Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/236

 respect as well accommodated as such an army wished or expected to be. The Marquis, in council with Auchenbreck and Ardenvohr, expressed his full confidence that Montrose was now on the brink of destruction; that his troops must gradually diminish as he moved eastward through such uncouth paths; that if he went eastward, he must encounter Urrie and Baillie; if northward, fall into the hands of Seaforth; or should he chuse any halting place, he would expose himself to be attacked by three armies at once.

"I cannot rejoice in the prospect, my lord," said Auchenbreck, "that James Graham will be crushed with little assistance of ours. He has left a heavy account in Argyleshire against him, and I long to reckon with him drop of blood for drop of blood. I love not the payment of such debts by third hands."

"You are too scrupulous," said Argyle; "what signifies by whose hands the blood of the Grahams is spilt?—It is time that of