The hollow precincts of the spacious court, and the distant turrets of the castellated mansion re-echoed the sound, till both sound and echo died away upon the nocturnal breeze with a distant murmur. The noise was soon succeeded by that of a heavy step, and a clatter of arms upon the battlements. By the light of a torch, which Sandy Dribble held in his hand, the Brigadier could soon perceive the head of a tall gaunt figure, ensconced in an old battered morion, that had probably witnessed the fight of Dunbar or of Pinkie from its appearance.

"This military preparation and foresight looks well," said the Brigadier," and proves that the Earl is alive to his duty both at home and abroad."

This redoubtable character, after having announced himself with no small degree of pomp to be no less a personage than Andrew Snodgrass, Steward and Doer to the Earl of Wintoun, proceeded, as the Brigadier had apprehended, to question him in the same line of interrogatory as his col

league the Butler and Seneschal had done just before; only with this difference, that his queries were more formally and ceremoniously put, and more decorously answered for the warlike head-piece of the Steward had inspired the old Brigadier, with no mean idea of his character in general. Andrew having fully satisfied himself that the benighted suppliant and his companions were really friends of his master, and of the House of Stuart, ordered the gates to be immediately thrown open for their admission.

"The friends of Lord Wintoun and of King James," said he, "sall never be refused a night's quarters at Seaton House."

The Brigadier entered the arched gate

way, and was instantly followed by his followers, who all emerged from their place of concealment behind the buttress.

Andrew Snodgrass, however, notwithstanding the loyal and hospitable sentiments he had just expressed, seemed considerably embarrassed and alarmed at be

holding the number of the Brigadier's companions. Casting a look of inquiry and surprise on the dark visages and sturdy forms of the Highlanders, the Steward addressed their leader: "Honoured Sir," said he, "when I invited yourself and your companions into this Fortalice, Pile or Castle, whichever o' these names ye may please to gi'e the building, it was under the idea that ye wud bring nae mair mouths than could be easily supplied; and now seeing the host that follows in your train, I am much concerned lest a dearth o' provision should force me to withhold the hospitality o' Seaton House frae sic staunch friends o' King James."

"O, don't fear that, Mr. Snodgrass," said Mac Intosh, "for we always take care to want none of the comforts of the table in our quarters. Captain Douglas,' added he, turning to Black Ronald," do you at dawn of day take a Company of picked foragers, and lift some score of bullocks and sheep, with some fowl and

other domestic or barn-door animals; for I do not see why the King's troops should want for victuals in the fertile plains of Lothian."

Douglas bowed assent; and Snodgrass, freed by this assurance from his apprehensions of famine or scarcity, conducted his guests into the interior with much apparent cheerfulness. Mac Intosh, with the precaution of an old soldier, did not think proper to confide implicitly in the friendly professions of the old Steward, and immediately replaced the Butler in his post of sentinel by one of his own men.

Indeed, this change had become no less necessary, from the heavy duties that devolved on the shoulders of Sandy Dribble, in his capacity of Butler, in consequence of the sudden influx of guests, and from the peculiarly wet habits of some of them. The number of the sentinels was increased; outposts, under the command of the most vigilant and intrepid officers, were established in the neighbouring cottages and

woods; and every care that military experience could dictate was adopted to prevent a surprise.

The long corridors and spacious apart ments of Seaton House furnished ample accommodation to the whole body of the newly-constituted garrison. The leaders of the army commenced a deep carouse in the hall of the building, whilst their men were plentifully supplied with their darling aquavitæ in prodigious quantities by the bounteous hand of Sandy Dribble, who at length declared that his strength was quite exhausted.

There was no lack of volunteers, however, on so interesting an occasion; and Sandy's incapacity to perform the duties of his office proved no obstacle to the hilarious enjoyments of the Highlanders.

In this stage of the festivities a message was suddenly brought to Doctor Callum, informing him that one of the soldiers was suddenly attacked with a dangerous illness. Our modern Sangrado in his haste to ad