere  and  eierywhere  the  &ertanM 
lod  atteodftnta,  and  getting  eTerything  in  due  order  before  tlie  campaQy 
bfgin  to  arriye.  About  nine  o'clock  came  the  four  pompons  alcaldes,  clad 
ip  gowDB  of  red  scarlet.  Three  brought  their  wiiee  with  them, — swarthy 
old  ladieB.  wearing  their  hair  twisted  in  two  gigantic  tails,  reaching  tar 
Mow  iheir  waists.  Each  came  in  an  old-fashioned  carriage,  attended 
behind  by  a  couple  of  strapping  alguazils,  armed  with  halberts  or  blunder* 
busaes.  The  guard  of  honour  presented  arms,  tbe  dram  beat  a  march, 
and  Ihe  four  senorcfl,  doffing  their  sombreros,  were  oshered  into  an  oater 
aptdment,  where  Faasifern  atayed  to  receive  the  company.  He  was 
dressed  in  full  uniform,  and  wore  his  kilt  aud  purse,  instead  of  the  tn^a 
ud  G|iun  of  ■  field-officer,  sad  bis  pUid  of  dark-green  tattan  was  fattened 
Id  bij  left  ahoolder  by  a  splendid  sdier  brooch,  which  fladied  and  sparkled 
in  tbe  light  of  the  lustres.  After  the  arrival  of  the  nnbshionible  alcaldea. 
the  company  continued  to  pour  in  without  intermission,  until  the  rooma 
■ere  crowded.  All  the  staff  arriyed  about  twelve  o'clock;  but  the 
eoeral  himself,  for  some  reason,  was  unable  to  attend. 

'  )r  of  tbe  atately  palace  presented  a  scene  of  no  ordinary  splen 
"''''*  '  '  J  and  infanlr 


dcmr  on  that  evening.  Hutidieds  of  UDifbrms  of  cavalry  and  infantry 
officirs^  Britieb,  Spanish,  Portuguese,  and  German,  were  glittering 
twrjwher*.  The  ladies  were  attired  in  all  the  colours  of  the  rainbow,  and 
their  light  floating  dresses  were  seen  mingling  among  smart  light  dragoons, 
£(Vtti«h  Highlanders,  green-clad  cifadorea,  and  clumsf  German  riflemen, 
■nil,  I  must  remark,  that  the  latter  were  perliaps  tbe  most  vulgar  and 
nn^nly  fellawB  that  ever  appeared  in  a  ball-room.  There  were  numbers 
ofuvaliera  attired  in  the  Spanish  doublet,  a  close-fitting  vest  with  sleeves. 
.\  smart  mantle  dangled  from  their  left  shoulder,  and  nearly  all  wore  knee- 
breeches  and  broad  while  collars  around  tbeir  necks — a  costume  at  once 
srnirtand  pictnreaque.  Many  ware  the  garhs  and  badges  of  their  national 
Biilitsry  orders  :  tbere  were  knights  of  C^atrara  and  Alcantara,  wearing, 
—tlie  former  red  crosaea,  the  latter  green,  upon  black  velvet  tunics;  and 
knights  of  "  tbe  Band,"  wearing  the  acarlet  scarf  of  theu*  ancient  order. 
Bgt  Ilie  most  pictureisque  costnmes  were  those  ot  four  knights  of  the 
n&iooa  order  of  Redemption,  who  appeai'ed  clad  completely  in  white, 
"itS  a  large  black  cross  on  the  breast  of  the  silk  tunic,  which  reached  to 
tiB  knees.  A  white  velist  mantle  flowed  behind,  aod  each  wore  three 
while  (athen  in  a  unall  round  cap  of  a  flat  ahape,  like  tlie  bonnet  of  a 

These  singular  garbs  added  peatly  to  the  gaiety  of  tbe  scene;  but  if  tbe 
interior  of  the  palace  presented  a  blaze  of  apleadonr,  the  illnmlnated  gar- 
dent  wen  a  realisation  of  biry-land.  Two  channels  having  been  given  to 
tbe  TaEDB,  the  grounds  of  the  palace  were  enclosed  as  an  island,  being 
cumpteiely  aurrounded  by  tbe  stream,  amid  which  many  a  stately  swan  was 
■  A  mditiry  aot-wordfoifuUdrcH. 


the  bceeiB.     —  ..  ^ . ._      — 

tb«ir  booghB,  which  wer*  brftamog  to  wear  tite  brown  tints  of  awtnisii. ' 
cmbnccd  eaiA  odicr,  and  being  eaTetallj  pruned  beiow,  formed  loi^  BDd  i 
beaatifal  ByWaoi  m-radea,  snoh  sa  are  not  to  he  found  in  wi  j  othar  prden  ■ 
ia  Europe.  A  ^oowind  TariegftCad  lamps,  clusteiiDg  Uc  mchMited  frsit, ' 
were  bong  npoa  their  boughs,  or  Btntchnd  from  tre«  to  trcs  n  feitoona, ' 
illuminating  with  a  blaze  of  iigbt  the  deepest  feceeses,  whem  even  tbe ' 
meridian  ton  could  not  penetrate. 

White  marble  statues  were  gleanunff,  and  the  mshiDe  wafers  of  the  < 
frttacaAJela  d'eau  were  sparkling  like  showers  at  diamiHids  in  tbe  artHinat  ■ 
light,  which  likewise  reT«l«d  the  glories  of  the  rich  pattcn«s,  where  | 
floaters  of  ererr  tint,  crimson  sad  gold,  purple  and  blue,  onmge  and  red.  i 
woe  ytt  budding  and  blooming  iit  epita  of  tite  adtsneed  tirae  of  tbe  Tear,  i 
The  strains  of  mDsic  w«ra  wafnd  divinely  throngh  Cbe  open  tKeraeota  of  [ 
the  ball,  where  the  dancers  were  wrMthed  in  the  quadrille,  or  wheeled 
ronnd  in  tbe  giddf  waltr, — the  light  feet  nt  the  Spanish  girls  gliding  like 
those  of  sylphs  or  foiries,  while  their  airy  drapery,  floating  about  o*er  tbe 
roarble  floors,  seemed  like  the  garments  of  the  ssme  imaginary  beings. 
What  a  strong  contrast  all  this  scene  fi^-med,  when  coDtpired  with  thr 
misery  and  discoBifbrt  whic)i  tbe  troops  bad  endnred  so  long,  and  that 
which  they  were  soon  again  churned  to  sntfer ! 

Uke  tbe  other  oOcers  of  tb»  Highlanders,  Ronald  was  acfantely  attired 
in  fan  nniform,  wearing  bis  cross  on  his  breast.  Bis  Mk,  which  contuoed 
ten  yards  of  the  Gordon  tartan,  reached  towitbia  three  tneh<«of  his  knee: 
from  this  the  leg  waa  ban  to  tbe  swell  of  the  ealf,  where  bis  silk  hose  of 
red  and  white  dice  wete  gartered  with  knots  of  mi  riban-^.  A  hsiidsome 
brooch  coaGned  tbe  folds  of  his  plaid  abixe  the  Ipft  epaulet,  and  s  taoelled 
iporan,  the  mouth  of  wMi*  wsa  hidden  by  s  foi's  head,  dangled  from  hi! 
wMSt.  His  patron,  Don  Aiwaaibar  Yniirritegui,  wbo  Ktaa  atltred  in  the 
dresa  aiui  armed  with  a  long  Toledo  of  Charles  the  Fifth's  days,  had  intn>- 
dooed  him  to  sererd  pretty  giris,  with  all  ef  wImm  he  bad  danced  a>nd 
flirted,  prnmeaaded,  banded  scarfs,  bottqoets,  and  ices,  and  sc<|BiHed 
himself  as  a  *ery  aceompliahed  caballero^  For  Louis  Uate  h«  looked 
everywhoie  in  vain  ;  he  waa  the  only  one  absenl! 

"Where  is  Lisle,  AHster?"  asked  iie  of  MscdonaM,  whouored  slowly 
past,  with  a  fat  old  lady  leaning  an  bis  arm.  Althoagh  riehiy  jewelled  ana 
robed,  she  was  confoundedly  ogly.  and  wore  a  white  *eil  baocing  down 
her  broad  hack  fWon  a  comb  at  least  one  foot  six  inches  high.  "  It  is 
Tery  odd,"  eonliimed  Konald.  "  that  be  aiioald  abseat  Umsslf  on  this 

"The  Duke  of  Alba  de  T and  his  two  di««wuig  daagbten  bnte  not 

arriTsd  yet.    Loais  will  corae  with  theso." 

^'Ah!  1  had  forgotten.  ]  Long  to  see  those  beaotiaa  of  whom  I  hire 
heard  BO  moeh.  Bnt  how  is  it  that  I  haieaet  seea  yon  dancing  to-night?" 
"  Tosh  !  "  wluaprred  tbe  other  reefally  in  Sngliah.  "  Campbell,  de- 
sigaedly  I  think,  introduced  me  to  this  old  woman,  his  pofrenn, — wife  of 
the  Omlodor,  or  Steward  of  the  palace.  She  sticks  to  me  like  b  bwr.  and 
1  am  conpcBed  to  waste  the  aigbt  as  her  Itetid4n>,  when  so  mKiy  d^ht- 
f ul  eMs  are  present.' ' 

"The  flower  <rf Madrid  and  Aranjoez." 
"  I  wilt  rereage  myself  OB  Campbdl  for  this  brick  (rfbia." 
"  Try  if  Blacier.  of  tbe  60tb,  will  relier*  yoa  of  her.     Gwm 
Tery  fastidioaB  in  their  tastes.    He  is  standing  amang  the  dancen,  alike 
regardless  of  place  or  perioDs,  smoking  his  Itmg  German  pipe  as  coi^y  as 
he  would  do  in  ■  guard-room." 


Alistn  led  tha  sneoBacioofl  Ud^  off,  tal  succeeded  "  ia  tBrcmg  b»t  «Mr 
to  BlacUi's  eammKad,"  aa  be  ratd  when  he  rrjoioed  Konald. 

"  There  U  SaMoQ,"  aiai  ht,  "gtriTwg  Uj  make  lijmwlf  aanaible  ta  tb« 
gay  wtdov  of  Cbe  CaUe  Miror.  Donaa  Elvira  Moid." 

''  SeBtoD  can  astj  do  tiati  be  is  a  lery  bandsoiiw  fellow.  Wboil  the 
rODDi;  lad;  to  whom  Bena  hu  aCtaebed  himself  >o  aloaelf  ?  " 

"  One  of  rank,  I  brlicTe,  anil  a  wido*  tan, — the  Coadnta  Eabrvmcra." 

"  Hov  Kaily  ebe  flirts." 

"  Poor  B«TBn  !  be  ia  a  simple  fellow,  and  1  bcKcre  Ae  is  makioc  a  lai) 
fool  of  him.     Last  night  I  aao  her  amusing  hcrsaU  (haa  with  ona  of  ths 

34tli.  and Hah  '.  here  gomes  Lisle,  with  the  duhi  and  the  Toaog  Udiea. 

Beautiful  girla  ! " 

"  Beautiful  indeed  1 "  ecboed  Stuart,  ai  tbe  tall  and  portt;  duke,  attired 
ia  ao  old-fashiooed  dreae,  with  his  broad  beaier  under  his  left  arm,  and. 
encased  in  a  white  glore,  the  little  hand  of  Donna  Oliiia  dcooping  on  his 
r^ht,  entered  the  dancing-rooms,  followed  by  Lisle  leading  Donna  Vir- 
ginia. Bolh  the  aiatcni  were  tall,  and  of  gueen.like  tignres.  Thf  ir  dreaaer^ 
of  white  aatia  were  richly  trimmed  with  Iuib  lace,  and  lofty  ostrich  feathers 
nodded  shore  their  Eloaer  ringlets,  amid  which  many  a  diamond  and  other 
ECm  sparkled  and  blazed  when  Ibey  moved.  LoD)c  white  Spanish  reili, 
desoeading  from  the  head,  hnng  down  bcbiod  tbem,  ginng  to  their  figures 
still  greater  grace  and  dignity. 

"  Ttwy  are  loyety  creatarea !  "  said  Macdoaald^  "  But  Virginia  moves 
like  an  empress  among  ail  tbc  plnnfd  and JeweUed  beauties  woand  her." 

' '  What  a  thrice  eavjable  sub  ia  Master  Louis,  lo  be  their  earalier  1  All 
eyes  are  torned  upon  them." 

"  And  a  knight  of  Alcantara,  yonder,  leaninc  wuoit  the  mantel-piece, 
■eema  to  eye  Lisle  with  a  very  unliieBdly  look.  In.  trath,  Donna  OliTia 
appears  like  some  being  of  another  world.  Her  foatnres  are  Grecian 
roUier  than  Spanidi ;  and  hereyea— by  Jove  !  they  are  brigbttr  thaadia- 
aoadOi.  and  flasJt  like  lightnii^  when  she  sadlev" 

"  Too  aeem  quite  enrsptnrpd  with  her." 

"  I  am  a  conooineiir ;  but  fair  le  she  is,  there  is  one  bouiie  lass  in  the 
Wmtem  Isles,  who  to  me  seems  faim- still.  OKna  ia  a  bold  and  beantifal 
girl,  bat  there  ia  something  softer,  yet  not  l«af  pkasiDg,  in  tha  baael  eyes 
of  Virginia." 

"  Vu^nia  '.  By  hesreni,  I  should  Icnow  her  face  I  Where  can  I  hare 
■een  it  before?" 

' '  Hash  !  they  are  moving  Ibis  way,  smiling  and  coqaattiog  as  if  thaf 
meant  to  be  the  death  of  ns  all." 

"  Faith  1  AKater,  I  hope  Lisle  will  have  the  charity  to  intrn^Ke  ns." 

"  Tmh  1  A  Spanish  officer  has  carried  off  Olivia.  He  baa  aBgaged  her 
for  the  next  dance.    He  is  bowing  to  you,  Stuart." 

Ronald's  eyes  at  tbit  nnoagenc  earonntered  those  of  the  Cand£  de 
Tniiillo.  Both  bowed,  and  the  rond^,  plaeing  his  arm  aroaad  Olivia, 
wbeelcd  hei  into  the  tarcle  at  the  waltaera.  where  they  were  sees  only  for 
a  momest  now  and  tbto.  Faaeifera  led  away  tbe  ^ike  t»  ooe  of  the 
refreshment-tables  in  the  garden  ;  while  Lisle,  fallowed  by  the  sharp  eyes 
of  many  a  jealous  cavalier,  adraiioed  towards  Stnart  and  Macdooald,  with 
^rgiua  lessiBt  oa  tue  arm. 

"  I  wish  one  of  yon  woddfind  a  ^itaier,"  saidlw;  "  we  wa>t  a  vit-d- 
vU  for  (ha  next  iinadriUe," 
"  With  pleaaare." 

"  I  aai  engaged  to  dance  with  Qonna  Isabel  de  Campo,"  said  Alistert 
"  but  pray  introdace  me,  Louis." 
"And  me,"  added  Biinald,    "  A  most  lucky  dog  yon  are!"    These 


Ifi 

obtervatiang  passed  in  Eoglish;  but  Ihe  formal  iatroilacliaD  iras  gone 
throagh  in  choice  Castilian.  "  I  hiTe  anrel;  had  the  bappineee  of  seeing 
Donna  Virginia  before,"  said  Ronald.     "  It  la  impossible  I  could  ever 

"  Holr  Mother  1  Senor  Offlriale,"  exclaimed  the  yaDng  lady  frith  an 
air  of  pretCf  aarprise,  as  she  raised  her  fine  eyebrows  ;  "  is  it  possible  tbac 
yon  rec<^aizc  me,  arrayed  as  I  now  bid  id  a  garb  so  different  from  that 
which  I  wore  in  the  convent  of  Santa  Cruz  ?  " 

"  Do  I  behold  the  Madre  Santa  Martha  of  Jarciejo  in  Donna  Virginia  ? 
What  riddle  is  this,  senora  ?" 

*>A  strange  one  truly,  aenor,  and  a  very  agreeable  transfannalion," 
replied  the  lady,  blashing  and  smiling  a>  she  glanced  at  her  figare,  which 
was  fiilly  reflected  in  an  opposite  mirror. 

"  What  is  all  this  ? "  asked  Lisle  in  surprise.  "  Then  you  are  acquainted 
with  each  other,  it  aeems  ?  " 

"  O  yea,  Don  Louis  ;  quite  old  friends  indeed,"  replied  the  lady,  with  a 
viTacity  which  piqued  Don  Louis  a  little.  "  We  met  on  a  sad  occasion— 
a  very  sad  one,  truly,— of  which  I  will  give  you  the  history  when  we  are  at 
leisDre.  "Tis  quite  a  romance,  and  Cerrantea  of  Esquivae,*  or  Juan  de 
Valencia.t  hate  never  written  anything  hke  it." 

"Allow  me  to  lead  yon.  Donna  Virginia ;  the  dancers  are  arranging 
themseivea.     Had  we  not  belter  take  our  places  ?  " 

"Certainly,  senor;  but  oar  tit-h-vit,  remember,  (^hall  I  introdnce  . 
your  friend  to  the  Condesaa  Ealremera, — ahe  waltzea  beaoLifully." 

"  The  Condesaa  is  engaged ;  she  appears  resolved  to  make  quite  a  con- 
quest of  Bevan  of  oura, 

"  Are  we  to  look  all  night  for  a  vU-a-tis  !  Oh  !  here  cornea  my  sistn  . 
Oliiia ;  (he  is  beautiful  enongh  to  make  him  die  of  love,  and  I  shall  intro- 
dnce him,  if  it  was  only  to  make  Truiillo  jealous." 

Tmiillo  regarded  Stuart  with  no  pleaaaut  eye  ea  he  carried  off  bii 
donna.  However,  he  endeavoured  to  disiemble,  and  said  nith  a  amile, 
"  I  congratulate  yon,  senor,  on  obtaining  the  highest  order  of  knighthood 
that  a  Spanish  king  can  confer.  Yon  will  find  it  easy  work  to  protect  the 
pilgrims  wlio  visit  Compostella  from  the  insults  of  the  Moors  in  the  nine- 
teenth  centary.  1  am  myself  a  commander  of  the  order,"  he  added, 
displaying  a  richer    cross,  around    which    was    the    taaa,o,—Sangaiae 


"  Santa  Anva,  senor  1  these  rooms  are  suffocating,"  said  the  lady. 

"As  soon  as  the  dance  is  ended,  permit  me  to  have  the  hononr  of 
leading  you  to  the  garden." 

"  Pray  relieve  me  of  my  acarf."  The  thin  ganze  screen  was  transferred 
from  the  white  shoulders  of  Olivia  to  Ronald'a.arm. 

"See,  senor,— the  Condesaa;  how  well  she  is  looking.  Ah!  had  she 
only  worn  her  tiara  on  her  black  onrls,  she  would  have  been 
matchless." 

"Impossible,  while  Donna  Olivia  is  present." 

"  Look  at  that  officer  of  Vitlamnr's  regiment, — a  handaome  eaitalier ;  he 
bows.  How  do  you  do,  Pedro  ?  What  can  that  old  knight  of  Calatrati 
be  whispering  to  the  rich  widow  of  the  Calle  Mayor  ?  Ah,  I  wonld  give 
the  world  to  know  t  How  (hey  smile  at  each  other.  Love  moat  be  very 
agreeable.  Santos  !  I  have  dropped  my  fan,  Quick,  aenor ;  pick  it  up, 
•  Orvann™  is  Hill  10  h=ye  been  bom  st  Rtqnivi.,  n<>r  Toledo, 
t  Author  of  El  farranutl-,  ud  olli.!r  oid-ljuliioned  worki. 


TBI  apHAMCS  0»  WX%.  IT 

before  the  bet  of  the  dancen A  thoiuuid  tfaanki,"  ilie  added,  u 

Ronald  rettored  it  to  her.  "  1  vnald  not  have  it  destroTod  for  the  uoi- 
veroe, — 'tii  a  preieat  Irom  Don  Carloe  AtiJIo;  he,  too,  h  lookiuc  thil 
way.  How  d'jii  do,  Carlos !  "  and  tboB  did  OUria  no  on  dnrin|  all  tbe 
inlanala  between  tiut  figures  of  Che  dance- 
No  (oooer  wai  theqaidrille  over,  than  thegallopads  wai  prapoaed. 

"  Vma  la  gallopadt .'  caTalien,"  crtd  Camaroo,  itrikiag  hia  haode  tog^ 
ttier.  litle  itiU  kept  Virginia,  aiid  Ronald  her  gaj'  aister,  and  all  the 
cavalien  of  Old  and  New  Caatile  new  hot  witli  indigDatton  and  jealooir. 
Awaj  flew  the  daooerB-lo  the  crash  of  muaic  from  the  orchaatra.  The 
acetie  waa  indeed  gloriooi.  A  hundred  couplei  went  round  hand  in  hand, 
plamea  waving,  ear-ringa  trembhng,  jeweli  and  epaoleta,  atari  and  medals 
flaahing  and  ilitteriafi  apara  and  ponianlB  clankinf,  the  light  feet  and 
ntaalin  drapery  of  the  gracefiil  ^>aniah  girli  flying  about  and  mingliDR 
with  the  buckled  sboea  and  dark  green  lartana  of  the  Highlandera.  Bravo  1 
It  wai  beautlM. 

The  iaacB  wai  oxer,  and  the  ladies,  breathleaa  and  overKOme,  with 
boaoma  pantiog,  cheeks  binihiag,  and  eyes  Bpaikling,  clnog  to  the  arma  of 
tbdr  cayalien,  who  led  them  through  the  open  caaementa  to  promeoade  in 
the  cool  garden!,  where  the  female  waiters,  little  BT)ph-like  giria  about 
twelve  or  fifteen  yean  old,  clad  in  white,  with  their  black  curls  sCreamiog 
•boat,  glided  throng  the  illuninaled  arboon  and  walks,  handing  ices  to 
the  ladhM,  and  eool  and  ■parkling  champagne  or  Malaga  to  the  gentlsmea. 
When  proeaeoading  with  OUria  through  one  of  the  beantifal  walka,  from 
each  aideof  whieh  he  waa  eonatantly  calling  fceah  floiren  for  her  t>onqnet, 
Ennald  beard  familiar  Ttncea  umvening  in  an  orange-bower,  the  interior 
of  which  waa  brilliantly  illuminated  with  parti-colonred  lamps. 

"  Yea,  sir ;  we  turned  their  flank,  and  fell  upon  them  witn  the  bayonet, 
Bud  with  God's  beip  cut  to  pieces  every  mother's  eon  of  them  in  five 
minuta,"  said  Campbell,  within  the  bower,  etriking  his  heavy  hitid 
emphatically  on  the  leatj  adding  afterwards,  in  another  tone,  "Most 
eiceUeot  ehampagne  this,  Don  Aacoiihiir,  and  much  obliged  we  are  to  the 
ci-king  of  Spain  for  leaviog  it  here  to  he  drank  by  better  BMm." 

"SWooa  take  the  ex-king  i"  replied  Yniirritegni.  "And  so  it  waa  U 
you  tell,  that  this  very  noble  old  cavalier  waa  slain  f" 

"  Ay,  lir ;  the  ahot  atruRk  him  here,  and  he  fell  sword  in  band  from  hia 
aaddle.  A  gallant  fellow  was  Sir  Ralph,  and  under  hia  command  I  waa 
iiiiti«tjJ  into  all  the  aablime  myiteriea  of  soldiery." 

"  Campbell  baa  been  fighting  Egypt  over  again  to  my  pafroa,"  thought 
Stuart.  "Major,"  said  be,  looking  in.  "how  can  yon  and  Don  Ascaaibur 
be  so  ungallant  as  to  fonake  the  ladies  for  champagne  Soaka  ?     fie  upon 

"  The  ladies  will  not  break  their  hear& :  inch  a  fright  old  Yniirritegni 
is  I"  whispered  Olivia,  behind  her  t*n. 

"  Campbell,  do  you  mean  to  lit  here  all  night?"  said  Cbiaholm ,  looking 
in  on  the  other  aide,  as  he  passed  with  a  lady.  "  They  are  arranging 
tbemaelvea  for  the  gaiope  uain." 

"Itia  fit  only  forsnba,''  replied  the  major,  teatHy.  "The  idea  of  s 
fidd-officer  galloping  any  way  but  on  horseback  1 " 

"  It  leemi  quite  the  rage  here  at  Araiunei,"  said  Stuart,  aa  Chiaholm 
moved  off.  "  But  then  the  girla  here  gaiope  lo  beantifnlly,  they  are  in  the 
right  to  have  it  so.    So,  major,  yon  do  not  mean  to  join  the  danceis 

■king  the  naats,  wnicn  au  proven  empiy  : 
ir  gtJope.  Ihavenoideaofflyingronnd 
an  hour,  in  mortal  terror  the  while  of 


enuhlDg  th«  lidiM*  dear  litth  ftet  and  lAHe  Mtis  ihsaa  wifli  idt  bMty 
bn^DCi.  BeMdM,  the  daa«  ia  too  IntiicatG  for  me — '  obuuz  to  the  rifK 
and  left,  turn  your  partner,  baleooei,  tura  agua,  falo^de  &  U  chaw  to 
■Iscea  I'  torn  1  1  voaM  raUkm  danoe  TnlloohfOrai,  or  the  IbagUt  7^h< 
lirieA<an,  or  mj  other  decent  fliiw;  but  I  bare  bo  lore  for  ytmr  RfteiA 
daDceaandnkvadnqoadriUes.  Tberill  beMmo^ieviorT-MiaadfrrMean' 
«*;/«^  of  the  HlghlaodDiRn,  and  an  no  nora  to  be  oomparad  to  a  (trath- 
apey  ttaa  a  Toledo  ii  to  a  real  flated  iudiea  Vemm."  Tbe  nuuar  aaqrt 
toa  fisgera,  and  ehanted  witb  a  load  tnce  a  *eiM  at  the  Grant'*  rael : 
"  There  needi  a*  be  aae  fnie  a  pt— me. 


Thn-re  douff  and  dowie  et  Ifct 

Tkcjr  allepoa  wd  ■■  the  hh, 

nireaaopleM  ■  BiRUnd  M 

Cei^erad  wi'  TullocbforiB." 


Stuart  wai  leaAng  tmj  Donna  (Xtria,  iriio  knghed  eieaaahdy  at  tk 

—  '-  ' '■--'  loanded  wBOdronalr  Dneaotk  to  her  ean.  whe-  "— 

■ay,  StBBit,"  said  h^  "]  atn  goinc'to : 
I  have  eeDt  for  Ranald  Dta  and  tbe  m 


major's  aonji.wbiA  aoanded  wBOdronalr  oneaotk  to  her  ean.  wiMBCaaipi 
bell  called  W  him.    "I  aay,  Staait,"  said  it,  "I  atn  goiiifi'to  abattOa 


FnaMern,  Rooald  Macdonail,  and  tojaelf,  are  »baut  ts  perform  the  iword 
duiee.    Wo  astoniahed  old  MohaKinad  JDjedd*  vilb  n  in  EgTpt.    Yod 

"I  abonld  be  moit  happr-  bnt  I  au tbe hooourad  nwliar  of  ooa  af  the 
prottfeat  giria  In  Arantuei,  aad  itisiraHMdble  I  can  joia  jtoa  i  bat  we  will 
wlliKU  It  ia  the  hall> 

A  few  niinntea  aAerwarda  Hat  ptpota  urirad.  and  preparatiaQ*  mov  wait 
"■  "     "    "  "    I  taken  Iron  the  wall,  and  lud 


Bcroaa  each  other  on  the  floor.     The  eolontl,  Campboll,  and  t 
offloera  took  their  plaoea,  while  acTen  pipers  stood  at  the  end  of  Nw  baBr 
and  on  a  giieo  aif(nal  ttrnck  op  on  appropriata  air. 

"Santa  Maria  I"  loreaned  the  imwaa,  and  "Jdbrfe  d*  IHot .'" 
growled  the  senora,  i^lle  Ihe;  oorsmd  their  earn  with  their  bands  to  pnv 
tect  them  from  "  ao  dangerona  ao  inrarion."  Many  an  English  ami  Diik 
offloer  did  so  likewise,  for  the  sootid  of  ths  pipes  u  the  nulled  ball  *sa 
tremendoiM.  Awa^  went  the  dancen  te  the  aeand  of  the  first  Data,  aad 
continued  Co  leap,  ahlp,  and  "  hooeh  and  hool"  while  thef  ftuv  aboat 
widi  true  Scottish  gpiilt  and  agilit;,  moiinj;  with  miracnloaa  pmUoa 
among  the  bHe  blades  of  the  darmmes,  wule  MHiIaBaea  ktnd  aad  long 
rewarded  them.  'Twas  a  new  sight  indeed  to  tka  Bpaniarda,  and  tin  ejaa 
of  every  Scotsman  present  lighted  op  wtth  enthanam,  aUlMagh  aany  of 
tiiem  had  ne>er  witnetsed  the  martial  dance  befbre.  Ldog  aflar  tke  atMr* 
had  resumed  their  aeaU,  the  gigantic  CamiAeH,  itMog,  aetiae,  and  Wed 
with  perfect  delight,  eontioaed  to  dnooe,  wate  hia  anna  and  the  fckh  of  hia 
enormoae  kilt  and  plaid,  unbl  at  last  compelled  to  fi^  iota  a  sett,  amid 
lond  honai  and  sstoonding  *<vaf. 

Qnadrllles,  golopadea,  aiid  walties  again  followed,  a>d  b«fate  the  ball 
broke  np,  the  light  of  (he  morning  son  bad  r^laced  (he  ilhimlnalioBa  of 
the  palace  and  its  gardens.  Then  came  (he  gallant  fareirells,  and  ahawta, 
muititlis,  and  farrsd  ahoea  were  in  reqaiaieion,  the  gentlwlea  aiafctng 
themselrea  as  hasy  aa  poaaible  in  wrapping  np  the  ladle*  to  protaet  iheiS 
tram  die  chill  morning  air  ;  and  theo,  maffling  tbemaeltst  in  tbcir  «loakl^ 


1* 

mmv  *"  office  uhI  cmlicr  itrode  my  bBbind  Oe  lanbwJiit  Mrriaxe  ar 

•edan,  which  conteyed  lo  her  borne  Borae  lidy  to  whom  the;  had  boea 
puUnUuly  attenCiiR  darii^  Iha  oisbt,  and  wbam,  u  in  duty  bnand,  tbej 
wuhed  to  Wjuire  to  the  door  of  her  own  reaidonCB. — tlie  ttrsets  vf  caa- 
liotBtal  ntiei  not  beiii|  Tery  ■>ft  Bt  Chue  boack,  wbea  picarot  and  es- 
liaHle»*  of  every  kind  are  on  the  walob,  to  Eurcue  t^r  Caliats  on  thV 
naraspecting  or  unprotected, 

Oo  tba  (allowing  ereDiag  a  gmd  ball-ftght  «u  to  b«  bald  in  the  loarble 
aqoars,  for  the  entertainment  of  the  Batitii.  TXn  apleodid  mamion  of  tto 
Oake  of  Alba  de  T—  forucd  nearlr  g  wbal<  aide  at  thii  ei^ant  PIsia, 
and  from  its  windowi  an  exceliiatC  lint  oould  be  ohtiuiMd.  TM  Coade  dl 
TrBxillo,  FniiferB,  Scaton.  IMe.  a«d  Stuart,  and  many  alhar  aScen, 
diaed  with  the  duke  that  day.  Tba  ladiei  were  all  laiiKt  and  beauty, 
idllioa^  a  little  pais  wilb'the  laticBea  of  th«prteadiDfeT«Di*e;  bat  Olivia, 
and  bor  Eouio  Ibe  brigbt-ev«d  oBodaua,  wan  aa  gay  and  TiTaeioDs  •• 
e»»r-  XbadUiur,  whkbmMatadaf  awiMyof  (tMra,  ciitleH,aBdlight 
aPwBriftitt—ry,  btgan  by  a  wmtm  of  Snit,  jmt  aa  o«ra  eoda.  Aftetwatda 
M  <d>oaoWba,  and  dgara  for  tbaw  «<■»■>•>  "ho  cbose  to  laanga  on 
L-i — !|^  i^ij  pfcaty  sf  Aiiting,  wakaioE,  siaeiDi,  and  nmaic  at  tba 
nitar.  toi  tboaa  who  rvoatned  with  tike  ladie*. 


pMiM'  aM  coitaTi  Kw  tboaa  who  rvoatned  with  tike  ladw*. 

DBiag  ibe  wbale  day  ^apaaatitot  bad  bsea  nakioi  lof  tba  appreeehi 
d^>lBy.  Alt  tb«  aUeaU  Icadini  to  Iba  Pljua  men  (Croi^ly  barricade 
with  bnUoidi-ctur*,  omle-carta,  and  evcrctbiuig  that  eoold  aerra  ta  eacloia 


_  ...    line 

(Croi^ly  barncadoed 

_.     .  -ftlnuig  f 

. .  and  ftenat  tba  aaeape  of  tbe  bulla. 

Four  oirttum  were  impruoned  iaaden  at  aaeead  of  tbeaqnare,  wbem 
tkay  trere  nnde^tug  a.  pcooeaa  of  lortora.  bains  loadad  by  stsel  pike* 
tlvaub  boles  in  Iha  laitf,  to  laote  Ibem  to  the  rcqiuilte  pitch  of  madneat 
Bad  fctochy.  Il  wai  a  beaatifnl  maiw  ercDinK,  and  obont  bar  o'clock 
Iha  f  apple  befan  to  callactj  at  Hi  the  riaia  waa  crowded  to.eiceas, — tbe 
baUoain,  nA,  and  windowa  w«ca  all  taken  poneaaion  of,  and  baodreda 


tba  oqfid£,  who  bkd  baoQ  by  Doaaa  Olitia'a  aide  aU  day. 
M  iaqnirB  for  Mm,  wbcn  Mthaiaar  anddtaly  appeared  id 


18  of  Eauai)^  and  ddifht  sboiwiii  eaery  SpanUbeyeat  ttaeac-  

peoaaiaad  by  tbcir  taraunte  nadooal  paatiBiOb 

nicgDMtarJChe  duke  oseopad  tba  larie  balcony,  whiobeiteiidrdalooc 
Ibe  front  of  hii  bUDta.  Il  waa  cOTerad  witb  ■  pieoa  of  tapeatry,  and  tba 
bidiaa  were  aeated  in  fraot,  while  tbtlr  eaisben  stood  behind.  Ucra 
Stuart  mkaad  tba  oqfid£,  ~ 

lia  aiaa  aboat  M  inqnirB 

Ikaaraoa.  arrayed ia  a  le.. ^ _    _.  _.. 

head,  fatty  dbpl^ac  bia  ibint  early  faair  and  Gne  featarea. 
alaae.iltting  doohlet  of  block  dntb  alaalMd  with  wdiite ;  a  maatje  of  a  brigU 
orange-coloarhnngonhisleft^arm,  and  in  hia  right  hand  be  eairiedasltoil 
Tuk*  about  Gts  feet  long,  lbs  head  of  which  was  of  aharp  and  bright  steel. 
Tteoa  atber  caiatieri,  ■imilarly  accoutred,  nade  their  appeanitca  in  tbt 
•ieiia,aad  tbe  people  raised  aery  of"  Viva  BaUiuar,tl  valitnit  nldadoi 
Viva  el  gracioi  caballero  Ajcanbv  yniiiTiltgm  I  Hare  are  the  bulla  I 
Haaa  aae  tbe  ball*  I" 

Batobanar  kiwad  bia  biud  t*  Dsana  Okna,  who  tbrMr  bim  a  aovnai 
Aoia  bea  bieaat.  aud  be  placed  it  in  hi*  e^k. 

"  Bewaaa,  my  poor  ooad^."  aaad  sha,  "  and  be  aat  over  rub.  RemMa. 
bar  IbatyanrCiaaaca  bi^froni  the  XJnura." 

"An  tbey  diSaraitf  frooi  any  olhn  ballfc  Donna  TsfHU,"  aakej 

"  Ob  1  have  ran  not  b^rd  ?    lley  ere  tbe  tery  fiercegt  in  Spain.-^ 


perbapa  in  the  world.    When  once  aronted ,  nothini  tame*  them  but  baag 

"And  to  tbeas  tiie  cnade  ia  about  to  oppoee  himaelf.    Are  ^oa  not 
coDRemed  for  hii  safety,  senoraa  ? " 

"  Baltbuzar  bu  a  atiarp  pike  and  ■  sure  heel,"  aagvereil  Olivia,  faoDini 
terself,  "and  I  bayono  fears  for  him." 

"  Haie  yon  ever  seen  any  one  killed  Id  the  arena  ?" 

"Yea.    A  bull  of  Xamara  toaacd  onr  poor  couiia,  the  Condf  Eatremera, 
into  the  air.  sod  he  came  donn  dead." 

"And  still  you  like  tbia  aport?"  aaid  Ctuneron,  "sport  ubich  eni; 
ScolUah  ladies  would  shudder  to  look  npon." 

"  Yes,  aenar.     0  viva  SmtUiima  !"  answered  all  the  ladiea  at  once, 
clapping  their  white  bands,  "  here  come  the  bulls  ! " 

A  shout  of  de1i|bt  from  the  multitode  ahook  tbe  Plaza.  A  sort  of  pact- 
cullia  bad  been  raised,  and  forth  from  his  deu  rushed  a  bull  into  the  arena, 
hiseyesdartingflre.'withaostrila  elated,  and  mouth  covered  with  foem,  the 
hair  of  bia  neclc  briatling  up  like  the  mane  of  a  lion,  and  every  miuala 
quirering  with  tbe  torture  be  had  undei^ne.  He  rolled  his  rad  «yei 
about,  as  if  to  select  a  convenient  object  to  attack.  Tbe  cond^  wamd  hi* 
orange  mantle  across  tbe  face  oftbe  bull,  which,  uttering  a  roar,  irinn^edfor* 
vard  Upon  him.  Clogely  pursued  by  bit  formidable  advereary,  TnuiUo  laa 
round  tbe  arena.  Tbia  was  tbe  moat  dangerous  part  of  tbe  game,  as  K  fiUl, 
or  tbe  least  false  iti^,  would  Ite  certain  death.  At  tbe  moment  when  the 
boll  was  preparing  foe  a  grand  plnnge"with  hoof  and  bom,"  the  quhU 
sprung  over  a  banler,  dropping  his  mantle  as  be  did  so.  It  was  iuatantly 
transfixed  and  tossed  into  tbs  air  by  tbe  boll,  obtcb  was  now  attacked  intli* 
rear  by  Don  Ascasibur,  who  carried  »,',  red  manUe  and  a  pike,  which  ha 
plunged  into  the  brawny  flank  of  the  vicliDi.  With  a  roar  of  fury  and 
agony,  the  beast  thundered  over  the  marble  pavement  after  his  aasMlaat,  . 
bat  was  diverted  from  tbe  porsnic,  being  pierced  by  tbe  pikes  of  a  third 
and  fouitb  cavalier,  who  kept  him  galloping  round  the  arena  in  every 
direction,  dropping  theii 
danger  became  too  presi    „ 

base  of  the  statue  of  Charles  tbe  Fifth,  wb^e  the  coDd^pnt  an  cm  »  n 
agony  by  plunging  his  pike  repeatedly  into  its  body.  Tbrea  othen  ireM 
alain  in  the  same  manner,  and  all  the  performers  had  narrow  eaci^e*  Ibr 
thar  lives  at  different  times.  Tbe  four  bolls  wet«  sent  away  to  the  kitchan 
of  the  Cata  de  lot  LecO)*  for  the  beikeGt  of  the  patieats  and  tbe  poor 


■e  cbivalric  than  the  brutal  cottom  of  bnll-baituig,  which  k  long 

diaeraced  Sooth  Britain. 

In  tbe  course  of  an  bonrall  tbe  bnlll  had  &llen  in  anceesdoD.  and  fiddad 
the  palm  to  their  four  tormentors,  who  were  greeted  with  enthunaatio 
ipplauae  by  tbe  mnltitnde,  on  whose  ghouldert  they  irere  lifted  ap,  and 
carried  by  force  triumphantly  round  the  aquare. 

When  this  display  waa  over,  the  condl  resumed  the  brown  aaiAirm 
ind  ailver  epaulets  of  the  4tb  Spanish  infantry,  and  rejoined  the  duke's 
quests  in  the  bslcooy,  from  which  they  were  beholdiog  other  feats  of  dex- 
terity. A  tall  and  powerful  Spaniard,  Gaapar  Aloiegni,  tbe  strongeM  and 
nost  athletic  man  in  the  two  Castiles,  ent^ed  tbe  arena,  bearing  a  larga 
:annon-shat  and  a  aledge-hammer.  He  waved  bis  broad  hat  to  the  popu- 
ace,  who  cheered  their  favourite,  aa  no  man  yet  had  ever  rivalled  hipi  in  (iaata 
if  strength  and  agility.    Taking  up  the  cannon-tbot,  the  vreaght  of  which 


I  faiTS  forgotten,  lie  poiied  it  for  ■  momant  In  hit  biDd.  ind  then  tOMing 
k  from  faim,  «ent  it  vhiiiins  ilong  the  pivement.  u  a  bowler  doe*  a 
cricket-ball,  from  one  end  of  the  Flaia  to  tbe  other,  where  it  rebounded 
tgainst  the  wall  of  a  houae,  aad  lay  itill.  Alozegni  arrogaoUr  cbaJleDgett 
aD7  roan  among  tbe  thoagandg  there  eesembleil  to  throw  it  within  tea  jeet 
of  tbe  ipot  where  it  then  lay,  oSerin^  in  that  cue  to  forfeit  a  pane  of  ten 
muat,  prenated   to  the  victor  bj  the    fair  palrotua  of  the  day — the 

daoghtera  of  the  Duke  of  AlbadeT .    Alozegni  looked  aroaud  him 

triamphantly :  bntno  man  answered  the  challenge,  which  was  not  deliTered 
in  Ter;  moderate  laD^uue,  aod  he  now  graaped  tbe  ibaft  of  hii  ponderons 
hammer.  Swingii^  it  thrice  ronnd  bia  bead,  he  hniled  it  from  his  band 
with  ths  ipeed  of  a  thnnderbolt.  The  crowd  for  a  moment  held  theic 
W(iat}i,  and  the  gue  oflbnrflfes  fallowed  the  lemicircle  which  [tdeacribed 
thiDBgh  the  air.  It  alighted  cloin  by  the  shot,  and  again  Iha  cheera  of  tbe 
people  broke  forth;  after  which  Gaspar  repeated  his  challenge,  in  t^esame 

"  Such  an  iniolent  dog  aa  ^i  AloiegnideaerTeaUbebeatea,"  aaid  tLa 
MNdie. 

"  He  hsa  thrown  well,"  olwervci)  Sttiart,  a)  be  taant  over  the  balcony  t 
"  ;et  tbe  (port  lorn  its  leat  when  there  is  no  competitor." 

"  Vna,  Aloiegai,"  said  Donna  Olivia.  "  He  deaerrei  to  kiss  my  hand, 
and  should  but  for  his  bnahy  black  beard." 

"  I  am  conrinced  that  wj  servant,  Dngald  Mohr,  old  ai  he  il,  will 
throw  these  matters  farther,  said  Panifem,  who  waa  indignant  at  AlA- 
■eni'a  challenge,  and  bnmed  with  eagemeaB  to  see  him  beaten.  He  spoka 
in  Engliah — "  I  suppose  Dngatd  is  below  among  the  serranta.  He  fol<- 
lowed  me  here.  AJ  sure  a*  my  name  is  John  Cameron,  be  will  beat^ 
Alozegni." 

"  I^  Bonie  one  inquire  if  be  ia  below." 

"  I  aay,  colonel,"  cried  Seaton,  who  waa  seated  at  the  other  end  of  the 
btkooT,  with  bia  glasa  at  bis  eye ;  "  snrely,  Campbell  of  onrs  ia  about  tO' 
MWWer  the  challenge  of  the  Spaniard.     He  has  entered  (he  arena." 

"  Now,  by  bearens  I  well  dotie  Colin,  and  Dugald  Mhor,  too, — honest 
tM  Dngald  !  Look  to  yourself,  Micer  Alozegui ;  you  will  acarcely  hold, 
tks  priie  against  two  such  men,"  aaid  Cameron,  in  peat  glee.  "Major, 
mn  you  about  to  contend  with  ^is  impudent  loon  ? ' 

"We  nre,  indeed,"  replied  Campbell,  "  and  hard  work  the  braggadod» 
win  have  to  beat  ns.  Dngald  and  I  are  comrades  to-day,  and  mean  to 
■bow  these  dona  the  mettle  of  Highlandmen,  and  what  sort  of  muscle  brow 
and  brochan  can  produce.  I  have  hurled  a  stone  three  times  the  size  of 
that  shot  from  Craigfianteacb  into  Locbawe,  and  mean  to  (train  every 
DCfve  to  give  tbe  dona  a  snrprite.  I  thonght  it  a  ehame  that  so  manv  British 
nUBi  ahODLld  stand  by  quietly,  and  let  ■  SpsnisTd  bosat  thus.  Tbrowine 
tbe  hammer  is  ^national  amusement,  and  1  hope  that  neither  don  nor  devu 
wiQ  beat  a  Scotsmao  st  it.  After  we  have  conquered  Senor  Alozegni, 
Dn^ld  and  1  will  chailence  the  whole  crowd  to  a  game  at  qaoitg  Of  abinty, 
wtucherer  they  like  beat. 

Alaz«ni,on  understanding  Ibattbey  bad  answered  tbe  cballengea,  laid  the 
•hot  and  hammer  before  them,  carefully  marking  the  placcB  where  they 
bqr  :  a  needless  precsntion,  aa  he  very  soon  leamM. 

"  Dngald  Cameron,  my  man,  take  yon  the  shot,"  said  the  m^or,  "and 
let  them  see  that  you  are  '  ateel  to  the  bane.'  Ye  showed  true  mettle  the 
d«y  Alexandria  was  fought,  and  can  do  so  here,  lyart  thongh  your  paw 
nay  be.  1  will  take  the  fore-hammer ;  and  now,  my  lada !  here  are  twa 
decent  HiiblandnieD,  against  all  tbebeaidedbraggartaon  thissideofthft 


"  [  kM  ■aUt  cnonfh  to  he  til  gnlehBr  twlca  (nrer  atiil  miir,  U  mT  (Ilfef 
haffMi  >Dd  nnkled  cbeekt  nty  Mil  joa ;  bat  1  will  ne<rr  ttuink  fraa  the 
taak  whea  >  Hieland  gcntleniBn  like  jnar  hoeaor  eoCMBHOda  bw,"  nid 
Dwald,  u  ba  cut  dom  bii  bonnet,  iirard,  and  idiM  ;  and  taking  ap  tba 
ballas  if  it  had  bran  a  vBlnul,  wittnut  once  looking  M  it.  cfannr  it  over 
liM  hoBKi  at  the  md  of  Ibe  squttre,  h^  ■  iingia  ming  of  Ui  arm. 

"TheCameninfaTarcr!  Welt  daiw,  Dugaldl"  sRlaimedUic  iw^or- 
"Afoot  len«T,  and  the  Eaperor  had  loat  bii  bml,  wkich  wo(ddta>« 
qnited  all  tbe  apon." 

Dugald  law^ed.  stroked  down  Ina  irhita  haiia,  and  uarfiaf  feiapMl 
around  hin,  vitbdrewunderHiebdcnnfiHierotbe  delighted  Fisaiftmim 
•budiBg.  He  received  a  dieer,  thoiigb  sOt  ■  my  cordial  snc,  IVom  the 
fieciple ;  and  Alol^i  battowFd  noon  him  a  most  formidable  scowl  of  nni 
•nd  hntred,  to  «hich  he  KpKed  bjr  a  laagh,  and  ■  dilFctlMt  to  "  flc  tM 
«nrd  he  had  tint  to  die  poirtolk."  Now  cum  lln  n^or'i  tarn,  udlba 
Spaniard  began  to  tremble  for  his  fame.  The  former,  nfter  eianiniQB;ltia 
^Bderoua  bammer,  to  aainre  bitnaelf  tkattbeluiBdle  vai  Arntf  fixed  into 
it,  swung  it  once  around  hia  head,  and  straining  erery  moscle  to  conMor, 
mat  it  trom  bii  hand  with  a  fnrca  and  swiAiieaa  tri^  ■mEiog.  BeacnbiiiE 
a.  complete  arcb  oTar  the  spacioaa  Plaza,  it  whirled  lbrou{^  tbe  air,  and 
gnuiBE  over  the  hooKi  of  an  adjacent  street,  lighled  smont:  ttie  reeds  on 
the  banks  of  tbe  Tsgus.  where  it  wn  djaccrrered  next  day.  Howenr,  it 
CDBld  not  be  found  fnr  that  ni^t ;  ahd  Hie  ontr  reward  Cnnphell  received 
from  1be  Spaniards  for  hia  prowen.  was  tbe  half-mattered  ejaeahrtidii  of 
aatonisfaneal  at  tbe  Dight  tailen  hy  llie  miasile.  The  dons  were  rtrj  aapj 
at  their  heto  being  beaten  by  ■  foreigner  and  heretic,  and  so  aatOBiabea  at 
his  wonderful  strength,  that  they  readily  adopted  tbe  opinion  of  aons 
old  Cspuchine  padres,  "  that  he  had  been  assiBted  by  tbe  deril." 

"Hoicb,  major  1  weal  dune,"  sbonted  old  Dogtiid,  waving  fail  baoBtt. 
"Fair  play  a'  tbe  warld  own-,— CoHrom  nafiine,*  ai  weaay  athamein 
Lochiel.  Femtoali  and  barley  .bannock  art  thestnffto  Bak'  neao';  bo 
accadenty  and  snail- broth .—daevil  tak'  then  baitb  t" 

"  Long  life  to  tou,  taajor,"  cried  nany  nf  tbe  Hi|;UuiderB;  and  htm- 
dreds  of  soldiers  Iwlonging  to  die  66th,  34th,  and  otber  oorpa  of  tbedMaioa, 

hnziaed  him  lovdly.    On  reoeiviog  from  the  fake's  e«il(«rf~  ' '* 

the  purse  of  thirty  otuiw,  Campbell,  Imowing  that  DagaM  w 

to  tooch  a  maravedi  of  the  aioncy.  ptaoed  it  ta  the  haar*- 

taJHng  him  not  to  be  est  down,  aa  OugaM  and  himself  hi 

men  than  e**r  trod  the  i«alDi  of  Spun.     This  taant  o    ^ 

deeply  tbefterjr  and  enragsd  Spaniard,  who  scoraed  to  reccsic  (bepuraa, 

wliicfa  he  thsaed  Hnong  tbe  people,  and  leaping  D>er  (he  barricn,  diiap- 

pewed.  Campbell  waaed  hiafaaniaiel-bonnat  (a  pUin«B4)with)ntfbaHien) 

to  tfae  aasembled  moltitude.  and  withdrew  to  wiiab  tbe  night  naer  a  pif- 

skin  with  Dan  Aseasibar,  and  tall  eadlesa  narrattvea  about  Bgypt  and  Sn 

Ralph. 

Daring  that  ertaiBg,  fron  •  tbonsand  KtCle  cttmnstsnces  wWA  it  i( 
needless  to  rehearse,  it  was  evident  to  Ronald  that  Looi*  Liale  was  dee^ 
enamoured  of  the  beaatifnl  Virginia;  and  that  slie  was  not  unfaTonralilB  to 
him  was  alss  mBDifest,  althaagh  she  took  ererT  aieans  h)  oMieeal  it :  bM 
Ronald  had  a  sbnrp  eye  fk>rtfae8e  mitten.  Wbat  Ibe  opinion  of  tbepnmd 
oM  duke  might  be  an  sock  a  sntuect  it  wn*  sol  dittadt  M  sajr ;  and  Ilia 
AinartesKe  would  wot  ic  ike  leaM  have  prevented  hita  from  aaiplaTing  Iha 
pcniiard  of  bowib  matador  to  rid  his  family  of  svrii  a  eaitoT.  Howevar,  Mi 
Hind  WBi  at  that  monnnt  too  mach  tafcta  >p  with  poliliaal  aritrmea  ta  p«>- 
■aicbim  Co  observs  tbe  gvowiog  pasiiaif  bet««En  his  diagbtet  and  tba 


c?, 


_^  ScDtfinh  iDbaUnn,  to  whom  twcotr  dijB'  remdence  Id  hia  pclica 
—  fiTm  ertry  opportunity  to  prtsi  hia  aoit  tfaiC  ■  lorer  could  deiire. 

The  party  M  the  Oe  T paUce  broke  up  about  eleiBa  a'dock,  Bnd 

niminattng  on  the  probabilitieB  of  Louis'a  winoing  tba  donna,  atioald  he 
retUj  profHiae  for  her  hind,  Ronald  puied  ilowly  through  the  mirble 
■qoaiv,  and  dovn  ■  itreet  leading  towards  bia  b<liet,  which  vai  near  ths 
Callo-  Mayor.  A  giufa  ol  light,  Btnaming  iato  die  darknsu  thtongb  tba 
•pm  portal  tod  traoericd  wiiidowB  of  an  UlnniBMnl  idupel,  ioTitcd'tuni  to 
eatar,  in  eipeetatna  of  bahoMing  •omB  nlcn  nli^MM  eoMmMlf  ;  bnt 
the  bnlding  waa  entirely  Mnpty,  and  tha  blase  of  liahC  pmwidBa  frnoi 
■oma  hwpdreda  of  tapan  bonili^  aroaad  the  gilded  inrioe  of  tba  |Mto> 
■aint  of  Araujiiei.     FroB  thia  spot  a  strong  flood  of  crimaon  light  glared 


ftnM)^  the  Dave  and  cbaacel.  tinging  witti  die  hna  of  blood  tha  black 
mvble  panmeat.  tlie  ileader  pillars,  and  the  giuined  roof  of  fretlsd  itotw- 
work.  Many  mouldy  portraiti  of  saints  adorned  the  walls ;  oroDDd  tha 
ttghtad  sbriue  were  hun^  tsrtain  itranga  mecaorials,  placed  tlierB  by  the 
piety  of  those  whom  the  taint  wu  aappoaed  to  hate  cured.  Cmteha, 
ewaa  wooden  lege,  and  many  atuooo  casta  of  deformed  limb*,  were  Uiere 
diqilayed,  all  doubtleaa  tiie  work  of  ensiling  priests,  to  impose  apoD  tba 
mianUty  of  (ha  Spanlarda.  Bnt  what  chiefly  raised  bis  wonder,  waa  aoma 
hiuulrad  little  imi^aa  of  children,  with  which  tlie  place  waa  abtolntaly 

Hi*  attention  waa  next  attracted  by  tereial  itandiid*,  the  traphiea  of 
var,  wUeli  hnng  Irom  the  highest  part  of  the  cbipcl.  where  the  roof  rota 


a  the  form  of  a  dome.  Theae  belonged  t 
and  one,  by  tha  creacenta  on  it,  ha  jndgBd  to  be  Mooriab;  but  tbe  stber 
two  be  remarked  more  particularly.  The  one  waa  the  eaisign  of  a  British 
ahip  of  war  which  had  besa  wredod  oa  the  coast  of  Spain ;  Che  other  waa 
an  ancient  Scottish  atandard  of  while  lilk,  crossed  with  St.  Andrew**  bloa 
croaa,  and  spleadidly  embroidered  with  ailiei  thiatlw.  AboDt  the  latter 
hn  eonld  not  obtain  the  leatt  information,  although  be  mad*  eicry  (nquiry 
next  lay.  Bat  it  was  probably  the  regimental  coloar  of  seme  of  the  Scot- 
tiati  Biuiliarias  who  aerred  in  the  Low  Countries  against  the  Emperor 
Charlea  the  Filth.  Ronald  waa  reroliing  in  bis  own  miod  Out  means  of 
nnjtnring  or  deatroyiDg  both  theae  ■tamfar^h,  when  the  entrance  of  tha 
Ckind^  de  Truiilto  diverted  him  from  hia  purpose,  and  aared  to  tha 
Spanlarda  tlwae  trophies  whieh  moat  likely  sCill  adorn  the  chapel  royal  of 

'hat  adientiire  are  yon  in  aearoh  of  bow,  aenor,  that  yon  have  Dot 
ight  yoDT  billet  in  tiia  Calle  Ma*or  ?" 
I  anderatand,"  replied  die  eonde,    "  that  the  Caihineme  of  JCadina 


*^" , 

yat  sought  yoor  billet  in  tiie  Calle  Ma*o 
"  1  anderataod,"  replied  An  eonde, 
del  C^mpo  marched  mto  Araninez  about  sunset.  I  base  a  verr  dear 
brother,  an  officer  in  them,  and  I  am  searching  for  some  obs  to  di>«et  aw 
to  hit  qaarlers,  tate  as  the  hour  ia.  Manuel  and  I  were  rery  dear  ftienda 
ia  yoath,  b«ng  edncated  together  at  our  old  caitle  near  Trmillo ;  bat  we 


pained  in  dilferent  piof  inc 

hia  lip  when  I  saw  him  last,  bat  now  be  mast  be  a  stoat  and  well-whiakarad 

aanllv.    Ah,  how  much  I  long  to  behold  him  1" 

"  1  repwrt,  condj,  that  I  can  giro  yoa  no  infonwlian  as  to  where  the 
nntevi  of  Ae  CartMneroa  sre.  Some  of  the  qnarCer-gnarda  may  peritapa 
BAwni  yoo." 

"  Ho  1  Btnor  Stuart,"  exclaimed  Truiillo,  a*  hit  eye  fell  on  tbe  ahrine 
with  all  ita  litde  imagei  and  blaring  tapen.  "  Lo,  yon  now  I  behold  what 
Mg«ea  onr  padrea  are.     Do  yon  know  the  meaning  of  all  these  imagea  ?" 

**  No.    I  own  I  was  tomewbat  pnziled  to  ditcorer." 


'  uuwcfed  Traxillo  w 
n  bom  unto  Udici  * 
ther  had  nal«d  this  minaiioaM  Bhriiw, — i 

_. ,  — „ —  _   ,  to  this  pUoe  ■  KiTaRigii 

ttmedj.  Tbcf  nn  ihowii  the  tomb  of  the  Baiot  Id  tba  tbdIIi  balow ;  wtd 
ill  iDBomice,  uded  br  the  attention!  of  a  few  stoat  padres,  ccitaialr  ba*- 

broDshtaboutaiQiiiIaren»*j  and Bat  berc  comes  mvssrrant;  ha 

has  beenBearchingfortbaqnarlaraDf  tbeCubiiieri>9.aDd«iU H^l" 

eicUimed  Trniil^,  hii  coaatenuice  cbiingiDg  as  ■  tenant  beloogiiig  ta 
the  De  T '  bmilr  entered  tbe  chapel,  "  do  too  seek  me  ?" 

The  stmmt,  who  wore  the  oraage-calonred  lirery  of  tbe  dake,  rcfdicd 
by  wfaispeiing  something  into  the  ear  of  Don  Baltbaxiv,  wboM  "  bnnr 
greiT  black  u  thnodei." 

" F^Mcador  !  nuLimanl  wbst  is  this  yon  have  dared  to  tell  ma?"  lift 
erdUimed,  farkmsly  gnsping  the  menial  by  the  throat. 

"The  solema  truth,  moat  uoblecoad^  Releiv  me!  SanJnanintbB 
wilderness  could  not  ipeslc  more  truly.  I  am  faithTnl  to  yon, — I  am,  by 
the  Vi^in  1 — Oh — "  It  is  probable  the  fellow  woold  never  hare  apoken 
again,  bad  not  Ronald  releued  his  neck  from  the  dutch  of  the  cdnde. 

"  Cavalin  1"  exclaimed  tbe  latter,  seizing  Ronald's  band,  "  I  Imow  jroo, 
to  be  braie  and  honourable  as  man  can  be.  1  hare  been  basely  betnred 
*'~'~  night.  Will  yoa  follow  m^  that  1  may  recorer  my  lost  bononr,  o~ 
ah>    Adeadly  insult  has  been  (""-'  '-        " 


perish  !    A  deadly  insult  has  been  offered 

"IpUdi  

blockhead 


1  pledge  TOQ  my  word  1  wiU,  Balthaziar.  But  what  hai  this  trenbliiui 
'-■—- '-ildyr-'" 


old  you 

17  that  Donna  Olivia,  t«wbom  notanhonrago  I  plighted  my 

love  and  troth,  has  even  now  a  cavalier  in  her  chamber.' ' 

"  Impossible;  he  lies  !" 

"  He  does  not— I  Irnow  that  he  does  not.  I  have  bribed  him  to  watcli 
his  mistress,  and  have  long  found  him  faithfol.  But  Olivia,  false  and  base 
Olivial  I  have  long  suspected  her  falsehood  and  coquetry,  and  this  ni^it 
I  will  fearAilly  revenge  them  both  npon  herself.  It  must  be  Carlos  Atallo. 
Malediction  I  I  will  alay  him  before  ber  face.  By  our  Lady  of  tbe  Boekl 
my  most  sacred  oath,  I  swear  ic!" 

Balthszzar  rushed  away  from  the  chapel,  and  Stuart  followed  to  prevent 
him,  if  possible,  from  committing  any  outrage,  and  pnrsiwd  him  UinKigli 
the  dark  streets  at  his  utmost  speed.  In  a  tew  seconds  they  stood  before 
the  mansion  they  had  quitted  but  a  short  time  ago.  It  was  complete!*  in- 
volved in  darkness,  save  one  room,  from  the  windows  of  which  a  light 
straggled  through  tbe  whits  curtains  upon  the  balcony  from  whidi  they 
had  witnessed  ^bull-light. 

"  The  sisters  sleep  in  separate  apartments;  that  ia  Olivia's,"  whispered 
Traiillo,  in  a  voice  husky  with  the  pauions  which  posaeMcd  his  heart. 
"Did  jon  not  see  a  tall  shadow  pass  tbe  window  J" 

"  Let  me  entreat  you,  noble  conde,  to  stay— to  hold  but  for  s  ungle 

"  Carajol  msy  it  be  my  last  if  I  doi"  replied  the  other  fiercely,  aa  ho 

S rasped  a  carved  stone  ornament  projecting  from  the  wall,  and  swong 
imself  into  the  balcony,  where  be  drew  his  sword,  and  applied  bis  eye  to 
tbe  opening  of  the  window  curtains.  Apprehensive  that  he  might  eammit 
some  rash  deed,  Ronald  followed  him,  bat  with  iuGnite  trooble,  rqe 
having  enabled  the  coode  to  climb  by  means  which  the  other  could  not 
find.  He  was  not  witboat  some  secret  fears  that  this  rival  cavalier 
might  be  Louis  Ijsle,  end  grasping  Traxillo  by  the  arm,  he  detained 


kim  br  niaiii  force ;  and  lud  tlw  partin  wicbia  bam  leM  occupied  with 

rhlcfa  cDinad  on  die 

'  ^niroDgli  the  htlf-opcoed  cHemmt  thaj  mnejad  the  chamber  HDd  its 
MCBpanti.  Tlie  ileeping-pUee  of  the  donna  vu  ceTtainly  a  iiilendid 
obb;  the  harming*,  the  chain,  the  bed,  and  corerini  of  tlte  tttrado,  railed 
■k  one  end  of  the  floR',  were  all  of  wfaita  or  roae-eolonred  velvet,  fringed 
Rod  embioiJdaTed  with  i<Jd,  and  ererydiiDg  else  wai  of  corrapoodiDS 

richneaa.    A  lamp,  the  J*--  -'  -*-'-■- • ' '    '---     '-■  - 

««na  light  thn)ng:h  die  ai 
placed  on  ttevei^  of  tbe<«(nuIo,nTe  forth  an  eireetbleperfbine.  In  a 
■Jmdid  eaar-duur,  wbieh  ifittered  witt  Rldio*  and  |Ut  iwila,  the  bcan- 
tiftil  OliTia  waa  teated  near  her  tmlet  talile,— the  looeeneai  of  her  dreaa 
and  the  disorder  of  her  tiiu;let*  ahowlng  that  the  bad  been  preparing  for 
repOM  before  ber  nutor  haiTentarBd  b;  ue  window,  ■  place  of  iniren  Deed 
oftener  than  the  door  \tj  Spamih  kiTera.  An  officer  in  a  Spaniih  eaialry 
nBUonn  wu  kneeling  at  her  feat,  and  hi*  doak  and  helmei  laj  on  the  floor 

"  Lo  1  holy  Virgin,  a  prettf  luece  of  daring,"  mid  the  lady  ei  they  ap- 
proached the  window. 

"  Pardon  me,  beaatlM  one,"  laid  the  officer;  "  and  remember,  (hat  if 
I  bad  not  liiitcdyonthtu,  I  might  never  hare  leen  yon  at  all." 

"  And  what  then,  lenor  i" 

"  Cmel  OliTia !  can  yon  trifle  wiUi  a  panlon  M  eameat  a*  mine  ?" 

"  A  pretty  fellow,  to  rint  me  hlie  a  bnro  by  the  window,  with  a  aword 
in  yoar  hand.  Thi*  will  teach  me  to  bolt  my  ahutteri  more  lecnrely. 
Qmm  now,  aenor,  1  hare  heard  quite  enough  of  tliig  :  yao  must  retire.  O 
Monte*  !  ahonld  yon  be  aeen  I" 

"  Heartless  Oliria !  and  you  bid  me  leave  yon  the*  V 

"  Urartlesa  ?     Yoa  are  mighty  gallant,  mi  oiiii^  /" 

"  Kemember  that  we  march  to-morrow,  and  I  may  never  tee  yon 

"  Well,  I  suppose  I  shall  not  want  for  a  hnaband.  The  Cond6  of 
TVniillo,  Pedro  de  Eaqnivias,  or  Carlos  Avallo  will,  any  of  them,  be  glad 
ID  have  me  when  1  chooae.  O  'tis  a  gay  thing  to  be  loved  by  many 
onaliers  1  Bat  leave  me,  I  entreat — no,  commaml  yon  V  said  the  lady, 
carling  np  her  black  treuea  with  her  white  slender  Rngers. 

"  Onnt  me  bat  a  single  kiia,  Olivia,  aad  I  will  retire  never  to  trouble 
yoa  Bfain.    I  will  aeek  death  in  onr  flrst  encounter  with  the  enemy." 

*'  Von  tore  yooraelf  too  well  for  that." 

"Grant  me  bat  one  Ealole,  and  1  leave  yoa.  Oh,  after  all  the  misery  of 
my  long  year*!  abaence,  do  DOtrefoae  me  thatl" 

"  Take  it,  thon  Uae  ^esr6,  and  be  gone,"  replied  the  coquettish  girl, 
posting  ber  cherry  moatb,  towards  which  the  cavalier  advanced  his  weJI- 
moaatacbed  lip. 

"  Perish  Gist  I"  exclaimed  the  enraged  Trnxillo,  mshing  forward  and 
driving  his  sword  throogh  the  back  and  breast  of  the  nnfortanate  lover. 
*'  Die  in  year  audadty,  whoever  yoa  are,  you  fiilie  interloper  I  Die, 
villain!"  he  added,  repeating  the  stab  j  and  tfaecavalierdiedwitbontagroan. 
"  Farewell  for  ever,  ^se  Olivia,"  cried  the  savage  cond£  I  "  and  remember 
that  my  love,  unworthy  as  you  are  of  it,  done  protects  you  from  the  effect* 
of  my  fury  and  disappointment  1"  He  wa*  about  lo  leave  the  place,  when 
hi*  effl  fell  apon  the  coantenanoe  of  the  cavalier  be  bad  so  ruiUeasly  and 
raihly  aUtn.  He  wo*  now  lying  stark  and  dead,  the  blood  from  his  wonnd* 
ttreauing  over  ttio  oaken  floor  of  the  room.    Trniillo  groaned  deeply,  and 


■trtking  hh  forefaaad,  itacKcred  bade,  droppint  hii  ivord,  whHc  U«  «oia- 

"Bl  Btpiritu  Santo  mitit*tmo  /  O  Biat  mit!"  he  ciint  in  ■  huby 
voice,  the  Iodb  of  nhich  vni  heart -pierdng  HDd  horrible,  "I  hanibUn 
mr  taother,— my  bra»B  biotherl  O  Mmmel  tt  CflrWuero,— is  it  jott  I 
lia*s  mnrdered  i  Tea  ttioninnd  muled icdont  bluC  too-  b'<e  iiiiiii  1 
bint  yon,  and  follov  yon  to  ti\  eternity  \  'Til  yoQ  h*ie  vriMight  ma  tM> 
deadlf  sint"  and  rnshiBS  into  Um  bslcony  he  tpmng  into  the  stNeti 
learing  Ronald  in  the  apartment  of  the  Udyi  BtaMlfaig  iiremiate  and  Mnpi- 
fled  wtth  amazement  at  the  raddnmeM  of  this  eMUtroplte,  which  cava  lo 
pase  In  leu  time  than  I  ha*e  taken  to  racnd  ft.  Olina,  wbote  vsica  bid 
Bt  flrat  failed  her  in  the  sibvmitr  t^  her  tenor,  now  abrieked  long  Md. 
loodly  to  arouse  Uta  homebotd,  wta'ich  ahe  ifid  so  eflVctoBll^,  that  in  Ikna 
minutei  tiiey  were  ^  mastered  id  her  ebambcr,  uwd  with  all  mtMi  tt 
wo^MHis,  and  amon;  othen  Lisle  with  hi*  drawn  iword.  Great  indMd 
WW  thrar  utoniahment  to  see  Rondd  in  the  ateejriBj-room  of  Dtmoa  CWfia 
at  midniKht.  and  an  otSoer  lying  dead  on  the  naar,  weltering  in  ■  pnol  flf 
blood.  All  clamoroaaly  demanded  an  eiplaaatioQ  of  thii  iiu|«lBr  loMSi 
and  the  indignation  of  Che  old  dake  it  is  impossible  to  describe,  ladt  roa^ 
was  there  fbr  scuidal  in  the  ■Cory  of  a  eanlier  being  shun  at  wcbt  i>  tha 
bed-roam  of  his  daaghter.  Diavolo  I  thought  he,  •)■  Sfia,  fiota  Cap* 
Ortegsl  to  Gibraltar,  will  b«  ringing  with  the  tale  1  Some  of  the  inaalea 
attempted  to  recoTer  ttie  lady,  who  had  snnk  en  iier  bed  in  a  swoca;  wWa 
the  others  required  Ranald,  in  shrill  tones  of  anger  and  sorpriar,  to  gi*e  a 
detail  of  the  matter.  This  he  hesltntrd  to  do,  not  wiahing  to  criminMa  the 
cond^,  and  still  lets  wisfalng  to  be  taken  for  the  cnlprit  himtrlf. 

In  d)ie  dilemma  the  hustle  and  eommotiini  wens  incrvaaed  by  the  aniral 
of  a-  pompous  old  alcalde,  who  dwelt  opposite,  and  Senar  RuMd.  tha 
notary,  with  sii  alguaiils,  who  were  for  arrESting  Ronald  on  the  iaslaMf 
but,  laying  his  hand  on  the  hilt  of  bia  dirk,  be  vowed  to  run  throng  Itie 
heart  the  first  who  laid  a  fingee  upon  him  ;  upon  wbick  the  limba  of  Ute 
law,  recoiling,  began  tn  handle  the  locks  of  tbtrir  heavy  froiaeoa,  and 
more  blood  would  probably  have  been  sbed,  had  not  the  slcslde  interfcrad. 

"Hiis  magistrate,  wboae  person  and  auHiority  the  duke  bad  always  treated 
with  contempt,  was  >ery  glad  to  ha>e  opprntnoity  of  aftODtiBg  hiiii ;  and 
assnminB  as  mneh  cnnseqnenoe  aa  be  eeuld,  be  adminiatered  an  oMfc  (» 
Bonald  in  the  Spanish  manner,  by  swearing  him  across  his  sword  and  dirk, 
and  then  desiring  him  to  relate  what  he  knew  of  this  matter, — sad  word 
for  word  his  relation  was  committed  to  writing  by  the  keBB-«yed  and 
sharp-Tissied  little  notary.  Bi^lishmen  might  have  dODbted  thQ  toUlioii  t 
bntm  Spam  the  words  afsu  houonrable  caialieTarenotM  beqaeaUaned, 
and  the  account  pro'ing  satisfsctory  to  tl»  sloaMa,  f«  ao  fkr  aa  ooBeetoed 
Ronald  Staart.  be  whs  permitted  to  retire;  while  Beaor  Rabio,  and  Aa 
six  men  with  binnderbtuses,  were  sent  off  in  ponatt  of  the  coadi,  iHiom 
they  diaooiered  on  his  knees  befbre  the  Tsry  afarina  be  had  made  tba 
subject  of  bis  jests  sn  hour  before.    Three  days  afterwards  ha  waa  Mad 

*" al  court- martial,  oomposedof  Spanish  oflcen, — ttn  Oanenlde 

g  president.  Erery  man  aapposed  hisdeatk  to  be  certHo;  b«t 
an  was,  sH-ange  Co  say,  acquitted.  Yet  Hfs  was  no  booa  to  koor  TnodDo, 
who,  beii^  continoally  haunted  by  tbe  miserable  death  of  bis  brMhar. 
beeuna  reckless  of  exmeooe.  and  by  throwing  himself  madly  in  the  way  of 
danger,  endeamwred  to  perish  in  expiation  of  tiis  crime  be  Md  oouBiMad 
in  the  blindness  of  bia  race  and  jealoDsy. 

This  oocnrrcnce  appeared  for  Che  present  to  be  a  deatt-blow  U>  ttia 
hopes  of  Louis  Lisle.  On  the  Ibilowing  day  the  duke  aaitlad  ATB^iea« 
with  hia  family,  retiring  saddealy  no  one  knew  whither.   He  was  ao  nueh 


CWabi 


SBiwed  agaiMt  <Mii4,  who  huked  ms  not  to  bluaa,  tluit  ha  thmtened 
M  diagtsr^  her  for  e*sr,  br  incaraerMiDE  bar  n  tbe  Monatterio  dt  lot 
Arreptntidaa*  of  SeiiUe,  but  the  tears  bdcI  eatreUiin  of  Dddiw  Virgiaia 
minle  hifB  ebawsB  hrii  iiBaCieD ;  the  lUtMi  wcM  nipntoct,  and  lot  eter. 
Ofi.*ia  wBB  lenC  off  to  GaboM,  and  smftaad'  >■  &  tei^arj  towtnA  imong 
tbew^  FH^ta  «f  ^B  1ii«ri  ii,  dB  M«ndo— da.  wtame,  ii  lifiaf,  ahe  prubsblr 
BtiU  reside:*. 


CHAPTEB    HL 


A*a«T  tha  midclle  af  Octobar  tlie  Is^oh  of  Marshata  Joat£Bi  and 
SonU.  haTiDC  formed  a  junction,  adiaoced,  under  taa  oaumaBd  of  tha 
hrttef,  Hfty  thoiuuiil  Mrasf.  fn>ai  VaileBaiaOB  Madrid,  aadia  aihorttime 
■nived  wilHn  t,  bm  iBagiiM  of  AiaBJoei.  OembiDing  hia  fcncm  with 
tiiose  of  Generals  Elio  and  Preire,  and  with  the  Spaniudi  of  Don  Carlcn 
de  Kipagaa,  Sir  BowlMid  Hill,  at  the  bead  of  tonj  tbooaand  weU-trled 
Boldiera,  Di«Ted  to  meet  ^mi,  comnieneiDf  his  aiarah  from  Arasjaei  on 
tbs  23nl  of  Odtober.  Many  a  atlrrowful  farawell  wai  uid  that  tnoraiDb 
and  nnuT  B  bright  are  |rair  Am  at  the  retirmg  aouod'of  the  Britiah  drum* 
died  away  among  the  wmdinga  of  tha  Tagna.  Cnxring  the  i^ttr,  imme- 
diatelT  below  tbawalla  of  (he  palase,  tha  drniiHi  marrhed  to  Calraanare 
de  Oiijo,  a  tewa  of  Toledo.  Here  difereut  briKadea  wen  pentad  at  tbe 
s«*aral  funde  of  tJM  Iten*,  by  which  Sontt'i  iofeatry  night  atumpt  to 
pMs.  ThatitiWeMaDiMAiiafidltoilielotaf  tha«rMbr^e.  Ob  tha 
•roaBd  dHyafEM  tftor  bivoeaching  tlm«,  a  party  of  th( 


EO  approwAn^  tks  riter.  ekber  to  <T0««  or  reeonaoitra.     The  light 

,      y  of  tke  Gordon  Highlandan,  md  CapBiii  Blacier"*  compnBT  oif 

tbe  G^'oan  riSea,  were  ordered  Co  raaei*e  then  at  the  fiird.     Unluckily 


for  faimeelf,  Uste  accoB>panied  "the  lt|[ht  ImbB"  .    ... 

volnnteer,  in  place  of  an  officer  who  was  sick.  StMoo  aHnmaaded  tfaa 
wlasle,  and  he  placed  the  eaapaniea  in  arabunh  uioag  some  taarel-boahea, 
wHIowB,  and  long  reads  which  grew  by  tbe  water -skla,  (Frerlookiag  tha 

S 'ace  where  the  dragoons  must  cross  if  snch  was  their  iBtentton.  The 
ighlaoders  knett  down  on  the  right  knee,  hnt  Che  Qermans,  who  were 
poBted  among  the  reeds,  lay  flat  on  tlie  ground,  and  levelled  their  abort 
riBea  over  tbe  glazed  Cops  of  their  shakoes,  which  they  placed  before  them. 
AS  were  ready  to  let  lly  a  TOlley  amnng  tbeansBipectitig  Freocfamen,  wb) 
came  forward  at  a  gallop  with  their  carbines  unslung.  The  party  coneiated 
of  Maarly  eighty  heayy  dngoDin.  An  efioer  of  cairassiers  and  twoethera 
in  ataiFiininnn  BeoompaDted  them.  They  draw  their  bridles  at  the  brink 
of  ttia  lixr,  and  fMea  hisriaeeof  ooneealment  Staart  t^oogniaed  hisfriBBd 
Da  Absaai  In  tbe  c«bwiwt ;  and  in  one  sf  tbe  ataff  offioeM  lAsniient 
L«r,  theBarandsCtepotiilimiBiia  tbe«Aer  Itaeir  hMhost  atAraaine*, 
Ike  Dnka  of  AMade  T . 

"Stoait,"  whispendLi^,  "U  tt  ponible,  that  tbe  offieer  wi^aat  the 
epntati  ia  really  «■  duke  ? " 

"WiUiont  donbt  'tia  he." 

"How  bate aad  treacfaefpna  1 " 

"  He  will  Mcsive  the  (vward  of  bie  treason  nwtaiitlf .  It  bu  ^wayt 
been  wbiapered  that  he  was  ffalse  to  King  PevdiDand  and  hii  ailies.  A 
baaa  wnteh  1  to  jsiii  Ibe  iVTadera  of  Spain  whan  aa  many  bmn  aum  are 


sUnggliDR  with  hort  and  bind  to  free  ber  from  the  gnurp  oF  tbe  Bnona- 
pirtM.  Enu.  bring  tbMt  officer  down.  Mark  him  when  the  w«^  U 
giieo  to  Are." 

"WBrebeaifltnieuUentdth,  u  ounce  o' caold  leedwill  settle  hint." 
replied  Etui,  blowing  vame  loow  powder  liom  hia  lock.  "Illtak'  him 
eanav,  and  wing  him.  aacht  inchea  ImIow  the  Oxter. — that*!  JuU  id  thw 
belt," 

"  No,  no,  for  God'i  sake  1 "  whispered  Loaii  to  Stuart.  "  He  is  the 
btber  of  Virginia  de  Alba,  and  were  he  aa  false  ai  Jadu,  that  would  nve 
him." 

"Hnahl"  whispered  Seaton,  in  the  lame  low  tone;  " thsf  ara coo- 
Tereiai,  and  1  ahonld  he  glid  to  bear  the  news  from  Yaleoda." 

"J/oniieur  le  Due  will  perhapa  be  ao  good  aa  to  inCorm  ni  whereabOBta 
thii  infernil  bridge  of  Fuente  Duenna  lies  ?  "  laid  De  Mesmai. 

"  Ah  1 "  chimBl  in  the  baion,  in  l^wniih,  "  this  ia  the  place  maiked 
by  the  marshal  in  his  map." 

"  The  bridge  lies  lower  dawn  the  riier,"  replied  the  dnke ;  "  bnt  Ikare 
ia  a  fbrd  ih  ttiu  neit^boorbood,  which  I  will  haie  the  honour  to  show  yon, 
seoores." 

"Do  so,  in  the  deril'a  namel"  replied  De  Mcemaihastilf,  while  he 
■nrveyed  the  duke  with  an  eipressimi  on  bis  dark  face  which  sluiHeil  how 
much  tut  despised  such  an  soiiliuj,  netwitiistaiiding  his  raak.  "We  bale 
ridden  quite  far  enouich  to  see  this  ford,  and  when  Ton  bare  sbovm  it  l» 
the  baron,  I  wilt  Rondescend  to  thank  yoa." 

"  De  Mesmai  1 "  said  the  baron,  holding  up  his  hand  warninglf. 

"  Bah !  3f<>nneur  le  Baron,— i  compr^end ;  the  British  may  look  for 
a  visit  in  the  morning,  wfaich  will  yield  them  mere  du^er  than  delight. 
With  your  permissioa,  Monsieur  Xiaw,  after  reconnoitring  this  fonl.we 
will  retire  as  soon  as  possible,  because  1  little  like  riding  here  in  socfaopca 
■"'  '      '  ■-         ■  , .  cODtain  a  thousand  riflemen,  or 

.    .   .  in  whom  1  would  rather  faoe  Ik* 

devil.  I  bate  proiidcd  a  white  stake  to  dtive  into  the  ground,  wbidi  will 
mark  tbe  ford  for  Lamoreiere'a  chasseors,  who  lead  Ihe  nay  in  our  attack 
on  Hill's  troops  to-night." 

"Colonel  Lamorciete  shall  be  welcome,"  said  Seaton,  as  De  Mesmai 
moved  his  bone  along  the  bank  of  the  riter,  chauling  gaily  an  old  rondea* 
'beginning  with,— 

■■  Patura  Aneiaii' 

Puunra  A-glaii.-  iv.Sc.' 
At  that  moment  tlie  Highland  bugle.boy,  who  knelt  by  Seatoa's  aidei 
sounded  "fire/" 

The  bogle  of  the  Germans  answered  on  the  left,  and  a  deadly  volley, 
which  enveloped  the  whole  place  in  smoke,  was  poured  upon  tbe  French, 
nearly  one  half  of  whom  fell  from  thiar  saddles.  Horses  were  seen  ftl~ 
loping  off  in  all  directions,  dragging  their  riders  by  the  stirrup,  or  leniog 
them  dead  or  dying  on  the  ground.  The  traitor  dashed  his  spun  into  his 
horse's  flanka  and  fled  at  full  gallop,  followed  by  the  baron.  But  not  k> 
De  Mesmai,  whom  this  nneipecled  lolley  had  filled  with  the  utmost 
astonishment  and  ferocity,  altbongh  it  struck  a  temporary  pauic  into  thn 
dragoons. 

"Revenge!  aei  camaradti.  Follow  me,— ^charge  I  By  the  aame  of 
tbe  bomb  '.  I  will  cleave  to  the  gorget  the  first  dsatatd  who  attempts  to 
'--      Vivel'Eat '    " -*     -■-  —  -'" 


eiposal  t»  a  hot  fira,  ihef  fell  fariDulf  with  hoof  and  blide  unong  the 
scattered  HighUnders.  It  wu  a  piece  of  ntiHimpled  daring  foraf^ 
(trafttmna  to  crosa  s  river  thai,  nnder  a  hot  fire  from  caneealed  mtilketrr.!) 
"  Vive  PBtHprrtw!  No  qnarter  to  the  OcrmanB  !"  ahoaled  De  Mesinu, 
leapiBg  his  hone  oia  ths  underimad. 

"Fonn  tqaant"  cried ths  deep  aod  nunlT  TOice  of  Seatoo.  "  Hall) — 
nillr  !  Quick,  Highlanden,  or  you  will  be  cut  to  piece!  !  Clou  to  the 
caUtra,  Germiiu  aud  tHy  blow  'the  anemblr'  bagler  1  Hurrah,  mr 
lads  I  Sbonlder  to  ihonlder,  Hiriilsodmen  !  and  giie  ibem  the  bajoDet. 
WlthtiteapaGdofthOQghtarBl<TiDge<ji'BTe  wu  formed.  Blader's  Oer- 
mans  and  the  Highlinden  mingled,  the  long  crou-hitted  dagger*  of  the 
fbrmer  aetins  efficient!;  m  baToneu  when  filed  to  the  mnutei  of  their 
rifles.  Ronald,  While  dreming,  as  it  ia  teahniollr  tenoed,  one  of  the 
faora  of  the  (qnaK,  aaiTowly  eaeaped  a  cot  ainud  at  him  by  a  dragoon,  nbo 
was  iiutantlf  ihot  br  Angus  Mackic,  a  priTste  next  to  faim  ;  and  Sealon 
bad  the  feathen  of  his  bonnet  shred  swar  b;  a  stroke  fl^m  De  Uesmai'a 
aaord.  Bat  the  cavalry  Mldan  ane  within  spike's  length  of  them  i  the 
■tanted  brushwood,  the  broken  natare  ;of  the  ground,  and  the  prostrate 
mfln  and  hprses  eacnmhered  their  advance,  while  the  steady  fireoftba 
tlMle  nnsTe  disbeartencdanddisconcertedtfaem.  After  two  braTB  attempts 
\o  break  the  band  of  inlantrr,'  De  Meamai  was  compelled  to  racross  the 
f<»rd,  leaving  aittr  dragoons  killed  or  wonnded  b^ind  him.  Notwith. 
BtanJing  the  haaty  nature  of  their  retreat,  the  twenty  who  retired  with  him 
est  down  and  carried  off  several  of  the  itraggling  nflemen,  dragging  them 
aoroas  OaAi  holster-flsps  hj  main  streogtb  of  arm.  Some  of  theie  the; 
w^ra  BOOD  compelled  to  drop,  when  galled  in  retreat  by  the  Are  of  the 
vicitorioas  light  idfiDtrr,  who  again  lined  the  bank,  and  kept  blazing  vrnj 
aV  1<>BR  ■■  ClioT  ^nie  within  range. 

'"  Vral  done  6IMt  I "  exclaimed  Seaton,  as  he  mustered  the  eompanlea 
t^vgnber.  "  "ris  hard  to  say  whether  Hie  green  jackets  or  the  tartsD  kilts 
htire  diatingniahed  tbemielvee  moat  this  morning.  Limordere's  cbaasenia 
will  have  need  of  other  galde*  than  the  dragtnni,  if  tiiey  visit  tlie  ford 
to-oight." 
•Ech! 

o  the  bowl  of  ■  hnge  pipe,  whidi  he  had  palled  fmin  the  month  of  a 

jeant   and  transferred  to  bis  own.      "  aometing   more   batterer  dan 

KciAr-aa^en  viU  show  dem  de  foord  dia  nioht. — de  dragoons  scarcely  vill." 

"  No ;  I  believe  not,  Blacier,  my  old  boy  I     I  ifaalf  recommend  yon  to 

the  notice  of  Sir  Itovland  in  my  aoconnt  of  this  a&ir.    Yon  faave  long 

ArmtTwoA  the  brevet." 

"  Dtr  lei^et  Me  diet  I    I  tink  so.    Madi  obleege— much  obleege  to 

Tbe  Germana  had  suffered  a  little  in  this  skirmish,  several  havina  been 
Babr«d  by  the  French;  but  only  two  Highlanders  were  killed,  anddiese 
by  carbine  shola.    Everywhere  ainnnd  the  gronnd  waa  strewed  with  bel. 


men,  bolsters,  sabres,  carbines,  and  the  bodiea  of  mtm  and  of  horaea, 
lOlHng  about  in  agony,  or  lying  motionlsss  and  still  in  death.  Sometimes 
a  iMCul,  a  boot  and  apur,  or  a  gaundeted  hand  rose  above  the  clear  current 
of  the  TaguB,  and  then  sank  forever,  as  some  woandedstranler  waa  ewept 
down  by  Ihe  stream.  AU  the  amu  and  aocontrementa  Iring  scattered 
■boat  were,  in  conformity  with  the  nanal  practice,  dashed  to  pieces  and 
ipletely  destroyed  by  me  victon. 


"^^el 


•  farned  square  lesi  promptly.    Yom  have  done  wall,  sty  faUaot 


pv«D  foaUitn ;  yen  «iU  net  an  tatn  tatioB  ot  gros  for  this  man 
work  I"    Tha  Higblanden  mpended  bf  acheei. 
"  The  Gemaiu  tuua  loit  mgji)' ;  th^  lie  pvUXj  thick  by  Uia  « 


r  !>  faiara.    Bvt  whaa  ii 
Ijllla.'" 
"  BtMi^  by  gJJ  tfart  »  sKTod  bi  bu  fallea  iato  tts  Unda  of  Che 

"  H«  «u  eWw  faeaade  at  at  tin  Moatnt  Ike  baete  aaoBdal  t«  totm 
aqnan,  and  IbMvnotieaDkiKtiiMe." 

"I  aai  afraHl,  nr>  lir.  LWaii.ulkarkiUadoT  taonsva'  fuwoaiw,"  «aid 
Seqeant  Ifacnme,  wboaa  han  ksae  «ai  •treaanins  with  blood,  iAid>  iM 
andeaToarai  to  ctaiHih^a  |aace  of  tartan  renLjCiOD  ■  pbiiL 

"  I  ■««  him  ttamv  vnda-  tha  Mroks  at  k  labie  at  the  tmonieat  the 
dtagooDi  broke  fiM  tb«  hwhM  anuav  na,"  obierred  another  BBfjaant, 
Minacing  hi>  pihe. 

"  Aial  baa  anir  nun  lean  hin  mae ! "  aehad  Stwl  of  Uie  noafnaf 
braatUeialr.  AngiM  Mackio  aad  wtmaai  othan  TcpUei  Aat  Iber  bad,  bat 
tbsir  itotenMBtB  diAced  to  macb,  that  it  na  impoMble  to  oome  to 
.aof  ceoeteiioa.  One  dadaiW  be  had  wea  biiBkUlad  "by  sckxtrara 
the  erooo,  Mtd  tbU  b«  nerer  MD<r«d  after  it ;"  nothar  atMad  that  ha 
«le«'  the  dragooB  who  wooitdad  Uai,  bat  all  afieed  that  be  bailMfer 
■^ad  tk  dieltfr  of  Oa  nUjiaf  Bqaare.  Bna  IrenA  deeUaad,  ttat 
*'  ai  lare  ai  death  be  aaw  prar  Maislcr  l^b  iripptt  by  the  cnipa,  mti 
dragged  ana' by  tbeofficBT  or  the  cniruaiera."  iW  Uat  ttWfwnt  ■■jiwaed 
the  meat  probabJe,  a*  no  tnon  of  poor  Loai*  Maid  be  diaaoforoi  an-dK 
froBod  aa>e  bis  tword  Md  boBDat;  and  Sluart  had  a  dim  reeolleatian  of 
eeei^  a  red  Dntfonn  amoaf  a  tew  yrlaaaaw  whiiM  Sa  Molmai'a  dwgawil 
anoceeded  Id  cuvyiiig  oS  anid  the  auohe  Bod  oaa/uatM. 

From  Tilla  Corrijoi  Roiuld  next  day  wrote  to  Alioe,  giiiDg  en  Meaaat 
of  bar  brother'i  capture  ia  tbo  akirmiih  at  Fiieate  Daapna ;  and  wUte-he 
deplored  the  e*ait,  ha  i^  not  a  vanl«(  hiafMaa  that  be  waa  do^^etatriy 
woandad.  He  h^  Terr  UWedimbt  that  hcinaM  ba«a  bean  aa,  othcnHia 
DeMennai,  atroagaadaaatBlar  an  be  ittas,  vonld  hanlaaaditvaaaq 
talk  to  oerry  eff  IiO^  ia  the  wnlar  maiMMr  he  did. 

^  RowUnd  Hil),  oa  disooveimg  that  Kiot  Joaeph  aad  Hsiahal  Soult 
were  mauoeiminf  tat  aadaak  Um,  prepared  iaatanllr  to  fraausata  their 
intentioni,  and  giTe  tbeai  battle.  Makinn  forced  mirehai  by  day  aad  aj^ 
at  t^  bead  of  Ae  BriliA,  Spaig^  and  BNFt(ir>"**'t'«<)»  ^'  ^*^  ooOeeted 
together,  be  ilcilfally  took  ap  a  atrong  poaitioa  in  froDt  of  Aranjiiei, 
i^mdiag^there  l»  await  the  arilaat  of  Iha  «( 

it  up.  and  their  red  lifht^ 


.-le  Jaeams,  presaated  a  nngi^ar  appearaooe  aa  the  Mnmeola  mattohed 
abora  diem  towaida  the  Uis.  wheaa  tba  p^tam  waa  tAeat  before  day- 
break. Bat  no  battle  aaaaed.  A  deapaCcb  awtMd  fcam  the  Meniaia  o( 
Wellinctoa.  aaying  dial  ha  had  been  foroal  tmiporadly  ta  abuidaA  tb* 
riega  of  Bnrgoa,  and  order  aa  teinediale  retraat  *at»  mMcr-qturtani  it 
Leon  and  EatremBdarB,—s  aid  and  moat  ualarted-lwr  n*er»e  <rf  fartnne 
te  tba  army,  who  bad  dtinn  the  eaemy  befoa*  tiwaa  laCP  Valaama  awd  the 
Dorthem  pronocea.  Marching  throiigli  the  vide  ead  futile  plaina,  in  Um 
midaC.o  which  riaea Madrid, tbBaecoaddiriaioiiBpmmwynditaiWreat, in 


Andience  to  thii  ortier.  Bmuig  cloaa  bf  His  walli  or  nrtbea  d^tocei 
ef  ttw  Spiniita  o^ittal,  they  biTonwked  *t  th«  diaUuca  of  «  Ingne  from  it, 
'    'letroopi  Ut  on  the  ground  witoont 


tbem,  exposed  tosll  ths  miury  of  >  moat  tempMtDODi  nigbt  of  wiod  *iid 
ram.     Next  night  tbe;  vera  mora  comfortablr  lodged  in  tbti  riUaige  and 
m  pbUo*  of  the  EMnuwL     Rooaltfa  light  comp&ny  oece  quartered 


_  ..  .  .  _  »  tke  preietM  «ge.  Croning  the 
Ouadarama,  or  tmit  ratr,  tt  a  villipc  of  the  aam  nuie,  Iha  great  monn- 
hra  was  aaetnided,  through  irtuch  liea  the  famoaa  GuadKuoa  Paas,  and 
boB  which  an  eitcDnva  Tiaw  of  the  aarraniidiD^  caontr  j  is  ohtained. 

The  aMBBtaiDa  wera  growing  dark  aa  tha  aattiag  inn,  eDTeioiNKl  in  doB 
dondii  unk  far  beUod  diem,  and  the  etfect  of  the  acenery  «ai  conadei- 
ahlj  heiffateBed  by  Che  mareb  of  so  nanf  tboosand  men — caTalr7,iiifBiilrT> 
andartilJery — ap  the  viBdiDgpathmTamoagtbeulenlaiid  aolitarr  dell^ 
draawaring,  aeetion  after  atctioii,  «ith  ailosn  waving  and  arm*  glittec- 
ing,  down  the  deep  paaa  of  theGsadwanM.  AtarofT,  DntbeplUDiof  Hadrid, 
la^iaea  io  their  rear,  dnnda  (rf  dnrt  roUng  along  tfas  peen  landitene, 
Barked  wbCTR  the  panning  aqsadrooa  and  butalions  of  Soolt  fbUowcdMie 
■•Bta  sf  Sir  Bowlaiid  wiHi  pnNaaioB  and  rapidity. 

On  the  6th  Noteaher,  to  eorcr  tha  retnat  of  tbe  whole  anof,  Md  t* 
■fev  Soalt'e  adiruaae,  tha  fint  Ixiiad*  w«a  ordered  U>  defend,  to  the  Uit 
aikMiitT,  tite  town  of  Alba  de  TenoM,  mar  the  eaitein  bordsnoftbe 
•odaDt  kincdom  of  Leon  ;  a  forlorn  aert  of  doty,  when  it  ii  reaHmberad 
Omt  W)  nniill  b  band  were  to  oppose  the  eoneenUMad  French  aimy,  90,000 
aWBM',  I  believe.  Oa  being  retnfonied  by  GenerBl  HamiltoTi'i  FortH|D*«e 
brigade,  and  too  companiei  of  SpaQiards  under  the  Cond£  do  Trtuilio, 
iMij   lueaDa  were  taken  to   render  tbe  place  aa  etrong  aa  poiaiblei  by 


aa  Oe  town,  which  lies  low,  ia  oDmnuaded  by  two  adjaoeot  lieighta. 

appiaraoee.  when  the  brigade  enlsred  it,  was  indeed  miaetable  and  dcao- 
late,  haling  been  oonpietely  daaertsd  hy  the  inhalntaDla,  into  wbaae 
I  mill]  Ihe  retreat  of  the  Britieh  aad  the  adTance  of  the  French  had  atrickan 

lie  aoldiera  had  tasted  nothing  toi  thirty-eix  boon;  and  although 
drenched  with  rain,  and  wearied  by  a  hard  aud  forced  march,  had  to  reBUun 
usder  arnu  aronod  the  old  and  raiaoaa  Mooriab  wall  of  Alba,  daring  a 
nry  chill  Norember  night.  Aboat  dawn,  >■  no  eoeBiy  had  yet  appeared, 
after  guards  had  been  pasted,  the  troops  were  diamissed  to  take  op  thcdr 


^teiten  in  the  di«>ry  and  empty  hooaei,  where  everything  h 
nadeffor  destroyed  by  the  inhabiMate  before  their  Bight,  loe  onaEung 
rain  which  had  fallen  daring  tha  night,  had  drenched  tl^m  to  the  akin,  but 
a  dry  article  of  dothini  waa  not  to  be  bad,  as  the  baggage  wag  far  away  on 
the  road  to  the  rear.  Ueweear,  doon  and  fatten  were  torn  down  from 
the  houses,  and  btaiing  Area  kindled  ob  Ibe  tiled  floon.  around  whiiA 
oStoa  and  saldiera  crowded  togeUker  without  oeremooy.    Another  day  of 


a  wai  bafoFB  thev,— untold  gold  could  not  have  prodno 
floui'  in  Alba.    At  nigbt,  by  the  great  eiertioM  i  '  -' 
le  hoTBe-heana  were  procnied,  and  abandM  snen 


arly  next  momiog  icane  maleleBra, arrived  front  Corde  Villar,  brieg. 
few  email  bags  of  flour,  which  were  reoeived  with  wild  demoiutntiom 


ing  a  few  email  bags  of  flour, 

of -tikanfcfuluesa  and  joy  by  the  atarviug  brigada. 

Every  man  who  could  bake  was  set  to  work.and  tbe  oven*  were  speedily 
SUed  with  (ommMS,  aa  the  poor  fallows  deugnated  their  loaves,  and  ex- 
pectant crowds,  wiUi  eager  eyes  and  h(^ow  cheaka,  ateod  waiting  anrood 
the  bake-boose  doors. 


The  hot  and  nnokiiif  bread  ni  scsrcelT  bronght  hicth  for  eqoiil  dutri- 
bation,  before  the  boglea  touBded,  and  the  diaCBDt  repoiti  of  carbine* 
snnoanoed  that  the  ensmT  were  coming  on ;  and  ths  picquet  of  the  9th 
light  dngtMnii,  poeted  in  front  of  the  tovo,  had  be^a  to  retire  before  the 
b^tjamlrj  of  SodU.  "Stand  to  roar  arma  I"  wai  noir  tbe  cry  oa  aU 
Bides,  Mid  a  acramble  and  uproar  eosoed  smoog  the  aoldien  at  tbe  oTeoi. 
Tbe  hot  loave*  were  torn  to  piecea  in  handfolg  and  scattered  about ;  and 
manr  who  had  faited  for  eight-ind -forty  hours  (the  repast  of  hotaC' 
beana  excepted)  received  nothiDg,  while  too  much  fell  to  tbe  thare  of  others. 

Ronald  «ai  unfortnnaUl;  among  tbe  former,  as  it  was  impossiblsforan 
officer  to  sCrunle  for  a  mouthful  of  food  among  the  men,  and  until  Uiat 
dsT  he  Dcrer  knew  irhat  it  was  to  experieDca  the  ntmoat  eitremitr  of 
hunger.  But  there  wai  no  help  for  it  then ;  and  Tenting  a  hearty  maiedie- 
tioD  on  the  Duke  of  Dalmatii,  he  joined  tbe  light  eonpanr,  which  lined  a 
part  of  the  Mooriih  wall  fadog  the  directioa  in  which  the  enemy  were 
momently  expected  to  appear.  The  treocbea,  barricades,  and  other  haatilr- 
erscted  woriis,  were  manned,  and  two  hmidred  of  the  Highland  light 
infantry  were  placed  in  Che  ancient  caetle  of  Alba,  a  lofty  roand  towet 
built  by  the  Moon.  The  rest  of  the  troops,  not  engaged  in  lining  tlie 
walls,  occupied  those  streets  which  would  protect  them  from  the  view  and 
fire  of  tbe  enemy ;  and  General  Howard  ordered  a  part  of  tJie  regiment  of 
a^pers  to  undermine  the  bridge  otbt  the  Tonnes,  which  al:  Alba  ii  both 
deep  and  rapid,  to  tbe  end  that  it  m^bt  be  blown  up,  to  cut  oB  tbe  punniit 
of  the  enemy,  when  the  British  were  compelled  to  ahanden  the  tawn, 
Tbe  light  dragoons,  retiring  tlirongh  Alba,  halted  on  the  other  aide  of  the 
riier  to  await  the  eient,  and  immediately  aflerwarda  Sault's  advance  cane 
in  sight. 

A  company  of  infantry,  the  head  of  a  colamn,  appeared  hetween  the  two 
bills  which  DTerlook  Alba.  They  were  beyond  Uie  range  of  musketry,  and 
halting  there,  they  ordered  arms  and  stood  at  ease.  Shortly  afterwarda  a 
■taff-i^eer,  wearing  a  glazed  cocked-hat  and  green  uniform,  and  monnted 
on  a  apotless  white  steed,  descended  at  a  trot  towarda  the  town,  and  with 
the  most  perfect  coolness  walked  his  horse  slowW  before  the  wall,  whiiA 
was  lined  >y  tbe  50th  and  Highlandere,  riding  within  fiftyyardaof  dieir 
luuikets,— adiatance  at  which,  had  tbey  fired,  he  mnst  undoubtedly  haye 
been  slain. 

"  A  deriliah  cool  fellow  1 "  said  Seaton.  "  He  jogs  eadly  along,  laoking 
erery  moment  aa  it  he  expected  a  shot  was  coming  to  spoil  his  impertiimit 
reconnratring." 

A  mnrmnr  and  cries  of  "  Taic  him  doon  1  tak  bim  doon  1  Gie  him  Ids 
kul  throogh  the  reek,"  arose  among  the  Highlanders,  who  bewail  to  krak 
to  their  flints  and  priming. 

"Weel  would  I  like  to  gie  that  chietd's  pride  a  fa'1"  sud  Angu 
Maekie,  cocking  his  musket  "  The  blind  baut  bunder'  sure^  ha'ua  seen 
Lim.    Dearsake,  Captain  Ssaton  1  just  say  tbe  word, — will  1  Are  !  " 

"  Why,— I  know  uo  objection,"  said  S»ton,  loolting  inqniriogly  towards 
Ouneron,  who  was  standing  on  foot  near  an  angle  of  the  trench,  with  old 
DiHiald  Mhor  bende  him  holding  hia  cliarger  by  the  bridle.  "  Colond, 
some  of  my  fellows  are  anxious  to  fire;  shall  I  permit  them?  I  baye 
«ome  deadly  shots  in  the  light  company.  Monsienr's  i 
end  the  instant  Angui  fires  upon  him.'' 

"  Shame  on  you,  Highlanders  I "  excldmed  Cameron,  his  eyes  b<_„ ...„ 

to  apariileas  usual  when  ha  waseidled.    "  Would  you  fire  on  a  K^tary 

indiTidnal,  who  cannot  return  you  a  ihot  ?     He  isa  brare  soldier  alth 

a  rash  one,  and  1  will  nerer  permit  aach  a  deed  lo  be  done.     Keep  ati 
■nen  {  yon  will  have  firing  enoi^b  in  a  short  time." 


The  light  company  were  abaahed,  and  the  life  of  the  Frencbmsn  wai 
sared,— a  piece  of  Ecoerons  ctemency  which  Camnron  iood  hail  muon  to 
repent.  The  ataff-oHicer,  eonlinninj  at  the  same  deliberate  pace,  aacended 
one  of  the  heights,  where  he  was  jained  by  an  orderly  on  foot^  who  by  hia 
directions  was  seen  to  place  eleven  Rtooes,  eqni-diatant,  aroandthesuminit. 
Descending  piat  the  head  of  Che  infantry  column  in  the  valley,  heasceoded 
the  other  emiDCDce,  and  there  Che  tame  movemenCa  were  performed ;  after 
which  Chey  disappeared  to  the  rear. 

That  French  officer,  who  so  narrowly  eacaped  death,  waa  Marshal 
SoDLT, — the  Ereat  Dnke  of  DalmalJB  himadP,  aa  one  of  his  own  deapatches, 
which  a  fev  days  afterwatdi  tell  into  Che  handa  of  onr  troops,  anfficiently 
testified. 

Scarcely  had  he  withdrawn,  before  twenty-two  pieces  of  artillery,  each 
drawn  by  four  horses,  ascended  the  heights  at  fall  gallop,  and  took  ttieir 
EToand  at  the  several  marka  which  Marabal  Soalt  had  laid.  In  an  instanC 
the  gnanera  leaped  from  their  seats ;  the  gnna  were  wheeled  ronad,  with 
tbeii  'yawning  mnzzles  pointed  to  Alba ;  die  horses  were  nntiaced,  the 
limbers  cast  off,  and  with  the  ipeed  of  thought  the  cannoniera,  all  atOQC 
feUow  ■        .-  .  .■         -        -.    .-  -      -. 

the  caonoD.     .Lneir  acove  ngana  were  k 

light  shed  across  the  sky  by  the  Tsomi 

merrily  on  the  glistening  Tormea,  the  hroirii  aaLumnai  wuuus,  uie  muuia- 

ering  walla  and  desolate  atreeta  of  Atba,  where  aoon  the  work  of  death  wat 

to  begin. 

"  Well,  colonel,"  said  Seaton,  "what  think  yon  of  this  gay  prepiratloli  ? 
We  shall  haye  sixteen- pounders  and  long  nines  fiyjog  like  hailBtonei  in  a 
minnte  more.  Yon  will  scarcely  r^oiee  at  allowing  the  white  steed  Co 
carry  off  its  ridef  with  a  whole  skin.' 

Cameron  bit  bis  lips,  and  bis  fiery  eyes  flashed  ;  bat  he  made  no  reply. 

"Hech!"  muttered  an  old  Highlander;  "  iCs  a  true  aay in' at  hame— 
Glum  folk  are  no  easy  guided,  Ta  cornel's  been  makin'  a  fule  o'  benel 
the  day  before  tbe  mom  ;  hoomeh  !" 

"  Keep  close  ander  yonr  walls  and  trenches,  lads,"  cried  Campbell,  who 
waa  watching  the  heishta  through  a  telescope  levelled  across  Che  saddle  of 
his  horse.  Keep  close;  but  neyer  duck  down  when  a  ball  cornea:  as 
old  Sir  Ralph  naed  to  aay,  '  it  looks  d— ned  nnaoldierlike.'  Here  cornea  B 
shot." 

A  flash,  and  a  nreath  of  white  smoke,  announced  tbe  first  cannon-ball, 
which,  striking  the  wall  of  a  house,  broagbC  a  mass  of  masonry  tumbling 
into  tbe  street.  Whiz  came  a  second,  and  a  third,  and  a  fourth, — all  in 
quick  snccesaion.  The  Frenchcannonadecommenced  Ch^iin  good  earnest, 
and  continued  incessantly  from  ten  in  the  morning  until  five  in  the  after- 
noon,— firing  thirteen  hundred  ronnd  of  ahot  and  shell,  and  perhapa  to  so 
hot  a  diacharge  of  cannon  so  small  a  body  of  troops,  in  such  a  defenceless 
place,  were  never  subjected  before.  Without  the  least  intenniision  it 
oontinued  for  seten  hours,  and  even  then  the  enemy  only  ceased  to  cool 
thedt  gnna,  and  await  tbe  completion  of  a  plan  formed  by  Sonlt  for  aur- 
raunding  and  completely  cuttinn  off  the  defenders  of  Alba.  It  was  a 
miracle  that  every  man  in  the  place  was  not  deatroyed ;  but  the  enemy 
chiefly  expended  their  shot  on  a  large  empty  convent,  which  they 
■niiposed  to-be  full  of  soldiers,  and  in  consequence  levelled  it  to  the  fonn. 

One  aiiteen -pounder  came  whizzing  amongst  tbe  light  company,  and, 
striking  tile  breastwork  of  loose  earth,  buried  Seaton  and  a  section  of 
men  under  it;   and  a  hearty  Uugh  arose  from  the  regiment,  aa  they 


•oniDbled  «at  of  th«  trancb,  ibakiDi  off  tha  adl  Mid  torf  which  bail 
covered  them  op. 

AlChoaKh  iliot  im*  CTaabuic,  dtelli  bandog,  and  homei  falling  incco* 
nntlf  far  htoi  oomecntive  bonn,  oalf  abaat  Attj  HighUndm  nere 
kUlsa.  Tbe  Ion  of  tbe  otlur  carps  I  ba>a  nerer  aaceitaiDed,  bat  tho 
itreeU  wen  ererrwbaM  strawed  wUb  tlw  dead.  MaDj  of  the  woonds  wan 
beyond  oonceptiou  Mcbtfal,  being  all  by  canooD-ihat  oc  bomb-ipliutfit, 
teuin^  BbaDlnleijr  to  pieca  those  they  itrDclc,  aad  Bheuing  off  len  aiid 
•nu  Ilka  witlHTcd  raeda.  Macildhni,  ■  MnBant,  waa  killiid  aa  lUnuId  waa 
eUraiat  Mmc  orden  to  him.  Hia  bead  tna  caniad  awajp  like  an  egf- 
hcU,  and  hia  brwna  ware  aijattared  oier  the  parement.  Night  waa  doaiis, 
od  the  CDemy'B  gnna  ^ere  itili  in  paaition  on  the  beighta,  from  iriiidi 

— .L._  ; —  1 .-J  :_  .1 ; —  when  an  aida-de-camp 

h  doat,  daahad  into  tlu 
rwd  that  3,00a  Fraodi 

..   ... .  .  . .  Alba,  that  hia  poailioa 

wo*  timed,  and  Uut  tba  Harqnia  of  Wellington  de«ired  be  would  abandon 
tiw  town  witbont  a  monent'i  delar,  otherwiaa  tho  fint  brigade  were  kiit 
men.  The  order  waa  initantly  givcD  to  dacamp,  and  the  place  waa  quitted 
double  quick,  tba  trooss  moring  throogh  thoae  atneta  which  coacaaled 
their  motemenlE  &oin  Souit,  and  fonniag  in  close  coluituw  on  the  other 
aide  of  the  Tormea  to  be  in  readineca  for  the  caTalry,  Bhoold  ther  make 
their  appaaranoe.  To  deouTe  tbe  Freocb  maisbal.  die  ganbiea  wen  kept 
on  the  walla  nntil  the  laat  momeot  {  and  Stoart,  with  ten  light-compaDy 
men,  woe  sent  to  "  bring  them  off." 

"  Farewell,  HOOT  1 "  cried  IViuUlo,  waving  hia  Mbrs  ta  Ronald  over  the 
battlemeata  of  the  andant  Moorish  tower,  which  he  had  volunteered  to 
defend  to  tbe  laat  with  hia  two  companiea  of  Catijlians,  to  cover  the  ntnat 
of  Howard's  and  Hatnilton'n  brigsae. 

"Adieu,  gallant  cond^  I  "  aoawered  BAnald,  aabe  pawed 'beneath  the 
walli  with  hia  party.  It  was  tbe  UM  time  he  ever  beheld  him.  Br  the 
ionnd  of  bii  silver  whistle  be  oollected  tbe  Highland  seutiniila '  trvn  all 
poind.  These,  with  Miqor -general  Howard,  Wemyaa,  the  brigade-maior, 
and  Ronald  himaelf,  were  die  laat  man  who  quitted  the  roina  of  Alba.  The 
monntttd  officers  rode  it  a  trot,  and  tbe  beavily-lailen  inbotry  followad 
double-quick,  with  their  moaketa  at  the  traiL  'Hia  nulinant  tbe  bridge 
waa  cleared,  the  aappera  epning  the  mine :  a  roar  Uke  that  of  thasiw 
shook  Che  current  of  tbe  Tonnes,  snd  a  elond  of  dnst  and  atones  rose  into 
the  air.  Ronald,  who  waa  severely  brniaed  by  the  falling  fragmenti^  cast 
a  glance  behind  as  be  harried  ^ong.  Tba  bridge  waa  a  maaa  of  mina. 
Tbe  Spanish  flag  was  waving  ttom  the  round  tower  of  Alba,  whidi  wia 
now  enveloped  in  amoke,  uid  flaahea  of  musketry  broke  from  it  ~~  ~" 


rasa  dnuna  baatinf  in  that  p««aliar 

lb  qoiek  itep.    AiUr  •  deaperate  re 

an  oaptwed ;  but  tba  aonnd  of  the 

I  it  ralTcatad  in  aqoarea  along  the 

,.eteIyfrastrBtlngSoalt'adeaigiiloe: ,  „ ^, 

who  appeared  in  aboat  half  an  hoar,  and  met  wiOi  ao  detfca«te  a  raaiat- 
-etiiatth ..-1.. -^ =..  . 


night  the  brigade  halted  On  the  skirts  of  a  cork-wood,  five  teagui 

distant  from  Alba  da  Tormaa.  The  half  leaflesa  branchea  afforded  hot  a 
poor  protecdon  from  tba  run,  which  cootinoed  to  ponr  witboat  i  riiiaattiiii 
until  d^bnak,  when  the  weary  marcb  waa  reoonunenced. 


DDt  with  thtjgae  anij 
^  ,  m  vfaieh  the  nuhing 

.^ .._a  detccDduHt  in  drop*  Un^r  tima  pcu;  and  almoit  cqmllf  im- 

poasible  to  (tind.  steer  «Mt  had  b«n  endTind  far  Mnie  dtfs  put, — 
miircfaing  from  dswn  liU  sansot  laden  with  Beventyfiie  pounds  weight. 
Bud  ^tin^  for  nx-and-thirtf,  iir  fflffat-aad- forty  coaHecntive  hourg, 
Cnrung  themselTes  and  their  fate,  many  of  the  BoldierB  were  so  diiheart. 
eaed  at  the  retreat,  and  the  miseriea  they  had  undergone  eince  the;  left 
Aranjuez,  that  they  were  often  heard  aloud  "  niihing  to  Heaven  their 
bruins  had  been  blown  ont  in  Alba  I  " 

Roaald,  bang  MBt  an  oat-picqnct,  lost  ann  the  alight  ahaltar  affbrded 
trf  the  wood ;  bot:  dw  aoldien  had  lighted  prodigioda  fim,  npon  wbicb 
e*s>  the  power  of  the  tain  wiaioat;  and  Mated  by  one,  ha  paaeed  a  (leep- 
iMB  m^,  IbtMinK  to  th*  nln-dropi  ipmtteria;  in  tba  flames,  and  to  UM 
h— r—  I  iiMhiiiii  of  frega  in  a  neighboariDg  nianh.  During  tke  night  it 
waa  dlanomwd  that  the  wnod  was  the  ktir  of  wiM  pi|[9,  and  ■  regular  hunt 
8iun«d ;  bf  wladi  mean!  norea  were  ihot  daring  ne  g1impM»  of  moon- 
light. Aa  (bM  u  they  were  MUed  they  were  (|iurbred,  and  aerred  ont  to 
the  mea,  tAo  crowded  nnmd  the  firea,  bmiliDg  them  on  Ihetr  bByoneta 
and  long  ateel  ramrods.  M^jor  Canfibell,  who  wuakMO  iportaman, 
md  had  bMD  •ccnMonMd  to  ahoot  by  moonlight  at  home,  ezHted  hiaiself 
■o  widi,  that  with  Ua  own  kmd  be  ibot  fire,  and  broaght  tbem  to  the 
biToVBD,  where  he  threw  them  amo^  tba  eoldinv.  The  o«t-picqneti  had 
beaa  panled  to  eampnbewl  the  nieeniag  of  the  #ring  widnn  Ae  wood, 
and  Bonald  wu  soreeably  aorpiaed  by  hi*  aenant  bringing  bim  a  slice  of 
wild  pork,  fiwouiy  tried  in  a  oamp.ksttla  lid,  and  with  It  ■  Aemymn  (■ 
frvit  at  tb(  eneMmber  genu)  whi^  tw  had  bond  in  the  wood  and  reserved 
fbr  his  maMCTi  ^tfaongh  almost  periahio^  for  want  of  nonriihnent  Umaelf. 
Bnt  the  inataneei  of  Eran'a  fidelity  are  innnmerabls. 

The  contenta  of  the  camp-kettle  were  shared  between  master  and  man, 
without  ceremony,  and  wiOiont  tbs  absence  of  salt  or  other  seasoning  being 


PbT  this  affair  of  pig-eliootiDg  in  tba  eork-wood,  the  commaBder-in-chier 
'      '  'to  triL  the  army,  in  a  general  order,  that  they  had 

lawldss  banditti,'  sad  ^*t,  witbont  banng  soffered 


inntiBc  and  bitter  addresi  la  still  remeinbered  with  pecnliai 
>y  the  few '----^ 


by  the  lew  aanivora  of  that  brare  . 

Bnt,  to  rttnm  to  the  nnhappy  and  unlooked-for  retreat  from  Bnrgoa, 
piivatiODS  the  troops  did  talkr  (and  I  say  so,  in  deflanca  of  that  general 
OEder).  sad  prinCumi  such  aa  soldiers  never  eodnred  twfora  or  since. 
Coatjnning  thdr  rs|nd  retreat  serosa  the  frontier,  on  Uie  eiening  of  the 
19lii  of  Norember,  t^  llrst  brinde  sntarad  the  miserable  TUlage  of 
Robledo,  in  Leon;  and  as  the  soldiers haltadandfbrmed  lutein  theatrea^' 
fade,  axhansted,  wayvom,  fcodabed,  sod  abrolalely  in  ran, — Ihirtteaa, 
Aoedeas.  and  pennileas,  they  seemed  mors  like  so  SMembl^  of  gaont 

Sxtres  than  Britiih  men.  Ro&ald'a  ahirt  bad  not  been  dwniged  fn-  ten 
ys,  nor  had  bla  heard  been  shawsn  for  the  aame  period.  Hit  aboas  were 
MMplstriy  worn  away,  and  his  bare  feet  had  been  ent  and  wiMnded  by  tha 
^inty  gruond,  while  bia  aniform  hung  in  fritters  abevt  him.  Brery  olHcer 
i*sa  ia  the  sasae  predicament. 

The  military  obest  wu  empty,  the  atoTM  eibausted.  Tba  cavalry  and 
artUlvy  bones  periahed  in  aoorea  tor  want  of  forage;  and  during  tha 
whole  retreat  from  Alba  de  Tomes  to  Robledo.  the  aoldiars  had  fired  on 
uanty  rations  of  tough  beef.  horse-beuiB,  aooma  and  eaatanos  picked  np 
by  the  way-side ;  or  now  sod  Iben,  when  tha  aommiaatry  eanid  proeve  it. 


K  fsw  bandfolt  of  wbest  WTTed  oat  to  each  officer  and  printe — unarosTwf. 
Ourucluiig  their  winter -qnarleTs,  thonsaodi  of  (oldiBn  died  olJkeeT  ex. 
hanstian,  or  were  innlided  aod  laot  home,  to  become  burdeni  to  Uieir 
frienda,  puiibe*,  or  themMlrat,  for  the  remunder  of  their  liTei. 


CHAPTEE     IV. 


Coria,  in  EBtremadora, 
where  thej  were  to  rBmaia  antil  they  bad  refciered  from  their  late 
fBticoei,  oDil  received  recruits,  clothing,  supplies,  and  arrears  of  pay  from 
Lisbon.  While  on  the  mircb  acrou  Che  aierra,  Evan's  comrade,  Aoftia 
Mackie,  a  soldier  of  whom  I  haTc  made  frequent  mention,  deserted  frMB 
the  light  company,  aod,  lingnlarly  enoagh.  was  discoTered  to  haye  gon* 
otr  in  the  direction  of  the  eDemy.—a  circnmstance  which  eiaaperated  the 
whole  regiment  against  him.  But  Uie  true  reason  of  poor  Mackie'a  disap- 
pearincB  soon  afterwards  came  to  light. 

On  the  second  day  after  their  Brriral  at  Coria,  the  mail-bags  were 
brought  from  the  rear,  and  Ranald,  who  was  On  gnard  with  twea^  Hifli-' 
'tmders  at  one  of  the  four  gates  of  the  city,  was  much  annoyed  at  beug 
jnable  to  inquire  if  any  letters  had  come  for  him,  and  he  passed  the  wbcd* 


_  ,  _..  a  disagreeable  state  of  expectation  and  excitement.  In  the  ercniag 
the  guards  were  reliered,  and  he  harried  to  his  billet,  which  waa  ntnated 
in  one  of  the  narrow  and  gloomy  streets  leading  from  the  nerket-placa 
towards  the  cathedral.  AC  Che  door  he  was  met  by  Efan,  who  infi^med 
him  that  "  twa  letters  frae  hame  were  awaiting  him  in  bis  room.  Ma^ 
Campbell  had  left  them  there  some  time  before." 
"  Foolish  I  Why  did  yon  not  bring  them  Co  the  gaard-house  ?" 
"  Bnt  alake,  sir  I  there  isna  ane  foi  me,"  said  Eian,  without  mindisf 
the  question.  "  My  faither  michc  hae  sent  me  se  screed,  aod  I  hoop  that 
naething  wanr  than  the  broon  coo — (as  be  ay  ca'd  the  yUl),  or  a  wee  drap 
ower  mnckle  o'  the  barley  bree,  hare  keepit  him  fraed.'* 

"  A  light,  Evan  I  a  light  1  this  place  is  Tery  dark,"  cried  Konald  to  hii 
retainer,  who  bad  followed  him  up  stairs  to  hear  what  news  the  letter 

"Twa  candles,  sir,"  said  be,  as  he  hghted  them.  "  T<ni,  nae less.  By 
die  alcalde's  order,  the  aold  patron  body  has  to  fnroiah  ye  wi'twa, — 
which  maks  ye  '  U  braw  aa  Che  Idird  o'  Grant.'  Ye  mind  the  auld  saying, 
I  danr  say  ?" 

Ronald  snatched  the  letters,  and  beheld  with  joy  and  delight  Uiat  one 
was  from  Alice, — the  other  &am  his  father. 

"  Poor  Louis !"  mattered  be  aloud ;  "  bow  macb  I  wish  that  he  was 
berel"  Konald  was  abaolntely  trembling  with  joy  as  he  opened  the  letter 
and  prepared  to  read  it. 

He  drew  his  chair  close  to  the  table,  and  raised  the  snnflera  to  trim  the 
candles ;  when,  lo  I  the  lights  were  both  blown  out,  and  the  anoArs  Mtw 
from  bis  hand  with  a  load  report. 

"  Gnda  guide  us  1"  eiclaimed  Evan,  astonished  at  being  so  soddsoly 
inToWed  in  darkness ;  but  a  hearty  malediction  escaped  Bonald,  who  was 
chafed  and  infuriated  with  the  delay  this  nneipected  cironmatance  cmaed. 

"  Light  them  again,"  cried  he.  "  Did  yon  say  that  H^jor  Campbell 
bad  been  waiting  for  me  in  this  room  !" 

"  Ay,  ur,  a  gay  gade  while." 


tbe  mnSera.     Hii  practioil  joke  hw  been  (Omewlut  mii-tiE 

frnh  light!."     Altfaoaih  Ronald  laughed  beutilr  at  thii  OCC1 

wutU,  he  wu  greitlr  mnged  b;  it  at  the  time,  and  an  ago  leemed  ti 
dspae  before  Gfan  brought  him  the  candies  again.  Love-tetterg  are  in- 
tetcating  to  thow  onl^  for  whom  ther  are  designed,  sad  it  ii  not  m;  inten- 
tion to  pre  Miss  Liale's  letter  at  length;  hut  the  reader,  if  coDcenwd 
■bont  the  matter,  may  be  aasnred  that  its  contents  were  in  every  way  just 
what  Ronald  coold  faaiG  wished  them, — save  in  one  part.  She  eipreased 
her  joy  to  hear  that  Louis  was  a  prisoner,  spying  that  be  was  "  safer  in 
France  than  fifditing  in  Spain,"  and  that  slie  sliDOBt  wished  that  Ronald 
binself  might  be  optnred  likewise,  to  keep  him  out  of  harm'i  way. 

"  £>an,  Jessie  CJiTers  begs  again  to  be  remembered  lo  you,"  said 
Bonald  to  his  expectant  follower,  as  he  closed  the  letter. 

"  Dora  she  really  noo  ^  The  dear  lasaie  !"  cried  he,  anapping  his  fingers, 
irbile  Ua  nea  ghitened  with  delight ;  and  he  commenced  a  sort  of  strath- 
•pey  nmna  the  table.  "My  ain  bonnie  blithesome  Jessie  I  Mony  ■ 
glosming  I  have  spent  wi'  lier  among  the  sanch-tree  woods  o'  InchsTon, 
an)  Oiebannhs  o'  the  Iihu  Deil  tak  the  wan  and  campaigning!  How 
blithely  woold  I  gie  this  nnco  land  a'  tench  beef  and  rotten  nuts,  hard 
(scbtin  and  wsarysome  marching,  for  sold  Scotland,  sae  braie  and  aae 
bonnie,  wi'  Ita  green  graa»  glens  and  high  heather  hills,  its  lochs  and  its 
woods  I  Ochone '.  Oh,  M^ter  Ronald  1  ^n  we  onoe  mair  saw  Benmore, 
and  hnd  the  smell  o'  oor  ain  peat  reek,  I  dinna  think  we  wonld  be  in  » 
burn  to  leave  hame  again.  And  then  Miss  Lisle  o'  the  big  ha'  house 
wonld  be  your  ain,  and  my  bonnie  doo  Jessie  mine  I  I  haye  written  to  her 
time  times,  and  deil  a  scrap  o'  a  letter  has  she  sent  me.  She  writes  w«l 
anengh,  thanki  to  the  auld  dominie  at  the  achule  o'  Latheronweel.  Bnt 
what  does  the  laird  isy  ?     Are  a'  iiei]  at  oor  ain  ingle-ntuck  ?" 

"  All,  Heayen  be  thanked  !  "  replied  Ronald,  glancing  rapidly  over  the 
pages  of  his  fether's  letter  ;  "  bnt  leave  me  jnst  now,  Eyan,  and  seeVh* 
that  is  knocking  in  the  piazzas  below.     I  nill  detail  the  newi  from  Che  glen 

His  father's  letter,  although  it  contained  many  expressions  of  pride, 
pmisB,  and  exultation  for  Ranald's  conduct  at  Almarez,  was  written  mudi 
in  the  same  style  ai  bis  others  nsnally  were :  erBrything  was  looking 
gloomy  at  home  ;  the  flocka  and  birsels  were  perishing  an  the  mountains, 
and  the  tenants  in  the  glen  had  failed  in  their  rents.  "  Bnt  they  arc  out 
people,"  continued  the  old  gentleman,  "  and  I  cannot  driie  them  forth 
from  the  sheilings  where  they  were  bom,  and  from  the  glen  where  the 


purple  heather  blooms  so  bonnily  abore  the  graves  of  their  fathers.     I 
cannot  savagely  expatriate,  as  other  proprietors  are  doini    '   ' 
■oeDdants  of  those  Crtieand  loyal  vuialsi  who  etood  by  □ 


danger  and  death  during  many  a  sonl-slirring  dme  ii 
gone.  No !  I  have  more  honour,  compassion,  and  generosity.  Poverty 
Is  tbeir  misfortune,  not  their  crime.  Heaven  knows  how  litUe  a  space  of 
time  remains  for  me  to  he  over  them,  as  all  my  sfTsirs  are  inextricably 
lUTOlted,  and  in  a  few  months  that  letter  of  emtionsry,  granted  in  an  enl 
hnnr  to  protect  Chat  rascal  Macqnirk,  became*  due.  Qod  sjone  know* 
where  I  can  raise  the  money.  jEB.OOO  will  sarcely  pay  it,  and  I  belieye  I 
will  have  to  lay  it  down  every  stiver,  as  Macquirk  has  retreated  to  tbo 
nnctoary  of  Holyrood- house  for  protection  from  hi*  creditora.  Last 
montit  I  was  down  in  Edinbnrgh,  endcBvouring  (o  pracare  the  iiaedfal  oa 
a  bond,— bnt  in  yain.  Locbisia  is  too  deeply  Involyed  alresdy.  Cnrae 
on  the  hour  in  which  an  bononrable  Highland  gentleman  of  birth  and 
family  ha*  to  sne  at  and  mccnmb  to  a  nurrow-heartld  and  blood-mddnB 


attoTDsr  1  t  wnMi  that  iriU  make  i  twCfU'  of  koj  »n  who  ■■  adrnple 
eoengb  to  tnut  Mm.  or  bcooni*  MiUiiriea  la  the  BMsbei  of  (Ae  profesaion, 
which,  liks  ■  tne  old  HicUmder,  1  re|ud  wiik  proper  tiatred  aHd  soa- 
tompt.  D— n  them  bU;  r*>T.  hewtilTj  uidaUtax|itliwer(,Beueiia«B- 
~    -.  9  —  .< liliewin  I     Sou*  oF  the  lut  kind  of  h 


carried  off  Alpm  Ou'e  lUll  from  Cbcr  mm  TntcAafrw,  uul  a  great  aoiae^ 
wu  made  in  Feftb  about  it.  Three  mme  ap  (he  ^en  with  a  warrant  for 
bu  HpprcbeDiioa ;  trot  I  hid  him  in  the  <Ai  imngeom  ander  tbs  haU,  wlMra 
1  woold  adiiH  then  not  to  try  and  look  for  him,  if  the*  Viil  ta  ke^  lUr 
bonei  whole.  It  was  a  fnni  insult  to  *ek*  tlie  (till ;  Wl  Ml  pOweriaM 
BO«.  and  can  only  think  with  a  Ufh  of  tke  tiaio  «b«i  my  hUiar  bang  taro 
of  them  on  Che  dult  free  at  tike  tower  gate, — aod  >•  mail  dared  to  a>f. 
What  doit  tboD  ?  It  wai  the  day  before  he  mardwd  ftor  GteafiiuiaB.  and 
the  unfortunate  gaofera  were  left  to  feed  the  ea(^  and  oartnee  oi  Baa- 
ceore.  Scotland  waa  Sootlaiid  Ums  i  Dirk  and  clayaMirc !  wu  tke  err 
whenaHighkiulgnitleawnwatinnilted.  laaw,  by  Ua  papers,  thalyasv 
Inohaion  hw  been  taken  prisoner.  Well,  I  dare  esy  yoa  will  not  oiia 
him  much.  HiaaiMer'a  aria  haweconqiletely  failed  to  eotnp  CheBarlsf 
Hyndftord.  Heto<^hk  departure  auddenly  for  Bdisbui^  laaC  uoDlfa, 
leafing  Miss  Alice  to  fly  hei  bawka  at  leaaer  game." 

Boaald  had  aearcdy  fiaiaked  the  perswl  of  tbi*  diafaeartemnc  letter, 
when  Evan  antered  huitily.  "  Oh,  lir,"  aaidha,  ■' 1  haiean  iidcw'  talatp 
tell  ye  aboot  ray  aonrnde  Angai. — pair  ehieM." 

"How  1  hai  be  been  robbed  bypieerot, — slaiD  by.;iientiat,  or  wbit?" 

"  O,  waur  thaa  a'  that." 

"  He  deserted  in  the  direetioa  of  tbe  enemy  t  I  waBaorry  tebear  of  it. 
He  wu  dwaya  a  &TowiI»  of  mine  and  of  Seatos'a.  Did  be  reaoh  t^ 
French  line*?" 

"  Eh,  no,  Bir.  Captain  Blacier'a  riflemen  fell  in  wF  him  •««■§  Aa 
Mill,  and  there  baa  berai  an  nnco'  t«lse.  Bat  weel  do  I  ken  for  what 
poir'Angas  deaerted.  It  waaoa  the  French  he  waa  awa  to  join ;  hBwaMC 
for  Almeudnl^,  sir." 

" Atmendmlejo  I  Stay;  I  remembsr  a  story  now.  Snreljr  it  was  Bot 
his  attachment  to  some  girl  there  which  lad  bim  to  acnDaut  ao  salk  an 

"  Jnit  BBething  (dse.  O  Maietar  OsBald,  ye  km  weel  what  a>  nam' 
thing  lore  is." 

"  1  have  seen  tbe  girt, — Maria  Gsrcionadas." 

"  A]P,  sir, — a  bomiie  lasale,  wi'  eenlike  alaes,  cbeeka  redder  thanimrana, 
and  alUB  like  the  drifted  snaw ;  bat  ahe  bae  bees  a  daaiu  wilneky  jo  for 
AngDS.  I'll  MO  ye  tbe  haHl  story.  Ye  aaaon  ken,  air,  that  mony  moNths 
gane  past,  when  we  were  quartered  ia  Almeudraki*,  Aegaa  fell  orer  th* 
loga  in  love  wi'  this  Iwaw  gilpie,  whao  w«  were  billeted  in  her  aio  ho— e. 
Ye  heard  frae  ill.  Msodoneld  o'  the  toosle  we  bad  wi'  ber  caiaina,  and 
nnoo' anld  Tnrk  o' B  failher.  Hech  I  ii  was  a  tBogfa  job,  wi' sharp  skeMB 
and  bayonets,  and  s'  that.  Wari.  sir ;  syne  the  day  Aiwu  fast  tint  aioht 
q'  that  busis,  he  has  nerer  been  tbe  tame  rattliog,  roaring  kiud  o'  diield 
he  was  ;  but  ay  wae  and  dowie,  sowghieg  and  sigluog  till  it  waa  gmeMtoe 
to  hear  him.  Yeaterdsy,  or  tbe  day  before  it,  when  oooHBrower  the  biHsi— 
re  mind  the  bit  dachan  we  stoppit  at  ibi  ■  nigbt's  lest  l''^ 

"  Lea  Csna  de  Don  Games  ?" 

"  Ay,  air,  jatt  eae,— a  deeril  o'  a  lang  nebbit  aame  I  At  a  win«-IunaB 
there  Angai  and  I  forgathered  wi'  a  muleteer  loon  frae  Almmdivlejo, — 
Lazaro  Gome:^  he  ca'd  bimeel.     Ye'U  may  he  mind  p'  him  !  " 

"  Perfectly ;  hat  be  qsitdi  witb  you^  sisry." 

"Aweel,  dr,  Ike  inBle~ddi*r  gjeduia'  Uienews  and  elaihin  fraeaboM 


UaildB  md  itbcr  yl«Ma,  ud  anuig  itbar  iUi^  tnM  Anew  that  Mid 
Slaaba  Gsroioudoi,— or  el  Hoars,  u  the  Spumrdi  a;  oa'  a  Uwyar,  vm 
0Mi  to  aotaptl  tha  !■■>,  whatkar  iIm  md  or  do,  to  marr  ■  rioh  alealds. 
Od,  sir ;  1  ocTer  uw  ■  Aioe  cbange  as  pair  UaeUe'a  did,  *hile  the  carriar 
aUaut  BJiaWBil  am  wif  n*  ir  hit  brvkcii  Suli»h,  nerer  kemiia'  the  while 
Aat  ilka  w<wd  <na  fa'in  like  tcaodin'  lead  into  tha  iKart  o'  pair  ADgna, 
Kb  eave  to  me  that  nUit  at  tatto  b«M,  and  aid  ha  amid  l^le  tbia  UTe  ao 
aHtber  Msate,  and  Uiat — mbb  weal,  coaae  wae,  he  would  gang  <tS  fot 
Uncndnloa,  and  imre  the  laiale  or  dec  wi'  her.  I  did  a'  1  oould  to 
f»atj  bin,  bat  b*  minded  Be  nae  nan  tbam  the  wnd  wbiitKn'  over  &m 
mm.  He  eame  to  bw  whan  1  waa  a>  latUj  at  the  toon  end.  fiii  aan 
wan  ililteniaK,  Ua  &w(  wM  wbita,  like  that  o*  aMuetUn|  no  cnmie,  and 
taia  aartered  faieea  i*«n  AafBof  theKiltMr.  I  grew  MrH  ta  look  at  him, 
factteniiAtwaidari[aiidrio«Dy,  aadtbe  wind  sane  •oochiBg  doon  fraa 
&e  mtt  wi'  a  aoaad  Uks  the  moan  o*  a  dold  man.  Ae  itamie  wa*  f  lintin 
oa  the  hm-Up,  and  I  aai*  the  reflectiim  o'd  in  dte  riaun  WBter,*  wUdi 
pamoa  tlia  toon  wa'a.  Angva  atietehed  hii  handa  towards  tha  bit  atanda, 
a>d  mid  it  was  Aiina'  owsr  Afantadnltjo  then, — and  aiar  be  bis  ain  tnie 
loin  was  lookin'  at  it ;  and  tlwt  it  tmng  Ska  a  bmp  in  the  mirk;,  left  to 
goide  him  to  what  ahe  hided. 

"  '  Hoots,  haven  J '  aaid  I,  'je'i  aime  get  ower'd ;  and  mar  b'  Aat 
snaersl  mato-driTCr'a  storr  o'  aatd  Saacbo's  doi^ter  was  a'  a  lea, — ererj 
word  o't.    Gang  heme  to  foar  bed,  m;  man,  and  ye'U  be  better  tha 

"  Bnt  be  jmM  gied  an  nnoo'  aoagli,  and  wniiig  mj  loot,  gaed  deon  tha 
biae,  aad  hit  me.  Ntat  mcmaiBg  Strieant  Maciaae  MpeMed  him  absent 
ftae  nsrade,  sad  then  I  keat  Chat  ha  had  taento  the  hills  andwasawsf. 
lis  black  OED  o*  Ifaat  Gpaaith.  lass  hac  eaistssi'  a  glamootie  otter  bin  want 
Ami  witchcraft.  Amanf  I^Ub  bs  fellinwi' Captain  Bla«er's«ompan)r 
tf  the  Mth,  seBM  a*  lAaspiared  the  gate  he  was  gana.  Aagaa  caalibHl 
or  wadaa  taU,  aad  a  bar  (T  some  kind  easaed  atwem  Um  and  &e  Oa- 
manlnma:  in  the  wMMt  o't,  Jatfoa irew  his  bsroDttoa  sold Blviiai, 
tewhaAhenowliaiiaiinisteaaBo' thasquarateora*^  C«d>." 

"Othefeoll    AttMnptsdtoBtahBlaEier.dalhef!' 

"  A,j,  an  veta  ni|Ai  sbokit  him  i'  the  wame.  Pnir  Angss  I  he  af  hated 
thaeaiamgcUaClIiwweriaiidoss,  aaheea'dthem;  for hia  biliier,  like 
fat  atu,  had  beeo  oat  ia  tite  fbrtf-flTe,— wi'  the  Frinoe  sae  baaldand 

"  Tbe  BBfartwHte  audnn '.  he  wiU  sanly  die.  It  is  death,  br  tb* 
artides  of  war,  to  dmw  aiapia  apOB  an  officer." 

"  So  Smfsaat  Maorone  aafs ;  but  alake  I  MaiMer  KaBsld,  I  boup  it  will 
na  4NMM  to  that.  Biader  ii  only  a  Germaa,  ye  ken."  uiijd  Emm,  while 
fesa  »ym  btgu  to  glisten.  "  Sarely  the  Cone],  Captain  SeMon,  or  m^ 
h*  TDOrad.  will  get  nim  ower  it.  Angus  and  me  hae  e*er  ha^  troniea 
aad  fariUien  STne  tke  first  day  wa  met  at  La  Nars,  and  I  woidd  be  unco' 
laith  to  lose  hta  noe.  Ye  ken  boo  dowie  ye  were  youreel  for  mony  s  kng 
dar  after  tw>*a  Haistar  Louis  fall  into  tha  claws  a'  tbae  taid-eatioa  loons, 
and  DO  a'  Maiitw  Mnnlnaalit'i  jokes  or  memiaasit  ooald  ronie  ye. 

"  frepsre  yoarsatf  far  the  wont.  Eyan.  'Tonr  poer  friend  will  eeitainljr 
di«itf  this  onmcis  wmedagainstlnm."  «       «        •        * 

wnrt  was  ooe  of  tt«  membeia  of  the  genaal  ooort- martial  ordered  to 
try  this  ease,  in  wbidi  dMertiMi  was  ooqiled  with  a  flagrant  ace  of  insnb* 
•rdination.  The  cDartmet  ia  l^pakce  of  the  biriiop,  as  there  was  not 
auMhiw  house  in  Coria  contaiDing  an  apaitmeat  fit  for  the  purpose, — the 
loin  being  TCTy  iuooaaidsrable,  baring  only  aboat  fifleeo  fanadred  inbakU 
•  Tbe  Uigou  >l*v,wldch  pawn  Owia. 


tants,  altluiQgh  itroiiglf  dafeuilBiI  h^  mlli,  towers,  gatei,  and  ■  vray 
liugular  fortfe&B,  the  BscenC  to  which  i*  by  a  flifht  of  upwards  of  a  hmt. 
dred  Btcpa.  From  this  sCrooghold  MacluB  was  broDght  before  the  cooit 
which  was  to  decide  bi>  doom. 

The  room  in  which  it  met  wu  gloomr  and  old,  and  the  dim  light  from 
four  mnlliiiaed  wiadowa  fell  uncertaiiilT  on  the  war-worn  uuforau  and 
well-bniDzed  facei  of  the  officer*  seated  nroiind  the  table,  on  which  I&r 

S per,  pern  and  ink,  >  bible,  and  the  artide*  of  war.  The  prcndejat.  the 
m.  Colonel  Cadogan,  of  (he  Highland  Light  Infantrit,  aat  at  the  head; 
the  jndge -advocate,  an  officer  of  oavalir,  lUxid  at  the  foot  of  the  table  to 
read  the  charges,— the  members  taking  tiieir  plaoea  acoording  to  ttuw 
rank ;  the  seeiors  on  Cadogao's  r^ht,  the  janiors  on  bis  left.  After  the 
court  had  been  sworn,  bj  the  prnident  holding  forth  the  bible,  and  orery 
officer  laying  his  hand  opon  it  and  swearing  "  dnly  to  admiriiateT  justice 
according  to  the  rolea  and  articlen  now  in  force  for  the  better  govemoieDb 
of  hia  A^eaty's  forces,  withoDt  partialitf ,  hvoar,  or  afiecdon, ' '  the  pny. 
ceedinga  commenced.  Pale,  dejected,  and  apparent);  «9t  down  to  tha 
lowett  depths  of  menUl  misery,  the  unfortunate  joang  Highlander  atood 
before  the  military  tribunal.  His  red  coat,  threadbare  and  patched  with 
divers  colours,  his  frittered  tartans,  and  a  deep  scar  on  one  of  bis  sun-bamt 
knees,  another  on  bis  cheek,  gained  at  Comnna, — all  bore  witness  for  him 
of  the  senice  he  had  seen,  but  which  was  little  cared  far  there,  as  all  had 


'ed  alike.     Tall  and  erect  he  stood  before  them,  glancing  from  one  ta 

evidences  uujut 

lined,  and  he  found  no  fault  with  what  any  man  said  of  hita. 


:  mpoctful  manner.  One  by  one  the 

. and  he  found  no  fault  with  what  any 

Seaton  and  Serjeant  Dancan  Macrone  stated  the  time  when  his  abseDce 
>t  discovered,  and  the  former  spoke  highly  of  his  general  charao' 
nduct,  and  acquainted  the  court  that  his  life  bad  been  twice  saved 


was  first  discovered,  and  the  former  spoke  highly  of  bis  general  character 
1  conduct,  and  acquainted  the  court  that  his  life  bad  been  twice  saved  by 
!  prisoner,— first  at  the  battle  of  Fuentes  de  Honore,  io  May,  IBll ;  and 


_„ ;  Arroya  del  Mclino  in  Ibe  November  of  the  same  year,  when  ho 

was  encountered  by  two  aides-de-camp  of  the  Prince  d'Arember^  dniin^ 
the  action.  Honest  old  Blacter,  although  tfae  most  aggrieved  party,  woa 
unwilling  to  be  the  means  of  depriviujc  the  Highlander  of  eiistonce,  and 
taking  his  pipe  from  his  mouth,  gave  hia  evidence  with  marked  backward- 
ness; heeonclnded  by  saying,  "Dst  he  believed  de  itncien  itucit  Taa 
under  de  influence  ob  de  pig-skins,  or  der  let^el,  or  nwAerei,  vich  meana 
de  vitahcraft,  and  I  vonld  not  hab  it  on  my  conscience  dot  I  occasioned  a 
young  man's  being  shot  and  sent  to  der  ieufel  for  showing  a  bare  blade 
ven  hu  bloodt  vas  up ;  and  1  hope  de  coort  Till  recommendt  him  to  de 
tender  mercy  ob  Lord  Vdlington,  so  dat  be  may  be  sbaved." 

"  Yoor  wishes,  with  those  of  Captain  Seaton,  shall  have  due  consideratjon 
with  the  court.  Captain  Blaoier,"  replied  the  president ;  and  the  rifleman 
withdrew,  puffing  vehemently  with  his  long  pipe.  When  oiled  upon  to  make 
his  defence,  (be  prisoner  had  little  to  say.  He  knew  that  any  attempts  to 
eitennale  hit  double  crime  would  be  perfectly  nnavailing,  and  his  know- 
ledge of  the  rales  of  the  service  led  him  to  anticipate  his  doom.  Yet  hia 
keen  grey  eye  never  quailed  or  grew  less  bright,  and  his  voice  never  loitered- 
while  he  addressed  the  court  in  the  following  manner: — 

"  Weel  do  J  Iran,  sirs,  that  I  have  been  arting  wrang, — nnco'  wrang.  I 
hae  been  guilty,  in  sae  fkr  that  I  abandoned  my  qoarters,  and  was  awa  amsng 
the  hills  i  but  I  deny  solemnly,  and  may  1  be  haulden  manswom,  if  CYer 
I  Gttled  to  desert,  or  gae  ower  to  the  enemy'i  colours.  I  was  clean  wnd, 
and  kenned  na'  at  the  time  whir  I  was  danderin*  to.  I  tell  vour  honour! 
the  truth,  and  I  would  scorn  to  affirm  it  wi'  an  aith,  becausel  never  tank! 
a  lee  in  a  my  days,  and  hoe  nae  need  to  fib  or  Saw  noo.  Bnt,  sin,  I  think 
there  isna  anein  this  room  that  wadna  has  dune  as  I  did  that  Dkit,  when  I 


41 

kent  tbit  I  wu  on  the  brink  o'  loaing  for  ercr  sod  kt  the  winsome  lu  to 
wbom  I  hud  plighted  bewt  and  troth  ;  uid  I  irill  ■Srm,  gentlemen.  th*t 
ii«tber  the  danger  or  diignoe  o'  haeing  it  imputed  to  me  thit  1  abindoned 
mj  standardi  could  keep  me  frae  trTing  to  nte  ber  trae  sic  a  tyrannical 
and  a«ariciinis  anld  carle  ai  ber  faitfaer.  It  haa  been  laid,  in  tbe  '  crime,' 
that  I  osB  nun  tbe  gate  ta  the  enemy's  linea.  Ablina  I  va*,  and  ablina  I 
wasna,  for  I  waswadmg  thron^haieao'  deiperation,— I  was  dnmbfounded 
■ad  gane  gyte  that  nicht,  and  it  waa  a'  after  I  had  bent  tlie  bicker  ■  gay 
gnde  while,  aanny  comrade  Enn  Iverach  hoi  taold  ontojre. 

"  O  aira  !  I  hope  that  ye  will  neither  flog  nor  degrade  me  ;  but  let  me 
dee  tbe  death  my  crime  ia  aaid  to  merit.  Let  me  dee  noo, — noo  that  I  hae 
broiKht  Borrow  and  wae,  aorrow  and  disgrace  to  my  honest  faither'a  fire- 
aide  ;  for  thongb  he  ia  but  a  pair  auld  cottar  body  at  Braemar,  it  will  brin^ 
hia  bald  head  to  tbe  grave  if  be  beais  I  hae  come  to  the  halberta,* — it 
would  be  sic  an  awfn'  disgrace  !  the  haill  kintra-aide  wad  Hng  wi't.  Let 
me  rather  die.  sirs  :  1  say  again, — ■  hundred  times  I  hae  faced  death,  and 

.  ,  imanK  the  lang 

fdlow  broom,  and  tbe  itber  apianin'  hard  at  the  iogle-neak,  whar  I  hae 
sae  aften  toddled  at  her  knee,— 'tia  whan  I  think  o'  them  that  I  am  ready 
to  orp  and  greet,  and  that  my  atont  heart  faila  me, — a  heart,  airs,  that 
BBTor  hjled  on  mony  a  blnidy  day.  I  hae  nae  mair  to  say,  yoor  hononra. 
but  joBt  that  1  homhly  thank  ye  for  bearing  me  aae  lang,  and  that  I  wad 
ae  snne  dee  ae  liTC." 

Tbia  address,  which  was  deliTcred  with  considerable  vehemence  and 
gertnre,  and  apoken  in  a  very  nortbem  and  provincial  dialect,  waa  very 
little  anderstood  by  those  membera  of  the  coiirt  who  were  not  Scotsmen  ; 
and  Ronald  Stuart,  whose  heart  yearned  with  a  traly  Scottish  love  towarda 
his  coontryman,  eiplained  to  tiuaa  the  substance  of  what  Mackie  had  aaid. 
lie  waa  found  gnilty  of  tbe  seventh  and  eleventh  articles  in  the  second 
section  of  the  articles  of  war  ;  viz.  desertion,— areravated  by  an  intention 
to  join  the  enemy,  and  drawing,  or  offering  to  draw,  upon  "  a  mperior 
officer."  He  was  sent  back  to  the  fortress  of  Coria,  and  the  proceedings 
and  sentence  of  tbe  court  were  despatched  to  head -quarters,  with  strong 
recommendations  to  mercy  from  Colonel  Cadogon,  and  &om  Passifem  : 
but  many  months  elapsed  before  an  answer  waa  returned,  and  during  all 
that  time  the  poor  Highlander  pined  in  the  ooiaome  vaults  of  the  caetie  or 
fort  of  Coria.     But  of  him,  mora  anon. 

