Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/124

 secure us against your mistimed clamour.—So, now he is sufficiently muffled;—hold down your hands, or, by heaven, I will stab you to the heart with your own dagger;—nay, you shall be bound with nothing less than silk, as your quality deserves.—So now he is secure till some one comes to relieve him. If he ordered us a late dinner, Ranald, he is like to be the sufferer;—at what hour, my good Ranald, did the jailor usually appear."

"Never till the sun was beneath the western wave," said M'Eagh.

"Then, my friend, we shall have three hours good," said the cautious Captain. "In the mean time, let us labour for your liberation."

To examine Ranald's chain was the next occupation. It was undone by means of one of the keys which hung behind the private door, probably deposited there, that the Marquis might, if he pleased, dismiss a prisoner, or remove him elsewhere without the necessity of summoning the war-