Page:Rob Roy, the celebrated Highland freebooter, or, Memoirs of the Osbaldistone family (2).pdf/24

 rant to apprehend Sir Frederick Vernon, Diana, and Frank himself, for high treason. Frank having learned this intelligence, informed Sir Frederick and his daughter, for whom he procured the key of the garden, where they might hide themselves. But Rashleigh had nbservedobserved [sic] their movements, and soon brought them back into the house, where he also found Frank, who, he said, must instantly quit Osbaldistone Hall, as he had come to take possession of it. Rashleigh also told them, that he would convey them away in his carriage to a place of safety; and, in the meantime, dismissed Andrew Fairservice, to get rid of his blustering noise. Andrew strolled up the avenue in search of a night's quarters from an old acquaintance, when he fell in with a number of Highlanders, who obliged him to tell them the late transactions at Osbaldistone Hall. When they heard that a carriage was to carry away Diana, Sir Frederick, and Frank, they cut down trees, and laid across the road, to intercept its passage. When the carriage, escorted by Rashleigh, had arrived at the place were the Highlanders were, some of his attendants dismounted to remove the trees, when a scuffle ensued betwixt the two parties. Rashleigh attacked the leader of the band, who wounded him severely; and, taking hold of him, asked if he would beg forgiveness. "No, never;" said Rashleigh; upon which his antagonist (who was Rob Roy) plunged his sword into his bowels. Rob then handed out Miss Vernon from the carriage, and conducted her and Sir Frederick into the forest, accompanied by his troop of Highlanders. Frank then directed his whole attention to Rashleigh, who was instantly conveyed by the carriage to Osbaldistone Hall, and placed in an easy chair till a surgeon should be sent for to dress his wounds. Rashleigh begged that they would save themselves the trouble, as he was a dying man; and, addressing Frank, declared that he hated him, for having thwarted him in all his projects of love, ambition, and interest; and now that the estate would become his, "Take it," he said, "and may the curse of a dying man cleave to it." Shortly after, Rashleigh breathed his last. After the funeral obsequies were performed, Frank repaired to London, where he received a letter from Miss Vernon, informing him of their escape under the guidance of Macgregor, towards the west of Scotland, and their safe conveyance by a vessels to France, where she was placed in a convent. Frank now determined, if possible, to marry Miss Vernon; and having procured his father's consent to the match, he succeeded in gaining her affections, and making her his wife. They long lived happily together, a blessing to all the country round.