Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/11

 struck with admiration at the magnificent appearance of that ancient edifice, which Andrew informed him had been saved from destruction at the Reformation, by the townsmen agreeing to deliver up the idolatrous statues of the sants.

Frank looked round the congregation, to see if he could discover Owen among them, but in vain; and was just about to leave the church to go in quest of him, when he heard a voice from behind a pillar whisper distinctly in his ear, "You are in danger in this city." He startled at this mysterious caution, especially as he could not perceive from whence it proceeded, and resolved to remain, to afford the unknown monitor an opportunity of renewing his warning. In a few minutes the voice repeated, "You are in danger in this place―so am I;―meet me on the brig at twelve precisely;―keep at home till the gloaming, and avoid observation. Frank saw and attempted to follow the stranger down stairs; but as he could not overtake him, he waited till the congregation was dismissed.

When Frank reached the inn, he reflected seriously on the admonition given him, and whether he ought to kcepkeep [sic] the appointment with the stranger; but, after some consideration, he determined to meet his mysterious counsellor. Having walked about till twelve o'clock, Frank entered upon the bridge, and saw a person wrapped up in a cloak, who told him that he was the person whom he came to meet; and desired him to follow, that he might see with his own eyes what was of importance for him to know. Frank was rather unwilling to accompany the stranger;but, lest he should be thought a coward, he followed his conductor. As they passed along the streets, the stranger gave such a suspicious account of himself, that Frank would hardly consent to go farther, till he urged the necessity of his proceeding in order to learn from a person in prison the danger of his own situation. On arriving at the prison gate the stranger knocked; and, after saying something to the turnkey, which Frank did not understand, they both entered the jail, where a friendly conversation took place betwixt his guide and the turnkey, who seemed to be old acquaintances. The turnkey then gave a sign to Frank to follow him, and led him up several stairs, till they came to a small apartment, where he observed a person asleep. This was poor Mr. Owen, who, on recognising Frank, conjectured he was also brought to jail, and he began to lament the misfortunes which had befallen his father; but Frank interrupted him, by inquiring the cause of his imprisonment. Owen told him, that immediately on his arrival at Glasgow, he had called on Messrs Macvittie, Macfin, and Company, with whom Mr. Osbaldistone, his father, did most of his business, to consult them about the state of his affairs; but, on finding that the house of Osbaldistone and Tresham was considerably indebted to them, they behaved very