Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/21

 the rough manner in which they had been formerly treated, invited them to partake of a plentiful repast on the Green. On rising to take their leave, Helen bade the Bailie farewell, and then turning to Frank, put into his hand a ring, which she said, had been given to her by Miss Vernon, accompanied with these words, "Let him forget me for ever." At a late hour they arrived in Glasgow; and Frank, after consigning the Bailie to the care of Mattie, proceeded to his former residence, where he found there was still a light in the window. On knocking, the door was opened by Andrew Fairservice, who, giving a loud cry of joy, ran up stairs, and Frank followed him into a parlour, where, to his great surprise, he found his father and Owen, both of whom embraced him tenderly. Mr Osbaldistone, who had arrived in London shortly after Owen left it, only waited there till he collected sufficient funds to pay every demand on the house, which, from his extensive resources, he easily accomplished, and then had posted to Scotland for the purpose of bringing Rashleigh to justice, and putting his affairs in order in that quarter. His arrival with sufficient funds to fulfil all his engagements was a dreadful blow to Macvittie and Company, who tried, by the most servile apologies, to gain his favour; but he paid the balance owing them, and closed their account.

Andrew Fairservice, who, after undergoing an examination, had been sent back to Glasgow by the Duke, only reached the inn a few hours before Frank, gave such an account of the dangerous situation of his master to Mr Osbaldistone, that he resolved to set out for the Highlands in the morning, and endeavour to get his son liberated.

Next day Mr Osbaldistone waited on Bailie Jarvie to thank him for his kindness, and for the trouble he had taken to recover the papers, and then offered him that part of his business which Macvittie and Company formerly transacted. The Bailie accepted the offer with gratitude; and, after conversing a while with Mr Osbaldistone, took Frank aside to request of him not to speak a word about the queer adventures they met with in the Highlands; for if Bailie Graham heard of him fighting with Highlandmen, and singeing their plaids, and the suspension by the coat-tails, “it wad be a sair hair in his neck as lang as he lived."

As the object of their journey was accomplished, Frank and his father, after spending a comfortable day with Bailie Jarvie, took their leave, and began to prepare for leaving Glasgow. The Bailie continued to thrive in business, adding to his wealth and credit, and, in due time, attained the office of chief magistrate, but, growing tired of the life of a bachelor, he married his house-keeper, Mattie, whom he considered to be a proper wife for him, because "she was akin to the Laird of Limmerfield."