In  couseiinence  of  the  approsch  of  the  French  under  General  Foy,  tbe 
first  brigade  moved  from  Coria  while  the  sentence  of  tbe  unfortunate 
Maclde  remained  anknown, — every  member  of  a  court-martial  being 
sworn  to  solemn  secrecy.  The  50th  regiment  occupied  Bejar.  so  famooa 
for  its  mineral  Weill,  and  some  sharp  flgbting  ensaed  in  its  neighbourhood ; 
but  Foy'a  troops  were  completely  ronled  with  great  loss.  The  Highlanders 
oocapied  the  beautiful  village  of  Banos.  which  lies  secluded  in  a  deep  and 
narrow  valley  between  Leon  and  Estremadara,  surrounded  on  every  side 
by  abrupt  precipitoua  moanCaiua,  which  ere  covered  to  their  rugged  snm- 
mits  by  the  richest  foliage  ;  but  amid  their  caverns,  fastnesses,  and  dingles 
lurk  herds  of  wolves,  the  wildneas  and  ferodty  of  which  keep  the  inhabi- 
tant* in  a  continual  state  of  terror  and  alarm ;  and  so  daring  Bad  these 
sav^e  animals  become,  that  it  was  aeceasary  to  keep  large  fires  burning 
at  n§^  around  the  village,  to  acare  tiiem  from  the  posts  of  tbe  sentinels.^ 

Soon  after  the  regiment  arrived  at  Banos,  the  sentence  of  Angus  Mackie 

wu  ordered  to  be  pnt  in  eiecntian,  having  been  approved  of  by  the  proper 

■  llie  trinDElu :  thrw  pikca  wtn  ased  ia  ihoH  days. 


>t  by  a  uldUT  of  Ait  i«finait.  In  otkBr  eorpi  diadaliBa  named 
almoit  B«t  at  nooght,  and  it  ma  datenaanad  tint  as  fni-iptr  ahoald  be 
made.  Tb*  prlTate  of  tbe  Srd  regiiaaM  waa  baaged,  and  Amga*  Madie, 
wko,  altlMiagh  tar  hm  oriMun^  had  bam  wmiritlad  of  deaer(i(H>  Kod 
maabordinatiaa,  waa  asBtmced  to  be  ifast  to  dealb  in  ptaameeof  faia  coaa- 
rades,  who  aaiaiif  tbODMhea  deeply  pitied  and  dsptorad  tbat  lo  gaUant  * 
lad  ihoald  aaSer  mt  MTWe  a  Mntenee  fbt  hia  exananted  citme.  No 
Aarge of iojnaCioe  could  belaid  to  tbe  aoconnt  of  uw  eonrtwUcfa tried 
km,  the  "finding  "  of  iti  mra^wn  banna  beea  ngolated  by  tba  Mb> 
bM  neoagary  arbdaa  of  the  HBtiny  AeC    Haay  anadM  bad  paaied  away 

1;  tbeflnteroileaMnttrftbeaSaB'haddiedaoay.aad  daruiK 

he  bad  been  coafiaed  in  the  dreary  fort  of  Ceria,— a  anOUeM 
pamihuBot  rione  for  tbe  oiime  be  had  coamittcd. 

Tina  nhappy  afiu  cutagleOB  over  (be  wb^  wgimmt, — a  Kloom 
which  waa  a[marent  in  BTeryficeiM  tbe  iiBwiBlngH%hl»adetap<gadBd  in 
dm TaUey  of  BanoB  to    "'     "   " '■" 


.    ..     Tbe  BOB  waa  tu^K  towardi  tbe  wort,  and  hia  e ^_ 

atnamed  Aroagh  tbe  deqi  darii  dell,  npoa  the  vine-clad  eottagea  aod 
arlna  amphitlieatre  of  BMoa.  Cooeeatrated  ia  that  uaiiuw  md  ^ooay 
glen,  wbere  the  ioueaae  montinnia  nee  ni  every  aide  to  tiM  heiaktaf 
many  hundred  feet,  and  where  cngg  and  rocks  afaot  up  in  soiNa  and  fui* 
taatic  iprei,  alueat  ezolBding  tbe  light  of  day  fram  oia  litlie  hnta  at  flie 
bottom  of  tbe  dell,  sere  Ibe  aarenteaa  infuitr7  Tepmeata  ef  die  aeeaad 
dineion,  togetto'  nth  An  oarelry,  draws  i^  on  tbe  ateep  faeea  of  &a 


ndailBd  village,  awa-atradc  a(  tbe  naaaaal  aoeae,  and  Ibe  light  of  I 
thouand  itael  weapena  gHttteing  aaoid  aasb  dawe  tnaiMe  of  toraoi 
■ohBen,  foraook  Om  <«Uar*««<iddn«tar«d  tagethwtatbatammttojf* 
staeprack,  to  b^old  the  CiCd evoit.  The  tnwpi  fiMmed  threefcoMofa 
hollow  square ;  tbe  rode  upon  which  the  peaiaola  were  eoog regaled  ocbb- 
pied  tbe  vacant  apace.  A  spot  erf  vdvat  turf,  tfaa  viUafe  gram,  atretebed 
to  tbe  foot  of  it,  and  there  waa  dag  a  grtna, — a  pave  fm  tbe  yet  liyiac 
man;  the  wet  daiap  earth  heaped  Op  on  one  eide  ofit,  tbeioUatfftMfaad 
aiaurhdealeaffinlBy  on  theoAer.  Near  tlieae  itood  the  baai-dnnn  of 
the  Gordon  Highlandan  ;  a  bible  aad  a  prayer-book  lay  opm  iqion  ita 

bead. 

Tbe  Highlendera  formed  the  iono'  facsa  of  die  iqaare. 

All  wai  Bolenn  silence  and  expectation  {  not  a  whuper  wie  bcwd  thronrii 
all  that  denm  array ;  not  a  soand  imolA  tbe  ear  save  tbe  nutle  of  the 
summer  foliage,  «a  the  eveniag  wind  atined  tbe  tall  aheauiM  or  rich  greea 
cork-troea  which  nodded  A-oid  die  black  prec^dcea.  Tbe  geaeral,  the  ataf 
and  field-offioers  were  all  an  horeebai^,  but  remained  siotionlaii.  At 
last  it  was  known  that  the  dooaaed  man  waa  afqaoachiag,  aad  tbaanns  of 
the  eacoit  that  condocled  bin  were  seen  <*««l"ng  in  the  saoligbt,  aa  diay 


bottom  of  theva ^. . , 

camp,  wHo  then  passed  among  the  tro<^Bt«bwd  gallop,  whieporinK  to 
eaA  Domoiaiiding  offioir ;  the  worda  of  oonuaand  to  flx  bqroneta  and 
shoulder  anna  were  immediBteiy  given,  aad  before  the  varying  toBca  of  tha 
diflereat  colooeb  died  away,  the  prisoner  appeared  amid  tbe  square  isi- 


rwaikt  vitfa  dawaamt  t^t»  tomnb  the  ipot  vban  bii  gnve  nid  ooAd  laf 
dk|dar«d.  He  drew  ueu  the  fanner,  end  cut  ■  ghnce  into  it>  f loomr 
daftik,  ^ad,  BAmdden^r  tamed  hta  baek  npon  it.  mttering  j  ^*  I  mrald 
joNbe  BE  and  twED^  Cbe  morn.     Sai  ud  twenty  I  (A,  it'i  hudcD  ttnoK 


UT  fsiCfaer — B>T  mitbeil"    he  groaned  alond ! 
Id  ocotlaod,  sod  ■'  I  bae  loed  Ma  law  Hid  wi   ' 
ItwMl  be  B  Bur  trial  to  my  kiaafaBk  m  Glenclnmidfa,  vbcn  &C7  lee 


''Jenwell  to  ;0D — to  anid  Hcotlaod,  sod  ■'  I  bae  li 


w  Ml  the  kirk  doors  o'  Braenu^-w  ane  ttwt  Imi  das'd  wi'  dl^frace  on 
bia  broo."* 

He  WH  clad  in  ki(  wUte  BndrcM.jac^at  and  kilt,  ud  stood  barriiwded, 
witk  hia  lionnet  in  liia  hand.  He  waa  pale  and  enwiBted  with  loi^  oon- 
nwiiiiil.  b«t  Ma  beuing  waa  firm  and  aa  seMier-bka  ai  ever.  1&  efn 
seaBed  anon^r  bright,  md  at  timaa  a  red  Hoah  craaaed  kit  otberwiw 
deadly  pa]e  cheidi.  Then  wan  two  aged  moaka  from  As  San  Perdimado 
ooBTCot  of  Cawlderia  prcecBt,  bat  tbeillighlaiidar  rehaed  to  bear  or  00m- 
miuicate  with  them.  Yet  the  booMt  Man  were  detemiaed  not  to 
abandon  him  in  hii  lait  honr,  and  withdrawing  to  a  little  diatanoe,  Hm 
planed  a  omcifiK  againat  a  (ragnent  of  rook,  and  ^ayed  eameaUy,  with 
tme  CaUKilic  fcranir,  to  Oat  all-wiae  Power  above,  before  which  the  aanl 
of  one  they  daaaaed  a  baretie  waa  ao  aoon  ts  apjMar. 

There  waa  do  ohapbin  preaent  with  the  troopa  ;  bat  At  tmaooer  was 
attended  by  the  Tcmenible  DogaJd-Hhor,  who  walked  alowly  beaide  hhn 
bvahaadedtWitti  Ua  booBetonderbisarai.  He  read  portioni  of  the  Scrip- 
tare  from  an  old  dc^-eared  bible,  which  he  nrodnced  from  bis  tfarram 
mtlioeM  I  and  the  low  aohmn  tonaa  in  which  he  read  coald  be  diMinotly 
heatd  by  aU,  ao  vtrr  ■'ill  *■■  ^  plaea ;  and  aa  the  hand  of  die  *Alage- 
clock  approached  the  honr  at  wUeh  the  aaUitr  waa  to  die,  a  dewier  aaJd- 
nan  fell  opon  tbe  bearta  of  the  beholdera,  who,  akhoufh  long  acenatoned 
to  ^  tbe  hawt-harrowiag  Beeoea  of  war,  had  never  beferc  witnewed  a 
death  in  ao  aolann  and  pe^Uar  a  roaoiKa'. 

Mai^ia  and  Ua  attendaot  amg  togecberiha  by«n— 
"T*«ll»nto(  my  Aefttunfi  eaae,"  *«. 
nnd  when  it  wan  concluded,  the  hand  of  the  clock  on  the  alcalde's  home 
wanted  bat  fire  minotes  of  the  hoar.  He  toldier  cast  a  hasty  elance 
towards  it,  and,  ftilliag  npon  his  knees,  covered  his  face  with  hia  bands  and 
burst  out  into  an  agony  of  prayer,  from  which  be  was  only  aronaed  by  tbe 
aereo  strokes  of  the  last  hour  be  wonld  ever  bear  on  earth  Etriking  from 
the  dull-toned  belL 

Hia  last  moment  waa  come. 

When  the  soand  ceased,  Cameron  of  Passifem  and  his  field-officers  dts- 
monnted  from  their  horses,  which  were  led  away,  and  the  provost- marshal 
drew  np  a  section  of  twelve  soldiers  opposite  where  the  prisoner  yet  knelt 
on  the  torf. 

Many  of  his  comrades  now  took  their  last  farewell  of  bim  ;  and  Evan 
Iverach,  to  whom  be  bad  given  leven  poanda,  ured  from  his  pay  while 
priaoner  at  Corla,  to  tend  to  hia  parenCa  at  Braemar,  retired  to  hia 
place  in  the  ranka  with  tearless  eyes, — because  Evan  had  a  mistaken  idea, 


that  to  have  ahoim  signs  of  deep  emotion  would  have  been  unmanly.  But 
-'-  *  night,  in  his  billet,  honest  Evan  wept  like  a  woman  for  the  Insa  of  hia 
rane  and  friend.  Dnrinj;  the  bandaging  of  Maekie'a  eyea, 
:  off  hia  bonnet,  and  kneeiing  down,  commanded  hta  regiment  to  do  ao 
viae.  Aa  one  man,  the  Highlandera  bent  their  bare  knees  to  the  aod, 
Bt  the  mlliur;  regulation!,  the  nuno  at  loldlen  nho  belilie  niFriUriauilr,  or 


ioiainCi  ti.Uier  did  *o,in  the  loIinnD  pnlin  which  Dagald  and  the  prUoner 

'     ' '  ''  A  ud  tad  moumfol  ScoElish  >ir,  one  which 

been  uicustomed  to  hear  luna  in  tbcdr  Tilla^ 


e 

ev(_,  _  ^_ 

kicki  or  fkdierr  cottagea  ia  bojhaod.  It  tofteiied  aaa  aabdued  their 
hearts,  cnryinc  back  their  recoUectioiit  to  their  chiidhaod.  aod  to  yean 
that  hid  parsed  &wBy  iota  eternitr.  Many  heard  it  chanted  then  for  the 
fint  time  liace  their  natiie  luUi  had  hded  from  their  sight ;  and  u  tike 
strain  died  any  throu^  tbe  dJeep  and  narrow  nJe  of  Banoi,  it  found  an 
echo  in  ever;  breaat. 

Dugald  dosed  fail  bible,  and,  placing  a  handkcrdiief  in  tbe  hand  of  tfie 
priaoner,  wiUidrew,  and  coTering  hii  wrinkled  face  with  hii  bonnet,  knelt 
down  alao.  Now  came  the  duty  of  the  proToil-manhal,  whose  anwiliioE 
detachment  consisted  of  twelve  picked  men,  of  disorderly  character,  on 
whom,  as  a  pnniahmentj  fell  the  lot  of  slaying  thfdr  comrade. 

With  hii  eyei  blindfolded,  the  nnfortnnite  Highlander  ktielt  down  be- 
tweok  hii  coffin  and  hii  gtive,  and,  withoat  qnivemig  once,  dropped  faia 
handkerchief. 

"  Section  1 "  cried  the  provost-marabal,  " 'ready— present— ^re/"  Tba 
words  followed  each  other  in  rapid  sncceasion,  and  the  echoes  of  the  death- 
ahot  were  rererberated  like  tliitnd«r  among  the  hilli  aronnd.  A  Hhriric 
bunt  from  the  ^males  of  the  village.  Red  blood  was  seen  to  apotit  fbttii 
from  many  a  wonnd  in  the  form  of  "the  priioncr  ;  be  sptni^  convulsively 
upirards,  and  tbea  fell  backward  dead  on  the  damp  gravel,  which  was  ao 
soon  to  cover  hica. 

Tbe  hearts  of  all  began  to  beat  more  freely  ;  bnt  at  that  moment  the  red 
sun  sank  behind  the  darkening  bills,  and  a  deeper  gloom  envelopiid  Banofi, 
the  effect  of  which  was  not  lost  on  the  minds  of  tbe  beholders. 

All  wai  over  now !  The  corse  lay  stretched  on  the  ground,  and  the 
smoke  of  the  musketry  wai  onrltog  around  the  grave  which  yawned  beside 
it.  Cameron  sprung  oa  hia  hone,  and  hii  voice  was  the  first  to  break  the 
oppreaaive  silence.  Tbe  skrilL  pipes  aonnded,  snd  the  rattling  dmma  beat 
nierrily  in  the  re-echoing  vale,  as  corps  after  corps  marched  past  the  spot 
where  tbe  body  of  Mactie,  thongh  breathless,  lay  yet  bleeding,  and  moved 
np  the  winding  pathway  towards  the  pass  of  Banoi,  wheoce  by  different 
rontes  they  marched  to  their.cantanments  in  the  villages  and  camps  among 
the  monntiins.  When  all  had  passed  away,  the  pioneers  placed  tbe  dead 
man  in  hia  coffin,  and  covered  him  hurriedly  np  ;  tbe  sods  were  carefiitly 
deposited  over  and  beaten  down  with  tbe  shovel ;  and  the  grave  of  the  man 
who  bad  been  living  hut  tec  minntea  before,  presented  now  the  same  ap- 
pearance as  the  resting-place  of  one  who  had  been  many  years  entomb^. 
The  needs  and  tbe  long  grass  wived  over  it. 

The  village  Douonos  iploced  a  rough  wooden  cross  above  it,  Co  prevent, 
as  they  aaid,  the  heretic  from  hiunting  the  resting-place  of  his  bones ;" 
Rnd  near  tbia  rode  emblem  wai  placed  a  vine,  which  Evan  Iveiach  tended 
daily, — clearing  ita  root  of  weeds  and  encumbrances,  watching  and 
pruning  tbe  stem,  and  long  before  the  regiment  left  Banos  he  had  twined 
it  around  and  hidden  the  limbs  of  the  cross ;  and  when  the  Highlanders 
taarcbed  from  the  valley,  as  they  wound  through  a  deep  deSle  among  the 
mountains,  Evan's  forewell  look  waa  cast  to  the  place  where  the  vine- 
covered  croas  marked  the  grave  of  his  comnde. 


-n,  Google 


CHAPTEE    V. 


BsroRB  the  raiment  left  B 

nnlooked-foradTenlnre  with  t . 

tains,  which  aearly  cost  him  bia  life. 

There  wu  ■  certun  part  of  the  bills,  from  which  the  Taller  of  Banoa 
alrungly  resembled  his  naCivs  place,  StrathoiuD,  but  od  a  mach  amaller 
Bdle;  and  thither  3tDart  wai  in  the  habit  of  Tepuring  almost  iaUj,  to 
iadulge  freelr  in  thoee  long  rarerics  so  usual  to  a  HighJander,  and  enjor 
the  beaaty  of  the  prospeet  which  boie  so  near  a  resemblance  to  his  home. 
A  alight  effort  of  tbe  imagination  made  it  at  ouce  Stratbonan,  near  the 
aouTce  of  that  celebrated  trout-stream,  the  lala;  but  the  lonnd  of  the 
gnit&r  and  caitaneta  came  ou  the  wind  instead  of  the  war-pipe  of  A]byn, 
and  destrOTed  the  illneiOD.  There  were  neither  bocks  nor  roes  bonadiDS 
OTcr  the  mountain- elope  j  and  instead  of  the  pleided  ahephnd  or  agile 
hnntnnan  starting  from  the  copeewood.  a  laiy  jet  handsome  Spanish 
pemaant  appeared  at  times,  ssantering  slowly  along,  clad  in  his  short  brown 
jacket  tied  round  tbe  waist  by  a  broad  yellow  >cu-f,  leather  gaiters  bound 
with  red  thongs,  a  cigar  in  his  moulb,  a  staff  in  bis  lund,  and  a  stiletto  in 
his  girdle.  Often  did  a  figure  wearing  this  romantic  dress,  or  enTClmed 
in  s  hoge  brawn  mantle,  appear  on  the  solitary  pathways  of  the  hills.  Far 
down  below,  on  the  Tillage  green,  instead  of  the  UTely  atrothsper  or  martial 
gillitcAallivm,'  the  graceful  fandango  or  bolero  wax  danctd  by  the  athletic 
paiianoi  and  oKre-cheeked  girla  of  the  Talley. 

Bia  patron  had  often  warned  bim  of  the  danger  which  be  Incurred,  bjr 
wandering  so  hr  among  mountains  to  much  infeated  by  woWci ;  but 
Stuart  always  considered  himself  safe  encash,  as  he  never  went  without 
bis  Bword  and  dirk.  His  host  acquainted  bun  with  many  wonderful  t^es 
of  men  having  been  kQIed  and  devoured  by  them  among  tbe  wild  places ; 
and  said  that,  witbiu  bis  recollection,  nearly  twenty  dildren  had  been 
oairied  off  from  the  very  heart  of  the  village. 

"  Senor,"  said  he,  on  one  occasion,  "  yon  can  know  Uttle  of  the  natara 
of  the  wolf,  as  perhaps  there  are  none  now  in  your  country ;  but  they  have 
thecnnoingof  the  fox,  togetherwith  the  strength  and  ferocitT  of  the  tiger. 
On  entering  the  vitlan  in  the  evening,  be  moves  about  with  csrefnl  and 
fltealthy  paces ;  and  when  be  seirea  on  a  child,  grasps  it  by  tbe  throat  an  aa 
to  prevent  it  giving  ■  single  cry,  and  bears  it  away  to  the  recesses  among 
the  hilla.  I  have  known  of  a  lad  of  fourteen  being  carried  off  thus.  X 
nan  tielonging  to  the  village,  a  brave  guerilla  of  Mina's  band,  was  attacked 
one  evening  in  the  pasa  of  Banos  by  a  band  of  wolves.  He  slew  three  with 
Ua  rifle  and  poniard,  bat  the  others  tore  lum  to  fragments.  Thia  brought 
die  attention  of  senorea  the  akaldes  of  the  valleyf  to  the  matter,  and  they 
offered  a  rewardofcdghty  reals,  or  four  dnroa,  for  eadnrolfs  bead  braught 
to  their  houses,  and  forthwith  war  was  proclaimed  ag^it  these  tierce 
inhabitants  of  the  sierras. 

"  A  dozen  hidea  and  heads  were  brought  in  weekly,  and  we  continDed 
this  dangerons  sport  until  the  Britiah  entered  the  valley,  when  firing  in  tha 
neigbboorhood  could  no  longer  be  continued.  Since  we  acted  upon  the 
offiraaive,  the  wolves  bare  berome  more  iby,  and  never  enter  the  vale,  but 

t  Bum  b  diiided  Into  two  dtitricti,  each  ruled  by  IB  own  ilsldc;  thenoitliRn 


it  is  death  to  encoiiDtcr  tbc  herds  on  their  own  Eronnd ;  therefore  i  nonld 
pray  yoo,  aenor,  if  yon  r«liie  your  own  sstety,  never  to  wander  aboat  u 
joa  are  pleased  to  do/' 

Konald  thanked  the  warthgt  viae-dresHT  for  kii  advice  and  good  wishes, 
bat  laughed  at  his  fears  about  the  woUes,  and  told  him  that  while  be  was 
aimed  with  his  sword,  he  conridered  btraselT  secure  against  any  soeh 
BotagoDiits  1  and  so  continued  to  rambls  abont  as  naiwi- 

Odo  erenins.  while  be  waa  surveying  Ihe  valley  from  bis  oU  poat  when 
the  sitn  was  setting,  he  became  overpawered  with  (he  heat  of  tha  atmo- 
■pbere  and  Ute  fatigue  of  a  long  walk,  and  foil  fast  asleep  heaide  a  nde 
wooden  eroai',  erected  to  mark  the  spot  where  the  only  ^o^ado  who  ever 
upearedin  Banoahad  been  poniwded  by  his  first  client  for  qd fair  dealing, 
Hon  loa(  SttMit  alept  there  ba  had  no  idea,  bat  wbila  limawiin  Uuitbt 
bad  that  worthy  ela»  to  liw  loyd  ngnat,  Mr.  Maoqmrk,  among  the 
monntMiiaof  Bsnoa,  eveneloK  to  the  abogado'a  crass,  and  was  about  to  take 
wwary  veaguwcs  aponUm  fbrtbemannerinwhichliehBd  bembooaled 
and  twiadled  the  old  jgentleMan  at  Lodiiala,  he  was  Bwakeood  ii 
ble  mennar  by  aonietbi 
rapiditr  of  Iwhl,  all  tba 


diaagreaabh 

iSia  theM,___,  __ 

Bpon  his  mamorr.  He  was  fallv  awdce  ia  aa  iastaat,  and  found  hiandt 
grappliog  and  atn^^inc  aavandy  with  one  of  those  terriUe  aniinala,  by 
noontigU,  on  a  BcJitary  bill-aide  many  miles  away  from  tdte  village,  wbM« 
the  watch-fire*  of  the  gnard-hooaes  conld  ba  seen  twinkling  aiar  off  at  the 
bottom  of  tJie  deep  valley,  likered  Btors.  His  brass  gorget,  and  the  massive 
laoe  on  the  collar  of  the  coat,  together  with  ■  stout  military  itock,  had 
saved  his  neck  from  the  fangs  of  the  gigantic  wolf,  which,  by  Btrainieg 
«very  energy  of  steength  and  oourage,  or  rather  deapecation,  he  grasped 
with  a  ferocity  almost  equal  to  its  own,  and  retaining  his  hold,  threw  upon 
the  tnrf  hesida  him.  Its  strugglu  were  (errib)e,  and  his  hamia,  which 
encircled  ita  tough  and  brawny  throat,  were  torn  by  its  clavrs ;  yet  he  never 
iriaied  his  iron  clutch  until  the  breath  and  sCreogth  of  his  antagonist 
began  to  fiui,  and  then  puttiog  his  right  bend  to  bis  side  lox  his  Higlilaad 
diik,  he  remembered  with  rage  and  angnisb  that  it  was  left  bt^ind  at  his 
toilet.  The  moment  was  indead  a  critica)  one.  Two  other  wolves  were 
approaching  the  spot  cautiously,  and  Stuart,  reatembeiiag  how  often  he 
had  beard  of  their  overpowering  man  by  numbers,  considered  himsidf  for 
ever  lost.  It  was  like  some  horrible  dream,  and  bis  b«it  became  filled 
with  ui  agony  of  horror  and  alarm  which  it  had  never  known  before. 

"  Heaven  help  me  nowl"  nsped  ita.  "Ah!  had  1  only  ny  dirk,  or 
even  a  titma-dAii,  they  would  oe  weloome."  He  cried  alond  for  aid,  bat 
the  ories  were  feeble,  as  his  touae  was  swollen  and  clove  to  his  palate  with 
the  keenness  of  bis  terror ;  and  ere  the  echoes  of  his  last  about  died  mvf, 
he  was  struggling  with  the  others,  and  was  endeavoariag  to  dude  tlnr 
ftmgs  by  rdliDg  over  and  orer,  and  fighting  fiero^y  with  baiids  aod  fbab 
So^ly  had  the  twowtdveaoomelo  theaidof  theirhaif-barkedconradcb 
ere  Stuart  imagined  that  other  sounds  than  the  echoes  of  his  cry  r*v«r. 
berated  throogh  tiie  wildeinesi.  It  was — what?  tbe  h^loo  of  a  trae  Hieh* 
land  huntsman  I  ^*^ 

"  Hoigh  I  Diaonl  1  what's  a'  this?"  cried  DngaM  Mhor  Ps  ami  tin. 
plunging  headlong  amonp  them,  with  a  long  dirk  Reaming  in  hia  right 
hand  and  a  aktae-dlai  in  bis  lefL  One  wolf  fled,  another  was  pieicad 
thrice  to  the  vitals  by  Dugaid's  dirk,  and  roUed  away  far  aereral  ranla, 
tearing  up  the  earth  in  nge  and  agony,  undt  it  was  fiasjly  dealTOired  bf  tbe 
sharp  black  knife  being  drawn  across  ita  thick  throat  by  Dngald,  who 
handled  it  well,  being  an  adroit  deer-stalker.  Tbe  other  savage,  whi^ 
had  been  so  gallaatly  grasped  by  Honald,  be  despatched  by  rqwated  stibs 


TBB  KOMAWCa  or  WAS.  If 

of  tlia  dirk,  which  be  iron  bame  to  th*  failt,  weduic  eigiktoao  indlMcof 
cD[d  iron  into  the  bodj  at  STerr  itroke.  While  this  pMud,  poor 
SCiurt,  eibeuted  and  oiercooM,  woli  backwanl  OD  the  turf,  jut  ■• 
Fawifeni  roda  up  with  hii  claymore  df iwii. 

"  I  trust  we  hare  not  beea  too  lite,"  he  cried  earaeitlr,  uhalei4>t  fivm 
hie  bone,  ihich  bad  been  moTting  and  sbyiof  uide  from  the  >cgd«  of  the 
fraf.  "  1  >m  sura,  Dnftild,  mi  ttBiwered  to  bU  fint  cry.  He  ii  one  of 
oon:  uofficertoo. — SOuit,  by  heaTeiul" 

"  "  It  for  Dogald'a  prompt  uid  gellaat  niccoBr,  oU  would  hii*e  b«B 

— „„_ed  up  froai  the 
hlMd  of  hii  eaemiea. 

1  little ;  but  my  eaeb  end  coat  are  all  n 

"  OpporniDB,  indeed  I  1  will  never  be  able  to  repay  him  for  thii  Dibit's 
work. 

"Ocbone!  Ur.  Stoait,"  replied  the  old  man,  who  wai  oleaiinf  his 
weapona  in  his  plaid,  "  dimia  aay  ■  word  aboat  thlDlu ;  keep  a'  them  for 
tbJe  luiniel  there." 

"  I  waa  coming  orer  the  nomitaiiia  from  Caodaleria,"  laid  Feaeifera, 
"  where  I  have  been  preaidait  of  a  coart-Diartial.  Yoar  criet  alariDed  ns 
within  a  fen  varda  of  thU  cdd  cron,  aad  myhoraebe|Bn  to  ini^  and  rear. 
leSaiias  to  adTeoee  a  itep  j  but  trusty  Dngald  went  beadlonf  on,  aud  with 
bia  ahart  weapona,  I  lee,  hu  done  yon  ri|bt  good  eerrioe.  "Tia  w^  tbe 
matter  i>  do  won*,  and  had  tbe  woWea  not  given  yon  lo  severe  a  mauling, 
Stuart,"  added  the  colonel  with  a  aaiile,  a«  he  pnthii  foot  in  hii  itimp, 
' '  I  ahotild  have  aent  Clande  for  youi  sword  af  aio.  Yoa  know  yon  ahoald 
never  be  withoat  yoor  amH,  or  ibrget  the  Ofdar  agaiiiBt  atrollint;  more 
than  two  miles  from  camp  or  quarters.  By  my  word,  thaae  were  no  ordi- 
nary foeg  to  contend  with,  tbete  wolves ;  they  are  larger  than  Highbnd 
aheltiGi,  and  their  ekiiu  will  be  a  piiie  for  the  paiaano*  in  the  moraina,  for 
Dnsald  is,  of  course,  too  proud  to  take  fee  or  reward  from  tbe  alcaldes." 

'~I  have  escaped  their  maws  by  a  niraclB,"  Mid  Stuart,  yet  gating  with 
the  excitement  of  the  fierce  struigle. 

"  By  nae  miracle  at  all,  lir,  said  old  Dogald,  "  by  nae  miracle  i  but 
just  by  the  hdp  o'  a  teach  aald  carle's  bind  and  tbe  bit  cauld  iron ;  and 
1  BBture  your  hououra,  1  wad  rather  face  a  thooeaod  rampaujvi  wolves, 
than  ae  kdpie,  habgohlin,  wraith,  apnokie.  sheeted  gbaist.  deadiicht, 
broonie,  or  ony  itber  scr^  o'  deevildom  eae  common  at  heme  in  tbe 
Hielanda.  Hoich,  aira  '.  it  was  indeed  use  sma'  matter  to  cut  the  waaseni 
o'  tbae  awfo'  monstsrs  o'  wohres  i  bat;"  said  he,  holding  alofi  hie  long 
Hubland  daggar,  which  flawed  back  the  rays  of  the  noon,  "  hut  that  is 
a  blsde  that  nae  rung  on  the  ta^t  o*  tbe  liam-dtarg ;  and  aftar  tJkU, 
what  could  a  bold  hand  not  da  wi'  it  1" 

"  On  the  target  of  whom  i"  eaked  Bonald. 

"  The  liam-dtm'g,  sir." 

"  The  words  are  Gaelic  i  bat  who  it  he  ?" 

"  A.  spirit  wi'  a  bloody  haad,  that  haunts  at  the  mirk  hour  tbe  wood  o' 
(Sanmore,  in  the  Grants'  country." 

'>  What  haa  this  to  do  with  vo 
tBrested  in  everfthiug  which  looke  .     .„     . 

"  Poohl"  said  CaxoBToni  '"tia  an  old  ghoat  story,  and  not  one  of 
Dogald's  prime  (me*.  But  he  ie  ai  prosy  with  hia  legends,  m  Colin 
Campbell  la  abwit  Efypt  and  Balph  A.berGn>mbte." 


"  Re  doenn  believe  it  noo," 
tonowfoUy ;  "  but  wben  he  ms 
lude  hia  Vera  lun  tinfla  wi'  fesr  at  the  name  o'  the  Iham-dearg,  ud  be 
nied  to  graae  ana  greet  far  ■  licbC  that  he  mieht  aee  to  sleep,  u  he  nid; 
and  in  thu  days  he  wsdoa  has  gane  into  a  dark  place,  to  be  made  king  □' 
the  bran  Highlands  frae  Castle  Grant  to  Lochabcr.  But  noo  wars  and 
camp^aing  Eae  teamed  him  to  scoff  at  a'  thae  matters,  tboagh  his  foitfaer, 
the  laird  (gude  gaide  him  t),  *  man  as  suld  as  mysel,  believes  everf  mml 
o'  them.  I  danrsay,  he  doeana  believe  noo  that  deidlichts  barn  on  the 
piper's  jrave  in  the  auid  kirk-yaird  at  hams  ;  or  that  spnnkie»  and  fiuries 
side  ia  the  glen  o'  Anchaacarry,  ketpiea  in  Laeh-Archaig,  or  that  the 
daoint  sMe  haunt  Che  dark  holes,  cairas,  ronnd  ringi,  and  aaco'  places  o' 
the  Corrle-Dan-gaul  in  Kaoydart,  where  I  myoel  hae  seen  them  daadng 
tDllocb-gorni  in  the  bonnie  mooaltcht." 

"Certaialy  not,  Diigsld.    What  I  believed  when  a  child,  will  soared)' 

CQow  for  truth  ;  and  I  believe  you  never  saw  anything  unearthly  nntU 
ntOBh  had  awelled  your  belt  to  hnrating.     Come,  Dngald,  acknowledge 
this  to  be  Crae,"  said  Cameran,  laaghing. 

"  May  be  ye'll  no  believe  In  the  red-eap,  that  haanta  the  aold  tower  at 
Ajchaig ;  and  may  be  no  in  the  vera  iaitelt !"  said  the  old  servitor  in  a 
voice  approadiing  to  a  groan  at  the  other's  apostasy.  "  Ochone,  may  be 
no  1  although  I  myael  saw  bluid  on  his  hand,  and  tanld  him  o'  It  the  day 
before  the  shot  struck  him  there  at  the  battle  of  Arroya  del  Molino." 
"Dngald."  aaid  Ibe  colonel^  "I  will  not  ai^c  with  you  abont  tiie 


certainly  have  me  at  vantage  there,  and  your  predic- 


shot  before  it 

power  o'  the  taiich  was  in  me." 

"  WeU,  Stuart,  what  think  you  of  the  second  sight  '•" 

Konatdwas  loath  to  express  his  disbelief  in  this  superstition,  which fiMmd 
a  disciple  in  the  colonel,  and  so  hesitated  to  reply. 

"T  see  you  are  too  troe  a  Highlander  to  disbaUevoin  its  eiiatencei,  and 
yet  you  are  reluctant  to  acknovledge  the  tmth,"  said  Faanfem  lanfliii^ 
while  be  mistook  the  other's  meaninf;.  "  Bat  let  ua  reach  Baoos,  andover 
some  of  the  bottled  sherry  which  I  lately  got  from  Lisbon  we  will  discnsa 
these  matters,  and  bear  Dugald's  story  of  the  spirit  of  Glenmore,vrhidi,  if 
you  are  at  all  anperstitious.  might  have  too  much  effect  if  related  by  him 
in  Gaelic  by  moonlight,  and  on  a  lonely  hill-aide." 

Hiis  proposal  was  at  once  accepted,  and  they  bq^an  to  descend  tbe  nar- 
row and  winding  pathway  which  led  from  the  mned  ttunmila  of  t^  lietTa 
towards  the  village.  Dngald  advanced  in  front,  hading  flie  horae  of  Came- 
ron, who  fallowed  behind  with  Stuart.  The  latter  thatdrad  hie  itan  ft* 
escaping  from  hie  Iat«  encounter  so  easily,  baring  only  ■astaioed  ■  far 
severe  soratchea  and  bnuBea.  While  enjoying  some  of  the  oolonel'a  pan 
bottled  sherry,  a  rarity  in  Spain,  where  the  wine  is  ever  kept  in  gnaay 
hog-skins,  Rtniatd  soon  for^C  his  diaagieeable  adventure  at  the  abogado's 
cross.  Dugald,  who,  in  consideration  of  his  venerable  age  and  relati«iihi)i 
t«  Fasslfern  (being  a  tortieth  coosin  or  so),  was  SBstea  at  the  tabla,  par- 
took of  the  wine,and  to  wile  away  Che  time,  related  in  Qoelie  the  HighJud 
legend  be  had  referred  to.  Many  readers  may  ccmnder  it  a  fboliriii  per- 
haps an  inCrnirive  tale  altogether ;  but  had  they  beard  it  (at  away  tftm 
home,  in  a  hat  at  Banoa,  rdatad  in  expreauve  and  poetical  Gaelic  by  soefa 


I  reverend  and  wirrior-looking  old  man  as  Dngtld  Cameron,  It  waald 
hiva  had  a  tctj  differmteffcct  mtm  vhftt  Tt  cui  erer  produce  whcD  related 
in  plain  and  anTamished  Engliih,  atrtpped  of  all  the  OsBiaiiic  dcBciiptioD 
and  Btf  la  in  which  Ronald  mnart  firat  heard  it. 

"Mr  atory  oommenceaat  the  close  of  the  fatal, — ar.  ttn,  I  may  say  the 
moat  deplorable  battis  of  Calioden  ;  a  battle  which  liud  plbitnite  for  ever 
the  hopes  of  a  gallant  prince,  the  canse  of  an  illn«trion«  honse,  and  the 
ener^es  of  a  brave  and  loyal  people,  and  proved  that  riff/ti  may  contend 
in  TaiD  ^ainit  might,  and  that  jnsdee  mnirt  sometimeB  yield  to  the  OTer- 
whelming  majority  of  hrote  force.  I  was  then  bnt  a  wild  Highland  boy  of 
fifteen,  and  followed  Ihe  clan-r^ment  of  the  noble  Lochiel,  upon  whom  I 
attended  as  a  sort  of  page,  to  oarry  hia  target  and  scabbard  on  the  march. 
My  brave  old  father,  too,  waa  in  the  battle  ;  and  being,  in  eonseqaeoce  of 
bin  relationahtp  to  ^e  chief,  a  front  rank  man,  he  greatly  diattngaished 
himself  in  that  desperate  but  nnavailing  charge  we  made  on  the  troopa  of 
the  Elector,  after  foolishly  enduring  a  cannonade  which  miserably  thinned 
OUT  namben.  Ah.  sirs  !  had  we  at  first  rashed  on  them  vich  the  broad- 
aword,  aa  was  ever  our  wont,  another  race  would  have  filled  the  throne  at 
this  honr  ;  bat  wben  we  did  charge,  Comberland't  two  lines  were  swept 
before  out  long  blades  like  winnowed  chaff  upon  the  gale.  Even  then  the 
flay  seemed  ours,  when  the  fire  of  the  third  compelled  as  to  recoil. 
OdioaE !  let  me  think  of  it  no  more,  for  1  grow  wild  at  times  when  the 
memory  of  theae  daya  awells  up  in  my  withered  heart,  and  the  dangera,  ths 
glory,  and  the  ctuvalry  of  the  '  forty-five'  are  all  remembered  with  mingled 
pride  and  sorrow.  I  waa  bnt  a  child  then,  and  yet  on  that  bloody  day  I 
ahot  dead  several  of  Barrel's  regiment,  while  the  Camercms  were  among 
them,  hewing  Ibem  down  like  willow-wanda  with  axe  and  claymore. 

"  In  the  route  which  followed,  I  fled  away  with  onr  wounded  chieftain, 
Bnd  gained  a  place  of  safety  among  the  bills ;  hut  my  father  was  taken 
(sptive  by  the  Campbells  from  the  west  country,  and  so  he  was  one  of  the 
few  who  escaped  the  death  decreed  to  all  by  the  bloody  mandates  of  the 
German  dnke,  whose  memory  will  be  abhorred  and  execnted  while  grast 
grows  and  water  runs  in  the  land  of  the  Gael. 

"  It  is  of  my  Other's  adveDturea  I  have  now  principally  to  speak. 

"He  was  disarmed  and  manacled  by  the  false  sons  of  Diermed,  and 
from  amidst  them  he  beheld  Che  merciless  red. coats  slaying,  murdering  in 
cold  blood,  the  helpless  and  unresisting  woanded  by  spootoon  and  bayonet, 
by  the  sword  and  toUcts  of  mnsketiy;  while  the  relentless  Cumberland 
rode  abont  the  muir  of  Drnmmoisie  with  hia  staff,  treading  down  the  heart* 
of  better  and  braver  men  than  ever  will  come  of  his  tribe. 

"  The  sun  set  that  night  on  a  Geld  of  blood,  and  one  of  woe  and  dewla- 
tiOTt  to  the  Highlanders. 

"  Those  wretciied  prisoners,  whom  the  blood-glntted  soldiers  were  too 
<reaTT  to  slaughter,  were,  to  the  number  of  four  hundred  and  forty  men, 
endosed  in  a  hollow  square,  anrroanded  by  the  regiments  of  Barrel. 
VicAfe,  and  Bligh,  who  hemmed  them  in  with  filed  bayonels,  and  anbjected 
Ibem  to  every  taant  and  insult  that  national  hatred,  the  meanest  malice 
«nd  cowardice  wben  moat  triumphant,  could  euggest.  Amongst  other 
brave  and  unfortanat^  clansmen  my  father  listened  to  them  ;  his  bosom 


Uood  tMcuu  find  at  t^  grou  tbvm  kridwd  span  hit  oMDtrjnMb 
Bfaqtpini  fomrd  with  hii  jword  drtvii,  lu  ttmdf  comnMided  thttD  to  b* 
lileat.  will  uid  that  hs  would  micBr  tui  canauniDa  aiuiut  ■  crowD-yiMib 

man  preKnt  tbtX  von  b  loarlet  cmt. 

"  'Ha :  do  you  Hj  so,  lir  >•  erisd  Un  Mu,  wbo  witli  his  itmff  wu  in 
tb*  outea  of  UM  iqiuia. 

'' '  M>j  it  plfw  yoor  hithnf.  I  do  motL  umredly,'  nid  C»Biph»lL 
ing  hii  bonut  i  '  tad  I  lon|  U>  lae  te  nUba  put  ts  the  teat,  to  era* 


MirT  loatbitn  gmtrr  of  timi  tuurwrantaUc  iniolnia.    Br  my  bitl 
tbnHmlo  ftaiietthe  gnod  ■■■  t^  nude  of  their  knlaUnMbM-H 

"  *  And  TW>  *iil  ittDd  ta  yonr  *a(«r,  oalODil  ? ' 

" '  Hj  aommiuimi  te  «.  erovn-piiG*. 

"'DoMi'MUtiwdake.  'TowbetuafUil  odc,  h  70B'<nIIfi^t* 
Mm  eoit,  an  nuaf  miiuilM  piM  amj.  Tav  tctt  vonl*  ■ktoot  «f 
JaonfaitiMaaadlnuaa;  and  ywir  aoaanunoB  ihaU  cartaiUr  be  loat.9 
voBi  rdi^  beato  not  a  ebaiB|daa  of  aay  chaahm.  Ht  fiiend,  M^orTM 
3hiiBderbetbaB>  of  Bli^'a,  aaf  aooaidra  fOnr  canunwid  as  hia  alraadjr.' 

"  '  Br  Haaiaa  I  i<o<ur  hJatiMtM.  aa  dec  of  a  Bauuo.  tbu.  erer  miaa 
b«d  aball.  Momaul  Iba BMB oTlheillMMKm'i  nca  1' lepliadCaBvbB 
btaotlie,  and  retaiitlaaa  of  tha  rafMaiaaaaw , 

"  Jkcwaotic  draiou  of  Cobban^  hana  aAcad  biranir  rea£lT  aa  Oa 
dnluTi  anamfdoB  I  aod  Mi  hia  colanai  haarin^  laaiiiiaiij  of  lua  atranrtlri 
aotiv^Tf  and  aipwtaaai  wift.  hia  waapon,  b*  mat  Mcaptad.  In  biabn&M 
Bngliik,  tha  miffamm»  iaka  aam  nddtawad  th«  phMaKn  iD».at«lB.rt 
•uee  **Tgf  fH  "■"''^-r  aflbriDg  fraadpinto  i*j  one  of  dum  vbo,  inaa 
MMHutar  witk  1^  baod-nroid,  aonU  foil  tha  tMopciu  TbewosdabHl 
acaroaly  bU«a fraai hia lipa,  balaraaai  iMiac  #andafac»»rd and  riaiaiwt 


'"Oiohljoa .  ._    ,. 

■id  Uh  abMhad  CaiapbaU.  '  fiatninaaabsr  tbalfncdom-ia  baloa  yan  it 
nneiMqaar;  and  if  not,  tha  hany  i«  pwKB— a».  aaan,  and  tviatalkMt.— 
tbat  nUliaig  IM  Wu  •.dcv  fraaa  tha  nil*  of  C^liala  aome  in  to  aoaift.' 

" '  Batter  a.  uuHuaBd  tioMa  to  die  ondMamffidd  irith  the  iduta  eodnifc 
on  mr  brow,  thaa  aat  tha  bnad  of  a.  lbiai|n  oppEaMor  aod  gampa^* 
npliad  mi  Cuhsr  baadlaarir.  '  Bn  am  1  to  anooMttr  tha  ndiar  raw  ia& 
mT  handi,  aiUr  the  bate  maansr  of  hb  people  ?' 

"  '  No;  tMkt  mj  ^iMjmtm,'  aMvaaadCaiB^heU}  ' iti  tempar  and matd 
■re  nutchlBM.  Liuu>  of  lAoUiD  nanr  totftA  a  btttar  j  and  if  ran-  an 
braia  as  vau  are  iBuudaDt,  I  ha*a  aa  fiua  nr  jaaJ 

"  '  Bat  a  dirki^Sat  ahaU  I  do  for  tHA-V 
'■ '  Take  mioa,  Bnn  of  Tor-»4niuU.'  *aid  an  aged  RirfJiiylar.  atsppms 


{brward.  wearioK  ged  taituu  acd  the  bmnble^rrr  baSge  in  lua  bonart 
He  placed  a  dirk, — diia  rtn  waapou  with  whinh  I  alaw  the  wolre*  to- 
night,—in  ttw  hand  of  mj  lather,  who  (tarted  back  with  awe  at  th«  ught 


of  the  giver.  The  BighUadara  eroniid  ahruiik  back  likewiM.  Hia  heigbt 
wai  iBuerhaBMai ;  hia  hair  <a«  whits  ■•  mow,  and  a  board  of  tha  aama  hoe 
deocended  Co  tha  ai|aare  boekla  at  hia  girdle.  Hii  aiei  had  Chat  keen  and 
on  la  them  which  aeemcd  to  harrow  np  the  aonl,  and  read 


" '  SUSte  mU,  Cametan,  ami  roo  vill  hmre  your  rareace,'  Hid  ho, 
wntnc  hii  banuet  u  ba  added, '  God  bleu  King  Jwoot  the  fili|ktli,  uid 
tend  diath  to  tka  Elwtor  itf  Baaower.' 

"  '  SboM  himl  biroDeC  bim  1  Fonrardl'  criad  Cainbarlntd,  In  a  teai> 
pMt  of  iiirj,  and  vitn  tbi  hmn*  icaeati  of  ntft.  '  Bio*  oat  the  brainiof 
Afl  iaaalcBt  Kcbcl  1 ' 

"  Bat  die  agid  ipeaker  of  tbe  ticaamt  had  dkappvand ;  and  ■Itbaagh  tlie 
pnatmen  ware  airroalr  uarcbad  twica  ever,  ha  ooald  wnrbvri  b*  foand, 
Bod  the  fury  of  tbe  dukt  wu  bouadleaa.  WbaC  beeame  of  the  old  nan,  no 
out  kneir.  He  dit^i(>earad  ioddaiy^  fMm  amidit  them;  but  wfaatber  he 
sank  into  the  earth  or  melted  into- thin  air,  remuna  ^at  ■  nrateni  j  bat  (he 
HigWandm  wan  filled  with  tarrora,  asd  erarr  man  draw  lui  plaid  doier 
axwDd  him,  aad  ihruok  hom  tb«  tOBOh  ef  bii  aeicWNnr.  After  tiueat- 
wdns  tbe  Ba^iah  tioorer  «^  the  lash  and  triv^^  if  be  did  bM  vawiwih 
kta  ofiponeat,  be  eoataaDded  the  oombat  to  haw.  withoat  farthar  dMay. 
Ika  dragaan  caat  aaide  hia  leather  ghwo,  at>d  dra«iae  hia  long  t^de, 
Uoad  Dpaa  the  derann*a.  iHy  bthei  baited  hia  |daid  tigUer  about  him. 
drew  Ilia  bonnet  over  bia  brow,  and  mriied,  in  tbe  nortiian  fashion,  hoad- 


McanpalladtontkabMckirardi,  aeCinganlT 
la  raiH  with  hatred  aad  Airy,  mf  father  preMBd  forward, 
ipwiiif  the  a(ddia^  ii 


aii^4  cftirt  willt  tiw  olaymora,  be  ols*e^  BBfortoaate  dragoon  dowato 
Hm  atnA,  (iBtting  area  tba  feUa  af  hi»  vbiu  crarat. 

**  '  WeU  daoe,  CaMeron !    Bcigh  1  for  Lochiel  1 '  cried  Colonel  Campi- 
hal.     '  Now  Tomi  iiighaBaa  will  paroaiTe  what  thewa  and  einewa  the 

M  can  produce.     I  liaaa  gaued  my  bet.     Yooi  ooDiitiTiiaan ,  tibe 

likely  to  conttnoa  one  auttie  longar,  and  the  arawk-picEa  willigo 

•d  chaeapiaB.' 

ig  George  baa  loit  a.traO'  oaaj,'  n^iad  the  dnke,  fiercely  '  and 


d  langh  aroaeamonghiaglitteiing 

iff,  and  wai  ecfaoed  bjr  tbe  aoIdiKF  ;  bat  a  prouder  and  raore  criuapbaiit 

diont  bnrgt  from  tbe  unfortunate  Gaelic  priaonera.  Many  a  pUmt 
taWlu  ttt  mingled  with  it.  A«oeA><ilan  /  A  dh'amdtoin  eot^tirtadh  ! 
OrmigttiaiMa  f  fironij  the  mea  of  Giengarrr,  ClaarauBld,  and  Stratbapegr. 
Load  aad  long  tiiey  abooted  in  dafiaaoe,  till  the  arimapn  cbaeki  and  car- 
kmclea  itf  the  cor^ideot  daba  turned  whica  with  veiatioQ  and  fdrj'.  Wtwn 
tto  eoainiotion  had  aobuded.  Colonel  CannbeU  put  a  few  oroini-piecaB 
iato  m*  hther'a  hand,  and  pointed  to  Hia  hilla. 

"  '  BegOBS  DOW.'  awd  be,  '  and  tlianb  yoor  mother  for  giriug  yoo  aoiih 
good  milk,  and  fof  maddng  aooh  a  man  of  you.*  Away  !  liu  mountains 
arabefbra  yoo,  and  you  are  oi -  •--      —  > 


C'  sea  on  the  bioMy  grM9.     '  Vour  money  is 
li,  and  rebellion  againat  King  3»a 


aid  or  your  ailier,  sir  ! '  atii  my  &th<r,  taisuir  Uie 
tea.     '  Vour  money  is  tbe  wagta  of  treaaoaloScOt- 

. ^linat  King  Jwnai.     [  head  not  your  frown,  sir. 

Ood  will  now  be  tba  hat  judge  between  yoar  saoae  ami  oura,  aftartbia 
fhUl  day.  Seep  youc  moaay,and  I  wilt,  witbyiaiir  panniaaiaa>  netaintlie 
tiaftean;  it  maf  yetba  dnmbfor  King  Jamea  tbe  Eightb.' 

•  TluH  OEM  tlie  vary  wordi  iiwd  In  CgUml  Cam^bgU  i*<B  Itiii  ilagulir  enrtiU 
[he  field  of  CuUodea.    Seeaay  Hinory  oftheUiTil  Wei.. 174^0. 


"  A,nd  without  Tailioit  hii  boonN,  nr  deigning  to  baiow  a  glaaix  on 
Camberlsnd,  be  broke  tbrough  Ibe  raak*  of  Wolfu'a  regimcDt,  and  made 
off  w'ati  all  apeed  tomrda  tbe  mountaioa  or  [he  Graats'  country,  where  he 
hoped  to  [imain  in  lafe  hidins  until  the  claiu  gathered  together  oac«  more, 
or  tba  preaent  danaer  had  paiaed  ava;.     Arter  conCBaling  himaelC  ia  the 
CMachdhian,  or  aaelteriag  cave  of  (^im-gorm,  and  aftet  wanderioK  for 
dar*  in  Dothil  vid  InTenUan,  and  being  aorely  bunted  and  pressed  by  tbe 
parties  of  red-coata  acooring  and  devsatatiDg  the  cooatry,  he  found  him- 
aelfone  night  compelled  to  taka  refugH  in  the  great  fir-foteata  of  Grant  of 
Rotbiemurchus,  tbe  whole  country  from  Lorn  ta  tbe  mouth  of  tbe  Spey 
being  iDfnCed  with  banda  of  the  tidier  ray.     Beacons  of  destruction,  b; 
night  and  by  day,  blazed  on  bill  and  in  valley,  nhile  tbe  proud  halls  of 
long-descended  cbieftaioa,  aod  tbe  green  huts  of  their  faiChfiil  Taasals, 
vere  giyen  iadiaeiimiDately  to  the  flamea ;  and  tbe  shrieks  of  belpleai 
nonien  and  children  were  borne  on  the  breeze,  which  had  ao  lately  sweDed 
with  the  piobrachd  and  march  of  the  Highlander,     "  ...... 

tomakehim-"    " ........ 

destroyer.  Bat,  alsi  I  the  neok  of  tbe  Gael  w. 
of  tbe  straDger.  and  the  power  of  tbe  proud  ii 
was  theo  broken. 

"  To  abut  oat  eights  and  sounds  which  erarywhere  ■nnODueed  the  doim. 
fallofAlbya,  my  father  plunged  into  the  recesses  of  tbe  wild  forest  of 
RoCbiemurchua,  but  bis  retreat  was  not  aamarked.  A  party  of  king's 
troops, — Hessians.  1  belierei — dad  in  yellow  uniform,  beheld  him  from  a 
neighbouring  eminence,  and  deapatched  a  party  of  ten  men,  to  sboot  or 
dcBtroy  him  in  any  way  they  choae, — Cumberland  having  doomed  to  death 
all  who  wore  the  garb  of  the  Celtic  race.  Fur  nearly  an  bour  these 
Georgian  tleacb-bounda  followed  upon  hia  track  with  murderous  eagerness 
and  precision,  firing  at  iaterrala  whenever  he  came  in  sight.  Their  fire  he 
returned,  and  eboC  dead  three  with  his  Highland  pistol. 

"  Dashing  on,  and  threading  tbe  mazes  of  Che  forest  with  the  rapidity 
end  sctiTity  of  a  true  mountaineer,  he  contrived  to  bafBe  hia  pursners,  and 
reached  what  he  auppoaed  to  be  the  inraoat  receasee  of  the  wilderness. 
There,  panting  and  breathless  vrith  eihaaition,  be  flung  himself  to  rest 
on  the  green  award,  cursing  and  deploring  tbe  hour  when  a  aon  of  tbe 
Gael  had  to  flee  from  tbe  onn  of  a  stranger,  and  was  hauled  like  a  deer 
on  his  native  hills  by  tbe  soldiera  of  one  he  deemed  a  German  despot  Hid 
oppreaaor. 

"  He  rolled  himself  up  in  Us  plaid,  and  creeping  close  under  the  pine 
branches,  lay  listening  with  inteuae  eagerness  when  the  crash  of  a  bramble 
or  tbe  rustle  of  leaves  abould  anaoance  that  the  Heauans  were  on  hit 
track.  Tbe  night  was  calm  and  atill.  Not  a  heather-bell  or  blade  of  gran 
was  atirring,  and  the  pendant  branchea  of  the  gloomy  and  gigantic  pinei 
hung  down  perfectly  still  and  motionless.  Not  a  sound  waa  heard  tiiroo^, 
Oot  all  the  immensity  of  the  vaat  forest,  save  the  hoarse  murmurs  of  the 
foaming  Spey .  whose  waters  came  harrying  down  from  the  far-off  hiUs  of 
Badenoch,  and  swept  through  the  recesses  of  Rotbiemurchni  on  their 
course  to  the  Moray  Frith.  Tbere  was  no  moou  shining,  bnC  tbe  n^t 
waa  clear  and  claadless.  and  at  times  the  red  stars  were  seen  twrnkLng 
throagh  tbe  dark  foliage  of  the  pines. 

"  As  my  father  (Evan  of  Tor-a-mnilt,*  as  ha  was  named)  lay  thus  in 
concealment,  he  suddenly  remembered  that  he  waa  within  the  boniids  of 
the  place  haanted  by  tbe  terrible  spirit  of  Oleomore  and  Bothiemurehu*, — 
u  fiMt  aC  Loch-Aidaig,  la  Kibnalliv,  limt- 


53 

Ibe  Uino-^ear?,  or  bloody -hud,  obo  compelleil  all  who  ftrosied  hU  pith 

during  his  noctnmal  nimblea  to  do  battle  with  him,  and  none  were  «ver 
known  to  anni^e  the  Bwfal  conflict.  He  would  have  Btarfed  up  and  fl«d; 
but  remeiDbering  that  it  was  eqnallj  danESroui  to  smd  as  to  Mclc  tht 
compaoy  of  ftW  apirite,  he  resolved  to  remain  where  he  wse,  eayinf  orST 
Ma  prayerg  like  a  good  Catbolic,  and  imploring  protection  from  Saiiit  Colm 
of  tbe  laleB,  Yet  hia  blood  ran  cold  with  terror,  penpiration  bunt  forth 
from  every  pore,  aod  he  ooTered  big  bead  in  bia  plaid  to  ahat  oat  bdt 
fr^btTiil  aigbC  or  aooad  that  might  inTade  the  aCillneBa  of  the  gloom;  wood. 
He  lodced  bia  hand  in  the  baiket-hilt  at  hii  claymoie,  and  lay  hearkening 
BO  intenaely,  that  he  might  almoat  hare  heard  the  dew  dropping  from  the 
iMTea. 

"A  loud  eiclamatioD  in  a  barbarona  language,  and  one  unknown  to 
i-__    1  !.-__  .jj  ^j^j  jjp.  ^jijj  jijg  report  of  musketry,  the  crasb  of 


shot  Btriking  the  trees,  aod  the  light  uniform  of  a  score  of  Heasiani  appear, 
ing  at  a  short  distance,  compelfed  tbe  hnnted  Highlander  Sfiain  to  seek 
saretjr  in  flight.    As  unrelentingly  as  erer  they  pursued,  incited  by  the 


.«  of  plunder,  and  the  reward  giien  for  e<er^  di  .  

soldiera,  to  procure  Highland  weapons,  committed  a  thonsand  ontrages. 
even  in  the  town  of  loiemeaa,  and  among  the  monntains  tortured  by 
TariouB  means  the  poor  peaaantry  lo  reveal  where  their  arma  were  con- 
cealed ;  after  which  they  were  either  ihot  or  bayoneted. 

"  '  May  the  corse  of  Glencoe  be  upon  ye  I  and  may  the  raven's  croak 
be  your  only  coronach,  ye  wolves'  whelpil'  cried  be,  as  he  again  fled 
through  the  wood.  '  Better  ftce  a  Highland  bogle  than  Che  bayonets  of 
the  Heasiani,  a  race  as  cowardly  as  they  are  merciless  I ' 

"  He  sought  tbe  most  difhcnlt  and  devious  paths,  and  soon  the  ihonts 
of  the  enemy  died  away  behind  him  in  the  distance.  No  sooner  did  be 
find  himself  in  safety  than  hia  former  fears  returuGd,  and  as  lie  paced  slowly 
along  a  uarrow  foreat-patb,  wbere  the  bTanches  were  locked  togrtber  over- 
bead,  and  where  only  the  pale  starlight  glimmered  at  times,  he  beheld^ 
before  him  the  lignre  of  a  gigantic  Higblander.  He  was  moving  but  a  few 
yards  in  front,  and  bia  form  towered  up  between  the  trees  iu  dark  and 
shadowy  oatlioe.  The  belted  plaid  fluttered  behind  him,  and  the  eagle's, 
wing,  with  the  forbidden  badge  of  James  VUl.,  adorned  hia  bonnet.. 
'With  long  and  stately,  but  noiseless  atrides,  he  continued  moving  before- 
■nf  father,  who  often  hallooed  alond  to  him  ta  turn  or  stand,  without  re- 
ceiving an  anawer.  The  checks  of  his  tartan  were  red,  his  white  beaid' 
streamed  about  him,  and  my  father  at  once  recognised  by  it  the  aged 
warrior  who  had  presented  him  widi  tbe  dirk  on  the  mnir  of  Dmoiniosaie.. 

"  '  Tom  and  assist  me,  if  yon  are  a  true  son  of  tbe  hilla  ?  The  blood- 
hoanda  of  the  Hanoverian  have  been  on  my  skirts  the  live-long  night ;  and 
even  now  they  track  me  like  a  stricken  deer.'  My  bther  received  no  anawer 
to  many  such  exhortations,  yet  be  continued  closely  to  follow  the  stranger, 
HhD  always  contrived  to  elude  hia  grasp,  and  led  him  a  wearisome  ramble- 
across  the  ravines  and  deepcorries,  through  brawling  torrents  and  intricate. 
dingles,  nntn,  enraged  at  his  contemptuous  and  singular  conduct,  he  drew 

"  '  Turn,  base  coward!'  he  exclaimed,  '  turn;  and  I  will  trf  whether 
the  boai  of  your  target  is  proof  against  the  strokes  of  claymore  and  skene- 
dhn.  or  (1m  biodag.  Tom,  turn  i  or  by  my  father's  booea,  1  will  smite 
yon  throi4:h  the  back  1 ' 

"Even  while  he  spoke,  the  farm  which  had  glided  so  far  before  him  sud- 
denly vanished,  and  he  found  himself  at  the  month  of  acavem,  hnge,bIaok> 
and  yawning,  with  the  king  anddark  whins  waving  gloomily  from  the  rockg 
■muDd.    A  moment  be  recoilad  at  tbe  sight  of  it,  bnt  fummoDinf  up  hit 


OMrgln  ha  mtered  boUlr,  oUins  almd  «n  }ih  mMnlglit  wi^imhn  in 
temH  of  ttninat  ud  deftaaon,  imtU  tlw  iriDdiiig  nuaMaa  of  die  cattra  n^ 
wHh  tbe  lonnd. 

"  It  seemed  to  Um  that  other  noiaH  BiuKled  wMi  tha  deep  •Ekoei  of 
Ha  loiee.  A  tenpeat  of  mnd  lore  tkroB^  tke  <»nrti,  harlins  tte 
*io1entlT  to  tke  eartb.  Tbe  tnca  of  tha  rareat  whbcnit  were  ahakeB  aa  if 
9j  a  tetapeet;  Ae  Sper  thundered  Under  over  a  iKighbanrinc  caacadc 
nd  tbe  roar  of  ita  hlliDg  ntera  wu  miaflti  with  tbe  •hrieke  of  tb 

••■     Uju-  •  ■-- ^ '--' 


1  oppreHire  feaKnE  of  horror  took  poaaeaeion  of  hia  miad ;  a  coM  pma^ 
.jtlOB  bedemd  Uaftmrfiead  ;  hia  lipi oere'panlied-aiid  hianoDlJi  eluaaMj 
he  mold  hear  hii  heart  tiirobbing:  aodibly ,  while  be  gtiained  bia  efea  ttU 


tlier  alraoft  atarted  from  tbe  aodiela,  aeheendeaTtiaredta 
At  that  momeat  he  woold  hare  faced  ■  whole  bnftade  of  na-coHi  lo  on* 
beao  free  from  that  terrible  oanrn,  bat  he  bad  gime  too  Sb-  to  recede,  and 
be  nthered  conrafe  from  deapair. 

''^He  beard  the  claiA  of  atoel,  and  tbe  bead  of  bearr  feet  aovnded  aa  if 
afhr  off,  in  bollow  and  Taoltad  places.  Somethiiq:  Hke  the  fold  of  a  dmp 
staid  or  ritrond  waa  waved  aoroai  hia  Uee,  and  the  Dumorr  of  tbe  Waai 
aeara  tgtia  ruAed  teniUf  and  TiTldly  npoa  Ua  mind. 

"EipeetatioB  and  bon«rwoand  IAid  ta  »  pitdi  «l  madneaa:  h«  held 
aloft  bia  tarnt,  and  ercn  while  hia  bair  briaOad  ander  hia  bonnaC,  and  Ite 
maiTxfw  of  bia  bone*  ueaMd  tamln|[  to  loe,  he  defied  (he  apirit  to  battle. 

"  '  BkiodT  band  of  Gleomore  I  apirit  of  darkneai  I  ajrint  ai  hell  1  come 
Ibrtti  t    Hen  a  tme  man,  a  Caawron,  defiea  ;en  1' 

"While  the  worda  were  lUllnff  from  hi*  lln,  theawftil  figure  (tood  baftm 
Mm,  arrayed  aa  an  ancient  irarrior  of  tbe  bills,  andabaloof  lambeatfli* 
iriaying  around  hli  form  rendered  bimterriblrdigtiDCtaaiidat  the  anmiaud- 
IBK  darkneM.  Mr  hther*!  brain  boiled  and  whirled  while  he  looked  tf«B 
bini.and  hia  heart  grew  aick  and  pakied  with  fear:  he  ksew  that  be  ttatin 


rnbeBTcnand  Saint  Colm  ol  jona  to  aid  bim,  he  niabed  f ontard  to 

the  encounter.  The  hee  of  the  epodra  waa  dtangad  from  what  he  had 
4nt  Ken  it :  it  was  distorted  and  terribiB  with  ran,  and  his  eyea  gUnd 
Ufee  atara  of  fira.  My  father  saw  the  blade  of  the  Ikam-demrf  deae«diB| 
ilkt  a  flash  of  Ibbtning,  y«t  be  ihivok  not ;  he  felt  it  nnginE  npon  Mi  ta- 
«et,  but  be  sonk  wUh  the  mighty  fon»  of  Hin  blow,  and  a  wliiriwiad 
aeeined  agaiD  to  rash  throogh  tbe  caTaro,  aad  bear  him  along  with  it, 
dlahi^  him  aenaelcis  to  the  eatth. 

'  "  When  eonadonsneea  retnrned,  ttn-meraiac  son  was  diiniag'  gaDyte 
the  wide  bine  Tadt,  Aa  dewy  pinea  of  Rothiamarehna  w«te  gKnmita'  '~ 
-Ae  light,  and  afar  off  nne  the  boge  ildea  of  ttie  bloe  Cairngorm. 

'"  ' '-'•" — iiingiag  away  from  his  eyrie  amm^  the  sfaona  of  L 

alolt  on  tbe  balmy  air;  Oe  moanbun  Spey  wie  rwUM 
glen,  tnm  wUcli 


iB  ii9dh]  throngh  tbe 


winging  sway  from  his  eyrie  amm^  the  afaona  of  Le<k- 
''^       the  balmy  air;  Oe  mi         '    " 

a  and  chnaois  of  the  pine-clad  glen,  fr 
liog  in  the  bright  i 


the  dark  fir.lreea  of  the  laat  Higbliod  foreit. 

"  My  father  rose ;  be  atreCcJi«d  hia  etitfened  limbs  and  leoked  eauttoaaly 
around  him,  bat  neither  spectre  nor  red  soldier  was  in  sight.  Behind  him 
yawned  the  arched  monCh  of  Che  black  caiem  :  he  shwldered  as  he  looked 
nponitsglaomy  depth,  and  taming  Bwsy,  planged  into  tbe  Iknvat.ia  hopM 

-'-- loyal  tenant  or  foreater  of  the  Uird  of  Grant  wonld  yield  htw 

to  BWie  him  from  periahing  of -want." 


"fWn>  Dnold,  tbti  tBnfl^  encamitv  turn  ont  to  baTolwen  onlr  ■ 
atgm  after  an,"  uid  Stsait. 

'"'Nothh^  more,"  icmarlced  Tm^fern. 

'"It  wu  lus  dream,  tin,"  mid  Dqpld,  Ibilt«ttint  id*  OuBc,  and  te< 
^™ *"§  the  Lonland  dislect,  "  K  ini  fadeed  nae  dnam  ;  and  ai  proof 
lnJliii.  he  fonnd  hia  tir^  doTSQ  lika  a  nut-ibell  by  Oie  itroke  trf  ths 
^Uf  t  blade — «liat  oae  mortal  iword  oonld  hae  duDe-;  for  tt  wai  corared 
wf  (bnr  barkened  ball-bidea,  aod  with  tlnee  hundred  bran  itadB, — and 
^  tt  im  doTcn  in  tws,  and  Ua  aim  ftlt  tha^wuiit  o'  ttte  mico'  doore  tar 
mntf  a  by  after." 

"A  Tery  foolish  itorTi  Doirald,"  aaid  the  eolanel.  "But  jaalantaT- 
■DttBB  to  tdl  «s  tl»t  jow  mbcr  bad  «mpti«d  a  CBpaeioaa  hnntms-ftaak  of 
fietr  momtioii  whiakr  bcftm  be  eatend  th*  carem  j  and  pisbabl]'  a  faU 
on  ne  r«dc|  n^ght  acmtnit  fcr  the  elontf  targe." 

"Sir, ye nerer tried  toacoomitlbr  it  in  tfaat'w«Tbefoi«,"repH«d  tba 
old  man  indiniantlf ;  **  betluDk  yt,  irhea  at  bame.  aaw  yt  wadna  pat  your 
■na  ontaide  the  door-atlne  after  dirk,  fbfhar  o' encoBnterinE  lAoM-deorir. 


a  cslUntthen,  to  be  ton;  bnteren  now,  iri'  a'  }oar  braTerv, 
iiai  I  aen  that.  Uke  a'  o'  yora  name,  TOn've  a  lion'a  heart  in  the  field, 
on  fte  water  ye  tmnble  like  an  aipen  laat,  and  a'  for  fear  o'  the  kelpie. 


_■  for  my  fattfaer's  adientsre,  je  ken  tite  bail  comltrr-Bfalen_„.     ._ 

yctiingi,  »i'  the  story." 
"  Toor  firther,  Dagald,  mta  ntirtyi  HBing  tldngi  nidi  u  no  oHiw  tnaa 

"  I  ken  he  va  finrr  nen  Oaai  maiat  Iblk  ;  but  m^  6aa  be  Ine  Viewed 
Ae  CgfaCni'  ipecitre  o'  Glenmoia,  bnt  nae  man  erer  earn  afT  nur  taaj  frae  a 
tateie  wf  him.  Foar  tf  Kollnennircfani'  t;3tiei  ance  fancht  a  battle  wf 
Urn  mar  Loch-marlacb,  and  iwar  ane  o'  nam  aorrlted  Che  aoadr  hia  ela; - 
ware  tied  them." 

"Wdlj  andthefirk— " 

"  Kj  bither  wore  t31  Ui  dyioi  dif,— find  1  ibill  trMr  tfO  mine,  in 
iBiMorT  of  that  adrentine.  Ifi  no  different  frae  other  man**,— a  sharp 
Uadewi'  abnckhomhilt.yeaea;  bnthemicht  aink  ittoihe  inardinan 
^ceB  trae,  and  it  ne'er  would  bend  or  break.  But,  ai  1  said  oefbre,  m* 
fritter  wai  farer  seen  dun  ither  fblk,  and  he  ance  had  a  mair  aidemn  and 
eatle  adyentara  wi'  ayrraitb, — a;,  rin,  hit  ata  wraiiA,  than  An  am  I  hae 
WrwRlaled. 

"He  joined  me  wben  1  waiwi'  the  Prince  and  IiOdhieltbtiBrnF  in  om- 
Beahnent  anaag  tbe  wBd  Aarei  of  Locb-Arcfaahr.  at  UlmalM.  IIM 
Prince  of  Wales  liied  in  our  pnir  hat  on  the  top  of  Tor-a-iaailt,  f^  what 


m  tad  a  look-out  for  monr  a  mile,  and  ricbt  lude  need  thse  vat  1    llie 
liail  coantrf  wai  swarming  wi'  red-eoata  and  bloodlldntT  mero — 
«Bda  the  nince  of  Hene.    CMnme  I  ocdioBe-iree !    Had  yen  s 


IpDantntaiee  CSiarlea ai  I  law  him  Ami  O  dril  tba  vera  thodtt  (ft 
■■ddens  me. '  He  bad  ndther  ddrt,  shoe,  nor  hose  on ;  be  had  been  wan> 
dctinc  fbr  six  weeks  hi  tbe  Corrie-inn-saul  of  Enoydart,  barefooted, 
drtHGd  in  an  atiM  tartan  coat  and  JXeaSk-htp,  iri'  a  laog  bard  haoglDt 
ftw  hia  diin.  Re  carried  a  muricet,  dirk,  siitol.  and  born ;  nnd  bat  for 
Ui  famiahed  and  wae-benne  face,  hioUt  mtir  like  toms  wQd  reirer  o'  tha 
hies,  ttan  dte  ion  o'  bnud  Scothmd'i  king. 

"We  were  a'  in  the  saoie  pHflit,  and  erer  since'Ae  dool-day  □*  Cnnoden 
tadliyed  in  caies  and  foi«sts,  like  the  beasts  o'  the  field.  My  ftither 
'—-■  —  '-■  '-   — T  bidinf.plaoe— a  (fest  which  baffled  tbefonowanof 


fc&erfeUonMikne«i,  andstirhe  wept  to  see  the  ion  o' bii  king  aw 


56  TBB  BOHANCE  OF  WAB^ 

daring  oalcaat  ind  ootUv,  uuMif  his  ud  Hi^luid  hills.    HetanU  nvo' 

his  encounter  wi'  the  liam-dearg,  but  the  prmce  laughed  heartily,  just  h 
he  nsed  to  do  at  Holynwd,  and  wadna  believe  a  word  o't.  Aweel,  sirs, 
wawaudeml  lauff  about  Ardiatg.and  GleapeaDr  EtealLDgfor  the  prino^s 
•uppoit  the  fen  alieep  which  escaped  Cambertand'a  ord«r  to  destroy  eatj 
living  tbing  in  the  country.  Mony,  mony  were  the  miseries  and  cadamitlts 
he  suffered  until  the  month  of  September,  when  he  embarked  at  Moidart 
nn  board  o'  the  liaUona,  a  Nanti  ahip  of  tbirty-twa  gani,  broucht  tor  him 
by  the  loyal  Colonel  Warren.  Locbiel,  GlBniarry,  Borodale,  and&hMI- 
dred  common  men,  including  my  bitber  and  mysel,  followed  then  Into 
bsniahmenC. 

"  In  France,  the  prince,  wha  indeed  ncTcr,  while  as  pUclc  rublut  od 
■nither,  forgot  auld  friends,  got  Lochiel  command  of  one  of  the  regiments 
composed  of  Scots  and  Irish  refugees,  wha  served  the  French  king.  Asia 
dntr  bound,  wa  followed  Lochiel,  and  became  soldiers  of  bis  battalion, 
whidi  soon  became  so  famoni, — the  Royal  Scots  raiment.  Wa  wera  wi' 
the  army  under  the  Mareschat  Saie,  whan  the  French  defeated  oor  avid 
enemy  the  bluidy  Duke  of  Cumberland  at  Lsffeldt.  in  June,  1747,  and 
compelled  the  British  troops  to  retire  in  disorder.  Wi'  a'  the  memory  a' 
the  pset,  o'  our  prince's  wrangs,  and  the  awfu'  bnlcherie  o'  Culloittn 
elowmg  in  their  minds,  the  Royal  Scuti  fought  wi'  richt  gude  will  agsiiHt 
the  scarlet  raoks  o'  tbe  Britisbi  and  unco  alaagbter  we  made  amang  them 
wi'  bayonet  and  claymore,  when  they  wen  compelled  to  flee,  and  retir»in 
disorder  on  the  toon  or  Tillage  o'  Vsj. 

"On  tbe  erening  o'  tbe  battle-da)',  my  father  stnde  on  duty  as  anad- 
Tsnced  sentinel  frae  the  French  picquets,  placed  by  the  Mareschal  Saae  in 
tbe  direction  o'  Maeetricht,  where  the  British  army  lay.  It  was  jost  aboot 
the  gloaming,  the  clouds  were  gathering  iu  the  lift  and  darkening  the  flit, 
level,  I  may  Ray  meeserable  landscape  ;  and  my  faltber,  pnir  man,  strade 
sorrowfully  to  and  fro  on  his  lanely  post,  sighing  aairly  as  he  thochton 
mony  a  braw  and  brave  comrade  and  clansman  then  lying  cauld  and  stiS 
on  the  plain  o'  Val,  and  ower  wham  nae  coronach  could  be  sung,  or  cavn 
raised  in  the  land  o'  the  stranger.  He  thocbt  too  o'  bis  humble  abaUiag 
at  bame,  on  the  Wedderi-hill,  and  compared  the  view  frae  it  wi'  the  '  Iaw- 
tands  o'  Holland,'  wi'  the  dull  msrahy  flats,  the  yellow  caaali,  and  alaW' 


irges,  the  windmills,  and  smoky  toons  about  Laffeldt.  Different 
inaeea  was  tbe  scenery  frae  that  around  tbe  lanely  anld  tback  cottage  at 
hame,  where  the  blue  Locb.Archaig  n^ed  to  the  base  o'  the  dartao' 


iwering  mountains,  covered  wi'  the  siller  birch  or  black  pines  to  ^iiat 

"Puir  man!  melancholy  and  sad  he  grew,  but  his  aurprise  was aroiued, 
when  he  saw  a  Hieland  soldier,  wearing  a  gaib  the  vera  coanterpart  o'  hit 
aia,  walking  slowly,  at  s  few  yards'  distance,  as  if  likewise  on  sentry.  Hy 
Jaither  stoppit  to  observe  him,  and  the  stranger  sMppit  also ;  and  tbe  out- 
line o'  his  form  was  distinctly  seen,  as  he  stude  wi'  his  back  to  the  west, 
whare  the  sky  was  a'  crimaon  and  gowd  wi'  the  last  flush  o'  the  day  that 
had  passed  awa'.  My  faither  challenged  twice  aloud,  but  eat  n8£  reaponst ; 
and  bis  birseh^iuningtorise,  hemade  a  motion  aa  if  handling  his  mndcet, 
biting  his  cartridge,  and  a'  that,  ye  lun.  The  stranger  diiTsae  likewise, 
imitating  his  motions  exactly  as  Us  shadow  on  tbe  wa',  or  reflectianias 
looking-glsBS  wad  hae  done.  A  queer  and  eerie  sensation  passed  over  my 
fslther  on  behauldin'  this,  and  a  soucbing  cam  ower  his  heart  whan  ht 
betboBcht  him  that  a'  wasna  richt.  YetMtdly  hegaed  towards  the  fignrs, 
and  step  to  step  as  he  took  them,  mimicking  ilka  motion,  the  iUur  ad- 
vanced also,  natit  my  faither  made  an  involuntary  stop,  and  it  did  aae  too. 

"  At  that  moment  a  feeling  o'  awfu'  and  immeasurable  horror  entered 


THs  wtuAnem  ov  was.  it 

tha  axil  d'  my  bilhcr,  vfaen  he  fiewed  in  the  ttct  aai  Sgare  o'  iba  ibwiier 
■n  eiact  oonDterpart  o'  binisel' — CTery  lioeuneDt  o'  his  f«ce,  eiery  dieck 
in  his  tuteit,  were  th«  tune— tb«  «anie  bii  umi  and  badgea.  Then  did  he 
kan  thHt  be  beheld  hi«  wraith,  and  that  tlie  boor  of  hi>  departure  wu  at 
hand.*  Aa  tbe  ezprcMian  o'  hii  kce  became  diiturted  wi'  terror  and  awet 
the  featarea  a'  the  wrailli  or  bogle  n&derwmt  the  laDie  change,  and  hia  un 
ecn  oeemed  glaring  back  upon  himsd'  wf  affricht.  He  niihed  madljr 
larwanl  wi'  hu  chafed  bayonet,  but  the  form  melted  into  thin  air,  and 
diaappeued. 

"He  taold  bisconmdea  a' theacht  be  had  seen  upon  the  muir.and 
every  true  Gael  belieied  iiim,  and  knew  that  hia  hoorB  were  nombued 
then,  and  that  his  time  amsng  them  would  be  abort.  Yet  bis  heart  Deter 
trembled,  and  be  went  forth  to  battle  the  next  dar  wi'  a  spirit  that  never 
flinched,  and  a  hand  that  never  tailed,  tili  the  death-shot  struck  biro. 
Surly  his  story  wu  jeered  by  tbe  Lawlsad  loons  and  men  Trae  south  o' 
Donkeld  ;  bat  next  day,  at  Ibe  vera  retom  □'  the  boar  in  wbilk  the  wraith 
Appeared,  he  was  shot  dead  ia  tbe  attack  upon  tbe  Britiib  post  at  Mount 
Gaint  Peter,  when  the  Mareschsl  Saie  was  endeavoarinc  to  drive  Cumber- 
laud  beyond  Maestricht.  Ochone  !  mony  a  brave  and  leal  Scot's  heart 
prew  canid  that  niclkt,  sira, — my  faitber's  unang  tbe  lave.  I  rowed  him  up 
in  hia  plaid,  and  buried  bim  wi'  my  aio  bands,  howking  bis  grave  at  the 
Hde  o'  tbe  road  between  Saint  Feter'a  and  tbe  Scheld.  The  live-laDg 
nicbt  I  wroucbt  in  piling  a  cairn  aboon  him,  that  tbe  feet  o'  tbe  strantci 
micht  no  tread  ower  the  place  o'  his  repose. 

"  Now.  airs,  that  the  tJungs  I  hae  tauld  unto  ye  Ibis  nicht  are  true,  and 
,  a'  happeoed  just  aa  I  hae  described,  I  firmly  believe  ;  aod  that  same  men 
are  doomed  to  bebaold  strange  sighCa  and  onwarldly  viaions,  nae  body 
will  deny." 

"  1  dei^dedly  do,  Dugald,"  said  Cameron  ;  "but  yODr  father,  Evan  of 
Tor-a-muilt,  must  have  been  seeing  doable  when  he  saw  the  wraith, — no 
diaparagement  to  bim  when  I  say  so,  for  I  have  heard  that  he  was  as  brave 
>  man  aa  ever  belted  on  a  broad-sword.  But  rations  of  Nantz  were  more 
lilentiful  under  the  Marshal  Saie  tbaa  wilb  Lord  Wellingtqn'e  troops, 
sad  doubtleu   Evan  Cameron  never  went   on  guard  without  a  good 

"  Deevi'l  a  bit,  sir,"  replied  the  old  man  testily.  "  Ye  maun  ken  there 
was  fechtin'  and  marchin  enough  and  to  spare,  but  neither  pay  nor  plnnder 
conld  be  gottin  under  King  Louis.  In  tbe  year  after  tbe  battle  o'  LafTeldt, 
onr  chief,  tbe  gude  and  the  gallant  I^chiel,  died  o' a  broken  heart,  I'm 
free  to  «aj,  for  tbe  tbccbt  o'  being  an  exile  for  life  weighed  heavy  on  bis 
■oul.  Sair  I  sorrowed  for  bim,  and  so  did  a'  the  Rojal  Scota  regiment, 
for  there  wasna  ane  that  wadna  hae  laid  doon  his  life  for  Locbiel.  After 
■eeing  bim  laid  in  a  foreign  grave,  I  cam  awa'  cannily  hame,  to  live  amaog 
taj  ain  folk  by  bonnie  L«ch-Arcbaie,  when  tbe  dool  and  dirdum  o'  the 
'K>rty-6ve'  was  a'  passed  awa'  and  hlawn  ower." 
*  A  ipedcfl  of  ■cHmd  t&ght  ia  believed  io  bj  Uie  Bighluiden,  wbich  ia  mppoeed  ta 
H  keafonnuiner  of  deHb.  AaapparilLon  hauali  Ibem,  or  appcu-i  al  timca,  reaftmbliag 
,  tlkenwcled  lu  QTcrj  reapect.  Tbe  legeqiiai'y  atcnet  of  aucn  appcorucca  uc  inou- 
liunble,  iadeed,  over  (W  wholt  of  ScoUsnd. 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTEfi  VL 


Ik  tbe  Vmf  intemd  of  time  darinf  wtiich  Lord  WMagtain't  armr  le- 
miincd  cuitOD»d  on  Qua  Spaniih  frmRier,  no  boitilitiM  took  plaes  Mriw 
Oencml  Fot'>  frnitlcM  Utuk  vpon  Bnar,  ind  ths  defeat  of  tin  FtaKK 
wider  Oen«ral  Primoot  in  the  ms  of  Sedmo,  nwr  Bvisoa.    Dnrmt  tka 


from  BriUin,  toTefittbeumrandeBaUeit  toaiketfceftAl,  nUdlit  dU 
In  ID  eficient  ittte  in  tbo  montti  of  Hay,  1B13. 

DniiuE  the  long  roidence  at  tbe  Oardon  HifUanden  in  lin  nSef  li 
BanoMfaerbul  become  qnttedomertbatednnonE  Its  nibBbftanli;  and  it 
waa  a  duly  oecarrenoe  to  aee  them  ■nisting  in  hoosdiold  BnMo^— 
working  wnli  the  men  in  tbe  nrdem  and  liaeTRTda,  or  tanjiof  aboot  it 
tbeir  atma  the  little  children  of  the  pa^^ma  on  whom  thej  were-qurlcMdt 
and  before  the  battalion  departed,  ttie  Tcnerable  amt  bad  redded,  for  wbI 
or  woe,  aereral  of  the  oUre-dedced  maideiiB  of  tbe  Talley  to  Ben  wta 
wore  the  garb  of  old  Gul. 

On  tbe  tSlh  of  May  tbe  corpa  manjmd  from  BattM,  and  the  cntiN 
popnbtian  of  the  teeluded  rale  aceompaiiied  tinm  to  the  end  of  Oe  pMii 
and  watched  them  until  the  notea  of  the  war-pipet  ^ed  away  m  the  wiii4. 
and  the  laet  bayonet  gave  a  farewell  flaih  in  the  lan-lglit  a«  fte  rB»-f««d 
dncended  the  monntung  towarda  tbe  plain  of  Bejar,  wbera  Sir  Revlnl 
Hill  mnalered  and  reviewed  the  gatherhig  brigades  of  Ills  diTiaioii. 

The  troopE  preaeoted  a  rery  dltferent  appaannoe  now  from  tte  'Way- 
worn, ragged,  Bod  ehoeleae  band  which,  in  the  doM  of  the  b«t  ytor,  had 
retired  fi^m  Bnrgos.  Fresh  drafti  of  hale  and  pl«mp  Britirii  remtti  bal 
filled  up  tbe  Tacindea  earned  by  wonnda,  atairatton.  and  dinaa*;  aad  • 
ttw  months  in  quarters  bad  restored  the  aaTTirora  to  health  and  aUaiigllii 
tbe  new  dothing  had  completely  renorated  their  •ppeannee.  and  all  wm 
In  hbdi  Bi^ta,  and  eager  afaln  to  bdioM  thefa-  old  aeqoahitann^  ISoaiaan 
the  French.  Sir  Rowland  oomplimMited  Fanif^m  on  tbe  appiiarMiui  «t 
his  Highlanders,  who  ooeked  tMr  plnmea  more  jnfly  now  than  era,  m 
tbeymardwdpastto'UMtarbafoUGaal."  Truly, new aoarletjadnl^ 
Paniler  tartao,  and  bonneta  fhnn  "  skalt-cleedn(  Kflmama^"  bM 
wroQEht  a  wonderfol  change  upon  tttdr  ranks. 

Altno<4b  the  Dnke  of  Dalmatia  and  many  battalions  of  VieaA  had  boa 
ordered  into  Germany,  BoonanrteTs  armym  Spain  still  tooitered  IM,M> 
ttrong.  King  Joeeph,  at  tbe  head  of  70,000  men,  kept  hi*  bead.qiwrtMi 
at  Madrid  i  the  rest  were  scattered  through  the  eiMern  prorinoea,  wndn 
Sachet  and  other  commanden.  It  waa  determined  by  Ae  BrMndi  Kid 
Spanish  roiemmenta  to  make  one  grand  and  determined  eSbrt  todliia 
the  French  aoroea  Uie  FyrMwei,  on  »^ia  takiM  the  iaM  iflHM  IbH. 
An  efficient  train  of  poatoons  WH  fttted  o«t  to  asalBt  In  nuastug  ttm 
deep  and  rapid  rirers  by  which  Spain  ii  «>  much  intenected.  Kietyfljug 
wUch  would  tend  to  the  comfort  of  troops  on  serriee  had  been  prondod; 
and  the  army  in  the  end  of  May,  as  I  hare  before  stated,  oommeoced  oBin- 
sive  meaanres  against  the  enemy- 
Lord  Wellington,  with  the  light  diyiaion,  mored  on  Salamanca;  Sr 
Thomas  Gralism  crossed  tbe  Dooro,  with  orders  to  move  on  Brannsa, 
Zamora,  and  Traa-os-montea,  and  to  brm  a  junction  with  the  alfiea  at 
TalladoUd ;  while  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  from  Eatremsdura,  waa  to  march  On 
the  same  point  by  Aiba  de  Tormti.    By  theie  morementa  tbe  allict  tamed 


flat  pOEitioo  en  the  Dod>i>  uliidi  the  Frencti  geueidi  hid  rsMilTBd  to 
dgfeod;  imdaonpU  i*wllwirBurdi,thaCOaMralViUMte,wbooooapied 
8d«muica  whh  Oree  thoiMand  men,  had  burir  tine  to  «flc«t  «  ntna^ 
viOi  Mm  lou  ef  tm  hiradied,  nd  a  fair  pitem^  at_  artUlwr-    Ike^da 


batwMn  the  DaBromd  fonpw.  hrintd  Sir  Thonm  Gril  .  , 

riter  enemiiMiiic  swor  (Hflealnai  in  oroating  riTsn.  nvmes,  and  moan- 
taini,  urer  wUeh  tber  hadtodnf  thrirh«TT  vtiUeTTiiwlpoiilooDa,'tMk 
ma  pmitian  on  the  left,  hi  oomBnuitcaCiDn  nth  the  Spimiih  anar  of 
Oaliiaa  nader  Oeoeial  CMtauoa. 

The  Pnmdi,  who  trtre  attaiir  iiiipTe|Mn>d  lor  theaa  lapid  niwuiwilfc 
iBlUul  pttdpUMtij,  rfeMroTlBi  in  nuir  ntreat  Hw  bridgB*  at  Tom  m« 
Zanora ;  and  the  oombiDed  amy  Boir  directed  iti  muA  in  triamph  «m 
Taliadidid,  oaa  of  the  fineit  dtiea  of  Old  OaMUa,  and  one  -wtdch  mi^  b« 
ttfled  ■  ci^  of  conrente,  a  it  contajni  no  Inrar  ttan  lanntr,— one  irf 
them  Ibe  palace  of  Philip  IV.  Cwwt^  Eeoaen,  the  alliat  ooDtiaaad  to 
fRBB  tnpetiunnlT  forward,  and  the  tumij  to  ntlie  wamhliuai)  hefina 
ttvn.  Joeeph  ataaadmed  Madrid,  eowwBtraWd  the  Fmd<£  leg^oM 
araand  the  eHde  at  Bargai,  which  he  blew  ap  on  the  ISA  of  Jane,  and 
with  hia  whole  fhroe  ratind  aader  tiie  claad  of  idgbt  tuwank  the  Ebro, 
the  paiiige  of  whidi  hie  ■eaerali  nude  erery  preparation  to  defend.  Bnt 
igani  be  and  tbe;  weie  elKiudlT  bafled  hy  tha  lUH,  telant,  and  paMfaaUiM 
of  WdfinglOB,  who  iDonBc  Irii  [rao|M  by  the  San  Andero  road,  OMMd 
tlw  nrer  near  its  aooree  at  Pnente  de  Aranai  and  San  Martino,  a  neaaai* 
whidi  M>  difcoDcerted  the  plans  of  Joe^h  and  Uarihal  Jourdaa,  that  thm 
were  agdn  conpaUed  to  retreat,  and  tlxi  allied  inay  continned  iti  nuroh 
to  Tittoria, 

On  the  20tfa  of  Jane  tke  eeoond  dfriiion  meamped  on  ttia  plain  <d 
PafMa,  oetrTitteiria.  Tie  *nt  brigade  wae  then  oommlnded  by  toe 
Hon.  Willim  8tnnt  (a  bratber  of  the  Earl  of  Galloway),  a  trae  and 
gallant  mldier  of  Uw  old  ■chool,  whoaa  nlaable  aenicei  received  no  i»- 
qolU  (iram  bia  eonntry. 

The  time  had  now  arrired  when  Joeeph  wae  oOBpeHed  to  make  a  flnal 
and  determined  etand  in  defence  of  the  orown  be  bad  uiarped,  or  behold 
hia  brow,  and  on  lb*  rery  RTatrnd  where  Edward 
«  ard  of  April,  1367,  totally  dAatad  aBolhet  io- 
"  "  -'  I  Barinrd,  and  lertored  Don  Fodiv 
■1  tikewiae  airired  lAen  die  le^ona 
o(  France,  whoaa  n  .    -  .. 


Earily  on  tbe  momtng  of  the  Slit  of  Jane  the  aHiM  wtre  In  motion ;  Sir 
Williun  atoart'a  br^ade  moved  in  front  of  tlw  aecond  diriaiao,  whidt 
mandied  along  tlie  h%b  road  to  Tittania.  The  momiag:  wai  hnntiiiil,  the 
ewth  waa  freah  with  dew,  and  tbe  toerry  Urki  were  aoaring  aloft  over 
toight  yellow  fields,  which  wen  aoen  to  be  drendied  with  blood.  The 
aky  waa  deer,  blae,  and  cloudleM,  and  the  AitdBg  «amnt  of  tbe  Zaderra 
Bowedamonglbicketaandfleldaoffipe  waring  eom,  wUdi  oAen  aKnded 
eonoealment  to  the  light  troopi  dm^g  tbeactun.  Violeta,  eowilipa,  and  • 
thontand  btUe  fiowen  which  Soiviih  w  pkntifUly  by  the  way-MdM  in 
Sndn.  were  bloominc  nrndilr  in  die  frtA  dew  ;  the  browa  partridge  w^ 
a  Aeet  rabbit  elwt  past  ai  the  trooffl 

Oe  (aumiiclei  loT  air  Jo 


•  Tbli  buttle  wu  (liiiElit  at  Niiinig,  a  village  on  the  Zadom,  ni 
~       ■  '  ait  JiAa  rrr' — 


moTcd  into  Xha  cont-6tiAt,  trexlinx  and  detlroyiag  tba  hopei  »n^  nroort 
of  maoT  >  poor  hnilnndiKaii.  Afar  off,  tbcir  huea  meUawed  b;  Uu 
distance,  MM  the  bold  and  loflT  ridgea  of  the  Pyreneei  aod  other  aierra*, 
the  ootUnea  of  whiok  appeared  distinctlr  againat  the  pare  blue  bejroad. 
Save  the  near  tread  of  net,  m  the  diatanl  blut  of  a  bugle,  no  otlut 
•onndi  were  borai  on  the  morniag  wiod  bnt  the  bleating  of  eheep  and 


inkliiw  in  aoDie  (Olitar?  benniusa.  calUpg  il 
■DperBtiliowiBvateataptBferfoT  theaoccaa*  of  the  frieudi  of  Spain. 

To  the  Britiili  it  was  kDown  that  the  enemir  were  in  poaitioa  ia  front, 
end  ererf  heart  beat  high,  and  erery  fibre  waa  thrilling  with  eicitenicDt^ 
■a  the  eolDenns  nMxed  tomtrda  the  plain*  in  front  of  the  town  of  ViUoria. 
Moving  in  close  colamD'  of  compaiutB,  the  Uighlandera  marched  thiongh 
a  fitdd  of  ripened  cam.  which  nsarl;  overtopped  the  plumes  of  Ibeir 
bonnets.  I^e  other  corps  of  the  diiiuou  foUowed  uid  tbea  halted  lor  a 
time,  during  which  the  crop,  which  waa  all  ready  for  tbe  sickle,  was  soon 
trodden  to  mire.  But '  usceuitv  has  no  lav.'  The  flints  mere  eiaaiioBd, 
the  oolonrs  uncased,  and  the  drumoiers  were  proiidcd  witb  tempont} 
litters,  fbrased  of  iHlles  and  blankets,  for  bearing  off  tbe  wounded  officers. 

Foatifem's  eyes  kindled  up  with  that  bright  and  pecoliar  eipreasioB 
which  tfan  ever  bad  whan  he  became  excited. 

"  Higblandeia  I"  cried  he,  as  the  r^ment  again  moved  forward,  "  in  a 
few  minntei  we  shall  be  o^^ed  witb  the  enemy ;  but  I  need  not  eihert 
Toa  to  do  your  doty,  for  in  that  yon  bare  never  yet  failed.  Keep  the 
UriotMt  tilence  on  the  march,  but  you  may  shont  till  the  mountsina  ring 
sgsin  when  the  pipes  blow  to  the  chai^." 

"  Fn'  inrely  aiKl  brawU  we'll  set  np  a  ikraigh  tbeo,  lads  I "  said  bi* 
eqnerry,  Dugald  Mhor,  who  was  the  only  man  who  dared  to  reply.  "  But 
it  s  an  unco'  thing  for  Hieleadmeci  to  kaep  their  tongiue  still,  whan  the 
bonnie  sbecii  o'  steel  is  glintin'  in  tbor  een.  Troth,  lads,  we'll  gie  a  roar 
that  will  msk'  Bnonaparte  himsel  shake  in  his  shoon,  if  he  be  within 

I  (The  soldiers  b«an  to  cheer  and  laugh,  while  Dngsld  waved  his  boDoeC  i 
hot  tbe  voice  of  the  e^nal  arrested  thein. 

"  Silence,  Dngaldl"  said  be  to  thst  aged  follower,  who  wiHi  bis  aword 
drawn  ^tnck  close  to  the  flanks  of  his  horse  g  "  silence  I  You  always 
create  some  aproar  in  the  rank*  by  your  odd  observatioas.  I  sm  ever  ap- 
firehemive  that  yon  will  thmst  yourself  needlessly  into  danger ;  and  indeed 
It  woald  relieve  me  of  much  anxiety,  if  you  woold  remain  in  the  rear. 
Yon  know  well,  Uugald,  how  much  I  would  regret  it,  should  anything 
happen  to  you  during  the  engagement  to-dav." 

"That  depende  just  upon  yoursel,  sir  :  whar  ye  lead,  J  will  follow,"  re- 

EUed  tbe  old  mHU,  whom  the  world  would  not  have  tempted  to  seitarate 
imsdffrom  Cameron,  who  bad  often  inaiated  on  many  occatioo*  that 
Dngald  shoold  not  peril  himself  by  coming  noder  fire.  These  were  in- 
junctions which  the  obctinate  old  vssul  vslued  not  a  rush ;  and  so  in  thHH 
good-Dattired  altarcatioas  the  master  was  always  overci»rLe  by  the  man, 
who  aeemed  to  regard  fighting  rather  a*  a.  sport  or  a  pleasant  source  of  ax- 
cUement,  jnst  as  one  would  vtaw  a  fox  or  stag  bunt. 

WhilcIiUjoTCaapbell  waa  boring  Ronad  Slnartwitbapainfully-accorata 
•cctmnt  of  tbe  battle  of  Aleiandria,  and  the  position  of  the  French  tbroM 
on  that  memorable  oecasian,  the  legions  of  Joseph  Bnonaparte  appaared 
ill  ^ght.  As  each  r^ment  quitted  tbe  path  among  the  ciwn-field^  and 
cnt^d  upon  the  plun  beftne  Vittoria,  tbey  caoie  m  .view  of  the  whde 
battle-array  of  tbe  enemy,  occupying  a  strong  position  covering  each  of  the 
three  great  roads,  which  at  Tittoria  concentrate  in  the  road  to  liayonne. 
Tbe  kng  lines  of  dark  infantry  appeared  perfectly  motionlets,  bnt  their 


Iramlilied  anni  were  Bbhiing  like  sIlTer  In  tba  ttni ;  Um  tri-coloan  of  Ae 
kgiDiia  were  fluttering  in  the  breeze,  and  manf  of  thair  bindi  itrock  up 
Uie  g*;  CA  ira  and  Mantilloit  hymn  on  tbe  approach  of  the  aUifs. 

Tbe  right  flanli  of  Jimeph'i  iruif  aitendcd  northoud  from  Vittoria, 
■cniaa  the  stream  of  the  Zadorra,  and  reitcd  on  the  hilla  abore  the  nUafii* 
of  Gamarre  Major  end  Abechnco,  covered  there  by  atrong  redoabCa.  &•• 
tween  the  right  and  centre  was  a  (hick  cork-wood,  into  which  were  throwD 
rasuy  corps  of  infantry,  to  keep  open  the  liu  of  commuaication.  TIm 
right  centre  rested  on  a  height  which  commanded  tbe  vale  of  tbe  Zadorra, 
and  which  was  strengthened  by  nmrlT  one  hundred  pieces  of  artillerT- 

"■■'"■  '    ' above  the  liUan  of  SubU 

It  Oomeeba,  and  a  btifade 
thrown  forward  on  the  lofty  and  rocky  nonBt^l  of  Pnebla,  U>  proteot 
tbeir  centre,  which  mirht  bave  been  ontflanked  by  tbe  main-nrad  where  it 
crosses  the  Zadorra.  Joseph  Bnonaparta  in  poaoD  eamaaaiided  the  whol^ 
havin;  Marshal  Jonrdan  acting  under  him  aa  liMteDant-geimal.  IIm 
amies  were  pretty  well  matched,  each  moateriDK  from  70,000  to  75,000 
men,  the  French  hating  the  adTiintage  in  occnpyinga  strong  positioa,  whioll 
every  means  had  been  taken  to  atrengthen. 

Each  regiment  of  Hill's  division,  on  its  debonefahig  fVoai  tfaeVitttnlB 
road,  formed  line  from  close  column,  and  advanced  in  that  order  towarda 
the  enemy.  To  the  latter,  the  view  of  the  allied  army  at  that  hoar  mutt 
have  prewnted  a  grwid  aitd  imposing  spectacle;  so  many  dense  massat 
BKnin^  ■iieceBBiTe&  into  the  plain,  and  deploying  into  line  by  cosspaiue* 
obliquely,  with  all  the  steadiness  and  regnlaritv  of  a  review,  UMDiiglit 
barrels  and  bayonets  of  upwards  of  7I1>OOD  mnskela  shining  in  the  ran  of 
tiiB  morning  san ;  the  ulken  standards  of  many  colonri — red,  bnff,  whk^ 
bine,  and  yellow — waving  over  them  ;  ^e  bright  scarlet  uniforms,  raUeved 
by  the  varied  green  of  the  landscape  ;  and  then  the  maoy  warlike  amindl 
hiereased  tbe  eiTect  of  tbe  scene.  The  neighing  of  cavalry  hones,  tbe  r^ 
of  tnmhrilB  and  gun-earriflgea,  the  distant  yet  distinct  word  of  command, 
the  mingling  music  of  many  bands,  the  trumpets  of  the  hone,  the  bnglea 
of  the  riflemen,  and  the  hoarse  wailing  war-pipe  of  the  Higblaod  r^menta, 
ever  and  anon  swelled  upon  tbe  breeze,  pcaliog  among  tbe  heighta  of 
Poebta,  and  dying  away  among  the  windings  io  the  vale  of  Zadorra. 

The  prospect  before  them  mast  have  been  one  of  no  ordinary  interest  to 
the  martial  legions  of  France.  AI  the  moment  that  the  distant  belisof  tbe 
convent  of  Saota  Clara  de  Alava  Itrock  It  quarter  to  ten,  the  memorable 
battle  of  Vittoria  began. 

"There  go  the  Spaniards — tho  auldiera  of  dd  Harillol"  eidaimed 
Seaton,  as  a  loud  and  continued  dischaige  of  mosbetry  rang  among  the 
ridges  af  Puebla.  The  sound  cansedevoy  heart  to  biMad,  for  tbedafwu 
Mg  with  the  hte  of  many  1 

'  "Mnrillo  and  tlie  Cond^  d'Amarante  have  attacked  tbe  left  of  the 
Ftench,"  said  Cameron,  watdiing  the  operations  through  his  teletoope : 


are  giving  way." 

'  Attbat  moment  an  ^e-da-oamp  daabed  np  to  the  brigade,  irith  Sir 
Ibrwland'a  order  for  the  Tlat  regiment  to  advance,  and  anslain  tiie  attack 
VB  the  heights,  in  connert  with  the  light  companies  of  the  division,  while 
tbe  High  landers  and  EiOth  regiment  were  to  aupptut  them  in  turn. 

"  Now  then,  Stuart !"  said  Sestoti,  ^ying  Ronald  an  nDceremonioua  slap 

•n  the  sboutder,  "  see  if  another  gold  crass  is  to  be  won  upon  Puebla.  W« 

shall  be  nnder  fire  in  five  miontes, — forward,  li^t  bobs  1    Forward  double 

'   quick  <"    Away  they  went  in  high  f^l*  to  tke  aisktaDcs  of  idd  Mtuillo, 

A 


«faOMtB*wwv«>lr»Mlr  nrwiof,  nndar  tlu  lUnifSreat  the  Preocfa. 
The  mar  of  ouuaa  and  auuketr;  bad  now  bBOonw  gmaral  slang  Cha  iioMM, 
and  «u  abaokUalf  utDoodiai.  War  on  a  gttaC  Kale  U  a  graiMl,  jret  a 
tanible  Ihu^  Tlu  whtde  vaflcy  of  Che  Zadiom,— tbe  GKtified  bai^M  of 
Gomeoha.  ob  tiw  owmT'i  rigbCiUioM  of  PuaUa  on  tfaiaii  left,  the.dn'k 
««odlaada  bMvecD,  the  com-fiolds,  tbe  bcdfca,  and  all  the  naaaj  ^km 
itiow,  were  aareloK*  is  imoIm,  Itraatcd  Titb  aootiaiial  BoAaa  of  fin. 
I«  tha  (illagea  mavy  bnt  had  bacomt  a  (ortceH,  laap-hded  and  baniaads< 
avn?  wall  il  eabbaga-gaideD  and  nnayard  a  hwaalworit.  to  poaaeaaioii  of 
whka  anned'BaB  centaatai  daipnata^,  hand,  ta  hand,  aiid  pwnt  U  poiat 

Ibe  H«BSiuaUB  Calomel  Cadcwaa  eommauUd  the  71at,  aad  oHwr  eowi- 
mir*.  which  meredap  Ibehu^a  to  tbe  awataaoeof  Cha&faDiardaa> 
>ha  atranw  of  the  Biitiah  licfit.  fonaint  Ime  on  tha  biltiida.  tbn 
Bdvanoed  with  •  dttwauoatkB  eod.  iapetooik^  trnl^  adairafala  towa^ 
tbaaMmy,  wboaa  aloae  a«d  daadlr  Sre  waatfaioauu  tb«r  awnben  xuid^. 

"Now,  aeldiaal^roatbaDlikafHr^l  Fonraid,«harB«l"  criedCada- 
gaa,  daahiaB  trim  into  hia  hona'a  aidaa.    A  load  bnmh  waa  tha  reiJy, 


„....)  aiiMw,<Kd  all  wM  for  a  timeheiriu 

aadbntt,  aEatabbiBEwiuhBTonataodiA*.  AMnraandL ^ 

^,  but  tfco  Iraneh  me  jUinu  tawnltaudji  frMnlheliB^la, 


-,   -      ^t»,^& 

waMmar iiaaatBtiom,  aadhawag  thait nemaianniM nffieer oa^tnaed. 

Bomld,  wba  vaa  then  aBfand  in  a  ohaqa  for  Om  ftrat  tina.  beM«* 
hanldmd,— «lDiaat  Mnoned  with  the  wbit^  the  diiK.aadIlie  wildnpCMr 


The  eitiMMat  af  tha  aoldienhad  been,  ndae^  to 
a,  aa  it  wta«, 
li  wluahaarm 


ircentiaaadtapnaafbawaad  ■[>••  Oe  &W  witli  alt  Oe 


itthwrnini, 

ajr.  whm  haltbliadeit  with  (m^M  Faa  iktleaUf  annat 

Mfrom  whaaaaabaahapa(ried*idflLbi*dkk,w4uU.tf 


t»Uuaarthwitttba&eaoaf  dutteaalt    Atthatia _^__. 

and  iMd  yrMtrtl*  by  »  btow  on  th»  book  part  of  te  head,  dealt  Inm 
behind  b;  flie  batt-enl  of  a  flrelock,  or  tninoheoD  of  a  pike>  Vaioif  h« 
■tron  to  .regain  hia  fkat,  hat  raabd  aeaaalMi  o»  tbe  Md,  and  tlw  Ia« 
'ahehaaidwva  the  taomphant  ehawa  af  tbe  Briliab,  dromaaclhe 


CadogsD  fell  ftvm  hia  horaaj  writhing  ta 
ortal  woand^    A  T^  bunt  mm  hi*  mjU 


abont  bntke  from  th«ir  wwnpaoiaiiat  aad  Fsdaablinc  tiiair  eSbrta  with  tha 
bafcnet,  aft«  fijihtbl  eacaa^lW  aUiftdtha  enemi<  to  Mlwpra^ 
tatelv  dowa  the  moantuDS.  Tlielr  left  waa  thna  complctelj:  lOQted  and  ia 
diaordar,  Bid  the  Bdtiab  flu  wandttdnmohaoar  an  thaUoodi  TtHir 
afPaaUo. 

Bacoaragsd  by  this  (ood  fortune,  Sir  Sawlaad  Hill  eidarid  hii  aaooad 
and  third  brigades  IS'  sttaBk.  tbe  bMghta  ot  Suhijana.  do  Alaca,  vhic^  wan 
(aUaaUy  earned  titmt  a  aeHm  and  bUtb  caaflinL  Kof  Jiwiph,  alanotd 
atUie  hna  of  theea  important  paailiDM.diimtad.bM.lBfCwLa|  to  hU  baak 
fiictlKi  defease  of  TiMaria,  and  Sir  BowImmI,  pi«aa>i«  ferward  witli  Ui 


Cdk  ud  Pifton  aUsEked  tbar  omitM,  Mid  aAar  ■  ipiritcd  raiutiaoe  Um 
vlwle  cfaaiB.  c]f  baiihM  *u  abindoBcd,  aad  dui  Fieneh  army  begaa  to  r»- 
tin,  b>t  in  idauniiki  oidar,  m  Vittoruu  Oancral  Qnbim  diilodud  lia 
mmaij  fiwn  tke  UUa  aborc  Abeobaco,  aod  Ui  ODnntcymaD  niiiiaiil 
Babertooa,  wilhent  panaiUiac  !>■*  troop*  to  Are  » ibot,  bat  aolelr  actiiv 
with  tlie  b^oBM,  drbta  bbea  ttam  Gawwra  Mayotaftat  great  riu^te, 
■ad  y»«t-inmr  dKring  du  admnca  a  trriairtnm  Ira  of  eaaoim  and  ant- 
kakqr.  Tovwda  arniint  Graliam'a  diTiaimi  waa  pwhsd  fanmrd  mnm  the 
Zadom.  aod  Drdravd  to  aecnre  the  road  leading  to  BayoDBO.  !■■  tlial: 
1^  I^nd  Wdlin«t«t'a  osata  had  pnwlratad  t*  Tlttoria,  and  Um  ai 
^_,..  ^__  L_j  ..._.,_  ^ .., ....  __j  .ig  j,„^ 

ng  Ji>Hi    . 
re  all  o^itartd. 


iHrdi  irf  ibeap  back  upon  that  whii^  laadi  ti 

FiMiili  tnaf  baeaiae  se*  nat  mob,  a  diai|aiiiiiil  and  6i|)CiTa ibodis. 
Aaepbr  n"iin  hia  nfety  to  tta  awiftana^  hia  horar,  abradooed  tho-wnek 
M  hia  tre«pa  aod  Bed  towwd*  FanmlaDB,  hotly  pansad  by  Captaia 
WimdhaiBwitba*qaailraa*fth«IOtbH«M*t«.  InttuimaiistDTyait 
laaaafthaaUiedanay  aiaaaatedto&,a8D..aNdl)wt(4  tba  Freack  to  MM 
tm  apwarda,  and  tka  ilrfiaf  of  tha  aoniiofa  «aa  attandad  by  eren  aaeoMr 
fBancBl  <^  diniiiii  A  thonaaad  priaaneia  wte  eapCimd  by  tha  alKaK 
tmi  wl  til*  t>o  acditary  gstm,  of  all  taia  iin»<«n«a  train,  which  Joaepb  lao- 
Madal  b  talUBf  oi;  oar  alaHreaehiBdFanpelnDa,  tha  ether  lioag  takaa 

li)Ed  WalUnstau  deaama  tha  U^haat  admiratioa  lor  tha  exeellvioa  ot 
baa  ilii|iaiiliiiin  and  mMManntea  darin[  tha  whala  of  tliaC  hrilUJuit  aaab- 
pain,  aad  moit  decisiTe  Tietory.  Ecery  aDnnnniant,  Breiy  motamaot 
iCtha  Fmd>  ceociali,  bad  baeo  ooapMly  bafflad  aod  diacoucErtaiL  by 
UkaaaariM  ikiil  and  nlitaiy  CalMta.  In  fbar  weeks  ha  had  dnxnthraa 
hmrn  Miiui  t»  Tittoria.  tmiJag  thairiMasBMitioaaaa  theDoanaad 
Bbra,  and  a*  laat  caMtMJBai  Jaaqih  tmt  JoitiUa  to  abaw  fight  a»  apoi^ 
rtaaa  Adw  arny  waa  attarlf  datlrwed. 

T^  battle  had  -'i — -  beaa  Inuht  and  waa  while  Bouald  Staart  lar 
•OMdaai  ■iiiliai  the  beapa  o£  lliHad  and  wanaded  on  ttie  hiUa  of  Rieblk. 
Xha  nreaA,  adtar  bcingrepobad  bamlkalalCer,  dMaahedalegMw,  7,0Qa 
■banc  W  adorar  thaai,  nbicb  laMeamt  bdaa  ptrodved  by  OeMtal 
attwMt,  he  daapalched  Faarilemwith  hi*  BvUandara  to  theaaaatoiiaeaf 
tha  tro^i  ilraadi  there.    Th«  rcfimait  moiiad  quickly  to  the  Btaat,  and 


_, t  SwilBM.    Thar  aaoii ,..    , 

tfuE|abadb«Koiade^    Otdogan  l^flwradreatiwdiBliia  blood,  and  It 
■OT«K*arowidbiin>l>ow«Jh^flBB««  had  baeo  the  eonflicC 

"  &tt  %ht  Mmpam  mm  ate  Ijiiv  tUdt  h«re,"  said  FaasifenirW  be 
loalnd.  atemty  aronad  hlat. 

"  U«ae  ia  Staurt,"  eidaiaui  Bera*.  "  Poor  fello*,  thii  is  hia  laat 
fidd  I "  "Die  lament  paased  in  open  column,  doBble-qnick,  beyoad  the 
akoa  wboca  Raulil  lay  to  all  ■ppearanee,  what  hia  brotbar  oflloera  Aonght 
Urn  to  be,  deed.  CloH  by  him  lay  ToniaBO,  a.  lieoteaaat  of  the  Jut, 
aeawaly  wonndad,  but  thcF*  waa  no  tiaie  to  iook  at  them.  Tha  High- 
lai^raMonad  onwai^  to  the  aaaiataaca  of  thiir  frirada  tha  50th  and  Hid- 
kod  UAi  lafiutry,  who  ware  HTerely  handled  by  the  onaDiy  an  Omotbme 
rids  of  m«  bei^itL  Tiieratliscaniaie  wax  app^Ungiacome  parti,  when 
Ae  tank*  of  fauad  and  foe  bad  faUen  acroaa  each  other  in  pile*.  Smoke 
. aid briglkt AaahiBc ateaLwere  aamk-aMrywheBaiBad  thareduM* oIUmsuh- 


ketrf  rererbcnted  smonE  the  deep  radiiei  and  RTSMy  MiiDmltR  of  Im. 

PuRbls.  The  overwhelm inir  l^on  vera  ftill  tulTtncing ;  tber  had  oat- 
fleolied  the  71it,  and  eit  off  iU  commuaJcalioTi  wicli  the  50th ;  and  the 
■aperiorit;  of  Che  French  nnonerkal  farce  wu  Fompelling  these  brave  regi- 
ment* to  Tfayer,  when  the  cheers  of  their  Higfaliuid  comrade!  rang  anau 
the  moantuna,  ae  they  descended  to  their  WBiisCance.  As  Cadogin  baa 
fallen,  the  commBnd  of  the  (roopi  deroloed  on  Fassifam,  and,  acting  under 
bia  ordeiB,  the  three  battiUoai  compelled  the  l^ion  to  retira  in  chagraos 
end  diaordei. 

Three  otlier  attacks  did  tber  make  la  eocoeasion,  and  with  greato 
atrength,  but  the  attempt)  were  Tain.  The  first  brigade  were  rewdred  to 
hold  Puebia  or  perieh,  and  Cameron  continaallT  draw  them  back.  Aa 
the  HighUnden  said,  "their  hearts  wema  Btoot  enench  tor  saa  atej  a 
brae,"  and  the  proad  Frenchmen  were  compelled  to  abandon  til  hope*  of 
regaining  the  important  paeiCioD. 

Ronaid  lay  long  insenaible  where  he  fell,  and  whm  life  returned,  the  fint 
Bonnds  which  sainted  bis  ears  were  the  distant  roar  of  the  mosketry,  and 
all  the  confused  din  of  a  gfeat  battle,  which  the  breeze  bore  ap  from  thB 
plains  to  the  mountains  where  he  lay.  From  loia  of  blood  and  the  stunning 
effects  of  the  blow,  he  was  long  nnsble  to  rise  or  even  to  speak  ;  bat  hia 
Mr  was  intensely  awake  to  every  aoand  around  bim,  and  he  eagerly  longed 
to  know  how  Che  tideof  battle  was  taming  in  the  valley  below.  Theaehog 
and  smarting  pain  in  bii  bead  was  eiceesive.  He  placed  his  hand  behind, 
and  withdrew  it  covered  with  blood,  and  closing  liia  eyes,  again  sank  back* 
wards  on  the  gory  turf.  Although  hia  ears  were  invaded  by  the  distreaauig 
cries  and  hoarse  groans  of  agony  from  Che  wounded  around  bim,  hia  heart 
wandered  to  thac  Highland  home  where  bis  very  soni  seemed  to  be  gar- 
nered up;  and  in  CbaC  terrible  moment  be  would  have  given  the  univ^M, 
were  it  his,  for  a  single  glance  at  the  heather  hills  and  the  wild  woods 
around  the  old  grey  tower  of  Jjochisla.  He  thought  of  hia  white-haind 
tiie,  and  of  what  wonld  be  his  sufferings  and  feelinga  ahonld  hia  only  son 

Griih  in  the  land  of  the  stranger.  Alice,  Coo.^bnt  Che  thought  of  fair 
ipired  him  with  new  life  and  spirit.  He  rose  and  unclasped  her  miDiatura, 
which  was  cloCted  and  covered  with  hia  blood  ;  he  restored  it  to  his  breast. 
and  looked  about  bim.  As  the  noise  of  the  battle  still  cimtinued  witboat 
abatement,  and  he  heard  the  shouta  and  battle-cry  of  the  French  mingiad 
wiCh  the  cheers  of  the  British  at  times,  be  asked  a  French  soldier  who  tat 
near  bim,  shot  through  tbe  leg,  if  he  knew  how  the  day  had  gone.  Ha 
answered,  without  a  moment's  hesitation,  that  the  troops  of  tbe  great 
Emperor  had  outflaaked,  beatui,  and  out  to  pieces  those  of  Wellington, 
who  was  on  Che  road  to  Lisbon,  flying  aa  fast  as  hii  horse  could  oarry  him. 
Although  Honald  pot  little  dependance  on  this  informacion,  he  resolved  Co 
aatis^  himself.  The  Frenchman  Idndl;  bound  Up  bis  head,  and  gave  him 
a  little  brandy  from  bis  canteen ;  for  which  Che  Scotsman  gave  him  hii 
earnest  Cbsnks,  bdng  quite  unable  to  yield  more  solid  remnnerataon,  not 
having  seen  a  day's  pay  for  six  months.  Making  use  of  hia  awordaaa 
support,  he  goC  upon  bis  feet,  and  all  things  seemed  Co  swim  aroondlum 
as  he  staggered  forward. 

Cadogan  had  been  earned  off  by  two  soldiers  of  his  own  regiment,  hot 
.his  horse  was  lying  dead  upon  a  wounded  Higblandar,  who  had  longstng- 
ried  to  free  himsdf  from  il«  oppressive  weight,  and  now  called  aknd  to 
Ronald,  who  was  unable  Co  yield  him  Che  sli^teat  asnatance.  Aa  he 
passed  slowly  onwards  to  that  part  of  the  hMghts  wbenca  he  expected  b> 
have  a  view  of  the  whole  battle-field,  he  beheld  the  <^eer  whoin  be  had 
encountered  lying  dead,  pierced  with  a  score  of  IwvoDet  woundl.  A  *ol< 
dier  of  the  light  company  lay  dead  acroaa  him,  witli  bis  bca  Uterallj  daAed 


to  piecn  hj  a  blow  from  the  bntt-md  of  a  maaliet,  and  so  macb  wsb  lie 
(itiSgnred  tbn  it  was  impouible  to  recogoizG  him.  Close  by  a  piper  of  the 
71st  nj  dead,  with  his  pipe  under  h&  arm  ;  bis  blxid  had  formed  a  black 
pool  arOBod  faim  of  mare  than  a  j&iA  tqaare.  Hnndieda  were  lying  tjeij- 
irhere  in  the  same  condition ;  bat  farther  details  would  Only  prove  tiresome 
or  rexoUing. 

With  roach  ditBcnlty  Stoart  gainol  the  exCremity  of  the  ridge,  and  the 
wltole  soul- stirring  display  of  the  field  of  Vittoria  burst  at  once  opon  his 
gaze,  eitending  over  a  space  of  ground  fully  sii  miles  in  length.  Truly, 
thicker  than  learea  in  satunin.  the  bodies  of  men  were  strewed  sloDg  the 
whole  length  of  the  hostile  armies.  The  warm  light  of  the  setting  sun  waa 
beaming  on  the  mountain  tops,  but  its  lustre  had  long  since  faded  on  the 

SWan  vale  of  the  Zadorra,  where  the  shadows  of  evening  were  setciog  on 
B  psle&ces  of  the  d^ad  sad  the  dying.  The  plains  of  Vittoria,  too,  were 
growing  dark,  but  at  the  first  view  Ronald  wsa  enabled  to  perceive,  and  his 
heart  l^t  proudly  while  he  did  so,  that  the  allies  had  conquered,  and  the 
boastful  story  of  theOaul  ess  false. 

jLftr  off  he  beheld  dense  clouds  of  duit  rolling  along  the  roads  which 
ted  to  Runpelnna  aod  Bayonne.  There  the  glistoning  arms  were  fiashins 
in  the  light  of  the  western  sky.  ss  the  brigades  of  Bridsh  aiTslry  swept  on 
llk«  whlrlwiads,  charging  and  driving  before  them,  aabre  a  ta  main,  the 
confused  masses  of  Fivndi  infantry,  who,  when  their  position  was  sban- 
dmed.  retired  hurriedly  towards  the  main  roads  for  France.  He  saw  bis 
own  divieioa  fat  down  the  pltin,  driving  a  column  like  a  herd  of  sheep 
along  the  buiks  of  the  river  towards  Vittoria ;  beyond  which  they  parsned 
tbem,  antil  the  smoke  of  the  conflict,  and  the  dust  which  marked  its  route, 
were  hidden  by  theclond  of  night. 

But  long  befbre  this  he  bad  begun  to  descend  the  hills,  and  weak  and 
wearied  as  ho  was,  he  found  it  no  easy  task  to  scramble  among  the  forze, 
briers,  and  brambles  witb  which  their  sides  were  covered.  At  the  foot  of 
tbem  be  found  many  men  of  bis  own  regiment  lying  dead.  These  had  been 
slain  by  the  fire  of  a  few  field-pieces,  which  the  French  had  brought  to 
bear  upon  them  while  moving  towBrds  Puebla.  The  moon  broke  forili 
when  he  reached  the  banks  of  the  Zadorra,  which  he  forded,  the  water 
rising  up  to  his  waist.  This  drrnching  addcnJ  greatly  to  his  misery,  as  the 
night  was  cold  and  chilly  ;  but  he  walked  onward  as  rapidly  as  be  could, 
witbthehopeof  reaching  SubiJBnadeAlavB,  Vittoria,  or  any  place  where  he 
might  hope  to  get  bis  wound  dressed,  after  which  he  Imated  that  he  sboold 
be  able  to  rejoin  the  regiment  withoDt  delay.  But  losing  his  way,  he 
wandered  across  the  field,  where  the  bodies  of  men  and  horses,  dead  or 
yet  rolling  about,  broken  waggons,  dismounted  or  abandoned  cannon, 
encumbered  hin^  at  every  step. 

No  shrieks  now  sslat«d  his  ears  as  he  passed  over  the  plain  ;  but  groans 
— deep  and  harrowing  groans  of  agony,  and  half-multered  cries  for  water, 
ar  i^ionB  ejacnlations,  were  heard  on  every  Bide,  while  the  ghastly  and  dis- 
torted faces,  the  glazed  and  upturned  eyes,  the  black  and  bloody  wounds 
of  the  dead  appeared  horrible,  as  the  pale  Ugbt  of  the  moon  fell  on  them. 
The  vast  field,  although  so  many  thousand  men  lay  prostrate  upon  it,  was, 
comparatively  speaking,  still ;  and  to  Ronald  there  seemed  something  sad 
and  awful  in  the  silence  which  succeeded  the  ear-deafening  roar  of  the' 
battle  which  had  rung  there  the  live-long  day.  Many  a  strong  hand  was 
stretched  there  powerless,  and  many  a  ^lant  heart,  which  bad  beat  high 
with  hope  and  bravery  in  the  morning,  lay  there  cold  enough  at  night. 

Little  think  the  good  folk  at  home,— those  who  for  da^s  would  be 

L i^  ]jj  (|jg  memory  o(  some  sudden  death,  which  possibly  they  had 

■id  in  the  streets,— little  do  these  good  people  imagine,  or  perhaps 


core,  for  Che  mighty  amoant  of  miser*  sccamulated  on  a  nngla  battb-fidUl, 
and  tht  woe  it  mav  carrr  into  many  a  tiafipy  home  and  domestic  cirde- 
BuC  the  Bgont  of  dyini;  men,  and  Che  tears  of  woaett,  are  alike  (ereottcn 
and  ODheeded  when  forts  fire,  cideii  illmmnate,  balls  are  gneo,  and  mails 
sweep  along,  decorated  with  flags  aad  laurel*,  in  honour  of  siictorj.     .     . 

Eaeer  to  leaie  the  field  behind  him.  Stuart  hurried  forward  as  well  ai  he 
waa  able,  until,  itumblins  over  a  dead  cevdry  hone,  be  fell  violeDtly  to 
the  earth,  aad  his  wonnd  bursting  oat  afresh,  the  light  faded  from  hii  eyes, 
and  he  lay  in  a  sort  of  stupor  across  the  corse  of  a  French  soldier,  in  wbow 
breast  a  Iwehe-poond  shot  was  buried.  While  lying  there,  he  beoaoH  tor- 
tured with  on  intffiue  thirst,  which  he  found  it  impoisible  to  alienate,  Dnlil 
a  driisling  rain  began  to  descend,  and  after  eurciiing  hii  palieuce,  he 
caught  enoagh  in  the  hollow  of  his  band  to  moisten  hia  pardied  lipa. 

llie  sound  of  voices  close  by  recalled  him  to  hinudf  mlly,  and  hafoaBd 
that  he  was  in  imminent  danger.  A  file  of  FortnaaesB  aoldirai  BppnMabed, 
besring  a  lantern  to  assiBl:  them  in  eSectnaUy  pltind«ring  the  Oeaid.  The 
knapsDclu  of  soldiers  wore  ripped  open,  and  the  contents  earefaUy  Bcamied; 
and  tiie  epaulets,  taoe,  itars,  &c.  nae  torn  away  from  the  nnitbnaa  of  ti» 
officers.  Stuart's  blood  bmled  up  within  him  to  behold  brother  aoldien, 
men  in  arms,  engaged  in  an  occapation  so  troiy  despicable )  bat  weU  aware 
of  the  dEuiger  incarred  by  encomiteTiiig  or  dmatening  people  lO  nBacin- 
poloasasdeath-hunter?.*  he  only  irasped  ihe  bilt  of  hi*  dirk,  and  Uy 
perfectly  still  until  they  had  paued  by,  which  they  ludcily  did  withost 
observing  him. 

Scarcely  were  they  gone,  when  another  wretch  appeared,  bent  on  the 
same  disgraceful  erruid.  He  was  either  a  robber  or  goerilla.  and  earned 
on  the  liollow  of  hia  left  ann  a  musket,  from  which  dangled  a  long  leather 
aling.  A  pewter  cmdfii  glittered  on  tlie  band  of  hia  braad-leaved  liat, 
and  the  polished  brass  hilts  of  the  donble  dacgen  and  ptatola  in  Ida  aaah 

' '  in  the  light  of  the  moon,  which  at  ^ntmoraoitahone  forth  with 

briliiaocy.  A  new  pair  of  large  eeauleta,  which  Btamt  h*d  pet 
days  before,  attracted  this  worUiy'i  attention,  and  he  eame 
;ht  towards  the  wearer  to  possess  himself  of  them. 


gleamed  in  the  light  of  the  moon,  which  at  Unt  moraoit  ahone  forth 

peculiar  brilliancy.    A  new  pair  of  la; "'"     "''   "'  --•    ■ 

on  a  few  days  before,  attracted  this 

straight  towards  the  wearer  to  possess  himself  of  them. 

What  were  the  feelings  of  the  yovng  Hi^ihmder  to  behold  in  the  robber 
the  abhorred  Narviez  Cifuentea,  the  deatroy^  of  the  noble  uid  beaatiftd 
Catalina  I  An  eleetrie  shock  seemed  to  pan  over  every  fibre,  and  again 
his  heart  best  violently.  He  grasped  tighter  the  tldatle-hllt  of  his  abort 
weapon,  and  watched  with  on  eagle  eye  the  motions  of  the  robber.  Kai- 
vaez  knew  him  the  moment  tbsir  eyea  met,  and  uttering  a  ihart  but 
emphatic  oatb,  he  sprung  forward  and  leaped  BpiM  Ronald  with  hii  irimle 
weight,  and  pressing  a  knee  upon  each  arm,  perfectly  inoapacitatad  him 
trom  msking  any  defence,  especially  in  his  weuc  and  wooi^ed  stale. 

"  How  now,  my  gay  lenor  toldado  I  "  aaid  Tlarraei  with  a  chockling 
laugh,  after  they  had  glared  at  each  other,  in  silence  for  a  few  aecmds. 
"  Metbinks  we  have  met  at  last,  nnder  circumstances  somewlut  diaadraa- 
tageoas  to  yonr  safety." 

Ronald's  only  reply  was  a  fi'antie  attempt  to  free  himself  from  tba  iron 
grasp  of  the  other. 

"Be  stilt, — carajo!"  said  the  ruffian  as  he  nnabeathed  a  poniard ;  "be 
still,  or  I  may  mercifully  give  a  deep  stroke  at  once,  without  having  the 
litQe  conversation  I  wish  to  enjoy  with  foa,  before  yon  die." 

"  Dog  of  a  robber  1 — do^  of  a  Spaniard  I  "  gasped  KimaU  in  a  heaise 
accent.    "  Free  bnt  my  nght  band,  and,  weak  and  eihansted  as  I  am,  I 

"  Dtaih-hunten,— a  name  ginn  by  iDldiert  to  thoie  who  foUow  amiei  to  itiip  Oe 


m),  and  I  will  bare  this  g<Men  crosi  and  otW  thiotrs,  without  either  tl.. 
rbk  or  tnmble  of  trTint  pmntg  with  yon.  Hah  I  bin  Toa  ftx^otten  the 
night  when  we  first  met  at  Albmiaerquc  ?  By  our  Lady  of  Majorgi,  yoa 
■ball  tUa  ni^t  know  that  I  bate  not !  We  have  many  odd  acorea  to  pay 
off,  and  they  may  as  well  be  settled  here  oa  the  field  of  Vittoria,  ai  elae- 
frhere.  Besides,  Senor  Valour,  when  your  corpse  ia  foaod.  you  will  be 
Mentioiied  am<mg  tbe  killed  in  the  Gactim  de  la  Regencia.     Hah  !  hah  !  " 

"  Wrettli !  yon  foriet  that  this  day  my  blood  l«a  been  abed  tot  Spain 
aadFardinandVII.!^- 

"  Yon  hare  been  pud  for  that,  1  nppoas,"  replied  the  fellow,  acoom- 
panyiuK  hia  obtoration,  which  mif^t  hare  aaited  a  British  RadicaU  witb 
an  insulting  laagh,  while  Stnart  panted  witb  Tage. 

"  Now,  them,-^what  wonld  yon  do  were  you  releaaed  by  me  ?" 

"  Stab  yon  to  the  heart  1  " 

Tbe  lobber  lai^gbed. 

"  Oiiiimb  was  erer my  motto,"  said  he ;  "a  dead  man  tells  do  talei." 

6ras;ring  and  compressing  Ronald's  throat  with  his  left  hand,  he  floa. 
riahed  aloft  his  right,  which  held  his  atil^to,  a  sharp  short  dagger,  with  a 
mnnd  blade  like  that  imtmrnBot  imown  ai  a  butcher's  steel.  "Now, 
•oftoafe  aoHir,  componod  for  deadi,  and  not  for  life.  1  may  prolong  your 
tortnrea.  giving  a  bnndrad  stsbs  instead  of  one ;  but  your  dyiag  moment 
shall  be  easy,  if  the  lining  of  yonr  pockets  is  tolerable.  A  stab  for  eiery 
duro /  hah  1  hah  1 " 

That  inBtincliTB  feeling  which  causes  erery  man  to  struggle  to  the 
Btmoflt  to  preaene  life,  u-oae  powerfully  in  the  breast  of  Ronald  Stosrt  at 
thatiuatsnt,  when  he  saw  the  deadly  blade  of  the  ruthless  assaeain  gleaming 
■bore  him  in  the  moonlight.  He  felt  that  his  last  moment  was  come,  and 
yet  be  resolTCd  not  to  die  withoat  another  gallant  struggle.  Eierting 
srsry  energy — straining  every  muscle  and  fibre,  by  one  desperate  flfort  he 
bnHed  the  robber  yiolnitly  beckwarda  ;  but  before  be  could  rise,  hii  mer- 
oleaa  aaaajlant  again  i^raog  upon  him  with  renewed  ferocity,  and  striking 
blindly  with  his  stiletto,  buried  it  twice  in  the  turf  close  by  Ronald's  ear. 
There  cam  be  little  donbt  that  this  new  attack  would  have  terminated 
htally  for  him,  had  not  two  officers,  mnffied  to  the  eyes  in  their  cloaks, 
lidden  baatily  up,  npon  which  the  robber,  without  atlerapting  to  etrike 
another  blow,  snatched  op  his  rifle  and  fle^,— bet  not  unsoethed. 

"A  death-hunter  !  He  shall  die,  by  heaTens  ',  "  exclaimed  one  of  the 
(trangers,  nutddnr  a  pistol  from  his  holsters  and  liring  after  Cifuentes, 
who  was  seen  boandingwith  the  speedof  a  greyhound  oier  the  encurabeted 
Add,  and  tbe  moon  ahooe  fnU  apoa  him.  A  sharp  howl  of  pain  fallowed 
tha  report  of  the  shot. 

"  Your  shot  baa  told,  my  lord,"  said  the  other  ofBcer.    "  These  raseah 

"  The  fellow  la  leaping  along  yet.  1  would  again  fire,  but  for  the  waste 
of  powder." 

He  was  struggling  with  tome  one  here." 

"  Yonr  aniralhas  been  *ery  fortunate,"  said  Ronald,  iu  a  voice  which 
fidtered  from  weariness  and  eieitemeat.  "  1  baie  had  a  protracted  and 
desperate  straggle  with  the  mffiao,  and  maat  tune  perished  under  bis 
baad*  at  bat,  at  I  am  weak  with  loss  (tf  blood,  and  totally  incapable  of 
defcoduf  mytelf." 

"  Put  this  (o  your  month,"  said  the  first  speaker,  "  and  take  a  hearty 
ddIL    'Tia  cold  whisky-toddy, — a  bererage  not  often  got  >o  near  the 


"  Thinks,  sir  ! "  Mid  Ronald,  ta  he  put  the  flatlc  to  his  lipfl,  and  drank 
ETBlefully  of  the  coatentt.    "  So  we  have  (Bined  the  day." 

"  OloriouBlf  I  "  replied  the  other.    "  But  where  are  yoti  nanndad  ?" 

"  On  the  head, — b;  a  blow  From  a  musket- bate,  or  shaft  of  a  pike.  I 
recpived  it  on  the  faeigbta  of  Fuebls." 

"  Ah,  there  wu  sharp  work  there,  when  the  bstlle  began  this  mondns. 
So  yaa  belong  to  the  fichting  diviBion— Sir  Rowland'!  >  Yoa  have  wan- 
dered a  long  WBf  frain  the  height!." 

"  I  was  endeavonriag  to  rejoin  mr  regiment,"  replied  Ronald,  atagger- 
tng  Qp,  sod  propping  himself  with  bis  Bword ;  "  I  was  loath  to  be  absent 
while  I  could  lift  a  limb.  Bnt  to  whom  am  I  indebted  for  my  safety  ? 
You  Fire  both  cooutrymen,  1  bslleTB.  by  your  ToiceB." 

"  YoD  are  right,"  replied  the  officer  who  wounded  Cifaeotes.  "  Thit 
i!  Captain  Ramiay  of  the  18th  Huuars,  "Ramsay  of  the  Ihrke-neak-heid, 
n!  we  call  him  at  home ;  and  1  am  Lord  Dolhoosie.  We  are  riding  to 
join  the  seventh  diiision." 

"  1  was  not  aware  to  whom  T  had  the  honour  of  addresaing  inyBcjf,'* 
■aid  Rooald.     "  I  ehall  he  obliged  by  yonr  lordship  informing  me  whne 

"  The  Gordon  Highlanders,  I  presume  ?" 
"  Eiactly,  my  lord,— in  Stuart's,  late  Howard's  brigade." 
"  A  brare  regiment,  and  my  heart  warmed  at  the  Bight  of  their  tartans 
to-day.     They  are  a  long  way  from  thii,  panning  the  French  alons  die 
Fampfiluaa  road,  and  are  probably  as  far  as  Salvatierra  by  this  time." 
"  Then  I  con  never  reach  them  to-night,"  said  Stuart  dijectedly. 
"  Here  are  some  of  the  Waggon -train,"  said  the  earl.    ■■  To  their  a  - 

we  must  consign  you  and  be  off  fo 

forward  en  route  for  the  Pyreneea." 

Ab  DalhouBie  and  his  aide-de-camp  rode  off,  the  noise  of  wheels  and 
cracking  of  whips  announced  the  arrival  of  some  of  the  Royal  W^gim- 
train.  One  of  the  can  was  advancing  straight  towards  Mm,  bnt  slowly, 
ai  its  eourse  was  continually  impeded  by  the  dead  and  wounded  lying 
aetoss  its  way.  An  officer  of  the  train,  with  an  immense  plume  in  hia 
cocked-bat,  and  wearing  the  rich  unifbrm  of  this  easy  branch  of  the 
service,   rode  beside  the  waggon,   into  which  they  were  putting  those 

"  The  heights  of  Puebla  ?"  said  the  waggon-officer,  in  a  tone  of  sur- 
prise and  expostulation  to  another  who  rode  beside  him.  "  Oh!  it  is 
qnite  imposBihIe  to  detach  any  of  my  party  so  far." 

"How,  sirl  BO  br>"  replied  the  other  angrily,  in  the  *oi(ie  of  Mqor 
Campbell.  "  And  is  a  bniTe  lad  to  bleed  to  death  and  have  bisbonea 
picked  by  the  corbiei,  because  a  loon  like  you  is  afraid  to  climb  a  hill  ? 
By  the  Lord !  he  shall  not  perish  through  the  neglect  of  one  like  yon, 
whose  whole  share  of  a  battle  is  seeing  tiie  smoke  and  bearing  die  ntnse  at 
n  comfortable  distance,  and  then  coming  in  with  these  infernal  rattie- 
traps  to  pick  up  the  wounded  when  the  danger  is  all  Drer." 

He  of  the  wagons  wis  too  much  enraged  to  reply  readily  ;  and  bafbre 
he  could  speak,  Ronald  heard  tbe  voices  of  Macdonaldand  Bran  Iverach. 

"  Come.  lasjar.  don't  quarrel  about  it.  I  am  afraid  that  it  will  baa 
fruitless  errand  peeking  Slnart  among  the  heights,  Poor  fellow  I  I  ua 
too  sure  be  won  quite  de^d  when  we  passed  him  this  morning." 

"  Ob.  Mr.  Macdonold,  diana  say  sae!"  groaned  Evan,  who  bad  bacsi 
lamemiiiE  as  they  came  along,  "  dinna  say  sae  I  I  have  had  an  awfb'  daij 
o'  wae  and  anxiety  apon  hia  account.  There  he  is—God  preserve  ma  in 
my  sensral  No,  my  een  dinna  deceive  me, — there  be  is  !"  cried  Evan  in  a 
voice  rising  into  a  scream  nearly,  while  ho  rushEd  forword  as  Start's 


Eian,  ■■  UBiul,  bectn 

—  _,..  ^ p  ...tJi  iOT.  whi'   "       

wmnnly  iboolE  the  band  of  bU  muter. 

"  Ha,  Stuart,  my  lad  1  1  knew  yon  wer«  bud  to  kill,"  ptud  Campbell ; 
"  and  so,  io  ipite  of  AUater'i  assertiong  tbat  yon  were  gone  '  to  the  land 
of  the  leal.'  I  determined  to  aeCout  in  Bearchof  yon  oaaoooaaUie  raiment 
halted.  Old  Ludovick  Liile  of  oart  woald  hate  been  bnried  ^*e>  ones 
npon  a  time,  in  Egypt,  but  for  my  iDterference.  He  had  bMD  atnick 
dowD  by  an  iron  maoe  in  aome  brawl  with  a  loon  of  a  Mameluke,  and  I 
knew  that  he  wat  only  stnaned ;  bo  1  pooted  a  glaai  ot  braody  down  his 
throat,  and  brandy  nerer  biled  to  bnog  old  Lodovick  to,  wbalerer  was 
the  matter." 

Konald  objected  to  entering  the  m^on.  which  was  already  crowded, 
and  the  bottom  of  it  was  coTered  with  blood  i  la  it  moved  off.  the  officer 
telling  Campbell  be  ehould  hem  from  him  in  Che  mortiiiig.    The  mqjor  re> 

Slied  that  he  shonld  do  very  happy,  and  diioiDunUag.  gaye  his  borse  to 
tnart ;  who,  aa  the^  moied  along.  ga*e  a  report  of  his  encounter  with 
Cifaentu,  and  interview  with  Lord  Dalhoone. 

"  He  is  a  bnve  mao  and  a  goad  officer,"  said  Campbell.  "  And  as  for 
Banu»y,  of  the  Dyke-nuek-heid.  he  ii,  thoagh  a  Lowlander,  one  of  tba 
finest  fellows  I  ever  met,  and  the  best  miier  of  Athol  broee  and  whiskey- 
poocb  in  the  three  kingdoms.  Bat  we  must  move  forward  aa  fast  u 
poeaible.  Spor  np  this  nag,  Stnart ;  he  was  a  French  dtagaon-harge  this 
morning,  but  has  changed  masters.  My  poor  Rosinante.  on  which  yon 
ran  aaai  a  rig  at  Almarei,  was  shol:  under  me  aa  we  ascended  the  heights. 
Cameron,  likewise,  had  his  horse  killed  under  him;  and,  to  make  the 
matter  worse,  had  another  killed  over  him,  by  which  he  wu  confonndedly 
braised." 

"  Bnt  I  see,  m^or.  that  your  left  arm  is  in  a  slini." 

"  1  received  a  scratch  from  the  sabre  of  a  French  sub,  who  assailed  me 
betbre  1  could  draw  Andrea ;  but  1  knocked  him  down  with  my  stick,  dit- 
aimed,  and  took  him  prisoner." 

"  Well,  Alister,  I  raaice  to  aee  yon  bate  escaped  this  time ;  and  Evan, 
mj  tmsty  fellow,  too. 

"  A' Bonnd and  haill,  sir;  bnt  I  bad  a  narrow  escape  rrsesshorp-ahaoter 
birUe,  wha  pot  three  shot  through  my  bonnet  just  before  the  regiment 


le  corps  fared  throughout  this  eyentfnl  dSy  ? ' ' 
'■  Easily,  Indeed,"  replied  Macdonald,  "coDsidering  bow  our  friends  tha 
71at  and  the  50th  bsve  been  cut  up." 
"  Where  is  the  regiment?" 

"Bivouacked  s  few  miles  in  front  of  Victoria.  None  of  the  officers  are 
killed,  bnt  some  are  wounded, — Cameron  by  the  fall  of  bis  horse,  which 
was  killed  by  a  twelve-pound  shot,  and  Seaton  had  his  left  arm  shot 
through  ;  but  the  moment  it  was  dressed  he  rejoined,  and  is  pcobsblynow 
with  his  'light  bobi.'  Ac  the  foot  of  the  bills.we  lost^a  aerjeant  and  manf 
men  by  the  fire  of  the  enemy's  cannon,  but — " 

"  Bnt  we  bad  our  vengeance  to  the  full,"  cried  Campbell,  brandishing  his 
stick.  "  They  have  lost  as  moch  as  was  ever  tiuC  at  Shirra-muir.  For- 
getting the  crown  of  Spain,  only  think,  StnarC,  my  man, — one  hundred  and 
fifty  splendid  pieces  oi  ordnance,  four  hundred  caissons  laden  with  Lord 
knows  what,  Che  plunder  of  all  Spain,  perhaps  I  some  millions  of  masket- 
Cutridgee,  the  baggage  of  the  army,  Ihe  miliCary- cheat,  colours  and  drums 
innumirable,  and  the  b&ton  of  Jourdan,  which  he  dropped  in  bis  hurry  or 
fright.    Bnt  the  milituy-chesC,  by  Jove !  had  you  seen  how  free  the  iSib 


70 

Hninri  made  wHk  it,  — nery  raicml  of  them  itnfllng:  bii  booti  feitha  brim 
with  gold  NspoteoDS  '.  Tberts  will  be  a  deiil  of  a  row  kicked  ap  abtnt  it 
at  Ifae  Horse-Guards,  you  may  be  gore  of  that.  We  b>*e  captared  I  kmw 
not  how  many  carriaEea,  erery  one  foil  of  th«  ladiea  of  JoMph'i  coort: 
rare  work  we  bale  had  with  them  '.  AliaCer,  with  twenty  men,  Ealltntlr 
stormed  one  vehicle  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet,  and  seized  fonr  terrifiM 
yoQDg  ladiea — one  of  whom,  I  believe,  ia  the  Coonteu  de  GusDi  wife  of 
the  general  of  the  same  name," 

"  How  horrified  the  poor  creatares  were  1"  nid  Macdanald.  "  Onetnin 
of  eoart-carrii^ea,  in  flyioc  sway  at  full  gallop  to  enape  Qrahaoi'fl  di*i- 
rion,  which  had  intercepted  their  flight  to  Elayonne,  came  among  tu,  aad 
were,  of  coucee,  compdled  ta  bait.  Bat  they  were  treated  with  all  doe 
gallantry  and  honanr." 

"  Especially  by  BlacJer'a  riflemen,  vAo  dragged  ioim  ladiea  o«t  witboat 
ceremony,  and  rammi^ed  them  oyer  like  lo  many  CBSttm-boaae  ofiScen ; 
and  with  their  bayonets  tore  and  ripped  np  the  ridi  [silk  liamg  of  the  car- 
riages, in  hopes  of  finding  coDcesJed  jewellery." 

"  Germans  are  more  proTerhial  for  their  greed,  than  for  devBtion  tatb» 
gentler  aei.  But  Lord  Wellingtoii  baa  de(^t<died  the  ladies  away  to  the 
rear,  among  Ote  prisoners  taken  in  the  battle." 

"A  knowing  cbieldl"  said  themiuor.  "  Some  of  these  French  girls  am 
pretty  enough  to  tarn  the  hearts  and  heads  of  their  capto™.  Artlm  know 
that,  and  thon^t  them  safer  «n  route  for  Belem,  than  in  the  midrt  of  his 
army.  By  my  word  !  'tis  a  deiit  of  a  thing  to  hear  a  sweet  youDK  glri, 
with  bright  black  eyes,  cherry  lipe,  &c.  Sm.,  imploriog  yoa  in  most  dnlaat 
French  to  spare  her  life,  and  all  that.  What  the  deuce !  Some  of  these 
fair  creatures  Co-day  seemed  to  tbink  tbey  had  got  among  an  anny  of 
ghoules  or  ogres,  instead  of  honest  British  soldiers. 


"  I  forpiB  their  terror,"  answered  Konald.  "Only  ii 
■-- ■'yefeeliDg      '  "  -■  ■    ' -  -'   -■ 


be  the  fe^age  of  British  ladies,  falling,  as  tbeie  did,  into  the  hands  of  a 
foreign  army,  ilashed  and  tierce  with  ttie  excitement  of  soch  a  battle,  th« 
blood  and  glory  of  such  a  victory  !  " 

On  enterisg  the  town  of  Victoria,  Hiey  found  it  filled  with  French  and 
British  wounded ;  and  the  numbers  were  increasing,  as  tbe  waggons  went 
to  and  fro  between  tbe  field  and  town,  which  BOODWame  eonVerted  into 
an  hospital.  Cries,  groans,  and  thrilling  exclamations  of  nffinng,  raof 
from  every  house :  and  men  were  lying  in  ranks  below  tits  pianss  of  the 
market-place,  waiting  till  their  wonnda  could  be  looked  to  ;  and  in  every 
street  lay  scores  of  weary  and  maimed  soldiers,  wtio,  Duabla  to  proceed 
further,  bad  sunk  down  bleeding  and  eijnrlTig,  helpless  ai  babes,  without 
a  hand  to  close  their  eyes, 

Stnait's  vronnd  was  of  too  little  Impoitsiae  to  procure  immediate  attend- 
ance, all  the  surgeons  being  hard  at  work,  with  their  shirt  sleeves  tnrsed 
up,  hewing  off  legs  and  anns  mercilessly,  as  was  their  will  and  pleasure  it) 
those  days.  On  with  the  toamiqaet,  and  off  with  the  limb,  wae  the  mode 
then;  anysitemptto  reduce  a  fracture  being  considered  s  waste  of  time, 
and  a  style  of  cure  troublesome  alike  to  patient  and  physician.  After 
searching  abont  for  some  time  to  find  a  son  of  Escnlapius  unemployed, 
but  without  sucoeaa,  they  adjonrnod  to  a  oq/iT  immediately  within  tbe 
Santa  Clara  gate. 

The  large  drinking.room  waa  crowded  with  officers,  some  of  whom  had 
got  their  acars  dressed,  and,  in  defisDce  of  tbe  orders  of  et  medUa,  were 
quaffing  horn  after  horn  of  the  conntry  wine,  in  hononrofthe  victory. 
Seaton,  with  his  arm  alung,  was  thus  employed  in  one  comer  wiHi  an 
officer  of  the  50Ch,  whoae  head  was  wrapped  in  a  bloody  haadkercfaiaf. 


