his companions in misfortune, who were very nume- "I am just returned," answered the officer; "and rous, in a gentleman's house near the field of battle. being in Scotland, thought it my duty to act where On entering the room, where they stood crowded my services promised to be useful. Yes, Mr. Watogether, Waverley easily recognized the object of his verley, I am that Colonel Talbot, the husband of the visit, not only by the peculiar dignity of his appear- lady you have named; and I am proud to acknowance, but by the appendage of Dugald Mahony, with ledge, that I owe alike my professional rank and my his battle-axe, who had stuck to him from the mo- domestic happiness to your generous and noble-mindment of his captivity, as if he had been skewered to ed relative. Good God! that I should find his nehis side. This close attendance was, perhaps, for the phew in such a dress, and engaged in such a cause!" purpose of securing his promised reward from Ed- Sir," said Fergus, haughtily, "the dress and cause ward, but it also operated to save the English gen- are those of men of birth and honour." tleman from being plundered in the scene of general confusion; for Dugald sagaciously argued, that the amount of the salvage which he might be allowed, would be regulated by the state of the prisoner, when he should deliver him over to Waverley. He hastened to assure Waverley, therefore, with more words than he usually employed, that he had "keepit ta sidier roy haill, and that he wasna a plack the waur since the fery moment when his honour forbad her to gie him a bit clamhewit wi' her Lochaber-axe."

"My situation forbids me to dispute your assertion," said Colonel Talbot; "otherwise it were no difficult matter to show, that neither courage nor pride of lineage can gild a bad cause. But, with Mr. Waverley's permission, and yours, sir, if yours also must be asked, I would willingly speak a few words with him on affairs connected with his own family." "Mr. Waverley, sir, regulates his own motions. -You will follow me, I suppose, to Pinkie," said Fergus, turning to Edward, "when you have finished Waverley assured Dugald of a liberal recompense, your discourse with this new acquaintance?" So and, approaching the English officer, expressed his saying, the Chief of Glennaquoich adjusted his plaid anxiety to do any thing which might contribute to with rather more than his usual air of haughty as his convenience under his present unpleasant circum-sumption, and left the apartment. The interest of Waverley readily procured for Colo

stances.

"I am not so inexperienced a soldier, sir," answer-nel Talbot the freedom of adjourning to a large_gared the Englishman, "as to complain of the fortune den, belonging to his place of confinement. They of war. I am only grieved to see those scenes acted walked a few paces in silence, Colonel Talbot appain our own island, which I have often witnessed else- rently studying how to open what he had to say; at where with comparative indifference." length he addressed Edward. "Another such day as this," said Waverley, "and I trust the cause of your regrets will be removed, and all will again return to peace and order."

The officer smiled and shook his head. "I must not forget my situation so for as to attempt a formal confutation of that opinion; but, notwithstanding your success, and the valour which achieved it, you have undertaken a task to which your strength appears wholly inadequate."

66

"Mr. Waverley, you have this day saved my life; and yet I would to God that I had lost it, ere I had found you wearing the uniform and cockade of these men.'

"I forgive your reproach, Colonel Talbot; it is well meant, and your education and prejudices render it natural. But there is nothing extraordinary in finding a man, whose honour has been publicly and unjustly assailed, in the situation which promised most fair to afford him satisfaction on his calumniators." At this moment Fergus pushed into the press. "I should rather say, in the situation most likely to Come, Edward, come along; the prince has gone confirm the reports which they have circulated," said to Pinkie-house for the night; and we must follow, Colonel Talbot, "by following the very line of conor lose the whole ceremony of the caliga. Your duct ascribed to you. Are you aware, Mr. Waverley, friend, the Baron, has been guilty of a great piece of of the infinite distress, and even danger, which your cruelty; he has insisted upon dragging Bailie Mac-present conduct has occasioned to your nearest relawheeble out to the field of battle. Now, you must tives?" know, the Bailie's greatest horror is an armed High- Danger!" lander, or a loaded gun; and there he stands, listening to the Baron's instructions concerning the protest; ducking his head like a sea-gull at the report of every gun and pistol that our idle boys are firing upon the fields; and undergoing, by way of penance, at every symptom of flinching, a severe rebuke from his patron, who would not admit the discharge of a whole battery of cannon, within point-blank distance, as an apology for neglecting a discourse, in which the honour of his family is interested."

