“Who's that?” I called aloud, as with my finger I directed De Meudon to the spot. No answer was returned, and I repeated my question yet louder; but still no reply, while I could mark that the head was turned slightly round, as if to speak with some one without. The noise of feet, and the low murmur of several voices, now came from the side of the ruin; at the same instant a dozen men, their faces blackened, and wearing a white badge on their hats, stood up as if out of the very ground around us.
“What are you doing here at this time of night?” said a hard voice, in tones that boded but little kindliness.
“We are as free to walk the country, when we like it, as you are, I hope,” was my answer.
“I know his voice well,” said another of the crowd; “I told you it was them.”
“Is it you that stop at Wild's, in the glen?” said the first speaker.
“Yes,” replied I.
“And is it to get share of what 's going, that ye 're come to join us now?” repeated he, in a tone of mockery.
“Be easy, Lanty; 'tis the French officer that behaved so stout up at Ross. It 's little he cares for money, as myself knows. I saw him throw a handful of goold among the boys when they stopped to pillage, and bid them do their work first, and that he 'd give them plenty after.”
“Maybe he 'd do the same now,” said a voice from the crowd, in a tone of irony; and the words were received by the rest with a roar of laughter.
“Stop laughing,” said the first speaker, in a voice of command; “we've small time for joking.” As he spoke he threw himself heavily on the bank beside De Meudon, and placing his hand familiarly on his arm, said, in a low but clear voice: “The boys is come up here to-night to draw lots for three men to settle Barton, that 's come down here yesterday, and stopping at the barrack there. We knew you war n't well lately, and we did n't trouble you; but now that you 're come up of yourself among us, it 's only fair and reasonable you 'd take your chance with the rest, and draw your lot with the others.”