!M>n;  others  were  in  the  mine  trim ;  and  the  conTemtioD  connBted  at 
lend  Kud  boiitcroni  obBenHdonBuidcriticiiniB  on  tbis  ood  that  mOTemeDt 
— tfae  adTBDce  of  one  dinBion.  the  retreat  of  another — promotion,  brevet, 
thanks  of  paiUament,  a  medal, — and  to  on :  md  all  were  la«ish  in  th^ 
auimadieraiaoB  on  the  ISth  Huasars,  for  making  ao  free  with  the  military 
cheat.  Their  abaervatioDS  were  often  mingled  with  k>nd  and  reckless  mili- 
taiy  merrtBwnt.  and  an  occarional  hearty  malediction  on  lome  woaod 
wluch  wonld  not  cease  bleeding,  or  an  eidamation  of  pain  at  the  twiogea 
it  BaT«.  Many  Spuiah  offi,eerB  were  sittinE  oier  cheaa-tablea,  absorbed  in 
their  bvonrile  natioDBl  game,  forgeUing  altogether,  in  the  inlereaC  which 
it  eidted,  the  battle  so  recently  gainml,  and  which  was  of  so  nmch  im- 
portance to  the  libertjei  of  their  countrj^.  But  it  has  been  truly  lemtiTked 
bf  Kinie  ooe.  that,  giie  the  Spaniard  hia  cigar,  his  iunshine,  bis  gutrido, 
tad  niiiBBsniiiiLlii.  and  it  is  all  one  to  him  whether  Spain  ia  ruled  bj  a  Solon 
or  a  Cal^fola. 

In  aDMher  COTner  of  tfae  drinldag-roam,  a  Spanish  colonel  was  uttinf 
cooUy  with  a  Daplcin  and  brasa  baain  under  hia  chin,  nndei^oing  the  ope- 
rMtion  of  b^g  shared  by  the  senior  anrgeon  of  bis  regiment,  as  it  is,  «' 
was,  tiwdaty  of  that  officer  to  lake  offtlw  colonel'i  beard  erery  moroii^ 
or  wbenerar  required.    So  much  for  the  dignity  of  the  medical  profession 

Eovelopedin  aclondof  tobacco-lmoke,whichle{tno  part  of  him  visible 
but  bis  twinikling  grey  eyes  and  red  snub  nose,  Captain  Blaoier  occupied 
theoppoBte  comar,  busy  in  preparing- a  loinrioaa  German  dish,  the  ingre- 
fiidnti  for  whiofa  he  produced  from  Che  havressck  of  glazed  canias  which 
he  carried  with  hia  blanket  on  his  back.  A  large  tin  treDober  stood  before 
him,  and  into  it  he  was  abiedding  a  csbbage,  which  he  had  picked  up 
when  skirmiahing  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Selr^tierra  the  preceding  day; 
mad  after  sprinkUng  over  it  pepper,  salt,  vinegar,  and  garCc,  he  began  to 
eat  with  infinite  relish. 

Alter  getting  bis  wound  dressed  by  the  Speai^  nudieo,  and  after  drink- 
ing ■  few  horns  of  ajroa  y  eino,  Ronald  procured  a  light  forage-cap  in 
place  of  hia  heavy  plomed  bonnet,  and  accompanied  by  Seatoa  and  thoae 
who  found  bim  on  the  field,  be  set  out  for  Che  regiment,  which,  with  Hill's 
-whole  division,  lay  bivouacked  six  miles  in  front  of  Vittoria,  where,  after 
purauingtiteFrenohtill  past  midnight,  Chey  had  hdted. 

On  bMi%  aoaoDmodated  with  a  horse,  Ronald  was  eneJiled  to  accom- 
iny  the  tmopa,  which  moved  next  dsy  to  drive  the  enemy  across  the 


^rJ 


peluna. 

„ .    _. .  .  lost.reOr 

the  hmons  panof  Roncesvallea  ;  while  the  rest,  under  tli 


king  Jds<^,  w^  tbignaterpart  of  hi 
by  the  hmons  pan  of  Roncesvallea  ;  w 
Cfroeral  Gwan,  relinid  by  the  vale  of  El  Baatan. 


Lord  WelUngtoD  sarTODDded  Fampelona,  which  was  yet  held  by  a  French 
garriaoli ;  u>d  OnbVB.  who  with  tbe  left  wing  of  the  allies  had  pursued 
the  retreating  enemy  on  tbe  great  road  for  France,  came  up  with  a  corpa 
near  Toksa,  wUeh  he  attacked  and  defeated,  and  driving  tbem  across  the 
Bidasaoai,  boldly  inveated  the  strong  fortress  of  San  Sebastian,  fironi  the 
towers  of  which  yetwaved  the  tri-ooiour  and  tbe  standard  of  King  loaofk. 


-n,  Google 


CHAPTER  VII. 


To  prerent  tbe  French  rrom  possmaing  themselves  of  the  Mija  beightE. 
Wellington  directed  the  Earl  of  Dalhouaie,  with  hit  dJTJgion,  to  thrnten 
them  by  moring  on  San  E>t«Tan ;  while  Sir  Rowland  Hill,  with  tbe  flnt 
andthree  others  of  bis  brigades,  made  a  similar  demonstntioii,  by  mlTchiBg 
through  the  nild  and  romantic  pass  of  Lanz. 

Along  the  whole  liae  of  march  from  Vittoria  to  the  Ppvnees,  a  diatUMS 
of  aboDt  one  hundred  miles,  the  roads  were  strewed  with  dead  or  aban- 


and  glores  of  ladies,  which  were  torn  forth  from  mails  and  imperiala  by 
the  rude  hands  of  gnerillas  and  ca^adores,  and  scattered  abont  ererywbw; 
thooaands  of  FVeoch  commissariat  retnrns,   bundles  of  bank-notes,  aad 

?u;keti  of  letters,  written  to  many  who  then  lay  cold  beneath  the  turf  at 
Ittoria,  were  scattered  orer  the  eround  b;  which  the  French  bad  retired. 
Many  poor  stragglers,  disabled  tjr  wonnds  or  slarTation,  fcU  into  flie 
hands  of  the  conqnerore,  and  with  others  maay  ladies  of  Joseph's  court, 
who  on  eaCBping,  when  the  carriages  were  taken  by  Graham's  dinaiOD. 
had  attempted  to  make  their  way  to  the  Pyrenees  by  passing  thronfifa  trikt 
and  nnfrequented  places.  Many  of  these  nnfortnnate  creatora  fell  into 
the  power  of  the  Spaniards,  and  were  treated  in  a  manner  too  berbBTon* 
to  relate;  and  others  were  seen  by  the  gentler  British,  fainting,  ex^nring, 
or  dead  by  the  way-side,  bare.fboted,  almost  naked,  and  redaced  to  ne 
most  pitiable  condition.  All  who  were  fonnd  aliTe  were  sent  under  an- 
eacort  to  the  rear,  to  be  placed  among  the  other  prisoners. 

The  great  chain  of  the  Pyrenees  was  now  before  the  victors,  and  on  Bie 
3rd  of  July,  Hill,  with  his  four  brigades,  began  to  ascend  the  heights. 
After  a  harassing  march  through  that  deep  gorge  among  the  monntnoft 
which  takes  its  name  from  the  town  of  Lanz,  they  came  in  view  of  Ab 
out-picquets  of  General  Qaian's  corps,  and  arrangements  were  mads  to 
drive  them  in  forthwith.  Led  byPaaaifem,  the  first  brigade  moved  thrtuiglt 
the  most  solitary  passes  of  the  monntains  by  a  village  named  Almaodos, 
and  took  up  a  positioa  on  the  left  of  Gazan's  ont-posts,  npon  which  ffir 
Rowland  gave  orders  to  attack  them  in  front.  On  findiog  that  Cameron 
had  tornea  their  flank  so  effectaally,  they  retired,  firing  by  the  way,  ani 
reached  their  main  body  at  Barreta,  nhere  a  sharp  skirmish  took  place,  in 
which  the  Conde  d'Amarante'i  Portnguese  sufTered  considerably. 

Neitday,  Gazan  retired  precipitately  throngh  Bliiondo,  followed  by  the 
Portuguese,  who  were  eager  to  revenge  the  slaoghter  of  their  comrade*  in 
the  preceding  day's  skinmsh,  and  the  troops  resamed  their  march  towardt 
the  heights  of  Maya. 

"  Cheerily  now,  Highlandmen  I  "  cried  Campbell,  flourishing  hiaeadgd, 
as  he  spurred  his  horse  past  ^e  heavily  accoutred  seetiona,  who  wen 
toiling  up  the  mountains  ;  "  hold  cheerily  on.  my  lads  !  Set  a  stout  be^ 
to  a  sley  brae,— ye  mied  the  old  saying  at  home :  ye'll  soon  see  the  hi^ 
road  to  Britain,  the  way  we  must  all  go,  ere  we  sea  the  corl  of  our  am 
peat-reek." 

A  few  hours'  march  brought  them  to  the  summita  of  the  Pyrenees,  and 

afar  off  waa  seen  the  ocean,  which  they  had  not  beheld  for  ao  long.   It  was 

the  way  to  their  homes,  and  from  a  simultaneous  feelii^,  wbidi  inapired 

-nan,  three  heart)'  cheers  awoke  the  echoes  of  the  mountains ;  caps 


and  booMta  were  toaud  into  the  ai 
taniiia,"  and  Ihe  piperi  blew  till  their  faces  grew  pnrple  and  block.  The 
biindes  halted  for  a  few  mioutes,  and  a  dewi  aileDce  aaccecded  the  first 
ODtoresk  of  their  ]oj.  Eiery  man's  breast  seemed  awelliog  vittk  emotions. 
which  he  foonil  it  impossible  to  communicate  ;  bat  he  read  in  the  feces  of 
hi*  cotnndee  the  same  joj  which  qaiclieDed  the  poises  of  bis  own  heart. 
The  sea. — the  same  deep-heanng  les  which  swept  around  the  racks  and 
■bores  of  their  own  couDtr;,  now  spread  its  broad  iiosom  before  themj  and 
long  and  wictfully  the;  gued  on  <he  white  sails  of  the  aoUtarr  Britiih 
cniisere,  which  here  and  there  dotted  the  dark-blue  waters  of  the  Bay  of* 
Biscay.  The  green  ridges  of  tbe  Lower  Frrenees,  the  fertile  plaiaa  and 
wooded  vales  of  France,  lay  spread  at  their  feet  Uke  a  brightly. tinted  map- 
Saint  Jean  de  Luz.  the  fiimona  and  opaleot  Bayonne,  and  a  thousand 
minor  towns  and  villages,  were  seen  from  those  lofly  enmrnits,  now  trod 
by  British  soldiers  for  the  first  time.  Behind  them  lay  lonny  Espana, 
Ihroagh  which  they  had  toiled  and  fonght  their  way,  and  where  many  a 
comrade  bad  fonod  his  graie, — but  no  man  looked  to  tbe  rear.  Erery  eye 
w««  tDmed  to  the  north, — on  Prance,  which  lay  below  them.  But  atern 
and  bloody  work  was  awaiting  them,  and  many  a  one  whose  heart  then 
boDuded  with  thoughta  of  his  native  home,  and  with  a  thonaand  inei- 
presaible  hopes,  nisbes,  and  foad  aaticipations,  was  doomed  to  find  hia 
last  restiiiE-plat^  on  these  very  heights  of  Ma;  ~ 


That  Dight  the  troops  biyonacked  on  the  mountuu-side.  a  league  in 
front  of  EGiondo.  As  it  was  generally  hia  Inck,  after  aay  march  which 
hnd  been  particolarly  long  and  tiresome,  Ronald  Stuart  had  command  of 
an  ad*ani^  pic^aet,  forming  one  of  the  chain  throwq  out  in  the  direction 
of  Gazan's  division,  which  luid  taken  up  a  position  lower  down  the  mouo- 
tains,  with  the  determinatioD  to  dispute  every  inch  of  ground  that  led  to 
la  brile  /VsNcr, — a  resolution  which  the  Marqois  of  Wellingtoa  deter- 
mined to  put  to  the  test  next  day.  Stuart's  orders  were  to  visit  bis  sentries 
every  honr  thnmghont  tbe  night,  to  keep  them  on  the  alert ;  a  duly  which 
proved  very  harassiog  after  bo  long  a  march,  as  it  was  almost  impossible 
to  sleep  in  the  short  intervals  between  the  ronuda.  However,  ftetting 
would  not  have  bettered  the  affair,  and  rolling  himself  up  in  his  cloak,  he 
resolved  to  make  bimaelf  as  comfortable  as  he  possibly  could.  A  huge  fire 
lighted  by  the  soldiers  lessened  the  cold,  aod  counteracted  the  effects  of 
aheaTy  wetting  dew,  which  falls  amid  these  mQunCaiDB  at  almost  every 

After  his  ration  of  beef  had  been  broiled  on  the  embera,  eaten  widiont 
aalt  off  the  end  of  a  ramrod,  and  washed  down  with  a  canteen  fnl)  of  ^lat 
tich  cider,  for  tbe  )>rodnction  of  which  tbe  district  around  Elizondo  is  so 
famous,  after  liateiuag  to  the  merry  bells  of  the  town,  which  were  ringing 
in  honour  of  the  British,  and  after  watching,  uotil  he  grew  weary,  the 
varying  efl'ecla  of  light  and  shade,  aa  the  red  blaze  of  a  dozeo  picquet  fires 

flared  on  the  beetling  crags,  deep  seams  and  gorges,  or  green  sides  of  the 
ilti,  he  found  it  almost  impossible  to  resist  the  invasion  of  sleep.  Even 
the  miniature  of  his  dark-haired  Alice  failed  to  enliven  him,  and  he  envied 
the  privates  of  his  party,  who,  having  neither  contmand  nor  responsibility, 
al^t  soundly  by  the  fire,  with  their  knapeacks  beneath  their  beads,  and 
their  arms  piled  beaide  them.  On  conanlting  bis  watch  to  see  bow  tbe 
time  went,  be  found  that  it  was  midnight,  and  that  sn  hour  bad  elapsed 
-lince  his  last  visit.  As  it  was  necessary  to  be  attended  by  some  one,  he 
■woke  Evan,*  and  desiring  him  lo  Cake  bis  arras,  moved  towards  his  sen- 
tin^,  whom  be  had  considerable  trouble  in  diEcovering,  as  the  ni^t  was 
intensely  dark.     All  was  right,  every  soldier  was  on  the  alert,  and  Konsld 


th^  bdield  glimmering  thnniEh  the  eIimib  nine  hnndred  jard*  off,  wM^ 
a  pierciDg  err  rutg  throogh  the  Mill  air,  at  a  abort  diMaooe  from  die  place 
where  they  were. 

"  Hey,  sir  I "  exclaimed  Evan,  beginningto  unbuckle  hia  pooch;  "  wki^t 
can  that  be,  in  aic  a  wild  place  as  tlue  ? " 

*'  A  woman'i  TOtcs.  I  think." 

"Itcamfraettael^anthe  left  o'  tbgroid,— I'maueo't.  Hack !  it 
waa  an  atKo*  en." 

"  Follow  me,    Bud  hie  maiter,  beginning  qmekly  to  aaiHid  the  bllL 

"  Hech,  ait  1  dioiu  Taitnre  up  tlie  bank  tiU  we  beai  loniBdiiDg  mair," 
nid  Evaa  oaotioDilr,  foUofring  promptlr  uemrtbeleaB.  "  My  esrtie  1  w« 
keDua  what  folk  may  bide  amsng  tbe  hojiuet  and  taowei  hereabont.  At 
hame  I  have  baard  Ml  o'  aic  erica  nngini  at  thu  tune,  between  tike  nidt 
apdmomiiig,  and  they  were  ay  fiir  ill,  and  never  (or  gade.  Saebeadrin^ 

"  Eran  !"  laid  Stuart  antrily,  "are  yon  afraid  of  men  ?" 
"  Ye  ken  lam  no,  sir'."  replied  the  HiglklandmaQ  diar^f.     "  I  wosld 
scorn  to  tnm  beel  on  tax  o'  tbe  beat  that  erer  tn>d  on  heather.    Mail' 
would,  may  be,  be  Tentnreaome." 

"  Of  bogles,  then,— orapnnkiei,  OTiriiat?"  The  eoWcr  was  ailent. 
"  Campaigniag  might  hure  tanght  yoa  to  Imgh  at  (och  ideaa,  JBntn." 
"  OanKOO,  air,"  replied  die  other  (tardily :  "if  oU  Mafaaod.  wi'  bona, 
boof,  and  blazti^eeant  onithe  brae  bead,  I'll  fcAown;  hot  anldDagtdd, 
the  comerg  man,  tsnld  me  an  nooo'  itorr  ca'd  die  Ikmm-dtarg,  that  gan 
me  seanner  at  my  ain  shadow  after  nkiht-fa'."  Agaio  the  (xy  raog  load 
and  shrilly,  and  many  others  followed  in  aaoceBMOn. 

"There  u  no  miaCake  now,"  cried  Honald,  mdiing  Bpthe  biU  towards* 
light,  which  nas  seen  twinkling  throagh  tbe  darkneia.  "It  ia  the  voice  of 
a  womani—and  she  cries  for  help."  Scramblii^  fwward,  among  roeb 
and  stnoted  treee,  a  frt^  momeDts  brought  them  id  front  of  a  bnt  ni  tbt 
mdeat  and  hnmblest  oanMmotion.  The  light  shone  tbron^  tbe  open  hols 
wfaiob  aeryed  for  a  window,  and  from  this  atmcture  tbe  criea,  wbicfa  had 
now  died  away,  bad  certwoly  pmoeeded.  BeCnnt  fae  entemd,  Ranald  re- 
connoitred the  interior  tbrongh  tbe  loop-hole.  Two  ahepberds,  amyad 
in  the  ooarte  clothing  made  of  the  ondyed  wool  of  the  mountain  sheep,  Mt 
smoking  cigars  and  driakiag  at  a  rough  wooden  table,  while  they  eoolly 
sBrreyed  a  very  singular  scene.  A  youDg  and  yery  handaome  woman. 
a  lady  eiidently  by  her  form  end  air,  ilthoagh  Iks'  dreaa  waa  tmn  and 
soiled,  faer  white  siJk  bonnet  banging  in  fritten,  her  hair  dishGTciledf  aad 
her  feet  almost  bare,  straggling  wildly  with,  and  exerting  every  maixy 
to  opfoae,  the  bnitalitf  of— wbora  ?  Cifnentes  1  the  diabolical  Nairaea 
Cifheates,  who,  like  a  bird  of  ill  omen,  seemed  doomed  to  cross  tbe  path 
of  Ranald  Staart  whererer  he  went,— and  even  there,  on  tbe  harden  c^ 
Prance.  He  appeared  tbe  same  ferocious  dog  as  ever,  with  bis  matted 
hair  and  scmb  beard  ;  but  his  aspect  waa  now  rendered  hidsona  by  a  fau^ 
sear  on  tbe  cheek  and  chin,  cauaed  probably  by  tbe  random  shot  wtochLnu 
Dalbooais  had  bestowed  upon  him  at  VittoHa.  His  musket,  sabie,  and 
pistols  Uy  upon  tbe  table.  Hii  stiletto  he  held  to  the  white  neck  of  the 
sinking  girl,  and  awore  by  every  s^nt  in  the  calendar  that  be  wonld  plnafa 
it  in  her  heart,  if  she  did  not  cease  her  eriea.  Overcome  witti  temranl 
eibaostion,  she  annk  npon  her  knees  before  him,  when  Emu,  spplyiat  hU 
foot  to  die  door,  dashed  it  in.  and  Stnart  msbing  forward,  grasped  Namoi 
by  the  throat,  hnried  him  to  the  earth,  before,  in  bis  own  defenee,  he  ooald 
strike  a  blow  with  his  weapon,  which  Evan  wrested  adnntiy  from  his  hand, 


75 

sod  ■afing,  wiA  a  grw,  flut  "H  md  mail'  >  bnTs  rtnu-cUti  for  hn 
feitlier  the  piper,"  stuck  it  into  his  tigbt  gmrter.  Fiercely  did  Cifnentea 
struggle  wilh  hii  atbletic  uuilant,  who,  >lthou|h  he  plauled  ■  foot  on  bis 
throat,  delayed,  with  a  miatakea  hmBaaity,  to  bury  hi*  diymora  in  hia 
heart. — a  display  of  mercy  Rooald  had  reason  aftenraidi  to  repent  moat 
bitterly. 

The  two  herds  BtBr(«d  to  their  feet  on  beholding  Ibis  naeipectsd  oonfliet, 
and  the  lady,  in  tb*  extremity  of  her  tnror,  Aaag  her  arms  around  Stuut, 
and,  gttmfittg  Urn  eon*alsi*dy,  completely  impeded  Us  motiona.  Of  this 
drcDmatmiaa  his  adrersary  did  not  fail  to  t^e  Uke  atmoet  adTantage. 
After  aereral  fndtlesB  effnrts,  be  escaped  from  Rooald's  powerful  gi 

.    .._ii ._  t ^  ^  Etmn,  who  dkargied  him  bresat-bigh,  mi 

stppcared  in  tbe  darkoeii  wi  A  the  speea  of  a  t 

..  w  torned  asainal  the  lillaoons  sbepberds,  whom, 

in  the  extremity  of  bis  anger,  be  threatened  to  pot  to  death ;  Dpoo  which 
they  qnitUd  their  dwelling,  and  made  a  hasty  retreat.  While  Etaa  alood 
sentinel  at  the  door,  his  Busier  endeayoared  to  calm  and  pacify  the  young 


. _  ...  B reaerve in^aii 

"  liie  Barooeaa  de  Clappoarknais." 

"  Oh,  indeed  !    And  bow  alone  in  andi  a  place  as  this  !" 

"  Ah  I  mouriem',  yov  need  scarcely  aik.  When  the  royal  cafTi^:ca 
were  captured,  on  ttui  road  to  Bayoone,  I  waa  one  of  the  few  who  effected 
an  escape  Itodi  them.  CA,  pity  me  I  momiatr  offieirr,  and  do  not 
deliver  me  B|i  to  be  tinat  a  priaooer  to  England." 

''  Mndanie,  whatwonld  yon  have  me  to  do?" 


is  wnn  uie^.     j  may  nod  means  to  rejoin  him  safely.     1  am  sure  yon  win 
not  tnat  me  cruelly — jonr  look  i>  ao  gentle.    Bnt  we  Frenchwomen  haye 

Site  a  terrible  idea  oi  yo«  Britjah  aoTdiera,  and  my  feara  baTe  carried  me 
OS  far  fima  the  Altai  plains  of  Victoria.  Ah  I  good  air,  joq  mayimagine, 
but  I  can  never  deacribe  the  terrors,  the  mieeriea,  the  horror  I  hare  nnder- 
nnte  wUle  wandering  so  great  a  distance,  alone  and  nnprotected,  aoKag 
uirae  barfaaroni  SnaniaMs.  And.  0  mm  Oieu !  when  I  had  almoM 
gained  the  riidter  of  Oazan's  tines,  I  tell  into  tlw  power  of  that  fearM 
creatore,  from  whose  sayage  treatment  yon  have  ao  bravely  reacned  me." 

"  Where  did  yon  meet  with  htm,  madasae  ?" 

"  WandM'ing  in  the  pata  of  Lain, — for  I  wai  compelled  to  seek  the 
most  unAvqnented  paths.  Clad  in  the  babit  of  some  of  the  reKfictui  of 
thia  coentry,  he  met  me.  I  had  noting  to  fear  from  one  who  wore  the 
earh  of  peace.  I  confided  in  him :  be  offered  to  become  my  guide,  and 
M  me  Uther.  Yon  know  the  rest.  Ah,  numaienr  I  com|dete  your  kind- 
nem,  I  beseech  you,  and  see  me  in  aafety  to  the  French  ontpoats  I" 


"  What  yon  ask  of  me,  madame,  I  cannot  perform,  and  I  aay  ao  w 
jt.  .  'Tia  thi^  mtle*  &am  thia  to  the  enemy's  positian.  1  canr 
rt  you  myielf,  being  on  a  particular  daty,  and  I  have  m 


■endng  yon  thither ;  yet,  believe  me,  for  the  sake  of  poor  D'Eiatooville's 
first  hm  I  woald  do  much." 

Thia  was  said  in  a  tone  of  f^lmg,  ^htiy  mingled  with  reproach,  and 
the  eolonr  of  tlie  lady  came  and  weat  while  she  gaisd  ou  KonBLld  with  a 
look  sf  coniideTable  snrpiise. 

"Manaienr,"  said  she,  after  a  paaae,  "did  you  know  Major 
d'KstoaTille  ?" 


' '  iDtinutlelri  atthaugb  a  Freachmon  mai  aa  eaemy.    I  bdieU  him  die." 

"  At  Meridft  ?"    Her  Up  quiTered. 

"  Y«s,  midame." 

"  PoorVicCarl"  raid  tliebarooeu-tlunightnillf. 

"  The  last  words  he  attend  were  jonr  name, — Diane  de  Monbnkbel- 
He  eipired  in  great  agony,  on  a  bed  of  ttraar,  stretched  od  the  coldpaTS- 
ment  of  an  andent  chapel." 

"  Merci  I  Ah,  -monsieur  !  do  not,  do  not  tell  me  any  more  of  tlua !" 
said  sbe,  covenag  her  face  with  ber  hands, — wbich,  I  ma;  obsene,  wo* 
Teiy  small  and  brautifnlly  formed, — and  beginning  to  weep  and  aob.  "  I 
dare  not  tbinV  of  Victor  now,— now  when  the  wedded  wife  of  anotlwi  1 
To  do  BO  would  be  a  gin,  even  although  he  is  dead." 

"  D'EatouTille  told  me  his  story.    He  ioved  yon  yecy  tmlr,  maduna." 

"  I'ltQOm  that.  You  will  certainly  thinli  me  yery  cruel  in  deserting  him, 
but  Heaien  knows  I  did  not  do  so  wilfully  ;  I  was  not  entirely  to  blame. 
At  Lillebonne  wa  nuderstood  that  he  had  been  killed ;  and  loi^;  I  wept  and 
sorrowed  for  him.  and  protested  that,  natU  death,  I  would  remain  un- 
weddedforhis  sake.  Monsieur  le  Baron  made  proposals  for  my  band, 
and  it  was  giien  him  by  my  parent  eren  before  my  consent  was  obtwned. 
Terror,  sorrow,  and  domestic  persecution  did  the  rest,  and  I  became  the 
bride  of  the  new  anitor,  who  indeed  loves  me  very  dearly,  and  I  have  every 
reason  to  be  grateful  to  him.  A  coronet  is  a  gay  and  attractive  thii^; 
yet  think  not,  monaiear,  that  I  have  forgotten  poor  Viator,  thoosh  I 
Struggle  with  my  heart  to  teach  it  the  duty  it  owes  the  barou.  One  cannot 
bays  two  loves  for  one  heart,"  site  added,  sobbing  and  blushing. 

"Well,  madame,"  said  Stoart,  anxious  to  end  her  embarrasament, 
"  some  arrangement  must  be  made.    First,  let  ns  leave  this  place." 

"Ehbieai"  said  the  lady  joyfully ;  and  bwinniog  t«  boatle  aboat,  she 
pot  her  dilapidated  dress  in  some  order.  "  But,"  added  she,  ahrn^pns 
her  ahonlders,  '*for  where,  moneienr  ?" 

"  With  your  permission,  madame.  to  my  picqoet  at  the  foot  of  tbe  hill, 
in  the  first  plai^,"  replied  Stuart,  consulting  his  watcb.  "  I  have  been 
absent  nearly  an  hour.    Hsb  !  there  will  be  the  devil  to  pay  shonld  I  be 

"Ay  will  there,  sir,"  said  Evan,  who  had  leaned  his  chin  upon  the 
muzzle  of  his  piece,  and  '  glowered  '  with  considerable  surprise  dniing  the 
andden  and  animated  conversation  which  his  master  bad  carried  on  so 

C"'<ly  with  the  atrange  lady.  "I  hae  been  keepin'  my  lug  to  the  wind,  to 
rken  if  ony  soonds  cam  up  the  brae,  but  there  has  been  naething  asteer 
aa  yet.  Ye  bae  nae  been  missed ;  bat,  gnde  save  os,  sir,  let's  awa  before 
wanr  comes  o't !  Faaiifem  '  the  chief '  himael'a  on  dntv.  and  whan  ha 
gangs  the  ronod,  a  bonnie  kick  ap  there  will  I 

and  yeken  the  cornel  is  winr  than  the  deiltc      .    .  _.__. 

that  this  was  good  and  sound  advice,  however  homely  its  delivery  ;  and  be 
prepared  to  rtjoin  his  picqoet,  before  Cameron,  who  was  field-c^oer  on 
dnty,  might  visit  it. 

By  pinning  up  here  and  there,  tucking  up  one  thing  and  letting  ont 
another,  the  lady  wrought  away  rapidly  with  her  neat  and  nimble  littUi 
hands,  working  as  only  a  Frenchwoman  oould  have  done,  and  in  tbre* 
miuutes,  her  travel-stuned  and  disordered  attire  was  nicely  and  Ten 
passably  arraoged.  Ronald  olTered  his  aasiatance,  but  the  lady  di^auaed 
with  it,  thankiag  turn  with  a  smile,  and  saying  he  "  could  not  be  a  Toy 
adroit  _feninu  de  cAambre."  The  glossy  locks  were  smoothly  placed  over 
her  white  forehead,  and  the  cmshed  bonnet  bad  almost  reaamed  ila  tne 
Parisian  shape.  Its  dran^ed  feathers  were  cast  a^e,  but  the  rich  white 
veil  aba  disposed  gracefully  over  the  front ;  and,  looking  at  Stuart  srith  a 


77 

llaoce  of  mingled  srehaeBB,  coqnetry.  and  timiditTr  obserred  that  she  wu 
"  attired  sotoewhttt  mors  a  la  mode,"  and  took  his  proffered  «rm. 

"Ah.  moneieui!"  «^d  Bhe.  "once  more  I  aatreat  yon,  do  not  deliver 
I,— that  horrid  place  I " 
.      ,        .       _    ,  J  word  of  honoar.     In  transfer- 

rinf  fOD  to  the  Freoch  lines,  I  iooircoasideniblerisk  ;  htit  aa  the  distance 
u  ao  short,  I  will  see  if  it  can  possibly  be  done  before  day  brealis." 

He  thiew  hia  ample  cloak  around  her,  and  giving  strict  injunctions  to 
Evan  not  to  acquaint  hia  comrades  who  the  lady  nas,  began  to  descend  the 
hill  Hs  qaickly  as  the  trembling  steps  of  the  latter  waold  permit  along  sDch 
a  dark  and  rueged  path.  Before  leaving  the  hut,  BvaD  took  care  to  break 
aod  destroy  all  the  ofTensiie  neapons  it  contained,  ssjing  as  he  did  so, 
"  that  faTes  and  bairns  sbudnsbae  chappin'  sticks."  He  proposed  to  s^t 
the  hut  in  a  "  bleeie,"  to  light  their  way  down  the  hill,  but  his  mailer  at 
once  objected.     The  darkness  renrwed  the  terrors  of  the  young  lady. 

*'  Is  the  way  long,  mansieur  ?  "  asked  she  in  a  faltering  tone. 

"  O  no,— quite  near.  You  see  the  picquet-fire  yonder.  Ah,  madame  I 
bcnr  fortunate  I  am  in  baling  come  so  opportnaely  to  ^^oar  rescue." 

"  Oh  !  I  shall  never  forget  yon  in  my  prayers, — never,  monsieor." 

"  Bot  ivby  are  you  trembling  so  much  >  Surely  y  oa  are  not  afraid  of  me  ?" 

"Ono!  your  behaviour  is  too  cavalier-like  and  gentle  for  that;  andws 
have  become  quite  like  very  old  friends  in  half  an  hour's  time." 

"Do  you  fear  the  darkness,  then?" 

'*  JIfon  dieu .'   Ah  I  the  darktiess  ia  nothing  new  to  me.   Alas  1  "  repUed 

-    -' =-->--  -!-—>-.—    ..  ^--  -Lj  g^,^  ofVittoria  J  have  passed 

,  .  ,  id  I  wander  now  bow  one  so 
and  so  delicately  nurtared,  baa  not  sunk  under  al!  the  fears  and  pri- 
vations I  have  undergone  for  some  days  and  nights  past."  The  lady 
Started.  AC  that  moment  the  voice  of  a  sentinel  was  heard  to  give  the 
usual  challenge. 

"  Who  eomea,  there  ?  " 

"Rounds!"  answered  the  bold  voice  of  Fassifem,  and  the  tramp  of 
his  horse's  boofs  rang  on  the  roadway  between  the  mountains. 

"  Stand,  rounds  1  replied  the  sentry,  porting  bi«  musket,  and  BO  on  ; 
with  Hie  uaual  ceremony,  the  parole  and  conntersign  were  given  and 

"  Excuse  me,  madame,  hot  for  a  minute."  said  Stuart.  "  I  am  just  in 
time  1  an  instant  later,  and  I  should  have  been  missed."  Leaving  the  side 
of  the  trembling  lady,  he  baatled  about,  and  got  his  picqnet  under  arms. 

On  the  departure  of  Fassifem,  whoBB  movements  the  baroness  had 
watdied  with  no  ordinary  feelings  of  caution  and  fear,  Evan  was  dBspatcbed 
for  Hacdonald,  whom  be  fiiund  enjoying  himself  with  some  other  offlceis 
at  a  winB'house  in  Elizondo.  He  came  promptly  enough,  and  was  not  a 
little  snrprised  when  Ronald  requested  as  a  favour,  that  he  would  escort  a 
yonDslady  to  within  airiiC  of  the  French  hnes,eiplainlne  at  the  same  time, 
in  as  few  words  as  poiarlble,  her  story  and  the  nsture  of  her  situation. 

Aliaterat  once  accepted  the  honour  of  beinR  her  convoy.  "  But."  said 
he,  looking  into  the  gloom  which  snrronnded  them,  "the  route  is  con. 
ftoandedly  dreary  across  the  momitains  to  the  rock  of  Maya,^Gazan'i 

"1  am  perfectly  aware  of  it,"  replied  Stuart,  with  an  air  of  pique. 
"  Tie  impOBsibie  tba  baroness  can  go  alone,  and  gallantry  requires  ns  to 
set  Wellington's  orders  at  defiance  for  once,  and  not  deliyer  her  np.  1 
would  have  escorted  her  myself,  but  cannot  leave  my  picquet." 

"  Monrieqr,"  said  the  baroness,"!  am  indeed  sorry  to  trouble  yen  i 
bntdmily  you  do  not  complain  of  the  duty — " 


7B  TBK   BOHlLHCB  OT    MTAM. 

"Od,  do  :  impocaible,  madune,"  eidnmed  Aliater,  tke  blood  montt- 

iog  to  hia  lundaome  fealnm  at  tha  id«,  wbUe,  grsoAillr  raiung  hk  biMI- 

ttel,  he  observed  her  fair  fact  by  the  red  light  of  the  fire.     "  Bat  wiU  you 

.    intrust  yoQiself  to  the  goidaace  of  one  vlui  ii  entirely  ■  sinnger,  through 

a  road  to  d>rk  and  dangtrcxu  ? ' ' 

"I  haye  no  Blternatiie,  *Im!"  nidsbe,  bending  her  bright  eyeiinto  the 
gloom,  oa  if  ahe  atroee  to  pierce  the  depthf  beyond.  She  ihaddered. 
"'Tia  lerj  dark,  indeed,  meaiieara.  1  hare  do  alterutiie  but  to -go, 
or  to  remdn  and  be  aent  a  captive  to  Britain.  IfODiiear,  I  will  go 
with  you.  I  will  depend  on  the  nntuniihed  hooout  of  a  Brititb  officer, 
that  I  aball  be  convefed  in  ufety  to  Gaxan'i  aemindB  at  the  rock  of 

"  Mtuilsine,  yon  do  me  an  hononr  nerer  to  be  fomttan,"  answered 
Macdonald,  with  a  bow  profonnd  enongh  for  any  "  pnmng  eenor"  of  Old 
Castile,  while  the  lady  toolc  his  arvi- 

"Lend  me  your  dirk,  Steart.  I  left  mine  at  the  wine  coxa."  laid 
AliiteTi  adjustiag  hie  belt  and  patting  his  baeket-hilt  free  of  plaid,  aaah, 
tasselB,  Sic.  "  It  ia  as  well  to  be  prepared  for  any  auddeii  attack,  and  tin 
baronesi  moat  be  my  warrant  that  I  am  not  made  a  iniaooer  of  by  lome  of 
Gar.an'a  iconta  oi  ■baipahootera.  So  then,  good  bye,  Stunt ;  I  will  come 
brattling  «p  the  brae  in  an  hmir  or  ao." 

The  lady  kisaed  her  hand  to  Stoart  and  departed  with  MacdanaU,  feel- 
ing a  conBdeace  and  asBaraace  of  safety  wliich  prohaldy  no  Britiah  lady 
would  hate  felt,  if  intnuted  to  the  charge  of  a  foreigner  nader  the  Mme 
peculiar  circanutances. 

"And  this  ii  Diane  de  Uontaiid>e1,  tiie  false  love  of  poor  Victor 
d'Estooville,"  thought  Ronald,  aa  her  light  figure  diaappeared  m  the  datk- 
neai.  "  Well,  1  believe,  if  all  t^  tales  hia  biend  De  M«nn*i  told  nu  were 
trne,  one  cannot  look  for  moch  faiUi  in  French  womeo  I" 

For  MacdoDsld'e  return  he  waited  with  ROnsiderable  anxiety,  which  in- 
creased when  the  time  by  which  he  expected  him  paaied  away  without  his 
appearing,  and  day  began  to  dawu  on  the  Maya  beighta.  He  conld  not 
help  dreading  that  Aliater  bad  not  been  wary  CDOogh,  and  bad  been  cap- 
tnred  by  the  French  advanced  sentinels.  If  so,  the  escape  of  the  baronesi 
wonld  come  to  light,  and  be  feared  the  Marqais  of  Wellington  wonld  naake 
a  denced  unpleasant  row  about  it.  He  also  remembered  Narvaez  CifneiHea, 
whom  for  some  time  he  had  forgotten,  and  supposed  that  hia  friend 
might  have  fotally  enconntered  thia  aarage  bandit  and  aome  of  hia  com- 
paniona. 

The  morning  had  now  dawned,  bat  the  valleya  betwriea  Eliiondo  and 
the  rock  of  Maya,  and  even  the  sDmmita  of  the  Lower  Fyrenecr '^" 


!«gle«  were  aoanng  (hroogh  the  Use  akv  from  their  eyriea  anoK  u« 
I,  and  fbe  morning  breeia,  aa  it  swept  bIob^  tiia  aaoantna  tide*,  bon 
it  the  dehghtfoT  psrftune  of  the  aromatie  plantn  and  litde  •hrab* 


almoel  involved  in  daikoest.    Shaking  tiie  dew  from  thar  booming  winn, 
'       '         '  the  Use  akf  from  their  eyriea  aaaoK  ue 
I  the  aaoontaiB  lidM.lwn 

„ _ e  plantB  and  littk  ahrob* 

which  flonriah  so  plentinillf  in  all  waste  plaeoa  tuooghoat  Spain.  Prom 
the  dying  embers  of  the  picqaet-fire  e  poff  of  amoke  carled  now  and  then 
on  the  pare  air.  hat  scareely  a  aonnd  woke  tfae  echoe*  of  Ihe  place,  save 
the  proud  and  steady  tread  of  the  aentriea  aa  they  strode  to  and  fro  on 
their  posts. 

Beyond  the  advanced  diain  of  the  latter,  Ronald  wandered  fiv  in  Mardi 
of  Hacdonald,  and  to  await  bii  retnra  aeated  himaelf  npon  a  fiagmcot  of 
rock,  and  watched  attentively  the  long  valley  whidi  lay  between  him  and 
the  Lower  or  French  Pymen,  varying  this  employment,  bf  boUoaiog  to 
the  eaglei  oa  he  ased  to  do  at  houM,  or  by  harling  stonea  at  tfae  gtoBy 
black  ravens  as  they  acreamed  alond,  flapped  their  winga,  and  frtim  the 


rodd  of  tlic  Burraimdins  aildeniBH  Btared  *t  him  m  an  iDtmder  npoa  their 
toHtade.     The  TOice  of  lome  one  ainging  m  Oadio  King, — 

"  Cibi  tcjd  Ktlt  a  ehoMh,"* 
cimaed  bim  to  apring  to  his  feet. 

"  UolloB,  AliiCer  !  Ii  that  von,  my  mui  ?" 

"  Yea,"  replied  Macdonald,  spiioging  np  the  rocks  to  where  Ronald  sat, 
and  leaping  to  hii  side  with  tbe  aetiiit)^  of  a  deer ;  "  but  yon  nearly  made 
an  end  of  me  a  xloiea  times.  Every  miante  you  aent  a  large  rock  sousing 
dowQ  the  ravine  upon  my  very  path.  Did  yon  Dot  bear  me  shout?  Whif, 
Dwa,  you  hate  but  half  tbe  ear  of  a  Highland  foiester !     I  hope  I  am  m 


Uaya-" 

"  Why  no ;  to  tell  yon  the  tmth,"  replied  Macdonald,  laughing  ai 
heartil]!  a*  bis  lack  of  breath  vonld  permit  bim,  "  «e  consulted  oar  own 
convenience  and  pleasure,  and  it  has  been  tbe  most  agreeable  nigh^  or 
rather  morning,  march  since  I  first  saw  the  spires  of  Lisbon." 

"  So  I  suppose.     But  did  you  escape  the  I^ench  sentries  ?" 

"  How  would  I  haie  been  here  ebe,  Ronald?  They  are  posted  at  ^e 
foot  of  tbe  rock  of  Maya,  and  must  have  been  blind  if  they  did  not  see  me. 
_I  led  tbe  young  lady  witiun  a  hundred  yards  of  them,  and  there  bade  her 
tenderly  adien." 

"  She  thanked  you,  of  course?" 

"  By  BO  delighUul  a  salute,  tbat  I  began  to  persuade  her  to  return  with 
me ;  but  she  placed  her  httla  band  upon  my  mouth,  and,  as  Che  noTels  say, 
Tujiahed  from  my  sight, — in  other  words,  crossed  tbe  enemy'*  lines :  la 
now,  I  suppose,  she  is  in  the  arms  of  monsieDr  the  baron,  or  as  he  would 
b«  more  appropriately  styled,  Jock  Law,  laird  of  the  Clapperknowes. 
What  a  pity  tis  that  so  sweet  B  girl  should  be  the  wifeof  that  gruJOr  old  hum- 
bug I    Bah  1  there  go  the  pipes  t " 

'  Wellington  has  come  I 

The  out-picquets  r^oined  their  several  brigades,  which  in  a  few  minates 
were  in  motion,  and  marched  from  Elizondo  with  their  bands  playing,  and 
entered  among  tbe  mountains  towards  that  part  of  Maya  where  General 
Gazan's  corps  were  in  positiaa.  In  tbe  forenoon  tbey  came  in  sight  of 
the  enemy,  when  Sir  Rowland  Hill  halted,  and  Wellington,  attended  by  a 
single  aide-de-camp,  rode  forward  to  reconnoitre.  Ranald  Stoart  had  now, 
for  tbe  fir^t  lime,  an  opportunity  of  particularly  obeerTing  that  great  leader, 
of  whom  the  world  then  beard,  and  were  yet  to  hear,  so  much. 

He  was  mounted  on  a  slight  but  stout  crop-tailed  borae,  withoift  trap- 

{ingsi  a  pair  of  plain  holsters  were  at  bis  saddle-bow,  and  a  short  sabre 
ong  from  bis  belt.  Tbe  ejceeding  plainness  of  bis  attire — a  coane  blue 
cloak,  and  weather-beaten  cocked-hat,  totally  destitute  of  ornament — con- 
trasted stroDgly  with  the  richly-laced  jacket  and  pelisse  of  bis  aide,  an  officer 
of  the  10th  Hussars,  that  regiment  of  eiquisite  celebrity.  Wellington  gaie 
akeen  hut  baaty  glance  along  tbe  ranks  of  the  bronzed  Eighlanikirs  as  he 
rode  past,  and  dieu  bent  bis  sharp  eyes  on  the  heights,  where  the  dark 
columns  of  French  infantry  ^peared  in  position,  their  long  lines  of  ser- 
ried arms  glancing  as  usiul  in  the  sun.  For  about  three  minutes  the 
marquis  carefolly  made  a  reconuoissance  of  tbe  foe  through  bis  telescope, 
and  then  issued  his  orders. 

■'  Su-  Willism  1 "  Bud  he. 

General  Stuart,  ■  fine  old  soldier,  with  haii  while  as  snow,  a  broniEd 


tinge,  uid  >  pnrple  eoat  ndarned  with  ■  black  licnlet,  rode  up,  and  toocbed 
hii  cosrae  cocked-Lat  of  glazed  leather. 

"  With  the  tecond  brigade  ycm  will  croH  the  Bidastoa,  by  the  patfaway 
leading  from  Elizondo,  and  ascending  the  mountains,  tarn  the  ennny't 
light.     Yoa  will  carry  then>ck  of  Maya  at  the  point  of  the  bayonet." 

"  It  ahall  be  done,  my  lord,"  replied  Staart,  confidenUy,  u  he  droie 
spnri  Into  hU  harss  and  gaUoped  back  to  the  aecond  brigade ;  while  Sir 
Rowland  with  the  mar^nia  aacended  to  an  eminence,  to  obasrve  the  opera- 
tJong  and  Eucceea  oF  this  rooTement.  While  Stnsrt  with  hia  troopa  mored 
otC  and  disappeared  among  the  rocke  and  orchard!  of  Eliiondo,  the  otber 
bripdes  remained  nnder  arms,  and  foand,  with  considerable  chagrin,  t£at 
their  part  of  the  game  waa  nnt  yet  come.  After  remaining  for  aometime — 
an  hour,  petbapi — watching  attentirely  the  French  lioea,  the  sonnd  at 
distant  finn;>,  and  the  appeanmoe  of  emolce  curling  along  the  hiU-eidsi, 
aanounred  that  the  gallant  Stuart  bad  comtnenced  the  attack.  Ererj  ear 
and  every  eye  were  all  attention.  The  fire  became  closer  and  more  rapid ; 
a  cheer  waa  heard,  and  in  ten  minutes  the  whale  second  brigade,  canaiat. 
ing  of  the  brave  "  Old  BefTs,"  the  3lBt,  the  5;th,  and  66th  Enghah 
regimentB,  were  seen  mahing  up  the  hill  under  a  cioie  and  destractiTe 
ahower  of  shot,  which  they  heeded  leaa  than  if  it  had  been  a  afaawn'  of 
rain,  although  it  tiiinned  their  numbers  deplorably.  Forward  they  went 
with  the  bayonet,  and  the  right  wing  of  the  French  melted  away  befoiv 
them. 

The  poai 
thi  ■  - 

conflict. 
"They  have  done  well,"  said  Wellington.  "Forward!  the  light  troops." 
The  command  waa  obeyed  witb  promptitude.  The  6th  Ca;adorei,  the 
TIst  Higblandera,  and  all  the  light  companies,  moved  off  double  qniii.  aAil 
the  ratinea  among  the  hills  ran^  with  the  clank  of  accoalrements  and  the 
tramp  of  their  feet.  These  auiiliariea  scrambled  directly  np  the  face  of  the 
hill,  and  the  MHh  regiment,  moring  to  the  front,  opened  a  deadly  (Ire  on 
Gazan's  left,  while  bis  troopa  were  making  ineSectnal  attempta  to  recover 
the  heights  on  their  right. 

Eiposed  thus  to  a  fire  on  their  flanks,  and  galled  in  front  by  a  cloiUI  of 
sbarp-ahooters,  who  were  scatteied  among  the  rocks  and  bnsbes — boldsg 
np  every  instant  to  fire,  sod  then  ducldng  down  to  reload — the  Frencfa 
began  to  retreat  down  the  hills  towarda  France,  but  slowly,  and  keeping  op 
their  fire  with  gallant  yet  aingnlar  detenninetion. 

The  coolness  displayed  by  the  light  infantry  in  this  skirmish  wa*  truly 
astonishing.  To  them  it  appeared  like  ordinary  ahooting — a  mere  araase- 
ment.  The  Highlanders  and  tbe  ca^adorea  were  seen  scampering  hither 
and  thither,  leaping  from  rock  to  rock,  firing  and  kneeling,  or  throwing 
tbemsi-tveB  fiat  on  tbe  earth,  langhing  and  jesting  in  a  manner  which  none 
but  Iho>e  that  have  been  eye-witnesses  of  anch  an  affair  can  im^ne. 
Sven  the  deep  groan,  the  audden  shriek  of  anguish,  aa  some  comrade, 
when  struck  by  a  French  bullet,  tossed  aside  his  mnsket  and  heavily  Ml 
prone  on  the  earth,  wallowing  in  hia  blood,  did  not  cool  or  restrain  them; 
and  thus  they  continued  to  adianre  for  aeveral  milea,  strewing  the  droimd 
with  drad,  and  peppering  tbe  retiring  foe  from  every  avulable  point. 

Gazan  threw  out  a  body  of  chasseurs  to  cover  tbe  retreat  of  hia  foroea 
dovra  the  monnlaina,  and  with  them  an  irregular  tight  waa  maintained  tiie 
whole  day.  Night  scarcely  pnt  an  end  to  the  content,  and  allowed  the 
jaded  French  to  find  B  ahelter  in  their  on-n  country.  The  night  waa  eic«a. 
sively  dark,  and  yet  the  firing  continued  for  nearly  two  hoara  after  the 
gloom  bad  fairly  set  in,  and  only  oeaied  when  irieada  bcoame  confoonded 


»A«.  81 

miOi  foei.  Stttoa  narrowlr  eacaped  fadng  bHyontted  hj  two  of  hii  own 
favonriCe  ligbt-bobs.  Several  of  the  French  weot  Che  wroDg  irsT  in  the 
duk,  and,  lalliug  among  the  British,  were  cBptured  and  sent  to  the  rear. 
Tbe  efiect  of  the  midnight  firing  was  peculiarly  fine,  in  luch  b  wild  wilder. 
neae  as  the  Pyreneeg.  Several  thouiand  muiketi  flashing  incessantly 
Uuongh  the  gluom,  and  wakening  the  myriad  echoes  of  tbe  monutains  and 
gorges,  presented  a  very  lingalar  sight,  the  pleaaare  of  viewing  which  wal 
considenbly  lessened  by  the  coutinDal  whiitling  of  shot ;  nntil  tbe  bnglea 
oo  both  lidei  called  in  tbe  stragglers,  and  tbe  British,  giving  one  hearty 
ebeer  of  trinmph  and  defiance,  withdrew  to  their  main  body. 

The  lines  of  the  latter  were  now  established  along  the  heights  of  Maya. 
Hie  whole  of  tbe  mouataiaa  were  enveloped  iaadeasefog;  a  tremendous 
itormof  rain  succeeded,  bat  tbe  troops,  theanb^py  out-picquets  excepted, 
were  snug  under  canvas.  But  there  were  eipoaed  the  hondreds  of  killed 
and  woundeil,  who  could  neither  be  sought  dot  attended  to  then,  and  who 
lay  scattered  over  miles  of  contested  grouod,  auder  all  the  fnry  of  the 
pitileaa  elements.  For  the  dead  it  mattered  not ;  but  many  of  the  wounded 
expired  during  the  raging  of  (he  storm,  wbicb  accelerated  tbdr  end. 

Seated  in  bis  tent,  on  the  eloping  sidea  of  which  tbe  tain  Was  rnibing 
down,  Stuart  wrote  letters  foF  Inchavon-house  and  Lochisla.  He  tuuDd 
tbsir  compotitioQ  no  easy  task,  as  tbe  candle,  wbicb  was  stock  in  a  bottle, 
flickered  in  the  wind,  and  sputtered  with  tbe  rain-drops  nbich  oozed 
through  the  canvas  sides  of  bis  bell-shaped  covering.  He  held  out  hopes 
of  his  speedy  return,— but  he  bad  often  done  so  before ;  for  every  new 
victory  was  deemed  by  tbe  troops  a  precursor  of  peace,  and  of  relom  to 
their  native  homes.        •       ♦       •       * 

Having  now  gained  tbe  impratant  heights  of  Maya,  Lord  Wellii^ton 
retired  to  join  another  part  of  his  arm^.  The  celebrsted  psss  was  left  to 
tba  care  of  E^sifern  with  tbe  fint  brigade,  which  encamped  on  tbe  very 
■ammitofthehillB,  where  tbe  high  road  fron  the  fertile  vale  of  £1  Bastan 
desoends  to  France. 

The  second  brigade  was  posted  in  avalley  to  theright,  and  the  Fortu- 
gnese  of  tbe  Coud£  d'Amarante  occupied  a  mountain  in  front  of  the  hamlet 
of  Erraza,  where  a  brigade  of  tbe  same  nation  was  quartered,  under  the 
commaad  of  Colonel  Adiworth.  The  82nd  (Prince  of  Wales's  Volunteers) 
occupied  another  part  of  tbe  hi|lB>  abont  two  miles  off ;  and  to  these  trcwps 
was  left  the  defence  of  the  pass  of  Maya,  for  which  they  were  to  figbt  to 
tbe  last  gasp,— orders  which,  when  the  time  came,  were  faithfully  and 
nobly  penormed. 


CHAPTER  Tin, 


A  uoNTH  elapsed  without  the  sound  of  a  shot  bdng  heard,  and  the 
Boops  at  the  paasea  of  Maya  and  Ronoesvalles  lay  qnieUy  encamped  uid 
usmoleated  amidst  the  fine  scenery  of  the  Pyrenees.  The  weather  was 
DOW  reniarkablf  agreeable,  and  the  officers  procured  plenty  of  wine  from 
E^izondo  and  other  Navarese  towns  in  their  rear,  and  Ibey  were  beginnii^ 
to  be  as  comfortable  as  it  is  possible  for  troops  to  be  under  canvas.  But 
a  cloud  was  gatbering  in  tbe  valleys  of  Gascony  below  them. 
'  The  giMt  victory  at  Vittoria,  and  the  important  events  which  followed 
it,  bad  not  failed  deeply  to  interest  and  conceru  Napoleon,  to  ronie  hia  wrath 
and  to  wound  his  pride.  That  object  (or  which  he  had  shed  ao'mnch  French 
blood  waa  now  completely  wrMted  ftom  his  grasp,  and  Prance  herself  re- 


maioed  in  imninsnt  peril  while  tbe  armies  of  tbe  conqueior  hovered  on  Oie 
inoiuituiiivbidiaTerloakedherterTitorieB,  FnahcoascriptioDSverelened, 
and  ■gun  PraDce,  in  her  folly,  poared  fortii  snothw  vmj,  which  directed 
iU  mircb  to  the  Fyreneo,  M  fight  Che  battles  of  the  ioutiable  Buonapsrte. 

Soolt  wu  recalled  from  Geriatmy  U     '""  '" "  "'  '"-  '-  —  '     "  ^" 

"  Lianteaaoe  of  the  Emperor."    Join 

Jnly,  1813,  he  commenced  re-orKauiii  ^  .     .         „ 

sioa  of  Spain,  with  aa  energy  aad  activity  which  restored  tlie  ct. 

and  ron»d,  aa  usual,  the  nrrogaace  of  the  Frei»^  troopi,  who  commenced 
their  march  with  the  iatentioa  of  dririag  the  alliei  be^ioiid  the  Ebro,  and 
cslabrating  the  birtiiday  of  the  great  Emperor  at  Vittoria. 

At  Hut  time  Lord  WeUingCoiL'a  responaibilitin  and  ditScoltiea  were  not 
of  a  ili^t  nature,  badag  to  cover  tbe  aina  of  two  Uroag  forlreates  and 
deilBiid  <^«  wide  1^000  betwe«n  tbem,  which  oompalled  faim  to  actoid  and 
weaken  hii  line.  His  akiU  was  erineed  in  the  diatribolioD  ol  hia  anay, 
iriiicli.  ho  potted  in  Um  beat  manner  likaly  to  drfend  effectually  die  ^m 
of  1^  Pyieneea,  and  to  cover  the  invastmcDta  of  San  Sebaitian  and  Fam- 
pdaca. 

To  atfect  the  leliaf  of  the  tatter  waa  the  first  grand  o^iect  of  the  Dake  of 
Datmatia.  Prom  SC  Jean  Pied-de-Port,  on  &e  momint  of  Sunday,  the 
2Hh  Jaly,  be  marched  thirty-Sia  thoosaad  men  axtunit  the  Wtopn  of 
Gaural  Byng,  oceapying  Che  past  of  Ronceavallea,  which  post  tbey  com- 
jrietely  turiied  in  the  aftnuoon,  after  a  mOsC  despentecon^ct.from  wbidi 
As  general  and  Sir  Lcnn?  Cole,  irin  had  moved  ap  to  hia  support,  were 
oompelled  to  retire- 
On  the  Bame  day  General  Drooet  led  thirteen  thousand  men  against  the 
rightof  Hill's  position,— Camenin't  command  at  Che  Maya  pass,  which  he 
had  orden  to  nrce,  as  tlie  Highlander  had  to  defend  it,--at  ail  haxardi. 
At  Chs  time  the  attack  was  made,  no  movement  was  expected,  yet  Drooet 
fajmd  tiie  Bcidih  not  Bltogetber  unprepared  for  audi  an  event.  It  waa  a 
beautiful  Snoday,  and  the  heat,  even  on  the  anmmita  of  the  Pyreneaa,  w 

aU  standing,  joat  ai  they  had  been  for  a 
baggage-mnlea  were  miles  away  down  c 
ware  otnally  taken  for  grass. 

'" "  1  that  morning  bad  wandered  from  the  ei 


distance,  where  he  was  eqjoying  the  appearance  of  solitnde,  k 
hia  "  Hiehtand  home,"  wiiieb  reianed  hr  and  wide  arannd  hin 

iry  side,  heaviog  their  green  Bumtnits  to  the  sky.   A  death- 


like stillness  prevailed,  save  when  now  and  then  broken  by  the  scream  of 
B  wild  bird,  the  hollow  flap  of  a  partridge's  wing,  or  the  faint  and  (ar-off 
tinkle  of  a  mountain,  rill  mnnnunng  through  some  solitary  gorge,  leaping 
from  rock  to  rack  aa  it  deaceudad  to  the  bright  plains  of  Gascony  or  Bcarn. 
For  nearly  an  hour  he  had  wandered  about  there,  when  his  solitary  reveries 
vere  broken  by  the  Bound  of  a  distant  shot,  the  echoes  of  which  rang 
among  the  splintered  rodcs  and  graaa;  paidcs,  recalling  him  at  noce  to  the 
pieeoit ;  and  he  hnrrisd  away  to  Che  camp,  where  the  brigade  wa*  geCting 
Bnder  arms,  tiie  eoldien  mnstsring  with  their  Dsn^  rapiditT  and  eatAntma, 
witiiOBt  betnying  the  lease  sorprise  or  confbaion.  Fiom  an  oM-picqaaC 
ttieirard  bad  beni  pasaed  chat  the  French  "wen  in  motion  in  lioBt,"  and 
tte  tixiaeof  fresh  flints,  snapping  of  locks,  unrolling  and  exaoiininc  of 
ammunitioa,  me  token  of  every  preparation  being  made  to  reoeiTe  XBKm 
wi A  all  due  hononr.  Nearly  an  hour  idapeed,  and  no  moie  wa«  Been  or 
heard  of  the  fbe.  AU  began  to  suppose  it  a  fhlse  alarm,  and  many  of  the 
officers  imnt  fbiward  to  tha  ootposts  to  leconnailn. 
"WhenaEetJleenemyiKiw,Araatrongf"a«ked  Cameron  of  an  officer 


cJTtbe  Tilt,  commuiiImB  the  picquet  which  bad  gnea  the  Blam.  "In 
which  ditectioD  did  too  tea  them  ?" 

"  IKrectly  ixath,  and  fiv  damn  on  the  Fiendi  aide,"  replied  the  other, 
pouitiae  with  bi«  nrord  ;  "we  diitinetlr  taw  m  itroof  party  put  jon  defile 
tatween  the  mcButiini :  the  glitter  of  their  irmt  wu  ■pparent  to  ni  alL" 

"  I'm  tfitid  theiT  feet  were  di>*en,"  obterved  Seiton.  "late  noChinj; 
bat  >  herd  of  cUtle  crottiiiK  the  defile  yoo  (prak  of." 

"  Homed  nowte^  jast  black  ifaort^encd  Ainleihirei,''  ttid  Dugsld, 
who,  u  ntoal,  wot  cliaie  to  Cameron't  ildrtt.  "  1  tee  them  pliin  aoendt 
mf  Bel,  tin ;  bat  tbe  looat  may  be  amaog  Ihe  biUi  for  a'  di^."  A,  loud 
ImoA  Braw  at  At  old  man's  obserntioiu. 

''^Wdl,  genUemen,"  said  Armatroug,  while  hit  cheek  reddewd  widi 
BSger,  end  ha  cast  a  Carioot  gbnce  o«  Dafal^  Mhnr,  "too  are  all  at 
libor^  ta  think  aa  yen  pliale ;  bnt  1  tell  jou  that  there  are  oaltle  asHHis 
the  htfla  carTjriiig  baToneti  oa  their  hone,  aod  tfaat  aucb  it  1^  fact  aome 
here  mar  leain  to  tiwir  ooit,  ere  lone." 

"  What  Bre  &e  boidenr  diapUfi,^'  laid  Boodd,  aa  ArmttroDg  left  tiM 
gnrap  abraptlr ;  "  and  here  is  Aliiter  his  lob,  qaita  Serce  likewiM  aboaC 
tin  matter." 

"  Search  round,"  cMmed  in  Campbell,  in  thaiametoDeof  jott;  "eeareh 
aboDt,  md  probably  we  ahaU  find  Hie  pig-akin  at  the  bMU>m  af  which 
tber  saw  the  eoemr.     1  remember  once  in  Egn<t>  that  old  LadQEick 

"What  meiD  yon,  gBotlsmea?"  said  Maodonald,  aitgnij;  "do  fon 
take  i>  fbr  ftmlt !  I  beliere  we  have  aeen  tbe  caemy  oAen  eneagh  ts 
know  them." 

"  UaU,  Matdmuild ;  yon  take  our  jeati  far  too  Beiiouily,"  laid  Stuart. 
"If  JOB  taw  the  ^endi,  where  are  l^y  now  }  " 

"  Ib  front  I "  was  &e  lart  reply. 

"They  haiebeen  to,  dowa  in  Gatcony,  forddt  mooth  put." 

"  Bt  all  eCemity  1  'tie  tomethinf  new  for  me  to  have  assertiaaa  Aonbted 
lhn«,"  replied  Maodoaahl,  cooaidiraUy  mScd,  yet  loaft  te  have  high 
v«rdB  wiA  hit  old  firiendi  aadaddiag,  "  I  wiU  make  no  forAii'  expU- 

— ^ —  ..  k.  . ^  u,i  Igft  awm,  ftjlawh^  A ' ■- 

'  '     ope.    WhdaSt 

sria  which  Mae6oBaU  tookle 


laa^MU  wf  bet  faces  at  ai 
le  ither  Ua|;,  ai 


wQI  no  behaoM  tbe  ither  Ua|;,  aae  tare  not  the  baok  iJ  your  hmid  apoa 
-him;  he  may  be  sdied  wi'  the  raoc^  ere  be  hilla  grow  dark  wi'  the 
gloamfBg,  at  redden  again  in  die  aaormng  ion." 

"  What  do  yoa  mcao,  Dogald  i"  atked  Sturt,  tBrpritad  at  the  H%h- 
luiAer'a  mamiar. 

"  Sir,  I  am  farer  seen  than  maiat.  Mk,  and  an  waa  ny  Mther  faafiireme, 
Bmth  lend  and  la^  did  yon  ami  Maiiliiwalil  laagh  ower  yonr  wise  jn  the 
eoiveri  tent  kit  aaeht,  and  e*ery  laaf^  a'  the  pair  lad  gaed  to  mj- heut. 
I  ksDt  by  ils  bollow  ringing  ha  was  J^" 

"F^?"n^edtbeotber,  iwect  for  Qugald'i  wyte  haffatt  alone  n- 
MrabingaTiidnttindinationlalau^;  "fer.  Dngald?    How?" 

"Load  Iraihttt,  I  tUMB  laughter  web  at  hat,  wfit  portendi  eadden 
death.  Ony  eaitlodi  tiiat  ever  wore  a  mmeh,  or  ony  giglec  a'  a  laatie  that 
■lar  wore  a  anoad,  will  tdi  ye  the  tame  lUag,  air.  Sea  dinna  gin  at  or 
be  tlirewn  gebbit  wi'  young  Inchkeanetb,  for  be'U  bo  be  lang  amaog  na. 
.ll0oyhca&willthenbe«n<hahntber<rcthe«iagB*ado<»i."    DogaU 


84 

moTed  ofT,  leaiing  3toart  cflHiiderHlily  sarpriied  at  bis  niperstitioa.  At 
[bit  moment  Alister  nuhedtOKardi  tbem,  with  his  bonnet  in  bis  band. 

"  Ixwlc  ye  HO*,  gentlemeD,"  be  exclaimed,  totaiughialougfeathenia  the 
direction  of  the  windiog  vay  which  led  to  France,  "  what  caiU  you  these?" 

Erea  while  he  ipoke,  a  dense  colnmn  of  French  ioTsnCry  appeared  id  the 
defile  between  Ibe  moontains.,  and  a  cloud  of  atbers,  battalioD  alter  bEktta. 
bon,  with  tbdr  tri-colanra  fluttering  in  the  breeie,  advanced  in  BDCceeaioa, 
until  tiiirteen  tboaiand  bayonets  were  gleaming  in  the  light  of  the  Qoondaj 
sun.     It  was  the  whole  of  General  Drouet's  division. 

'"niere  is  uae  heather  here,  bat  Itbochtand  laaid  there  would  be  moay 
a  bead  on  the  groen  swaitd  ere  the  biU»  grew  mirk  in  tbe  gloaming,"  mnt- 
tered  Dugold  ominously,  as  he  viewed  the  advance  of  tbe  French  with 
kindling  eyei.  With  tbe  first  blast  of  the  bogle  the  troops  were  asun 
under  anns,  and  marched  to  the  front  of  the  paaa  to  item  the  approwfiug 
tonent ;  and,  reeolute  as  (be  soldiers  were,  they  knew  that  the  attempt  ta 

'        "'   ■         ■"■   1  against  such  an  overwhelming  powarw '"   -    '-  - 

who  was  distant  at  San  Seba  ''  "  * 

_lut  obedieuce  is  the  J!r«(  du 

orders  were  to  defend  tbe  passes  and  fight  ti 
mistaken  by  Britiab  troops. 

The  oat-picqnets  first  opened  their  fire  upon  the  advancing  masaeB,  and 
although  seconded  by  a  body  of  light  troops,  were  forced  of  course  to  give 
way.  The  28tb  and  SStL  regiments,  from  Wilson's  brigade,  moved  off  to 
support  the  picquets  on  the  rigbt.  With  courage  and  resolution  unparal- 
}eled,  these  corps  saatained  tbe  onset  of  their  opponents,  whoaetremendons 
fire  iiowBver  compelled  them  to  waver  and  recoil.  He  3itb  Or  Cumber- 
hud  regiment,  with  the  50tb,  came^to  their  assistance.  These  last,  fonninc 
a  junction,  rushed  upon  the  FreniA  while  exposed  to  Oie  deadly  fire  of 
their  Bitcuded  front,  and  with  nueiampled  intrcj^tar  charged  them  wiOi 
the  bayouet,  giving  a  check  to  thur  progress  up  thi  mountaina.  Tlie 
French  ntnined  the  charge,  bat  at  the  aame  time  made  a  Sauk  mavnuent, 
whidt  their  great  DUtobna  enabled  them  to  do  easily,  to  sorronnd  and 
eat  off  their  tashasMilaats,  who  were  at  once  placed  In  a  ^ticalpodtiai. 

It  was  at  that  moment  that  CaoMroD  brought  up  his  H^hlandera,  and 
restored  acmfidenea  to  the  reraments  wfaichhadbeeD  filing  iota  ooofoidtMl. 
It  is  imposnble  to  describe  toe  scene  which  tiie  Maya  hdnts  presented  at 
that  time.  The  dealisniug  rou  of  the  miisketry,— the  dnving  olondi  vi 
smoke,— the  ttunultuona  ^ells  of  the  Freodi,  who  *rere  fierce,  wild,  and 
eager  b>  wash  away  ia  Britiab  blood  the  disgraces  of  Vittoria,  almoat  con- 
founded tboae  who  were  theo  for  tbe  first  time  under  fire.  Tba  advandog 
enemy  continued  to  riiont  more  like  savages  than  European  soldiers,  but 
thdr  tremendoos  shower  of  shot  waa  fcst  mowing  down  tbe  little  band 
which  so  gallantly  endeavoured  to  resist  them-  Like  a  hail-shower  tbe 
heavy  leaden  bullets  woe  foiling  eveTTwbere.  and  tearing  op  tlie  turf  even 
aAcr  tbsy  bad  passed  Uirongh  tbe  bodiEs  of  the  soldiers,— so  close  bad  the 
oonteodiD  j  pames  now  «ome  t«etber. 

Tbe  British  had  stood  firm  vriuout  flinching  an  inch  ;  but  the  French,  lAo 
were  now  fiE^'ioE  '"  '  ^reat  disorganired  mob,  bad  contiuued  to  advance, 
by  the'  rear  men  pushing  on  tbe  front,  until  within  thirty  paces  of  the 
British  line ;  and  at  so  short  a  distance  it  may  easily  be  supposed  that  the 
shot  on  both  sides  told  vrith  fearfnl  effect,  especially  among  tbe  deoae 

own  dead  and  wounded  like  a  breast-work.  Beyond  this  ghasUy  line  titey 
would  Dot  advance  an  iucb,  nor  could  t^ey  be  prevuled  upon  to  do  so,  ermi 
by  thp  most  strenuous  exertions  of  tbeir  <mcen,  who,  whenerer  tiie  smoke 
cleared  away  a  little,  were  observod  bisudishing  their  ninn,  waving  Uidr 


oontinned  to  loul  uld  fire  with  tbe  atmoBt  langfnAd,  but  would  not  bs 
kd  to  the  charge. 

The  brave  71st  Higliland  li^t  InbntrT,  sftet  fightiDi;  with  their  usnal 
otMliaac]'  and  intrepidity,  had  been  compelled  to  give  way,  by  which  three 
Fortotiiieie  ptecei  of  caaDon  fell  into  the  possession  of  tbe  Frenrh.  To 
recapture  these,  a  desperate  attempt  wu  made  by  IJeulenant  Armstmni', 
who,  at  the  head  of  eight  priTate  soldiers,  as  bra*e  and  as  raih  as  himse^ 
rushed  fOrioosly  on  the  enemT.  With  his  sword  in  one  hsnd  and  his 
bonnet  in  the  other,  the  gallant  Borderer  was  ssen  amidst  the  smoke 
leading  them  on  ;  bnt  all  perished  under  the  leaden  shower,  within  a  few 
feet  of  the  French  bayonets.  After  bdn^  reduced  to  half  its  number  of 
officers  and  men,  this  fine  regiment  began  to  retire  in  disorder.  The  34th 
and  &Otb  were  in  the  same  periJons  predicament,  nicing  to  the  front  anil 
flank  movements  of  the  enemy,  when  Faasifem  with  his  Highlanders  en- 
ttircd  the  bloody  areoa.  As  the  battahon  moved  in  open  colnmu  of  com- 
panies, along  the  hill-top  from  the  camp  towards  the  pass,  CamerOB 
addressed  a  few  words  to  thorn,  exhorting  them  to  fight  to  the  last  man. 
and  maiatsin  the  ancient  fame  of  the  north.  He  reminded  them  that  tbey 
■mae  not  fighting  merely  for  the  defence  of  Spun,  bat  of  those  homes  where 
tiuar  kindred  dwelt.  His  voice  became  drowned  in  the  din  of  the  conflict 
which  rolled  along  the  face  of  the  hills,  and  Stnari  heard  only  the  con- 
cluding part  of  his  address,  and  pait  of  it  was  in  Gaelic.  "  Highlanders ! 
we  ahall  have  a  bloody  sabbath  here  to-day  ;  hot  we  go  forth  to  shed  onr 
blood  that  the  sabbau-bells  may  ring  in  peace  at  home,  in  those  green 
straths  and  wooded  glens  where  many  a  Scottish  heart  is  praying  for  us  at 
this  hour."  The  sound  of  the  pipes,  as  the  piper  on  the  flaidi:  of  each 
company  strock  up  "  On  toi'  the  Tartan,"  was  the  only  i«ply.  What  a 
gush  of  indescribable  feeling  came  through  every  breast,  when  the  blast  of 
the  pipe  was  heard  at  inch  a  moment  1  Every  eye  hghted  np,  and  every 
cheek  flushed  ;  the  effect  of  the  sotiud  of  that  strange  iostrumenC  on  the 
■ons  of  Caledonia  is  well  known. 

"  In  halls  of  joy  and  in  scenes  of  mquming  it  has  prevailed, — it  has 
■nimaCed  her  warriors  in  battle,  and  welcomed  tbem  back  after  their  tails 
to  tbe  homes  of  their  love  and  the  hills  of  their  nativity.  Its  strains  were 
ttiB  first  sounded  in  the  ears  of  infancy,  and  they  are  the  last  to  be  for- 
gottea  in  the  wanderings  of  age.  Even  Highlanders  will  allow  that  it  is 
not  the  gentlest  of  instrnments ;  bnt  when  farfiMm  tbeir  mountain. homes, 
what  sounds,  however  melodious,  could  IhriU  their  hearts  lite  one  hurst 

of  their  own  wild  native  pipe  ?    The  feel'  

awaken  are  general  and  undefined,  beciusi 

Spaniards,  Germans,  and  Highlanders,  fb.   .__, , 

the  bag-  pipe  is  sacred  to  Scotland,  and  speaks  a  language  which  Scotsmen 
only  feel.  It  talks  to  tiiem  of  borne  and  all  iht  past,  and  brings  before 
them,  on  the  burning  shores  of  India,  tbe  wild.bills  and  oft-lrequented 
streams  of  Caledonia,— the  friends  that  are  thinking  of  them,  and  tbe 
sweethearts  and  wives  that  are  weeping  for  them  there.  And  need  it  be 
told  here  to  how  many  Gelds  of  danger  and  victory  its  proad  stnuns  haya 
led  ?  There  is  not  a  battle  that  is  honoarable  to  Britain  in  which  its  war- 
blast  has  not  sounded  ;  wben  every  other  instmment  has  been  hushed  by 
the  confusion  and  carnage  of  the  scene,  it  has  been  borne  into  the  thick  (tf 
the  battle,  and  far  in  the  advance  its  bleeding  bnt  devoted  bearer,  sinking 
'■a  the  earth,  has  sounded  at  once  encouragement  to  bin  coontrymea — and 

to  Uudonald'i  "  Aneitnt  Bfirtial  Huue  of  Scatlind." 


Kmsld-dlra  wkh  bu  caunitt  itooTB  to  al&  op  the  "Gem  nitita 
teiDK"  of  the  HighlaDden,  who  ocntwDed  fi>inoT«  qsicU;  fbnrard.  na 
balls  now  befui  to  Um  anil  ten  ap  tbe  tvrf  ai^oDd  UwM,  Boar  ud  Om 
ttriIiiD(  down  gome  poor  rellow,  who  was  lefC  rolling  on  the  nm— J  Bi  agT.; 

"  The  battaliei)  wiH  fona  lioe  on  the  gKoadiors,"  cmd  Faaiifmi/— 
"  doi^le  qoick  t"  Tb*  mOTement  wu  performed  with  the  rapidkr  aW  . 
ynciHoa  of  8  home-reriew.  As  die  CDicrmg  aerjeaat  of  the  light  oooi- 
paof  Isok  op  the  groand  of  abpneniBit,  boMin;  Ui  long  pike  aloft,  a.  shot 
(track  him  is  the  bead,  pafnng  throagh  bb  right  eje,  and  hs  iell  d«d. 
The  line  fonaed  acroaa  his  hodf,  and  tha  word  of  oommiBd  bom  Se^am, 
"  Light  Mmpaar;  halt, — frant, — dnna  '."  had  searcdr  been  heard  oatha 
left,  before  the  ordcriy  bn^^r,  who  alood  bj  Cnaeron  ■  aide,  aoanded  te 
fae,  and  the  house  narag  mittraeid  sow  rang  alcn^  the  hiie. 

Tbe  fir*t  ToUer  of  the  Hi^ilBodert  gave  a  tnimonry  check  te  tte  czvof', 
and  enabled  tbe  3Mi  aod ''tdd  Hatf-huiAad'' tonfonninafder.  The 
Fiench  Une  «m  now,  ai  I  hM»  laid,  within  ddrt;  paces,  ad  ewaj  linra 
■flot  a>d  feature  ef  their  dark  aid  nihnr  faoes  eooLd  be  dialaetly  aoen  at 
M  thort  a  diataoce.    Tber  were  now  in  the  midst  of  all  the  n| 


Ronald  felt  hia  pslsea  tUckeaiDg,  the  UiMd  tingling  in  bia  ean,  for  Qm) 
aaood  of  the  anuketiy  had  deafened  tbem  to  ereiylhing  ebe,  and  ha» 
heart  rebounded  widiin  hii  boion  oatil  he  could  aiwiat  Inr  it  beat ;  b«C 
it  w**  with  fedinga  tbt  teaerse  of  fear, — a  wiik  to  laap  beadlong  a«al«m 
tite  enemy,  to  cat  Aem  down  with  hia  twm^  as  he  wonld  iriiin-bnaiHa,  Md 
to  revenue  tbe  sbnghter  the  terrible  fire  of  ao  denie  a  cefanm  waa  aaikiac 
among  taia  gallHit  ud  derated  in.imi  ill  So  thick  wai  the  saeke  beccae, 
that  be  coald  (caroely  aM  the  third  file  from  Urn,  tad  o^t  *^  tabs  it 
Eleared  op  a  litda.  What  wu  then  revealed  aenedotdr  to  lafiuiatehtB 
the  more.  Tbe  Htghlanden  were  lyin^  in  heapa  aenat  aad  acT»n«aMk 
other, — pUed  np  jost  aa  Aey  fell;  wfade  their  ceaaradea  fbagfat  above 
them,  firing  and  ntoaJing  wife  all  tbe  npidity  in  their  power,  utjlatrack 
by  ft  shot,  and  down  tbef  Mi  to  periah  DDnotiaed  md  anknawn.  ftlmeil 
erery  shot  kiUed  ;  fbr  the  distance  waa  ihort,  and  Ab  wcmiia  wan  hidw— 
and  ghatfly,  Ihe  Uood  apaa&ig  fiitth  from  the  orifice  ai  if  tfaiaagb  a 
ayringE. 

Now  and  then  Ronald  felt  hia  heart  momoitenly  reeoil  within  laan  wh^ 
he  beheld  aome  poor  artdier,  while  in  the  fall  possession  of  life  atd  rmeiff, 
tam  aside  hasfirehid.  and  fall  suddenly  baMwards  aicn>H  some  bsnp  of 
eorpua— atrickoi  dead.  B^  a  battle-field  is  no  plaoe  for  sympathy,  mtd 
tbe  feeliag  lastnl  but  far  an  iastaat. 

"  Shall  we  never  get  the  word  to  cburge?"  cried  Scatan  fiercely.  "O 
Stnart  1  tUs  isindeed  inftenal  work, — to  be  manled  tima,  and  nitUn  a  few 
bat  of  their  mnndes." 

**  A  dmrge  would  be  Badaeas,  and  onr  niter  deetmctiaB.  A  ain^ 
ngiment  against  thirteen  oshiiiina  of  FrsncbmBa — " 

"  We  psssess  the  pass,  thon^.  Poor  Maeitat  is  on  the  tarf,  and  Man- 
donail  ia  ehat  throagh  Hw  heart.  Hah  I  see  to  the  left :  the  Mch  are  giriag 
way—  Gad!  leaastmekl"  He  snnk  to  the  earth,  with  fee  Uood  gnA- 
■Bg  from  his  month  and  nostrik.  A  shot  had  pierced  U*  breuC,  baatinc 
■t  with  it  a  part  of  tbe  silver  breast-piste,  and  in  great  agony  he  railed  orsr 
aeveral  times,  grasping  and  tearing  the  turf  with  frtiitlm  eflbrts  to  r^sda 


"  Never  mind  aie,  Ugfat  baba,  bat  itnd  by  C4BieroB  to  the  htt.  Har- 
nh !"    CoDTDluTelT  bs  ilroie  to  nUa  biiuelf  up  ;  bat  ■Dother  bnllot 

puaedlhn>a(k  bimeokiUda deadly  |i«Iiiiiiimi iiiiwil  huooantcnaiice. 

He  gaie  Us  (daylDora  ime  Uat  flonrith,  be  cut  b  fiance  of  fary  and  dcapiir 
tomi<d8tlMeBeBr,andeipired.  Sorcdj  a  mmnte  had  elapied  ainoc  be 
waa  atniak,  a«d  bov  be  waa  dead  ! 

"  Poor  Staton  1"  nBttered  Ronald,  and  tqrned  wtny.  He  bad  Bon  tbe 
eoauiuidof  theUcfateoDvanr;  the  other  lientwapt  lay  bleaJiat  to  dtath 
a  f«r  Tarda  idt,  aad  ia  ttis  iuterTaia  ot  pain  erring  frmtleuly  for  ■altii 
OoB  ■oldia',  who  had  been  atrack  bf  a  ihot  aeroM  the  Iwidge  of  tba  noaa, 
beease Utaid, and nabed frantiolT  amoacthe eaany,  toperiab  tinder  thair 
baronet*,  ^otfaer,  wbo  bad  bla  lower  jaw  oairiad  oB,  preaented  a  bor- 
rible  neetade  aa  be  la;  on  Ibe  (Tomid,  vonitinf  np  blood  throesb  Ui 
opcD  thraat,  and  lolliDf  oat  bi*  expoaed  and  ewcUen  toagae.* 

"  Niiw^-iaeDod I  Prepare  to  charge!"  <ned  Cameroa,  animated  to 
farr  bj  thia  dndlv  alanghter  of  hu  reginunt.  "Gonhm  HtgUaDdera!  ' 
pnfMveto  charge,  he  repeated,  aabe  gaflopad  along  tba  brakeo  line  with 
erea  flaahingfire,  wUle  ha  wared  bia  bonnet  aloft.  "Cloia  np, — keep 
tt^eCber;  ■beolder  to  ahoolder,  Higbhndman,— diaqe  I"  Ronald  alene 
beard  Ub,  and  repeated  the  raah  order ;  but  their  veioea  were  nnbeard 
amidit  the  din  irf  the  eonfliot.    At  (hat  naoiaent  the  amoke  cleared  a  little 


"  Ht  Uher  ahot  the  Damh  mior  a  Voitaiia  boon  in  PadeBach,f  and  I 
was  a^  tbeachlao  to  pe  a  peUerer  Barkaman  UiaBhim,"  r«ilied  theyoaDg 
HigUandN  coolly,  aabe  levelled  Mb  pieee  and  fired.  The  Frenchman  feU 
forwatd,  beet  tbe  earlb  wUh  his  heela  for  ■  moment,  and  then  lay  motiiHilBaa. 

"  He's  taoa,  air :  I  bare  jutteo  a  flea  in  hii  Ing,"  repbed  tbe  marksman, 
as  he  bit  another  cartridge. 

For  two  faoara  tbii  deapaate  aad  niieqiia]  conflict  waa  maintained.  Tbe 
odMT  reginenta  had  given  way  in  diaorder,  and  tbe  Uigfalaadera  began  to 
waver,  after  tbe  loae  <tf  tbeb*  gallant  oolong  who  bad  retired  aererelr 
woonded.  NeaHy  all  Uw  ofieen  arera  dead  or  dying  on  tbe  groaad,  while 
ottera  wen  eadeavenring  to  find  tbA  way  to  aoma  (doae  where  tfaay  conU 
get  theiT  woooda  dreaaad.  Two  alona  were  kft  with  the  regieMQt, — Bonald 
and  another  IJentenaat,  who,  being  aenior,  bad  tbe  comntand,  and  fiadlag 
that  the  battalion  was  redneed  (o  leea  than  a  company,  ordered  it  to  retire 
towarde  (he  pasa  of  Maya,  bavinc  lost  in  two  boora  five-aiid>tweBty  oSaert, 
and  three  hondred  rank  and  tie.  Xbe  other  regiment*  wen  cat  np  in 
nouiy  the  eame  maantf,  bat  none  had  lost  ao  many  offlcera.  Stnart  car- 
ried MieUng'i  ooloor,  and  aseijeaatthe  reginMntal — all  tbeenwgna  beitw 
killed  or  wounded.  Poot  Alister  Macdonsld  was  left  on  the  Said  avong 
the  former.  A  shot  bad  paaaed  tbrongh  bia  head,  and  he  died  vithont  a 
rroan.  Hia  friend  Bonald  was  conaiderably  atartlad  when  be  aaw  him 
lying  dead.    The  ivediction  of  Dogald  Hbor  fladied  upon  his  mini,  and 

■Thl(  man  Uied  fci  muijyein  aflemnli,  liiiiiig  tie  lou  (applied  fayamuk, 
tltTDuih  which  K>u|iH  mrt  induffld  bj  a  pipe  fjr  h\t  tuvtenmnGV'  rn  peniLDU  he  rt. 
eeivtd  the  vamof  otavpenn  per  day. 

t  Afunnu  whiD  aug,  ahoc  ia  Badanach  in  1«07.    It  waa  bcliend  by  tha  High- 


hs  looked  Toaad  for  that  liDgnIar  old  Highlander ;  bnt  he  ou  tmtj  whb 
Fasrifem,  on  the  raid  fortlie  nllngit  of  Iron. 

The  whole  of  the  British  forces  kbtb  now  in  retieat  before  the  or^- 
whelming  potrai  of  theeaemj,  dolamn  after  column  of  whom  contmnMlto 
preiB  forward.  The  defendere  of  the  pau  retired  on  the  rock  of  Maya, 
abaadomnrtbeir  camp  and  bsiggage  to  the  French.  On  retreatiDg  throo^ 
the  pus,  Hajor  Cunpbelt,  whose  horee  had  been  es  usual  shot  onder  hini. 
■nd  who  had  firat  left  the  field,  owing  to  a  severe  wonnd,  headed  ■  few 
HiKhUndera,  who  acrambled  like  Bqairrels  up  the  face  of  a  precipitom 
craf,  teom  the  sammit  of  which  they  kept  up  a,  hot  fire  upon  the  Fren^ 
troops,  not  only  boldinK  them  decidedly  in  check,  and  (iiinj  their  fiienJi 
time  to  retire,  bat  revenging  the  previons  slaiuhter  in  front  of  (he  paai. 
Here  it  may  be  worth  mentuuiing  that  Mejor  Campbell  lost  his  celebrated 
cndgel,  which,  in  the  enthasiaam  of  the  moment,  he  sent  flying  among  tfae 
foe,  and  onhoned  a  moaoted  officer.  He  gave  them  also  mn^  wdghtin' 
pnmb  of  hia  good-nill.  Jtutaa  the  flank  of  a  colnmn  of  French  gmu- 
diete  reached  the  base  of  the  crag  occapiedby  the  H^hlaDders,a  tremendow 
fragment  of  rock,  urged  forward  by  the  powerful  hands  of  the  m^m, 
came  tbnndering  do^n  among  them,  rolling  throngh  the  dense  mats  of 
men  with  irresistible  farce  and  fury,  making  a  perfect  bat  terrible  lane, 
and  doins  as  much  mischief  as  a  do2ea  bomb-shellg.  Every  man  bdow 
held  his  breath  for  a  momeut.  and  then  cries  of  rage  and  fory  barst  from 
the  whole  division  of  Droaet ;  while  the  Scots,  ponring  upon  them  &  part- 
ing solole  of  shot  and  stones,  descended  trom  the  other  side  of  the  rock, 
and  r^joiited  their  comrsdee  in  doable-qnick  lime.  Under  the  orders  of 
Oenersl  Stuart,  the  nbule  retired  to  the  rock  of  Maya,  those  In  the  nar 
maintsiniog  an  irregiUBr  skirmish  with  the  French;  who,  on  perceiving 
this  rearward  movement,  filled  the  wr  with  cries  of  "  Long  live  the  great 
Emperor  t  IjOng  live  beantifdi  France  1 ' '  mingled  with  shoata — absohite 
yells  of  trinmph  and  exaltation. 

Thoroi^hly  enraged  and  disheartened,  the  British  continoed  to  retire, 
yet  anxiously  expecting  thst  snceours  from  Lord  Wellington  would  arme 
in  time  to  enable  them  to  face  about,  and  beat  Sonlt  befwe  nigbtfalL  Am 
the  little  band  of  Highlanders  descended  stragglii^;  from  tl«  biU*,  Stoart 
saw  a  lady  (the  wife  of  an  officer  of  the  SOth)  on  horsebadc,  and  in  a 
mieerable  titaatloo.  Her  boiM  had  stuk  fcst  above  the  soddle-giiths  io  a 
deep  morass,  and  she  was  too  mndi  tOTlfied  and  beirildered  to  laam  H. 
The  bolls  of  the  sharp -shooters  were  wUstlinc  paM  ber  every  aeoood,  a>d 
she  cried  imploringty  on  the  retnatii^  Higalanden  to  yield  her  some 
asaiatonce  ;  but  it  was  impossible,  andahafsU  into  the  h^ds  of  the  FreniA. 
Her  husbuid  was  lying  dead,  with  his  sword  in  his  hand,  in  the  gorge  of 
the  Ibtal  pass.  Ou  the  brigade  of  Sir  Edward  Bamei  coming  up  from  the 
rear,anew  and  sanguinary  conflict  took  place ;  bat  the  enemy  were  defvted, 
and  the  pass  regained. 

Hut  lufht  the  shattered  mnaina  of  the  Gordon  HigblsDders  biroaacked 
neu  Barrneta,  Tite  ooosteniatioD  of  the  inhabitwits  in  the  motmtsin 
villages,  whrai  the  heightB  were  abandoned,  and  the  French  again  advancing, 
ronnot  be  easily  described.  From  Barrneta,  Elizondo,  Maya,  and  Hoarle, 
men,  women,  and  children,  were  seen  pouring  forth  during  the  night,  and 
drweoding  the  mountain  paths  bj  torch-light,  bearing  along,  with  infinite 
toil,  their  sick  and  infirm  relatives,  their  bedding,  fnrnilnre,  &c..  to  save 
them  from  the  remorseless  invaders,  who,  they  too  well  knew,  would  give 
all  to  the  flames  that  was  "too  hot  or  too  heavy"  to  carry  off. 

So  eager  were  the  French  aoldiers  for  pluider,  that  their  seaitdiei  w(t« 
conducted  upon  a  regular  ayalem.  When  a  town  was  entered,  every  piece 
of  famiture  was  broken,  every  plonk  raised,  to  see  whether  anything  was 


Indden  oi  buried ;  and  the  bammer  and  imBll  aaw,  carried  by  erery  matt  ia 
bis  biiTresack,  uiiated  greatlr  this  nnaoldierlike  work.  It  is  said,  that  in 
Semuny  tlie  vaults  of  tbe  chnrcbea,  the  Tery  graves  in  the  chnrehyards, 
were  searcbed ;  «nd  the  brutality  with  which  Ihey  treated  those  nnfbr- 
ttmate  SpaniiTda.  male  and  femde,  who  Mi  into  their  poirer,  cannot  ha 
described.  Therefare  it  is  not  to  be  wondered  at  that  the  Pyrenein  moan. 
taineers  fled  at  their  approach,  as  from  a  legion  of  devils. 

The  roads  were  likewise  crowded  with  wounded  officers  and  soldiers, 
pmiriiiK  down  from  the  paagea  of  Maya  and  RoncesTalles.  Those  who 
nare  able  to  moie  were  ordered  to  retire  to  Vittoria,  which  had  already 
btmi  conrerted  into  a  isat  hospital,  and  crowded  to  eicesg  with  tlie 
woanded  of  tbe  gnat  battle ;  and  the  miseries  these  unfoituaatea  Buffered, 
travelUng  wi^oat  baggage  or  money  in  a  strange  connby,  weary,  sick,  and 
wminded,  for  a  distance  of  one  bnndred  miles  daring  a  hot  aeaaon,  are 
ntterly  iaconceiTable.  Many  wonnds  mortilied,  and  became  incurable; 
hnndreds  of  men  perished  by  the  way-iide  of  itinHtion  and  loss  of  blood, 
or  reached  Vlnoiii  anly  to  exniro  io  the  itreeta.  Every  medical  officer 
had  from  ninety  to  a  hundred  patients  on  his  list,  and  many  tires  were 
lost  from  the  want  of  proper  attendance.  . 

Tbe  aitounding  intelligence  that  tbe  Duke  of  Deinatia  had  forced  the 
Pyrenean  panes,  reached  Lord  WeUington  at  night,  and  promptly  as  osnal 
he  took  means  to  concentrate  bia  army,  providing  at  the  lame  time  for 
the  siege  of  San  Sehaatian  and  tbe  blockade  of  Pampelnna.  The  right 
wing  was  in  fall  retreat  from  the  mountains  when  he  directed  it  to  halt, 
mnd  goon  arrived  himself  to  direct  meoaures  for  covering  Pampelnna, 
within  a  few  miles  of  which  Sonit,  eager  for  its  relief,  had  now  arrived. 
Tlie  discomfited  troops  from  Maya  were  ordered  to  march  on  the  position 
before  PampeluDS.  and  moved  accordingly  from  Barmeta  on  Tuesday,  tbe- 
27th.  A  melancholy  apectacle  the  parade  of  the  Gordon  Highlanders 
presented  on  that  morning !  The  colours,  which  had  been  shot  almost  to 
rag*,  were  caaed.  and  carried  by  non-com misBioned  officers;  two  yoong 
Uentenantg  had  the  command,  and  as  the  solitarr  piper,  Ranald  Mac- 
donuildha,  blew  the  "  gathering."  .he  watched  with  a  stem  and  louring 
visage  the  few  survivors  of  the  late  conflict,  aa  they  paraded  on  the  hill- 
aide,  Adling  one  by  one  into  their  places.  Here  were  Ave  men  of  the 
grenadiers,  twenty  men  of  another  company,  ten  of  a  third,  two  of  a 
fonrtb,  and  many  others  were  totally  annihilated,  neither  oflicer  nor  private 
bong  present.  The  serjeaot. major,  with  bis  arm  in  a  sling,  presented  a 
lilt  of  the  cssnaltiea  to  Lieatenant  Iiogan,  who  commanded,— Logan  of 
that  Ilk,  as  he  was  named  by  the  meas. 

"  Wiiere  is  Captain  Mac  Ivor  >" 

"  Killed,  air.  1  saw  him  lying  dead,  close  by  Mr.  Kennedy  and  Mr. 
Maedoaald." 

"  Where  is  Captain  Bevan  ? " 

"  He  retired,  sir,  wiA  his  arm  shattered  near  tbe  elbow,  and  expired  at 
tiie  moment  Dr.  Stoart  attempted  to  remove  tbe  limb  at  the  abonlder- 

"  Wbere  is  Gordon  ? " 

"  Severdy  wounded,  and  gone  to  the  rear." 
•  "Grant?" 

"  Shot  through  the  aide," 

"  Macpherson  and  MacdonaM,—Ranald  Macdoniul,  I  mean?" 

"  Missing,  air."  And  so  on — killed,  wounded,  and  missing,  was  the 
answer  to  every  qneitioa. 

"  l3od  help  us,  sir'."  said  the  worthy  non-commissioned  officer,  as 
he  raised  his  hand  to  his  bonnet  and  turned  away  with  a  glistening  eye  ; 


"bat  it's  «  beut-brealliDE  tbias  to  «m  tba   ragim«iit  c«t  np  in  tUi 

rb«  band  wiu  BDnilulBted,  and  with  a  nngle  drmia  tud  bupipe  the  litUa 
party  Bjoved  off,  jntt  u  ths  morning  nn  rote  abore  that  dead^  paaB>  wheta 
so  maay  a  gallant  heart  bad  grown  odd,  and  ceaaed  to  beat  for  ever. 


CHAPTEE   rS. 


share  the  fi^thig  wUf^  ensoed  wben  Sonlt  endeatuiued  to  dislodga  te 
allies  an  the  aSth,  bat  w«  npvkad  with  iauncBM  Ion.  Along  the  bei^ta 
of  Hiiartetheoontestinanrr«a*ere,  and  tlie  braray  of  tiie  Britiab  waa 
equalled  oolr  bf  that  of  tbeir  eDemies.  Ererf  r^imeot  oharf  ed  willi  the 
hsjonet;  md  the  Highlaodan, — erar  at  home  Kt  doaa  qoarten, — tnom 
Both  armies  remained  qaiat  dimnr  dw  29th{  bat  Wdlingto*. 
Its,  attacked  the  left  and  oenke  of 

..      lefiiated  Ihew  with  great  ibra^tar. 

Upon  this  ditcomfitare,  the  marshal's  onlji  ot^ect  was  to  aecnre  •  nfa 
retreat  into  Franca.  After  a  frnitlaaa  attempt  to  tuD  Sir  Kowland  HilTa 
pontion  it  La  Zana,  and  fif^iting  onlil  eompdled  to  ceasa  flrii^  by  nigbt 
coming  on,  they  abandoned  tluir  gronnd  onder  the  fimrarmg  shadow  at 
the  darkuesi,  md  on  the  morrow  were  di«oo*e>ed  iB  fUl  letnat  for  Franea 
by  the  pass  of  Donna  Maria.  The  alliea  "fnllowed  Ihsasp"  in  hot 
pnnnit,  fighting  and  capturing  at  eroT  J**^  of  the  war,  and  on  ti*  let  of 
AnguBt  again  took  possession  of  those  hard-eonlesled  passes,  while  tto 
French  retired  into  their  own  cotatrr  coaspletriy  tinashed.  bnt  oartoinli' 
not  to  their  hearti'  content.  With  the  eieeptun  of  a  riigbt  bayoDBt- 
wonnd  in  a  charge  at  La  Zana.  Bonald  Btnart  bad  etcapsd  with  a  whele 
akin  daring  all  ^se  hard  confliiits,  known  ^genar^y  as  tiie  battles  oi  tbe 


the  fa^th 


^.     Bat  how  mndi  the  regiment  had  safiered  may  be  inferred  frnn 

,  that  of  the  thonssad  men  who  had  landed  in  Spun  under  ila 

solonrs.  sbont  eighty  only  were  in  the  ranks. 
The  aspect  of  the  passes  of  Mafs  and  Ronoesnlka,  when  re-oecupied. 


- .   ,        of  S _ 

-  rk  ;   and  moBt  of  the  bodies  wen  lying  naked  as  whca  tfaey  name  into 

thewwhl.  Sonald  found  Captain  Maclyor  in  this  confitian,  with  hia  broad- 
sword so  ginod  and  encmsted  with  gore  to  his  stiffened  fingers,  thstiteoald 
not  be  removed,  and  90  was  buried  wil:h  him.  For  many  days  the  soldiera 
were  busied  in  t>nrnDg  the  des4.  Deep  boks  were  dng,  wherein  friends 
and  foes  were  interred  togather, — thrown  iu  jostasHtey  were  foand;  and 
when  the  pit  wse  brio)  foil,  the  earth  was  heaped  oyer  it.  These  moDnita 
of  death, — t^agments  of  uniform,  tatters  of  tartan  and  plam^^,  ahskoes 
and  grenadier- caps,  scattered  about  in  tbonaands  wboc  the  troopa  were 
eDcamped,  served  yery  disagreeably  to  remind  them  of  what  migiit  be  &eir 
)wn  (ate  on  some  fatore  day.     With  the  exoeption  of  his  Saab  aad 


lemains.     His  claymore  was  grsaped  in  one  hand,  and  his  bonnet  in  the 
other.    The  death-shot  bad  paved  throngh  his  brain,  and  he  had  fallm  in 


thaactof  iilimii^  !■  hii  smb.  Hischrk  kidn  wen  damp  wWi  thsmid* 
ni^t  daw,  and  s  fonoslaUe  frown  ocmtncted  hii  fiaa  bold  forebead.  He 
had  Jain  far  aunu  Av'  nnarteind,  and  Ronajd  pcewed  to  commit  Ua 
badftattecwlL  It  wundladiaablankM,  while  E*ib  dug  a  pit  Omb 
feet  deep  and  n  l  .■.-..    . a_.  .^.. 

"Pnir  Muster 
graen  aadt.    "Hewaaaleat 

it  aiay  be  cm  we  aec  bis  mmk  agam-  ne  ww  a  gnoa  onocr,  aaa  weu  waa 
be  loed  by  ercry  uw." 

The  other  officera  were  all  placed  in  one  mre  by  tbe  HigbUnders,  wbn, 
anvding  to  the  ancient  Sonttiibcaitom,  pued  a  Ime  oaimof  Iooh  itonea 
over  it.  It  waa  ntoited  on  tbe  left  af  tbe  road  leading  from  Maya  to 
Vnoee,  and  pmb^ly  ii  yet  to  beaaeo.    So  jfreatwaa  tbe  ilaaBbter  among 


the  offieen,  that  Stoait,  althoufa  a  very  jonioT  liantenant,  obtained  > 

cotBHuiT,  and  aacceeded  bis  Mead  SesloD  in  coowiai  '   * 

WbUetbetrMfiaUT.eiHsniped  on  tbe  Prweea,  tl 


□ftfae'-ligbtboba." 


— iBmadenpt»dieitpn>paritr(ngthbf  tteretnmofoonnleiccntafiW 
Tittaria,  and  tike  ainnl  of  recraitB  from  tbe  dep&ta  or  leeimd  battalinna  at 
bCHBB.  In  aboBt  two  month*  the  Higfalutden  began  once  more  to  aaanme 
(ke  ajipesnnea  of  a  regiiuent;  and  Puaifern,  aod  oll»er  officsn  who  bad 
bnowooDded  in  the  fatal  action  at  tbe25tb  July,  i^oinedai "^~- 

Alon 

Med  for  BniibetTy,  nul  ooenpied  br  itrong  pioqaeta,  wbo  wem  eoi 
tioa^y  on  the  alert,  ii  caae  HanhaV  Senlt  nicht  aaiin  paf  them  lone 
aadden  vint  fnaB  QaMony.  One  night  in  October,  Bondd  Stnart  with 
bii  oonpanjr  were  on  daty  in  one  of  then  blodt-bcmei,  when  a  inddcn 
attack  wat  made  on  the  peaiUoo  ^  the  enemy.  There  had  beeo  a  great 
Ml  of  IMW,  and  the  interne  cold  by  wUch  it  was  aceompaDied  added 
greatly  to  ae  diacamtDit  of  the  troopa  encampad.ou  flieae  Weak  and  lofty 
^rfMiBtainf.  with  no  other  ahdlar  acsinit  the  indem^wiea  oif  tbe  wathm-. 
Hie  hilla  and  talleya  i 
,  and  many  mitineli  wo 
dieadtdly  froat-bitlen  whan  dag  est.  A  pith  had  been  made  from  the 
Maya  camp  to  tbe  black.hoBBe  which  9taait  waa  to  occnpy  ;  and  aa  hi* 
oompany  maiobed  along  the  alip^ry  and  winding  roadway,  they  oStta  MMr 
Spanish  peaaanta  or  gseriilaa  lyng  dead  vilh  ahoTela  near  tbem,  Aoirtry 
that  ttk^  pariibed  wiA  the  teensrty  of  tbe  e<dd  whilst  eowej  on  soma 
—  .^ *.u_.  __^     I 1 — ._j 'lybaad,  or^— ■-  — 


. . „_-e  preaenlcd  a  more  drean  aspeet.    The 

whole  of  tbe  Pynnean  chain,  and  the  pUina  of  Beam  and  Owoany  below, 
w««  dad  in  the  aame  white  Mvery.    Tha  skjr  wat  of  the  inireeC,  deepee^ 
aad  wMeat  hlaa,  ahowiu  the  moat  diatant  snmmita  of  the  Pyrenaaa 
'  1 ,  the  white  scdta  ^  nich  rose  in  loDg  penpeedva  beyond  eaoh  oUi 
1  iDbnity  of  ontlioee.    Tbe  dense  aiDMe  frea  tbe  camp  firea  w 


«iriinc  np  trim  aaudat  uie  dbgy-n^arcd  tanta,  wb««  now  and  then  ^m 

beat  ef  a  A '  ' ''-' "     '      ' 

AMoQ^ 
red  as  thai 

tie  earth  a  _  .  „         „  _ 

Witt  their  mniteli   dung  and  a  piper  playiag  before   tbem,  the  ligbt 


U^^w 


AltfaoQ^  tbe  cold  waa  intapaa,  nd  the  le«  of  the  Higbtanders  w«re  aa 
red  as  Ihar  jackets,  tiia  a«n  waa  sbjainr  brigfatly,  and  the  whole  sarf^of 
the  earth  and  tbe  atraospbere  were  spatliliQg  and  glitterii^  in  bis  radintce. 
Witt  their  mniteli  dung  and  a  piper  playiag  before  tbem,  the  ligbt 
compaiw  trad  merrily  np  tiM  ascent,  many  of  th«n  ting^  alond  to  tbe 
notes  of  the  |npe  and  the  tramp  of  their  leet,  which  sooMed  dnll  and 


hcdloir  on  the  bard  nnd  froien  path.    A  captain  of  Uw  34Qi  re^acnt, 
whom  with  hia  company  they  relieved,  left  Stuart  a  flaak  of  brandjt,  for 


whicb  he  and  hii  two  subi  (Cfaiahohn  and  Etbo  Maopbenon)  ■ 
tbankM,  and  they  found  it  a  conmdeiable  acqaiiitian  doriDg  a  wintec  dav 
and  night  in  a  l<^-hoa>e,  where  the  wind  went  la  and  out  at  a  hundred 


thioagh  the  nun 


clow  tOEethdr  on  ths  etoi 
which  ble.     ■  '     ' 


Towards  night,  a  loldier  of  the  66th  regiment,  muffled  ap  in  faia  grty 
great-coit,  came  toiling  np  the  steep  ascent  from  the  valley  beloir,  bdnging 
to  StuBit  a  letter,  which  hid  arrived  from  Liabon  in  the  pacliet  (or  his 
can»-  An  officer  of  the  66th,  who  wu  intimate  with  Rooald,  had 
despatched  it  to  him  forthwith,  and  he  knew  in  an  insCuit,  bythehaod- 
writing  and  the  creat  on  tlie  seal,  that  it  came  from  Ahce  IJsle-  Giving 
the  BDglisbman  a  glass  of  brandy,  be  detdred  him  to  lose  on  time  in 
ruaining  hii  qnartera,  in  case  of  a  enow-sMrm  setting  in  before 

If  anything  wonld  aerre  to  baoy  up  one's  spirits  Binid  all  the  m 


impaunii^  and  the  dangers  of  daily  warfare,  sucJ)  lettera  as  thoie  of 
lice  Lille  certainly  must  have  bad  that  effect.  After  expreasiiu  her 
delight  for  Slnsrf  s  success  and  safety  in  a  manner  and  delicacy  ofstyle 


peculiarly  ber  own,  ahe  continoed  thus  ■■- 

"  And  so  TOa  are  really  now  a  captain,  and  knight  of  a  military  ordei  ? 
O  Heaien  I  I  can  acarcely  beliere  it,  eren  when  yonr  name  appears  in  the 
army-liat.  How  short  a  time  haa  elapaed  aince  yon  used  to  faacry  dM 
neaU  of  the  eagle  and  owl  at  Tullyisla,  among  the  dark  nooks  of  tbo  oU 
castle,  and  ga^er  flowers  and  berries  with  I^ais  and  me  in  Strathonan! 
You  well  know,  dear  Ronald,  that  no  one  rejoices  more  than  Alice  Lisle  at 
yonr  rapid  promotion,  but  indeed  I  thick  it  Tery  horrid  to  owe  on^t 
advancement  to  the  death  of  one'a  friends,  and  1  see  that  a  sad  altentioB 
has  taken  place  among  the  officers  of  the  Gordon  Highlandera  rihce  the 
battle  of  the  Pyrenees.  The  joy  I  now  feel  in  the  knowledge  of  yon— 
alai '.  only  temporary — safety  and  good  fortune,  wilt  acarcely  connter- 
balance  the  agony  of  mind  I  eiperienced  when  the  newa  of  Tittona 
arrived,  and  yonr  name  appeared  in  the  liat  of  wonnded.     Papa  coaeealsd 


e  papera  from  me  for  aome    days,    bat  I  heard   it  from 
Car,  Jessie  Cavers,  and  until  ytmr  letters,  dated  from  the  '  Maya  canu>' 
readied  ns,  my  anxiety  and  perturbation  of  spirit  were  quite  indeaorUwlde. 


Wliat  was  thought  of  your  danger  bf  the  people  np  the  glen  at  Ti"hllla  I 
realljF  know  not,  but  the  whole  coimby  side  was  in  an  uproar  in  tuMMMrd' 
the  victory.  The  banner  was  diaplayed  from  the  tower,  a  huge  bonfire 
Uazed  on  the  summit  of  Craigonan,  and  the  two  old  cannon  on  the 
bartiian  were  kept  booming  away  the  live-long  night,  greatly  to  the  terror 
of  all  the  old  ladiea  within  ten  miles,  who  supposed  tiM  Buonaparte  in 
person  had  come  up  the  Tay,  and  landed  a  host  ufbe-wbiakeredgrawdien 
on  the  Inches  of  Perth.  The  noise  of  the  cannon  alarmed  others,  too. 
The  militia,  the  fenciblee,  and  the  TOlnnteera  got  under  arms ;  many  of 
the  ohiefi  north  of  this  began  to  muster  their  people,  and  the  whole 
country  waa  in  a  state  of  oommotion.  Your  fother  gave  a  dinner  to  his 
kin  and  tenantry,  and  dancing,  drinking,  and  piping  were  kept  Qp,  I 
believe,  in  the  old  hall  until  the  """-'"g  aon  shone  (lown  the  gW  nptKi 

Boiled  up  in  hia  cloak,  Ronald  sat  aipping  his  brandy  and  water,  whik 
by  tJie  light  of  a  streaming  candle  he  conned  over  the  letter,  ao  aoA 
absorbed  in  its  contents  as  to  forget  everything  around  him,  nn^  the 


report  of  a  mneket.  fired  hj  the  sentinel  ootiide  the  hlock-hoDse,  raDsed 
hfm  to  start  ind  leap  to  hti  teet  u  if  he  hid  received  an  electric  ihook. 

"  The  French,  and  in  thii  friM^  night  < "  Biclaimed  Macphermn,  leap- 
ins  up  from  Uie  giODDd,  Q"  vhich  he  had  been  fut  aaleep.  "Now  the 
deiil  confound  Uieml  they  might  have  choien  daylight  for  their  riait. 
Come,  Stoart,  leave  ranr  loTe-letler, — it  can  acarcelT  be  anything  elie,  ai 
yoD  have  iwen  reading  it  all  night. — leiTe  it,  and  attend  to  yonr  command, 
or  Wellicgton  will  be  iBeuing  anch  another  order  aaent  lare-lettera  aB  he 
gara  as  sbont  the  vild-pige  at  Alba." 

"  We  receiTe  more  reprehenaioni  than  rewarda  from  head-qaarCera, 
certainlr.    Bnt  where  are  the  Frendi  ?  'Among  the  hilla  ?" 

"  Cloae  by,  man!" 

"  In  force,  too  ! ".  added  Chisholm,  a  smart  little  anb,  who  had  been 
watchioE  tbem  from  a  loop-hole.    "There  will  be  heada  broken  in  ten 

"  I  believe  yon,  my  boy,"  anawered  Etma  Maepheraon  (a  toll  fellow, 
Mth  thick  hlaek  enrWhatr  and  a  keen  dark  eve],  ai  he  adjusted  hiitword- 
belt.    "They  are  in  R»ce  mough  to  pat  as  alt  to  onr  mettle." 

"  Stand  to  yonr  arma,  men  !  said  Ronald  ;  bat  the  order  waa  needless, 
every  una  being  U  hia  posL  "Be  bold  of  heart,  my  lads  '."  he  added,  as 
he  watched  the  •dyandng  enemy.    "  We  ahaJi  loan  be  succonred." 

"Not  likely,"  (aid  Hae^ienon  blontlT,  "  with  all  dne  deference  to 
yon,  Stuart.  Mina,  the  BoeriUa  ^ief,  with  hit  fbllowera,  i«  far  down  the 
monntalna,  and  Geiieral  Walker'a  brigade  is  acarcely  widiin  gan-ahot ;  so 
we  may  fight  till  daylight  without  aid." 

"  Or  tiU  doomsday, '  retorted  Stoart,  "  if  the  logs  bold  together,  and 
tbe  ammonition  latti.  Blow,  Maoonricb,"  aaid  be  to  the  piper ;  "giveos 
'  Roderict  Mhie  Alpain  Du6h,'  and  blow  till  the  lagaahake  around  oi." 


itting  the  por 
the  sUppery  ascent  of  which  th_,      „ 

"They  are  advancing  in  extended  order,"  observed  Stout,  "fbrfearof 
onr  seodiDgthem  a  oann<it-ahi}t,]wohahly." 

"  Which  showa  thejr  know  nothing  about  our  po^on." 
..    "  Certes,"  nid  Quaholm,  "  they  are  no  economiata  of  their  peraoni,  to 
advance  upon  na  over  soch  open  gronpd.    They  are  cbassenrs,  probably. 
nie  moon  ihioes  brightly,  yet  no  appointments  glitter  about  them." 

"  Sonlt  is  s  most  indefatigable  fool,"  aaid  Stnart.  "  He  causea  his 
Mtldiera  to  fight  needleaaly.  Poor  fellons  I  they  mast  obey  their  orders ; 
bnt  what  benefit  ia  gained,  even  if  this  solitary  pici^net  is  oat  oS'?    The 


at  tha  Pyim^ees  and  before  PampelDaa  might  have  taoght  the 
nantof  thn  Emperor'  a  little  eiperlence." 
I  dare  aay,"  nid  Mac[iherBOD,  "  tbey  an  within  range  m 


"  Well,  then,  we  will  enjoy  some  shootinE  with  tbem,  replied  hii  cap- 
tain. "Line  the  loop-holei,— aim  iteadi^ ;  every  bullet  is  worth  ite 
wdght  in  gold  to-night.  They  are  twenty  to  One,  bat  care  not  for  that  1 
Si^  ia  at  hand." 

"Get  into  yer places, lads,"  said  Serjeant  Duncan  Maorone,  "and mind 
ye  ta  level  low,  and  gie  them  ts  canld  kail  o*  Tittoria  het  again.  Got  pleia 
oa;  but  this  nicht  is  cauld  eoench  ta  freeze  ta  fery  Ness." 

lie  discharge  of  forty  mustceta  almost  shook  the  frail  bloek-hoDse  to 
piecea ;  and  while  those  soldiers  who  had  fired  withdrew  to  reload,  forty 
Others  took  Chair  places  ;  and  thus  a  rapid  and  constant  fire  was  maintunad 


ftwn  era?  loop-hole.  The  Bamniit  of  ttie  hiU  nu  envcLipeil  in  clouds  of 
•make'  Mreiked  witb  red  fire,  and  the  echoe>  of  tb  miuketrr  gouidcd 
like  peals  of  thander,  boamiiig  through  the  clear  attooiphen  aod  echotng 
■monit  the  BoiraiiiidnB  peaks.  Deadlf  eiecatioa  vm  done  amoDg  t^ 
advuicmg  tat,  whoas  killed  md  wonaded  were  seen  lying  proatrate  oa  the 
ftoran  iBow,  Md  inuWng  the  route  up  the  hill  ht  ■  aeriet  of  black  ipoti. 
NarertbelBW,  aMhoa|fa  tfaetr  nmoben  were  [UniiiiriMBg  at  emr  sMp,  the 
maiB  body  cDDtlnaed  to  adrance  widi  unabated  avdour,  farmed  in  a  wide 
half-circle  at  eiteoded  order,  returning  as  well  aa  Uw^  oonld  He  fire  of 
their  adTersariei,  apon  wboH  place  of  conoealiDeDt  dwir  afaoC  eaiae  oTery 
instant,  tearing  awajr  huge  splinters  or  linldDg  deep  into  the  itocliade  with 
a  dull  beary  sound  ;  hot  only  a  single  bullet,  daring  a  hot  santcEt  of  tvo 
boars,  entered  tite  block-bome.     it  psBaed  through  ■  loop^tale,   and 


-y . e  sunk  on  (he  ground  bleeding  prohadf ; 

but  Uilaholm  attempted  to  ctanch  the  blood,  by  dreeaiog  me  wound  as 
well  as  eirctuaataooes  Honld  permit.  Thi*  was  tbe  only  casoattf  that 
occorred  durin(  that  nighfa  'Ainaish,  bM  teniUe  szecotion  was  done 


. .  mpany  hditg  eicellart  nuiksBeo,  61*17  ■^"^  ^^'^f  ^'^d  told  ^aUy  oa 
the  an^bnu,  at  whom  they  coald  «■  noaeai  with  Iht  atnuut  ooolneas 
and  preci^on.  After  eodariDf  ttiat  aoit  t)t  work  for  naarly  two  hous, 
they  retired  with  (h*  ntnioat  expedition  oa  peroaiiiBg  •  strong  body  «f 
Spanish  guerillas  adTsocing  up  Che  laoantaiiM  troa  the  villaM  iw  Bonicea- 
Tidles.  X  UttbfiuttvrodrwassaenllM  brigade  of  Gennral  Walker,  which 
tbe  noise  of  the  SriBf  had  Bom'moiied  to  arma ;  but  their  appearatio«  was 
needless,  u  the  conSiot  was  orer. 

"  Here  cornea  Mina, — the  king  of  Naraire!  "  eii^aimad  Stuart,  aa  (he 

vat  mob  of  gnerilliis  came  mi '  ...... 

Viva  nrdinmd  !  Long  live  Spa 
the  French  retreat.  Poor  devils  I  we  bare  Bauled  them  sadly.  Tbey  are 
lying  as  dilck  as  bbckbcnies  on  the  hill-aide."  In  leas  than  hsU  an  hou 
tbe  French  bad  tHsappeared,  and  the  block-heaae  was  aurrtHmded  hy  the 
bold  guerillas,  their  appetite  for  bktod  aad  plander  ba*iiig  been  keealy 
whetted  by  the  repmt  of  the  muakelry. 

"Let  those  who  have  watdkee  nd  any  logae  MnCos  in  their  parses, 
look  well  to  them,"  said  Chishohn,  laagtnog.  "Hen  eeme  tbe  boaeat 
soldiers  of  Generd  Hiaa,  wbo  is  aaid  to  be  oAcd  a  Uttla  Bpoa  the  piearo 
himself." 

"  The  liefat -angered  Ioob  will  be  waur  tfaen  any  warlock,  gin  be  get*  U( 
neive  into  my  norrsa  mottoeh!"  aiid  Ivviadi,  daafuag  the  fin's  noatt 
of  hia  Uiffhlud  p«ae. 

"Or  mine,"  said  Seiieant  Maerone.  "Ta  wiU  pa  gattin'  jiMtj  caald 
iron,  bnt  no  a  pasa  podle  fra*  me.  Gut  tarn  !  " 

"The  bonnets',  thebooaetsl  GadeguideucladkattheblaebanAetl!" 
eiclaiEced  the  Bighlanders,  aetoaisbed  at  the  head-dresa  of  the  Biica>ru 
guerillas,  who  wore  flat  bine  caps,  like  tiiose  of  the  Seottlab  peaaaatry. 
Daylight  bad  now  dawned,  and  wichdrswing  tbe  barricadincfom  thedaot 
of  the  picqaet-honae,  Stoart  iwnt'  *"  *"  "  "  -  -  -  f-  -  • 
busy  stripping  ttie  FrnuA  ;  and  1e 


J  ol  &e  wsamded  were  also  strinwd,  and  pemhed  misenbly  m 

—     Like  ^tbe  Spanish  peasantry,  the  foarillMweivMooci 

1,  turn  Gatpaaeoa,  Alan,  and  Bheaya.    Newly  dl  wi 


.  )r  JBckM  of  block  iheep-aldD,  kaee  bieechei,  and  aiarcat, 
€)r  BDina  of  hog-Bkin  tied  to  the  feet  like  undili.  AH  wore  the  broajd 
Buqoe  cup,  end  were  armed  to  the  teeth  with  maekets,  piitols,  pikes, 
poniards,  and  olfeasive  weapons  of  eiery  kind,  vhich,  with  their  hnoe 
whiskers  and  monetBchn,  gsTe  them  the  apprarance  of  ■  desperMe  horde 
of  bandits.  Their  iBaguagv,  t3tB  Xinhua  Baaeongada^  or  3ucufnce,  as 
the  Spaniards  name  it,  eoonded  strange  to  the  ear  of  Ronald,  who  had 
been  accuatomed  to  the  pare  and  souoroas  langaa^e  of  the  Caatile*.  That 
of  the  Buqoea,  aecordiag  ta  their  own  eceonnt,  eiisted  before  thebuildiiig 
ri  the  tower  of  Babel,  end  ww  brooght  islo  Spain  by  Jnbel, — an  aueitioD 
eomewhal  difficult  to  proTe. 

Coming  from  amidst  his  plundering  Ccdlowcrt.  tbe  cetebmted  Mioa  ad- 
vanced towards  Ronald  Stuart.  His  dmi  was  in  nrO  way  different  froaa 
that  of  hi*  (ollowaa,  nve  that  a  pair  of  gay  French  epaaletB  adorned  hit 
Bheep-tidrnjadtet,  and  a  black  ostrich  feather  ftoatedfrom  the  band  of  hia 
sombrero  over  hia  left  shoulder.  Pasted  upon  bis  shaalder-bclt  was  a 
picture  of  the  Virrio  Maiy,  and  a  golden  image  of  the  aame  )>erEODBge 
luiDg  roaad  hia  vtA.  He  wu  acc«alrcd  with  sword  and  daper,  and  car- 
ried aahort  oibijM  in  hia  hand,  thaammuiutioD  far  which  was  u  acartoEU^h- 
boz  on  hia  left  dde,  baluced  on  hia  right  \>j  a  copper  bngle,  for  itunmonint 
hia  followera.  He  had  afine  opoi  conntaBMkc*.  (tf  a  Terjr  mild  and  pre* 
poaaeasiDg  aiprewon,  quite  different  from  what  Stuart  expected  to  find  in 
the  leader  of  manr  tbouand  guerUlaa. 

The  following  doaiption  (talten  froo  a  joonwl  of  the  period  of  which 
I  write)  will  heat  illnatnte  his  character  to  the  reader.  Emn  y  Mina 
was  at  this  time  between  twenty  aod  ihiitr  years  old,  and  his  flrame,  boClt 
of  body  and  mind,  bad  receiw  tha  stamp  which  the  dreumituices  of  his 
eonntry  requred.  Whan  ha  lies  down  at  nqjht  it  is  afanya  with  hia  ]^itols  in 
his  girdle  )  and  on  the  few  nighta  tiMfae  eser  paaees  nnder  a  roof,  the  door 
is  well  aecnred-  Two  honrs'  sleep  is  anflcieait  for  him.  When  lus  ahirt  ia 
dnrty,  hs  goes  to  the  nearest  hooM,  and  ehaugea  it  with  the  Owner  tor  a 
dean  one.  He  makes  liia  own  powdar  in  •  ca*e  amiHic  the  moBnlaiaa, 
and  baa  hia  hoaj^tal  in  a  moontain  Tillage,  whidi  the  VtisiA  hiure  repeat* 
sdly  atteaplad  to  anrprise,  but  always  tmncoeasAilly,  fi>r  the  heana  of  tlie 
wliole  country  are  with  Hma.  He  recdTes  intellqcnoa  of  eiery  move- 
ment  of  the  eneny,  and  as  the  fast  tidiiigt  of  danger  tha  lilbgers  carry 
the  sick  end  wounded  upoii  litters  on  Uteir  shoidders  into  the  faatoeaae*, 

■"  —  "" ~    iniapcnhetiecnitr  till  the  baffled  enemy  tttirea.    The 

Tillage,  whan  tbey  " 

_., . inntwlr  inlbia 

hansrif  m  the  night,  aeiies  them  in 

Although  not  above  Gre-and-twenty,  the  hard  service  he  had  seen,  in 
thia  in«g«]Br  m«de  oF  warflMe,  mode  hi*a  seem  mnch  older.  Mina  was 
the  idol  of  the  Spanish  peepk,  who  itykd  him  the  kang  of  Nararee,  aid 
BztoUed  hia  deeds  bepood  Huee  of  the  Cid,  or  the  most  ftmone  knghts  of 
Spanish  chivalry  and  romance.  Hiaa  waa  a  true  patriot,  aod  the  HoHer  of 
the  E^aniarda.  Aldioiigh  his  gnerilka  were  well  driOed,  and  conaiated  of 
ten  or  twehie  battalicBH,  wfatdi  he  ruled  with  a  rod  of  imn,  hs  never  re- 
•tralDcd  them  from  plnadering  the  ftoudi.  On  Ua  approach,  Ronald 
laiaedbis  bonnet  hi  grseting  the  neat  gaaills  chief,  for  tiuugh  he  was 
originallr  but  a  humble  farmer  of  Fempelniia,  yetFraadscoHiwhadtbe 
heart  of  a  hero,  and  was  brave  as  a  lion. 

"  j^easr  Cof^Mns,"  said  he,  bowing  profsandly,  after  the  most  apiBOTed 
Spanish  manner,  "we  bare  been  aomewbat  late  in  coming  toyoor  rescne; 
bot  the  fire  of  your  soldiers  has  told  superbly,  and  the  Dale  iadronei  lie 
Itere  pretty  thick.    The  old  proverb  should  be  changed  to— "Aeip — 


Fraaoh,  the  mare  gain  tbr  ub."*    Uoweier,  I  nerar  put  my  01 
1  nuu>  after  he  is  dewl ;    the  plander  I  leare  to  mjr  followi 


their  Wi  poor  fellowi  i   and  Our  Iddf  del  Filar  know*  that  the;  earn  it 


"A  mode  of  payment  I  very  little  admire,"  laid  Stuart  with  a  uuile. 
"  Bat  I  tnut,  ScDor  Franciaco,  that  joar  paople  will  «e«  them  buried 
after  tbii  anharoesiing  i>  oTer?" 

"  Satanai  ia*e  at  if  we  bury  a  bail  of  thor  heida '."  exclaimed  tbt 
gnerilla  Mhamenllj.  "  Pho !  Senor  Cavalier,  yon  forget  yourself.  They 
are  ooly  Preochmea ;  and  irhal;  say  the  prieits  every  day, — '  Lave  ^  man- 
kind till  Frenchmen,  who  are  the  spawn  of  hell  1'  They  lie  ander  the  baa 
of  hia  holiness  the  Pope,  and  with  this  excuse  tliree  hundred  unfrocked 
friua  serve  in  my  band, — and  brave  fellows  tbey  areas  ever  {;raaped  hiltj 
Bat  as  for  the  goldiera  of  Uie  Coraican  tyrant,  they  may  feaa^  the  wfdvci 
of  the  mountain!  or  the  birds  of  the  air,  tbr  aught  (hat  Hiaa  cares  sboiit 
the  matter." 

He  now  nnslung  a  huge  leathern  flaak  of  aguardiente  from  hii  aaah,  isid 


after  giving  Stnart  and  bis  sabi  each  a  draught,  he  handed  the  reat  ti 
Serjeant  Maorooe,  to  distribute  among  the  light  company.  Macrow 
gave  his  best  bow,  and  carried  off  the  flask,  with  many  a  wish  that  "  Got 


might  plesi  her  bononr's  ainael,  and  gie  her  lola  o'  ta  sneeshin  and  ts  gude 
Fcrintosh  ["  To  the  good  wishes  of  Maerone,  Hina  replied  only  by  a 
atare,  without  comprehending  a  syllable.  He  next  gave  some  dgarato 
each  of  the  officers,  saying,  at  the  same  time,  it  waa  no  compliment  ta 
present  tbevi  with  what  coat  him  nothipg,  one  of  his  guerillas  having  found 
them  in  a  Frenchman's  havresack. 

"  But  they  are  prime  cigars,  senores,  and  from  the  manohotory  at 
Guadalaxara,  in  Mexico,"  said  he.  li^hdng  one  adjvitly  by  meaiu  of  flaall- 
ing  powder  in  the  pan  of  one  of  his  pistols.  "Excellent  I"  oontinned  he, 
puffing  away  with  on  air  of  satisfacOoa  which  would  have  driven  thq  royal 
author  of  the  "  Counter-blaale"  to  bis  wit's-end.  "  Excellent,  indeed) 
par  Dki!  And  1  ought  to  be  a  judge,  aenorea,  having  smoked  some  hun- 
dred thousands  in  my  time ;  and  though  but  a  poor  peasant,  who  dng  the 
earth  and  plantEd  cabbagu  at  Pampeluna,  1  am  descended  in  a  direct  line 
from  die  noble  cavalier  Don  ^Hernandei  de  Toledo,  who,  in  1559,  intro- 
dnrad  the  famona  leaf  into  Europe,  from  the  province  of  Tsbaca,  in  San 
Dtnningo." 

"Trvdy,  Senoi  Espoi  y  Mine,  your  worthy  auceatiH'  dMOrea  the  gndi* 
tads  of  hu  countrymeti,  said  Chisholm,  in  a  tone  of  raillery.  "  Ha  eoa- 
tiived  a  very  agreeable  amusement  for  them.  From  day-dawn  till  annaaC 
they  do  little  e&e  than  draw  smoke  into  thur  months,  and  watch  it  cnrKng 

Mina  flied  hia  keen  dark  eye  with  a  glance  of  displeasnre  apon  CUs- 
bolm 'a. good-natured  countenance,  but  made  no  reply  to  him. 

"  Joan  de  la  Roca  i"  cried  he,  in  a  voice  like  thunder,  while  he  atrvek 
his  foot  impatiently  on  the  frozen  snow. 

"  Senor  r'  answered  a  childish  voice;  and  a  tall  Spanish  boy  about  nx- 
teen  years  of  age  stood  before  him.  This  mere  child  fbaght  in  the  band  of 
Mina.  He  was  esteemed  the  bravest  among  them,  and  alwavs  led  their 
advanced  guard,  and  hia  name  had  been  blazoned  forth  in  aU  tiie  Goccfw 
of  the  country. 

"Bring  the  spy  before  ua." 

The  bof.  Juande  ta  Roca,  who  was  armed  like  his  comrades  with  (natails 
and  carbine,  dragged  forward  a  peaaant,  whose  arnu  were  bound  with 


97 

nordi  beMod  him.    Tba  poor  meb^  tremblsd  riolnitlr  wben  the  proud 
■Um  eye  of  Mina  fell  npoa  bim. 

"  Tliu  U  ■  notoTHHU  ipy.  aeooro,"  aaidhe,  "ohom  weoaptared  on  our 
way  Dp  t)|e  mDunUiiiB.  Nov.  Senor  Pitaro,  wbkt  btyt  you  to  uy  that 
joa  ihoold  Dot  die  ?" 

The  8p7  never  toiaed  hui  eyes,  md  muntained  a  dogged  tilence. 

"Brand  bim,  Juan  ]"  eiclaimtd  Mioa.  "  Place  the  mark  of  Cain  □pan  bia 
forehead,  tbaterery  true  Spaniard  may  ifaan,  abhor,  and  Bhriak  from  bim  I" 

The  young  uTage,  wlkom  practice  had  rendered  expert  at  the  operation, 
uiuheathed  his  da^er,  and  cut  off  the  ear  of  tbe  captive,  trom  whom  a 
deep  imprecahou  escaped.  Jaaa  [ben  tbnut  into  the  picquet-fire  in  the 
Uock-bonse,  an  iron  brand,  juat  mcb  *>  thoae  uaed  for  markiag  barrela, 
la.  It  bore  the  worda  "Viva  Mina.1"  ia  letters  half  an  iaca  iqaart. 
Four  pDwerfol  gueriUai  grasped  the  liead  of  the  spy,  holding  him  ao  that 
it  was  impoeaible  he  coold  moie.  When  the  brand  was  red-hot  Ia  Roca 
preued  it  npon  hia  brow,  the  fleah  of  which  wag  roasted  and  acorcbed, 
uader  the  terrible  operation,  in  a  moment.  The  miaerable  being  writhed 
and  Bhheked  in  igODy.  He  bnnt  from  hit  tortorera,  and  buried  hii  (ace 
in  the  >now;  then  itarling  np  with  the  yell  of  a  fiend  be  nisbed  down  the 
aaBntaina  like  a  madman,  and  disappeared. 

"  Now,  BemUH,"  said  Hina,  "  1  have  lnfliet«d  npon  bim  a  pnniabment 
worse  than  death,  beeauae  these  marka  can  never  be  eflacsd.  I  mark  erery 
traitor  tbns,  that  my  conntrjmea  may  know  and  deapiae  them.  Those 
wlio  are  thns  branded  are  a^uuned  to  look  a  Spaniard  in  the  face,  and, 
haing  compelled  to  dwell  in  solitary  places,  are  often  foand  dead  of  want 
among  the  monntains.  Bat  1  moat  now  make  my  adieaa,  and  retnm  to 
SoneesTallea,  where  myflre  thonaand  foUawen  are  to  be  reviewed  to-day, 
by  Lord  Wdlington  and  General  Morillo." 

He  blew  a  blast  on  Ida  bom  to  oollaet  hia  people,  and  taking  fiuvwell  of 
the  Cnttet  de  Caiadom  (ai  he  named  Stnart),  withdrew  in  uie  direction 
of  the  tamiKU  pass  of  Ronceavallea,  leaving  the  bodies  of  tlie  FrenA  lying 
atjipped  to  Uie  ikin  amidtt  the  anow.  As  soon  as  tbey  had  departed, 
Stuart  ordered  out  the  Hght  company  with  shovela,  to  entomb  Uie  bodies ; 
bat  so  deep  was  the  snow,  that  temporary  graves  in  its  frail  subataDce  only 
conld  be  given,  as  there  was  not  time  to  di|;  dowa  to  reach  the  earth. 
Many  were  foaod  on  tbe  point  of  death,  IJie  intense  cold  Anishing  what 
the  bullet  had  begun,  and  their  gravedinera  bad  to  await,  shovel  In  hand, 
the  moment  of  ditsolntian  i  alter  which  they  baried,  and  heaped  tbe  snow 
Bnt  a  thaw  came  a  short  time  before  ttie  position  oi 

doned,and  tbe  remains  of  the  nnfortr"* 

a  time  iriieD  no  interment  could  be  % 

balltFYanet. 
The  anccess  of  Sir  Thomas  Graham  at  San  Sebaatian,  which  he  boldly 

by  storm  on  the  31at  o(  AngnsC,  the  taH  of  Fsmpelona,  which  on  the 

A  October  surrendered  to  Don  Carloi  de  Espana,  and  tlie  aacceasful 
isgHgeof  the  Bidassoa,  infused  the  highest  ardour  into  the  heart  of  every 
soldier  in  the  allied  army,  and  every  regiment  longed  to  unfurl  its 
triumphsnt  banners  to  the  winds  of  Prance.  Althoagh  the  French  main- 
tained their  ancient  renown  in  arms  by  Gghtin*  to  tbe  last,  yet  tixet  were 
driven  from  all  their  intrenched  camps  on  the  Lower  Pyrenees,  and  com> 
bating  every  rood  of  groond,  retired  on  the  16th  of  November  to  the  left 
bank  of  the  Nive,  and  there  encamped,  after  blowing  np  the  bridge  to  pre- 
Tsnt  the  British  croaaing  the  river,  which  at  that  time  waa  swollen  to  thrice 
its  usual  use  by  th;  melting  of  the  anew  on  the  hills,  sod  by  a  long  coa- 


theheicbts  was  abandoned,  and  tbe  remains  of  the  unfortunates  vrereagdu 
npoaed,  and  at  a  time  iriieD  no  interment  could  be  giveo  them,  as  the 
" on  the  march  to  invade  the  "aacred  territory  "of  la 


nbyst 
■tof  O. 


I%e  Blliea  mcauMd  en  tbe  SmqM  tide  of  tb«  liTor,  ani  h<wHBia> 
esued  fur  a  time.  The  Gordon  HighlBnden  oeenpied  the  Frmdi  nllv 
of  Cunbo,  in  the  depanmeat  »f  the  Lower  PyreneM,  and  (doM  totkariv^ 
it'm.  ICaiubsbicants  had  all  fled  911  die  adiaoee  of  th*  allia,  oaoniat  to 
tliB  left  bank  nith  the  retiring  forces  of  their  emperor.  Ttae  asmfumi 
bivoaacB  of  tbe  Freaeb  lay  dose  to  tlioM  of  tbeir  enemies,  dirided  ontf  bf 
&e  Durow  Bpace  of  the  river,  and  ihe  watriu  tn  eadi  mi»  were  bat  Mn  or 
fifteen  T'rde  diatnt  frem  rmnh  Otfaer.  Prom  dava  until  tnuM  the  fVeach 
teijeanttirere  heard  eeattinidlir  drilling  their  B^aada  of  eonaeiipta,  t««Bt; 
fiuyoMod  of  whom  BooMBparte  had  dn^ed  awaf  &oii  their  ^niet  hn^ei, 
■nd  marAed  to  ibe  Nire  to  be  drilled  in  the  view  «f  diat  *MRaa  aiav, 
wbich  had  drirea  the  flower  of  tbe  nddlen  of  FrsBoe  fr»Bi  ane  end  of  the 
^Dinmla  to  tbe  otiier.    Day  Bftw  day  tbe  Frcndi  n 

oAcera  were  aeea,  cane  in  baad,  gettins  tbe  poor  peaaan , 

date  of  dneiplJHe.  The  BriMi  'oaed  to  crowd  to  the  nrcr'i  «d«  to  t 
the  nord  li^t-of  Fmioh  regioaeBtB  on  their  parade,  aid  bebolding  Ham 
go  tbroDgh  tbe  mamant»f  det  amrt,  or  miDBel  Merdae,  wMt  all  lh« 
minateDese  oomniim  to  tiie  n^Dnh,— tte  adjotaot  giTiaf ,  after  e««qr  word 
of  csmraaBd,  the  coaHnnal  cantlocB.  **  (M,  iaui,  truiM,  qvaire  /* 

At  one  pait,  where  the  river  waa  Ytry  m 

wben  on  aentrr  one  day,  fanwd  hiiBKlf  ii .,, .._ 

nenadier,  pboed  <m  the  tame  dwy  en  the  left  htA  of  tbe  rncr.  IW 
Gaol  was  a  rongh.whiskend  fellew,  weariac  tbe  «>aal  Berncajace  griai 
eint.  red  epaoleta,  and  bi|^  for-eap  of  the  Imi^nul  fiaail  Tte  amtiBda 
bad  been  staring  steadily  at  eadi  o^ier  for  saiae  tine ;  and  tbe  Mat,  wba 
had  b^na  to  imagine  the  ftiee  eftbeFreacbmaBwasnotUDlOMwntabhBr 
was  cenaiderablT  astociBbed  to  hear  bin  ask  (be  qiHisti«B> — 

"Well,  Tom,  old  fellow  !  How  are  tfce  dirty  old  flsffe  ^aaingta}" 
TIhb  rogne  wai  s  comrade  of  hii  own,  w^B,  a  fear  or  twv  before,  had  de- 
aerled  to  the  enemr,  and  had  the  cool  ii>padeaeetab>lttB  old  fciaadtbas 
from  tbe  Prenefa  side  of  tbe  Nive. 

On  the  erening  of  the  Bth  of  November,  tbe  w« 
fine,  the  French  offieers  sent  their  haida  to  the  ri 

eDtertahunent  of  the  Briljsb,  and  TnBBj  ooortea „ 

flmkief  wine  and  bnnehes  of  froit  were  teased  orer  by  the  Pranah,  wba, 
wrmding  military  topics,  ooDversed  witfa  s(ddier-like  franksesa  on  o&ar 
■nbiects.  Bonald  took  tiie  opportsnicy  t«  inqnire  after  his  bU  aaifaaiMl 
snee.  Captain  de  Meamu,  and  waa  inArmed  tlut  hia  nglBent,  tka  IMh 
Coirasiien,  was  stationed  at  St.  Jean  de  Lot,  near  BayonDe.  A  jiwafl. 
officer  of  ctoneuri  il  eAeeal  said  be  hoped  tlie  British  |»assed  tbdr  tiBC 
pleasaat^  amid  the  gaieties  of  Cembo,  and  with  tbe  fur  daotes  «( thai 
beoBtiful  city.  Staart  replied  in  the  ume  tone  of  raillery,  that  tbe  FMMb 
ladies  had  all  retired  with  their  countrymen,  at  the  eight  of -Um  scadat 
coats  :  an  answer  which  eiidently  piqned  monaienr. 

In  eicbangs  fer  some  Loodon  Dewipapers,  coatsi 
of  Lord  W(*iiif»oii,  datailinK  the  victorp  of  Vittorift,  «.  .  .     .      _._ 

ing  a  doiSB  medals  on  hii  brwut,  Chrew  anrose  tlie  nver  a  boadta  «C 
Parisian  SfmiAnrt,  eontaiaing  thefdseand  iflry  nDnlndicts^  da^atahea 
of  iOng  JoM^  on  tbe  same  afiair.  Some  Bpariiih  jaaraals,  the  49aee4a 
de  la  Btgaieim,  and  tbe  Gaorfa  d*  yotnteta,  Ifaay  letused  to  reea>^  aad 
poMely  returasd.  Between  deadly  naeaiieB,  intet<eoarae  iMb  aa -thia  aa*- 
ders  war  at  once  naUe  raid  ofaividric.  By  it  tin  bMut  at  the  ats^asat 
soldier  becomea  again  bDnnised,  and  tbe  bartaarltiea  jnodaat  M  hm  paa- 


d  vith  « 


Saaa;  faof  tbcatirndfaHfteloMe,  ■■dploBtinsiatnllttibeaai,  nnats 
duBritufc  nde,  andfcU  imims  »  yioqiut  of  tke  GordoD  Uighliuidei^ 
■ODDUoded  bf  Caiuhohn.  Bf  (iieai  It  was  ioBtaDtlr  ihM,  aajea,  and  ent 
np;  mi  in  were  rqoidng  in  np^rttHaa  of  k  nnMrr  Mul,  whea  > 
Aeack  (Mier,  wMh  m  white  tMadknebuf  du^dared  ob  the  Bomt  of  hk 
virani,  fwdcd  tberhcr;  ■dnadBg  to  tha  picanet,  be  craved,  m  tli«  nune 
of  bb  CMwrnlM,  Oat  llie  laab  ni^t  be  dwlded,— adding,  Aat  inralr  te 
JEdmmw  woald  nat  d£^«  brotbui  ot  the  iword  of  the  oolj  niol  ctence 
■-'  "'—ni  dtom  far  two  days.    It  wu  inpoMihlc  to  rehue.    TwooUiv 

___.__.    __.j. 1  iBot  badt  iad(B  wkh  h»lf  Ihe ewOM,  aad 

E,  for  «bicli  tbe  poor  felloira  ai 
*^-     "--  tfaanlc*  Bad  con 

Tb«  officer*  ol  ___ 

„. rer.laiichuigandieatiMbl 

;  and  when  it  grew  dai^  widi  nanr  adiuBa  dkcf  paiMd,— 
n  nonNnt  witb  tbMr  swardi  in  tbor  baadi. 


CHAPTEE     X 

J  MVtT  DOW  present  tLe  reader  witii  a  change  of  icene.  or  at  leaat  of 
adreiituiea,  in  describing  thoee  of  Louis  Liele ;  who,  aner  bariag  been 
SBverelf  wounded  in  the  arm  by  the  swoid  of  De  MesiUBi,  waa  carri^  off  a 
pTUoner  from  ^e  akirinieh  of  Fnente  Dueooa.  With  a  few  hoodred  other 
captives,  gleaned  uti  on  diOereot  occaeioua.  be  bad  been  confined  within 
the  strong  fbrlresB  of  Pampeluna  nntjl  the  French  arcaj  retired  beyond  it, 
when,  witb  hia  comradea  in  mitfortane.he  was  sent  into  France  and  placed 
In  a  solitary  stcoDghold  on  the  left  bank  of  the  Nivc,  a  few  miles  from 
tke  village  of  Cimbo,  This  was  a  gloomj  old  feudal  fortresa,  the  pro- 
|iertf  of  the  Duke  oF  Alba  de  T ,  who  has  already  figured  in  pre- 
ceding cbaptera.  It  conaiated  of  a  high  square  keep,  a  few  flanking  towere, 
•ud  a  high  wall,  embattled  along  the  top  ;  anderery  meana  had  been  taken 
to  strengthen  the  place  by  atockades,  loop-holes,  cannon,  &c.  The  garii- 
ton  consisted  of  two  oi  three  companiei  of  the  lOSth  French  regiment  of 
the  line.  Lonia,  who  bad  been  heartily  tired  of  his  residence  in  Psmpelun- 

waibnt  lilt'- -'--"'-'—  ■--  '-'--"  ■■--  -' '^° '^  ' 

priBoners,  y 


II  bot  little  pleased  when  he  beheld  tbe  gloomy  cbSlean,  as  the  badT  of 
'  of  French  laDceis,  maicbed  up  the  ascant  leading 

It  was  on  a  dark  and  lonrmg  November  morning,  when  the  black  towers, 
thegref  palisades,  the  gloomy  coart,  and  muffled-up  aentinels  appeared 
more  »ombre  in  the  dull  red  light  of  the  aun,  which,  like  a  crimson  ^lobe, 
•eemed  resting  on  tbe  eastern  summits  of  the  Pyrenees,  and  atruggling  to 
•bow  itsfacelbraughthemassesof  duo  clouds  which  floated  acroaa  the  akj. 
Tba  tri-colonred  standard  of  tbe  emperor  was  drooping  on  the  summit  of 
fte  keep,  and  the  guard  ware  under  armaaa  the  prisonera  entered  tliegato. 
nese  consisted  principally  of  Spaniards  and  Portuguese  j  there  were  a  few 
Sritiih  aoldiera,  but  Louis  was  the  only  officer, — and  a  lery  discoulenled 
PDe  be  seemed,  aa  he  looked  forward  wil^  considerable  repagoance  to  a 

&  tbey  halted  and  formed  line  in  the  court  of  the  fortress.  Lisle  was 


100 

■omewbat  aarpHsed  to  hear  himulf  accoitedinSMniib  br  aa  officBTiwba, 
maffled  in  a  lat^  military  cloik,  came  from  the  keep.  He  lecogniaed  bli 
friend  oF  Aranjuez,  the  father  of  Dooaa  Virginia, — die  same  traitorooa 
Spanish  noble  who  now  openly  served  Buonaparte ;  sod,  bb  commaadaiit  of 
a  Fieach  guniBoo.  wore  a  staff-unifDrm  embroidered  with  oak-leaTea. 
I.isle  thoaght  af  Virginia,— indeed  be  nerer  thonght  of  aught  else :  and 
veibng  bis  dislike  to  thednke,  be  answered  him  as  politely  as  possible. 
He  would  fain  biiTe  asked  after  fhe  fair  donna,  but  feared  to  aroDS«  tk« 
keen  and  ready  snapicions  of  the  prond  and  pompons  Spaniard,  while  to 
completely  within  bis  power.  The  duke  behaved  Id  him  coldly  but  cmr- 
teonsly ;  and,  after  receivipg  his  parole  of  honour  that  he  would  not  Irmna- 
iret*  the  bounds  of  the  cb&telet,  invited  him  to  dinner,  and  retired. 

Louis  was  noir  his  own  master,  with  leave  to  perambulate  as  much  la 
he  chose  the  court-yard  and  palioades  of  the  out-works,  while  the  senlriea 
Irom  every  nook  and  corner  kept  sharp  eyes  upon  him,  and  often,  whenba 
attempted  to  pass  their  posts,  barred  the  way  with  ported  anna,  aod 
saying,  "  Pardon  me,  monsienr,  you  mnst  not  pass ; "  but  with  a  softoeM 
of  tone  and  poiitenesg  of  manner,  very  difierent  from  what  those  of  a 
British  sentinel  wonld  he  on  a  similar  occasion. 

The  hours  passed  slowly  away,  and  I«uis  began  to  feel  very  disconaolats, 
and  very  impatient  of  the  monotony  and  restraint  of  a  prisoner's  life,  formiof 
OS  it  did  so  strDDg  a  contrast  to  the  heart-sdrring  excitement  of  cam- 
paigninp.  As  it  was  contrary  to  their  orders,  the  sentinels  could  not  con> 
verse  with  him,  and  in  troth  his  French  was  none  of  the  best ;  so  be  paaacd 
the  time  in  sauntering  dismally  about  ontil  the  son  began  to  ver^e  west- 
ward, and  he  knew  that  the  dinner -boor  was  appToacbing.  To  the  mean- 
time, he  whited  awsy  tbe  bonrs  as  well  as  he  could,  by  whistling  a  march, 
humming  a  watti,  or  tossing  pebbles  and  (ragments  of  lime  from  the  ram- 
parts lo  raise  circles  and  bobbles  in  the  Nive,  which  swept  round  an  an^le 
of  the  rocks  on  which  the  fortress  stood.  These  employments  he  varied 
by  watching  with  an  intense  interest  the  distsnl  Pyrenees,  in  hopes  to  aee 
the  far  away  glitter  of  arms  announce  the  approach  of  the  allies,  whoan 
troops  he  knew  to  be  in  that  direction.  The  eagerness  of  his  glance  towaria 
Spain  did  not  escape  the  observation  of  messieurs  the  sentrieii  of  the  lOSfli; 
and  they  twirled  their  monstacbes  and  regarded  each  oUier  wiUi  a  tmlr 
French  smile  of  hautenr  and  complaisance,  as  they  strode  briskly  to  and 
fro  on  their  posts ;  and  one  young  man,  pointing  towards  tbe  Lower 
Pyreneej,  remarked  to  him  significantly  with  a  smile,  "  Ct  pay*  ttiti  bi 

About  four  o'clock  in  the  afternoon  (an  early  hour  in  1313)  dioDer  wu 
announced,  and  Lisle  was  nsheied  into  an  ancient  hell,  roofed  with  oak 
and  floored  with  stone,  but  in  no  way  very  magnificent.  There  he  was 
recdved  by  the  duke  and  bis  daughter,  Vli^inia,  who,  having  heard  of  her 
Jrimifa  arrival,  was  dressed  with  nnuanal  care  to  receive  him  i  her  woman 
had  been  occnpied  two  good  hours  in  arranging  the  massive  braids  of  bar 

8 tossy  bair  in  a  way  to  please  tiieir  coquettish  owner.  A  few  ofEcera  af 
ie  French  regiment  were  present,  and  Louis  coold  have  dispenoed  with 
their  presence  very  well.  He  felt  jeslons  at  the  very  sigbt  of  them,  aa  thoy 
were  all  bandsomefellows,  chevaliers  of  the  Legion  and  many  other  orden. 
Besides,  a  Frenchman  makes  love  as  no  other  man  does,  and  a  donee  Soot 
is  certainly  no  match  for  him  in  volubility  of  words  and  laughter.  Tbtaa 
was  a  Spaniard  present,  who,  although  not  greatly  gifted  with  personal 
attractions,  appeared  to  pay  so  much  attention  to  Virginia,  ttiat  LialB 
cursed  him  in  his  heart  for  his  impudence,  and  began  (ofbrm  plans  for 
calling  him  to  a  severe  acconnt  for  bis  presumption 
•  IJlenilly,  "IhiiplkM  ■      ■ 


Like  tbo  daka,  tiiii  oQworthf  hidalgo  wo  >  reoegade,  and  bid  been 
sreatsd  bj  Joeepb  Buoaapirte  Count  of  Arenjaci,  and  ColniEnare  de 
Oni>,  >ad  knigbt  of  tbe  Stole, — ux  ancient  order  inatitoted  by  the  kings  of 
AnagOQ.  He  greeted  Liile  cold);  eDonth.  They  had  met  before  tt 
Amojaex,  when  he  bon  the  name  of  Felix  Joaquia,  of  the  order  of 
Calatrsra;  for  tme  Spaniirda  refased  to  acknowledge  the  titles  he 
iMm  from  the  ninrper'i  hand.  The  donna  beha*ed  wilh  the  aame 
•dhility  to  him  as  to  tbe  other  gaesti,  being  nnwilling  to  let  him  perceive 
tiiat  ihe  uodentood  his  attentioDs;  bat  the  delight  of  Lonia  at  again 
bekoldinc  her  and  coaTorsing  with  her,  was  clouded  by  cbagrm  and 
aager.  He  aoon  becBma  awaie  tiut  the  open  and  intruiiie  aCIeatioili 
of  tbe  ei-damil  cond£  were  licensed  by  the  approbation  of  the  old 
dnke. 