"But how has Mr. Bradwardine got him to venture so far?" said Edward.

"Why, he had come as far as Musselburgh, I fancy, in hopes of making some of our wills; and the peremptory commands of the Baron dragged him forward to Preston after the battle was over. He complains of one or two of our ragamuffins having put him in peril of his life, by presenting their pieces at him; but as they limited his ransom to an English penny, I don't think we need trouble the provost-martial upon that subject. So, come along, Waverley."

"Waverley!" said the English officer, with great emotion; "the nephew of Sir Everard Waverley, of -shire?"

"The same, sir," replied our hero, somewhat surprised at the tone in which he was addressed.

"Yes, sir, danger. When I left England, your uncle and father had been obliged to find bail to answer a charge of treason, to which they were only admitted by the exertion of the most powerful interest. I came down to Scotland, with the sole purpose of rescuing you from the gulf into which you have precipitated yourself; nor can I estimate the consequences to your family, of your having openly joined the rebellion, since the very suspicion of your intention was so perilous to them. Most deeply do I regret, that I did not meet you before this last and fatal error."

"I am really ignorant," said Waverley, in a tone of reserve, why Colonel Talbot should have taken so much trouble on my account."

"Mr. Waverley," answered Talbot, "I am dull at apprehending irony; and therefore I shall answer your words according to their plain meaning. I am indebted to your uncle for benefits greater than those which a son owes to a father. I acknowledge to him the duty of a son; and as I know there is no manner in which I can requite his kindness so well as by serving you, I will serve you, if possible, whether you will permit me or no. The personal obligation which you have this day laid me under, (although, in common estimation, as great as one human being can bestow on another,) adds nothing to my zeal on your behalf; nor can that zeal be abated by any coolness with which you may please to receive it.' "Your intentions may be kind sir," said Waver"Did your uncle never mention a friend called Tal-ley, drily; "but your language is harsh, or at least bot?" "I have heard him talk with great regard of such a "On my return to England," continued Colonel person," replied Edward; a colonel, I believe, in the Talbot," after long absence, I found your uncle, Sir army, and the husband of Lady Emily Blandeville; Everard Waverley, in the custody of a king's mesbut I thought Colonel Talbot had been abroad." senger, in consequence of the suspicion brought upon

"I am at once happy and grieved," said the prisoner, "to have met with you.'

"I am ignorant, sir," answered Waverley, "how have deserved so much interest."

66

I

peremptory."

him by your conduct. He is my oldest friend-how message from the Prince. But, I suppose, you know often shall I repeat it-my best benefactor! he sacri- the value of this most noble Colonel Talbot as a prificed his own views of happiness to mine-he never soner. He is held one of the best officers among the uttered a word, he never harboured a thought, that red-coats; a special friend and favourite of the Elecbenevolence itself might not have thought or spoken. tor himself, and of that dreadful hero, the Duke of I found this man in confinement, rendered harsher to Cumberland, who has been summoned from his trihim by his habits of life, his natural dignity of feeling, umphs at Fontenoy, to come over and devour us poor and-forgive me, Mr. Waverley,-by the cause through Highlanders alive. Has he been telling you how the which this calamity had come upon him. I cannot bells of St. James's ring? Not 'turn again, Whitdisguise from you my feelings upon this occasion; tington,' like those of Bow, in the days of yore?" they were most painfully unfavourable to you. Hav- Fergus!" said Waverley, with a reproachful look. ing, by my family interest, which you probably know "Nay, I cannot tell what to make of you," answeris not inconsiderable, succeeded in obtaining Sired the Chief of Mac-Ivor, "you are blown about with Everard's release, I set out for Scotland. I saw every wind of doctrine. Here have we gained a vicColonel Gardiner, a man whose fate alone is suffi- tory, unparalleled in history-and your behaviour is cient to render this insurrection for ever execrable. praised by every living mortal to the skies-and the In the course of conversation with him, I found, that, Prince is eager to thank you in person-and all our from late circumstances, from a re-examination of beauties of the White Rose are pulling caps for you,the persons engaged in the mutiny, and from his and you, the preux Chevalier of the day, are stooping original good opinion of your character, he was much on your horse's neck like a butter-woman riding to softened towards you; and I doubted not, that if I market, and looking as black as a funeral!" could be so fortunate as to discover you, all might "I am sorry for poor Colonel Gardiner's death: he yet be well. But this unnatural rebellion has ruined was once very kind to me." all. I have, for the first time, in a long and active "Why, then, be sorry for five minutes, and then be military life, seen Britons disgrace themselves by a glad again; his chance to-day may be ours to-morpanic flight, and that before a foe without either arms row; and what does it signify? The next best thing or discipline: And now I find the heir of my dearest to victory is honourable death; but it is a pis-aller, friend-the son, I may say, of his affections-sharing and one would rather a foe had it than one's self." a triumph, for which he ought the first to have "But Colonel Talbot has informed me that my blushed. Why should I lament Gardiner! his lot father and uncle are both imprisoned by government was happy, compared to mine!" on my account."

