As he returned down the avenue, he was met by Ensign
Maccombich. This man had contracted a sort of regard for Edward since
the day of his first seeing him at Tully-Veolan, and introducing him to
the Highlands. He seemed to loiter, as if on purpose to meet with
our hero. Yet, as he passed him, he only approached his stirrup, and
pronounced the single word, 'Beware!' and then walked swiftly on,
shunning all further communication.
Edward, somewhat surprised at this hint, followed with his eyes the
course of Evan, who speedily disappeared among the trees. His servant,
Alick Polwarth, who was in attendance, also looked after the Highlander,
and then riding up close to his master, said,
'The ne'er be in me, sir, if I think you're safe amang thae Highland
rintherouts.'
'What do you mean, Alick?' said Waverley.
'The Mac-Ivors, sir, hae gotten it into their heads, that ye hae
affronted their young leddy, Miss Flora; and I hae heard mae than ane
say, they wadna, tak muckle to make a black-cock o' ye; and ye ken
weel eneugh there's mony o' them wadna mind a bawbee the weising a ball
through the Prince himsell, an the Chief gae them the wink--or whether
he did or no,--if they thought it a thing that would please him when it
was dune.
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