Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/19

 secures Rob Roy." All was confusion; some of the troopers fearlessly rushed into the water, while others rode up and down the banks to discover where he would land, and firing at every object which attracted their notice; but, as a great part of them wished to favour his escape, the search was not made with sufficient eagerness. At one time, being closely pursued, he disengaged himself from his plaid, which he allowed to float down then stream and deceived his pursuers. However, the evening began to grow darker, and the banks so precipitous, that it was found impossible to continue the pursuit. The commanding officer, therefore, ordered a retreat to be sounded. Frank now heard some one inquiring where the English stranger was, and then exclaiming that he had given Rob Roy the knife to cut the belt. This exclamation was followed by threatenings of vengeance on him, and finding there was some risk of his being shot on the spot, he leapt off his horse, and hid himself in some bushes. When the noise of the troopers had subsided, and all was quiet, Frank left his hiding-place, with the determination of making the best of his way to Aberfoyle. On his way thither he was overtaken by two strangers on horseback, one of whom accosted him, and inquired, in the English tongue, where he was bound for, and if the passes were open. Frank, who had been whistling, told where he was going, but could not say whether the passes were open or not, and advised them to turn back, as there had been some disturbance in that quarter. After some further conversation, the other rider said, in a voice, which vibrated through all his nerves, "When Mr Francis Osbaldistone does not wish to be discovered, he ought to refrain from whistling his favourite airs." Frank discovered the last speaker to be Dianna Vernon, who was disguised in a horseman's cloak. Some conversation ensued, in which Frank discovered his jealousy of her companion. Miss Vernon took out a small case, which she gave to Frank, telling him it was the property that Rashleigh had carried off from his father, and which he had been forced to give up. She then, after many expressions of endearment and sorrow, with tears in her eyes, bade him farewell for ever, and rode off with her companion, leaving poor Frank in a state of stupefaction.

On recovering from his stupor, Frank, feeling a strong desire to see her again, quickened his pace to reach Aberfoyle, where he supposed they must stop for the night. While hurrying forward, he was accosted, in a deep voice, by a Highlander, with, "There's a braw night, Maister Osbaldistone;" and in the speaker he immediately recognised Rob Roy, who had got clear off from his pursuers. Frank congratulated him on escaping from his enemies." Rob inquired the particulars of all that had happened to him since he left Glasgow, and Frank recounted the affray at the clachan of Aberfoyle, the arrest of the Bailie and himself by