There was so much dignity in Colonel Talbot's "We'll put in bail, my boy; old Andrew Ferrarat manner, such a mixture of military pride and manly shall lodge his security; and I should like to see him sorrow, and the news of Sir Everard's imprisonment put to justify it in Westminster Hall!" was told in so deep a tone of feeling, that Edward "Nay, they are already at liberty, upon bail of a stood mortified, abashed, and distressed, in pre- more civic disposition." sence of the prisoner, who owed to him his life not many hours before. He was not sorry when Fergus interrupted their conference a second time.

"Then why is thy noble spirit cast down, Edward? Dost think that the Elector's ministers are such doves as to set their enemies at liberty at this critical mo"His Royal Highness commands Mr. Waverley's ment, if they could or durst confine and punish them? attendance." Colonel Talbot threw upon Edward a Assure thyself that either they have no charge against reproachful glance, which did not escape the quick your relations on which they can continue their imeye of the Highland Chief. "His immediate attend-prisonment, or else they are afraid of our friends, the ance," he repeated, with considerable emphasis. Wa-jolly cavaliers of old England. At any rate, you need verley turned again towards the Colonel. not be apprehensive upon their account; and we will find some means of conveying to them assurances of your safety."

"We shall meet again," he said; "in the meanwhile, every possible accommodation"

"I desire none," said the Colonel; "let me fare like the meanest of those brave men, who, on this day of calamity, have preferred wounds and captivity to flight; I would almost exchange places with one of those who have fallen, to know that my words have made a suitable impression on your mind."

"Let Colonel Talbot be carefully secured," said Fergus to the Highland officer, who commanded the guard over the prisoners; "It is the Prince's particular command; he is a prisoner of the utmost importance."

"But let him want no accommodation suitable to his rank," said Waverley.

Edward was silenced, but not satisfied, with these reasons. He had now been more than once shocked at the small degree of sympathy which Fergus exhi bited for the feelings even of those whom he loved, if they did not correspond with his own mood at the time, and more especially if they thwarted him while earnest in a favourite pursuit. Fergus sometimes indeed observed, that he had offended Waverley, but, always intent upon some favourite plan or project of his own, he was never sufficiently aware of the extent or duration of his displeasure, so that the reiteration of these petty offences somewhat cooled the volunteer's extreme attachment to his officer.

"Consistent always with secure custody," reite- The Chevalier received Waverley with his usual rated Fergus. The officer signified his acquiescence favour, and paid him many compliments on his dis in both commands, and Edward followed Fergus to tinguished bravery. He then took him apart, made the garden-gate, where Callum Beg, with three sad- many inquiries concerning Colonel Talbot, and when dle-horses, awaited them. Turning his head, he saw he had received all the information which Edward Colonel Talbot re-conducted to his place of con- was able to give concerning him and his connexions, finement by a file of Highlanders; he lingered on the he proceeded,-"I cannot but think, Mr. Waverley, threshold of the door, and made a signal with his that since this gentleman is so particularly connected hand towards Waverley, as if enforcing the language with our worthy and excellent friend, Sir Everard he had held towards him. Waverley, and since his lady is of the house of BlanHorses," said Fergus, as he mounted, " 'are now deville, whose devotion to the true and loyal princias plenty as blackberries; every man may have them ↑ The name of Andrea de Ferarra is inscribed on all the Scotfor the catching. Come, let Callum adjust your tish broadswords which are accounted of peculiar excellence. stirrups, and let us to Pinkie-house* as fast as these Who this artist was, what were his fortunes, and when he ci-devant dragoon-horses choose to carry us.'

