ENES FROM THE REFORMAT!
STRUGGLES IN SCOTLAND
BY WILLIAM ADAM SON.
WARD.LOCK flC C2 LONOON & NEW YORK.
E
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THE
ABBOT OP ABEEBEOTIOCE
§ims from the Jiefomration (Straggle
in grotlant).
BY
WILLIAM ADAMSON,
AUTHOR OF THE PRIZE TALE, " SIR NORMAN OF SKELMORLIE."
WARD, LOCK, AND CO.
LONDON: WARWICK HOUSE, SALISBURY SQUARE, E.C.
NEW YORK : BOND STREET.
COISTT JE NTS.
CHAPTER I.
The Harbour—The armed retainers—The Laird of Auchmithie—Sir
John Carnegie—The procession of Monks—Malcolm Ogih'ie and
lam Glen—The arrival of the Queen Regent—The procession up
the High Street—The Queen's Ladies—The startled horse—Mai-
colm to the rescue—The chase—The capture, 7
CHAPTER II.
Lady Jeannie's astonishment—St. Vigeans—The miller's house—The
Well—The Monk and the smith's wife—Malcolm's doubts—Young
John Carnegie—Their departure—Malcolm love struck—The old
"Abbey—Meeting with the Earl of Huntly, - - - - - x7
CHAPTER III.
1 am Glen assists the Man-at-arms—The Three Angels—Tam and the
landlord—The company—The Reformers—The quarrel—Leslie and
Henderson—The cauld kail—Tam Anderson's plan to reed a fight
—Defeat of the Reformers, - -- -- ...27
CHAPTER IV.
The Abbey—Malcolm and the Man-at-arms—Gi'e me my horse—Who
pays for the horse ?—Malcolm introduced to the Queen Regent—Is
attached to her suite—The Lord Abbot—Lady Jeannie and Lady
Elizabeth—Malcolm and John, - -- -- --37
CHAPTER V.
Malcolm's apartment at the "Three Angels"—Something to eat and
drink—Tam tells his version of the fight—And is ordered to St.
Vigeans to look for his master's dirk—John denounces the Papal
clergy—Malcolm displeased—Tam takes a walk—The clump of
trees—He hears voices—And overhears a plot—Informs his master
—Malcolm interested—They gather their men, and proceed to the
harbour. ---47
CHAPTER VI.
Malcolm and John divide the men—Tam Anderson collects the fishers
--They board the deserted ship—Tam Glen goes to see the inside
of a ship—His tumble—The horrible scene below—The pirate boats
in sight—They attempt to board—But are repelled by our heroes—
John Carnegie made prisoner—Tam Glen and the Irish pirate, - 58
iv
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
Page
Arrival of the fisher boats just in time—Chase of the pirates—They
escape—The landing—The killed and wounded—The alarm in
the town at the burning ship—Malcolm's interview with Sir John
Carnegie—Then to bed in the "Three Angels," - - - - 6S
CHAPTER VIII.
Malcolm's breakfast—The Street—The Abbey—Malcolm accuses the
Laird of Auchmithie—Is snubbed by the Abbot—Malcolm walks
in the garden—Hears Lady Jeannie singing—Retires to prepare
for the banquet, - .- -- -- -.-79
CHAPTER IX.
Capture of John Carnegie—The chase—The cliffs—The cave—The
dungeon—The prisoner—His story—John's attempt to escape, - 89
CHAPTER X.
Tarn Glen's breakfast—The public-house—Tam meets friends—The
Highlanders—Tarn's mischief—The dooking in the Brothock—The
fight—Tam wounded—His journey to St. Vigeans with the miller
—Tam faints, --------- 100
CHAPTER XI.
Malcolm's happiness—Arrives at the "Three Angels"—His crack with
Tam Anderson—Proceeds to the banquet—Meets Sir John Carnegie
—"Malcolm, ye should join the Reformers"—Glenogle and Lady
Jeannie—A brave reward—The banquet—The ball—Lindsay's plot, 113
CHAPTER XII.
The old house in the High Street—The factor's servants—Wha's
there?—The guards—The conspirators—The Laird of Kinbleth-
mont—Lord Lindsay of the Byres—The Reformers—The Laird
of Carnoustie—Leslie the fanatic—Malcolm gets time to think
—Not time to fight yet—The Queen's ladies are missing—
Malcolm's sorrow, ---------- 123
CHAPTER XIII.
