be carried to Saint Kilda. If we quietly return
both papers, the danger may pass."

"O! burn it, and say it was accident. How slow you are!"

"I cannot tell a lie," said Annie. "And the steward would only get
another copy of the paper, and look over it carefully,--No, we have only
to give him back the papers, and thank him, without agitation."

"I cannot do that," exclaimed Lady Carse. "If you will not tell a lie
in such a case, I shall act one. I shall go and pretend to be asleep.
I could not contain myself to speak to that man, with my deliverers
almost within hearing perhaps, and that detestable Saint Kilda within
sight."

She commanded herself so far as to appear asleep, when the steward
looked in, on his return. Annie remarked on the news of the rebels, and
saw him depart evidently unaware of the weighty nature of what he
carried in his pocket.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN.

OPENINGS.

The autumn of this year is even now held in memory in the island as the
dearest ever known. The men were all gone to Inverness, to act under
the orders of President Forbes in defending the king's cause; and the
women they left behind pined for news which seldom or never came. As
the days grew short and dark, there was none of the activity and mirth
within doors which in northern climates usually meet the advances of
winter. In the cluster of houses about Macdonald's farm, there was
dulness and silence in the evenings, and anxious thoughts about fathers,
husbands, and brothers, with dread of the daylight which would bring
round the perpetual ineffectual watch for a boat on the waters, bearing
news of the brave companies of the Macdonalds and Macleods. Sir
Alexander remained in Skye, to watch against treason and danger there,
while Macleod had gone with the two companies. Such a thing as
murmuring against the chief was never heard of; but there were few of
the women who did not silently think, now and then, that Sir Alexander
might let them have a little more news--might consider their anxiety,
and send a messenger when he had tidings from Inverness. This was
unjust to Sir Alexander, who was no better off for news than themselves.
The rebels were so far successful that messengers could not carry
letters with any security by land or sea. It was only by folding his
notes so small as to admit of their being hidden in corners of the dress
that the President could get them conveyed to the authorities at
Edinburgh; and his cor