CHAPTER L.

RATHER UNIMPORTANT.

"I was turned back," said Fergus to Edward, as they galloped from Preston to Pinkie-house, "by a Charles Edward took up his quarters after the battle at Pinkie-house, adjoining to Musselburgh. N

flourished, have hitherto defied the research of antiquarians; only it is in general believed that Andrea de Ferrara was a Spanish or Italian artificer, brought over by James the IV. or V. to instruct the Scots in the manufacture of sword blades. Most barbarous nations excel in the fabrication of arms; and the Scots had attained great proficiency in forging swords, so early as the field of Pinkie; at which period the historian Patten describes them as "all notably broad and thin, universally made to slice, and of such exceeding good temper, that as I never saw any so good, I think it hard to devise better."-(Account of Somerset's

Expedition.)

It may be observed, that the best and most genuine Andrea Ferraras have a crown marked on the blades.

ples of the Church of England is so generally known, and in the record of Chancery. We understand that the Colonel's own private sentiments cannot be un- it is in contemplation of his Royal Highness, when favourable to us, whatever mask he may have assu- his Majesty's pleasure can be known, to raise Colomed to accommodate himself to the times. "If I am to judge from the language he this day held to me, I am under the necessity of differing widely from your Royal Highness."

nel Bradwardine to the peerage, by the title of Viscount Bradwardine, of Bradwardine and Tully-Veolan, and that, in the meanwhile, his Royal Highness, in his father's name and authority, has been pleased "Well, it is worth making a trial at least. I there- to grant him an honourable augmentation to his pafore intrust you with the charge of Colonel Talbot, ternal coat of arms, being a budget or boot-jack, diswith power to act concerning him as you think most posed saltier-wise with a naked broadsword, to be advisable; and I hope you will find means of ascer- borne in the dexter cantle of the shield; and, as an taining what are his real dispositions towards our additional motto, on a scroll beneath, the words, Royal Father's restoration." 'Draw and draw off.'

"I am convinced," said Waverley, bowing, "that Were it not for the recollection of Fergus's railif Colonel Talbot chooses to grant his parole, it may lery, thought Waverley to himself, when he had pebe securely depended upon; but if he refuses it, I trust rused this long and grave document, how very toleryour Royal Highness will devolve on some other per- ably would all this sound, and how little should I son than the nephew of his friend, the task of laying have thought of connecting it with any ludicrous him under the necessary restraint." idea! Well, after all, every thing has its fair, as well as its seamy side; and truly I do not see why the Baron's boot-jack may not stand as fair in heraldry as the water-buckets, wagons, cart-wheels, ploughsocks, shuttles, candlesticks, and other ordinaries, conveying ideas of any thing save chivalry, which appear in the arms of some of our most ancient gentry.-This, however, is an episode in respect to the principal story.

