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第3章

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CHAPTERVI。

Forthisareallthesewarriorscome，Tohearanidletale；

Ando’erourdeath-accustom’darmsShallsillytearsprevail？

HENRYMACKENZIE。

ONtheeveningofthedaywhentheLordKeeperandhisdaughterweresavedfromsuchimminentperil，twostrangerswereseatedinthemostprivateapartmentofasmallobscureinn，orratheralehouse，calledtheTod’sDen[Hole]，aboutthreeorfour[fiveorsix]milesfromtheCastleofRavenswoodandasfarfromtheruinoustowerofWolf’sCrag，betwixtwhichtwoplacesitwassituated。

Oneofthesestrangerswasaboutfortyyearsofage，tall，andthinintheflanks，withanaquilinenose，darkpenetratingeyes，andashrewdbutsinistercastofcountenance。Theotherwasaboutfifteenyearsyounger，short，stout，ruddy-faced，andred-haired，withanopen，resolute，andcheerfuleye，towhichcarelessandfearlessfreedomandinwarddaringgavefireandexpression，notwithstandingitslightgreycolour。Astoupofwine(forinthosedaysitwaservedoutfromthecaskinpewterflagons)wasplacedonthetable，andeachhadhisquaighorbickerbeforehim。Buttherewaslittleappearanceofconviviality。Withfoldedarms，andlooksofanxiousexpectation，theyeyedeachotherinsilence，eachwraptinhisownthoughts，andholdingnocommunicationwithhisneighbour。

Atlengththeyoungerbrokesilencebyexclaiming:”WhatthefoulfiendcandetaintheMastersolong？Hemusthavemiscarriedinhisenterprise。Whydidyoudissuademefromgoingwithhim？””Onemanisenoughtorighthisownwrong，”saidthetallerandolderpersonage；”weventureourlivesforhimincomingthusfaronsuchanerrand。””Yopuarebutacravenafterall，Craigengelt，”answeredtheyounger，”andthat’swhatmanyfolkhavethoughtyoubeforenow。””Butwhatnonehasdaredtotellme，”saidCraigengelt，layinghishandonthehiltofhissword；”and，butthatIholdahastymannobetterthanafool，Iwould——”hepausedforhiscompanion’sanswer。”WOULDyou？”saidtheother，coolly；”andwhydoyounotthen？”

Craigengeltdrewhiscutlassaninchortwo，andthenreturneditwithviolenceintothescabbard——”Becausethereisadeeperstaketobeplayedforthanthelivesoftwentyharebrainedgowkslikeyou。””Youarerightthere，”saidhiscompanion，”foritifwerenotthattheseforfeitures，andthatlastfinethattheolddrivellerTurntippetisgapingfor，andwhich，Idaresay，islaidonbythistime，havefairlydrivenmeoutofhouseandhome，IwereacoxcombandacuckootoboottotrustyourfairpromisesofgettingmeacommissionintheIrishbrigade。WhathaveItodowiththeIrishbrigade？IamaplainScotchman，asmyfatherwasbeforeme；andmygrand-aunt，LadyGirnington，cannotliveforever。””Ay，Bucklaw，”observedCraigengelt，”butshemayliveformanyalongday；andforyourfather，hehadlandandliving，kepthimselfclosefromwadsettersandmoney-lenders，paideachmanhisdue，andlivedonhisown。””AndwhosefaultititthatIhavenotdonesotoo？”saidBucklaw——”whosebutthedevil’sandyours，andsuch-likeasyou，thathaveledmetothefarendofafairestate？AndnowI

shallbeobliged，Isuppose，toshelterandshiftaboutlikeyourself:liveoneweekuponalineofsecretintelligencefromSaintGermains；anotheruponareportofarisingintheHighlands；getmybreakfastandmorningdraughtofsackfromoldJacobiteladies，andgivethemlocksofmyoldwigfortheChevalier’shair；secondmyfriendinhisquarreltillhecomestothefield，andthenflinchfromhimlestsoimportantapoliticalagentshouldperishfromtheway。AllthisImustdoforbread，besidescallingmyselfacaptain！””Youthinkyouaremakingafinespeechnow，”saidCraigengelt，”andshowingmuchwitatmyexpense。IsstarvingorhangingbetterthanthelifeIamobligedtolead，becausethepresentfortunesofthekingcannotsufficientlysupporthisenvoys？””Starvingishonester，Craigengelt，andhangingisliketobetheendon’t。ButwhatyoumeantomakeofthispoorfellowRavenswood，Iknownot。Hehasnomoneyleft，anymorethanI；

hislandsareallpawnedandpledged，andtheinteresteatsuptherents，andisnotsatisfied，andwhatdoyouhopetomakebymeddlinginhisaffairs？””Contentyourself，Bucklaw；Iknowmybusiness，”repliedCraigengelt。”Besidesthathisname，andhisfather’sservicesin1689，willmakesuchanacquisitionsoundwellbothatVersaillesandSaintGermains，youwillalsopleasebeinformedthattheMasterofRavenswoodisaverydifferentkindofayoungfellowfromyou。Hehaspartsandaddress，aswellascourageandtalents，andwillpresenthimselfabroadlikeayoungmanofheadaswellasheart，whoknowssomethingmorethanthespeedofahorseortheflightofahawk。Ihavelostcreditoflate，bybringingovernoonethathadsensetoknowmorethanhowtounharbourastag，ortakeandreclaimaneyas。TheMasterhaseducation，sense，andpenetration。””Andyetisnotwiseenoughtoescapethetricksofakidnapper，Craigengelt？”repliedtheyoungerman。”Butdon’tbeangry；youknowyouwillntofight，andsoitisaswelltoleaveyourhiltinpeaceandquiet，andtellmeinsoberguisehowyoudrewtheMasterintoyourconfidence？””Byflatteringhisloveofvengeance，Bucklaw，”answeredCraigengelt。”Hehasalwaysdistrustedme；butIwatchedmytime，andstruckwhilehistemperwasred-hotwiththesenseofinsultandofwrong。Hegoesnowtoexpostulate，ashesays，andperhapsthinks，withSirWilliamAshton。Isay，thatiftheymeet，andthelawyerputshimtohisdefence，theMasterwillkillhim；forhehadthatsparkleinhiseyewhichneverdeceivesyouwhenyouwouldreadaman’spurpose。Atanyrate，hewillgivehimsuchabullyingaswillbeconstruedintoanassaultonaprivycouncillor；sotherewillbeatotalbreachbetwixthimandgovernment。Scotlandwillbetoohotforhim；Francewillgainhim；andwewillallsetsailtogetherintheFrenchbrig’L’Espoir，’whichishoveringforusoffEyemouth。””ContentamI，”saidBucklaw；”ScotlandhaslittleleftthatI

careabout；andifcarryingtheMasterwithuswillgetusabetterreceptioninFrance，why，sobeit，aGod’sname。Idoubtourownmeritswillprocureusslenderpreferment；andItrusthewillsendaballthroughtheKeeper’sheadbeforehejoinsus。

Oneortwoofthesescoundrelstatesmenshouldbeshotonceayear，justtokeeptheothersontheirgoodbehaviour。””Thatisverytrue，”repliedCraigengelt；”anditremindsmethatImustgoandseethatourhorseshavebeenfedandareinreadiness；for，shouldsuchdeedbedone，itwillbenotimeforgrasstogrowbeneaththeirheels。”Heproceededasfarasthedoor，thenturnedbackwithalookofearnestness，andsaidtoBucklaw:”Whatevershouldcomeofthisbusiness，IamsureyouwilldomethejusticetorememberthatIsaidnothingtotheMasterwhichcouldimplymyaccessiontoanyactofviolencewhichhemaytakeitintohisheadtocommit。””No，no，notasinglewordlikeaccession，”repliedBucklaw；”youknowtoowelltheriskbelongingtothesetwoterriblewords，’artandpart。’”Then，asiftohimself，herecitedthefollowinglines:”Thedialspokenot，butitmadeshrewdsigns，Andpointedfulluponthestrokeofmurder。”Whatisthatyouaretalkingtoyourself？”saidCraigengelt，turningbackwithsomeanxiety。”Nothing，onlytwolinesIhavehearduponthestage，”repliedhiscompanion。”Bucklaw，”saidCraigengelt，”Isometimesthinkyoushouldhavebeenastage-playeryourself；allisfancyandfrolicwithyou。””Ihaveoftenthoughtsomyself，”saidBucklaw。”IbelieveitwouldbesaferthanactingwithyouintheFatalConspiracy。

Butaway，playyourownpart，andlookafterthehorseslikeagroomasyouare。Aplay-actor——astage-player！”herepeatedtohimself；”thatwouldhavedeservedastab，butthatCraigengelt’sacoward。AndyetIshouldliketheprofessionwellenough。

Stay，letmesee；ay，IwouldcomeoutinAlexander:

ThusfromthegraveIrisetosavemylove，Drawallyourswords，andquickaslightningmove。

WhenIrushon，surenonewilldaretostay:

’Tislovecommands，andgloryleadstheway。”

Aswithavoiceofthunder，andhishanduponhissword，BucklawrepeatedtherantingcoupletsofpoorLee，Craigengeltre-enteredwithafaceofalarm。”Weareundone，Bucklaw！TheMaster’sledhorsehascasthimselfoverhishalterinthestable，andisdeadlame。Hishackneywillbesetupwiththeday’swork，andnowhehasnofreshhorse；hewillnevergetoff。””Egad，therewillbenomovingwiththespeedoflightningthisbout，”saidBucklaw，drily。”Butstay，youcangivehimyours。””What！andbetakenmyself？Ithankyoufortheproposal，”saidCraigengelt。”Why，”repliedBucklaw，”iftheLordKeepershouldhavemetwithamischance，whichformypartIcannotsuppose，fortheMasterisnottheladtoshootanoldandunarmedman——butIFthereshouldhavebeenafrayattheCastle，youareneitherartnotpartinit，youknow，sohavenothingtofear。””True，true，”answeredtheother，withembarrassment；”butconsidermycommissionfromSaintGermains。””Whichmanymenthinkisacommissionofyourownmaking，nobleCaptain。Well，ifyouwillnotgivehimyourhorse，why，d——nit，hemusthavemine。””Yours？”saidCraigengelt。”Ay，mine，”repeatedBucklaw；”itshallneverbesaidthatI

agreedtobackagentlemaninalittleaffairofhonour，andneitherhelpedhimonwithitnorofffromit。””Youwillgivehimyourhorse？andhaveyouconsideredtheloss？””Loss！why，GreyGilbertcostmetwentyJacobuses，that’strue；

butthenhishackneyisworthsomething，andhisBlackMoorisworthtwiceasmuchwerehesound，andIknowhowtohandlehim。

Takeafatsuckingmastiffwhelp，flayandbowelhim，stuffthebodyfullofblackandgreysnails，roastareasonabletime，andbastewithoilofspikenard，saffron，cinnamon，andhoney，anointwiththedripping，workingitin——””Yes，Bucklaw；butinthemeanwhile，beforethesprainiscured，nay，beforethewhelpisroasted，youwillbecaughtandhung。Dependonit，thechasewillbehardafterRavenswood。I

wishwehadmadeourplaceofrendezvousnearertothecoast。””Onmyfaith，then，”saidBucklaw，”Ihadbestgooffjustnow，andleavemyhorseforhim。Stay——stay，hecomes:Ihearahorse’sfeet。””Areyousurethereisonlyone？”saidCraigengelt。”Ifearthereisachase；IthinkIhearthreeorfourgallopingtogether。IamsureIhearmorehorsesthanone。””Pooh，pooh，itisthewenchofthehouseclatteringtothewellinherpattens。Bymyfaith，Captain，youshouldgiveupbothyourcaptainshipandyoursecretservice，foryouareaseasilyscaredasawildgoose。ButherecomestheMasteralone，andlookingasgloomyasanightinNovember。”

TheMasterofRavenswoodenteredtheroomaccordingly，hiscloakmuffledaroundhim，hisarmsfolded，hislooksstern，andatthesametimedejected。Heflunghiscloakfromhimasheentered，threwhimselfuponachair，andappearedsunkinaprofoundreverie。”Whathashappened？Whathaveyoudone？”washastilydemandedbyCraigengeltandBucklawinthesamemoment。”Nothing！”wastheshortandsullenanswer。”Nothing！andleftus，determinedtocalltheoldvillaintoaccountforalltheinjuriesthatyou，we，andthecountryhavereceivedathishand？Haveyouseenhim？””Ihave，”repliedtheMasterofRavenswood。”Seenhim——andcomeawaywithoutsettlingscoreswhichhavebeensolongdue？”saidBucklaw；”IwouldnothaveexpectedthatatthehandoftheMasterofRavenswood。””Nomatterwhatyouexpected，”repliedRavenswood；”itisnottoyou，sir，thatIshallbedisposedtorenderanyreasonformyconduct。””Patience，Bucklaw，”saidCraigengelt，interruptinghiscompanion，whoseemedabouttomakeanangryreply。”TheMasterhasbeeninterruptedinhispurposebysomeaccident；buthemustexcusetheanxiouscuriosityoffriendswhoaredevotedtohiscauselikeyouandme。””Friends，CaptainCraigengelt！”retortedRavenswood，haughtily；”Iamignorantwhatfamiliaritypassedbetwixtustoentitleyoutousethatexpression。Ithinkourfriendshipamountstothis，thatweagreedtoleaveScotlandtogethersosoonasIshouldhavevisitedthealienatedmansionofmyfathers，andhadaninterviewwithitspresentpossessor——Iwillnotcallhimproprietor。””Verytrue，Master，”answeredBucklaw；”andaswethoughtyouhadinmindtodosomethingtoputyourneckinjeopardy，CraigieandIverycourteouslyagreedtotarryforyou，althoughoursmightrunsomeriskinconsequence。AstoCraigie，indeed，itdoesnotverymuchsignify:hehadgallowswrittenonhisbrowinthehourofhisbirth；butIshouldnotliketodiscreditmyparentagebycomingtosuchanendinanotherman’scause。””Gentlemen，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，”IamsorryifI

haveoccasionedyouanyinconvenience，butImustclaimtherightofjudgingwhatisbestformyownaffairs，withoutrenderingexplanationstoanyone。Ihavealteredmymind，anddonotdesigntoleavethecountrythisseason。””Nottoleavethecountry，Master！”exclaimedCraigengelt。”Nottogoover，afterallthetroubleandexpenseIhaveincurred——afteralltheriskofdiscovery，andtheexpenseoffreightanddemurrage！””Sir，”repliedtheMasterofRavenswood，”whenIdesignedtoleavethiscountryinthishaste，Imadeuseofyourobligingoffertoprocurememeansofconveyance；butIdonotrecollectthatIpledgedmyselftogooff，ifIfoundoccasiontoaltermymind。Foryourtroubleonmyaccount，Iamsorry，andIthankyou；yourexpense，”headded，puttinghishandintohispocket，”admitsamoresolidcompensation:freightanddemurragearematterswithwhichIamunacquainted，CaptainCraigengelt，buttakemypurseandpayyourselfaccordingtoyourownconscience。”

Andaccordinglyhetenderedapursewithsomegoldinittothesoi-disantcaptain。

ButhereBucklawinterposedinhisturn。”Yourfingers，Craigie，seemtoitchforthatsamepieceofgreennetwork，”saidhe；”butImakemyvowtoGod，thatiftheyoffertocloseuponit，Iwillchopthemoffwithmywhinger。SincetheMasterhaschangedhismind，Isupposeweneedstayherenolonger；butinthefirstplaceIbegleavetotellhim——””Tellhimanythingyouwill，”saidCraigengelt，”ifyouwillfirstallowmetostatetheinconveniencestowhichhewillexposehimselfbyquittingoursociety，toremindhimoftheobstaclestohisremaininghere，andofthedifficultiesattendinghisproperintroductionatVersaillesandSaintGermainswithoutthecountenanceofthosewhohaveestablishedusefulconnexions。””Besidesforfeitingthefriendship，”saidBucklaw，”ofatleastonemanofspiritandhonour。””Gentlemen，”saidRavenswood，”permitmeoncemoretoassureyouthatyouhavebeenpleasedtoattachtoourtemporaryconnexionmoreimportancethanIevermeantthatitshouldhave。

WhenIrepairtoforeigncourts，Ishallnotneedtheintroductionofanintriguingadventurer，norisitnecessaryformetosetvalueonthefriendshipofahot-headedbully。”Withthesewords，andwithoutwaitingforananswer，helefttheapartment，remountedhishorse，andwasheardtorideoff。”Mortbleu！”saidCaptainCraigengelt，”myrecruitislost！””Ay，Captain，”saidBucklaw，”thesalmonisoffwithhookandall。ButIwillafterhim，forIhavehadmoreofhisinsolencethanIcanwelldigest。”

Craigengeltofferedtoaccompanyhim；butBucklawreplied:”No，no，Captain，keepyouthecheckofthechimney-nooktillIcomeback；it’sgoodsleepinginahaillskin。

Littlekenstheauldwifethatsitsbythefire，Howcauldthewindblawsinhurle-burleswire。”

