'This is as it should be,' he said, with who had formerly acted so conspicuous a a smile. Ulrick, no regretful looks; you part in the year '15 in Scotland, probably cannot now retract. Come,' he added, he would have shown him more attention, and let me rip the lining of your jacket for he was a scrupulous observer of etito form a place of concealment for Lovat's quette.

letter. Once place that in the hands of The table was covered with rough Charles Edward, and I answer for the abundance-deer, haunches of mutton, cold rest-his lordship will not dare retract; fowl; nor were the national dishes of the and remember that my safety, no less than haggis and collops wanting. Fraser of his fidelity, depend upon your safe arrival Gostuleg, who, after the family of the in Edinburgh.' chief, held the first rank in the clan, preDespite Crawford's entreaties to change sided at the lower end of the board. places with his friend, the latter remained Several petty gentlemen and farmers supinexorable, and he was obliged to submit, ported him. The meal passed almost in with a heavy heart, to the decision which silence, the men pledging each other in chance had made. With the keen edge of whiskey and beer, the wines circulating his dirk, he ripped the lining of his com- only amongst the more distinguished panion's dress, and inserted the document guests. securely between the folds. The arrangement had not been long accomplished, tant affair was either to be debated or All seemed to expect that some imporwhen a party of domestics entered with refreshments; for whatever might be his conduct in other respects, Lord Lovat, in hospitality at least, was a true Highlander. The meal despatched, the two friends amused themselves till the hour of dinner in inspecting the castle, which, although very extensive, contained some noble apartments, and had once been a place of considerable strength.

Whenever they approached any of the entrances they observed that one or two Highlanders were instantly on the alert, and that even while in the picture gallery they were closely watched, a discovery which only tended to confirm their opinion in some intended treachery on the part of their host.

decided; and rumors had gone abroad that the chief was about to declare himself; and many who had controlled their ardor in the cause of the Stuarts, out of respect to his wishes and authority, impatiently waited for the moment to give utterance to their wishes and opinions. As may well be supposed, therefore, there was a solemn silence in the hall when the venerable peer rose at the conclusion of the repast with a silver cup in his hand. The clan knew it well. It was an heirloom in the family of the chief, and never made its appearance except upon solemn occasions like the

present.

'Kinsmen and friends,' he began, 'it is impossible that your spirits should not The long oaken table in the great hall of have been aroused, as mine have been Dawnie Castle was crowded at the evening at the late events which have taken place meal by the friends and retainers of the in Scotland. We have seen the son of our house of Fraser, sturdy, war-like men, who rightful king landing unsupported, except took their seats with the claymore by by the justice of his cause and the fidelity their side for in those days a Highlander of his beloved friends, in the kingdom of his fathers-traced him step by step in his seldom parted with his arms. Lord Lovat took the head of his board, no longer victories, from the first defeat of Johnny Cope' wrapped up in the old dressing-gown, which had given him the air of a scrivener, Here a yell of laughter interrupted the but dressed suitably to his rank, in a mul- speaker for a moment; but Redburn, his berry-colored suit of velvet, laced with henchman, who was standing behind the gold. Sir Allan was seated upon his speaker's chair, made a signal for silence. right hand, Crawford a little lower down. 'To his victory at Preston,' continued From the little share he had taken in the the peer, a glorious victory!—a brilliant arrangement of the morning, the peer victory :-one which has proved the old probably did not consider him as a very supremacy of the broad-sword over the important personage, the name of Crawford bayonet-of Scotch courage over foreign was So common in Scotland. Had he mercenaries. The Saxon has received a known him as the son of Lord Crawford lesson, and Scotland given one!'

'Hear! Listen to the chief!' exclaimed | address was less boisterously received than a dozen voices.

the white rose was the badge of the House of Stuart, and the white horse a conspicuous emblem in the armorial shield of unembarrassed air with which the direction Hanover.

greatness. Regret not that i have taken my precaution to insure your fidelity; for, frankly, Lord of Lovat, I doubted you.'

'And for your mair encouragement, Ye shall be pardoned by-ganes; Nae mair fight on the Continent, And leave behind your dry-banes Then come away, and dinna stay ; The possession of the title to his longWhat gars ye look sae landart? coveted dignity somewhat mollified the I'd have ye run and not delay rage and indignation of the aged peer, who To join my father's standard !' felt that by the letter he had written, and 'I cannot find it, sir,' whispered Red- the speech he had made—although the burn, who had returned, just as the song latter could have been got over-he had was finished, from his unavailing search. irretrievably committed himself with the The packet is not on the table.' reigning government; nor did it lessen his 'No matter,' replied the baronet, care- mortification to find that he had been outlessly. My friend, Mr. Crawford, has witted by two boys. gone to seek it; he will be sure to find it.'