"I will trust him with no person but you," said the Prince, smiling, but peremptorily repeating his mandate; it is of importance to my service that there should appear to be a good intelligence between you, even if you are unable to gain his confidence in earnest. You will therefore receive him into your quarters, and in case he declines giving his parole, you must apply for a proper guard. I beg you will go about this directly. We return to Edinburgh to-mor- When Waverley returned to Preston, and rejoined row." Colonel Talbot, he found him recovered from the Being thus remanded to the vicinity of Preston, strong and obvious emotions with which a concurWaverley lost the Baron of Bradwardine's solemn rence of unpleasing events had affected him. He had act of homage. So little, however, was he at this regained his natural manner, which was that of an time in love with vanity, that he had quite forgotten English gentleman and soldier, manly, open, and gethe ceremony in which Fergus had laboured to en-nerous, but not unsusceptible of prejudice against gage his curiosity. But next day a formal Gazette those of a different country, or who opposed him in was circulated, containing a detailed account of the political tenets. When Waverley acquainted Colonel battle of Gladsmuir, as the Highlanders chose to de- Talbot with the Chevalier's purpose to commit him nominate their victory. It concluded with an account to his charge, "I did not think to have owed so of the Court afterwards held by the Chevalier at much obligation to that young gentleman," he said, Pinkie house, which contained this among other as is implied in this destination. I can at least high-flown descriptive paragraphs: cheerfully join in the prayer of the honest PresbyteSince that fatal treaty which annihilates Scot-rian clergyman, that, as he has come among us seekland as an independent nation, it has not been our ing an earthly crown, his labours may be speedily rehappiness to see her princes receive, and her nobles warded with a heavenly one.* I shall willingly give discharge, those acts of feudal homage, which, found- my parole not to attempt an escape without your ed upon the splendid actions of Scottish valour, re- knowledge, since, in fact, it was to meet you that I call the memory of her early history, with the manly came to Scotland; and I am glad it has happened and chivalrous simplicity of the ties which united to even under this predicament. But I suppose we the Crown the homage of the warriors by whom it shall be but a short time together. Your Chevalier, was repeatedly upheld and defended. But on the (that is a name we may both give to him,) with his evening of the 20th, our memories were refreshed plaids and blue caps, will, I presume, be continuing with one of those ceremonies which belong to the his crusade southward?" ancient days of Scotland's glory. After the circle was "Not as I hear; I believe the army makes some formed, Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine, of that ilk, stay in Edinburgh, to collect reinforcements." colonel in the service, &c. &c. &c. came before the "And to besiege the Castle?" said Talbot, smiling Prince, attended by Mr. D. Macwheeble, the Bailie sarcastically. Well, unless my old commander, of his ancient barony of Bradwardine, (who, we un- General Preston, turn false metal, or the Castle sink derstand, has been lately named a commissary,) and, into the North Loch, events which I deem equally under form of instrument, claimed permission to per- probable, I think we shall have some time to make form, to the person of his Royal Highness, as repre- up our acquaintance. I have a guess that this galsenting his father, the service used and wont, for lant Chevalier has a design that I should be your prowhich, under a charter of Robert Bruce, (of which the sclyte; and, as I wish you to be mine, there cannot original was produced and inspected by the Masters be a more fair proposal, than to afford us fair confeof his Royal Highness's Chancery for the time being,) rence together. But, as I spoke to-day under the inthe claimant held the barony of Bradwardine, and fluence of feelings I rarely give way to, I hope you will lands of Tully-Veolan. His claim being admitted excuse my entering again upon controversy till we and registered, his Royal Highness having placed his are somewhat better acquainted." foot upon a cushion, the Baron of Bradwardine, kneeling upon his right knee, proceeded to undo the latchet of the brogue, or low-heeled Highland shoe, which our gallant young hero wears in compliment to his brave followers. When this was performed, his Roval Highness declared the ceremony complet- It is not necessary to record in these pages the tried; and embracing the gallant veteran, protested that umphant entrance of the Chevalier into Edinburgh nothing but compliance with an ordinance of Robert after the decisive affair of Preston. One circumBruce, could have induced him to receive even the stance, however, may be noticed, because it illussymbolical performance of a menial office from hands trates the high spirit of Flora Mac-Ivor. The Highwhich had fought so bravely to put the crown upon landers, by whom the Prince was surrounded, in the the head of his father. The Baron of Bradwardine license and extravagance of this joyful moment, fired then took instruments in the hands of Mr. Commis- their pieces repeatedly, and one of these having been sary Macwheeble, bearing, that all points and circum- * The clergyman's name was Mac-Vicar. Protected by the stances of the act of homage had been rite et solen-cannon of the Castle, he preached every Sunday in the West niter acta et peracta; and a corresponding entry was and it was in presence of some of the Jacobites that he prayed Kirk, while the Highlanders were in possession of Edinburgh; made in the protocol of the Lord High Chamberlain, for Prince Charles Edward in the terms quoted in the text.

CHAPTER LI.

INTRIGUES OF LOVE AND POLITICS.

accidentally loaded with ball, the bullet grazed the sion and insurrection among the disaffected at home. young lady's temple as she waved her handkerchief I therefore entreat you will repair, as soon as possible, from a balcony. Fergus, who beheld the accident, to the head-quarters of the regiment; and I am conwas at her side in an instant; and, on seeing that cerned to add, that this is still the more necessary, the wound was trifling, he drew his broadsword, with as there is some discontent in your troop, and I postthe purpose of rushing down upon the man by whose pone inquiry into particulars until I can have the adcarelessness she had incurred so much danger, when, vantage of your assistance.