Andsingingashewent，helefttheapartment。

CHAPTERVII。

Now，BillyBerwick，keepgoodheart，Andoftheytalkingletmebe；

Butifthouartaman，asIamsurethouart，Comeoverthedikeandfightwithme。

OldBallad。

THEMasterofRavenswoodhadmountedtheamblinghackneywhichhebeforerode，onfindingtheaccidentwhichhadhappenedtohisledhorse，and，fortheanimal’sease，wasproceedingataslowpacefromtheTod’sDentowardshisoldtowerofWolf’sCrag，whenheheardthegallopingofahorsebehindhim，and，lookingback，perceivedthathewaspursuedbyyoungBucklaw，whohadbeendelayedafewminutesinthepursuitbytheirresistabletemptationofgivingthehostlerattheTod’sDensomerecipefortreatingthelamehorse。Thisbriefdelayhehadmadeupbyhardgalloping，andnowovertookthsMasterwheretheroadtraversedawastemoor。”Halt，sir，”criedBucklaw；”Iamnopoliticalagent——noCaptainCraigengelt，whoselifeistooimportanttobehazardedindefenceofhishonour。IamFrankHaystonofBucklaw，andnomaninjuresmebyword，deed，sign，orlook，buthemustrendermeanaccountofit。””Thisisallverywell，Mr。HaystonofBucklaw，”repliedtheMasterofRavenswood，inatonethemostcalmandindifferent；”butIhavenoquarrelwithyou，anddesiretohavenone。Ourroadshomeward，aswellasourroadsthroughlife，lieindifferentdirections；thereisnooccasionforuscrossingeachother。””Istherenot？”saidBucklaw，impetuously。”ByHeaven！butI

saythatthereis，though:youcalledusintriguingadventurers。””Becorrectinyourrecollection，Mr。Hayston；itwastoyourcompaniononlyIappliedthatepithet，andyouknowhimtobenobetter。””Andwhatthen？Hewasmycompanionforthetime，andnomanshallinsultmycompanion，rightorwrong，whileheisinmycompany。””Then，Mr。Hayston，”repliedRavenswood，withthesamecomposure，”youshouldchooseyoursocietybetter，oryouareliketohavemuchworkinyourcapacityoftheirchampion。Gohome，sir；sleep，andhavemorereasoninyourwrathto-morrow。””Notso，Master，youhavemistakenyourman；highairsandwisesawsshallnotcarryitoffthus。Besides，youtermedmebully，andyoushallretractthewordbeforewepart。””Faith，scarcely，”saidRavenswood，”unlessyoushowmebetterreasonforthinkingmyselfmistakenthanyouarenowproducing。””Then，Master，”saidBucklaw，”thoughIshouldbesorrytoofferittoamanofyourquality，ifyouwillnotjustifyyourincivility，orretractit，ornameaplaceofmeeting，youmusthereundergothehardwordandthehardblow。””Neitherwillbenecessary，”saidRavenswood；”IamsatisfiedwithwhatIhavedonetoavoidanaffairwithyou。Ifyouareserious，thisplacewillserveaswellasanother。””Dismountthen，anddraw，”saidBucklaw，settinghimanexample。”Ialwaysthoughtandsaidyouwereaprettyman；Ishouldbesorrytoreportyouotherwise。””Youshallhavenoreason，sir，”saidRavenswood，alighting，andputtinghimselfintoapostureofdefence。

Theirswordscrossed，andthecombatcommencedwithgreatspiritonthepartofBucklaw，whowaswellaccustomedtoaffairsofthekind，anddistinguishedbyaddressanddexterityathisweapon。

Inthepresentcase，however，hedidnotusehisskilltoadvantage；for，havinglosttemperatthecoolandcontemptuousmannerinwhichtheMasterofRavenswoodhadlongrefused，andatlengthgranted，himsatisfaction，andurgedbyhisimpatience，headoptedthepartofanassailantwithinconsiderateeagerness。TheMaster，withequalskill，andmuchgreatercomposure，remainedchieflyonthedefensive，andevendeclinedtoavailhimselfofoneortwoadvantagesaffordedhimbytheeagernessofhisadversary。Atlength，inadesperatelunge，whichhefollowedwithanattempttoclose，Bucklaw’sfootslipped，andhefellontheshortgrassyturfonwhichtheywerefighting。”Takeyourlife，sir，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，”andmenditifyoucan。””Itwouldbebutacobbledpieceofwork，Ifear，”saidBucklaw，risingslowlyandgatheringuphissword，muchlessdisconcertedwiththeissueofthecombatthancouldhavebeenexpectedfromtheimpetuosityofhistemper。”Ithankyouformylife，Master，”hepursued。”Thereismyhand；Ibearnoill-willtoyou，eitherformybadluckoryourbetterswordsmanship。”

TheMasterlookedsteadilyathimforaninstant，thenextendedhishandtohim。”Bucklaw，”hesaid，”youareagenerousfellow，andIhavedoneyouwrong。Iheartilyaskyourpardonfortheexpressionwhichoffendedyou；itwashastilyandincautiouslyuttered，andIamconvinceditistotallymisapplied。””Areyouindeed，Master？”saidBucklaw，hisfaceresumingatonceitsnaturalexpressionoflight-heartedcarelessnessandaudacity；”thatismorethanIexpectedofyou；for，Master，mensayyouarenotreadytoretractyouropinionandyourlanguage。””NotwhenIhavewellconsideredthem，”saidtheMaster。”ThenyouarealittlewiserthanIam，forIalwaysgivemyfriendsatisfactionfirst，andexplanationafterwards。Ifoneofusfalls，allaccountsaresettled；ifnot，menareneversoreadyforpeaceasafterwar。Butwhatdoesthatbawlingbratofaboywant？”saidBucklaw。”IwishtoHeavenhehadcomeafewminutessooner！andyetitmusthavebeenendedsometime，andperhapsthiswayisaswellasanyother。”

Ashespoke，theboyhementionedcameup，cudgellinganass，onwhichhewasmounted，tothetopofitsspeed，andsending，likeoneofOssian’sheroes，hisvoicebeforehim:”Gentlemen——

gentlemen，saveyourselves！forthegudewifebadeustellyetherewerefolkinherhousehadtaenCaptainCraigengelt，andwereseekingforBucklaw，andthatyebehovedtorideforit。””Bymyfaith，andthat’sverytrue，myman”saidBucklaw；”andthere’sasilversixpenceforyournews，andIwouldgiveanymantwiceasmuchwouldtellmewhichwayIshouldride。””ThatwillI，Bucklaw，”saidRavenswood；”ridehometoWolf’sCragwithme。Thereareplacesintheoldtowerwhereyoumightliehid，wereathousandmentoseekyou。””Butthatwillbringyouintotroubleyourself，Master；andunlessyoubeintheJacobitescrapealready，itisquiteneedlessformetodragyouin。””Notawhit；Ihavenothingtofear。””ThenIwillridewithyoublythely，for，tosaythetruth，IdonotknowtherendezvousthatCraigiewastoguideustothisnight；andIamsurethat，ifheistaken，hewilltellallthetruthofme，andtwentyliesofyou，inordertosavehimselffromthewithie。”

Theymountedandrodeoffincompanyaccordingly，strikingofftheordinaryroad，andholdingtheirwaybywildmoorishunfrequentedpaths，withwhichthegentlemenwerewellacquaintedfromtheexerciseofthechase，butthroughwhichotherswouldhavehadmuchdifficultyintracingtheircourse。

Theyrodeforsometimeinsilence，makingsuchhasteastheconditionofRavenswood’shorsepermitted，untilnighthavinggraduallyclosedaroundthem，theydiscontinuedtheirspeed，bothfromthedifficultyofdiscoveringtheirpath，andfromthehopethattheywerebeyondthereachofpursuitorobservation。”Andnowthatwehavedrawnbridleabit，”saidBucklaw，”I

wouldfainaskyouaquestion，Master。””Askandwelcome，”saidRavenswood，”butforgivenotansweringit，unlessIthinkproper。””Well，itissimplythis，”answeredhislateantagonist”What，inthenameofoldSathan，couldmakeyou，whostandsohighlyonyourreputation，thinkforamomentofdrawingupwithsucharogueasCraigengelt，andsuchascapegraceasfolkcallBucklaw？””Simply，becauseIwasdesperate，andsoughtdesperateassociates。””Andwhatmadeyoubreakofffromusatthenearest？”againdemandedBucklaw。”BecauseIhadchangedmymind，”saidtheMaster，”andrenouncedmyenterprise，atleastforthepresent。AndnowthatIhaveansweredyourquestionsfairlyandfrankly，tellmewhatmakesyouassociatewithCraigengelt，somuchbeneathyoubothinbirthandinspirit？””Inplainterms，”answeredBucklaw，”becauseIamafool，whohavegambledawaymylandinthsetimes。Mygrand-aunt，LadyGirnington，hastaenanewtackoflife，Ithink，andIcouldonlyhopetogetsomethingbyachangeofgovernment。Craigiewasasortofgamblingacquaintance；hesawmycondition，and，asthedevilisalwaysatone’selbow，toldmefiftyliesabouthiscredentialsfromVersailles，andhisinterestatSaintGermains，promisedmeacaptain’scommissionatParis，andIhavebeenassenoughtoputmythumbunderhisbelt。Idaresay，bythistime，hehastoldadozenprettystoriesofmetothegovernment。AndthisiswhatIhavegotbywine，women，anddice，cocks，dogs，andhorses。””Yes，Bucklaw，”saidtheMaster，”youhaveindeednourishedinyourbosomthesnakesthatarenowstingingyou。””That’shomeaswellastrue，Master，”repliedhiscompanion；”but，byyourleave，youhavenursedinyourbosomonegreatgoodlysnakethathasswallowedalltherest，andisassuretodevouryouasmyhalf-dozenaretomakeamealonallthat’sleftofBucklaw，whichisbutwhatliesbetweenbonnetandboot-heel。””Imustnot，”answeredtheMasterofRavenswood，”challengethefreedomofspeechinwhichIhavesetexample。What，tospeakwithoutametaphor，doyoucallthismonstrouspassionwhichyouchargemewithfostering？””Revenge，mygoodsir——revenge；which，ifitbeasgentlemanlikeasinaswineandwassail，withtheiretcoeteras，isequallyunchristian，andnotsobloodless。Itisbetterbreakingapark-paletowatchadoeordamselthantoshootanoldman。””Idenythepurpose，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood。”Onmysoul，Ihadnosuchintention；ImeantbuttoconfronttheoppressorereIleftmynativeland，andupbraidhimwithhistyrannyanditsconsequences。Iwouldhavestatedmywrongssothattheywouldhaveshakenhissoulwithinhim。””Yes，”answeredBucklaw，”andhewouldhavecollaredyou，andcried’help，’andthenyouwouldhaveshakenthesoulOUTofhim，Isuppose。Yourverylookandmannerwouldhavefrightenedtheoldmantodeath。””Considertheprovocation，”answeredRavenswood——”considertheruinanddeathprocuredandcausedbyhishard-heartedcruelty——

anancienthousedestroyed，anaffectionatefathermurdered！

Why，inouroldScottishdays，hethatsatquietundersuchwrongswouldhavebeenheldneitherfittobackafriendnorfaceafoe。””Well，Master，Iamgladtoseethatthedevildealsascunninglywithotherfolkashedealswithme；forwheneverIamabouttocommitanyfolly，hepersuadesmeitisthemostnecessary，gallant，gentlemanlikethingonearth，andIamuptosaddlegirthsinthebogbeforeIseethatthegroundissoft。

Andyou，Master，mighthaveturnedoutamurd——ahomicide，justoutofpurerespectforyourfather’smemory。””Thereismoresenseinyourlanguage，Bucklaw，”repliedtheMaster，”thanmighthavebeenexpectedfromyourconduct。Itistootrue，ourvicesstealuponusinformsoutwardlyasfairasthoseofthedemonswhomthesuperstitiousrepresentasintriguingwiththehumanrace，andarenotdiscoveredintheirnativehideousnessuntilwehaveclaspedtheminourarms。””Butwemaythrowthemfromus，though，”saidBucklaw，”andthatiswhatIshallthinkofdoingoneofthesedays——thatis，whenoldLadyGirningtondies。””DidyoueverheartheexpressionoftheEnglishdivine？”saidRavenswood——”’Hellispavedwithgoodintentions，’——asmuchastosay，theyaremoreoftenformedthanexecuted。””Well，”repliedBucklaw，”butIwillbeginthisblessednight，andhavedeterminednottodrinkaboveonequartofwine，unlessyourclaretbeofextraordinaryquality。””YouwillfindlittletotemptyouatWolf’sCrag，”saidtheMaster。”IknownotthatIcanpromiseyoumorethantheshelterofmyroof；all，andmorethanall，ourstockofwineandprovisionswasexhaustedatthelateoccasion。””Longmayitbeereprovisionisneededforthelikepurpose，”answeredBucklaw；”butyoushouldnotdrinkupthelastflaskatadirge；thereisillluckinthat。””Thereisillluck，Ithink，inwhateverbelongstome，”saidRavenswood。”ButyonderisWolf’sCrag，andwhateveritstillcontainsisatyourservice。”

Theroaroftheseahadlongannouncedtheirapproachtothecliffs，onthesummitofwhich，likethenestofsomesea-eagle，thefounderofthefortalicehadperchedhiseyrie。Thepalemoon，whichhadhithertobeencontendingwithflittingclouds，nowshoneout，andgavethemaviewofthesolitaryandnakedtower，situatedonaprojectingcliffthatbeetledontheGermanOcean。Onthreesidestherockwasprecipitous；onthefourth，whichwasthattowardstheland，ithadbeenoriginallyfencedbyanartificialditchanddrawbridge，butthelatterwasbrokendownandruinous，andtheformerhadbeeninpartfilledup，soastoallowpasageforahorsemanintothenarrowcourtyard，encircledontwosideswithlowofficesandstables，partlyruinous，andclosedonthelandwardfrontbyalowembattledwall，whiletheremainingsideofthequadranglewasoccupiedbythetoweritself，which，tallandnarrow，andbuiltofagreyishstone，stoodglimmeringinthemoonlight，likethesheetedspectreofsomehugegiant。Awilderormoredisconsolatedwellingitwasperhapsdifficulttoconceive。Thesombrousandheavysoundofthebillows，successivelydashingagainsttherockybeachataprofounddistancebeneath，wastotheearwhatthelandscapewastotheeye——asymbolofunvariedandmonotonousmelancholy，notunmingledwithhorror。

Althoughthenightwasnotfaradvanced，therewasnosignoflivinginhabitantaboutthisforlornabode，exceptingthatone，andonlyone，ofthenarrowandstanchelledwindowswhichappearedatirregularheightsanddistancesinthewallsofthebuildingshowedasmallglimmeroflight。”There，”saidRavenswood，”sitstheonlymaledomesticthatremainstothehouseofRavenswood；anditiswellthathedoesremainthere，sinceotherwisewehadlittlehopetofindeitherlightorfire。Butfollowmecautiously；theroadisnarrow，andadmitsonlyonehorseinfront。”

Ineffect，thepathledalongakindofisthmus，atthepeninsularextremityofwhichthetowerwassituated，withthatexclusiveattentiontostrengthandsecurity，inpreferencetoeverycircumstancesofconvenience，whichdictatedtotheScottishbaronsthechoiceoftheirsituations，aswellastheirstyleofbuilding。

Byadoptingthecautiousmodeofapproachrecommendedbytheproprietorofthiswildhold，theyenteredthecourtyardinsafety。ButitwaslongeretheeffortsofRavenswood，thoughloudlyexertedbyknockingatthelow-browedentrance，andrepeatedshoutstoCalebtoopenthegateandadmitthem，receivedanyanswer。”Theoldmanmustbedeparted，”hebegantosay，”orfallenintosomefit；forthenoiseIhavemadewouldhavewakedthesevensleepers。”

Atlengthatimidandhesitatingvoicereplied:”Master——MasterofRavenswood，isityou？””Yes，itisI，Caleb；openthedoorquickly。””Butitisyouinverybloodandbody？ForIwouldsoonerfacefiftydeevilsasmymaster’sghaist，orevenhiswraith；

wherefore，arointye，ifyeweretentimesmymaster，unlessyecomeinbodilyshape，lithandlimb。””ItisI，youoldfool，”answeredRavenswood，”inbodilyshapeandalive，savethatIamhalfdeadwithcold。”

Thelightattheupperwindowdisappeared，andglancingfromloopholetoloopholeinslowsuccession，gaveintimationthatthebearerwasintheactofdescending，withgreatdeliberation，awindingstaircaseoccupyingoneoftheturretswhichgracedtheanglesoftheoldtower。ThetardinessofhisdescentextractedsomeexclamationsofimpatiencefromRavenswood，andseveraloathsfromhislesspatientandmoremecurialcompanion。Calebagainpausedereheunboltedthedoor，andoncemoreaskediftheyweremenofmouldthatdemandedentranceatthistimeofnight。”WereInearyou，youoldfool，”saidBucklaw，”IwouldgiveyousufficientproofsofMYbodilycondition。””Openthegate，Caleb，”saidhismaster，inamoresoothingtone，partlyfromhisregardtotheancientandfaithfulseneschal，partlyperhapsbecausehethoughtthatangrywordswouldbethrownaway，solongasCalebhadastoutiron-clenchedoakendoorbetwixthispersonandthespeakers。