Tell me again, Tam—That ruffian, Lindsay—Where's Tam Glen?—
Malcolm at the Abbey—The gallant Gordons—The Heys Well—
The Earl of Huntly—The accusation—You're a liar, Laird of
Auchmithie—The Laird a prisoner—Help for the Abbey—Wha
helps the Ogilvies?—The Lord Abbot—Lindsay handed over—
Malcolm left at the Heys Well, ------- X35
CHAPTER XIV.
The Abbot's apartments—Lindsay's story—The private door—The
beautiful girl—Lady Jeannie Gordon—Where's Malcolm now?—
Lindsay on his travels—The murder—The chase—Escape of the
murderer—Another murder, - - - - - - - - 145
CONTENTS.
V
CHAPTER XV.
T-L.
The Abbot and the ladies—His interview with Lady Jeannie—Lady
Jeannie faints—The Abbot baffled—Discovery of the murder—The
uproar—The Abbot meets the Queen Regent—Huntly demands
vengeance—Where is Lindsay? - - 154
CHAPTER XVI.
Malcolm waiting for the dawn—He hears of the murder—Run for Tam
Anderson—The Ogilvies track the abductors—The Boulzie Hill—
The Steeple Rock—Tam finds a boat, and goes off on a search—
Malcolm nonplussed—The witch of the den—Her warning—The
pirates—Malcolm a prisoner, - - - 164
CHAPTER XVII.
The ball—The Laird o" Inverquharity—The garden—The abduction
—Auchmithie Castle—Lady Elizabeth a prisoner—The Laird of
Auchmithie, - 176
CHAPTER XVIII.
Sir John Carnegie commences his search for his son—Andrew wakens
the witch o' the den—Sir John's dark thoughts—The village—The
fishers—The chase—Tam Anderson—The Masons' Cove—The
pirates' cave—The evil spirits—Baffled, ------ 187
CHAPTER XIX.
Lindsay is wanted—Huntly's rage—The council—The absentees—No
men for Leith—The procession—The mob—The charge of the
Gordons—The barricade—The fight—Flight of the Reformers—
Departure of the Queen—Huntly garrisons the Abbey—A general
scatter, - - - - 197
CHAPTER XX.
Malcolm's despair—John Carnegie—Hugh Orr—The prisoners' food—
Hugh's narrative—Lindsay the pirate, ------ 209
CHAPTER XXI.
Tam Glen delirious—Tarn's nurse and doctor—Gets better, and falls in
love—Tam pops the question—His grief—Tam departs for the
town—Annie's grief—Tam and the Heelanman—Murder—Tam
Anderson to the rescue, - -- -- -- - 220
CHAPTER XXII.
Tarn's journey to Auchmithie Castle—The feed by the wayside—Wee
Jamie—Tam fees wi' the Laird—Marget and Janet—Tam's coaxing
ways—Lady Elizabeth, - - - - - - - - 23*1
.CHAPTER XXIII.
Lady Elizabeth andjanet—Janet takes a message to Sir John—Tam on
the prowl—The secret door—The underground stair—The dungeon
—The pirate band—Lindsay, the pirate chief—Musgrove and his
song—The murder—Tam meets Sir John, - - - - 24a
vi
CONTENTS.
CHAPTER XXIV.
Pags
Tam Glen meets Sir John—The gathering—Sir John and his men in
Auchmithie Castle—The attack on the pirates—Their defeat—
Release of the prisoners, - 254
CHAPTER XXV.
Ffccovery of Lady Jeannie—Alice's room—Alice's story—Lady Jeannic's
confession—The escape frustrated, ------ 268
CHAPTER XXVI.
The escape frustrated—The Abbot and Lindsay—The quarrel—The
cowardly blow—The robbery—Lindsay's Bank—The pirates at
sea—The destruction of the bell—The chase—The capture—
Return to their haunt, - -- -- -- -- 280
CHAPTER XXVII.
Early visitors—Janet and Archy Grey—Division of the spoil—The
Ogilvies in the cave—Tam Glen digs for gold—And finds it—The
pirates—Clan Ogilvie to the rescue—The conflict—Defeat of the
pirates, - -- -- -- -- -- 291
CHAPTER XXVIII.
The castle after the battle—Sir John's fright—A mother's love—The
treasure trove—Dividing the spoil—The lugger—The fate of the
pirates—Tam Glen's hugger—Removal to Ethie—The end of Auch-
mithie Castle—The wedding, ------- 306
CHAPTER XXIX.
The wedding party—Tam Glen at St. Vigeans—Mutual explanations—
Tarn's bundle—Happiness—Annie and Janet—The wedding, - 318
CHAPTER XXX.
