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 cluding harangue, "I leave you to defend the house of a lady, and under the command of her brother, Major Bellenden, a faithful servant of the King. You are to behave bravely, soberly, regularly, and obediently, and each of you shall be handsomely rewarded on my return to relieve the garrison. In case of mutiny, cowardice, neglect of duty, or the slightest excess in the family, the provost-marshal and cord —you know I keep my word for good and evil."

He touched his hat as he bade them adieu, and shook hands cordially with Major Bellenden.

"Adieu," he said, " my stout-hearted old friend! Good luck be with you, and better times to us both."

The horsemen whom he commanded had been once more reduced to tolerable order by the exertions of Major Allan, and, though shorn of their splendour, and with their gilding all besmirched, made a much