AtlengthCaleb，withatremblinghand，undidthebars，openedtheheavydoor，andstoodbeforethem，exhibitinghisthingreyhairs，baldforehead，andsharphighfeatures，illuminatedbyaquiveringlampwhichheheldinonehand，whileheshadedandprotecteditsflamewiththeother。Thetimorous，courteousglancewhichhethrewaroundhim，theeffectofthepartiallightuponhiswhitehairandilluminedfeatures，mighthavemadeagoodpainting；butourtravellersweretooimpatientforsecurityagainsttherisingstormtopermitthemtoindulgethemselvesinstudyingthepicturesque。”Isityou，mydearmaster？——isityouyourself，indeed？”exclaimedtheolddomestic。”Iamwaeyesuldhaestudewaitingatyouraingate；butwhawadhaethoughto’

seeingyesaesune，andastrangegentlemanwitha——(Hereheexclaimedapart，asitwere，andtosomeinmateofthetower，inavoicenotmeanttobeheardbythoseinthecourt)Mysie——

Mysie，woman！stirfordearlife，andgetthefiremended；taketheauldthree-leggedstool，oronythingthat’sreadiestthatwillmakealowe。Idoubtwearebutpuirlyprovided，noexpectingyethissomemonths，whendoubtlessyewashaebeenreceivedconformtillyourrank，asguderightis；butnatheless——””Natheless，Caleb，”saidtheMaster，”wemusthaveourhorsesputup，andourselvestoo，thebestwaywecan。Ihopeyouarenotsorrytoseemesoonerthanyouexpected？””Sorry，mylord！Iamsureyesallayebemylordwi’honestfolk，asyournobleancestorshaebeenthesethreehundredyears，andneveraskedaWhig’sleave。SorrytoseetheLordofRavenswoodataneo’hisaincastles！(Thenagainaparttohisunseenassociatebehindthescreen)Mysie，killthebrood-henwithoutthinkingtwiceonit；letthemcarethatcomeahint。Notosayit’sourbestdwelling，”headded，turningtoBucklaw；”butjustastrengthfortheLordofRavenswoodtofleeuntil——

thatis，notoFLEE，buttoretreatuntilintroubloustimes，likethepresent，whenitwasillconvenientforhimtolivefartherinthecountryinonyofhisbetterandmairprincipalmanors；but，foritsantiquity，maistfolkthinkthattheoutsideofWolf’sCragisworthyofalargeperusal。””Andyouaredeterminedweshallhavetimetomakeit，”saidRavenswood，somewhatamusedwiththeshiftstheoldmanusedtodetainthemwithoutdoorsuntilhisconfederateMysiehadmadeherpreparationswithin。”Oh，nevermindtheoutsideofthehouse，mygoodfriend，”saidBucklaw；”let’sseetheinside，andletourhorsesseethestable，that’sall。””Ohyes，sir——ay，sir——unquestionably，sir——mylordandonyofhishonourablecompanions——””Butourhorses，myfriend——ourhorses；theywillbedead-

foundedbystandinghereinthecoldafterridinghard，andmineistoogoodtobespoiled；therefore，oncemore，ourhorses！”

exclaimedBucklaw。”True——ay——yourhorses——yes——Iwillcallthegrooms”；andsturdilydidCalebroartilltheoldtowerrangagain:”John——

William——Saunders！Theladsareganeout，orsleeping，”heobserved，afterpausingforananswer，whichheknewthathehadnohumanchanceofreceiving。”A’gaeswrangwhentheMaster’sout-bye；butI’lltakecareo’yourcattlemysell。””Ithinkyouhadbetter，”saidRavenswood，”otherwiseIseelittlechanceoftheirbeingattendedtoatall。””Whisht，mylord——whisht，forGod’ssake，”saidCaleb，inanimploringtone，andaparttohismaster；”ifyedinnaregardyouraincredit，thinkonmine；we’llhaehardeneughwarktomakeadecentnighto’t，wi’a’theleesIcantell。””Well，well，nevermind，”saidhismaster；”gotothestable。

Thereishayandcorn，Itrust？””Ouay，plentyofhayandcorn”；thiswasutteredboldlyandaloud，and，inalowertone，”therewassomehalffouso’aits，andsoemtaitso’meadow-hay，leftaftertheburial。””Verywell，”saidRavenswood，takingthelampfromhisdomestic’sunwillinghand，”Iwillshowthestrangerupstairsmyself。””Icannathinko’that，mylord；ifyewadbuthavefiveminutes，ortenminutes，or，atmaist，aquarterofanhour’spatience，andlookatthefinemoonlightprospectoftheBassandNorthBerwickLawtillIsortthehorses，Iwouldmarshalyeup，asreasonisyesuldbemarshalled，yourlordshipandyourhonourablevisitor。AndIhaelockitupthesillercandlesticks，andthelampisnotfit——””Itwilldoverywellinthemeantime，”saidRavenswood，”andyouwillhavenodifficultyforwantoflightinthestable，for，ifIrecollect，halftheroofisoff。””Verytrue，mylord，”repliedthetrustyadherent，andwithreadywitinstantlyadded，”andthelazysclaterloonshavenevercometoputitona’thiswhile，yourlordship。””IfIweredisposedtojestatthecalamitiesofmyhouse，”saidRavenswood，asheledthewayupstairs，”pooroldCalebwouldfurnishmewithamplemeans。Hispassionconsistsinrepresentingthingsaboutourmiserablemenage，notastheyare，butas，inhisopinion，theyoughttobe；and，tosaythetruth，Ihavebeenoftendivertedwiththepoorwretch’sexpedientstosupplywhathethoughwasessetialforthecreditofthefamily，andhisstillmoregenerousapologiesforthewantofthosearticlesforwhichhisingenuitycoulddiscovernosubstitute。

Butthoughthetowerisnoneofthelargest，Ishallhavesometroublewithouthimtofindtheapartmentinwhichthereisafire。”

Ashespokethus，heopenedthedoorofthehall。”Here，atleast，”hesaid，”thereisneitherhearthnorharbour。”

Itwasindeedasceneofdesolation。Alargevaultedroom，thebeamsfowhich，combinedlikethoseofWestminsterHall，wererudelycarvedattheextremities，remainednearlyinthesituationinwhichithadbeenleftaftertheentertainmentatatAllanLordRavenswood’sfuneral。Overturnedpitchers，andblack-

jacks，andpewterstoups，andflagonsstillcumberedthelargeoakentable；glasses，thosemoreperishableimplementsofconviviality，manyofwhichhadbeenvoluntarilysacrificedbytheguestsintheirenthusiasticpledgestofavouritetoasts，strewedthestonefloorwiththeirfragments。Asforthearticlesofplate，lentforthepurposebyfriendsandkinsfolk，thosehadbeencarefullywithdrawnsosoonastheostentatiousdisplayoffestivity，equallyunnecessaryandstrangelytimed，hadbeenmadeandended。Nothing，inshort，remainedthatindicatedwealth；allthesignswerethoseofrecentwastefulnessandpresentdesolation。Theblackclothhangings，which，onthelatemournfuloccasion，replacedthetatteredmoth-

eatentapestries，hadbeenpartlypulleddown，and，danglingfromthewallinirregularfestoons，disclosedtheroughstoneworkofthebuilding，unsmoothedeitherbyplasterorthechisel。Theseatsthrowndown，orleftindisorder，intimatedthecarelessconfusionwhichhadconcludedthemournfulrevel。”Thisroom，”saidRavenswood，holdingupthelamp——”thisroom，Mr。Hayston，wasriotouswhenitshouldhavebeensad；itisajustretributionthatitshouldnowbesadwhenitoughttobecheerful。”

Theyleftthisdisconsolateapartment，andwentupstairs，where，afteropeningoneortwodoorsinvain，Ravenswoodledthewayintoalittlemattedante-room，inwhich，totheirgreatjoy，theyfoundatolerablygoodfire，whichMysie，bysomesuchexpedientasCalebhadsuggested，hadsuppiedwithareasonablequantityoffuel。Gladatthehearttoseemoreofcomfortthanthecastlehadyetseemedtooffer，Bucklawrubbedhishandsheartilyoverthefire，andnowlistenedwithmorecomplacencytotheapologieswhichtheMasterofRavenswoodoffered。”Comfort，”

hesaid，”Icannotprovideforyou，forIhaveitnotformyself；

itislongsincethesewallshaveknownit，if，indeed，theywereeveracquaintedwithit。Shelterandsafety，Ithink，Icanpromiseyou。””Excellentmatters，Master，”repliedBucklaw，”and，withamouthfuloffoodandwine，positivelyallIcanrequiretonight。””Ifear，”saidtheMaster，”yoursupperwillbeapoorone；I

hearthematterindiscussionbetwixtCalebandMysie。PoorBalderstoneissomethingdeaf，amongsthisotheraccomplishments，sothatmuchofwhathemeansshouldbespokenasideisoverheardbythewholeaudience，andespeciallybythosefromwhomheismostanxioustoconcealhisprivatemanoeuvres。

Hark！”

Theylistened，andheardtheolddomestic’svoiceinconversationwithMysietothefollowingeffect:”Justmakthebesto’t——makethebesto’t，woman；it’seasytoputafairfaceononything。””Buttheauldbrood-hen？She’llbeasteughasbow-stringsandbend-leather！””Sayyemadeamistake——sayyemadeamistake，Mysie，”repliedthefaithfulseneschal，inasoothingandundertonedvoice；”takita’onyoursell；neverletthecredito’thehousesuffer。””Butthebrood-hen，”remonstratedMysie——”ou，she’ssittingsomegateaneaththedaisinthehall，andIamfearedtogaeininthedarkforthedogle；andifIdidnaseethebogle，Icouldasillseethehen，forit’spit-mirk，andthere’snoanotherlightinthehouse，savethatveryblessedlampwhilktheMasterhasinhisainhand。AndifIhadthehen，she’stopu’，andtodraw，andtodress；howcanIdothat，andthemsittingbytheonlyfirewehave？””Weel，weel，Mysie，”saidthebutler，”bideyethereawee，andI’lltrytogetthelampwiledawayfraethem。”

Accordingly，CalebBalderstoneenteredtheapartment，littleawarethatsomuchofhisby-playhadbeenaudiblethere。”Well，Caleb，myoldfriend，isthereanychanceofsupper？”saidtheMasterofRavenswood。”CHANCEofsupper，yourlordship？”saidCaleb，withanemphasisofstrongscornattheimplieddoubt。”Howshouldtherebeonyquestionofthat，andusinyourlordship’shouse？

Chanceofsupper，indeed！Butye’llnobeforbutcher-meat？

There’swaltho’fatpoultry，readyeitherforspitorbrander。

Thefatcapon，Mysie！”headded，callingoutasboldlyasifsuchathinghadbeeninexistence。”Quiteunnecessary，”saidBucklaw，whodeemedhimselfboundincourtesytorelievesomepartoftheanxiousbutler’sperplexity，”ifyouhaveanythingcold，oramorselofbread。””Thebestofbannocks！”exclaimedCaleb，muchrelieve；”and，forcauldmeat，a’thatwehaeiscauldeneugh，——how-beit，maistofthecauldmeatandpastrywasgientothepoorfolkaftertheceremonyofinterment，asgudereasonwas；nevertheless——””Come，Caleb，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，”Imustcutthismattershort。ThisistheyoungLairdofBucklaw；heisunderhiding，andtherefore，youknow——””He’llbenaenicerthanyourlordship’shonour，I’sewarrant，”

answeredCaleb，cheerfully，withanodofintelligence；”Iamsorrythatthegentlemanisunderdistress，butIamblythethathecannasaymuckleaganeourhousekeeping，forIbelievehisainpinchesmaymatachours；nothatwearepinched，thankGod，”headded，retractingtheadmissionwhichhehadmadeinhisfirstburstofjoy，”butnaedoubtwearewauraffthanwehaebeen，orsuldbe。Andforeating——whatsignifiestellingalee？there’sjustthehinderendofthemutton-hamthathasbeenbutthreetimesonthetable，andthenearerthebanethesweeter，asyourhonoursweelken；and——there’stheheeloftheewe-milkkebbuck，wi’abitofnicebutter，and——and——that’sa’that’stotrustto。”Andwithgreatalacrityheproducedhisslenderstockofprovisions，andplacedthemwithmuchformalityuponasmallroundtablebetwixtthetwogentlemen，whowerenotdeterredeitherbythehomelyqualityorlimitedquantityoftherepastfromdoingitfulljustice。Calebinthemeanwhilewaitedonthemwithgraveofficiousness，asifanxioustomakeup，byhisownrespectfulassiduity，forthewantofallotherattendance。

But，alas！howlittleonsuchoccasionscanform，howeveranxiouslyandscrupulouslyobserved，supplythelackofsubstantialfare！Bucklaw，whohadeagerlyeatenaconsiderableportionofthethrice-sackedmutton-ham，nowbegantodemandale。”Iwadnajustpresumetorecommendourale，”saidCaleb；”themautwasillmade，andtherewasawfu’thunnerlastweek；butsiccanwaterastheTowerwellhasye’llseldomesee，Bucklaw，andthatI’seengagefor。””Butifyouraleisbad，youcanletushavesomewine，”saidBucklaw，makingagrimaceatthementionofthepureelementwhichCalebsoearnestlyrecommended。”Wine！”answeredCaleb，undauntedly，”eneughofwine！Itwasbuttwadayssyne——wae’smeforthecause——therewasasmuchwinedrunkinthishouseaswouldhavefloatedapinnace。

ThereneverwaslackofwineatWolf’sCrag。””Dofetchussomethen，”saidthemaster，”insteadoftalkingaboutit。”AndCalebboldlydeparted。

Everyexpendedbuttintheoldcellardidheseta-tilt，andshakewiththedesperateexpectationofcollectingenoughofthegroundsofclarettofillthelargepewtermeasurewhichhecarredinhishand。Alas！eachhadbeentoodevoutlydrained；

and，withallthesqueezingandmanoeuvringwhichhiscraftasabutlersuggested，hecouldonlycollectabouthalfaquartthatseemedpresentable。Still，however，Calebwastoogoodageneraltorenouncethefieldwithoutastrategemtocoverhisretreat。

Heundauntedlythrewdownanemptyflagon，asifhehadstumbledattheentranceoftheapartment，calleduponMysietowipeupthewinethathadneverbeenspilt，andplacingtheothervesselonthetable，hopedtherewasstillenoughleftfortheirhonours。Therewasindeed；forevenBucklaw，aswornfriendtothegrape，foundnoencouragementtorenewhisfirstattackuponthevintageofWolf’sCrag，butcontentedhimself，howeverreluctantly，withadraughtoffairwater。Arrangementswerenowmadeforhisrepose；andasthesecretchamberwasassignedforthispurpose，itfurnishedCalebwithafirst-rateandmostplausibleapologyforalldeficienciesoffurniture，bedding，etc。”Forwha，”saidhe，”wouldhavethoughtofthesecretchaumerbeingneeded？IthasnotbeenusedsincethetimeoftheGowrieConspiracy，andIdurstneverletawomankenoftheentrancetoit，oryourhonourwillallowthatitwadnothaebeenasecretchaumerlang。”

CHAPTERVIII。

Thehearthinhallwasblackanddead，Noboardwasdightinbowerwithin，Normerrybowlnorwelcomebed；”Here’ssorrycheer，”quoththeHeirofLinne。

OldBalladTHEfeelingsoftheprodigalHeirofLinne，asexpressedinthatexcellentoldsong，when，afterdissipatinghiswholefortune，hefoundhimselfthedesertedinhabitantof”thelonelylodge，”

mightperhapshavesomeresemblancetothoseoftheMasterofRavenswoodinhisdesertedmansionofWolf’sCrag。TheMaster，however，hadthisadvantageoverthespendthriftinthelegend，that，ifhewasinsimilardistress，hecouldnotimputeittohisownimprudence。Hismiseryhadbeenbequeathedtohimbyhisfather，and，joinedtohishighblood，andtoatitlewhichthecourteousmightgiveorthechurlishwithholdattheirpleasure，itwasthewholeinheritancehehadderivedfromhisancestry。

Perhapsthismelancholyyetconsolatoryreflectioncrossedthemindoftheunfortunateyoungnoblemanwithabreathingofcomfort。Favourabletocalmreflection，aswellastotheMuses，themorning，whileitdispelledtheshadesofnight，hadacomposingandsedativeeffectuponthestormypassionsbywhichtheMasterofRavenswoodhadbeenagitatedontheprecedingday。

Henowfelthimselfabletoanalysethedifferentfeelingsbywhichhewasagitated，andmuchresolvedtocombatandtosubduethem。Themorning，whichhadarisencalmandbright，gaveapleasanteffecteventothewastemoorlandviewwhichwasseenfromthecastleonlookingtothelandward；andthegloriousocean，crispedwithathousandripplingwavesofsilver，extendedontheotherside，inawfulyetcomplacentmajesty，tothevergeofthehorizon。Withsuchscenesofcalmsublimitythehumanheartsympathiseseveninitsmostdisturbedmoods，anddeedsofhonourandvirtueareinspiredbytheirmajesticinfluence。

