, and nature of their appointments; and as much as
you chance to know about their plan of operations."

"Just to satisfy your curiosity," said Dalgetty, "and without any
farther purpose?"

"None in the world," replied Murdoch; "what interest should a poor devil
like me take in their operations?"

"Make your interrogations, then," said the Captain, "and I will answer
them PREREMTORIE."

"How many Irish may be on their march to join James Graham the
delinquent?"

"Probably ten thousand," said Captain Dalgetty.

"Ten thousand!" replied Murdoch angrily; "we know that scarce two
thousand landed at Ardnamurchan."

"Then you know more about them than I do," answered Captain Dalgetty,
with great composure. "I never saw them mustered yet, or even under
arms."

"And how many men of the clans may be expected?" demanded Murdoch.

"As many as they can make," replied the Captain.

"You are answering from the purpose, sir," said Murdoch "speak plainly,
will there be five thousand men?"

"There and thereabouts," answered Dalgetty.

"You are playing with your life, sir, if you trifle with me," replied
the catechist; "one whistle of mine, and in less than ten minutes your
head hangs on the drawbridge."

"But to speak candidly, Mr. Murdoch," replied the Captain "do you think
it is a reasonable thing to ask me after the secrets of our army, and I
engaged to serve for the whole campaign? If I taught you how to defeat
Montrose, what becomes of my pay, arrears, and chance of booty?"

"I tell you," said Campbell, "that if you be stubborn, your campaign
shall begin and end in a march to the block at the castle-gate, which
stands ready for such land-laufers; but if you answer my questions
faithfully, I will receive you into my--into the service of M'Callum
More."

"Does the service afford good pay?" said Captain Dalgetty.

"He will double yours, if you will return to Montrose and act under his
direction."

"I wish I had seen you, sir, before taking on with him," said Dalgetty,
appearing to meditate.

"On the contrary, I can afford you more advantageous terms now," said
the Campbell; "always supposing that you are faithful."

"Faithful, that is, to you, and a traitor to Montrose," answered the
Captain.

"Faithful to the cause of religion and good order," answered Murdoch,
"which sanctifies any deception you may employ to serve it."

"And the Marquis of Argyle--should I incline to enter his service, is he
a kind master