"What the devil is all this to me?"
"It is a lonesome and eerie road across Halkerstoun's crofts by the lang gate, and on such an errand to such a woman, with the mirk night coming on——"
"Blockhead! thou hast been guzzling in the wine cellar. Begone, or I will beat thee; but first have the mare saddled as well as the horse, and procure a good link, and fail not when the drum beats. I will ride the Duke, 'tis a strong old trooper, and used to carrying double—hah! Away, away, and on peril of thy life, speak of this to no man."
"You will find me as of auld, Clermistonlee, a hawk of the right nest."
"Look well to Meg's girths."
"Ay, my Lord, a fidging mear should be weel girded—now then hoe! for the Place."
Juden drained a wine cup that his master handed him, and in five minutes more, the mare's hoofs rang on the causeway of the steep wynd, and died away as he descended into the deep gorge; under Neil's Craigs, wheeled through the Beggar's Row, and ascended the opposite bank.
CHAPTER XVI.
THE TEN O'CLOCK DRUM.
DU CHATEL. The gates stand open; no man shall molest you.
Count Dunois, follow me—you gain no honour in lingering
here.