ToseekoutBucklawintheretreatwhichhehadaffordedhim，wasthefirstoccupationoftheMaster，afterhehadperformed，withascrutinyunusuallysevere，theimportanttaskofself-examination。”Hownow，Bucklaw？”washismorning’ssalutation——”howlikeyouthecouchinwhichtheexiledEarlofAngusoncesleptinsecurity，whenhewaspursuedbythefullenergyofaking’sresentment？””Umph！”returnedthesleeperawakened；”Ihavelittletocomplainofwheresogreatamanwasquarteredbeforeme，onlythemattresswasofthehardest，thevaultsomewhatdamp，theratsrathermoremutinousthanIwouldhaveexpectedfromthestateofCaleb’slarder；andiftherehadbeenshutterstothatgratedwindow，oracurtaintothebed，Ishouldthinkit，uponthewhole，animprovementinyouraccommodations。””Itis，tobesure，forlornenough，”saidtheMaster，lookingaroundthesmallvault；”butifyouwillriseandleaveit，Calebwillendeavourtofindyouabetterbreakfastthanyoursupperoflastnight。””Pray，letitbenobetter，”saidBucklaw，gettingup，andendeavouringtodresshimselfaswellastheobscurityoftheplacewouldpermit——”letit，Isay，benobetter，ifyoumeanmetopreserveinmyproposedreformation。TheveryrecollectionofCaleb’sbeveragehasdonemoretosuppressmylongingtoopenthedaywithamorningdraughtthantwentysermonswouldhavedone。

Andyou，master，haveyoubeenabletogivebattlevaliantlytoyourbosom-snake？YouseeIaminthewayofsmotheringmyvipersonebyone。””Ihavecommencedthebattle，atleast，Bucklaw，adnIhavehadafairvisionofanangelwhodescendedtomyassistance，”

repliedtheMaster。”Woe’sme！”saidhisguest，”novisioncanIexpect，unlessmyaunt，LadyGrinington，shouldbetakeherselftothetomb；andthenitwouldbethesubstanceofherheritageratherthantheappearanceofherphantomthatIshouldconsiderasthesupportofmygoodresolutions。Butthissamebreakfast，Master——doesthedeerthatistomakethepastyrunyetonfoot，astheballadhasit？””Iwillinquireintothatmatter，”saidhisentertainer；and，leavingtheapartment，hewentinsearchofCaleb，whom，aftersomedifficulty，hefoundinanobscuresortofdungeon，whichhadbeeninformertimesthebutteryofthecastle。Heretheoldmanwasemployedbusilyinthedoubtfultaskofburnishingapewterflagonuntilitshouldtakethehueandsemblanceofsilver-plate。”Ithinkitmaydo——Ithinkitmightpass，iftheywinnabringitowermuckleinthelighto’thewindow！”weretheejaculationswhichhemutteredfromtimetotime，asiftoencouragehimselfinhisundertaking，whenhewasinterruptedbythevoiceofhismaster。”Takethis，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，”andgetwhatisnecessaryforthefamily。”AndwiththesewordshegavetotheoldbutlerthepursewhichhadontheprecedingeveningsonarrowlyescapedthefangsofCraigengelt。

Theoldmanshookhissilveryandthinlocks，andlookedwithanexpressionofthemostheartfeltanguishathismasterasheweighedinhishandtheslendertreasure，andsaidinasorrowfulvoice，”Andisthisa’that’sleft？””Allthatisleftatpresent，”saidtheMaster，affectingmorecheerfulnessthanperhapshereallyfelt，”isjustthegreenpurseandtheweepicklegowd，astheoldsongsays；butweshalldobetteroneday，Caleb。””Beforethatdaydomes，”saidCaleb，”Idoubttherewillbeanendofanauldsang，andanauldserving-mantoboot。Butitdisnabecomemetospeakthatgatetoyourhonour，adnyoulookingsaepale。Takbackthepurse，andkeepittobemakingashowbeforecompany；forifyourhonourwouldjusttakeabidding，adnbewhilestakingitoutaforefolkandputtingitupagain，there’snaebodywouldrefuseustrust，fora’that’scomeandganeyet。””But，Caleb，”saidtheMaster，”Istillintendtoleavethiscountryverysoon，anddesiretodosowiththereputationofanhonestman，leavingnodebtybehindme，atlastofmyowncontracting。””Andguderightyesuldgangawayasatrueman，andsoyeshall；forauldCalebcantakthewyteofwhateveristaenonforthehouse，andthenitwillbea’justaeman’sburden；andI

willlivejustasweelinthetolboothasoutofit，andthecreditofthefamilywillbea’safeandsound。”

TheMasterendeavoured，invain，tomakeCalebcomprehendthatthebutler’sincurringtheresponsibilityofdebtsinhisownpersonwouldratheraddtothanremovetheobjectionswhichhehadtotheirbeingcontracted。Hespoketoapremiertoobusyindevisingwaysandmeanstopuzzlehimselfwithrefutingtheargumentsofferedagainsttheirjusticeorexpediency。”There’sEppieSma’trashwilltrustusforale，”saidCalebtohimself——”shehasliveda’herlifeunderthefamily——andmaybewi’asoupbrandy；Icannasayforwine——sheisbutalonewoman，andgetsherclaretbyarunletatatime；butI’llworkaweedrapouto’herbyfairmeansorfoul。Fordoos，there’sthedoocot；therewillbepoultryamangthetenants，thoughLuckieChirnsidesaysshehaspaidthekaintwiceower。We’llmakshift，anitlikeyourhonour——we’llmakshift；keepyourheartabune，forthehousesallhauditscreditaslangasauldCalebistothefore。”

Theentertainmentwhichtheoldman’sexertionsofvariouskindsenabledhimtopresenttotheyounggentlemenforthreeorfourdayswascertainlyofnosplendiddescription，butitmayreadilybebelieveditwassetbeforenocriticalguests；andeventhedistresses，excuses，evasions，andshiftsofCalebaffordedamusementtotheyoungmen，andaddedasortfointeresttothescramblingandirregularstyleoftheirtable。Theyhadindeedoccasiontoseizeoneverycircumstancethatmightservetodiversifyorenliventime，whichotherwisepassedawaysoheavily。

Bucklaw，shutoutfromhisusualfield-sportsandjoyouscarousesbythenecessityofremainingconcealedwithinthewallsofthecastle，becameajoylessanduninterestingcompanion。

WhentheMasterofRavenswoodwouldnolongerfenceorplayatshovel-board；whenhehimselfhadpolishedtotheextremitythecoatofhsipalfreywithbrush，currycomb，andhair-cloth；whenhehadseenhimeathisprovender，andgentlyliedowninhisstall，hecouldhardlyhelpenvyingtheanimal’sapparentacquiescenceinalifesomonotonous。”Thestupidbrute，”hesaid，”thinksneitheroftherace-groundorthehunting-field，orhisgreenpaddockatBucklaw，butenjoyshimselfascomfortablywhenhalteredtotherackinthisruinousvault，asifhehadbeenfoaledinit；”and，Iwhohavethefreedomofaprisoneratlarge，torangethroughthedungeonsofthiswretchedoldtower，canhardly，betwixtwhistlingandsleeping，contrivetopassawaythehourtilldinner-time。”

Andwiththisdisconsolatereflection，hewendedhiswaytothebartizanorbattlementsofthetower，towatchwhatobjectsmightappearonthedistantmoor，ortopelt，withpebblesandpiecesoflime，thesea-mewsandcormorantswhichestablishedthemselvesincautiouslywithinthereachofanidleyoungman。

Ravenswood，withamindincalculablydeeperandmorepowerfulthanthatofhiscompanion，hadhisownanxioussubjectsofreflection，whichwroughtforhimthesameunhappinessthatsheerenuiandwantofoccupationinflictedonhiscompanion。

ThefirstsightofLucyAshtonhadbeenlessimpressivethanherimageprovedtobeuponreflection。Asthedepthandviolenceofthatrevengefulpassionbywhichhehadbeenactuatedinseekinganinterviewwiththefatherbegantoabatebydegrees，helookedbackonhisconducttowardsthedaughterasharshandunworthytowardsafemaleofrankandbeauty。Herlooksofgratefulacknowledgment，herwordsofaffectionatecourtesy，hadbeenrepelledwithsomethingwhichapproachedtodisdain；andiftheMasterofRavenswoodhadsustainedwrongsatthehandofSirWilliamAshton，hisconsciencetoldhimtheyhadbeenunhandsomelyresentedtowardshisdaughter。Whenhisthoughtstookthisturnofself-reproach，therecollectionofLucyAshton’sbeautifulfeatures，renderedyetmoreinterestingbythecircumstancesinwhichtheirmeetinghadtakenplace，madeanimpressionuponhismindatoncesoothingandpainful。Thesweetnessofhervoice，thedelicacyofherexpressions，thevividglowofherfilialaffection，embitteredhisregretathavingrepulsedhergratitudewithrudeness，while，atthesametime，theyplacedbeforehisimaginationapictureofthemostseducingsweetness。

EvenyoungRavenswood’sstrengthofmoralfeelingandrectitudeofpurposeatonceincreasedthedangerofcherishingtheserecollections，andthepropensitytoentertainthem。Firmlyresolvedashewastosubdue，ifpossible，thepredominatingviceinhischaracter，headmittedwithwillingness——nay，hesummonedupinhisimagination——theideasbywhichitcouldbemostpowerfullycounteracted；and，whilehedidso，asenseofhisownharshconducttowardsthedaughterofhisenemynaturallyinducedhim，asifbywayofrecompense，toinvestherwithmoreofgraceandbeautythanperhapsshecouldactuallyclaim。

HadanyoneatthisperiodtoldtheMasterofRavenswoodthathehadsolatelyvowedvengeanceagainstthewholelineageofhimwhomheconsidered，notunjustly，asauthorofhisfather’sruinanddeath，hemightatfirsthaverepelledthechargeasafoulcalumny；yet，uponseriousself-examination，hewouldhavebeencompelledtoadmitthatithad，atoneperiod，somefoundationintruth，though，accordingtothepresenttoneofhissentiments，itwasdifficulttobelievethatthishadreallybeenthecase。

Therealreadyexistedinhisbosomtwocontradictorypassions——adesiretorevengethedeathofhisfather，strangelyqualifiedbyadmirationofhisenemy’sdaughter。Againsttheformerfeelinghehadstruggled，untilitseemedtohimuponthewane；againstthelatterheusednomeansofresistance，forhedidnotsuspectitsexistence。ThatthiswasactuallythecasewaschieflyevincedbyhisresuminghisresolutiontoleaveScotland。Yet，thoughsuchwashispurpose，heremaineddayafterdayatWolf’sCrag，withouttakingmeasuresforcarryingitintoexecution。Itistrue，thathehadwrittentooneortwokinsmenwhoresidedinadistantquarterofScotland，andparticularlytotheMarquisofA——，intimatinghispurpose；andwhenpresseduponthesubjectbyBucklaw，hewaswonttoallegethenecessityofwaitingfortheirreply，especiallythatoftheMarquis，beforetakingsodecisiveameasure。

TheMarquiswasrichandpowerful；andalthoughhewassuspectedtoentertainsentimentsunfavourabletothegovernmentestablishedattheRevolution，hehadneverthelessaddressenoughtoheadapartyintheScottishprivycouncil，connectedwiththeHighChurchfactioninEngland，andpowerfulenoughtomenacethosetowhomtheLordKeeperadheredwithaprobablesubversionoftheirpower。Theconsultingwithapersonageofsuchimportancewasaplausibleexcise，whichRavenswoodusedtoBucklaw，andprobablytohimself，forcontinuinghisresidenceatWolf’sCrag；anditwasrenderedyetmoresobyageneralreportwhichbegantobecurrentofaprobablechangeofministersandmeasuresintheScottishadministration。Therumours，stronglyassertedbysome，andasresolutelydeniedbyothers，astheirwishesorinterestdictated，foundtheirwayeventotheruinousTowerofWolf’sCrag，chieflythroughthemediumofCaleb，thebutler，who，amonghisotherexcellences，wasanardentpolitician，andseldommadeanexcursionfromtheoldfortresstotheneighbouringvillageofWolf’sHopewithoutbringingbackwhattidingswerecurrentinthevicinity。

ButifBucklawcouldnotofferanysatisfactoryobjectionstothedelayoftheMasterinleavingScotland，hedidnotthelesssufferwithimpatiencethestateofinactiontowhichitconfinedhim；anditwasonlytheascendencywhichhisnewcompanionhadacquiredoverhimthatinducedhimtosubmittoacourseoflifesoalientohishabitsandinclinations。”Youwerewonttobethoughtastirringactiveyoungfellow，Master，”washisfrequentremonstrance；”yethereyouseemdeterminedtoliveonandonlikearatinahole，withthistriflingdifference，thatthewiserverminchoosesahermitagewherehecanfindfoodatleast；butasforus，Caleb’sexcusesbecomelongerashisdietturnsmorespare，andIfearweshallrealisethestoriestheytelloftheslother:wehavealmosteatupthelastgreenleafontheplant，andhavenothingleftforitbuttodropfromthetreeandbreakournecks。””Donotfearit，”saidRavenswood；”thereisafatewatchesforus，andwetoohaveastakeintherevolutionthatisnowimpending，andwhichalreadyhasalarmedmanyabosom。””Whatfate——whatrevolution？”inquiredhiscompation。”Wehavehadonerevolutiontoomuchalready，Ithink。”

Ravenswoodinterruptedhimbyputtingintohishandsaletter。”Oh，”answeredBucklaw，”mydream’sout。IthoughtIheardCalebthismorningpressingsomeunfortunatefellowtoadrinkofcoldwater，andassuringhimitwasbetterforhisstomachinthemorningthanaleorbrandy。””ItwasmyLordofA——’scourier，”saidRavenswood，”whowasdoomedtoexperiencehisostentatioushospitality，whichI

believeendedinsourbeerandherrings。Read，andyouwillseethenewshehasbroughtus。””IwillasfastasIcan，”saidBucklaw；”butIamnogreatclerk，nordoeshislordshipseemtobethefirstofscribes。”

Thereaderwillperusein，afewseconds，bytheaidourfriendBallantyne’stypes，whattookBucklawagoodhalfhourinperusal，thoughassistedbytheMasterofRavenswood。Thetenorwasasfollows:”RIGHTHONOURABLEOURCOUSIN:”Ourheartycommendationspremised，thesecometoassureyouoftheinterestwhichwetakeinyourwelfare，andinyourpurposetowardsitsaugmentation。Ifwehavebeenlessactiveinshowingforthoureffectivegood-willtowardsyouthan，asalovingkinsmanandblood-relative，wewouldwillinglyhavedesired，werequestthatyouwillimputeittolackfoopportunitytoshowourgood-liking，nottoanycoldnessofourwill。Touchingyourresolutiontotravelinforeignparts，asatthistimeweholdthesamelittleadvisable，inrespectthatyourill-willersmay，accordingtothecustomofsuchpersons，imputemotivesforyourjourney，whereof，althoughweknowandbelieveyoutobeasclearasourselves，yetnathelesstheirwordsmayfindcredenceinplaceswherethebeliefinthemmaymuchprejudiceyou，andwhichweshouldseewithmoreunwillingnessanddispleasurethanwithmeansofremedy”Havingthus，asbecomethourkindred，givenyouourpoormindonthesubjectofyourjourneyingforthofScotland，wewouldwillinglyaddreasonsofweight，whichmightmateriallyadvantageyouandyourfather’shouse，therebytodetermineyoutoabideatWolf’sCrag，untilthisharvestseasonshallbepassedover。第一章

Butwhatsayeththeproverb，verbumsapienti——awordismoretohimthathathwisdomthanasermontoafool。

Andalbeitwehavewrittenthispoorscrollwithourownhand，andarewellassuredofthefidelityofourmessenger，ashimthatismanywaysboundentous，yetsoitis，thatslidderywayscravewarywalking，andthatwemaynotperiluponpapermatterswhichwewouldgladlyimparttoyoubywordofmouth。Wherefore，itwasourpurposetohaveprayedyouheartilytocometothisourbarrenHighlandcountrytokillastag，andtotreatofthematterswhichwearenowmorepainfullyinditingtoyouanent。

Butcommoditydoesnotserveatpresentforsuchourmeeting，which，therefore，shallbedeferreduntilsictimeaswemayinallmirthrehearsethosethingswhereofwenowkeepsilence。

Meantime，weprayyoutothinkthatweare，andwillstillbe，yourgoodkinsmanandwell-wisher，waitingbutfortimesofwhilkwedo，asitwere，entertainatwilightprospect，andappearandhopetobealsoyoureffectualwell-doer。Andinwhichhopeweheartilywriteourself，”RightHonourable，”Yourlovingcousin，”A。”GivenfromourpoorhouseofB——，”etc。

