“Even that won’t save him—I see another maiden.”
“Oh, I’m sure you are quite welcome to Jane Somers,” said Miss Alice; “my brother will give his consent directly—won’t you, Thomas?”
“Say the word, and I give you the hand of friendship.”
“What word?” asked the sorely puzzled Ben-na-Groich; “I will say whatever is needful.”
“Does the maiden herself consent?—Bring hither the fair one of the hill.”
Jane Somers was brought forward by her guard.
“Now, Jane,” began the Chieftain, “this here gentleman, Mr Fash-na-Cairn, is anxious to marry some one of my family—are you disposed to save me from murder and robbery by giving him your hand?”
“To save you, my dear uncle, from anything unpleasant, there is no sacrifice I would not make.”
“There’s a dear, good girl,” cried the Chieftain, delighted. “Take her; you are very welcome; and when I get home, which will be in three days from this time, I will send you some marriage presents. If you have any fancy for this estate, you shall have it a bargain; in the mean time let the rest of us get into the carriage, and be off as fast as we can. Come, Copus, get up, you lazy hound—we must be off.”