holding him by the plaid, "Do not harm the poor The second letter, dated eight days later, was in fellow, she cried; "for Heaven's sake, do not harm such a style as might have been expected from the him! but thank God with me that the accident hap- Colonel's receiving no answer to the first. It remindpened to Flora Mac-Ivor; for had it befallen a Whig, ed Waverley of his duty, as a man of honour, an ofthey would have pretended that the shot was fired on ficer, and a Briton; took notice of the increasing purpose." dissatisfaction of his men, and that some of them Waverley escaped the alarm which this accident had been heard to hint, that their Captain encouraged would have occasioned to him, as he was unavoida- and approved of their mutinous behaviour; and, finalbly delayed by the necessity of accompanying Colo- ly, the writer expressed the utmost regret and surprise nel Talbot to Edinburgh. that he had not obeyed his commands by repairing They performed the journey together on horseback, to head-quarters, reminded him that his leave of aband for some time, as if to sound each other's feel- sence had been recalled, and conjured him, in a style ings and sentiments, they conversed upon general in which paternal remonstrance was mingled with and ordinary topics. military authority, to redeem his error by immediately When Waverley again entered upon the subject joining his regiment. "That I may be certain," conwhich he had most at heart, the situation, namely, of cluded the letter, "that this actually reaches you, I his father and his uncle, Colonel Talbot seemed now dispatch it by Corporal Tims, of your troop, with orrather desirous to alleviate than to aggravate his anxi-ders to deliver it into your own hand." ety. This appeared particularly to be the case when Upon reading these letters, Waverley, with great bithe heard Waverley's history, which he did not scru- terness of feeling, was compelled to make the amende ple to confide to him. honorable to the memory of the brave and excellent And so," said the Colonel, "there has been no writer; for surely, as Colonel Gardiner must have had malice prepense, as lawyers, I think, term it, in this every reason to conclude they had come safely to hand, rash step of yours; and you have been trepanned into less could not follow, on their being neglected, than that the service of this Italian knight-errant by a few civil third and final summons, which Waverley actually respeeches from him and one or two of his Highland ceived at Glennaquoich, though too late to obey it. And recruiting sergeants? It is sadly foolish, to be sure, his being superseded, in consequence of his apparent but not nearly so bad as I was led to expect. How-neglect of this last command, was so far from being a ever, you cannot desert, even from the Pretender, at harsh or severe proceeding, that it was plainly inevithe present moment, that seems impossible. But I table. The next letter he unfolded was from the Mahave little doubt that, in the dissensions incident to jor of the regiment, acquainting him that a report, to this heterogeneous mass of wild and desperate men, the disadvantage of his reputation, was public in the some opportunity may arise, by availing yourself of country, stating, that one Mr. Falconer of Ballihopwhich, you may extricate yourself honourably from ple, or some such name, had proposed, in his presence, your rash engagement before the bubble burst. If a treasonable toast, which he permitted to pass in this can be managed, I would have you go to a place silence, although it was so gross an affront to the of safety in Flanders, which I shall point out. And royal family, that a gentleman in company, not reI think I can secure your pardon from government markable for his zeal for government, had nevertheafter a few months' residence abroad."

"I cannot permit you, Colonel Talbot," answered Waverley, "to speak of any plan which turns on my deserting an enterprise in which I may have engaged hastily, but certainly voluntarily, and with the purpose of abiding the issue."

less taken the matter up, and that, supposing the account true, Captain Waverley had thus suffered another, comparatively unconcerned, to resent an affront directed against him personally as an officer, and to go out with the person by whom it was offered. The Major concluded, that no one of Captain Waverley's "Well," said Colonel Talbot, smiling, "leave me brother officers could believe this scandalous story, my thoughts and hopes at least at liberty, if not my but that it was necessarily their joint opinion that his speech. But have you never examined your myste-own honour, equally with that of the regiment, detous packet ?" pended upon its being instantly contradicted by his authority, &c. &c. &c.

"It is in my baggage,” replied Edward; ". we shall find it in Edinburgh."

"What do you think of all this?" said Colonel Talbot, to whom Waverley handed the letters after he had perused them.

"Think! it renders thought impossible. It is enough to drive me mad,"

"Be calm, my young friend; let us see what are these dirty scrawls that follow."