Superscribed——”Fortherighthonourable，andourhonouredkinsman，theMasterofRavenswood——These，withhaste，haste，posthaste——rideandrununtilthesebedelivered。””Whatthinkyouofthisepistle，Bucklaw？”saidtheMaster，whenhiscompanionhadhammeredoutallthesense，andalmostallthewordsofwhichitconsisted。”Truly，thattheMarquis’smeaningisasgreatariddleashismanuscript。HeisreallyinmuchneedofWit’sInterpreter，orthe*CompleteLetter-Writer*，andwereIyou，Iwouldsendhimacopybythebearer。Hewritesyouverykindlytoremainwastingyourtimeandyourmoneyinthisvile，stupid，oppressedcountry，withoutsomuchasofferingyouthecountenanceandshelterofhishouse。Inmyopinion，hehassomeschemeinviewinwhichhesupposesyoucanbeuseful，andhewishestokeepyouathand，tomakeuseofyouwhenitripens，reservingthepowerofturningyouadrift，shouldhisplotfailintheconcoction。””Hisplot！Thenyousupposeitisatreasonablebusiness，”

answeredRavenswood。”Whatelsecanitbe？”repliedBucklaw；”theMarquishasbeenlongsuspectedtohaveaneyetoSaintGermains。””Heshouldnotengagemerashlyinsuchanadventure，”saidRavenswood；”whenIrecollectthetimesofthefirstandsecondCharles，andofthelastJames，trulyIseelittlereasonthat，asamanorapatriot，Ishoulddrawmyswordfortheirdescendants。””Humph！”repliedBucklaw；”soyouhavesetyourselfdowntomournoverthecrop-eareddogswhomhonestClaver’setreatedastheydeserved？””Theyfirstgavethedogsanillname，andthenhangedthem，”

repliedRavenswood。”IhopetoseethedaywhenjusticeshallbeopentoWhigandTory，andwhenthesenicknamesshallonlybeusedamongcoffee-housepoliticians，as’slut’and’jade’areamongapple-women，ascanttermsofidlespiteandrancour。””Thatwillntobeinourdays，Master:theironhasenteredtoodeeplyintooursidesandoursouls。””Itwillbe，however，oneday，”repliedtheMaster；”menwillnotalwaysstartatthesenicknamesasatatrumpet-sound。Associallifeisbetterprotected，itscomfortswillbecometoodeartobehazardedwithoutsomebetterreasonsthanspeculativepolitics。””Itisfinetalking，”answeredBucklaw；”butmyheartiswiththeoldsong——

Toseegoodcornupontherigs，AndagallowbuilttohangtheWhigs，Andtherightrestoredwheretherightshouldbe。

Oh，thatisthethingthatwouldwantonme。””Youmaysingasloudlyasyouwill，cantabitvacuus——，”

answeredtheMaster；”butIbelievetheMarquisistoowise，atleasttoowary，tojoinyouinsuchaburden。IsuspecthealludestoarevolutionintheScottishprivycouncil，ratherthanintheBritishkingdoms。””Oh，confusiontoyourstatetricks！”exclaimedBucklaw——”yourcoldcalculatingmanoeuvres，whicholdgentlemeninwroughtnightcapsandfurredgownsexecutelikesomanygamesatchess，anddisplaceatreasurerorlordcommissionerastheywouldtakearookorapawn。Tennisformysport，andbattleformyearnest！Andyou，Master，sodepandconsiderateasyouwouldseem，youhavethatwithinyoumakesthebloodboilfasterthansuitsyourpresenthmourofmoralisingonpoliticaltruths。Youareoneofthosewisemenwhoseeeverythingwithgreatcomposuretilltheirbloodisup，andthen——woetoanyonewhoshouldputtheminmindoftheirownprudentialmaxims！””Perhaps，”saidRavenswood，”youreadmemorerightlythanIcanmyself。Buttothinkjustlywillcertainlygosomelengthinhelpingmetoactso。Buthark！IhearCalebtollingthedinner-bell。””Whichhealwaysdoeswiththemoresonorousgraceinproportiontothemeagrenessofthecheerwhichhehasprovided，”saidBucklaw；”asifthatinfernalclangandjangle，whichwillonedaybringthebelfrydownthecliff，couldconvertastarvedhenintoafatcapon，andablade-boneofmuttonintoahaunchofvenison。””Iwishwemaybesowelloffasyourworstconjecturessurmise，Bucklaw，fromtheextremesolemnityandceremonywithwhichCalebseemstoplaceonthetablethatsolitarycovereddish。””Uncover，Caleb！uncover，forHeaven’ssake！”saidBucklaw；”letushavewhatyoucangiveuswithoutpreface。Why，itstandswellenough，man，”hecontinued，addressingimpatientlytheancientbutler，who，withoutreply，keptshiftingthedish，untilhehadatlengthplaceditwithmathematicalprecisionintheverymidstofthetable。”Whathavewegothere，Caleb？”inquiredtheMasterinhisturn。”Ahem！sir，yesuldhaveknownbefore；buthishonourtheLairdofBucklawissoimpatient，”answeredCaleb，stillholdingthedishwithonehandandthecoverwiththeother，withevidentreluctancetodisclosethecontents。”Butwhatisit，aGod’sname——notapairofcleanspurs，I

hope，intheBorderfashionofoldtimes？””Ahem！ahem！”reiteratedCaleb，”yourhonourispleasedtobefacetious；natheless，Imightpresumetosayitwasaconvenientfashion，andused，asIhaveheard，inanhonourableandthrivingfamily。Buttouchingyourpresentdinner，IjudgedthatthisbeingSt。Magdalen’s[Margaret’s]Eve，whowasaworthyqueenofScotlandinherday，yourhonoursmightjudgeitdecorous，ifnotaltogethertofast，yetonlytosustainnaturewithsomeslightrefection，asanesaultedherringorthelike。”

And，uncoveringthedish，hedisplayedfourofthesavouryfisheswhichhementioned，adding，inasubduedtone，”thattheywerenojustcommonherringneither，beingeveryanemelters，andsautedwithuncommoncarebythehousekeeper(poorMysie)forhishonour’sespecialuse。””Outuponallapologies！”saidtheMaster，”letuseattheherrings，sincethereisnothingbettertobehad；butIbegintothinkwithyou，Bucklaw，thatweareconsumingthelastgreenleaf，andthat，inspiteoftheMarquis’spoliticalmachinations，wemustpositivelyshiftcampforwantofforage，withoutwaitingtheissueofthem。”

CHAPTERIX。

Ay，andwhenhuntsmenwindthemerryhorn，Andfromitscovertstartsthefearfulprey，Who，warm’dwithyouth’sbloodinhisswellingveins，Would，likealifelessclod，outstretchedlie，Shutoutfromallthefaircreationoffers？

Ethwald，ActI。Scene1。

LIGHTmealsprocurelightslumbers；andthereforeitisnotsurprisingthat，consideringthefarewhichCaleb’sconscience，orhisnecessity，assuming，aswillsometimeshappen，thatdisguise，hadassignedtotheguestsofWolf’sCrag，theirslumbersshouldhavebeenshort。

InthemorningBucklawrushedintohishost’sapartmentwithaloudhalloo，whichmighthaveawakedthedead。”Up！up！inthenameofHeaven！Thehuntersareout，theonlypieceofsportIhaveseenthismonth；andyouliehere，Master，onabedthathaslittletorecommendit，exceptthatitmaybesomethingsofterthanthestonefloorofyourancestor’svault。””Iwish，”saidRavenswood，raisinghisheadpeevishly，”youhadforbornesoearlyajest，Mr。Hayston；itisreallynopleasuretolosetheveryshortreposewhichIhadjustbeguntoenjoy，afteranightspentinthoughtsuponfortunefarharderthanmycouch，Bucklaw。””Pschaw，pshaw！”repliedhisguest；”getup——getup；thehoundsareabroad。Ihavesaddledthehorsesmyself，foroldCalebwascallingforgroomsandlackeys，andwouldneverhaveproceededwithouttwohours’apologyfortheabsenceofmenthatwereahundredmilesoff。Getup，Master；Isaythehoundsareout——getup，Isay；thehuntisup。”AndoffranBucklaw。”AndIsay，”saidtheMaster，risingslowly，”thatnothingcanconcernmeless。Whosehoundscomesoneartous？””TheHonourableLordBrittlebrains’s，”answeredCaleb，whohadfollowedtheimpatientLairdofBucklawintohismaster’sbedroom，”andtrulyIkennaetitletheyhavetobeyowlingandhowlingwithinthefreedomsandimmunitiesofyourlordship’srightoffreeforestry。””NorI，Caleb，”repliedRavenswood，”exceptingthattheyhaveboughtboththelandsandtherightofforestry，andmaythinkthemselvesentitledtoexercisetherightstheyhavepaidtheirmoneyfor。””Itmaybesae，mylord，”repliedCaleb；”butit’snogentleman’sdeedofthemtocomehereandexercisesuch-likeright，andyourlordshiplivingatyouraincastleofWolf’sCrag。LordBrittlebrainswouldweeltorememberwhathisfolkhavebeen。””Andwhatwenoware，”saidtheMaster，withsuppressedbitternessoffeeling。”Butreachmemycloak，Caleb，andIwillindulgeBucklawwithasightofthischase。Itisselfishtosacrificemyguest’spleasuretomyown。””Sacrifice！”echoedCaleb，inatonewhichseemedtoimplythetotalabsurdityofhismastermakingtheleastconcessionindeferencetoanyone——”sacrifice，indeed！——butIcraveyourhonour’spardon，andwhilkdoubletisityourpleasuretowear？””Anyoneyouwill，Caleb；mywardrobe，Isuppose，isnotveryextensive。””Notextensive！”echoedhisassistant；”whenthereisthegreyandsilverthatyourlordshipbestowedonHewHildebrand，youroutrider；andtheFrenchvelvetthatwentwithmylordyourfather——begracioustohim！——mylordyourfather’sauldwardrobetothepuirfriendsofthefamily；andthedrap-de-Berry——””WhichIgavetoyou，Caleb，andwhich，Isuppose，istheonlydresswehaveanychancetocomeat，exceptthatIworeyesterday；pray，handmethat，andsaynomoreaboutit。””Ifyourhonourhasafancy，”repliedCaleb，”anddoubtlessit’sasad-colouredsuit，andyouareinmourning；nevertheless，I

havenevertriedonthedrap-de-Berry——illwaditbecomeme——

andyourhonourhavingnochangeofclaithsatthispresent——andit’sweelbrushed，andasthereareleddiesdownyonder——””Ladies！”saidRavenswood；”andwhatladies，pray？””WhatdoIken，yourlordship？LookingdownatthemfromtheWarden’sTower，Icouldbutseethemglentbywi’theirbridlesringingandtheirfeathersfluttering，likethecourtofElfland。””Well，well，Caleb，”repliedtheMaster，”helpmeonwithmycloak，andhandmemysword-belt。Whatclatteristhatinthecourtyard？””JustBucklawbringingoutthehorses，”saidCaleb，afteraglancethroughthewindow，”asiftherewerenameneneughinthecastle，orasifIcouldnaservetheturnofonyo’themthatareouto’thegate。””Alas！Caleb，weshouldwantlittleifyourabilitywereequaltoyourwill，”repliedtheMaster。”AndIhopeyourlordshipdisnawantthatmuckle，”saidCaleb；”for，consideringa’things，Itrustwesupportthecreditofthefamilyasweelasthingswillpermitof，——onlyBucklawisayesaefrankandsaeforward。Andtherehehasbroughtoutyourlordship’spalfrey，withoutthesaddlebeingdecoredwi’thebroideredsumpter-cloth！andIcouldhavebrusheditinaminute。””Itisallverywell，”saidhismaster，escapingfromhimanddescendingthenarrowandsteepwindingstaircasewhichledtothecourtyard。”ItMAYbea’veryweel，”saidCaleb，somewhatpeevishly；”butifyourlordshipwadtarryabit，IwilltellyouwhatwillNOTbeveryweel。””Andwhatisthat？”saidRavenswood，impatiently，butstoppingatthesametime。”Why，justthatyesuldspeeronygentlemanhametodinner；forIcannamakanitherfastonafeastday，aswhenIcamowerBucklawwi’QueenMargaret；and，tospeaktruth，ifyourlordshipwadbutpleasetocastyoursellinthewayofdiningwi’

LordBittlebrains，I’sewarrandIwadcastaboutbrawlyforthemorn；orif，steado’that，yewadbutdinewi’thematthechange-house，yemightmakyourshiftfortheawing:yemightsayyehadforgotyourpurse，orthatthecarlineawedyerent，andthatyewadallowitinthesettlement。””Oranyotherliethatcamuppermost，Isuppose？”saidhismaster。”Good-bye，Caleb；Icommendyourcareforthehonourofthefamily。”And，throwinghimselfonhishorse，hefollowedBucklaw，who，atthemanifestriskofhisneck，hadbeguntogallopdownthesteeppathwhichledfromtheTowerassoonashesawRavenswoodhavehisfootinthestirrup。

CalebBalderstonelookedanxiouslyafterthem，andshookhisthingreylocks:”AndItrusttheywillcometonoevil；buttheyhavereachedtheplain，andfolkcannotsaybutthatthehorseareheartyandinspirits。”

Animatedbythenaturalimpetuosityandfireofhistemper，youngBucklawrushedonwiththecarelessspeedofawhirlwind。

Ravenswoodwasscarcemoremoderateinhispace，forhiswasamindunwillinglyrousedfromcontemplativeinactivity，butwhich，whenonceputintomotion，acquiredaspiritofforcibleandviolentprogression。Neitherwashiseagernessproportionedinallcasestothemotiveofimpulse，butmightbecomparedtothespedofastone，whichrusheswithlikefurydownthehillwhetheritwasfirstputinmotionbythearmofagiantorthehandofaboy。Hefelt，therefore，innoordinarydegree，theheadlongimpulseofthechase，apastimesonaturaltoyouthofallranks，thatitseemsrathertobeaninherentpassioninouranimalnature，whichlevelsalldifferencesofrankandeducation，thananacquiredhabitofrapidexercise。

TherepeatedburstsoftheFrenchhorn，whichwasthenalwaysusedfortheencouragementanddirectionofthehounds；thedeep，thoughdistantbayingofthepack；thehalf-heardcriesofthehuntsmen；thehalf-seenformswhichwerediscovered，nowemergingfromglenswhichcrossedthemoor，nowsweepingoveritssurface，nowpickingtheirwaywhereitwasimpededbymorasses；

and，aboveall，thefeelingofhisownrapidmotion，animatedtheMasterofRavenswood，atlastforthemoment，abovetherecollectionsofamorepainfulnaturebywhichhewassurrounded。Thefirstthingwhichrecalledhimtothoseunpleasingcircumstanceswasfeelingthathishorse，notwithstandingalltheadvantageswhichhereceivedfromhisrider’sknowledgeofthecountry，wasunabletokeepupwiththechase。Ashedrewhisbridleupwiththebittlefeelingthathispovertyexcludedhimfromthefavouriterecreationofhisforefathers，andindeedtheirsoleemploymetwhennotengagedinmilitarypursuits，hewasaccostedbyawell-mountedstranger，who，unobserved，hadkeptnearhimduringtheearlierpartofhiscareer。”Yourhorseisblown，”saidtheman，withacomplaisanceseldomusedinahunting-field。”MightIcraveyourhonourtomakeuseofmine？””Sir，”saidRavenswood，moresurprisedthanpleasedatsuchaproposal。”IreallydonotknowhowIhavemeritedsuchafavouratastranger’shands。””Neveraskaquestionaboutit，Master，”saidBucklaw，who，withgreatunwillingness，hadhithertoreinedinhisowngallantsteed，nottooutridehishostandentertainer。”Takethegoodsthegodsprovideyou，asthegreatJohnDrydensays；orstay——

here，myfriend，lendmethathorse；Iseeyouhavebeenpuzzledtoreinhimupthishalf-hour。I’lltakethedeviloutofhimforyou。Now，Master，doyouridemine，whichwillcarryyoulikeaneagle。”

AndthrowingthereinofhisownhorsetotheMasterofRavenswood，hesprunguponthatwhichthestrangerresignedtohim，andcontinuedhiscareeratfullspeed。”Waseversothoughtlessabeing！”saidtheMaster；”andyou，myfriend，howcouldyoutrusthimwithyourhorse？””Thehorse，”saidtheman，”belongstoapersonwhowillmakeyourhonour，oranyofyourhonourablefriends，mostwelcometohim，fleshandfell。””Andtheowner’snameis——？”askedRavenswood。”Yourhonourmustexcuseme，youwilllearnthatfromhimself。

Ifyoupleasetotakeyourfriend’shorse，andleavemeyourgalloway，Iwillmeetyouafterthefallofthestag，forIheartheyareblowinghimatbay。””Ibelieve，myfriend，itwillbethebestwaytorecoveryourgoodhorseforyou，”answeredRavenswood；andmountingthenagofhisfriendBucklaw，hemadeallthehasteinhispowertothespotwheretheblastofthehornannouncedthatthestag’scareerwasnearlyterminated。

Thesejovialsoundswereintermixedwiththehuntsmen’sshoutsof”HykeaTalbot！HykeaTeviot！now，boys，now！”andsimilarcheeringhalloosoftheoldenhunting-field，towhichtheimpatientyellingofthehounds，nowcloseoftheobjectoftheirpursuit，gavealivelyandunremittingchorus。Thestragglingridersbegannowtorallytowardsthesceneofaction，collectingfromdifferentpointsastoacommoncentre。

Bucklawkeptthestartwhichhehadgotten，andarrivedfirstatthespot，wherethestag，incapableofsustainingamoreprolongedflight，hadturneduponthehounds，and，inthehunter’sphrase，wasatbay。Withhisstatelyheadbentdown，hissideswhitewithfoam，hiseyesstrainedbetwixtrageandterror，thehuntedanimalhadnowinhisturnbecomeanobjectofintimidationtohispursuers。Thehunterscameuponebyone，andwatchedanopportunitytoassailhimwithsomeadvantage，which，insuchcircumstances，canonlybedonewithcaution。Thedogsstoodaloofandbayedloudly，intimatingatonceeagernessandfear，andeachofthesportsmenseemedtoexpectthathiscomradewouldtakeuponhimtheperiloustaskofassaultinganddisablingtheanimal。Theground，whichwasahollowinthecommonormoor，affordedlittleadvantageforapproachingthestagunobserved；andgeneralwastheshoutoftriumphwhenBucklaw，withthedexteritypropertoanaccomplishedcavalieroftheday，sprangfromhishorse，anddashingsuddenlyandswiftlyatthestag，broughthimtothegroundbyacutonthehindlegwithhisshorthunting-sword。Thepack，rushinginupontheirdisabledenemy，soonendedhispainfulstruggles，andsolemnisedhisfallwiththeirclamour；thehunters，withtheirhornsandvoices，whoopingandblowingamort，ordeath-note，whichresoundedfaroverthebillowsoftheadjacentocean。