The henchman looked annoyed, but made no observation to the answer of Sir Allan. Finding, after a few minutes, that the absent guest did not return, the henchman whispered a few words in the ear of his chief, whose countenance suddenly changed, as he gave some hurried orders in return. Soon after the banquet, as far as the principal personages were concerned, broke up; although many of the Highlanders and tenant-farmers remained carousing, under the presidency of Fraser of Gostuleg, till a much later hour.

The baronet had not long been in his chamber before the door was thrown open, and Lord Lovat, attended by Redburn, made his appearance. There was a dark scowl upon his flushed brow, as he somewhat haughtily demanded where was Mr. Crawford.

'Weel!' he exclaimed, 'the die is cast, and I mun e'en stand or fall by the result. In the morning you will be free to depart; but you must be content to remain till then at Dawnie.'

As baith. Cunning as you have been,' said his host, 'I can take your word. Pledge it not to quit the castle till you have my permission, and I'll not set those to watch you who will pay but little respect to your nobility if you attempt to escape.'

'Till to-morrow, I pledge my word.'

'Enough,' said the peer. 'Good-night. I fear we have baith made a sad day's work. Many who bear the name of Fraser will repent this day.'

The speaker, who seemed warned of his impending doom by one of those secret presentiments which will sometimes force 'By this time safe on his road to Edin- themselves upon the mind, soon afterwards burgh,' was the calm reply.

'Traitors!' muttered the peer between his clenched teeth. 6 But you, at least, are in my hands.'

6

retired, leaving his guest in full security that his word would be religiously kept. . The old man's motive in exacting it, was the chance of recovering possession of the 'I am your guest, my lord,' interrupted letter; for no sooner had he discovered Sir Allan; a title always held sacred by the flight of Crawford, than he ordered honorable men. Deeming the promise out men in all directions, with orders to you have written to be sincere, I sent my bring him back alive or dead. But the friend forward with it, knowing how anx- fugitive was, fortunately for himself and ious His Royal Highness would be till he Sir Allan, whose safety no less than his received it. If his departure was some-own depended on his flight, too well what sudden, attribute it to his desire not mounted to be overtaken, to say nothing to disturb your friends by mere ceremon- of his having had an hour's start of his ious leave-takings.' pursuers.

'You will not leave as unceremoniously.' Sir Allan, despite the seeming cordiality 'I shall leave at least, I trust, as safely. of his host, resolved neither to undress Of what do you complain? You have nor to sleep, but continued pacing up and performed your promise; I am equally down the floor of his chamber with meaready, my lord, to accomplish mine. There,' sured strides, chewing the cud of sweet he added, at the same time drawing the and bitter fancies. Like most lovers, his important parchment from his bosom-thoughts naturally reverted to Alice, and 'there is the so-long-desired patent of your the many barriers which still were to be

surmounted before he could hope to call and neither he nor his attendant apparently were armed.

her his.

Should the cause of Stuart prove suc( Put up your arms, young man,' said cessful, the path of happiness would open his host; 'no evil is intended you; were smilingly before him; should it fail, exile it so, I have no need to execute my designs and, perhaps, death would be the lot of myself. You must quit Dawnie Castle the rash, but enthusiastic men who had instantly, unless,' he added, 'you wish to supported it; nor could he, certainly not fall into the hands of the president, Duncan the least distinguished of Charles Edward's Forbes, who has sent a party of horsemen partisans, hope to escape the doom. What, to arrest you. I release you from your then, would be Alice's fate?-what the word,' he added; 'you are free to chances of his rival? Would she prove depart.'

as constant to his memory as Alick was 6 How should Duncan Forbes know of likely to prove in his hate? These my arrival here ?' demanded the baronet, thoughts distracted him; and, in the im- who began to suspect, what really was the patience of his heart, he wished the strug-fact, that the intelligence must have been gle over, that he might know his fate. sent by the speaker himself; the circumSuspense is often more trying to our na- stance of the patent alone altered his lordture that even the certainty of misfortune. ship's intention. Shortly after midnight, he was startled 'How does the bloodhound track its by a loud summons at the gate of the victim ?' demanded the old man. 'Suspiccastle. Although at a considerable dis-ion has as many eyes as Argus. Perhaps tance from the principal entrance, he dis- he has spies even here. Redburn will tinctly heard the sound of horsemen, and conduct you,' he added,' beyond the walls; the challenge of the Highlanders who kept once there, your hand must defend your head. I trust to your honor,' he added, that the secret of this chamber remains one. It's ill betraying the horse which carries you over the hig.'

watch.

'Can Crawford have been retaken ?' he demanded of himself. 'If so, I have but slender hope in Lovat's faith. He is one of those who keep it only when it serves their purpose.'

'How many men are at the gate?' said Sir Allan.

'Twenty at the very least,' replied the henchman.

'And you have a hundred in the house,

Cautiously he opened the casement of his chamber and listened. Borne on the night breeze, he distinctly caught the impatient murmurs of those who were wait-at the very least, my lord,' observed his ing for admittance, and heard Redburn shout from the turret over the porch that it was impossible to open the gates till he had first ascertained the pleasure of his

master.

guest, addressing himself to the peer. Were it not more consonant with your honor to protect me openly, than assist me to fly, like a thief in the night, before traitors?'