In Edinburgh they soon arrived. Waverley's quarters had been assigned to him, by the Prince's express orders, in a handsome lodging, where there was accommodation for Colonel Talbot. His first business was to examine his portmanteau, and, after a very short search, out tumbled the expected packet. Waverley opened it eagerly. Under a blank cover, The first was addressed, "For Master W. Ruffin, simply addressed to E. Waverley, Esq., he found a These."-"Dear sur, sum of our yong gulpins will number of open letters. The uppermost were two not bite, thof I tuold them you shoed me the squoire's from Colonel Gardiner, addressed to himself. The own seel. But Tims will deliver you the letters as earliest in date was a kind and gentle remonstrance desired, and tell ould Addem he gave them to squoir's for neglect of the writer's advice, respecting the dis- hond, as to be sure yours is the same, and shall be posal of his time during his leave of absence, the re-ready for signal, and hoy for Hoy Church and Sachenewal of which, he reminded Captain Waverley, frel, as fadur sings at harvest-whome. would speedily expire. "Indeed," the letter proceed

"Yours, deer Sur,

H. H.

ed, "had it been otherwise, the news from abroad, "Posecriff. Do'e tell squoire we longs to heer from and my instructions from the War-office, must have him, and has dootings about his not writing himself, compelled me to recall it, as there is great danger, and Lifetenant Bottler is smoky." since the disaster in Flanders, both of foreign inva

• The incident here said to have happened to Flora Mac-Ivor, This Ruffin, I suppose, then, is your Donald of actually befell Miss Nairne, a lady with whom the author had the Cavern, who has intercepted your letters, and carthe pleasure of being acquainted. As the Highland army rushed ried on a correspondence with the poor devil Houghinto Edinburgh, Miss Nairne, like other ladies who approved of

their cause, stood waving her handkerchief from a balcony, ton, as if under your authority?"
when a ball from a Highlander's musket, which was discharged
by accident, grazed her forehead. "Thank God," said she, the
instant she recovered, "that the accident happened to me,
whose principles are known. Had it befallen a Whig, they
would have said it was done on purpose."

It seems too true. But who can Addem be?"
"Possibly Adam, for poor Gardiner, a sort of pun
on his name."

The other letters were to the same purpose, and

they soon received yet more complete light upon Do- and somewhat piqued Donald Bean, who, supposing nald Bean's machinations. himself left out of a secret where confidence promisJohn Hodges, one of Waverley's servants, who had ed to be advantageous, determined to have his share remained with the regiment, and had been taken at in the drama, whether a regular part were assigned Preston, now made his appearance. He had sought him or not. For this purpose, during Waverley's out his master, with the purpose of again entering sleep, he possessed himself of his seal, as a token to his service. From this fellow they learned, that some be used to any of the troopers whom he might distime after Waverley had gone from the head-quarters cover to be possessed of the captain's confidence. of the regiment, a pedlar, called Ruthven, Ruffin, or His first journey to Dundee, the town where the reRivane, known among the soldiers by the name of giment was quartered, undeceived him in his original Wily Will, had made frequent visits to the town of supposition, but opened to him a new field of action. Dundee. He appeared to possess plenty of money, He knew there would be no service so well rewarded sold his commodities very cheap, seemed always wil- by the friends of the Chevalier, as seducing a part of ling to treat his friends at the ale-house, and easily the regular army to his standard. For this purpose ingratiated himself with many of Waverley's troop, he opened the machinations with which the reader is particularly Sergeant Houghton, and one Tims, also already acquainted, and which form a clew to all the a non-commissioned officer. To these he unfolded, intricacies and obscurities of the narrative previous to in Waverley's name, a plan for leaving the regiment Waverley's leaving Glennaquoich. and joining him in the Highlands, where report said By Colonel Talbot's advice, Waverley declined dethe clans had already taken arms in great numbers. taining in his service the lad whose evidence had The men, who had been educated as Jacobites, so far thrown additional light on these intrigues. He repre as they had any opinion at all, and who knew their sented to him it would be doing the man an injury to landlord, Sir Everard, had always been supposed to engage him in a desperate undertaking, and that, hold such tenets, easily fell into the snare. That Wa- whatever should happen, his evidence would go some verley was at a distance in the Highlands, was re- length, at least, in explaining the circumstances unceived as a sufficient excuse for transmitting his let- der which Waverley himself had embarked in it. ters through the medium of the pedlar; and the sight Waverley therefore wrote a short state of what had of his well-known seal seemed to authenticate the happened, to his uncle and his father, cautioning them, negotiations in his name, where writing might have however, in the present circumstances, not to attempt been dangerous. The cabal, however, began to take to answer his letter. Talbot then gave the young air, from the premature mutinous language of those man a letter to the commander of one of the English concerned. Wily Will justified his appellative; for, vessels of war cruizing in the frith, requesting him to after suspicion arose he was seen no more. When the put the bearer ashore at Berwick, with a pass to proGazette appeared, in which Waverley was superseded, ceed to shire. He was then furnished with great part of his troop broke out into actual mutiny, money to make an expeditious journey, and directed but were surrounded and disarmed by the rest of the to get on board the ship by means of bribing a fishregiment. In consequence of the sentence of a court- ing-boat, which, as they afterwards learned, he easily martial, Houghton and Tims were condemned to be effected." shot, but afterwards permitted to cast lots for life.