The  dinner  pasted  oTer  quietly  enoagb.  Military  mitten  were  molded 
by  all  bat  one  little  Qasoou  mqor,  who  found  it  impoiiible  to  refrain  from 
detailing  to  Iiisle,  with  erident  eialtation,  an  account  of  Sonlt's  forcing 
tbe  pasael  of  Maya  and  Roneesvalles  on  the  Z5th  July,— aJTaira  from 
wbii^,  if  the  namerical  force  on  each  side  ia  considered,  but  very  little 
Jionoor  accniea  to  Prance.  Encouraged  by  Che  applanae  of  hie  own  oBScen, 
who  were  eridenlly  qoininp  him,  the  little  Gaacon  entertained  the  com- 

Cr  with  u  aceoimt  of  his  ova  particular  exploits  at  Maya,  where,  bj 
own  tale,  be  had  three  hoiaes  shot  under  him.  One  anecdote  did  not 
lail  to  interest  Litle.  He  suced,  that  on  a  party  of  a  Scots  regiment 
fsam  eulolltt},  who  hnrled  largo  atones  on  the  lObth,  he  took  terrible 
TtDgeance,  by  mounting  the  rock,  which  they  possessed,  and  putting  them 
ts  death  with  his  own  hand  I 

"  Sactf  /"  said  he,  as  he  concluded,  "  Sauve  gui  peul  wal  the  word  l 
bntnot  one  of  the  fierce  miu  nijaft«f  escaped  I" 

Donna  Virginia  said  she  would  excuse  tbe  major  bis  ungenerow 
triumph,  ai  ibe  beliared  these  were  the  gnalest  Tictories  the  French  had 
am  won  in  Bpain.  The  dnke  Irowaed  -,  tbe  connt  would  hate  done  lo 
too,  had  gallantry  permitted  him  ;  the  little  major  looked  big,  and  twirled 
np  bis  moDstacbes  ;  while  bis  subs,  like  well-bred  cavaliers,  laughed,  as  in 
'  doty  bound,  at  the  young  lady's  retort.  On  IJsle  inqniring  for  Donne 
01i*ia.  Vii^nia  bln^ied,  and  tears  flittered  in  her  dark  syos ;  while  her 
fadier  leplwd  coldly  that  aba  had  retired  to  a  convent  in  Galicia,  but  did 

.  .11  .!_..  j_  —  ^_  ....  A..-g  ^^  ^  Arrepentidiu,  he  had  so 


oonucDedha 


nmiDg-tabhawtniatrodnoed.  Thednkeand  bisintendedson-in-lawsU 
dawn  to  dieia,  at  which  they  were  as  great  enthaeUits  as  the  celebrated 
Don  Pedro  Carrera*  himself,  while  the  Frenchmen  took  to  trictrac!,  and 
qniekly  became  absorbed  in  all  the  mystery  of  lour  ^  bat — tour  if  une, 
tte.  &o. ;  but  lisle,  wbo  hod  n^tiier  money  nor  inclination  to  gamble, 
begged  to  be  excused,  and  withdrew,  reccdv ing  as  he  retired  a  keen  glanca 
from  the  oonnt,  to  whom  he  replied  by  another  of  contempt,  for  rlTBlf 
noon  diecorer  eaoh  other.  Louis  again  returned  to  his  iohtaiy  promenade 
on  the  lower  works  of  the  fortress,  and  continued  to  pace  among  tb* 
Munon  and  pyramids  of  ibot  which  lined  Che  stockades,  until  he  heard  hit 
name  called,  and  by  a  voice  •hich  he  should  have  known  amongst  ten 
thonsand.    "LnizI    Don  Lniz  1" 

"Virginia!"  cried  he;  and  springing  to  the  grated  loop  at  the  base  of 
the  keep,  he  kissed  tbe  little  hand  she  extended  towards  bim. 

"  ReliTe  now,  senor,"  said  she. 

•  A  Spuivd,  who  Id  ISlJpDhUihtd  itmdH  on  Ihe  nrigin  of  ehtu,  esrryingita 


"AbtWlf  aonvB?"  siidl^ai*.  "Bat  fm  iumC  not  iMar  iDa,Mt 
MdihIi  ■□  diatant." 

' '  Mi  giurtAi,  tben." 

"Abl  tb«t  ia  better.  Dear Tinctaia  I"  mi  ba  kined  hn  band  iRifei. 
It  ml  ndeed  nch  ■  hmi  mm  one  wMdd  never  tin  of  hoUiBK.  8a  bMy, 
•nd  «•  delieate,— <nd  hc  off  by  flte  ImdMnM  bbck  bracriit  KiaKd  th« 
■lendetwriit.  "  Wbr-voald  70°  !>*«"  >i  >«  ■om.  Vifpafa!"  ndd  b^ 
guins  an  ber  bflatXihl  ^aiBih  feMvns.  "  It  >il<«i% — nry  lottg  iriM* 
webntmcitl" 

"  Only  ■  few  moDtba,  Laii  i  nk!  jtt  tbe  tnas  deeti  appnc  vmtf  loBT' 
Bat  we  msj  be  cAecmd ;  tliae  ■barp.rigbted  Freach  MfitelM  bsep  gadtl 
on  eT«y  nook  and  eomr,  and  my  ta^Br  maf  hear  ttat  1  ban  IMI  nra." 

"  Hs  is  bmy  over  the  cheag-boardi  and  do  Frencbmsn  would  ipd 

"  1  aniit  indead  liare  70a.    Uma  1  1  an  not  is  fne  boa  la  at  )4eaaal 

"Hear  me,  befeTeyMl  g*, — batooe  wcb^  Tinpala?" 

"  Well,  tben,— one  orir" 

"  Who  la  lUa  Dm  Fdii,— ttiii  Coant  of  AnmjMS  f" 

"  Yob  ba*e  nokaa  a  dcnaa,  md  br^ea  j»wr  laawiiaf  " 

"  Who  is  hs  i" 

"One  of  wboB  we  hid  better  beware.  Mjeknoaunaeo^ltikmmUt 
tanUvKT  fmadag  Tooder  wilb  Ua  dfam  oa  hii  back;  bUbriaMfiikaal 
beat  B<  «Ter  WIS  Bodrigoei,  or  tbe  Count*  of  CanloD." 

"  He  ia  lerj  atWntiw  to  jna," 

"  He  iivety  tTOMh\etotDe,—Sanla  Maria  !  a  ptf&at  anlaanca.  Bat  at j 
faibeT  ftvama  him,  and  u  his  wrath  ii  tanible,  I  am  fbletd  MdkKmble, 
But,  ah  1  retire  now,  Don  Luil,  I  beasaA  rea  I " 

Dim  Laiz  was  too  inucfa«nra(>C>ndaDdbeitildeTadtoab«f ;  ani  aattfac 
fai  hia  arm.  beeadrcled  and  dtcw  her  ttoie  lo  ths  ban  o(  titalo.,. 
(krsB^  whkb  be  pteiaad  hi*  giowins  lip  to  bc»  owo.    She  fi^ed  ts 
pUHVity. 

"Oaeawl" 

"Samratsin]  Ah  1  theae  mfenal  ben,  VirflDla,"  ba  esclalBed.  Bat 
teleasii^  henelf  from  hia  grasp,  she  glided  away  wi&  the-  l^Uoeaa  af  a 
biry,  raid  he  mw  her  no  mole  that  nigbt.  Bat  Uiere  waa  aoiaHiMgan 
delieh«Blinb«hig«earVirgfaiB,M»d  IrriBsnadrntheia »-ui.i —    < 


J  feelings  nnderwent  an  entire  change  befofe  bM<  elared  ia,  ■ 

looked  Ibis  anxiouil;  towards  the  Atant  pnaitiaas  n  Laad  WeUai 
army  on  tbs  PyrcBees,  aad  tb&  aajMet  of  bis  pnant  apfeand  Ian  d_ 
anddesolatt.    The  preaanee  of  TlrgiBaa  caM  a  Ma  •*«  eT«ryaiiag  1 1 


Rds  the  Atant  praWou  ci  Lmd  WeUwlan'a 
1  tb^asjMet  of  bis  pnantapfeandlan&a^ 
wotTlrgiBaacaMaMaanr  tnttjOiast^i 
ew  fMragi,  ol  tore,  bope^  and  plaaanre  bcgaB  to  dam  m  hia  heart. 
Tbcf  net  dHlir,almo«CboBil)' indeed,  bewaae  ht  th«  aartaw  naaniaaa  d 
a fortms  or banack,  peoplft  aaeounler each  oditr  at  ««ht  taniando«»> 
ner;  and  some  weeks  panedaaaywltlia  pteaanra to  Loaia,  wUcknotkaig 
termed  to  clood  but  Oeetaanea  that  Hanhd  fioialt  nigbt  aider  tbepak 
sosen  in  tbe.diSteMi  to  be  conveyed  tmlhtr  iatn  the  mtener  of  tka 
country,  as  ttgaa  nmomti  were  aAost  tiiat  the  allied  anay  wa«  abeat  (0 
descend  from  the  moantaina  and  invade  Fnaxa.  II  was  enly  Iram,  Iba 
oainal  obaervatioas  of  the  VnaiA  offieeri,  at  nboae  meaa  be  ofica  dinsdt 
that  Liele  was  able  to  gather  any  politicBl  intelligence,  bat  that  jaanlbiug 
warlike  was  expected  qiptared  endeat.  The  garrisoD  of  ibe  cbAteaq  «a* 
Btrenglhenedbyaeontpany  of  cbasesars,  additkinal  worta  were  enetad, 
aod  scarcely  a  day  passed  wiChaut  French  tnM^M  bfliog  seva  on  the  aiardi 
southward  ;  and  it  was  outy  when  Lisls  haheid  the  doads  of  datf  aad  dnb 
of  steel  appearing  on  the  distant  roads,  that  he  felt  hiaMalf  indeed*  I*k 


Ai&  or  a  left  word  frooi  bee  wen  wdl  worth  ijl  thacisH  lod  Battler  of 
p«wriB,  thtcath— win*,  Ch«Meittin»»t,«nd  th»^wof  airface. 

Being  the  only  offlcer  among  the  rriMuan,  lie  aiivan  dintd  witb  tlw 
Mt^  ar  U  tktt  toiponrir  new  of  tha  ^ODob.  ile  BcMemd  the  (arater, 
ta  be  mar  VkgiDia,  nun  wkeaa  the  ei-tleviaU  coast  kept  a  jealova  eye, — 
dwBOKtnlioa  of  which  it  retfiaTed  alt  the  jovig  ledj'a  art  to  braei 
wliile.at  theHunctiine,it  required  all  hex  pglil«Beii  and  good  natara  to 
■aatir  bei  to  aiAiBit  to  hia  actentiiMia,  which  ware  now  bee 
•ften  deelarad  to  Looii,  "quite  odioiu  and  iniaffadrie." 
koged  t>  horMwtiip  the  Spanish  traitor  for  his  pceiaBiPtinn,  and  ob  man 
Aiat  one  occaoion  woold  haie  pvea  him  a  morabi^i  wring, — in  olhar 
wordi,  bare  "  ealkd  hm  oat,"  hot  for  fear  of  nt  afpw/p  which  be  wonU 

Beaido*.  be  had  a  deeper  pint  laid,  and  another  a^ect  in  view.  He 
Imaw  Uiat  Viisinia  dreaded  the  dabafor  hia  atant  aoateritf.as  much  aabe 
fc*»>— If  dcepiaad  him  for  hia  treaaon  and  fidaduod  to  hia  natiTe  eoantij  | 
aad  he  bapei  bj  •rercoaung  her  icniple»,  and  prcniUag  n|Mn  her  to 
'     '  e  bar  boa  tbeinaoleot  ■»     " 


wholD  ganiaon  Either  into  naoee,  or  ita  being  atrtothened  b^  the  arriTal 

_. . __  j[^  peieiigefid  diapoaitioDB  of  the  dnka  — '  ' '- 

1  while  he  remained  U  mach  at  tlwir  n 


af  Mora  troopi,  ai  the  verengefid  disaoaitioDB  of  the  dake  and  Jaaquia 
B  be  dmde ■     .  


_. ja  was  fisB|^  with  danger,  and  ttiat  if  be  di 

kand  of  Virginia,  be  might  Imc  it  for  erer. 

With  a  eoaatanance  indioelive  of  moab  diacompoanre,  and  CTee  red  witk 
mtiaviog,  abe  appeared  one  efeniBg  at  the  grated  loop-bole,  where  tlM^ 
nanallf  had  a  meeting  atone  sAec  dndc.  She  had  just  eome  bom  an  intar- 
*iew  wilb  the  dake,  who  baiBg  lasolred  to  cairj  to  the  atmost  the  andio- 
ai^  aBuaed  by  Spanish  papaa,  had  abnqitlT  eonoujided  her  to  coma  toa 
fiul  amogament  with  the  meroaMrr  eaaiA,  or  prepare  to  join  her  d»ter 
iB  the  mamarteria.  Looia,  wfao  bad  been  loi^  wavering  in  his  plane,  ww 
at  OMe  decided  bi  thi*  iiifiMiiialiiiii  He  prerailad  npon  her  to  conaent  to 
aa  dtweanotf,  and  bare  that  oeramon  peifonrad  whidi  woaldjdace  her 
bqFODd  tha  power  of  ber  &itbei  and  the  views  of  Don  F^i.  Totaking 
■neh  a  atnp,  a  Rnaniih  dnmnnl  bna  alwara  felt  leea  ■omplaa  than  a  British 
■ltd  witli  abmdaaoe  of  tears,  fean,  i^tation,  &«.,  die  donaa  gaTe  her 
conaent,  and  ]■■■■■■  ~" 

the  coafonnde 

Id  thii  dilei 
core  leave  for 

aolemnly  tore  „  .  , 

mg  Jjaois  Lisle  in  his  heart,  offered  resdilr  to  befnend  him  oii  laa,  uu^- 
aion — iuriug  two  ends  in  rinr  ;  firat,  to  remore  LUle  fron  the  preaeDCe  of 
Virginia ;  and,  secondly,  to  do  lo  cfiectiully,  by  sending  bin  to  hia  long 
liome  by  means  ol  tomB  of  those  coticinental  aawssina,  whose  danera  are 
«*erat  the  asrrice  of  the  bigbest  bidder.  Through  his  iaterest  ue  dake 
giaDled  the  leave,  and  long  before  break  of  day  Loais  and  the  donna  wrae 
deaTDftbeforlreas, — the  duke's  written  order  satiafyiog  the  acruplei  of  the 
«d>  eoamanding  the  barrier-gnard.  At  atillageinn  hard  bf  they  procnred 
Aona^  '"^tf^  the  road  direct  (or  Cambo,  where  they  hoped  to  find  the 


104  THE   KO>AMCI  or  WAB. 

imr^oftlieTillsis.  He  wily  coniit  hid  prerkmalr  daapatcbed  two  of  tri* 
own  servanCi,  Valeoouiu, — rogoei  who  would  hare  sold  their  ehuimaf 
uivatioD  fcir  >  nuntTedi, — to  poat  tiiemaelTea  in  unbush  on  tiie  road  iotd- 
ing  to  Saint  Paliii,  whicber  ha  tieliered  IJate  [o  have  gone,  with  orden  to  ' 
Bhoot  him  dud  tha  momsnC  he  appeared. 

So  fnli  of  jof  wu  Don  Felix  at  the  eipected  rerenge,  that  he  found  it 
imposeible  to  retira  to  reit,  end  contiiiaed  to  fimx  bia  chamber  all  night. 
With  the  utmoet  exolUtuio  he  beard  the  oobe  of  hii  inteDded  Tictiai^ 
departure  in  the  morning,  while  it  was  yet  dark,  audhmgeRfOa-fire.  At 
the  i^Uente  of  the  aeutineU  and  dang  of  the  donug  gate  edioHJ  thrmKli 
the  eilent  fortreu  tlie  ealiifaalioD  of  the  Spaniard  inereaaed,  and  ha  already 
imagioed  himwU  the  roaster  of  VlrgiDia'i  broad  laada  oame  Nira,  and  her 
richeataieB  in  Talcntia,  la  Htnaoiai  and  long  he  watched  the  roadte 
Saint  Palais,  in  liopes  of  seeing  tin  deatii-riiot  ^ram  throi^h  the  iliilinwi 

An  haar  eUpeed,  and  be  felt  oertun  that  the  tixUta  mnet  bare  faUn 
into  the  deadly  mare ;  bat  his  anxiety  to  behold  the  oomplelion  of  Iiis  plot 
wonld  not  permit  bim  to  delay  an  instant  lonnr.  Ordo^ic  a  aol^er  of  ' 
the  gnard  to  saddle  his  horse,  he  stock  his  pistols  into  his  nrala,  drew  Ut 
hat  oTer  bis  eyca,  and  mufBing  himself  in  bis  maotli^  be  rode  ftnth, — fbeW  ' 
ing  the  eihiWatiDg  infloence  of  a  gHllon  in  the  lH«Biy  rooming  air  iit- 
finitaly  agreeable,  aftn-  a  night  of  feTerigh  euntement  and  drinkiDg  in  In*  - 
close  chamber.  Ashe  approaclied  the  spot  where  he  bad  piaced  the  aasas- 
aina  in  ambosb,  he  hid  bis  face  in  Ma  mantle,  and  rode  more  iloiriy  tim 
ward,  with  a  beating  heart,  acaiiBiiig  tbe  roadway  in  expectation  of  iiiiiihin 
the  coiae  of  hia  rir^  Btretohed  upon  it.  Bnt  he  looked  in  vain  !  Tbe  wind' 
ing  road  between  the  IhEokets  was  clear,  and  appeared  so  far  many  ■  mile 
beyond.  Enraged  to  a  pitch  of  madness  at  the  idea  of  his  escape,  he 
dashed  the  rowets  into  hia  horae  and  galloped  on ;  when  lo  I  two  carl>inea 
flashed  hoai  adjacent  tbiclieta,~one  on  each  side  of  the  way.  A  avdden 
Bxclamatioa  of  race  and  agony  eacaped  from  him ;  hia  hraae  reared  op 
wildly,  and,  pierced  by  a  two-ounce  bullet,"- "— " — ' -'  ' — "-- 

I  Colmenara  da  Orija,  knight  of  CalatraTi 


with  Donna  Virginia,  galloped  along  the  bank  of  the  Nire,  panniDe  tlta 
road  to  Csmbo,  where  they  anired  abovt  aanriae,  and  longht  witiMtit delay 

tbe  honae,  or  rathertha  cottage,  of  the yillage pastor.     iWefr    '    "^  " 


the  rererand  gentleman  pretnided  to  hare  many  eonadeti- 

tioua  acraplsa  about  wedding  a  Catholic  lady  to  a  Briton  and  a  faeretie. 
But  a  few  gold  Napoleons  overcame  bia  qualma,  and  he  ooosented  to  per- 
form the  important  ceremony,  with  a  deacription  of  which  it  ia  ncedleas  to 
tire  the  reader.  Louia  had  no  ordinary  taak  to  accomplish,  in  soothing 
the  hesitation  and  tmrora  of  Virginia,  who  was — 


There  were  no  witnesaea  to  tlie  ceremony,  ao  important  to  Lonia  and  ilia 
bride,  save  a  atouC  vilUger  and  his  wife,  who  declared  that  Doona  Virginia's 
black  TCil  and  velTet  miatiUa  were  contrary  to  all  rule  and  eatabltabed  cna- 
tom,  as  white  drapery,  pure  as  the  Tirgin  snow,  and  a  coronet  of  wlule 
flowers  and  orange-buds,  formed  the  bridal  garb  in  France.  But  there  waa 
DO  help  for  it,  and  the  donna  heoaiae  the  Honoorabla  Mrs.  Lisle,  is  her 
hixh  comb,  braided  hair,  and  long  black  veil,  wiiich  swept  the  gramuk 
I  rsmembered  bis  fatlier,  wboae  existence  he  had  almost  fbrgottaa 
'' it  of  the  eloperaent  1  bnt  ha  well  kiuw  that  hiain'  ' 


MJderiiwtlui 
heaboolil  pi 


wied  it,  and  he  longed  for  th«  tine  when  he  aboolil  piMCDt  to  bii 
■■  litet  AlicCi  bi*  bemUfnl '"  '  '  '  ''  ■  -  ■  ■ 
r.  «*«  dMoeadad  from  01 

The  bride  wia  too  much  >|iC>ted  to  retani  immedietelr  to  the  chStrao, 
mad  Is  owonntar  tho  wnlfa  of  that  terrible  old  don  her  father,  uid  lo  the; 
rBnudned  tlMt  night  at  the  cottage  of  tb«  partor  of  Cunbo. 

Barlr  next  moraing  Loni*  wai  ■ronaed  from  Oe  conoh  of  his  bride  bj 
tbe  aoBnd  of  Rrendk  drama,  near  the  village.  He  heard  them  rattliog 
amr  at  ia  iatt  de  la  T4irail»  (the  retreat) ;  then  loeouded  the  "  long 
rail,"  a  Bonnd  which  Derer  ftiils  to  ronse  a  aoldier.  The  noiwi  of  diatant 
finng  wai  heard,  and  lie  apnuig  (ram  tbe  side  of  the  btaihing  and  trem- 
bMng  Vininia,  and  threw  open  nia  caMNBont.  It  waa  a  beaatifal  morning  : 
tiu  ana  Aone  brigbttr,  and  the  birda  efairped  merrily ;  the  dew  WM  gleam- 
lug  bke  tUrer  flrMo  lAa  bianebea  of  the  leaflta  treea  i  0ie  Ay  wai  clear 


and  bloe,  and  tiie  bold  ouUlDea  of  the  Pjimeei  were  leen  atrati^iBi  Ui 
awB7  in  the  dlatanee  towarda  Paaaagm  and  Bayonne.  Denie  oolnrana  of 
FiCDch  infantry  were  ctowdiog  in  confuion  along  the  n    '     •■'■■-- 


B  bridge  of  Cambo,  while  the  sbHrp-ihooteca  of  the  adTmdng  alliea, 
nof  ering  on  their  rear  and  flinki.  kept  up  an  ircegnlar  bat  deatmedre  fire, 
whieh  their  ohasienn,  who  lined  every  wall  and  hedge,  endea*oiired  to 


liile  aaw  that  Uiere  waa  no  time  to  be  Itnt^  if  be  would  retam  to  the 
The  diaoomfited   Frendi  were  ponriog   acrosi  tbe  bridge  of 


it  of  lapmn  were  busy  at 
onaof  Uiepiara.  The  main  body  of  the  allies  wen  already  in  light.  Tho 
graan  and  acarlet  nnifornu  of  de  light  infantry  were  seen  at  interrali,  ap- 
pearinc  and  diiappeariiu;  aa  they  leaped  Arom  bnih  to  hedge,  and  from 
badge  to  wall,  fii^c,  and  then  lymg  flat  on  their  faoea  lo  rdoM,  and  iToid 
tba  fire  of  tbe  enemy.  Mingled  with  other  aharp-abooters,  hebdidddte 
]Mit  Dompany  of  hii  own  rcataitBt,  and  knew  tbeir  tall  green  and  black 
pliunea  aa  they  floated  on  the  moning  wind.    Wiatfnlly  did  Lltle  look 


la  ordinary  f^linga  of  chaEriD  that  he  be- 
held hia  friend!  to  near,  and  yet  found  himself  nnder  the  die  agreeable 
Deeeaaity  of  retamiog  lo  tbe  chtteau.  where  he  ahoold  be  eipoeed  to 


d  TengesDce  of  an  intractable  old  Spaniard,  to  whom  be  now 
•tood  in  the  relilian  of  son-in-law. 

Virginia,  who  waa  ezcaaaitely  terrified  by  the  notae  of  the  firing,  which 
wai  now  heard  annmd  Cambo  on  all  aidei,  and  not  leu  alarmed  at  the 


rage  and  diaordar  whioh  preralled  among  the  retreating  French,  with  te 
and  eaiesiei  b«M«riit  Loni*  to  remain  nnaeen  In  the  little  cottage  of  me 
onrat^  nam  tbe  alBea  gained  poaiewinn  of  the  Tillage.    But  that  rea<dfe 


■aimpowible.  Hitword  wa*  pledged  to  her  btber,  and  hem  __. 

erenat  the  riik  of  certain  death.  He  prepared  wi^ont  delay  to  oroa*  the 
rirer.  On  entering  the  atable  to  eapariion  th^  honei,  he  bond  that  the 
worthy  paitor  had  decamped  in  Uie  night,  takii^  them  with  him,  and 


Fnudi,  whoae  rear-gaard  had  commenced  pli 
bOBRi,  to  ieaTe  no  libeller  to  the  aUiei,  who  w 

On  beholding  hia  red  nnitbrm  and  plnmed  bonnet,  two  charged  him  with 
dunr  bayoueta,  which  he  bad  barely  time  to  parry  with  a  bay-fork  that  he 
bsirledlj  anat^ed  up.  They  called  npoa  him  to  inrrender,  and  ha  Ibnnd 
UmMlf  m  imminent  peril.    Virginia  was  crying  aloud  from  tlie  interior  r^ 


Aa<»ttafefBr>id,i^ch  it  wu  ttapamMB  to  rklibfam,  ubavMlMM. 
MSd  agMMt  tin  WroMt*  of  ■  dono  uMiun,  Ffsoi  tUa  JwngrwM> 
pr«JiM»»«hBit»grriiOT»ilbTtheintBrfaw>wt>)»aacCT,  whai-wdilMa  - 
utg,  "  Stdrttet  not  armtf,  miminmt  /  "  tbnek  Aum  Aaa  ^ftmiiM  miA 
hu  labre,  mmI  anydlad  tbm  ta  idiM.  He  tkn  aakei  Loa,  itanl*, 
Imr  ba  OMoe  tkere.  Loaii  iBionacd  kus,  •■  bri^  aoA  m  mil  akb* 
imperfect  knowletlei  of  Fnnch  wooM  pnait,  Ibat  tw  «M  ■  pri»— w  «C 
mr  «k  hi)  puola  *t  bosonr,  «ad  wae  onlrdMinu  ot  onwaiy  the  I6ra 
with  tha  Frendi  brcM.  H*  |nr«d  Uw  Ffiwlimia,  am  ■>  ^ico  aW 
^mtilhttmm,  to  iiamii  tfat  WdTi  who  wu  xiw  (Ti'V  alaQd  far  inMitMgi 
Xfa*  «fion  ■haalhed  hk  Mbfe,  Md  n^iM«  into-  the  setMfa  ananB  >ha 
iririi«iw  who  thraagad  it.  ratornad  a  a  miuto  with  Tiigpna,  wh»  wm  ■■ 
t«n  aad  ^itatioB,  '— — (  aa  ^  licht  n,  wluk.  with  Ine  FroK* 
paUtMeaa,  he  earned  hia  weati>er-beate>  oachad-hat  wider  his  left.  a» 
TtUeni  pMV  liils  horn  a  ilate  of  drMdfal  lawwiii,  bf  plun^  ber  onder 
fail  aniCactian.  Siw  wasMailTlerrifieil  oat  «c  her  MmMa;  aad  that  Aa 
mi^  BBt  ha  labjeMad  la  farther  >adt,  Iha  ofioer  otdcred  a  c^aaial 
ArlM^,  with  a  file  of  aaldkn,  (•  atla^  theaa  M  >  cuard. 

Uader  Ihdr  friendlr  eaaait,  Loaia  at  aaee  ptcpu^  to  Uit«  tha  nSoc*, 
lAich  waa  new  on^caad  in  flaoMa  n>d  aBolce,  aed  imtalwBd  ia  tanilt  Bad 
apraar,  wbilo  the  bsUeto  ol  the  BcUMa  nfleman.  caaaa  whiatlioK  a««r 
lecond  amoDgtbe  crowded  streaCs  and  blaitog  raflera.  Placing  Vinaia 
vfoa  the  mate,  wbh  the  hoaaat  curate  kd  kti  b^tod  Uaa  aa  worthiaaa, 
Iionia  led  it  bf  the  biidla,  and  jaeMi^  aito  tho  laaha  of  the  giiuJ>, 
eraaaed  tb«  bridge  which  waa  am  aoow  cleared  Aaa  the  tt^ftm'*  «*•■■« 
tfaBmiafcanditwtradaeedto  wnaaiaaipotnwit.  IV fitiBi aaw caaaed, 
thar^wdandawrilanatatoaftheNtf  raadarJBtimnMtimaaafliMa;  tad 
Loaia,  aa  he  loaked  baeh  tamrdt  Caeri)a,  btiidd  hia  ow>  bngadalwinfa 

'  erinf  it, — aarrbiar  aloac  the  hithwnr,  ib  cloaa  atdaaia  ot  adUt^ 
« ;  W  ther  w<m  aooB  fiddan  in  tha  make  «f  the  laia^a,  wbiah  WM 


baeftheKUthw 

d  down,  ordering,  directiDg,  and  qnarrelliiw  « 
MiuaBDiiuit,  tf    >  ■      •    ■    ■     ^-    ■ 
Icaoope  the  adn 

ThedMth  of  theooaat  waa  aa  jtA  Dokiunm, — the  ai . ..  .  _ 

vetiag  thrir  miilahe,  harinf  plondercd  and  coDcealed.  the  bodj,  a 
wUeh  ther  abtconded,  and  were  no  BSaa  beard  of  fa*  ■  line.    Sock  ■«> 
"le  poatiiieof  ^ain  when  Liala  enKred  the  court  ef  the  ptaae.  whaae 
Mwad^MiBlia 


•  aceae  of  higb  dramatie  Intereat  waa  aboat  to  hr  f  nartnd  Ha  waaraddr 
■eiaed  br  two  acMiera  with  Ihdr  aworda  drawa,  while  the  daks  at  Ibe  aanta 
BKHnent  violently  dragged  his  daughter  fren  her  niSiu,  art  tide  eoaU 
raiae  a  haad  to  free  her  fmin  hii  ^raip.  So  bittcrlr  waa  be  eanwad,  ttat 
the  iterD  r^iroaehei  he  harled  agaiuit  the  affriebted  and  *'»''™e  Yii|iiaa, 
and  the  fierce  menaoea  againit  Lonia.  were  li»  aoaac  tiaM  tatallr  nee- 

"  FaltapMKra/  1  will  luTa.  Tonr  heart  thiowit  to  bt  dogi  Air  thia  I " 
he  eidMaied,  Raaag  at  Imia  with  an  ere  of  nndietire  forr-  "  Asd  M 
for  |im.  Boat  frwaet  tam-a,  j<m  ahall  join  joor  aiater  ia  Hia  iiinnaaliaia 


dhertotttaOri    Conetonw,  Vkgtaal    Von 

-  ' 1  ftmar  t^  nuatemi  anw,"    Tk« 

BKUrtkrat  MLoHwi      ~ 

, ,  hud  DO*  Om  little  Mi9 

flis  blide,  utd  derired  him  to  TeEDember  that  the  I*wi  o.  .._ . 

reapected,  uid  that  MoHlMr  LM*  wa  &  priwMv  ef  hmnee.  Lnoii's 
UM>d  boited  wUte  ku>,«hil8  ponTiipDia  eovwad  hn  iR««ia  her 
tai^ ,  Md  ihii^ed  aload  ta  bdnU  bCT  tKuband  and  btkw  ^ui^  It  ewA 
d&w  wiA  (fa  of  fin^  nrtil  bf  tha  canuad  of  tke  lattei  *■  wo  bans 
Mmr  to  bvah^bsr  m  tbs  bsen. 

" DimmnrJ  Hijor,  bsv  did  r<>*  dwa  ta  tUf  tajiami?"  ^bcd  bei 
taTning  farionalT  to  the  Frenchnuui. 
"  Partial,  fnonneur  le  due  !" 

' '  Do  yoa  —ppon  I  will  atcr  fiii«i[  tti  hoa—i  af  nqt  loBg-dawanded 
to  be  stained  by  the  prel                '     '  '   '  .    •    . . 

""  BritoD,  car  DUz  I" 
dflpMiaidI"R|i" 
AadUiB  i«  U«  tm  I  "  mr  aodtMrr  woM  BOt  leM  tplcMda  Umi  TOW  o<n  I 
b«tniMitfiiaAB^ad«tDn,iiial^iBf  aTiaUwHh  atnitBrlikecaa.iAo 
kM  abMdned  hto  htag  ad  aanbr  to  serrs  mader  tba  hazncr  of  a  lav^a 
- — ^-"    ■----' '— •  — -1 la  Vi^jnia  migfat  rediea  yaT 

.__. jdU^"tkatif  I 

aHuaataMtadb^ lafwiUuBthaia walli.^na Bar BUaraart forityat.  Sm 

KiitB,  tea  tftai  an  doae  at  biad,  dnfina  tbe  bautiag  loldien  ot  tba 
cror  bcfcn  tban  aa  Hm  KBui  iknca  tks  mat,  and  tbs  wbde  of  Gaaeaar 
wiH  ba  Onfai  before  anotbei  ta  sets." 

"  lV(»eayWi)*  «<  wmtMl"  laU  tba  ■•jor.  toraiag  «p  hi*  ar*  ^d 
shraiKiiK  U«  ebMMer.  "  JUuif  LiFrmmfaumtlai/Bt  dum/htr  ^ 
tagmirrtdtltrrti"  AxlBaBf  ofltoeisof  thalOMirWtaoarcMrded nraad, 
jM^lbad  headr>  u^  obaencd,  that  probaUr  in  >  *Kk  n  (wo.tba  alHea 
w«aU  be  «]«•«  A"'  ihelter  aoroes  the  Yfrtaoa.  1Mb  biased  his  «taa 
ttaattkegairiNniwasBotcaBposedeatfaelrof  9fBsdsnb;  for,  aavedlr, 
tke  dalw  waaM  ban  Aon  bin  od  tbo  spot  but  f*r  tt«  inn  interfeeeaee  at 
the  French  offieen.  He  wu,  bo<rerer,  p<A  imdnrdaaeanaat,  mdassa- 
tiaslphadanrbisa.  TI»iiila«iimshiibbiiwMiiii^iiiid  wsss|iiiijsi«iiiii 
tnet  of  tbs  oatwoli^  end  tbsre  he  was  left  to  bis  own  leflscdoD*,  >hisfc 
wan  mas  of  ae  most  smeatile.  He  fcnd  biaisdf  aeliag  lb*  part  e<  a 
■dwsrtiu  bsn,  bat  eerttUr  Httb  to  bis  own  sMiifMDoK.  In  tie  mm* 
tHMt  wM  eonftaad  a  gevvM  Teayn*, «  soldier  of  tba  eea  NBJiDtat,  wba 
betd  Iksea  bIsmI  in  dsrsaee  f»t  t«s  iwimate  sttempls  to  e«M  -whaa  Iba 
tHim  appeuad  ia  i^C    Itister  faddr  Mnlrooair  w 

'*-' ■-' ■-■— "--'paabaatan  in.      .   „ 

_  _  _  _9  that  dniU  eari  of  a 
.   .  resodeoidedlrlnb. 

*'Ock,  imwBwiderl  this  is*  poor  mm^ indeed,"  said  ha,  nriagiai; 
-    -^         "  "   ■  ^ic  to  tbe  wbtda  bailias  of  these  1  and  is  it  a 
r  dut  that  ns  sAhar  Bdlia'  tfais  my  '    Nenr 

.  __  ,  the  alMes^-tiie  bsad  It  Ssint  Pster  ba  onr  thim  J— are  in  riibt, 

SKd  mar  be  tfcsy  wUI  be  stomm'  tbia  joAkij  eoko  fine  mornng,  whia, 
wtd  tbs  bleinn'  or  Ood,  we'lt  see  erctr  throat  in  it  cot." 
U^  WW*  baUing  with  t^e  at  Cbe  tanaasenLto  whisk  be  «*a  sBbisaUd  1 


UB  TBI    ROHAMCB    OT  WAB,' 

bat  tbtt  wu  a  ili^ht  affair  when  compared  with  lui  anxietr  for  Virgwia,' 
who  vai  DOW  entirdj  at  tha  mere;  of  ber  titber.  of  whue  feraat;  ami 
nHDoraeleu  dupositioD  he  hid  teen  lerBnl  BiampJsi.  For  tome  tiine  ha 
remained  immemd  in  tbonghC,  while  he  atroda  hu^;  backward  aad  fot' 
ward  in  the  narrow  compau  of  their  priaon ;  and  it  was  not  until  Tc^ne'a 
maladictiona  became  Tor;  Tehemeat,  that  liile  fonnd  he  had  a  companiin 
in  miribrtane. 

"  Well,  friend ;  and  what  brought  jcia  here  ?" 

"  Eight  French  ipalpeeDS,  lir,  aod  mr  fortioe  or  mUfortine,  tud  that 
little  baate  or  a  miyor,  bftd  lock  to  him  1  I  nai  owh  out  or  their  elawa 
thiavflrTmarnin'.cleTer  andcUne;  bnt  ther  clapped  me  op  here,  tbaitt. 
mannered  bof-botCeral  Andanre.  it  'nd  Tex  ould  Moaei  himaelf  toaee 
theiidcoati  acrius  the  riter  TOnder,  and  ret  be  csged  ap  here  like  ■  nt  in 

"  To  what  regiment  do  yon  belong  }" 

"  The  Connaught  Rangera,  yer  honner,— ^ha  boya  that  gata  FbiU^mii 
the  old  ecrawdon,  inch  ■  fright  at  Badajoi." 

"  A  brave  corpa.     And  yoar  name  J" 

"  Pat  Mnlrouney.  1  come  from  one  aide  of  Dnblin,  irtiere  tbj  firtber 
has  a  beantifol  estate,  wid  deer-parks  aach  aa  ja  nerer  aaw  on  the  loogeM 
day's  march.  And  though  it  ia  meself  that  mi  it,  thnv  wai  not  a  imaiter 
Mlow  than  me  in  the  whole  diTiiion,  from  n^t  to  left;  no,  not  atm, 
y«r  hooner  1  Jf  yon  plaie,  air,  we  nuy  yet  giTS  the  French — bad  caaa 
to  Oieml  tbealip;  andby  the  moitall  I'UaUndby  yer  honner  like  steel, 
for  ahnre  I'd  do  it  for  la<e  if  for  nothin'  elm  ;  for  the  Santa  and  the  IrUi 
were  one  man'a  childer  in  Noah'a  day.  In  oald  aaeient  fbnea  timei,  the 
bleaaed  Saint  Patrick  himself  waa  a  Sootaman,  oatil  his  Ibad-Eanuand 
oonntrymen.  in  a  fit  of  nnkindnesi,  cat  off  bis  head,  and  be  swam  mer 
wid  it  noder  liis  arm  to  Donejhadee,  and  became  a  good  Iiiahman.  Often 
1  hare  heard  old  Father  O'Bafferty  at  DnnknT  tell  M  of  that,  wkea  I 
nsed  to  take  bim  home  from  Mother  Maenonia  s  wid  a  dhrop  in  fait  «y«. 

He  waa  the  broth  of  a  boj,  that  oald  O'F  ~   '         .  -    i-.--  •—■• 

the  girU,  for  all  that  ha  waa  a  praste ;  . 

little  he'd  ftink  of  ttiTing  the  beat  man  in  nii  noci  a  giaiuiog  on  ibs  car- 
Bat  periM4>a  it'a  intbradm'  on  yer  lionner  I  am  >"  Ixmi*.  thon^  pleeaed 
with  ttis  fcllow'i  hnmonr,  waa  not  in  a  talking  mood.  "  Hay  my  tongoa 
be  bliathered  if  I  apake  any  more  to  ye,  or  Uitlier  ye  in  the  midst  of  yai 
thronblea  !"  taidFatin  conclnsioD. 

Anxiety  and  fear  for  poor  Virginia  plnnged  Lisle  into  deep  deapoodene^ . 
and  not  all  the  attempts  of  bgueat  Mulroonij  conld  wean  him  from  has 
melandioly  reflectioDa.  He  coold  scarcely  be  m  any  other  than  an  n^tea- 
■ant  mood,  oa  it  was  rather  soooying  for  a  newiy-married  man  to  apwd 
thetime  immediately  succeeding  hia  nuptial-day  in  a  stone  tarret.  mea- 
— =ng  eight  feet  by  aii.   Two  or  three  days  passed  away,  and  Lonia  fooBl 


log  erg 
iBideral 


that  the  walls  of  the  fortress  still  coniained  bar.  He  bad  aecpudatod  bia 
bom  ble  friend  with  bis  story,  aod  Paddy  became  mors  eager  than  balsM 
to  serre  bim  ;  and  Towed,  for  bis  aoke,  to  bee  "dtberman  or  deril,  it  he 
had  only  an  opportoniCy,  bad  luck  to  it !"  The  place  in  which  tfaer  ven 
confined  waa  an  ^ehaagtAelf;  or  small  tnrret,  bnilt  on  an  acute  angle  of  a 
baatioa  cloae  to  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  and  from  the  loop- bolei  LMuand 
hia  friend  kept  by  turna  a  conataut  watch,  ao  tbat  it  was  impossible-far 
Vinrioia  to  be  carried  off  witbont  their  kiwwledge ;  and  Lisle  wonld  pro- 
bably  biTe  become  frantic  had  he  seen  her  departure,  which  ha  h)Mri|t 
eip«:ted  woold  take  place.    One  night  Mnlroony  wet  on  aantry  at  tt* 


ii^t  ' 


TBI  mon.vstM  Of  iTAm.  109 

I,  iratehiDg  tin  g*tewaT>  'while  Ltrai)  *Icpt  on  the  floor.    He 
I  iatmielT  dark, — ' '  one  on  which  ye  oonldn't  see  jer  noee 


ye,"  u  Mnlrooney  hi 
tberetion  and  blaekuc 


-"  BUitberetion  and  blBckucM  bs  on  the  day  1  erer  nw  ye  I"  aolUoquIieil 
ke,iBi  be  icanncd  the  cutle  and  its  defeDOCB.  "  Shars  it  nd  vex  Miater 
Job,  let  alane  a  CountD^C  Ranger,  lo  be  cued  np  here,  shsking  >t  iterr 
poff  of  wind,  like  t  dog  in  «  wet  wck.  Bad  ceaa  to  them,  the  spalpeeni 
or  blue  bUxce  <  Och  1  how  long  ia  tlu«  to  lait  at  all  at  all." 
t  "  Soior, — Lniz  !"  aaida  toltroice,  doubeaidB  the  loop-hole. 

"  Hohbnboo,  teario'  mnrtlier  1  who  are  yoD,  miithresi  >"  mid  Hul- 
roony,  darling  back  in  diamar  u  a  dark  figure,  mnffied  in  a  hooded  man. 
tilla  appeared  at  the  loop-hole.  "  la  it  me  you're  looking  for,  darlint ! 
Well  thin,  hooey,  it'a  Juat  right  yoa  arci  for  there  fa  not  a  amsrler  man 
in  all  the  Connaaght  Rangera  thui  Pat  Malroony, — damn  the  one  From 
right  (o  left  I  Ye've  jiiC  come  to  the  right  ahop,  honey  ;  for,  at  wake  or 
waddio',  who  wai  the  iewU  or  the  yoaogladiea  like  Mr.  Mnlrooney?" 

"  O  madre  Maria  I  laid  poor  Vii);inia,  ahrinking  back  in  aatonidimeiit 
and  grief.  Underatanding  that  Lonii  oecnpied  thla  turret,  ab«  had  reaolred 
to  pay  him  a  viiit,  fanmred  by  the  darknew  of  tte  night  and  the  faiattan- 
liaa  of  her  father  and  the  duemia,  who  «ei«  both  at  that  ttme  ngiged, — 
tike  former  at  the  chCM-bOM'd  with  the  ■b^ih',  and  the  latt«r  with  her  mmn- 
boDk  and  brandy.bottle.  ^henbling  with  affection,  f^,  and  the  chiU 
Bight>wind,  which  blew  roaghfy  on  her  delicate  frame,  die  aongfat  the 
plaoe  of  Uale'a  conlinement;  and  great  wae  her  dismay  at  Mnlroony'i 
reedy,  which,  althoagh  the  did  not  anderatand,  (he  well  knew  to  ha  Um 
Tttice  of  a  atranger ;  but  ahe  implored  hun  in  Spani^,  por  amor  it  Sm 
Jam  it  diM,  to  eay  where  Don  Lnii  wai  confined. 

"  Don't  be  in  (ooh  «  flnithention,  honey,"  aaid  MnlroonT,  putting  ont 
bit  arma  to  embrace  her.  The  lady  ahmnk  back  indignantly,  and  it  now 
oocorred  to  the  q[otiilical  gcotleman  to  awaken  Lonia,  thinking  Che  virit 
mjsht  be  intended  for  him. 

"  I  Bay,  air  I  liere'a  aometliing  vantin'  to  apake  wid  ye.  I  can't  tetl 
what  it  aayi,  beoaoae  it  apakei  like  naythnr  Frinohnun  nor  deril,  God 
bleaaul"     Loaia  apnmg  up. 

"  Vii^nia  I "  aaid  he,  and  ijare  her  hia  hand  throngh  the  loop-hole.  Bnt 
aha  ma&  no  reply,  aave  preaamg  it  to  her  throbbing  breait ;  her  heart  »a* 
too  foil  to  permit  her  to  ntter  anything. 

"Virginia,  haTeyon  any  new  diatreaa  to  tell  me  of."" 

"O  Luiil"  aaidahe,  (obblng  a*  if  her  heart  would  bniat,  "wemeet  fbr 
ttie  latt  time.*' 

"How  i"  he  exclaimed  In  diatren  and  alarm,  eneircling  her  with  lua 
arm  as  if  to  keep  her  with  him,    "Who  will  dare  to  anwraCa  nanowr' 

"  My  fether.  To-morrow  I  go  tram  tbia ;  bnt  whether  to  Paria  or 
Galicia,  I  know  not.  O  Lnii  I  liis  hatred  ia  terrible.  But  for  the  int«r- 
eesioD  of  the  mqor,  yea  would  hare  been  in  eternity  by  thia  time."  The 
■dullenge  of  a  aendiid  at  the  other  angle  of  the  bastion,  and  the  tread  of  a 
foot,  now  alarmed  them. 

'  "  Ketire,.Virginia,  for  a  moment;  'tie only  the  patrol,  or  some  afiirof 
thataort.  I  woald  not  hare  yoa  dlacorered  nererortheworkl."  Sbehad 
tia\j  time  to  shrink  into  a  oomer,  and  conceal  hoielf  behind  the  carriage  of 
>  piene  of  ordnance,  when  a  nun  approached  the  tsrret.  It  was  the  eor- 
porel  of  the  guard,  who  nsoally  came  erery  night  befbre  the  drama  beat, 
to  ace  that  the  priaonera  were  all  right.  The  door  wai  of  maanre  oak, 
atndded  with  iron  naila,  and  while  the  corporal  was  nndoiog  its  ponderona 
faateninga,  a  sadden  thought  oecurred  to  Ijsle.  "  Be  on  the  alert,  Hnl. 
coony,"  aaid  he;  "  I  will  now  endearonr  toeacape,  or  die  in  the  attempt  1" 


m't  Un  ■  wiHb  b- 

, „ ,   _»w«tdHi«rd,«ida*i«e 

tUac  iriio  doabt  my  puole." 
Tfac  uunnecdiit  Fnnchaiui  opened  tht  iImt  and  looked  in,  mertlj  (• 

himBclf  that  tiu  piwmars  ««re  im  tMc  <»(•.     "  Coma  in,  cvtponl 
'  v*^  aod  dnsKiBs  Uo  iMo 

I  Gild,  itranliiw  wi&  Ui 
Md  in  B  tiniUK  Wd  hb> 
M  DBoa  hi*  breaat. 
"  Odk,  hiwef  I  don't  he  in  nch  KdiTcJi- 
HD«llwt  eiy  in  life,  and  if  <  T>''  neck  I'll  be  d 

«ld>w. 

"Come,  i 

toaatetmgB,  t.   _. — ,. 

MdIcoobj,  take  ^tar  haad  from  fail  liiroat.    ui« 
peril  1" 

"MlBSHori  I '  replied  UwoUmt.  iMdf>FTir""rdnniim1iatfiiTt«inngr 
aloud  fiv  Ibis  oaouradM ;  bat  hi*  nioa  ■eredramad  >■  die  >ngtBKcf  As 
wind  and  ncaie  of  the  Kin,  whiEfe  raalwd  o*n  a  rteep  caande  (mImt 
thehaatieB. 

■  >  Och,  nartjier  !  it'*  *H  over  bow  ;  be'll  briag  the  «rh*ta  pack  as  ^ 
wid  his  achreechin',— the  deril  dbisir  the  touaa  oat  e*  *e  1  Tnndii  aB* 
ODBBl    nwfaKlMateit  what's  this  he  a  aAer  BOW?" 

raddraaoiidMiMVMwdtbafaaiidtobiaoort.  Tli  iipmil.  mi  giHkt 
ooahaBd&ee,  (trew  fail  bqaoet,  a«d  planced  it  into  the  aia  of  Uaanla- 
ganist,  who  do  looner  foned  lumself  woanded,  than  be  brrts  into  a  fe«- 
moBdoBi  itorm  c^  pas^on.  TbaBderiif  OBt  obo  of  tbote  fonsidifale 
ouim  which  cddm  so  gliUf  frtaa  an  Iriih  toB|<e,  he  imMted  the  'aaiM8« 
from  the  Frenchmui,  and  buried  it  twice  in  his  hrwst.  AU  thii  ftmi  M 
less  than  a  umiKe,  Bad  the  Frax^UBan  «ipirBd  nth«ntBC''cieB. 

"  MaliDOnr,  have  ro»  kiUed  hin  *"  aalwd  LffM.  mtaMtniif^adttii. 

"  Deed  have  1,  sir, — Che  murderin'  viUyanl"  aaawwed tt» joocr am- 

"FwMlowl  I  hod  DO  tnteBtwB  that  ha  aho^  hB  alain.  B«wat 
but  doing  htB  c' 


■nswewd  the  Irimman  leatil}. 

"  Onr  liresare  now  iodeed  for&ited,  if  we  eaaaot  escape.  VirgiidBt" 
Ha  Bant  froM  tiie  tniTst  to  where  ^e  lat  in  ■  sort  of  itapar  with  c^  aiad 
temor,  andia  »hw  woiAa  inftHTiMd  her  that  (her  austeaeBpeaov,  arbB 

"  Blue  blazes,  sirl"  bawled  Faddy  from  the  tanet  shxirt  "im  ^  tin 
winamen  ye're  aftlier !  la  tfada  a  time  ts  fl«  naldBg  -tare  ?  Mailw  ! 
mushal  sure  there'aalwBTS  Biisobief  where  tb^  are." 

"  daicjE  now,  HalnMiDT,— jaUov  Bs !"  sud  Icni^  vho  BBCJrdBd 
Vir(ini«  with  his  arm M  a^port  her.    "  We  haM  not  •  bmsbit*  to loae. 

Armed  with  the  baTOoet,  and  irmaaUiiit  cnrsea  at  the  Usad  mtaA  na 
flowioK  tntif  from  bii  aim,  Uukseny  foUewed  Uate  aad  the  lady  ta  (he 
barncr-iatB,  when  two  sutnes  wen  yoated.  lb  ligK  was  iLvk  a^ 
><taiik^  tad  «  ilif lul  wJad  JmhM  t^rdasis  <b  wariu  wd  ■■l^iinif 


wtaelikapt  nthinOdr  tMR«ti,  and  otcitIUjik  *ae«i«d  btnwnUB 


"  B«^(*iit .'  Qaiumli  t"  cbed  the  late-innl,  BfUB  ithking  the  bott 
•f  fan  firelMk  on  tbe  leMrf-bai  Aoor. 

"  H^a  MmM  HiHrar,  or  vc  >ra  nndoBe,"  vkiipend  TugisU.  u  dw 
doDK  in  terror  to  Ab  ana  af  Lamia,  who,  itiU  adTiaaBg  towatda  ilie  gate, 
t^ed  in  a  tngned  »oico— 

"  Ciawrai,  ioride  la  gmdi." 

"  Amm  I"  Tcidied.  tka  loitiBd,  cwnog  fiMa  fail  hx.  "  il»«»a«,  (■<  • 
rarrfrw." 

"  MkBEKeo,"  aeidiad  I^ima. 

"  Pa$te,  mon  ami,"  replied  tbe  soldier,  ratarBiag  to  kii  box.    Hia  na. 


piooaa  we  tailed,  and  tbe;  nined  the  gale  witboot  farther  awlaatatioa, 
tka  daiknraa'of  tbe  ai^  roideiioi  their  fiiDia  ki  iadiitiDct.  tbat  iC  ma 
inpasaible  f«r  tbe  soinHt)  to  diuoier  them.  He  bairia  waa  MmfOaed 
af  atraaig  pbaln,  tlin»^  vUdialittie  widHtwaa  cut. 

'*  How  fertauAel"  aaid  liile ;  "  the  paiaage  ia  ^Ma,  and  dke  d(a«- 
faridMdoira.  TiYiiaiii  fimi.  mil  iliiill  aiiiiii  liii  arfi  ainiiiia  ItiiiniMiiili  riiiima  " 

"HaiAt,  jriaas  f«r  hoaaer;  ilalicaria' oa  Hwt'UmI  Be  naj.  Bdp 
flat  the  lidr :  wiU  t"*  lane  on  mj  wm,  Mdt  mast  ?" 

"Senar?"     She  did  not  ondentand  liiQi. 

An  eiclamatioa  ia  Spamahtaneed  them  all  to  start.  "  Diatmit/  ny 
bther  1 "  akriEked  Titgnia,  aa  aa  efieer  outaide  the  gate  f pnug  forward 
•■d  dtere  Us  a«ord  ^rooEfa  the  bodT  of  die  bisTe  Malrooair,  oho  fell 
aaartdly  waonded,  while  tbe  guard  and  aentiies  canw  rnaBiag  from  aU 
qaaitara  to  the  apoC  Loaia  fooDd  bUDHtf  agMa  a  priaonei;  and  when 
OB  the  verj  briakvf  freedom. 

"Bring*  Uateml"  exclaimed  flte  duke,  whc^Iiide'asiilBeBiRabad 
brvnght  la  tha  gate,  bat  oa  what  eiraad  he  aaver  diacaVBTed.  "  Biiog  a 
lighl^  and  1st  na  aes  what  saldier  of  tbe  Baaperor  ia  beaa  eaougb  to  aiaaiat 
priaooeca  to  eaeape.    I  aarelv  beard  Fnooh  apoken  hj  eoaw  one." 

ThedraBBierof  tbegaardbeldalaBtera  toUale'BfKCb  and  bif  loailet 

___.         _L._       ^ 1       ■_        .l_      ^-^  J |„,^^     ^      |jl^_  ^^ 

Ulum.    UiaafM     ' 

r-at.  aahe  aaaed  altanett' 

giaia,  wfaoin  an  sgonf  af  be 

of  Ae  gallaat  Iiisbnwn,  whose  featares  were  bow  becoming  tii. 

He  had  expired  almost  immediately  after  reoeiTin(  tM  thmat  of  the 

At  that  mameat  a  soldier  came  hastil)'  fonrsrd,  saying  that  the  corporal 
of  the  gaiird  Is;  motdered  in  the  turret  from  which  the  priiOiiBrg  had 
escaped,  and  a  volley  of  threats  and  eiecratioui  broke  from  the  men  of  the 
lOSlli,  who  crowded  roond. 

"Aha  1"  said  the  Gascon  major,  presiing  forward.  "  li  it  thus  yon  ■la)' 
tbe  loldier?  of  the  Emperor'      Ton  ihaU  smart  for  thii  nights  work, 


"Do  yon  dan  to  apply  snch  an^Cbet  to  me?"  replied  LUe  fariaaalT> 

apnniag  the  Gsaoon  with  Ma  foot,  and  Btroggiing  tc  '—-•■■ -■  —'^ 

wars  tightly  |i 

"Bind  DP  ]t , 

a.  Bowient  lor  prayer  or  aapplicBtioii.     We  will  have  Ue  fiir  li£a, — blotid 
for  Uaod  I"  dried  tbe  SpaaianL 

"  Baie  renegade  I  I  aram  yovr  malice,  and  dt^  yoa  to  terrify  me," 
emed  Iionia,  rasardhat  of  «lliMatatiuaaeB,aDd.&M  despair  ^atlwiriiy  - 


112 

CDonte  wliich  Kiined  him  the  admiratioa  of  the  French,  thoDgh  it  vni 
from  them  no  mercy,  llie  little  major  was  foaming  witli  eiasperktion  at 
the  iDBnlt  be  had  receiTcd,  uid  made  no  longer  any  intercessions.  The 
priTKte  aoldiera,  who  were  enraged  at  the  death  of  their  comrade,  eyed  him 
likewiie  in  malignant  silence.  Virginia  waa  borne  sway  senseless,  and 
Lille  gazed  aadly  after  her,  until  he  was  startled  by  the  sharp  nordi  of 
command  given  coolly  by  a  Eerjeant  to  six  soldiers,  who  were  picked  ont  to 
become  hia  cxecatioQerB.  For  a  moment  hia  heart  grew  aick  and  sank 
within  him,  when  he  thought  of  hia  home  and  of  those  braie  comrades  who 
were  only  a  fen  miles  distant.  But  he  acamed  to  Bst  mercy  from  tiie 
dake,  from  the  father  of  Virginia,  who  by  the  light  of  a  huge  lantern  (which 
caat  a  dall  nickering  light  on  the  dark  uronps  of  armed  soldiers,  and  still 
darker  walls  of  the  fortress)  watched  the  preparations  made  by  the  fiiii^- 
party  with  steady  graTity  and  coolaeas. 

"Chargn  vat  arma !"  cried  the  aerjeant  "  FTtntZ  la  earlouchit 
Amorcez  1  J-'arme  a  gauehe .'"  gic.,  and  the  noiaa  of  tiie  ateel  rsmrada 
ringing  in  the  barrels  as  the  cartridges  were  rammed  home,  fell  liikealuwll 
upon  the  ears  of  Louis.  He  certainly  grew  pale,  hot  bis  heart  nerer  oBoilEd 
as  he  looked  upon  the  loading  of  the  muskets.  He  resolTcd  to  dw  irith 
honour  to  hia  character  and  the  garb  he  wore.  At  that  moment,  so  critiral 
to  him,  a  French  cavalry  ofBcer,  on  ■  panting  horse,  dashed  Dp  to  the  gate 
at  fnll  gallop,  inqairing  with  all  the  hurry  and  importance  of  an  aide-de- 
camp  for  the  commandant  of  the  place. 

" Moniimr  le  Due,"  said  be,  "  the  slliea  are  in  motion:  tiwir  trtKms 
hare  began  to  cross  the  NItb,  and  Marahai  Sonlt  deaires  that  yoo  will  be 
on  the  alert,  and  defend  the  ford,  ander  the  gnna  of  this  difiUsn,  to  the 
laat."  Without  waidng  for  an  answer,  he  wkeeied  ronnd  his  hone  aad 
gaUt^ied  out  of  sight  in  a  moment.  The  clatter  of  the  hoofs  had  scsrcdf 
died  away,  before  two  of  the  sentinels,  posted  on  the  hasdon  OTerlooking 
the  ford,  fired  their  muskets.  A  Tolley  replied,  lighting  up  the  whole  fbr- 
treii  for  an  instant,  and  all  became  harry  and  confusion.  Lonia  waa 
thmit  into  his  old  plsce  of  confinement, — the  casUe.gatea  were  secured,— 
the  bridge  was  drawn  up,  and  in  five  minntea  every  man  was  at  his  post. 
From  the  inmost  recesses  of  his  heart  Lisle  thanked  Heaven  for  bii  nar- 
row esc^M ;  and  while  in  the  close  compass  of  hia  prison  he  listeoeil  to  the 
booming  cannon  and  musketry,  which  shook  tlie  ancient  &bric  to  ill  Bmn- 
datioDB,  he  earnestly  prayed  Chat  the  attack  wooid  be  ancceMfnl ;  and  he 
well  knew,  by  thehearty  British  cheers  whichfrom  time  to  time  eamering- 
ing  on  the  wind,  even  above  the  noiae  of  tbe  conflict,  that  hia  comrades 
were  carrying  all  before  them. 


CHAPTER   XI. 


An  order  hairing  been  issned  for  a  general  attack  on  (he  enemy'a  pod- 
tion  at  the  Nive  on  the  morning  of  the  9th  of  December,  an  hour  befttre 
daybreak  the  allied  army  got  under  arms,  in  high  spirits  and  glee  at  the 
prospect  of  fighting  monsieur  on  his  own  ground,  aad  prosecuting  their 
Tictorious  career  stilt  farther  into  France.  But  as  it  is  not  my  pnrpoae  to 
give  an  acconnC  of  that  brilliant  affair,  I  will  confine  myself  to  the  adren- 
tnres  of  our  friends.  In  Stuart's  quarter,  or  billet, — a  miserable  and 
half-mined  cottage, — the  ofBcers  who  were  to  he  under  his  command  on  a 
certain  duty,  sat  nooking  cigars  and  oarouiingon  the  oommon  wine  of  the 


113 

,coiuitiT<  QDtil  the  BigtiBl "  to  arm*"  was  gina.  The  paitr  oonaUCed  of 
bil  own  Bobs. — at  BUcJer  aod  »  Spsniih  CBptaiii,  Caatrooana,  a  tail  luid 
sombre  cavalier,  laat,  lean,  and  bony,  sad  who  might  lery  well  hiTS 
passed  for  the  Knigbt  of  La  Mancbs.  Their  supper  consiated  of  tooKh 
ratioa  come  (beef),  broiled  over  the  fire  on  ramroda,  and  eaten  without 
salt, — an  article  which  was  alwaya  so  scarce,  that  a  dura  would  have  been 
given  for  a  tea-spoonful,  Tbifl  poor  fare  Blacler  improved  by  swsllowiug 
-an  ample  mesa  of  Chnppsd  cabbage  and  vinegar,  and  by  puffing  aasiduoustr 
at  his  meer»chaunt.  After  havicg  ataffed  bimaelf  nnUl  beit  and  button 
■trained  slraoat  to  atarting,  be  deposited  in  bis  bavresack  a  quantity  of 
■pare  bread  and  meat  for  bis  breakfast.  Castronuno,  who  had  been  ob- 
serring  bis  gluttony  with  quiet  wonder,  reconunanded  him  to  eat  bit 
breakfast  then,  as  it  would  aaie  troable  on  the  morrow.  This  advicct 
Stoart  enforced  by  adding,  that  hfl  might  be  knocked  an  the  head  before 
dar  broke,  and  perhaps  all  bia  good  provender  would  go  to  awelt  some 
Otiier  man'a  paunch. 

"  Meia  Gotl  I"  groaned  the  German,  "  vat  you  say  ia  right.  I  yeel  eat 
Tile  1  can.  Hegel!  metn  fferr,  you  bab  gibben  de  soond  advice."  And 
ba  commenced  a  fresh  attack  on  the  viands,  and  quickly  transferred  them 
&om  the  bavrciBck  to  hia  distended  atomach.  He  had  scarcely  finialied, 
and  let  out  four  hales  in  hia  sword-belt,  before  the  sharp  Celdc  visage  <k 
'  Setjeant  Macrone  was  seen  peering  through  the  clouds  of  tobacco-smoke, 
as  he  informed  Stuart,  ' '  Tat  la  lads  were  a'  staadin'  to  their  airms  on  the 
plain  stanea." 

It  was  then  an  hoar  before  daybreak,  and  the  sky  was  dark  and  gloomy. 
Stuart  noiselessly  paraded  his  troops— the  "  light-hobi,"  BladePs  rifle- 
men, and  Castronuno'a  Spaniards,  and  moved  up  the  banks  of  the  atream, 
to  eiecntethe  duty  asaigned  to  btiD.  This  was  to  carry  by  storm  the  castle 
of  the  Nive,  that  the  troops  in  its  immediate  neighbourhood  might  be  en. 
abled  to  cross  by  the  ford,  the  passage  of  which  was  swept  by  the  gnnB  of 
the  fortress.  The  day  preceding  the  projected  assault,  Ronald  and  Blacier 
made  a  reconuoissance  of  the  placci  and  found  that  there  was  no  ottier 
method  but  to  ford  the  river  below  the  neighbouring  cascade,  and  carrying 
the  outer  defenccH  by  atorm,  trusting  to  Heaven  and  their  own  hands  for 
the  rest,  as  the  tall  keep  might  be  defended  against  moaketry  for  an  age, 
unleai  a  piece  of  cannon  was  brought  to  bear  upon  it. 

At  the  time  mentioned,  an  hour  before  dawn,  the  whole  of  the  troops  in 
and  about  Cembo  were  under  anna,  and  the  signal  to  cross  was  to  be  the 
storming  of  the  chateau.  The  companies  deatined  to  effect  this  dsngeroo* 
piece  lot  service  marched  up  the  hank  of  the  Nive  a  few  mileSj  and, 
favoured  by  the  intcnae  darkness,  halted  immediately  opposite  to  the  scene 
of  action  among  some  oUve-trees,  which  were,  however,  bare  and  leafless. 
There  a  couBultation  was  held,  and  it  was  determined  to  proceed  forth- 
vrith.  All  appeared  atilL  within  the  chateau.  The  sentries  on  the  bastions 
and  palisades  were  seen  passing  and  repassing  the  embresurfs,  butthe 
noise  of  thejr  tread  waa  drowned  in  the  rush  of  the  cascade,  which  poured 
furioosly  over  a  ledge  of  rock  a  few  yards  above  the  fort,  and  plunged  into 
■  deep  chasm,  from  which  a  constant  cloud  of  spray  arose.  Desiring  Evan 
Bean  Iverach  to  keep  close  by  his  side,  Ronald,  «ith  a  section  of  twelve 
jiicked  Highlanders  carrying  three  stout  ladders,  led  the  way.  Under  the 
command  of  £van  Macpherson,  the  rest  of  the  company  followed  close 
upon  hi)  heels,  with  their  bayonets  pointing  forward,  and  every  man's  hand 
on  tbe  Jock  of  hia  mnsket.  Old  Blacier,  wla  waa  as  brave  as  a  lion,  not- 
witbatanding  sU  his  oddities,  prepared  to  mount  tbe  works  by  escalade  a 
little  further  up  the  stream,  where  his  riflemen  were  in  imminent  danger  of 

'      ■     "     '    "    Cbed  by  ■'       -       -       -'■' .— rn        m , f  .i_  .r,.,. 


114 

Spaniih  oorpa  of  the  line  w..  _ 
DOD  Alfoato  de  CaatroDono. 

"  Now  tbra,  ladi,"  B*id  Bomld,  vbile  his  heart  le^rad  aad  Lib  bnath 
came  tbiA  and  don,  for  the  moioent  was  aa  exciting  one, ' '  keap  op  yomt 
locks  from  die  slreaB,  and  look  welt  to  tout  priaaiog, — tboagh  we  Kuat 
tmat  mvftt  to  butt  and  bayooat.'* 

"  Qui  ea  J^  T"  chaUenged  a  asBtJneL 

"  Yoa'll  aooD  find  that  out,  ut  hoj,"  aiei  fituarC,  bnndialiiiig  hii 
award.    "Forwanll  Gordon Hi^lasikn.    Hdnah!" 

"  Htmevret  ii!"  oriedthe  Gul  id  dismay,  while  be  fired  his  piece  in 
osDoert  wi(}i  three  w  fonr  others.  A  Hii^ilander  Jell  in  tbe  BtFom 
woundad,  and  was  BDokAd  into  Uut  lins,  where  he  neridiBd  lastaBtlr-  Hie 
canndn  let  &j  •  nttling  loller.  wil  |inwed  btddiT  farward.  Tbe  water 
nuenBU-lTto  their  wBiati,bat  tke  Cells  hud  aaadTaaUBe  oia  their  ooni' 
radas  in  trawBCia.  Raishv  the  thidt  tartan  fidda  of  theu-  killa,  (hrr 
croEied  the  river,  keeping  all  their  clothing,  the  hose  exoapted,  perfeotlj 

The  NiTe,  at  tbe  piaae  wiMtn  Aer  crossed,  waa  several  ^ards  wide,  a>d 
tlie  current,  oo  the  anrfice  of  >hif±i  sane  pieces  of  tliia  ice  floatod,  «i> 
intowely  cold ;  bat  the  hardf  Uighluden  pressed  onward,  grasping  eadi 
other  br  the  hud,  and-craased  ^Mj,  hnt  not  wilhont  seisnl  unlniksd- 
fbr  dfdays.  The  bed  «f  the  rirer  was  pebblf,  slipper  as  ghua,  and  Adlof 
holes,  which  caased  thsm  lo  sMi>t>k  erery  moment,  and  a  sealing-Uddca' 
was  nearly  carried  awsf  by  the  stream.  The  rocks  were  ste^and  yraei- 
^tous,  rising  to  tbe  height  of  seienl  yards  abreptly  fram  llie  water.  Hie 
Isddsrs  wen  planted  smong  the  pebbles  ;  asid  when  ooB  Hist  of  d>e  tvA. 
waa  gaioad,  Uiey  had  to  draw  them  up  before  titey  coiQd  mch  a»attm, 
and  so  aniie  at  tbe  foot  of  the  sloping  baatiau,  which  was  now  briMlinr 
with  bayoaats.  By  tbe  tiau  the  farajadi*  approMhed  tbe  onlworka,  en 
-jj; .L-  -IS. a  at  bis  post,  a»d  Uio  cannon  had  bagm  "'  "--' 


er,  Bsasad  harealeas^  orer  ti 
m  blood  of  tt    ' 


mS 


tbe  assailaats.    l%e  liace  nortliem  blood  of  the  latter  was 

good  eameat,  and  tbeir  natural  cenroge  aeemed  only  to  TEoaiTe  ■  &cab 

atinalas  &os9  tbe  din  of  war  arouid  then. 

Aoouitomed  from  inisDcy  to  dinb  like  aqoirr^,  tbe  Scotsaien  dam- 
bered  up  tbe  rocka,  grssfHsg  weeds  and  tnfts  of  grass, — finding  asaiataace 
and  anpport  where  otiier  men  would  hace  found  none;  and  in  less  spaoe  of 
tisM  than  1  take  to  reconl  it,  they  were  all  at  the  base  of  the  bastion. 

"Up  and  on!  Forward,  my  bme  Higblaod  hearts!"  cried  Ronald 
Stoart,  apringiiig  recklessly  up  the  perilous  ladder,  waving  his  sword,  and 
feeling  in  hia  wuDd  the  wild — uaiost  mad,  aenaatio&s  of  chivaliy  and  dsB- 
peratiati.  iriudi  no  nun  can  imagine  Bare  ooe  who  has  led  a  fbrloni  hope. 
"  Death  or  glorf  I  Hnnah  t  the  plsee  is  onr  own  1"  At  that  "f—*"'  • 
I  through  the  embrasnre  and  diaehaq«d  above 


and  tbe  deadly 


his  b«d.    It  was  so  dose,  tlkat  the  ur  of  llie  passina;  ball 
bim ;  be  felt  die  hot  gtow  of  tbe  red  fire  on  1^  (£eek, 

mis^e  wbiatled  over  bis  branet,  and  boonwd  away  into  t_. 

Seieral  fire-balls  were  tassedovertbeworkeby^FreDcb.  IlKMbnned 
with  astonishiBg  brilliancy  and  iplendonr  whorerer  they  alighted, — even  in 
the  middle  of  water,  where  Clie;^  roared,  spattered,  and  iuaaed  like  derili^ 
bat  would  not  be  quenched  untii  they  burned  completelr  away. 

Those  which  fell  upon  the  rocks  aeried  to  reveal  the  storming-party  to 
the  deadly  aim  of  Ihe  defenders,  and  at  the  saioe  time  added  to  the  aingn. 
iarity,  tbe  pictareflque  horror  of  the  scene,  by  tbe  alternate  ^area  of  red, 
blue,  and  gieen  light  wbi<^  they  shed  npim  the  castled  rock,  tbe  britflug 
bastions,  the  mahing  river,  the  gleaming  arms,  and  like  bronsed  foaCurea  o£ 


lis 

DMB,  wixua  heurt*  Ae  exnteiiumt  of  the  moment  had  tuTDcd  to  iron. 
Uolackilr,  the  fiiat  Iftddec  planted  Bguoat  the  breiBtnork  broke,  uid  tba 
mcD  fell  heavily  down. 

Eacaged  at  this  diKOMfitsre,  Stnut  la^ied  up  tbe  Toek»  fin,  though 
dreocjied  vitb  water, — hot  blowi  had  been  alreadr  interchangeil.  A  eecoad 
ladder  had  been  plaated  by  Macphenaii,  who  leaped  into  an  embrasure  at 
the  Teiy  momeut  a  canaon  was  diacharged  through  it,  and  be  narrowly 
doped  b^iig  UowB  to  pieoee.  With  obwied  bayoaeta  the  leaolule  High- 
landiera  pom^  in  after  him  in  tbat  beadlonc  manner  whidi  waa  ncnr  yet 
witlutood,  and  a  fierce  oonfliet  enaaed,  firat  to  loot,  and  band  to  huld. 
From  tbeiT  laek  of  moaenlar  power,  the  Fisuoh  are  «nr  K  lUiadwitase 
in  Each  etrife ;  and  altbaafb  tOMOS  of  tbe  aaaailuita  ware  foroed  mer  the 

SrapeC  and  alaio,  the  ontwetki  wen  enlinly  eaptnred  in  a  Ibw  ninutet. 
le  Germans  luMler  old  Blader,  who  led  them  on  with  hii  aabre  in  one 
haad  and  his  meeTBehanm  in  the  otbn,  effected  an  eBtranoe  at  one  aule, 
while  the  SpBiBBh  officer  csmauudini  the  reaarre  bruely  oairied  another, 
finding  it  impossible  to  reatrain  hii  acddiers,  whoae  triumphant  dunitof 
*'  Saaiitgo  y  Etpant  I  Visa .'"  Slradk  tbe  French  wiQi  diwuiy.  Fnding 
tb^oaelvea  attacked  enoceasfally  on  three  pointa,  tbey  beccmedUtracted, 
and  were  diirm  tomoltaonily  from  haatian  and  pahside,  after  which  Uiair 
own  cawtan  were  wbeded  round  on  them.  NeTcrtlieleaB  they  fira|^  with 
tbe  chiTalroas  coorace  of  old  France.  The  top  of  the  IcMp  waa  lined  with 
ohaaaeBra,  wha  aadly  continnad  to  ponr  down  an  indiBcriminate  ire  of 
musketry  on  fiiends  and  foes,  and  tbe  barbican  wai  fall  of  blood  and 
■  oorpaeim  fiya  minntea.  Brilliant  fire-balls  were  also  cast  orer,  and  the 
•lare  thrown  by  tltam  Uu  bloody  earth,  tbe  flnhing  weapons  and  powd«r> 
Diackeoed  vieua  of  the  combotanta,  piodocfd  an  efiecl  bcibt  to  be  for. 
fatten  by  b  bekokler. 

Poor  Blader,  who  had  been  Bhet  throa^  tbe  lungs  at  tbe  n>oment  be 
antared  the  conrf,  bnrled  Us  aabre  amoBg  tbe  enesiy  and  crawled  awaif 
into  a  nomer,  where  be  BBoked  compOKdly  as  he  bled  to  death,— or  aC 
red  to  amoka.  The  Gascon  major  of  tbe  105th  was  enEOautered 

_, de  CaatromBO,  who  at  the  aecond  blow  laid  him  dead  atbia 

feat,  but  almaat  at  the  same  moment  tbe  S|>aniBrd  htaieclf  Bq>ired :  a  shot 

i^> 1  .1 .  ..-_  '-,rt_    BMnemberii^  Louie  Lisle,  and  anlmateit 

II  who  wore  tiie  same  garb,  the  doke,  with  hia 
albak  rolled  round  his  left  arm  and  Bocmtred  with  award  and  dagger, 
le^wd  amofig  the  Higblanders,  calling  on  the  French  to  follow :  but  no 
manobeyed.  He  would  bare  been  instantly  bayooeted  bntfor Ronald, 
who  waa  the  first  man  he  escoiuitered,  and  who  ordered  tbe  aaldiera  to 
lM*e  them  band  to  hand.  In  avoiding  the  doke'a  stiletto,  Stoart  atnmUed 
oyer  the  corse  of  Castronnno,  and  would  have  been  instantly  dai{>al4^ed, 
tat  for  tbe  cnHsed  bayonela  of  a  doaen  soidiers. 

"  Save  bim!"  cried  StnarL  " Maci^iersDn i  Evan  Bean!  take  him 
alive." 

"  Hand ! "  cried  iTcrsch  sternly.  "  Stand,  ye  black  son  o'  tbe  derill 
Sack— ba(Jc;tftny  bayonet's  tfaraaghyein  a  twinkling."  Bat  the  rarion* 
Spaniard  spat  upon  bim  in  the  bitterness  of  his  fury,  and  the  next  moment 
hu  blood  waa  reeking  an  Bran's  acapon.  He  fell  prone  to  the  earth,  and 
ercD  while  he  lay  taking  in  tilood,  he  oontinned  to  curie  and  spit  at  ths 
ttmqnerors,  until  the  Sfuiaida  deaOoyed  him  by  trampling  him  to  death. 
The  moment  he  fell,  &e  French  surrendered,  alter  being  hemmed  into  a 
corner,  and  findmg  it  impoanble  to  maintain  (he  oenflict  longer.  On  both 
aides  the  eUngbter  was  TerTgreat,  and  upwards  of  two  bnndred  lay  killed 
in  the  court  or  barbican,  llie  cbassears  on  tiie  top  of  the  keep  did  not 
yield  until  threat«ied  that  tbe  place  would  be  blown  up ;  on  which  "-— 


east  appBi 


IIG  THE    ROMANCE    Of   WAK. 

laid  dawn  Uieir  irma,  Bud  joined  the  other  prisanen,  who  formed  >  Bnllen 
band,  nnked  in  s  coratr  Kod  laarded  by  the  Spaniard!,  for  whom  they 
showed  their  scorn  sad  contempt  eo  openljr,  that  three  or  four  were  killed. 
Many  of  the  eaptiiei  were  mere  bo7>,  poorconsraipts,  wiioonlyaoionA 
before  had  been  compelled  to  resign  the  Bhovel  for  the  mnsket ;  and  aome 
were  the  old  and  high-aplrited  soldiers  of  the  Emperor,— ateni  fellows, 
with  bronzed  and  scarred  cheekv,  rough  mousCacheB,  and  months  black 
with  the  cartridges  they  had  bitten.    The;  looked  around  tbem      '" 


__  .  . .  under  inch  e , .  ^ _. 

woB  fonnd  lying;  dead.  When  last  seen  aliTe,  he  wss  sitting  philosophically 
watdiing  thepooi  formed  by  his  blood  ;  and  thns  he  expired  with  his  pipe 
in  his  month,  an  ioTelerate  smoker  to  the  last. 

"  Keep  order  among  the  priionen  I "  cried  Smart,  on  the  occasion  of  a 
brawl  ensolng  between  them  and  the  Spaniards.  "  Yoar  fellows  most 
restrain  thdr  national  animoBity,— just  now,  at  leait,"  added  he  firmly,  to 
the  Spanish  lieatenant  commanding  the  escort. 

"  Buma  t  bat  hoyram  1  to  do  it .'  See  yon,  senor,''  said  the  Spaniard, 
"  how  the  Frenchmen  spit  npon  and  opbrsid  them,  as  if  they  were  eo  muiy 
Moon  or  Portngneie  ?  Virgin  del  Pilar .'  I  wonld  hew  them  down  to 
ribbons,  bat  for  the  contrary  order  of  senor  the  great  Capita*  G^n^nd, — 
theDnke  of  Vittoria."* 

"Stay,  Benor,"  said  Stnatt ;  "one  aboold  treat  with  generosity  ■  eoD. 
qnered  enemy." 

"  On  my  honour,  cojiiian,"  replied  the  other,  "  old  Cnesta  wonld  ha»o 
had  them  all  swimming  down  the  Nive,  had  he  command^  here.^^ 

"Halloa,  Stnart,"  cried  Hacpherson ;  "come  Uiia  way!  Here  i> 
another  uproar.    Never  mind  the  prisonen  ;  one  might  as  well  sing  psalma 


a  dead  horse,  as  speak  of  generosity  to 


ts  arrested  by  the  report  of  a  musket ;  and  hurryii^ 
to  when  the  sound  came  from,  they  found  several  Highlanders  engagt^  in 
beating  down  the  door  of  a  turret.  This  operation  Iveracb  shortened,  by 
applying  his  mosket  and  blowing  the  !ock  to  pieces, — ■  perilons  exploit  for 
the  inmate,  who  nBrrowly  escaped  being  shot  throogh  Hie  body.  Evaa  nest 
applied  his  shonlder  to  the  shattered  barrier,  and  bnrat  it  open. 

"  Haisler  Lisle  o'  the  Inch-honse  1  Hnrrah  !  How  happy  1  am  ta  im 
you.  Od,  this  dio^s  a'  I "  ha  eiclaimed  in  breathless  BstcmishmeDt,  as 
Lisle  issuf  d  from  his  piece  of  confinement 

"  Ha  !  Lonis,"  cried  Stuart,  grasping  hie  hand  in  wonder.  "  Is  it  poa- 
sible  that  Uwy  treat  you  in  this  onworUiy  manner,  caging  you  tip  m  ■ 
place  like  n  dog-kennel  ?     I  (bought  you  were  enjoying  yonrself  on  parole 

"  No,  faith  1  I  have  been  locked  ap  like  a  gaol-bird  ia  Pampelnoa,  and 
other  infernal  places,  ever  since  that  unlucky  afikir  at  Fuenta  Duenna  j  and 
yet,  alter  all,  1  do  not  regret  it." 

"Why,  yon  l»Te  yet  to  learn.    But  where  is  Virginia, — Virginia  de 

"  How  OD  earth  should  I  know,  Lonis,     'Tis  an  odd  question  ;  bat  bar 
father's  blood,  the  fierce  old  villain  I  is  yet  red  on  Evan's  bayonet." 
"What  ia  this  you  tell  me  ?'  said  Lisle  frowning.    "Wasttwdnkft 


•  WeLUnglon'i  Bpuildi  lille. 


11» 

"  Slay,  Macpherwu  1 "  interrupted  Li»le,  so  angrilr  ttutt  the  atber  was 
indignant.  "  i  vill  not  hear  him  ipolieii  of  tbaa.  He  baa  gone  to  his 
kut  BGCount,— M  rail  uainit  him  do  more.  Truly,  he  deseirea  little  pity 
from  me.  for  I  hefs  suffered  much  M  his  hanili ;  bat  tliat  you  will  all  know 
another  time.  Vii^nia!  Virgima!  for  Heaven's  take  tell  me  somethiDB 
abont  her  1 " 

"  I  never  heard  aught  of  the  hidy  gince  ve  were  last  at  Aranjuez  ;  but  I 
hope  the  ci-dtvatit  abbess  ia  well,  nolwichBtsadmi  the  demerits  of  her 
fierce  and  treachBiouH  father.  Your  hand  ogiin,  Ifluia  !  My  dear  fellow, 
I  congratulate  yon  on  your  freedom.  All  are  well  at  InchsTon,  and— but 
meantime  dut;  must  be  eCtend^d  to."  And,  ignorant  of  the  cause  of 
Lisle's  deep  aniiety,  he  tumedawsy,  cryingf  "  Holloa,  Macrone  !  Where 
is  that  eoniouoded  old  humbug  loitering?  lu  the  spirit-store,  likely.  Ahl 
get  the  company  under  arms,  and  let  the  piper  blow  the  Ksthering." 

"  I  truet  in  Heaven  that  the  toner  yet  contains  berl"  exclaimed  Lisle. 
'■  I  will  find  her,  or  he  guilty  of  aomedeaperate  thing.     Follow  me,  Evan, 
and  some  of  you,  my  true  old  romrades !     The  keep  ia  full  of  Spaniardl 
and  Germans,  who  ate  wont  to  be  unscrupulous  enough,  when  healed  by 
the  fiiry  of  an  assault.     Forward.  HixhlanderB !     We  will  ranasck  tu 
prison-house,  and  a  score  of  doUars  sball  be  his  who  finds  the  lady  I" 

He  snatched  up  the  eword  from  the  dead  band  of  Castronuno,  and, 
followed  by  a  few  eoldiera,  rushed  ap  the  stairs  of  the  keep,  and  (ought  at 
once  the  bondaii,  or  apartment  of  Virginia,  whom  he  found  in  the  act  of 
■urrendering  her  braceleta  and  rings  to  a  cozoifore,  who  had  terrified  her 
to  eitr«nity  by  hit  oaths  and  menaces.     The  Spaniard  was  a  powerful 
AstariaD,  but  Lonis  prasped  him  by  hia  black  croes-belts,  and  hurled  him 
down  stain  like  an  infant,  for  rage  supplied  him  with  unusual  alrenglh. 
■"■''■        ......  . .  bbing  bitterly; 

1,  who  had  fol- 


lowed Loni*  upstair 
intrude  upon  them. 

As  she  hung  thna  droopi^c  on  Liale'i  breaat,  although  Ian  gaily  attired 
than  when  at  the  Aranjuez  ball,Tiifinia^t  looked  aurpasaingly  beantifuL 
She  had  no  veil  or  comb,  and  the  massive  braids  of  her  dark-brown  hair 
hung  free  and  loose  over  her  pale  cheek  and  delicata  blne-nnned  neck,  of 
whidi  raster  more  than  usual  was  displayed.  In  oonaeqaenee  of  the  dis> 
order  of  her  dreaa.  Her  attendaat  hod  baen  ^eporing  her  for  bed  at  the 
moment  Che  aaaaulc  took  place ;  and  want  <tt  Mtp,  together  with  the  terror 
and  anxiety  under  which  she  had  been  labouring,  rendered  her  paler  than 
usual.  Tears  were  rolling  fast  Irom  the  long  lashes  nhieh  thaded  her  light 
haiel  eyes,  but  tbey  only  made  her  more  bewitching. 

An  eiclamation  of  surprise,  which  Ranald  found  it  imposuble  to  re- 
ttrain,  cauied  her  to  ataitand  blush  deeply,  for  her  aims,  feet,  and  ankles 
were  bare,  and  her  graceful  attire  was  all  in  disorder  ;  but  she  threw  her 
Teil  and  mantiH*  inatantly  around  ber. 

"  Ilere  are  none  hero  bat  friends,  Virginia,"  said  Lonis,  to  reassure 
her  ;  and  be  introduced  her  to  Ronald  and  Hacpherson  as  "  the  Honour- 
able Mrs.  Usle." 

"  Is  it  possible^"  aiclumed  Stuart.  "How  fortunate—bow  h^py  I  I 
have athonsand  pardons  to  ask,  Ixinia,  for  treatingyour  anxiety  so  lightly. 
Allow  roe  to  congratulate  yon — ' ' 

"And  me  coo,  Lisle,  oldfellDwl"  added  Macpberson.  "  I  wish  you  all 
joy,  but  I  cannot  pay  my  respecla  to  the  donna,  because  my  apaoish. 
which  isuone  of  Che  best,  alwafs  turns  into  Gaelic,  and  never  comes  glibly 
nr  tongue  until  aft^  sunset." 

'"  said  the  lady,  "such  a  nigbt  of  horrors  this  has  beeaJ 


".!-62 


119 

I  beard  all  the  dreadful  conflict  sbaTe,  benesth,  sad  artnind  me, — snd, 
Ho!?'  Motbtr  Mary !  I  shall  nenr  ftwjet  it.  I  looked  but  once  from  my 
windoir.  and  the  scene  o(  the  night  aamult  will  nerer  be  effaced  from  niT- 
/emembniiice.  O  'tis  a  B-arfnl  thinj  to  see  men  fightinj  for  death  uid 
life,  and  destroying  escb  other  like  wild  beasts  or  demons  I  But  where  is 
the  duke  ?  Have  not  yon  Feen  bim,  senor  cavaliers  ?  Oh,  search  fbr  rof 
{ktber,  and  briiiE  him  instantly  tome,  tbatlmsy  be  anrtred  of  his  nafbty. 

"Alas!  senors,"  answered  Stnart,  "  I  r^ret — I  fbar  we  aouiot  gratiiy' 
yon  in  this  matter — " 

"Holy  Virgin  1"  she  faltered.  "  CaiaBero,  yon  m«wt  not  to  tell  me 
that  myfntber  is  no  more.^thaC  your  toldadot  hare  slain  him  }"  She- 
spoke  in  a  voice  ofeiqnisitB  tendeniesB,  and  laid  bet  fiiir  hand  on  Ronald's 
arm,  grasping  it  tightly,  and  he  gazed  on  her  with  same  confoaion.  Her 
brJEht  eyes  were  Ml  of  Sre,  and  •eemed  to  search  hie  heart  for  an  answer, 
while  her  half- parted  lips  dijpiayed  a  hir  set  of  brilBwit  teeth.  "Nbile 
OffieiairtiM  me  if  my  father  IJTea,"  she  added,  bniBtinginto  tears. 

"I  fear  the  dnke  has  escaped,"  repFied  Ronald,  nowiljing  to  alBirtber 
by  revealing  the  tmth;  fbr,  notwithstaoding  the  dnke's  sternness  and 
sererity,  she  had  always  tenderly  lo*«l  Mm.  "  He  must  have  escaped, 
senora.  as  1  bare  not  seen  him  since  the  place  was  stormed.  He  matt 
bare  fled." 

"  No.  cavalier.  Mv  hther  wonld  perish  rsflier  than'fly,"  sud  the  yonnir 
lady  indignantly.  'He  comes  of  a  race  whose  blood  has  hi]as  on  a  tbon- 
sand  fields,  but  never  from  the  veiiiB  of  a  coward." 

"  Pardon,  graciat  lenura:  I  meant  not  to  say  Hnt  he  had  fled,  but  only 
retreated,"  aind  Stuart.  "  But  pray  eicwse  me  for  a  moment,  as  my  pie. 
sence  is  reqnirHl  below."  He  retired  with  the  tatention  of  ordertDg  ttie 
body  of  the  ignoble  dnke  to  be  tooked  sfter,  that  it  might  not  shock  the 
i^yes  of  bis  daaghter  i  but  the  aoldiers  of  Alfbnso  de  Cutrounno  had  belbre. 
band  disposed  of  it  in  a  snmmsry  manner.  In  the  intensity  ofthdrbatred, 
they  tied  a  few  cannon-sbat  to  tbe  body  and  tossed  it  into  die  chasm  at 
the  bMUtm  of  the  eascadei  where  it  roiild  never  be  found  again.  Tbe 
troopt  engaged  in  the  optBre  of  the  cbiteau  renaioed  there  fbr  the  enaaing 
day,  dnnngthe  wb^  of  which  firing  was  heard  along  tbe  line  of  the  Nive. 
'Witii  their  asnal  sueeeis,  theallia  crossed  tbe  rrrer  in  trinmpfa,  and  drare 
the  troops  of  Sonit  before  them  peU-mell. 

After  his  horse  had  been  shot  under  him,  PassWem  fought  on  foot,  and 
firar  times  led  hi*  victoriows  Highlanders  on  to  the  charge,  sword  in  band, 
and  fonr  ticaes  soccessively  the  stubborn  masses  of  the  etremy  gave  wxy 
before  IJiem.  BM  the  Celtic  impetaoGity  was  not  to  be  resisted.  Tbtar 
block  plumes  were  seen  dashing  on  throueh  bayonets,  blood,  and  smoke, 
HB  they  hurled  the  colamni  of  Ae  French  before  them  as  clouds  arn  drireii 
by  die  gale.  Every  regiment  distiDguiebed  itself,  and  many  charged  despe- 
rately with  the  bayoDet. 

Even  old  Dugald  Mbor,  animated  by  the  gallant  example  of  his  master, 
forgot  bis  white  hairs  and  fkiling  powers,  and  distingaished  himself  by  bis 
prowess,  and  by  Hie  address  with  whidi  he  unhorsed  and  captm«da 
French  ataff-offieer.  •  •  *  »  • 

On  the  27tb  of  Febraary,  1814,  the  aifies  gained  the  battle  of  Orthra.  a 
viclory  which  was  Bucceeded  by  the  passages  of  thoAdoar  and  Garonne, 
■nd  by  the  most  signal  defeat  of  the  Duke  of  Dsfanatia  before  Tanloase', 
on  Easter  Snoday,  the  lOrb  of  April. 

Many  of  the  Bridsh  regiments  Boffered  aererdy.  Tbe  gallant  6Ist  were 
reduced  to  scarcely  fifty  men,  1  believe;  and  the  Gordon  Highlanders 
were  also  roughly  handled  by  the  enemy.  Stuart  was  woonded,  and  he 
joBt  many  of  the  friends  who  aurvived  l^e  fatal  baHlea  of  the  Pyt«aecs,  and 


ETAR.  119 

aaioiig  tbwa  wat  Bran  Irerach,  the  Mlbftil  aod  cSectionBta  TOWV  EbUow 
who  hul  becmna  a  soldier  for  hii  uke,  abaadoning  hii  homei  hia  aweet- 
beut,siidliiB*gedfalfaer,MulwlH>b*dfoUowed  mdaerredhimw' * 


loT*  of  >  TiXMcer  brotkw,  llw  raped  of  •  TMsal,  tai  the  diaintemtcd 
'       ioiiafaH^BD'         * 


dmitdoii  ol 


e  li|U  eoBpuiet  had  beaa  throwD  fonraid  b«  lldrmishen,  aod 
Sburt'a  fell  into  a  lart  oi  ambnsk  formed  b;  the  okeny,  who  poDred  a 
destrBctne  fire  apon  thiam.  lientouuitEnD  Maephenon  ms  killed,  and 
-a  ban  pauaed  tbroo^  the  breut  of  Iraaob.  whiott  laid  hin  priMtiate  on 
dn  tort  He  bad  pieviomlj  been  wooaded  ia  the  left  ksiee,  bat  he  had 
reftiMd  to  retire  from  the  fidd,  p«ia>tiiig  that  be  wonid  flfhl  irtiile  he  had 
bmeth  1^  in  hie  body.  Thrown  into  diaorder  by  this  nneipeeted  Toiler, 
the  compsnr  retired,  and  Ronald,  a*  he  ala|ncd  ahoat  cO[rfBaed  by  the 
coocuaaiDn  of  a  rifle-ball  which  graced  fail  left  temple,  beard  the  deep 
moaoa  of  pain  which  were  uttend  bj  poor  iToadk  S^ardleM  of  the 
French  fire,  he  raabed  forward,  and  raising  him  in  hii  anna,  bore  him  off 
in  the  lace  of  the  foe,  who  smpended  Chmr  firing  on  witoeuiag  the  action, 
which  Kained  Ronald  the  toT«  and  eataem  of  everr  wildier  who  beheld  it- 
Two  Highlander!  loon  reUered  him  of  hia  Imrilen,  and  carried  Iveraeh, 
who  waa  endoring  great  agooy,  to  a  place  which  waa  lecnre  from  the 
bnlletB  of  the  enemy'a  rifiemen.  He  waa  laid  at  Ae  hack  of  a  Mooe  wall, 
which  formed  tike  boundary  of  a  meadow  or  field.  The  fint  thing  hs  cried 
' Mwater;  ad  Stoart,  filling  hia  canteen  ia  a  muddy  ditch,  t' ~ 


plaes  froH  which  ha  oonld  procnre  it,  held  it  to  the  hot  qnirerina  lipa  ot 

thB  aafferar,  whe,  after  M  had  dmnk  greedily,  eipreued  much  more 

n  to  belxM  bloed  trickling  from  Bonald's  Umpia,  than  for  the  pro- 


bable isme  of  U*  ows  wDnad.  Whe>e*er  he  «p<dce,  lie  «bi  almoet  anffo- 
coted  with  his  own  blood ;  and  caaring  tha  altaaipC,  be  leaned  his  head 
■ninrt  th  wall,  and  while  tears  trickled  orer  hii  liee,  (Had  with  an  eye 
of  intents  afiectiDn  upon  his  master,  who  Icnelt  down  be^d«huBr  andaa 
gaallj  aa  a  uotiier  nould  hate  done,  onclaiped  his  aaoaaCremsDls  and 
opened  hfe  eeat,  that  be  might  breathe  more  ti^ly. 

""       ■   "'  '  ■      '  ....  -..-  ii  ODOortwielv  c 

.    ..    M  di». 

, .^ „„.  _  , __, JiRonald'a  eat  with 

moit  medical  eempoiBR,  "Itiiall  over  with  him,  poor  fellow  1  Bt^foin 
yamr  tsmpaB;  befbra  Cameron  miaia  yon  i    Iveracb  will  dia  ia  ten 

"  I  cannot  lean  him,"  said  Stuart,  deepiv  diitrestsd.  "  Oh,  cannot 
yon  do  somethinc  for  him  ?    I  would  yield  all  1  postaes  aa  earth  to  sare 

"  He  IB  bleeding  more  ineaTnally  Uian.  ontwardly,  and  were  I  to  cttempt 
to  stop  the  discharge  at  bloed  kmn  bis  month  and  broait,  ha  worid  M 
teMantly  ■nffbcated." 

"  D-^iatioB,  DidL  1 "  nid  Ronald  angrily,  "  and  will  yon  leara  him  to 
die.'" 

"  He  will  die  witbont  my  aisistaace :  on  my  boneor,  I  can  da  nothing  ! 
Ha  ia  paat  my  sUU,  and  1  ha>e  other  work  on  bnid.  See  how  the 
~  '  *  are  ponriiK  down  from  the  baight !  I  muM  indeed  leara  yon." 
itched  >p  hn  box,  and  ran  to  where  four  soldiers  of  the  Slit  had 
aia  oDwn  Cogiiiaii,  their  ecceatric  old  ealonel,  wbo  had  recnied  a  shot 
whidienteredtha  topof  hia  left  epaulet  and  came  out  at  hi*  light  side. 
But  iie,  too,  WBi  paat  Stoarf  s  skill,  and  died  insbatly. 

Evan  heud  not  what  pasaed,  but  learned  the  doctor's  opinion  from  the 
sad  expression  of  his  master's  face. 

"Ooir  1  and  see  he  baa  (ten  me  ower,"   said  he,  ipeaking  in  a  broken 


and  diSmUmanni^r.  vhile  thi  blood  contiDned  to  gm^leinccnuitlr  in 

hit  throat.  Ub  held  out  his  hand,  and  Ronald,  taking  it  id  his  owa,  kodt 
dowalMiide  bim.  "  And  lae,  air,  he  has  pan  me  owet.  '  I  thocbt  as 
mnekle,  bat  be  micht,  he  micht  bse  tried  to  save  me.  But  na,  aa  1  it's  a' 
ower  noo.  1  ken  mr  weird  man  a'  be  fulfilled  ;  I  kent  I  wad  fa'  the  da^. 
Tbei%  was  an  naco  Boogbin'  in  mj  heart  a'  the  lastnicbt.  Somethiog 
seemed  aye  whiaperioK  in  my  \ag  it  was  the  lul  1  was  doomed  toaae. 
Oich,  a;  1  it  will  be  aair  news  to  auld  Donald  iTeracb,  whan  he  hears  that 
Eraa  Beau~his  Eian  with  the  fair  hair,  Evan  tbat  he  xas  a^e  sae  fond  o'. 
has  de'ed  in  the  land  o'  the  foe  and  the  stranger.  But.  O  dear  meister 
Ronald  !  ye'll  tell  him,— ye'll  tell  a'  the  folk  in  the  bonnie  glen,  when  je 
gang  home  to  MIbb  Alice,  that  I  died  as  became  me,  with  m;  boonet  On 
my  Drow,  and  my,faco  to  the  eaemy." 

"  I  will,  Evan,  1  will,"  groaned  Ronald. 

"  I  have  always' dune  my  duty,  sir,  to  yoa  and  to  my  cniatry." 

"  YoD  hare.  Bran, — braxely  and  nobly." 

"  TbsnicB,  sir,  thanks  I  Ye'll  say  that  Evan,  the  son  of  Irerach,  nerer 
fliudied  in  die  dark  hour  o'  trial  and  daoger  I "  said  he,  while  fais  eyes 
lighted  np  with  Higbhind  enthuaioBm.  "Tell  them  this,— Chat  the  auld 
folk  may  remember  me  ia  their  prayers,  when  the  coronach  ia  Bong  for  me 
ill  the  clachan  at  Lochisla." 

"  My  poor  Evan,  you  will  exhaust  younelf." 

"  My  time  is  ahort  noo,"  he  replied  in  a  raoaniog  voice  ;  "  but,  oh '. 
this  will  be  sad  news  to  my  antd  faiuier.  M;  death  will  bring  saritnr  and 
dole  on  his  grey  hairs.  And  then  there  is  Jeasie — Jesaie  Cavers  o'  the 
Inch-hoDBB,  at  Avonaide  1 "  He  began  Co  aob,  and  hia  tears  mingled  witk 
his  blood.  He  sunk  back  exbauated,  and  lay  atill  ^r  a  abort  time,  daring 
which  he  mattered  to  himaelf,— "  The  goirden  braid — her  lock  o'  hair! 
An  ill  omeOi—cut  in  twa  by  a  sabre  at  Orthex.  O  Jessie  1  my  sweet  wee 
love,  msuD  we  never  meet  moir  ? 

"  Maiater  Ronald  !"  eald  he,  In  a  quiyering  vtnce,  "  see  that  Jessie  geU 
a'  my  back  pay.  'Hiere's  three  montbs  a't  gane,  come  the  neiBt  Lord's- 
day.  Let  her  put  it  to  ber  tocher,— 'twill  help  her  to  get  anither  lore.  I 
release  her  frae  tbe  troth  she  gaed  to  me.     Alake — "     And  bis  Toioe  died 

"  Evan,  this  money, — hear  me;  this  pay  you  speak  of, — abalt  I  not  give 
it  to  your  fiither,  rather  than  this  Jeaaie  Cavers,  who  may,  perhaps,  have 
forgollen  you?" 

i.oL ^  will  forget  me ! "  cried  Iverach,  with  an  impetaoaity  whieh 

'e  to  man  frooi  bis  wound  and  raantbfear^Uy.     "  Ifl  tboobt 


ved  taaae  to  ber  plichted  allh,  1  wad  haunt  her  (ill  her  dyia' 

^.      an'  stane  wadna'  hand  mel     Bat  my  failher, — gie  bim  thia, 

air ;  for  he  wad  flio^  siller  into  the  loch,  aa  if  it  burnt  hia  hand." 


daf.    Yird  an'  stane  wadna'  hand  mel    But  my  failher,— 
'ir ;  for  he  wad  flio^  siller  into  the  loch,  aa  if  it  burnt  hia  han_. 
He  undid  from  hia  bonnet  the  regimental  tadge  which  foatooed  the  blaek 


cockade  and  npright  green  feather.  It  was  a  wreath  of  thistla,  enidnliiig 
aSphyoi,  and  the  word  Egypt  stamped  in  braBS.  "  Gie-^ie  him  this : 
ha  will  wear  it  for  my  eake, — the  sake  o'  his  Evan  Bran.  And  now. 
Heaven  bless  ye,  Maiater  Ronald,  and  grant  tbat  ye  may  live  lang  and 
hapinly  after  I'm  gane  to  dnst,  and  the  grass  o*  many  a  year  iias  grown 
and  withered  Ower  me.  Ye're  been  a  kind  maister,— a  goda  friend,— and 
a  |ude  offieer  to  me.  God  bleaa  Colonel  Cameron,  and  every  officer  and 
private  man  in  tbe  regiment ;  I  thocht  to  haie  been  apared  to  gang  kane 
wi'  ye  a'  to  auld  Scotland;  but  tbat  hath  been  ordained  itberwaya.     Bat —  > 

"nia 


pnUDoa  which  ii  terrible  to  look  upoa.    On  a  sudden  be  started,  and 
seemed  to  nza  intentl}  on  Bome  diitaut  object. 

"£t<ui1  laid  Stoait  in  utoni^ment.  "  Whftt  »e  you,  that  yon  gaze 
thoa ; " 

' '  My  bicber  the  (uper,"  eaid  he  in  ■  owtbleea  voice,  white  he  grasped 
Sonald  coDinlurelf  with  one  band,  and  with  the  other  poioted  to  sooie 
vision  of  hia  imsguuttion,  "  'Tia  my  fattber  1"  he  added,  in  a  TOice 
thrilliDg  with  death  and  delight.  "  He  cornea  to  fiod  me  in  the  dcid- 
tbraw  '.  Yonder,  yonder  he  cornea,— doon  by  the  dyke-aide.  Hia  pipes  a' 
braw  wl'  ribbona  fraethe  drones,  and  hie  taiten  plaid  waving  hehind  him!" 

Startled  by  the  energy  of  the  dying  soldier,  Booald  looked  in  the  direC' 
tioQ  pointed  ont  No  such  appearance  was  visible  to  him  ;  but  there  lay 
the  brood  boaom  of  the  Garonne,  refulgent  with  the  noon-day  aun,~^ 
sweeping  in  watery  msjeaty  past  the  towers  and  spirea  of  Tooiouae,  and 
disappearing  among  the  deep  foreila,  which  were  resounding  witli  the  clang 
of  the  l>Bltle  that  waa  waged  hotly  and  fiercely  befbre  the  walla  of  the  city. 

"  Evan,"  eaid  he,  mouinfally,  "  I  see  not  the  figure  you  mention." 

But  there  waano  reply :  the  Hi9;hlandeT  had ceued  to  exist.    Hie  blood 

noied  slowly  and  heavily  from  Ids  wound,  and  *"'"  "-'--'-^  --'  -' 

eyea  wfira  yet  filed  with  the  glare  of  death  □ 
battle-geld. 

An  exclamation  of  deep  anguish  buret  from  Ronald  Stuart  on  beboldiog 
the  breathless  hody  of  hia  humble  but  gallant  friend,  which  presented  a 
wofiil  (pectacle,  beii^  drenched  in  blood  from  the  chin  to  the  ahoe-bnckle. 
He  Ued  a  handkerchief  over  the  face,  and  disposing  the  body  in  its  plaid, 
he  hewed  down  an  olive-tree  with  liis  sword,  and  with  tlie  branches  cOTered 
it  np,  that  it  m^ht  be  unmolested  by  the  peasantry  and  death-hunters, 
until  be  oonld  return  and  commit  it  to  the  earth. 

Tliia  done,  he  tied  up  bis  own  wound,  which  till  then  he  had  forgotten, 
and  again  sought  the  (ield,  where  flashing  eteel  and  eddying  siuoVe  bore 
token  of  the  strife.  Touianae  was  the  last,  and  one  of  the  most  keenly. 
contested  batttee  of  the  Feninaolar  war ;  and  it  waa  very  generally  believed 
by  the  aUied  army,  that  Soult,  when  it  took  place,  was  aware  that  peace 
had  been  concluded  between  Great  Britain  and  France, 


CHAPTER   Xn. 


Thb  long  aud  bloody  war  of  the  Fenineula  bad  now  been  bronght  to  a 
final  close,  and  the  troops  looked  forward  with  impatience  to  the  day  of 
embarkation  for  their  homes-  The  presence  of  the  allied  army  was  no 
longer  necessary  in  France*  but  the  Britisli  forces  yet  lingered  about  the 
Garonoe,  expecting  the  long-wished  and  loug-loOked  for  route  for  Britain. 
Tlie  Gordon  Hit^talandera  were  quartered  at  Muret,  a  small  town  on  the 
banks  of  the  Garonne,  and  a  few  miles  from  Tonlonae.  One  evening, 
while  the  mess  were  discussing,  over  their  wine,  the  ev«lastiag  theme  of 
tlie  probable  chqnces  of  the  corps  being  ordered  to  Scotland,  the  aonnd  of 
galloping  hoofs  and  the  clank  of  accoutre  menta  were  heard  in  the  street  of 
the  village.  A  seiieant  of  the  First  Dragoons,  with  the  foam-bells 
banging  on  bis  horse's  bridle,  reined  up  at  the  door  of  the  inn  where  the 
ofliceTS  of  the  Highlanders  had  established  a  temporary  mess-house.  Old 
Dugald  Cameron  was  etsndiug  at  the  door,  displaying  his  buirdly  person 
to  ■  group  of  staring  villagers,  with  whom  he  waa  attempting  to  converse 


I  the  door  with  the  splntdid  ur  of  the  trae 
importance  vhicb  caused  the  TilliEert  t» 
shnok  hictt.  InquiriDs  far  Colonel  Canienni,  be  handed  to  Dagald  two 
Inng  •ffictal  packets:  >iid  after  dninii^  ■  deep  homfbt  of  liqaor  wtiick 
the  Celt  brou^e  him,  be  wheeled  hia  ehwger  mund,  and  n>de  BUmljnny. 

"  I^ttemh-se  the  toon  o'  Tonlonie,  sir,"  eirid  Duald,  u,  with  hia  ttt 
boanKander  his  wm.  and  soiootfaiTig  down  hii  white  hair,  he  a^aaced  t* 
Fassifem's  elb»w,  and  laid  the  deapatches  before  him  ;  after  whidi  he  ra- 
tired  a  few  pace*,  and  waited  Co  hear  the  nmtenb,  ia  which  he  coBrideMd 
he  had  as  ninch  intiereBt  a*  an;  one  present.  The  cUmoor  and  InKhter  at 
the  meu-room  were  inetuiQr  bnahed,  and  every  face  grewirme,  m>m  Out 
Rmple  Tinae  of  Campbell,  who  waa  eeated  on  the  njlooeTa  rigbt  beod, 
down  to  the  lair-cbeeked  ensigiu  (or  Johnj  Newconwa),  who  idwiTa  en- 
scooced  tbemwdTGi  at  die  foot  of  the  table,  to  be  aa  &r  away  a»  poiaibis 
from  ifae  cohmd  sod  leinDrv. 

"  mi  your  glassei,  geattenien."  said  CameniD,  as  he  broke  die  aeal  of 
the  tint  despatch;  "fill  a  bnmper,  and  drink  '  In  ■  (tir  wind.'  My  lift 
an't  'tis  the  mute,  and  we  shril  wtoD  hare  Old  Engbmd  on  oar  lee!" 

"  Praise  Hearen 'tig  come  at  last  I"  said  Campbell,  fiUin;  of)  his  gtaw 
witb  bright  tparkling  ^wrry.  "  t  never  h^led  it  wttli  greater  joy,  ereaia 
Enpt.     But  what  says  air  Arthur  ~the  raarqriiai  I  meaa  ?" 

*' 'Htlbe  male!"  replied  Cameron,  draiDiog  hi* ^ssa.  "To-menrow, 
bC  daybreak,  wemarcb  for  Toalense." 

"  Hurrah !"  sud  the  major.  "We  shall  bare  thepvr^  heather  nader 
our  brogues  in  a  week  more.  Hoigh !  Here's  to  the  IfighlandmaD, 
ahonlder  to  shoalder!"  Erery  glass  was  reversecl,  while  a  roand  o\ 
applause  ritoek  the  room. 

"  We  embark  on  the  Garonne,"  cnntinned  Cameron,  conanlliiig'  the 
doeament.  "  Flat-bottomed  boats  will  convey  na  down  Che  lintr.  and  w* 
shall  sail  in  transports  for  Cork." 

"  Hechl  how.  airs!  Cork  ?"  ezclaimed  CainpbeU,  in  a  tone  of  dinf- 
pointment.  "  Denumiot.'  aathe  dons  say ;  and  are  we  not  going  hoae  l» 
our  own  country, — to  the  land  of  the  bannock  and  btfnnet  ? 

"  Ireland  is  oar  destiniition.  A  fanunis  place  to  soldier  in,  as  I  know 
from  experience,  major." 

"  I  lore  poor  Faddy  well  enough,"  uxi  Campbell:  "who  is  there  that 
would  not,  that  has  seen  a  Charge  of  the  Connanght  rangers,  or  the  87th  i 
R^ular  devils  they  are  for  fighting.  Bnt  we  were  sent  home  to  braid 
Scotland  after  Egypt ;  and  we  saw  service  Uiere,  gentlemen.  Old 
Lndavick  Lisle,  and  Cameron  there,  eonld  tsU  yon  that.  BbC  the  other 
paper,  colonel ;  what  is  it  abont  f" 

"  A  despatch  for  Oeoeial  the  CoBd4  Penne  Yllamflr,  at  BUnBd*.  It 
ia  to  be  forwarded  instantly  by  the  first  offioer  fcr  dnty :  v1»  ia  he  ^' 

"Stnart,"  s^  Hie  adjutiDl. 

"  iiie  deuce  take  your  memory  I"  said  Stcnut  testily,  as  ^s  tunouoM- 
ment  fell  like  a  thnndn'bolt  upon  him  ;  "  you  seem  to  have  the  roster  ril 
by  heart.  Colonel,  ia  it  possible  tfaat  I  an  itaSij  ta  travel  aearty  a  ban- 
dred  miles,  ^d  to  cross  Uiose  abominable  Pyrenees  again,  rfta  figbtiag 
my  way  toToulonae?" 

"  Without  donbt,"  replied  Faasifem,  drily,  "  YoQ  will  have  tbt  ples- 
■ure  of  seeing  Spain  once  more,  and  oguu  paying  your  respects  to  tke 
IT J ;.^,  ^^  pompous  se '* 


'*  ^  wems  aot  to  tMnk  BO.  TliereiRBo  Iwlp,  RoniH,  my  mm.  Ton 
would  not  throw  yaor  dnty  on  anotber.  Obedieoce  ia  the  first —  YoQ 
know  the  xhirB ;  'tia  enoagh.  You  caa  rqaiB  na  tt  Tooloiuei  where  *re 
enfnrk  in  eigne  days  from  this." 

"  Eight  dsjB  ?" 

"  Mne  good  ose  of  yoar  mg  ■■  yon  will  Tcqaire  one,  or  eixme.  Cimp- 
bell  wilt  lend  yoa  his  spsre  charger  '  Egypt.'  hi  he  stjies  it," 

"With  the  ntmoatplBaanre,"  Biiid  the  miiifff.  filKng  np  his  glm».  "But 
look  well  to  him  by  tiie  way.  Tor  he  ia  an  especial  good  pieeeof  horN-fle*ll 
aaerer  ma  foaled,  or  any  man  round  for  nothing  on  that  nnnDndrie  day 
of  Jane,  on  the  plains  at  Vtttoria.  Bat  vhen  I  remember  the  airing  yoa 
took  with  my  steed  at  AlmareE.  I  canost  lend  yon.  Brypt  without  eater- 
tnonig  «em«  secret  feita  of  never  behi:Ming  him  tgaio. 

**mTe  no  fears  Rtr  Egypt,  major,"  said  Ronald,  hughbig.  "  I  will  re- 
store  him  wilAoat  tnrning  a  hair  of  his  glossy  eoat," 

"•Then,  Stnart,  yon.  moat  march  fortiiwith,"  said  Cameron  ;  "  the  mOT- 
qnii^B  despatch  mnaC  he  carried  onward  without  dcUr-  Yoa  mast  reach 
St.  Gandena  by  saoriae." 

Dngald  was  deapatcbed  to  desire  Jack  Pentland,  the  major's  bat-man, 
to  caparison  Egypt ;  and  meanwhile  Sluart  hurried  to  hia  billet,  wherehe 
hastily  selected  a  few  Decenaries  for  his  journey,  and  packed  them  in  a 
borae-Taliae.  In  caae  of  aecidenls,  he  indited,  a  baaty  letter  for  Lochiala  ; 
bnt,  for  reasona  which  will  be  given  in  another  chapter,  it  never  reached 
those  for  nhom  it  was  deatiaed. 

To  hia  servant,  Allan  Warristonn,  poor  Evan's  anccesaor,  he  abandoned 
the  care  of  his  bagf;age,  desiring  him  to  have  it  all  in  readioeas  againat  ^e 
boar  of  march  on  me  morrow.  He  belted  hia  aword  and  #rk  tighHy  te 
his  waHti  and  oamined  tbe  bolatcrs,  to  see  if  the  pistala  were  freahlr 
Rioted  and  io  good  order ;  after  whiiA  he  examined  hia  mmaDition,  vreB 
linowing  that  the  more  l«id  bolleta  and  the  less  loose  cosh  he  had  about 
him,  the  better  tor  travelling  on  such  onsafc  groaml  as  (he  Lower  Pyre- 
nees. He  remembered  that  the  whole  of  these  waste  places  were  infested 
by  hordes  of  lawless  banditti,  composed  of  all  the  rascal  crew  of  Spahi, — 
Kverrillas,  whose  trade  was  at  an  end,  beeken  or  deserted  aoldiera,  im. 
frocked  monks,  fugitive  preiidiariot  or  convicta,  bravees,  ntfienfe/,  and 
Tagahonds  of  every  kind,  wift  which  B"    '-        -- -  "-    ■- "   -* 


md  law,  together  with  the  loose  state  of  Spanish  morals,  ha<i  aeo(ded  ev 

jartof  the  country.    While  the  remembrance  of  these  gentleBiatpas 

thnnigh  his  mind,  Stuart  agmn  examined  bis  arms  nicl  herse-eqoipage 


carefally,  and  mounting,  rode  forth  along  the  <ferk,  atranliag  street  of 
BFaret.  From  the  mess-room  window  there  was  handed  to  Um  a  portmg 
bamperof  sher^,  which  be  drank  in  his  saddle. 

"Good-byo,  Lisle  !"  said  he,  waving  hie  hand ;  "  bid  Tirginia  adien  fbr 
me.  And  now  good-bye,  lads ;  good-by a  to  ye  sH;"  and-,  striking  spars 
into  Egypt,  he  galloped  off. 

"  Re  is  a  fine  fellair,  and  keeps  his  seat  as  welt  as  any  earalier  of  the 
Frado  at  Madrid,"  said  the  major,  watohing  Stuart's  retreating  figure  as 
long  as  he  could  see  it  by  the  starlight.  "  He  is  a  fine  fellow,  and  I  wish 
he  was  safe  back  agaitt  among  us.     He  haa  a  long  and  a  penlooa  path 

befbre  him,  over  these  d d  Pyrenees ;  and  ten  to  one  he  never  retnma 

again  from  among  thoee  black-browed  and  uncanny  dons.  We  all  know 
Spanish  ingratitude,  sirs  '. "  The  woi^y  m^or  knew  not  how  propheti- 
a^j  he  spoke. 

Next  morning  the  regiment  marched  t 
days,  avraitingUie  arrival  of  the  boat*  b< 


them  down  the  Giroane,  which  becomea  narigable  ntsihoit  diatinecfrom 

The  eight  dtyi  puud  bwbt,  >□<]  Ronald  Stiurt  did  not  retnm.  The 
eveatful  day  orriT^ — -the  day  of  embarkation  for  harne,  and  the  Te^ment 
pfrodBd  on  the  rircF-side  ciChont  him.  The  officers  glanced  darlclrat 
each  other,  aud  the  colonel  shook  his  head  sorrowfally,  aa  if  he  deemed 
that  all  was  not  right ;  and  a  murmnred  cune  on  the  SpaniardB  was  mnt- 
tend  among  the  soldiers.  The  whole  re^meut,  from  Psssifern  down  to 
the  foangeat  dmm-boy,  regretted  his  absence,  which  gsre  room  for  so 
mUiT  disagreeabte  conatrDCtioDB  and  BDrmiseB.  Other  corps  were  parad- 
ing at  the  same  time,  and  in  the  stir,  bustle,  and  confiuion  of  embarldDg 
men  and  horaea,  ba^age,  women,  and  children,  hia  abaence  was  forgott^i 
for  a  Ijme.  The  cheers  of  the  aoldiers  and  the  din  of  TariDOa  bands  wet« 
heard  eTcrywbere.  The  time  was  one  of  high  excitement,  and  jaj-  ihotir 
on  ever;  hronied  face  as  boat  after  boat  got  under  way,  end,  with  ita 
frMght,  moved  slowly  down  .the  Gaionne— "  the  silrery  Garonne,"  tbe 
windings  of  which  soon  hid  the  bridge,  the  spires,  the  grey  old  uniTersilT, 
and  the  beautifiil  forests  of  Tonlonse. 


CHAPTEH    XUI. 


Stda»t  departed  from  Moret  in  no  pleotont  mood,  bavi  ^ 
that  he  was  the  most  anfortnnate  fellow  in  the  army ;  becaofie,  when  any 
disagreeable  duty  was  to  be  performed,  by  some  stninge  fatality  the  lot 
always  fell  npon  him.  Bat  his  displeasure  eiaporated  as  the  distance  be- 
tween Moret  and  himself  inereascd.  It  was  a  clear  and  beautiful  nigfat. 
MillioDS  of  sparklers  studded  the  firmament,  and.  althoogh  no  moon  was 
visible,  the  aceneiy  aronnd  was  distinctly  discernible.  Afar  off  lay  Ton- 
louse,  the  ttirectioa  of  which  was  marked  only  hy  the  baxy  halo  of  light 
aranod  it,  siisingfrom  amidst  the  bosky  forosts,  whidi  extend  OTerneariy 
a  hundred  thoosand  acres  of  gronnd. 

Betbrd  him  spread  a  clear  and  open  country,  orer  which  his  horse  was 
now  carrying  fajm  at  a  rapid  pace.  It  was  midnight  before  the  lights  of 
Muret  vanished  behind  him.  The  road  became  more  lonely,  and  no  Bound 
broke  upon  the  silence  of  the  way,  save  the  clang  of  Egypt  s  boots,  ringing 
with  s  sharp  iron  aonnd  on  the  hard -trodden  road. 

After  riding  nearly  twenty  miles,  he  found  himself  becoming  tiled  Sod 
drowsy  I  and  dismounting,  he  led  tiis  horse  into  a  copse  by  the  road.stde, 
where,  fastening  the  bridle  to  a  tree,  he  lay  down  on  the  dewy  award,  and. 
placing  his  claymore  under  bis  bead,  fell  fast  aslew.  Before  luntise  be 
was  again  in  his  saddle,  and,  without  breaking  his  fast,  reuhsd  the  town 
of  Saint  Gandens,  on  the  Garonne,  forty-four  miles  from  Toulouse.  Un- 
willing to  waste  farther  the  strength  of  the  noble  animal  which  had  borne 
him  so  far,  and  with  such  speed,  he  halted  at  Saint  Gandens  fiHr  twehe 
hours,  and  again  set  forward  on  the  direct  road  for  the  province  of  Beam. 

The  well. known  chain  of  the  Pyrenees,  the  scene  of  so  many  a  recant 
contest,  began  to  rise  before  him,  end  as  he  proceeded,  every  objectwhich 
met  his  fien  became  more  familiar. 

On  nearing  the  Pass  of  RoncesTslles,  he  reached  the  block-house  which 
his  light  compgny  had  earriiooed  and  defended  so  stoutly.  It  was  now 
AiUing  into  ruin,  and  the  shetetons  of  the  French  were  lying  around  it. 


125 


inUi  the  rank  dog-gru>  sprouting  amonz  their  moalderiDg  booea. 
tli««Oy  iwht! — bnt  miuiy  «nohoConiTedaa  he  ionrneyBd  among  the  mou 
tains.    Near  the  block-hotue  he  fell  in  irith  an  encampment  of  gilanot,  a 


whose  ferocity  is  equalled  onlf  by  their  cunning  and 
rognerr.  iney  were  at  dinner,  and  bade  him  welcome  to  the  feaet.  vhich 
couiated  of  broiled  rsbbila,  oliTes,  rice,  and  bacalao,  with  wine — itolen 
of  courae — to  wash  it  down.  He  took  his  share  of  rte  Tisnds  leated  by  a 
fire,  aronnd  wbicb  the  ragged  wayfarers  crowded,  male  and  female ;  bnt 
he  was  very  well  pleased  when  he  look  his  departure  from  these  aingnlir 
peooie,  who  would  not  accept  of  a  single  marsvedi  for  his  entertainment. 

iiesr  midnight  he  arrived  at  the  village  of  RoDceavaUea,  which  consiMa 
of  one  straggUng  street,  closed  by  an  arched  gateway  at  each  end.  The 
barriera  were  shut,  and  no  admittance  was  given.  He  thundered  loudly, 
£r»t  at  one  gate  and  then  at  the  other ;  but  he  was  nnheaid  or  uncaied  for 
by  the  drowsy  porters,  who  occupied  the  boiisea  above  the  arobea.  He 
therefore  prepared  to  pass  the  night  in  the  open  air,  which,  althongh 
nothing  new  to  a  campaigner,  was  autficiently  provoidng  on  that  occasion, 
-eapecially  a>  a  shower  waa  banning  to  descend,  and  sheet  lightning,  red 
and  flaming,  shot  at  times  across  the  distant  sky,  revealing  the  peaks  of 
the  mountains,  and  the  mosniag  voice  of  the  irind  annonnced  a  tempestDons 
night.  Wishing  thewarderaofKoncesvalleB  in  a  hotter  climate  than  Spain, 
be  looked  about  for  some  place  of  shelter,  and  peroeived,  not  far  off,  a 
solitary  little  chapel,  or  oratory,  which  was  revealed  by  the  pale  altar-lighta 
twinkling  through  its  tinted  windows  and  open  doorway. 

In  this  rude  edifice  he  resolved  to  take  shelter,  rather  than  pus  the 
night  in  the  open  air ;  sad  just  as  he  gained  its  arched  porch,  the  storm, 
«hiah  had  long  been  threatening,  bnrst  forth  with  audden  and  appalling 
fary.  The  wind  howled  in  the  pass,  and  swept  over  the  monnlains  like  a 
tornado,  and  with  a  terrible  sound,  as  if,  in  the  words  of  a  Gaelic  bard, 
the  spirits  of  the  storm  were  shrieking  to  each  other.  The  forked  lightning 
shot  athwart  the  sky,  cleaving  the  masses  of  ctoud,  and  the  rattling  rain 
thundered  furiously  on  the  chapel  roof  and  windows,  as  if  to  beat  the  little 
fabric  to  the  earth.  His  horse  was  startled  by  the  uproar  of  the  elements, 
■ad  snorted,  grew  restive,  and  shot  fire  from  his  prominent  eyes  as  the 

CsBaing  gleams  illuminated  the  porch,  within  which  Stuart  bad  stabled  him 
y  fastening  the  bridle  to  the  liinre  of  an  old  saint  or  apostle  that  preaided 
over  a  stone  font,  ftom  which  the  old  troop-horse  soon  sucked  up  the  holy 
Ronald  wrapped  a  cloak  round  him,  and  flung  himself 


is  aching  limbs,  which  were  begin- 


ning to  stiffen  with  so  long  a  journey  on  horsebacil. 

llie  budding  was  totally  destitute  of  ornament,  and  its  rude  construction 
gave  evidence  of  its  great  anUquity.  There  were  several  shrines  around  it, 
vith  wai  tapers  flickering  before  them,  revealing  thestraoge  little  monsters 
in  wood  or  stone  which  represented  certain  saints.  In  front  of  one  of 
tdtese  knelt  s  stout,  buC  vrild-looking  Spanish  peasant,  devoutly  praying 
and  telling  over  his  chaplet.  The  entrance  of  Stuart  caused  him  hurriedly 
to  start. — to  anatch  his  brosd.lesved  hst  front  the  floor,  to  gmsp  the  ban 
of  his  dagger,  and  glance  round  him  with  frowning  brow  and  eyes  gleaming 
with  apprehension.  Bat  on  perceiving  the  uniform  of  the  intruder,  his 
dark  features  relaxed  into  a  smile  ;  he  boned  his  head  politely,  and  re- 
sumed hia  orisona,  which  Stuart  never  interrupted,  although  they  lasted 
for  a  WMry  hour.  There  was  something  very  grolesqne  in  the  aspect  of 
one  particular  image,  which  appeared  to  be  Ihmsc  unceremoniously  into  a 
dark  niche,  where  no  taper  burned ;  from  which  Ronald  inferred  that  the 
saint  bad  no  worshippera,  or  was  not  a  favouiiCo  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
BoDceiTalleB.    He  appearance  ot  the  image  waa  calculated  to  sidte 


It  iMemblad  tfao  figBre 

, _,  _ .    .     ,         ....    •  gjimjiiidr'"'^' '"* 

The  effigy  vu  npwHdi  of  eii  feet  bighi  and  bad  a  painted  id 
nhiftkered,  and  aormouDted  by  a  cocked  hat>  It  wia  arttiytimiij— nm: 
breeehe*  and  jock-bouts,  a  blae  uniform  CMl,  aid  tanuched  epaoleti.  A 
uah  eacu'<;led  its  oust,  aiid  ia  it  were  Gtock  a  pnr  of  piitob  and  a  lafare. 
Its  'oaf  KHttmble  tian  quite  iniiiotoiu,  w  it  atoixl  erect  JD  theglooaijr  lucbe 
of  the  wilenia  little  chapel,  asd  wu  hcb  by  tfae  "  disi  rellgiaiu  Ught "  of 
diatsDt  t*|ien. 

With  tin  hiltof  his  broad-Ewoid  under  hU  bead  for>  pillow,  StnaitLay^ 
en  &e  paTCweot,  and  viewed  this  ainfnlar  apparkion  with  consiiiBnble 
ainiueneBt;ai]d  if  be  peatruued  a  violent  iocliaatiODiolaBKh,  it  was  only 
fircKB  arelactviae  to  offeod  Ite  peasaot,  nhs  waa  pnriQe tiefore  as  una^ 
which,  br  >ta  laiig  lobe  aud  bnneh  of  ratb/  Icejt,  K^ied  meauC  far  a 
nprewstatian  of  Sui  Fedro. 

From  the  derotw,  who,  when  his  prajers  weie  coded,  seated  hiinwlf  by 
bis  side,  StoBTt  learBcd  that  the  itnage  image  raprea^tad  St.  AjtftKnr  «f 
Poitnss],  one  of  thoae  ledonbtable  eeveB  champiooa  whose  ' '  hiatwr"  baa 
made  such  a  Moae  in  tba  wnld  from  time  immnmnriril ,  NetwUhMoAng 
the  mist  whicb  ipioraBee,  «»enlitioii,  «ad  prieateiafl  had  oaat  over  his 
mind,  theinudTiHMiaMlaacbedtiU  tlie  cba^  duw  a^ia  at  the  appear- 
Boee  of  the  Forti^tteee  patron,  and  acqoauitad  Stawt  wiCh  aome  jdeuaat 
facta,  whieh  aoeoHsted  for  the  nulita^  garb  of  tlu  taSat.  Bf  nrlae  of  a 
decree  in  that  behalf  an  the  part  of  hu  hoUueBi,  Bt.  Anthonr  was,  inlN6, 
formally  aiii>l«d  into  thePortscneieKmy;  aDdintfaeaamerewracsifed 
the  raskof  captuD, — so  rapid  wa*  hie  rromotioii. .  Hie  iouge  Wat  almfs 
dadinaueoeaaiveuiufwmaaibe  waeh^KDedthronghlto  di&tMat  gradaa, 
BiUU  be  raaobed  the  rank  of  Marahal-Eeoenlof  the  amJet  of  Poctngal  and 
Algarw.  a  post  wbitA,  I  bdlece,  ha  yet  holds,  wilfc  m  panman  of  one  han- 
dred  aad  Gity  ducats  pet  ananm,  wiiich eT«7  year  iapanctBallr  difaailed, 
ki  a,  Bideadid  pane,  !■  the  Chapel-Boyal,  b]r  the.  Portagneae  aorareiiin. 
AwMwsE  the  wntb,  and  ternUe  wece  the  deoBDciationi  and  bolf  iadtc- 
Dattgn,  whea  a  csoDOn-bBll  carried  off  the  bead  and  cocked  bat  «f  liie 
unfortuBslfi  image,  which  had  been  placed  in  an  a(MB  oatriaie  ae  ime 
oecasiaB.  when  eanMMiMluty  the  Forb^neBeanay  in  battle. 

The  image  in  Uia  cbapel  at  RoncearaUes  bad  been  plaoed  tkeia  by  tbe 
aoldien  of  the  Condi  d'Amarante'e  tsiiade,  the  cand^  Hmarif  teniibins 
tbe  «unt  widi  some  of  hia  oaat  anifonn ;  b«t,  sinoe  On  dapartare  of  (be 
Fortogaeee,  the  sbriiw  had  been  totally  deeetted,  aa  no  trae  Spanivd 


would  bead  his  knee  10  a  Lnsilaoian  awot.  Sack  waa  the  acoMuit  nten 
the  pcaiaat,  and  it  illustrates  rather  oddly  tbe  rdinNs  leelittta  aif  the 
>rtn(aue.  After  abating  toeetber  the  ooalntsafaflaA  of  bra^y,  aiitb 
ucb  Kondd  bad  learned  to  provide  tnmidf^  they  cOMpeaad  themadTee 


_^ ^,_„.. it  illustrates  rather  oddly  tbe  rdiziaaa  led. .  _ 

Fortn(aue.  After  abating  toeetber  the  ooalntsafaflaA  of  bra^y,  aiitb 
which  Konald  bad  learned  to  provide  tnmidf^  they  cOMpeaad  themgdyee 
to  Bleep.  The  peawuit,  who  bad  aleo  been  ahat  out  of  Bnoaearalka,  drew 
hii  broad  tmiitre  over  his  dn^y  yisage,  asd,  wrafpiog  bje  brown  oande 
around  him,  lud  hie  bead  ageiiwt  the  faeee  of  aetdamn,  and  Ml  fait  ailaty. 
Those  snepiciNis  wiuch  a  kwg  intercourse  with  Spamarda  had  tan^ 
Stuart  to  entertain  of  every  caeual  acifuainlauoe,  kept  lum  fw  soma  tiaw 
from  Bleep.  He  narrowly  watched  hu  ohie-cbedced  eompaucm,  aadjt 
was  not  nutil,  from  bis  hard  breatbing,  be  was  sure  be  ak^  that  he  tao 
resigned  himself  to  the  drvway  deity.  He  awake  aboot  aunriae,  and  fil—d 
that  bis  companion  had  departed,  A  sudden  misgiving  ahot  aoTOia  Us 
mind,  sod  be  sprang  to  the  fortii  to  look  for  lUa  horse,  whicb  atood  tkwa, 
fair  and  sleek,  aa  he  le&  him  on  tbe  preceding  erenint:.  Be  took  hi«  br 
tbe  bridle,  and  advanced  towards  Roncesvallea. 
The  etorei,  and  all  traces  of  it,  had  passed  away.    Tbe  iky  waa  claaraad 


127 

MOBf,  Mid  tbe  diatwit  motiDtBinB  miniled  vitb  ila  azure.  The  air  was 
Jtdea  nitii  rick  perfume  from  little  ehmbB,  »f  wltich  I  Lbow  ddC  the  Dame, 
iHit  which  fioonA  eteifmbtxe  oier  the  PeniuBla ;  and  erery  bnch  and 
bUde  <rf  graujlittered  lilieulret  with  the  moisture  which  dcdewed  them. 
The  (Btee  of  lumoaualUi  stood  apea,  *od  paniui;  thiongh  one  of  the 
-Bcchwaya,  Konaild  oaked  tlie  fint  penon  he  mtt  whether  tbars  wsa  sn  ino, 
jmBEI,  iaitrnt,  or  smy  house  of  eBtectainment,  where  he  oould  procme  re- 
freahmBOt  for  hiniKlf  and  bone,  bat  was  infonned  Ibat  the  wretcbed 
BtoaatBia.Tillage  coald  boasl  of  cone.  Tbe  man  to  whom  be  qtoke  ww  a 
miserably- dad  peasant,  and,  kke  meet  Sftamah  villagers,  sf^eared  to 
b^ng  to  no  ti-ade  or  ^lolessioii.  lie  vas  rctumiui;  from  ^e  public 
foantaiti  with  water,  which  be  osiried  un  liis  bead,  in  a  bnge  brown  jug. 
He  seemed  both  surprised  sind  pleased  to  be  accosted  by  a  firitisb  officer, 
■od  said  tbat  if  tbe  noble  tsaiaiiero  would  himoiir  him  by  comujg  to  bk 
house,  lie  would  do  bit  beet  to  croFtde  refMshmeot.  This  ofler  Stoart  at 
•  tame  accepted,  and  ptacicfa  dollar  in  the  hand  of  the  agiuJore,  dewred 
bita  to  lead  tbe  way.  After  Eeeiug  bis  horse  ted  aoA  watered,  bimI  after 
dasoaseiuK  breakfast,  wtucb  cooaialed  ol  a  miaecable  mess  of  nilk,  peas, 
gost'C'fl^,  and  tOMMd  autaaoi,  be  mountedi  and  a^ain  went  iorlh  oa 
Sia.miaaien,  flad  to  laave  BouiescaUea  iar  beiuad  bim.  Ueeipeoted  to 
Mach  P''"™J"  befian  ma^t ;  but  Booa  faimd  tbat  his  borse  had  become 
Ml  jaded  and  warn  -oat,  that  the  hope  was  lain.  Tlie  pace  of  the  animal 
bad  become  Jatqaid  and  slew ;  lus  ^^es  bad  lost  their  fire,  and  his  neck 
mid  earH  b^on  to  droop. 

Tbat  be  might  adiaHoe  faster,  Stuart  was  fain  to  lead  bim  by  tbe  bridle 
up  the  sleep  aad  wmdiag  tracks  by  which  his  jouniey  lay-  Onee  only 
£t[irpt  showed  some  aigas  of  his  former  spii^  In  a  narrow  deU  between 
two  hills,  in  a  ragged  gorge  like  the  bed  of  a  depvled  rirer,  an  iroo 
howiber  aad  a  Aw  shells  lay  rnatiaK  and  half  soak  m  the  «atth  i  dose  by 
lay  the  skeletons  of  a  man  and  a  horse,  adding  j«dl^  to  tbe  effect  of  tbe 
Baked  aw)  Mlaot  wiUcraeas  amnnd.  At  the  snodeu  sigbt  of  these  fhastlr 
objacts  lying  amilMC  the  waeds  and  long  grass,  the  steed  snorted,  shied, 
•nd  thtw  apraog  away  at  a  aneed  which  soosi  left  the  delL  and  what  it 
contaioed,  mika  bahind. 

oliUry „ 

i  fifleea  or  twenty,  all  well  armed 


Ax  he  rode  tbrougb  a  solitary  place,  Stuart  was  sbutled  on  peroeiTing  a 

■       '  ■  ■        of  fifl  

be  earth,  ih  ^ipi 
...  _       a  aWae. 

.  re  all  gaily  attiKd  in  (andy  jaekets,  red  sashes,  and  hi^-crowned  liats ; 
bst  the  appearanoe  of  taeir  anna,  a  long  Sraniah  gan  slung  over  tlw  back, 
a  CBtbas,  and  4oable  brace  of  pistola,  together  with  «arions  packages  of 
coeds  with  wbioh  tbeiihoraea  ware.ladeo,  fa>e  tkiecn  tbeaspect  of  aband 
«f  lobbers.  Stuart  thought  of  the  gang  of  Cwtain  Rolando,  as  be  saw 
Ihem  appeariog  from  tbe  bDwell  of  the  eartk,  wiEbin  aboat  twenty  paces 
of  where  be  stopped  his  horae.  He  oeit  tboogbt  of  his  own  safely,  and 
Jiad  4nHra  forth  bis  pistols,  wbea  one  of  the  etnngers  perceiTing  him, 
waved  liis  hati  crying,  "  Amigos,  tetutr,  danijfO*  .'"  and,  to  pat  a  b^fsce 
Oo  Oie  laatter,  Ronald  rode  straight  towards  bim.  Tkey  proied  to  be  a 
party  of  eontrabmtdiiitu,  traielling  to  Vittoria  with  a  stem  of  chocQlate, 
soap,  butter,  cigars,  Sic,  which  Ihey  bad  been  puniiBsing  in  Frsnoe.  A 
•oit  of  hatchway,  or  trap-doer,  of  tarf  was  lud  oy^  tlie  month  of  the 
caynufram  whibb  they  arose;  after  wbich  they  set  off  at  fnll  qieedfi»' 

Ronald  wa«  very  well  pleased  to  see  tbem  depart,  as  eoHirtbandiiiat  are, 
at  best,  bat  indiffereot  characters,  although  few  tratellsrs  are  more  wel. 
coma  at  Spuiisb  urns,  wbere  they  may  geoerally  be  seen  at  the  door,  or  in 


^D^d 


itcred  ID  the  coarse  of  their  roving  uidromaatio  life; 
th«f  ue  bIkbti  nilr  attirod,  ther  are  gBneralljr  favonritM  with  the 

rit  firiB  on  the  diffsreot  roads  thejr  freqaent.    Their  careni,  wUdi 
d  felt  a  atrong  wiah  to  expl<Hre,  *Taa  probably  *ome  deierted  mine,  or 

of  Choce  iDbtcrraneaa  abodes  dog  hj  the  Spaniardi  in  the  daya  of  the 

Moors,  aod  doit  appropriated  by  these  tand-smugglers  as  ■  place  for  hold- 
ing their  warn.  Had  Ronald  worn  any  other  garb  than  that  of  a  British 
officer,  the  oontrabaiid  gentry  might,  by  an  onnce  bullet,  have  secured  for 
ever  his  ailmce  regarding  their  retreat,  bnt  they  well  knew  that  it  mattemd 
□ot  to  him  :  so,  after  an  inlerchsoge  of  a  few  drilitiei  and  cigars,  tliej 
rode  off  at  a  gallop,  KTthaut  once  looking  behind  them. 

As  be  proceeded  on  hii  way.  the  scenery  becsme  more  intereeling,  tbe 
landscape  being  interspersed  with  olltbatcan  render  it  beaatifnl.  A  rained 
chapel  towwed  on  a  green  eminence  above  a  tufted  grove,  throogb  whidi 
■wept  a  brawling  mountain  torrent,  spanned  by  a  pointed  arcb ;  while  m' 
casode  appeared  oelow,  where  the  stream,  grappling  and  janii^  with  the 
rocks  that  intermptad  its  conrse,  mshed  in  a  sheet  of  foam  to  a  deftintlie 
earth  many  feet  beneath.  Aronnd  were  gmres  of  the  oliie-tree,  willi  ita 
■oft  ^reen  leates  and  bright  yellow  flowers ;  and  beyond  was  Errakn,  wifh 
i(«  Tine-c»Tered  cattagea,  its  larger  mansions  of  brick  and  plaster,  wittk 
heaiy  tiled  rooh  and  broad  projecting  tmta,  ita  great  old  monastery  and 
ita  diurch  spbe,  the  rane  of  which  was  gleaming  in  the  light  of  the  settinE 
snn.  As  he  was  travelling  on  dnty,  Stuart  was  entitled  to  billets;  he 
therefore  set  about  procuring  one.  The  alcalde  was  at  eoufession,  and  the 
-"Kcrivart"  *"  -'^"—  ^-  --»ir.j  .«-.  k;».  «-j.«  a»  .  ««.^—  ;»  *u„  k^...^ 
>f  a  solit 

Considering  their  drcumst* 
billet  ahonld  haie  been  giren  ;  but  the  eaciirano  had  a  piece  of  rerenge  ti 
grati^.  The  old  lady  was  a  widow  of  a  syndic, — e  magistrate  chosen  by 
the  people,  like  the  Roman  tribunes, — Hho,  dnring  his  wDole  life,  hod  been 
sit  feud  with  him ,  and  the  eserif ano  hoped  that  Stusrt's  bdng  billeted 
there  would  give  rise  to  some  pleasant  piece  of  scandal,  for  the  beneflt  of 
the  gossiping  old  msids  sod  dnennas  of  Errazn. 

The  appearance  of  the  widow's  mansion  did  not  prepoaseai  Ronald  much 
in  ita  faioor.  The  French  had  not  left  Errain  unscathed  on  their  retreat 
through  it ;  and,  like  many  others,  tbe  domicile  of  Donna  Aminta  della 
Roods  showed  signs  of  their  vindictive  feeling.  One  half  had  suffered  from 
fire,  and  was  in  ruins  ;  hut  two  apartments  were  yet  habitable,  and  into 
one  of  these  Stuart  was  shown  by  an  i^d  and  BtifFmn.cok>unid  female 
domestic,  to  whom  he  presented  the  billet-order,  by  which  he  was  entitled 
to  occupy  the  best  room  and  beat  bed  in  the  hoose.  The  chamber,  which 
WB<  paved  with  tiles,  was  on  the  gronnd.floor ;  the  window  was  glaied,  bat 
-the  walls  were  in  a  deplorable  Btste  of  dilapidation ;  and  many  dioice 
pieces  of  French  wit  appeared  scribbled  on  varioua  psrCa  of  the  plaster. 
Among  other  things  was  a  copy  of  verses  addreaaed  to  Donna  Aminta,  writ- 
ten io  rather  indelicate  French,  and  sigued  "  M.  de  Mesmai,  10th  Cnirzs- 
siers,  or  Devil's  Own,"  which  informed  Stuart  that  his  fonnec  acquaintance 
bad  once  dccupied  that  apartment. 

Two  antique  chairs,  higli-backed  and  richly  caned,  a  massive  oalc  table, 
and  a  brass  candlestick,  composed  the  famitare.  A  chamber,  containing 
an  old-fashioned  bed,  with  ciimaon  feathers  and  hangings,  opened  ont  irf 
this  apartment,  with  which  it  communicated  by  means  m  an  arch,  from 
which  tbe  French  had  torn  the  door,  probably  for  fuel.  Bnt  this  anng 
-coBch  did  not  appear  destined  for  Stuart,  at  the  old  domestic  laid  > 


leanng  him  to  U>  own  r^ectiiHU. 

He  wu  KHDCwtut  diqileased  it  not  beioi  nceired  by  Ote  ladies  m 
person,  oiwcuUt  ■■  tba  eHniniDO  had  iDformed  him,  widi  ■  i3j  look,  ihil 
Uw  Toon^M  poneiied  condderible  ■ttractioni;  bnt  eomoling  himielf 
•ith  tbe  wine  and  dgan,  be  rewdTed  to  cara  not  >  jot  aboat  tbeir  dis- 
GOBiteay.  Aftei  lia  luA  MnUMd  Umielf  bj  thonragblr  Impeoling  erery 
■ook  uid  eoroer  ot  the  raom,  and  (rami  wearr  ot  oonniac  ofer  the 
"  Hiitorr  of  the  famom  Prcaober,  Friar  QeroDd  de  CampaMi,  which  he 
Ibniid  wlten  nuwacklni  the  bed-dowt,  he  be|:an  to  think  of  retiring  to 
leet.  He  debated  with  himaelf  for  a  moment  which  both  to  take  po«. 
seimoQ  of,  becaoH  br  hii  billet  be  wu  oititled  to  the  beat  bed  the  hmue 
oODtaiDiHi  ;'aud  the  fonr-ptHt  and  paillasse  seemed  the  verf  aniipodta  of 
each  other.  But  hii  doabta  were  resolrBd  at  once  by  the  sadden  entrance 
of  the  ladies,  who  aailed  into  die  room  with  their  long  trains  sod  flawing 
Tdli,  and  bowing,  eoidl;  bid  him  ' '  Butna  noekt,  lener .'"  as  the;  retired 
to  their  bed-room.  Yegodsl  abed-roomdeatitateofdoDr,andafon:ign 
wtnol  to  sleep  iothe  next  room  1  Stoart  wsspnzzled.  dumb -foundered  in 
fiict,  and  Ua  Scottish  nodestr  was  qnite  shocked.  But,  lighldng  sootbrr 
eJEar,  he  affteted  to  read  very  attentiTeIr  "Friar  Geniul  de  Catnpszas." 
and  wondered  how  all  this  was  to  end ;  white  the  ladies,  favoured  by  the 
gloom  of  the  chamber,  nadreased  and  betook  theiDSelrea  to  their  conch. 
aronnd  which  they  drew  the  dark  and  massive  folds  of  the  drapery. 
Honald  Uid  down  lbs  book,  aod  stared  about  bim.  There  was  something 
Terr  peculiar  in  the  affair,  and  it  outdid  tbe  most  stngalar  Spanith  atones 
be  had  ever  heard  related,  eren  at  the  mess. 

Tbe  elder  lad;  had  nothing  Terr  enchsnting  d>aut  her.  certainlf  ;  bat 
Ronald'i  kaen  e^e  had  obiened  that  the  Toung  douua  had  a  melting  black 
Spanish  eie,  a  ebeirv  lip,  aad  white  hand.  He  thoaght  of  these  things 
and  glanced  fnrtiTely  towards  the  mysterious  closet,  where  Che  blacii 
outline  of  the  conch,  lormounted  by  its  plumage,  seemed  like  that  of  a 
hearse  or  maosoleam-  Not  a  sound  came  from  it  after  Donna  Aminta  bad 
mumbled  her  ace/  but  the  trampli^ig  of  heavy  feet  arrested  Stuart's 
nitenCion  (  the  door  opened,  and  two  tall  Bud  muscular  Spaniards  entered. 
One  wore  a  broad  hat,  with  a  sprig  of  romero  stuck  in  tbe  bacdof  it,  as  a 
guard  against  eril  spirit*  and  danger.  The  other  wores,  long  cap  of  yellow 
cotton.  They  were  sbittless  and  sboeleas,  and  their  ragged  cotton  breeches 
and  lanutrra  jackets  displayed,  through  Tarious  holes,  their  dark  and 
■waithy  skin,  giiinc  tbem  a  wild  and  BaTBRe  appearance,  which  their 
hrowD  bull-like  necks  and  fany^oae  visages,  (ringed  with  maaies  of  dark 
bair,  did  not  belie.  As  usual,  each  was  girt  about  the  middle  by  a  ydlow 
aash  ;  but,  stuck  ia  it,  each  had  a  dagger  and  brace  of  pistols.  They  were 
beetle-browed  and  most  cut-throat  looking  fellows.    At  first  sight  Ronald 

ef  any  base  employer  who  pays  well.  He  started  up  on  their  entering,  and 
drew  his  sword  an  inch  or  so  from  the  sheatb.  Tbe  fellows  smiled  Erimly 
•t  the  demonstration  ;  upon  wbidi,  he  inquired  sternly  the  reason  of  tbeir 
lotmsion,  sod  why  thus  armed  ? 

"  Donna  Aminta  can  best  answer  your  qnestions."  answered  one  fellow 
with  Burly  impudetice,  ai  they  swaggered  into  the  bed-chamber.  With  hia 
liand  on  hii  daymore  Ronald  strode  towards  tbem. 

"  Btaod,  aeoor  CBTalJer  1"  ssid  the  one  who  bad  spoken ;  "  stand '.  We 
seek  not  to  quarrel  with  you;  hut  life  is  sweet,  and  if  we  ore  set  upon — 
— *--'  -S:  the  good  lady  shall  see  that  we  are  worthy  of  our 
\t  gUMrd  <Ht  her  cfaamber :  crass  thi*  line,"  added  be. 


130 

dnmiDg  on*  oa  tbe  til««  viih  hU  poaUrd ;  "  cmhb  tbie  ]aK,  xtd,  &MI0 
dmuMio  !  ire  will  whet  our  dangers  on  your  back-bonB." 

