Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/191

From Wikisource
Jump to navigation Jump to search
This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.
A LEGEND OF MONTROSE.
179

"You will see a great many such weapons in my camp," said Montrose, "and we find them serviceable."

"Serviceable, my lord!" said Dalgetty; "I trust your lordship will permit me to be surprised—bows and arrows!—I trust you will forgive my recommending the substitution of muskets, the first convenient opportunity. But besides defending me, this honest Highlander also was at the pains of curing me, in respect that I had got a touch of the wars in my retreat, which merits my best requital in this special introduction of him to your lordship's notice and protection."

"What is your name, my friend?" said Montrose, turning to the Highlander.

"It may not be spoken," answered the mountaineer.

"That is to say," interpreted Major Dalgetty, "he desires to have his name concealed, in respect he hath in former days taken a castle, slain certain children, and done other things, whilk, as your good lordship knows, are often practised in war time, but