Tired of the attendance of Callum Beg, who, he Houghton, the survivor, showed much penitence, thought, had some disposition to act as a spy on his being convinced from the rebukes and explanations motions, Waverley hired as a servant a simple Edinof Colonel Gardiner, that he had really engaged in a burgh swain, who had mounted the white cockade in very heinous crime. It is remarkable, that as soon a fit of spleen and jealousy, because Jenny Jop had as the poor fellow was satisfied of this, he became danced a whole night with Corporal Bullock of the also convinced that the instigator had acted without Fusileers. authority from Edward, saying, "If it was dishonourable and against Old England, the squire could know nought about it; he never did, or thought to do, any thing dishonourable, no more didn't Sir Everard, nor none of them afore him, and in that belief he would live and die that Ruffen had done it all of his own head."

CHAPTER LII.

INTRIGUES OF SOCIETY AND LOVE.

COLONEL TALBOT became more kindly in his demeanour towards Waverley after the confidence he The strength of conviction with which he express- had reposed in him, and as they were necessarily much ed himself upon this subject, as well as his assurances together, the character of the Colonel rose in Waverthat the letters intended for Waverley had been de- ley's estimation. There seemed at first something livered to Ruthven, made that revolution in Colonel harsh in his strong expressions of dislike and cenGardiner's opinion which he expressed to Talbot. sure, although no one was in the general case more The reader has long since understood that Donald open to conviction. The habit of authority had also Bean Lean played the part of tempter on this occa- given his manners some peremptory hardness, notsion. His motives were shortly these. Of an active withstanding the polish which they had received from and intriguing spirit, he had been long employed as a his intimate acquaintance with the higher circles. subaltern agent and spy by those in the confidence of As a specimen of the military character, he differed the Chevalier, to an extent beyond what was sus- from all whom Waverley had as yet seen. The solpected even by Fergus Mac-Ivor, whom, though diership of the Baron of Bradwardine was marked obliged to him for protection, he regarded with fear by pedantry; that of Major Melville by a sort of marand dislike. To success in this political department, tinet attention to the minutia and technicalities of he naturally looked for raising himself by some bold discipline, rather suitable to one who was to mastroke above his present hazardous and precarious nœuvre a battalion, than to him who was to comtrade of rapine. He was particularly employed in mand an army; the military spirit of Fergus was so learning the strength of the regiments in Scotland, much warped and blended with his plans and politithe character of the officers, &c. and had long had cal views, that it was less that of a soldier than of a his eye upon Waverley's troop, as open to temptation. petty sovereign. But Colonel Talbot was in every Donald even believed that Waverley himself was at point the English soldier. His whole soul was de bottom in the Stewart interest, which seemed con- voted to the service of his king and country, without firmed by his long visit to the Jacobite Baron of feeling any pride in knowing the theory of his art Bradwardine. When, therefore, he came to his cave with the Baron, or its practical minutiæ with the with one of Glennaquoich's attendants, the robber, Major, or in applying his science to his own particular who could never appreciate his real motive, which plans of ambition, like the Chieftain of Glennaquoich. was mere curiosity, was so sanguine as to hope that Added to this, he was a man of extended knowledge his own talents were to be employed in some intrigue and cultivated taste, although strongly tinged, as we of consequence, under the auspices of this wealthy have already observed, with those prejudices which young Englishman. Nor was he undeceived by Wa- are peculiarly English. verley's neglecting all hints and openings afforded for The character of Colonel Talbot dawned upon Edexplanation. His conduct passed for prudent reserve, ward by degrees; for the delay of the Highlanders in