Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/199

 viands that the Children of the Mist procured for me, poor helpless creatures as they were, were so unrefreshful to my body, that when inclosed in my armour, whilk I was fain to leave behind me for expedition sake, I rattled therein like the shrivelled kernel in a nut that hath been kept on to a second Hallowe'en."

"You must take the due means to repair these losses, Major Dalgetty."

"In troth," answered the soldier, "I shall hardly be able to compass that, unless my arrears are to be exchanged for present pay; for I protest to your Excellency, that the three stone weight which I have lost were simply raised upon the regular accountings of the States of Holland."

"In that case," said the Marquis, "you are only reduced to good-marching order. As for the pay, let us once have victory—victory, Major, and your wishes, and all our wishes, shall be amply fulfilled. Meantime help yourself to another cup of wine."

"To your Excellency's health," said the