Thehuntsmanthenwithdrewthehoundsfromthethrottledstag，andonhiskneepresentedhisknifetoafairfemaleform，onawhitepalfrey，whoseterror，orperhapshercompassion，hadtillthenkeptheratsomedistance。Sheworeablacksilkriding-

mask，whichwasthenacommonfashion，aswellforpreservingthecomplexionfromthesunandrain，asfromanideaofdecorum，whichdidnotpermitaladytoappearbarefacedwhileengagedinaboisteroussport，andattendedbyapromiscuouscompany。Therichnessofherdress，however，aswellasthemettleandformofherpalfrey，togetherwiththesilvancomplimentpaidtoherbythehuntsman，pointedherouttoBucklawastheprincipalpersoninthefield。Itwasnotwithoutafeelingofpity，approachingeventocontempt，thatthisenthusiastichunterobservedherrefusethehuntsman’sknife，presentedtoherforthepurposeofmakingthefirstincisioninthestag’sbreast，andtherebydiscoveringthevenison。Hefeltmorethanhalfinclinedtopayhiscomplimentstoher；butithadbeenBucklaw’smisfortune，thathishabitsoflifehadnotrenderedhimfamiliarlyacquaintedwiththehigherandbetterclassesoffemalesociety，sothat，withallhisnaturalaudacity，hefeltsheepishandbashfulwhenitbecamenecessarytoaddressaladyofdistinction。

Takinguntohimselfheartofgrace(tousehisownphrase)，hedidatlengthsummonupresolutionenoughtogivethefairhuntressgoodtimeoftheday，andtrustthathersporthadansweredherexpectation。Heranswerwasverycourteouslyandmodestlyexpressed，andtestifiedsomegratitudetothegallantcavalier，whoseexploithadterminatedthechasesoadroitly，whenthehoundsandhuntsmenseemedsomewhatatastand。”Udsdaggersandscabbard，madam，”saidBucklaw，whomthisobservationbroughtatonceuponhisownground，”thereisnodifficultyormeritinthatmatteratall，sothatafellowisnottoomuchafraidofhavingapairofantlersinhisguts。I

havehuntedatforcefivehundredtimes，madam；andIneveryetsawthestagatbay，bylandorwater，butIdursthavegoneroundlyinonhim。Itisalluseandwont，madam；andI’lltellyou，madam，forallthat，itmustbedonewithgoodheedandcaution；andyouwilldowell，madam，tohaveyourhunting-swordrightsharpanddouble-edged，thatyoumaystrikeeitherfore-

handedorback-handed，asyouseereason，forahurtwithabuck’shornisaperilousadsomewhatvenomousmatter。””Iamafraid，sir，”saidtheyounglady，andhersmilewasscarceconcealedbyhervizard，”Ishallhavelittleuseforsuchcarefulpreparation。””Butthegentlemansaysveryrightforallthat，mylady，”saidanoldhuntsman，whohadlistenedtoBucklaw’sharanguewithnosmalledification；”andIhaveheardmyfathersay，whowasaforesterattheCabrach，thatawildboar’sgaunchismoreeasilyhealedthanahurtfromthedeer’shorn，forsosaystheoldwoodman’srhyme——

Ifthoubehurtwithhornofhart，itbringstheetotheybier；

Buttuskofboarshallleechesheal，thereofhavelesserfear。””AnImightadvise，”continuedBucklaw，whowasnowinhiselement，anddesirousofassumingthewholemanagement，”asthehoundsaresurbatedandweary，theheadofthestagshouldbecabagedinordertorewardthem；andifImaypresumetospeak，thehuntsman，whoistobreakupthestag，oughttodrinktoyourgoodladyship’shealthagoodlustybickerofale，oratassofbrandy；forifhebreakshimupwithoutdrinking，thevenisonwillnotkeepwell。”

Thisveryagreeableprescriptionreceived，aswillbereadilybelieved，allacceptationfromthehuntsman，who，inrequital，offeredtobucklawthecomplimentofhisknife，whichtheyoungladyhaddeclined。

Thispoliteprofferwassecondedbyhismistress。”Ibelieve，sir，”shesaid，withdrawingherselffromthecircle，”thatmyfather，forwhoseamusementLordBittlebrain’shoundshavebeenoutto-day，willreadilysurrenderallcareofthesematterstoagentlemanofyourexperience。”

Then，bendinggracefullyfromherhorse，shewishedhimgoodmorning，and，attendedbyoneortwodomestics，whoseemedimmediatelyattachedtoherservice，retiredfromthesceneofaction，towhichBucklaw，toomuchdelightedwithanopportunityofdisplayinghiswoodcrafttocareaboutmanorwomaneither，paidlittleattention；butwassoonstripttohisdoublet，withtucked-upsleeves，andnakedarmsuptotheelbowsinbloodandgrease，slashing，cutting，hacking，andhewing，withtheprecisionofSirTristremhimself，andwranglinganddisputingwithallaroundhimconcerningnombles，briskets，flankards，andraven-bones，thenusualtermsoftheartofhunting，orofbutchery，whicheverthereaderchoosestocallit，whicharenowprobablyantiquated。

WhenRavenswood，whofollowedashortpacebehindhisfriend，sawthatthestaghadfallen，histemporaryardourforthechasegavewaytothatfeelingofreluctancewhichheenduredatencounteringinhisfallenfortunesthegazewhetherofequalsorinferiors。Hereineduphishorseonthetopofagentleeminence，fromwhichheobservedthebusyandgayscenebeneathhim，andheardthewhoopsofthehuntsmen，gailymingledwiththecryofthedogs，andtheneighingandtramplingofthehorses。

Butthesejovialsoundsfellsadlyontheearoftheruinednobleman。Thechase，withallitstrainofexcitations，haseversincefeudaltimesbeenaccountedthealmostexclusiveprivilegeofthearistocracy，andwasancientlytheirchiefemploymentintimesofpeace。Thesensethathewasexcludedbyhissituationfromemjoyingthesilvansport，whichhisrankassignedtohimasaspecialprerogative，andthefeelingthatnewmenwerenowexercisingitoverthedownswhichhadbeenjealouslyreservedbyhisancestorsfortheirownamusement，whilehe，theheirofthedomain，wasfaintoholdhimselfatadistancefromtheirparty，awakenedreflectionscalculatedtodepressdeeplyamindlikeRavenswood’s，whichwasnaturallycontemplativeandmelancholy。

Hispride，however，soonshookoffthisfeelingofdejection，anditgavewaytoimpatienceuponfindingthathisvolatilefriendBucklawseemedinnohurrytoreturnwithhisborrowedsteed，whichRavenswood，beforeleavingthefield，wishedtoseerestoredtotheobligingowner。Ashewasabouttomovetowardsthegroupofassembledhuntsmen，hewasjoinedbyahorseman，who，likehimself，hadkeptaloofduringthefallofthedeer。

Thispersonageseemedstrickeninyears。Heworeascarletcloak，buttoninghighuponhisface，andhishatwasunloopedandslouched，probablybywayofdefenceagainsttheweather。Hishorse，astrongandsteadypalfrey，wascalculatedforariderwhoproposedtowitnessthesportofthedayratherthantoshareit。Anattendantwaitedatsomedistance，andthewholeequipmentwasthatofanelderlygentlemanofrankandfashion。

HeaccostedRavenswoodverypolitely，butnotwithoutsomeembarrassment。”Youseemagallantyounggentleman，sir，”hesaid，”andyetappearasindifferenttothisbravesportasifyouhadmyloadofyearsonyourshoulders。””Ihavefollowedthesportwithmorespiritonotheroccasions，”

repliedtheMaster；”atpresent，lateeventsinmyfamilymustbemyapology；andbesides，”headded，”Iwasbutindifferentlymountedatthebeginningofthesport。””Ithink，”saidthestranger，”oneofmyattendantshadthesensetoaccommodateyourfriendwithahorse。””Iwasmuchindebtedtohispolitenessandyours，”repliedRavenswood。”MyfriendisMr。HaystonofBucklaw，whomIdaresayyouwillbesuretofindinthethickofthekeeestsportsmen。Hewillreturnyourservant’shorse，andtakemyponyinexchange；andwilladd，”heconcluded，turninghishorse’sheadfromthestranger，”hisbestacknowledgmentstominefortheaccommodation。”

TheMasterofRavenswood，havingthusexpressedhimself，begantomovehomeward，withthemannerofonewhohastakenleaveofhiscompany。Butthestrangerwasnotsotobeshakenoff。Heturnedhishorseatthesametime，androdeinthesamedirection，soneartotheMasterthat，withoutoutridinghim，whichtheformalcivilityofthetime，andtherespectduetothestranger’sageandrecentcivility，wouldhaverenderedimproper，hecouldnoteasilyescapefromhiscompany。

Thestrangerdidnotlongremainsilent。”This，then，”hesaid，”istheancientCastleofWolf’sCrag，oftenmentionedintheScottishrecods，”lookingtotheoldtower，thendarkeningundertheinfluenceofastormycloud，thatformeditsbackground；foratthedistanceofashortmile，thechase，havingbeencircuitous，hadbroughtthehuntersnearlybacktothepointwhichtheyhadattainedwhenRavenswoodandBucklawhadsetforwardtojointhem。

Ravenswoodansweredthisobservationwithacoldanddistantassent。”Itwas，asIhaveheard，”continuedthestranger，unabashedbyhiscoldness，”oneofthemostearlypossessionsofthehonourablefamilyofRavenswood。””Theirearliestpossession，”answeredtheMaster，”andprobablytheirlatest。””I——I——Ishouldhopenot，sir，”answeredthestranger，clearinghisvoicewithmorethanonecough，andmakinganefforttovoercomeacertaindegreeofhesitation；”Scotlandknowswhatsheowestothisancientfamily，andrememberstheirfrequentandhonourableachievements。Ihavelittledoubtthat，wereitproperlyrepresentedtoherMajestythatsoancientandnobleafamilyweresubjectedtodilapidation——Imeantodecay——meansmightbefound，adre-aedificandumantiquamdomum——””Iwillsaveyouthetrouble，sir，ofdiscussingthispointfarther，”interruptedtheMaster，haughtily。”Iamtheheirofthatunfortunatehouse——IamtheMasterofRavenswood。Andyou，sir，whoseemtobeagentlemanoffashionandeducation，mustbesensiblethatthenextmortificationafterbeingunhappyisthebeingloadedwithundesiredcommiseration。””Ibegyourpardon，sir，”saidtheelderhorseman；”Ididnotknow——IamsensibleIoughtnottohavementioned——nothingcouldbefartherfrommythoughtsthantosuppose——””Therearenoapologiesnecessary，sir，”answeredRavenswood，”forhere，Isuppose，ourroadsseparate，andI

assureyouthatwepartinperfectequanimityonmyside。”

Asspeakingthesewords，hedirectedhishorse’sheadtowardsanarrowcauseway，theancientapproachtoWolf’sCrag，ofwhichitmightbetrulysaid，inthewordsoftheBardofHope，thatFrequentedbyfewwasthegrass-cover’droad，Wherethehunterofdeerandthewarriortrode，Tohishillsthatencirclethesea。

But，erehecoulddisengagehimselffromhiscompanion，theyoungladywehavealreadymentionedcameuptojointhestranger，followedbyherservants。”Daughter，”saidthestrangertotheunmaskeddamesl，”thisistheMasterofRavenswood。”

Itwouldhavebeennaturalthatthegentlemanshouldhaverepliedtothisintroduction；buttherewassomethinginthegracefulformandretiringmodestyofthefemaletowhomhewasthuspresented，whichnotonlypeventedhimfrominquiringtowhom，andbywhom，theannunciationhadbeenmade，butwhichevenforthetimestruckhimabsolutelymute。AtthismomentthecloudwhichhadlongloweredabovetheheightonwhichWolf’sCragissituated，andwhichnow，asitadvanced，spreaditselfindarkeranddenserfoldsbothoverlandandsea，hidingthedistantobjectsandobscuringthosewhichwerenearer，turningtheseatoaleadencomplexionandtheheathtoadarkerbrown，begannow，byoneortwodistantpeals，toannouncethethunderswithwhichitwasfraught；whiletwoflashesoflightning，followingeachotherveryclosely，showedinthedistancethegreyturretsofWolf’sCrag，and，morenearly，therollowingbillowsoftheocean，crestedsuddenlywithredanddazzlinglight。

Thehorseofthefairhuntressshowedsymptomsofimpatienceandrestiveness，anditbecameimpossibleforRavenswood，asamanoragentleman，toleaveherabruptlytothecaseofanagedfatherorhermenialattendants。Hewas，orbelievedhimself，obligedincourtesytotakeholdofherbridle，andassistherinmanagingtheunrulyanimal。Whilehewasthusengaged，theoldgentlemanobservedthatthestormseemedtoincrease；thattheywerefarfromLordBittlebrains’s，whosegueststheywereforthepresent；andthathewouldbeobligedtotheMasterofRavenswoodtopointhimthewaytothenearestplaceofrefugefromthestorm。AtthesametimehecastawistfulandembarrassedlooktowardstheTowerofWolf’sCrag，whichseemedtorenderitalmostimpossiblefortheownertoavoidofferinganoldmanandalady，insuchanemergency，thetemporaryuseofhishouse。

Indeed，theconditionoftheyounghuntressmadethiscourtesyindispensable；for，inthecourseoftheserviceswhichherendered，hecouldnotbutperceivethatshetrembledmuch，andwasextremelyagitated，fromherapprehensions，doubtless，ofthecomingstorm。

IknownotiftheMasterofRavenswoodsharedherterrors，buthewasnotentirelyfreefromsomethinglikeasimilardisorderofnerves，asheobserved，”TheTowerofWolf’sCraghasnothingtoofferbeyondtheshelterofitsroof，butifthatcanbeacceptableatsuchamoment——”hepaused，asiftherestoftheinvitationstuckinhisthroat。Buttheoldgentleman，hisself-constitutedcompanion，didnotallowhimtorecedefromtheinvitation，whichhehadrathersufferedtobeimpliedthandirectlyexpressed。”Thestorm，”saidthestranger，”mustbeanapologyforwaivingceremony；hisdaughter’shealthwasweak，shehadsufferedmuchfromarecentalarm；hetrustedtheirintrusionontheMasterofRavenswood’shospitalitywouldnotbealtogetherunpardonableinthecircumstancesofthecase:hischild’ssafetymustbedearertohimthanceremony。”

Therewasnoroomtoretreat。TheMasterofRavenswoodledtheway，continuingtokeepholdofthelady’sbridletopreventherhorsefromstartingatsomeunexpectedexplosionofthunder。Hewasnotsobewilderedinhisownhurriedreflectionsbutthatheremarked，thatthedeadlypalenesswhichhadoccupiedherneckandtemples，andsuchofherfeaturesastheriding-maskleftexposed，gaveplacetoadeepandrosysuffusion；andhefeltwithembarrassmentthataflushwasbytacitsympathyexcitedinhisowncheeks。Thestranger，withwatchfulnesswhichhedisguisedunderapprehensionsofthesafetyofhisdaughter，continuedtoobservetheexpressionoftheMaster’scountenanceastheyascendedthehilltoWolf’sCrag。Whentheystoodinfrontofthatancientfortress，Ravenswood’semotionswereofaverycomplicateddescription；andasheledthewayintotherudecourtyard，andhallooedtoCalebtogiveattendance，therewasatoneofsternness，almostoffierceness，whichseemedsomewhatalienfromthecourtesiesofonewhoisreceivinghonouredguests。

Calebcame；andnotthepalenessofthefairstrangeratthefirstapproachofthethunder，northepalenessofanyotherperson，inanyothercircumstanceswhatever，equalledthatwhichovercamethethincheeksofthedisconsolateseneschalwhenhebeheldthisaccessionofgueststothecastle，andreflectedthatthedinnerhourwasfastapproaching。”Ishedaft？”hemutteredtohimself；——”ishecleandafta’thegither，tobringlordsandleddies，andahostoffolkbehintthem，andtwalo’clockchappit？”ThenapproachingtheMaster，hecravedpardonforhavingpermittedtherestofhispeopletogoouttoseethehunt，observing，that”Theywadneverthinkofhislordshipcomingbacktillmirknight，andthathedreadedtheymightplaythetruant。””Silence，Balderstone！”saidRavenswood，sternly；”yourfollyisunseasonable。Sirandmadam，”hesaid，turningtohisguests，”thisoldman，andayetolderandmoreimbecilefemaledomestic，formmywholeretinue。Ourmeansofrefreshingyouaremorescantythanevensomiserablearetinue，andadwellingsodilapidated，mightseemtopromiseyou；but，suchastheymaychancetobe，youmaycommandthem。”

