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 total scattering.—I thought this morning little gude would come of their new-fangled gate of slinging their carabines."

"Whom did you see?—Who gave you the news?" asked the Major.

"O, mair than half-a-dozen dragoon fellows that are a' on the spur whilk to get first to Hamilton. They'll win the race, I warrant them, win the battle wha like."

"Continue your preparations, Harrison; get your ammunition in, and the cattle killed. Send down to the borough-town for what meat you can get in. We must not lose an instant.—Had not Edith and you, sister, better return to Charnwood, while we have the means of sending you there?"

"No, brother," said Lady Margaret, looking very pale, but speaking with the greatest composure; "since the auld house is to be held out, I will take my chance in it; I have fled twice from it in my days, and I have aye found it desolate of its bravest and its bonniest when I returned, sae