He did not the less pity Fergus,
for whom, in his present distress, he felt all his former regard revive.
With the view of diverting his mind from these gloomy images, he offered
with the Baron's permission, which he knew he could readily obtain, to
remain in his quarters till Fergus's corps should come up, and then to
march with them as usual. The Chief seemed much pleased, yet hesitated
to accept the offer.
'We are, you know, in the rear,--the post of danger in a retreat.'
'And therefore the post of honour.'
'Well,' replied the Chieftain, 'let Alick have your horse in readiness,
in case we should be over-matched, and I shall be delighted to have your
company once more.'
The rearguard were late in making their appearance, having been delayed
by various accidents and by the badness of the roads. At length they
entered the hamlet. When Waverley joined the clan Mac-Ivor, arm in arm
with their Chieftain, all the resentment they had entertained against
him seemed blown off at once. Evan Dhu received him with a grin of
congratulation; and even Callum, who was running about as active
as ever, pale indeed, and with a great patch on his head, appeared
delighted to see him.
Pages:
605
606
607
608
609
610
611
612
613
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629