rf. It will take some time to make, but it will add greatly
to your safety."

"It shall be done," the farmer said. "Wood is in plenty, and some of my
men are good carpenters. I will set about it at once."

On arriving at the village Malcolm was cordially welcomed by the
farmer's wife and daughters. The guest chamber was instantly prepared
for him and refreshments laid on the table, while the maids, under the
direction of the farmer's wife, at once began to cook a bounteous meal
in readiness for the arrival of the soldiers. A spot was chosen on some
smooth turf under the shade of trees for the erection of the tents, and
trusses of clean straw carried there for bedding.

Malcolm as he sat in the cool chamber in the farm house felt the change
delightful after the hot dusty journey across the plain. There was quite
an excitement in the little village when the wagon drove up. The men
lifted the arms and baggage from the wagon. The women offered fruit and
flagons of wine, and fresh cool water, to the soldiers. There was not
only general pleasure throughout the village caused by the novelty of
the arrival of the party from the outer world, but a real satisfaction
in receiving these men who had fought so bravely against the oppressors
of the Protestants of Germany. There was also the feeling that so long
as this body of soldiers might remain in the village they would be able
to sleep in peace and security, safe from the attacks of any marauding
band. The tents were soon pitched by the peasants under the direction of
Sergeant Sinclair, straw was laid down in them, and the canvas raised to
allow the air to sweep through them.

Very grateful were the weary men for the kindness with which they were
received, and even the weakest felt that they should soon recover their
strength.

In an hour two men came up from the farm house carrying a huge pot
filled with strong soup. Another brought a great dish of stew. Women
carried wooden platters, bowls of stewed fruit, and loaves of bread; and
the soldiers, seated upon the grass, fell to with an appetite such as
they had not experienced for weeks. With the meal was an abundant supply
of the rough but wholesome wine of the country.

To the Scottish soldiers after the hardships they had passed through,
this secluded valley seemed a perfect paradise. They had nought to do
save to eat their meals, to sleep on the turf in the shade, or to wander
in the woods and gardens free to pick what f