Inaolent  as  this  reply  was,  Stuart  resolred  to  put  iqi  witli  tlut  affroM 
rather  tbsD  oome  to  blowa  with  two  detpeiukieii,  whose  fira-armB  gne 
tbem  such  MvaiiUige.  He  deeply  >^r(tt«d  tbM  he  bad  left  hie  loadad 
pistoU  in  tbe  boleCen  of  Ibe  eeddlc;  and  i:eaieDiberwg  tbM  be  oMaloim, 
and  amane  jssloiw  Btrangeta,  b«  thought  that  a  brml  wonld  be  well 
aroided.  Tbe  branwa  seated  tbeauelTea  ob  tbe  Ooor  wkbm  Ihek^u' 
chamber,  aod  raEDaioed  perfectly  quiet,  witbost  atirrbig  or  Bpcabingi  bvt 
their  fierce  datk  eyas  Kemrd  la  be  Hatching  the  Mra^er  keenly.  £iBidd 
retired  to  his  paillMse,  and  laid  his  drawn  dirk  and  claymore  bnide  hiiB, 
ready  to  grsfp  tbem  on  tbe  least  alsrin.  He  remaiaed  watching  the  ID- 
trudera  by  the  light  of  tbt  candle,  until  it  flickored  down  in  tbe  socket  and 
expired,  leaving  tbe  place  inrolved  in  deep  glosa-  Ibe  ailenoe  of  ths 
chamber  waa  broken  only  by  the  real  or  pretended  aavr^Bg  of  these  OMKlent. 
Cida.  who  bad  so  suddenly  beeome  the  gnardiafll  of  the  ladies'  hMfff^ 
When  be  firat  conoiiltad  bimaelf  to  hie  miaaraUe  cauch,  RoBsld  bad  detcr~ 
mined  to  lie  awake ;  but.  grofiing  iMny  of  Nitaaiog  and  natcbJDg  in  Ihv 
dark,  he  dropped  inBeosibly  asleep,  acid  did  Dot  aiu&ea  astil  tbe  """"'"a 
vaa  far  adianced.  The  iniUnt  sleep  departed  from  biaeyclid*,  the  resemi- 
brance  of  lait  nigbt  flasfaed  apon  bis  meisory.  He  rase  and  lodud  aboot. 
him.  The  braToea  bad  witbdrawa ;  the  Udica  alfO  wvM  gDn«,aadtba 
coach  was  tenaotleaa.  Shrslbiug  bin  wcapoai,  be  dsaineii  the  wine-jar; 
and  snolchinE  np  hi«  bonoeC.  he  departed  froai  th«  houae  Bnaean  bjilft 
inmates,  whom  be  beqneatbed  to  tbe  devil  for  their  diaeowteay. 

Fetching  hia  tiorse  from  the  stable  of  tbe  atent>MMF,  where  be  bad  left  it 
orernight,  he  again  reFumed  hia  jonrne;,  teelins  bcartilj  tired  of  ^nSr 


CHAPTEE    XrV. 


A  RIDE  of  ate«  leagues  brought  Stnartto  ElJiaiida.  On  eutertnit  tba 
market-place,  two  Spanish  soldiers,  placed  as  MDtinels  brfore  tbe  iaat  t& 
a  large  maijaioTi-hoase,  attracted  bis  attention.  He  naa  in^ned  tbat  it 
was  the  residence  of  tbe  Conde  Penne  Viilamnr.  It  atood  a*  the  cerncE 
of  tbe  old  market-place,  to  which  one  of  its  fronts  lotAed  ;  the  otb«beed 
tbe  Pueria  dei  Sol,  where  the  saperior  classes  of  the  inhabitanta  mcCta 
promenade  and  cotiferse,  between  ten  aadtwelie  in  the  forenooo. 

He  dismounted,  and.  ascending  a  splendid  staircase,  was  ushered  into  ft 
handsonie  apartment,  tbe  lofty  ceiling  of  which  was  covered  with  ""tiTHf 
carving  and  gilding.  As  naual  in  Spauiab  houses,  tbe  farniture  was  Tery 
antique,  and  the  chairs  and  hangings  were  of  damasV  cloth.  The  cond^,  •. 
grim  old  fellen,  whose  grey  wirv  moostocbei  were  turned  up  to  tbctopaoC 
his  ears,  lay  back  in  an  easy  chair,  with  bis  lega  stretched  out  laiilyatfoU 
langih  under  the  table,  upon  whicb  stood  wine. decanters  and  fruit,  ic.  Stc 
'A  young  lady,  eitiier  his  wife  or  daughter,  sat  in  that  part  of  tberooiTt 

Her  feet  were  placed  on  the  woodi 

one  unaccustomed  to  such  an  nncomfortable  contrivance.    When  SCnait 
enlered,  Uie  senora  meiel;  bowed,  and  coDtiooed  ber  walk,  hlnabiogaa 


TOWK  ladin  gCMnllT  io  irim  >  handsonM  ri^ioE  of^ff  (ppein  nnn- 
■aetcdir.  The  eomot  Bnitf^ed  from  his  faoe  the  huidkncfaiFf  which  daring 
ua  littla  Ind  eoTered  it.  uid  bnmd  (vice  or  Ibrvte  with  the  muf  C  fofin J 
irBnly  of  an  eld  CaM^H^  alooping  sotil  the  ballion  epasleta  of  bh  brown 
ngiaaM*la  becMDB  nrcned.  Slant  delivered  tba  d(*iMtcb  nitb  wkieh 
hshadrkUaniote.woadering  vfait  itnigbt  eoiilsia.  Thecondj  hH>deil 
him  ■  chrir  uid  &  glasa  of  MaUga;  after  which  he  hcRged  psrdsn.  and 
HDBMded  to  eOB  orer  the  papon,  withoii:t  rommanicaHng  their  conlrnta. 
But  ia  eooMqaencs  of  the  stiDplacenl  imile  which  onnpnid  and  unbent 
his  grim  featnrta,  Ronald  anppos^  tbiit  tbe  eniclope  contained  onlr  rama 
mnplimentary  addreu  to  (be  Spenith  fbrna.  And  he  wu  right  in  hi* 
CDi^iwtare,  ai^  aix  montha  afterwaidi.  he  had  the  pJeaanre,  or  rwther  dis- 
^caanre,  of  penBin|it  in  a  nomber  of  the  Gatria  dela  Rtgenrim. 

"  JUawoio.'"  ftoDgbt  be,  as  he  bowpd  to  la  lenara.  and  enpliHl  his 
B*"'  "  baTS  1  ridden  from  the  Garoaaa  to  the  Pynnaes  with  a  paper  faU 
af  itaff-oSce  ooMenu  I  " 

Villamur  read  over  the  document  two  or  three  times,  often  twjcgioc  par- 
don foe  the  libariT  he  took  ;  and  after  ini^niriRK  aboai  the  health  of  Lord 
WdlingtOTi.and  diBcoaBiogthe  penbahiJhiea  of  navrfif  a  continnanea  offing 
vaatharf  as  if  be  kept  a  scon  of  bammetera  snd  thermometere,  he  ended 
'\tj  ■  few  other  eommoi^plBce  obserTalions.  and  covcrinc  op  hie  fscn  with 
kia  handkir^ief,  began  to  rsltipie  iinenMblf  into  the  dosing  and  drramr 
state  from  which  Stnart  bad  routed  bim.  irritated  Bt  irvs'ment  to  dif- 
CiSHit  fron  what  he  eiptated,  and  which  an  officer  nf  Hie  no»t  tiutty  ailf 
of  Spain  deaarved,  Ronald  at  once  roie,  and  bowing  hauKhHI*  to  the  lady, 
inthdrew ;  the  cond£  eoollr  permitting  him  lo  do  ao,  Hying,  that  Micer 
Baitolmj,  tha  alcalde,  who  kept  tho  faTO*tablo  npponte,  would  give  bim  an 
order  for  a  hillet. 

"  ConfODod  hia  Spanish  pride,  his  inMlenee.  prasampbon,  and  ingrati- 
tmAe1"tiioi«ht  Stuart,  iHtterlf.  " 'Tia  •  pretty  displar  of  hMiHUtitr  this, 
to  on*  who  lua  looked  on  the  glsnghter  of  Viitoria,  of  Orthei.  and  Tea- 
loaae  1  Bst  n>T  ink]  ia  over,  thank  Hcaien  !  and  to-norrow  my  horae'a 
t^  wiU  be  t«nwd  on  this  raoat  gntfful  soil  of  Bpain." 

Micer  Bartolmj  expressed  much  joy  at  tbe  sight  of  the  red  roet,  snd 
waold  han  imitad  the  wearer  to  remain  in  hi*  own  bonee,  probably  fbr- 
tfae  paepeaeoft«*dii(bimatfaTo  ;  bnt  it  so  happened  that,  at  the  mommt. 
)w  was  not  axactly  laaater  of  his  own  premiieB.  His  good  lady  hnd  just 
bmnght  bin  aion  and  heir,  ten  minntes  before  Ronald's  sttItbI,  and  tfao- 
muuion  had  been  taken  riolent  peaiesiion  of  by  all  the  frmalc  (rnssips, 
viae  woaaan.  oad  doennaa  of  Blizondo,  by  whon  the  worthy  sloalde  wsa 
treated  aa  a  mere  intruder,  being  puihrd.  ordered,  snd  hri>«.ht«tpii,  until 
he  was  hia  to  qait  the  6eld  and  take  np  biB  quarterB  with  hi;  neighbour,  an 
eacrtvono.  An  order  far  a  billet  was  therefore  given  on  the  mmi'ton  of  a 
cairalier,  who  bore  the  nonding  name  af  Don  Alraradn  de  Ceslrllnn  de  )& 
Fbna.  so  styled  bam  the  place  of  hia  birth,  tba  "  castle  on  the  plaio,"  an 
(dd  Moorieb  town  of  Vattncia. 

Ho  received  Bonald  with  all  dne  courteay,  and  directed  lerrania  to  look 
afEer  the  wants  of  hi?  jaded  horse.  He  was  a  dissipated  bat  bandpome* 
looking  man,  about  thirty  yean  of  age.  He  wore  his  hnir  in  long  flowing 
loeka,  and  two  short  biscli  toft)  ciirlrd  on  his  upprr  lip.  In  its  CHt,  his 
dress  closely  resembled  that  of  an  Eaglith  genllrnian ;  bat  his  f^nrtont  of 
green  cloth  Kaa  braided  with  gold  lace,  adorned  «iih  a  profusion  of  jingling 
l«ll-batloas,  and  girt  about  the  waist  by  a  broad  belt,  whieh  was  dnsped 
by  B  large  buckle,  and  Eustsined  a  short  irary-hiltpd  and  silier-fhm'hed 
snletln.  A  broad  shirt-collar,  edged  with  jagged  Isrv,  ^^^r<-Hd  nvrr  hti 
shoolibTi  and  when  hia  high-flapped  Spanish  bat  was  witbdt&HD,  a  broad 


tnd  lwU«  fonbeid  <ru  dispIsTed  ;  but  there  waa  ui  exprenion  in 

tncted  lines,  which  told  of  b  heart  Bteni,  ptf- '    —  '  '-  '         ' 

ejebrowa  were  habitnallr  Vnit,  and  formed  s 

■bore  hia  no»e ;  imd  there  wm  a  cerUln  bold  and  boiBlerauB  awajjer  in  hii 

dcmnnonr,   which   Roniild  BuppoBed  he  had  arqoi/cd  while  serving  a< 

a  caiilier  of  fortone  in  the  KUBiilta  band  of  the  ferociaiu  Don  Jalim 

Sanchei. 

Id  eierrthing  the  rererae  of  him  appeared  hk  wife,  ■  lad;  ao  gentle,  ao 
timid,  that  ahe  acaroely  erer  raiaed  her  aofl  dark  eyea  when  Bonold  ad* 
dreaaed  her.  Shewu  ver^  pale;  her  loft  ciieek waa  whiter  than  her  hand, 
aad  oontiaatsd  itnniplT  with  thehueof  beriingleta;  and  in  tierbeaatifa], 
but  evidentlT  wltheriog  fcatnrei,  there  wu  aoch  an  eipresaion  of  faesrt' 
bralCen  aidneiB,  that  aha  at  once  won  all  the  aympathf  and  compaamoA 
which  Scuart'a  gallant  heart  vaa  capable  of  yiddini;.  Her  hnaband,  for 
■ome  reaiona  known  onl^  to  himaelf,  treated  ber  with  a  marked  coldooaa 
and  eien  harahnesa,  which  be  caired  not  U>  conceal,  eren  before  their 
military  gneat. 

The  poor  timid  woman  seemed  to  ahrink  within  heraelf  whenerer  abe 
(bund  the  keen  stem  eye  of  Alvarado  tnmed  upon  her.  Often  daring  th« 
evening  repast,  which  had  been  haatily  prepared  for  Ronald,  and  with 
which,  in  conteqaence  of  the  boat's  bebananr,  he  waa  diagiuted. — often  di<l 
he  feel  inclined  to  amite  him  on  the  month,  tbi  the  Dokiiid  tiiiDga  which  be 
addreaaed  to  hia  drooping  wife. 

In  tmth,  they  were  a  singnlar  couple  aa  it  had  erer  been  bia  fbrtnne  to 
meet  with.  Although  there  waa  no  doenna  about  the  establiahment,  thus 
affording  a  rare  example  of  loTe  and  fideti^  in  the  iady,  yet  her  hnsbsod 
seemed  to  take  a  atrsnge  and  moat-nnmanl^  pLessnre  in  mortifying  her, 
and  endeavauring  to  render  her  contemptible  in  the  eatimation  of  tlu 
attanger.  The  latter,  altboa^  he  felt  Tery  ancomfortsble,  affected  not  to 
be  eonadona  of  AlTanuJo's  conduct,  and  converaed  with  ease  on  TaHotis 
topica,  andgenerally  of  the  long  war  which  had  been  ao  ancceBsfnlly  ter., 
minated.  When  the  meal  waa  ended,  Donna  Ximena  bowed,  and  Altering 
out  "  Addioi,  tmora  I  bvtna  tmehe  I"  withdrew,  leaving  her  nngrscioiia 
husband  and  hia  gneat  over  thnr  wine. 

Over  hia  flaska  of  rich  Cittdad  Rial  the  don  grew  animated,  and  retailed 
many  anecdotea  of  scanw  he  had  witnessed,  and  adTentures  in  which  be 
had  borne  a  part,  while  serviDg  with  Don  Julian  Sanchez.  Some  of  these 
stories  he  would  hare  done  well  to  have  tnppreaaed,  as  they  would  have 
baffled  even  the  imagination  of  the  most  bloody-minded  romancer  to  con- 
ceive. Bat  a  revenEeful  and  hot-brained  Spaniard  anrpassea  every  other 
man  in  crnehy.  He  said  that,  like  the  parent*  of  Jnlian  Sanchez,  bia 
father,  mother,  and  sister  had  been  murdered  by  the  French,  and  on  thtir 

S raves  he  had  sworn  by  croaa  and  dogger  to  revenge  them  ;  and  terribijr 
ad  be  kept  his  formidable  vow.  Daring  the  whole  of  the  war  of  ind»- 
pendence,  he  had  never  yielded  quarter  or  mercy,  but  put  the  wonnded 
and  captivea  to  that  death  which  he  said  their  atrocitiea  deserved.  Ho 
boasted  that  hia  sdletto  had  drunk  tbe  blood  of  a  hundred  hearts,  and  in 
support  of  many  avowals  of  instances  of  particular  ferocity,  be  dted  tbe 
Gactia  de  VaioKia,  in  the  columns  of  which,  he  aald,  bis  deeds  and 
patriotism  had  all  been  duly  eitoUed.  Diagusted  with  hit  host,  and  tbe 
strange  tenor  of  his  conversation,  Ronald  soon  withdrew  to  rest,  jpleadinc 
as  an  eicnse  for  so  doing,  his  desire  to  commence  his  jonmev  to  Tonlooae 
aarly  on  the  morrow,  which  he  must  needs  do,  if  he  would  be  in  timB  Ar 
the  embarkation  of  his  regiment. 

■  The  famiture  and  omamenla  of  hia  sleeping  a^wrtment  wen  licber  and 
more  beautiful  than  he  oonld  hare  expected  them  to  be  on  tiie  loutlMra 


nde  of  Uie  Fy leoeci ;  but  the  ptnndet  of  Oucon  chiteanx,  when  goerilla 

bands  made  occuioakl  deicento  to  the  noKli,  sened  to  repleniih  many  of 
tbe  mausioDS  that  had  been  ranged  and  ruined  bj  the  troopa  of  Frinc« 
vhen  retreadog.  The  hed-htDgiagB  were  of  white  satin,  fringed  with 
■ilver;  the  chain  were  coTsred  with  crimson  Telvet,  and  jet  bore  on  the 
back  the  gilded  cost-Brmocial  of  some  French  family.  A  eplendid  clock, 
covered  by  a  glaea,  ticked  npon  an  antique  mantel-piaee  of  carved  cedsi; 
and  lETeral  gloomy  portrait*  of  aerere-lookiDg  old  cavalieri,  in  the  slashed 
doableti,  high  ratTs,  and  peaked  beards  worn  in  Spain  a  hundred  yean 
.before,  hni^  around  the  walla.  The  tall  casemented  win  dowt  came  down 
to  the  tiles  of  the  floor,  and  tbroogh  the  half  open  baoglnga  were  seen  the 
bright  BtacB,  the  bine  iky,  the  long  dark  listu  of  the  tiled  roofs,  and  tha 
church-spire  of  Elizondo. 

On  the  table  stood  a  showy  Parisian  tamp,  sunnOuDtsd  by  the  Eagle  of 
the  Emperor,  which  spread  its  Rilt  wings  over  a  rose-coloured  glass  globe. 
from  which  a  soft  light  was  diffused  throng  the  apartment.  Throwii^ 
himaelf  into  an  easy  chair  with  a  moat  nonchalant  manner,  Stuart  made  a 
careless  surrey  of  the  place. 

.  "  Well,  Ronald  Stuart  i  truly  this  is  «  SDOg  billet  I"  he  saliloqniied,  U 
he  placed  his  feet  on  the  rail  of  the  charcoal  irateroj  which  smouldered  and 
dowedon  the  hearth.  "  Rich  in  the  plBnder  of  Fiance,  'tis  aa  splendid  S 
billet  as  Campbell's  could  have  bebo,  when  quartered  in  the  harem  of  Alez> 
andria.  But  assuredly  this  \Warado  de~de  Caitellon  de  la  Plana  is,  by 
bis  own  account,  one  of  the  Tnost  saTage  rascals  unhung  in  Spain  ;  and  y^ 
1  am  his  ^uest,  and  va  to  sleep  beneath  his  roof  for  this  night.  And  then 
Donna  Ximena, — by  Jove  1  was  that  gentle  creatnre  mine,  how  I  would 
love  and  cherish  her  I  Her  rogue  of  a  busband  deacrros  to  be  flogged,  and 
pielded  afterward  1" 

His  eye  fell  on  the  timepiece,  the  hour-hand  of  which  pointed  to  elerm  , 
and  he  begui  to  think  of  retiiing.  Unbuckling  his  weapons,  he  laid  them 
on  a  chair  at  the  bedside,  to  be  at  hand  ia  case  of  any  alarm  ;  and  then. 
with  the  caution  of  an  old  soldier,  he  turned  to  examine  the  means  of 
■ecnring  the  door,  which  was  furnished  with  a  strong  but  rude  iron  bolt, 
which  he  shot  into  its  place. 

Two  persons,  whom  fbr  soma  time  past  he  had  heard  convarung  in  an 
adjoining  room,  now  suddenly  raised  their  voices. 

"It  s^ll  be  so.    I  tell  you,  Senor  Don  Alrsrado— " 

"  Peace !    Would  you  awaken  the  cavalier  in  the  next  room  ?" 

"And  who  ia  he?"  cried  the  other  furiously  ;  "this  cavalier,  of  whom 
yon  have  spolieu  thrice,  who  is  A;  /  But  it  matters  not :  let  him  keep  bis 
tmn  to  himself,  if  he  is  given  to  lie  awake,  listeners  seldom  hear  augbt 
that  ia  pleasant  for  themselves.  Said  you  an  officer  of  Wellinitou's  army  ? 
He,  too,  shall  die,  if  he  ventures  to  croaa  my  path  this  night  1? 

"  Carlos  1  Madman!  Let  me  beseech  you  not  to  raise  your  Toice  thus!" 
eitreated  Alvarado  in  a  whisper. 

But  Stuart  had  beard  more  than  enough  to  whet  his  curiosity.  Indeed, 
«wiDg  to  the  tenoi  of  those  obaervations, — of  which  he  bad  been  an  invo- 
lantwy  lialener,— be  considered  himself  entitled  to  alft  (he  matter  to  the 
Utmost.  Exuuiniog  the  partition,  which  consisted  only  of  lath  and  plas- 
ter, he  discovered,  near  the  ceiling,  a  small  hole  in  the  stucco  cornice  which 
■nrrounded  the  top  of  the  walL 

"  Sttatagems  are  fair  in  war,"  tbooght  he,  as  be  mounted  upon  a  sida 
table  and  placed  his  eye  to  the  orifice,  through  which  he  obtained  a  com- 

Slete  surrey  of  the  next  apartment.  A  lustre  hung  fhim-the  roof,  and  its 
ght  revealed  Alvarado  and  Don  Carlos  Avallo, — a  young  cavalier,  about 
tbree-and-twenty  years  of  agOt  whom  hBicnuunbereatoliaTe  met  at  Aran- 


wassteodHig  b»lf  Tiadinwti.— . 

firdle,  *s  if  be  bod  beta  prepali^  fbr  rest  vhn  dlMarind  1^  tt 

AtsUo,  wboapp«red  to  have  eaMnd  by  Ai  irindov,  which  ». 

opea.  A  (hoK  bat  Eracehl  Slpaaiib  muttle  oiivlv^  tin  Mt  iHe  of  tU» 
yomg  cnolicr,  who  wan  hit  brflsd  bn  pulled  onr  Irii  Am^  "hut  Vu  AerM 
o«1iey«t'fl«shed  u>d  gleamed  br^tly  betxirth  Iti  ihade,  like thow of  ■ 
tiger  in  Cbedark;  and  wben  at  timei  Itie  rafa  of  HgM  Ml  on  bis  ■•»■  Ihj 
^ioek,  itwemtid  intamed  wttti  i«ge,  irfiile  his  teeth  weradeadied.  nd  ha 
lipifila  Bad  f|«tml><ng.  Hekept  his  left  hndfraa  from  liis  Mds  irf  Ui 
velnt  mantle,  bat  his  tagen  grnftd  tremblingly  tin  Ult  of  m  fotiui, 
wfaieh  appeand  «4th  K  bnce  of  piitsh  in  hit  embraidTred  rlnHe. .  A  goU 
crucifix  glittered  on  bis  breaat,  HDd  a  long  blask  IMher,  fcfMaed  in  tba 
band  of  hit  hat,  flsaled  graoefully  o*«r  his  left  disnIdBr.  He  apptJtred  ■ 
vtrikiDK  and  nnuantic  figare  m  be  stood  confrontinf  Alverado,  irith  In* 
pimd  head  drewa  baokandhii  right  foot  pUcrd  forward,  while  he  mrrcyel 
tin  praprictor  at  The  munien  wtoh  erea  keen  anrf  fiery,  and  wilih  rage  aal 
onutlerable  acorn  brietlini  on  every  bair  of  hia  BBiait  oxiMtaetiea. 

"LuDh  yoD,  Alvarsds,  said  be,  ^ter  a  very  Itnig  pause;  "  I  wjllnat  be 
Mfled  oltji !  8mtJ)»!  my  dag^r  ii  likely  to  ptmBb  an  mhappy  holelB 
the  old  ftiendahip  we  haie  in  often  mwed  to  each  otber  erer  our  cups  at 
SriamaDca.  if  we  cotne  not  to  nme  Certni  tMi  tci^  night.    Beard  s  dia 

Bepe.  aenor  1     l-aa  not  now  the  simple  stadent  !  w"  "* —       '  ' ''  ' 

youlmowme.    TbilitigM,  then — " 

"There  ia  tmtone  hour  of  it  to  ran."  Dbacrred  H 


oating  tone.     "  There  Is  but  one  h<ur — " 

"  Timeenonch,  and  to  spare,  AeB.  than  base  jnnler  T' 

"  What  wouia  yOD  have,  insolent  r'  asid  Aliarado  fiereely,  as  he  doaed 


.  wkfa  violence.    "  To-merrow  1  irill  mset  you  in  the  p 
LaDi,  and  there,  with  |ii9tol<,  with  sword,  or  with  dagger,  I  will  yield  y<m 
that  BStiafoction  for  which  y<m  have  suoh  a  craving." 

The  other  laughed  soornfttlly.  "  No,  nn,  my  hlosteriiw  g<aerilli  1  mch 
a  meeting  will  not  auic  my  porpiwe.  Bnvy  dvnp  of  blood  m  "tiM  reins  of 
yoni  bod;  would  not  wash  avrsy  the  insult  you  are  likely  M  oast  vpon  the 
name  of  Avatla  by  meansof  thia-poorsiatertff  tinne.  Hear  me,  Don  Alva* 
rado  '.  and  bear  me  for  the  Ian  tine  1  I  tell  you  that  my  airter  fasa  been 
wronged, — basely  wronged  and  betrayed  by  you  I  I  want  not  yoar  blood; 
but  do  my  aiater  jnitice,  or,  by  tbe  Ifonea  of  Hodrigol  I  will  make  all 
fipain  ring  with  the  tidings -of  Ai«dlo'B  vengBaneel" 

"Howl"'  said  tbe  otiier  anilmilv!  "  do  her  jastioe  ?  " 

"  Wed  btr,— ay,  betof«  thia  week  is  out  I" 

"  A  week  is  a  short  time,  Stnor  Cii-los ;  and  ytm  targei  fh«t  Xbrnna  Ig 
likely  to  live  for  many  months  yet,"  said  the  other  with  a  grim  smfla. 
"Mary  Elvira?    Fooll  die  uarged  trammels  of  one  nnbappy  marriage 


in  tbe  way  of  righting  my  sister's  honoar." 

"■  Let  lier  die  < "  said  Hie  yoang  deaperado,  with  a  tMek  TOiee  of  ooa- 
eenlTated  paurion ;  "  let  her  die  this  very  night — tbis  very  boor !  She  h 
a  desolate  woman.  Sheold  herdtatli  beaaspeeteii,  who  ahall  aveDge  her  ? 
All  her  IciDdred  perished  when  die  Ptoneh  sacked  Madrid.  Shall  she  Uhk 
her  departDKe  to  a  better  plMie  M-nigbt,  then  ?" 


vilUn  Of,  hImn  din>n  woaM  ilaifa  to  «b—d«  a«ery  hammti  being  yosr 
ksanaaatui;  ■■  Ulk  Motlr  of  riayuc.  stnor.  B)r  SanHofoi  ifitMcdi 
rnnit  b«,  ^  SpB«  riaU  kMw  tfaM  Don  Cui»  A*«llo  ia  *  caraUar  •■ 


ioA  kppnMcbM  lotlM 


H I    I  tBH  Tan  jwb  ua  Ike  w 


"  liab  1  1  D**  iBOMBbar.  Uait  iporlbf  Don  lUnnchi,  I  rappon  1 
MVM  Bcqaiint  m;  WMUite  the  prime-miBuler  wMi  tlw  -n^ne  of  the  traitor 
who  iMtrared  to  the  wTige  MuE*cbel)i,  the  lUlian  foUown- af  BaorapuW, 
»>  itof-ialeiiaei  turn  M  Hoatalrieh,  tkM  he  Difht  obtiin  nneiige  br 
Maul*  dettrajinf  ili  garanior,  the  lira*a  Dm  Julian  da  Eilmda.  I  haiae 
tgwy  bnt  wo  t— wto  of  UriamaHar to  tba  miniatierat  Madrid,  md,  Al*acado, 
tbeaartaloMiDMl'' 

Al*nwlo'«  b>y  afca  gUaasd  will)  landidim  fittr,  wtnle  Ui  Mm  dwek 

"A  cnfsD  caraiier,  tenl^!"  contained  the  imnaamt  ATitto,  T^niHog 
kaa  wiiji  t,  cdontaBince  eiHieeeiTa  of  item  eariaeit;,  and  oool,  but  tri< 
eriaion.  "  Hanin  !  fan  Itnow  that  I  haia  beanl  of  that  ntu- 
oesa  oi  juora ;  and  aboold  I  bnathe  bat  a  aonl  abroad  alxwt  the  uoflea- 
WBt  fcct.  Tovr  amsk  aatataa  win  ba  peaaaad  into  tha  lOT*!  pane,  aad  ravr 
■eokln  tberio^of  thevarfWH*,  MiarelraaBf  naBefe  AibUo.  Chooae, 
UiMi,"  e^d  ha,  m  a.dd£bante  tone ;  "diooae.liwn.batweanntlar  deunie-. 
tioB  and  die  daath  af  thU  pale-boad  XioiHiB.  Tbr  haaatT  of  rarira  wiU 
wake  Ton  am^  ameada.  Her  iMsiity — BM  job  hwaaliaadj  judied  o( 
*at,  Beaar  Triaqaera,"  he  added  bittarir. 

"  Wioe,  or  Mmetluac  elaa,  baa  Bade  yon  mad,"  aaid  the  other,  with  am 
Mtempt  to  be  bald.  "Thiidc  not  that  I  wiH  permttTiaii  to  lord  it  oier  na 
dnu.  And  a*  fin  tint  lAir  700  (pain  of— -UBitalriidi — loDseihifig  mora 
iriU  be  reqoiritB  than  tin  mcsc  aiaeTtian  of  a  auhaltEm  «f  the  Calliel  WaiD 
rsgiment,  to  deatio;  thehanl-a>an  hsaam'BiuldcnbloouiBf  BUobaca*alier 

"  nrfectty  reasoaible,"  aaid  ^e  other,  tamAH/j,  "  Three  dM«rcat 
D  MazaaobeLU,  and  dated  rnxn  Hoitah4<^,  ar* 
them  OB  ttie  esad-gide  HarTittoriB.  aniiWt* 
wfldemeH  of  papera ;  and  now  they  aie  iothe  ■afaitrong-hax  of  acolun 
teirrer,  rabtle  as  the  devil  bimaelf. 

AWaivdo  aonk  into  a  (diHir,  and  corered  hii  tm  with  Ma  baoda,  to  hid* 
the  rage  and  mortiflcatiDn  which  distorted  it. 

"^•talrichl  Hah  I  'twaa  a  brave  aiege  Aati"  aaid  hie  tormentor, 
■ontenpUthighiadimBT  witha  triDmpfaant  amile.  "And  then  poor  Doo 
JnliBa  to  Im  to  baaely  hetrared,  afttr  all  bia  chiralnc  delraice  and  dcede  of 
■BIBS  !  Bnt  to  reMm.  Ximena, — ii  not  bar  chamber  at  the  end  of  the 
pdleif?" 

"  It  ia,"  Mtarod  the  other. 

"  'Tie  well,"  raplied  Arollo,  etrildng  bia  band  on  the  caaeraciit.  The 
dark  fignio  of  b  atrmwfer  appeared  in  the  balooaT  outside  ttie  window. 
After  a  few  Tnomeota'  cowhreneehe  withdrew. 

"  Let  lU  oa\j  keep  quiet,"  aaid  he,  Uming  a  Uttle  pale,  aa  he  eitin- 
ftrtahed  the  lifhta  in  the  loatre.  '*  Retire  to  bed,  Senor  Alvuvdo,  nbu  is 
aaan  to  beoooae  the  haabaod  of  Eliira  Avalle.  Sleep  sonod,  for  Ximena 
will  be  found  cold  in  the  moroiag ;  aad  ase  that,  in  the  critical  hoar  ef 


TBI  aOKAMn  OF  WAX 


itantiallf .  Should  the  gneit  i^  oecapix  tbe  next  room  have  orerfacanL 
Qi,  all  is  lost.  Bat  1  bire  imiind  for  him.  To  OMke  SBra  of  bi*  «ilMK% 
Nanoez  Cifnnitei  iihill  warliT  bun  niioiw  the  nMDDlaiils  at  Bonoeinllc^ 
where  eren  the  sword  of  R«had  wmld  fM  t»  tld  Urn  tMW-B-daT*-" 

Wbile  the  nTdia-,  probably  to  keep  op  the  oonnie  of  hii  oompaafanv 
contJDsed  to  apeak  awmy  Jn  load  and  tnoandoni  tooca,  Staart  deaccoded 
fram  bin  eminence,  where,  with  coniidaabla  repofnanoe,  he  hi '  ~  ~'~'  "^^ 


-dropper  ao  kog;  and  drawins  hia  aword,  adTaoeed  to  tberoont- 
In  Ua  eagcmeaa  to  onfaaten  it,  the  handle  of  the  bolt  broke,  leanis 
It  still  in  it»  ^aoe ;  and  the  door  remained  ahnt  aitd  inmof  ^le.    A  ooU 


penpintion  bant  Mcr  Ronald'*  brow.  Tbe  life  of  the  poor  lady  ifirmnd 
to  hsuK  but  b;  a  hair. 

"Wbateril  spirit  crosses  ma  now?"  he  muttered.  "AmomentUke 
this  TDBT  causa  the  repentaace  of  a  lifetime.  Ah,  aaiassina  1  I  shaJl  awr 
yon  yet."  Un^eathins  hi*  dirk,  he  applied  it  to  die  iron  pUte  on  whkh 
tbe  tioU  ran  in  ■  grooTe.  He  sCtempted  to  wrench  it  off;  the  thick  blailt 
of  t!ie  long  dagger  bent  like  wbatebone.  and  threatowd  «iery  inatmit  to 
snap,  wbile  the  cniioos  and  obBtiniile  bolt  remained  firm  aa  a  rode. 

A  cry-— a  shrill  and  wailing  cry,  which  wai  anceeeded  by  a  gnrglhif 
groan,  arose  from  the  end  of  the  corridor.  The  fate  of  Ximena  waa 
aealed  t  Grown  desperate,  Staart  rallied  sninst  tbe  door,  aod  applring 
hi*  fbot,  sent  frame,  panels,  and  ererything  flying  along  the  paaiage  in  fifty 
fragment*.  A  loitra  of  coloored  lamps,  which  bnng  from  the  ceiling,  r*- 
Tcaled  to  him  Donna  Ximena  in  her  night-drees.  niuiing  from  an  oppoailB 
door.  Her  long  black  beli  waa  nnbonnd.  and  atreaated  down  bet  n*- 
covered  back  and  bosom,  tbe  pnre  wliite  of  whidt  waa  atainad  with  hlood^ 
that  had  (dso  drmched  her  Bnen  ireat  and  wrai^pei.  Umbb  were  bar  ndf 
attire.  A  Tillaio,  wearing  a  dark  dreas,  and  hani^  Ua  bea  ooooealed  by 
ahlacdCTCbet  maak,  waimpBrnit;  and,  eatohiqberbyher  long  flowins 
hair,  at  thaTeryPioiPent  of  heresemefrom  thedoor,  daAtd  herahriehiBg 
to  the  earth  with  hia  Uft  haod,  while  the  shOTt  ftUctto  which  aimed  km 
right  was  twice  bnried  in  her  neck  and  boMin.  Almost  at  the  camB 
moment  tbe  long  donble-edged  broad-iword  of  the  Highlander  waa  dii<«a 
tlirongb  hia  body,  and.  wallowing  in  blood,  die  atrickea  bisTO  snnk  boaiJe 
the  worm  and  ^et  qnirering  corpse  of  bis  Tlctim.  His  comrade  eacaped* 
and  Ronald,  disdaining  agsin  to  strike,  withdrew  slowly  hi*  drippint 
blade,  and  placed  his  fbot  upon  his  neck. 

' '  Hah  f  SeaoT  Nanaei  ["  said  he.  "  Deril  inoaniata  ?  tbe  mnrdar  of 
Donna  Cataiina  and  tbe  wound  at  Merida  are  rerenged  now;  and 'ti* 
happily  from  my  hand  yon  hare  received  the  eartlily  pnniahment  dm  to 

He  tore  the  riser  from  the  f*ix  of  the  bleeding  man,  and,  to  hia  eq«^ 
disappointment  snd  aaninse,  beheld,  not  the  raaol  naoge  of  CifiMntaa, 
bat  tbe  fieice  and  forbidding  countenance  of  one  that  might  well  fan* 
paised  for  his  brother.    Death  and  malice  were  glaring  in  liia  yellow  eyMi 


were  borriblr  distorted  by  the  agony  be  enidnred.    By 

B  the  whole  housebold  were  alarmed,  and  senanta,   male  *Mi 

tematioa  and  horror  im(>iiilad 

the  naaniioa  apfwarad  in  U 

d^tar  and  brale ;  the  fat  old 

.     ^. I  clad  onlyin  hia  donblet  and 

shirt,  and  grasping,  for  defence,  a  eoople  of  powtei  flaiks  by  the  oaAt 
the  other  senant*  bore  knires.  etilstCDea,  pike*,  ipiti,  and  wbateiBC 
weapmi*  chaooe  had  thrown  in  their  way.  .    . 


.  On  bdwlding  their  ladf  dead  on  the  doot',  &  nun  dfin|  beside  her, 
and  Stuart  gCandiD;  oTer  tbem  vich  a  criniaon  weapon  in  bu  band,  they 
nttCTcd  a  ahont,  and  pr^arcd  for  a  general  aaaault.  A  blood;  engage- 
ma»t  might  bava  eommakcedt  when  tbe  villanoita  Don  Alvarada  appeared^ 

with   diuiay  and  grief  ao  itrongly  Imprinted  on  hia  t — * ""' 

Stuart  vaa  almoat  inclined  to  doubt  the  evidanee  of  his  o\ 

baliare  the  coDTeraation  with  Carlos  Avallo  mntC  have  been  s  dream.  He 
looked  aronnd  for  that  worthy  hidalgo;  but,  an  the  lirst  alarm,  he  had 
lanlihed  through  the  window  of  Atiarado'e  room.  The  taat-named  ^eB> 
UemaD  aeemed  IneUned  to  impute  the  whole  affair  to  SCnarl,  and  a  aenoaa 
tanralt  would  onqnealionahlT  hare  ensued,  bad  not  a  party  of  the  Alava 
tcgfaaent,  who  fbiiued  the  itnard  on  the  Conde  Villamur's  house,  Arrived 
WW  fixed  bajoneli,  and  carried  off  all  the  inmates  prisonn-s.  Ferceiiiqg 
Bonald'a  nniform,  the  aeijeant  c!Ommandiog  the  escort  desired  him  ta 
retain  hia  sword,  and  seamed  disposed  to  allow  him  to  depart;  but  k 
syndic,  with  a  band  of  algnaiils,  burst  in  with  tbeir  stales  and  halberti, 
■■Id  inustcd  on  the  whole  party  bdng  taken  lo  the  bouse  of  Mic«r 
Bertolm^,  the  alcalde,  on  the  opposite  aide  of  the  Plaia. 

Tha  magiatrate  wax  elamoraualy  roused  from  bed,  and  forced  to  take  hia 
■eat  and  Iwar  the  case.  He  was  Tery  salky  at  being  diBtDrl]ed,  and,  seated 
in  Ms  easy  chur,  wrapped  a  blanket  around  bim,  and  frowned  with 
legal  dignity  on  all  in  Uie  crowded  apartmeDt.  Konald  felt  considerable 
Moiety  tar  the  ietne  of  the  afleir,  as  all  present  secDied  disposed  to  oooBider 
Um  gnilty;  and  he  certainly  had  no  ambition  to  die  a  martyr  to  their 
OfMnioDi.  The  dead  body  of  Ximena  de  Morla  waa  deposited  ou  the 
flsor.  Her  cheek  was  yet  of  a  pale  oliie  ooiour ;  bnt  all  her  skin  that  was 
bare, — her  neck,  bosom,  atms.  and  ankles,  were  white  aa  the  new-falien 
■DOW,  and  beautifully  delicate.  A  mass  of  dark  curia  and  braids  fell  from 
her  heed,  and  lay  almost  beneath  the  feet  of  the  pale  group  aronnd  her. 

A  flickeriw  lamp  threw  its  changeful  gleams  upim  um  commny.  and  by 
Ita  light  a  clerk  sat,  pen  in  band,  to  noie  the  proceedings.    Every  person 
-  ■    ■  -■  g  blades  of  two  poniards,  the  eiamination 

.  .,      .  ig  what  he  knew  in  p 

Vba  bravo,  havii^  declared  that  be  was  dying,  call 
that  he  might  ba  confessed.    Accordingly,  a  pai' 
^, .   _i_  1. 1  -p  jjg  j,|j(  ^.^^ 

■    forTiis 


bouse,  approached 


him  of  every  maravediat  faro.    The  moaning  rnffian  _,  _,. 

etill  and  motionlesa ;  but  the  blood  fell  pattering  from  hia  ondreised 
weond  upon  the  damp  tilea,  wbile  bis  thick  beard  and  matted  hair  vera 
ototted  with  the  perspiration  which  agony  bad  wrong  from  his  frame. 

A  dead  silence  was  maintained  by  all  in  the  apartment  while  the  padrs 
knelt  over  the  auasain,  and,  in  the  dark  comer  where  he  lay,  heard  hia 
low-mattered  coDfeasion  of  crimes,  that  wonid  have  made  the  hairs  on  big 
•ealp — bad  there  been  any— brisUe  with  horror.  Dreadful  was  the  aniiety 
ot  the  dying  wretch,  whose  coward  eool  was  now  recoiling  at  the  prospect 
of  death,  and  with  desperation  be  clung  to  the  hopea  given  him  by  hia 
mperstilions  faith.  Ever  and  anon  he  grasped  the  dark  robe,  the  knotted 
ootd,  or  the  bare  feet  of  the  Francisran,  baseecbiog  him  to  pity,  to  save, 
to  forgive  him  :  and  the  accents  in  which  he  spoke  were  terrible  to  hear* 
The  clerk  lat  smoking  a  paper  cigar,  and  acraping  away  assidaouBly  at  a 
(mill,  wbile  the  alcalde  nodded  in  hia  chair  and  fell  fast  asleep.  The 
■Ignaiila  leant  <m  their  halberls,  and  coolly  surveyed  the  company.  A 
narder,  which  vnrald  have  filled  all  Scotland  with  horror,  in  £liiondo 
■carcely  created  aarpHse.    But  the  halberdiers  were  accustomed  almost 


Adlrta  tmirti  nd  dMdi  of  bkod,  lo  tb«tlMr«fi>ltir  wriUvwnsatr  ba 

■  erowJad  lofcflier  in'har,ud  ttmald  stood  ahnT, 

loit  emnmisNaliaD  the  form  of  the  poax  SfttiA 

CT^osed'thas  in  iM  (uAf-olid  itato  to  tfaa  (wa  of  Mwfiide  md  >iilpr. 


nanliag  with  tbe  atmoit  oammiatnlaaa  the  form  of  the  poax  SfttiA 
f,  cT^osed'thasiDilituAf-aliditatotatfaa  (waaf  Mwrademi'-  '  — 
Hekepta  wUdhfvleTesaAlTanuia,  tluA  be  migU  mtt,itj^m 
mie  tba  ptdre  ta  pat  woj  fdra  iie)i»rn«  on  tin  MatOBeM*  whii 


him  br  tbc'dirlng  mui,  ii4ea  he  wodM  have  tt. ^..^ 

■ledde.    Tbe  eavalier  MTCT  dared  M  look  tn  (in  dinitiDD  where  hi 


tiiat  fotile  ocDtipMltm,  to  be  vfaaftr  ^Mtracted  fron  w«Mlr  aiattM«,«fcfii 
be  mnttered  loireelT  aaAble  threat*  againit  toe  aleatde,  the  •t(HI>ov  ^id 
their  fotluiitii,  for  VbtB  inlnArauoe.  The  brave,  faariag  baoded  over  ta 
flte  Rinfeeaer  all  bis  looee  ehan(e,  reosfied  in  retam  an  awarasoe  af  (to 
fcrgiitinee  of  mvCher  chiii<eb  lor  all  big  miadead*,  «hieb  tMiued  to  im— gii 
Um  mifhlilr.  Tbe  padre  wraiDMBd  a  little  IiMia,  and  Mimipg  htm  h« 
might  die  io  peace.  bnlOHMJ  his  p(niEh,amtataiasthefil'40tteBaaah,wiA 
B  Tery  eeir-eatiiAed  lir.  It  ■Jmom  irimbuned  the  bet  oirtrt'a  loaieaat 
fcro.  NereMlMAeea,  the  terrorsofthe  milCy  irrauh  rstanwd;  In  oioaaad 
feenilT,  and  graiping  the  *kirt  of  the  Franeiscan'a  oaesook,  baaaogbt  Itioi 
«anMaHT  notto  teave  himin  hi  ternbk  a  eioment.  He  onea  pmaaed  Hm 
friar's  enic<6K  to  bia  lipa;  and  tbe  gmana  of  mentd  aad  bodilf  afOM 
Vbicb  escapHl  fmn  them  wen  tach  ax  Ronald  Stuart  had  neier  head 
before,— and  be  had  stsod  on  many  ■  battle-field.  The  bra*o  bdisvad 
himself  dTifif;.  and,  st  big  request,  the  Fraaciscan  repeated  akmd  his- osb- 
fanBB,  in  which  he  declared  himself  gviltr  of  tbe  ladr's  morder,  and 
eaculpated  every  me,  sare  hia  comrade  Cifuenles.  who  gore  tbe  Ant 
atrobe,  and  Don  Carloa  AraDn,  who.  for  [wentr  daltaiv,  bad  secnrad  Iba 
•erriceef  their  dsfgers.—bMfcr  nhat  reason  he  knew  nst.  He  ended  by 
a  bitter  corse  on  Stuart,  whom  be  oaesed  not  to  rerile ;  and  ha  vowed  that, 
if  he  could  riae  from  the  grave,  be  woold  hMiat  him  to  the  latest  da;  of 
fais  eiiitence.  Ronald  heard  the  ravings  of  tbe  wretch  witk  pitr,  and  wo 
Ttrj  thankful  that,  in  the  eitreniitv  of  his  agonr  and  hatred,  he  bad  not 
declared  bim  guilty  ef  the  murder  of  botb. 

"  Santa  Maria  de  Diot  I"  muttered  the  aerviDtB,  ilgnmg  the  ossM,  aad 
•hrlntitig  back  aghast  attbeinvinga  of  the  wODndedman. 

"  Baae  scaUlon ! "  cried  the  sleepy  mugistrats,  addressing  tbeaaaassia, 
"  I  will  maheyoQ  pa;  dearly  for  disturbing  me  of  my  nigtaf a  reat  Vila 
ladron.'  the  screw  of  the  ^nrrole  will  oompreas  yonr  fittbyweaaaDdtightM' 
flun  yon  will  -flnd  egreeable.  Take  your  pen.  mmr  eatrimma,  tsid  write 
to  ourdictationa  warrant  to  apprehend,  in  the  Mag's  name,  a  DsrtainneUi 
cavalier,  by  name  Dan  Carlos  AvaDo,  fur  canslng -^e  dead)  of  this  honmir- 
■blelady.    And  fort  her — " 

He  was  mterrapted  by  Alvarado,  who  desired  imperions)^  Cfaat  he  worid 
leave  Avallo  to  he  dealt  irilh  olberwiaet  and  tosnng  his  purse,  wbloh 
aeemed  heavy,  into  the  alcalde's  lap,  be  teqnesttd  him  to  close  this  dit* 
agreeable  boeineas  at  once. 

"  Paix .'  as  we  asy  st  faro, — donblB  or  qnita  ;  a  very  nsble  oandjer  I" 
mattered  the  partly-tipsy  and  partly-aleepy  alcalde,  pocketing  theeaah 
without  betraying  the  least  emotion.  "  Ho.  senor  scribe  I  give  thy  warrant 
to  the  devil  to  light  bis  cigar  with.  Aieno  /  'tis  a  drawn  game.  Diamisa 
the  aenora.  -the  court  is  broken  op." 

Bestowing  a  menacing  glance  on  Stuart,  Alvarado  withdrew ;  the 
algnaiils  departed,  takrng  the  bravo  with  them,  to  get  bis  WD«oda  drtsttd 
before  they  hanged  him ;  and  the  corse  of  Ximena  was  borne  Bff  by  her 


ftnwh  KirtanU,  who  wars  leudlr   bemflliit   tba   ton  of  ao   goad  a 

IDUlrSM. 

Da;  had  iammA  Vfoa  this  -ratreBrdlnaTT  cinirt,  n>d  Ks  pale  ligM  *«• 
ttragBlIng  Cnr  nartery  with  tbe  Snet  of  tbe  lamp,  ere  the  mBgiatnte  «> 
abruptly  closed  the  gtraoge  inieilif^iciB.  After  iH  tb«t  bod  happened, 
■Mwld  coold  not  retam  to  th«  maDnon  of  AlTnvda )  but,  HndJiig  for  Ma 
hone,  at  the  iDiilatMa  nt  tbe  aleakle,  and  with  the  perariiaioii  r^  the  «1- 
oitde's  lady,  be  rcmaliwd  that  dsy  at  ^eh-  hroae,  as  he  was  too  mncti 
woaried  fay  the  want  of  alcm  to  ooanaenoe  Us  jcamer  at  tbe  time  be  bad 
iBtaBded.  To  Mnxr  Bart(Hm£  be  rdatrd  tbe  emrreraatioTi  be  bad  over- 
beatd,  and  iDnatedvn  Don  UmMdo'e  iflkny  being -nanHbediihreatenlDs, 
fcr  tlut  purpose,  te  writ  Vpen  the  C«nd^  Bnnw  Vlltamiir,  and  state  to 
Um  all  tbat  be  knew  of  dw  mattBr. 

"  By  doing  ao,  yon  wanld  not  gain  aByHrinr  equal  to  wliat  yoa  ■tvke,-> 
ran-Ufe."  rrpHed  thcDagiatniM  ifaietly,  poffiac  away  at  a  long  Cuba  tbe 
wUle.  "  Hark  yoa,  tner  ojtciel  -.  \  wish  yon  no  harm,  bnt  beware  bow 
Tou  croas  Vtit  path  or  p«T]»os«a  of  CaMenon  de  la  nana.  He  is  a  fierce 
WMgo.  and  never  epnred  man  or  woman  in  his  bateor  Tengeanra! ;  nod  hia 
lawlp,  Don  Carloa  Anllo,  ii  ■  bom  deiil,  a  vrry  imp  of  Salonat  I  I  Intow 
tbem  both  of  old,  and  would  fain  bevp  the  praoewith  them,  or  mj  place  vf 
alcalde  woald  not  be  woH^  a  rotten  iMriima.  Think  not  that  I  deri  with 
TOO  falsely  In  Mying  [lieee  thinKS.  Htttven  knows  bow  many  daggeis 
AlTarado's  gold  may  bsTc  sbarpmed  againet  yon  ere  tbia.  Hia  loaii,  as  ha 
departed,  boded  you  no  goad.     Yon  are  a  etranger  in  the  laitd,  and  if  yo« 

ytm  can  depart  with  the  padre  Gioseppe.     He  |[oei  by  tbe  way  of  the  Maya 
tnflk  to  bii  convent,  and  oill  show  yon  the  road  1o  Fnnce." 

Ronald  Mt  the  force  of  this  adyice,  which  was  ■□  cnniringly  impaitedi 
tbxt  he  nner  caapeetsd  a  hidden  meaniDg.  flat  the  alcslde,  with  a 
treachery  not  meommon  m  Spain,  was  in  eommmicatioD  with  Alviredo, 
who  bribed  him  to  detain  tbe  stranger  until  a  plan  was  completed  fbr  his 

Notwithstanding  Bartolm^'s  adrice,  SlnsTt  often  wisbod,  dnting  tbat 
irkaoms  day,  to  enjoy  a  rsaitde  aboat  Ellxondo,  bnt  was  as  often  warned 
Hut  ill-looking  pieares  were  evidently  watching  the  bonse.  This  informs. 
tioD  eentd  only  to  set  his  blood  on  fire,  and  ha  fretted  and  fumed  Uko  a 
caged  lion,  and  woidd  have  aaliied  out  in  spite  of  the  aolemn  waraiogs  and 
i^jnnotians,  bat  tbe  magiatrate,  with  a  cODDing  air  of  a^ctiooata  and 
patsnul  Mllcitiide,  barred  his  way,  and  in  so  hind  a  manner,  that  h  wat 
faapossibla  to  to  angry.  All  this  was  mere  acting.  Old  Micer  Bartolm^ 
and  die  FrasoJaean  brodwr  were  two  arrant  sharper*  and  knaves ;  bat 
Banah)  resisted  -Brmly  all  their  attempts  to  eng^e  him  in  gamblmg,  and 
the  day  was  pessed  withonC  a  card  or  dice  being  prodmwd,  greatly  to  the 
diagrin  of  the  fHends,  who,  after  haying  sold  the  acranger  to  Alrarado, 
ware  desirous  to  strip  bim  of  his  XttApaeta. 

Noit  morning,  at  the  old  marcfaiog  time,  an  hour  before  daybreak,  be 
qaitted  Eiisondo.  He  departed  at  that  (sriy  hour  for  the  donbie  porpose 
«  "staling  a  march  "  on  Alrarado's  spies,  if  any  were  really  planted  opon 
him,  and  of  prooeeding  eiprditionsly  on  his  jonmey.  His  hatit  was  weN 
rafteehcd  by  the  delay  at  EKxondo,  and  carried  him  along  at  a  rapid  trot. 
The  padre  Gioaeppe,  with  whose  presence  and  conirrsaHon  he  cmld  yery 
well  have  dispensed,  jo^fged  on  by  his  side,  mounted  uneasily  upon  tin 
hindmost  pan  of  a  stout  ass, — an  animal  not  so  mnch  drrpised  in  9pain  eB 
among  us,  by  whom  the  large  bla<;k  cross  borne  by  riery  donkey  on  iti 
back]  is  neither  remarked  noi  leyerenced.    As  l^ey  passed  from  the  C^le 


MiTOi  Into  Um  Flsia,  Oiuseppa  pomted  ont,  jocnl>rir>  tlui  bodf  of  tkn 
dead  brivo.  etill  mted  aprigbt  on  ilie  cbair  of  the  garrolt,  vhich  vm 
elerated  od  &  uaffald  about  Coor  feet  above  the  iCreet ;  and  hii  rcoereniM 
increued  the  diigust  of  hia  coiapuiioa  b;  pasBuig  Kreral  yerj  unfiiBflj 
jokes  opoD  the  appeaianee  of  the  corpse. 

On  quittiog  Elizonda,  they  took  the  direct  rood  for  Maya.  Stnart  maila 
flii*  circuit  for  the  purpose  of  avoidiog  any  taare  laid  for  him  amoog  tb« 
mountaiua  by  Dou  Carlos  or  Alvarado,  who  well  knew  how  to  employ  aii4 
commonic&te  with  those  villaina  who  iorest  erer)[  part  of  Spain.  Eiil  ms 
.  impending,  and  he  might  haTeeicBped  il  by  taking  the  Roncesval lea  roajr 
or  bad  his  deceitful  companion,  the  Franciscan,  warned  him  ;  but  for  the 
hriba  of  a  few  dollars,  Micer  Bartolme  had  pnrchaied  bis  silence.  A  &w 
miles  from  Elizoudo  they  paaied  a  roiaons  chapel  where  some  Freod^ 
priBDnera  had  been  conSaed,  and,  by  a  atraage  refinement  of  crnelty, 
atarred  to  death  by  their  guards, — the  gnerillaa  of  old  Saliador  de  Zag^. 
The  floor  was  yet  strew^  with  the  bones  of  these  aofortunates,  wbo  fblt 
Tictima  to  a  savage  spirit  of  retaliation,  and  almost  within  sight  of  the  fertile 
pleiu  of  tbeir  native  country.  The  Franciscan  continued  lo  matter  praTera 
and  make  the  sign  of  the  cross  with  affected  deration,  while  Stuait  aurrefed 
tiie  ghastly  place  with  surprise  and  indlgaatioo. 

"La  Coxa  de  Diot,"  said  he,  reading  the  legend  on  the  lintel  of  tba 
door.     "  Alas  1  bow  it  has  been  desecrated  I" 

The  priest  made  no  reply,  but  moved  onward,  kicking  with  liis  spnrleia 
heels  the  sonadiDg  aides  of  hia  borrica,  tearing  Ronald  to  follow  an  he 

After  ridiog  a  few  miles  further,  they  stopped  at  a  guinta,  or  country. 
house,  an  unusual  thing  in  Spain;  and  had  not  the  proprietor  been  a  well, 
known  conlrabandiale,  it  would  soon  have  been  sacked  and  bomed  by  th« 
banditti  in  the  neigbbourbood.  Tbe  owner  naa  absent,  but  the  pa/roaa 
spread  before  her  guests  a  tolerable  repast  of  iacallao,  bread  ofmiiAo  oc 
Indian  com  flour ,^  delightful  fresh  butter  named  maitfeca,  and  gaiUc, 
onions,  lopines,  wine,  and  cider  in  abundance  <  far  all  af  wtiicb  she  would 
e  nothing  but  the  padre'    ■  ■     "  ■      ■ '       "  ..... 

rill,o( 
coasnlted- 

At  Maya  Stuart  dined  with  the  monks  of  the  Franciscan  cDnvent.  Ha 
had  an  excellent  repast,  composed  of  all  the  good  things  which  the  diatrici 
could  aflord.  The  clergy  of  ever;  country  ace  certainly  ardent  loieia  of 
all  tlie  good  things  of  this  life,  howevec  much  they  m»y  preach  and  declaioi 
against  them.  Poor  thongb  Spain  may  be  generally,  it  is  within  the  stout 
old  walls  of  the  gloomy  and  spacious  coittienlo  that  the  ricbesC  wines,  the 
most  delicate  fmits,  the  most  tempting  (lands,  and  the  mast  massiie  iJatCf 
are  ever  to  be  found.  Quite  the  reiersa  of  tbe  bumble,  dejected,  and  morti. 
^ing  begging  friars,  from  whom  they  took  tbeir  name,  Ronald  found  tha 
Franciscans  of  Maya  all  very  jovial  fellows,  wbo  could  laugb  until  thejr 
almost  choked,  and  could  push  the  con  about,  and  give  vent  at  times  to  t. 
most  unclerical  oath.  Mustof  them  bad  been  serving  in  the  guerilla  bands, 
and  at  tbe  peace  had  resumed  the  cassock  and  cope,  the  mass-hook  and 
rosBiT  i  but  the  blusteriog  manners  acquired  under  such  leajders  as  Mina 
and  Jnlian  Sanchez,  together  with  the  coarse  sentiments  of  the  dissolnta 
and  irregulir  lives  they  bad  led,  appeared  continually  throng  tbeir  hypo- 
critical airaand  tbe  sombre  disguise  of  tbe  cloister.  And  such  as  these  are 
the  men  who  are  welcomed  to  every  hearth  and  home  in  Spain  !  who  are 
the  advisers  of  the  yonng,  the  compaoioos  of  the  old,  and  tbe  confaMoa 


Ill 

ost  Kcreti  of  her  heut, — secret*  which,  perhtp),  the  w 

revealwi  to  no  other  mortal  liTing  I 

To  pay  for  hia  FntertunmEnt,  Stnart  deposited  a  handM  of  peielaa  at 
tbe  Bhrine  of  tlie  Virgin,  whote  portrait  in  the  niche,  padre  Oioieppe  in- 
formed him,  was  tbit  of  the  gufrida  of  tbe  padre  abbot.  The  faireitdama 
In  MsTB  had  sat  forit,topleawthaiuperior,  whonovneTer  preyed  before 
any  other  image.  Complimenting  the  abbot  on  hia  taate,  Stoart  roounled 
and  bade  tbe  holf  fatherf  adieu,  tired  alike  of  theii  manner)  and  their 
doiflter-icaDdai . 

He  wai  now  lidinf  straight  on  the  road  for  France.  After  he  paised 
Qie  rock  of  Miye,  ererr  rood  of  ground  became  as  familiar  to  him  as  the 
Kcneiy  of  bin  native  glen.  Tbe  sun  was  getting  ae  he  entered  tbe  pats, 
and  as  ica  light  waxed  more  dim  and  aombre,  his  tbongbts  grew  sadder  and 
Bore  gloomy  ;  for  all  tbe  eidtementof  war  bad  now  pasted  away,  and  the 
kindlier  feefinn  had  begnn  to  resume  their  away  in  tbe  beart.  He  felt 
an  unaccDDntable  melancholy  stealing  over  him,  bat  whether  it  was  caused 
by  a  preseDtiment—a  prophetic  aense  of  hidden  danger,  or  by  recollecliona 
awakened  by  the  eurroundiDg  acenery,  I  know  not :  probably  by  the  latter. 

Poor  Alisler  Macdonald  was  with  him  the  last  time  be  trod  that  way  so 
Berrily  to  the  atraia  of  tbe  pipe.  He  was  noir  within  a  few  feet  of  his 
tomb,  and  all  tbe  memory  of  their  past  friendship  came  gushing  upon  bls 
renembrance.  He  stayed  his  borse,  for  a  short  apaet,  to  gaze  upon  Hie 
■eene  of  that  contest,  so  fierce  and  so  bloody,  where  his  braie  brigade  bad 
fbught  «itb  a  spirit  of  gallantry  and  chiTalriq  derotion  equalling  that  of 
Leonidaa  and  hia  Spartans.  Where  the  roar  of  so  many  thousand  musketa 
had  once  rung  like  thunder  among  the  bills,  all  was  now  silent.  The  atilU 
nesa  was  broken  only  by  tbe  scream  of  tbe  wild  bird,  as,  warned  by  the 
(ailing  dew  and  deepaning  shadowa,  it  winged  ita  way  to  iti  eyrie  among 
tbe  rocks. 

"Well  may  &e  Dowereta  bloom,  and  the  grass  be  verdant  herel" 
thought  Staart.  "  Enry  foot  of  groond  haa  bmn  drenched  in  the  bh>od 
of  the  brave!" 

Tbe  place  presented  tbe  appearance  of  an  old  churdi-yard  whidi  had 
been  shaken  by  an  earthquake.  In  some  places  skeletona  lay  uncorered, 
■od  in  olbera  the  grass  grew  long  and  rank  above  the  monnda. 

A  giern  stone,  with  itsheadof  moss,  marked  ^e  resting-place  of  Alister, 
that  looked  like  one  of  those  solitary  old  graves  which,  on  tbe  Scottish 
moots,  mart  the  resting-place  of  a  covenanting  warrior.  The  earth  which 
Evan's  hands  bad  heaped  over  it  waa  now  covered  with  long  weeda  and 
netdes,  waving  sadly  in  the  wind  as  it  whistled  down  the  pass.  The  rem- 
nants of  uniform,  broken  weapons,  ammunition. paper,  and  all  Ae usual 
■ppBrtenancei  of  an  old  hattie-field.  lay  strewn  about.  Tbe  great  cairn 
raised  by  the  Gordon  Highlanders  to  mark  where  tbeir  officers  werebnried, 
east  a  long  spectral  shadow  aamsB  the  ground,  for  now  the  broad  disk  of 
tbe  sun  was  jJst  dipping  behind  the  mountains.  The  scene  was  gloomy  and 
Terrible,  und  Stuart  was  seareel;  able  to  repress  a  ahndder  as  the  recollec- 
tions of  the  dead  came  crowding  fast  and  thick  upon  bim.  But,  bestoiring 
a  last  look  on  romantic  Spain,  uie  land  of  bright  eyes,  of  the  mantilla,  of 
die  dagger,  and  tbe  guitar,  he  tarned,  and  lode  down  tiie  narrow  mountain- 
path  to  the  northward. 


.-n,C00^^lc 


CHAPTER   XV. 

Thb  aifbi  WW  approacbing,  and  Bo(uM  h*inc  anuDDs  to  rraeb  La* 
AJdnidei.  CstBbo,  or  anf  Mhcr  viUage  on  tta  mate  foi  Touloaae,  rode  at 
rapidJjr  ai  Cbe  raiigb  and  Btetp  nature  nftbe  mouatain  pBth  would  pemit. 
A>  he  deecended  lovardd  the  liOwer  Prrcopefl,  thr  ground  becana  more 
iiregHlaT.  and  tbe  road  at  Ciniea  HOiaiid  below  beetling  cnga  and  IfarORgh 
narrnw  ftoigea,  which  were  loareel;  iUuniiuited  bj  Ike  red  ligbt  from  the 

Twice  or  tbrice  KoDald  beheld,  or  inuvincd  lh*t  be  bebald.  a  bead,  sar- 
monnted  bf  a  h^h-crownaJ  and  fwaad-leavad  hat,  obaerrin^  bia  proarcn 
ttom  the  euBuntt  of  the  rocki  akirting  a  narrow  dell  tbroogh  which  ba 
rode.  Tbia  kept  him  on  the  alert,  and  tbe  threateDinK  words  oF  Don 
Carina  A.ialk>  recurred  to  bin.  He  bal4ad,  drew  bia  laddle-ginba  tighter, 
and  looked  to  his  piatols,  leanig  unstrapped  the  biBr-»kiD  whieh  corered 
tbe  Ibolfltera.  At  the  very  uoEaciit  wbfn  be  was  puttiai;  hie  foot  in  tbe 
atimp  to  remeant,  a  market  waa  diacharged  from  the  top  of  a  Deigbboar- 
ins  eliff.  and  the  ball  fitll  flattened  from  a  rack  within  a  yard  of  bia  htad. 
The  white  amoke  wai  floating  Dpwarda  thtoagh  tbe  atill  air,  but  ao  p«TMB 

"  BandilH,  by  Haven!"  exclaimed  the  itartled  apd  enraged  High- 
lander, aa  he  apnng  on  the  anorting  it«cd.  "  Farewell,  Spain!  and  ma* 
all  miaoUcf  attend  you,  from  the  Pillara  ef  Htscoka  to  tiieea  infwnal 
Pirenee*  1  1  wiah  tlte  Nive  rolled  between  Ihem  iimI  me  :  Biat  if  iwift 
hoDfi  and  a  atoat  blatU  will  ««rve  mt  in  peril,  I  aball.  be  in  braad  OaK^r 

Onward  west  Egypt  at  a  Ml  gaUop,  whach  waa  loaii  broagbt  to  aeti^ 
oa  bii  (iLraing  au  aule  of  the  rsoki.  Acroaa  the  narrow  pathway  a 
nnmber  of  men  were  bnsilr  raisipg  a  barricade  of  turf,  braaebea,  and 
e«rth ;  bat  ob  Ronald'a  appearance  th^  anatched  op  tlialr  carbioea,  and 
leaping  np  tbe  rocks  with  the  agility  of  monkrya,  diaappcared. 

''There  is  an  uibnih  here,''  Battered  SliUFt.  "Obi  could  wc  bat 
meet  on  tbe  monntain-ude  to-night,  Senor  Avalhi.  I  would  teach  yon  a 
■barp  leaeoB  for  tbe  time  to  eoioe.    On  now  i  od.  for  death  or  life  !" 

He  had  very  little  practice  in  tbe  true  acieatihc  mode  of  clearing  a  five* 
barred  gate,  hut  he  feared  Bot  to  Uap  with  anf  man  who  erer  held  a  nan  ; 
and  when  riding  a  Highland  ahrltf  at  home,  had  leapt  from  rock  to  rock. 
and  from  cliff  to  cliff,  oier  roaring  linni,  jawniag  chaama,  and  gloomy 
carries,  which  would  have  eaoaed  Che  heul  of  a  Lowlander  ereo  to  thrill 
with  fear.  GraaptBg  a  Meel  pialol  in  each  hand,  he  caaM/urioaalf  down 
the  path,  with  his  belted  pleidHidnstrichfeathenBtrewniDg  for  behind  him. 

"  On,  I^ypt,  on  1    brave  and  noble  borw!"    laid  he,  eotouraging  the 

with  tba  sharp  iron  ronela.  The  steed  bonndcd  onward  to  the  deaperate 
leapi  and  when  within  a  few  ynds  of  the  burrier,  Mrtintng  every 
sinew  and  fibre  nnlil  they  became  like  iron,  he  bounded  into  the  air 
with  euch  velocitr,  that  the  rider  almost  lost  hia  hrsolh,  yet  aat  gal. 
lantir,  with   his  hrsJ  up  and   hia  reins  low.     j  ■    -■    ■ 

the  dark  rocks  sround.     Several  ballx  pierced  the  1 

uttered  a  snorting  cry  of  pain,  and  Ronald  felt  it _ 

the  air.     Instead  of  alighting  on  ita  hoofe,  down  it  came,  tbandering  » 


its  forebead  od  the  cutbi,  to  tbc  immment  peril  of  tlie  rider,  wlio  ulroitU 
diseniaged  himsclF  fnim  tbe  Blirraps  Hnd  alighted  on  hia  feet,  GODraMd. 
biEathlua,  and  almoat  ■lanned  nith  theabock,  while  tlie  noble  atced  tolled 
0*er  on  iCa  bark,  and  neicr  moved  agaia. 

Ronald  was  now  in  deadly  jenpardy.  Headed  b;  NtrTaei  Cifaeiiica,  a 
Tell-armed  gang  of  Spanitb  deapfradoea.  nearly  foily  ia  number,  aur- 
loanded  him.  Altlioagb  Narraei  took  tbe  moat  active  part  in  their  pEi>- 
ceediagi,  be  did  not  appeal  to  be  their  leader  ;  and  Stnact,  when  he  knew 
that  hii  life  was  forfeit^  by  bie  falling  into  such  handi.  rp-anlvrd  chat  tlutif 
■hould  gain  itJdHirl;.  He  had  broken  hia  claymi 
'    ■  with  the  ot ■  -'  *-■ ' 


Su  into  tbe  shoulder  of  another,  tbnt  it  remuned  aa  faaC  sa  if  drii  _ 

lot  of  wood.  Ail  thia  was  the  work  of  a  moment ;  but  be  wbe,  immediatelf 
■fber  theee  eiploita,  beaten  to  the  earth  with  the  butCa  of  their  fire-anna  ; 
and  a  Fartugueae  dealt  him  a  blow  on  tbe  head  with  a  ceyado  (a  long  ■ts9', 
armed  with  a  knob],  which  depiivrd  him  of  all  eenaation. 

When  cDnscionaneaa  returned,  he  found  bimaelf  lying  on  tbe  lama  Epot 
where  be  had  fallen ;  but  the  moon  waa  sbioing  brightly,  and  the  banditti 
were  still  grouped  aronnd  him.  He  had  been  rilled  of  bia  epauleta,  hia 
gold  crow,  and  everything  of  Talne,  aawe  tbe  miBiatura  of  Alice  Liale, 
whicb,  being  cancealed,  had  escaped  their  hands.  The  contents  af  tha 
porlmonliBD  lay  screwed  about,  and  a  Spaniard,  in  whom  ha  Tfcogniaed 
the  ferocioDB  yoang  Juan  de  la  Roca,  once  Mina'a  follower,  waa  bosil; 
occupied  in  relieving  poor  Egypt  of  the  encumbrance  of  hia  bide,  which  he 
did  iu  a  most  scientiRc  and  tanner- like  manner.  Ronald  had  presence  ol 
mind  enoogh  to  lie  atill,  fearing  that  they  might  deatroy  him  at  once  if  ha 
■tirred  ;  but,  from  what  paaaed  among  them,  be  aoon  diacovered  that  thejr 
Wire  well  aware  he  waa  only  stunned  when  stricken  down.  Gaqwr 
Aloaegni,  the  powcrfnl  Spaniard  who  had  been  vanquiahed  in  feala  of 
dexterity  at  Arsiyuez  by  Campbell  and  Dugald  Mbor.  waa  present  amotu^ 
the  banditti,  and,  by  tjie  deference  which  waa  paid  to  (yerythiBg  he  aaii^ 
appeared  to  be  their  eapitan. 

He  wore  aeversi  feathera  in  hit  bat,  H  costly  mantle  bong  on  hia  left 
aboulder,  and  aeveral  rich  daggera  and  pistola  glittered  in  hia  saah.  His 
fijllowers  were  variotisly  attired  and  armed,  but  all  had  their. strong 
nuscnlar  feet  nearly  bate,  while  tteir  tawny  Iq^,  desCitut*  of  faioMi  were 
mposed  to  the  knee. 

Ronald  gazed  on  the  deteatable  Cifnentea  with  afieryeye.    He  retnem* 

.    hered  all  that  Cataliue  bad  snfTered  from  hia  barbarity  ;  he  remembered, 

too,  the  >ow  be  had  sworn  to  Altaro  to  reTeuge  her,  aod  his  heart  beat 

quick,  while  he  longed  to  taU  upon  him  and  stay  him  on  the  iuatant,  and 

oar  bauds,"  said  Alosegui,  addreaaing  Nanaez  in  a  decided  lone.     "  H« 
is  a  gallant  ao'.dier,  and  truly  he  baa  fouiht  well  for  Spain.     We  haie  done 
enough  for  tbe  doubloons  uf  Avallo;  so  stand  back,  Miccr  Narvaez!     Ua 
who  would  smite  at  the  stranger,  must  do  so  only  through  my  body  1" 
"  Angtitt  J/ DenuiKiot !"   exclaimed  the  desperado  hoaisely  ;    "  I  tell 


yon  I  will  have  bis  blood. — ay,  and  drink  il 
We  have  1 


. 'e  long  been  enemies  ;  and  'tia  not  Caspar  Aloaegui  that  shall  mb 

me  of  the  revenge  so  dear  to  every  true  Spaniard." 

"  A  mad  ioirieo,  by  our  Lady  del  Pilar!"    exclaimed  Gaipar.  inter. 
pMiog  his  bulky  form,      "  Speak  softly,  Cifuenlca  \    nod  remember  that 


TOsImtc  pn»ed  the  weighc  of  mj  hand,  which  hu  been  thrice  od  year 
lliroat  ere  now,  I  belieTC." 

The  robber  ehmnk  back,  and.  Eiiupins  hii  ■titetto.  gtve  one  of  tbOM 
formidable  scowli  of  rage  and  malice  wbidi  ■□  irell  berame  bis  viUaiUMe 
^nt,  his  beetling  browi  and  matted  hair. 

'"  Vinccntio,  the  cripple,  lie*  shot  in  the  ditch  jooder,"  aeid  Joan  de  b 
Roc*.  "  He  fell  by  the  band  oF  the  Briton :  bis  crookf^  joinCa  will  no 
lonierafford  OS  a  Ungb  in  our  den  among  the  diffa.  We  bave  loatovr 
prime  fool,  aeaores,  and  I  say  blood  for  blood." 

"  Viva.'"  ihOQted  the  banditti ;  "blood  forbloodl  '111  suwilU law t 
hi!  life  for  Vincentio's." 

*'  To  the  doga  with  the  cripple  I "  eiclaimed  Gatpar.  "  I  tell  to<i> 
comrades,  that  while  I  can  strike  a  blow  in  bis  defence,  he  shall  not  diel 
Br  the  b»rd  of  Satauas,  the  first  man  that  whispen  aught  of  this  again, 
ahaU  feel  my  knife  betweeo  bin  riba.  Look  yon,  nenorei  cantaradot;  ws 
hare  all  more  to  gain  by  Ms  life  than  his  death.  Nunaez  tells  as  that  the 
cavalier  is  a  very  great  friend  of  Atiaro  of  Villa  Franca,  whom  the  nor 
(OTerDment  have  raised  to  the  rank  of  coant.  and  to  whom  ^ey  hare 
granted  doubloons  enough  to  pare  the  highway  from  Zai^ala  to  Meriila> 
Don  Alvaro  will  ransom  his  friend,  and  a  fair  snm  will  thas  fall  into  ant 
pockets.  If  not,  the  laws  ve  have  formed  shall  take  their  course,  and  the 
■tranger  must  die." 

Bat  Cifueotes  was  still  clamorous  for  bii  blood,  snd  insisted  on  slayiac 
him  with  his  oicn  hand.  The  rising  atorm  increased  when  Ronald  stag-t 
gered  up  and  stood  aoiDDg  them.  Many  of  the  banditti  began  to  prinn 
aod  handle  their  fire-arms  ;  and  Stnart  felt  considerable  aniiety  for  the 
end  of  the  matter.  He  endeavonred  to  second  the  efforts  of  Alose^i  by  ■ 
longand  bitter  address,  in  which  he  upbraided  them  for  their  ingratitude  in 
thus  maltreating  one  who  bad  served  Spain  so  well,  and  had  so  often  faoed 
her  enemies.  He  lore  open  hii  jacket  and  displayed  bis  scars,  but  he 
appealed  to  them  in  vain.  His  voice  was  drowned  in  peala  of  savs^e 
laughter,  with  groans  and  yells,  which  roused  his  rage  to  en  almost  un- 
governable pitch.  His  cheek  bumed  with  indignatiaD  ai  if  >  flame  wa4 
scorching  it,  and  his  blood  came  and  went  through  his  pulsee  like  light- 
nin|;.  Hon  he  longed  to  behold  the  effect  of  a  sweeping  volley  of  grapa 
among  these  brutal  desperadoes,  could  sucb  have  been  diacharged  npoa 


d  eagerly  the  war  of  words  carried  on 
:ir  adherents,  i     "  ' 


between  Narvaez,  Caspar,  and  their  adherents,  and  he  earnestly  hoped 
that  blows  would  soon  follow;  to  the  end  that,' by  arming  himialf,  ha 
miirht  slav  some  more,  perhaps  cut  his  way  through  them  and  escape,  or 

J  -  ■- "--"ve  man  did  who  died  sword  in 

iardfl  wer«  dnwui — oaths  and 

were  used  unsparingly  on  both  sides,  and  a  sharp  coofiict  would 

probably  have  decided  the  matter,  had  not  Juan  de  la  Roca  proposed  to 
end  the  contest  quietly  by  two  throws  of  dice, — producing,  while  he  apolu, 
a  box  and  dice  from  his  pocket.  This  motion  was  at  once  acceded  to. 
Indeed  these  wreCebei  seemed  to  bave  no  mind  of  their  own,  but  to  be 
swayed  by  the  opinions  of  others,  as  the  wind  agitates  the  boughs  of  a 

Brows  were  smoothed,  and  weapons  sheathed;  the  oath  and  threat  gam 
place  to  the  equally  brutal  jest,  and  the  gang  crowded  abont  theii  tall 
leader  and  his  amiable  lieutenant. 

The  fate  of  Ronald  Stuart  was  to  be  in  the  power  of  him  who  shmld 
throw  the  highest  namber  ;  and  all  awore  on  their  crodfliei,  or  on  the 
crOBB-ftuard  of  their  poniards,  to  abide  by  the  decision  at  obtuned. 
Konald,  with  lenaations  almost  amounting  to  freniy,  beheld  Gaipar  and 


T«a  Koiujtos  or  waji.  US 

Ui  opponnit  reUre  to  ■  flat  stone,  and  rattle  the  fatal  dlce-bot  which  wai 
to  detenuine  whether  or  not  he  ^u>uld  be  ■  liTing  dibd  id  ten  mhmtet. 
Whet  a  moDiRit  waa  thi*  I  Bage  and  bate,  miagled  with  aorrow  and  bit- 
temea,  diead  and  rqret, — the  r^iet  that  ■  braTs  mao  feda  who  finds 
hinuelf  at  ths  merer  "^  thoae  whom  he  deapiiea.  Almoit  trembiing  with 
Um  faelinia  of  malice  and  fUrr  which  a^tated  him,  Cifaentea  uash^lhed 
Ilia  praiiard,  and  after  carefnll;  eiaminui|  the  point  and  adce,  laid  it  on 
ttie  atone,  to  be  leadf  fiir  inatant  nee  if  be  won. 
*"  ~w  eUningte  allher  eilver  eplendonr  down  the  ni 


dell,  nod  the  atan,  Bleamiiw  In  tlie  atadded  firmament,  like  diamonda  and 
rnbiea,  tparUed  aa  tbcr  do  In  the  (Idea  of  Spain  alone  when  the  Btmosphero 
ia  pore  and  calm.     Stnart  beheld  the  blade  of  Narraei  glancing  in  the 


moonlight,  and  never  had  he  looked  with  inch  dread  o ^ 

be  did  upon  that  deadtv  etiletto ;  T't  he  had  never  ihrank  from  a  line  of 
charged  bayonets, — which,  as  the  reader  knows,  he  had  faced  feu'leaslr 
kiore  than  ODce  ;  bnt  it  it  another  aflair  to  be  slaughtered  like  a  Iamb  or  ■ 
duld.  The  green  swelling  monntaine  and  the  dark  defile  were  silent ;  no 
■id  WBi  near,  and  in  every  eye  he  read  the  glanca  of  a  foe.  Narvaei  nt- 
Mad  the  box  aloft,  and  <aat  down  the  dice  oa  the  stone,  and  his  li^' 
bent  over  him  earaeatlir. 

"  Poor  and  five—nine  1 "  cried  the  rafflan.  "  Nine  mxtu  out  of  my 
fint  plunder  will  be  laid  on  the  shrine  of  our  Lady  of  the  Rock  if  I  win. 
XIdOW,  Gaapar, — and  may  the  devil  so  direct,  that  yon  throw  leia  !"  Ha 
toek  up  his  poniBrd  with  a  very  deddad  air,  while  Gaipar  in  torn  qnietly 
Bttled  the  box. 

"  Five  and  five-~fen .'"  aaid  ha  with  cool  triumph,  looking  around  him  ; 
"  me  has  aaved  him." 

"  Stay  I  let  na  look  at  them,"  cried  Cifaentea,  in  a  voice  almost  amount* 
Ingtg  a  shriek.  "Ten,  indeed  1  Par  DUi !  he  has  escaped  me  jnit  now. 
Bnt  a  time  may  yet  come — " 

"  Silence  1"  roared  Caspar.  "  Sen  or,"  saJd  he,  advandng  towards 
Bonald,  who  bow  began  to  breathe  more  freely,  "  I  have  saved  your  life,— 
for  this  time  at  laaat.  Yon  are  now  to  consider  yourself  as  oar  piiaoner. 
We  addom  keep  any  nnloa  tliey  are  likely  Co  pay  well ;  for  the  rest,  we 
genentlly  find  a  itab  di  indiea  below  llie  shoulder,  the  beat  method  for 
getting  rid  of  them.  Bat  remember,  senor,  that  we  are  not  people  to  be 
trifled  with;  therefiwe,  atteroptnotto  escape  nnrmnsomed,  for  death  would 
be  the  penalty  ;  you  have  beiud  oar  oaths.  If  yoa  have  any  intereat  here 
l^  Spain,  jonr  captivity  will  not  be  of  long  duration  ;  and  if  yoa  chooafl  to 
take  a  turn  of  service  with  us  among  the  mountaios,  we  may  be  inclined 
to  treat  yoa  aa  if  yoa  bad  the  honour  to  be  our  comrade.  We  shall  part 
Menda,  J  trust.  Many  an  alcalde  and  padre  we  have  bad,  whose  ransom  ha* 
Bade  as  merry  for  months.  1  tell  you  the  truth,  senor  -,  we  are  men  of 
eourage  and  honour,  in  spite  of  slander  and  unpleasant  appeannces.  We 
•re  true  eavalien  of  fortune,  and  are  wont  to  be  somewhat  delicate  on 
joints  of  honoar ;  therefore  yoa  must  neither  use  threat  nor  taunt  while 
among  as,  ai  oar  dsggen  lie  somewhat  loosely  in  thar  acabbarda.  And  I 
■lost  add,  amor  ofieial,  that  if  the  Cond£  de  Villa  Franca  refoaes  to  ran- 
som yon  for  the  sum  we  name,  the  lavs  of  our  sodety, — laws  we  have 
fbrmed  and  solennnly  sworn  to,— must  take  Iheir  course.' 

"Well,  Senor  Gaanar,"  said  Stuart,  who  had  liitened  coolly  to  all  thia 
preamble  with  folded  arms,  "  and  your  law  ;  what  is  it  on  that  particular 

"  Death  1" 

"  And  the  ransom  ?" 


MS 

"  Wbr,  lenor,  we  raoM  tmofe  that.  A  eardco-  u  wril  irorth  ■prici; 
or  fnor  olcaUei ;  Irat,  u  tim  >m  ■  BOldiar,  and  aoldien  an  UUom  oiwv 
bardencd  b;  tbe  weigbt  of  tbeir  pana,  m  wQl  not  be  Mnoe." 

"But  Don  Alrero  ii  rich,"  wM  Jnaii  da  la  Rocb.  "RcaMBbH,  Bf 
fricmdi,  that  be  married  a  rMi  dUBs  of  TcaxiUo,  whoM  eatataa,  wkaa 
joioed  to  biB  own,  nill  be  am{da  eaoigtifnapriaDCdaiD, — af,  for  a  Uif- 
lioni  Iirger  tbaji  em  «m  Alarre." 

"Anrjbetfainkyeof  the  Ml  om,"  nM  Narnui;  "ereadagtohiM 
flrom  tke  bowel*  of  Oa  maanteioe  at  Alcncer,  at  ChMdaloanal,  and  CaceO* 
in  BBtremadnra,  dug  fot  Um  by  lk«  bmdi  01  vreCebed  il»eB  «ondeauai. 
ta  Ui  MTTiea  for  petQ'  or  ptMOideil  eriance  by  tb«  aoMiMd  ffyjAf— , 
the  etermmoi  del  nmmtro,  tba  ricddes,  lb«  ayodKB,  tbe  miltarr  eoa- 
Bmaim,  nd  Ae  deril  knows  who  more  1 " 

"  Cuella  y  obnrred  Ckipar ;  "  right  I  tbare  ii  nWer  lai  giM  d^ 

"  Yes,  iBd  ban  baen  M  avtr  «in(i«  Ifae  day«  af  tbe  iiddel  Moom,"  mmI 
Jmn.  "And  A1*aro  baa  inia«iof  silTflr  and  copper  at  Jjagtota,  taim 
Ifae^nredeGuadatoa^.  Diaooio  .'  asnom,  a  fa«*y  fln  !  Thaawllj 
Of  EatreMadora  ii  ridi,  a»d  will  tedeom  Ua  fiMod  £r«ta  dtalh.  Ha  ha» 
bat  to  dig  when  be  wants  gold." 

"  Canffff /"  Baid  a  rabbet ;  "I  wtB  low*  (bat.    I  w 

digiu  the  miM  of  LogrOTea  for  nibbn^a  prigatof  Uannla; __. 

■war  in  tboM  borribie  )rita  DOtil  ny  booea  well  n^  parted  cmpany,  aal 
my  back  wai  Sayed  by  the  thonga  of  tbe  eoiaad  oianeu-.  But  one  day  I 
dashed  out  iiis  brBina  with  a  shovel,  and  fled  to  tbe  guerillas  of  Baliafa 
da  Zogala.    A  beav}  ransDM  from  Aitaro  i" 

"Two  hundred  golden  Inula!"  cried  JaaD  de  Is  Ron ;  "odif  Vifa 
Franca  refoMa,  give  b»  friend  Hm  Briton  to  &a>t  tbe  wolf  awl  tbe  lawl" 

"  Vina  I  Joan  baa  spcd:ai  lilw  a  prince  1"  eried  the  banditti,  vhile  ti«r 
made  hilt  and  valley  ring  with  tbeir  boiBterOiis  applaaae. 

Two,  With  tbelr  moiluta  loaded,  had  particular  ordara  to  eiesrt  Staatt, 
and  to  tboot  him  dead  if  he  attampted  to  oscape  ;  after  which  the  whota 
band  got  in  notion  and  advanced  np  the  nowntiins.  aeehiBg  Iba  noM 
Keep  and  dai^rotu  path*,  which  oftra  wonad  alosg  the  adga  of  hiiitlhn 
and  pne>pit«u  cHAr  wbare  Stwart,  alAoagh  a  Seotamaa  md  a  mum 
~,  had  eoasidenble  trmble  in  threadtac  Us  way. 

rjonmey       '    ' 

«iM  aod  form  w 

It  waa  perched  on  the  nan 

aoUtade,  which  appeared  n 

hjr  dia  ligbt  of  the  wa^ng  anon.  i 

This  DKtnatain  fbrtms  had  beta  far  ssatariea  a  nan ;  aad  lh«  UtUa        ' 
Tillage,  which  had  oaoa  bean  doaCerad  near,  it  (aocordinf  la  tke  aaaal         I 
fashion  in  Spajn),  had  agaa  ago  disappeared.    Bat  tbe  antkwa,  wfaoH  tba 
feeble  aad  crippled  power  of  the  Spanith  anAerHiM  eoald  aat  anp|«ea^         I 
had  iborovghiy  repaired  It,  and  made  it  fliair  jitiueapal  akoairtiotd;  au 
from  it,  aa  their  bead-quartera.  ttieiT  linca  and  pasta  ef  oasannnioatiBm 
were  maiatained  throagh  all  tbe  Boaqne  pTDvinoe*.    Tnditian  eaid  IhM  it 
waa  erwcted  by  ■  petty  prince  of  Navarre,  and  that  tbe  wjgin  of  ita  oMIW 
was  tbe  murder  of  a  priest  within  ita  walla.    It  wa  e^ad  the  Tom  St  la* 
Pr&ylei  (or  Friare'  tower) ;  aad  the  Gaipnicoan  BMiMeer  waa  usirfU  to 
time  hie  Joamey  bo  that  this  ill-otnesied  ^ot  sbonld  be  a  few  Isagnsa  b  haa 
rear  before  night  fell, 

Ou  entering,  a  temporary  drawbridge,  croasing  a  deep  fbaseordBaaa  in 
*  ~  rocks,  and  forming  the  sole  communlcatioa  with  tM  cjifi',  oa  a  pavjac- 


tiea  or  wbMi  tb«  lover  nt  porobri,  wm  vHbdrnn,  aid  Stuart,  tor  tte 
Srat  tine,  fdt  big  hnrt  atak,  as  he  SDtend  tbe  walk  of  die  ttnarf  abode 
Of  Clime,  and  heard  the  aCrang  doof  riiM  and  barricaded  iMdutid  hun. 


CHAPTEE    XYL 

DuMNa  the  epiieg  of  18U,  while  RcmaU  Souet  WW  HniM  vidi  Lord 
WdHngtao's  aray  ioi  (he  SoiUli  af  FraDoe.  tbe  pecnniair  a&in  of  U« 
htfaer  eanae  to  a  amplele  eriaii.  Tbe  net  >eTni  arooad  kim  br  1<«*1 
lUcanerf,  bf  haaawn  uuvanoeiB  in  plungiDg  headlang  into  Uvriuiti,  ud 
by  prndigality  of  bis  naae;  nthemiae,  l^e  wai  rained.  "  A  true  Ui^b- 
luder  caaDot  n£aae  hia  Mtortl  or  hi)  pone  to  a  frieod,"  and  ibe  laird  at 
Loefaiala  had  been  ionilmi  to  the  aBioantuf  aeTeral  thouHande  in  an  affair 
of  "eaatioa,"  eveey  faet^ins^f  -wiiicii  he  had  to  pay.  A.t  die  lanie  time 
bill*  and  bonda  became  doe,  and  on  bii  ■akiac  aa  applicatiea  fu-  cash  to 
BCiaan.  CapbMi  and  Homing,  W.S.,  Maeqvirk'a  aiBceMort,  tbe;  aic~ 
qaaiated  hin,  ia  a  very  short  letter.  cnniDMd  in  ^t  peeailiar  ilrle  fsr 
lAick  these  gaatlesMn  are  ao  fiotao).  "  that  LocbiaU  was  ilreadv  dipped 
—that  is.  morteaged — to  the  atmost  beariog,  and  that  oat  a  bodle  toore 
omM  be  raised."  Tbe  nafonaeale  taird  faHnd  that  eiery  ^abalical 
llaijiiii  I  of  "  tbe  frofesBieB  "  was  in  rHjDisitiaa  agaimat  hjia,  and  tfaat  tbe 
estate  which  had  descended  to  him  IbroUKb  a  lent  aad  BartiaL  line  of 
Critic  anceataiB,  naaa  passing  awa^  from  hiu  for  erer.  In  the  midit  of 
Uaaffliccisnfce  leoeieed  tidiiigs  of  1^  deeds  of  his  brave  son  Ronahl,  who 
»  DMBtioBad  with  bU  konoar  by  Sir  Rowlaad  Hill  is  the  dt^iateh  which 
•onttiDcd  tbe  aooount  of  the  enccMsful  pusage  of  the  Nitc,  and  of  the 
Btonning  of  tbe  chfttrsn. 

"Heann  blese  HrhraiMhor  !"  said  the  lilrd;  "I  ahall  see  hlsa  no 
more.  It  woaM  r^oioe  lae  to  beh<^  bis  Mr  face  and  bairdr  ^puv  ooes 
«gaui,  before  my  eyes  arr  closed  for  ever:  hut  it  may  not  be;  be  will  nerer 
behold  my  tomb  !  It  nill  be  far  distant  from  tbe  dark  pines  tht^  shade  tk» 
netsnE-place  of  my  foeefatbers  in  the  islet  of  tbe  Loch." 

And  tbe  oU  l»rd  spoke  truly.  Eu  long  he  eav  tbe  baU  of  his  fatbeta 
in  posaeasiDn  ef  tbe  minianB  of  tbe  law  :  tbe  broad  huida  of  Lochtsla 
heeame  the  prey  of  the  atrimger ;  aad,  with  the  tnaaty  auld  DiHiald 
iverac^  and  «  failhAil  hand  of  foUowera,  tbe  feeble  rennanC  of  his  peopler 
who  yet,  with  tree  Highbtad  deretiai.  iueiiUid  on  f^iowing  their  cbiertatn 
to  thefar.ttf  shares  of  Canada,  he  bade  adin  for  ewr  to  bis  faliier- land. 

Ere  yet  he  had  departed,  howeier,  there  cbbb  one  wlio  had  beard  of  his 
niafartenea  and  of  fata  contemplated  eiiie,  to  oflerhiia  hie  baud  in  peace 
and  affection.    It  was  ilie  Lord  of  IncfasTon. 

"  I  will  beafriead  to  yonr  noble  bny,"  he  Msd.  The  Slaart  answered 
only,  "  HesTen  bless  you,  Lisle!  but  the  Ud  has  his  sword,  and  • 
Inrlesa  bean." 

Tbey  parted;  and  tfae  elan  Stuart  of  Lddnda,  with  its  Tenerable  Iaadcr« 
ms  sosa  on  its  way  acoost  tlie  weateru  wave. 

At  the  time  t^Me  ercpts  were  occnrriag  sit  home,  Sonald  was  in  tha 
aaghbourhood  of  Orthea  with  bis  regiment,  whic^  in  the  battle  that  took 
piece  there,  oame  in  for  its  usaal  abare  of  the  slaughter  and  hDaoor. 

^le  long^wuted  and  eageiiy  wished-Cor  pimse  -arrived  at  last.     8e^- 

■tentswen)  disbanded,  and  abipa  paid  affj  aad  in  e*ery  partaf  Earopa 

■oldkn  sad  BiliMa  were  retaniiag  to  their  homes  in  thaawads,  to  take  np 

L  2  ^_ 


tba  idooili  and  ^ade,  wiiidi  tbej  but  ab*iidoii«d  for  tbe  nnaket  mA 
cntlui.  The  FeuiiuiUK  put  of  ow  *nor  "ere  all  embaiked  at  TfwloQM, 
and  the  iumatM  of  Inchavon  vratdud  auxurail]'  Iha  dailT  poet  and  duly 
paper*  for  lOBie  notice  of  tha  arrival  of  the  trsn^orti  coaUmiDg  Fauifms 
■nd  his  HigblaDden,  irtuMO  daliDatian  wai  (be  Cora  of  Cork. 

One  cTroinSi  a  Inright  and  taanj  ooe  io  Jane,  when  Lord  Litis  bad 
pasted  from  mm  &»  aiarkUng  deomteii  acroM  the  eUbontelr-paliahed 
tabic,  and  annk  back  in  hit  weU-eoaUoBed  «**3>  diair  to  enjor  a  com? 
fortable  nap,  and  wfami  Alice  bad  toaaed  aiide  incceaaTel*  all  ttie  newa- 
papers  (she  read  onlj  the  marriaM,  fuhionable  newa,  and  the  Gazette 
wid  token  np  the  fait  norel,  whii^  in  her  rBaUewncaa  abe  reripied  foe 


the  loand  nine  deep  and  boUow.  ^e  book  fbll  &ow  b«r  hwadl 
ibe  atartad  and  liitoMd,  while  kai  botom  row.  and  a  blub  nibared  on  bar 
acft  girliah  cheek.  The  lonad  incrnaed  :  now  the  traTellera  had  quitted 
the  Uoe,  and  their  carriage  iraa  rattling  np  tba  aienoe,  wl>ere  the  noiae  at 
the  banW  feet  came  ringing  acrou  the  wide  and  open  lawn. 

Alice  ahook  Uie  dark  carla  from  ber  animated  fane,  which  became  floihed 
with  eipeotatiOD.  She  mored  to  the  window,  and  behelil  a  trsTellJ^- 
chariot,  dnwn  by  a  pair  of  atont  baira,  with  tlie  great-coaled  driver  on  ^tt 
■addle.  The  whole  eqoiii^e  appeared  only  at  interrali  between  the  tree* 
and  clamps  of  the  lawn,  aslhedriiei  made  ttie  boraea  traTsne  the  longao^ 
iqtriate  windings  of  Ibe  avenDe,  which  badaa  many  tamingsu  Ihefoithi 
before  the  booie  wu  reai^ied. 

"O  papal  papal"  she  exclaimed,  olappiog  her  white  dimpled  hand* 
together,  and  leaping  to  his  side  to  kiis  him  and  shake  atardil;  the  hoga 
knobby  arma  of  hu  t^  eaay  chair,  and  again  skipping  back  to  the  windows 
with  all  the  wild  buoyancj  of  her  age,  "  dear  papa,  do  waken  I     Uaia 

"Eb!  what!  ehl  Loais,  did  ron  mj !"  died  the  old  lord,  bolting  np 
like  a  harleqnin.    "  la  the  girl  mad.  that  she  frisks  about  m>>" 
"O  dear  papal  'tis  my  brother  Lonts  1"  and  ahe  began  to  weep  withjor 

"  It  must  bo  he,"  replied  her  father,  looking  ftma  awindowt  "it  mut 
be  Loais  1  I  don't  think  we  expect  any  liaitors.  But  to  come  tbes  I  I 
always  thoa^  be  wonld  ride  Dp  from  FHIh  on  honeback.  On  my  ItMioaf 


■roand  tier  waiat,  aoctwding  to  (M  nsaal  wont  and  practice.  A  lady  Id 
too  I    See.  she  is  bowtog  to  ns.    Well ;  I  wonld  rather  have  seen  Lnoia, 
bat  I  wonder  who  these  can  be  I"    He  rang  a  bell  violsntly. 

..im: .  __._    i_  j__i  1     .-._...  j^  brother  Veidaimed  Aliocb 

,    pat    I  am  ehnait  foioting.  Ah  1' 
a  so  near.  Ronald  Stnart  cannot  b« 

. '  reolied  her  (atl 

disappointed  him. 

"Opapal  that  L  .   .. ,  , _.  „ 

irise  yon  i"  and  wiuont  saying  more,  she  bounded  away  A^m  hia  side. 
he  chaiae  wai  brought  np  at  s  gallop  to  the  alepa  of  tha  portico,  and 
smart  postilion  wheeled  it  akilfDUy  roand,  backing  and  sparring  witli 
ir  of  ipeedsnd  importuioe,  aoatlering  tha  gravel  in  showers  right  and 
andansinctbechaise  to  rock  from  aide  to  side  like  aship  in  a  storm. 
I  was  Ibr  cAet.    A  postilion  always  brings  his  caUle  i^  at  a  ahvp 


fUB ;  but  tin  chaite  wm  well  hnng  oa  Its  ipiiiigi,  md  tbfo  moBMDt  dw 
panting  horKS  hnlted,  it  beoame  motionlcM  and  ateadr.  At  that  initant 
AllM,  witb  her  maMM  of  evri*  •treaabig  behind  her,  nwhad  down  tha 
■[rfendid  ataireaw,  throu|h  the  loft;  uloon,  and  mcbed  the  portico  j&M  m 
the  footman  aprans  from  the  dither  and  tluaw  down  tike  iron  atepa  with  * 
Jtane  aa  lie  opened  the  door.  An  officer,  muffled  in  a  large  bliie  cloak 
kned  with  nd,  leaped  oat  tipoa  the  graTal  walk ;  Alice  threw  ber  anna 
nroond  her  brother,  and  hnng  aobbing  on  hia  breut. 

-  "Alie,  my  merry  little  Alie.  haa  boGOme  a  tall  and  beantifDl  woman  t" 
czdumed  Loaia,  holding  her  from  him  for  a  moment  while  he  gaied  apon 
ker  face,  and  then  preued  her  again  to  hi*  breaat.  "  Upon  my  honour  yoa 
have  grown  quite  a  tall  Udf,"  he  added,  laagtiing.    "  Our  uther — " 

"  la  well,  Lonia,  well ;  and  waiting  for  you." 

"  Oood  1  This  ia  my — this  ii  our  Virginia,"  said  Lonis,  banding  ont 
hIa  Spanish  wife.  "This  is  the  dear  girl  I  hBTsalwaya  mentianedin  my 
lettETB  for  two  yean  past,  Alice  ;  her  Iriend*  hale  all  periahed  in  the  Fenia- 
•Dlar  war,  and  I  taara  biongbt  her  far  from  lier  eUiwe  land,  to  a  foniigR 
csnnbr.    Yon  mnat  be  a  kind  liiter  to  her,  Alie,  aa  yon  bara  erer  been 

"  I  will  always  Ion  her,  Lonis  ;  I  will,  indeed,"  marmimd  the  agitated 
|b4,  who,  nerer  having  beheld  a  Spaniard  before,  eipcxCed  something  Terr 
ditFerent  from  the  beaaClfnl  creature  Bronnd  whoM  neck  aha  fondly  twined 
marm.  "I  am  your  aiater;  Idat  me,  Vininia  dear  1"  said  ahe,  and  two 
Boat  young  lady-liks  aalutea  were  exchanged.  The  fur  hea  of  Aiioe  LiaU 
Unshed  with  pleasnre.  The  darker  cheek  of  the  Castilian  glowed  llkewisar 
and  her  bright  hazel  eyes  flaahed  and  sparkled  with  lUthe  fireand  Tiradty 
OfbernoeiDn. 

"  Lonis,"  wbispered  Alice,  blushing  crimson  as  she  ipoke,  and  aa  thejr 
■Mended  the  siiteen  steps  of  variegated  Partsov  marble  which  led  to  th» 
bonae ;  "  Lonis.  ii  not  Ronaht  Stuart  with  you  ? 

"  AUa  !  no,  Alice,"  replied  Lisle,  changing  coloar. 

"Poor  dear  Ronald  ',"  aaid  his  sister  lorrowfolly,  "coidd  be  not  procnri 
leBTC  too !  Papa  most  apply  to  the  colonel — to  your  prood  Fassifem, 
iwit." 

"Virginia  will  inform  yon  of  what  has  happened,"  sud  Louie,  with  to 
iid  a  tone  that  all  the  pleasant  Tiiiona  which  were  dancing  in  the  mind  of 
diejoyons  girl  were  instantly  destroyed,  and  she  grew  deadly  pale  ;  "  Vir- 
ginia will  tell  you  all  about  it.  Alie.  Ladies  manage  Iheae  matters  of  ez- 
pluation  belter  than  gentlemen." 

"Matters!"  reiterated  the  affrighted  Alice  intolnntarily  ;  "  matters  t 
HeaTBn  guide  me  1  I  thought  all  the  terrnra  of  theae  four  yeara  were  paaaed 
for  ever.     But  what  haa  misfbrtune  in  ttore  for  me  now .'' 

Her  father,  whose  Gwt  and  limba  were  somewhat  leia  nimble  and  flexible 
than  here,  and  had  thut  been  longei'  in  descending  the  stair  and  traversing 
the  long  lobbies,  now  approached,  and  embraced  his  sod  with  opaiarms) 
•rtiile,  en  nuait,  the  aervaiita  of  Uie  mannim  crowded  round,  ottering  their 

good  wishes  and  coogratulalory  welcome  "  **"  "—'—    —   ' 

•tyled  by  them,  being  tbr  son  of  a  Scottish 

ter  of  Lille,  or  Lysle,  aa  it  Is  spelt  ' 

liie  fair  Castilisn,  who,  Bmbarrassed  i 

acsToely  leas  agitated  Alice,  puzzled  the  old  ioid  a  good  deal. 

wore  her  graeetut  mantilla  and  tightly- fitting  Spanish  frock  of  black  satin. 

The  latter  was  open  at  the  bosom,  to  show  her  embroidered  vest  and  coi- 

kr,  but  was  Isced  zigzag  aerois  with  a  aiWer  cord,    "nie  thick  cloatera  of 

her  hair  were  gathered  in  a  redteilla,  or  net-work  bag,  behind,  all  save  tlte 

gloHy  brown  coils  escaping  from  beneath  a  amart  Bngliah  bonnet,  which, 


■Mbiiagh  it  raltr  JStflKjti  bur  noble  ani)  b«*Btifal  batms,  oombrutad  ar 


iMdfdT  widi  tfaa  m 
toM  ipaeaTcd  MtM 
Had,  nd  Ibea  stHed, 


The  old  b 
boiMd,  raiilsd,  aid  Ibea  stared,  and  bowed  and  miled  tgtia,  wUla  '^t^ 
grniB  celoarsd  aimaam,  and  bar  Inge  Spanbb  eyea  beiaii  to  sparkk  in  k 
vei7al*nDiBgmulMr;biit  begimiag  taauapectwbo  t&e  bir  ■Cnngeroaa, 
tbe.fraDk  old  lard  timk  both  bar  haoda  ia  bia,  kiiBsd  her  on  each  rhorh. 
baned  pardoD,  and  then  asked  wbow  be  had  tiie  honour  of  oddreuing. 

'  Hov  1"  exdumad  Looii,  in  astoaubBiest ;  "ia  it  psaible  Uud  70a  do 
not  kaow  I " 

"Not  I.  BponmyhoiuMrl"  replied  bis  father,  eqnallr  sinaBBd  ;  "bow 
ahonld  I  ? " 

"  Were  xaj  letters  from  Ortbea  and  Tenloase,  relative  to  mj  nanbge, 

"Marriue!"  exdaiiBed  his  btbsr,  almost  pamtng  as  they  CToased  tbo 
■•kiaa.  "ByJfNel  Master  Lonii,  yon  m%ht  have  condcscoided  to gdb- 
inlt  me  in  saeh  a  aiatter  1 " 

"My  dear  biber,"  replied  Loids,  laoghhig,  for  be  saw  that  hie  panott 
was  more  aslonished  than  diapleued,  "  you  cannot  be  sware  of  the  dr- 
■■d«r— Bat  yo>  know  tlie  prowrti,  all  ia  bir  in  war  1  and  my 

"  Were  dlraaaind, — at  least  AKoereeared  tbeai  alt." 
"  ■  ■  !  yon  ommDf  littl 
'  yoa  bare  played  a 
be  heard  of  hi*  n»iT  daaghttr.' 


ndarfbl  girl  1  to  be  the  mpoattory  of  ao  important  a 

lone."  Bsidher  fither,  evidently  in  high  glee.    "  But  she  alwav 
prodaca  a  commotioa.  and  to  study  effsct.    1  will  b 


br-snd-by,  and  seDtence  yon  taeb  aooerdin^  to  yoDr  deniEritB;  bnt  m 
mnstnotstsndhere,  with  alldiehoasehedd  gaping  at  na.  Lead  your  nangbty 
snn-bartit  brother  ap-atain.  Alice — he  seems  to  tiare  forgotten  the  way — 
and  I  will  eaeort  your  new  «it«." 

He  nie  his  arm  to  Virgioia,  and  condacted  her  Dp  the  hroad  atiiiii  lari 
which  led  to  the  upp«r  part  Of  the  mansion,  where  the  splendour  and  d>- 
gBBCB  of  the  furniture,  tiie  size  of  the  windows,  the  hangings,  the  height  of 
the  ceiliogs,  the  rich  comioes,  the  carviag,  the  gilding,  the  painbnga,  sta- 
tues, lustres,  the  lofcioeis,  hghtaeaa.  and  beauty  of  eitrything  arcbitectnnd 
«ad  deaoratne,  atruek  tba  stranger  fornbly  when  abt  reeiemhered  the 
sombre  gloom  and  ctumsinesi,  both  of  fabric  and  AwhiMi,  to  which  aha  had 
been  accustomed  in  the  dwellings  of  her  nati*e  eoantry.  Indeed,  the 
mansion  of  the  richest  Spanish  greodee  was  not  aoinng  by  one-half  aa  the 
coschman's  apartment  aboTe  tbe  stables  at  Incbavon- bouse. 

Atioewes  in  an  agony  of  eipeetation  to  hear  what  Louis  had  to  say 
^>ouC  Ronald  Stnart ;  but  she  was  doomed  to  be  kept  cmelly  on  the 
menta]  rack  for  some  time,  while  alt  her  hratber's  hnrable  bnt  c^  and 
reapeoted  friends  amon^  the  hoDsehold  appealed  in  ancceaaion,  to  teudw 
their  regards  sad  bid  him  wetcomB,  expressing  their  pleasore  to  "  see  hiea 
safe  home  again  among  decent,  discreet,  and  responsible  folk,"  as  tbe  jolly 
old  butler,  who  acted  as  apokeaman,  aaid.  l^re  was  the  blnff  gamo- 
keeper,  in  bia  tartan  jiehet,  broad  bonnet,  and  leather  apata,  or  leggiaga, 
lou<  Looia'B  rinl  ahoc,  and  nwater  of  Che  sporta ;  them  was  the  pnelud 
and  deaeare  old  housekeeper,  with  her  msty  silk  gown,  keys,  and  scisaoiw, 
and  hogs  pouch,  which  wai  aeldom  untenanted  by  a  small  Bible  and  big 
brandy-4ask  t  tbe  fat,  flashed,  and  greasy  cook^  whose  ample  oireumfki^ 
ence  prodaimed  hertbe  prieataaaond  picture  of  good  liiingi  the  smart  and 
rosy  houaeinaada,  ail  ribands  and  smiles— Jeaiie  CaTSi*  in  particular  1  BBd 


Dwrawis  Jock,  sod  ToB.  and  P*Ue,  Uaei  and  lii«ri»d  AanitenoflMe 
oockwie  and  shoalder-knot,  wk»  wara  all  iUradaced  at  the  lerca  In  tbalr 
tam,  wUk  oonfMitw,  iMtfe,  and  apnwr  mgncd  npniaa  cbroogli  the 
«lKiIa«f  tlM  unally  qaiet  and  wM-ordared  Manaioii  oT  Inohaiiai]. 

"  ■   '       •  -     -  ■  .     1   .   ij  gjjJQ  t]jg  handsome  , 

termed  "aa  Mteo  io^y,"  and 
•tM»t  ber  thera  wen  tw«  oaiUllMiH  opi  '  -   -     *"' 
beon^,  "bargloaiybair,  aMlWt  bMrk'aaa.,  .     ._    . ._     _    .. 

aBdaflaUlitr;  bat  almoat  all  had  ebaerred  the  orociBs  tbat  huDc  bl 

aadCi  and  whuparedfaarfalaatmiaai  of  bar  beiasa  Papist. 

"  SLj  dear  air,"  said  Lawa>  after  they  bad  become  tiderably  eompogad 
in  aasrt  of  aang  library,  termed  by  the  aemmis  "my  lord's  c^umer,"— 
"ctnit  bepoMble,  or  true,  that  Aline  bM  nerer  uiftinaed  yoa  of  my  nar- 
wilh  Doana  VirgiDia  da  Alba  f " 
couBcaled  it  to  mrpDH  deei  piH>a,"  reidied  Alka,  makim  a  ncUy 


ahrayt  lOMd  efibct.  Alia."  said  her  father ;  "but  reaUy  I  oonld 

.Mnaed  witii  m  aoddeua  eorpriie  on  thia  occaaian.   How  fortunate 

I  am  io  faai^iag  aaeh  a  beauty  for  a  dangliter !"    He  poaaed  hta  hand 


watly  over  the  duck  brawn  curls  of  the  Spaniard.  "  Xxiok  op  at  ma, 
Tirainia ;  a  pretty  Dave,  too  !  On  my  hooonr,  my  girl,  you  have  beau- 
tifoleyea!  1  ever  thmiht  Alie'e  were  iplsadjd,  but  abs  will  And  hers 
Adiwed.    Toar  (atlM^-'^' 

■'Wag  the  Duke  of  Alba  da  T ,"  intwRtptad  Lonia.  wbo  oas  no* 

HixioBB  to  frodoM  an  cdbot  «f  a  differant  kiad  ia  hia  bridE^i  lafonr.  "  Be 


"  Was  unfortuBBtely  Blain  when  the  tort,  or  ob&teav,  iihere  I  was  opo- 
fined,  was  so  bravely  stormed  by  Ronald  Stuart's  light  oooapaoy." 

"  I  heard  of  all  tbmt  wbea  the  news  atriiad  in.  Landoa.  Oar  Virginia 
comes  of  a  proad,  but  a— a —  an  aafortiuiate  race."  He  ooold  not  find  ■ 
more  gentle  word. 

"  Spain  boasts  not  af  a  Bohler  mme  than  that  of  AJba ;  bat,  savesiBiBter 
in  a  cootent  in  Golicis,  mr  dear  Virginia  is  its  only  repesentaCive.  All 
Aia  caiaUeni  of  ber  honse  h**e  &llen  in  battle ;  and  lastly  ttie  duke,  by 
Um  handi  of  Evaa  Iveradi  and  Macrone,  a  aarjeant,  who  attacked  him 
with  his  pike.  Poor  Stowt,  thonib  in  peril  himself,  did  all  he  ooald  to 
t»*a  him  ;  but  the  hat  blood  of  the  Gad  was  up,  and  the  fierce  Spaniard 
jjenshed.  But  Virginia  is  wsaping  ;  we  are  only  recalling  her  sorrong,  end 
Must  Mj  no  more  of  these  matters  jnst  now.    Bonatd  Stoart — " 

"Ahl  by  the  bfc,  what  of  him?    A  biave  fettcwl    See  how  Alice 

blasbsa.     Faith  I  I  sbaU  never  fo^ 

lasdoian  pulled  me  ont  of  Corrie.a' 
yoa  Id  Perthshire  ?  " 

"  No,"  answered  Iionis  with  heaitstiaD,  glancing  lUMMily  at  Alice  whila 
be  spoke.    "  He  hss  not  retnrsed  yet." 

'"Til  well,"  continoed  hie  faUisr.  "Poor  Stuart!  he  will  hare  no 
luHoe — no  kind  friends  to  Tetoro  to.  as  you  hsTe,  Louis,  after  all  his  toil 
and  blaodahed.  Not  a  band  is  there  now  in  the  green  glen  of  the  lela  to 
grasp  his  in  welcome!'* 

"  1  read  in  the  Pertbshive  pspers  that  the  estate  had  been  sold,  and  that 
hia  father,  with  all  the  Btaarta  ef  the  glea,  had  emigrated  to  Canada. 
Dreadful  intelligence  it  will  be  for  bim  when  he  bears  it!  He  will  be 
HDiuidcd  most  deeply  in  tbosepoiots  where  the  true  Highlander  isasiaredly 
toast  vulnerable.  He  will  be  almost  driven  mad;  and  I  would  scarcely 
t(Mt  other  lips  ihoD  yonrs,  Alice,  to  reveal  the  sad  tiding  to  him.    I  read 


152  TU  XOMANCI  OF  WAK. 

them  at  Tonloiue.  Sturt  wm  not  with  u  then.  He  hu  baen—hha 
been — lii  weeks  minlnK  from  the  n^menC" 

"  Siz  weeki  misilng  I"  cried  Lord  IJale,  whlla  a  err  of  honm  died 
away  on  the  pallid  lipa  of  Alice,  vho  drooped  her  bead  on  the  ahonUo'  aC  1 

''Keep  ■  braTC  heari^  Alie  dear  1"  raid  Loaii,  duping  her  vakt  affig»> 
tioDatelT-     "  I  haTs  no  feaia  for  your  knight  of  Santiuo,  ai  the  men  call  . 
him.     He  will  swim  where  another  man  would  wnk.     Hid  yon  leen  him, 
M  I  often  ba<e,  skirmishing  in  adTince,  chuEmg  at  the  bead  of  hie  com- 
panjr,  or  leading  the  forlorn  hope  aCAlmarei  on  the  Taen«,  or  the  chSteia 
on  the  Nive,  you  would  suppose  he  had  a  charmed  hfe,  and  was  innl- 
nerable  to  >l«el  and  lead,  as  men  soppoeed  Dandee  to  be  nntil  the  Geld  of    . 
Killiecrankie,  Perhaps  he  has  joined  S;  this  time.  I  procared  six  mandw' 
leiTB,  and  left  the  Hlghlaodera  the  iasCant  Che  anchor  was  dropped  at    ' 
Cove.     My  next  lettera  from  (he  regiment  may  b»?e  some  intelliitencw, 
Campbell,  1  know,  will  write  to  me  imitantly,  if  he  bears  anght."' 

"  But  how  comes  it  to  pass  that  SCaart  is  missing?  what  has  happeoedf* 
Baked  his  &ther,  while  Alice  liiteoed  la  breachleaa  acony  to  the  reply. 

"  We  were  qnarteted  at  Muret,  a  town  on  the  Garonne,  eight  or  idna 
miles  distant  from  Tonlonse.  We  had  lain  there  erer  since  the  dedabs 
battle  giained  over  Sonlt ;  and  in  the  cborch-yaid  of  Muret  Stuart  buried 
his  servant,  a  brave  lad  from  liachiala,  who  bad  received  a  death-abot  olt 
that  memorable  Easter  Sunday.  Ronald  mourned  his  loss  deeply ;  for  thit 
lad  bad  become  a  soldier  for  his  sake,  and  they  were  old  ecboolfellows — 
old  companions  and  playmates.  He  vras  s  gallant  and  devoted  fallow. 
Yon  remeiaber  him,  Alice  i  Many  a  love-letter  be  has  carried  to  and  fri>, 
between  this  and  IJochisls ;  and  often,  bonnet  in  band,  be  has  led  your 
pony  among  the  steepest  cliffs  of  Ciaigonan,  by  ways  and  crooks  where  I 
ihould  tremble  to  venture  now." 

"And  he  is  dead?"  said  Alice,  giving  vent  to  ber  feeliogi  by  a  plentifal 
■hower  of  tean. 

"  He  was  shot  by  a  Frenchman's  ballet,  AHe." 

"  Poor  dear  Evan  I "  replied  bis  aister,  wringing;  her  white  hands ;  "  I 
shall  never  forget  him.    He  was  ever  so  reapectnil  and  so  oblif^n^." 

"Jessie  Cavers  baa  lost  her  handsome  sweetheart.  He  was  burwd  clow 
by  the  old  church  of  Muret,  and  Rmiald's  hand  laid  hia  bead  in  the  gravfc 
Hereceivedadeeper— abetter— yet  not  leaa  hallowed  tomb  than  die  Dunr 
thousands  who  were  corered  up  in  ditches,  in  the  fields,  and  by  the  way- 
sides, just  wherever  they  were  fouud  lying  dead.  At  Muret,  one  night,  ■ 
despatch  arrived  from  X>)rd  Wellington  by  an  orderly  dragoon.  It  wal  la 
be  forwarded  to  the  Gondii  de  Fenne  Villamur,  at  Elizondo,  a  (ewn  on  tha 
Spanish  side  of  the  Pyrenees;  and,  as  its  bearer,  Staart  departed  about 
midnight,  on  horseback.  Sufficient  time  for  his  retnm  elaps^  befcre  our 
embarkation  at  Toulouse.  Tbeeventfnldaycame  i  but  no  Stnart  appeared, 
and  we  embarked  without  him.  Some  unlooked-for  circumstance  moat 
have  caused  delay, — perhaps  his  horse  tiecoming  lame,  or  his  cash  mnniDg 
short ;  but  we  shall  probably  bear  of  bim  from  Toulouse,  or  Faaaan,  in 
a  fortnight  at  the  furthest.  I  have  no  fears  far  Ronald  Stuart,  ils  will 
cat  his  way,  icatheleas,  through  perils  which  a  acore  of  men  wonld  liiik 

"I "trust  in  Heaven  that  it  may  be  so." 
"  Tmly.  I  wish  the  lad  well ;  he  is  the  last  at 
fallen  Co  the  earth  at  last." 

"Although  Louis  spoke  cheerfully  to  comfort  bis  agitated  siater,  be 
nevertheless  felt  considerable  aniiety  regarding  the  fale  ot  bis  tHeod.  Ha 
knew  too  well  the  disorderly  state  of  Che  country  Chroagh  the  wild  bnntMls 


15S 


of  Mfaieh  be  had  to  pan ;  and  hii  inutgiaatioii  piotnred  •  hnndred  perib, 

uuiut  which  SoDBld'aconrage  and  tact  wnnld  b«  aniivailmg.  He  bcsonghC 


Tirrinia  to  comfort  Alice,  b^  pntting  tlie  beM  pouible  fiuc  upon  matterg  ; 
bttDer  anmrr  relotiTe  mide  circumsttacs*  worse,  b;  letting  cmUit  «lip 
out  whuji  had  Imcd  better  coDceslBd,  and  wbicb,  althoagh  they  teemed 


.  .  n-pUce  nutten  to  a  CastUian,  preacDted  a  frightM  piotnra  of 

in  bt  a  Toiiiiil  Scottiih  lad;. 

' '"'PPy  Alice  became  a  prey  t«  >  thoiuand  sniion*  fears  and  appi»- 

'tucli  prepared  bar  mind  to  expect  the  womt.    A  month  passed 


..'Sffi'.  ,  .  

L  weary  month  of  muery,  of  sad  and  thrilling  eipectation,  and  IM 
were  heai  '     '  "'      '      "    ' 


immnnicated  with  tlu 
_  .       „  soldier,  in  whose  &te 

bis  ftniUy  were  sc  greatly  interested.   All  were  in  a  state  of  great  expecta- 


miBtaiT  aaiharitks  tit  Loodon  r^ardiDr  the  yonng  soldier,  in  whose  &te 
"■   *     ■■  ■    "    crested.   Allw      '  ■ 


bee  IS  her  bosom,  for  she  trenbled  eioesiiTcly  while  her  father  read  tbt 
oold  and  offldal  reply  to  his  aniiMis  letter, 

"  Horse  Goords,    •    •    «    I8U, 

"In  reply  to  your  lordsbip'l  letter  at  the  25th  inatgnt,  I  hsTG  tb« 
honoar  to  acquaint  you,  bv  the  direction  of  his  Rtiyal  Highness  the  Com- 
maoder-lQ- Chief,  that  notiiing  has  transpired,  further  than  what  the  pabtic 
JDoroals  contain,  respecting  the  fate  of  Captain  Ronald  Stuart,  of  the 
Gordon  Highlanders.  But,  if  that  aofortuuale  otScer  doe*  not  rejoin  his 
regiment  at  Cork  before  the  next  master-day,  he  must  be  inpcrieded. 
"  I  hare  the  honour  to  be,  my  lord,  fee.  &e. 

"  Huiar  ToiutENs,  UiL  See. 

"Right  Hon.  Lord  Usle,  of  InchaToa," 

Alice  vmng  her  bands,  and  wept  in  all  tbe  abaadonment  of  woe.  The 
last  read  she  bod  leant  on  had  snapped — her  last  hope  was  none,  and  ah« 
knew  tiut  she  thonld  lie«er  behold  Ronald  more.  The  next  mmter-day 
(IbeatheMlh  of  every  month)  arrired  ;  aDd,as  bdncatill  "  absent  without 
Wan,"  he  waa  snperseded,  sod  his  luune  appearM  no  longer  on  tiie  list 
of  the  regiment.  It  was  sad  lnteUi|enae  for  bn  friends  in  Ferthahire  ;  but 
it  was  upon  onejgenUe-loring  and  timid  heart,  that  this  andden  stroke  ftll 
most  heavily,  f^r  Alice  I  she  grew  Tery  »d,  and  long  refused  to  be 
comforted.  As  a  drowning  man  clings  to  straws,  so  clung  slice  to  etery 
bope  and  chance  of  Ronald's  return,  natil  the  letter  of  Sir  Henry  Torrena 
drove  ba  from  her  last  stronghold. 

Days  rolled  on  and  became  weeks,  and  weeks  rolled  gn  to  months,  and 
In  her  own  heart  tbe  poor  girl  waa  compelled  to  acknowledge  or  believe^ 
what  her  friends  had  long  concladed,  that  Ronald  Stusrt  waa  numbered 
with  the  dead.  It  was  a  sad  blow  to  one  whose  joyons  heart  bad  been  biu 
B  short  time  before  fall  almost  to  oTerftooing  with  giddy  and  romantic 
riiions  of  h)ve  and  happlneaa.  Under  this  severe  mental  shock  sbe 
neltlier  sickened  nor  died,  and  yet  the  felt  as  deeply  and  poignantly  aa 
mortal  woman  conid  saffer. 

Few  or  nooe,  perhaps,  die  of  lore  or  of  sorrow,  whatever  poets  and 
intsreated  romancers  may  say  to  tbe  contrary.  But  as  this  is  not  the  work 
of  tlu  one  or  tha.  otiw,  but  a  true  memoir  or  namtiie,  the  facta  most 


ba  taU.-  hmmer  eoatrtrr  to  nle,    or  to  tka  wpntuHiii  of  mj  imr 

Im  aNm  of  tioa  On  mitow  or  Alio*  Liale  bacaiM  mere  ibUwI, 
the  Uoora  ntnwd  to  her  Med  chMk,  and  the  *Md  to  t«i^  and  natier- 
bBtaa^aiorold.  HiB  VM  n«*«rua«  band  to  nas,  twd  Uia  Mwod  of  li« 
barp  or piaiHino mora aaefce  tha  aeboas  of  toa  hMM.  Sba  ma  ooBtiBt, 
but  far  from  bang  happy.  Wheo  riding  of  laatUiag  aboU  with  VitgiBai 
-_  ■,  _..^^  rinooDM  nersr  loiA  dona  mm  the  maaotaias  om  the  loBClr 


■•r  and  dswrt  gtMi  of  faU  wkhoat  ir^ptomc  of  tho  dMfxat  ai 
idshaa*oidBd«*«r|i|i«tli  that  lad  tointnii  tbe  paf  ' 

TbatTa«Bt  damaai.  aartintthirf. 


B^e  oF  ^Uoaoobr  -•' 


aha  lad  lMtE<aiilMraehbeT<ndlkehaMof  recMnr.  inatodof  apMliaf 
bar  bright  tff  in  waefiMg  for  hla  daalh,  emplofad  Ikcaa  ■■cocaafaUr  is 
Im^Dg  for  a  smoeaaiiBr  to  bii  racmt  ^aae.  She  BooordiaclT  aooqitad  tbe 
ofleis  af  Jo<^  NoranniM,  tha  samekcaper,  whaaa  coana  BhoaliDf-iMiklt 
■ad  leatber  apata  had  been  for  a  tina  cnraidatdr  eolipaed  by  lb*uea.a[ 
Ivmaoh's  narlet  oo^  ami  9«t(red  boaa. 

Tbaold  Eulof  HTndhid  OM>e  dom  agjn  in  Ua  ehoolim  aeaann,  awi 
ranamd  bis  atlantiona  to  Aliae ;  bat  ntb  bd  battar  HQCcesa  tkaa  bi^iufi^ — 
mni^  to  his  amajtanaat.  Ha  daeoied  that  her  bean,  beiac  aoftened  by 
grief,  would  the  mors  ceadil):  raoma  anew  impceuion.  HeqaitWdJadii- 
aTOQ-hoQie,  and,  ia  s  fit  of  vleen  and  dirappoiatment,  set  off  oa  a 
ctmtineotHl  ramble,  acting  Che  ^aconaotate  lover  with  all  bia  might. 

JjOHia,  leanng  Virginia  at  lachftTOn  with  hti  giater,  rejcanetTtbe  Bigh- 
landera  at  Fermoy,  ^d  in  a  waek  thoreaftar  had  the  pleaaare  to  obtain  a 
"  company." 

The  Highlanders  wen  daily  expecting  the  route  far  their  natiTe  country, 
bat  were  again  doomed  to  be  diuppoinled.  They  were  ordered  to  Flan- 
ders,— to  the  "  Lowlands  of  Holland."  where  Scottish  valour  has  been  so 
often  trinmphuit  in  the  times  of  old,  for  the  flames  of  war  had  braiicn  forth 
agmn  with  raiewed  for?. 


CHAPTER  XVIL 


in  the  Tom  dt  lot  Fra]fln,  a  .  .  .    _ 

the  moat  mercileai  aad  deaperate  rafflans  caaeeiaabla, — ill  fi  nimiiMa.  m 
tiiair  power,  and  seiditded  «mong  the  wildcat  Cutngasca  of  Uw  Spaaiah 
Fyienees,  his  heart  siekeaad  at  the  bopelessoess  of  !»■  prospects.  UiaUfe 
d^nded  entirriy  oa  the  will  and  plesanra  of  bil  esplOB>  sad  ha  Mt4U 
that  acute  agony  of  spirit  of  which  a  bnre  man  i*  aaseeptible  when  la- 
fiaetine  that  he  nl^  peiiah  like  •  cbiM  in  thor  haa^  heiplcM  and 
narevenged.  He  waa  nondaeted  to  a  dea<date  apaitBMDt,  to  which  Ij^t 
was  admitted  by  a  eonpla  of  loop-holes,  which,  bdng  destitote  of  ^asa, 
fine  free  sdmittooaeto  theoold  air  of  the  nonntaiiia. 

■Us  and  cliair,  the  room  waa  deatitale  of  Auni- 
ipelled  to  repose  on.the  atone-flanad  flooc,  wilk 
fl  iwged  mantle,  which  a  rMM){ade  priest,  one  of 
bad  uDfrocked,  lent  him,  offiniu,  attheaaiae 

- pisi 

and,  smiling  aaody,  1 


no  athw  mncb  thai  a  large 

thousands  whom  the  war  1  ,_..._., 

time,  indulgeDtly  to  bear  fata  oonfessioa.      Ronald  glac 

dagger  and  brass-barrelled  pistols  wbioh  gamiahed  ike  bdt  of  tlia  < 


■Wtin  MOHAMCI   M  WAft.  ISA 

■K&iBg  to  ooofcu,  Bra^;  Us  £iput  for  hudpton,  and  Ae  eenie  ho  f«lt 

or  Spanuh  ingratitude- 

"  Morte  de  Dioi  !"  swore  tin  incensed  priest  u  he  departefl.  "  yon  are 
m  incorri^bU  keretic-  Fecdinf  ^aa^  a  fcediDf  what  oaght  to  be  burued; 
and  I  would  rout  ;ou  like  ■  kid,  bal  for  that  meddiiag  Hpe,  Gaspu- '." 

Bt  order  of  Cbe  lait-iunied  worchf.  aha  appeared  to  be  ths  acknow- 
ledged leader,  a  MBCioel  wai  placed  at  the  door  of  the  apartment,  whicb 
waa  well  secnred  on  tlu  ootiide  to  prevent  Bonald's  escape.  At  the  aame 
4aie  Alosegni,  who  said  ha  wished  to  be  friendly  to  nbrothrrcapitan.  %tn 
h\tD  a  screw  of  a  peooliar  constnction,  with  which  ho  could  strongly  se- 
«dre  his  door  on  the  inside— a  nece&sary  precaation  when  lO  formidable  an 
CBSBiy  a>  Nanaei  Cifuentes  wat  witbia  a  few  feet  of  bim.  Hating  secured 
tbe  entranofl  as  directed,  be  railed  himeelf  Dp  in  the  cloak  of  the  ptoa 
father,— bnt  not  to  aleep,  for  dawn  of  day  found  him  jet  awake,  cureinr 
fail  nntoward  fortnae,  and  reiohing,  forming,  and  rrjecling  a  thoaetmS 
deaperala  plani  to  escape.  Eien  when,  at  last,  he  did  drop  into  an  uoeair 
■le^  or  dreamy  doie,  he  was  quickly  aroused  by  the  twsngliog  of  guitan 
■nd  uproar  of  a  dmaken  cborua  iu  the  next  apartment,  where  the  padre 
vBi  trolling  (orth  a  ditty,  whicb,  a  few  yean  before,  would  have  proenred 
him  a  lodgiog  fur  life  in  tbe  dnc^eoos  of  the  terrible  Inquisitioa. 

To  Stuart,  l>is  preaent  ntuatioa  i^ipeared  now  almoat  insupportable. 
He  sprang  t4)  the  nairow  loop-holes,  and  made  a  long  and  acute  re- 
GOBnois'Bnce  of  the  ootmtry  roand  about,  especially  in  the  neighbonrhood 
of  the  robbers'  den,  and  he  became  aware  that  escape,  without  the  cod- 
carrence  of  Aloaegui  or  some  of  hit  followers,  was  utterly  impracticable. 
Tiui  tower  waa  perched,  like  an  eagle's  nest,  on  the  very  verge  of  a  per- 
pendicular cliE^  some  hnndred  yards  in  height,  and  a  chasm,  dark  and 
epparenCly  botlomleis,  separated  t)ie  tower  ftooi  the  other  pacta  of  thie 
monntain,  or,  I  may  aay,  the  latid,  as  It  hung  almost  in  the  air.  At 
every  pass  of  tbe  hills  leading  to  Ihe  narrow  vale  where  It  was  situated,  a 
weU-armed  and  keen-eyed  scout  kept  watchful  guard,  for  the  double 
porpose  of  ^(ing  alarm,  in  case  ef  danger,  or  waraing  when  au;  booty  ap- 
peared in  Biglit.  The  bottom  of  tbe  valley  whicb  the  tower  overlooked  was 
CDiered  with  rich  copse-wood,  amon^  which  wound,  like  a  narrow  stripe 
of  qrstal,  a.  mountain  stream,  a  tribntary  of  the  Bidassoa.—the  way  to 
the  West. 

Atioat  noon  be  waa  visited  by  Gaspar  Alosacui,  with  whom  he  wu 
ceremoniously  invited  to  take  breakfast;  and  yielding  to  the  cravings  of 
appetite,  tie  nnhesitstiiigly  accepted  the  proposal,  and  sat  down  at  the 
same  table  with  four  fellows,  who,  Gaspartald  bim,  were  tbe  greatest  cnC' 
throats  and  most  eipert  bravoEs  in  Spain.  The  apartment  in  whicb  thejr 
*at  was  a  dilapidated  lioU,  which  bore  no  diitant  resemblance  to  the  one  at 
Lochisle,  save  that  ita  roof  was  covered  with  carved  stone  pendants  and 
grim  Grothic  faces,  among  whieh  bung  branches  of  grapes  or  raisins,  nets 
of  Portugal  onions,  bags  of  Indian  com.  and  other  provender ;  and  the 
floor  wa^  strewed  with  mule-pannels,  saddles,  arms  of  all  sorla.  towards 
wbicfa  Ronald  glanced  furtively  &om  time  to  time,  and  conntieai  tiales, 
barrels,  wine-skins,  &c.,  like  a  nkcrchant's  storehouse. 

Ronald  got  through  hia  repast  without  oSending  any  of  tbe  dagger- 
grasping  rogues ;  bnt  he  was  so  mach  disgusted  with  their  language  and 
broCality  of  manner,  that  in  future  he  resolved  to  eat  by  himself,  at  all 
ritlte.  Narraei,  with  a  strong  psrty  under  his  command,  was  absent,  to 
watch  for  a  train  of  mules  in  the  neighbonrhood  of  RoncesTsUes,  and 
Ronald  was  therefore  relieved  from  hia  hateful  presence.  Osspar  asacm- 
Uad  tbe  remainder  of  the  band  in  solanm  conclave,  to  consult  about  the 
lansom  of  StaarC.    When  tbe  latter,  who  stood  near  Aiosegoi's  chair, 


I5S  rax  koiuncb  ov  wa«. 

looked  aromul  him  npoo  the  rafliui  UMmbla^,  Hnd  bcfaeld  ao  ininy  isik, 
ferocioni,  *ad  blick-bearded  fscei,  be  felt  thai,  uiKni;  anch  men,  hn  lilb 
wu  not  worth  ■  quarto. 

The  (moDDt  ot  the  raniorD  had  been  filed  on  the  preceding  emdof. 
When  Aloae^Di  inquired  where  the  Condf  deVUU  Fnuio  then  resided,  no 
one  could  uy  anytbing  with  certiuatr  ilwnC  it,  bnt  all  supposed  him  to  bo 
at  Mftdrid.     In  support  of  this  sapposition,  the  ioi-di»ant  padre  prodneed. 


annr-loaf  hat,  a  raeeed  Damber  of  " 
old.  »■■ '        '      -'  -■ 


at  least  Hiree  months  old,  veil  worn  end  frared,  and  which  be  cmrriel 
ahont  liim  foe  g:nn.wadding.  la  one  of  the  rolnmns.  Ibe  arrival  of  Don 
Alvsro  and  his  connlesa  appeared  among  the  fashionable  inteiligeneo.  To 
Madrid,  therefore,  it  was  resolved  that  Ronald  should  despatch  a  letter) 
the  bearer  of  which  shonld  be  Juan  de  la  Roca,  who,  fbr  cunning  and- 
kuTerr,  was  equal,  if  not  infiaitelf  aaperior,  to  Laiarillo  de  Tormea,  of 
happf  memor;.  His  trarellini  expenses  were  also  to  be  deFrajed,  faHf 
and  aniply,  before  the  captive  would  be  released.  To  save  time,  for  it  was 
a  long  Kaj  to  Madrid,  Ronald  proposed  to  communicate  with  the  British 
COtuuli  St  Passages  or  Bayonne ;  but  the  proposition  was  at  once  ne^< 
tired  bf  a  storm  of  cnrsea  and  a  fell  of  diasanafaction  from  the  banditti, 
while,  waving  hia  hand,  Alosegai  aci^aaiated  him  sternly,  tbat  it  was  ioi 
consistent  with  their  saF^tv  or  intentions  to  prrmit  bis  correspon^ng  with 
the  consul  at  dther  of  t^ose  places,  as  some  strenuous  and  UDpleannt 
means  might  be  taken  to  release  him  unranaomed.  And  before  they  wooW 
proceed  farther  in  the  bnsineaa,  the  wily  bandidoi  compelled  him  to  pledge 
his  lolemn  word  of  honour  aa  ■  caralier  sad  aoldier,  ttiat  he  would  not 
attempt  to  escape, — a  pledge  which,  it  may  be  imagined,  he  gave  with  thtt 
ntmost  reluctance.  While  his  bosom  was  swelling  with  rage^ad  repret, 
Bonaid  seated  himself  at  the  table  and  wrote  to  Alvaro.  prsytng  that  he 
tronldlEnd  him  the  sum  the  thieves  required,  and  setting  forth  tliat  his  litis 
was  forfeited  in  case  of  a  refusal.  Seldom  has  a  letter  been  indicted  under 
While  be  wrote,  a  Babel  of  tongues  reaonnded  in 


"I  will  drialc  the  heart'a  blood  of  any  man  wbo  oppose!  or  dtaobeytmy 
orders,"  cried  he,  striking  the  nide  table  with  hia  mighty  fist.  "  !  am  a 
man  of  honour,  and  moat  keep  my  word,  par  Birr ,'  Hark  yon,  my  eem- 
rades  ;  again  I  tell  you,  that  for  three  months  the  Uta  of  the  prisoner  U  ai 
aacred  Ba  if  be  were  an  abbot." 

"  Three  months  !"  thought  Ronald  bitterly.  "  In  tiree  mantAt,  but  fbr 
thia  curaed  misfortune,  I  might  have  been  the  hasband  of  Alice  Lisle," 

Tlie  letter  to  Don  Alvaro  waa  sealed  by  Ronald's  own  seal  (which  one  of 
the  band  was  to  obliging  as  to  lend  him  for  the  occasion),  and  placed  in 
the  band  of  Juan  de  la  Roca. 

"  Adioi,  leKor  .' adiat,  vaga  !"  said  the  yomig  thief  with  an  impodent 
leer,  and  presenting  hia  hand  to  Ronald  at  bis  departure.  "  RemenihFr, 
senor,  that  for  your  aake,  I  lose  the  chance  of  winning  one  of  the  swneteat 
prizes  in  Spain." 

"  How.  Senor  Juan  i"  replied  Stuart,  beatawiog  on  him  a  keen  glanee 

"  A.  girl,  to  he  sure,  a  Air  'girt  we  captared  near  Maya,"  said  Jiiao 
snlldly  J  "  and  I  am  half  tempted  to  cast  your  despatch  to  (he  winds." 
"  Come,  Juan,  we  must  part  friends  at  least,     said  Ronald,  willing  to 
isemble,  when  he  remembered  how  much  bis  fate  lay  in  the  power  of  lUi 


■TAB.  157 

j^mS  mm).    He  gan  him  hii  bind,  and  thej  P>rtad  with  a  ihow  of 
vrbaoit/,  ohicli  wa»  probably  afiected  on  both  aidei. 

In  a  lew  miantea  he  baheld  him  qok  the  Friars'  Tower,  and  depart  on 
bia  lourney  momilad  ob  a  atoat  male,  and  ao  much  diuoiied  that  he 
■caroely  knsw  him.  Hiaxaned  appaicl  bad  been  replaeed  by  the  imatt 
Utice  of  a  atudent,  and  waa  all  of  becoming  black  Telvet.  A  large  port- 
folio was  iluig  on  bU  back,  to  diagniae  him  more,  aad  lapport  the  charac- 
ter which  ha  reaoliad  to  beat  aa  a  trarelling  artitia.  He  was  avery  band- 
aoDui  yooog  fellow,  and  hU  fe^area  were  aet  off  hi  hie  broad  aombrero 
•nd  the  black  feathera  which  vanity  had  prompted  bim  to  dob.  A  black 
•ilk  mantle  dangled  far  ornament  from  hit  sbaoldera,  while  one  morr 
Roaraeand  ample  waa  itrapped  to. the  b<        "'         ''  '      ■'-'- 

«  pair  of  holaten  before  bim,  and  w — 


Ktber,  he  had  rery  much 


d  to.thebowofbismale'apanueL    He  had 
and  wore  ■  lone  poniard  in  hia  aaab :  alto- 

._, . ir  of  a  unart  atudent  of  Salamanca  or  Alcahk 

window  Ronald  aniiooaly  watched  the  leaaening  fbrm  of  tbit  mea- 
of  hia  fate,  aa  he  nrged  hia  mule  down  the  iteep  wlndinga  of  the 
Hiaway  to  the  TsUey ;  and  a  thouaand  anxietiea,  and  alternate  hopea  and 
doubta  diitiBcted  bim,  aa  he  thoaiht  of  the  dangera  that  beaet  the  path  of 
hia ambaiaador,  of  the  lengtbeaeddaratioD  and poaaibla reanlt  of  hia ex- 

,  la  no  country  aave  Spain  eonld  the  dreadfal  atrodtiei  perpetrated  by  ths 
wrUchea  into  wboae  banda  Ronald  had  fallen,  haye  been  pennitted  in  the 
i)iii<C«entb  century.  A  day  never  paaaed  without  the  occurreoce  of  tome 
new  outrage,  and  many  were  acted  under  hi«  own  obienation.  On  one 
qocaiioathe  band  captured  an  aged  lyodic  of  Maya,  who  had  made  himself 
pardcolarly  obnoxiooa  by  eiecnUag  tome  of  tha  gang.  Hia  c^tora,  to 
r«Goe  on  (xuelty,  tore  out  hta  e^ea  and  turned  bim  anay  on  the  monn- 
taina  in  a  lempeatnona  sight,  deairing  him  to  retom  to  hit  magiatracy,  and 
ba  nore  merciful  to  cayafiera  of  fortune  in  future. 

Aa  uofbrtuaate  mtdico  of  Huarta,  who  waa  jouroejing  on  a  mule  aorOM 
themonutainarromSt.  JnaodeLoi,  where  be  had  been  pnrchaung  a  atore 
of  me^cines,  fell  into  their  dutchea  aomewbere  near  the  rock  of  Maya. 
He  could  procure  no  ranaam  :  many  who  owed  him  long  bills,  and  whom 
ha  retcnad  from  the  jawa  of  death  bjr  the  eiercite  of  hia  art,  and  to  whom 
hia  measanger  applied,  would  tend  him  no  answer,  being  very  well  pleated, 
probably,  to  be  rid  of  a  troubleeome  creditor.  One  of  the  band  being 
aerionaly  ill,  the  life  of  the  medico  waa  to  be  spared  if  be  cored  him.  Tho 
baodit  unluckily  died,  and  the  doom  of  his  physician  was  sealed.  It  waa 
abruptly  announced  to  him  that  he  must  die,  and  by  hit  own  weapons,  aa 
Ga^ar  informed  him.  The  nahsppy  aon  of  Eicolapius  prayed  hard  that 
hia  Lifa  might  be  spared,  and  promised  that  be  would  dwell  for  the  re- 
nuindcr  at  hia  days  in  the  Torre  de  los  Frayles.— to  spare  bim,  for  be  waa 
B  Tery  old  man,  and  bad  many  things  to  repeat  of.  But  hia  tf  ranti  were 
iaesorable.  After  being  cODfeaaed  with  mock  religioua  tolemmt;  bf  Gor- 
BOna  de  Is  Faente,  he  was  compeUed  to  snalloir  eier;  one  of  his  own 
drags,  which  he  did  with  hideous  grimacei  and  trembling  limbs,  amidst 
tiu  n|HOarioDs  laogbter  and  cruel  jests  of  his  destroyers,  who  belield  him 
expire  almost  immeiUMdy  after  fioisbing  the  nauseous  dose  they  had  com- 
jMMnded,  and  then  cootifnMl  his  body  to  that  charuel-houae,  the  chaam 
heton  the  doorway  of  thevpandemoniam. 

"  iteral  monthi  elapted — months  which  to  Ronal< 

uriea,  for  he  had  awuted  in  almost  honrly  e^,._ __ 

9  intelligence  from  Madrid  i  but  the  dreary  days  bgged  on,  and  bis 

heart  b^an  (o  Iota  hope.  Joan  de  la  Roca  appealed  to  have  Crayelled 
■lowly.  Lettm  were  recetyed  from  him  by  Alosegui,  at  different  timet,  by 
the  hands  of  certain  mnleteera  and  eMiraiandulai,  who,  on  passing  the 


Ste 


uoontaina,  alnys  pild  ■  regular  Mm  u  tutl'tD  tke  bHidilti,  vton,  for 
their  ORn  ttkea,  tbef  wen  glad  U  coDciliate  to  fMj.  Thw<  iafnAm 
informed  the  thieiea  af  Jnaa'a  progreo ;  but  tber  often  aamid  the  jfxag 
meal,  lud  thrcateDed  venfearrae  fr>r  bit  Iw<tiinu  utd  delay.  BmJub, 
br  eieTciains  his  iDgcnuity  m  i  eW-pvrte,  pickpocket,  doak-MiatrlMr,  aad 
g;amb]er,  canCrivcd  tn  Incp  biaself  tn  B.  oonstaBt  Bnppl;  of  etab  ;  Md  ha 
seemed  determioed  Co  enjoy  to  tbeutramt  Ihe  rtiorttem  of  libeitT  allnnd 
him.  At  laat  he  diuppeared.  His  eampsiikiiw  in  crime  heard  of  hia  no 
—  re;  but  whether  he  had  been  pooianlBd  in  fame  brawl,  mat  to  tin 
'e  off  with  Stuart*!  nuiMiai-maiteT.  mnannd  B  mTaterr. 
ed  ta  the  baadittitobethe  mmtpnibdjla  oBOn  fer  hjanoo* 
qipBaiance,  and  their  corKsa  wvre  kind  and  deep. 

Stoart  now  fonnd  that  hie  life  was  is  (reater  jeopardy  tfau  More.  Al«< 
■Egni  proposed  to  him  to  .t^e  tlie  tows,  and  join  1^  baoditti  H  ■  TolaMew 
in  their  next  marauding  expedition  ;  and  added,  Aat  tf  be  wovid  tAa  ■■» 
to  conciliate  the  aood-will  of  the  l(c«CeiMnt,  the  Senvr  Nanaea,  soddia- 
tiDKnish  hianeir.lie  micfat  be  ppomoted  in  tte  band.  AlaMgni  aiadethb 
pn^KMal  with  his  uenal  dry  nreastk  manner ;  and  atUMOgh  Ranahi,  *h« 
Wai  in  no  fanmnnr  to  be  trifled  wtth,  rejected  (he  itraoH  ofer  of  aanaa 
with  as  mnch  iwani  and  contempt  as  be  coold  mutter,  he  uw,  oa  aeeond  ' 
tbontbta,  that  for  his  ownaafety  a  little  daptkitT  was  abaolDt^T  Decenary. 
He  BBTected  to  hire  doubts,  and  cra*«d  time  to  tliiak  •#  the  matter,  in- 
tending. iFonce  wdl  amoed,  free  c^tfae  tower,  and  with  fata  feet  oa  thefrat 
won ntain- aide,  to  light  his  way  off,  orto  die  award  ia  band. 

Bat  he  was  aared  from  the  dishoDour  of  eren  preleoding  to  be  their 
comrade  far  a  single  hour,  becamie,  in  a  rery  short  apaee  of  tiaie,  a  mart 
unlooked-for  change  of  politica  took  place  at  Torre  de  las  Fraylea. 

A  train  of  maleteers  abmit  to  depart'frms  EKMado  For  Ff  noce  or  the 
lower  part  of  the  Pyrenees,  aent  forward  one  ef  tfatnr  naraber  to  the 
robbera'  den  to  pay  the  toll.  The  nuhe-drmr  waa  made  right  Trrlrnie 
The  banditti  fonnd  it  neeesaar^  to  enltirMe  to  the  atmoit  the  ffiesdafaip  of 
these  Iravtlling  merchants,  with  whom  they  trafieked  and  boitCTed,  ex- 
changing goods  and  Talnables  for  money,  clothing,  arms,  utd  smmonitioB. 
(applies  of  which  were  regiduly    hnni|ht    tBRB.    and  scoomtB  were 

Tbe  envoy  from  EKiondo  bad  traaaaeted  hk  hufineaB,  and  been  hr- 
nished  with  Alosegai'a  receipt  and  paaa,  fbmally  signed  and  uarfaed  wlA 
a  cross ;  but  he  seemed  in  no  hnrry  to  deport,  and  reiBaiaing,  drank  asd 
played  at  chess  and  domrnoes  fbr  some  boors  with  the  Urierca,  wba  «cte, 
scouts  excepted,  generally  all  within  their  garrison  In  the  daytiine. 

Sonald  knew  that  a  messenger  from  a  tiain  of  ouilea-was  in  U*  plaaE  of 
eonSnenient ;  but  as  visits  of  this  kind  in  DO  way  cmmeived  him,  b«  had 
ascended  to  the  snmmit  of  the  tower,  and  there  paiMd  te  and  fro.  watckiBg 
anxioaBty  aa  ninal  tlie  long  dim  viataof  the  rytey,  with  tbe  expedtoCtew  M 
sedng  Juan  de  la  Roca.  on  his  grey  male,  wendwtg  his  way  (owm^s  the 
Tower  of  the  Friars,  He  woald  have  bailed  with  joy  the  return  of  this 
yonng  ro^e  as  a  delirering  angel ;  bat  mch  a  length  «f  time  had  now 
elapsed  since  bis  disappesraaee  that,  in  Ronald's  breaal,  h«pe  be^n 
gTadaally  to  gire  way  to  despair;  and  wbm  he  remembered  Atiee,  hia 
boms,  and  his  forfeited  coDimiBsion,  his  brain  almeatrerted  with  madseaa. 
Shading  his  eyes  from  tbe  hot  glare  of  ^e  noon.day  mm,  be  was  tooking 
intently  down  tbe  long  misty  vale  which  efretched  away  to  tbe  westward, 
rten  he  was  nraaed  by  some  one  toucbiag  him  on  the  ahoolder. 

He  tnrned  abont,  and  beheld  the  round  and  good-hamonred  hoe  (rf 
I«zm^  Gomel,  ftinged,  as  of  «ld,  with  its  matted  whishera  and  Uiick  aerah 


'"  LmraOMtes,  »T*>'"My'>*l<<>"rof  Mni^l  hmr  Mrry  I  am  tone 
JWL  in  this  deril'a  den." 

