Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/5

5 itted the rocky defile which led to it, before the sounds warlike tumult struck their ears, and they perceived the clan of Ruthven engaged in mortal conflict with the followers of Alan, the Freebooter, (surnamed the Invincible), the clan of Strathmore, with Roderick at their head, instantly uttered an exaulting shout, and rushed multuously to the fight. The shades of evening were w fast advancing, and the Freebooters appeared likely be the victorious party; Allan, by a pretended flight, nd contrived to allure the Laird of Ruthven with his followers to a distance from the castle; a party of the freebooters which had lain in ambush then appeared and investing the walls, prevented their return.

The wounds of Allan, though dressed by a skilful surgeon, prevented his tasting repose; but the wound whieh rankled most at his heart, was the one his fame had sustained,—no longer could lie be termed Invincible,—and as the distant sounds of revelry assailed his ear, he imprecated curses on his conqueror, and required all the strength of his guards to prevent his tearing the bandages from his wounds, and destroying by violence a life grown hateful to himself. A fortnight had nearly elapsed when Allan sent a message to Roderick, that as he felt himself sufficiently recovered for a removal, he should the next day claim the promise of freedom, which Roderick in answer assured him should be complied with.

The following morning Roderick bade adieu to Ruthven, and in safety arrived within a short distance of his own castle, when he dispatched his attendants onward to give notice of his approach. The evening was fast closing and he had just entered the wood which clothed Glenross steep, the umbrageous foliage of which closing over his head, excluded the last rays of the departing sun, and deepened the approaching twilight to the gloom of night, when his thoughts recurred to the seeming mystery which inveloped the freebooter, Roderick proceeded unconscious of his route; when suddenly something appeared to flit before him; he started involuntarily, and looking around with a sansation of alarm, a few paces