Page:The Lady's Book Vol. V.pdf/67

 THE JUDGE AND THE FREEBOOTER. 63

“Is all quiet on the borders at present? “asked his Lordship.

“' Dced there's neither mouse nor maukin stirring, that I ken o ', “answered Gilnockie.

“We had news here of a raid committed by the Elliots and Armstrongs, and that Gilnockie was taken, but afterwards liberated by the Earl of Traquair's influence, for which his Lordship is much blamed. What do they say about it up with you? "

“Sir, some say ae thing, and some anither, but nae doubt Gilnockie was no that ill pleased to get hame again. "

“They should have hanged him when they had him, “said his Lordship.

“It's my belief, “said Willie, “that deil haet else will settle him; the neb o ' him is never out o ' mischief. Ho, Blackfoot steady, sir. "

“Your horse pleases me much, “said the President. “Have you a mind to sell him? "

“I dinna ken, “said Willie, scratching his head; “I'm unco loth to part with him; however, if ye offer a gude price I'll no say but I maywould you like to try him? "

“With all my heart, “answered the President. The exchange was quickly made, and Gilnockie having proposed to try a canter on the figget Whins, a desolate track of land lying eastward of Leith, away they rode. For a while they continued at a gentle canter, Gilnockie then broke into a gallop, and Blackfoot disdaining to be left behind, pressed forward at full speed.

“Hooly, hooly, friend, “cried the President, almost out of breath, “do you think we are riding a broose? It's time for me to be turning homewards, for it's getting dark, and there's an easterly haze coming on. Will you sell your horse or not? "

“' Deed, sir, I maun take a thought about it, but I would like to let you see how weel Blackfoot can carry double; he would make nae mair o '. you and me on his back than if we were twa bumbees. "

On saying this, the freebooter sprung up behind the President, threw his plaid over his head, turned the President's horse with his face homewards, bestowing on him a hearty lash as a hint to be off, and giving Blackfoot the spur, away they went helter skelter. While Willie guided his horse with one hand, he employed the other in holding the plaid so firmly over the head of the President that he could not utter a sound. The haze had now changed into a drizzling rain; the night was dark and gloomy, and Willie striking into the most unfrequented roads, urged his horse to his utmost speed, and never drew bridle rein till he stood under the walls of the old Tower of Graham.

As Gilnockie had taken means to apprise Elspeth and her son Gibby of his projected visit, they were prepared to receive him; and Gilnockie hastily dismounted, assisting Gibby to carry the President into the tower, who, being nearly insensible through cold, terror and fatigue, was incapable of offering any resistance. After Gilnockie had rested himself and his steed, and had given Elspeth and her son instructions how to treat their prisoner, he mounted Blackfoot once more, and hastened to inform the Earl of the successful issue of the bold adventure.

When the President recovered his perception, great was his horror and dismay on finding himself immured in a gloomy dungeon, lighted only by a small slit in the wall, so high up as to be entirely out of his reach. His provisions were thrust through a hole in the wall, so that he saw not the face of a human being.

Struck with astonishment at this unaccountable adventure, he began to imagine that he had fallen into the hands of witches and sorcerers. He never heard the sound of a human voice, except when Elspeth called on Madge, her cat, or Gibby, or his dog Batty, when he supposed they were summoning a congress of evil spirits to assist in their works of darkness. Meanwhile the disappearance of the President threw his family into a state of the greatest alarm. Inquiries were made in every direction, but all that they could learn was that he had been seen riding as usual on Leith Sands; and his horse being found there, it was believed that by some unfortunate accident he had fallen into the sea, and that his body had been carried away by the retiring tide. After a time, his family losing every vestige of hope, went into deep mourning, another President was appointed, and matters went on in the usual train.

One of the first causes which came before the new President, was that of the Earl of Traquair; a decision was given in his favour immediately, after which his Lordship sent instructions to Gilnockie to convey the President back to Edinburgh. Willie accordingly hied to the Tower of Graham, where he arrived in the dusk of the evening. On entering the dungeon, he found the President reclining in an old worm eaten chair, and buried in a profound sleep. Willie once more fastened his ample plaid over his head, and assisted by Gibby, he bore him out of the tower, set him on horseback, and springing up behind him, spurred Blackfoot on, and after a rapid journey, during which he never uttered a word to his prisoner, he set him down late in the evening on the very same spot of the figget Whins, from which he had carried him off, and then turning. his horse's head was out of sight in a moment.

Great was the surprise and consternation of the President, when on disengaging the plaid he found himself on the well known spot. Believing that this was some new delusion of the juggling fiends, he every moment expected the scene to disappear, and he stood gazing until the advancing sea warned him of its bounds. Still doubting the evidence of his senses, he accosted the first person he met with, “Can you tell me, friend, if I am near Edinburgh? "

“Deed are ye, “replied the pedestrian, “I'm gaun there mysel ', and as ye seem to be a stranger, I'll let you see the way; good fellowship will shorten the road, and to tell the evendown truth, I am no ill pleased to hae a companion, for this is a unchancy place. "