**  ScBor,  Indeed  yon  bafe  nadi  nmea  ta  bs  *bi7  b«ppy,  if  yoa 
Jntmail." 

"  How,  Oomez  ?" 

"  Hash,  senor  I  SpokiolUf  t  yon  willhniMrall  iogoodtima.  icsme 
hMnr  n>  my  tfcc  toH  for  my  comrades,  who  at  taeiieic  keep  thuuielns 
tdofC  in  Eliiondo  for  fetr  at  ota  frimds  td  fl^  dMiaabtt  tower ;  ud 
there  tbey  mmt  imnia  nntil  I  return.  By  mr  Lh);  of  H^jorg*,  bH  I 
■n  glad  to  see  you,  temr  !  Ah  I  siy  naw  to  fBy  bratbeT  Pedro,  Sner 
Cktaliero,  alloff  me  to  haie  the  hemsr  of  ifaiking  hmda  with  yon  ?" 

Stoart  grai>ped  Ihe  huge  homy  hand  of  tba  hnneM  nudeteer  lad  tbocAiit 
iMBTtily,  feetioE  ■  WMittan  *o  chMely  ekiD  to  r*pt<ii«  aad  Jeligtit.  tiwt  be 
•onld  ■tmnet  hare  (had  tears.  It  wa«  kmg  noce  h«  had  lAahea  the  hsid 
Olma  boneetman,  or  looked  on  other  TJsagaa  than  those  of  dogged,  nlieB, 
—  '  — iwHnE  rattuw.  At  that  nwasK  SlMrt  fatt  happy ;  it  was  n» 
<te  to  tune  kind  iateroonne,  aieo  with  aa  hitnbte  a  fniBd,  aAar  the 
an  months  be  hod  pauad  in  4iB  dreary  abMte  of  bntality  and  criae. 

"  And  why,  I^niD,  do  yen  addcea*  yow  brother,  the  Baijei>t,  «• 
tomsRy  f" 

**  Ah,  wnor!  Psdro  is  a  pwot  mas  now  I  Ha  is  no  tasMr  >  hombte 
trooper,  to  pipe-clay  his  bells  and  hold  bis  captain's  bridle.  By  bis  aiKiFd 
fceheSBarredontoMr  BeneflirhuiHir.aBidafiBrfortnne  Shewise.-  He 
led  Itiree  aosaalts  againat  Fampelane,  like  a  wry  valiant  fool  as  he  ii,  and 
WM  thin  Inws  riwt  tiirongh  the  body  far  hii  tmble.  Dan  Carioe  de 
Bapana,  a  right  noble  caTaKer,  embnoed  hnn  behre  the  wfaote  lioe  of  the 
Spaniah  army,  and  appointed  him  a  aomet  in  Don  AiTaro't  ttoop  of 
tnoen.  The  Belt  akinniah  with  the  oneasy  made  kim  a  lieutaaant, 
knif ht  of  Santiago,  and  of  the  most  laliant  order  of  "  the  Band."  Don 
Ah<u«  has  also  proenied  bin  a  patent  of  nobility,  *htch  he  always  carries 
hi  Im  sash,  leat  my  ose  ebowld  unpteasawtly  rsaind  his  noblnaess  that  be 

"  t  eldest  son  of  aid  Saneho  Gomes,  tin  algwanl,  who  dwelt  by  the 
jeof  Merida." 

is  foed  fttrttmt." 

'  Dai  1  wm  net  u>ld  yon  all.  sanar,"  eontianed  IhsfosiipingDinkteer. 
**  A  rich  ysnns  widow  of  Aranjoei,  the  Coadeiia  de  Estramsni,  feUinloeo 
with  him,  nhen  one  day  he  asnmuded  a  gaard  at  the  palace  of  Madrid. 
An  old 'doenna  «aa  employed — letters  were  aaTiied.  to  and  Jro — meetings 
held  ia  eolitary  places;  aad  the  npcbot  w«i,  that  Ike  coodeiH  bestowed 
bar  fair  hand,  with  a  fbrtnne  of'-of — the  h^y  Virgia  faanwa  how  many 
thoosand  dacete.  npen  ny  nrastbury  rogtte  of  abnithar,  Lientenant  Don 
ftdn  Ghmtez.  of  ti>e  hmcns  of  M^da;  aad  now  they  liie  like  a  painas 

**  Happy  Pedro  I    The  oowdesia  is  bcsntiAil ;  I  bare  seen  her,  Laaaro." 

"Phimp  Ifaeaa,  the  cbaraber-maid  at  tlie />otiuti)  of  Msjonia,  is  more  to 

Bly  nind.     TaeTer  coald  reliih  yeuritatdy  dao&aa,  with  their  high  Donht 

and  long  traias.    This  oondesea  it  niece  of  tJiat  prince  of  rogiies,  (be  Owtca 

of  AlbadeP ,  who  w*a  killed  in  the  aernee  of  Baaoapkne;  batfedro 

mre*  not  for  tfaM." 

"  In  the  history  cf  hii  good  fartBBC,  ycm  sea  tbe  adraatage  af  being  a 
■sMier,  LaiaTD.'  t  '    - 

"  With  all  dae  reapeot  to  yonr  honoarable  onijbBn,  which  I  anavryto 
'   "       '  r,  I  can  ptredre  no  adiantage  in  heiiig  a  aoMier — uoaa 

ewT^  rnitro  iwt  the  vatae  of  a  Bwraredi.    He  haa 
'  ' '   I,  in  tha  war  of  indapaadaaca,  lika  aa^ 


bridveof  ft 


"  So  lum  I,  I^ino,"  nid  Stosit ;  "  uid  theie  ngi,  ind  confinenctlt 
here  for  five  monttu,  h»e  beea  my  reward." 

The  mnlstaer  ia>pped  hi*  fingers,  then  give  ■  Tsry  Inowioi  wink,  and 
«U  about  to  whispsr  (Ometbrng;  but,  obeening  One  of  the  bandiCti 
watting,  lie  continaeil  tallunf  abinit  hii  brother. 

"  Aj,  like  my  poor  eUve,  lenor  i  and  hu  more  ehot-holea  in  hU  ikin 
than  I  have  bell-baUoni  on  my  jacket.  And  now,  when  the  war  ia  orv, 
he  hu  still  a  troabletome  game  to  play  in  strivios  to  pLeue  hU  bot-headsd 
commandioj-DCBcer  end  ledy  wife,  whom  it  would  i>B  comidered  a  mortd 
^  to  baste  with  a  bufT  >tnp,  as  I  may  da  Ignesa  when  she  becomes  mr 
hslpmate  and  better  hair.  Pedro'i  honoars  weigh  heavily  upon  him,  anil 
he  has  many  folka  to  please  ;  whereaa  1  haTs  none  Mbamonr  uie  myedT, 
and  pirtiajjs  that  stubborn  jade  CapUaaa,  my  leading  mule,  or  Ignesa  af 
Majarn,  who  gets  rcsdie,  too,  lometimei,  and  refuses  to  obey  either  Bpnr 
or  bridle.  But  my  long  whip,  and  a  smart  rap  from  my  encdo,  soMfae 
the  mule, — and  my  sweet  guitar  and  merry  madrigal,  the  maiden.  I  am* 
tbonssnd  times  happier  than  Pedro  1  1  neier  coald  eodare  dtber  domestic 
or  military  control ;  and  would  rather  be  Iiaiaro  Gomel,  with  his  wUy 
Bnd  hii  mulw,  tiian  the  stately  king  of  the  Spanish  nation.     I  haie  tttf 


and  dance  wich,~and   what  would   mortal  E 

He  coDclnded  by  throwing  himself  into  an  attitude,  and  flourishing  hia 
■ombrero  rauid  hu  head  with  a  theatrical  air.  Ronald  smiled :  bat  ha 
tiunght  that,  notwithstanding  all  this  display,  and  I^iaro'a  frcqnent  aaser- 
tions  that  he  na«  bap)ner  than  Pedro,  a  UtUa  envy  oontinoed  to  lurk  in  ■ 
corner  of  his  merry  and  honest  heart. 

"  But  has  Pedro  nererdone  aught  for  yon,  Laiaro,  in  sJi  bit  good  for- 
tune ! "  asked  Ronald. 

"  Oh,  senor !  his  lady  wife,  disliking  that  her  hrother-in-lair  aboold  b« 
treading  a-foot  orer  sieira  and  plain  at  a  male's  tall,  gave  me  the  post  of 
Btemano  dil  Nvmero  at  Truiitlo,  which  I  kept  for  somewhere  abont 
eight  weeks.  But  I  always  grew  sad  when  I  beard  the  merry  jangle  of 
mules*  bells  {  and  one  morning,  Dnable  to  restrain  myself  longer,  I  tossed 
my  Escriiano's  cape  and  rod  to  Salanet,  seized  my  whip  and  sombrero, 
and  ones  more  took  to  the  road  as  a  merry-hearted  mnleteer  of  Merida, 
■nd  neither  Pedro  nor  the  eondessa  bare  been  able  to  oat^  me  unco." 

"  I  am  happy  to  find  you  are  such  a  philosopher,"  ««id  BonaU,  witk  » 
ngh,  which  was  not  unuotioed  by  the  muleteer. 

"I  could  say  that,  Stnitr  Caballtro,  which  would  make  yon  far  hap* 
pier,"  said  he,  with  a  glance  of  deep  meaning.  "Bat,"  be  added,  ptHnting 
to  the  armed  bandit,  who  kept  a  look-out  on  tha  bactiian  near  thitm, 
"  but  there  are  unfriendly  ears  near  us." 

"Speak  fearlesity,  Lazsro',"  sud  Ronald,  eagerly,  while  hia  heart 
bounded  with  eipectalioa.  "  I  know  that  rascal  to  be  a  Gnipnscoan,  who 
nndeistands  aa  little  oF  pure  Castilian  as  of  Greek.  In  Heaven's  nama, 
I^zaro,  what  haie  yon  to  tall  me?     I  Implore  you  to  speak  !" 

"  Benor,"  said  the  muleteer,  lowering  hia  voice  to  a  wliisper,  "ynu  hara 
thrice  asked  me  about  DoQ  Alrsro,  and  1  have  tbrioe  delayed  to  tell  yon 
what  1  know :  good  news  should  be  divulged  cautioosly.  Well,  tenor,  the 
famous  caialier  of  Estremadura  has  encamped  three  hundred  horse  and 
Clot  among  tbe  mountains  near  Eliiondo.  Ha  comes  armed  with  a  com- 
mission from  the  king,  and  hia  minister  Don  Di^a  de  Avallo,  to  root  out 
tteriv  destroy  this  nest  of  wasps,  or  eitnliptdana.    The  pUce  is  to 


TBI   AOHAItCE   OW  WAS.  ISl 

.f  BBBd  not  »k  joa  to  do  to.  I  am  to  be  Don  Alraro'i  guide,  u  I  know 
ererr  foot  of  ground  bereaboat  as  well  u  1  do  at  Merida,  haring  paid  toll 
luce  twenty  tJme*.  BnC  tbla  will  be m;  lut  Tisitof  the  kind;  and  I  eune 
hitbeionlT  to  reconnoitre  uid  lesm  their  pass-word,  in  case  it  ahoald  be 
oeeded.  Keep  a  brare  Bpirit  in  yonr  breaat  for  a  few  houra  longer,  aenor, 
Uld  perhaps,  whea  tht  morning  ann  shinea  down  the  long  valley  jonder, 
AbHK^Di  and  hia  comrades  will  be  hanging  round  the  battlement,  like 
bead*  on  a  cbaplet.  I  pray  to  tbe  Santa  Oadea  of  Bnrgos  that  the  night 
.be  dark,  that  we  may  tfao  moreeuily  take  tbe  rogneg  b;  earpriie." 

Ronald'*  aatoniiluDeDt  and  joy  at  the  andden  proepect  of  liberation  re- 
laiJed  to  him  by  Luaro  Oomet,  depriTed  bim  of  the  power  of  nttenmce 
for  ■  time.  Ha  waa  aboM  to  display  some  eitreTagant  signs  of  pleHnre, 
and  to  embrace  the  mnleteer,  when  ,tbe  keen  cold  glaoceof  the  Guipascoao 
bandit,  who  waa  watching  them  nsTrowly,  recalled  him  to  b  sense  of  bis 
danger.  He  almost  doabted  the  reality  of  the  atory,  and  narrowly  eia. 
Dnoed  tbe  broad  countenanee  of  the  burly  muleteer;  but  truth  and  honesty 
were  Btamped  on  ererr  line  of  it.  The  horiion  of  Ronald's  fortnne  waa 
■boat  to  clear  op  again.  He  felt  giddy  —  almost  stnnned  with  tbe 
_jj g  ^f  (j,^  intelligence,  and  h6  heart  bounded  with  tbe  wildest 

aanda  of  ii 

Torre  de  los  Fraylea. 

Wban  Luam  deputed,  Stnart  gave  him  tbe  only  token  he  eonid  send 
to  Don  Alraro, — ■  button  of  bii  coat,  bearing  a  thisUa  and  tbe  nnmber 
"  93."  He  deiired  Um  to  acqnafait  the  oaralier  that  it  woald  be  requisite 
to  provide  plank*  to  oroai  the  ehasm  before  the  tower,  otherwite  the  Iroops 
would  fail  to  take  Its  inmatei  by  surprise. 

This  advice  waa  the  meuu  of  saviiv  Stnart'i  life  at  a  very  critical 
jODCtare. 


CHAPTEB    XVin. 


As  nearly  as  Ronald  eonid  Jndge  by  the  position  of  ttie  ran, — being 
withont  a  watcb, — it  was  about  the  hour  of  three  in  the  aftemoon  when 
Ijazaro  departed. 

Itwas  yet  nine  houra  lo  midniglit,  and  althongh  that  time  seemed  an  age 
to  look  forward  to,  yet  io  fiill  waa  bis  mind  at 30J,  and  crowding  thoughts 
of  gUdneas,  hopes,  and  fears,  that  evening  snrpriwd  him  long  before  be 
inagined  it  to  be  nenr  t  and  be  had  mach  ado  in  preserring  his  nansJ  cold 
and  aerene  look,  and  concealing  the  tnmnlt  of  new  ideas  which  eidtedhim 
from  tbe  inaolnt  bi«Toes,  irtra  were  caotlnnally  swaggering  about,  and, 
•ooording  to  thairnnud  wont,  joMUi^  him  radely  at  every  comer  and  place 
where  he  enooantered  them.  To  remonstrate  wonid  have  been  folly,  and 
to  Uiese  petty  annoyances  be  ^ways  sobmitted  quietly. 

On  this  last  eventfil  erening  ha  lubmitted  to  the  penance  of  dining  st 
fte  same  table  with  Ae  banditti,  and  even  condeecended  to  **  trouble"  bia 
Mend  the  padre  for  a  piece  of  broiled  kid ;  bnt,  as  soon  as  the  repast  waa 
■nded,  he  withdrew  to  the  tower.head.  He  preferred  to  be  alone,  almoat 
dreading  that  his  important  aecret  might  be  read  by  Aloeegni,  Cifnentes, 
or  any  other  who  bent  lua  acowlinif  and  ladc-instre  eyea  upon  him. 

At  times,  too,  there  came  into  hia  mind  a  donbt  of  the  truth  of  Lazaro's 
(tory ;  bnt  that  idea  waa  too  slckemng  to  bear,  and  he  dismiaaed  it  bnme- 


Taponr,  altlKiacb  hii  U|, ^      ..     .. 

The  B^paaranoe  of  tbc  ikf  tad  aipact  of  tlw  waiiMT  wera  woadsfal 
■nd  iloiiiMi.  The  wbola  landaapa  wt*  omarad  with  ■  led  bne.  >■  if  it 
had  dmh  dclnced  by  ■  red  •bower.  The  aomtoiB  MreamUt  woowd 
throDch  ths  nUar  of  the  Tom  da  los  Fteyla*,  like  k  lone  gilded  sdiIm. 
towirdi  tkabueofkdarkmoantMD,  wbeieappewedpart  oftheBidawM, 
glsaminf  owkr  the  werm  tltj  like  >  riTer  of  hqud  Bn.  Beenlifbl  ■■  the 
soene  WW,  Ronald  wenol  too  naoh  oocDpiad  widk  hit  own  tlxrag. 
tbo«ght)ta  adaiireit,  or  to  inrvef  any  |iartwillioariaiitf,NTe  that  whk^ 
br  gredaallj  wniiaing  a  sdom  Mwabm  hoe,  imianaean  the  approach  of 
night.  It  wa»  not  eaay  tor  bin  to  objerra  a  liariirafa  withan  aitiat'a  nyei 
while  planed  ia  like  pradieamant  in  wbioh  ha  then  toaad  liiBBeU. 

He  raneiaberad,  with  paooUar  hittemeaa,  the  oonatlMt  moitiStiiiaia 
and  innlta  which  ha  had  nemmi  from  Aia««nil,  the  padre,  aai  wai^ 
othera,  ud  he  ooatemplatod  with  ghMnr  plaatnre  tha  diq^Iar  which  tbaM 
nuftar-rofaea  waaU  Bake  wbta  raceiviiic,  by  Aa  ooed  w  the  boUat,  tliie 
joat  reward  of  aU  their  eneriBitiM.  -HenaMmheiaiwithpleaiaratkaCha 
bad  lUTM  hNken  tto  parole  of  honour  ha  had  phdftdtathaaeBaiBai 

idf  be  had  '  '    '        .■"■.-■- 

diaaipatad  eonrie-irf 
hid  preiealad  itielf. 

"  I  aspect  a  (ttmn  to.4ii^,  mar,"  laid  Gatpar,  fataaktac  >b 

The  other  twore  a 
Sttphan      ■  .  , 

mi^  oar  priia  of  a  rich  hid^go  of  Alava,  who,  with  an  escort  of  twentr 
armed  aiea,  would  haTa  departed  to-oight  fnun  a  poisda  a  few  miln  fWim 
thia,  and  meant  to  biTonac  at  a  place  on  the  hlU-dde,  of  which  the  inn- 
keeper, who  it  aa  old  friend  of  mine,  eent  oi  all  doe  notice.  Look  yon; 
homWi !  the  ali ;  grow*  dvlt  almoit  while  we  look  apon  it,  and  the  dooda, 
inmutea  of  lilack  and  red,  deaecnd  on  eTary  aide,  like  gloom;  cnrtaina,  to 
ahnt  o«t  tbe  tan  from  oar  Ti*w,  and  Oe  wind,  wUch  hlowa  againat  our 
facet,  aaama  like  the  xar;  hraath  of  heUl  Pooh  I  thialaiaataiiohaai^t 
ai  one  might  expect  to  aee  oar  Ter;  good  friend  the  devil  dbcoad." 

"Ueii  BO  (rwod  of  miae.  Seoor  Ahwcidi.aUbeagkbanarbekiW'- 
liciilar  owe  of  rotus,"  i*id  Ramldwitha  tmila. 

"  Bt  tlM  hotr  booM  of  NatoEathr'awore  tha  bandit,  "yonmayoaaaB 
to  a  cloaa  acqaaintanoa  with  Itim  after  jpoa  hMO  iaciad  Sat  a  timo,  aa  I 
eipect  you  ahall,  in  our  honanr^ile  oemgwnT." 

'•  Wdl ;  bat  whatof  tbe  atmvi  ?"  aaked  K 

Ife  and  m    

_  proipect  ( 
to.niaht?" 

" The** law mia-drapiitowtallii%«M large aMdmnnd;  faMk,  how  ifaey 

aplash  on  the  baltiemnati    The  Taller,  tba  d  "     ' '^-    ' — 

and  erarrtbiBg  hear  adaro  aaAon  tint,  p(~^'~'~ 

Aj.    SamlM.'  we  ahall  have  a  atom  ir 

]auin«aloag  the-iBllar«to.aiabt,  which  will  naaaa  the  nlddr^ag  moak» 
at  Mbt*  to  grow  pale  aa  the;  loi^  npoa  eaeh  Mher'a  fat  faeea,  and  wIuIb 
the;  mamble  Uuar  ODM,  cooot  their  baadi,  and  hrtng  forth  tbe  amroel  of 
tbe  tnie  croaa  to  acare  awaj  Satmmu  and  bia  impa  ol  e*iL  Br  tha  bpo, 
ep«kbg  of  Mara  reminda  me  of  yoor  caae,  eenor.    K  train  of  mmIm. 


tlmr  return  honiniu'il  finin  fiBTODne  to  Mbt*,  Inun  with  the  Ten  beet  of 
ill  the  sood  thiDgi  thii  world  afiorda,  f or  tlie  nse  of  the  piou  and  abitoiniDs 
ftthen  of  the  coment  of  Ssint  Francii.  Fortf  BSD,  oomnMBded  by  N*r< 
nez  Cifaentei,  will  eet  oat  to-morrow  to  meet  our  tnendi  in  the  Pua  of 
Maya,  and  a.  ijurp  engagement  will  iirobiUj  take  pUec.  A  prieat  ii  with 
Aent ;  o&  hii  ihooUer  be  bean  the  banoet  of  Saint  Praaei*  of  Asriasi, 
bnt  if  tJwy  imanse  that  we  hidaliai  at  ftirbuM  will  napaet  it,  the  holf 
falheia  ar«  woniUf  miitakcn.  3&  iBulai  an  eacorted  b?  a  party  of 
armed  peaianti,  commanded  bj  aa  old  acqnaiatance  of  Oorcona,  Die 
pailre  Forks,  who  ia  u  brave  ai  the  Cid,  and  bM  aerred  «itli)ioao«r  ia 
the  Kuerilla  bands  dame  the  wir  of  iDdependakce.  Tbe  aaaleteen  are  all 
Btovt  fellowi,  too,  and  being  well  armed  wiik  e^aiot,  Iratmctu,  and  Iihis 
Imivea,  will  likely  abow  ggbt,— aed.  tnly,  Narraai  will  aee  BOme  iharp 
work.     Now,  hark  yon.  senor ;  if  yon  are  wiilinK  to  join  him  a—*  "-" 


braie  companioni,  yon  wilt  haye  an  oppoitqaity  of  making  yoar  first  eiiay 
ai  a  cBTslier  of  fortaae  nader  a  very  diatinEni^ked  commauder.  Do  this, 
aanor,  aad  yom  will  lire  amon  as  hooonnd  and  rcapeoM,  ai  la  eqnal.  a 
friend,  and  a  loan  comrade.  Ifyon  fall  in  conflict,  all  i*  M  m  end  j  bat 
if  taken  by  the  antboritieE,  to  Buffer  mar^rdmi  by  ttta  law  on  tbe  gallows, 
the  gamtt,  or  the  whcd,  then  yon  wiU  hare  tha  ■lory  ^  ^Ting  amid  • 
Tilt  multitode,  upon  whoee  tympatby  tbe  fiune  of  your  exists  will  draw 
laiidy.  Yon  lik«  not  my  propoiitiBB  ?  Wed,  lawr  eaiaUtn,  I  bwe  to 
aeqaalot  yoa  that  1  shidl  not  be  able  to  resist  tha  fierea  importaniCieB  of 
Narraei  Cifluntes,andtbon  whoarefaUpaitiealaTfriMula.  Tbekponiard* 
are  ready  to  leap  from  their  scabbards  agMDst  yon  bow, — now  that  ill 
dtaaea  of  yonr  being  rawomed  bu  faded.  I  bare  «  aort  of  friendsbip  for 
yoa,  senor,  becaase,  instead  of  supptieating  for  bfe,  yon  bsT»ra&er  ieemed 
to  defy  ftsrkasly  tbe  terrors  of  death;  tbe  whieb  MabfaonteM  of  iodI,  if  it 
wins  not  the  pity,  certainly  ecdtn  the  adwretaan  of  tha  jorial  fiearet, 
my  comndca.  Yoa  are  a  fine  fellow  alar  tha  ehaai-board  or  wme-enp, 
a>id  yoar  bearing  wonld  ba  mmidiite  if  yoa  wonU  follow  tbe  example  of 
Cifoentei,  and  awaar  and  swaner  a  little'at  timea.  Bat  ya«  will  aokaow- 
ledge  tiist  the  flowing  ease  of  action  and  cxpmeion  whioh  distingniahes 
that  aoeomfliabed  earaller,  araAffio^efiaiitatioa." 

"I  nwst  eairfees  Aey  etc,  Scaartiupar,"  nplied  Kooald,  who  coild 
Bcaredy  help  smilii^M  the  other's  maoHer,  which  badia  It  sMrange  mix- 
tnre  of  lupwlenee,  and  part  aoioBa,  part  banter.  "  Bat  I  kan  reiUy  no 
deain  to  become  thepapQof  year&iind." 

"  Aa  yoa  plena,  aan^  flMS:  as  yaa  please,"  refdicd  AlasegBi,  ipeakiog 
slowly  aa  he  pnflad  si  bis  mgat ;  Ibr,  Kke  a  true  SpawaFd.  be  smoked 
fnim  the  tin>e  he  opened  his  eyes  is  the  BtMning  tiU  be  dosed  them  again 

at  night.    "  I  once  aaw  yon  perform  the  bandit  tr  " "''  '"  "'"" 

Pallida  de  lai  JiepmnUes  at  Aranioei,  wbm  tha  Bi 

Oltnu,  and  some  of  Lope  de  Vhs'i  piece*,  for  tha  ai    .    ... 

Beliea  and  the  ladies  of  the  city.  Von  area  BBpabimiMlar,  and,  anderthe 

tuition  of  Narraea,  woold,  1  doabtnot,  folfl  myntoioatezpeetaliODS." 

"ThedenltakaNarraol"  mattered  RonaU,  who  waagMtlng  impatient 
of  Gaapar's  style  of  speadi. 

"  AU  in  good  time,^  laid  tte  other  qnietiy.  "  Tob  haye  been  enemies 
oToM,  Ibelieee)  lomeaftircf  rivalry,  in  whishCihenta  was  aoeceasftil. 
1  nnderttstid  perfectly ;  bat  in  onr  oomntmity  awMMg  -tha  Pyeeneea  here, 
we  have  no  mat  petty  fniines  of  dielike.  Howerar,  senor,"  oontiooed  tha 
robber,  suddenly  changing  Ub  Batiriail  toot  tot  a  stem  and  boUyioE  one  ; 
' '  howerer,  I  wo«ld  baveyoa  to  think  well  of  sU  I  baFS  said,  u  I  ah«ild  be 
sorry  to  see  yooi  bones  east  into  ^a  vast  Aepth  at  lbs  chasm,  to  iwell  Ute 


He  floariabed  ttis  paper  cigar  which  he  held  betveen  lira  fin|;erg>  and 
withdrew,  nodding  ai^nitirantry  M  hia  tsti  and  bulky  li^re  descended  the 
narrow  staircaae  leading  down  from  the  paved  roof  of  the  tower. 

Sonald,  who  vaa  glad  of  hia  strange  friend'a  drpartore,  turned  aigai*  to 
watch  tha  long  vieta  of  the  Talley,  which  waa  now  invobed  in  dailmcsa.  He 
would  probably  have  remained  there  till  midnight,  bnt  he  waa  aoan  com- 
pelled to  follow  Atoaegai,  aa  the  storm,  which  bad  long  been  threaleDiDg, 

-    -  * '  '"   Blliurary. 

c  became  dent 

BT,  till  it  aaatitc . ,__.._   ._    ..  _   

and  an  ocean  of  rain  deacended  on  the  earth  with  anch  violence,  that  it 
a  wonder  the  little  tower  was  not  levelled  beneath  it  like  a  house  of  cards. 
The  thunder.peali  were  grand  and  snblime:  londer  and  loader  than  a 
thousand  brDsdaideg,  tbey  roared  aa  if  heavea  and  earth  were  comins 
together. 

The  banditti  grew  pale  ai  tbef  nawed  each  other's  grim  i^gea  in  the 
bine  glare  of  the  lightauig.  They  grew  pale  aa  death,  and  their  "felon 
aonla  quaked  within  them,  for  tlieie  is  a  terrible  something  in  the  soimd 
of  lliander,  which  appala  most  men.  It  seems  like  God's  own  voice  speak- 
ing in  the  ftrmament. 

But  Alotegul  called  for  lighti  and  for  liquor,  and  pig -skins  and  jan  were 
speedily  set  abroach ;  the  faalf-ruined  hall  waa  aoon  illuminated  bv  candles 
of  all  aorta  and  aizea,  which  streamed  and  gnttered,nntrimmed  and  un- 
heeded, in  the  currents  of  air  that  paaaed  freely  throngb  the  place,  slthongli 
the  crazy  windows  were  covered  np  with  boarda,  and  atoffed  with  cloakai 
bags  of  Btraw,  &c.  to  keef  out  the  wind  and  rain. 

Auenibled  in  the  dilapidated  ball.  If  it  deserved  such  a  name,  the  baD- 
ditti  withdrew  their  guards  and  scouts,  and  forgot  the  storm  without  amid 
the  laughter  and  brutal  npioar  of  their  caronsal.  Wine  and  the  strong 
heady  agvadienli — a  liquor  not  nnlike  Scottiah  whiaky, — were  flowing  like 
water,  and  the  noise  within  the  Torre  de  loa  Frayles  almost  equalled  the 
uproar  of  the  elements  withoat. 

Ronald's  spirits  fell,  and  he  frtw  sad  ;  he  expected  that  there  woald  ba 
DO  attack  that  night,  and  he  pitied  the  unfortunate  aoldiera  who  were  ex- 

Cosed  on  a  night-march  to  anch  a  atorm.  From  old  eipeiience  he  well 
new  the  misery  of  anch  a  duty.  He  withdrew  from  the  scene  of  bandit 
merricaent,  and  seekiog  a  aolitary  place,  watched  the  elemental  war  with- 
out, and  gazed  wiUi  mingW  awe  and  pleamre  on  the  bright  streaks  of 
forked  lightning  aa  they  darted  through  the  sky,  lighting  np  the  shattered 
cliffs,  the  mountain  taps,  the  deep  valley,  and  the  swollen  nver, — display- 
ing them  vividly,  tinging  them  all  over  with  a  pale  Bulphnroos  blue,  and 
cauaing  the  whole  scene  to  assume  a  wild  and  ghastly  appearance.  Agajn 
the  thunder  roared,  then  diedaway,  and  nought  conld  be  heard  but  the  howl- 
ing wind,  and  the  rain  msbing  fiercely  down  from  the  parted  clouds. 

After  continuing  for  about  two  hours,  the  storm  at  last  began  to  abate, 
and  Stuart's  hopes  of  freedom  revived.  Jc  yet  wanted  some  taoais  of  mid- 
night, but  he  greatly  feared  that  the  fury  of  such  a  tempest  would  scatter 
Dan  Aliaro's  uommaad  of  harse  and  foot,  drench  them  to  the  akin,  and 
destroy  their  arms  and  ammunition.  Yet  he  atill  coatinued  at  the  loop. 
hole,  watching  the  dtaperaian  of  the  cloada,  the  appearance  of  the  stars, 
and  the  increasing  light  of  the  moon  as  the  aaccesaive  ihrooda  of  gauie-like 
vapour  withdrew  from  her  shining  face- 
While  thus  engaged,  ha  woa  aronied  by  the  sound  of  some  one  standinr 
behind  him.    He  turned  sharplf  toond,  and  beheld  Cifueotes,  flashed  with 


Ilia  potstione,  and  ripe  for  branl  and  nproir,  reeling  aljODt  with  s  bom  of 
liquor  io  one  hind  ind  a  dnwn  stiletto  in  the  other.  In  his  drunlien  inio. 
lence  be  dashed  the  cap,  which  wa*  full  of  tbe  rich  wine  of  Ciadad  Besl,  in 
Itooald's  hce.  and  he  was  for  a  moment  almoat  blinded  by  the  liquor. 
Full  of  fury  at  the  insult,  he  ruahed  upon  the  robber,  and  grarnin^  bim 
hj  bia  strong  aod  bull-like  neck,  tripped  ap  bii  beela  aod  hurled  him  to 
the  flooc  in  ■  twinkling.     Hedaibedllie  head  of  the  aggresior  twice  an  the 


J. , wreiting  the  poniard  from  bis  fEraap,  wi 

inevitiibly  haTe  slain  him  with  it,  bad  he  oot  been  preiented  by  tbe  inter- 
ference of  tbe  ei-deunl  padie  Grorgorz*  and  others.  He  was  gnsped  (ram 
behind  and  drawn  awa^  from  bie  antagonist,  who  had  lery  little  breath 
teft  in  his  body  after  aueh  a  knock. down.  Drawn  daggers  were  gleaming 
on  eiery  side  ;  but  the  ruffians  stood  so  moeh  in  awe  of  Alosegni  s  formi. 
dable  Btrength  and  Tengeance,  that  they  longed  yet  feared  to  strike  Stoart 
with  tbeir  weapons.  In  the  grasp  of  so  maoy,  his  arms  were  pinioned 
Tiat,  so  that  bia  rage  eonld  only  be  indicated  by  the  beavinj;  of  hia  breast, 
by  the  fire  which  glared  in  tun  eyes,  and  by  the  swollen  veins  of  his  fore- 

A  short  panse  ensued,  until  Narvaez  staggered  ap  from  tbe  floor,  com- 
pletely sobered,  but  at  the  aame  time  completely  infuriated  by  the  assault 
which  be  bad  auatained.  He  at  lirat  howled  like  a  wild  beast,  and  sprang 
upon  bia  belpleaa  priaoner  with  tbe  intention  of  poniardiug  him  on  the 
tpot ;  but  suddenly  changing  his  mind,  he  laughed  wildly,  and  awore  and 
muttered  while  pointing  to  a  rope  which,  unhappily,  waa  at  that  time 
dangling  from  the  atone  mulHon  of  a  window,  about  tweWe  feet  from  the 
floor,  and  be  proposed  bo  bang  Stoait  here.  The  idea  was  greeted  with  K 
perfect  storm  of  yrlls  and  applauae. 

A  cold  perspiration  bnrst  oier  the  form  of  tbe  eaplife,  and  he  struggled 
with  a  Btrength  and  determination  of  which  hitherto  he  had  believed  him- 
self incapable  ;  but  his  elTorts  were  as  those  of  a  child,  in  the  handa  of  so 
many.  He  had  to  contend  with  forty  deiils  incarnate,  well  armed,  and 
flushed  with  rage  and  wine. 

How  eagerly  »t  that  moment  Stuart  longed  for  the  appearance  of  Alraro, 
■nd  how  deeply  he  deplored  bis  having  given  loose  to  passion,  when,  by 
restraining  it,  another  hour  had  perhaps  seen  him  free  !  But  he  longed  in 
<rain,  far  Alvaro  came  not,  and  his  regrets  were  froitleia.  He  was  to  die 
DOW,  and  by  the  ignominious  cord  1 

As  they  dragged  him  acroas  the  apartment,  he  called  frenticsUy  on 
Alosegui;  bnt  that  worthy  lay  on  tbe  floor  in  a  comer  insensible. — or  per* 
baps,  pretending  to  be  ao,— from  the  quantity  of  liquor  he  had  imbibed. 
In  tbia  dreadful  extremity,  when  hovering  on  tbe  very  verge  of  death, 
Ronald  condescended  to  remind  Cifuentes  that  he  saved  bia  life  at  Me- 
rida,  when  Don  Alvaro  waa  abont  to  bang  him  like  a  cor,  in  the  chap- 
ter-house of  a  convent  there. 

But  Narvaei  only  grinned,  aa,  with  the  assiatanee  of  bia  great  row  of 
teeth,  he  knotted  a  loop  on  the  cord,  and  said  that  it  wus  by  the  rope,  the 
bnllet,  or  Uie  dagger,  l^  always  paid  his  debts,  and  that  be  had  permitted 
Stuart  to  live  toolong  to  satisfy  his  scruples  as  an  bononrablE  Spaniard. 

"  Up  with  him,  amigot  miai !"  cried  be,  flonriehing  the  batefnl  noose. 
"  Ccmwo  /  pull,  and  with  a  strong  hand  1  " 

At  tliat  moment  Ronald  ottered  a  cry  of  triumphant  joy;  Narvaet 
dropped  the  cord,  and  the  banditti  started  back,  eonering  with  alarm.  The 
-  "  "the  doorway  of  the  apartment  were  filled  with  soldiers,  the  sight 


166 

die  tan  CKTiUer  with  the  >ttel  bdmet,  conlet,  uid  caridij  aaiforin,  Rendd 
ncoraiied  bis  old  friend  Alf  htd  de  Villa  Frutea. 

"Doge  iBd  Tilluna!"  he  exclaimed,  "mmaderl  But  expect  no 
merer  '•  for  1  svear  to  jam,  bj  the  bend  of  the  king,  that  je  diall  aJl  die. 
and  before  aaother  day  dawm, — aj,  eiery  man  of  you  ! " 

By  tbii  time  tbe  hall  wai  crowded  by  itboat  fifty  infantiy,  while  a  iram- 
ber  of  diamounled  diagoeoa,  aimed  widi  tbeir  swordi  and  carblnei, 
oecupied  the  stair  vid  adjacent  passaeei.     The  cowaida  wboee  dea  had 

been  >o  loddenlj  snrprised,  faigetting  f '' -■'■  —■-■-■-  ■■-  — 

"were  Ht  well  vqaipped,  fell  npoo  their 
TBex.  They  cried  for  mercy  in  the  ti 
taroad  a  d™f  ear  to  their  entreatiei,  as  ._      

"  Senor  Don  Ronald!  "  laid  be-,  embracing  Stnart,  "  onr  Ladyhai  been 
nognlarly  fevoarable  to  ua  to-night.  We  toiled  our  way  orer  these  rocky 
moantaint,  uotiiithstaoding  the  storm,  end  have  truly  arrived  at  a  most 
critical  moment.  Our  friends  of  the  Friars',  or  rather  the  Thiewu'  Towtr, 
absll  find  that  I  hare  oat  made  a  fmilless  journey  from  Madrid.  Bntfirtt 
allow  me  to  introduce  an  old  friend,  Don  Fedro  Gomez." 

A  uDmhci  of  ceremonioaa  Caatilian  bows  were  eicfaanted,  after  which 
the  cBialier  eontiuued," 

"  Immediately  on  rectitiDg  your  letter,  and  obtaining  all  the  informa- 
tion  requiiite  about  this  den  of  (bedevil,  I  ordered  the  bearer,  Joan — Jnao 
— I  forget  bis  name,  to  be  banged ;  aad,  waiting  on  Diego  de  Arallo,  onr 
secretary  for  home  affucs,  1  procured  a  commission  under  the  great  aeal 
to  nroceed  aa  I  choae  in  the  duty  of  rooting  oat  this  nest  of  ruffians,  who 
g  been  the  terror  of  the  coantry  hereabout ;  aud  by  the  sacred 


ahrine  of^e  Virgin  del  Ftlsrt  I  will  avenge  your  captinty  and  tl 
troopera,  ^n  Fedrs." 


Guard  well  ths  BtaiTcase  and  doorwa;  with  ot 

ly  acquire) 


The  ei'devant  segeant  was  garbed  and  eonipped  like  AItwo.  and  had 
eridently  acquired  very  much  the  air  of  a  well-bred  cavalier. 

Eicepting  Aloaegui,  who  stared  shout  him  with  an  air  of  drenken  ata- 
pidily,  the  robbers  were  completely  sobered,  and  remained  on  &eir  knees, 
crying  tor  mercy^ — mercy  in  the  name  of  the  Holy  Virein,  of  her  Son,  of 
the  saints,  aod  ia  the  name  of  Heaven  ;  but  ttern  IooIib  and  charKcd 
bayonets  were  the  only,  and  certainly  fitting  reply,  and  one  by  one  tbey 
were  stripped  of  their  poniards  and  pistols,  which  were  broken  and  de- 
stroyed by  the  soldiers.  Nanaez  alone  icorned  to  kneel,  but  he  stood 
acowling  aroand  him  with  a  dogged,  sullen,  and  pale  Tisage,  while  hia 
knees  qnsked  and  trembled  TiolenUy. 

"Alraro,"  said  Stuut,  "look  upon  this  iulky  nffian,  who  is  too  proud, 
or  perhaps  too  frightened,  to  kneel." 

"  Cifuentes  of  Albuquerque!''  cried  the  stern  cavalier,  m  a  tone  alinost 
risicg  into  a  shriek.  "  Dins  mio  .'  the  destroyer  of  Catahoa,  of  my  poor 
sister  I  Ah|  master-fiend  1  moat  daring  of  villains  '.  Heaven  has  at  last 
delivered  you  to  me,  that  you  may  receive  tbe  reward  of  your  long  life  of 
crime.  At  last  you  shall  die  by  my  hand  I"  He  waa  about  to  ran  hian 
throoKh  the  heart,  but  checked  tbe  balf-given  thnwt 

"Nol"  becontiooed,  "you  shall  nsf  die  thos.  To  fall  by  my  aword 
is  a  death  fit  for  a  hidalgo  or  (svaliBr.  Thou  sbalt  pass  otherwiao  fixini 
this  earth  to  hell,  and  die  like  a  dog  aa  thou  art '." 

Taking  his  heavy  Toledo  sabre  by  the  blade,  he  aimed  a  blow  at  Narvaes, 
which  demolished  his  lower  jaw,  and  laid  him  on  tbe  fioor.  Upon  Dm 
robher  ho  placed  the  heel  of  his  heavy  jadl-boot, 
'"""'"'"■"''""      "'  ■"on or remone,  tba 

itage,  and  bmm  hm 


"  Ai  loDgdi  Cata)in>  ■■  iTcund  1"  exclaimed  (he  citalier,  tamiDt  with 
fierca  onlladon  to  Stuart,  who  had  wltneHed  without  TOcreC  or  ioter- 
fercBoe  the  retribatUm  wMeh  bad  lo  luddinJT  hurled  the  once-formidaUB 
Narraei  lo  the  dudet. 

Tbe  htt  at  Ua  baodiOi  wn«  renewed  on  beliolding  thii  terrible  m 

.  .       v^ 

_- ._e  giller*,  or  anyirbera,— bat,  oh  I   to  ^lare  thetr 

-wretched  Ktcs,  and  tbej  woiud  o&nd  (gunit  God  and  man  no  more. 
Tlw  Btcm  cavalier  liatened  u  If  he  beard  tiiem  not.  He  ordered  them  to  be 
yimened ;  and  Laiaro  Cioaui  appearing  with  ■  hnge  bwndle  of  the  cordi 
with  which  be  boand  bit  mnlM  packages,  tied  the  iadrontt  in  pain, 
hiadim  <i"m  bard  and  tM  bwk  to  back, 

HeanwhilewMnaof  tlieMkUeniiw«i«rinckinEtbeto««r  "  fran  toircrt 
to  (boodaliaa-Bbme,"  eiMMing  to  find  iraultg  *nd  Itroar  mams  {riled  wllb 
*nat  heaps  of  treasare.    Bnt  the  lotdadoi  were  wofaQr  diuppointed  ;  not 

•  cniaa  or  coin  fMlinto  their  haadi,  save  what  they  obtained  tn  tbe  pouches 
of  the  thisTES,  whom  thrj  pricked  lemoraelecBlf  with  their  baTOoeta  and 
vQierwiK  nuhreated,  to  force  Ibem  to  rereal  where  tfatdr  piander  was 
depodted. 

Whether  the  -wnlrtiei  were  obstimte,  or  had  notbinr  to  eoncnl.  I 
tatow  not ;  bat  the  exuperation  of  the  aoldier 
thcY  ditone 

hBTTiaaclii. 

"  This  is  well,"  aiM  Al*aro.  vatcMng  wtth  gtim  MtMuidon  tlie  adroit 
manner  in  which  Laiam  linked  tike  rogues  together.  "  On  my  bonoar, 
Laiaro,  yoa  shoold  bam  been  a  general  instead  of  a  nmle-driTei'.  Bat 
what  is  wiadom  In  tbe  former,  the  world  eticmstisea  aa  mere  emninr  in  the 
bttv.  Belien  me,  Senor  Stuart,  the  entire  lacoen  of  ttds  eipedftian  li 
ptindpally  awing  to  this  UordTtOgoe  of  Merida,  on  whom  I  would  bestoir 

•  chtnT'Cheekatl  bride  and  a  thooand  haul  dacntt),  if  be  would  onlf 
qait  mule-drivia^  uid  settle  qnietir  down  withia  the  lonnd  of  the  belu 
of  San  Joan.  He  irai  our  f«ide  to-night  during  tbe  whole  of  lbs 
tenpeat,  and  notwitbatanding  iti  fbrr  and  tbe  darknen,  which  was  M 
iateiue  that  I  could  ecarcely  see  m;  bone's  ears,  he  coadncted  as  up  the 
monntaiTis,  br  safoa  dutsm  or  gorge,  safely  and  sorely,  bone  and  foot,  as 
onlf  the  devil—" 

''  Or  a  mideteer  of  MeHda,  aenor." 

"  Ay,  Laiara,  or  a  maleteer  of  Hmda,  could  haTe  done.  He  proTided 
flanks  for  bs  to  cross  the  chasm  here,  which  otherwise  mast  hare  brought 
m  to  a  dead  halt ;  and  ft  was  entinty  owing  to  his  tact  wid  obsemtion 
that  we  were  enabled  to  sorptise  the  Tillaias  at  so  critical  a  time.  A  sore 
penance  you  masthaTe  endared,  mr  friend,  ia  speodieg  so  many  month* 
in  sooboompaDy;  bat  it  might  be  tbe  less  regretted,  as  it  will  probably  ^O 
to  your  acaoant  of  time  in  porntory.  You  shall  haTS  most  ample  sstia- 
Action,  hottster,  before  the  night  ia  mocfa  older,  for  all  the  ii^nriM  yoi 
Ime  saffered  from  Aem." 


Don  Alyaro ;  but,  with  a 


16S  TBI    KOUANCK    OT    WAB. 

ths  Spaoiih  minuter,  aiprcailf  etytnned  tiiit  no  quarter  BhoaU  be  givm, 
u  it  was  Che  int«Dtina  of  gorenimeilt  to  atriice  a  genera]  terror  into  tb« 
banditti  which  iofested  enrr  part  of  the  coontrr,  and  that  they  moat  be 
cot  off,  mot  and  brandi.  Ronald  then  propae«d  that  the;  Bbould.  be 
mnrclied  down  the  mountuna  (o  Vtttona,  or  any  other  town,  and  tharm 
delivHred  oier  to  the  avii  aathoritiea  ;  but  Villa  Franca  said  that  he  bad 
no  time  to  spate,  and  tbe  horde  of  the  Torre  de  loi  Frayln  mnat  be  ia- 
itan^  ditpoaed  of. 

"  We  aettle  theaa  matteraqoieker  in  Spain  than  yon  do  in  Britain,  where 
the  militarr  are  ao  umple  aa  (o  permit  tbemaelvea  to  be  ruled  by  alcaldes 
and  lawyer*,"  aud  the  csTatier,  amiling  aodwavinf  hta  band  with  a  decided 
air.  "  So  we  will  leare  these  hombled  braToea  to  the  tender  care  of  Don 
Pedro  Gomei,  and  then  take  onr  departure  for  the  town  of  Maya,  to  whkk 
our  horses  will  conrey  ni  in  a  few  hoan.  Thank  Uesiea,  the  storm  bM 
completely  passed  away,  and  the  appearance  of  tbe  meon  giies  prQnuse  of 
a  glorious  nlgbt.  Without  her  asaiaUnce  we  ahoold  aa«iuedly  break  ottr 
oecka  in  deaeendjug  from  thia  curaed  eagle's  neat." 

Tba  soldienfell  back  respectfully,  as  Ronald  and  Alraroleft  tbe  crowded 
hall.  Ronald's  heart  was  dancing  with  delist  as  tiker  descended  tbe  wins 
and  dilapidated  stair,  upon  the  steps  of  which  he  bad  not  trodden  for  fiia 
inonthi  since  the  anbappy  nighl  on  which  he  Gnt  ealned  this  I^rencan 
prison-house.  Pausing  a  moment,  to  direct  that  the  head  ot  (HfueDtCI 
should  be  Btmck  off.  according  to  ttie  Spaniah  ciutcniii  and  placed  apon  a 
pole  in  the  Pass  of  Msyi,  the  cavalier  descended  after  Staart.  But  tba 
despairing  cries  and  fervent  aupplicationa  of  die  prisonnB  followed  tbetn  ; 
and  some,  on  tindingtbat  their  last  DHnneDtwascoaM^b^■^  to  shriek  for  a 

Erieat  in  themusl  heart-rending  acceula  of  SQpentitioiiB  terror  and  despair: 
at  DO  priest  waa  there,  tn  hear  their  horrible  coirfiMtiaiiiB. 
'*  A  padre,  a  padre,  O  noble  tenure*  I  A  ^adre,  por  amor  de  Samla 
Maria,  ei  Madre  deDiotI"  howled  the  deapainng  Gorgorza  delaFuente. 
Bs  (tie  aoldiera  dragged  him  fOTth.  "  Noble  cavalier,  valiant  soldieri  1 
deatrojr  me  not,  body  and  soul  1  1  am  a  holy  priest,  aaoores  I  Ob  I  I  wa* 
one  once.  Hear  me,  for  the  lore  of  HeaTen  I  I  have  much  to  repent  of, 
and  terrible  things  Co  confess.  I  poniarded  a. monk  in  San  Sebastian,  ud 
stole  the  holy  vessels  from  his  altar.     I — i— " 

"  Quick  with  tbe  rope  I"  cried  Pedro.  "Twist  it  about  his  neck, 
and  stop  his  month  before  be  raises  bis  master  the  devil,  by  speaking 


id  off  aladj  of  Sabijana  de  Alava,  and  robbed  her  rf 

life  and  honour  among  the  monntaina.  1  robbed — holy  saints  1  good 
soldiers!  will  no  one  hear  my  confession?  Can  no  one  hear  me  ! — csa 
no  man  foigive  me?  Accursed  ma)^  ye  bel  bloody  wolves  and  pi  " 
O  miterieordia,  mio  Dial .'  0  Saatunma  Maria  I  and  he  was  la 
into  eternity. 

Nearly  twenty  men  were  pouring  forth  rhapsodies  like  tbe  above,  sod 
the  Cower  became  filled  with  sounds  of  lamentation,  shrieks,  and  cries, — 
groans,  prayers,  and  tbe  wildest  blasphemy  mingled  with  the  most  plans 
ejaculations ;  bnt  it  waa  a  just  retribution  which  had  fsllea  upon  tbeM 

Ronald's  heart  beat  lightly  as  be  crossed  the  terrible  dtann,  whers  so 
many  unibrtunates  had  ninnd  a  tomb.  He  had  beui  a  captive — on  tho 
very  verge  of  death,  and  now  be  was  free,  and  "himself  again." 

Ihe  bright  moon  was  shiaing  aloft  Uke  a  globe  of  silver,  and  tbe 
dewy  sides  of  the  hills,  tbe  rivulets  which  triekled  from  the  rocks,  the 


ivAB.  m 

■iMpr  Btream  at  tbe  bottou  of  the  nllef,  ud  ertlj  violet-cap  and  bUd* 
of  grua  were  gleainiDg  in  its  radiant  light. 

At  a  litde  diuanee  from  tlw  chaim  vera  ■  pirtr  of  Alvvo'a  cavalry, 
eaoortiDK  the  horan  of  thoae  who  irere  engaged  id  the  lower,  ind  their  tul 
laoce-heada,  bright  helioeU  and  ndralisea,  were  flaihinr  asd  glittering  in 
tba  moonlight.  Their  d^ariioMd  irar-honea  were  sleek-slLiiiDed  and 
long-tailed  Andalnaiant,  uid  mn  tmpping  the'  grata  with  their  biidlea 

"Pedro  Ua 
"  He  ii  ■tringii  _  .  ,  _ 

tao  minntea  he  will  have  the  ladronei  all  dangling  oier  the  battlement. 
SmkIom!  'til  not  work  for  nldier^  handg;  bnt&e  dogi  deeerre  not  to  die 
b;  niUtarf  weapoui,  for  they  are  ae  arrant  cowarda  aa  erer  blanched  before 
the  eye  of  a  braTC  man.     Look  hack,  j a st  now,  Don  Ronald  t" 

RiHiBld  tnmed  ronnd,  and  beheld  with  diiguit  the  Spaniib  aoldiera 
farcing  tite  pinioned  banditti  over  the  walls,  where  they  hnng  by  the  neck, 
dangling  and  writhing  in  eonples.  Although  he  was  at  aomc  diatance  from 
the  tower,  be  could  distinctly  perceiie  their  connlaiona,  and  heard  tbdr 
hesla  rattling  againat  tha  warn,  from  tbe  minons  bottlenient  of  which  tbe 
Btooel  vera  tambliag  every  iiutant  into  the  chaam  with  a  tbnndering 
■•and,  which  caoaed  llie  hone*  of  Hie  lanceia  to  anort  and  rear.  It  wa«  » 
ghaatly  sight. 

"  Now,  tben,  bo  fiM'  Hayal  I  beliere  we  ahall  And  nor  way  acroH  tbe 
monntuna  witboot  tha  ^  of  I^iaro,  now  tita  bright  moon  is  shining  with 
■ndi  apleodonr,"  waa  the  eiclamation  of  Aharo  as  they  moqnted  and  aet 
fortii.  Stnartrode  beaide  bimon  tbe  borseof  an  orderly,  and  fOarSpaniah 
laooera  followed  as  an  escort.  They  descended  towarda  the  valley  by  the 
steep  and  petiloaa  pathway,  which  was  BO  narrow  aa  to  admit  bnt  one 
herscDiBn  at  a  time,  and  often  overfanng  the  abysBi  passing  so  close  to  the 
edge  of  the  beetling  crags,  that  the  ere  acarcelj  dared  to  scan  the  depth 
below.  It  waa  well  for  the  riders  that  the  horses  they  rode  had  been 
aocnstotned  to  aland  fire,  otberwiBe  aona  Uvea  might  have  been  lost  aa  they 
descended  tbe  rodca.  Before  tbey  were  half-way  down,  a  sadden  glare 
shot  across  the  sky  from  the  monntaina  above  them.  A  terrific  shock  and 
eipkuioD  followed,  and  the  rock  of  tbe  Torte  da  Ids  FisTles  wia  aeeii 
envetopcd  ia  a  elo«d  of  black  amoks,  which,  after  curling  npwarda,  floated 
away  through  tbe  deat  blue  sky. 

"  Keep  your  boraea  tight  by  the  head  ! "  cried  Alvaro,  ae  hia  mettlesome 
ataed  kidted  and  plunged  in  the  narrow  path,  whilst  Ranald  expected  to 
see  him  vanish  over  the  rocka  every  second.  "Draw  well  on  the  curb, 
seBOra  ;  or,  diavolol  some  of  ns  will  be  in  the  other  world  presently!" 

Their  cattle,  however,  were  soon  qnieted,  and  Stusrt  again  looked 
towsrda  the  place  where  tbe  Torre  de  k>s  Fraylea  had  stood,  bat  no  trace 
of  the  tower  was  visible.  The  smoke  bad  diaperaed,  and  the  rock  waa 
bare.  The  sound  of  a  cavalry  trumpet,  calling  "  to  mount."  waa  heard 
aoon  aflerwarda,  and  the  roll  of  an  infantry  drum  echoed  away  among  tht 
menntains. 

"  Pedro  has  pat  powder  in  tbe  vaults  and  blown  up  the  place,  that  it  may 
never  again  beoome  a  nest  for  such  birds  of  prey,"  said  Aivaro.  "  'Tis  a 
tower  of  friars  or  thieves  no  longer,  but  in  one  moment  has  been  dashed 
into  fifty  thonaaiHi  fragments  of  alone.     Here  comes  Pedro  on  our  rear ; 


_  Aa  be  apoke,  a  long  bne  of  glittering  caaqnes  and  spears,  mo 

nngle  file,  appeared  descending  the  rowa,  and  vanishing  in  boo 
ander  tbe  shadow  of  tha  impending  cKff,  behind  Which  the  mo._ 
ahining,  and  catting  long  gipntic  shadow*  aeiM*  the  valley  below.    The 


coUlen  browht  ifith  them  tfat  noi*  creat-fiUei  and  dejaetad  AloMEVi, 
whoi  u  Ronutt's  former  pmercer  and  dafendir,  wh.  at  fain  AuntU  iaC^. 
eeMi»a,  *1otu  permitted  to  escape  the  tcnibla  n 
monght  e«bi«  gt^  coDfrira. 
On  inqoiriag  aboat  Cnloe  de 

beliend  hii  eaptivitf  to  faaTe  bei  .  _    .„,     

him  tbit  ■  doel  had  t^sa  plaee  between  that  Tielent  yoiinr  aniiv  uai 
Don  Aliorado.  It  had  been  foncht  oa  the  Puerta  del  Sol  at  Siaoala, 
•boat  mid-daT.  four  miHithi  preriotralj-,  and  endol  hj  Cviai  bang  rvn 
diroBgh  tliB  blidir  br  Alrando,  wbo,  t< 
Dncle,  Don  Di^o,  bad  adweonded  ti 
■iBM  beard  of . 


CHAPTEE    XIX. 

AH    ACauAlMTAMCX,    AND    "OLD   INaLAND  OH    TUS    LEK." 

"  Pao  I "  Mid  the  o<nmt,  ai  Aet  rode  rata  Mara,  "  aaiid  all  tbe  Tliiii 
of  wbich  we  h«re  been  tnlkiBs.  I  bad  quite  fm^otten  to  mj  that  ttieni  w 
•  coVDtrTmaa  ofyoon  hereiatbii  town,  one  wbo  takes  the  utmost  ioMraat 
in  your  concenu — wh;  I  know  not ;  he  sud  be  iras  no  reladTa.  We  *'*™rf 
Bcqnalnted  at  Madrid,  and,  mi  bew^  of  your  itoiy,  be  praiHMed  at  onca 
to  accompany  me  in  thii  expedition  agafautrtwrobbeH  in  tbePyRoesBMid 
other  place*.  Heia  a  apirited,  hntfafliwiBipetuuue  rid  cwr^a.  &»bm 
•ecu  eerriee,  too,  in  the  Low  Comtriet  and  oUter  parta,  bat  ayaeoa  at 
late  to  haTe  become  Mmewhat  addietad  to  eaae  and    -->■'-' 

enlarged  tbe  drenmfbrcnce  of  his  atonuob  more  t!  _ .  ,       _ 

rendered  blm  snbieotto'a  disease  m  know  Httle  of  in  Spain, — the  pwilL 
A.  sodden  fit  of  it  a^ted  blm  iihea  ire  were  marehfaig  «t  mdt  to  ;oar  les- 
ODS,  and  the  wartkT  Udalm  was  oonpeUed,  nmofa  agBiDit  hii  wUl,  ta 

Siarter  himself  in  Maya  tul  oar  return.  He  awaits  ns  yonder  in  tke 
DrnfadeloiOitaanvs,  (nporiteto  tbeoonvetitof  Saint  Franda. 
Tbfa  brint  nearly  tlie  wliole  of  the  ii^tonnation  rMpaeting  "  his  GonntiT* 
tnan,"  with  wbich  AItbto  was  able  ta  fWirridi  Us  eompanioD,  Ronald  wm 
not  a  litde  mrprised,  OS  aligbtav  at  the  miserable  posada,  to  find  lednait, 
in  dressing-EOwa  and  alippers,  in  an  easy  dtajr,  witb  one  leg,  ■woHen  and 
■wattled  In  flannel,  reatlng  on  a  footstool,  and  -witb  a  heap  dnewspapen, 
guide-books,  deeantera,  dgan,  ■  brace  of  ^strii,  and  ■  light^diagaom 
sabre  displayed  npon  a  table  before  him,  no  leit  a  petwa  thu  faia  noble 
competitor  tbe  Earl  of  Hyndford.  The  eari  reeefad  his  yooni  rival 
kindly,  diiplayed  mack  generoos  fscting  towards  him  as  a  braUwr  sohfier, 
langfaed  heartily  at  hia  scanerow  appearance,— <dt  bis  long  naideae*  i> 

"-" "--d  told  imnMDselyspon  Ronald'siatbo scanty midrobe,— and 

haTlu  beard  bis  story,  and  repeatedly  and  ( •-■—"-  '    ' 

,  the  Horae  Qnards,  tbe  soot,  and  the  FeBa 

assured  hie  Tonag  friend  that  though  there  m^t  baye  b _.      _., 

iag.  and  bo  forth,  on  his  acconnt  at  home,  there  were  no  brolmi  heartanor 
any  symptoou  of  forgetfolDeM,  he  prtnaiaed  1^ — on  behalf  of  hia  ftiend 
"  York,  '  with  whom  he  had  formerly  serred  u  ^de-de-eamp,  and  fata 
ftiend  Hal  Torreas,  who,  thoDgh  ■  war-office  laaD  and  a  staff  offioer,  -was 
a  good  fellow  enough— the  immediate  restoration  of  bis  foifeiwd  rtimiait 
sion,  and  letters  to  the  partiea  named  that  draald  pot  ^  right  with  reapact 

While  a  prlKmer  in  the  Torre  de  los  Fraylea,  Reoild  bad  ranainsd  in 
-  .al  ignonnce  (rf  sereral  ennts  of  some  Bipgrtaaoe )  and,  thoagbktuw 


m 

hf  no  meuu  ■stoaiihed  to  letra  from  the  carl  that  Ua  name  had  dtaa;^ 

peered  from  the  army  liat,  and  that  he  wm  Bnpcraeded,  it  did  occaiioD  him 
Bome  elighl  eurprise  to  kam  that  Baonapart*  bad  rroaftd  from  Elba,  that 
he  bail  entered  Paris  in  trinmpb,  and  was  once  aiore  at  tin  head  of  the 
French  army,  BDrronndcd  by  raaoy  of  hii  (^  ■T'oTtbal'i  and  mpported  br 
the  old  enlhoiiaim  of  his  derated  Boldiert.  Hii  own  icgiMiRit,  Ronala 
keard,  had  been  ordered  to  Flaaden,  where  lome  aharii  figfatiog  iral 
expected  to  occur  furthnith. 

Three  dni  aflenrarda  be  foand  bimadf  tm  board  Hie  packet  at  Pasuget, 
bonnd  for  LondoD. 

Oa  bia  parting  witb  AWaro,  tbat  oaTaller  preaeoted  hiai  witii  hi<  own 

gld  crou  of  St  Jago,  beggiiE  him  to  near  it  as  a  token  of  resieinbrance. 
•raa  notwithoot  feelings  of  the  deepeit  regret  that  he  bade  adifu  to  thia 
noble  and  diivalric  Spaniard ;  and  he  felt  all  that  depreaiino  of  ^irit  which 
a  franlc  and  boneat  heart  nnaToidably  Buffera  after  a  leiTtt-t^mg.  Hynd- 
ford  he  eipected  to  meet  again,  but  the  caialier  of  Merida  never.  How- 
erer,  aucb  aensations  of  regret  were  trautHorr ;  be  had  fotlowed  the 
dmm  too  long  to  find  partiDg  with  a  braie  or  merrjr  compamm  a  neV 

The  Tenet  caat  anchor  in  the  Downa  at  night.  U  had  "  cone  to  blow  • 
Bod^;er'3  wind,"  aa  Che  akipper  aaid, — that  ia,  a  fonl  one ;  and  there  via  no 
fcCtmg  up  the  rirer  at  tiMt  tbue,  when  tl^  goodly  inrmtiini  of  iteam-tngt 
wae  ea  yet  unknown. 

Next  morning  he  landed  with  hia  baggage  at  Deal,  and  attrted  in  a  poit- 
iJiaiae  for  London.  Immediately  on  hia  arrival  tbei«,'he  deapatched  lettera 
to  Colonel  Cameron,  to  Inchavon.  and  Loebiala,  giving  an  account  of  the 
penla  attendant  on  tua  delendon  in  Spain,  and  safe  arriVal  in  Engiand.  In 
tbefulnesBOfbis  joy,he  atao  wrote  to  Sir  Colqaboan  HeBteith,of  CakB- 
towis,  a  near  relation,  with  whom  bis  Amity  had  aver  beeo  at  variaiice.  and 
maintained  a  petty  persooal  fend.  But  the  old  baroaat  oerer  aeknowledged 
the  receipt  of  hii  letter,  which  caused  Roo^d  to  Tegt«t  deeply  that  ha  had 
ever  written  to  him  or  hia  aon,  who  was  then  aet^BB  niu  the  army  in 
Flandera.  The  letter  addreaaed  to  the  old  laird  lay  lo^  at  tbe  post-bonae 
of  StrathfiUaD.  and  tamed  from  white  to  aaffron  in  tbe  window,  among 
tape  and  needlei,  pini  and  tbread-reela,  until  at  last  it  was  ton  op  and 
deatroyed. 

The  othera  were  received  in  due  courts  by  those  to  whom  they  nn 
dressed,  and  all.  aave  that  to  Sir  Colqnhonn,  cauaed  joy  and  eoDg._. 
tion;  and  ao  long  did  the  meaa  continue  diacuaaing  hia  adventnrei,  ii 
their  variona  lighta  and  tbades,  throutb  tbe  medium  of  tbeiiitit,  aeventbi 
and  eighth  allawancfi,  that  it  la  credibly  reported  that  only  ft  third  of  tlie 
officera  appeared  on  parade  in  the  Park  of  Bniaiela  next  mornlog. 

On  the  day  after  his  srriial,  Stuart  repelred  to  the  Horse  Gnuda,  to  wait 
«Q  the  Duke  of  York,  the  com  naoder- in -chief.  He  bad  bo  doobt  tint  hia 
CaM  would  be  heard  iiiTOarablrby  the  good  duke,  whaaewell-knotrnkind- 
neai  and  fellow -feehng  for  hia  brothera  of  the  sword  nained  bin  tbe  appro- 
priate aobriquet  sf  the  "  soldier's  friend;"  and  he  was  aae  to  wbom  tbe 
wife,  the  widow,  or  tbe  child  of  a  soldier,  in  their  Borrow  or  desdtntioa, 
never  made  an  ^peal  ui  vain.    Hia  Koyal  Higbnesi  was  not  at  Uie  Horw 


Guaids  that  day,  and  Sonald  wat  recdved  by  Sir  Henry  Tottcbs,  a  idnmp 
ilnle  man,  whom  he  imuined  at  Unttobe  the  very  peraonificatitHi  of  itaff- 
baateur;  but  band,  on  farther  aeqnaiatance,  tcrbe  alt  that  Hyndford 


He  receiTed  Stuart  kindly,  iaqai red  after  many  of  hia  cU  friends,  opened 
hi*  eyes  widely  at  wiial  he  called  tbe  andadty  of  tin  brigands  in  detaining 
a  British  officer,  read  attaitively  the  letten  of  Alraio  and  Hyndford,  ap- 


172 

pMrej  to  take  great  intereM  in  the  afhtr,  and  gave  the  ominous  ofEcial  pro- 
mise "tome  vbit  could  be  done." 

ThrM  daji  Hftermrde,  bowerer,  an  orderif  of  the  Life  Qnards  bronght 
Ronald  an  otncisl  packet  from  Sir  Henry,  noticing  hii  re-appaintmeni:, 
and  containing  two  orders, — one  to  proceed  forthnilli  to  join  in  Flanders, 
"  where  bia  terrices  were  much  reqaired  ;"  and  the  other  on  the  PaTmaster- 
general  fcra]!  his  arreaca  of  mj,  and  other  luma  due  to  him  by  GoTerQ' 
ment.  £400  "  blood  inonc;  for. wounds,  and  eighty  inineas  aa  compen- 
u^on  for  the  loss  of  his  bSggsge  when  the  Paaa  of  Ma^a  was  ro[<%d  bf 
Manhal  Sonlt  two  years  before, 

Etonald  bleaaed  tbe  liberality  of  John  Ball,  who  had  not  forgotten  the 
fright  of  Napoleon's  threatened  inrasion,  and  was  more  inclined  to  be 
grateftil  to  his  sons  than,  than  now,  The  money -orders  were  very  accept- 
able things,  as  they  relieved  Ronald  from  tha  neceisity  of  dracini  upoa 
hi*  father,  whose  iiiTolTementi  and  Eipenset  be  lapposed  to  be  sufficient 

"This  is  excellent,"  thonght  he.  "  I  can  now  repay  Hyndford,  anil 
trSTel  comfortably  poet  to  Brussels.  Bat  yet,  'tis  rexations  to  proceed 
forthwith.  I  held  out  hope*  to  Alice,  and  tbe  people  in  Perthshire,  of  see- 
ing Ihsm  ill  Boon.  Well,  'tis  the  fortune  of  war,  and  repining  is  worse 
than  useless." 

So  be  tbongbt,  aa  he  elbowed  his  way  along  the  crowdsd  Strand  towards 
the  office  oF  Mr.  Bruce,  the  regimental  agent,  humming  gaily  as  he  went 
tiie  old  song — 

"  Oh,  lbs  Lawkudi  of  Holluid. 
Han  puUd  my  k«n  and  ms."  frr. 
Most  willingly,  however,  would  he  have  applied  fw  a  short  leave  of  ab- 
sence, now  so  eminently  his  due,  to  enable  bim  to  pay  a  brief  visit  to  hia 
Perthshire  friends,  snd  aeeonce  again  his  beloved  Alice  before  encountering 
- ips  of  «s ■■ 


ware  pressing,  his  orders  peremptory ,  and  the  fear  of  missing  the  glory  of 
a  new  campaign  reconciled  him  to  the  necessity  of  a  speedy  departure.  He 
applied  himself  diligenUy  to  tbe  buainesB  of  instant  preparation,  and  found 


relief  for  bis  excited  feelings  In  tbe  bustle  attendant  on  acqairii„ . 

outfit.    A  short  time  sufficed  to  procure  him  the  necessary  equipsge  for 
camp  and  field,  and  he  was  soon  ready  to  resume  active  military  duties. 


CHAPTER   XX. 


A.  FKW  days  afterwards  be  was  on  his  way,  hastening  to  join  the  arm;  in 
Belgium.  His  orders  were  to  travel  with  speed,  aa  hoMillties  were  ex- 
pected daily.  All  Enrope  was  alarmed,  great  events  were  expected,  and 
mail  and  telegraph  arrivals  were  watched  with  the  most  feverish  sniiety. 

On  landiog  at  Ostend,  Stuart  heard  that  Buonaparte  bad  joined  the 
French  army,  and  bad  issoed  a  proclamation  calling  to  mind  their  former 
victories,  and  telling  them  that  fresh  dangers  were  to  be  dared  and  battles 
won  J  but  be  felt  assured  their  familisrity  with  hardship  and  death,  their 
steadiness,  disripline,  and  inherent  bravery,  would  make  them,  in  every 
encounter,  most  signally  victorious. 

"  Time  will  prove  all  this,"  Ibonght  Ronald,  as,  seated  on  an  inverted 
keg,  he  was  deciphering  Ibis  proclamation  in  a  French  paper,  wbils  tn- 
velling  on  the  canal  of  Ostend  in  a  flat- bottomed  boat  for  Bruges. 


Tbe  bn»d  >nd  waieleu  snifBce  of  the  iang  yellinr  mwl  wu  sh»n<nK. 
under  tbe  meridi&u  lun  like  poiuhed  metal ;  sod,  when  atandine  erect  on 
the  roof  or  npper  deck  of  Che  urse.  he  could  see  it  for  miles  nindiog  ana; 
tbrougb  the  countrr,  wbich  oti  over;  side  nas  Terdaot  ttad  &»t,  like  a  Toat 
botrlmg-zreea.  The  moaotouf  of  the  icenery  struck  Stuart  tbe  mora 
Forcibly,  because,  aa  a.  HigbUnder,  he  could  not  help  drawing  compariaoDB 
betweeu  it  and  tbe  tremendous  hilli,  the  solemn  Tslleys,  and  the  majestic 
rivpTH  of  bia  niti*e  Scollaad.  At  timea,  a  few  bulboui -shaped  boors,  ia 
ir  caps,  and  enormoaa  breeches,  aiq>eared  oa  the 
,      „  „   lups,  amaking  their  long  pipea,  and  atarin^hard 

ir  great  lack-lustre  eyes  on  Che  passing  boaC,  the  alow  motion  of 

which  they  wonld  watch  for  miles,  standing  on  the  aame  spot,  immoToble 
Very  plump  and  very  red-cheeked  country  girls,  wearing 


abort  petCicDBts,  aud  making  aa  unusual  display  of  legs,  which  were  m 
Eubstantial  thsQ  elegant,  appeared  tripping  along  the  banks,  bearing  jareui 
milk  or  batter  on  their  heads,  where  they  were  poised  with  miraculoua 


, . .  a  party  of  these  rustic  (air  ones  passed  in  a  gaudily- 

painted  cart  or  waggon.  aU  laughing  and  talking  merrily,— their  noisy 
vivacity  forming  a  strange  contrast  with  the  sulky  demeanour  of  tbe  aitenC 
and  phlegmatic  Door,  who  lat  smokiDg  and  driving  on  Che  tram  of  tbe  car, 
kieeping  his  aeat  there  with  the  same  lurching  motion  that  a  bag  of  oaiM 
would  have  done.  There  ia  Uttle  disposiCioo  iu  Dutch  or  Germaa  blood 
to  be  gallant  or  caraUerlike. 

Afar  in  tbe  distance,  where  the  landscape  stretched  away  as  lerel  aa  the 
aea,  were  Men  greaC  sqnarea  of  luht  green  or  bright  ydlow,  showing  where 
lay  tbe  fidda  of  golden  corn  and  other  grain,  waving,  ripe  and  tall,  every- 
where ready  for  ue  aickle.  In  some  places  appeared  a  clnstei  of  pretty 
little  coCCagea,  their  walls  while  as  alabaster,  andioofed  with  bright  jrellow 
tiistch,  embosomed  among  a  grove  of  light  willow-treei,  from  the  midat  of 
which  arose  tbe  tall  and  aieuder  chureb  spire,  surmounted  byaolnmsy 
vane,  around  whieh  flew  scores  of  cawing  roolu,  flattering  and  contesting 
for  foodng  on  the  gilded  weathercock.  Somatimea  the  caual  barge  pawed 
through  the  very  midst  of  a  farm  and  close  to  tbe  mansion,  with  its  deep, 
thatched  roof,  baving  walls  of  glaring  white  or  yellow,  and  gaudy  red  or 
' '    s  Etreaks  wx  iachei  broad  paioted  round  eaeh  door  and  window, — tbe 

„ on.     Contraatina  witb 

..—  -ural  dwelling,  the  parterres  before  it,  the  atack-yard  behind,  tbe 
ducks,  the  geese,  the  pigs,  and  the  children  in  the  yiud,  or  among  Che  reeds 
by  the  canal  bank,  appeared,  perhaps  close  by  a  vessel  of  two  hundred  tons 
or  so,  laid  up  in  ordinary,  or  high  and  dry  in  the  farmyard,  witb  hens 
rooating  beside  her  kgel.  In  aome  places  these  craft  lay  in  small  docks 
baring  a  flood-gate,  with  their  top-maata  struck,  tbdr  rigging  and  ipara 
all  dismantled,  and  atowed  away  below  or  on  deck.  Moat  of  the  Doteh 
and  Belgian  farmers  are  also  ahipownersi  and  by  means  of  those  great 


bring  tbeir  craft  to  their  farmyards,  perhaps  fifty  or  eighty  milee  inland, 
and  there  keep  them  during  tbe  winter.  They  can  thna  tlie  more  readily 
load  or  provision  them  with  their  own  farm  produce,  beftHe  they  are  g^aia 
aent  to  sea. 

Aa  Ronald  was  totally  ignorant  of  Dutch,  and  knew  vary  little  of  French, 
he  could  neither  converse  with  tbe  boatmen  nor  tbe  dull  Flemish  boon 
who  happened  to  be  paesengera;  and  he  passed  hia  time  monotonouily 
enough,  yawning  over  a  few  London  newapapers,  or  walcbing  every 
lehvjitje  BCuUed  akiog  by  ita  "  tneoty -breeched    boatmen. 

In  Che  erening  he  arrived  at  the  busy  and  opulent,  but  imoky  town  of 


BngM ;  and  bOM*.  pawing  fha  nigbt  it  •■  IraM,  aad  rireig  neit  merinng 
witlitbelark,  heprocMdadlo  dml,  that  inty  «/  baaUe  and  bridgn.  Oa 
Undiag  M  one  of  tht  quTi,  he  ««  aorpriaKl  to  obserTe  s  French  saldier 
<»  aentiy,  wattiag  biukU  rixnt  Won  hu  box.  Wfaeopaisiug,  monnBir 
cam«  imartlir  to  "  his  mut."  and  preieiited  armi.  la  tn,T»ung  the 
Btraats,  ha  met  dus;  French  offieen  in  undreu,  all  of  vhom  politely 
toached  tbair  etfB  oa  paarin; .  Thay  all  wore  their  asorda  and  belta,  and 
wars  to  ba  aaaa  {awasaadmg  eTciyirbere,  auelr  oi  i"  partiei.  ia  the 
atreeta,  on  the  brk^ea.  on  the  tptj*,  or  fliitiogintli  tbe^irla  vko  kept  the 
bootha  and  fuicT  mrflhooaea  in  the  great  aqnaic. 

AC  the  portal  of  a  lirg»  and  handaame  aanaioK,  a  Aitiih  airidier  af  the 
line,  and  a  Freachaaan  ia  the  nnifonii  al  the  nrde-da-oorpa,  were  on  dnty 
iogtlkti' »t  »mtiatt».  ICwaa  the  rtaidence  M  IiOitieXVIlI.,  who,  on  tlw 
laadiag  of  BaonuMrte,  had  aecepted  the  aiflmn  oArad  him  by  tba  King 
of  the  NetharUnu,  and  now  leaided  in  Ghent,  spaodiac  hialime  likeawne 
ploddinv  citiian,  when  he  ^odM  Imm  baen  in  the  fien  aiding  bia  iJliea, 
and  haadiag  the  faw  aoUieca  of  Fraiee  who  atttl  remained  Ijne  to  bim.  A. 
Britidi  foaid  ma  nKmnted  ti  bia  reridnnna,  in  addition  to  the  garde-du- 
carpa,  wd  the  ottocn  dined  eiwy  day  at  the  royal  ttMe. 

OftheFraM^amy.sbODt  «B*ea  haidiwl  offieen  aud  a  thonaand  aol- 
dien  nnnained  atmch  to  Lami,  «riun  the  whale  of  thdr  conrsdea  joined 
Napcrieon  «n  wmm.  The  ptirataa  w<ne  Wl  qoartiKd  at  Aloat,  but  the 
officer!  he  kept  near  Ikii  own  perion. 

Warlike  pmantionB  «ei«  maoifeat  every  where  aroond  GhasL  Nearly 
eight  thoaand  man  were  employed  in  repuring  tiia  ancient  forti&cnliima 
and  raiaing  new,  Egging  lUtoliea,  DMamlmg  eaanoo,  erecting  balwarica, 
(bra,  aod  galel;  for  raraoara  of  the  eomim  strife,  and  of  the  iaraaon 
of  Fhndert  by  Boow^area  asd  hi*  foriona  FraidmeD,  were  coinpeUii^ 
the  droway  pecNple  lo  lay  awd«  thmr  phkgm,  and  ihow  aome  coun^e, 
energy,  aod  aatjnty. 


itylef6rwiH&  the  French  bad  hacomeg»batariou.  Coooeiylog  it  to  be 
tome  nnlookMl-far  attack,  be  ola^ied  on  hia  belt»  and  repaired  to  ■  neigb- 
boorii^  tabit  d'Me,  where  ■  Frcntdi  officer  infcamaJ  him  that  the  nproar 
w««  cawed  by  (fee  arinfal  of  &  conner,baariaglnMligence  that  the  entive 
tVench  army  waa.  in  motion,  and  headed  by  Ibe  Enivenit,—wliile  ba  apoke, 
a  flnih  croiaed  hia  dteak,  betraying  the  enthoaiaim  he  conld  Dot  ooooaal, 
— 4cd  by  tAair  Empeior,  had  eroaaad  the  Sambre,  and  wrae  natsblac  am 
CharknH. 

AmionatojamhisregiDunt  before  boatUitiBi  began,  and  being  heartily 
tired  of  the  alow  and  cbilly  mods  of  treTtJliBg  by  carnal  bargei,  Stoart  pur- 
choaed  a  faorae  at  Oiuat,  oa  hi  Bdgiao  woidd  lend  one  for  hire.  It  waa  a 
poor-looking  haak,  and  he  paid  for  it  thrice  ita  rrai  tsIbo.  LeaTing  hia 
Daggage  to  be  atnt  ^er  hin,  he  set  off  on  the  spur  for  Braaaeia,  among 
Wboaaj^oddingdtiuna  the  advance  of  the  French  had  atricken  a  tenor 
beyond  deacrlption.  But  two  Bltematirei  were  before  them  in  caae  of 
WeUhigton'B  Meat, — flight,  or  to  remain  and  cnconnter  nek  and  alaogfa- 
teri  for  wall  they  knew  that  Ni^lean  wonld  fearfslLy  BTenge  the 
abandonmoat  of  hia  standard. 

HoeaM  departed  from  Ghent  at  daybrnk,  md  hdted  for  brcakbot  at 
AJoBt.  He  repauttd  to  an  hotel,  where  hia  usiform  procured  him  erery 
attention,  bat  thoe  wm  coanEunatiOD  pre-eminently  ^mb]fi  in  erery  Bol- 


gim  &ee.  Ho*  he  WM  iotevcd  that  tha  fint  bihti  of  Uie  PnMuo 
aimr,  poIhI  >t  Charlertn,  uuder  dte  coiMiiaiid  of  G<aieial  Zcithea,  bad 
bem  attacked,  aid,  aAer  >  Bhup  cmtes^  ooraHlkd  la  raCnat  tewu4l 
Flonn.  Nati»ittMt»ndipg  (keir  fore,  the  [i«ople  boMted  iiMch  of  the  Bel- 
eiaii  troora,  and  deelued  yiH,  when  ttM  itrift  <n*  fUrl;  besBD,  tkcr  "ool'l 
dawoBden. 

"  Ah,  wbr  ihonld  we  bar  ?"  thei  repeated  eoiitiniiallr.  "  Laid  WeU 
liMtoB.haatha  BeleiwB  witbhun. 

Hnint  been  aiadinoted  and  aent  &r  oat  of  hia  way  by  ana  ef  the  terri- 
fied oatiTeat  itwaa  dark  bdeie  the  ToangsoldlerarriTed  at  Bruaeli,  where 
nrfmiiia,  fltar,  and  opraar  nigiiM  Miprtrae.  He  waa  pennittad  to  pcM- 
tks  bcliflcadana  aad  bamera  oglf,  after  a  peat  deal  of  tronbleaoma  altei' 
catkia  with  the  Belipc  a>d  Onama  Mntriea  and  gnexds.  who  Bcmpled  to 
admit  an  aned  Man  withoot  the  pwole.  After  eatoriag,  be  found  bla. 
noechraaam  a  alata  of  the  ntmoat  eihMutiwk  Re  had  ridden  nearlr 
fortrmilaadat  dar>uidetoadtMatlTianeado(refreabti>cnt  himMlf;  bat; 
1m  waa  detoniined  to  ttarel  en  widKmtJultiiic,  and  to  join  th«  resiaant 
at  all  rialc  ntd  opanaa.  He  went  atrufht  to  an  hotel,  and  hired  an- 
other horse,  learing  twice  ita  ralae,  tofetber  with  the  Bocef  haloi  he  had 
patdNaed  at  Ghent,  which  win  to  be  natarsd  him  on  hia  return — when 
thM  ahoeld  talu  pbM. 

TheFieadi  army  w«re  «ttU  preaatng  impetiioiuly  forward-  Manhal 
Ner,  in  coniBHnd  of  tiieleft,  badMoceedad  alonE  the  rood  for  Bnuadi, 
aiaaaHackipg  the  Frinoe  of  Saw  Weimar,  daora  hia  baek  bom  Fiaanei  to 


_      _  «  (the  16th  Jana),  the  Brltith  hod 

itef  BniMeU  towaidatheeneniT.  .  Fear  wai  imprtaied  an  every 

heart  and  rinUe  on  amy.  ftoe  after  thdr  dapartura. 

The  haUa  woti  toUhig  nummMly,  and  auny  peraona  were  UmmtioK  in 
tktrtrceta.aaif  thsdar  of  tini*an*t  dooai  waa.  at  band.  Tbechurchea. 
were  lifted  brni^aemee  wbcD  Stuart  entered  the  dty.  FnmithelaU 
Gatbie  windowaof  tbeehnnhitf  St.  GndBlc,  nndSakeaof  TatioMly.tinted 
li^ttxeawadtHi  the  mnpa  of  anxiona  and  goiaipiiHt  dtiaena,  uowew 
BMembladin  knota  and  cniwda  in  tbesreatSaBtani-aignare,(ir  on  tiM  nus' 
nifleeotdi^t  of  alepa  aaagodiag  to  the  doorw;^,  Ihroogh  which  at 
of  mdiance,  and  atraina  of  chMll  jr--'- ■-' —  --■-  "--  - 


helow.    The  belli  in  the  two  ireattowna  w«t«beoaiioK«w«*iocon 

^.t  ,.1. J  "--'-g  their  deep  kollow  tonei  to  the  midsicbt  w 

^     ..I  waa  ampoidedi  the  alun*  w —    ■-' 

pnnadir  magiatMtca  weic  aU  in  the  Hilti  ia  ViUa,  m 


with  othan,  and  fliii«ina  their  deep  kollow  tonei  to  tbo  widoiibt  wind, 
ery  kind  waa  nupoided  |  the  alun*  weie  ibnt ;  and  the 


ctHidaTe,  eao*B]tii%,  net  aEiout  fiie  beat  meaDs  of  defence,  but  the  beat 
mode— to  ttM  a  hnmoly  pbr*M— "  of  onttinc  their  atick,"  and  mUioM  heat 


CHAPTKB  XXI. 


.  ntbeied  aroi 


176 

It  mt  with  the  qtmoit  diffioaltf  that  he  could  nuke  these  terrified  aU 

rlentaod  he  iru  bouod  for  the  field,  Kod  wished  to  know  which  wk; 
British  troopi  bad  mirched.  His  only  replf  from  them  wu,  "The 
Frencb— tbeFreochBrecomiDsonl"  Fear  had  besotted  them.  He  told 
them  they  would  tent  Beliium  better  by  gettiDg  erma  and  joiniiig  her 
allicB,  than  by  throngiiw  uie  streets  like  frightetied  sheep.  This  waa 
answered  by  a  grosD,  and  the  feeble  crj  of  "  vieal !" 

Carsiog  them  for  cowards,  id  bis  impatience  to  g;et  on,  he  spoired  his 
hone  upon  the  crowd,  sod  droie  Uiem  back.  By  their  increasing  number, 
" —  of  theBranswick-Oeta  corps,  who  was  ridinj  down  the  t ' -' 

companioni  as  he  was  following  the  route  of  the  army.  Tbey  galloped 
throDgh  the  Nsmur  gale,  and  in  five  minutes  Brussels,  with  its  lights  and 
din.  fear  and  aprasr,  was  far  behind  them.  They  were  pressiaa;  st  fall 
speed  along  the  road  leading  to  the  then  obscure  village  of  Waterloo.  It 
wound  throagh  the  dark  forest  of  Soignies  ;  the  oak,  the  ash,  and  the  elm 
were  in  foil  foliage,  and,  for  many  miles  of  the  way,  their  deep  shadows 
rendered  the  road  aa  dreary  as  can  be  conceiTed. 

The  speed  at  which  the  traTtdlera  rode  completely  marred  anyattemptat 
coDversstion,  and  the  only  sounds  wliidi  broke  the  silence  were  theii 
kones'  booh  echoing  in  the  gieen  gladea  irODBd  them.  When  at  intenala 
tlie  moonlight  sti«amed  between  &t  clouds  and  the  trees,  Sonald  tniiwd 
to  sarrey  bis  companioD,  whose  singular  equipment  added  greatly  to  the 
gloomy  eSect  produced  b^  the  dark  forest,  which  itretchod  aroond  them 
for  many  miles  in  eiery  direction. 

The  cBvah-y  officer  bdonged  to  the  Bninswick  troops,  who,  with  their 
dnke,  badmadeaiowtowearmonTniDgiiatil  the  death  of  their  late  prince 


and  leader  should  beayeoaed.    His  hone,  hi*  harness,  his  at 

and  nniform,  were  all  of  the  deepest  black,  and  a  borse-hair  pinn 
same  sable  hue  floated  above  the  plate  of  his  sbako,  wUm  wi 


hJtht 


nented  by  a  large  silver  skull  and  cross-bone*,  dmilar  to  the  badge  worn 
^j  OUT  I7th  Lancers.   A  death's  head  was  grinning  on  his  sabretsscb^  on 

s  bolsters,  bis  horse's  forehead  and  breu^late,  and  the  same  grim  badge 
looked  ont  of  every  button  on  his  coat.  He  was  rather  stately  in  figure 
'"      "  ..>!.,      mbre-looking  fellow,  with  lar^  dark  eyes, 

1  visage.  His  foul  e>uns&/e  rendered  him 
altogether  as  ghastly  and  melancholT  a  companion,  as  the  most  moriud  or 
romantic  mind  could  wish  to  ride  with  Ihrouiha  gloomy  wood  at  midhight, 
with  stranie  paths  and  darkness  behind,  and  a  battle-GeM  in  front. 

After  riding  for  aboat  six  miles  in  silence,  a  muttered  qaculation  from 
both  announced  their  observation  of  a  flash  which  illuminated  the  aky. 
It  was  "the  red  artillery,"  and  every  instant  other  flashes  shot  vividlr 
athwart  the  tirmsment,  like  sheet  lightning i  and  mmd  afterwards  thesoand 
of  firing  was  heard,  bat  faint  and  distant.    It  was  a  dropping  fire,  and 


I,  probably,  by  some  encounter  of  stranlers  or  ou^sts. 

] — , !.   on  approaching  the  villi^e  of  Waterloo,  tbey  m..   . 

I  along  the  road  at  a  rapid  Irot  by  a  country  boor,  c 


a  leathern  cap  and  blue  frock,  having  hia  shoes  and  garters  adianad  with 
gigantic  rosettes  of  yellow  and  red  tape.  His  csr  contained  the  Uoodr 
remains  of  the  brave  Dnke  of  Brunswick,  who  at  fbar  in  the  avening  had 
been  mortally  wounded,  when  heroically  charging  at  theheadof  hisoavalrj 
in  front  of  Les  Quatre  Bras.  The  hay -cart  of  a  Flemish  clodpole  was  now 
his  foneral  bier.  The  bottom  was  covered  with  the  red  stream,  fbresd  by 
the  rough  motion  of  the  car  from  the  wound,  which,  beiiw  in  the  bres^ 
was  distinctly  visible,  and  a  heaTjr  mass  of  ooagulated  blood  was  plalMiM 


z 


arDaad  the  itured  boMm  and  laced  Ispeb  of  the  onifbnii  coat.   An  ncort 

of  Black  BruDBirickerg,  gorroning,  sullen,  and  wu-nam,  anrronnded  it 
with  their  filed  ba^oneta.  The  boor  cracked  hii  whip  and  whiitled  to  hii 
horse,  replarang  hii  pipe  pbiloiophicallf,  and  ipparently  not  caring  a  Btnw 
whether  it  was  Che  cone  of  ■  chifairic  prioee  or  a  bag  of  Dutch  turf  that 
hU  coDveyaDce  contaioed. 

EoDald  reined  up  his  horse,  and  touched  bis  bonnet  in  silute  to  the 
Brnnswick  escort ;  ont  the  rage  and  sorrow  of  the  cualry  officer,  on  be- 
holding the  lifeless  body  of  hii  Borereign  and  leader,  were  sncb  ss  his 
companion  never  beheld  before.  He  muttered  deep  oaths  and  bitter  eie- 
cntious  in  German,  and  holdiog  aloft  his  labre,  he  swore  that  he  would 
rerenge  him  or  perish.  At  leajt  from  his  sctions  StuHrt  interpreted  his 
langwiGe  thus.  He  jerked  his  heaiy  sabre  into  its  steel  seaboard,  and 
toochintt  his  cap  ssapsrtingsslute,  drove  spurs  into  his  horse,  and,  dashing 
mlODg  the  forest  pathway,  disappeared.  Ronild  followed  him  for  a  little 
way,  but  finding  that  he  was  careering  forward  like  a  madman,  abandoned 
the  idea  of  attempting  to  oiertake  him. 

Daylight  was  iacreasing  rapidly,  but  he  felt  that  dreamy  and  drowsy 
■ensaljon  which  is  always  caused  bywant  of  sleep  for  an  entire  night.  He 
endeaTonred  to  shake  off  these  feelings  of  weariness  and  oppression,  for 
eTerrthing  sroand  announced  that  he  was  approaching  the  arsna  of  a 
deadly  and  terrible  conflict.      His   heart    beat  louder    aod   hia    pulses 

Juickened  as  he  Sidvanced.  Dense  clouds  of  smoke,  &om  the  contest  of 
le  preceding  erening,  yet  mingled  with  the  morning  mist,  overhung  the 
portion  of  Quatre  Bras,  and.  pressed  down  by  the  heavy  atmosphere, 
rolled  over  Ihe  level  surface  of  the  country.  At  every  step  he  fonnd  a 
dead  or  a  dying  man.  and  crowds  of  wounded  stragglers,  officers,  rank-and- 
file,  on  hone  and  on  foot,  were  pouring  along  in  psin  and  misery  to 
£nuae1f,  bedewing  every  part  of  the  road  with  the  dark  crimson  which 
trickled  from  their  undressed  wounds.  Hiese  were  all  suffeiera  in  the 
fierce  contest  at  Quatm  Bras  on  the  preceding  evening.  The  Tillage  of 
'Waterloo  was  deserted  by  its  inhsbitaots,  for,  like  a  pestilence,  war  spread 
desolation  with  death  in  its  path,  and  (he  fearfnl  Flemings  had  fled,  scared 
by  the  rosi  of  the  distant  artilUry. 

lie  wounded  were  unshle  to  give  imy  account  of  the  engagement, 
save  that  Brunswick  was  slain,  and  the  British  had  not  yet  lost  the 
day.  He  was  informed  that  his  regiment  was  in  the  ninth  brigade  of 
infantry,  commanded  by  Major-general  Sir  Dennis  Facki  and  that  be 
wonld  find  them,  with  their  kilted  comrades  the  42nd,  and  14th  English 
Foment,  lomewhere  near  the  farm  of  Les  Qnatrc  Bias,  bivoaacked  in  a 
corn-field. 

lie  speaker  was  an  officer  of  the  1st  regiment,  or  Royal  Scots.  He  was 
severely  wounded  on  the  head  and  arm,  and  was  making  his  way  to 
Brussels  on  foot,  bleeding  and  in  great  agony,  as  his  scars  bad  no  other 
bandages  than  two  hastily  adjusted  handkerchiefs.  He  leant  foe  support 
on  the  arm  of  a  soldier  of  the  Uth,  who  was  also  Buffering  from  a  wound. 
llie  Royal  Scot  begged  of  Stuart  to  lend  him  a  feir  shitlings.  adding  that 
be  had  spent  all  hb  money  at  Brussels,  and  wonld  be  totally  destitute  when 
he  returned  thither,  as  he  had  not  a  fiuthing  to  procore  even  a  monthfiil 

Stoart  gave  him  a  few  gnloeas,  nearly  all  the  looae  change  in  hia  pnrse, 
but  rendired  a  greater  service  in  lendii^  hia  horse,  which  could  be  of  no 
further  nsa  to  himself,  as  he  was  now  close  to  the  arena  of  operations. 
The  officer  mounted  with  many  thanks,  and  promised  to  return  die  animal 
to  the  head-quarters  of  the  Highlanders, — a  promise  whidi  he  did  not  live 
to  fulfil ;  and  the  iteed  probsbly  bectuno  the  prey  of  some  greedy  boor  of 


178 

Soigniea.  B*  hn  acanthekastr  the  officer  to  be  hi*  conatiTlBai.aadke 
loDkad  bode  far  n  ^oit  time,  •ratchingluni  u  hi*  boiae,  led  b;  Hie  hosut 
YorkriamBan  of  tfie  14th,  ttimded  H»  yatjiniaag  tlie  ati^^ttg  dowd 
tint  ooTcred  tlw  tdbiL 

^nMu«  was  en  iadeecTibabla  MHiHtlimB  m  tbe  &ee  of  this  officer  vhicEi 
Memed  like  part  of  a  lODg  fbrgotteti  dream,  tbat  eome  caBml  inoideBt  naj 
iiddenlr  cell  to  rtmaiidiraiice.  He  lorelr  had  nerer  aeon  hnn  befbic,  and 
Tit  bis  Toiee  and  featoree  seemed  like  lluMe  of  an  old  fnend,  and  h»  fd£ 
well  plesaed  with  hhnMlf  fbr  the  BtteDticn  he  had  ihowD  him.  He  io- 
qnired  hii  name  unong  tlie  wonqded  aaldien  of  the  Roraii. 

"  Hs'i  BiudEti  H«iiMJIli  of  onn,  nr,"  nid  one,  nlsdng  with  tbandf 
luwd  tltti  war  had  Idt  hiaa. 

"  We'n  miDj  Mottcithi,"  nid  mother,  who  laj  by  Ae  road-rids.. 
"  Clunj  i*  his  Chriatian  name,  nr." 

It  was,  tiien,  fail  ceosin,  the  son  of  Sir  Golqnhona  HenteHii,  tbiA  hahad' 
so  nngnlarlyeDcoanteredsnd  befriended.  Thef  had  not  rtut  fbr  e^tav 
veari.  aince  they  were  little  childreo,  (nd  now  b^Mld  eadi  othu',  ftor  the 
lut  time,  on  the  field  of  Ihtetloo.  B*  was  aboat  to  tnn  and  mike 
himself  known,  bat  Mwitrilh  had  proceeded  aa  fhr,  Uiat  hit  fignre  was 
lost  said  tiu)  orood  wUA  aosoiapaided  him ;  bat  he  hoped  to  msBt  Um 
■cmn,— a  hope  which  was  BSTer  ralized,  for  he  expired  by  the-wBrride. 
<£mb  to  the  entrance  id  Hie  farett  of  Soignies.  Feel&ig  Us  heart  BaddOMd 
and  sofiened  by  ■  thomand  recnUoctionB  of  his  chUdbood,  which  tiiia  inler- 
view  had  ■wakened,  Bonald,  turned  his  Ace  tmtanla  Onstre  Bras,  taking  a 
eoUtary  path  among  aims  ttnckets,  to  sioid  the  tHssuree^le  sights  cf 
hlUDUi  pain  end  nusoy  whieh  he  sneoantEied  on  crery  yard  of  the. 

The  morning  wss  hazy,  and  orerywhere  dense  donda  of  vqioar  weie 
cnriingapwara  ftomthe  eaitb,  exhaled' W  the  best  of  llie  nn,  which ,  u 
the  di^  sdvuiced,  became  iatansn,  iridic  tiie  air  was  oppreasiie  and  sohry ; 
bnt  a  great  change  oane  o«er  tlie  hce  of  uatore  abcmt  twelve  o'dod£ 

WMa  pusB^  tbrongh  Hie  copsewood  which  bordered  the  hifhw^ 
beyond  the  village  of  Waterloo,  Ronald  hesrd  thewail  of  ■  bagpipe,  sritms  op 
from  the  wosdlands,  and  wildly  flostiiK  throng  the  still  vrottWannmier 
morning.  He  stopped  and  liatened  Srestbleealy,  whila  the  stirred  blood 
within  him  moanted  to  hJB  cbeek.  'Rm  Usttlme  he  heard  that  mstpsmsnt, 
it  was  awakming  liie  echoes  in  the  wooda  of  Toalonse.  Bat  (he  strain  was 
difierent  now.  tt  was  played  aadl;  and  slowly,  with  all  the  feeling  of 
which  its  wild  reeds  are  espable ;  and  tibe  sir  wss  an  anoent  dirge  fron  the 
Isle  of  the  Mist— Oran  au  Aioff,  or  "theSone  of  Death,"  and  StOBifs 
breast  became  filled  with  soft  melanchdy,  and  with  wonder  to  bear  tUa 
solemn  rseaaure  of  the  Higfalaod  isles  played  in  such  a  place,  and  at  neh 
a  time.     The  canse  was  soon  mealed. 

On  snddenly  tn  ming  a  point  of  the  road,  iriiieh  was  lined  on  eidi  aids 
by  thick  thorns  and  ^1  poplars,  he  beheld  JEaeaa  or  Angus  Macmrich, 
a  piper  of  the  92nd,  ststbing,  with  the  slow  and  stately  sir  peculiar  to  bis 
pTofessioD,  before  a  mdel y- formed  waf^n,  in  which  lay  a  wonnded  ofiees, 
over  wlioDi  a  cloak  waa  cast  to  defend  him  from  the  tierce  ra;s  of  the  snu. 
Stuart,  Ibe  assistant -surgeon,  rode  behind,  and  beside  it  came  old  Dngald 
MhoT  Cameron,  with  bis  head  bare  and  bis  idlfer  treasa*  Soatinx  on  the 
wind,  while  he  bid  his  bee  in  the  end  of  the  tsrtan  plaid.  A  Uigfalud 
— '-"--T  ied  by  the  bridle   the  hcrae   which  drew  tie  yehiele,— ~~^ 


mnntry  car  of  the  clumsiest  consCmction,  ind  a  wretohed  jotiiam 

;.. .  1. —  1. —  1 indnriog  the  saony  of  s  oompticHai 

■•ere  dspietnL  m  every  bes  at  the 


advindag  groap,  and  tke  Higbbnder  wbo  1^  the  bora*  tamed  roand 
everj  moment  to  look  apan  th«  (offerer  in  the  car. ' 

BadbU  kaew  all  tbe  aad  tmth  at  once.  On  ha  meating  it,  the  ATalcade 
baited,  the  lunent  ceuad,  and  a  marmur  at  greotiag  aroH  fiooi  Ibe  High- 
landers,— all  entept  old  Dnsald,  who  itared  at  him  nHh  ayea  of  wonder 
■ad  fteaurf. 

It  was  tka  cobMHl,  biaTeCwMCtoa,  wbMB  tbvf  mn  beariar  aim,— aa 
manr  of  hia  anocMon  had  been  bomie,  from  faiaMtbatUe-Aekltafaii  long 
liome.  He  «at  not  dtad,  bntlar  nottamltaa  on  Mi  back,  pale  and  bloody, 
trith  hk  MHwd  (rolled  np  in  a  iriaid  for  a  |rilIow),  plaGed  ander  bia  bead, 
Rla  eyes  weia  doiad,  Ui  (dMchs  were  aai^ea  and  ihaatlr,  aad  tha  tUelc 
aa4i  at  hii  bioWD  hair  were  dabbled  witb  Mood  and  aoBad  with  d>r- 
NotwMhitBodins  hi*  lamiliariCy  wltii  ■ecbsi  of  bleod,  Ronald  conld  not 
help  Bhiinking  on  behiridine  the  leader  iriiani  be  loved  >o  dearly,  and  wham 
a»iwanTbra«9aeDlwdfMiowed,  (IreMieAtbaaMpIenlri  with  the  hand 
of  the  grtaa  king  npon  Vm. 

"  Stnsrt,  thii  )■  a  aorrowAil  meeting,"  aaid  Ronald  in  a  low  voice,  aa  be 
prealed  t^  hand  of  hia  old  friend  the  meAeo.  "  Our  good  and  gallant 
cdIoikI — '' 

"  Aadi !  aT,— tb*  (Jwurt  Bw  conwl-Hhe  oorMl,"  mottraed  Dngald  in  a 
wUaaperi^  ndee.  He  atemed  beaotted  viiii  nief.  "  I  kent,  uia  tme 
yartendar,  that  It  waato  happen  ei«  the  nicht  fell.  Hw  UA  wh  blae,  aad 
tlie  ann  waa  tuicht ;  but  V  wraathr  doacendad  on  my  aold  eea,  and  >  nd 
daad  waabeftNvme  wheiwnc  I  taraad, — aboon  on  when  I  looked  ap,  aad 
bekiwneiAenlleoheddoMi;  and  I  lasM  thatdaalh  manearmrliaut, 
fi>r  tb*p»wer  ofdM  Waeftvaanpoam*.  Aichitrl  lie  Ton  there,  J<An 
Cameron?  Pew  ttere-were  like  jon,— ftw  indeed!"  ^dtheddiBniL 
bowed  down  hia  wrinkled  face  between  bis  bare  Iniees,  and  wept  bitterly. 

"Poor  Faaufem  L"  wfaiipered  the  anrgboa ;  " be  wUl  nercr  draw  iword 

"  Ii  he  ■ortsHr  wwundidf  ?"  uked  Roaaldr  in  &e  aama  low  tone. 

"  Tea.  Ere  naon  be  will  heie  departid  K>  a  better  place.  Bnl  in  thia 
world  ho  kf-  ' ' ■"  " 

"Ibitw 
of  ngietiD  hi 
brotbep-ofloer,  bat  he  inqaired  Stom  wtoenoe  he  Baawnr  aoine. 

"I  hBTB  oome  on  the  apor  ftom  Oatend,"  anawvred  Konald,  "ant- 
•tripping  manr  detachmMla  on  the  march ;  fcr  I  hare  been  very  impatient 
tobe  with  the  old  ci>rp**g*'B'  Bat  thia  Is.iwlaewa  after  my  loagabaence. 
And  what  of  the  reatof  me  regiment  i     Have  them  been  many  cBaaaltiea  ?" 

"We  hare  snfferedsererely,— lest  nearly  aa  many  aa  at  Alba  de  Tonnes  ; 
knt  I  know  not  tfae  exact  nnmber.  Retom  with  me  m  ftar  vardi.  and  aid. 
ua  in  procnring  a  comfortable  plaoe  for  tiic  c^onel,  aad  I  will  tell  you  all 
the  regimental  nawi  in  time.  The  oerpi  ia  biw>aaiiked  in  front  of  Les 
Qnatre  Brae,  over  yonder,  and  they  will  not  likely  get  nnder  anna  for 
totne  boon  yet.     Yon  can  join,  and  report  yonr  arrival  in  the  coarae  of  the 


The  ssond  of  their  veiees  cauwi  Cameran  to  open  Ua  hcan  eyes,  and 

I  bshotding  Konald,  a  ra*  of  their  old  firs  sparkled  in  tiiem.  He  stretched 
It  his  hand,  and  Ronald  grasped  il  i^tly.  but  afTectioDatsly.    Cameron 


attempted  to  speak,  but  hia  Eengne  fluled  in  its  office,  and  on  Ms  lips  tfae 
half- formed  wordi  died  away  in  hint  mntlCrings. 

Aa  they  enteied  the  villsge  of  Wotn-loo,  the  anrreaD  related  that,  on  tha 
preceding  a* aaiog,  a  battalion  of  tha  enemy  had  taken  pooKssion  of  a  large 
two-storied  boase  on  tbe  Chaileroi  read.  From  the  windows  and  garden 
walla  of  this  place  &ey  k^C  ap  an  nicessantfiTB  of  maikctry  on  the  Britieh 


ISO 

trooM  b)  lU  TkinHr,  nntil  Lord  WelUDgton  ordered  Ftnifern,  with  hh 

Hightanden,  to  dialog  them  with  tbe  bsTDoet. 

After  ■  ihnTp  ooatest,  the  place  vm  taken  by  Btorm ;  Init  CemeroD, 
irhile  leadins  the  uwulc.  was  shot  through  the  body  b;  a  hnllEt  from  a 
barricaded  window  in  the  upper  atory,  fired  by  a  cbauenr,  who,  howcTer, 
oltimHtelr  niaed  Dotbing  bf  the  ejcploit.  The  eagle  eye  of  Cameron's  IV- 
vengefol  fbiloweT.  Dngald  Mhor,  bad  marked  the  alayer;  and  when  the 
banae  waa  entered,  and  the  garriaon  were  ruahing  from  room  to  room  and 


10  infuriated  by  the  lose  of  their  leader,  that  butt  and  bayonet  were  mod 
freely,  until  icarcelya  men  waa  left  alive  in  the  place. 

"  Nse  quarter  t  Bemember  tbe  colonel  1  Death  an'  dule  to  erery  man 
o'  tbem  '.  were  erica  with  wbich  tbey  enoonraged  each  other  darii^  the 
conflict. 

Tbe  beat  houae  in  Waterloo  being  aelected,  the  colonel  waa  borne  into  It, 
and  pieced  in  an  apartment,  which  seemed  to  be  a  aort  of  parloar,  being 
the  Bmasela  road.  It  wea  s  iiiag  little  cottage,  with  walla  of  brigfit 
red  brick,  a  thatched  roof,  and  yellow  door  and  abottera,  with  red  panels. 
Nameroila  arbonra  and  rails  of  trellis- work,  painted  green  and  white,  en- 
drcled  it ;  and  a  foreat  of  tall  hoUyhocka,  peoniea.  roses,  and  other  lane 
and  glaring  flowen,  were  bloomiog  abont  it,  and  gliatening  gaily  in  at 
meridian  ann  )  while  forfeoaa  tulipa  and  anemonei  were  wsTing  in  thon- 
aanda  fiom  plots  and  parterres,  arrayed  in  all  tbe  sumraergloryof  aDntch 
garden.  Bnttheae  were  miaersbly  U'od  down,  as  tbe  Highlsnden  bore  the 
colonel  up  tbe  narrow  pebbled  walk  to  the  door,  wbicb  b^g  locked,  was 
Opened  by  the  rough  application  of  a  stone  from  the  highway.  The  iamales 
bad  fled,  and  the  manaiou  waa  empty. 

Tbe  colonel  waa  laid  upon  the  floor, — there  waa  not  a  bed  in  tbe  place> 
all  tbe  furniture  hsTing  been  carried  or 
down  on  bit  bare  kneea  beside  him 
forth  in  ■ 


!?wJ. 


the  surgeon  to  Ronald,  who  was  eager  to  perform  eome  office  by  which  ha 
might  serve  the  invalid,  or  aeauage  lome  of  hia  torment*;  bat  nothipg 
'  coud  he  done,  «nd  he  was  compelled  to  stand  by,  an  idle  specUtor,  while 
tbe  brave  spirit  of  bia  friend  hovered  between  life  and  eternity.  "  He  in 
sinking  faat,"  eontiDaed  the  doctor  in  the  aame  whiapering  voioe.  "Aloe! 
the  rHiment  will  never  aee  his  like  again." 

"Where  is  An^  Macvurich  ?"  asked  the  colonel  in  alow  voice,  bat  ft 
lirm  one,  and  al  if  all  hia  energies  were  returning. 

Tbe  piper  anawered  by  a  loud  snifter,  or  half-stifled  sob. 

"Oich!  he's  apeakin' like  himsel  BEain.  Ye'U  no  deejoat  this  Unw,— 
will  ye,  no  ?    O  say  ye'llnol"  said  old  Dugald,  bending  over  him  in  an 

ony  of  aorrow,  and  gaiing  on  hia  face  aa  a  fatiier  would  hava  done. 

"'a'll  bajth  gang  hame, — ay,  gang  htme  th^thir  yet  to  Faaufem,  ammg 
uw  green  hills  of  the  bonnie  north  country.  Ochone  I  woe  to  tb«  day  we 
ever  left  it,— woe  I " 

"No,  Dogmld,  my  good,  my  dear  old  man;  I  shall  nevn' behold  the 
fair  Highland  bills  again.  My  bonr  is  come,  and  death  ii  ereuing  inhi 
my  heart,  slowly  but  sorely.  Ob,  that  I  might  die  among  mv  kindr«d  I 
It  is  a  sod  and  dnolate  feeling  to  know  that  one  must  be  bnnad  in  a  distant 
land,  and  nnheedinz  atnngers  will  tread  on  tbe  plaoe  of  our  repoM.  Tie 
sad  to  die  here,  and  to  Snd  a  grave  so  far  away  from  home,  from  tbe  l>Hd 


n-AK.  181 

sf  tbe  long  yellov  broom  and  Ae  pnrple  beatber.    Tell  me,  g 
did  mf  Hishlaaden  storm  tbe  honie  on  the  Charleroi  road  }" 

"  Ay,  please  joai  hononr,"  uid  the  piper,  "  an'  atlcket  e»ery  man  they 
fcnd  below  the  rignn  o't." 

"  Those  excepted  who  laid  down  their  irmi,"  &dded  the  mrgeon.  "But 
tiie  hoii«e  was  gallantly  stormed,  colonel." 

"  Well  done  the  Gaetl  Well  done,  1117  good  and  bisTeioldleri  I"  cried 
the  iOTalid. 

There  vu  ■  long  paose,  which  nothing  broke,  Mfe  the  lovd  breaUiing  of 
the  wonnded  HighUnder,  until,  in  feeble  acoenta,  he  said, 

"  Come  near  me.  Msoarich ;  I  woald  bear  the  blast  of  the  pipe  once 
moie  ere  I  die.  Play  the  ancient  death-song  of  the  Skye  men  ;  my  fore- 
lathers  have  often  heard  it  without  shrinking." 

"  Oran  an  Aiog!"  said  tbe  piper,  raising  bis  ilrones. 

The  colonel  moved  bis  hand,  and  Macvnricb  began  to  screw  the  pipes 
and  sound  a  prelude  on  the  raeda,  whose  notes,  even  in  this  harsh  and  dis- 
cordsQt  war,  caused  the  eyes  of  the  Highlander  to  flash  and  glare,  as  it 
roused  the  fierce  northern  spirit  in  his  bosom. 

"  He  ordered  that  strange  old  tone  to  be  played  ftvm  the  fint  moment 
I  declared  his  wound  to  be  mortal,"  said  tbe  surgeon  in  a  low  Toice.  "  It 
is  one  of  the  saddest  and  wildest  I  ever  heard." 

'*  Hold  me  np,  Dugsid ;  I  would  say  something,'*  mattered  Cameron, 
"Ah  I  Stuart— 1  mean  Ronald  Stuart,  I  hsTc  much  to  uy  and  in  askyoa; 
bnt  my  voice  faila  me,  and  my  tongue  falters,— and — and—"  utteiancig 
failed  him  for  a  moment.  "  Bnt  tell  me,  gentlemen,  what  news  from  the 
front  ?  Alas  \  I  should  hare  asked  that  before.  But  tell  me,  while  1  can 
hearjFOor  loices, — haye  the  enemy  been  defeated?" 

"  They  hare  been  driven  from  the  position  at  Les  Quatre  Bras,"  replied 
Doctor  Stnart;  "  onr  troops  are  everywhere  Tiotorions." 

"  Then  Cameron  can  die  in  happiness,"  said  he  firmly,  a*  he  snnk  hack. 
"  <Hi  I  I  hope  my  dear  conntry  will  think  that  I  have  served  ber  &itb- 

llis  lips  qnivered  as  if  twitched  by  ■  spasm,  and  be  muttered  some 
imaginary  order  to  keep  shoolder  to  shonlder,  to  prepare  to  charge;  and, 
drooping  his  head  upon  the  ihoalder  of  Dagald  Hhor,  he  expired  at  about 
one  o'clock  in  the  aftemoon. 

A  cry  of  agony,  shsrp  and  shrill,  like  that  of  ■  girl  rather  than  of  an  old 
man  of  eighty,  burst  from  Uie  lips  of  Dugald,  who  bent  hi*  wrinkled  and 
■un. burnt  visage  over  the  face  of  the  colonel  nntil  he  tondied  it ;  and  he 
wept  and  sobbed  bitterly,  atterine  uncouth  ejaculations,  and  sayiiiE 
strange  things,  inch  as  only  an  S{;ed  Hifjblander  (whose  mind  was  filled 
with  all  the  deep  imprealiona  of  mountain  mannen  and  past  ages)  would 

Anon  he  drew  himself  np  erect,  cast  Ms  disordered  plud  about  his 
towering  figure,  and  gaxed  around  him  with  eyes  in  which  there  gleamed  a 
■trange light  and  unsettled  expression.  He  seemed  the  very  ieau  idtulat 
a  Gaelic  seer ;  and  Macvnricb,  who  imagined  that  he  beheld  some  dark 
vision  of  the  second  sight,  dnw  back  with  respect  and  awe,  not  nnmingled 
with  a  slight  d^ree  or  fear. 

What  wild  vision  croaaed  the  disordered  brain  of  the  ued  vassal  1  know 
not,  bat  he  tosaed  hii  arms  towards  it,  and  a  torrent  of  blood  gnsbed  forth 
from  his  mouth  and  uoatrils  {  he  tottered  towards  the  eorae  of  Cameron, 
Mid  aunk  on  the  floor  heride  it,  a  dying  man.    Ronald  spmug  forward  and 

*  Hmhs  were  his  dylns;  words.  In  rccDmp«Die  for  hia  grcit  serviMS.  ■  bsnnetey 
wasgnnttdtohil  fuii^.  In  I  BIB,  tab  aged  father  Tudved  the  title  arSlrETU 
CaBDQB,  San.,  of  WttMao. 


liftad  hin  np,  but  be  ntwr  fitke  assin,  and  exjiired,  naluog  WTenl  in. 
efTectnil  Kgat  to  MioTDrieh  to  jtliy  t  bat  the  piper  «u  kneeling  oil  tlic 
floor  near  Ike  c«r«e  of  hii  leader,  *M  beheld  tbem  Dat. 

Aoeai  MKcrariii^  ms  *  itcTD  old  Highlander  frooi  Bne'Mu',  braw»ed 
^th  the  MB  i/  Egyjrt  ud  the  Pet^iBidk.  H«  bod  gained  scan  In  Den- 
mkrli,  Holluid,  iTinoe,  Spiia,  UMl  Portugal.    SlBceCancnw  had  joined 

.i . . ang enmf«,  tiiejr  had  KTw" ' — •■' 1  i-l-^ 

o  harden  his  heart ;  bnt  n 
near  the  dead  hadf.  ooferiag  hii  baoara  &ee  with  hii  handa,  to  oonoeal 
tears,— of  which,  parhap*,  ia  fell;  Mhaned.  The  isemorr  of  dw*  long 
paued  awiq^-of  MDM  old  aola  of  kindoaw,  or  of  bi*  colonal'a  Kocln,  a«re 
•cTowdii^  (hid:  and  toll  upon  t^  raind,  a»d  the  veteom  wa«  wMpin(  like 
«firl. 

Stuart  was  deeplr  nomd  with  Oat  Kene  of  death  and  woe.  Not  fauing 
been  in  tbeaeliaB,  hii  heart  had  tint  been  roaaed,  or  its  fibrea  atniBg  to 
that  pitahof  calloaaneuor  exutemetit  requisite  to  aiuible«nB  to  look  oouIt 
on  anch  •ceaaa.  He  ahroaded  Che  remaina  of  CaowraB  in  the  usple  pkda 
of  his  bithfal  and  deputed  foUower,  Bod.  after  ooferiagtbaoiileeniUriMt 
baatil)'  op,  be  prepared  ta  r^ire.  Ye^  en  be  waat,  be  ratBrsad  a«MB  to 
lift  the  tartan  Baeeo,  and 

WUeTfiw  ths  lut,  but  Ht  Ilia  &>t,  dueUti." 
Hiibreaat  beaanehctttad,«Ml  be  felt  atfancanadietbelongiDga  for  battle 
and  rerenge,  ndi  M  ar«  addom  feU  until  one  baa  been  ennged  for  at 
leuthalfaahow.  Devri^  Ifaenridi  to  remain  bf  the  bodiei  until  tfaeT 
OMld  be  prepared  for  inteimmt,  he  quitted  the  cottage,  anil,  acoorapanied 
by  his  namesake  the  aaTgeoa,  Mt  mit  «n  the  war  to  the  bi*oaao8  of  the 

Each  wai  occupied  with  his  awa  sad  reflectioai  oa  the  aceoe  the;  had 
just  wilneased,  and  dwy  walked  (erward  for  aome  tiiae  in  Hlmee.  After 
awhile,  Btoart  reoapitidated  hb  adientn-ea  and  the  tUitJ  of  hii  diaappear- 
ance,  which  afforded  ample  tcope  for  conversation  until  they  drew  near 
Qoatre  Brtu,  when  the  miaerable  ol^jeets  they  enooaateaed  it  anrj  step 
rendered  it  impoaaible  to  oonmae  longer  with  ease  or  plaHun.  The  irtxrie 
roadwu  eorered  and  blodwd  Bn  wi&i  the  wttattHUBto  wutuded  traral- 
liog  towards  Brussels,  lome  in  the  waggoiM  «f  dte  Tiaia,  kundred*  on 
foot,  and  hundreds  crawling  along  tte  eaMh,  ceraredapithAiatandbtoad, 
drsMiagtheBniaerablebodiea  put  like  craved  worms;  wUle  thdr cries 
■DoiJBOulatisna  to  God  for  marcf,  and  to  maa  for  aid  imd  lor  water, 
formed  ■  hoiriUe  uedlay.  Burpaasiag  dte  pawir  of  description. 


CHAPTEB    XXU. 

THE  Uts  IBUe,  1815. 

"  TukT  ia  Qnatre  Bras,"  said  tiie  eurgeoB,  pmntiag  to  a  littte  viBage 

cloae  at  hand.    "  The  Highlanders  ere  In  biToaae behind  it ;"  and,  adding 

that  bis  servioea  ware  now  required  in  anothv  diE*otio&,  the  nOitary 

Eicnliplua  rode  off,  while  RoBsld  miked  haelilr  forward  to  the  TiUage. 

11 jQg  ^,  „g(  where  the  regiment  wtt  in  porilion,  a  ** 

tie W,  Of >-•--•  -'  ■^-•....  .- 


looUng  little  bi 
hastily  resied  t 

prompted  him  to  enter  tb>a  wig-wam  bT  pu „  _^ 

cooiisCed  ofnothiogmore  than  a  large  oakeDbraaefa,  ton  Wateaeigh- 


bmt,  caB^l0*ed  of  turf  and  the  boncha  of  treea,  appaMBtlit 
1  up  bgr  the  wayside,  attracted  hia  attention.  Cnried^ 
a  to  enter  this  wig-wam  bv  puahing  open  the  door,  which 


boariof  totat,  Ab  offioer  clad  in  a  Um  nutoot,  nfaite  .puitalcKini, 
Qmwb  boote  tMrallod  Rod  ipnrrMl,  and  wmiinc  ■ronnd  his  neak  a  uij/; 
eroMf  or  naokcloth,  ittrted  op  Awn  the  euniiutiDn  of  a  \atge  n»p  at 
FUndm,  mra  whidtbebad  been  bendiag,  and  railing  tail  coRked  bat, 
bent  hii  knn  bright  ajB  on  the  inUnder  vitb  ■  item  imd  in^otriaj  ex- 
imalioo  of  magei  ud  loniriie.  To  me  ■  ScotticiaBi — Stuart  w«  4nimj- 
AcaAnd  to  find  tbat  ho  bad  intempled  tba  sagitatiou  lod  auioni 
daliberatiani  of  W«lUncton. 

He  mattered  •MMthW— be  kaew  not  what— -b;  war  of  >PBl>>tr<  >»d 

KilUfwr  H  abnqitiy  M  he  bad  mtera 

thM  he  mnit  hiTi  looked  very  fboliih. 

Od  gaining  tbe  reax  of  tbe  village,  and  appMacbbg  the  Higblaodcn,  be 
found  thsm  forming  nnder  armi,  wIuLg  ttae  piiien,  Itrottiiig  ts  and  fm  on 
Hm  bigkwsr.  Bad*  tH  Qutra  Brai  and  tbe  Boil  de  Bonn  ring  t< 

"patlKTingof  tbeGordoni."    The rwimont  w  ' ■"  '-  '---'-'-- 

thidf  gHdcn  hedge,  tnaarti  bfi^cbi  be  wai  . 

Mpon  tbean  tmaeew ;  end  iJke  Mtomahmwt  of  tbe  oMcere  and  e^dian  mar 
)m  iaaigiiMd.  when,  by  leuing  over  the  bwriar,  be  apfaared  inddenlT 
nwimg  tbeaa.    A  b^-ttifled  *"«'lamafiiM  ran  along  the  bae,  and  there  w: 

^wodkcnd 
with  •  EnwudMM  whiofa  mi  tamij  fergtven,   (cseled  h 


be  nenr  forgvt.    Cuaiibdl,  vho  now  commanded  the  leginwnt, 
from  hii  boras,  and  wtth  hia  ample  band  naiped  StwM'i  ao  tigfaU;  »  hj 
CiH  bim  lom^paiD.    One  eeldoat  ebakei  tbe  band  of  anoh  a  Celtic  ^ant. 

"  Wall,  Ronald,  my  lad  t  tbii  ie  Bitonishiat— elmoit  beyimd  beliel^  Do 
tm  look  npon  yon,  or  yeor  wraith  ? " 

"  HyMf,  maJOT "  '  *■  — 

JStaartlmgbbiK. 

"  1  thon^t  wraithi  were  not  in  &ibion,  in  tJiii  flat  couitry  at  leait. 
jPalth  I  thii  baa  quite  the  air  of  a  remanoe,  with  Ihs  accompaniments  of 
■■tonihment,  myitsy,  and  all  tlMtaort  of  iMnc,  Did  yoe  ovme  down 
-from the clondi .'  or ipringoMt of tlM eaith like afihetlenddwaif J" 

"  Qaeer  meda,  both,  M  jotaiDg  a  lapmenL  No.  m^jor  -,  I  iut  leaped 
tbe  hedge,— aBromantu^y  eBeasb.  Bi>t,bswd'redD,  Cbiaboiia?  How 
are  yon,  HBdldbni !  Ab  I  Donglu,  mr  boy  !  andLiilel  Dear  Louis, 
how  mndi  1  hiTe  to  aik  and  to  t^J    Your  band-" 

A>d  tbni  be  greeted  them  all  in  nceesaioD,  from  tbe  pct.beUi«l  field- 
officer  to  Ibe  iloider  enaign,  raw  iron  tbe  collie  or  nnraery.  A  truly 
nationalibaldngof  buidliDsaad,  andsnch,  ImayaifelviMert,  aiQnatre 
Bras  bad  nerer  wiliieseed  betoe.  Then  came  the  light  otn^eny,  with 
tbeir  hnmble  bnt  hearty  wiabee  of  joy  t  and  the  whole  tei^aent,  gning 
mutial  discipline  to  tbe  winds,  chested  and  wared  their  boimete,  while 
tbe  pliers  blew  as  if  tlwir  Usee  dc(»endad  on  ic,  nntil  'Wellington,  con- 
fovMed  bif  the  nproar  which  bad  eo  mddenly  broken  foid  in  his  imme- 
diide  vidnity,  wm  aeen  Inddnr  from  bii  wigwam  in  no  pleasant  mood ; 
bat  not  ano  tiw  appearance  of  Hut  portentoiu  viUt  eroW,— the  ghnies 
of  wkiob  are  atill  rang  by  tbe  Spaoisb  nuiletaet,  the  Flemiib  boatman,  and 
tbe  PortogiMee  gba*,— oonld  saD  tfce  cJeeaonr. 

Altbotwb  RooMd  *  letten  wtittoi  from  London  bad  informed  hia  mili- 
tary frieads  of  his  exiitSDce  and  aafe  arriTal  in  England,  they  were  by  no 
mnm  prepered  (or  hie  anddcn  appearance  among  them  in  Flanders,  and 
be  had  to  endnrc  a  thick  croia-fire  of  qneitions  and  eager  inqniriea,  which 
at  tiiat  moment  there  was  not  time  to  aiwwer:  but  he  promised  tbe 
■ebeanal  of  hia  ilory  at  foil  Uogth  on  tbs  fitut  OfiiK«Canity,  anU  for  tbo 


.0  amotl  dignilf  and  importuice  RmoDg  those  who  filled  the  ranVa  of  the 
Gordon  Highlandera. 

Tbe  troops  bad  been  ordered  to  fill  back  upon  the  position  ofWaterloo, 
which  WW  neit  day  to  be  the  Bcene  of  that  "  king-making  wictarj," — the 
moat  important  GTer  fboght  and  won  in  Bnrope,  and  one  which  haa  fixed 
for  ever  the  fame  of  the  great  dake  and  tbe  Bntisb  armr. 

When  the  bustle  crea^  by  hia  erriTsI  had  a  little  inbsided,  Bonsld 
reqaeated  a  few  words  apart  with  Lonia ;  but  hrfote  he  conid  apeik,  tlie 
voice  of  Camubell  was  heard  in  cammand. 

"  Fall  in.  gentlemen  ;  Ml  in  1" 

"Alice?"  •vhigperedStaarC. 

"  She  i«  well  and  bappy,  Ronald;  and  neiet  OQce  has  her  lore  wandered 
from  you,"  laid  Louii,  pretaiag  hia  hand. 

Tbe  bngle  Bounded,  and  they  separated  to  Jala  their  teapeetire  eom- 
paniea;  and  next  moment  the  adjutant  was  flyini;  along  tbe  lineat  fall 
gallop,  to  collect  the  reportg.  Then  riding  np  to  Campbell,  be  lowered 
the  point  of  hia  gword,  and.  acqnainting  him  with  the  casualties,  retnraed 
to  faiH  post  in  tbe  line,  while  the  regiment  broke  into  open  coliunti  of 
sections,  with  tbe  right  in  front;  and  the  pioneera,  with  their  sawa,  axes, 
Sec.,  and  their  leather  aprons  atrapped  to  their  bare  knea,  went  off  doable- 
quick  in  advance.  "  Quick  march  I "  via  now  the  order  repeated  br  a 
haudred  commanding  officers,  varying  in  cadeoee  and  distanoe.  "tlie 
trumpet  brayed,  the  cymbal  clashed,  the  dmm  reboonded.  the  war^pe 
yelled  fbrth  ita  notea  of  defiance  and  pride,  and  the  whole  army  was  n 
motion  en  route  for  Waterloo. 

B^  the  auddenneaa  of  the  order  to  "f^in,"  Slttart  loat  an  oppartnaity 
(which  never  agaia  occurred)  of  learning  from  LddIb, — ^aC  of  whleb  be 
wai  itill  iguoraat^ — the  wreck  of  hia  father's  afiaira,  and  his  emigratko  to 
a  strange  conntry. 

Gloom  and  doubt  were  apparent  in  theheeiafbatb officers  and  privates. 
as  ^e  tamj  began  its  march  to  ihe  rear,  apon  Waterioo.  AnyUung  fike 
retreatiog  la  ao  nnuBoal  to  British  troopa,  that  a  ehill  aeemed  to  have  ftlten 
on  every  heart  aa  they  moved  from  Qoatre  Biaa,  before  which  the  third 
and  fifth  divisions  were  left  to  covet  the  rear, — or  at  least  to  decrave 
Napoleon  hy  remainincin  aight  till  the  artillery  and  tbe  main  body  of  tbe 
army  were  ftr  on  the  Waterloo  road.  As  Lord  Wellington  had  fotVMei, 
Napoleon  was  long  kept  in  ignorance  of  our  retreat  by  this  meaanre;  but 
as  aooa  aa  he  perceived  it,  be  deapatched  immense  bodies  of  cavalrr  to 
presa  and  harass  the  rear -guard.  On  looking  back,  just  before  the  Jbu 
de  Soimiei  began  to  throw  ita  foliage  over  the  line  of  march,  Stoart  taw 
several  dashing  charges  made  by  the  Brilisb  heavy  dragoons,  who  rode 
right  through  and  through  the  massive  cotnmns  of  tlie  enemy,  breaking 
their  order,  sabring  them  in  handieds,  and  compelling  tbe  rest  to  reeoil, 
and  repreaa  the  fierce  feeling  of  triumph  with  wbioi  they  beheld  the  Bdtish 
army  retreating  before  ^em.  Scarcely  a  riiot  was  fired,  aa  the  earMnea 
and  pistols  were  rarely  resorted  to.  Thdr  conflicts  were  all  maintained 
with  the  iword,  and  tome  tboniand  blades  were  seen  flashing  at  ones  in 
tbe  light  of  tbe  ann,  as  they  were  whirled  aloft  like  gleams  of  lightning, 
and  descended  Kke  flashes  M  fire  on  the  polisbed  helmets  of  the  French, 
and  on  the  tall  and  varied  caps  of  the  British  eavUry. 

DoringUieareaterpartof  this  march,  Ronald  moved'whh  a  group  of  the 
officers  about  him,  listening  to  that  whioh  be  was  heartily  tired  of  relating, 
—"a  full,  true,  and  particalar  hiatory  "  of  hia  deluition  amonff  the 
Spaniards,  hia  release  and  hiireatorationtoUwTegioiBnt.    TheMonof  Oe 


185 

nelghb<nujiig  teetuNU.  wlio  were  all  liitcnins  Kttenti*tlr  with  eager  «ar«, 
ourcalated  t^  itorf  thraDgh  the  ranks  *ith  Tuioas  additiona  and  slter*- 
tiona,  to  init  that  taite  for  the  tnarrellous  and  ironderfnl  which  eiists  m> 
much  among  soldiera — Highlanders  espedolly  j  eo  that  by  the  time  it  had 
tr>Telled  along  the  line  of  march,  from  the  moathi  of  ths  light  company  to 
the  grenadierg  at  the  head  of  the  colamn,  Ronald's  narritiie  might  hace 
Tied  with  that  true  history,  the  "  Life  of  Priace  Arthur,"  "  Jack  the  Giant 
Qaeller,"  or  any  other  hero  of  ancient  times. 

"  Weil,  Stnart,  my  man  ',"  said  Cunphell,  riding  np  to  Ronald ;  "  I  am 
kupy  lo  see  you  again  at  the  bead  of  the  light  hobs." 

''  I  thank  yoa,  major ;  bat  truly  none  can  rejoice  more  than  myself," 
answered  Ronald.  "  Faith  1  a  century  seems  to  have  elapsed  since  1 
(aw  the  old  colours  with  the  silver  thistles  and  the  iphinies, — yoor 
ikToarite  badge,  major,  waving  above  the  blue  bonneli.  There  was  a  time, 
when  I  thought  never  to  have  beheld  them  again." 

"  When  yon  so  narrowly  eccaped  hanging  by  those  rascally  thieves,  I 
■oppose  !  Don  Altaro  gave  you  ample  reparation,  as  far  as  he  could  do, 
br  drawing  fifty  human  necks,  like  the  tbraws  of  so  many  muir-bens.  A. 
fine  fellow,  that  AUaro  I  only  rather  lank  and  sombre  in  visage.  Faith  1 
I  shall  never  fin^et  the  sapper  hia  pretty  sister  gave  us  the  first  night  we 
halted  at  Merida.     Every  duhhad  garlic,  olive  oil,  and  onions  in  it  1" 

"  Uoodi,  deenla  and  wailocka  I  said  Serjeant  Macrone,  graaping  the 
tmacheon  of  his  pike.  "  Oh  1  had  I  peen  there  pedde  you,  sir,  whan  tbae 
TOTOT  loons  spake  o'  ■  tow  to  yoa,  many  a  soir  croon  wad  bae  peen  among 
them!" 

"  I'm  mm^  obliged  to  yoa,  Macrone ;  bst,  with  a  doien  of  oni  bloe 
bonnets,  1  would  aoon  bare  made  •  dear  house  of  them." 

"  Oidil"  MmtJBned  the  HijeMit,  growing  eloquent  in  his  indignation, 

1,1..  —  ji. '-— L  tMnmed  M^uaaaot  thing  tope  hanget,  especially 

■a.    Bat  wad  the  rtlnn  no  bae  sliot  yer  faononr, 

lat  if  ye  had  aaked  them  as  a  favour,  ye  ken  ?" 

thMiHacmne,"  replied  Ronald,  laaghing  heartily; 

illy  nnplBMant,  thongh  not  eqnally  honourable." 

daowobaTe  lottUmatlait, '  abserred  Campbell, 

^  — ...  rhile  hit  aye*  glittesied.    "  I  often  look  at  the  head 

and  ImU  imagine  I  see  him  riding  olouf  there,  on  hi*  tall 

IS  <rf  old  t  his  fignre  erect  and  statdy,  and  lua  long  l^th^ 

L  on  his  ri^  shoulder.    Many  ■  day  I  have  watched  bin 


kindly  and  discreetly,  jnat  if  ye  had  aaked  them  as  afkvour,  ye  lien?" 

"  I  nerer  thoQcl>taf  tliat,HacnMe,"  replied  Ronald,  laughing  heartily; 
*'  both  modes  were  eqnally  nnpleasant,  thongh  not  equally  honourable." 

"PoorCamenml  aBdaawobaTe  lottUm  at  lost, '  abserred  Campbell, 
loahatf.mnaiiigtone,  whilehitsyeagliatesied.    "  I  often  look  at  the  head 

of  Aeeohsam,  i    ■  ■   ■-  ■  '         

fabek  horse,  as „_ 

droofring  down  on  his  ri^  shoulder.  Many  a  day  I 
•rith  pleuure,  as  he  led  the  line  of  maroh  over  the  long  plains  of  Spain, 
wben  we  hare  been  moving  n-ow  •nnrise  to  snnaet,  Mthetallspireof  some 
distant  (Jty.  I  afaall  obtain  theeommand,  but  He  who  reads  the  human 
hMTt  knows  that  1  would  ladker  hare  lemuned  alwaya  major,  that  Cameron 
might  have  lived." 

"Brave  f^ssifbml  we  were  always  luvud  of  him,  but  more  so  now  than 
ever,"  said  Stnart,  and  his  eyes  glittered  with  enthusiasm  ohiie  he 
apoiie.    ' '  'Tis  but  two  honrs  since   I  beheld  him  eipire  in  Waterloo 


at  the  head  of  the  nenadieis,  while  aasanltiBg  it  in  front.     I  carried  it  in 

*----■--   '     ndie  backdoor  with  —  —  ......... 

t.   Oar  men  bnght  bl 
beoontinned,  empbatioally,  "John  Cameron  was  a  true  Highland  gentle* 


rear,  beating  down  me  back  door  with  m*  own  hand,  and  sc 
■  ' "  Lefnri>      '      ■■ 


ts  left  alive  in  it.   Oar  men  bnght  bke  furies  after  tbe  colonel  fell.  Ay," 

_  .i  oontinned,  empbatioally,  "John  Came "  ' —  "^-i-i---i  _-_-.- 

man,  and  posseued  the  heart  oTa  hero." 

"  Oeh  I"  mattered  Macrone,  "  he* 
and  nefcs  flitidwd  in  ta  front  o'  the  a 


B  of  fail  mBe,  Donan,"  whi^nad  ■  aamatie,  ia 


"Hm,nuMrl  whatiithMr'  adnd  BanU,  w  mMtUHg  like  x  dwtant 
dbcfaaq^  atulHimnaoaaiai  Anadi  tfa«  hiM.and«litl«taM«|du*B.  "  Cm 
the  FniMiaaa  be  it  it  agnn  ?" 

"  We  iluU  hear  no  nan  of  Ok  Bthub,  ^w  aAit  beMl  Oma  at 


rBlacherhimHilf  iurroiTlreiMfwdb«iDgtro^Bata4tratbbT'tlu  WtanA 
o&f airy  ctezgia^  oiarhim,  ■■  be  Uy  wJunsed  aad  wmadsd  on  tba  gTOBnd. 
Tber  repassed  him  in  retiCHt,  bat  tlv  old  fex  Uj  don.  Hhk  it  ttw  fmnd 

"What  the  dsrilcBnit  ha!"  etai  an  oficcc. 

"  The  n«Ddi  flTing  irtiUery  mmt  bate  ootoe  iip  with  aor  nar  gaard." 

"  No,  no,  Bon^ ;  lock  at  the  Aj,  maa  i    We  >fed  huas  fiiaiiiMll 

Whik  he  ipoke,  lii«  tkj,  wVub  bad  been  brig^it  aad  iBanT,  bocaoM 
~"    I7  eUtfcened  bj  laimw  al  larkydaadi,  tJaedTrngibadonofwludi 

—  _ — ; a Lj _  c^.ji-  -id  .[^(j,  moodliadB.    Bead- 

•f  a 


^Bg  and  gadminf,  Aae  daoBjt  pnontMn  af  a  stonn 
acrow  the  iky,  natd  tbar  rioaed  mar  amy  iwt  of  it,  ol 
of  heiTCB,  aod  nodning  asaarlb  dvk  aa  lAea  Tiawed  I 
of  a  winter  day  at  ttrae  o'dkMk,  aad  tfasvpirila  of  than 

became  more  laitiiw J  wtd  tt^iaaied  a«  the  Mack  ehafcw ._ 

Soigniea  daepoied  uoand  Aen.  BMl,bl«e,-and  jdlmratMda  of  1M4- 
ning,  vivid  and  hot,  flashed  aeroit  the  whole  afcy ,  liriitiiig  it  np  like  a  nMy 
dome  from  Uw  caatan  la  Ika  weaten  boiiaan,  mui  tHe  atamrinr  pflda  at 
IliDnder  roared  STeiy  iattant  as  if  ta  laad  tba  waiU  aaaadar.  Saia  ^ad 
bail  dceoended  in  twreati,  wliUe  Hie  ta^paali  of  wind,  wliicb  ainae  in 
,  lore  tbnw^ the  iBeBtW  Se^neal^lbemiritirf 
ingleaaet,bwaWlie»,  twee,  and  tlM  aAigMed  bird* 
OhI  dMBuaaneaaftheU&efJnMl    TbaoMeati 


direction.    OhI  tiiaB_ „ „ __^  , . 

the  army  deeUiadastae^m  of  (fast  Jay  wfmiwd—yfliJK  flier  had 
ever  annend  01  bdnid. 
The  whale  atiar,  fr«B  Hk  baotte  OaTC 

skin.    Tbeioadj,  taaameLlasua,  wOT<ea 

tike  winding  canl^  wUhuefa-aniftcs  bnii^  int*  ooaatieaa  wnUsi  h^ 
fteapluhiiignia;  ia  other  flueatfaeaMdifH  to  deep,  Ifaat  tba  airfdiara, 
loaded  with  their  hca*r  aeoaatTamanl*,  Mnk  above  te  aaklea  at  emr  dNs, 
and  the  wagfatirf  the  tlaAolwrwiaohadh»ad  to  Ihdrftt,  added  fMaAf 
to theirniserT.  Haadisds  at  thaaa in Ihe HigMa^ sapmMte  IsW IhA 
ahoas  on  irithdrawiBg  flMdrfeetfaoathasril,  »daBla)«iaieWiagilMto 
take  othtrs  from  dujr  faa^iMda,  if  they  bad  any  tharo,tber««noUigad 
to  tread  oat  thereat  of  the  inarch  in  their  red-«tHped  biee.  Uaay  ef -As 
ofBcen  wore  thdr  thia..atdai  drcn  boots,  Unir  wUte  kid  dma,  Sco., 
having  been  aaddBoly  anamoied  to  tha  field  from  the  pietr  <"  t>ie  Ml  at 
Bmuida,  and  aoaae  ware  abnt  banfeoted  befijTelhe  ardra'  was  aiam  to 
halt.    Their  boots,  of  French  kid,  wore  away  like  brown  paperin  theawd 


^«ltered ,  to  aU  As  farv  of  the  atBTB,  wUch  laaled  until  eigfal 
momiu.  For  searly  fe«ar-and-tsKBlir  htm*  the  afad  had  b 
rainfaUsn     ■"      '  -  -  -    -  - 


betr  ttoieaflr  ■Kk*  the  faiy  of  the  elements,  end  Um  e> 
o(ap«(alai>t  mob. 

Nat  amBrmurof  tUsooiitent  ma  beard  tbatiiiEht  in  th«  Bnti^  ln*aBao ; 
no  niBD  rejuBed,  ■•  tke  iitsiiiBt  caifidesM  and  rdkaee  wtn  placed  in  the 
S>eat  lender,  mideT  whom,  on  tbe  aerroar,  tbejr  wwe  to  eiiga(e  in  inch  a 
■trnfgle  u  ^e  world  km  rand;  witBeaied. 


CSASTER  "gym. 
THE  ISra  OF  jvy*. 

Aaotrr  eight  o'cloclc  an  the  morninE  of  the  IBth  the  atariB  niddenlr 
abated,  the  rain  ccaied,  the  vad  died  awa^,  the  grey  elands  began  to  di*- 
e,  and  the  nin  brolie  forth  in  bit  ^1017.   Hit  warn  Khnrwaadeliihtfiil 
•      .     .  IB  &]ei  of  the  Kudien 


v  the  ehill  of  n 


fariB^rtened  ■■  thef  wMcbed  tbe  diaptawn  of  the  Tapourr  mmei, 
■e  and  leme  Hae.    Alaal  itwai 

._        _    _._     .      _..nediicm-WbaboU*ettioBBtei.. 

lomenae  muiea  of  whiM  ndat  were  nmog  on  oU  ndM,— fi-oiii  die  green 


■loimngianwbicb  thoaaiadt 


ikT  MBUuiiug  a  p^re  and 
■*■ -■-  ifeTBdaoned  u 


voadbrndatrf^wBoiide  &aigmea,~-'£^  ^  Maaina,  tb«  flaUs,  and  the 
puddles  formed  in  the  oight ;  ajid  aa  tbe  Tspour  became  exhaled,  and 
4aalsd  awaf  to  mingle  wiUi  tbe  clooda,  the  fraa  gro  more  green,  and 
tiie  fielde  of  flattened  corn  roae,  and  waisd  thai  jelloir  barreit  to  and  fro 
in  tbe  morninit  breeaa.  Firea  iiere  lighted  bf  the  eoldien,  to  dry  their 
dothea  and  cook  a  ration  of  beef,  which  had  b«cn  blMilT  aaivlied  to  aome 
eorpeof  tbetrmr.  An  dtoaiNiee  of  grog  wm  atoo  anved  out  bj  the  com- 
miaaariat  to  every  mao,  wittant  diatmotiaa.  It  •••  twalloired  glidlf  and 
tfaanlcfcllT,  and  the  lormer  ubasftihieaa  of  t^  trooiM  began  tb  reriH,  tad 
tiier  became  ae  merry  ai  men  aa>ld  be  wba  had  aaarehed  io  ^,  paaaed 
■nofa  ani^t,  mdfaad  yettbeiraUTta  etickiBg  to  dimr  backi. 

Ilkii  wae  the  moiwng  of  tbe  efenthd  10th  at  Jmic,  I81&. 

Bk  Deana  Pack's  brtgada  bad  •eanelT  fliddied  theii  wretched  meal  of 
beef,  broiled  M  "^ * ' ■■'-'■■     ■         ■ 


piacra  of  the  Boy^  HigUntden,  1 

e  heard  Uowing  thear  regimeB^' 

'      the  6ii  aituit  ITafeiEta  ba 


on  the  right,  were  heard  Uowing  thear  mimealal  gathering  with  might 


"  Stand  to  yo«r  anu!  The  enemy  are  coming  ont"  wia  thecryoD 
eioy  ride;  aad  aidea-da-cam)!,  majoia  «f  bogade,  and  other  oiEoerB  were 
Been  galloping  in  oery  directiea,  dealing  hedge  and  wall  at  the  riak  o! 
their  nedu.  Tbe  tnmpeta  of  Ae  oaTaky,  tbe  ^nm«  and  bnglea  of  the 
inAuiiry,  were  eooii  beard  aaandkigin  ooooert  orer  every  part  Mtbeposl- 
tion,  as  tbe  army  got  under  nu'to  meet  thinr  dd  heiedilarT  fi>a. 

"  Vive  FBn^rmr/"  A.  bnndnd  thanmnd  iddien,— brcie  men  a( 
France  eTer  aenC  forth,  loaded  the  menuDg  wind  with  the  cry ;  and  the 
hnm  of  their  toieea,ao(iad)BK6ema£»r  over  tbe  lerdcoonbryiwaiheaRl — 
like  the  low  roar  of  a  diataat  aca— marmarlng  and  diafing,  long  befora 
tfan  oame  arUiin  range  of  MMiket-abaL 

Tbe  iddien  of  Ae  allied  army  itood  to  their  ami  with  their  araal 
wiDingMai  and  alacrity,  bM  Willi  ttBt  degree  of  grarilf  and  calmneea  which 
alwayB  perradea  a  bMy  ef  man  befne  an  CBgagaceDL  It  ia  a  acnoos  1 
rdectioB  that  one  may  be  in  eternity  in  five  minntea,  and  one  feels  ntber 
aedate  in  conaeqnence,— till  the  blood  ii  np,  and  the  troc  Britiah  metUe  I 
hirly  nnned.  A  battle  waa  abeat  to  be  fimght,  and  thai  it  would  be  a 
bloody  one  waaerident  J  for  it  was  between  twoaplendidumicf,  equal  in  1 


le  of  Waterloo,    Geaeniif,  I  will  confine 
brirade,  commiinded  by  the  brsTe  Sir  De 

ted  of  four  regiments, — namely,  the  thiK. 

Roval  Scots,  the  12nd  or  Royal  Hiihlanders.  the  gecond  battalion  of  the 
Mtd  or  East  Kssei  regiment,  and  the  92nd  or  Gordon  HighlanderB.  irith 
whom,  I  trust,  the  reader  is  tolerably  well  Bi-qaainted.  Tbe  fighting  at 
Qostre  Braa  on  the  16th  had  coasidenbly  thinned  tiieir  tunki,  bnt  tbey 
yet  mnstered  five  hundred  bayonets. 

Aides-de-camp,  general  and  other  staff-officers,  were  Been  gallopine  on 
tbe  spur  over  banks  and  ditches,  throDch  copse-wood  and  corn-fields, 
beating  orders,  instmclions,  and  hasty  despatchei  to  those  commanding 
corps  and  brigades;  the  cavalry  looked  to  their  girths  and  bridles,  the 
infantry  to  their  locks  and  poncbes ;  the  artjllerr-gnns,  tumbrils,  and 
cotwoRf  were  dragited  st  full  gallop  among  ripe  flelds  of  wheat  ind  barter, 
tiiTODgh  hedges  and  slough  ditches,  with  matches  smoking,  the  gunners  on 
tbeboies,  the  drivers  on  the  saddle,  rammers  and  sponges  rattling  anil 
clanldng,  and  Uie  cavalry  escort  jiHoping  in  front  and  rear.  Baatle  and 
noise,  but  with  perfect  steadineea  and  coolness,  prevailed,  as  tbe  army  of 
Lord  Wellington  formed  in  position  on  that  memorable  field,  and  awaited 
tbe  approach  of  their  enemy,  who  came  on  flashed  with  the  sacceas  of  tbe 
recent  battle  of  Ligny. 

"  There  goes  Buonaparte  !  "  cried  Ronald  to  bia  fnend  Louis  Liale,  who 
at  that  moment  came  up  to  him. 

"  There  goes  Napoleon!  the  Empeiw  and  all  his  sCaffI"  burst  fhjm 
many  a  tongue. 

Tbe  whole  attention  of  the  British  line  wss  attracted  by  tbe  appearance 
of  Bnonaparte,  who  rode  along  tbe  ridge  occupied  by  the  French  army. 
He  wore  hia  great-contnnbBttoned,  and  thrown  back  to  dtspiay  hia  epaulets 
and  green  uniform,  and  bad  on  his  head  ths  little  cocked  hat  by  which  all 
itatnes  of  him  are  so  well  known.  A  staff,  brilliant  and  nnmerous,  com- 
posed of  officers  wearing  a  hundred  different  uniforms,  followed  him,  but 
at  tbe  distance  of  seventy  or  eighty  pacea,  riding  like  a  confused  mob  of 
cavalry.  He  passed  rapidly  along  tbe  French  line  towards  La  Belle  Alii- 
Buce;  but  tbe  fire  of  a  few  twelve-ponnd  field-pieees,  which  bad  been 
brought  to  bear  upon  his  person,  compelled  him  to  retire  to  the  rear. 

The  right  of  the  allied  army  rested  on  Braine  la  Lende,  the  left  dd  the 
farm  of  Ter  la  Haye,  and  the  centre  on  Mont  St.  Jean,  thus  extending 
along  a  ridge  from  which  the  ground  descended  gently  to  a  sort  of  vale; 
on  the  other  side  of  which,  at  the  distance  of  about  twelve  hundred  yards 
from  the  allies,  the  long-eitended  Lines  of  the  French  army  were  formed 
in  battle  array,  with  eagles  flittering,  cotonn  waving,  and  bayonets 
glenming  above  the  dark  battalions  of  infantry. 

