“Save yourself, sir stranger, by instant flight; the Egyptians have tracked our path hither, and are pursuing us here with numbers ten times exceeding those we encountered in the cave.”
“Let them come,” said the stranger, with a smile; “Egyptians though they be, they cannot eat through stone walls or oaken doors. We will carouse within while they howl without, and drink the dirige of their chief.”
Arthur said nothing, but looked doubtingly at Colville.
“And do you really imagine, worthy youth, and no less worthy blackfit, that I am to have my house sieged, my cattle stolen, and my corn carried off, to shield you from the consequences of your drunken brawls? Not I, by the cat of the blessed Bride. Out of my doors, ye caitiffs,—they can but slay you, and the whittle has crossed the craig of mony a better fellow than any of ye twasome is likely to prove. Begone, I say.”
“Nay, my dear father,” said Edith, imploringly, “do not drive them forth now; the Egyptians are approaching the house—they cannot escape.”
“And they shall not stay here,” replied the old man, harshly, the tone of agony in which Edith’s entreaties were uttered recalling all the bitterness of his feelings against Arthur.
“At least, Walter Colville,” said Arthur, “save this stranger. He cannot have offended you. It was on my errand he came hither. I will go forth alone. Perhaps one victim may suffice.”
“Nay, brave youth,” said the stranger, “we go together. Farewell, old man. You are a Scot, and yet have betrayed your guest. You are a Colville, and the first of the line that ever turned his back upon a Stuart at his utmost need.”
The tone and sentiment of these words had a powerful effect on Walter Colville. A momentary confusion rested on his countenance, and then, with a smile ill put on, he said,—
“Come, come, sirs; I but joked wi’ ye. Did you really think that Walter Colville would abandon to his enemy any who have bitten his bannock, and kissed his cup as you have done? Na, na; here you are safe while the auld wa’s stand. Sit down. I’ll go above and look out for the landloupers.”