'And so draw the attention of the govour doings,' impatiently

to

While still continuing to listen, the baronet heard a harsh creaking in the ernment room, and turning round to ascertain the answered the old man, 'before the rising If Duncan finds cause, he saw, to his astonishment, that of the clan? No-no. the centre of the bed on which he was to you here, he may e'en take you: I wash have slept was slowly sinking. A bitter my hands of it. Young heads care little smile passed over his countenance; he un- what dangers they bring upon gray hairs. derstood at once why the earl's chamber A night-ride on the hills, methinks, is no had been selected for him and his companion. Drawing his pistols from his belt, he placed his back against the wall, and calmly awaited the result.

such terrible adventure.'

'Enough, my lord. If I am not convinced by your reasons, at least I yield to them. I fear danger as little as any man.'

Presently the noise was repeated, and Come, then,' said the old peer,' Duncan the bed rose again, but not as it had de- Forbes is getting impatient. Hark! how scended. This time it bore the persons of they knock at the gates of Dawnie Castle Lord Lovat and his henchman, Redburn. as if it were a common clachan. Let but The old peer carried a torch in his hand, the cause proceed triumphantly,' he mut

tered, with a scowl, 'I'll place the limmet's | welcome one? Na-na, that's no' Highhead there.' land hospitality.'

Probably he

Convinced that this time his host really The gentleman smiled. was sincere, Sir Allan, without further could not see any very great difference behesitation, sprang upon the bed, which, tween betraying a guest and detaining him. upon the henchman touching a spring, To satisfy his suspicions, his lordship dibegan once more to descend. The motion rected him to be conducted over the caswas gradual and slow, and continued for tle, which the troopers searched high and some minutes, till the party found them-low. Of course, no trace of the fugitive selves in a low, vaulted chamber, under was to be found, and on the following the very foundations of the tower. The morning they took leave of their host, who fugitive shuddered as he looked around emphatically recommended them to relate him, and remembered how easy the mur- to the president how deeply he regretted der of an unwelcome guest would have that his advice had not arrived time been, who, in blind security, had slept enough to secure the messenger of the upon that fatal couch. mad-brained fool, as he contemptuously styled Prince Charles.

'And now,' said the peer, opening an iron door, which led into a low vaulted Let it not bẹ supposed that we have too passage, 'away with you, and God speed severely painted the character of Simon you! Few have ever left Dawnie Castle | Fraser, Lord of Lovat. The letters adwho entered this chamber as you entered dressed by him to the President Forbes it. Redburn will be your guide.'

'I believe you, my lord,' replied the baronet. 'Farewell! Whatever might have been your orginal intentions towards me, I forgive them. Rest assured that the secret of my escape, whether I live or die, remains with me. When next we meet, I trust it will be in the walls of Holyrood.' 'There, or in a prison-perhaps upon the scaffold,' murmured Lord Lovat, as he carefully closed the door upon his late guest and his guide. 'No matter; the game is worth playing out, and my head will not easily be laid upon the block. A duke!' he added, as he began to ascend the winding staircase, which led to the up

during the time the transactions we have narrated were going on, have been preserved and published; and perhaps we have nowhere a more faithful illustration of that mean cunning which Hogarth has so admirably portrayed in his portrait of him, than in his correspondence, in which he bitterly complains of the conduct of his son in raising the clan without his consent, and begs the president to represent his loyalty to the House of Hanover in the proper quarters.

CHAPTER XXII.

Survey your ranks and onward march-push we the war

per part of the castle. 'A duke! It's To England-the Saxon serf must feel the

worth the risk-it's worth the risk.'

Scottish blade.

HEIR OF THE SEPT.

GREAT diversity of opinion existed in the councils of Prince Charles as to the propriety of marching into England, a country decidedly hostile to strangers, and where the claids of his long absent family

When the messengers of the president A crown invites us, or a glorious grave. were admitted into the house, they found its aged owner propped up with pillows on his couch, apparently in an acute stage of illness. To the demand of the officer who headed the party, the old man replied between the intervals of his couch,Gone-gone! Why were you no' here were likely to meet with but little symsooner ?' pathy from the common people. Many of 'Why did not your lordship detain him?' the more cautious chiefs warmly advocated demanded the officer, suspiciously. 'If the remaining in Scotland, where the Highthere was half as much difficulty in quit-landers, felt themselves, as it were, at ting Dawnie Castle as there is in enter- home, fighting on their own ground. Some ing it, the Jacobite could not have esca- represented the clans as disinclined to cross ped.' the border. Others urged that the High'And how was I to keep him, an old landers had not yet sufficiently declared bed-ridden creature like myself?' replied themselves; that every day brought a fresh the peer. Was I to offer violence to a accession both of gentry and men to his man who came as a guest, although an un-cause; in short, that the approach of an