]
The various tribes assembled, each at the pibroch of their native clan,
and each headed by their patriarchal ruler. Some, who had already begun
to retire, were seen winding up the hills, or descending the passes
which led to the scene of action, the sound of their bagpipes dying
upon the ear. Others made still a moving picture upon the narrow plain,
forming various changeful groups, their feathers and loose plaids waving
in the morning breeze, and their arms glittering in the rising sun. Most
of the Chiefs came to take farewell of Waverley, and to express their
anxious hope they might again, and speedily, meet; but the care of
Fergus abridged the ceremony of taking leave. At length, his own men
being completely assembled and mustered. Mac-Ivor commenced his march,
but not towards the quarter from which they had come. He gave Edward to
understand, that the greater part of his followers, now on the field,
were bound on a distant expedition, and that when he had deposited
him in the house of a gentleman, who he was sure would pay him every
attention, he himself should be under the necessity of accompanying them
the greater part of the way, but would lose no time in rejoining his
friend.
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