The  celebrated  chfUean  of  Hongoomont  was  in  front  of  tbe  right  centre 
of  the  allies ;  the  woods,  the  orchard,  and  the  house  were  full  of  troopa. 
Arms  glanced  at  every  window,  bayonets  bristled  everywhere  around  it, 
and  the  tall  grenadier-caps  of  the  Coldstream  Guard*,  and  tbe  shakoet  of 
the  Belgians  and  Brunswickers,  were  visible  aboretbe  gre«n  hedges  of  the 


rails  of  the  garden  around 
^und  the  spot  where  thei 
I  in  a  beautiful  state  of 


le  dire  preparations  bad  been  made 
coltivBtiou,  and  the  bri^t  ydlow 


wared  ripe  in  orery  field  ;  bat  the  pawoge  of  cBFalri,  brigade*  of  srlUter)-, 
ajid  aometimea  dmRe  luaaaeH  of  innntrv  io  cioae  colnmn  of  conipar^ieB  or 
Bub-divisiotiB  of  Gre-aDd-tweDtT  meo  abreait,  the  continaai  depluying  oa 
point  Bod  pivot  as  new  alignemeat*  were  taken  up,  made  sad  havoc  among 
the  hopes  of  the  haabaadman  and  former. 

The  Belgiaa  sad  Hanoieriaa  battalions  were  checkered  u  equall;  ai 
poaaible  with  the  British,  aad  tbua  many  different  unifornis  Tiried  the  long 
perapectire  of  the  allied  Hoe  i  while  tlie  French  army  presented  one  long 
amy  of  dark  uniforms,  blue,  green,  or  Che  grey  greal-coat,  an  upper  garment 
vorn  aliBOit  JaTBiiahLy,  in  all  weathers^  hy  the  French  troops  when  OH 

Near  B  tree,  which  grew  on  a  bank  aboie  the  Cbarleroi  road,  and  which 
formed,  or  denoted,  the  very  centre  of  the  British  position.  Lord 
'Vyellington  could  he  seen  sitting  motionless  on  horseback,  observing,  with 
his  acute  and  practised  eye,  the  motions  of  bis  mighty  antagonist.  Hia 
cavalry  were,  generally,  posted  in  rear  of  the  right,  the  centre,  and  left  of 
the  position,  the  artillery  behind  a  hedge  on  a  ridge  which  rises  near  Ter 
la  Hiya  ;  and  this  screen  of  foliage  conoealed  them  from  the  enemy,  who 
commenced  Che  battle  about  half-past  eleven  o'clock. 

A  movement  was  seen  taking  place  among  the  French,  and  in  a  kvr 
minutes  the  division  commanded  by  Jerome  Buonaparte  attacked  the 
rhS.teau  of  Hougoomont.  As  they  advanced  upon  it,  Lord  Wellington's 
artillery  opened  on  them,  and  did  considerable  execution  i  but  they  pressed 
heedlessly  on  and  assaulted  the  ancient  chateau,  which  was  resolutely  de- 
fended, and  soon  became  shrouded  in  a  cloud  of  smoke  as  the  volleying 
1 L.___j  j^jj,  ffupj  hedge   and  wall,  barricade   and   window. 


re  the  fate  of  a  bumaa  being ;  the  French  w< 

.  ch^tean,  into  which  tbey  showered  grape  i.._ 

-ing  diligence,   seemed   not  likely   to    surrender  » 


heaps,  and  the  ch^tean,  into  which  tbey  showered  grape  and  musketry 


""unSer" 


foreign  troops  gave  way,  hut  the  brave  Guards  maintained  the  defence  of 
""e  house  and  ^den  alone,  and  with  the  unflinching  determination  and 
fe  of  British  soldiera. 

I  formidable  cannonade,  which  Napoleon's  artillery 
openeo  irom  me  crest  of  the  ridge  where  his  line  was  formed,  three  dense 
masses  of  infantry,  coniiating  each  of  four  battalions,  moving  in  solid 
squares,  poured  impetuously  dawn  on  the  left  and  centre  of  the  allied  line. 
Tbey  rent  the  air  with  cries  of  "  Vire  ial-Vonce  /  Vive  I' Emptreur .''  and 
on  they  came  double-qnick,  with  their  sloped  arms  gUtteriug  in  the 
son.  They  were  enthusiastically  encouraged  by  their  ofBcers,  whose  voices 
were  hearci  above  even  the  mingled  din  of  the  battle-cry,  cheering  them  on 
as  tbey  waved  their  esgtes  and  brandished  their  sabres  aloft.  One  of  these 
columns  poured  its  strength  on  La  Haye  Sainte,  where  it  experienced  a 
warm  and  deadly  welcome ;  while  the  other  two  attacked  that  part  of  the 
position  which  was  occopled  by  Sir  Dennis  Pack's  brigade. 

As  they  advanced,  Campbell  made  a  signal  with  bis  sword,  and  the  dgbt 
pipes  of  the  regiment  commenced  the  wJd  pibroch  of  Donald-dhu,— the 
march  of  the  Islesmen  to  Lochaber  in  1431.  It  was  echoed  back  by  Che 
pipes  of  the  Royals  and  42nd  on  the  right,  and  the  well.known  effect  of 
that  insliument  was  instantly  visible  in  uie  flushing  cheeks  of  the  brigade. 
let  mnaic  never  Aills  in  vain  on  the  ear  of  a  Scotsman,  for  he  alone  csa 
understand  ita  wild  melody  and  stirring  associations.  The  ranks,  which 
before  had  exhibited  all  that  stillness  and  gravity  which  troops  always 
observe~in  fact,  which  th^r  feelings  compel  them  to  observe — befbra 
being  engaged,  for  fighting  it  a  serious  matter,  became  animated,  and  the 
soldiers  began  to  cheer  and  handle  their  muskets  long  before  the  order  was 
given  to  fire.    A  brigade  Dt  Belgians,  formed  in  line  before  a  hedge,  was 


■ttadwd  hrlM^  by  On  Pmdi  eahmmt,  wko  were  mfer  fin  m^maee 
on  (tew  traopa,  whom  Act  mn>iden4  m  dcKrten  froa  die  com  of  tke 
"  gnat  Empaar,"  whaw  tuufcrm  te;  itiU  iroiv.  Tbe  ■luatimitr  of 
tbft  attKk  ooBpelM  tha  Bdgiuu  to  Min  in  mr  of  tbe  hadgt,  mm 
which  ttier  reoetred  and  ratnnwd  ■  apiriud  ft-a. 

Ftak^a  MipuIB  now  opened  naon  the  foa,  and  the  roar  of  eamoa  and 
mMketrr  ioeraaaad  on  •ctrreide  ae  die  battle  baeama  seaanl  rianKtba 
extended  parallallmeatrf  the  BriMiaiHlFreDoh.  ThefireoftheknteroB 
Peek*!  bnifpda  waa  hot  and  ra^,  far  la  nttwrical  ftiTM  they  »«ffiiiibwwi  J 
tfaem,  manif  to  one,  and  made  diaadhl  havoc  Tba  BMn  wera  fitting— to 
nn  tbe  oommon  phraae — in  heaps,  and  tha  iangut,  (malce.  nproar,  bhI 
ilaagfater,  widi  all  the  tnrible  eoDGomitanli  ola  giaat  battle,  laenaaad  on 
enrj  ait ;  the  blood  of  the  combatanta  grew  batter,  and  Cha^  naUaaal 
feelinn  of  hatred  u>d  boetaity,  whidi  prerioa^  had  bin  doraiant,  vera 
naw  mij  mulamBi,  and  iDereaaed  araaa  with  die  ataafhNr  aroand  tiicB. 
MaoTof  tbe  HigUaadera  aaemed  ininatad  by  a  peribct  tmrj,—ti  twriMe 
eagemeei  to  CF^le  with  their  a>la|«aiBU.  tWain  OraM,  m  «Ao«r  of 
the  Gordon  HigMandwi,  became  ao  mmeb  SMted,  tbet  be  tfoilted  Aa 
ranki,  and  nuhing  to  the  front.  biamlWwd  bra  long  broad  snord  aloft, 
Bod  deSed  tlH  eoemy  to  dtarge  or  appraaeh  laitlnr.  Ttien.  callinK  apon 
tbeT^tment  to  folnnrUai.hedirew  aphis  bonnet,  andflinnng  himaelf 
headlDOK  on  tha  bayoueta  of  tba  ttiaaj  was  intaody  rialD.  Poor  fcUow  1 
he  Mta  yanng  wih  at  home  to  lamattt  Mm,  aad  hie  Ion  wa»  moeb'  re> 
petted  by  the  Mgiment. 

"Thia  ia  hot  worlc,  Chiiholm,"  aaid  Kwiald  with  a  grim  naile  to  hti 
■mart  yoROE  (ub,  who  eiuue  towards  him  jerMag  bis  hoKl  abeat  in  dwt 
ncmnis  nawoer  wbidi  the  eternal  whiatliDg  of  mtsket-ahoC  will  caaaa, 
many  a  brsTe  fcHow  to  iieiime- 

"  Hot  work, — doriliah  I "  aniwered  the  odier  with  a  blnnl  eardeuDeo, 
wbidi,  perfaapa,  waa  half  affeatad.     "  Bat  I  baTe  aomedabg  good  to  otnn^ 


itwlUbadu 
>e-poiuden  of  the  Praaalni*  admiiueteiing  a  doee  of  cold  ir 
Hank,  npen  Hie  extremity  of  tba  ridaoyoncur." 


left  flank,  npeo  Hie  extremity  (^  tba  ridaoyoncEBr." 
"Good  1  W  ia  tfae  inlellinnee  trne  i" 


"WonldtDGOdweHiwthom!— tiiePrauianalmaan.  Wsara*rifcring 
drssdAilly  Irota  the  fire  of  lli«e  ooltunne." 

"  Ay,  faith  ! "  MpKod  tha  athar,  MoUy  a^JoKing  U*  bonnet,  which  a 
ball  had  knocked  awry,  and  tanring  towarda  the  Mt  flaiA  of  tba  aomp^q, 
belbre  he  had  gone  three  paees,  ha  was  atntchad  proatnle  on  the  torf. 

He  never  atirred  again.  A  ball  had  pierced  hia  heart  {  and  the  bonnet, 
which  a  moment  befiwe  be  had  arranged  ao  jaontily  over  hia  tak  bair,  toUad 
to  the  feat  of  Ronald  Stuart. 

"I  kent  be  wai/eji/    Pniryosne  gantlemoa  I"  aaid  aaaUier. 

"  I  will  add  a  atone  to  biB  caim,  (Aiaerred  anodier,  figantively  ;  "sad 
pve  this  to  rerenge  him,"  be  added,  droppiiig  upon  hia  knee  and  Atiiq 
among  die  emoke  of  the  opposite  lint. 

Stuart  wonld  lia*e  examined  tiia  body  of  hia  friend,  to  ftnd  if  any  spaA 
of  life  yet  lingered  b  it,  bnt  bia  atteation  waa  attraeted  by  other  matten, 

Tba  Belgiani  at  tho  badgo  aaTo  way,  aflsr  receiving  and  reRiniing  a  oaM 
destrnctiva  flre  for  nearly  en  boor.    Tba  3rd  battalion  of  the  Soota  Royali, 


\t  whicfc  Int^  dUUBgniibed 
nnqtdibad  max  U  €laUi» 
.0(jfica,  utl  after  nuuntnuHiQ  tbe  Mnu  oonflkt  «gaia»tm  owrwhriming 
nugoritr  of  namberi,  and  kaepiOff  Itaodi  (0  thMr  pMt  till  damlnokF 
iMdge  wu  frilad  breut  high  m&  Ullad  ud  iNaDicd,.llH  mn  eouflkA 
liUn  to  xeOra,  Laanng  it  ioi  poueaiim  of  the  annH,  «na  nuid  wm  It 
with  ■  flsioB  Aaot  irf  trininli,  u  if  it  had  boa  tH  ftUon  sapilu  of  a. 
coD^Nradixnintrr,  mrtead  M  ttM  rural  botadn  of  a  fUd  of  rrfc 

ItvM  nowtfaRSo'cladtfailhaaftMiaMD.  'fii*  itrifc  had  lartri  iwiw 
wnarftw  (boclmnri,  andnotMrditnjrtt  tcatd  af  tha  pTauink  Par 
MiM  araoDd  tke  flauia  w««aiafalTwl  laimake;  aodwhatlur  thnwoa 
^moaelmif  or  not  an  nun  Imaw,  far  a  thidc  mr-tdaad  ODBhraaaad-tfaa 
wis  of  Watntoo.  ThrtefliWMBnd  of  thaalliMbadbtenpnttalbiaalV 
and  the  danaa  mob-like  calmmu  of  tba  iiiiiij  eama  rolling  oo  boai  the 
WaUingtoD-'i  paaliou,  appamtl;  with  the  detomi' 


lid^  (qipodCa  ta  Losd  WaUi 
iiBtu>D  of  bouin^  all  befora 


wiien  ther  Enned  ponearion  of  the  hedge  b«fi>m  mentioned,  SiiDennia 
Fade,  irlio  bad  been  with  ita  detkiden,  (iU  IIm  moment  ther  gave  way. 


gaUoped  at  ftiU  Bpaed  tm  to  Ae  Gordon-Hi^ilandan,— a  co^  sdnnd  nt 

to  a  mane  lUBton.  and  hareir  lanataiinr  two  bandred  effidant  bnrime^~ 

"  Highlaadaia  1"  cnsd  the  goural,  lAo  saa  orideotlr  bheoriiag  ■ 


na ndmaiT dasTce of  axmtmnt and analetr,  "  J^a nDUtobuv*  I  UpoB- 
them  with  t}i»Bsroaet,  or  the  hei^ta  w  loat,  for  all  Ike  tmepa  iaj^ 
front  hsTe  given  WIT  1 " 

''  HtghlandnMU  1  riioBlilarta  ritaalder,"  aried  Gam^idU  aa  UioiBginteDt 
hagan  to  adrance  wiA  their  miakati  at  the  hug  aail>  Mid  is  lilenae,  wlUt 
tJanohad  teeth  and  bent  brows,  for  their  hearts  were  buaang  to  aiooge  thft 
bllof  thoT  oomradoa.  " Shonlderto ritooldEi,  lads!  oloaa togethcTpliln' 
a  wall  I"  condnned  themuoTrSa,  anuDnglnahoiiBloliie  front,  he  w«*ad 
hia  iword  end  bonnet  aloft,  sad  tne  etrpa  nuned  down  the  bilL  "  Be- 
iseinb<T  I%Tpt  and  CoTnnna,~^aid  iwmaBiber  CaaiarMt,  fluugh  he^a  goDe,r 
forhianie  may  be  tvonni  yet  at  liiia  Tery  mmnent  1    Eorwud— doablB 


<n.^bnr  facea,  and  fbimed 
inJantry.  Heedlen  of  their  namben,  with  that  free  aad  feaieea  impe- 
toontr  which  diey  borc  erer  dta^red,  end  which  hu  alHaye  been  attended 
with  ttie  meet  s^iuU  aniiceM,  the  bonaatad  cbuimam  rnohedom  wilhthe 
fary  of  a  torrent  from  their  natira  hilla,  eqoally  leganlleai  of  the  chantid 
bvroBctB  of  the  Frendi  front  ranka,  the  manlerons  fire  of  the  rear,  and  of 
ten  plecea  of  oannoa  sent  by  Napoleon  to  aaairt  in  gaining  Uu  height 
occaided  by  Pack's  <hattered  brigwle. 

It  w«  a  deapente  crisis,  and  tiie  legiment  knew  tiut  they  nnrt  be  TtC' 
tonova  or  ba  ■nnihilated. 

A  body  of  cniraaiien  wan  ouning  on  to  the  uaistBiice  of  the  net  maaa 
of  infaDtrr,~all  splendid  troop*,,  glittering  in  a  panopt;  of  braat  and  ateaLc 
and  the  slanting  ran  of  the  aao.  slaaaied  beau^fdlly  on  Hieii  Ion|t  lines  of 
.._,!_!_  1  '--'-g  ^jj  ooraeleta,  and  the  forest  of  iwiirds,  whidi  tt"~  ""- — 
loke,  aa  they  canM  awee 


policed  helma  aai  eeraeleta,  an3  the  forest  of  iwiirds,  whidi  tiiey  bmn- 
diahedslof    '        ...  


)f  osnnue.    Tbetr  ooainMss 

wen  thtaateiwd  by  oanliy,  galled  by  tM  pieeea  of  cannon,  and  opposed 
tO'  tiwee  thoHaaod  infiutry  ;  and  yet  tbey  went  on  with  the  heedLus  int' 
patooaity  of  the  heroes  of  KilliecranlEie,  fUkirk,  and  Gladsmnir. 


The  front  raok  of  the  eDemr'i  colnmn  remMDcd  with  their  long  mosbets 
■nd  bsyoneta  at  the  charge,  tiMIb  the  lev  kept  up  ■  hot  anddeitniotiTO 
fire,  in  unison  with  tbe  aweeping  diKhuges  from  tbe  field-pieces  placed  M 
a  liltte  distance  on  thetr  fianka. 

TiM  moment  was  indeed  »  critical  one  to  theae  two  handred  eagle  hearts. 
They  were  in  the  proportion  of  one  man  to  fifteen ;  and  notwithaUnding 
this  oierwbelming  majority,  when  the  steadjp  line  of  the  Highlanders  came 
rushing  on.  with  their  bayonets  leTslled  before  them,  and  bad  reached 
within  a  few  yarda  of  the  enemy,  the  latter  tnrned  and  fled  !  The  hngo 
mass,  which  might  with  ease  have  eaten  them,  broke  away  in  a  confusion 
almoat  laoghahle,  the  front  ranica  OTerthrowing  the  rear,  and  every  man 
toaaing  away  musket,  knapsack,  and  accontremeota.  The  Higblandets 
still  continued  pressing  forward  with  the  charged  bayonet,  yet  totally  un- 
able to  comprehend  what  had  stricken  the  foe  with  so  disgraceful  a  panic. 

"  Halt  1 '  cried  Campbell.  "Fire  on  tbe  cowards,  D— n  them,  give 
them  a  volley  1'*  and  a  haaty  fire  was  poured  upon  tbe  confnsed  mob. 

A  cry  arose  of  "  Here  come  the  cavalry  !  " 

"Hoigh!  hurrah!  "cried  the  Higblandera.  "  The  Greys— the  Greys— 
tbe  Scots  Greys!  Hoigh  I  onr  ain  folk— hurrah  I "  And  a  tremendous 
cheer  burst  from  the  Uttle  band  as  they  beheld,  emerging  from  the 
wreatha  of  smoke,  tbe  squadrons  of  their  conntrymen,  who  came  thunder- 


r  the  corpse-strewed  field,  where  drums, 
not-ahot,  killed  and  wounded  men,  coierei 


and  canaot-ahot,  killed  and  wounded  men,  covered  every  foot  of  groand. 

The  grey  horses— "  thoae  beactifal  grey  horses,"  aa  the  aniions  Napo- 
leon called  them,  while  watching  thia  movement  throngh  his  glass — came 
on,  snorting  and  prancing,  with  dilated  nostrils  and  eyes  of  fire,  exhibiting 
all  tbe  pride  of  our  superb  dragoon  chargers,  while  the  long  broad-swords 
and  tali  hear-skin  caps  of  tbe  riders  were  seen  towering  above  the  battle- 
donda  which  rolled  along  (he  sorfaceof  the  plain. 

They  formed  part  of  the  heavy  brigade  of  tbe  gallant  Sir  William  Pon- 
■anby,  who,  sabre  in  hand,  led  them  on.  with  the  First  Royal  English 
Dragoons,  and  the  Sixth,  who  came  roaring  tremendoosly,  and  Ruling 
atrange  things  in  the  deep  brogue  of  merry     ould  Ireland. 

From  the  weight  of  the  men,  the  mettle  of  their  horses,  and  their  fins 
equipment,  a  charge  of  British  cavalry  is  a  splendid  sight ;  I  say  Bridsh, 
for  OBr  own  are  the  finest- looking  as  well  as  Che  best  troops  in  the  world, 
— an  assertion  which  fen  can  dispute  when  we  speak  of  Waterloo.  Those 
who  witnessed  the  charge  of  Ponaooby's  brigade  will  never  forget  it.  He 
Highlanders  halted,  and  the  dragoons  swept  on  past  their  flank,  towards 
the  confused  masses  of  the  enemy.  Tbe  Greys,  on  psssine  tbe  little  band 
of  their  countrymen,  sent  up  tbe  well-known  cry  of  "  ScoUaud  for  ever  1" 

"  Scotland  for  ever  1"  At  such  a  moment,  this  was  indeed  a  cry  that 
roused  "the  stirring  memory  of  a  thouaaud  yean."  It  touched  a  diordin 
every  Scottish  heart.  It  seemed  like  a  voice  from  their  home— trom  the 
toDgnes  of  those  they  bad  left  behind,  and  served  to  stimulate  them  to  trai^ 
(uertioas  in  honour  of  the  land  of  the  rock  and  the  eagle. 

"  Cheer,  my  blue-bonnets  !"  cried  Campbell,  le^ing  in  his  saddle  in 
perfect  ecstasy.  "Oh  I  the  gallant  fellowa  1  how  bravely  they  ride.  God 
and  victory  be  with  them  thia  day  ! " 

"  Scotland  for  ever  !"  echoed  the  Highlanders,  as  tbey  waved  their  black 
plumage  on  tbo  gale.  Tbe  Royals,  the  42ad,  the  Cameron  H^hlanden, 
and  every  Scots  regiment  within  hearing,  took  up  the  battle-cry  and  tossed 
.. ._  .,       ;_j    __j  .L-  i__n        !    g  fif  (^g  wounded  were  added  to 


le  enemy, 


li  shout  while  tbe  chivalrous  Greys  plunged  into  die  caluaaiLof 
-  —bring  them  in  scorea,  and  riding  them  down  like  a  fleld.of 


er  men-at-arma  upon  a  battle-field.  CDloars,  drumB,  anus,  and  ererr- 
thing,  were  abandoned  In  tbeir  eagernesa  to  ricape,  and  ctea  wbile 
retreating  doable  quick,  lome  failed  not  to  ahuut  Vive  fEmpereur/  Vive 
la  Gloire ,'  as  vodferouilj  aa  if  they  had  been  ths  victon  ioitead  of  the 
Tanqnisbed. 

An  anlucliT  random  ahot  atrock  Ltale'a  left  arm,  and  fractured  the  bane 
jnat  abovB  the  elbow.  He  uttered  a  sudden  cry  of  anguish,  and  reeled 
bai^vard  seienl  paces,  but  propped  himaelf  upon  hii  iwotd.  Rondd 
Stuirt  rushed  tonarda  him,  but  sluiost  at  the  same  moment  a  hslf-ipent 
cauDon-ihoi  (one  of  the  laat  tired  bj  the  train  aeot  to  dialodge  the  ninth 
brigade)  struck  him  on  the  left  aide,  doubled  him  up  like  a  cloak,  and 
dasDed  hiiu  to  the  earth,  where  belajtotallj  deprived  of  leoae  aod  motion. 
Wheo  struck,  a  conidouiDeu  flashed  upon  bis  miiid  that  hii  ribi  were 
broken  to  pieces,  and  that  be  was  driox ;  then  the  darkneaa  of  night  Memed 
to  descend  on  hii  ejea,  and  he  felt  aa  if  his  aool  was  passinr  away  from  his 
body.  That  feehng,  which  seemed  the  rererse  of  s  terrible  one,  existed 
(or  a  space  of  Ijme  scarcely  divisible-  There  waa  a  mihiog  sound  in  hia 
ears,  flashes  of  red  fire  seemed  to  go  out  from  his  eyaa,  and  then  every 
Bcnsatiou  of  life  left  bim  for  a  time.  The  regimeut  thought  him  dead,  aa 
few  escape  a  knock  from  a  caunon-ahot,  and  no  one  considered  it  worth 
while  to  go  towards  him,  save  Louis  Lisle.  All  were  too  intently  wsCching 
the  flashing  weapons  of  the  cavalry  u  they  charged  again  and  again,  each 
squadron  wheeling  to  the  right  and  left  to  allow  the  others  to  come  up, 
and  the  work  of  slaying  and  capturing  proceeded  in  gloritnu  style.  Poor 
Konald's  loss  was  never  ihought  of  by  bis  comrades. 

"  Stuart's  knocked  on  tbe  head,  poor  fellow  !  "  was  his  only  elegy.  One 
life  is  valued  less  than  a  straw,  when  thousands  are  breathing  tbeir  last  on 
the  awful  arena  of  a  battle-field. 

Louis,  whose  left  arm  bung  bleeding  and  motionlesB  by  his  side,  turned 
Bonald  ou  his  back  with  the  right,  aqd  saw  that  he  waa  pale  and  breath- 
less. He  placed  his  hood  on  tbe  heart,  but  it  wsa  acill.  He  felt  no 
Tibration. 

"Great  Heaven  t  what  a  blow  this  will  be  for  my  poor  sister  1  Farewell, 
SoDoldl  I  look  upon  your  fkce  for  the  last  time  I"  He  groaned  deeply 
iritb  mental  and  bodily  agony  aa  be  bent  bis  steps  to  the  rear, — a  long  and 
perilona  way,  for  shot  of  every  size  and  sort  were  fallmg  like  haQ  around, 
whiizing  aud  whistling  through  the  air,  or  tearing  tbe  tnrf  to  pieces  when 
they  alighted.  Hundreds  of  riderless  horses,  many  of  them  greys,  snort- 
ing and  crying  with  pain  or  terror,  were  Eslloplng  madly  about  in  every 
direetiou,  trampling  upon  the  bodies  of  the  dead  and  the  wounded,  and 
finlstuDf^  with  their  ponderous  hoofs  the  work  which  many  a  bullet  had 

lie  slaughter  among  the  French  at  that  part  of  the  Add  was  immense  g 
1)111  their  case  might  have  been  Tery  different  had  they  stood  firm  and 
■hown  front,  ss  Briliah  infantry  would  have  done. 

One  (honiand  were  literally  sabred,  ridden  down,  or  cut  to  pieces  ;  two 
thonaand  taken  prisoners,  wim  two  eagles— one  by  a  seijeant  of  the  Greys, 
and  oU  Ihe  drums  and  coloars ;  a  cataatrophe  which  scarcely  occupied  five 
ninnteg'  time,  and  which  Napoleon  beh^d  from  his  post  near  La  Bella 
Alliance  with  sensations  whiidi  may  easily  be  conceived,  for  these  troops 
were  the  flower  of  bis  numerous  army. 

This  was  aboQt  half.pait  four  in  tbe  afternoon,  and  over  Ibe  whole  plain 
of  Valerloo  the  battle  woi  yet  raging  with  as  much  fury  u  ever. 


CHAPTEK     XIIT. 


WhbH  Bonsld  again  became  canBciona  that  be  was  ret  in  the  Isnd  d[£be 
IMng,  he  foand  himseLf  in  a  vtggoa,  the  uneas^r  joltrng  of  which  oee»' 
aaned  him  freat  agony.  It  was  driren  bj  two  stnrdr  ^emish  petmtltt, 
clad  in  blae  blotiaei  and  red  caps,  u  be  conld  percsiia^lfae  liEhtof  tiie 
moon ;  ttaer  B^ng  meirilT  some  anconth  gong,  and  appeared  to  be  ia  > 
happr  state  of  intoiication. 

The  Flemingg  w 

wan  an  one  aide  of  the  b^hway,  or  a  high  foot-pa^  wlieb  bordered  tiie 
Other.  Ronald  often  implored  and  commanded  them  to  dri™  slower,  bot 
they  heeded  him  no  more  than  the  wind.  Howerer,  they  wora  caap^Bei 
to  ^acken  their  speed  on  approaching  Waterloo,  where,  in  a  short  tiiue, 
ftey  were  branght  to  a  ball  attogether,  the  road  bang  completely  t^olced 
up  with  the  wounded,— thoDBandg  upon  thousands  of  nbom  were  on  tbeir 
way  to  Brussels  on  foot,  a  few  on  horseback,  and  many  in -waggons.  It 
was  now  midnight,  as  the  toll  of  a  distant  ctmich-dock  annonnced.  A 
borrible  medley  filled  the  air  aronnd  Hie  (dace  where  Stuatt'a  w^gtn 
stopped,  ne  cries  of  the  waunded  were  piercing.  Id  their  agony,  itroBS 
men  were  screaming  like  women,  and  the  appetds  for  water  fraia  ftair 

E arched  tongoea  were  piteous  in  the  extreme.  Some  of  tbem  were  men  wte 
sd  been  wounded  on  the  t6Ch  at  Qnatre  Bras,  but  hnudreds  of  tlie 
snfferers  who  were  maimed  on  that  occasion,  perished  nnder  the  fury  of 
the  neit  da/a  [  storm  in  the  forest  of  &iigDiee,  wbitbar  they  bad  fled  fiir 
ghelter  on  the  temporary  advance  of  Napoleon. 

The  highway  was  as  much  crowded  as  the  field  wfth  dead  and  dytng,  ani 
the  waggons  of  the  train,  the  baggage-carls,  the  commiBiariat  ctussooB,  &c., 
were  every  moment  increasing  in  number,  sll  pressing  to  get  silong-Ae 
cboked-ap  road.  The  hubbub  was  increased  by  foreign  and  British  carobr. 
and  monnted  officers  riding,  some  to  the  fnjot  and  some  to  the  reai%  u 
their  duty  led  them,  and  thieatening  to  sabre  any  one  who  oppotedttOT 
passage.  Oatbs,  threats,  and  eiecrationa,  in  En^sh,  French,  Bd^,antt 
German,  resounded  eierywhere.  It  was  a  medley  Of  horror  and  confdmoD, 
Bueh  as  few  men  have  ever  looked  upon. 

The  boors  who  drove  the  waggon  ra  irhich  Stuart  lay,  abandoned  it  >ni 
Idl  him  to  his  fate.  He  was  utterly  beedleas  of  what  it  might  be.  He  htd 
neter  felt  so  trearr  of  life,  when  suSeHag  under  any  ditaBter,  ai  he  fid  at 
that  moment ;  and  he  sincerely  envied  the  dead  who  lay  arannd  turn.  n>e 
pain  of  his  bruiied  side  was  iotense,  andhe  would  gladly  bare  given  dmhid- 
tuns  of  gold,  if  be  had  them,  fbr  a  single  drop  of  water  to  rariaten  his 
parched  and  swollen  tongue.    His  head  ielt  hot  and  keavy,  but  tktre  ma 

He  sank  agun  into  a  stupor,  and  all  tbat  passed  dnring  Ae  rem^ 
of  that  dismal  night  seemed  like  a  dream.     He  was  Will  sensible  of  «o 
pain,  but  the  jolting  of   the  rumbling  waggon,  when  agsiu  in  molim, 
seemed  tike  the  motion  of  a  ship  at  sea,  and  he  thought  tiimadfoDce  moR 
in  the  Bay  of  Biscay,  on  board  the  Diana  of  London. 

From  his  feverisii  slamber  he  was  roused  by  fecKog  bit  far^iead  baflnd 
with  some  cool  and  refresbing  liqnid,  by  hands  soft  snd  xentle,  like  tboee 
of  a  female ;  but  this,  too,  he  deemed  imagiiutfoil,  and  hu  eyea  remtfawB 


otoMd.  But  the  boAinc  oontimwd,  «ad  baoaEM  to*  pripabli  to  ba  mis- 
taken. When  he  li>oke3  aroaTid,  he  found  himMir  in  an  airr  and  atagaot 
room,  with  white  ilowiog  drapery  haDgm^  ^raeofillLf  from  the  windowSf 
and  from  the  roof  of  the  PreDch  couch  upon  which  he  la;.  lartlDetivetT 
be  niccd  hii  band  to  h>iB  neck,  tofeel  for  the  portrait  of  Aliee  Lide.  It 
fanng  no  longer  there,  but  vu  placed  ra  bis  hmds  bj  ttra  kind  fairy  iths 
bad  taken  upon  hera^  the  crfBoe  of  being  bia  oaree.  'H«  tarned  to  lotric 
npon  her,  hut  she  glided  awa;. 

"  I  am  dreamingi"  manBiind  be,  md  ehMsd  hti  «;«« ;  bat  on  Ofening 
tbem  again,  tlie  kame  aoeBa  met  his  Tieir.  The  room  hbi  nahly  sarpeted, 
the  Farnitnre  was  eoetly  and  elegant,  tbe  eslling  was  tofty,  and  eenend  with 
painted  birda  and  aagela,  Sying  among  fleecy  cloads  h>4  BzDi<e  skiea. 
The  pictures  on  the  k-bII  were  large  Dutch  cattle-piecet  and  glaring  prints. 
of  Ondenarde  and  other  hattlei,  and  a  most  agreeable  perfume  was  waited 
tbrong^  the  apaTtmeBt  from  aereral  Delft  vases  filed  wtthfrefh  Howers,. 
•rhich  adorned  the  poliahed  aide-tables  and  lofty  marble  mmitel-fiBce. 
Ronald  looked  from  one  thing  to  anacber  in  elloot  wonder.^e  ooull  not 
ima^ne  whither  he  had  been  oonreyed  ;  but  Oiat  whieh  mest  attracted  bis 
attention  was  thcfigoreof  a  female, — a  nun  be  suptio»edhertobe, — wliose 
face  was  turned  from  him,  and  who  seamed  to  be  hnsaUne  in  a  nwek  vni 
graceful  attilade  of  pnyCT,  ao  he  had  an  'C^portimlty  ol  obaertiag  her 
particalarly. 

Her  eoetame  waa  very  ahnple,  bat,  ftom  iCsthspe,  onply  disputed  her 
TWT  beaiiiiful  host  aod  wbelc  fignre.  It  omsisted  of  a  tlgbt  body  and 
wide  skirt  of  black  serge,  girt  roond  her  slender  waist  by  a  white  fittct. 
flha  warn  a  hood  of  white  silk,  from  beneath 'Wfaicb  int«brigfat  ringlet  fell 
over  ber  shoulder.    There  wu  somethiag  very  bewttabiog  and  eo^sMtldi 

worth  seeing  under  the  sane  ttttleiio 
Tery  white ;  bat  tfaey  were  daaped  ii 
taroed  upwanls. 

"  Heavens  !"  tbonriit  Stnsrt,  "  I  am  buk  agrfnin  Hw  land  of  guitan 
andpig-skina.  This  ia  witchcraft,  andWHterlBoiaalladnan.  Bahl  aiy 
wound  says  no  !  Where  an  I .'"  said  he  alond.  "  Sittiia*  A*ot,  stum 
•aiars,"  he  added  iohn  moat  bland  Bpanfab. 

"  Ah,  monaieDrl"  said  the  hidy,  springing  towards  him,  "  you  tian 
awakened  at  laat." 

"French,  by  JoTe!"  tiiongbt -t^e  hwalid.  "Napokon'has  beaten  as, 
and  I  am  a  prisoner." 

"Whiit!" 
■for-KJ"' 

"  Forjiou,  monsieor,"  replied  the  young  danlMl,  seating  berself  by  bia 
«(da. 

"  How  yery  good  of  you,  mademotseile !  Bnt  to  what  do  I  «weaa(!b 
iMBplnMS, — I  mean,  tbat  yon  sboald  take  any  inlerMt  in  me  ? " 

''Monaienr,"  sud she  pouting,  "  I  prayforatl,— fhe^giMidChriatianaad 
fte  heretic  alibe." 

Her  fkoe  was  TcrTpr«Ur,ahniMCbeaDtiM,  indeed ;  TBAerpate,)>erbafB, 
bat  there  was  a  girlishness,  apure  innocence  of  eipraaaianln  berirfCdova. 
like  hsztd'eyea,  irhicfa  Aiade  ber  eilramelf  atcractiie.  6be«Mmed  anme- 
where  abont  aiileen,~a  mature  age  on  the  Ci»iM»ent,~<aBd  had  all  tbeak 
-of  a  lively  VraMdi  girl  turned  prematnrHy  into  a  nnn. 

"  I  am  extremely  fortunate  that  yon  abonld  ioterast  yenraelf  -wo  MtKb 
aboQt  me,  mademoiaelle,"   said  Ronald   in  a  tone  snffidentty  doMM. 


196 

although  he  Kttempted  to  aunme  ■  galluituT.  "  Bat  will  yna  please  to 
tell  meirhere  I  am  jnstDow  !" 

"  In  Brnwels,  inonsienr." 

"BnuHls?    Good." 

"  See,"  cODtiDDed  the  fair  girl,  drawing  back  the  cartalns  j  "there  ia 
the  gaf  Sablon-aqasre,  apd  ponder  the  good  old  church  of  holy  Saint 
Qodole,  itith  iti  tno  bnge  toners  sad  beaatiful  windoir." 

"  And  this  »[>lendid  honae?" 

*'  BelongH  U>  (he  widaw  of  Mynheer  Yandergroot-" 

"  Aad  jon.  my  pretty  oiademoiselle, — pray  who  are  yon  ?" 

"  YoQ  mast  not  call  uie  mademoiselle,     lud  she  demnrely. 

"  What  than .'" 

"  Sister." 

"  Sister?" 

"  Oui,  mmuietir.    I  am  called  Sister  AQtoinetle  de  1*  Misfiicorde." 

"  I  ttiint  It  very  pretty,  moDsienr ;  I  am  called  SO  among  the  SlOir*  it 
la  Ckarit^,  Bui  never  mind  mr  name,  monsiear ;  yon  speak  too  moch, 
and  disturb  yourself.  How  glad  I  am  to  see  yoa  looking  so  irdl,  after 
being  in  so  deep  s  sleep  all  yesterday." 

Ronald  pnt  his  band  to  bu  head,  and  Strove  to  recollect  himself. 

"  Was  I  not  at  Waterloo  yesterday?" 

"  No,  monsienr  ;  the  day  before.  Atai,  what  a  day  it  was  \  But  yon 
moat  not  speak  any  more, — and  mtut  obey  me  in  all  things.    I  am  your 


i  she,  holding  up  her  tiny  Gnicer.     "  1  am  yonr  ooIt 
-"'  r  officer!  on  my  liit.     Poor  eteatnres  1 


. my  1L_     

she  added,  while  her  fine  eyes  became  suffused,  with  tears.    "Alas! 
*    r  are  dreadfally  woonded,  and  I  eiperience  great  horror  in  b 
ir  attendant ;  bnt  my  tows  mait  be  fDlBlled.    'Tis  the  work  of  Hem 
r  ^ter  Antoinette  must  urather  shrink  nor  repine. 


ine  eyea 
they  are  dreadfally  woonded,  and  I  eiperience  great  horror  ii 

'"■r  attendant ;  bntmy»owsmi — ■>—'~'"i'-'     "i^- -i i._»i 

....    the  poor  ^ter  Antoinetti 

Jour  woimd,  monueur ;  yon  n 
lood." 
"  it  I 

comes,  and  I  must  bi  „ 

At  Uiat  moment  the  door  opened,  and  the  asaistant-sniseon  entered. 
Be  made  a  profound  bow  to  the  laiiy, — imitating  a  style  he  bad  pidkednp 
in  Casme,  and  causing  the  black  plumsige  of  his  regimental  booDet  to 
describe  a  circle  hi  the  air. 

"  Well,  my  dear  Mademoiselle  Antoinette,"  (aid  he,  taking  her  hand, 
"  how  is  DDT  paUentthia  morning  ?" 

"  Indeed,  monsieur,  I  know  not,"  replied  the  giii  with  confosioo,  and 
attempting  to  withdraw  her  hand. 

' '  I  fear,  Antainetle,  if  the  troops  are  sU  prorided  with  such  nnrtM, 
they  will  he  in  no  hurry  to  quit  the  tick  list,  whidi  it  is  our  intcKat  to 
keep  as  empty  as  possible  -,  but — " 

Here  mademoiselle  broke  away  from  him,  and,  snatddng  n|i  a  little 
basket  of  phials,  fled  from  the  apartment. 

"  WeU,  Ronald,  my  man,"  said  the  medico,  anbuckllng  hisbra*d> 
sword  and  seating  himself  by  the  bed ;   "  how  do  you  &nd  yoniaelf  thii 


"  HiTiai  ended  your  flirtadoa.  'tii  time  to  aak,  Dick,"  replied  tb* 
inVBlid  pettiahly. 

"  What!  are  yoa  tnrniDt  jealona  of  ■  girl  that  nnraea  half  the  regimeDt? 
Let  me  aee  your  knock9,^hoiT  are  they  ? " 

"  Confbnndedly  sore  !     My  riba  are  all  brokan  to  pieces,  I  think." 

"  Scarcely,"  replied  the  doctor,  passing  his  hand  otbt  the  injured  parti 
they  are  all  aa  sound  as  ever  they  were.  Do  yoa  find  tluii  sore  ? "  slid 
be,  dehberately  poking  Ma  finger  on  particular  [dacea  with  the  moat  medical 


"  Very,"  nud  the  other  snlkilj. 

"  Ah  I  I  thought  you  would.'' 

"  I  auppoie  lOa  mean  to  follow  up  thia  attack,  by  preacribiogbieediDt 
and  hot  water  f" 

"  The  Brat,  certsinlf ;  tbe  Isat,  u  may  be  leqninM],"  said  Stnirt,  the 
doctor  in  Ma  tani  getting  a  little  piqued. 

"  I  hare  dozed  aw»  ■  whole  day,"  eoid  Ronald. 

"  Yon  find  yDnrself  all  the  better  for  it  now.  We  will  have  yos  on  your 
\tga  neit  week." 

"  But  the  battle  1  You  hsTe  kept  np  inch  a  gabble,  Dick,  I  baie  not 
bad  Ume  to  aak  yoa  if  we  won  it.' 

"  Who  else  could  win  it  1  Bat  I  will  tell  yoa  all,  after  I  bare  looked  ta 
your  hurts." 

"  No;  Cellroefirrt  of  the  battle,  andbeaa  brief  u  possible." 

"  Well,  then,  Buonaparte  waa  soundly  beaten  on  the  ISCh,  and  la  flying 
towardi  Paris,  I  beliere.  Wellington  and  old  Bluchet  an  after  bim, 
donbte  quick." 

"  Our  loaai" 

"  I  have  not  beard." 

"How  is  Lisle,  and  all  flie  rest  of  ours?" 

"  1  have  not  yet  learned  where  Louis  ia  billeted,  bot  I  (ear  hia  arm  i« 
loat.  Captain  Little  waa  killed  dote  by  me,  after  you  were  struck. 
fifteen  officen  are  wounded,  and  eight  killed ;  hut  jou  shall  bear  not 
anotbcr  word  till  I  have  seen  your  wound  more  paiticularly,  and  haTB 
^iplied  some  dreuing." 

Ilie  cauDon.shot  had  bruised  his  side  eeverely.  It  waa  ftightfully  dia. 
nolonred,  and  he  waa  ahnoat  unable  to  move  in  eouaequence  of  the  intense 
pain  wbidi  be  inffered. 

1^  doctor,  prodacing  a  silver  case  of  lancets,  proposed  bleeding,  a 
coarse  to  wbicb  Ronald  stoudy  objected,  saying  tbat  he  felt  weak  enongfa 
already.  He  waa  therefore  Gun  to  content  himsdr  with  lesTing  direc^ont 
for  the  preparation  of  an  enormons  poultice,  and  a  dietof  broth  and  barley- 
water.  He  then  took  hia  leave,  saying  that  he  had  more  than  a  hundred 
Etienta  on  his  list,  and  ahoald  be  totally  unable  to  call  for  two  days  at 
lat;  bat  desired  Allan  Warristoon,  Ronald's  servant,  to  eoms  erery 
evening,  and  report  how  his  master  was.  The  doctor's  prescription  gave 
Ronald  considerable  relief,  notwithstanding  the  throwing  out  of  window 
of  a  considerable  portion  of  the  Ingredients,  and  the  discoasion,  iriOk 
infinite  relish,  of  certain  delicaciea  wbicb,  after  a  few  day«,  were  bronght 
to  his  bed-«de  by  the  kind  old  widow  Vandergroot. 


BBteiiog  Ughttj  aad  vMr,  tMs  to  his  ntei  Her  foMla  hand  wu  wi  hig 
eboaldw,  and  ber  >oft  UTes  vere  beamins  on  hii,  >lma*E  before  he  wa> 
■WHttof  bar  piimiiin  Her  ailkeii  hiioj.lwiUiaUm  heck,  and  reraalad  her 
fine  gloujr  hair, — itll,  sbtg  tbe  lonf  Mn;  linck*.  bamtiMlf  bntiiUd  likea 
cerooet.utHiDd  hw  bead.    Her  order  vele  mt  cabbed,  of  their  flomng 


in  Uie  owps^  god  oucht  her  k 
permiMed  buv  lO'DetMa  toe.  b 


The  finger  beloefed  te  a  my  prettjr  hand,  tbMlk  it 

ring  or  bracelet ;   and,  taking  it  again  witbia  bie  awn.  he  TeBlared  tty  ■»•• 

it.    The  filter  drew  back  inaUntly,  and  bloatml  vkMDo  ;    but  notwitii 

displeaaare,  for  ghe  aeemed  too  amiable  and-  geaUs-  a-cnelBi*  to  W  aaiUf 

offended. 

"  I  have  brought  yea  three  books,  manaieiir." 

"  A,  Ibaesutd  Cbauie,  bt  deai  littl*  aiater  I "  said  he,  m  Ae  i>rodii«d 
the  Tolumes  from  a  imall  reticule,  wbiob  alw  eanried  aodtr  the  akiit  of  hac 
loDgcape.    "  How  Terji aUaitfia of  Tou I    I  am  tlmf*«aduU  wbenron 

"  1  bad  them,  ■DOWieiir,  from  an  aged  fltpotan/e  of  our  eeder,  «ha  ik 
Hat  baa  MDutftad  qoll*  » liKli  librwr  of  hei  cma," 

"  A  French  Bible,"  aaid  Ronald,  laying  wds  Mh  firatiHtli  ■nMs«£ 
dieappoiBCmeat.  "Wbataacr  'The  My  BmdV:  ol  Uie  BoaliSiatm 
of  St.  Martha.'  And  the  Deit !  '  Rales  of  the  Servanlet  dtt  Pmutntd* 
Charitil'    fir  Joni  mjdeaeABtoiiKtW,  tkei*bbekj««i'td»forii]e,  I 

wigv,"  teiA ihtiODie^,    "law 


r  bear  the  end  of  it,  and  tw»  ai>  tbrea  duda  wovU  utaMelj  katf  the 
aaeie  ia  eeder." 

"  I  am  aoB^iiM'  it.  But  if  ysn  will  not  lead  theai  yonndf.  I  wil ; 
aodifany  afyoHrwildSoott«h.oa(waoMiiaiit.  kt  tban  iMBhatueU 
tbeydbra." 

"  They  frill  take  care  bow  they  do  that  in  my  -\im' — ,  iBliiieinii," 
kM Btuwt  wrth ^peenliar lailei  irliilalh»flTt'lhnw  baeklmbaodwid 
MepaMdte  Bead,  dieplejiws.  a*  Ae  did. M,  anaalt  a«l  haadxaf  Hrfaok 
beauty  and  lady-like  whiteneu.  She  read,  in  a  IMr,,  mtmM.  ana  m^- 
pleaaMB yoiotk  BwiWnr  «f  thagwASamMtlMit  tftwhiehBonald,  whowaa 
(puCeMiaipMredwitbher  a 


, _:  for  aaar^  half  aahoar,  and  imafiMA 

mac  tbe  young  •fiecrmt  awry  aVMutiraliataMT,,  Bul,intnA,,lMiwa* 
IboBMicfa  oeeapiedin  obiarnng  tfaa  adairabt*  oontonr  of  ber  facet  her 
dowaeaat  laihm'  and  fiae  hair,  the  nottoB  of  ber  litlJsi  c^ry  lip*  ud> 
swal&nsbow>a,  t»«ltn4ta  UtvvamMi  ohapteraninckdwwai.aaBoaA- 
•atwad  aa  to  aaleet  fee  bjaadlficatioa.. 

After  idmiBiManBi  oirteiB  dnuoi  wbidi  peihape>  neitber  Widow  Tau- 
dfwoot  nor  Dacter  Staart^  with  A  their  elttqueaee,  aoakibeie  [wariSed 
«a  Boaald.  to  iwallow,  the  withdrew,  DMMittuUiadiBs  bii  enlwtiea  that 


1  little  lo  „ 

He  faitietbae  jaalom  of  the  atteaCiooa  the  night  beatow  on  otbera;  but 
fiuesdtib'  lealiDg  laated  only  AwawbUe.  She  had  aeMml  Hb^kluidng, 
tbne  kuaaac*,  andtwo  art(lil«ry  ottceie  on.bar  1^.-.  BOinaof  tbe  latlacinHe 


T8B  XOMUICB  OV  WA>.  199 

nunve  Itp  tni  umi.    Next  da^  wbcn  ihs  riiited  Stuut  ibe  was  wMping. 
for  three  of  her  pstieDts  bad  died  of  th«r  nonndg. 

ThB nbnto ^  OrvM»U  htd  bean  converted  into  ■mtboiinlal:  ereiy 
home,  witbont  diatlnetian,  was  croirded  witb  wonnded  and  lick.  Tbe 
offlcerl  liad  loldien.  in  loma  plaaa,  wraa  ^^E  ■><!>  by  aide  on  the  BMne 
fltxn'j.aJidthabuaaiHtT,  kindneu,  indscEeitntUdiipUyedtowutbtbeM 
nnfoitiuateaby  the  Udimr*adi>tbei  females  ofeterydau,  are  Moitliy  of 
tiiB  hi«heat  preiw.  Tbey  ««n  to  be  saen  haacljr  in  tbe  boiptta'-  ■"- 
trihstmg  cordis  and  other  little  comfofta  tO'  Aa  wounded  aaldiei 


,— frend  Kul  foe  aUke.     The;  were  I __  ,   .._ 

they  moTcd  along,  for  the  poor  fellows   fOnnd   BuCere  and  mothera  in 


ahapen  hood  of  tbe  a<*t«e;  and  that  her  existence  was  doomed  to  be  one 
of  everlaitinsiH'ayer,  penance,  tnt,  hnmiliationraod  shwrj' in  hoepitali, 
....  — ^ — 1^  ^j  yjg  frtid  breatb  of  the  nidi,  by  distempere  and 


epidtfnict,  seenes  of  mat,  woe,  and  miaery,  and  in  tJie  haann^  u 
oixHSOW,  blaaniMnny,  add  homd  imprecBtioui,— for  her  duty  led 
fhe  dens  and  prtaom  of  tbe  police,  and  the  iooioat  recesaea  of  the  infamaaa 
~  ifi-iaw.    Wbetliet > 

it  the  life  of  a  goUey -Blare  or  a  I^ndon  ■einpBtieB»  would  bare 

been  preferable. 

AnUHoette  waa  eridBotly  a  lady  by  Banner,  appeacance,  and  birth. 
Itoe  bat  a  tidf  could  bare  owned  to  beavtifbl  a  hand.  She  bad  aU  tbe 
natoral  vivadty  and  buoyant  spirits  of  a  French  girl,  and,  M  limes,  her 
HUMB.aad  dear  ringing  lanthtfa'  nnatnwted  oddlf  with  tiie  aorabre  garb 
■ndi  her  half  real,  but  aSbcted  damnrcneai. 

Bonald  tbrmad  a  hundred  idaos  for  her  emancipation,  bat  alwaya  ra> 
jedied  tbem  aa  impracticable.  To  peranade  her  to- elope  from  Bruaaela, 
■ndgo  home  wilta  him  hi  be  a  cotapauion  for  Alicfi  liala,  maid  nerev  do. 
Ssaiilal  waald  be  boar,  aod  even  shontd  he  escape  tbe  wrath  ol  tbe  Belgian 
poUce,  the  nuw  waold  qnii  him  out  of  tlie  service. 

"  Wbat  thsilBiiceean  bedona  to  BSTB  (his  ftiir  croatore  from  sach  ilavery  ? " 
flionght  he.  "I  would  to  Heaven  somebody  would  ran  away  with  her! 
Timtt't  Uaiuldhoi  of  oon,  and  Dick  Stuart,  our  aenior  Eiculapina,  haod- 
Bfuae  fellows  both,  and  both  qalle  well  aware  of  iL  Who  tnowa  what  may 
came  about!  Tbe  medico  ii  evidently  smitten  wiCh  her,  and  HacildbBi  it 
on  her  sick  list.  Since  poor  Grant  was  knocked  on  the  head,  we  have  not 
a  Bursad  bub,  except  Looia,  among  us,  and  Antoinette  wonld  be  an 


Tbe  combined  attention,  of  tbi  iatereBtlag  little  fill*  dt  eoiaad,  of  the 
widow,  of  Doctor  Stuart,  and  of  AHao  hia  aervant,  aoon  placed  Ronald  on 
hJB  feet  Hgwn;  and  in  the  course  of  a  week  or  two  he  waa  able  to  mow 
riwot  the  mam,  and  enjoy  a  cap  of  chocolate  at  tlie  window  ever- 
l>pl<iT<g  tlta  square,  where  a  host  of  cidpplad  soyierst  leaning  on  sticlu 
and  cnitches,  were  seen  babbling  about  among  fresh-cohiured  PleniUai 
gifia  with,  p^mp  figures  and  large  while  caps,  bulbous- shaped  citizensr 
and  pipe-amoldng  Dutchmeo  in  bigb-ciowned  liaU  and  miglUf  ine^rea- 

Two  ds^B  after  he  became  convalescent,  the  siat«r  infanned  him  diat. 

"  And  will  you  not  come  to  me  aomedmes,  Astoinette?"  , 


"  I  am  lorry,  montiear;  no,  I  can 
"  Then  I  will  visit  yoa." 
"  That  mtut  not  be  either :  a  man 
bid  ;ai]  birenell." 
"  Ah.  you  do  not  mean  lo  be  to  cr 
"  There  is  no  craelty,"  eaid  ghe,  pi 

hand  and  seating  her  beside  him  tie 
uuatling  Ruf  Hauit.  "Must  we  nerer  see  each  other  more,  and  only 
because  there  are  no  more  coofbuaded  drugs  Id  be  swillowed  and  pillova 
to  be  amoothed?" 

"  Tt  murt  be  ao,  my  friend;  and  I— I  hop«  yoa  haye  been  wtif&ed 
irith  mr." 

"Antoinette!  saUsfied?  and  with  yon/  Ah  I  hov  can  you  speak  so 
coldly  ?  Itly  dear  iittle  girl,  yon  know  not  the  deep  interest  I  take  in  yon. 
But,  tell  me,  would  yon  wish  to  leare  Bnuseli  f    It  cannot  be  your  natiye 

"  Monaieur,  I  do  not  understand — " 

"  Would  not  you  wish  to  leave  the  dull  convent  of  the  aisterhood  toliw 
in  the  midst  of  the  gay  and  tfaegteat  world,— to  lire  in  a  barrack,  perhapa, 
and  be  awakened  erery  morning  by  tbe  merry  rereille  or  the  bold  pibroch. 

He  miued,  for  the  last  observation  bad  been  miaunderstood.  The  eyes 
of  the  French  girl  flashed  fire,  and  her  poutiug  lipa  curled  ao  haoghtily  and 
■0  prettily,  that,  yielding  only  to  the  impnlae  of  the  moment,  Ronald  WM 
tempted  to  carry  ou  the  war  with  greater  ligonr. 

"  Pardoome,  Antoinette  ;  I  did  nut  mean  to  offend  you,"  sud  Stnw^ 
drawing  her  nearer  to  him  by  (belittle  nnreaiating  hand  which  be  atillbda 

"  O  moDsieart  what  do  yon  mean?"  cried  ttie  poor  girl,  trembKng 

violently,  white  a  deep  bluah  covered  her  whole  IVce  and  neck  ;  beraparidiiig 
e^ea  were  cast  languidly  down,  and  the  palpitations  of  her  heart  could  ba 
distinctly  seen  beuealli  the  tight  serge  vest  or  bodice  whic^  encased  her 
noble  biiBt.  "  OA,  mon  Dieu!"  she  added,  "what  is  the  matter  with 
me  ?  I  feel  very  ill  and  giddy."  Yet  (be  made  but  feeble  Btrngshs  to 
release  herself. 

"  Fromise  you  will  come  again  and  see  me,  Antoinette,"  aaid  Ronald, 
drawing  her  very  decidedly  on  bia  knee- 

"  Oh,  let  me  go,  monaieur.  I  must  have  the  honour  to  wish  yon  a  nod 
morning."  She  made  a  motion  to  go,  but  hia  arm  l;ad  endrded  Itsr, 
"  My  vows  I  Oh,  pray,  for  the  love  of  Heaven,  let  me  go.  Unhand  me, 
I  implore  yoa." 

"  One  kisB,  Qieu,  Antoinette, — only  one  kias  ;  and  in  sisterly  love,  yoa 
knowf"  and  his  lips  were  pressed  to  her  hot  cheek  ere  she  was  aware. 
"Bat  one  more,  dear  Antoinette!"  but  she  burst  from  hie  grtup  and 
covered  her  burning  fact  with  her  robe,  weeping  ea  if  her  lieart  would 

'  "  Holy  Tirgin,  look  down  upon  mel"  she  exclaimed.  "  How  ahaU  I 
ever  atone  for  this  deadly  sin !  1  mvit  confess  it,  and  to  the  stem  dean  irf 
Saint  Gudnle,  that  the  lips  of  a  man  have  touched  mine.  Me  1  a  Siater  of 
Charity,  a  nun,  a  miserable  woman,  sworn  and  devoted  to  the  lervica  of 
Heaven!  Oh,  monsieur,  you  have  done  me  a  neat  wrong;  bat  may 
Heaven  forgive  you  as  readily  as  f  do  1    Adienl  we  shall  never  meet 


discomfited  Boldado  more  durmedtluLDeTer  with  hcriimpUdtfnidDiodatf. 

And  it  mayeuilf  beaupposedlbBltbeliitertatihe  bad  eieit^  iDhiiboaom 
wu  increued  nben  be  diicimred  that,  in  Bpil«  ot  ker  lotri  ind  veil  of 


irtbe  last  time." 


inreo  idu,  m  spiie 

M  the  little  French  ni 

-_,     -.  is  better  that  we  thonld  meet  no  more.    An- 

1  bojie  she  m*y  look  np  ben  to-morrov,  i[  it'a  onlV 

BC  time."  ', 

I  Hid  nueed  away,  but  the  Sitter  of  Charity  came  noB 

lal,  and  he  regretted  that  he  had  frighlened  ber  away.l 

jht  ba,  "ihe  may  yet  come  to-moirow  :  the  little  fairy' 

uvea  me  better  than  the  darei  to  ackuowied|e." 

Three  daya  elapaed  without  her  Tisitio^  him,  and  it  waa  evident  that  ihe  ' 
would  come  no  more.  He  grew  Tery  impatient  and  uneasy,  and  (pent 
moat  of  hia  time  in  natcbing  alternately  the  square  and  the  Rne  Haate, 
with  tiie  hope  of  teeing  hernagg.  Once  be  sava  Sister  of  Charity  coming 
liom  the  chnrch  of  Saint  Gudale.  Her  figure  aeemed  light  and  gracefiu 
a»  ihe  tripped  down  the  immenie  fiight  of  atepi  at  the  eotruice ;  it  wai 
Antoinette,  without  doabt.  Regardless  of  diitauce  and  the  crowded  street 
below,  Ronald  called  aloud  to  her  ;  hot  she  waa  too  Iti  off  to  bear,  and 
tamed  a  comer  down  the  Rne  de  Sbaerbeok  without  beatowing  one  glance 
OD  the  mansion  of  widow  Vandergroot,  which  waa  sufficiently  conspicaoB* 
by  its  large  yellow  gables,  its  green  ueuetian  blinda,  and  red  strealu  rouod. 
the  windows.  If  the  little  figure  wliich  glided  along  the  street  were 
Autainette'a,  be  nerer  beheld  it  again. 

One  day,  abont  >  fortnight  afterwards,  while  leated  reading  a  despaldl 
of  Wellinj(ton's,  he  beard  footsteps,  much  lighter  than  those  of  the  snb- 
■ttmtial  widow  Vandetftoot,  ascending  the  wooden  staircase.  "  She  has 
o«dM  at  last,"  said  he,  as  the  cigar  fell  from  bis  mouth  i  be  threw  down 
the  paper,  and  half  rose.    The  door  opened,  and  Lisle  entered. 

"Looial"  be  exclaimed,  leaping  np  with  ■stoniahmenL  "  GracioDn 
powers  I  bow  changed  you  are. 

"  I  may  observe  the  same  ol  . 
BHimmy,  replied  Liale,  tmilbig  sadly. 
added,  pointing  to  his  left  sleeve,  which  was  empty,  and  hung,  attached  by 
<a  loop,  to  a  button  at  hia  breast.  "  It  is  now  doing  veir  well,"  be  coo- 
tiou^,  "  but  the  sight  of  my  emp^  sleeve  and  atump  will  scare  the  ladie* 
at  lachavon ;  thai,  thongb,  is  the  least  part  of  the  affair.  My  >oldiering 
is  now.  ended  ;  the  Gordon  Highlanders  and  Lonia  Lisle  mnat  part  at  last  1 
'  Every  bullet" — you  know  the  adage." 

"  I  am  glad  yon  bear  with  your  loss  so  easily." 

"  Your  own  escape  was  a  narrow  one." 

"  Very.  Had  I  been  a  few  yards  nearer  the  ridge,  where  the  enemy** 
foat  were  in  position,  ttiat  unlucky  twelve- pound  shot  would  have  cut  me 
mto  halves  like  a  fiahing-rod.  But  how  are  all  the  rest  of  ours  ?  J  have 
not  been  abroad  yet." 

"All  doing  Cunonsly,  and  ready  to  avrearthat  the  ladies  of  Brnssels  are 
'angda  upon  earth,— tha  Sisters  of  Charity  especially."  Tbis  waa  aud 
unwittingly,  but  Stuart  felt  the  blood  moimting  to  his  temples.  "  As  yet 
tbere  have  been  no  more  ampntationa,  but  Macildbui  is  in  a  worse  predicA- 
n»nt  than  any  of  ns." 

"How,  pray  ?" 

"  He  has  been  deeply  amittea  with  the  charms  of  a  certain  little  Frendi 
Ssterof  Cbari^,  by  whom  he  has  been,  luckily  or  D  '     '  " 

but  bis  romantic  ladje-love  has  deserted  him,  withonl 

bM  (ew  days,  and  poor  Mac  is  very  sorrowful,  sentimental,  i 

Ba  fOand  aU  hia  sorrows  in  my  ear  one  evening,  being  thrown  completely 


ak  Ua gqard  bj  the DaUoiriQflwMM of  m glai^  al^.triiMirt ■Hhtfwii 
ran*  par  bottle.    Bat  the  SltMr-" 

'"Nenr  nnd  ha-,"  iBiil  RoDkld,  wtonrioymy  pnoeftiUT  acaiBi 
"  tell  me  oboat  the  aimj.    Wtattf  1 1^  !>•«■  fren  bNtd'^aaKen  i" 

.  ""Ob.  floTHMBl  tbaptHraarirf  FmiaaaBil  of  BwiBiiMrta  bMbooi  eom- 
t4atalr  lud  proititie.  Ttas  luinr  pmMd  forward  mta  tke  ^on^a  •<>«■- 
Ctt  ;  aod  Marihal  Davoast  aent  the  Marqoii  of  WaUiB^DK  a  flag  ot  tnios, 
■        •  ■  '     "   ■      '>nelda|>F    ' 


hiareDeatbaTOod  tka  Loire.    Our  traapa  am  all  ia  Pane  bji  th» ,  __ 

make  hute  and  get  veil,  my  dear  M)o«<  tkaC  foia  mu  nwua.    Oulr  think 
'  Iwii  the  rogaat  wiU.  b«  anioTiiii  tbaaaadra  in:  Facia.! 

"  Thaaaarafav  of  ouakfttDrqmae." 

"  AJioat  one  hnndiiBd  and  fifty  bvonta  an  nilliCanapbdl,  and  i*a  hKva 
Baarlr  ftn  Imndred  wosodad  bare  in  Brwaaalat  ^^at  csiaad  aUr  at 
QnatraBiaa  mauled  uaadly.  Bdicre  Hie  eogagamaa  t,  we  mamhad  omt  <rf 
Braaaelt  i  aaiillj  iiiiii  Ibiiaaiiiiil  and  lor  atMnc.  Uutoorathaa  anA-haU  inj 
en  (die  aod  ere  snaait.  Poor  Caaaetoa.  I  tbe  corjia  «rill  fad  hia  loaa.  Bf 
tlM  bye,  1  fai^ot  to  msnliaa  that  CamiibeU  baa  got  tlw  Uaotaoaikt-iiBioBidaT. 
0«r  (smaottc  friend  MaoililBuii  gata  ttaa  mtjoribi,  and  yoQ  are  doit  auiiai 
aavtwo.  i  hope  Tan  wiU  win  fonr  ^nra  era  1  aos  youagiua.  laatout 
fl>r  Scollaud  to-moiKtw." 

"S&aooB?" 

■'Yea. 
labidldtl; 
thsfintin 

"Wri!,lBhaUii>OBnqMaTinLiaP«thihire.  1  hnwaetniMncl^UMd 
abed  and  battle*  mm,  and  long  to  «ee  the  old  peak  of  Beamore,  aad 
hear  tbe  lea*«a  mamng  plaaaaoOf  in  tbe  woodi  af  Oloh  and  Tinrhiih 

Next  day  Liale  took  hia  departnre  from  Braaaal*.  Ha  atiU  aiagaladf 
iaU  BoB^  in  inamoM  ot  mat  bad  oocanad  aC  hoata.  A.  Ihanami 
taaoea  ha  was  OB  Uie  Mint  of  adnrtingM  tha-aoitact^  bat  abwya  rdnoaaiL 
Ins  latter  to  AliM,  ba  aaid  that  h«  wootd  laM«  t*  Aer  "  the  rtiiatreaal^ 
tusk  □(  coanrini  ta  Stvart  tha  infoimation  of  hia  biher'a  rniiw  and.  Ik* 
lapimalimi  of  tbeLoiUaia.iBaa;  baaauae."  ooatiDned  tha  latter,. "  ao  naa* 
ia  OoMld'a  TCDcratioo  far  tm  awant,  aad  aooh  Ina  Uig»-i-~i  Bt^e  a>d  hw 
bM  of  the  old  aiaeatnl  tmw,  wMbaU  it«  fiMlal  MdfoaHi  aatMiatiaDN 
that  I  verily  b«lieTe  he  would  -']--'- f'TiTlfn  fri  flnt  rnrt  'ftfi  iriiniM. 
were  I  to  acquaiat  him  witBirtathaabappaaad  atlcahiila  " 

Scarcely  bad  Liale  left  Braiaeta,  whu  Bondd  fand  that  Ua  l^oi^Ha 
went  baginning  to  rsMrt  to  AniiwaaMo  da  la  lUaMoacdat  and  liiBglBii  In 
aaa-bar  again,  be  detenuMdto  aaUy  faith  theaaU  dw  Md  take  m  ani^, 
in  the  bnte  of  neatiag  her  in  Ik*  atreeti.  ThcM  laan  n>My  hiikkUag 
abont  in  tiie  sDnahine.  on  tbe  BooleTani  de  I'Eate  and-tbe  BwdMaad  d» 
Mod,  who  had  baaa  mo»  aaaaraly  wonrntri  BiM  hlitalf. 

On  tha  morrow,  tterefora^  imaiadiately  aflaa  diiHaaaing  hia  hiaalifMt^— 
duEokte  and  »cigaiv— ha  weot  forth,  into  tba  ataaati  M  Banaiala  fo>  )h» 
fint  time  Hue*  be  paaaad  tbiMgb.  tbem  jb  «  waggon.  Tbeasiaa,  whad, 
and  din  of  the  paseeDgera  and  Tebiclea  of  erery  kmd,  earned  aaoh  a  njin 
cing  aeniation  in  his  head,  that  be  nearly  fell  to  the  gToind.  He  neaed 
alMg  tha  crowded,  alraeta,  aovady  luowjog  whetheaIu*haad.orhaelaw«Ta 
i4q>enngDit,  Tbe  gUre  of  Che  nooB^day  aon  aaaaaad  bat  aad  a«nn|^  asd 
a<M7lbins~thB  hvuaaa,  the  lamBH^ta,.  the  cbardi  apires,  aaaoMd  want* 
andmnutian.  Wi«hCbeaidaf».patriarehal  staff,  wbiakeHtbelangad  to- 
Myoheer  Vauleiipoot,  he  nude  hia  war  tbrMgb  Wmainll,  an  j  riarrfiat 


The  coaTCDt  of  the  Siaiera  of  Cbuitj  bordaied  samexlieTe  oi 
TOrd.  He  bad  been  directed  tkitbec,  not  bf  lerbal.  in&tr.uctiiiiw,  bst  bj 
»gD»,  of  which  eiery  Eleming  bbboib  tu  baa  proleaatu,  aa  it  utei  Um 
digbty  labour  of  luioi  bia  toogue.  Each  cnjafaeer  whotu.  be  acco^ed« 
being  too  luxf  to  tue  bis  movtb^  ^ueraUy  loinked  b]>  goiutiUB  with  bii  loos 
pifio,  or  by  Juliiug.the  sonutiit  ol  bu  aieegie-aowutd.  haCiu  tha  direotieai 
inquired  foi. 

ihe  itEeet*  were  thicUy  cniwded  with  mililaiy  eiMivalaaoeiit*,  o(  «very 
rank  ondof  muy  ao^oa.  The lesimsuUla  waca  Bumeiaiu,  TttaEngliab, 
ibn  Fruuian,  the  Uighluid,  tbo  BsigiBB,  EMd  the  Uuuiwka,.  wars 
creeiiiDE  aboat  everywhere,  s^tsoitiug  UMBueiaeftOB  Btickaaod  cnitiiheii 
and  in  Ibe  simny  public  ar«u>  lotw  ranlu  of  tiaoi.  night  ba  Bean  basking 
on  tha  HOuud,  or  piopfied  agauist  ciie  wull  oiv  KilU  and  woodsa  lagi,  yat 
all  laui^ug  aud  uaoking,  aa  merrily  as  criclLUa- 

AAei  u  great  deal  of  trouble,  ILonald  diicovared  the  coniant  of  tha 
SUt«rs  of  Charity,  Eomewhere  near  the  end  of  the  Boulerard,  at  the  comer 
of  the  Rue  aui  LaincB.  It  was  a  buge,  desolate -looking  bailding,  and 
uigbt  lery  well  baie  passed  for  the  military  prison,  wbich  ia  not  fai  ftom 
it.  Its  windowa  were  SDitdl. — grated' and  far  betveen ;  and  tbe  whole  placv 
looked  not  the  leu  aombre  because  the  mcruiTi^  sun  shone  cheerily  on  its 
nmaaea  cf  grey  wall,  lighting  up  aome  projectiona  Tividly,  and  tbrowing 
Mhen  into  the  deepest  idisdow.  He  beard  a  bell  tolling  sadly  aomewbers 
olose  by,  and  a  strain  of  choral  (oicea  mingled  with  ila  iron  tones.  It 
rang  a  kntll,  and  a  dismal  foreboding  fell  upon  Stnart  as  be  listened.  Ho 
Mnick  gently  with  the  gigantic  knoeterwhicb  ornamented  the  iron-studded 
gat£,  and  immediately  u  panel  waa  pulled  aside,  and  the  grim  wrinklod 
visage  of  thepcrtiere  appeared  witbia.    Ue  solicited  admittance. 

"No  man  can  ever  pass  this  thsaabald,  moniieur,"  replied  tbe  other, 
who  was  a  Uttle  woman  of  Fieoch  Flanders,  and  clad  in  the  garb  of  the 

' '  How  is  the  aiater  Antoinetto  de  la  ] 

"  Well,— I  hope." 

"  Thank  Heaven  1"  exclaimed  Rona 


"  Heaven^"  nqdied  the  Iktla  wosnn  taitl*i.andbein((oCr8Bdad|Kobalilr 
at  Hoaald'a  unpettuMtU,  ibe  eloicd  tha  ptmal  ia  hia  faca  without  cwemoap. 

Tbe  finifila  ud  daMsal*  cnature— how  Btterly  nnaailed  for  the  life  to 
which  she  had  beaa  dotnaad—had  falieo  «  notim'  t»-  tin  yil*  aad  Uaoid' 
■uvacaCkiou  that  had  cooaisiaBdhei'taa.MsTCKt.  Wbila  aBiidiiig, in  bar 
mihl-and  gcDtkt  ianoeaMqr,  aa  (he  ackiuMwof  the  niilitaEyheBpitai>,aho 
hadbtwD  aUaekedvith  a  lialant  fniaf  thatmpii  thnT.snd  waebid  qacUy 
•wif  under  its  fiarf  pevar. 

SHuK  lacled  afaiiut  the  iroa-atudded.  door  as  tbe  words  of  tha  j^eaiieie 
Ml  upon  bia  eat,  foe  at  that  usmant  he  felt  sick  at  haart,.  aad  Ids  knaea 
tottered  with  weakness ;  hut  he  walked  away  sa  quickly  as  he  cotdd,  tiU 
tboequiem  of  Iha.wsterhood  and  tha  iroB  ahurirfth«  bell  could  do  laager 
be  baud  amidat  Lba  bustle  at  the  Sua  atu  Laiaaa. 

"  Poor  AaXoioaUe  !"  thwigbt  ba.  aa  be  tamad  domi  tha  Kua  Rojata, 
and,  skirting,  the  tunoaapark,  made  straidit  foe  bia  biUat — "fair  aad 
geolie  aashe  wasj  aha  deaamd  frtaeCln'  fate  thao  to  pwiAin  auehadeDof 
gloAmy  iiiparatibott  aad  of  bliod-devotioD." 


He  poor  girl'a  death  m«le  him  very  lad  for  lome  daya  i  bat  the  impie*- 

bLoq  ntuch  her  beauCr  <uid  artleisneas  hod  made  upon  him  wore  aVBy  ■■  bs 
[reiT  better,  and  beeame  able  tatreqnentcbe  <^/^<  the  park,  the  RaeBelle- 
TUG,  and  other  public  placea  of  regort  at  BrasBela.  There  the  importBnC 
erenta  followinEths  great  Tictoiy  at  Waterloo, —the  capture  oF  Parii,  the 
pnbltc  ectrv  of  Louie  XVIII.,  the  flight  of  Baonaparte,  and  Hia  aurrender 
to  Captain  Maithmd  of  the  Bellerophon.  were  all  canrasaed  fnlly  and  frselT, 
Hmidit  the  hoaata  of  the  Belglaaa  aboat  the  wondera  performed  by  tiiar 
eonntrjinen  on  the  gloriooB  Ittth  of  Jane  I 

After  residioK  in  BmaaelB  abont  two  monllis.  Stoart  reported  hiBuelf 
"  well,"  and  waa  appointed  to  take  command  of  three  hundred  ean*a- 
leacenta,  who  were  declared  lie  for  aervice  bf  a  medical  board,  and  wear  to 
rejoin  tbe  Higblandera  at  Paria  "  forthwith." 

Early  on  tbe  morning  of  bia  departure,  Jnat  aa  Ronald  waa  getting  on 
his  bameas,  a  man  who  bronght  the  widow's  lettera  from  tlie  HSlel  if* 
Pmtea,  placed  in  hU  band  one  addressed  to  himaelf.  He  lore  it  opeo:  it 
was  from  Liale,  dated  "  Edinbnrgh,"  and  ran  thus : — 

"  I  have  merely  written  a  short  noCe  to  announce  my  arrival  inScotlaud, 
and  that  all  are  well  at  Inchavon.  Yonr  uncle,  old  Sir  Colquhoun  Mon- 
teith  of  Caimtowi),  liaa  taken  his  departure  to  a  better  world  ;  and,  ai  we 
cannot  regret  bia  death,  allow  me  to  coagratalaCc  jrou  on  becoming  poa- 
aessed  of  aeven  thouaand  a  year,  with  one  of  the  lineat  eAtatea  in  Scotland 
forEhootlngandcoursing.  Meaars.  Diddle  and  Fleece,  W.  S.,  Edinr.,  wiU 
aend  yon  further  intelligence.  I  have  since  seen,  by  the  GazttU,  that 
Cluay  Mooteith,  yonrcouain,  diedoChiswoandsomewhereonthe  Brnsadi 


CHAPTER    XXV. 

It  was  on  tbe  morning  oF  the  IGth  September  that  BjJDald  quitted  Bnia- 
sela,  having  ander  hii  command  three  hnndred  rank  aod  file  of  the  Gor- 
don Highlanders,  as  many  more  of  tbe  42nd.  and  Afty  men  of  the  Cold- 
stream Guarda.  Three  other  ofBceie  were  with  hiio,  bat  be  waa  their 
senior  both  by  rank  and  atanding.  They  paraded  in  the  park  before  the 
kinH;'a  palace,  in  heavy  marching  order,  about  ail  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
■adi  moving  round  the  comer  of  the  paisce  of  the  FriDce  of  Orange,  tuy 
proceeded  along  the  Boulevard,  after  paaaing  Oirongh  ibe  Namur  gate.  AJ 
they  quitted  the  city,  with  bayonets  tiled  and  pipes  playing  before  die  fifty 
ColdatieBma,  who  oF  course  marched  in  front,  they  elicited  shauta  ef  ip' 
plauflfl  from  tbe  Belgians,  many  of  whom  followed  them  for  many  milaa  oa 
the  Waterloo  road,  and  teveral  young  women  went  much  farther,  so  tbtC 
they  never  returned  at  all.  Stoart  had  a  very  affeclioDSte  leave-taking  with 
Widow  Vandergroot,  whose  (at  oily  face  waa  bedewed  with  tears  at  lus 


Their  n 


Lte,  for  part  of  the  way,  lay  tbmngh  the  forest  oFSoignies;  on 

quitting  which,  they  entered  the  puins  of  Waterloo,  ao  latidy  Ibe  scene  of 
that  fierce  contest  in  which  the  greatest  empire  in  Europa  had  beaa  kwt 
and  woo.  They  were  now  treading  on  the  baltowed  gronnd  of  thefiald, 
and  (he  murmur  of  conversation,  which  had  anaen  among  the  detaohaMnt 
themoment  oommaad  to  "march  at  eaie"  had  baea  giren,  bov  ditd 


a,imj,  tad  fbe  (oldieri  trod  on  in  gilence,  or  Bpobe  to  each  other  only  at 
intervftlH,  and  in  whiaperH,  for  there  was  Bomethin^  iti  the  sppEaraDce  of 
the  T>at  gTBTe^u-d  around  them  which  caused  strange  feeUoga  of  udaeM' 
to  damp  the  mUitary  pride  that  burned  in  every  breast. 

The  morning  was  remarkably  fine,  with  a  pnre  air  and  almost  dondleii 
ilcy.  All  nature  iaoked  bright  and  beButifnl,  and  the  rising  enn  caat  the 
long  ahadnwH  of  every  house  and  tree  far  across  the  level  landscape,  where 
everything  was  beginning  to  aisume  ■  ivarm  antnainal  tint. 

The  farm  of  Lb  Hays  Sainte,  the  fine  old  eh&tean  of  Hougoumont,  and 
otkcf  houses,  were  all  roofless  and  ruined,  the  walls  breecbed  and  battered 
bf  eunoQ-shot ;  Che  parterres,  the  shrubberies,  and  orchards,  deatroyed ; 
but  OD  these  wrecks  of  the  strife  they  scarcely  bestowed  a  look.  As  they 
marched  over  the  ridge  where  the  British  inhntry  formed  hue,  the  aightt 
irbicb  greeted  them  there  caused  the  Highlanders — naturally  thao^tfol  at 

"  No  display  of  carafe,  violence,  and  devastation,  could  have  had  ao 

pathetic  an  e^ct  as  the  quiet  orderly  lookof  ita  fields,  brightened  wiUithe 

dwith  Ultli    '  *      ■         ■       -      ■■  . 


bat  thickly  strewed  with  Uttte  beapa  of  nptnmed  earth,  which 
no  ivmaine  could  brighten.  On  these  the  ^e  instantly  fell ;  and  the 
heart,  having  but  a  slight  call  made  upon  it  from  without,  pronounced 
-with  more  solemnity  t£e  dreadful  thing  that  lay  below,  scarcely  covered 
with  a  sprinkhng  of  mould.  In  some  spots  tbey  lay  thick  in  clusters  and 
loDK  ranks ;  in  others,  one  wuutd  present  itself  alone ;  betwixt  these,  ft 
black  scathed  circle  told  that  fire  had  been  employed  to  consume,  as  worUi- 
less  refuse,  what  parents  cherished,  friends  esteemed,  and  women  loved* 
The  summer  wind,  that  sbouk  the  branches  of  the  trees  and  waved  the 
clover  and  gaudy  heads  of  the  thistles,  brought  along  with  it  a  fbnl  stench, 
■till  more  hideous  to  the  mind  tbau  to  the  offended  sense.  The  foot  that 
startled  the  small  hird  from  its  nest  among  the  grass,  disturbed  at  the 
•ame  time  some  poor  remnant  of  a  hnman  being, — either  a  bit  of  the 
■hovry  habilimcDts  in  which  be  took  pride,  or  of  the  warlike  accoutrements 
irhich  were  his  glory,  or  of  the  framework  of  his  body  itself,  which  be  felt 
ai  comeliness  and  strength  the  instant  before  it  became  a  mass  of  lenseleaa 

The  idesa  which  appear  to  have  pervaded  tbe  mind  of  the  writer  quoted, 
were  those  of  every  man  of  tint  detaobroent ;  inch,  indeed,  as  tbe  objecta 
In  thdr  path,  and  Vtte  moarofDl  K«Dei  by  wbidiUtey  were  sorrounded,  could 
scarcely  fail  to  inspire. 

Harchii^  by  e*>T  ■*■>■■• 'W*'***'*^  ^<">'>  "i«  ■^"■'I'-'ix^^  ■>!"- 
tal  of  Haloanlt.  During  the  hut  of  tvro  daya  here,  most  of  die  officers  one 
eve^nf  attended  tbe  tbetln, — a  viut  which  nearly  cost  some  of  tbem  tbelr 
lives.  TbeplaywM"The7Bllof Zntphen,"Bnd  thedreswaoftbeactor* 
were  u  ridi«dou>  as  fli^r  acting.  The  (teocioo*  Duke  of  Alba  was  repre- 
sented by  a  little  ia.  Fleming,  clad  in  a  cocked-hat  and  old  red  coat; 
Frederick,  his  son,  by  a  boor,  en  bUnitt,  who  smoked  a  pipe  compoaedly 
dnrine  the  performance.  The  Dutch  troops  were  represented  by  a  party 
of  Belgian  chasseurs,  and  the  Spanish  by  a  sOong  brigade  of  motiey- 
garbed  scene- shifters  and  candle-snuffers.  At  a  part  of  &e  play  wtttre 
JVederick  storms  Zntphen,  and  orders  bis  soldiers  to  give  it  to  the  dames, 
■paring  neither  sex  nor  age  in  the  sack,  some  ashes  ditipped  from  the  bowl 
(rfthis  ferodons  commander's  pipe,  and,  lightiiig  among  some  anlphor 
and  other  ingredients  kept  for  Mage  purposes,  set  the  whole  scenery  in  a 
blale.  ZuWien  vraa  In  flames  in  earnest.  The  players  rushed  atxint  in 
every  dincHon,  crying  for  help  like  distracted  people ;  but  the  at  " 


aOe  rOB  BOMAHCS  OP  WM. 

«tB^  to'tte  Other  ptrls  of  the  bmM,  «nd  the  blaefag  wiMid  tmsb^g  rfbout 
,thtar«Bn,  inme4  the  Flerainga  of  ttiair  dsnger.  A  tremendaaB  rash  trss 
mtis  for  Mie  door.  Btrnrt  «u  4hi«ini  over  by  the  press,  md  trod  mider 
their  feet ;  and  had  met  the  -oficer  who  commanded  ■  party  of  the  Cold- 
■tnam  OtMrdt  nenaced  the  cjtiaenc  wlfh  hi«  sward  and  reacned  him,  my 
>UT«ti(e  woald  prriwbly  lune  ended  hne.  He  draped  him  onC  from  the 
<ir*wd,  md  they  gnned  the  MieM  -rn  Safety. 

The  next  etage  ira«  Bmy,  in  PraniK.  It  fe  ■  Trtfle,  hat  very  andent 
tnWD  af  Frmeh  Habiaaiti  md  the  inhibltairta,  either  setaatRd  b;  loyalty 
to  Iioiia  XVIII.,  er  by  some  remnant  of  that  old  friendship  which  the 
Fresch  had,  or  fsttter  pretended  to  have  had,  for  "the  Scots,  received  the 
Highland  detachment  wiCta  kind  aeetsmstjons,  and  the  entire  population  of 
the  litfle  city  followed  them  throngh  its  gloomy  old  streets,  till  Ronald 
halted  before  .the  Hdtet  da  VHI«,  where  the  maigiHrsites  diBtrihated  the 
billet -orders.  The  soldiers  vere  Crested  with  tbc  ntmost  attention  and 
kfadoess  by  the  dtjsene  ;  and  this  wn  the  more  pleasant,  becaOBe  qnite 
OBeipeeted  on  snieritig  the  eneory'e  comtry.  It  was  Ronald's  lot  to  be 
qmrtered  npon  a  maniifaetiimr  of  those  woollen  commodities  whidi,  wiA 
■KiD-pIate,  are  the  prineipa,!  eommeroe  of  B«fay.  T^ie  'worthy  had  m 
*|dendid  residenee  ooUide  the  eity,  where  bis  ample  garden,  orchard,  ftc., 
faniiabed  erery  loinry  ihal  -the  deliehtfiii  nHcoate  and  frtiitfbl  aoQ  of 
IPnDoe  oonid  yield  him.  He  reaaiied  Btnart  eoldly,  for  he  wsis  one  of 
thoM  thoroaih-paeed  hnmDets  mortals  who  consider  the  soldier  a  harden, 
a  bsre,  a  B»ele)*  and  noneaeatry  animal.  His  wife,  a  ptump  old  dame,  I 
in  s  large  French  cap  and  ample  petticoat,  aDdmademnselleherdaBEhter.  ! 
a  lirdy  and  good-IOQlEing  girl  abost  twenty,  seemed  to  HaiOc  othentiM, 
■■d  DMde  all  the  preparnona  hi  ttioir  power  to  reeeivfi  the  eohiter  with 
MteDtkm.  There  ia  a  myMorioaa  sometiiine  in  the  scarlet  COM  which,  ts 
llie  tetntnioe  portion  Of  tiiis  wsrh),  is  qnite  irresistible. 

The  young  buljimade  amngementa  to  ^ea))ttlej'Melh«t«T«niig,«aS 
■11  her  female  companiona^-everybsdy  that  was  anybody  in  and  abost 
Bavay—mre  to  bethere.  sedttiewhtHe  house  was  torited  topsy -tairy  jbot 
she  was  wofnlly  disanminted . 

Site  bad  been  singing  and  tinkling  with  the  ^itar  and  piano  to  KtmaM 
tar  the  greater  part  of  the  day,  smd  he  nmaied  himMlf  by  sMing  beside 
her,  turning  oisrthe  leases  of  mnaio-boolis  and  albuuia,  saying  eOfltMtk 
nothings  all  the  while.  Madamethe  mother  ofteo  gang  iu  aocompaniment, 
and  Chry  had  become  quite  like  old  scquaintsncea.  Bat  the  i^ff  bibbo- 
IhMarer  of  nolton  hose  and  shirH  bad  wtitehed  their  proceedings  with  a 
loDringeye,  and  towards  evening  he  took  np  a  new  position,  which  cntRhort 
the  preparations  for  the/^e.  He  planed  both  mother  and  danj^ter  Id 
darance  vile,  by  locking  them  np  in  some  retired  raomg  after  whiiAi  he 
rode  off  with  the  heir  in  his  pooket.  Whether  he  was  inflmnced  by 
jealeasy,  or  by  natlenal  ^slike,  It  is  impastibteto  say,  bnt  the  ilrst  k 
latber  unlikely.  Madsmfrisfllle  was  tcderahly  agreeable,  and  had  a  my 
white  hand  lor  Ae  daafbter  of  a  plebeian;  but  her  moHier  was  ngty 
enaugh  lo  hare  ftwhtaned  m  oJd  tioop.horae,  and  Monsloor,  the  cotton 
maaitfaotflrer  of  Baiay,  need  bare  giren  himself  no  niiea^ueaa  on  her 
aeeannt.  Bat  the  airirward  afhir  made  a  great  naise  in  the  toon,  aodthe 
itory  woH  related  with  varions  [rieasatit  additions  and  *er!*tiane  by  the 
oAeers  of  the  /ar^f ua  on  their  arriTal  at  Cllrliy  camp,  end  there  mt 
nmiy  a  hearty  lai^;b  at  fLontdd'a  expenae  in  the  mess-rooms  of  (he  ninth 


They  wera  now  in  Franoe ;  Hm 
&e  uiered  Praooe,"  mrchiEig 
baroneta  fixed,  dramt  beating,  tmi  ill  tbe  pomp  of 


such  circnnitUiioti  conflloted  It 
WeUh^ton'i  order,  dealring  that  tbe  Miiea  m 
thfii  Repeetire  SOTeragns  were  tbe  alliet  d 
Tnoee,  and  that  tberefbn  France  nrnt  be  conuderad  *s  tjritttdlf 
eooMTj."  The  inhabitmU  of  the  loimi,  and  the  nml  -diatriolB  also, 
bAeld  lliem  march  on  with  appafent  apath;  ;  whatSferttieiraaiTtitfeeliiin 
might  have  been,  tbey  were  admir&blr  eoneealed.  Afawoldfriendiof  tbe 
BonrboTiB  may  be  excepted,  and  theee  were  ohiell;  old  mea  aad  womeo, 
Urlog  in  remote  paru  of  the  eoontry.  In  aoDie  liMeviUagea  Ibeyvere 
recened  with  ^onU  of  welcome  :  Id  htrge  towoa,  their  drama  and  iitpcB 
gare  foHb  the  onW  eomidi  heard  in  tbe  atnet<. 

At  CambraT,  Staart  waa  agreeablr  mrpriKd  to  find  Ibat,  by  oertiaa 
cbingea  which  had  Cahen  place  in  the  regiment,  he  had,  aa  liale  predioM, 
g«ined  his  "  Epara,"  and  waa  now  regioiental  major. 

"  Yon  may  thank  your  lacky  stars  for  thia  rapid  promsdoB,  Stoart," 
taid  the  Guardsman  «ho  bad  aoTed  Mi  life  at  Mods. 

"  I  ma;  Ihuik  death, — the  ahiuEhter  of  Maya,  Vittoria,  Oitbes,Tenbnue, 
and  Waterloo  rattier."  replied  Ronald.  "  Certei  I  I  hare  no  reaam  to 
complain,  Uiough  I  hare  srxa  work,  both  bard  and  hot,  white  rouffiing  it 
bi  tbe  Feninaala." 

"  Bat  a  mqorl"  continued  the  other,  "and  only  three-and-itweaty  1 
Majorl  a  rank  eyeraasoeiated  with  eaae and  good  living,  the  gent,  anl  ail 
allowances  of  wine  at  the  men,  with  a  belt  of  gnster  girtb  than  that  ot 
any  ottier  man  in  the  regiment  I  I  congratulatB  yoo,  my  friend,  and  jxv- 
posethatwe  wet  Uieoommlnlon."  Anditwat  "wetted"  fcrtfawithaaoord- 
mriy,  in  some  excellent  tau-de-vie. 

THoB  promotion  made  Ronald  completely  happy ;  it  waa  the  more  agree- 
able, becaase,  like  hit  acceuionto  the  property  of  hia  nnele,  it  waa  qnite 
Qnlooked  for.  As  for  Uie  death  of  the  latter,  he  had  neither  reaaon  to  be 
glad  nor  yery  sorry  ;  bat  he  felt  aa  merry  as  a  man  can  be  who  has 
suddenly  anooeeded  to  a  baodaome  fortune,  and  he  damoiiatrated  the  fact 
by  tosaing  hia  bonnet  a-deMD  of  tinea  to  tbe  ceiling,  at  which  atrange 
employment  hia  friend  of  tbe  Cold^tieams  surprised  lum  in  his  billet  at 
Bmsaeli. 

Iltey  oootinned  tbair  rmte  byPowni^  fiaiatOneaSn,  by  tbe  ha«da4me 
town  of  Compiegwe  eo  tbe  Oiae,  and  dnvngb  SenUa.  The  tieauty  ai>d 
fcrtiUty  of  the  -oonnlry  tbroagh  wUdftbey  man^Fd,  farmed  a  eeiUinUl 

"       ■  "'    " '■ '  -nder.    Ofteo,  fortfae  ipamofthirtyaialea, 

oiaibadoiBad  bya^nifiMionof  ap^eand 
■ay  tike  mie  long  and  natohleea  ami  ~ 
.  lasd  tcBptingfrait;  iBd,  intboae^  . 
w  ber«  tbe  harvMt  bad  oonwMMed,  «U  Ike  isbafaltaBU  of  Hie  diatriet,  aMB , 
women,  «adabUi>«>,  ware  «a*pl«7«d  iai  beatipg  tlwgcUen  piodoceirom 
^  tree*  with  long  poloa,  ana  galbenng  it  int*  teat  beapa,  which  aaane 
brane  off  1b  carta  or  baokota  to  Oe  cUisr-pMaMi.  fiaerywhana  NaWte 
aaemed  in  ker  riehoithbwm  and  baaaty,  and  As  bawthom  flower,  tbe 
day^owar,  tke  woodbnn,  ■•!  tha  hMWawUe  iBed  Ike  Mf  wiA  the  Moat 
fmgTBot  perfaiDaa.  Tbo  laarab  tnw  Bnsads  ta  Oaria  waa  iNifa^a  tke 
aaoet  agreeable  that  Ae  aaldien  bad  ever  T^ibiHad. 

On  the  aeth  of  BqMBber  tbe  detaebment  arrirad  at  Clieby,  a  >aiage 
idmat  twe  or  three  ailM  frmn  Pana.    Beki>d  it  ^  Biiti^  eai^  wu 


formed,  mud  the  long  line*  or  ttreeta  of  wbit«  canvu  bell-tenla  pildied'M* 
the  grvuT  bmnk  fllopinf  down  to  the  Seine,  all  BhiniD^  white  sa  snow  in  the 
Sim,  and  nitk  "  theniuoD"floitingOTer  them,  formed  an  agreeable  prospoet 
■mid  IhaDDiTenil  green  of  the  acenery  srouod.  Guards  and  sentries  were 
pasted  roDnd  the  raeiiDpiDeDt  at  regular  distances.  The  regiments  were 
on  tbeir  seTerd erening pandes, and  aland  bntsomewhst  coofosed  medlnr 
of  martial  ma^WU  swelling  from  amid  the  tenta,  and  floated  away  throogh 
the  still  ereniag  air.  On  the  smooth  green  banks,  and  by  tbe  sandy  mai|^ 
of  the  clear  blue  riTer,  haadreda  of  soldiers'  wiTCS  were  engaged  in  the 
homdy  oeenpation  of  washiog  and  bleaching  for  the  troops;  while swanuH 
of  healthy  but  ruged- looking  chUdren,  belonging  to  the  camp,  gambolled 
and  scampered  abont  the  greim,  sailed  little  ibips  on  the  riiei,  played  at 
hide-and-seek  among  the  taba,  around  the  tents  and  sentries,  as  tbey  made 
the  welkin  ring  with  tbonti  of  beuty  Engliafa  merriment.  Beyond  the 
camp  wu  seen  the  snug  French  Tilla|fl,  with  its  picturesque  and  Ud- 
fasbioned  house*  and  still  older  trees,  which  had  inrvitcd  many  generatioaa 
of  men.  There  was  something  verj  pleasing  in  the  aspect  of  some  of  the 
'— ---i,  the  bigfabeidled  roofs,  with  the  npper  stories  projecting 


and  down,  and  erosa ways,  and  the  gabltf  ontsm^ted  with  a  rariety  ol  _ 
finials  and  wetlhercoeks,-'-aU  ihowing  the  grotesque  taste  of  a  remote  age. 
Still  farther  beyond  Clichy,  rosetheamoke  and  apirei  of  Paris,  which  spread 
■far  off  like  a  wildemeis  of  stone  end  time,  from  which  rose  a  mnrmnr 
like  tt»t  from  a  beehive,— the  strange  mingling  bat  musical  bum  of  ■  last 
and  distant  city. 


handed  orer  "  his  detachment,  and  imned  the  group  of  kit 
comraaes  on  loe  erening  parade.-  By  ttum  be  was  congrstaUted  on  his 
promotion  and  recovery,  uid  recuTed  snch  sn  account  of  the  delights  of 
Paris  and  the  neighbourhood  of  Clichy,  that  he  regretted  haripg  beenoom- 
pelled  to  tarry  so  long  at  Bmsselt. 


CHiPIEB    IXTL 


luuKDiATKLT  sftcT  parade  next  day,  Ronald  departed  ftmn  Cliohir  OD 
a  visit  to  Paris,  "  the  City  of  delights,*'  as  an  enthnaiaslic  French  anthor 
has  termed  it, — the  famons  Paris,  Ot  which  ao  much  baa  been  said,  ong, 
and  written.  But  Ronald  was.  b 
look  oTerery  manwaaiadand  Ion     _ 

were  in  every  street,  bar  guards  on  tmj  barrier;  a , 

to  rake  every  tbomnghfare  and  avense,  and  the  trtillery-men  were  anmnd 
them,  nutdtlnhaDdtbyday  and  Bight.  The  aaUier  slept  with  his  aocontre- 
mentson,  and  the  bona  In  his  harness;  and  toensHretbe  peace  of  the 
ca|rital,  the  whole  of  the  troops  were  ready  to  act  on  a  moment's  notice. 
The  banner  of  Blncher  wared  Over  Paris,  and  hU  advance  was  in  A«Dt  of 
it,  in  position  on  the  Orleans  road ;  a  brigade  of  British  occoirfad  the 
Champs  Elya^s,  and  the  anioD  jack  and  the  white  etaodanl  <^  Atubia 
waved  over  the  snmmit  of  Montmartre.  Proud  Gaul  was  eompletelr 
bumbled,  and  the  Pariaian  bad  lost  all  his  awagger,  his  Isnghler,  and  light- 
ness of  head  and  heart  Uanyof  ^BritithaffloerawereinKilled.Bbnted,-^ 
i  believe  were  spit  upon  by  the  lower  classes,  when  the  alliea  fli*l  entered 


TBI    BOUUJCI    O'  WAB.  209 

thaFrCBch  nctropdi*.  Tlw  people  Iwd  no  other  ineaiii  of  liring  loow  to 
Um  nntimeDta  ofnge.  lutred,  and  hoatility  which  boiled  witbin  Ihem.  A 
rMWt  to  open  nolauce  in  umi  wobU  only  b»ie  ended  in  the  deitractioa 
erf  Farii,  and  the  ippihilitioD  of  iti  inhabitants.  The  defeat  on  the  plains 
at  Waterloo  will  not  be  ioob  forgotten  in  France.  like  the  murder  of 
Joan  of  Ari^  it  will  be  handed  down  train  parent  to  child  ;  and  tbuB,  front 
one  feneratian  to  anotber,  the  bereditarr  batred  to  "  perGdioui  Albion" 
will  iBcreaie  rather  tlun  dimiiuih. 

In  Paris,  and  in  Fiance  seoerallr,  the  HifMand  (arb  attracted  more 
■tttadioD,  and  parhapi  reipect,  than  that  of  anf  other  nation.  Notwith- 
•taDdinR  the  bitter  lutred  which  tbe  French  arowedly  bear  to  tbe  whole 
iale  of  Britain,  they  eometiniea  make  a  distinction  between  tbe  Scot  and 
his  soothem  neiihboar,  as  if  tber  were  now,  as  oF  old,  politically  aliens  to 
Mob  Mber.  At  uie  cafes,  the  restasralears.  the  concerts,  tbestiea,  prome. 
ttadet,  the  Boolerards,  the  Jardin  dei  Tuileriei,  the  Champ  dc  Man,  the 
Boit  de  Bonli^ne,  and  public  places  of  erer;  kind,  the  officers  who  wore 
tbe  Cdtie  gub  faiind  themselves  treated  with  the  ntmoat  respect,  atteatian, 
•nd  e«ea  kindnesa,  when  tbeii  eonntijmen bdoogia^  to  r^menta  "in 
breeks"  eipeiienaHl  marked  ooldoess  and  aTersion.  liie  figure  of  a  Uifh- 
laod  offieer  nassii^  a  milUner'a  shop,  ioiariablr  brongbt  all  tbe  |irla  in  it 
nsbing  to  the  door.  "An  officer  of  tbe  Scout"  was  the  cry,  and  all  the 
pretty  grisette*  were  in  tbe  street  in  a  moment,  to  uare  at  and  talk  ot  the 
•tmuer  until  be  was  o«t  of  sighL 

Altaough  Ronald  bad  no  acquaintances  in  Paris,  excepting  those  made 
by  frequenting  public  places,  jet  be  was  well  pleased  with  the  Parisians, 
aad  as  long  aa  be  bad  money  to  apare  and  to  spend,  he  eiuojed  himself  in 
a  manner  tbst  he  bad  never  done  before.  Through  his  haulier  in  Xxindoa, 
he  diew  many  a  cool  hundred  on  bia  Scotch  ageots,  Messrs  Diddle  and 
Fleece ;  and,  for  a  time,  be  wasted  among  grisetles,  Frenchmea,  and  fools, 
rather  more  than  was  qaila  prudent.  Being  junior  major,  he  bad  of  course 
Jiothiag  to  do  but  to  amuse  himself,  appear  on  parade  once  a  day,  and  ride 
ronnd  the  guards  and  posts  when  on  duty :  he  spent  tbe  whole  day  in 
Paris,  and  generally  returned  to  camp  when  the  reveille  was  beating,  so 
that  his  honrs  were  rather  earlfi  than  late. 

Oaeereningiwboi  making  up  a  party  for  the  next  day,  the  hard  visage 
of  Serjeant  Macrone  appeared  at  tbe  door  qT  the  teat,  annouuciDg  that  his 
ronnd  of  pleasure  was  closed.  The  orderly -book— that  tome  of  itI  onen, 
tiitb  its  brass  olasps  and  parchment  boards,  was  handed  ia,  while  tbe  non- 
commissioned officer,  raiaiug  bis  hand  to  bis  sunburnt  and  wrinkled 
forehead,  conveyed  the  unpleasant  intelligence  "  ttaat  her  bononr  wts  for 
toty, — no  the  tay  peforethemom,  patthe  ferandst." 

"To-morrow?  The  devil.  Macrons  1  do  yon  say  so  ?"  cried  the  impatient 
m^ior,  snatcbing  the  book  firom  tbe  band  of  the  Celt,  and  scanaing  over 
the  brigade  orders.  "  '  Major  Rouald  Btuart,  of  the  Gordon  Highlanders, 
will  take  command  of  the  detar^meut  ordered  to  proceed  to—'  to  where  i 
A  cursed  cramped  hand  this.    Who  wrote  these  orders,  Macrone  ?" 

"  The  orderly  Serjeant,  sir." 

"  Who  is  orderly  ?" 

"  Jost  my  ainsel.  sir.    Hoomh  I" 

"  Stapid  !  Could  you  not  have  said  so  at  once.  ' — Command  of  the 
detachment  proceeding  (o  the  Ch£teaa  de  Marielle,  to  relieve  the  Hano* 
Teriau  regiment  of  Kloater  Zeven.'  Does  anybody  know  where  the 
CUteam  de  Marielle  is  ?" 

"Two  days' march  from  this,"  said Mocildhoii  "near  Melon.  I  know 
^M  plaee.    Arcby  Douglas  and  I  have  shot  and  coursed  over  it  for  a  whole 


BIO  «H>  BDHUMI  «»  WtM. 

week,  trithant  lewe  or   UaeoM.    'Ti«  Ota  inpeWr  of  tin  HoqaU  iff 

"  Whatl"  ndumad  OM,  "  ridCtappsQTkBaii'a  tvothcT^' 
"Ths  ume.    Yob  irmuDbei  trimit  Merida." 
"And  what  do  UiewiaeMrMMtHad-qaBrteniBi 


nfitthi , , 

"  And  to,"  wdd  Sturt, ' '  we  man  fbngo  *!1  the  gsr  >Demi  uf  Pvivto 

li*e  in  Ki  old  cUiCan  UMiNif  n>ok*  aad  anaeMcbBL     Caantry  qnntwi 

■peil  muir  a  fay  feUow  :  we  bad  bettor  bare  «bc  rfow  at  ClidiT. 

"WeIliD(tonba>(iFdared5Da  m  tbia  atrrieen  ■  dfaange,  and  torwe 

Toaof  daodasiAer  actrMMt  aid  piiMMa ;  fariB  Aiti  tfaer  qniu  qnU 


"Tbara  wiU  ha  nntfaar&a  ffnt  avr  tto  iMt  tf  Mabm,— nothing  bit 
browa-Ttand  and  led-kaitad  dalneaaidi.  .1  bofN>  tba  cilJUaao  mntriaa 
Lanrieaton^  (uaiir — isBe  -ngnaaUe  van*  bdjea  niajiihUy.  to  make  at 
•menda  for  tin  loaa  we  anitaia  in  bciw  aidarad  ao  te  fcnn  Pans  and  ttda 
agreeable  caap  «r  Ciicii;,  winm  we  £«•«  aiwayn  dir  eaofu,  aoft  giaai, 
and  niity  of  awuMjae  and  riw  ai  iKnafc  t." 
eel    lhiip«  u,"  added  HocUdhnl. 

" "  .    i 

dlsappointad.  for  tba  (Mian  WBi  oeoapiedoiriT  br  tba  lesitBatit  of  KloatM' 
Zeren,  and  a  hw  B|«d  twrnla.  Tbt  ekt  Hmioliiwiaai  and  kar  danibtw 
hadTetnatedtoI^iiteon  tiis  fint  aniaai  af  tkatada  iaicaiiat  mAiMK. 
TliB  Hanoveriaaa  marched  oat  of  thetmrtoftlw  tl>tWaa,irith  their  bMhi 
- larwkKAOw- 


nuie  woien  ^bctdtidb,  ^b  iwmanr^  liipiiij  aavfiiaBnir  vamvaa^ptta 

Tht  ch&tean  stood  close  to  tlM  mangin  «f  tfae  Srine,  mot  tut  i 

quiet  and  pret^  littie  ttma  of  Htlao,  a^nacMd  aBaWK  «ied  ti 

andanmNindedbr  orobardaand.fMfea.    It  waaa  laifaine^ilar _ 

of  thedar*  of  Lonl*  XII.,  andwaa  aald  to  hare  aagn  been  boooandj* 
tlie  raridenoe  of  the  ««iabrated  I^T  d«  Baaajen.  It  waa  asTCMdwilk 
carred  work  in  voad  aad  atom,  and  waa  aBmautod  ^«iUM«o)w  tanata, 
Tanes,  and  Ugh roo^  oorendwldiifaitBlarMnd  alalia  jaiMed««ar«adi 
other  IUm  tlw  scales  of  a  eatpeot.  It  waa  in  «*anr  raspadt  a  maaaian  at 
tiie  old  aclMol,  «Bd  woold  have  been  t)w  penDaMacraBdsnaBafaenera- 
tpeolaUe ghost  of  tha  oldan tiata.hailitatMMllnBnglBad.wrnDiBeqM- 
ciBUT  In  ScoMand. 

Ths  loldieia  were  billeted  at  ftee  qaartera  o 
officers  took  ap  tl»r  rarideaae  In  the  ckfitaaa,  ti 

orders  had  bccni  raven  hj  the  proprietor  to  prorid 

they  required.  Here  Cher  eiyored  themselres  mnch  n> 
and  the  ricketv  old  hoiue  was  kept  in  anBpMar  tlie«haia4ar,  aaoaoiaB- 
ttmea  the  whde  night  iao,  by  U«r  Baei^ntat,  praalca,  and  fUlr.  Iti 
splendid  ahambers,  laloona,  and  gaUeriaa  wan  a  gasd  aaduafa  for  S  tuf 
floor  and  canras  tnit,  iridah,  in  rainy  weather,  wa*  narar  ■aim  liihl  IIU 
it  was  thoronghly  mekBd  through.  The  beds,  with  bMgiais  of  dl^ 
ottrbh  planet,  and  sUrer  ftingaa,  far  caupabahe-dovaa,  aod  Urn  fdiilo 
aatin  lAJiia,  ttuflbd  with  down,  wan  alto  a  gDod  «i«hui|a  foritooaaaal^ 


■211 

trDDks,  cap-cawa,  Inupwcka, 
be  had  in  the  encampment.  Tl 
ehootinj,  till  the  preserrea  we 
the  evenings  were  devoted  to  chesa  end  c'lgart,  moistened  vilh  &fewbotl1ei 
of  Volnay,  Pomard,  Lafiilt,  ehampagne,  port,  or  sherry,  for  sll  the  cellen 
were  Ht  their  absolnte  commHnd.  A  tAill-reel  ^nerallf  owcladed  their 
orgiei.  otthe  iword-danoe,  performed  oa  the  dioiiu'-t^lei ;  after  whicli 
Uwy  were  all  carried  off  to  bed  by  their  Mrvaoti,  who,  on  one  occuioD, 

nuired  the  aid  of  a  fatigoe  party. 
'ranee  is  a  glorioas  eunotry  in  whieh  to  live  at  fice  qoarters,  and  tbft 
Highlaoden  remaintd  till  the  end  of  Oetober  completely  their  own  ma«-. 
ten.  awky  from  old  Sir  Deni«i  from  Welliagtoa,  and  staff-office  girveil- 
lance,  amid  menimrnt  and  jollity,  spending  their  day*  and  ntgbts  aa  tjiey- 
imi  never  spent  them  bafbre  Id  ooantr^  qoarters,  which  are  generally  so 
dailand  liteiaB.  In  the  frolic  and  feetifitjr  of  theiriDperiora,  the  privabw 
folly  participated,  and  many  a  merry  thongfa  rather  confuied  dancadid 
diey  enjoy  •Ith  the  cotligen  by  moooliibt  on  the  grasiy  lawn,  where  iiiB 
rionder  peasant  girl,  the  agile  husbandman,  and  the  strung  thicteet  dam- 
man  mingled  together,  teapins  and  skipping,  with  better  Will  than  gracs,  to 
the  stirring  soimds  of  the  warlike  bagpipes. 

There  was  one  subject  alone  whitji  kept  Ronald  in  a  aertain  slala  at 
Dueesiaesi, — the  uan-arriml  of  letters  from  his  father,  althoagh  be  had 
ngidar  despatdies  from  Alioe  and  ber  brother,  which  were  brooght  lum 
amr  forbught  from  the  Ii6M  dt  Potttt  at  Mehui  by  MscToriah,  who 
acted  as  poabnan  for  the  chftteau.  He  eonclnded  that  a)l  were  well  at  the 
oldtower,  bat  that  by  some  Strange  falahty  his  father's  lettaii  ware  always 
■im^tfA  le  miscarry. 

On  the  aath  of  October  they  took  a  sad  adien  of  the  leoerable  Chatsm 
de  Marialle,  of  its  saloons,  its  parks,  its  emptied  cellars  and  rifled  pre- 
■errei.  Right  glad  was  old  Chambertiu,  the  baUer,  to  b^old  them  deinrt ; 
and  1  dare  say  he  thanked  Providence  derontly,  when  the  last  gleam  of 


Drueool) 
toCUoby, 


thdr  bayoiMta  flashed  down  the  old  glooniy  ohaHit  aranue.    Late  oi 

night  of  the  25th,  an  aide-de-camp  (Lient.  D of  38ad  Drw 

Inuagllt  StaarC  an  order,  dirMting  blm  to  MaioT« bis  detachment  to  Clicby, 
from  which  the  refinent  irii  aboot  to  march  n  rauU  for  Calais.  It  wai 
eleven  at  n^t  when  (he  order  atrhed;  and  by  daybreak  niut  mortuag 
the^  were  alT on  the  road,  with  baf  and  bugage,  and  had  left  Helun  far 
behind  them.  The  soldisn  ware  oreijoyedat  tin  pnapeat  of  retamiiiK 
borne,  and  tbey  cfaecred  ^m1  hniaaed  luatily  ai  tlu^  larohed  along,  and 
dispbi^ed  their  haedbendileft  on  nnr«dt,  and  ttwlr  boDnete.oa  their 
bayonets,  in  H«  eitrnafance  of  their  dalight.  So  eager  were  they  to  rejoin, 
that  they  marched  badi  the  twcBty-reight  miles  In  ooe  day,  and  arriycd  in 
tbe  eamp  at  Clieby  iaat  b«  the  iMf W  wtre  proolaiming  sanset. 

On  tM  taotad  gronnd  all  were  m  a  Kate  of  oowmotloa  and  preparatian. 
Many  regiments  were  onder  ordtfs  fur  England  ;  the  brigades  were  brokaa 
iq>,  and  nany  iterations  were  Bade  Mgaraing  those  tKK>pa  that  were  to 
remaiii  in  FnoM^  to  form  tbit  "  Arwiy  «f  OcoapatioB,"  tor  three  y«an. 
N«M  day  Ronald  moantad  and  «et  off  for  Faria,  to  pay  aome  of  hia  oht 
hanala  a  Iaat  visit,  and  lo  avoid  the  bnstle  of  the  camp,  where  iie  ieic 
estirel^  to  the  care  of  Wanistnan,  his  acrvant,  tlie  task  of  packing  uid 


I.  Coo^^lc 


CHAPTEE,  XXVn. 


WaiLS  riding  ilowly  hIode  tbe  BonleTird  de  la  Madeline.  Rooald  ww 
before  him  an  ofEcer,— a  Frenchman,  butoneirilhwhoiefi^reheiniicuiHl 
be  wat  acquainted.  He  was  a  toll  and  bandsame  man,  and  wars  th« 
Bcartet  nnifonn  of  Lonii  the  EighteenCh'a  garde -dn-corpg. 

"  I'll  bet  a  fanndred  to  one  that  ia  De  MmraBi,"  taid  Stnart,  coiiini<liui« 
with  himself.  "  The  rogae  has  cbangnl  lides  ;  bat  1  think  1  alioold  knov 
him  bT  tint  incoDceiTable  ''    " 

There  waa  no  donbt  o 
•topped  to  ipedc  mt  the  d< 
him  on  the  (honlder. 

"  Moniienrde  Meamai,"  said  he,  holding  oat  his  hand,  "  I  hope  foaare 
qnite  veil.  Yon  bare  not  fon(otten  me.  inrrl; ;  we  had  some  odd  adran- 
tarai  together  in  Spain.    Yon  remember  the  euro  of  J — " 

"  Momienr — monsieui —    Diable  I    I  hare  qnite  forgotten  jonr  DUae." 

"  Staart,  of  tbe  Qardon  Highlimdeni." 

"Stoart?  I  remember  now.  A  thonaand  pardona, — and  as  manf 
welcemea  to  Paria!"  exclaimed  the  Frenchman,  grasping  his  hand  aJad 
breaking  into  a  proTnaion  of  bom.  ererrone  of  which  threatened  to  jerk  t« 
the  other  side  of  the  Boulerard  the  litue  red  cap  which  siirmoiiDted  his 


"  I  hare  been  for  two  mouths  ia  conntr;  qoarters  at  the  Cb&teaa  de 
Marielle,  near  Melon." 
"  Delijihtrul  place  ;  I  know  it  well.    Fine  horse  that  of  roora  ;  verj  like 


BO  Toa  hire  changed  sides.  I  see;  like  Sonlt  and  manr  others." 
"  No,  by  Che  name  of  t^  bomb  1"  cried  tbe  Frenchman,  his  cheek 
finshing  while  be  (poke.  "  No,  faith  I  compare  me  not  with  Sonlt !  Iwaa 
one  of  the  last  who  quitted  the  great  Emperor,  and  my  honour  is  ipoUets. 
But  what  could  1  do.  Monsieur  Staart  ?  He  has  been  hurried  on  by  his 
deatiny,  his  eril  ^nina,  or  aome  such  villanons  agent,  to  wreck  the  fame 
and  fortune  of  himaelf,  hia  soldiers,  and  of  France,  by  deliTering  himtalf 
np— jocre  /  to  the  British.  What  was  1  then  to  do  ?  I  bad  been  a  soldier 
from  my  yonth  upwards.  I  bad  interest  to  procure  a  commission  as  eap- 
tsin  in  the  guards  of  Louia,  who  ia  pleaied,  iacre  nom  de—  bah  1  to  an«y 
OS  in  acarlet;  and  I'tb  been  in  Paris  erer  since  Waterloo,  where  I  receiied 
a  aerere  wound.  I  ha«e  had  bard  work  to  get  back  from  King  Lotus's 
'  '  '     a  tbe  poor  remuant  that  dice,  wine,  and  women  hsTe  left  of  n ' 


and  long  Bwordi.  I  loit  my  chSteau  of  Qninaay  when  I  went  with  the 
Emperor  to  Elba— that  dismal  isle,  which  tbe  devil  confound  1  I  gained 
it  again  Do  bia  happy  return  to  France,— lost  it  at  Waterloo  ;  but  renined 
it  wben  I  donned  tbe  acarlet  in  the  guards  of  the  moat  worshipful  Lonis, 
our  dread  lord  and  soiereign.     Fesie  I    After  all,  1  am  a  laeky  dog." 

It  may  be  imagined  that  Ronald,  baring  once  fallen  in  with  thia  Teteran 
scapegrace,  would  have  foaad  it  by  no  means  easy  to  escape  from  bis 


THB   aOHAHCB   OF   WAB.  213 

todttj,  eren  lud  he  Felt  dlapoud  to  Tenturs  on  kttemptiDE  the  ^t.  So 
well  wu  the  yontii  Highlaador  acqaainted  with  the  probBbiliCieB  in  Ihti 
partjcalir,  that  ha  reeolved  to  leate  it  utiattempted  ;  siid  tuTing,  bjr  ttpe- 
cUl  (nd  (U  bat  onhoped-fOT  gtrad  lock,  mBnaged,  though  in  oompan*  with 
his  nnbedtatjng  Mead,  to  piu  two  da;g  snd  nights  wilhant  eomiag  to  an; 
lerioiu  bodilr  oarm,  he  began  to  feel  it  incumbent  on  him  to  return  thaoki 
tor  hit  iiwMai'Talioii,  and  to  prepare  for  hii  ■pproicbiiig  departuraifrom  the 
"  iritT  of  delichtt." 

Benire  De  Mesmai  could  be  Induced  to  allow  himaelf  to  be  penoaded  of 
the  neceaaitT  of  even  the  Laat  of  theae  proceedinn.  he  iaaiated  ou  a  viait  to 
the  Baron  de  Clapponrknnis,  wboi  he  aierTed,  liid  nude  bia  peace  with 
tfce  new  miniitrr,  kiMed  the  hand  of  Louii  XVIII.,  burned  hia  com. 
mlHioa  from  Napoleon,  and  reatded  quiellr  ■'  the  Tener^le  UStel  de 
aognT. 

"Thla  CQDiung  old  grrr-beard  and  I  took  different  udea  ia  the  laat  np- 
roar,"  aaid  the  captain,  as  the;  walked  along.  "  He  went  with  Lonia  to 
Ohiat;  while  I,  ai  in  duty  boiuid,  joined —  But  1  had  better  aa;  nothing 
more.  We  are  now  id  the  atreeta  of  Paris,  where  eierr  second  man  is 
other  a  jack-booted  gendarmK  or  a  lillanouej  gOTernment  gpy.  MoDaicnr 
IsBamn  aaved  hia  dirty  aerea  bj  Out  policr,  while  1  narrowly  loal  mine  and 
the  old  honie  of  Quinaay,  with  its  rained  liall.  where  a  colony  of  rooka, 
bata,  and  owli,  hsTa  been  cooifortably  quartered  for  more  than  twenty 
yean.  Clappourknuis  ia  as  little  enamoured  of  campaigoiag,  as  1  am  of  hia 
erack-ja'T  name.  No,  by  tbe  bomb  !  had  he  lo*ed  the  flaab  of  bright  itecl 
and  the  clank  of  accoatrementa,  he  would  hare  Joined  tbe  Emperor  on  bia 
qaitting  Elba.  And  yet  I  once  beheld  bim  charge  brBvely  at  tbe  bead  of 
•  r^ment  of  Poliah  lancers.  They  were  attacking  a  golid  aqnare  of  ths 
ragwant  of  Segovia ;  and  it  waa  a  aplendid  light  to  behold  tbem,  aa  ibef 
iwept  paat  the  flank  of  the  eoirasiien  in  line.  At  the  firat  blaat  of  tb« 
trompet,  their  thonaand  iaocea  sunk  at  once  to  the  rcat,  their  bright  head* 
flaihin^  like  a  shower  of  ftilliug  stars ;  and  tbe  ueit  momeut  they  woe 
riding  into  the  maia  of  terrified  Spaniarda,  aa  one  would  ride  thiongli  a 
lirer.  But  he  hai  hung  hii  a^re  on  the  wall,  aod  now  reposes  in  Ibe  an- 
eicDt  hotel,  basking  in  the  smiles  of  the  fair  Diane,  and  sungly  ensconceA 
under  tbe  shadow  of  his  laiuela,  which,  bytltebye,  ere  rery  likely  to  grow 
into  other  omamenta  leas  agreeable  to  his  martial  brow,  if  he  does  not 
look  a  little  sharper  after  Madame." 

"  I  told  you  of  my  adTentnre  with  her  on  the  Pyrenees." 

"  Yea  ;  you  will  be  a  welcome  friend,  nnleas  the  story  iaa  roused  some 
napleasaut  sonnises  in  the  mind  of  the  baron,  who  is  raU^er  inclined  lo  be 
anspidoas,  althoagh  his  pate  isao  thick  that  we  consideied  it  aabre-proof 
in  the  '  Devil'i  Own.'  I  know  that  he  looks  upon  me  with  eyea  the  re- 
Tsrae  of  friendly.  Parbleu  !  what  care  1 1  Madame  Diuie  behiires  to  me 
witii  remarkable  attention.  Ha  \  my  friend,  you  see  what  it  is  to  bave  a 
name  :  all  the  women  of  Paris  either  loie  or  fear  me.  While  Monsieur  le 
Baron  sits  in  a  comer,  moping  and  growling  over  hia  swaddled  and  goaty 
leg,  I  draw  my  chair  beside  Madame  at  the  harp,  and  sit  taming  over  the 
leaies  of  her  moaic,  exchanging  EOft  glances,  and  aaying  things  quite  aa 
soft  between.  She  is  an  amaiingly  fine  creature,  alEhongh  she  jilted  so 
cruelly  poor  Victor  d'EstooTille  of  the  Imperial  Guard." 

"  If  this  ia  the  footing  oa  which  you  Tiait  tbe  HStel  de  Clngny,  1  think 
I  could  acarcely  have  chosen  a  more  unlacky  companion  for  my  morning 

call." 

*'  Pardieu  !"  Monaieur,  thia  ia  Paris,  where  no  buaband  of  aense  makea 
himsdfin  the  least  uneasy  about  the  iatrignea  of  hia  wife,  and  1  ahould 
with  to  teach  old  Clappaurkuuia  a  leason.    He  was  tarelTB  moncba  a  pri- 


ottif  bj  HUM.    Hamnit  now  pty  the  penklcr  of  lavTyiBga^ ^ 

tare,  yoauf  eaoogfa  tn  be  hii  gwnd-denghteg.  We  taaie  ■  pRMrerfa  unans 
na,  nun  tmd,  vhidi  nyi,  '  Beware  of  woaieB.  of  fin,  ei  water.  »d  the 
reaiment  de  Sanlt'  Nov  I  *m  raadf  to  devomtrtte  to  yon  liqticaMr,  tkat 
tbe  Arit  part  (rf  tint  premb —  Bat,  poh  1  bore  is  tlia  raridenoa  of  Mon- 
■ienr  le  Baron.  J'nrijini/ a  gtianEe  old  rookerT  it  U;  and yat hi adoBCi 
il,  becanaa  it  is  the  oldeat  homo  in  Faria." 

Paadng  throagh  an  arctiwajr.  tba^  faud  lliiiMaiiliia  h>  an  in 
of  qoadraDile,  fanaed  bj  boildiiiva  in  ■  vcrr  aaeieat  atjrla  of  m 

witta  mDllioned  windows,  Gotliio  coipa  au  pr '"    

Fosf,  two  oota^Km  towers  projectini  iaio  0»  coi 
which  was  bailt  oat  from  the  wall,  and  shot  ap 
'      '         I  snd  iniM 


dOOTs  and  wiadews,  aDdai. , , 

oonwr  of  (be  court,  with  a  drooping  traa  apraadiar  i>*  braadMS  o 

stone  basin  Into  whloh  the  walea  fell.    Thm*  war 

tnreaqve  and  sImut  iraadaar  aboat  the  plaoe,  bi 

mr  of  deaolatioB  and  daca;  witfaaal,  whsA^dM  not  i  . 

lungings  sad  flunitaretkatappaaradthronthlfaiopsa  windoaaj  while  the 

bnsUe  which  perradad  the  ooart  and  pasaagss  showed  that  tha  home  was 

oeonpied  br  ■  laiM  eaMUi^iment. 

"A  strange  old  plana,  thia." 

"  JMaUt .'  yet;  t  glooair  oU  bomh-hBuaet  fit  o^fB>  the  bat  a^  thft 
owl.  And  ^et  'tii  hMe  the  bares  keep*  Hodatas  Dianas  one  of  the  gajast 
women  within  the  gay  and  jtloriona  circle  of  Sua  BonlBrarde.  "us  Iha 
Cbftteao  de  Chiga;  ;  bat  Ibr  Heaaan's  sake  aad  onr  own,  do  not  tty  tof- 
tbins  ahoat  it  to  the  baron,  wba  hae  of  late  been  eeked  br  a  fit  ef 
antiqnariaqiero,  or  we  rtiall  probably  haaelbe  whale  hialMiy  of  itwhea—d. 
from  ^  time  of  Noah  down  to  the  piaatnt  day." 

The  baron  «n«  at  bonx^  and  a  aartaatanaer — " 

He  was  not  much  chaagad  ia  appearuMa  ai 


BMrnnadDrBt  he  looked  as  roaah  wid  weathsr.baalM  laaira^  andatiaa 

gded  aan-cfaair,  rolled  in  a  liili  liinnidinl  di easing  uiian.  allh  iiaa  irfliis 
1  BwadiUed  np  in  a  maMlndoof  bandana,  aod  raNfew  tipow  a  emhioa. 
A  small  TBlret  forage-cap  covered  his  gray  faai^  Mid  ban  twealad  a-daep 
■car  from  >  sabre-ent  aeres*  the  forahoad. 

Tbe  ipartnunt  into  which  the  liritoR  were  ahoarB  was  a  spleadid  old 
chamber,  fitted  up  aa  a  library ;  aad  a  saftaaed  liaht,  irid^  stole  Araafh 
baleen  the  tfaii^  mallioDS  and  twisted  tracery  oltwa  laqe  wiodawa.  east 
tha*aried  tintsof  tbestainsd^assnpontfaeleagBbelaaaofricUr-giltbDt 
inaMf  old  book*,  (m  tclobes,  on  aooqaa  awariM  aad  fi«t*aMM  of  rtnl 
amoor,  on  anaieBt  cbvrs  and  deep-red  haagiagi^  ob  spar*  and  brtnuts, 
and  on  rolls  and  bnndlee  of  pafiere,  heaped-aad  le  eoafnawa.  n*  caittag 
was  oorered  with  etDeaoAret-WMtmidgildiag.  Thaaa  Isags  perfcaita  aasa 
ia  tbe  room :  these  were  likeaassaa  of  the  CsaMraa  Miaassippi  Law— as  ha 
wasstrled;  of  Beau  Law,  shoaat  the  siege  of  ftadiihuii.  tlghtiiig-i^Maat 
-tbeBntieh;  and  of  ^Marquia  of  IdOnsaton,  inhssaaifon)  aaaOenaHd 
of  the  Empire,  covered  with  geld  oak'leaveaaad  «rdeia. 

Tbe  Baron,  whom  tbm  toand  immeraad  ia  ttie  pagea  ol 

■nchaiilnlri)duceriBade&tBartf^irBtheriiiL 

cDBSBiBiBate  efftmittrj  eauaed  him  to  valas  tlte  b 


B,  iMA  ftood  at  OM  and  of  Ifa*  tOMB,  wm  doud.    Tha 


and  leading  foiwRrd  Stn  art,  "■Uow-matointrodsoeMiiiwSbian, 
■vrnf  a  Seoti  regiment,  and  a  very  rarticalH  fnaod  of  mil''-  vha  K 
lyyoaariaitbetowiatcbiaf  fef  Calaiato  mowow. 


"£A  £i«i/"  nid  the  bmm,  extcudiaf  bit  hand,  and  laiamf  hia  ara- 
bcnn.  "  1  IB  larr  haniT  to  >Ee  MiiMMiai  fitaart ;  hia  immb  la  one  for 
which  I  h«Te»TTy  gnat  raanaat.  "BM,"haaMed  irilh  a  asiht.  "  tou 
^miam  a  had  iBBOal— dafcon  in  eajiug  ha  la  a  '  iMMtkakr  U 
nan.  Kaniawbtr,  yoimpaoaiidtwd  the  greateat  riuimmi  lilur 
FariB  eonCuna,— between  the  Champ  de  Mwi  and  LaRmittatto." 


"  la  tralfa,  na  are  a  *e>7  ai 
aagTMt  pkaad  ehaka  te  tha  t1 

'"AnH  wnmnn'ii  t«n." 


■TAndw 

"  Worn  still.  Ay,  MsnrioBi  ia  M— ni'a  ootfa  in.coiiadned  too  no 
afMWCla.  fiat  draw  yoar  chain  nearer  to  the  fire ;  'tU add  thianulRliBg. 
Jm  hwa,  ym  Maaaiaar  Janqaaa^"  n drimaring  tha  am n ant.  "  bring  a 
ganla  ei  laga  far  the  Sn^  and  plaaa  tka  glBMaa  atA  dai»wtara  on  the 


*.ha«  baakat  or  gnto  of  hmis  and  ir 


tha  heai^koao ;  abaae  it  Toa*  Um  ar^  of  an  aotiqve 
na  oo*«i«d  with  uiibU 
naaMy  joined  togethar, 

lightai'" 


HHW-piaee.  Tba«9ura  uaaa 
iHwiwilitiatiad  paaea  of  Oett' 
and  reflected  the  ugbt  and  heat. 

"  Ibaaianr  le  Baron  wiU  naMDber  that  I  ban  not  h«^  the  plaaawB  of 
aeuf  hia  ainaa  «a  wve  .laat  tnarthar  in  Spaatifa  Katraaadara,"  aaid 
Bonald  t  "  at  Almendrah^,  or  VOa  Praaw,  I  ti^t." 

-"Indavd,  ■nonaiaBr]"npliadtha.oUinaa, bowing.  " Ah, (iiM/rjc#rA / 
I  wu  a  priMtMT  then.    Yon  mat  esoiue  nw;  but  J  bave  aeen  m  manr 
yiMaa  oad  tt»»,  flmt  if  1  da  »M  Miaet^  nmewbav— " 
.  "  IantlMoficeri«lia«lia(adhia.ialiaB4iiaa<iitwithy(ra.oaamoinii4:at 
Bferidai  whan  tklmapawaraao  aeant  of  pronaona." 

"  What !  Mom  DamJ"  oiad-theidd  aoldka,  ^aipini  him  ona^BticaUT 
.   by  both  binda,  "  are  pm  that  officer  !" 

"  HowhappT  luatohavajovhcaaiaParii,— iamyoarnhonas,  that  I 
BM»w|iayTwi  «tla>it,  arfaaaabnaptalitrcan— forthebaatowalof  that 
haU-biaenit,  wet  and  monldy  aa  it  waa  bom  bong  cairiad — " 

"  A  foaty  ■dha'  maiA  ia •  wat  baiiiaaiih  1  waa  abont  to  take  com. 
af  aooot-lrinc  paeqnat,  and  the  faiaaoil  waa  my  firat  latiOD  for  three 


"  Ay,  my  meads,"  nid  Da  Mam^  wltti  snataal  puity,  while  be 
Mlad  np Ifcn  ilaaaa.  "ltaoaew««atiRiD«  timaa,  wbaocDe.mightaee  tme 
MldierioK." 

"Iwdln 
nlals  ftUeva  yaas  piopiat  at 
«ar  dawn  dang  tha  awodr  Plua,  with  thor  maaketa  along,  and  their 
foathera  and  grrat  coata  aoaked  in  water,  for  the  rain  wai  poaring  down 
Ukeaaaooad  dalaga.  On  my  honov,  mcomaail  1  ha*e  oftM) tttonght 
of  Hm  gneroaa  Saottiah  oOaer  and  tiw  wet  tuconit.  I  bad  been 
bmiabing  for  eight-aDd-fortr  bonra.  Ah!  'twu  an  intertatiiig  edvaatnie 
tkat." 

"Ket  ao  iaUrtattag  hf  on  half,"  taid  De  Maimai  ^wly,  while  a 


wiclced  nnUa  lalfc«d  «n  hie  monstacbBd  month ;  "  u 

half  M  ray  fneod's  BdTcntnra  with  tho  buuneu  on 

King  JoKph'*  iBi«rartDim  it  Vitloria.    There  u  (ometliing  Tcry  « 

quite  roman^.  in  that  atdiy." 


^  ..    _„         adthepl 

>  semee  to  the  banHicaa- 
"  I  baxe  bnrd  of  it,"  eaid  the  haron.     "  Oh,  moBiienr,  you  qnito  of 
power  me  with  your  anrioea.    How  iball  we  ever  repay  yon  1" 
.1  I _i_: — , ...I     -^--"-ir  who  had  the  honour  to  e« 


"  On  the  25th.  Twenty  derili  1  I  wai  tbere,"  nid  the  baron,  tnrninE 
up  his  eyei.  "  Bloody  work  it  waa,  and  yonr  motintaineera  d«fendad  Hw 
hilll  with  a  valour  hordering  on  madiHM.  Ydbt  beallh  I  moniieor.  'Ha 
plain  vin  ordHiaire,  this  j  I  am  rcMricted  to  ita  use,  but  the  decanter  next 
yon  contain!  Li^tf." 

"  I  will  take  L^te,  with  your  penniiiion." 

The  baron  bowed. 

"  Vine  rBmpemr  t"  muttered  De  Meamai  ai  he  nised  hii  glaii,  whits 
the  baion  held  Bp  one  finger  wimlDgly,  and  caat  a  fnrliTe  glance  at  tha 
door.  "  I  pray  to  HeaTen,"  cODtinued  the  captain,  whom  aome  old  re- 
coUectioDB  bad  excited,  "that  the  violet  may  relnm  to  France  in  the 
■priog."  He  drank  enthuslaaticallr.  The  baron  emptied  hia  glaaa  ts 
ailenoe,  and  Ronald  did  the  lame,  allhongh  he  knew  that  Me  violet 
meant  Kapoleon,  who  waa  known  by  that  name  among  hiafiiendaaad 
adherents. 

"Well.'  Manrice;  I  beard  yon  were  about  to  be  married  to  a  widow 
with  three  atreeta, — old  Madame  Bertbollet,  of  the  Roe  de  RiToli,"  aaid 
the  baron.    "  Or  t>erbapa  yon  are  already  married  ?" 

"  Diable  [  moniieur,     said  De  Meamai,  indignantly;  "do  /look  Bke 

"  I  Icnow  not,  Manrice;  but  J  imagine  tbat  tlta  gav old  lady  would  hare 
little  reaaon  to  rejoice  in  her  domeatic  apeculation.  Vou  are  the  beat  man 
in  Paris  to  make  hjnr  golden  LfOui«  and  Napoleons  raniih  like  froat  ia 
the  innahiDE.    And  so,  monsieur,"  addresring  Stuart,  "your  regisMot 

"  For  Calais,  etfi  Montfort,  where  we  Aball  be  joined  by  two  other 
Scottish  regiments,  whidi  are  also  nnder  orders  for  home." 

"A  good  Toyage  to  the  gsliant  Scots  1  as  our  fiiahioikable  song  a^l," 
replied  the  baron,  emptying  hia  glass. 

' '  Eicellent  1' '  cried  De  Meemai,  before  Staart  could  thank  the  baron : 
"  and  1  hope  that  Madame  will  soon  return,  as  I  wish  lery  much  to  luar 
her  perform  that  piece  on  the  piano.     Madame  BertholUb — " 

'■  Of  the  Roe  de  RitoU  .*"  interrupted  the  bamn. 

"  ^Infbrmed  me  that  her  ityle  excels  the  moat  celebrated  maateiain 
Paris." 

"  Indeed  I"  said  the  baron  coldly,  but  bowing  to  De  Meamai,  whom  he 
heartily  wighed  at  the  bottom  of  the  tea,  or  any  other  place  than  t^ 
ChiiteaQ  de  Clngny,  where  hia  tiiit  had  now  extended  to  twice  the  uinal 
time  of  a  morning  call. 

"  By  the  bomb  I  here  eomea  Madame  i"  said  the  n-deran/  coirasder, 
iage  drove  into  the  oonrt.     "  Monsieur  le  Baron  must  allow  me 


wUik  be  ■ttempted  t«  conceal  from  Ronald  br  DODTtrnug  abonl  tbe 

wcrilker  and  other  trivial  miUen.    Memwbibi  tin 

of  KtT«B  French  gallaat,  auiated  the  baroDcM  U 

the  houM.  They  wcie  lon|  in  ucending  the  itairoM,  ana  we  oaron  a 
foce  grew  allematelr  red  and  white,  while  ha  fidgetad  atnoielT  inbiieMr 
diair.  At  lait  ■  nrrant  opened  the  door  of  the  room,  and  thi  baodaoue 
captain,  with  hii  right  hind  nniloied,  led  forward  Hadane,  who,  at  tbe 
iwepi  in  with  liar  hKig  nutling  ikirt,  and  witb  the  featberi  ot  her  boanet 
diroopins  over  a  rich  ihawl,  appeared  a  (erj  daahini  flcnTe,  quite  a  wonan 
of  4aie,  and  paaaeHing  all  that  indeacnbahie  je  a*  Mu  guoi  ot  laea  and 
fiRWe,  which  are  wboU;  the  lUribnte*  of  what  the  Scoti  call  "fcntls 
blood,"  and  which  nerer  can  be  attained  by  the  vnlger.  Hw  morning 
dim  OB  the  Boale*ard>,  the  eierciM  of  aiceodiDf  the  iteep  old  etain  of 
tfaetadtel,  and  petbapa  a  aanaetion  of  pleainre  at  meetinf  with  De  Meimai, 
had  beigblened  the  ghnr  of  her  cheeki,  and  a  rich  bloom  loffiued  tbem. 
Her  eye*  were  iparliling  with  French  lifacity,  and  ihe  looked  ladiantlr 
beantifhl. 

"Bhl  monrienr,  m;  dear  friend  1"  cried  ihe,  ipringlng  towardi  Stuart 
with  the  bird-like  step  of  a  Fariiian  \ady_.  "  How  happj,  ob  !  bow  Ten 
hapP7  I  am  ta  *«  tod  here  I  1  would  gire  jron  a  pretty  kiu,  if  I  dared. 
Bat  praTi  monaienr,  be  Mated;  and  bere,  De  Meemai,  hdp  me  off  with 
my  Ihingi." 

"  How.  madame,  do  fou  recogniae  me  after  to  long  a  iapaeof  time,aad 
after  aocb  a  very  abort  interriew?  One  at  night, — b;  a  picquet  fire,  too!" 

"  De  Ueamai  told  me  tod  were  here,' '  laid  ihe,  aa  that  adroit  ciialier 
remored  her  bonnet  and  abawl,  and  even  adjuited  her  hair,  which  wai 
braided  i^Kne  ber  forehead  and  faiteued  behind  with  a  peirl-itndded  comb 
a  (a  Grec.  The  aoUiar  laid  laide  the  bonnet,  arranged  the  leil,  and  folded 
the  oollar  and  ibawl  widi  ao  much  the  air  of  a  ftmmt  dt  ckmnirt,  that 
Stnnrt  could  with  difficulty  repreaa  a  auulc  i  but  to  the  lady  and  ber  bni- 
baod  it  appeared  notbiiu  nnaiual. 

"  The  baroneu  is  a  fuhionible  beauty,  certainly,"  thonrht  the  won- 
deriw  Scot;  "  tmt  my  wife  wilt  not  be  a  French  woman,  thanlt  Heayenl" 

"That  will  do,  Maurice,"  aaid  tbe  lady,  freely  and  eailly ;  "that  will 
do,  I  thank  you.  MoH  Dieu  I  I  shall  never  wear  that  horrid  shawl  any 
more;  mantelele  of  latin,  laced  and  furred,  are  becoming  ^1  the  rage. 
Maurice,  I  know  yoD  haTe  qaite  the  eye  of  a  nuditle  ;  tell  me,  don't  yon 
think  that  a  mantelet  will  become  me?" 

"  Madame  would  appear  superb  in  anything,"  replied  the  other  without 
beaitation,  hnt  bowing  low  while  he  ipoke. 

"  Oh,  Maurice,  you  are  getting  quite  commonplace.  But  1  uppoie  it 
will  become  me  ae  well  aa  the  lenerable  Berthollet  of  the  Rue  de  RiToli." 

"  Donbtleu,  madime,"  replied  the  guardsman  compoiedly ;  while, 
without  noticing  her  rt^ulab  looh.  he  handed  her  ■  glaaa  of  wine. 

"  And  here,  thie  dear  naughty  husband  of  mine  eiks  me  not  a  ilngls 
qneatioa  abont  my  morning  airing,"  slid  Madame,  as  she  sprang  np  and 
arranged  tbe  cuehioni  at  tbe  old  man's  back.  "Maurice,  help  me  to  punch 
these  pillows.  Monsieur  tbe  baron  has  b^n  poring  oter  some  mnsty  old 
book  till  he  has  been  quite  oTercome  with  nuwi,  I  suppote.  Mob  Din  ! 
what  a  horrid  tbiag  it  is  to  become  an  antiquaryl"  ibe  continued,  aa  sbe 
turned  op  her  fine  eyes,  and  shrugged  her  &ir  shouldere.  "  Do  you  know, 
MmiieDr  Stnirt,  that  erer  since  the  baion  becamea  member  of  the  OMntM* 
SUtori^ut  del  Arli  tl  Mommetu,  he  haa  been  like  a  man  bewitched  1 " 

The  attention  of  bis  beautiful  wife  restored  the  old  man's  urbanity  and 
good  humour,  and  when  the  baroness  pressed  the  visiton  to  remain  to 
diuDBr,  he  secDoded  her  invitation,  and  they  Uayed. 


Sbmt  had  Mno  to  nv«t  Art  thar  dU  in.  Sir  Da  HauA  Mir 
brmcht  aboat  a  jtrf  rtiiMw>ibl>  (vMiiutlM  to  tba  iWb 

Amr  axh  «oauMB.|rtM«  totmtmAm,  ht  mpmM  Urn  imnmtmto 
faroar  Ibnn  with  tb*  fhitMBatito  ur  tiian  m  M«cb  1b  -ngae,  tad  A»  at 
ofua-Mteded.  Tke  old  barao  wu  qoite  dkaFOMd  with  bk  wifa'a  [nrfann. 
'     t  tima  witk  hi*  fln|SB  oa  a  •rom-calM 


DbaacMd  hU  puciati>ai<raaraaaail>adhii»rtii**t> 
bof  the  aoiiK,—"  A  Kood  VoT««aU  tba  gaUant  Saoti."  It 
aqoiok  and  Uidr  air,  aad  bad  been  fird  adoaM  Iqr  ^ tahla^a- 
■I  mrl  rirhiT  tnrpi  nf  I  nali  TI'TIl  tttv  rhinh  it  raiiliirT  himain 
ijar:  Uie  ladiei  aoandad  it  forth  from  tbair  liaraa  ana  r'— t,  Ae 

BaBl*rerdi,tbab(i«wl'         ~     '     ' 

it  thrir  work ;  ana,  fn 


CHAPTEE  XXVUL 


allow — or  ratber  will  bs  oompdled  to  adaik — that  «aa.&r  anal  aBroAw 
giaaw  ha  hai  a*w  heard  ia  Farli,  LidtOB,  01  Madiid  ?" 

Althaoih  tbia  wai  aM  atrioOr  traci,  RmmU  «f  aaanft  rMbad  m  the  aMT' 
isalira.  Then  it  ia>  flattaqr  wUdi  can  b*  toe  pointad  fiw  a  Pmitiituie, 
<dM  oaa  htar>  aa  aura  matten  of  aanna,  laohmBFtatlDm  aa  waaldbcia; 
tba  red  bbod  nuUaa  int«  Iha  fur  fcoa  sf  aa  Bogliah.ladr. 

DeMeamai  engroiwd  to  binB^  aoal}  tha  i»baln  iJ0una»Umnif  Bia 
'baroness,  and  their  dkatted  awaf,  with  aiiiaaiat  iinlaliHitj  aad  aiMltaiM^ 
OD  aat^  li^  matteca  aa  the  ^Mda^t,  intricaea,.  «ad  fliilatiaaa  4rf  MM>ladt 
of  Paria,— the  bBhionable  part  M  leiwt, — Mile  thft  pa>alant  baren.  altar 
varieiM  iiwftetoal  atlwamiH  Jatenrap*  thwr  JatewatiBg  tAa-iUHe,  aban. 
doaad  the  idea  of  doiac  •»  I  ■'u'.  wbila  racanaaiferiBc  thar  iimiliaa  aMi 
watdk&t  «rM>  aadlMtMiag  with  opao  eartk  In  gaiaStaait  a  T«ET  laac-aad 
very  tireaome  aoccwat  of  thelearaadaaciatr.tatheafiaiaiaf  wUd^ataaa 
tba  peaofrof  1814,  ha  had  demlad  bia  ahola  aMaaliDB. 

De  Maamu  and  ^  lady,  w,  to  ^eak  Bora  aamGdr,  the  lady  aaAila 
Meamai,  were  aeated  OB  aa  oppoiate  aafa,  and  10  alM4  oiu  their  dark  kw 
riuoat  mingled  t<itethwr-Aia.teo>  before  the.  era*  efaeharM.  1W 
ooBTiBed  la  a  low  teaa,  whiahararr  inataat  aaallad art  jat);  a  baahi  aad 
aa^tluiceaaf  deep  and  biddiB  Beaaia|E  wan  sA^nd,  that,  had  Iher 
baea  obaerrad,  tbej  wDaldhan'.eattrelT  MoMapaaed  <M  CUppeaikarii'i 
--"  --^--  iadala,«oiiifcMS8.,*a.-       "'      ' 


tboi^ht  U*  fiiand  a  Terr  odd  filblw,  a 

han^eta  did  not  hawbten  his  opiaioa 

Dbmer  n*  urred  op  in  eaodleat  atfle,  bat  what  it  oi 

QothiDg  Co  do  with  this  biitocT-    TWx  <^reeBaiiglLai^l(l 


darhl  TtcimA  dabei,  irtiidi  the  HigUuid»r  had  nmer  Men  liefbrs,  and 
prsbaUr  hai  D«T«r  bewrd  of  (iMB.  Stii>rth»tn(led(betMii>aMsui  tbe 
duuDg-iooiiii  De  Mennu  led  faer  back  uaia  to  tbe  library,  fallmE  into  tte 
rav  of  Hm  baroB,  who  waa  boraa  thitbar  in  bit  araa-Aair  by  aii  Mst 
iiiiWli.  withhia  «»ty  lag  prsiectiBg  liko  a  bowaprit.  In  this  trim,  aahoat, 
h«  led'ttw  way  mmi  tba  taUa.  Coda*  and  wiaa  w«M  amutii^  tbcan  in  Ite 
library,  whiob  waa  lighted  ap  by  wax  candle*  pliMd in  aattqne  endelabna. 
IWorinMoncoHaiBawcmafMra,  and  a  cheaafol  6ra  bUted  on  tiie  heutii 
and  roared  np  tbe  wide  Aiamejr.  Tba  old  tiU  Tohinea  on  the  iMve^ 
tfaa  itael  eorma  and  anaonr,  tbe  qilendid  ^ctnn-fraaaaa,  tbe  wine  dceantan, 
the  riUv  coffte  eqnipage,  and  everything  elu  of  raetal  or  oryatal,  glittered 
in  the  raddy  light,  and  the  biran'i  library  appeared  the  most  anog  place 


Btaart,  who  bad  bten  aemtoiBed  to  ait  long  it  the  weaa  table,— ralhar 
afailiniwith  the  Tiliaat  ninety- Am,— waa  Doable  to  adcifit  the  fonin 
mabna  of  taking  enAe  inmediately  aAnr  dinnar.    Ha  thanfofa  joined  mn 


I  in  paying  aUaatian  to  a  daeantcr  of  light  I'mtnh  wine ;  bat  De 
■ai  aipped  the  iiiapla  barereae.  seated  by  Mail—iu  at  a  lide^tabla, 
wtieni  thecoflee  w*i  aeirtdnp,  anil  hie  atlentiana  beoaau  ao  very  partten- 
laiand  deoided,  that  in  any  boiua  in  Britain  they  mut  bne  inaared  hi* 
axit  by  the  window  inetiad  of  tha  door.  Bat  IM  baron,  allhoiigh  a  rery 
jaalooa  hnabaod,  was  ■  Freuotiman,  and  conaaqaentiy  did  not  percdfs 


_  ttfnlllaBgttiinthemiir^iie, 

tban  aeated  at  the  little  aide-table  witii  the  banweai. 

BntMonaiearle  Baron  bari^diaed  lohiiKitiraaaljafBotion,  waa  rather 
iMriinad  ts  be  b)  a  Mod  haaibwt,  tttd,  after  a  time,  he  waa  otdiging 
aMMgh  to  |dace  the  bigb  ittAd  back  <i  Ua  eav  dnir  l»twean  himaelf 
and  the  l^t^-tttt  which  hia  gay  l^y  eajeyed  with  heratill  gayer  caralier. 

IfBdinylhat  fitnart  waa  commaaat  with  Pirt  d'Oritmm,  Oie  Hittom 
dm  CreuMtt  of  Plane  da  Meiaahonrg,  end  other  old  aathoia, — thanka  to 
tfaa  tamue  of  his  doaainie.  the  old  naioister  of  Lot^riala, — the  baroD  reiiolved 
to  makea  Tietfan  of  him  for  the  remainder  of  the  enaia^,  and  bored  him 
meat  annarcifiiUy  with  loag  HOtiqnuiaii  and  arebwatogioM  diaqoiaitiona, 
-  '  i  only  by  aim  more  tedioua  acconnta  of  hia  oampaigns 


He  q>aut  an  hear  in  detailing  rnihniiiiaatinallj  the  a■^kaa  and  doeds  of 
tba  Scola  OaarM*  in  Franoe,  frem  the  time  that  Aluandar  III.  unt  them 
ta  binl  Ifwis  fw  SMrrio*  in  the  IMy  Lend,  dawn  to  the  battle  of  ^ni«, 
irhare  tbeBcottiifccorpettMw  themaelwaintoaqreto  aroond  Franeia  I., 
and  be  wee  not  oapVucd  by  the  eneny  till  aalf  fimt  of  that  brare  hai^ 

"  Acidwe  eeetoUin  lUa  booh,"  oonlinvad  the  ptoiy  baron,  la^riiu:  hn 


rnghn 
bbook 


at  Lieee,  waa.  Bared  a^ely  by  tba  laloi 
id  a  rampart  aro««d  him  bU  the  BwfHw 


laloDT  of  the  Scota  Qoarda,  who 


"  Morbitu  1  monrienr,"  itlA  De  Meamai,  wbo  now  joiaad  thm,  ae  Bie 
baronoM  had  withdrawn,  "the  atory  of  Mm  doel  batwoao  die  ^enr  de 
VifMioovt,ortbera^nnt<rfneenlie,  andtheSeoti  Royal,  ii  worth  all 


story  by  oee  half  ao  good  ai  that  trhich  1  haTc  beard  from  yon,  of  the  nn- 

,  ._..  . ,_  _f,...  ..  .  "--.jiai,  widow  of  MMiaieor  of  France,  Lonia 

(a  with  lh«  Doke  of  SafTolk.  in  this  Tery 


iduaant  manner  In  which  the  Snsliali  widow  of  MimiieBr  of  France,  Lonia 
XII.,  waa  anrpiiaed  in  -  ""-  ^  "'■-  — "-  "--  "-■--    '  "^  ■"■    '    "  ' 


■partment,  by  tho  fariona  Hake  de  Talois,  who  compelled  ber  to  many 
fiuflblk  upon  tbe  lerj  inauiu, — ajr,  parditu  I  M  the  very  dram-beiHll,  as 
the  nfing  it." 