Theelderstranger，struckwiththeruinedandevensavageappearanceoftheTower，renderedstillmoredisconsolatebytheloweringandgloomyksy，andperhapsnotaltogetherunmovedbythegraveanddeterminedvoiceinwhichtheirhostaddressedthem，lookedroundhimanxiously，asifhehalfrepentedthereadinesswithwhichhehadacceptedtheofferedhospitality。

Buttherewasnownoopportunityofrecedingfromthesituationinwhichhehadplacedhimself。

AsforCaleb，hewassoutterlystunnedbyhismaster’spublicandunqualifiedacknowledgmentofthenakednessoftheland，thatfortwominuteshecouldonlymutterwithinhishebdomadalbeard，whichhadnotfelttherazorforsixdays，”He’sdaft——cleandaft——redwud，andawa’wit！ButdeilhaeCalebBalderstone，”

saidhe，collectinghispowersofinventionandresource，”ifthefamilyshalllosecredit，ifhewereasmadasthesevenwisemasters！”Hethenboldlyadvanced，andinspiteofhismaster’sfrownsandimpatience，gravelyasked，”Ifheshouldnotserveupsomeslightrefectionfortheyoungleddy，andaglassoftokay，oroldsack——or——””Trucetothisill-timedfoolery，”saidtheMaster，sternly；”putthehorsesintothestable，andinterruptusnomorewithyourabsurdities。””Yourhonour’spleasureistobeobeyedaboona’things，”saidCaleb；”nevertheless，asforthesackandtokaywhichitisnotyournobleguests’pleasuretoaccept——”

ButherethevoiceofBucklaw，heardevenabovetheclatteringofhoofsandbrayingofhornswithwhichitmingled，announcedthathewasscalingthepathwaytotheTowerattheheadofthegreaterpartofthegallanthuntingtrain。”Thedeilbeinme，”saidCaleb，takingheartinspiteofthisnewinvasionofPhilistines，”iftheyshallbeatmeyet！Thehellicatne’er-do-weel！tobringsuchacrewhere，thatwillexpecttofindbrandyasplentyasditch-water，andhekenningsaeabsolutelythecaseinwhilkwestandforthepresent！ButI

trow，couldIgetridofthaegapinggowksofflunkiesthathaewonintothecourtyardatthebackoftheirbetters，asmonyamangetspreferment，Icouldmakea’rightyet。”

Themeasureswhichhetooktoexecutethisdauntlessresolution，thereadershalllearninthenextchapter。

CHAPTERX。

Withthroatunslaked，withblacklipsbaked，Agapetheyheardhimcall；

Gramercytheyforjoydidgrin，Andallatoncetheirbreathdrewin，Astheyhadbeendrinkingall！

COLERIDGE’SRimeoftheAncientMariner。

HAYSTONofBucklawwasoneofthethoughtlessclasswhoneverhesitatebetweentheirfriendandtheirjest。WhenitwasannouncedthattheprincipalpersonsofthechasehadtakentheirroutetowardsWolf’sCrag，thehuntsmen，asapointofcivility，offeredtotransferthevenisontothatmansion；aprofferwhichwasreadilyacceptedbyBucklaw，whothoughtmuchoftheastonishmentwhichtheirarrivalinfullbodywouldoccasionpooroldCalebBalderstone，andverylittleofthedilemmatowhichhewasabouttoexposehisfriendtheMaster，soillcircumstancedtoreceivesuchaparty。ButinoldCalebhehadtodowithacraftyandalertantagonist，promptatsupplying，uponallemergencies，evasionsandexcusessuitable，ashethought，tothedignityofthefamily。”Praisebeblest！”saidCalebtohimself，”aeleafofthemucklegatehasbeenswungtowi’yestreen’swind，andIthinkIcanmanagetoshuttheither。”

Buthewasdesirous，likeaprudentgovernor，atthesametimetogetrid，ifpossible，oftheinternalenemy，inwhichlightheconsideredalmosteveryonewhoeatanddrank，erehetookmeasurestoexcludethosewhomtheirjocundnoisenowpronouncedtobenearathand。Hewaited，therefore，withimpatienceuntilhismasterhadshownhistwoprincipalguestsintotheTower，andthencommencedhisoperations。”Ithink，”hesaidtothestrangermenials，”that，astheyarebringingthestag’sheadtothecastleinallhonour，we，whoareindwellers，shouldreceivethematthegate。”

Theunwarygroomshadnosoonerhurriedout，incompliancewiththisinsidoushint，than，onefolding-dooroftheancientgatebeingalreadyclosedbythewind，ashasbeenalreadyintimated，hoenstCaleblostnotimeinshuttingtheotherwithaclang，whichresoundedfromdonjon-vaulttobattlement。Havingthussecuredthepass，heforthwithindulgedtheexcludedhuntsmeninbriefparley，fromasmallprojectingwindow，orshot-hole，throughwhich，informerdays，thewarderswerewonttoreconnoitrethosewhopresentedthemselvesbeforethegates。

Hegavethemtoudnerstand，inashortandpityspeech，thatthegateofthecastlewasneveronanyaccountopenedduringmeal-

times；thathishonour，theMasterofRavenswood，andsomeguestsofquality，hadjustsatdowntodinner；thattherewasexcellentbrandyatthehostler-wife’satWolf’sHopedownbelow；andheheldoutsomeobscurehintthatthereckoningwouldbedischargedbytheMaster；butthiswasutteredinaverydubiousandoracularstrain，for，likeLouisXIV。，CalebBalderstonehesitatedtocarryfinessesofarasdirectfalsehood，andwascontenttodeceive，ifpossible，withoutdirectlylying。

Thisannunciationwasreceivedwithsurprisebysome，withlaughterbyothers，andwithdismaybytheexpelledlackeys，whoendeavouredtodemonstratethattheirrightofreadmission，forthepurposeofwaitingupontheirmasterandmistress，wasatleastindisputable。ButCalebwasnotinahumourtounderstandoradmitanydistinctions。Hestucktohisoriginalpropositionwiththatdoggedbutconvenientpertinacitywhichisarmedagainstallconviction，anddeaftoallreasoning。Bucklawnowcamefromtherearoftheparty，anddemandedadmittanceinaveryangrytone。ButtheresolutionofCalebwasimmovable。”Ifthekingonthethronewereatthegate，”hedeclared，”histenfingersshouldneveropenitcontrairtotheestablisheduseandwontofthefamilyofRavenswood，andhisdutyastheirhead-servant。”

Bucklawwasnowextremelyincensed，andwithmoreoathsandcursesthanwecaretorepeat，declaredhimselfmostunworthilytreated，anddemandedperemptorilytospeakwiththeMasterofRavenswoodhimself。

ButtothisalsoCalebturnedadeafear。”He’sassoona-

bleezeasatapoftow，theladBucklaw，”hesaid；”butthedeilofonymaster’sfaceheshallseetillhehassleepitandwaken’don’t。He’llkenhimsellbetterthemorn’smorning。Itsetsthelikeo’him，tobebringingacrewofdrunkenhuntershere，whenhekensthereisbutlittlepreparationtoslokenhisaindrought。”Andhedisappearedfromthewindow，leavingthemalltodigesttheirexclusionastheybestmight。

Butanotherperson，ofwhosepresenceCaleb，intheanimationofthedebate，wasnotaware，hadlistenedinsilencetoitsprogress。Thiswastheprincipaldomesticofthestranger——amanoftrustandconsequence——thesamewho，inthehunting-field，hadaccommodatedBucklawwiththeuseofhishorse。HewasinthestablewhenCalebhadcontrivedtheexpulsionofhisfellow-servants，andthusavoidedsharingthesamefate，fromwhichhispersonalimportancewouldcertainlynothaveotherwisesavedhim。

ThispersonageperceivedthemanoeuvreofCaleb，easilyappreciatedthemotiveofhisconduct，andknowinghismaster’sintentionstowardsthefamilyofRavenswood，hadnodifficultyastothelineofconductheoughttoadopt。HetooktheplaceofCaleb(unperceivedbythelatter)atthepostofaudiencewhichhehadjustleft，andannouncedtotheassembleddomestics，”Thatitwashismaster’spleasurethatLordBittlebrain’sretinueandhisownshouldgodowntotheadjacentchange-houseandcallforwhatrefreshmentstheymighthaveoccasionfor，andheshouldtakecaretodischargethelawing。”

ThejollytroopofhuntsmenretiredfromtheinhospitablegateofWolf’sCrag，execrating，astheydescendedthesteeppathway，theniggardandunworthydispositionoftheproprietor，anddamning，withmorethansilvanlicense，boththecastleanditsinhabitants。Bucklaw，withmanyqualitieswhichwouldhavemadehimamanofworthandjudgmentinmorefavourablecircumstances，hadbeensoutterlyneglectedinpointofeducation，thathewasapttothinkandfeelaccordingtotheideasofthecompanionsofhispleasures。ThepraiseswhichhadrecentlybeenheapeduponhimselfhecontrastedwiththegeneralabusenowlevelledagainstRavenswood；herecalledtohismindthedullandmonotonousdayshehadspentintheTowerofWolf’sCrag，comparedwiththejovialityofhisusuallife；hefeltwithgreatindignationhisexclusionfromthecastle，whichheconsideredasagrossaffront，andeverymingledfeelingledhimtobreakofftheunionwhichhehadformedwiththeMasterofRavenswood。

Onarrivingatthechange-houseofthevillageofWolf’sHope，heunexpectedlymetwithanacquaintancejustalightingfromhishorse。ThiswasnootherthantheveryrespectableCaptainCraigengelt，whoimmediatelycameuptohim，and，withoutappearingtoretainanyrecollectionoftheindifferenttermsonwhichtheyhadparted，shookhimbythehandinthewarmestmannerpossible。AwarmgraspofthehandwaswhatBucklawcouldneverhelpreturningwithcordiality，andnosoonerhadCraigengeltfeltthepressureofhisfingersthanheknewthetermsonwhichhestoodwithhim。”Longlifetoyou，Bucklaw！”heexclaimed；”there’slifeforhonestfolkinthisbadworldyet！”

TheJacobitesatthisperiod，withwhatproprietyIknownot，used，itmustbenoticed，thetermofHONESTMENaspeculiarlydescriptiveoftheirownparty。”Ay，andforothersbesides，itseems，”answeredBucklaw；”otherways，howcameyoutoventurehither，nobleCaptain？””Who——I？IamasfreeasthewindatMartinmas，thatpaysneitherland-rentnorannual；allisexplained——allsettledwiththehonestolddrivellersyonderofAuldReekie。Pooh！pooh！

theydarednotkeepmeaweekofdaysindurance。Acertainpersonhasbetterfriendsamongthemthanyouwotof，andcanserveafriendwhenitisleastlikely。””Pshaw！”answeredHayston，whoperfectlyknewandthoroughlydespisedthecharacterofthisman，”noneofyourcogginggibberish；tellmetruly，areyouatlibertyandinsafety？””FreeandsafeasaWhigbailieonthecausewayofhisownborough，oracantingPresbyterianministerinhisownpulpit；

andIcametotellyouthatyouneednotremaininhidinganylonger。””ThenIsupposeyoucallyourselfmyfriend，CaptainCraigengelt？”saidBucklaw。”Friend！”repliedCraigengelt，”mycockofthepit！why，IamthyveryAchates，man，asIhaveheardscholarssay——handandglove——barkandtree——thinetolifeanddeath！””I’lltrythatinamoment，”answeredBucklaw。”Thouartneverwithoutmoney，howeverthoucomestbyit。Lendmetwopiecestowashthedustoutofthesehonestfellows’throatsinthefirstplace，andthen——””Twopieces！Twentyareatthyservice，mylad，andtwentytobackthem。””Ay，sayyouso？”saidBucklaw，pausing，forhisnaturalpenetrationledhimtosusprectsomeextraordinarymotivelaycouchedunderanexcessofgenerosity。”Craigengelt，youareeitheranhonestfellowinrightgoodearnest，andIscarceknowhowtobelievethat；oryouareclevererthanItookyoufor，andIscarceknowhowtobelievethateither。””L’unn’empechepasl’autre，”saidCraigengelt。”Touchandtry；thegoldisgoodaseverwasweighed。”

HeputaquantityofgoldpiecesintoBucklaw’shand，whichhethrustintohispocketwithouteithercountingorlookingatthem，onlyobserving，”Thathewassocircumstancedthathemustenlist，thoughthedevilofferedthepress-money”；andthenturningtothehuntsmen，hecalledout，”Comealong，mylads；allisatmycost。””LonglifetoBucklaw！”shoutedthemenofthechase。”Andconfusiontohimthattakeshisshareofthesport，andleavesthehuntersasdryasadrumhead，”addedanother，bywayofcorollary。”ThehouseofRavenswoodwasanceagudeandanhonourablehouseinthisland，”saidanoldman；”butit’slostitscreditthisday，andtheMasterhasshownhimselfnobetterthanagreedycullion。”

Andwiththisconclusion，whichwasunanimouslyagreedtobyallwhoheardit，theyrushedtumultuouslyintothehouseofentertainment，wheretheyrevelledtillalatehour。ThejovialtemperofBucklawseldompermittedhimtobeniceinthechoiceofhisassociates；andonthepresentoccasion，whenhisjoyousdebauchreceivedadditionalzestfromtheinterventionofanunusualspaceofsobriety，andalmostabstinence，hewasashappyinleadingtherevelsasifhiscomradeshadbeensonsofprinces。Craigengelthadhisownpurposesinfoolinghimuptothetopofhisbent；andhavingsomelowhumour，muchimpudence，andthepowerofsingingagoodsong，understandingbesidesthoroughlythedispositionofhisregainedassociate，heheadilysucceededininvolvinghimbumper-deepinthefestivityofthemeeting。

AverydifferentscenewasinthemeantimepassingintheTowerofWolf’sCrag。WhentheMasterofRavenswoodleftthecourtyard，toomuchbusiedwithhisownperplexedreflectionstopayattentiontothemanoeuvreofCaleb，heusheredhisguestsintothegreathallofthecastle。

TheindefatigableBalderstone，who，fromchoiceorhabit，workedonfrommorningtonight，hadbydegreesclearedthisdesolateapartmentoftheconfusedrelicsofthefuneralbanquet，andrestoredittosomeorder。Butnotallhisskillandlabour，indisposingtoadvantagethelittlefurniturewhichremained，couldremovethedarkanddisconsolateappearanceofthoseancientanddisfurnishedwalls。Thenarrowwindows，flankedbydeepindenturesintothewalls，seemedformedrathertoexcludethantoadmitthecheerfullight；andtheheavyandgloomyappearanceofthethunder-skyaddedstillfarthertotheobscurity。

AsRavenswood，withthegraceofagallantofthatperiod，butnotwithoutacertainstiffnessandembarrassmentofmanner，handedtheyoungladytotheupperendoftheapartment，herfatherremainedstandingmoreneartothedoor，asifabouttodisengagehimselffromhishatandcloak。Atthismomenttheclangoftheportalwasheard，asoundatwhichthestrangerstarted，steppedhastilytothewindow，andlookedwithanairofalarmatRavenswood，whenhesawthatthegateofthecourtwasshut，andhisdomesticsexcluded。”Youhavenothingtofear，sir，”saidRavenswood，gravely；”thisroofretainsthemeansofgivingprotection，thoughnotwelcome。

Methinks，”headded，”itistimethatIshouldknowwhotheyarethathavethushighlyhonouredmyruineddwelling！”

Theyoungladyremainedsilentandmotionless，andthefather，towhomthequestionwasmoredirectlyaddressed，seemedinthesituationofaperformerwhohasventuredtotakeuponhimselfapartwhichhefindshimselfunabletopresent，andwhocomestoapausewhenitismosttobeexpectedthatheshouldspeak。Whileheendeavouredtocoverhisembarrassentwiththeexteriorceremonialsofawell-breddemeanour，itwasobviousthat，inmakinghisbow，onefootshuffledforward，asiftoadvance，theotherbackward，asifwiththepurposeofescape；andasheundidthecapeofhiscoat，andraisedhisbeaverfromhisface，hisfingersfumbledasiftheonehadbeenlinkedwithrustediron，ortheotherhadweighedequalwithastoneoflead。Thedarknessoftheskyseemedtoincrease，asiftosupplythewantofthosemufflingswhichhelaidasidewithsuchevidentreluctance。TheimpatienceofRavenswoodincreasedalsoinproportiontothedelayofthestranger，andheappearedtostruggleunderagitation，thoughprobablyfromaverydifferentcause。Helabouredtorestrainhisdesiretospeak，whilethestranger，toallappearance，wasatalossforwordstoexpresswhathefeltnecessarytosay。

AtlengthRavenswood’simpatiencebroketheboundshehadimposeduponit。”Iperceive，”hesaid，”thatSirWilliamAshtonisunwillingtoannouncedhimselfintheCastleofWolf’sCrag。””Ihadhopeditwasunnecessary，”saidtheLordKeeper，relievedfromhissilence，asaspectrebythevoiceoftheexorcist，”andIamobligedtoyou，MasterofRavenswood，forbreakingtheiceatonce，wherecircumstances——unhappycircumstances，letmecallthem——renderedself-introductionpeculiarlyawkward。””AndIamnotthen，”saidtheMasterofRavenswood，gravely，”toconsiderthehonourofthisvisitaspurelyaccidental？””Letusdistinguishalittle，”saidtheKeeper，assuminganappearanceofeasewhichperhapshisheartwasastrangerto；”thisisanhonourwhichIhaveeagerlydesiredforsometime，butwhichImightneverhaveobtained，savefortheaccidentofthestorm。MydaughterandIarealikegratefulforthisopportunityofthankingthebravemantowhomsheowesherlifeandImine。”

