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 "but they just fell to their auld trade, and rade through the country couping and selling a' that they gat, like sae mony west-country drovers. My certie, Major Bellenden was laird o' the least share o' what they lifted, though it was ta'en in his name."

"Then," said Morton, hastily, "the garrison must be straitened for provisions?"

"Stressed aneugh," replied Ailie—"there's little doubt o' that."

A light instantly glanced on Morton's mind.

"Burley must have deceived me—craft as well as cruelty is permitted by his creed.—I cannot stay, Mrs Wilson, I must go forward directly."

"But, oh! bide to eat a mouthfu'," entreated the affectionate housekeeper, "and I'll mak it ready for ye as I used to do afore thae sad days."

"It is impossible," answered Morton. "Cuddie, get our horses ready."

They're just eating their corn," answered Cuddie.