d M'Eagh, "has strained
all his slender means to defend my person from mine enemies, although
having no better weapons of a missile sort than bows and arrows, whilk
your lordship will hardly believe."

"You will see a great many such weapons in my camp," said Montrose, "and
we find them serviceable." [In fact, for the admirers of archery it may
be stated, not only that many of the Highlanders in Montrose's army used
these antique missiles, but even in England the bow and quiver, once the
glory of the bold yeomen of that land, were occasionally used during the
great civil wars.]

"Serviceable, my lord!" said Dalgetty; "I trust your lordship will
permit me to be surprised--bows and arrows!--I trust you will forgive
my recommending the substitution of muskets, the first convenient
opportunity. But besides defending me, this honest Highlander also was
at the pains of curing me, in respect that I had got a touch of the
wars in my retreat, which merits my best requital in this special
introduction of him to your lordship's notice and protection."

"What is your name, my friend?" said Montrose, turning to the
Highlander.

"It may not be spoken," answered the mountaineer.

"That is to say," interpreted Major Dalgetty, "he desires to have his
name concealed, in respect he hath in former days taken a castle, slain
certain children, and done other things, whilk, as your good lordship
knows, are often practised in war time, but excite no benevolence
towards the perpetrator in the friends of those who sustain injury. I
have known, in my military experience, many brave cavaliers put to death
by the boors, simply for having used military license upon the country."

"I understand," said Montrose: "This person is at feud with some of our
followers. Let him retire to the court of guard, and we will think of
the best mode of protecting him."

"You hear, Ranald," said Major Dalgetty, with an air of superiority,
"his Excellency wishes to hold privy council with me, you must go to the
court of guard.--He does not know where that is, poor fellow!--he is
a young soldier for so old a man; I will put him under the charge of
a sentinel, and return to your lordship incontinent." He did so, and
returned accordingly.

Montrose's first enquiry respected the embassy to Inverary; and he
listened with attention to Dalgetty's reply, notwithstanding the
prolixity of the Major's narrative. It required an effort from the
Marquis to maintain his at