Thehatredwhichdividedthegreatfamiliesinthefeudaltimeshadlostlittleofitsbitterness，thoughitnolongerexpresseditselfindeedsofopenviolence。NotthefeelingswhichRavenswoodhadbeguntoentertaintowardsLucyAshton，notthehospitalityduetohisguests，wereableentirelytosubdue，thoughtheywarmlycombated，thedeeppassionswhicharosewithinhimatbeholdinghisfather’sfoestandinginthehallofthefamilyofwhichhehadinagreatmeasureacceleratedtheruin。

HislooksglancedfromthefathertothedaughterwithanirresolutionofwhichSirWilliamAshtondidnotthinkitpropertoawaittheconclusion。Hehadnowdisembarrassedhimselfofhisriding-dress，andwalkinguptohisdaughter，heundidthefasteningofhermask。”Lucy，mylove，”hesaid，raisingherandleadinghertowardsRavenswood，”layasideyourmask，andletusexpressourgratitudetotheMasteropenlyandbarefaced。””Ifhewillcondescendtoacceptit，”wasallthatLucyuttered；

butinatonesosweetlymodulated，andwhichseemedtoimplyatonceafeelingandaforgivingofthecoldreceptiontowhichtheywereexposed，that，comingfromacreaturesoinnocentandsobeautiful，herwordscutRavenswoodtotheveryheartforhisharshness。Hemutteredsomethingofsurprise，somethingofconfusion，and，endingwithawarmandeagerexpressionofhishappinessatbeingabletoaffordhershelterunderhisroof，hesalutedher，astheceremonialofthetimeenjoineduponsuchoccasions。Theircheekshadtouchedandwerewithdrawnfromeachother；Ravenswoodhadnotquittedthehandwhichhehadtakeninkindlycourtesy；ablush，whichattachedmoreconsequencebyfarthanwasusualtosuchceremony，stillmantledonLucyAshton’sbeautifulcheek，whentheapartmentwassuddenlyilluminatedbyaflashoflightning，whichseemedabsolutelytoswallowthedarknessofthehall。Everyobjectmighthavebeenforaninstantseendistinctly。Theslightandhalf-sinkingformofLucyAshton；thewell-proportionedandstatelyfigureofRavenswood，hisdarkfeatures，andthefieryyetirresoluteexpressionofhiseyes；theoldarmsandscutcheonswhichhungonthewallsoftheapartment，wereforaninstantdistinctlyvisibletotheKeeperbyastrongredbrilliantglareoflight。

Itsdisappearancewasalmostinstantlyfollowedbyaburstofthunder，forthestorm-cloudwasverynearthecastle；andthepealwassosuddenanddreadful，thattheoldtowerrockedtoitsfoundation，andeveryinmateconcludeditwasfallinguponthem。

Thesoot，whichhadnotbeendisturbedforcenturies，showereddownthehugetunnelledchimneys；limeanddustflewincloudsfromthewall；and，whetherthelightninghadactuallystruckthecastleorwhetherthroughtheviolentconcussionoftheair，severalheavystoneswerehurledfromthemoulderingbattlementsintotheroaringseabeneath。Itmightseemasiftheancientfounderofthecastlewerebestridingthethunderstorm，andproclaiminghisdispleasureatthereconciliationofhisdescendantwiththeenemyofhishouse。

Theconsternationwasgeneral，anditrequiredtheeffortsofboththeLordKeeperandRavenswoodtokeepLucyfromfainting。ThuswastheMasterasecondtimeengagedinthemostdelicateanddangerousofalltasks，thatofaffordingsupportandassistancetoabeautifulandhelplessbeing，who，asseenbeforeinasimilarsituation，hadalreadybecomeafavouriteofhisimagination，bothwhenawakeandwhenslumbering。IfthegeniusofthehousereallycondemnedaunionbetwixttheMasterandhisfairguest，themeansbywhichheexpressedhissentimentswereasunhappilychosenasifhehadbeenameremortal。Thetrainoflittleattentions，absolutelynecessarytosoothetheyounglady’smind，andaidherincomposingherspirits，necessarilythrewtheMasterofRavenswoodintosuchanitnercoursewithherfatheraswascalculated，forthemomentatleast，tobreakdownthebarrieroffeudalenemitywhichdividedthem。Toexpresshimselfchurlishly，orevencoldly，towardsanoldmanwhosedaughter(andSUCHadaughter)laybeforethem，overpoweredwithnaturalterror——andallthisunderhisownroof，thethingwasimpossible；andbythetimethatLucy，extendingahandtoeach，wasabletothankthemfortheirkindness，theMasterfeltthathissentimentsofhostilitytowardstheLordKeeperwerebynomeansthosemostpredominantinhisbosom。

Theweather，herstateofhealth，theabsenceofherattendants，allpreventedthepossibilityofLucyAshtonrenewingherjourneytoBittlebrainsHouse，whichwasfullfivemilesdistant；andtheMasterofRavenswoodcouldnotbut，incommoncourtesy，offertheshelterofhisrooffortherestofthedayandforthenight。Butaflushoflesssoftexpression，alookmuchmorehabitualtohisfeatures，resumedpredominancewhenhementionedhowmeanlyhewasprovidedfortheentertainmentofhisguests。”Donotmentiondeficiencies，”saidtheLordKeeper，eagertointerrupthimandpreventhisresuminganalarmingtopic；”youarepreparingtosetoutfortheContinent，andyourhouseisprobablyforthepresentunfurnished。Allthisweunderstand；

butifyoumentioninconvenience，youwillobligeustoseekaccommodationsinthehamlet。”

AstheMasterofRavenswoodwasabouttoreply，thedoorofthehallopened，andCalebBalderstonerushedin。

CHAPTERXI。

Letthemhavemeatenough，woman——halfahen；

Therebeoldrottenpilchards——putthemofftoo；

’Tisbutalittlenewanointingofthem，Andastrongonion，thatconfoundsthesavour。

Love’sPilgrimage。

THEthunderbolt，whichhadstunnedallwhowerewithinhearingofit，hadonlyservedtoawakentheboldandinventivegeniusoftheflowerofmajors-domo。Almostbeforetheclatterhadceased，andwhiletherewasyetscarceanassurancewhetherthecastlewasstandingorfalling，Calebexclaimed，”Heavenbepraised！

thiscomestohandliketheboulofapint-stoup。”HethenbarredthekitchendoorinthefaceoftheLordKeeper’sservant，whomheperceivedreturningfromthepartyatthegate，andmuttering，”Howthedeilcamhein？——butdeilmaycare。

Mysie，whatareyesittingshakingandgreetinginthechimney-

neukfor？Comehere——orstaywhereyeare，andskirlasloudasyecan；it’sa’ye’regudefor。Isay，yeaulddeevil，skirl——

skirl——louder——louder，woman；garthegentleshearyeintheha’。

IhaveheardyeasfaroffastheBassforalessmatter。Andstay——downwi’thatcrockery——”

Andwithasweepingblow，hethrewdownfromashelfsomearticlesofpewterandearthenware。Heexaltedhisvoiceamidtheclatter，shoutingandroaringinamannerwhichchangedMysie’shystericalterrorsofthethunderintofearsthatheroldfellow-servantwasgonedistracted。”Hehasdungdowna’thebitso’pigs，too——theonlythingwehadlefttohaudasoupmilk——andhehasspiltthehattedhitthatwasfortheMaster’sdinner。Mercysaveus，theauldman’sgaencleanandclearwudwi’thethunner！””Haudyourtongue，yeb——！”saidCaleb，intheimpetuousandoverbearingtriumphofsuccessfulinvention，”a’sprovidednow——

dinneranda’thing；thethunner’sdonea’inaclapofahand！””Puirman，he’smuckleastray，”saidMysie，lookingathimwithamixtureofpityandalarm；”Iwishhemayevercomecomehametohimsellagain。””Here，yeaulddoiteddeevil，”saidCaleb，stillexultinginhisextricationfromadilemmawhichhadseemedinsurmountable；”keepthestrangemanoutofthekitchen；swearthethunnercamedownthechimneyandspoiledthebestdinneryeeverdressed——

beef——bacon——kid——lark——leveret——wild-fowl——venison，andwhatnot。Layitonthick，andnevermindexpenses。I’llawa’uptothela’。Makea’theconfusionyecan；butbesureyekeepoutthestrangeservant。”

Withthesechargestohisally，Calebposteduptothehall，butstoppingtoreconnoitrethroughanaperture，whichtime，fortheconvenienceofmanyadomesticinsuccession，hadmadeinthedoor，andperceivingthesituationofMissAshton，hehadprudenceenoughtomakeapause，bothtoavoidaddingtoheralarmandinordertosecureattentiontohisaccountofthedisastrouseffectsofthethunder。

Butwhenheperceivedthattheladywasrecovered，andheardtheconversationturnupontheaccommodationandrefreshmentwhichthecastleafforded，hethoughtittimetoburstintotheroominthemannerannouncedinthelastchapter。”Willawins！——willawins！Suchamisfortunetobefa’thehouseofRavenswood，andItolivetoseeit。””Whatisthematter，Caleb？”saidhismaster，somewhatalarmedinhisturn；”hasanypartofthecastlefallen？””Castlefa’an！na，butthesute’sfa’an，andthethunner’scomerightdownthekitchen-lum，andthethingsarea’lyinghereawa’，thereawa’，liketheLairdo’Hotchpotch’slands；andwi’

braveguestsofhonourandqualitytoentertain(alowbowheretoSirWilliamAshtonandhisdaughter)，andnaethingleftinthehousefittopresentfordinner，orforsuppereither，foraughtthatIcansee！””Iverybelieveyou，Caleb，”saidRavenswood，drily。

Balderstonehereturnedtohismasterahalf-upbraiding，half-

imploringcountenance，andedgedtowardshimasherepeated，”Itwasnaegreatmatterofpreparation；butjustsomethingaddedtoyourhonour’sordinarycourseoffare——pettycover，astheysayattheLouvre——threecoursesandthefruit。””Keepyourintolerablenonsensetoyourself，youoldfool！”saidRavenswood，mortifiedathisofficiousness，yetnotknowinghowtocontradicthim，withouttheriskofgivingrisetoscenesyetmoreridiculous。

Calebsawhisadvantage，andresolvedtoimproveit。Butfirst，observingthattheLordKeeper’sservantenteredtheapartmentandspokeapartwithhismaster，hetookthesameopportunitytowhisperafewwordsintoRavenswood’sear:”Haudyourtongue，forheaven’ssake，sir；ifit’smypleasuretohazardmysoulintellingleesforthehonourofthefamily，it’snaebusinesso’

yours；andifyeletmegangonquietly，I’sebemoderateinmybanquet；butifyecontradictme，deilbutIdressyeadinnerfitforaduke！”

Ravenswood，infact，thoughtitwouldbebesttolethisofficiousbutlerrunon，whoproceededtoenumerateuponhisfingers——”Nomuckleprovision——mighthaeservedfourpersonsofhonour，——firstcourse，caponsinwhitebroth——roastkid——baconwithreverence；secondcourse，roastedleveret——buttercrabs——avealflorentine；thirdcourse，blackcock——it’sblackeneughnowwi’thesute——plumdamas——atart——aflam——andsomenonsensesweetthings，adncomfits——andthat’sa’，”hesaid，seeingtheimpatienceofhismaster——”that’sjusta’waso’t——forbyetheapplesandpears。”

MissAshtonhadbydegreesgatheredherspirits，sofarastopaysomeattentiontowhatwasgoingon；andobservingtherestrainedimpatienceofRavenswood，contrastedwiththepeculiardeterminationofmannerwithwhichCalebdetailedhisimaginarybanquet，thewholestruckherassoridiculousthat，despiteeveryefforttothecontrary，sheburstintoafitofincontrollablelaughter，inwhichshewasjoinedbyherfather，thoughwithmoremoderation，andfinallybytheMasterofRavenswoodhimself，thoughconsciousthatthejestwasathisownexpense。Theirmirth——forascenewhichwereadwithlittleemotionoftenappearsextremelyludicroustothespectators——madetheoldvaultringagain。Theyceased——theyrenewed——theyceased——theyrenewedagaintheirshoutsoflaughter！Caleb，inthemeantime，stoodhisgroundwithagrave，angry，andscornfuldignity，whichgreatlyenhancedtheridiculeofthesceneandmirthofthespectators。

Atlength，whenthevoices，andnearlythestrength，ofthelaugherswereexhausted，heexclaimed，withverylittleceremony:”Thedeil’sinthegentles！theybreakfastsaelordly，thatthelossofthebestdinnerevercookpatfingerstomakesthemasmerryasifitwerethebestjeestina’GeorgeBuchanan。Iftherewasaslittleinyourhonours’wamesasthereisinCalebBalderstone’s，lesscaicklingwadserveyeonsicagravaminoussubject。”

Caleb’sbluntexpressionofresentmentagainawakenedthemirthofthecompany，which，bytheway，heregardednotonlyasanagressionuponthedignityofthefamily，butaspecialcontemptoftheeloquencewithwhichhehimselfhadsummeduptheextentoftheirsupposedlosses。”Adescriptionofadinner，”ashesaidafterwardstoMysie，”thatwadhaemadeafu’manhungry，andthemtosittherelaughingatit！””But，”saidMissAshton，composinghercountenanceaswellasshecould，”areallthesedelicaciessototallydestroyedthatnoscrapcanbecollected？””Collected，myleddy！whatwadyecollectoutofthesuteandtheass？Yemaygangdownyoursell，andlookintoourkitchen——

thecookmaidinthetremblingexies——thegudeviverslyinga’

about——beef，capons，andwhitebroth——florentineandflams——baconwi’reverence——anda’thesweetconfectionsandwhim-whams——ye’llseethema’，myleddy——thatis，”saidhe，correctinghimself，”ye’llnoseeonyofthemnow，forthecookhassoopitthemup，aswasweelherpart；butye’llseethewhitebrothwhereitwasspilt。Ipatmyfingersinit，andittastesaslikesourmilkasonythingelse；ifthatisnatheeffectofthunner，Ikennawhatis。Thisgentlemanherecouldnabutheartheclashofourhailldishes，chinaandsilverthegither？”

TheLordKeeper’sdomestic，thoughastatesman’sattendant，andofcoursetrainedtocommandhiscountenanceuponalloccasions，wassomewhatdiscomposedbythisappeal，towhichheonlyansweredbyabow。”Ithink，Mr。Butler，”saidtheLordKeeper，whobegantobeafraidlesttheprolongationofthissceneshouldatlengthdispleaseRavenswood——”Ithinkthat，wereyoutoretirewithmyservantLockhard——hehastravelled，andisquiteaccustomedtoaccidentsandcontingenciesofeverykind，andIhopebetwixtyou，youmayfindoutsomemodeofsupplyatthisemergency。””Hishonourkens，”saidCaleb，who，howeverhopelessofhimselfofaccomplishingwhatwasdesirable，would，likethehigh-

spiritedelephant，ratherhavediedintheeffortthanbrookedtheaidofabrotherincommission——”hishonourkensweelIneednaecounsellor，whenthehonourofthehouseisconcerned。””IshouldbeunjustifIdeniedit，Caleb，”saidhismaster；”butyourartlieschieflyinmakingapologies，uponwhichwecannomoredinethanuponthebilloffareofourthunder-blasteddinner。Now，possiblyMr。Lockhard’stalentmayconsistinfindingsomesubstituteforthatwhichcertainlyisnot，andhasinallprobabilityneverbeen。””Yourhonourispleasedtobefacetious，”saidCaleb，”butIamsurethat，forthewarst，forawalkasfarasWolf’sHope，I

coulddinefortymen——nothatthefolktheredeserveyourhonour’scustom。Theyhaebeenilladvisedinthematterofthedutyeggsandbutter，Iwinnadenythat。””Dogoconsulttogether，”saidtheMaster；”godowntothevillage，anddothebestyoucan。Wemustnotletourguestsremainwithoutrefreshment，tosavethehonourofaruinedfamily。Andhere，Caleb，takemypurse；Ibelievethatwillproveyourbestally。””Purse！purse，indeed！”quothCaleb，indignantlyflingingoutoftheroom；”whatsuldIdowi’yourhonour’spurse，onyouraingrund？Itrustwearenotopayforourain？”

Theservantsleftthehall；andthedoorwasnosoonershutthantheLordKeeperbegantoapologisefortherudenessofhismirth；andLucytohopeshehadgivennopainoroffencetothekind-heartedfaithfuloldman。”CalebandImustbothlearn，madam，toundergowithgoodhumour，oratleastwithpatience，theridiculewhicheverywhereattachesitselftopoverty。””Youdoyourselfinjustice，MasterofRavenswood，onmywordofhonour，”answeredhiselderguest。”IbelieveIknowmoreofyouraffairsthanyoudoyourself，andIhopetoshowyouthatI

aminterestedinthem；andthat——inshort，thatyourprospectsarebetterthanyouapprehend。Inthemeantime，Icanconceivenothingsorespectableasthespiritwhichrisesabovemisfortune，andprefershonourableprivationstodebtordependence。”

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