C«naia  oaiodationa  ocmrriDg  to  tbe  baron'a  mlDd  made  bim  coloar,  u 
he  raised  hia  eja  frooi  hia  flannel-cased  leKa,  to  [he  tall,  erect,  and  soldier. 
like  Bgare  of  De  Meanwi.  He  glanced  fartiTelf  at  the  chair  of  the 
baraneu,  bet  it  wai  empty. 

"Ay,  Msuhce,  'tiris  a  strange  afiur  that ;  bntMOTuiearofViiloia  shoBtd 
have  given  the  Engluh  duke  a  year  ot  two's  rendence  in  the  Bastile  for  hi* 
preiamption.  The  bIodb  cagea  ofLoaiaXI.  were  then  in  good  can^tion, 
and  slionld  alvays  have  been  tenanted  by  auch  blada  aa  MoneieDr  (^ 
Suffolk." 

"  \  ou  are  very  aayage  in  diapoaition,  monaienr,  to  talk  of  pnniahbig  so 
alight  a  faux  pat  ao  cererely.  But  yoD  will  allow  that  a  little;  gallantry 
ii  eiciuabte  here  in  onr  lunny  clime  of  France."  The  old  man  glanced 
keenly  at  the  awagcenng  guardsman,  and  saw  a  strange  smile  on  his 
face.  "A  comfartable  place  thii,  faith !"  he  continued;  "and  if  these 
old  walls  conid  speak,  they  woald  tell  itrange  tales  of  hatred  and  sonQw, 
Joy  and  grief.  Many  a  fair  one's  scruplea  baye  been  routed  by  the  etmp- 
de-main  of  tbe  sloot  gallants  of  the  oldca  time.  Monsieur  le  Baron  mast 
know  that  onr  friend  Stuart  admires  this  old  boase  of  Clugny  amazingly. 
Yon  cannot  conceive  the  senaations  of  pleasure  with  which  be  viewed  Uwt 
gloomy  court." 

These  last  obserTations  were  made  by  De  Mesmsi  to  aerrs  an  end  of  his 
own.  It  iras  the  baron's  bobby  to  hs*e  hia  houie  praised,  and  in  retars 
he  inToriably  bored  his  yiaitors  with  a  prolii  account  of  it.  Haying,  as  he 
supposed,  set  fire  to  the  train,  DeMesmai  retired  taproDieiude  in  ue  gar- 
den with  Madame,  while  ber  huaband  plunged  at  once  into  the  htatory  of 
tbe  HStel  de  Clugny.  He  began  witb  tbe  time  when  its  site  was  occapied. 
by  tbe  palace  of  the  Roman  emperors  in  Gaul,  tbe  Palaliam  Thermanim, 
erected  a.d.  300,  from  which  date  he  traced  its  history  down  to  Clons,i 
the  founder  of  the  French  monarchy,  thence  to  the  time  of  Philip  Augaa- 
tns,  who  in  I21B  bestowed  it  on  one  ot'his  cbamberlaina.  On  the  the  of 
the  Falatiam  Thermarum  the  Abbot  of  Clugny  bnilt  tbe  present  hotel, 
which  was  finished  and  completed,  as  it  stands  at  present,  by  Jacqnes 
d'Amboise  in  1505.  Jamea  V.  of  Scotland  resided  in  it  tar  some  months 
after  his  marriage  with  the  beantifn)  and  unfbrtDnate  Madeline  of  Fnnce. 
From  that  period  the  indefatigable  baron  relatedita  vicissitudes,  and  those 
of  its  scleral  occupants,  down  to  the  days  of  tbe  Rerolntion.  He  was  just 
deecribing  acelebraled  conclave  of  that  revolutionary  body,  the  sectioD 
Marat,  who  met  in  the  apartment  where  they  were  then  convernng,  irtwn, 
on  looking  rouad,  he  became  auddenly  aware  that  the  baronesa  and  De 
Mesmai  were  both  absent.  He  changed  colour,  slopped  in  his  Mstory,  and 
became  much  disturbed. 

" Mon  ami .'"  said  be,  "  where  is  tbe  Captain  de  Mesmai?" 

"  I  know  not,"  said  Stoait,  looking  round  with  surprise,  and  missing 
him  for  the  first  time.  "  He  was  here  a  moment  aince,  and  I  did  not  see 
bim  leave  the  room." 

"  Diablel"  growled  the  baron,  grinding  hia  teeth. 

"  He  is  probably  in  tke  garden  enjoying  a  cigar.  I  obaerved  bim  take 
from  hia  pocket  Che  silver  caae  which  he  carries." 

"  A  silver  case  ?     Pooh  I  he  got  that  ftxjm  the  baroness." 

"  A  handsome  present." 

"  Ah  I  she  gained  it  at  some  lottery  in  the  Pslaia  Royal,"  aaid  the  poor 
baron,  making  a  desperate  attempt  to  conversa  freely,  while  he  ruiw  a 
small  hand-bell.    "  Atlmdc!,  Jacqvei:  tellMadame  we  ihoold  be  gladlo 


hair*  tb«  honour  of  her  eompanir,  bconu  MoDnsnr  Stnirt  mirchei  U>- 
mOTton,  and —  Hal  hkt  whiit  am  I  ufiDg  ?  You  nndenund — be  quick. 
Juiqac*,"  he  cried  to  the  Talet,  who  hid  eppetred  at  hii  saminoiii, 
"  She  n  either  in  her  awa  ■parlment,  or  in  Bome  of  the  lower  drawiog- 

Hii  soipicions  were  Itill  farther  aronied.  Jacqaei  returned  In  three 
minntCB,  taying  that  Madame  could  not  he  found ;  that  abe  miui:  haTO  left 
the  hotel,  or  be  promenading  in  the  garden. 

"Afos  Dim  !"  roared  the  impetooue  baron,  rnaahing  hia  teeth  at  the 
aatonahed  Talet.  "Lmto  the  room,  rucal  I  Wliac  are  ion  itaring  at? 
lamandone!  Hand  thS  case,  monaieur ;  Ibese  pistole — they  are  loaded. 
Tfaey  are  together — I  kneir  it— in  the  garden.  Sam  I  I  UTe  long  ei- 
paoted  sameOiit^  of  thia  kind.  An  auigoation  1  the  baae  miaiou  I  tbe 
vocthleai  rHaad  I  I  will  hsTe  hia  blmd  1  I  will  rip  him  op  irith  my  aabre  1 
TSia  Dim  /  am  I  to  be  disgraced  in  my  own  houae  ?  Ha,  ha !  hu,  ho  1" 
and  be  langhed  like  a  madman. 

~~   '   ''       "  "iB  confualon  and  aatoniahment  which  a  liaitor 

„_, „..._,...    _   _.  -ia  eoiy  chair, 

making  fraicieueflortito  raise  himself  upon  his  goaty  limbs;  and  he  raved 
•ud  swore  in  tba  meantime  like  ■  maniac.  At  last,  in  the  extremit)'  of 
lui  distnsa,  be  implored  Ronald  to  see  if  they  were  in  the  garden, 

"  How  very  fooliah  he  is  making  himself  appear,"  thought  Ronald,  as  ho 

the  lighted  itair,  laaghing  at  the  iadietoos  aspect  of  the  baron 

cap,  gown,  and  bandied  lexs,  and  bis  red  wcstiier-beaten  lisags 
flaming  with  the  fury  and  eiasperation  into  which  be  had  laabed  himaeif. 
Descendinf!  a  stair  in  one  of  Ibe  octagon  towers,  he  found  himself  in  the 
garden.  The  night  was  rer;  dark,  the  air  was  cold,  and  the  treer,  ahrab- 
bery,  and  bowers  appeared  to  be  inTolred  in  the  deepest  gloom.  The  dark- 
ness seemed  greater,  in  consequence  of  his  having  just  left  the  brilliantly- 
illuminated  library,  where  old  Clapponrknuis  sat  growling  like  a  bear  with 
pain  and  anger.  A  curtain  was  drawn  back  from  one  of  the  windows  of 
the  hotel,  and  a  stream  of  light  falling  across  a  walk  of  tbe  garden,  re- 
vealed the  figure  of  a  female.  It  was  thebaronesi,  and  Staart  ^(ancedto 
mert  her,  feeling  considerable  reluctance  io  announce  the  reige,  or  hint  at 
the  enspicions,  of  her  husband.  His  cogitations  were  cut  short  by  theladf 
springing  forward,  and  throwing  herseIC  into  his  arms. 

"  Maurice,  nton  cAer  ofnj .' how  long  yon  have  kept  me  waiting,"  she 
exclaimed,  in  a  loud  whisper.  "  1  have  been  here  on  this  dreary  walk 
nearly  five  minntes  i  and  indeed—but  one  kiss,  dear  Maurice  I  and  then — 
Oh  I  what  is  this  ?  You  hare  no  moustaches.  AA,  tnon  i>teti  /  nhat  luTe  I 

She  bad,  when  too  late,  discovered  her  mtstske.  At  that  moment  a 
window  of  the  library  was  dashed  open,  and  the  strange  figure  of  the  an. 
fortunate  archaologiat  appeared  with  n  pistol  in  each  hand,  threatening  death 
and  destruction  to  all.  The  light  which  shoneinto  the  garden  revealed  the 
scene  on  the  walk. — the  baronesa  hanaing  on  the  breast  of  Stuart,  whom, 
as  he  was  without  his  bonnet  and  plaid,  she  bad  mistaken  for  De  Mesmai 
in  the  scarlet  uniform  of  the  farde-du. corps.  Clappourknuis  muttered  a 
tremendoos  malediction ,  and  tired  both  pistols  into  the  walk.  Ronald 
escaped  death  as  narrowly  aa  ever  he  did,  even  on  any  occasion  in  Spain, 
and  the  lady  was  in  equal  peril.  One  ball  struck  from  her  head  the  high 
comb  which  confined  her  hair,  and  the  other  whistled  within  an  inch  of 
Stoait's  nose ;  after  which  it  shattered  a  gigantic  flower-pot  cUne  by.  Diane 
uttered  a  shriek,  and  fled  like  a  startled  hare  from  the  garden ;  and,  gain- 
ing her  own  apartment,  shut  herself  up,  and  Stuart  never  beheld  her  again. 


"  MorHeu  /"  nid  the  ineorri^la  Da  Mamii.wliamtbedtatractiaD  of 
ttwjar.and  the  oomeqaraC  pnntntioii  of  ■nimtaeiueAnierlean  do<i,luMl    i 
rercajed,  "  I  was  jtut  lookinig  fbr  Uke  banNKU  on  the  other  aide  of  tfaefmr-    ' 
ita.  Sarrel  'til  *  nMtnDlnckr  MdgDUloa  thii,  nod  broken  beads  must 
tbUaw  !  Ha  ha!  haw  nav,  mi'  moat  Tirtuolu  Scot,  who  will  not  dance  with 
piaettas  on  Sunday,  and  yet  make*  an  ataigaation  with  a  married  Ikdy  in 
anidan,  and  at  u^ht !    Whore  an  all  ronrfncepti  and  fiiM  aayinga  ?     i 
Ho  I  ho  1  ho !    Haik  '.  how  the  banm  atomu  and  Maaphemes,  lin  mny 
OoaMcborPagul" 

"  Hh  fieroo  oM  nudmau  !"  exclaiaied  Ronaldi  enraged  at  bto  nantMr 
«*BM>e.    "  He  WM  within  a  hair'i-breKldi  of  ahoodng  me  tteQDgfa  the 

"  Bather  onpieaaant,  afl«T  all  yvat  eampaining,  to  b«  abot  ta  ttiia  way, 
.-, >w."  lepliad  to  oUmi,  who  w«»  Unfhinf  «o  heaitay  that  he  dwig 


toanapfilB-treafbr  minMM.  **  How  roaaaBtie  I  A  taaeUog  internaw  iaibe 
dark,— the  lady  all  sigha,  and  the  gentleman  all  anhnaliDD  I  By  tbelMab, 
'tiaanperb  I  WhKapity  therewasnoBTOonl   A  aitvery  noMi  wddd  liaTe 


..  e  the  whole  afTiir  jnat  as  it  ahoold  hare  beao.     But  ti 
plaaiant  diacharge  of  amall-^-ma — " 

"  Dare  yon  attanqit  to  lay  the  blame  of  thia  nntter  (m  me  ?"  Mfcod 
Ronald,  iiidigtianCly.  "  Yon  are  ahwe  the  obom  of  alt  thia  aprear.  Tite 
baron  bat  mittakan  me  fbr  yon." 

"AAd  the  banmaaabai  dene  thcaama.    Diatie/" 

"  Vbat  ia  to  be  dooe  now  ?" 

"  Ratreatwitbowtbeatofdram,  I  mppoae." 

"  Tfaat  woald  dww  bat  pMr  apirit,  I  think." 

* '£A  Mot /)<Dq  are  right.  I  will  ahaw  fitee.  The  baron  ia  vnly  «  wan, 
and  a  man  fln  h«t  high  by  afat  round  the  walit.  I  will  brann  it  Mtt,  and 
Mraar  by  a  eaiana  of  dmUa  'tia  all  a  nuMaka.  1  will,  by  the  bomb  I  and 
«oaU  do  so  in  the  praamee  of  faia  JollinaH  the  Papa.  Vim  imj»i»I 
Come  with  me,  my  Aiend,  and  1  will  coplaia  all  the  aprsar  to  thia  amOm- 
«Mas  baron.  I  am  naad  to  aqasbbles  of  tfaia  Idodt  and  «riU  taotlte  faia 
TtvaciCy.    P«fe.' wbotabideoaaniriicheBakea!" 

The  baron  bad  roared  htrnMUbMO-M,  and  Jat^naa,  with  fin  Mber  ebwrt 
aemnta,  had  bean  baxdf  tbleto  ken  Umtetin  faiaarm-cbair,  wbenhe 
{lanted,  kicked,  and  bdlowed,  aweatuig  by  •aerything  in  bwaa  aad  on 
Buth  that  he  would  ^atel  De  Mcnoai,  alay  his  wife,  aod  narder  Oanall. 
He  would  get  a  Uttrt  de  nwAtf,— An^tdng  that  the  da^a  of  aadk  aatlera 
had  happily  passed  away,— amd  innnare  tbeoi  all  in  the  dnn^eona  of  the 
Baatile.  He  wonld  nmia  the  powen  of  darimeaa  to  refenge  him  I  AtlaK 
B  terrible  fit  of  the  goat  hlrly  atopiwd  hia  elaaaonr,  andhe  wa*  bomeoff 


to  bed,  speechless  and  in  imminent  danaer.  The  barones*  appennd  no 
mare,  and  De  M«Bmsa,  the  otoaa  of  tiw  whole  diaCQrbMiae,  Mt  Witb  perflMt 
■ONOJUIimM,  with  hii  lega  atratched  oat  bafere  the  Ubiwry  flw.  a  jj^n  «f 


id  twirting  a  meutaofae  widi  tt 
to  Staert  by  (hs  boaab  Oat  he  bad  BB*er  faMTd  aadi  d 

"  Poriti*ely,mr  Mend,"  (aid  he,  "badliwried  off  the  li 

chaiae and  faar, an  reufe for  Calaii  or  Brnssala,  he  ooatd  not  have madaa 
grsaternmae.  PnHI  I  bdiera  1  un  entitled  to  deaMuid  aatiafhatioa  for 
thia  annoyaaoe.  1  ahall  oertainly  oonault  some  of  oors  to-moRoir,  aad 
haai  what  oa^t  to  be  d<me." 

It  was  nideat  that  ttiey  woold  see  the  barontai  ao  mora  that  niriit,  <uid 
fba  domestica  of  the  tttabliahment  eyed  them  with  straoge  loAs;  hr 
thongh  they  were  aoooatomed  to  the  irascible  temper  of  the  baron,  tbty 
wa  poialed  to  aaoonnt  for  aaeh  a  anddcn  dirtarbanoa. 

Stoait  atvad  tha  imtuapiletr  of  maalnlm  )oa«ar,  mid  they  raae  to 


with  the  regiment  niien  ooder  titoM  at  dHjliibt.  On  laaiias,  thcqr  wdkad 
for  HiiBe  time  along  oob  of  the  BoulBiaidi,  tlllunK  o*v  tha  d&ur  of  the 
Hutel  lie  CtagDT.  De  MMiui  did  not  MMmpt  ta  eicolpatB  kimwlf,  bat 
luished  witboot  aertmaaj  tt  Stuart,  who  mtda  nuMa  ■Dimadrer^oi  «a 
his  oooduct. 

" 'lil  all  a  motlw  of  oplnimi,"  said  be,  ehniaiDf  Us  ibevldna,  "all; 
■nd  TOa  oMHt  know  the  proroi) — Zi'spmioi  h(  la  rrmt  (te  mande.  "Dm 
«WT  tna  I  BO  let  n*  ucj  no  nore,  mr  tncnd." 

WlKDMntlnFUeeTietuicdHrputad.  D«  Heenw  hod  lodginnfc 
one  of  the  bandtonett  boatt*  of  the  Place,  ohbosgti  his  compiny  of  die 
liuid«Hlu-«oipa  n«  ^mjs  qaartered  at  the  obMwa.  On  tdi^  lean, 
(b«T  ihoak  hudi  keartilT,  OM  thaa  parted,  but  witboM  exbibJUng  onA 
ooDOBm,  althoofh  eooh  liMW  that  ha  waold  aenr  meat  tbs  other  ataia. 
Bntat  aoldien,  aoouitoaiad  for  yean  to  marsh  (nm  town  to  town,  tboy 
vBM  Med  to  parliiiga,  ood  M  bade  each  otfaar  «die>  with  hqm;  aaajr 
fiviO. 

Bonald  nerer  heard  of  De  Meamoi  again,  and  I  am  therefore  ttnable  to 
MfsaiBt  the  TCoAv  ho*  he  MttlBd  OBtlara  with  the  bMron,  or  if  be  aunied 
4teftihionable  widow  of  the  tUe  de  Bivoli. 

re  )Ueat,  and  tbs  mght  traa  dai^    A,  cold  and  high  wiod 


baan  iaft,  and  in  tbiM(iUnitMb«wu«*a*  at  fell  gallop  fbrClichr.  He 
dHbed  dooB  Ibe  Bentofwd  de  la  MaddhM,  the  Roe  do  U  Hortta,  of 
BL  Croix «id  CUdv,  and  loon  tha  Adda  were  aioand  him.  borderiag  the 


CHAPTER     XIIX 


Fatibubd  with  want  of  sleep,  and  almost  noddioK  In  i 
little  attar  aaarise.    T^  Hicfaln 

oleni  

__  _  _  _  dthejiii^wai; 

colours,  the  dmmmns  were  bneinc  ap  ttieii  inttradHBt^  and  C^apball 


ie  aiur  aaarise-    iWHicfalandeia ware 

. jc  iraea  awwd  batwoMi  tbelonc  «t(aaU  ol 

noftbeSaine.  Thera  '       '    '  ** 


t,  fanned  in  Unamitheii 


•at  motioiJess  on  boiMbaek  at  abo«t  a  hondrad  juria-tnam  Out  oc 

tl»  line,  wUob  be  «m  suireTiBx  wMi  a  wMcfaAd  cy*.    He  w«*  HBaus 

von  croaa,  so  Stnart  pnpared  toM  rtmtd. 

A  prett;  fellow  ;on  arsj  Ronald,  to  kaa|^  the  whole  raiment  iislllnii 
in  this  maousr  1    We  ware  ;ait  aboot  to  msioh  withoat  joa," 

RoDldd  mode  no  replf,  bat  dashed  np  at  full  follop,  raised  hii  hand  to 
bU  bonaeb  and  then  wbeeling  hit  ohaFger  round,  backed  him  upon  his 
baanehea,  causing  him  to  enrret  and  rear,  that  the  rider  might  diqdi^  a 
little  borsewsBShi^  as  ha  gaUupad  roond  tbe  flank  of  the  gnnadiei*  and 
oama  ap  in  hit  plaos  on  tba  left  of  tha  line  with  hi*  award  drawii.    As  tlw 


2M 

band  itrndc  Dp,  md  the  battelioD  broVe  into  lectioni  of  threci  ind  mored 
off,  ■  cbeer  bnrat  from  &e  lipi  of  CTciy  nun.  h  ■  pcrting  c*11  to  thou 
oonndea  whom  they  were  to  leare  behind  tbem. 

Saint  Gemaiat  wu  tlie  fint  itnge.  They  were  qnartercd  for  the  night 
in  the  aacienC  palmce,  which  bad  lone  been  nniahabiled  and  empty,  and 
wu  aanaaqaeaUy  hutenuiK  to  dBcaj.  Eighty  yean  before,  who  conld 
have  Imagined  that  Ihs  reridence  of  the  exiled  StnarCa  would  have  become 
the  qoarten  of  a  Scottiah  tegiiaent  in  the  Brilish  aerrice,  and  plaided  and 
plnmed  in  the  larh  of  the  G>el  1  Who  could  hue  imBgined  that  thou 
desolate  cbambera,  which  bad  been  the  weiie  of  co  many  aorrowi  and 
trooblea  to  the  royal  eiilea,  wonld  re-echo  the  straini  of  the  heut-stirnnr 
|dbrnch.'  But  the  place  wai  drsary,  damp,  and  desolate.  The  court-yard 
waa  oyergrown  with  graaa.  the  gardena  hiad  beorane  a  wildemeaa,  and  the 
fonnlaini  and  ornamental  ataCoea  were  in  rain*,  and  covered  with  the  mou 
of  yean.  Strain  and  old  oaioeiatioDi  conoeeted  with  the  palace  and  ita 
inhabitinti  were  awakened  in  the  heirta  irf  the  H^Uaoden.  aod  RonaU- 
dhu,  when  the  pipera  played  the  retreat  in  the  qnadrarigle,  deaircd  that  it 
ihonld  be  the  '  Prince  a  Lament,'  one  of  tlie  moit  difficult  piecet  of  onr 


pipem« 
Toth 


_ nd  aoldier*  of  the  Gordon  Highlinden,  being:  generaltf 

men  from  the  moat  remote  partiDrtheHigblBiida,  theempty  palace  of  Saint 
Germains  formed  a  acene  of  no  common  intereat.  It  waa  intimately  con- 
nected with  the  miifortaaei  of  that  itlastrioua  nee,  "  ot-  which  (saya  a 
modern  writer)  no  man  can  trace  Che  beginning,  and  of  which  no  Scota- 
man  can  bear  to  contemplate  the  endi "  and  the  kilted  aooa  of  Uie  North, 
aa  they  wandered  abonC  ita  desolate  cbambera.  made  many  obunationa 
which  wDOld  have  aUrtled  honeat  old  Geoi^  III.,  and  hare  catiaedtha 
Hone-Goard*  anthoritie)  to  atand  qnice  aghast,  had  they  heard  than. 
Although  time,  aa  it  rolli  on,  ia  changing  the  mannen  of  the  Hiriilaader 
and  of  hit  Lowland  neighboar,  Uie  aame  chivalric  feeling  which  Drought 
forth  the  boat  of  174S,  eiiati  in  the  bosom  of  die  former,  nod  a  aparfc  yet 
Ihuera  there  which  little  might  fan  into  a  flame. 

Mererille  wsi  the  next  halt.  At  the  gate  of  the  town  they  were  receind 
by  a  French  n^ment  of  royal  Tolunleerc,  who  had  no  uniform,  but  woie 
their  CrOU-belU,  Sic.,  oyer  their  peasants'  blauaes  of  blue  or  white  linen. 
Thqipaid^complimenta  of  war  in  very  good  style,  while  their  band 
played  the  national  anthem  of  Britain,  and  the  bui«;l]en  of  MereriUe  rent 
the  air  with  abouta  of  applauu.  At  the  barrier  appeared  the  more,  arrayed 
in  the  gerb  of  a  past  age— a  wide  waistcoat  and  old-fiwhioned  coat,  with  a 
ulrer-hilted  sword  and  ruRlea,  and  a  wig  and  queue.  He  invited  the 
officers  to  a  d^e&a^ia  the  Hotel  de  Ville,  where  be  made  a  long  and  flou. 
riihing  speech,  deacriptive  of  reneration  far  the  British  king  and  for  the 
Scottish  people.  He  spoke  of  the  field  of  Vemnil,  where  the  Scot  and  tfae 
Frenchman,  drawing  their  swords  side  by  side,  as  brothers  and  allies,  had 
tamed  tbe  oiide  of  England.  La  bttlt  Marie  I  He  laid  hta  hand  on  his 
heart,  and  became  quite  eloquent  on  the  aubject  of  her  wrongs  and  woei. 
He  apoke  of  the  allianoea  between  the  houaeg  of  Staart  and  Bourbon,  and 
of  tlie  many  yeara  of  exile  which  the  descendanta  from  theu  marriages  had 
■pent  in  each  other's  tnritories. 

The  worthy  old  fellow  was  so  much  in  earnest,  and  so  entbnsiaatic  on 
the  occasion,  that  he  eren  abed  tears,  struck  himself  a  tbouwnd  times 
on  the  breast,  and  ahrogged  his  shoulders  and  turned  up  bia  eyas  qoiu 
OS  often. 

Campbell  replied  in  a  short  speech,  which  be  had  prepared  dtLriog  tbe 
long  oration  of  Mooaieur  le  Maire :  but  the  good-wiil  ha  gained  by  tbe 


THB    KONANCB  OF    WAR.  225 

first  part  of  tiii  addrem.  wu  entirely  lost  by  some  milugkr  &rCer.alla8ioa 
to  tbe  plsics  of  Egypt  sai  Sir  Kalpli  AbGrcroicbie. 

From  MereTiUe  Ihey  marcbed  1o  Moutfort  rAmaun,  a  toitu  tvantT- 
eight  miles  vest  of  Paris,  where  ^ey  were  to  join  tba  4tli  battalion  of  the 
Royals,  and  the  42Dd  Highluidera,  alaa  niider  urd«rs  for  England. 

At  Beaavaia,  ityled — because  it  has  Dcver  beenEaken  by  force  of  arms — 
La  Pacelle,  tbe  92Dd,  to  tb«r  no  imall  joy,  rpceiied  inlelligence  that,  on 
landing  in  England,  dicir  deettnatioD  was  ro  be  the  capital  of  their  nadye 
conntry,  where  they  weie  to  be  qnattered  for  ihe  ensaiDg  winter. 

Within  foDT  days  afterwards,  the  Btreeta  of  Calais  rang  Co  the  notea  of 
the  pipe  and  drum,  aa  tbe  Scats  brigade,  on  its  bomewaril  march,  passed 
through  the  city  to  the  harbour,  where  >  fleet  of  small  craft,  pnnided  by 
tbe  authorities,  lay  in  readiness  to  carry  tbem  oyer  the  Pasaage  of  Calais, 
as  tbe  strHiCa  are  named  by  the  French.  The  Coar  de  Ouiie,  forraerlj  Iho 
ancient  English  mint,  was  puinCed  ant  to  Stuart  by  a  French  staS'-officer, 
who  rode  bende  biat  part  of  the  way.  He  alio  showed  hinii  the  statue  of 
the  patriotic  Saint  Pierre,  which  stands  abore  Che  anlrance  of  Ihe  town- 
bsill,  with  lis  neck  encircled  by  a  rope— the  emblem  of  Saint  Pierre's 
heroism,  and  of  Che  obduracy  of  an  Eagli^  king.  Many  other  places  he 
pointed  out  which  woald  iiave  been  ialetesting  to  the  mind  of  a  Sooth- 
Tweeder,  for  often  had  the  bluff  English  yeoman  in  hie  steel  breast-plata, 
and  the  atrong- Landed  archer  In  his  donbleC  of  Lincoln- green,  kept  watch 
and  ward  on  tbe  waUs  and  towers  of  Calais. 


Al  the  three  Scots  regiments  marched  along  the  i 

men  do  us  cheer  bnnrt  from  them  at  the  sight  of  the  c,,. 

first  Tiew  of  old  Ei^land,  after  a  long  absence,  is  worth  a  myriad  of  the 


a-placeadrentDTHi  of  life.    The  land  of  promise  lay  before  them, 

bat  iU  shore  seemed  low  and  distant ;  and  its  ciialky  cliffs  were  shining 
white  as  snow  in  the  morning  sua,  lo  pale  and  dim,  that  they  seemed  more 
like  ihe  edge  of  a  TBSt  field  of  ice  than  firm  land.  Eiecy  man  struned  his 
eye*  towards  it,  and  pointed  ont  to  hie  comrades  the  spires  uid  Tilli^e*, 
which  he  imagined  he  could  trace  thrangh  the  dim  heie  that  Boated  on  tba 
waters  of  the  Cbanoel.  Some  gaied  long  and  fiiedlj.nitb  moistened  eyes 
and  silent  tongoea.  Hict  thought  of  the  land  whnm  lay  fire  or  six  hun- 
dred milea  beyond  the  uore  before  them — ^le  land  of  tbe  rode  and  the 
cataract,  the  broom  and  the  heather — Uie  land  of  their  lore  and  txst  aHeo- 
tiona,  wliieh  had  neyer  been  once  absent  Irom  their  minds  dnring  all  the 
danger,  the  toil,  and  the  glory  of  the  great  Peniinular  war. 

Poor  Scotland !  although  she  haa  lost  hsr  name  and  her  place  among 
nations,  she  is  not  the  leas  dear  to  her  sons. 

Tbe  harbonr  ot  Calsia  presented  a  nry  animated  sntte.  The  frost  had 
pisaed  awar ;  it  wu  a  warm,  sonny  morning,  and  erBrything  was  bright 
and  glistemng.  From  tbe  great  quay,  two  long  wooden  picn  jntted  out 
into  tbe  water,  nhieh  tossed  and  fomaed  irouiu  the  green  and  lea-weod- 
eovered  piles  which  eompoae  them. 

Tliese  piers  were  lined  by  two  or  three  battalioni  of  French  inbntry,  and 
b^nd  tbem  were  dense  crowds  of  spectators.  The  French  flSE  was  flying 
on  the  i^'rai,  or  watch-tower,  of  the  Hfllel  de  Ville,  and  on  tne  bastions 
of  all  the  little  forta  which  defended  the  harbour.  The  baain  was  crowded 
with  the  boBlB  and  craft  for  Che  conveyance  of  the  British  troops,  whom 
tbe  French  antJionties  were,  no  doubt,  very  glad  to  get  rid  of.  Scleral 
British  man-o'-«ar  boats  were  palling  about  in  diflennt  directions,  llieie 
had  been  ssnt  by  aoDe  of  oor  Channel  orBieers  to  superintend  the 
embarkation. 

Aa  Ronald  rodo  down  toDvdt  a  (Hght  of  *t«pt,  to  dcai  the  way  far  the 


'3X 


af-war"!  boat,  maniied  by  eight  oars,  came  iheeriag  along- 

ja  jetty.     Stuart  dlamouated  to  speak  with  the  officer,  wbo  steppel 

forward  from  tbe  Btem,  and,  abandooing  tbo  tiller  ropes,  shook  bim 
heartilf  by  the  hand  ;  vhile  tbe  crew,  and  the  crews  of  the  other  boaa, 
pulled  off  their  tarpaulin  hate,  and  gave  tbree  heart;  cheers  of  welcome  to 
the  red-coBts.  Tbe  dieer  was  taken  np  bv  the  populace,  and  resounded 
along  the  quays  ;  tbe  Freoob  bonds  rtroei  up  the  favourite  ait,  "  A  good 
Voyage  to  tbe  gallaat  Scots,"  while  tbe  troops  presented  arms,  aad  tbe 
officers  saluted  with  their  swords.  As  older  regiments  than  tbe  Gordon 
Highlanders,  tbe  Royal  9cots  sad  42ad  embarked  first.  Aboot  two  hnn- 
dred  men  were  in  each  barge,  and,  ae  they  mo>ed  from  the  abore  by  the 
aid  oF  sail  and  sweep,  tbeir  bands  played  the  "  Dowotall  of  Paris."  an  air 
w43icb  could  not  baye  been  very  pleasant  to  French  ears.  With  better 
taste,  tbe  band  of  tbe  other  regiment  played  "  Vive  Henri  Quairt,"  the 
notes  of  which  mingled  oddly  with  those  of  tbe  bagpipes.  Tbe  pipers  of 
the  whole  brigade  were  seated  in  the  bows  of  tbe  boat^,  blowing  a  perfect 
storm  of  wild  and  discordant  sounds. 

llie  barbour,  the  shore,  the  crowded  quays,  receded  and  lessened  ;  tbe 
cheers  of  tbe  people  died  away,  but  tbe  aharp  rattle  of  tbe  brass  drums 
was  still  heard,  and  arms  were  seen  glittering  on  the  beach.  The  French 
troops  were  wheeling  into  open  column,  and  merchine  tbroogh  the  gate  of 
Calais,  which  faced  the  water.  As  the  last  section  filed  through,  Ronald 
looked  back  for  an  instant.  He  saw  tbe  flash  of  French  steel  for  the  last 
time.  SsTe  himself,  scarcely  one  had  cast  a  look  aateraj  it  was  to  the 
■ncreaiing  shores  of  Eoglaad  that  e>ery  eye  was  directed. 

They  were  soon  far  out  ia  the  Channel,  amid  fleets  of  merchantmen  and  ' 
stately  ships  of  war.  There  is  nothing  which  brings  the  power,  the  might, 
and  the  majesty  of  Britain  so  TiTid^  before  the  mind,  as  the  splendid 
appearance  of  her  ships  of  war.  There  is  ■  something  in  the  aspect  of  the 
formidable  row  of  cannon  frowning  from  tbe  red  porta,  and  the  flag  that 
waves  above  them,  which  a  Briton  never  can  behold  without  pride,  and  a 
foreigner  without  (error,  chsgriQ,  and  hnmlliation. 

On  clearingthe  harbour  of  Calais,  and  KOttiag  fairly  out  into  tbe  Straits  i 
of  Dover  among  tlie  ibipping,  tbe  French  airs  gave  place  to  "  Hearts  of 
Oak"  and  other  national  straios ;  and  the  cheers  wich  which  the  crew  of 
every  vessel  they  passed,  merchantman  or  ship  of  war,  greeted  the  home- 
ward-bound fleet  of  decked  boats  vrith  their  mihtary  frragbt,  afforded  the 
Dtmoat  delight  to  tbe  latter.  These  hearty  welcomes  from  their  cOuoUv- 
men  on  the  sea,  were  but  an  earoeat  of  what  they  were  to  recdve  tm  the 

The  long  aod  glorions  straggle  in  the  Petunsola.  the  victorious  termina- 
tioD  of  the  short  but  most  derasive  camp^gn  in  Flanders,  and  the  rcsnlU, 
so  important  to  Eorope,  of  the  victory  at  Waterloo,  were  yet  fresh  in 
every  man's  mind,  and  tbe  people  of  Britain  yearned  to  show  their  love  for 
their  countrymen  who  were  now  returning,  after  having  proved  Qmnsdves 
tbe  first  troops  in  the  world.  . 

It  was  Inclir  for  this  brigade  of  Scots  that  they  returned  so  soon  after    I 
Waterloo.     Had  those  three  thousand  mea  fought  and  gained  the  battle 
alone,  it  is  impossible  that  greater  admiration  or  a^tplanse  could  bavi  been 

Tbe  shore  increased  In  magnitude,  seemiDg  to  rise  from  tbe  water,  and 
objects  became  more  distinct.  The  wide  extent  of  yellow  sandy  beach, 
the  chalky  cli&,  tbe  ligbt-bonses,  the  buoys,  were  seeo  distinctly,  and  tbe 
flags  of  all  tbe  world  were  flying  around  Ihem.  The  little  fleet  of  galleys 
moved  bravely ;  a  light  breeze  bore  them  onirard,  tad  erery  stitch  at  can- 


TBB  wu  set.  The  ihoie  loon  seemed  close  at  hsnd.  The  oldiilUgespirei, 
■rrerhnDE  with  iiy,  the  lawns,  the  castles,  Cbe  seats,  uiil  eierTthiiig,  frotu 
the  black  old  towers  of  Dover  to  the  boats  on  the  golden  beach  below, 
"     'marlced  and  obserred  as  objects  of  w      ' 


"  Fiist  on  the  shore  !     Hoigh  ! "  cried  a  Highlander,  plunging  lata  the 

nbn-  an  the  boata,  cODtniiuDe  soma  of  the  42Dd,  groanded  near  the  beach. 

"  wiE  the  cry,  and  a  hnadred  eager  fellows  leaped  orerboard. 


knapsacks,  accoatremeats,  and  ereryttung; ;  and,  with  their  kilts  aad  spor- 
rans floating  on  the  sarface  of  the  water,  waded  ashore,  while  shonM  of 
welcome  rose  from  a  crowd  of  the  Doyer  people  collected  on  the  sands. 
The  boats  cootaining  the  Boyals  and  part  of  the  Gordon  Highlanders, 
took  the  matter  more  "  cannily,"  and,  enfering  the  harbonr,  landed  their 
piililary  pasaengera  on  the  pier,  where  a  gentleman  stepped  forth  from  the 
immeDSB  conconrae  asaeiDbled  to  witaeaa  the  disembarkation,  and  formally 
weloomed  them  to  England ;  he  then  waved  his  hat  as  a  signal  to  the 
people,  aad  three  hearty  cheers  were  giien,  with  one  more  for  the  Duke  of 
Wellii^n. 

All  the  craft  in  the  harbonr  were  decorated  with  flags  and  boq^ha  of 
trees ;  standards  and  ribbons  wared  from  eiery  honsa-top  and  window. 
The  Waterloo  medal,  glancing  on  the  breast  of  CTBry  porple  coat,  attracted 
nniversal  attention  ;  the  people  were  eidted  to  the  atmost  pitch  of  enthu- 
siaim  and  loyalty,  and  every  proad  feeling  that  is  truly  British  was  at  its 
height.  Each  man  vied  with  the  other  io  the  endeavonr  to  ahow  the  esteem 
he  felt  for  those  nhose  deeds  had  been  attracdng  the  attention  of  the  whole 
civilized  world,  and  whose  arms  had  arrested  a  torrent  which  once  threat, 
ened  to  subvert  every  state  in  Europe.  The  brigade  was  billeted  for  that 
sight  in  Dover. 

"Now  then,  lentlemen,  here  we  are  at  last,  in  merry  old  England," 
cried  Campbell,  m  boieterons  glee,  as,  with  hia  officers,  be  ascended  the 
(vell-carpeted  staircase  of  a  handsome  hotel  in  Dover.  "  Welcome  roast 
beef  and  plum-puddii^,  with  other  substantiab,  and  a  long  farewell  to 
etuitmot  and  garlic,  to  soup-maigre,  pelage  au  cAotw,  and  the  devil's 
broth.  If  the  people  wonld  only  grow  wise  and  hang  up  all  the  limbs  of 
the  law,  England  woald  be  the  happiest  land  on  earth.  Look  aroand  you, 
gentlemen;  here  is  comfort  1  Think  on  the  wet  tent,  and  the  wetter 
bivouac  1     But  good-bye  to  them  all !  for  awhile  at  least." 

The  master  of  the  hotel  ushered  them  Into  a  splendid  drawing-room, 
vrhere  the  appearance  of  the  rich  carpet,  and  the  coal  fire  blazing  in  the 
pobshed  grate,  attracted  so  mnch  attention,  and  drew  forth  sudi  enco- 
miums, that  mine  host  of  the  St.  George  marvelled  in  what  part  of  the 
earth  they  had  been  campaigning.  He  knew  not  that  a  coal  Are  and  & 
carpet  are  almost  unknown  on  the  Continent. 

'  We  have  been  for  some  time  strangers  to  this  kind  of  loinry,  land- 
lord," said  Ranald,  observing  iaa  wonder.  "  Our  conch  and  our  carpet 
baa  long  been  the  green  sod,  and  our  covering  the  sky,  for  many  a  year. 

"England,  merry  old  England  I"  exclaimed  Campbell,  throwing  himself 
-_._   .    _t_:_    ^jjij  [[j-etching  his  long  legs  across  tbe  hearth-rug.     "In 


le  of  all  that  demagogues  may  Bay  to  the  contrary,  1  will 
he  happiest  country  in  Europe  ;  and,  as  we  have  seen  the 
should  be  good  jodaes.    This  is  excellent  I    It  reminds 


-.  country  in  Europe  ;  and,  as  we  have  seen  the  most  of  them, 

_.;  good  jodaes.     This  is  excellenti     It  reminds  me  of  our 

urn  from  Egypt.     Now  then,  monsieur,— pardon  me,  landlord ;    I 


forgot  I  was  ont  of  the  land  of  Johnny  Crapaud.    Ay,  landlord,  then 

aomediing  truly  British  and  hospitable  in  that.  Let  us  have  the  best  din- 
ner yoD  can  get  ready  on  the  shortest  notice ;  and  tell  the  cooks  they  need 
not  be  very  particular,  as  we  have  not  taated  a  decent  dinner  since  we 
landed  beloir  the  castle  of  BeUm  in  1809,  a  few  months  in  Paddy's  Un^^ 


El^e?l 


excepted.    Let  it  be  prepared  SirSnrith,  acd  rtntmber  to  pionde  loli  of 
pudding  for  ths  ensi^a. 

After  dinner,  the  inhidiilaDti  of  die  hotel  nere  aatoanded  by  the  cere- 
mony of  piping  round  the  table,  a  praRticenbich.BiuoeditHienbid  became 
common  with  them,  tiie  Gordon  HighUudcrs  had  miTcd  in  hlL  force.  As 
in  H  the  deiwert  mat  remored,  tall  Aomdd-dhn,tlie  piper-major. and  ngfat 
I,  entered  the  meai  or  dinfng-room,  and  marched  Hirice  ronnd  the 
and  Iheo  down  Btiirs,  blowing  with  all  their  tOTca  and  power  tfae  tiiae 
nrau  on  the  occaaioa : — 

"  Onr  HKint  forehiBim  igTeed  wl'  ihe  laitd, 
To  bay  *  b&l  grandie  to  AuJt'  a  kail' jaitd,"  ftc. 
and  tbe  reader  may  imagine  the  t&ect  of  Btmn- and- twenty  drones  Of  fiie 
great  Highland  war- pipe  on  Englith  ein,  to  wtiidi,  for  manyreasona,  its 
strains  are  so  diacotdant. 

The  hotel  was  sarroanded  by  a  denee  oiowd,  who  Icept  up  an  incMsant 
oheoring,  and  in  tbe  streets  the  Highlanders  were  abioliitely  mobbed. 
Perhaps  it  was  tbe  firat  time  the  Scottish  garb  had  been  seen  «o  far  soath 
"n  Bngland,  so  Oiat,  m  the  London  papers  said,  ""■ •■-—  —  - 


eTery  town  and  Tillage  Ifaroagh  which  they  marohed  on  the  long 
rouie  from  Dover  to  Edlabargh,  their  reception  was  the  game :  they 
were  followed  by  mobs  of  shouting  men  and  boys,  wliile  laiirel  boi^s, 
and  Saga  adorned  with  complimentary  mottoes,  waved  from  the  hooscs 
and  churdk  steeples.  Brery  inn  or  hotel  at  tihich  the  officers  dined 
was  decorated  witb  ttreameia  and  erergreens.  and  wreaths  of  laurel 
encircled  every  plate  and  diah  on  Che  tables.  Each  dsy,  during  dinner, 
they  were  regaled  by  a  concert  of  thousauds  of  tougnea,  ahoucing  and 
screaming,  while  the  bells  in  every  spire  rang  as  for  some  great  national 

At  Lincoln  was  erected  a  triumphal  aich,  which  vpanned  the  highway  U 
the  entrance  of  the  dty.  It  wsa  composed  of  the  nsnnl  materials — eret' 
greena,  and  auch  flowers  as  could  be  procnred  at  that  season  of  the  year,- 


and  was  aurmoanled  by  tbe  arms  of  Scotland,  of  England,  and  of  the 
tamona  old  ecelesiaatical  city,  merry  Lincoln  itself.  Bt.  George's  red  cross 
was  waving  from  the  aammit  of  the  ruiuoua  ceetle,  and  great  Tom  of  Lin- 


.  .  i   Bending  forth  his  tremendous  ding-dong,  i 

solemn,  from  the  Gothic  spire  of  the  cathedral,  dromlng  rae  mingled  din 
of  every  other  bell  in  the  city.  The  etieeti  Were  full  of  entfaoiiastic  people ; 
the  windows  were  foil  of  (uxe,  flags,  and  llie  bnuMhes  of  tnea.  All  were 
in  a  state  of  merriment  and  uproar,  while  the  ihrill  flf^  and  hoane 
braixling  drums,  aucceeding  the  fine  bmas  band,  made  the  strests  re-echo 
with  "the  Biitiah  Grenadiers,"  the  moat  inspiriting  of  dl  onr  ntrtiutal 
quick  steps. 
Immediately  within  the  triumphal  arch  stood  a  carriage  filled  wMi  ladies, 


>m,  *ery  beantiful  girla.  the  perfect  personifioation  of  jonng 
jsDguan  oeilea,  with  the  cherry  lipa,  and  merry,  bright  blae  eyea  of  the 
Bouth,  held  aloft  bouquets  of  roses,  procured  probably  from  some  hot- 
bouae,  for  at  that  leeson  of  the  year  they  could  not  have  been  reared  else- 
where. At  the  moment  the  ensigns  Were  paaaing  with  the  colours,  ths 
Ittdiea  made  aome  sign  to  Campbell,  who  lowered  tbe  ooint  of  his  sword  In 
salute,  and  desired  his  orderly  bugler  to  sonnd  a  bsjt.  Each  of  the  ftir 
English  girla,  with  a  whits  riband  bound  her  rmes  to  the  tops  Of  the  colonr- 
poles,  JDst  below  the  spear-hnda,  bnt  not  witjunt  bluahea  and  heritalion, 
mr  the  eyes  of  thon^ands  were  turned  upon  them,  and  tbe  bcirt*  of  (be  Ul- 
■hflven  ensiens  were  eaptnred  on  the  instant.  The  ladies  nnmtged  to  say  fttt 
^^aome  address  prepared  for  the  occasion,  "  regntUns  dot  Oer  bad  iMta 


wMaUtof  thiiUeatooSn,  and  raqnaitiDB  tbsttlie  wldien  woald  atirj  the 
fioiren  home  to  their  own  couotrr-" 

Campbell  retnraed  tbuilii.  The  enaigos,  who.  lackilr  for  tbe  resinieBt, 
wen  both  Terf  haadiome  (tllovi,  bore  each  on  Mi  breut  the  Waterloo 
msdal.  Ther  rsiied  their  bonnets,  tmd  retired  to  their  pUcei  in  the 
centre;  the  maiic  strack  op  ■nun,  and  the  Higbliadere  mored  fonrwd 
with  the  hedge  of  EngUad  uonuDg  tha  ihot-spliDtered  polaa  of  their 

Of  the  latter,  DothiDg  wai  left  sHe  the  gold  taseela  and  that  pert  of  the 
"Jc  which  ma  atllohsd  round  the  pole,  with  ■  fiiw  tbrsda  and  remnants  <  ' 
..__fa__        T-      .......     ..  [j^jj  ahot  awaj,  or  torn  to  pie  "    '      "' 

d  itome  of  twenCr-otie  jutr*  of 

._,  _  .., „  „_^ d  hrane  ■  diMingniihed  p»rt,  ai 

boeo  embodied  bjr  &s  Itaeheu  of  Gordon  in  1794.  The  sppearuee  of  the 
bare  poke  attimcled  iimTU¥&l  rttention  in  ererj  town  and  bamlet.  The 
people  were  heard  to  exclaim  with  wonder,  "  Look  at  tbe  coloon  I  look 
at  Ute  coloni*  1 "  wliiob  perhapi  thej  soppoaed  bad  been  rednoed  by  ■ 
single  volley  in  the  DOndiliDn  in  which  they  then  a^^wared. 

iHia  bonqiteti  of  the  Lincoln  ladiea  remained  loDg  attached  to  the  poles, 
but  the  firat  frosty  day  oamphrted  their  destructioa,  and  nothing  but  tbe 
Btalka  were  left;  yet  theie  alill  remained  when  tbe  regiment,  after  a  march 
of  many  bnndrol  mile*,  came  in  tight  of  their  natire  coontry. 

Who  am  dcsGriba  tbe  wild  delight  of  tbe  Highlandmen,  wben,  IVom  the 
billa  of  NorthnmberlaDd,  they  beheld  ajkr  off  tbe  snow'clad  lummita  of 
tlieChenota,whoeefddeiha*ebera  the  leeOBOfaO many  nllant  conflicts? 
A  thousand  bonneta  rose  at  once  into  the  air,  and  the  "  Hoigh,  hurrah  1" 
from  a  tboosand  toBgnti  >n»d«  the  welkin  ring.  What  a  Joyoui  march 
had  been  thein  through  all  merry  England  J  How  different  in  appearance 
were  its  cities,  its  TiUagei,  its  vast  extent  of  cultifated  land,  when  com- 
pared with  tbe  rained  pueblat  and  desolate  cities  of  Portugal,  or  the  barren 
hUla  and  desert  plains  of  Spanish  Eitremadara.  In  Uie  former  conntry 
tbe  soldisrs  of  Haueaa  bad  scarcely  left  oae  etooe  atanding  npon  another. 
What  a  cdiaagB  to  theie  acenes  and  placea  seemed  the  comforts,  the 
Inxnries,  the  happiness  of  Englaud,  eapecially  to  those  who  had  been 
endnring  the  stanratLoa,  the  toil,  the  ^earl;,  daily,  hourly  danger  and 
misery  of  oontinental  serricel  Tnity  it  was  a  merry  march  that  from 
Dover  to  Sootland,  and  nerer  did  private  soldierg  trudge  with  their  harden 
of  sBventy-fire  ponnds  waigbt  more  coatenl«dly,  than  Uie  Gordon  High. 


bnth^vy  n 


CHAPTEE  XSX. 


At  Mussdbanb,  on  approaching  the  old  Roman  bridge,  tbe  venerable 
arche*  of  wbicti  have  M>  oftco  mng  to  the  tread  of  a  Scottish  host,  tbe 
Highlanders,  *i  they  mardied  down  the  brae  whidi  ascends  to  the  kirk  of 
Invere^  peretived  tbM  soma  prepaistiong  had  been  made  far  their  recep- 
tion by  the  men  of  the  "  honest  toon," — the  honourable  title  conferred  by 
Barl  Bandolph  on  that  ancient  bunh.  Between  the  parapst  walls  of  the 
bridge,  on  the  spot  where  once  stood  an  antique  barrier  gate,  a  triumphal 
arch  was  erected,  and  on  its  sommit  sat  a  bluff  old  tar  in  his  tarpaulin  hat 
and  frisie  coat,  bearing  aloft  tbe  atandard  of  the  ancient  town  of  Fiiherow, 
of  which  he  was  no  bad  lepreeeotatiTB.    With  a  voice,  which  bad  btow^^ 


230 

hoiru  and  land  in  oatrouing  the  w*Tei  sad  bluta  of  the  German  Ocean, 
he  VBlcomed  them  in  the  deep  Doric  Ungusge  of  Scotia,  which  had  ao  Iooe 
been  ■  ^tranfer  to  their  eara. 

"The  sODE  »iaga  tralj,  'There'!  nae  folk  like  our  ain  folk,'"  laid 
Campbell,  an  he  r^e  along  the  bridge  at  the  head  of  the  coliunn.  "  We 
&re  home  at  last,  God  be  praieed  I  lUe  is  onr  third  day'a  march  OD 
Scottiah  groaad.  Scotland  for  erer  I  Sbo>t,  my  lada  I  Three  cheen  Air 
ber  people !  Tbej  leem  to  vie  vitli  tbe  Engliu  in  givlDg  ua  a  Idiidlf 
receptioD." 

Their  cheen  were  annrered  with  threefold  heartineu  from  the  other 
Eide  of  the  Eek.  where  the  crowd  waa  immepse ;  and  the  iotereet  and  ei- 
citement  which  preiailed  may  be  imagined  from  the  fact,  that  the  whole 
line  of  road  between  the  Esk  and  Edinburgh,  a  dtatonire  of  seven  milea, 
was  BO  densely  crowded  ua  to  be  almost  impaSBable  ;  and  wben  the  Fo- 
ment entered  the  street  of  Fiiberow,  the  cheers  and  uproar  were  ieBtcaiag. 
Tbe  presEnre  of  the  people  forward  was  so  great,  that  the  march  was 
stopped,  the  tanks  were  broken,  and  the  music  ceased.  Hearty  greMiiip 
and  shakings  of  bands  enened  between  men  who  bad  neier  met  before,  and 
strapping  fisb-women.  In  their  picturesqae  blue  jackets  and  yellow  petti- 
coats, were  seencUogiag  ronnd  Che  necks  of  the'soldiers ;  while  a  crowd  of 
fishennen  and  peasantry,  erery  man  of  them  with  a  bottle  in  hia  hand, 
had  hemmed  in  Campbell  against  the  wall  of  a  house,  shouting  Toci. 
feronsly,  each  one,  that  he  most  driok  with  them.  He  colonel  afaandoaed 
in  despair  any  attempt  to  proceed,  or  to  nrge  forward  his  horse,  and 
sinking  back  on  his  saddle,  be  burst  into  a  hearty  roar  of  IsiiEbter  at  the 
confnsed  appearance  of  hia  men,  and  tbe  mirdi,  jollity,  and  happineaa 
whicb  beamed  so  radiantly  in  every  l^e.  Stuart  was  in  a  similar  predica- 
ment. The  people  pressed  close  around  bis  borse,  to  every  leg  of  which 
an  urchin  was  clinging  feariessly,  while  the  rabble  shook  both  hands  of  the 
rider  withant  cessation. 

After  the  first  wild  burst  of  welcome  was  over,  some  order  was  regained, 
and  the  march  was  resumed ;  but  four  hoars  elapsed  before  the  regiment 
gained  eotrance  into  the  High-street  of  Edinbni^h,  by  crashing  throngh 
the  dense  maues  which  ocoupied  the  Abbey-hill  and  Watergate,  where 
th^were  a)!ain  brought  almost  to  a  halt.  Tbe  crowd  had  followed  them 
in  from  Musselburgh  and  increased  as  it  rolled  along,  and  one  might  have 
supposed  that  the  entire  popaladon  of  the  three  Lotbians  was  wedged  into 
the  High-street  o(  Edinburgh.  Every  window  of  all  those  lofty  hoosei, 
which  shoot  up  on  both  sides  of  the  way,  and  ham  been  for  five  centuneaa 
theme  of  wonder  to  every  traveller,  was  crowded  with  eager  faces :  every 
lamp-post,  every  sign-haard  and  door-bcod  bore  its  load  of  shouting 
urcbius,  and  the  whole  street,  from  the  <astle  to  the  palace,  was  crowded 
to  an  excess  never  before  witnessed. 

The  colonel,  who  always  loved  to  prodnce  an  effect,  had  sent  forward,  a 
mile  or  two  in  advance  oF  the  regiment,  a  young  drum-hoy,  who  baviDi 
lost  a  leg  at  Waterloo,  had  bad  its  place  supplied  by  a  woodeo  one  ;  and 
tbe  appearance  of  the  little  fellow,  stumpini;  along  in  his  bonnet  and  kUt, 
drew  immensely  on  the  sympathy  of  the  women  of  all  ranks,  from  the 
ladies  of  Ion  down  to  the  poor  vendor  of  edibles. 

''£h,sirsl  Gndegnideua!  Look  at  the  drummer-laddie !  the  pnir 
bairn  wi'  the  tree  leg  I"  was  the  cry  on  all  udes,  as  the  tamhonr  of 
Waterloo  limped  along.  "  Eb  !  saw  ye  ever  the  maik  o'  that  ?  Oh,  wae 
to  the  wars,  snd  dule  to  them  that  wrocht  theml  Whit  will  hia  pnir 
mitber  think  at  the  sicht  o' her  aodger  laddie?" 

It  was  a  cunning  stroke  of  pohcy,  sending  tbe  mutilated  boy  forward  as 
advanced  guard.    His  appearance  increased  the  eatbushusn  of  th* 


«Aa.  231 

iD(M)(Tn  AtheaUns ;  and  when  the  long  line  of  dark- plamed  bonnets  sp- 
peared  above  the  adTsndng  mMses,  pressing  slowly  into  the  street  at  the 
foot  of  the  Canongale,  the  cries  and  cheers  resembled,  as  Campbell  said, 
nothing  he  had  ever  heard  before*  except  the  '^roarof  the  caiinoa  and 
mnaketiT  at  the  battle  of  Aleiandria,  in  Egypt."  80  many  open  moatbi, 
BO  many  arms,  heads,  hinda,  and  bad  in  motion  at  once,  presented  a,  very 
odd  appearance,  and  StusrC,  in  coasequeace  of  being  elerated  on 
boraeback  above  the  dense  masses  which  crowded  tbe  way  from  wall  to 
wall,  had  a  full  view  of  the  whole  assemblage,  and  thna  possessed  an  >d- 
TAota^  over  tbe  officers  and  soldiers  who  marcbed  on  foot.  Jn  some 
plores  there  might  be  seen  a  plamed  bonnet  floating  above  a  sea  of  beads, 
where  some  solitary  Highlander,  separated  for  from  the  rest  of  his 
comrades,  was  straggling  in  vain  to  get  forward,— a  girl,  pcxhapH,  hanging 
arooDd  his  neck,  two  men  graspinir  bit  hands,  a  tbird  ahoulderiog  his 
muabet,  while  a  fourth  beld  a  pint-stoapto  bia  moutb,  calling  upoD  htm  to 
"  drink  to  tbe  bealtb  0'  bis  sin  folk." 

In  other  places  appeared  the  long  bayonets,  tbe  Locbaber  aiea  and 
cocked  hats  of  the  town  guard.  That  ancient  civic  corps  had  been  ordered 
to  line  ths  streets,  but  being  completely  ranted  by  tbe  pressure  of  the 
people,  they  bad  abandoned  their  posts  and  sought  shelter  behind  the  long 
lines  of  carriages  which  wert  drawn  up  on  each  aide  of  the  atreet  as  closely 
aa  they  may  be  seen  at  a  race-course. 

Never  before  had  Edinbnrgh  witnesBed  such  enthnuasm,  sach  merri- 
ment, noise,  langhter,  hubbub,  snch  shaking  of  hands,  such  pressing, 
cmshing.  and  tumult,  as  that  with  which  its  hospitable  inhabitants 
weleomed  the  first-retnming  r^ment  of  their  countrymen ;  and  even 
Campbell  himself— with  many  regrets  that  poor  Fassifem  was  not  there  to 
share  in  it -declared  that  heM  never  met  with  anything  like  il,  "  even  in 
Egypt  !•■ 

To  show  their  respect  for  tbcir  Tlctonoua  conntrymen,  even  the  honest 
Baillies  of  Edinburgh,  headed  by  the  Lord  Provost,  turned  out  in  state  to 
welcome  them  ;  and  upon  this  occasion,  contrary  to  their  usual  wont,  they 
arriied  on  the  ground — almost — in  time.  •  The  Protost  had  prepared  ■  set 
speech,  and  would  have  delivered  it,  probably,  if  he  hadn't  been  frightened 
almost  out  of  his  wits  at  tbe  outset,  and  foi^otten  it  besides.  So  a  bold 
Baillie,  in  scarlet  robe  and  beaver,  got  upon  his  legs  to  welcome  home  the 
Highlandmen ;  and  it  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  only  part  of  bis  speech 
which  hat  been  preserved  consists  merely  of  an  apulogy  on  behalf  of  tbe 
Provost,— an  assertion  that  all  Scotland  was  well  assured  "naarajment 
in  the  haill  service  had  done  sae  muckle  mischief  as  the  ninety-twa  during 
the  wara,"  and  an  offer  of  an  unlimited  pinch  of  snuff  from  a  very  hand- 
some gold  box  which  the  Baillie  carried  with  him,  and  which  the  colonel 
took  it  for  granted  contained  the  freedom  of  the  city  at  the  very  least.  To 
all  of  which  Csmpbell  replied  in  a  speech,  which  to  this  day  may  be  seen, 
printed  in  small  capitals,  in  the  Edinittrgh  Journal. 

Tbe  hows,  tbe  sweet  smiles,  and  pretty  wreaths  of  real  or  artiticial  flowers 
wblch  the  ladies  tossed  from  the  carriages  lining  tbe  streets,  were  far  more 
Bgieeable  tokens  of  admiration  than  the  address  of  Baillie  Mucklewbam  ; 
and  those  wounded  ofGcers  who  sdll  bore  their  arms  in  slings,  found  that 
such  honourable  badges  of  war  attracted  the  utmost  attention  and  interest- 
Having  thus  piloted  back  Ronald  Stuart  to  the  Scottish  capital,  the 
place  in  which  his  military  career  began,  and  having  brought  him  thither 
safe  and  soaad,  wind  and  Umb, — with  tbe  rank  of  major,  and  a  moderate 
fortune  besides,  the  reader  may  snppose  that  his  adventures  are  finished. 
But  panie  awhile,  dearreaderl  oneor  two  of  the  most  interesting— to  bim 


at  leut — ire  yet  fo  come.  The  ntiiMnt  halted  in  Hie  ^lotmf  old 
qakdrangleof  the  eaiCle,  libera  ther  vara  vliceled  iota  lioe  and  cIomIt  id- 
speeted  bj  the  ooDiaunder'in-cbM,  who  oonpliDMOted  LienUiuint-ciMOBel 
Cumpbcll,  in  the  nmil  phnKologT'  <»■  "te  tSAncj  uai  dwcipUne, 
fa.  &c,  Slo.  of  the  regimeat,  CanpbeU  replied,  tb«t  be  beUared  ther 
were  in  u  good  trim  at  irhen  ther  rataned  flMk  JBgrptt  mm*  dxteat 
jears  before. 

The  moment  this  tediooe  eeremony  wai  over,  RoBald  who  bad  been 
wiehing  Uie  whole  North  Britiih  ■taS'  at  the  bottom  of  Hie  draw.well, 
roand  bimBelr  aeeted  in  the  "Rob  fLoy"  Perth  Btafo,  without  baring 
doffed  bis  trsppiogs,  and  with  no  o^wr  encomhranoei  ttum  his  plaid  and 
claymore.  In  ten  minntes  Ediohnrgh,  the  city  of  the  seren  hiUe,  was  hi 
hehind  bim.  and  the  >t«fe  wag  boandiog  along  the  QneaufarrT  road,  past 
tbe  billi  and  woods  of  Corstorphin,  aa  fast  as  four  blood -horaea  and  (but 
flying  wheels  conid  bear  it.  The  heart  of  the  gallant  yonng  Scot  was 
leaping  wilh  feeliags  of  gtidneBS  and  deiight,  which  none  can  imagine  Bare 
thoce  who  hue  eiperienced  the  pleasure  of  retarniug  home  after  along 
and  WFary  abBanee.  Five  year*  bad  elapsed  since  he  bad  trareUed  Uiat 
road  beforo,  and  it  seemed  a  tct;  long  time  to  look  back  apon.  He  bad 
Been  so  many  strange  sooDea,  places,  aod  persons  in  diet  timo,  that  it 
seemed  like  a  centnry. 

"  Five  years  ago  !  Alice  wbb  qnit«  a  giri  then,"  b«  repeated  to  hiaudf. 
"  Ah  I  Alice  will  beqaitfl  a  woman  now  ;  bat  (be  ii  my  belored  Alic«alill." 
At  times  there  flitted  acroas  his  mind  Bnticipationa  oFsoautkiDg  nnfjeaaaat 
occnrring,  in  consequence  of  his  father's  obsttoate  and  old-fasbioTwd  boa- 
tility  to  the  Inohsion  faiaily ;  and  he  remembered,  with  peonliar  pain, 
big  resentment  when  his  paanon  for  Alioe  Lisle  first  bMOma  knomi 

It  was  nearly  midnight  wben  he  alighted  at  the  George  Inn,  and  he  had  yet 
a  considerable  distaooe  to  trerd  before  he  should  reach  Loofaiala.  Haring 
a  stout  saddle-horae,  he  took  the  road  which  led  to  Lodieara,  and  as  be 
perfectly  remembered  erery  by-way  and  aheep-tradt,  be  strack  aeroas  the 
mountains,  taking  a  nearer  way  to  Locbiria  than  tbe  high  road  i  and  as 
there  waa  uBither  hedge,  ditch,  wall,  orendoaura  of  any  kind,  the  way  was 
free  and  open,  and  he  galloped  on  by  becdiliDg  crags,  hy  oorrie  and  rock, 
ind  from  which  the  most  headless  fbi-hunter  would  bkrereeoiled 


over  BTOui. 
with  diams 


CHAPrEB.  XXXI. 


Thb  bright  moon  was  shedding  hoe  lustre  orer  bill  and  ralley,  atid  the 
tranlLer  soon  saw  the  mountain  Isla  gleaming  beneath  her  beusa  as 
brightly  as  eier  be  had  seen  the  Ebro  or  the  Douro,  and  be  listened  with 
delight  to  the  murmur  of  ltd  falling  waterae*  they  poured  orer  tbe  shelriog 
lino  at  Corrie-BTon, — a  fortunate  duck  lag  in  the  pool  of  which  had  s»  aod' 
denly  changed  the  sentiments  of  Alice's  father  towards  bim. 

Nnw  be  wat  on  the  old  familiar  read  to  his  home.  Jt  waa  long  paitn^- 
night.  "Such  a  joyful  surprise  they  will  hare  I"  B«id  he,  communing  witli 
himself,  "and  s  merry  new  year  it  will  be  in  the  glen  ;  but  poor  oldDaoald 
Ireracb,  he  will  look  in  vain  for  hia  fair-haired  Evan." 

Tbe  road  was  closely  bordered  by  pine  aod  biroh  trees.    Tha  lattw  were 


THK  BOUAHCK  OF  WAR.  239 

b*re  and  ImHcm,  utd  tbeir  Btemi  and  branehei  glsamed  like  a  tuxj  Arab- 

bery  of  silver  in  the  moonligbt ;  but  ths  farmer,  tlie  solemn  blact  piaee  of 
C^edonia,  remauied  in  all  Cbfir  rough  uafediog  foliagSi  asd  cut  aronnd 
Umib  a  gloom;  horror.  Steep  rocka,  vbeie  the  bright-eyed  ee«ls  and  the 
giant  glede  looked  forth  from  tbeir  eyrie,  echoiiiijc  caves,  whilom  the  re- 
sideiice  of  wild  aod  wondrsoa  beings,  the  caima  of  long-departed  chiefa, 
roagh  oheliflks,  marking  the  groand  of  ancient  battles  and  covered  with 
moaay  Sgurea  grim  end  terrible,  bordered  the  devioDi  way  ;  hut  he  hdled 
them  all  with  delight,  for  they  were  the  weJI-knowD  hauoU  of  hia  cMld- 
bood,  and  his  terror  of  tha  mysterious  beings  that  were  aaid  to  gnard  tbem 
had  long  since  passed  awsf .  He  set  up  bia  old  bunting  halloo  at  hr  gal- 
loped along,  to  hear  if  they  re-echoedas  of  old.  and  in  bis  p  lee  he  shouted 
fearlessly  into  a  yawning  chasm  called  the  Uaiohachoralaich,  an  uucouUi 
nama,  which  means  "  Uie  cavern  of  the  strange  spirit."  He  ballooed  again 
and  again,  to  hear  the  Tolamiaoua  echo  which  bod  so  often  etridien  awe  and 
horror  into  hii  heart  whea  he  wai  a  child;  and  anon  he  dashed  np  the  glen, 
scaring  tbe  deer  in  the  thicket  and  the  eagle  on  the  rock,  and  causing  the 
colleys  on  tbe  distant  hills  and  moors  to  hearken  and  bowl  in  alarm. 

Now,  Idchiali  lay  before  him  1  Thewhole  scene  burst  upon  his  view  at 
once,  as  his  horse  bounded  up  from  the  narrow  gor^e  through  which  the 
roadway  wound.  The  lonely  Highland  lake  lay  sleeping  at  the  foot  of  the 
dark  and  wooded  hills,  which  desceoded  abruptlf  on  all  sidee  towards  it. 
Tall  and  spectral  on  its  rock,  with  one  side  covered  with  dark  ivy  and  tbe 
oUier  gleaming  grey  in  ihe  moonlight,  tha  towar  overhung  the  looh.  Far 
beyond  rose  Ben-more,  dim  and  distant.  The  dechning  moon  wai  verging 
towards  his  ridgy  back,  behind  which  it  would  soon  disappear.  In  the 
tower,  or  the  clwhan  beneath  it,  no  light  was  yisible.     Evaif  loophole  and 

"They  are  sil  a-bed;  and  the  poor  old  watch-dog  must  he  dead,  or  I 
should  have  heard  his  honest  bark  before  this,"  said  Ronald  aload,  at  ba 
rode  on  towards  the  gate  in  tbe  outer  wall  of  the  fortalice. 

There  seemed  a  itiUoMa,  an  atUr  absence  of  life  aroaod  him,  which  occa- 
aoned  dark  forebodings  of  eril,  and  be  felt  a  stienge  sadnesa  linking  on 
his  heart.  He  longed  to  hear  even  the  crow  of  a  cock  or  the  bark  of  a  dog, 
but  no  BODud  could  ha  detect,  save  the  hoofs  of  his  horse  ringing  on  the 
frozen  pathway  which  led  from  Uie  clachan,  or  onsteadiug,  to  the  towar. 
For  s  moment  be  became  quite  breathless  with  agitation,  and  clung  to  the 
natiBof  bis  hone. 

"God  be  praised,  there  is  no  scutcheon  over  the  gate  1"  he  eiolaimed; 
"  bat  they  lack  aomewbat  of  their  usoal  oare  in  leaving  it  open  at  this 

The  gate  of  the  barbican,  or  outer  wall,  waa  Ijing  off  its  binges  on  the 

Mrtb.  Janet's  turret  was  dark.  Her  light,  which  she  waa  wont  to  bum 
tbe  whole  night,  gleamed  there  no  longer,  and  a  deadly  terror  chilled  tbi 
heart  of  Ronald.  He  trembled,  apprehending  be  knew  not  what,  and  foi 
acme  minutes  surveyed  the  court  Mid  Veep  before  he  dismounted  and  ap. 
jmached  the  door.  Evertbing  whs  mournfully  silent  and  desolate.  Part 
of  the  barbican  wall  had  falltrndown;  the  wall-flower  had  sprang  up  be- 
tween the  stones ;  the  moss  and  grasa  grew  upon  the  cope,  ia  the  loop- 
holee,  and  between  the  paiemeut  of  the  courtyard.  The  byres  and  stables 
were  empty,  and  midnight  depredators  had  torn  away  the  doors  ani'  '" 
dows;  Uie  once  noisy  dog -kennel  was  siiau^  and  the  aocient  tow 
dark  and  desolate,  Tbe  watch-dog's  mansion  was  untenanted,  and  his 
chain  lay  rusting  on  tbe  grassy  ground. 
AH  was  as  still  as  the  (omb,  and  the  soul  of  the  soldier  died  within  bim 


His  besrt,  wbich  si  , 

appreheoiion  and  fei.r,  for  the  silence  Rronnd  him  sremed  oppressive  ktm 
terrible,  when  conb'aited  with  the  bustle  he  hsd  witnessed  in  the  capital  a 
feir  honra  before, 

Hestrnck  with  the  hilt  of  bis  dirk  on  the  door,  Vnocking:  Ion;  and  load. 
and  theboilding  echoed  like  a  huge  drum,  orsotnoTSSt  Comb.  A^in  and 
Again  be  knocked,  bat  there  vaa  no  answer  save  the  mocking  echoes.  He 
attempted  to  force  an  entntnce,  but  the  door  was  locked  and  boiled  fait,  and 
be  was  compelled  to  retire.  He  looked  an  to  the  keystone  of  the  archftd 
doorway,  bat  the  anoorial  beuiogi,  of  nhich  his  father  was  so  proad,  the 
antiqne  croira,  and  inidal  letters  b.  it.  r.  (aoBsaTiTB  ii.  nii)  were  there 
no  longer.  The  stone  remained,  bntthe  ancient  scalptnre  was  demolished. 
Me  muttered  some  incoherent  things,  for  the  memory  of  the  past  cams 
swelling  np  in  his  breast,  and  his  tongue  clove  to  the  roof  of  hia  moatb. 
He  looked  across  the  moonlit  lake  towards  the  islet,  where  the  ruina  of  the 
chardi  to  win' cast  a  long  deep  shadow  on  the  graves  of  his  martial  an- 
cestors,  and  their  once  DDmerons  brave  and  devoted  vaisals. 

It  was  a  time  of  the  deepest  mental  agony.  A  century  seemed  to  have 
elapsed  since  the  mornin)^.  His  thoughts  were  all  chaos  and  conforioD, 
save  one,  which  was  terrible  and  distinct  enough, — that  he  Btood  by  the 
threshold  of  his  father's  house,  a  stranger,  a  wanderer,  and  there  was  no 
hand  to  graap  his,  no  voice  to  bid  him  welcome.  After  lingering  long,  be 
turned  Borrowfally  from  the  tower,  to  awaken  some  of  the  peasantry  at 
the  clachan.  On  re-passing  the  rained  gate,  bs  saw,  what  had  bshne 
escaped  hia  obaerratiDn, — a  large  ticket  or  board  nailed  to  the  grasa-growa 
wall  of  the  barbican.  He  approached,  and  by  the  light  of  the  moon  read 
the  foUowing-^ 

"  Notice. 

"Any  person  or  persons  foand  trespassing  on  the  lands  of  Rosemonnt 
Tower,  will  bepanished  with  the  atmnst  rigoar  of  the  lair,  by  the  Proprie- 
tor. Zacbary  Macquabester,  Esq.,  of  Rosemonnt. 

"N.B.— Informers  will  be  handsomely  rewarded,  on  applying  to  Mr. 
Macqnibble,  writer.  Spy-gale,  Perth." 

The  place  swam  around  him. 

"Rosemonnt  Towerl       The  Proprietor,    confound  him!"    eiclaioied    - 
Ronald,  barsdng  into  Turf,  "and  is  it  come  to  this?" 

With  a  heart  sick  and  sore  with  disappointment,  grief,  and  mortlfled 
pride,  he  descended  to  the  little  street  of  thatched  cottages  named  the 
Clachan.  Here  all  was  silence  and  desolation  too.  In  some  places  tho 
roofs  had  fallen  in,  and  rafters  stuck  through  the  thatch,  like  ribs  thrangh 
the  skin  of  a  skeleton  :  the  chimneys  had  fallen  down,  and  the  doora  and 
windows  were  gane.  He  hamlet  was  in  mins.  The  hoaeebold  flrei  had 
been  quenched;  and  as  he  surveyed  the  deserted  place,  be  became  painhlly 
aware  Chat  ftii  people— those  among  whom  his  race  had  Amoved  as  demi- 
gods— were  gone  forth,  and  that  tho  place  of  their  birth,  and  which  held 
the  bones  of  their  forebthers,  koew  them  no  longer. 

The  glen,  which  in  his  boyhood  had- maintained  two  hundred  men  in 
what  seemed  ease  and  competence  to  a  people  so  primitive,  was  now  desert 
and  waste.  The  mcuntuns.  the  wood,  and  the  water  were'still  there,  ■• 
they  had  been  in  the  days  of  Fingal ;  bat  the  people  had  passed  away,  a 


overcharged  bosom  by  a  gush  of  hot,  salt  tears  ;  but,  with  a  heart  bnrsUng 
with  fierce  feelings  and  sad  remembrances,  he  departed  from  the  TsUe; 
jnst  ai  the  waning  moon  sank  behind  the  darkeiuDg  monntaina.  He  rode 
alowly  at  first ;  but  anon  he  drove  bis  sharp  apnra  into  the  flanki  of  his 
horse,  and  rode  towards  Inchavan  at  break -neck  speed,  as  if  he  wooldQee 
ftoDi  his  oim  thoughts,  and  leave  his  sorrows  far  behind  him.  But  the 
first  gosh  of  gloom  and  disappointment  having  somewhat  subsided,  be 
atrora  U>  calm  his  agitated  spirit,  and  he  derived  some  consolation  in  the 
timet;  recollection  that,  although  Lowland  innovation  might  have  expa- 
triated the  people  of  Lochisla,  his  father  might  vet  be  alive.  Eager  to  learn 
some  tidings,  be  galloped  along  with  the  speed  of  the  wind,  oatgtrippiiig 
the  gatlierlTig  storm. 

"  Ha  I  here  is  lachavon  at  last  I  Dear  Alice  will  eipUia  to  me  ali  this 
atnmge  rnvster;." 

Forward  he  went  at  a  hunting  pace,  and,  keeping  his  body  well  back  and 
bridle-hand  low,  he  cleared  the  wall  of  the  park  at  a  bound,  and  galloped 
over  the  whitening  lawn  towards  the  pordco,  under  which  he  reined  up  his 
panting  ateed.  The  whole  maniion  was  involved  in  silence  and  darkness ; 
and  as  he  looked  npoa  its  closed  windowa  and  gloomjr  fafade,  new  appre- 
henaiona  and  terrors  began  to  arise  before  him. 

He  rang  the  lobby-bell  with  fory,  and  waitedlong,  hut  without  receiving 
an  answer.  Again  and  again  he  rang,  yet  no  one  came.  He  walked  round 
the  hoDse,  but  every  window  was  closed  and  dark,  The  stables  were  shut 
up,  and  the  vane  on  the  elock-tower  creaked  diamslly.  Neither  dogs  nor 
fowls  appeared  about  the  kitchen  offices ;  not  a  bat  was  stirring,  and  no 
sigB  of  life  was  visible  anywhere.  Ronald  thought  that  he  was  bewitched, 
that  there  was  a  glamour  over  him,  or  that  the  laud  had  been  deserted  by 
iCa  inhabitants.  ' 

The  chill  snow-flakes  were  descending  thick  and  faat,  and  he  trembled 
as  mach  with  cold  aa  with  apprebension.  Itwaa  quite  a  reliefwhenalarge 
mastiff  dog  bounded  forth  suddenly,  to  the  full  eitent  of  his  chain,  from 
bis  kennel  in  a  comer,  and  harked  furiously  ;  and  standing  erect  on  his 
bind  legs,  yelled  UU  the  house  and  the  surrounding  plantations  echoed  tar 
and  near  to  the  sound.  At  that  moment  a  light  flashed  out  upon  the  snow, 
and  a  man,  half-dressed,  appeared  at  an  upper  window,  with  a  gun  in  his 
hand.  Ronald  was  so  white  with  snow,  that  it  was  impossible  to  recognise 
what  or  who  he  was,  and  consequently  hia  reception  was  rather  rougher 
than  he  eipected. 

"  Wha  may  yon  he,  frien',  that  come  prowlin'  aboot  honest  men's  doors 
at  this  time  o'  the  nicht— or  momin'  rather,  eh  ? " 

"  Hah  I"  eiclaimed  Ronald,  "are  yon  Jack  Nevermiss, — roaring  Jock, 


"Possible  eneuch,  chield.  Gnt  its  owercanld  the  nicht  to  baeonymsir 
giff-galf ;  aae  come  back  i'  the  morning,  and  then  we^ll  see  what  like  ye 
—      1  like  none  o'  yer  Sonthland-tongued  folk." 


Stnvt  o*  tka  toim— MiM  Alioa'a  Jm,  otnut  hoiae  £r>a  the  wan  1  Havd 
awi,  re  mnckle  govlc  Jock  1  Ob,  I  kwt  ye  weel,  air  i  for  nwnr  a  blitlu 
kill  jifte  n'ea  me  to  cany  to  Miu  Alice." 

In  ■  twinklinc  the  hall-door  wa*  op«tud,  and  pretty  Jeame  Cavera,  now 
Mn.  J.  Nevennio.  MomI  palinlatiog.  and  tramblitic,  with  bar  nighl-oap 
on  and  ber  f«et  miBbad,  by  the  sde  of  bu  itonC  and  buirdly  ba^male, 
*hOBB  Mofauon  ttai  eanaeat  i^ralo^  Ronald  at  onco  cut  shorty  for  be 
w«U  knew  that  honatt  Jock  hi^  b^  labouring  nndwamiatitke,  for  the 
nnplaaaaot  ^aet  of  which  be  cndeaioared  to  miucB  ameodg  by  a  h^rty  bnt 
raipectfnl  wekomn.  Roaald  abook  tha  inov-flakea  from  bi«'  draaa,  and 
from  the  ample  plamacv  of  lut  bawet,  af  tb«y  ligbted  bin  tbnnicb  a  cold 
bat  splendid  lobby  Uto  tb«  libr«r,  wiMro-aAre  w«a  hastily  prtv^red  by 

Bonald  eiperienced  another  diaappoiutment.  Lord  Luleandtbefaoiily 
wen  in  Edinlmrih,  wbcra  tb^  tdva^s  isent  the  winter  a«awD.  In  bis 
barry  to  reach  ue  North,  be  had  quite  forgotten  that;  but  he  was  now 
ia<iM^ned.that  tbey  weieall  "  n  mel  u  he  could  www  them  to  be;"  and 
Jock,  irtulebe  itood  near  the  doortwiiline  lua  booaet,  aeevedbim,  with 
ally  look,  that  Miu  Alice  "  vu  a  bonoier  uda^audBryaiiBgloddyiiao, 
and  bad  tnmed  the  beadi  □'  baof  tb«  ooDat<ry  ode'    Youdk  Corrieoicb, 

nair,  "wera  gone  clean  vud  aboot  bar." 

I.  Kantneel,  the  boiuekeeper,  sezt  aniearcd  to  bid  bim  wel- 

"  O  rir  I"  said  ehfl,  "yeaeem 
beennp  the  |leii,  wb«r  tbwe  a 


nanvn 
dMrs. 


"  Would  to  HeiTan  I  bad  been;Bbot  at  Waterloo,  or  BB^hare  el«e,  r*.. 
therthan  have  liied  till  noo  I"  eiclauned  be  bitterly,  fluigioK  away  bu 
bonnet  and  sword,  and  einkii^  into  a  cbur.  It  stung  bim  to  the  aoal  to 
be  pitied  by  serranCs,  however  well  and  liiodly  they  might  meaa. 

"Dinna  tak'on  we  d«epl^,  air,"  oouCuMied  tbe  nutBoni  "ifs  sairlo 
bide,  but — " 

"  Bnongb  of  this !  Yoa  mean  tdndly,  Mre.  Kantweel,  htii  I  tun  unwed 
to  mcfa  coniolataOB."  replied  Staert,  with  that  native  AoWtur  which  he  had 
retumad  now  that  be  biHJI  i^un  trod  apoQ  Higblud  hmtber-  "lam  very 
sorry  for  dittorbin^  TOO  all  U  so  iiDUmdy  an  boiv ;  bat  Ireqneit  tbattba 
whole  boBMbold  wiU  retire  Co  bed,  except  my  old  comrade  of  tbemnin, 
Jock  tbe  gamekeepei,  wicb^  whom  1  wiab  to  liava  a  few  miitutes'  conret*a- 
tion,  after  be  has  leei)  my  Qig  «tiUed  for  the  nigbt,  or  ratber  the  rrauunder 
of  the  rnomiag." 

In  a  few  minatea  the  aervwis  were  all  in  tbeir  nests,  ezoept  Jock,  who 
waa  iniitedtoEeathiraselfattbeoppositesideof  the libwy-table, onclick 
Jei^  bad  placed  deciuit«ra  of  wine  and  brandy,  with  a  aold  repvtt  iriiieb 
was,  however,  left  nnlouched  by  Ronald. 

From  Jock  be  learned  tbecompletionof  the  story  of  bis  father'ainiolre- 
ment  by  Macqairk  and  others,  of  the  sequestratian  of  the  efiieots,  the  sale 
of  the  estate,  and  of  the  laird  b  departure  for  Canada  witb  big  foUoweis ; 
since  which  nothing  bad  been  heard  of  liim.  His  grief,  during  tbe  recital, 
was  eicessiTe ;  bat,  lince  fortitne  had  put  it  in  bis  power  to  undo  all  that 
misfortune  bad  done,  be  reaolted  to  bear  his  temporary  diatrose  wlBi 
resignation :  it  was,  too,  witb  a  kiod  of  grim  satieactioQ,  that  he  now 
remembered  baViog  canght  a  momentary  gbmpae  of  a  ciouDtenauoe--wh)Cb 
it  flashed  on  bis  mind  was  that  of.  JSneas  Macigairk — preeaed  agunattb* 
ban  of  a  loop-hole  of  tbe  anci^t  Tolbooth  of  tbe  Caanongate,  on  the  day 
the  regiment  entered  Edmbwgb  so  joyously,    Tbe  woithy  Writer  haiini . 


cOoMrBd,  br  hit  tOo-itMTp  pneHee,  to  nxmre  himadf  leconimodstiaD  In 
the  boildJDg,  uid  ■eonc  little  nn>ap««t  of  nleMe  uts  br  the  anutance  of 
the  flnitber  ot  dta  law,  Bnirped  (fee  Ametiou  of  llwt  pcnonaga,  Bad  fiaiibed 
himidf,  by  neaiu  of  ■  moose  of  hit  own  tfiiw. 

With  tke  flnt  iteam  of  dawD,  RodbU  qnitleil  Inebaron,  rods  bwik  to 
Perth,  and  retamed  to  Edinburgh  at  fait  at  a  cltuie-aDd-foiir  co^lld  talce 
Mm  ;  but  hit  tpirlti  were  oppreuad,  and  hia  keait  laddaied  tod  aamed , 
by  tae  adveutuiea  of  the  precedios  ni^iL 


OHiPTEB    TYYTT, 

At  ei|^t  he  waa  agaiii  in  Edinbnrgfa,  the  centre  of  Scottiah  nxaet, 
indoatry,  hoatutaUtf,  accoitricdty,  and  leBminc ;  £di&l>argfa,  equaUf  oeJe- 
bratod  tor  the  beaotr  of  iCt  lidiea,  tad  thd  matt  profomid  eniuung  Ot  it< 

It  waa  after  dmm-beat,  fiat  it,  a|^t  o'clock  in  the  evnunr,  when  be 
arritid  at  the  cattle,  llie  ^cs  teemed  emt>tr  and  deierted;  aa*e  the 
■entineh  on  tLa  batteriea,  not  a  aool  waa  to  be  aeen.  Hie  BMtt-room  waa 
dark  and  aUeat,  atureilgn  of  tomething  extraordinary,  at  the  offioera  were 
ataoeh  vottrlea  of  Baoebw,  and  iddom  looated  bafon  twelve.  It  imme- 
diatdToeoamdtoStaaittbatMmasi«atconfla§iBtioa,  w  other  canaaof 
diatwrbance,  bad  happ««wd.  and  that  Ihama^atiatta  bad  ordered  tlier^iaftMit 
into  tbe  dty.  To  tteertain  llie  tnth,  be  deiceaded  the  citadel  atairt  to 
the  nain  gmrd.booae,  a  bnildSng  ritwited  under  the  brow  of  the  rock  on 
whishtlM«hapcl«taDda,  and  finnn  the  crownii^  panpeC  of  whidi  Moiu 


^eU, 


,  Douglaa,  yon  taem  commuidant  here,"  said  Ronald  to  t 
DmEcr  da  dnty,  at  he  entered. 

"Howl  back  abcady,  Stuart?    I  okdentood  yon  bad  leave  for  i 
moiitht." 


"  like  li^i  ratcal  allowed  tbe  fire  to  fo  oat ;  and  at  to  being  anlky,  i: 
tmfli  it  wonld  Ms  an  apoitle,  or  Job  himtelf,  to  tie  left  here  in  command 
of  thh  diama!  polt,  when  all  our  fcllowa  era  enjofins  themteWei  to  fa- 
mootly  In  the  dtr.  Yeatwday  there  wat  a  splendid  dinner,  a  ragnlar 
banquet,  given  to  axe  teiieanCi  and  loldiers  bv  the  inhabitanta  of  Edinlrargh. 
It  wat  served  np  in  the  aaiamblyJnioms ;  the  gnat  poet,  Walter  Seott,  in 
the  idiab,  mpsotted  by  tite  tc^«aat-nuiior  on  hia  rlfbt  hand,  and  nun- 
vimged  Ronitld-dhn  on  the  left.  A  Jovial  night  thn  had  of  >t !  Every 
cart  and  other  vehicle  in  Edinbnrrh  waa  put  in'reqaitilion  to  convey  onr 
~      ifhttbi      - 

it  off  el 

_.    .  .„ ..       ,  ._ A  invited  by  tbe  Af(e  of 

Edinbn^.  It  haa  been  got  ^  on  a  teale  never  witDcaaed  here  before ; 
onr  ball  at  Aranjtm  it  noiUnc  to  it.  The  first  peoi^  in  Scotland  will  be 
them, — baanty,  fcthion,  and  authd;  while  here  am  I,  cooped  np  in  this 
d— iMd  gurd-EooB !    I  hava-a  dmenmindtto^pdown  and  nii^^  wili 


the  croird ;  Campbell  will  be  too  mgoh  mysdfied  nbont  Egypt,  by  ttiis 
time,  to  Iraow  me,  and  1  beliere  I  miEht  pagg  unnoticed." 

"  Very  diwisreeable,  certaiidy ;  but  not  bo  bad  aa  a  wet  bironac  On  tbe 
Sierra  de  Guadalonpe.  Your  medal,  too ;  yon  lo«e  aa  oppottDDity  of 
diBplaying  It  before  Boms  of  the  brightest  eyes  in  Scotland.    Bnt  the  ser- 

"  Deaca  take  tike  ferrice!"  exclaimed  the  oUter,  pettishly.  "  If  ever  I 
■m  vietimtzed  in  thii  way  again,  I  will  leU  oat,  or  resign, — upon  my  honour 

"  Alice  wiU  be  at  the  ball,"  tiiODght  Ronald,  u  he  returned  to  hii  guar- 
tera,  itriding  up  the  citadel  Itmrg,  taking  three  steps  at  a  bound,  resolving 
to  attend  the  assembly-rooms  without  delay.  Notwithstanding  the  per- 
torbaCion  of  his  ipirits,  he  was  dandy  enough  to  talie  more  than  osnal  care 
with  his  toilet,  and  he  found  a  world  of  trouble  in  gettiDg  his  Sash  and 

Slaid  to  hang  gracefully,  and  arranging  the  hEavy  folding  of  the  latter  to 
ispUy  the  large  studded  brooch;  four  iachcs  in  diameter,  which  fastened 
''  a  jewel  that,  from  its  brightness  and  size,  completely  eclipsed  his 
—  cross  of  St.  James  and  modest  Waterloo  medal.  Of  the  two 
1  badges  he  felt  not  a  little  vain,  a  sentiment  excusable  in 
so  yoting  a  man.  As  a  field-officer,  he  no  longer  wore  the  kilt  and 
tasselled  purse.  For  these  the  tartan  trait  and  gilt  spurs  were  sub. 
stiCnted;  but  they  became  him  not  the  less,  for  the  tight  tmis  of  tlie 
Celtic  Earb  display  a  handsome  figure  nearly  as  well  as  the  warlike 
fiUeadhbeg. 

From  the  lofty  windows  of  the  asnmbly 'rooms  a  blaze  of  light  wag  shed 
BCroaa  Qeorge-street,  and  fell  in  broad  yellow  flakes  on  the  crowd  <k  car- 
riages of  eiery  kind,  glittering  with  liTories  and  harness,  wid  on  the  np- 
tumed  faces  of  a  mob  of  idlers  eoDeeted  around  the  porches,  the  idsinss 
and  portico,  watching  the  flitting  flgnrea  of  the  dancers  as  ^ley  patted  and 
repassed  the  curtained  windows.  tHtliin,  ererj  part  of  the  DBildtng  wai 
gorgeously  lighted,  and  the  soft  mniio  of  the  quadrille  band,  plying  tha 
airs  then  most  in  TOKue,  floated  along  the  lofty  ceilings  and  lUumi^ted 
corridors.  Crowds  of  gentlemen  in  fiill  dress,  or  in  uziSarmS,  with  ladies 
Eparkliog  with  jeweli  and  radiant  with  beauty,  were  gliding  in  every  direc- 
tion to  cool  themselrea  after  daDciag,  or  to  admire  the  tasteful  decotaticau 
which  met  the  eye  «bere<er  it  turned;  and  conspicuous  among  these, 
Ronald,  with  the  greatest  delight,  beheld  the  splintered  poles  and  tattered 
colouiB  which  he  had  so  often  borne  on  many  a  weary  march  and  dangerous 
occasion. 

He  looked  eagerly  around  him  for  Alice,  and  examined  the  figure  of 
every  lady  he  passed.  Near  the  door  of  Uie  hall,  where  the  dancers  were, 
he,  almost  Dnconsdonsly,  addressed  a  lady  and  gentleman  regarding  the 
cause  of  his  anxiety. 

*'  Will  you  pleaaetotell  me  if  Miss  Lisle  is  here?" 

The  lady  and  gentleman  smiled,  and  exchanged  glances  of  surprise. 

"  Oh,  Dudoubtedly  she  is,"  replied  the  latter.  She  is  never  absent  on 
such  a  DiEht  as  this. 

"  But  she  nerer  comea  till  near  eleven,"  added  the  lady. 

Stuart  found  that  he  had  been  saying  sometfaing  foolish,  but  he  bowed 
viOi  a  good  grace,  and  mingled  with  ^e  crowd  to  conceal  his  conftuion, 
for  his  nee  was  tmning  as  red  as  his  coat. 


and  the  effect  of  so  manj  rich  costninea  «aa  Btriking  uid  briUiaot  beyond 
conception. 

Eagerly  aa  Ronald'a  hEsrC  throbbed  to  meet  Alice,  be  had  no  intention 
of  getting  up  a  meio -dramatic  scene  in  tie  ball-room  by  accosting  her 
abruptly ;  be  therefore  made  a  reconnoiaaance  of  the  dancera,  keeping 
aloof,  and  obaerving  the  company  in  the  room  from  amidst  a  groap  of 

Sntlemen  irbo  were,  as  usual  in  such  places,  clustered  around  the  door, 
e  felt  a  Dght  tonch  upoa  his  arm,  and  two  soft  dark  eyes  were  beaming 
pleasantly  and  fondly  upon  his. 
"  Ab,  lenor!  ah.  Major  Stoartl"  said  the  fiiir  owner  with  astonish- 

"  Hahl  Ronald  my  boyl"  added  another  well-known  voice,  and  hia 
hands  were  grasped  by  those  of  Li«ls  and  bis  beautiful  Spanish  wife,  who 
was  now  a  fashionable  belle,  with  nothing  of  old  Castile  about  ber,  except 
her  "  wild  dark  eyes,"  upon  which  few  could  look  without  pleasure  and 
Bdmiration.  Her  superb  figure  gave  additional  beauty  to  a  rich  dress  of 
white  aatin  trimmed  with  the  richest  lace.  A  diamond  circlet  sparkled 
around  her  forehead.  Virginia  had  the  air  of  a  queen.  The  time  when  ho 
bad  first  beheld  her,  as  the  half  demure,  half  coguettish  Abbess  of  Santa 
Cruz,  flitted  across  Ronald*s  mind  ;  but  it  seemed  more  like  a  dream  than 
a  reality.  Although  on  the  retired  list.  Lisle  wore  his  uniforiD,  with  hia 
empty  aleeie  hooked  up  under  the  folds  of  hia  green  plaid,  oyer  which  hung 
hia  medal  and  Waterloo  ribbon. 

"  How  happy  I  am  to  see  ^uu  ! "  eiclaimed  Ronald.  "  1  bare  been 
looking  for  you  ererywhere  amid  this  gay  wilderness  of  people.  And  you 
are  all  well.'" 


"  Yon  shall  have  your  wish  instantly,"  replied  LduIb.  '"Tis  a  splendid 
afiiir,  this!" 

"  Our  fellows  seem  to  be  quite  the  liaos  of  the  night." 

"  The  ball  surpasses  even  ours  in  the  palace  of  Aranjnez,"  obserred 
Loais,  glancing  fondly  at  Vuginia.    "  But  where  is  Alice?" 

"  1  saw  her  but  a  moment  ago,"  replied  the  donna,  whose  accent  had 
become  much  imprOTed  by  her  residence  in  Edinburgh,  "Oh,  how 
happy,  how  very  happy  she  will  be  to  see  yon ! " 

Eondd's  heart  beat  more  joyonsly  than  ever,  and  his  impadence  in- 

"  Your  Bash  hides  the  cross  of  dear  St.  James,"  coutinned  tbeRur  Cas- 
tilian.  "  Show  it  folly,  amigoi  such  a  badge  sparkles  well  on  the  breast 
of  a  soldier.  AUce  will  love  to  look  upon  it ;  and  so  shall  I,  for  it  will  re- 
mind me  of  brave  old  Spain.  We  have  bad  many  a  long  conversatJon  abont 
yon,  for  a  year  post." 

"  Lord  Lille  is  here,  of  couraef " 

"  In  one  of  the  aute-n>oms,  with  Campbell  and  tome  of  the  seniors. 
But  we  must  discover  Alice,"  said  Louis  j  "  aheis  very  angry  with  her  field- 


"  How  have  I  been  ao  unhappy  ? " 
■     ■■  a  ffigb- 


ysBterday  when  the  regiment 
ly  half  an  hour  Alice  sat  in  it,  watching  yoa 

"Watching  me?" 

"Yes." 

"  Good  heavens  1  I  never  saw  her." 

"  Your  bone  was  jammed  by  the  crowd  within  a  few  yards  of  ns;  and 


240  TdS  BOMAHOB  0 

eTei7  direction  except  toWBrds  us.     Poor  Alie  was  very  mneh  atiliated ; 
Mid  you  kept  your  back  tamed  upon  her,  with  very  hsppv  HoneAoiimee, 


erer;  direction  except  toWBrds  us.  Poor  Alie  was  very  mneh  atiliated ; 
Mid  you  kept  your  back  tamed  upon  her,  with  very  hsppy  HoneAoiimee, 
doiiDg  the  wbote  of  the  Biillie's  speecb,  Bod  the  rest  of  the  foolery  per- 


formed ID  front  o(  die  Eiduuije." 

"HowanfortaoatBl" 

"  The  momeat  the  crowd  had  disperBed  laBciently,  We  drove  to  the 
eutio ;  but  yon  were  off  no  ddb  knair  where,  and  Aiice  was  sorely  dis' 

"I  wu  away  to  Lochiila,"  nplied  Rmiald,  while  hu  brOw  became 
clouded. 

Tie  band  of  the  {llghlanders  commenced  at  Chat  momelH  "  el  Morilto," 
a  well-kDawn  Spanish  waltz,  which  they  had  learned  abroad. 

"  O,  the  gay,  the  graceful  valtz  I  liSt  me  look  upon  It,"  aaid  Virvinla, 
bending  forward,  while  her  eyes  flashed  with  delight.  "  Ah  I  I  am  dyioB 
to  have  a  walti.     Tit  tl  Moriilo  I" 

"  May  1  hare  the  honoitr !"  itid  Ronald,  taking  her  hand  and  leadtng 
her  fbntard. 

"  Slay  hot  a  moment— thwe  ia  Alice." 

"Where  ?— ah  I  tell  me." 

"  How  gracefiilly  she  steps  !     Beandfal !  beantlMV 

Staart  looked  in  vain  for  the  Alice  he  had  known  in  Perthshire. 

"  I  shall  show  you  afterwards,"  said  the  crael  donna.  "Youwiilbeve 
quite  enough  of  her  by.and-hy ;  but  we  shall  be  hte  jnst  now  fir  the 
waltz."  Away  they  flew  into  the  billiant  maze  of  the  waltzen,  Ronald 
clankinc  his  massive  spars  at  every  turn,  in  a  manner  be  had  acquired 
among  the  Spaniards.  NottriibBtandiDg  his  practice  among  He  donnas  of 
Spain,  be  acquitted  himself  but  indifferently.  Imagining  that  every  lady 
who  whirled  past  in  succession  might  be  Alica  Lisle,  he  looked  everywhere 
but  to  the  figure  of  the  dance,  and  varioos  anpleasant  shocks  took  place, 
which  eiceBsiveiy  annoyed  Che  Castilian  precision  of  Virginia. 

"  Slay,  stay  1"  said  she;  "  I  will  take  pity  on  you.  You  are  too  eidted 
to  daoce.    Let  oa  withdraw,  and  I  will  Show  you  your  Adry  qoeen." 

They  left  the  giddy  whirl,  and  after  hangine  half  bre»thleaa  on  Ronald's 
arm  for  a  moment,  'There  is  Alice  !  "  said  Virginia. 

"  Where  ?    On  my  honour  1  I  know  her  not.    I  cannot  recognise  her." 

"  Heavens!  do  you  not  know  her  when  she  ia  before  yon  f  Ob,  for  the 
eyes  of  a  Spanish  cavalier  1  That  is  Alice  in  the  spangled  dreaa,  with  Ifae 
white  ostrich  feathers  in  her  hair." 

"  Waltzing  with  Ibe  tail  fMlaw  in  the  uniform  of  the  ATefaeTGaard--the 
green  and  guld,"  added  Louis,  who  had  joined  them.  "  Now  they  leave 
the  dance.  The  archer  is  yonng  Home  of  Ravenspur.  He  has  dangled 
after  Alice  for  three  or  four  weeks,  but  I  will  make  the  fellow unitejealoiu 
in  three  minutes.  Retire  to  one  of  the  lobbies,  and  I  will  bring  her  to 
yon.  She  does  not  know  that  yon  are  here ;  huttbem  must  be  no  scream' 
ing  or  fainting,  or  nonsense  of  Chat  kind.  I  believe  that,  whaterershe 
may  feel,  Alie  wiU  conduct  herself  admirably." 

"  For  three  winters  psst  Alice  has  been  Hie  reigning  belle  in  EdiDbur^h," 
said  Virginia  as  she  led  forth  Ronald,  who  bad  become  considerably  be- 
wildered. "  She  is  never  sijsent  from  a  single  ffle,  assembly,  or  prome- 
nade ;  and  Indeed  you  have  great  reason  to  be  proud  of  her,  for  she  cassea 
more  env^  among  the  women,  and  admiration  among  the  men,  than  ever 
woman  did  before." 

•'  Indeed— indeed  1"  mnrmnred  Ro 
"■■  Vii'ginia'B  informstliui  gare  bhn  li 


tioii  tint  Alio  ahonld  be  a  belle,  bnt  be  shoold  be  ErieTed  to  ftad  her 
Doquette.  The  merry  lanjhiiiB  Alice  of  Inchayon  woods  and  braes,  lb 
•lender  girlofieventeen,  with  her  cnrla  flowing  wide  and  free,  had  beKome 
stately  young  lady  of  two- and -twenty,  with  her  hair  braided  and  torture 
by  a  faiiiiaDable  dreaaer,  mrmonnted  by  a  floating  plume  of  feathers.  He 
cheek  wai  paler,  and  the  bloom  of  raatic  health  bid  giTCn  place  to  th. 
grecefiil  air  of  H  yonns  lady  of  Ion.    Her  form  was  taller  and  rounder, 

"  Here  she  corneal"  aud  Yirginis,  catting  short  Ronald's  reflectiona. 
He  became  agitated  and  confnaed  when  he  aaw  lioois  approaching  with  a 
lady  in  a  brigbt  dresa  leaning  on  his  arm.  "She  ii  more  beautiMand 
more  devoted  ta  you  than  eyer  ;  so,  amigo,  take  courage,"  said  Virginic 

Sreasing  hia  hgnd,  "  She  knows  aolhing  of  what  I  law  in  the  convent  ot 
acdejo,  and  never  ahalt.  Believe  me,  Ronald,  ber  heart  has  never  in  the 
sligbleat  thought  wandered  from  its  love  to  you." 

"Alice  1  dearest  Alice  1"  said  Ronald,  apringiog  forward,  aud  tbrowing 
an  arm  around  her,  while  she  sank  upon  hia  breast,  too  much  agitated  to 
speak.  But  immediately  abe  diseogaged  heraelf.and  a  deep  bluab  suflused 
her  face  and  neck,  rendering  ber  beaaty  still  more  striking.  Timidly  and 
hurriedly  ahe  looked  around,  to  aee  whether  othera  than  bei  brother  and 
Virginia  had  observed  this  scene. 

"  Be  brave,  Alie,"  said  Louis;  "there  are  none  here  but  friends." 

"  Fho — such  B  bashful  couple!"  exclaimed  Virginia.  "What  not  a 
ungle  kiaa  to  give  and  exchange,  after  being  separate  ao  long  ?" 

"  Ronald,  love  !"  faltered  AUce,  trembling  violently,  while  sbe  tendered 
her  flushed  cheek.  He  then  drew  her  arm  through  bis,  and  led  her  towards 
Bome  of  the  cool  pasiagea,  that  ahe  migbt  recover  from  ber  agitation,  and 
tbnt  the  tumult  of  her  ipiriU  might  pass  away.  How  supreme  was  Iheir 
delight !  Everytbiog  and  every  one  were  forgotten  in  the  rapture  of  that 
meeting,  and  there  were  two  hearts,  puro  anci  happy — wondronsly  happy, 
in  the  midst  of  all  that  gay  and  dissipated  crowd. 

"  How  delighted  dear  papa  will  be  to  see  von  1"  said  Alice,  after  the  first 
ontponring  of  their  joy  aud  aflectiiw  bad  subaided,— an  affection  which  had 
BDrmonnted  all  the  perils  of  a  long  separation,  the  temptations  of  the  gay 
world,  and  the  dangers  of  a  furiona  war.  They  had  not  looked  npon  tach 
Other's  faces  for  five  years— years  of  grief,  doubt,  and  sniiety ;  and  m 


»  happy  !  to  find  themselves  united  again,  never  to  aepsrate  while  oi 
'■       "  How  happy  papa  will  be  to  see  you  1" 
"e  than  I  shall  be  to  see  bim,  Alice." 


"  Papa  is  here  somewhere.    I  saw  him  only  ten  minutes  ago,  with  that 
Celtic  golialh  your  colonel.     They  will  be  looking  at  the  dancers." 
"You  most  dance  the  next  quadrille  with  me,  Alice?" 
"  I  am  engaged  a  down  deep.     I  am  engaged  for  every  dance  the  night 
beforeaboll;  and  that  goose  in  green,  young  Home,— heavens  !  what  shall 

and  be  led  hertoworda  the  dancers. 

How  many  old  and  fond  recollections  were  awakened  by  the  sound  of 
her  gentle  voice  I  Ronald  hung  with  the  pnrest  delight  upon  every  word 
she  uttered.  With  tfae  same  emotions  Alice  listened  to  him,  wondering 
that  the  slender  yontb  whoae  fair  anebaven  cheek  had  been  so  often  pressed 
to  her  own,  had  become  the  perfect  model  of  a  soldier,~«tout  and  well- 
knit  in  figure,  accustomed  to  his  arms  and  harneaa,  and  rendered  swarth  in 
yiaage  by  coutiQued  eipoiore  to  a  contiaental  sun.    They  felt  an  honest 


pride  in  odi  otbcr  u  the;  moml  throagh  the  crowcled  nxnu,  md  aany 

3'ta  rollowed  tliem  ■■  for  the  badges  sparfcling  on  RonEild'B  In'esBt,  and  a 
idit  BCir  on  hla  Banburat  &ce,  declared  that  ha  had  acqnitted  himMlf 
w^ia  the  field,  while  Alice  was  the  leaffing  star,  the  reigning  qoeen,  of 
tiie  fubionable  world  in  Edinburgb. 

Ronald'a  welcome  by  the  old  lord  was  as  hearty  and  kind  w  he  COQld 
have  wished.  He  introdacedhim  Co  Mr.  (aftarwards  Sir  Walter)  Scolt,  t« 
Jeflrey,  Cbriatophet  North,  sod  some  ather  1»«,4iiij  cbaraden,  who  were 
assembled  in  one  of  the  Bute-rooms.  Tbe  string  fignreof  Chrisb^ber, 
with  his  lank  hair  hanging  oTer  bis  Bhonldecs  like  a  water-god's,  atbractrd 
i.i_  —— -i—  pgrticDlBrly.  Cunphell  was  seated  in  a  snag  arm-chair,  Mtd 
...       ,  ^.    „  ,  .    .    „    ..      ^g^jji 


was  detaiUog  Bandrr  anecdotes  of  Sir  Ralph  to  Scott,  who  listened  to  his 

prosing  with  his  nsoal  politeness  and  good  nstnro.     Eiceptina  ftrar 

rael,  Campbell  had  not  been  dancing  that  night.     For  all  fajshionBtile 


ladling  hot  punch,  sat  the  ceLebrated  Johnnie  Clerk  (Lord  Bldiu),  I 
whom.  Lisle  introduced  Stnart,  who  was  rattier  snrprised.  hf  the  oddity  of 
his  lan^page  and  obserrationg. 

On  his  laying  something  complintenbur  about  the  sooiety  ofEdiidKUYh, 
Johnnie  replied,  "The  lasaiCB  were  we^  anench  ;  bnt  aa  for  theaodety, 
it's  nojoitasit  was  in  my  yoaDE  dayH,  whea  I  firtt  Boopittbe  pariiunent- 
honte  wi'  the  tails  o'  my  goon.' 

"  How  so  ?"  asked  Scott. 

"  Because  Edinburgh  is  just  like  a  mncUe  fcaS-pot, — a'  tiie  scnm  is 
coming  to  the  top."  I 

Lord  Lisle,  Scott  and  Christopher,  Johnme  Clerk  and  Campbell,  had 
been  sitting  beside  the  decanters  tor  some  time,  and  had  contrived  to  get 
considerably  merry.  Ab  nsnal,  Scott  was  the  life  of  the  party,  and  nooe 
enjoyed  more  than  he  did  the  qnesr  staries  told  him  by  Campbell  aboot  i 
the  Higfaluiders,  the  odrentare  with  old  M^ommed  DJedda,  the  manA 
to  Grand  Curo,  the  campaign  in  Condca,  and  HeBTSn knows  all  what  more. 

Stnart,  with  Alice,  returned  Co  the  Ball'room,  when  they  danced  toge- 
ther nearly  the  remainder  of  Che  night ;  Alice  braving  the  displeamre  of 
certain  beam,  who,  althongh  they  were  sorely  displeased  at  being  jilted, 
were  too  w^l  bred,  or  perhaps  too  wary,  to  take  any  nnpleaaant  notice  of 
it.  Meanwhile,  the  Htde  party  in  the  aotB'room  became  qnita  conviTBl, 
and  Campbell,  in  tbe  midst  of  hit  glee,  proposed  to  gire  the  company  ■ 
Bong,  lliis  offer  being  applandcd,  he  commeaced  at  once,  while  Clerk 
beat  time  with  his  ladle  and  bowL 

"  Whia  Aboennifaia,  gdUnt  icot  1 
Mad«  Bataia^fl  foet  Co  tack  again, 
To  flfht  hj  bim  it  wu  mj  lot ; 

With  a  brimming  glass  in  one  hand,  and  a  decanter  of  sherry  in  tiM  otbr, 
be  sung  the  nine  verses  of  this  patriotic  Bong  in  a  stilepecnliarly  his  own,      | 
but  as  loud  as  it  was  out  of  place ;  and  Sonald,  when  dancing  in  tbe  bidU 
room,  heard  tbe  tones  of  hia  stentorian  voice  above  eren  the  mnsieof  Che 
band.     The  colonel  insisted  npon  Scott  singing  in  tnm,  although  be  pro- 
tested that  he  was  no  singer.     However,  as  it  wbb  nsaat  in  audi  cases,  he       ' 
gave  them  a  few  staves  of  the  old  dicty,  "  Tarry  woo."  his  only  song,  and      i 
one  which  he  very  mneh  admired  for  its  old  stjla  of  vM«e  and  qaaintneis       , 
of  eipreesioD.    More  songs  succeeded,  and  they  enjoyed  tbemselves  as      I 
fnnch  as  men  could  do  amid  good  company  and  good  wine.    Chriatopho'      . 


jfAlDH. 

Doctor  Stuart  returned  tliraika  ia  the  Dsme  of  hU  clamnwD  ;  bat  the 
WIDE  baiiDE  alightlf  abscnred  his  perccptioiu,  his  ipeedi,  aomehov,  went 
off  into  a  diBaerCstion  upon  gan-Bbot  woodiIi,  mbA  the  treatment  of  tnc- 
tures,  simple  ead  compoand, 

"  e  norning  beforB  &ia  eplcadid  fSta  CQiMtaded.     How 


T  h«dacb«9  or  heartscbes  ensued  next  dair,  and  how  maDT  lorea  were 
.-.  and  woB.  haa  nothing  Co  do  with  mf  iMry  ;  but  sererH  gMtlemen 
lirCs— the  tall  archer  espeeially— went  borne  breaitbiDg  war  aBcTdefit 


hBir-tnggen  and  rifl^-balls,  againtt  SMart,  who  WM  too  taaeh  of  a  soldier 
to  valae  thiar  ratentoMne  a  niah,  althongh  ha  recdTed  some  diatant  hints 

Other  bedia  and  gaieties  iiMJceeded,  and  chirhi|[  the  whole  of  that  huipy 

winter  tbe  officers  of  the  HiKblooders  were  the  lions  ol  £diabargh.  The 
76tb,  [be  bme  Rass-abire  BnSi,  who  anTred  bood  after,  came  Ih  for  a 
share  of  tbe  geoenil  aCtentioD  and  ftatiridea.  The  meas-roam  tables  were 
corered  ever;  mwning  with  inviCatioft  c*rit.  The  yoaag  ladiea  had  all 
ca»ghC  the  srarlet  frrer,  and  itoald  certBint)r  have  puUed  eaeb  other's  caps 
had  tbcTWom  any;  and  even  tbe  mstcb^nskingmanimM  had  work  enough 
^>OB  Aieiihaiidi,  and  were  half  worried  to  death — as  thej  dcserred. 


CHAPTKS    XXXIIL 


Meanwhile,  the  arrangeinents  for  the  marriage  of  ■  certain  lady  and 
gentleman  wen  praceediog  in  the  most  agreeablmanner  imBgiaable,  and 
Ae  cercnony  was  only  delayed  bdUI  some  definita  infonnBtion  coild  be 
procured  oonceming  the  fsite  of  the  old  laird  ai '' ■    '"  ^  .     ... 

day  was  fiied  ;  for  three  months  had  elapsed, 
beard  from  Caoadk 

Tbe  Glaag^  manuhetnrer  who  had  pircbattil  Lochisla,  eatablisbed  a 
splendid  hoosebeld  sad  eqaipage  in  Ediabargh.  B;  tha  manisge  of  one 
of  bis  daughters  with  some  retired  uaval  captain,  who,  like  most  ubtbI 
captains,  was  not  *«ry  partieolar  in  his  taste,  the  Micqnabcster  family 
continoed  to  sqoeeie  tbemBel*es  into  thossseisbly-roomB  now  and  then, 


oan«er; 


ids,  tbe  gains  of  many  a  long  indastrioBS 
year,  so  BUcceEsfalty,  tiiot  in  a  abort  lima  be  was  compelled  to  betake  him- 
self  to  the  loom,  while  his  pnipeity  was  poanced  n^D  ravenously  by  bis 
creditors.  His  i^airs  ware  managid  by  Messrs.  Diddle  and  Fleece,  clerk* 
to  tbe  Bigaet,  and  they  transacted  matters  aa  eSBctoally,  that  Macqnabester 
was  soon  withoat  a  sliier,  and  his  creditors  did  not  find  themselTtg 
"  muckle  the  better"  either.  Under  its  new  name  of  Rosemoont,  Loeh- 
isls  was  sdreitised  for  sale,  at  a  snail  njMet  price,  and  all  applications 
were  to  be  made  Co  Messrs.  [Nddle  and  Fleece,  at  Idieir  office  in  Qaeen- 
Btreet.  Fifty  thonsaod  pounds  waa  tiie  sun  required ;  aaij  Ronald,  wheo 
he  read  tbe  admtiseaaenS  ona  aaormng  ia  tbe  mess-room,  resolved  to 
become  the  purchaser,  bat  knew  not  where  to  raise  tbe  money.  While 
revolving  the  matter  is  hia  mind,  without  betng  able  to  fiarmany  definite 


plan,  a  serriDt  brought  a  note  from  Lord  lisle.  reqnentiDE  i"  Ke  him 
immedistelj.  After  a  coneultatioa  with  Alice's  fslher,  Roniild  fonad  bim- 
self  able  to  treat  with  Meaara.  Diddle  and  Fleece,  on  whom  he  ealleil  ia 
the  forenooTi  at  their  chambers;  and  he  foaod  thrau,  there  beinEmooajp  in 
the  way,  the  most  Bmooth-fioed,  obaeqaioiiB,  aod  pohte  men  of  the  qniU 
that  Edinburih  poaiesied.  After  a  delar  of  some  weeks,  and  a  mlrbtf 
deal  of  toss,  bmrowiiir  and  Karchiog  among  the  musty  records  of  the 
Retiater-honte,  and  aner  all  aorta  of  doubts,  difficulties,  delays,  replica 
and  dnjiUes,  duplicates  and  rrpetitions,  amplifications  and  ejipenaea  had 
been  disinterred  or  created,  broughl  forward  and  demoliabed,  the  affair 
was  settled,  and  Stnart  found  Locbiala  hia  own. 

One  forenoon  hesatin  thefront  drawing-room  of  Liale'a  honia,  lounging 
on  a  very  comfortable  ao^,  and  occupied  in  detailing  aome  of  hia  PeniA- 
sular  adrentnres  to  a  bright  circle  of  aii  young  ladieg,  whose  fair  fingtn 
were  plying  the  needle,  with  great  aaaidnity,  at  two  large  pieces  of  yeUow 
silk.  Scleral  handsome  work-baaketa  lay  on  the  floor,  filled  with  em- 
broidery, gold  fringe,  til*er  thistles,  letters  for  battle  and  acbieTement, 
and  above  all  a  sphini,  weigbty  and  lai^e  enough  to  please  even  Campbell, 
the  colonel.  The  end  of  the  dr»wing-ioom,  at  which  the  fair  workers  aat, 
waa  covered  with  shreds  and  patches  like  the  floor  of  a  milliner's  aho]'. 
Alice  and  five  of  her  most  intimate  eompaniona  were  busy  workinf^  a  nc' 

Kir  of  colODra  for  the  Highlanders  ;  and  the  rolls  of  silk,  upon  which  ttae 
lies  were  embroidering,  apread  from  the  knee  of  one  to  another  like 
some  great  piece  of  ancient  tspeatry.  The  ladies  were  all  fair  and  of  noble 
birth,  and  Master  Ronald,  who  lay  with  so  mvich  Spanish  nonc^alanet  on 
the  sofa,  bad  the  happiness  to  act  aa  their  director ;  and  as  the  damsels 
were  all  aniiona  to  attract  the  attention  of  the  handsome  officer,  althoogfa 
they  knew  him  to  be  engaged  to  their  friend,  they  were  continually  asking 
him  qnestiona,  where  auch  a  badge,  anch  a  motto,  or  the  name  of  such  a 
battle  should  be  placed. 

A  chubby  little  rogue,  with  fwr  hair  anil  meny  hud  eyes,  who 
bore  the  name  of  Ronald  Lisle,  was  clambering  at  bis  namesake's  back, 
and  twisting  his  early  black  locks  with  dimpled  little  hands,  and 
crowing  and  laughing  aloud  to  AUce  and  the  ladies,  with  whom  he  was 
"an  angel,  a  sweet  pet,  a  dear  love,"  &c.  Sic,  He  was  the  very  picture 
of  B  plnmp  little  Cupid ;  and  tfae  ladies  bestowed  so  many  kiawi  and 
csreaaea  upon  him,  that  Ronald  became  quite  eDTious,  and  told  the  fait 

He  was  jnst  in  the  middle  of  a  rery  animated  detail  of  bis  adrattiires 
with  Cifuentes  in  the  wood  of  La  Nava,  when  the  shrill  blast  of  the  well- 
known  war-pipe  made  him  Stop  so  suddenly  in  his  narrative,  that  all  the 
girls  looked  up  with  snrprlse,  for  the  pipe  may  be  heard  at  all  tjmea  in 
every  part  of  Edinburgh. 

The  performer  came  nearer  and  nearer,  and  the  notes  of  his  in 

were  making  the  great  square,  the  lof^  dome  and  portico  of  St.  Oeoi^'s 
— even  the  very  sky,  ring  to  the  warlike  blast.  It  was  a  ^rest  Uif  hhnd 
pipe,  of  the  largest  siie,  and  Ronald'a  blood  came  and  went  id  his  changiDg 
face  while  he  listened. 

"That  ia  the 'Prince's  Lament  I'"  said  he. 

"  Snrely  I  have  heard  that  pipe  and  tane  befbre."  saM  Alice,  tbrawJDg 
aside  the  etandard  and  her  needle,  and  going  to  the  window.  She  uttered 
an  exclamation  of  aurprise,  and  started  back. 

'"Tia  either  Donald  Iverach  or  the  devil  ]"  cried  Bonald  ImpetnoMly, 
as  he  spmnr  to  her  side. 

"  It  is  indeed  poor  old  Iverach  1"  replied  Alice  piteonsly. 


"  My  ta.ther'a  piper  a  be^r  in  the  sCreeta  of  Edinburgh  ! — a  mendinanC 
in  his  oldBgE  '■"  muttered  Ronald  through  hii  clenched  teeth,  itriifiDg  the 
floor  with  hi9  heel  till  a  spar  tore  the  carpet,  while  tLe  ladiea  crowded 
round  him  with  dmiditf  and  utonisbment.  "  What  cursed  misfortnno  can 
ha»e  brought  this  about!" 

"Dear  Konald!  be  composed  a  little,"  said  Alice,  taking  his  hands 
within  her  own  ;  "  yoa  mtui  obey  ma  joat  now,  and  I  will  obey  yoa  by. 
■nd-by.  1  will  deaire  Iierach  to  be  looked  after."  She  i*ag  the  bell 
violently. 

The  piper  was  now  in  front  of  the  house.  He  stood  at  the  curb-stone 
and  paused  a  moment. — eupposiog.  probably,  that  he  should  not  play  tong 
in  rain  before  so  splendid  a  msBslon.  He  was  clad  in  the  royal  tartan  ; 
haTing  come  of  a  broken  clan,  he  had  always  worn  the  family  cctours  of 
the  bouse  nnder  which  his  anceators  had  been  Tsasals.  His  kilt,  plaid, 
•nd  coal  were  worn  to  rags,  and  the  once  bright  acarlet.checks  of  the  lartan 
were  faded  and  dark  ;  yet  the  dirk  and  claymore  were  swinging  as  of  old 
at  his  nut-brown  thigh.  He  was  psie  and  wan.  and  etidenlly  broken  down 
with  age,  want,  and  sorrow.  His  silvery  hairs  were  almost  destitute  of 
catering,  and  his  feet  were  in  tlie  same  condidon.  The  proud  expression 
of  his  eye  was  gone  ;  be  rarely  raised  it  from  the  pavement,  and  when  a 
coin  was  thrown  from  a  window  or  the  liand  of  a  passer-by,  his  cheek  grew 
red,  and  be  picked  up  the  gift  with  anch  confusion  that  he  forgot  to  thank 
the  donor. 

"  Oh,  Alice  !"  groaned  Stuart,  "uow  indeed  I  know  that  my  father  is 
no  more.  Death,  done,  could  separate  Iverach  from  him  ;  but  I  have 
long  been  prepared  to  eipect  the  worst.  Let  some  one  take  care  of  the 
old  man,  and  bring  him  here." 

Wbiia  he  was  speaking,  ihe  piper  was  ushered  in,  and  stood  near  the 
door,  bowing,  boonet  in  band,  to  the  ladiM  successiTely,  with  that  native 
dignity  and  pride,  mingled  with  respect,  which  a  Highlander  never,  under 
any  circumstances,  loaea.  He  bowed  profoundly  to  Ranald,  and  his  keeu 
eyes  wandered  restlessly  over  his  uniform.  Then,  aa  if  aomo  sadden 
recollection  flashed  upon  his  mind,  the  piob  mhor  fell  from  his  grasp ; 
he  sprang  forward,  and  bursting  into  tears,  clasped  Stuart  round  the  neck. 


it  giglet  o'  B  laaue,  than  a  tench  auld  ci 
ime  through  aae  muckle !     Gude  pe  thankit  we  hae  met  at  last,  Haister 
onald!     fhavel- '-     ' ' "  " '' '   "    - 


"It's  my  ain  nairn  !     It's  Maiater  Ronald  I     Oicb  !  oich!     Gotta 
■■  '    nairlikeabil    ■  '  •    ■      ■      ^     -  -       '       '■        '    - 

■a  wandering  to  meet  ye  through  many  a  queer  place  ; 
nut  aair  ana  saa  are  the  news  I  hae  to  tell  ye, — sad  and  sair  indeed.  So 
joost  prepare  yersel  for  the  warst!" 

"  I  suppose  you  <ronld  speak  of  my  father?"   said  Ranald  with  a 
qaivering  lip. 

'  "  Aicb,  ay:  la  laird,  ta  laird  I  Aich,  ay  I  Got  pless  osl"  replied  the 
TSaaal,  barsdng  agaia  into  tears,  which  he  endeavonred  ia  Tain  to  hide  by 
burying  hia  head  m  the  folds  of  his  tattered  plaid ;  while  Stuart  half  re- 
clined on  Alice's  shoulder,  and  turned  aside,  deeply  tonched  with  the  old 
man's  sorrow,— for  grief,  like  joy,  is  infectious.  "  A^  j  I  wad  speak  o' 
the  laird,  pair  man  !  an'  prood  he  wad  hae  peen  to  see  his  only  son  coming 
home  frae  the  wan  aa'  devildoms  a  stoot  in'  handsome  chield,  wi'  a  proon 
face,  and  a  hand  hardened  wi'  the  hilt  o'  the  pnwd-sword.  But,  ocAoae* 
aree  /  he's  low  anench  the  day,  an'  mony  a  pretty  man  tat  followed  him 
far  awn'  ower  the  wide  aod  trackleai  seaa  to  the  stranger's  canld  an' 
meeserable  conntrv." 

"  Poor,  dear  old  maul"  said  Alice,  while  ihi  pressed  Rould'i  hand  to 
compOM  him,  M  the  piper  was  speaking. 


246 

"  1  have  ud  newi  to  tell  jou,  too,  Iveruh,"  uid  he.  "  Pom  Eran 
Bod, — Etui  with  the  fitir  bur,  is  no  store !  I  find  thi»  to  be  k 
Mrrooful  meeliiig,  Don*ldi   for  I  kave  Joat  my  fKtber,  sod  ;oa  jooz 

The  old  man  smote  himaeir  on  the  forehead,  and  reded  b>ek  inddilr  aa 
if  (track  b;  a  blow  t  but  ha  limaat  imnediatel;  rcconred.  He  itared 
Til41r  *t  the  ipeaker  for  a  Moment,  aad  thaa  aad,  with  Btnuga 
eaJmneu-' 

"  1  never  again  ezpeckit  to  pehaald  him,  for  anid  Sbanet  tanld  me  hii 
weird  ;  and  Sbaoet  never  ipoke  in  Tain,  nor  tauld  aa  untrue  tale.  Her 
father  was  a  laitcAtUr,  She  wid  he  Hid  return  nae  mair, — tliat  ha  hu 
doomed  \  The  vorda  were  hard  to  pelieve ;  put  I  mourned  for  him  then 
as  one  thaticA*  deid  and  ava'.  Oich  !  I  thought  tbe  pang  waa  over. 
Put — pot,  O  Maiater  Ronald !  mj  pnir  Evan,— and  ivhar  wa*  ha  killed !" 

"  At  Toulaiiie,  Danald~at  Toulouae,  where  WB  gained  a  aixnal  victorf 
over  France.  He  dkdbravel;,  like  hia  comradea,  for  dl  mxe  brave  alike  i 
I  laid  him  with  mv  own  handi  in  the  cluuch-vard  of  liuieL  Bat,  for 
pity'a  aaka,  Donald,  tell  me  of  taj  father,  and  the  bte  of  the  LochiaU 
people,  and  then  I  vill  telL  you  more  of  yoor  loa.  who,  aa  a  tohen  of 
remembrance,  hai  aent  you  the  claap  wiiich  fattened  the  green  feather  of 
hii  bonnet.  Miaa  Liile  wiU  give  it  when  you  are  more  oompoaed. 
CiHne:  take  counce,  Donald,  and  tell  us  youratory.  There  are  opBs  hera 
bat  old  friends,  who  have  often  danced  to  the  Bonnd  of  yoar  pipes,  and 
shall  yet  again,— ay,  next  month,  and  in  the  old  ball  of  Lodiisla  too  I 

Alice  blashed,  aad  her  campaaiaaB  smiled.  Tbe  old  man'a  cyea  flaahed 
a  red  light  through  their  tears.  He  looked  from  one  fair  face  to  another, 
and,  aa  he  readnntbing  but  iDnocence  and  hapmoess  in  them  all,  he  smiled, 

'  ■     '  '    _       -  liter  being  00 

^. **»    tilled  froB 

rried,  and  froi 
COmpoaedt  and  cwnin«iced  bia  St 

After  leaving  the  Clyde,  the  te p  ^ ^„ . „__ 

a  coattnuance  of  adverae  niadi,  and  was  driven  from  her  eonrae  br  tc 
the  northward  of  the  Canadas,  npon  the  ooast  of  Nowftmndland, — the 
most  barharoua  end  desolate  of  all  ue  Briliah  colonies.  Having  lost  their 
rudder,  and  hod  their  ooaipasa  washed  overboard  in  a  Bale,  the  vasael  wai, 
whilesarronodedby  a  dense  fag,  carried  int»BabonIB«*f  or,  aa  it ia  com- 
monly called,  the  Bay  of  Balls,  by  (he  strong  currest  which  there  nioa  in 
flhore.  Finding  that  the  brig  was  drifting  among  the  biokeia.  and  (bat 
she  was  quite  unmanageable,  the  master  ordared  ant  tha  boats  to  tow  her 
off.  but  the  order  was  given  too  late.  Tbe  boala  wars  airamped  amons  the 
Eurf,  and  a  few  moments  afterwards  the  vessel  grounded  on  areef,  where 
the  boiling  sea  made  clean  breachea  over  her  every  instant.    She  heeled 


<n  her  besm-ende,  and  the  foremast  went  away  by  the  board,  carryuu 

' "-  ~  -lainlopmaBt  and  all  the  rigging  above  the  top.    The  vessd 

a  totu  wreck  in  £' 


"  At  tbe  time  tbe  ship  atruek,"  conlinued  the  pKier,  "  die  laird  was  lying 
sick  in  the  cabin,  unco  unwell  in  mind  and  body,  for  he  had  laog  been 
pining  awa'  wi'  dule  and  sorrox  for  leaving  yon,  and  the  heathery  hilla  o' 
Albyn,  and  to  find  himsel  so  far  awa'  frae  bis  tower  and  glen,  and  the 
graves  o'  hia  kindred  and  forbears.  When  I  found  that  a'  was  ower, 
1  determined  to  saie  him,  or  to  dee  wi'  him.  Drawing  oiu'  dirlu,  and 
vowing  we  would  slay  to  the  death  ony  man  that  opposed  ua,  Alpin 
Oig  and  mysel  roahed  into  the  cabin,  uid  bore  him  therefra  in  onr 
arms  upon  the  deck,  and  frae  there  into  ■  boat,  tiie  lalt  ana  that  WW 


left.  The  Milan  tried  to  cnwd  in,  but  our  btre  bUdei  keepit  tbem  off. 
Nm  man,  womBn,  or  baim  frac  Locliiela,  duxyh  death  wu  itariDS  them 
in  the  bee,  «id  bae  tbocht  tbeir  aio  lives  womi  mui'  if  tbe  laird'i  mi 
lost;  and  ne  a'  belpjt  as  ioto  the  boot,  where  we  BDlemnly  iwore,  on  the 
bladea  of  our  dirks,  to  return  aod  ta^e  w  nanr  fr«  the  wr^Jc  H  weconld, 
and  a  line  wu  thrown  lu  to  make  fast  to  tbe  (bote.  Tba  laird  toy  ai  if  he 
wai  dead  at  the  botbom  □'  the  Iwat,  wi'  naethiug  on  but  his  dieuing- 
gowD,  and  the  laat  >ea  pouring  tike  lain  ower  kim.  Ochooe !  it  waa  an 
awaome  time  for  me  I    Pair  gentleman  I  he  was  belplaw  aa  a  wean  in 

Owing  to  tbe  deaaeaess  of  tbe  f<v,  there  waa  no  ibore  to  be  Been  bnt  the 
beach,  or  wliat  the;  soppoaad  lo  be  tbe  beacb  coald  be  discenied  thrOQgb 
die  nnoatnral  mid-day  aloom  hy  the  white  foam  of  tbe  breaken,  toward* 
which  the  two  brsTe  and  determined  Celts,  who  had  nevtr  been  On  rongtier 
water  (ban  the  loch  of  ILa  Isla,  arged  Qnii  frail  bark  with  all  the  atrenglb 
of  bending  oara  and  mutcnlar  arms.  They  >oon  lost  sight  of  the  water- 
logged wreck,  which  tbe  fog  eoveloped  blie  a  abroad ;  but  tbe  ibrieka  and 
prayers  of  those  on  board  were  Deard  ringing  abare  tbe  roar  of.  tho 
wrathful  breakers,  which  horl  their  created  heads  with  nich  tremendons 
fnry  on  the  desert  beach  of  Bsbonl  Bay. 

When  within  a  few  feet  of  the  shore,  their  attention  wa«  arrested  faf  a 
loud  splitting  soand,  a  crash  at  if  a  mighty  oak  was  rendiw  asunder,  and 
a  tremendoos  cry  rose  from  the  face  of  the  waters  to  Hcaren.  Tbey 
looked  back  in  diauuj.  Tbe  sea  was  coTered  with  jiieces  of  tbe  floatiag 
wreek,  and  humaa  beads  and  hands  appeared  at  times  above  the  whilA 
aurf,  beneath  wbich  they  were  all  eogulphed  in  succession.    At  the  same 

rolled  against  the  steni  of  the  boat,  with  a  ebock  like  thst  of  an  earth- 
quake. iTersch  was  stunned  by  its  weight  and  ^ry ;  the  tight  seemed  to 
■o  oat  from  his  eyes,  and  he  heard  a  horrible  hissing  in  his  ears,  as  heaank 
mlo  the  abyss, — the  trougti  of  tbe  sea.  Darkoesi  was  around  him,  and 
agony  waa  in  his  hear^  as  he  groped  about  in  tbe  sinking  boat.  He  was 
grasped  eosTulsiiely  in  tbe  strong  arms  of  bis  terribed  companion,  and 
down  tbey  went  together, — down,  down,  he  knew  not  how  deep,  for  he 
became  seosetess,  and  could  feel  no  mors. 

When  life  returned,  he  found  himself  lying  npim  the  beach,  drenched 
with  tbe  bitter  surf,  and  coveted  nith  shells  and  sea- weed.  It  was  erening, 
and  ^e  sun,  setting  behind  Uie  bills,  cast  a  loog  line  of  radiuice  acroii  tbe 
glaaay  sea.  All  traces  of  the  brig,  save  those  that  lay  scattered  on  tbe 
shore,  had  disappeared.  Coipees  were  strewed  upon  tbe  sand, — the  cold 
and  wet  remains  of  men,  womeo,  and  cbildreo,  onoe  tbe  poor  but  happy 
cottiers  of  Lochiela. 

Night  was  closing  around  him  ;  he  was  alone,  apon  tbe  desert  ihore  of 
a  strange  country,  and  the  heart  of  the  sged  and  superstitions  Highlander 
died  away  as  be  looked  around  him.  In  front  lay  the  hateful  sea,  which 
had  destroyed  his  companiooe,  and  behind  was  a  homeless,  howling  wil- 
derness, a  savsge  solitude,  which  he  shuddered  to  look  upon.  He  saw 
everywhere  lOcks,  mountaios,  bogs,  and  thickets  of  stunted  flra,  which 
grew  to  tbe  very  edge  of  the  diSa  and  overhung  the  water;  but  there  were 
no  signs  of  any  human  habitation,  and  tie  stisined  his  eyes  until  they  grev 
stiff  in  tbe  sockets  watching  the  vast  wilderness  to  the  westward,— yet  no 
wreath  of  smoke  rose  from  it.  Save  the  whistle  and  whir  of  the  plover 
•nd  curlew,  or  the  splash  of  the  seals  that  were  sporting  and  flasting  among 
the  shattered  ruins  ot  an  iceberg,  no  s^ns  of  life  manifeated  tbenselves 
aronnd  him. 


peat    black  eyei.     The  Highl«nders   used    to   consider  these  r 

enchanted  being!,  and  lonie  old  and  troubleaome  k^enda  of  the  Ebudie 
came  thronguig  npon  Donald's  mind  u  he  watched  tbeirmOTenieatA  union; 
the  ice.  B«idQ  him  lay  tbc  nnconecione  remainB  of  hia  leader  ;  bat  he 
was  jo;fiil  rather  than  grtered  to  find  that  he  wta  dead,  for  hs  knev  Chat 
he  vas  now  in  a  better  place,  and  that  all  hii  troubles  were  at  an  end.  To 
have  liTed  would  onlf  have  been  a  contiDaance  of  miaery,  and  Donald 
Bpbr^ed  the  lea  For  bariag  Bpared  himself. 

Hg  sat  on  the  paint  of  a  lock,  at  the  foot  of  which  rolled  the  surf,  and 
he  watched  ita  adTaace  and  retreat,  careless  of  whether  be  died  or  lived, 
Dntil  nigbt  descended  on  the  sea  and  land,  and  then  his  nortjieni  super- 
Htitions  began  (a  prove  more  terrible  enemies  than  anv  he  had  yet  encoun- 
tered. At  last  it  became  quite  dark,  aod  he  knelt  down  by  the  corse  of 
the  laird  to  pray;  but  when,  bj  Ibe  light  of  the  star^,  be  beheld  the 
bleached  and  ghastly  bee  of  the  dead  man,  a  sudden  and  Doaccouotable 
terror  seized  him,  and  he  fled  from  the  sea-shore  into  the  wildemeaa, 
vbere  he  could  no  longer  hear  the  dull  boom  of  the  ocean,  as  its 
eternal  waves  came  rolling  on  in  monotonons  succession  on  the  lonely 

At  sonrjse  he  again  sought  the  shore,  and,  digging  a  grave  iritb  bis 
ireapan.  gently  placed  the  body  of  Mr.  Stuart  io  the  earth,  roliiog  it  first 
in  bis  plaid  and  a  piece  of  old  sail-cloth.  He  covered  the  grave  wilh  the 
greenest  sods  he  could  find,  and  toiled  the  whole  day,  carrying  stones  from 

wooden  crucifix ;  tor  old  Iveraoh  had  more  of  the  Catholic  than  the  Pro- 
teetant  in  his  creed,  and  be  looked  upon  the  cross  with  reverence  and  awe. 
Having  perfbrmei  tbia  lait  sad  duty  to  the  man  whom,  since  they  were 
boys,  he  had  revered  and  loved  with  all  the  devotion  of  a  Highland  vassal, 
he  sat  down  by  the  grave,  and,  regardless  of  hii  fate,  heeded  not  a  ahip 
which  was  rounding  a  point  oClaod,  and  hove  in  sight  about  four  miles  off. 
But  the  appearance  of  other  things  rotued  him  fr<Hn  this  at&te  of  apathy. 
His  eye  felt  upon  a  gold  signet  ring  which  had  Allien  from  the  hand  of  Mr. 
Stuart,  and  lay  on  the  tarf  beside  a  splendidly-jewelled  dirk,  which  he  waa 
wont  to  wear  on  the  19th  of  AugBst,*  and  Other  days  whloh  are  oonsideied 
gay  anniversaries  in  tJie  Migfalwds.  lliere  was  UkewiM  an  aatiqoa  iron 
casket,  cootuning  bmity  relics,  bracelets,  rings,  lodiets,  sjid  broochei; 
aod  the  piper  resolved  that  he  would  return  to  his  own  country,  if  God 
spared  and  protected  him,  that  he  might  place  these  liinlceta  in  (he  hands 
of  Ronald  Stuart  or  Miss  Lisle,  vrith  whom  he  knew  they  would  he  in  safe 
keeping. 

With  this  intention  he  qnitted  the  beach,  ascended  a  promontory,  anil 
made  signals  to  tlie  ship  ;  bnt  they  were  unseen,  and  be  toiled  along  the 
shore  from  one  headUnd  to  another,  clambering  ocean-cliffs,  tearing 
asunder  thicket  and  jungle,  till  his  strength  bi^an  to  fail,  and  darkness 
again  descended  and  he  could  see  the  ship  no  longer. 

As  a  last  resort,  by  means  of  the  hai^  flinty  stones,  with  which  the 


.     ind,  revealing  the  «Tem«  in  the  &r-off  a 

and  headlands,  the  barren  hUls  and  rocks,  the  rippllnf  ocean.  Mid 
distant  sail,  which  glimmered  white  and  wavering. 

•  Thi  raUng  «f  Frineo  durlea's  stsadsri,  fte>  fte. 


y\a.  249 

llii  icbeme  tnicccedrd.  A  boat  wu  despatched  to  sicertain  the  mean- 
ing of  this  sCranie  illumination,  and  the  Teeeel,  nbich  proved  to  be  a 
Quehec  ahip  bound  for  Soint  John's,  the  capital  of  the  island,  tooklverach 
on  board.  He  mis  Created  with  the  atmost  kindness  by  the  crew,  and  wag 
earned  to  the  town  of  Saint  Jobn'g,  whence  he  procured  a  passage  in  ■ 
Greenock  ah [p, — diaposing  of  hia  brooch,  pistols,  and  some  other  appoint- 
ments with  which  the  Higblanderi  are  bo  fond  of  adomiog  their  garb,  to 
defray  hia  expenses. 

After  his  return  he  visited  Lochiila,  and  then  travelled  the  west  conntry 
for  some  time,  tilt  a  recmicing  Serjeant  of  the  Gordon  Highlandera  in- 
formed him  that  the  regiment  bad  returned  to  Scotland  ;  upon  which  be 
set  out  on  bis  way  to  meet  tbem,  and  having  that  morning  entered  Edin- 
burgh, he  had  screwed  up  bis  pipes  in  Charlotte- square  to  play  for  a 
breakhit.  for  he  had  tasted  nothing  that  day. 

As  he  concluded  bis  narratjie,  he  unstrapped  a  leather  dorlach,  which 
be  carried  on  his  back,  and  taking  from  it  the  iron  casket,  the  signet  ring, 
and  the  jewelled  poniard,  placed  them  in  Ronald'a  baud,  glad  to  be  rid  of 
them,  after  havioi  brought  tbem  so  far  and  preserved  them  as  sacred 
relics,  even  when  compelled  by  poverty  to  eeek  shelter  in  the  hannls  of 
infamy  and  crime,  where  be  had  preserved  them  untouched,  though  neatly 
perishing  of  want. 

Hb  had  often  been  totally  without  food  for  foar  or  five  days,  while 
at  the  same  time  be  csrried    about    bim    jewels  worth  foor  hundred 

"  But  they  weroa  my  ain,"  raid  he;  "and  what  coqM  I  do,  though 
hunger  is  hard  to  thole  ?  But  s's  past  noo,  and  otcb  I  I'll  be  happy  yet, 
even  in  my  auld  and  childish  days ;  and  I  will  end  them  beneath  the  roof- 
tree  o'  the  auld  tower  whan  the  lime  comes,  and  come  it  must, — some  day 


CHAPTEE   SXXrV. 


Ronald's  grief  at  the  intelligence  ao  suddenly  brought  him  by  Iverach 
was  of  long  continuance.  It  was  the  more  poignant,  because  his  father 
had  fonnd  his  tomb  in  a  desert  place  and  in  a  strange  country  ;  for  it  is 
ever  the  wish  of  a  HighUnder  to  be  buried  among  the  aahes  of  his  ances- 
tors. When  he  looked  upon  the  blade  of  the  poulard  Donald  bad  brought 
home,  and  aaw  with  the  tbistle—tbe  badge  of  hia  family  and  clan— the 
motto  Onine  tolum  farli  pairia,  it  recalled  the  memory  of  hia  father's 
pride  and  wrath  when  bis  boyish  passion  for  Ahce  Lisle  was  first  revealed 
to  him,  and  of  that  moment  of  anger  when  be  ordered  him  Co  quit  his 

The  Bight  of  the  family  jewels  which  Iverach,  like  a  pilgrim  of  old, 


■ings,  awakened  many  deep 
locltets  whi-"-   —^-=--'  --- 


There  were  lockets  which  contained  the 

er  interwoven,    cut   from   their  browa   in 

youth,  when  their  ringlets  were  glossy  and  brown;  and  there  were 
brooches  which  had  clasped  the  plaids  of  brothers,  and  ringa  and 
bracelets  which  had  once  adorned  the  white  bands  of  sisters,  all  of  whom 
were  now  gone,  and  above  whose  graves  Che  grass  had  grown  and  withered 
for  years. 


Despite  the  rommee-like  Rpfxarutce  the  procednrs  wiH  b«*to«  apan  the 
«tory,  we  may  not  bid  »diHn  to  the  bero  in  the  midgt  of  big  grief,  but  miwt 
leaTe  him  whit  is  styled,  in  coraman  pbrsBeolofj,  '^  the  happiett  of  mea." 
After  a  liqise  of  time  big  lorrow  pawed  sway,  and  the  prepantioBS  for  iua 
marriue  vere  renewed. 

On  the  forenoon  of  the  )6th  of  Jaly,;— one  most  be  particular  on  nch 
Bn  occasion, — an  annnial  bntCle  waa  apparent  in  and  about  Lsrd  Lisle's 
manaiOD  in  Charlotte -square,  one  aide  of  which  was  lined  by  earriicea. 
while  a  crowd  of  women  and  children  were  collected  aroand  the  door. 
Boys  were  clingins  to  rails  and  tamp-posts,  and  cheering  and  yeUing  with 
might  and  main,  in  a  manner  which  would  better  havB  become  a  weddju 
in  a  conntry  vill^e  than  in  the  "modem  Athens."  TTie  serTants  were  all 
smiles  and  white  rrbbona,  and  clad  in  their  gayest  apparel.  A  flag  was 
flying  on  the  top  of  the  honae,  end,  at  Camptwlfa  particnfar  reqoest,  the 
great  atone  apbyniea,  which  OTerlook  the  sides  of  Che  sq^aare,  were  adorned 
with  coroneta  and  garlands  of  flowers  on  this  aaspicioue  occasion.  St. 
George's  belli  rang  merrily,  and  the  splen^d  band  of  the  Highlandeni 
were  making  the  Dorthem  cardens  of  the  sqaara  re-ecbes  aa  OieyplaT^ 
the  old  Scottish  air,  "  Fy  f  let  ns  a'  to  the  bridal ! "  while  the  erawd  sang 
and  lauded,  and  the  rabble  of  hoy«  dieered  long  and  lustily,  like  a 
nuisance  aa  they  were. 

Ladies  and  gentiemen  in  fdH  dress  appeared  at  times  at  the  windows  of 
the  front  drawing-room,  hat  they  imme£ately  retired  when  a  shout  arose 
from  the  gaping  crowd,  among  whom  the  servants  scattered  bsskatfnis  of 
white  faronrs.  To  these  Allan  WarrisCoaa  added,  now  and  then,  a 
shower  of  red-bol  penny.pieces,  which  be  healed  on  a  ahoyet,  and  throw 
oyer  the  area  railings.  These  homed  the  fingers  of  those  who  caiq^ht 
them;  the  hra^ter  became  mingled  with  screams,  and  "thefnasrew 
fast  and  furioas." 

Drawn  b^  four  flne  baya  at  a  trot,  a  amart  new  travelling-carriage  freab 
from  the  iinishing  hands  of  Crichton,  came  up  to  the  door,  and  the  people 
fell  bacli  DO  the  right  and  left ;  but  again  rushed  forward  as  the  door  was 
opened,  and  the  clanking  steps  thrown  down  by  the  seryant,  who,  like  the 
smart  poatilions  on  the  saddle,  wore  a  white  t^vonr  of  giant  size  on  his 
breast.  Oo  the  dickey  sat  onr  frisnd  old  Donald  Iverach,  superbly  garbed 
and  armed,  with  bia  pipes  under  hia  arm,  and  his  bonnet  cocked  over  his 
grey  hairs ;  while  he  screwed  away  at  hia  drouee,  and  looked  more  happy 
than  ever  he  had  done  in  hia  life. 

Double  imperials,  all  new  and  shining,  were  strapped  on  the  top  of  the 
carriage,  and  a  regimentel  bonnet-case  surmounted  tbem  both.  A  award 
and  shonlder-belC,  with  various  guns  and  fjshing'roda,  bang  in  the  slings 
behind,  while  abooting-bage  and  band-boiea  were  piled  up  in  the  rumble, 
into  which  the  servant  handed  e,  spruce  little  maid,  cloaked  and  bonneted 
for  the  road. 

Encircled  by  the  collar  of  Saint  James  of  Spain,  the  anm  of  Stuart 
and  Lisle  quarterly,  appeared  blazoned  on  the  paaeli,  glittering  On  the 
harneas,  on  the  carriage  top,  and  sparkBug  on  the  ample  buttons  of  Ihe 
footman. 

"  Now  then,  John  ;  is  all  right  ?"  cried  the  jovial  buQer,  appearing  at 
the  front  door. 

"All   right,   sir  I"    cried  the  postilion;    and    the  crowd  began  te 

Stuart  came  Kirlh,  with  Alice  leaning  on  his  arm,  and  the  eyes  that 
peeped  in  at  the  door  discerned  a  crowd  of  gUtteriog  dresaei  and  happy 
faces  behind  them.    Ronald  was  in  full  dress,  and  certainly  appeareda 


bat  looking  so  prelt^  In  her  little  marriage  Ik        .  .  „       _ 

the  iptendour  or  wbits  satin,  orange -bnda,  virgin-lace,  amiles  and  bluihe^ 
tlat  the  crowd  in  tbeir  admiratioa  forgot  to  cbesr,  greatly  to  her  relieT 
Roaald  baaded  her  into  the  carriage,  and  iprang  in  after  her.  Up  went 
the  steps,  end  the  door  wu  cloied. 

"QoodbTol    God  b' - 

old  ahoe  titer  tbem  toi  1 


"Adienj"  Altered  Alioe,  kiaaing  b«r  little  hand,  and  the  gUam  vera 
drttwti  Dp.  John  leaped  into  his  srat  behind,  and  placed  hia  arm  roand 
the  waist  of  the  mud-semnt.  Donald  cried  ' '  Hoigh  1 "  and  waved  hia 
iMHmet;  the  pipes  struck  np;  "crack  went  the  whip,  ronnd  went  the 
wheela,"   and  Oiey  wet«  off  at  the  rate  of  twel*e  miles  an  honr  for 


X  (.Brethen)  &  WVUAN,  ;4-79.  Grot  Qi 


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■  n,  Google 


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