so trifling a want as that--I, who have gone for years with
only a strap of deer's hide to tie back my hair. Trifle not, but give it
me, or I must go bareheaded, since to stay is impossible."

"My son," said Elspat, keeping fast hold of his hand, "what is done
cannot be recalled. Could you borrow the wings of yonder eagle, you
would arrive at the Dun too late for what you purpose--too soon for what
awaits you there. You believe you see the sun rising for the first
time since you have seen him set; but yesterday beheld him climb Ben
Cruachan, though your eyes were closed to his light."

Hamish cast upon his mother a wild glance of extreme terror, then
instantly recovering himself, said, "I am no child to be cheated out
of my purpose by such tricks as these. Farewell, mother! each moment is
worth a lifetime."

"Stay," she said, "my dear, my deceived son, run not on infamy and ruin.
Yonder I see the priest upon the high-road on his white horse. Ask him
the day of the month and week; let him decide between us."

With the speed of an eagle, Hamish darted up the acclivity, and stood by
the minister of Glenorquhy, who was pacing out thus early to administer
consolation to a distressed family near Bunawe.

The good man was somewhat startled to behold an armed Highlander, then
so unusual a sight, and apparently much agitated, stop his horse by
the bridle, and ask him with a faltering voice the day of the week and
month. "Had you been where you should have been yesterday, young man,"
replied the clergyman, "you would have known that it was God's Sabbath;
and that this is Monday, the second day of the week, and twenty-first of
the month."

"And this is true?" said Hamish.

"As true," answered the surprised minister, "as that I yesterday
preached the word of God to this parish. What ails you, young man?--are
you sick?--are you in your right mind?"

Hamish made no answer, only repeated to himself the first expression of
the clergyman, "Had you been where you should have been yesterday;" and
so saying, he let go the bridle, turned from the road, and descended
the path towards the hut, with the look and pace of one who was going to
execution. The minister looked after him with surprise; but although
he knew the inhabitant of the hovel, the character of Elspat had
not invited him to open any communication with her, because she was
generally reputed a Papist, or rather one indifferent to all religion,
except some superstitious