Preparing for the storm—The last secret meeting—Tam Glen's debate
—The fight—The preparations—Tam and Annie—The march of
the Ogilvies, ----------- 332
CHAPTER XXXI.
The gathering—The Gordons—The men of Fife—The Dundee
Reformers—The march to the Abbey—The attack—The garrison
driven in, - -- -- -- -- -- 342
CHAPTER XXXII.
The attack on the Abbey—No admittance—The muekle smith—The
way open—The fight in the passage—The rescue of Lady Jeannie
—Glenmore's vow—The ride to Ethie—The burning Abbey, - - 354
CHAPTER XXXIII.
The Abbot's suspicions—His terror—Glenmore and the Abbot—The
dispersion of the Reformers—The triple marriage—The conclusion, 367
THE
ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
CHAPTER I.
THE HARBOUR—THE ARMED RETAINERS—THE LAIRD OF AUCHMITHIE—
SIR JOHN CARNEGIE—THE PROCESSION OF MONKS—MALCOLM OGILVIH
AND TAM GLEN—THE ARRIVAL OF THE QUEEN REGENT—THE PROCESSION
UP THE HIGH STREET—THE QUEEN'S LADIES—THE STARTLED HORSE—
MALCOLM TO THE RESCUE—THE CHASE—THE CAPTURE.
During the long minority of the beautiful but ill-fated
Mary, Queen of Scots, the kingdom was a prey to the most
terrible disorder.
The religious reformers had rapidly increased in numbers;
numbers begat confidence, and confidence audacity. The
Papal party, perceiving the government of the country
slipping from their grasp, grew desperate, and in very
recklessness committed many outrages.
The burning of George Wishart, a man of honourable
birth, of pure morals, and of extensive learning, was
followed shortly after by the assassination of Cardinal
Beaton—horrible deeds, which lashed both parties into a
state of frenzy.
A great number of the lesser barons and the leading
8
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
burghers of the towns had joined the reformers from pure
motives; hut there were riot wanting far-seeing persons who
looked forward to the chance of fishing in troubled waters.
Enthusiasm and self-interest on the one side was met by
self-interest and fanaticism on the other side, and the
result was that the hand of every man was turned against
his fellow. The fields were cultivated by armed men,
arms were stored in every house, and no man ventured out
without them. Such was the state of Scotland at the
period of our story.
The bright sun of an August day, in the year 1559,
shone down upon a stirring scene that was being enacted
at the harbour of the little monkish town of Aberbrothock.
Long lines of armed men stood in an attitude of attention,
as if awaiting the arrival of some person of distinction.
There might be seen the arquebusier with his clumsy
weapon, the sturdy spearsman and the light archer, while
yonder fluttered the gaudy tartans of. the Highlander, with
the sun-glitter flashing on steel-bound target and claymore.
A small knot of horsemen could be seen riding slowly along
the shorehead, and ever and anon a hand would be pointed
seaward, as if the expected guests were coming in that
direction. Far in the distance, o'er the wild waste of
waters, there was something to be seen that looked like the
wings of a gull, but which the experienced eye could tell to
be the white sails of a ship. Mary of Guise, the Queen
Kegent of Scotland, was besieged in Leith with her French
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
9
soldiers by the Lords of the Congregation, and she was now
making a hurried visit to Aberbrothock to confer with the
Abbot and the Popish lords of the northern counties as to
the best means of defeating her enemies; and these were
the armed vassals of the Monastery and the clansmen of
her Highland adherents ordered out to do honour to her
arrival.
That tall man on the black horse, who rode foremost in
the group, and whose swarthy skin and shifty eye were not
likely to inspire confidence, was Andrew Lindsay, laird of
Auchmithie, the leader of the retainers of the Lord Abbot
of Aberbrothock. That square-built, middle-aged man with
the long brown hair and the pleasant smiling face, who
rode at his left hand, was Sir John Carnegie of Northesk,
who had leanings towards the Eeformers, but who had not
yet broken off from the ancient faith. Likewise a vassal of
the Abbey, though semi-independent, he had accompanied
his quota of men, and was prepared like a leal subject to
receive the Queen Eegent. The rest of the group were
men of their own rank come on the same errand.
"Ken ye, Laird, what may be the cause o' this hasty
muster 1" said Sir John. " Will things be gain' sair wrang
at Leith, think ye, that the Queen is leavin' it sae
hurriedly1?"
"Eicht or wrang, I doot she is only comin' oot o' the
fryin'pan intae the fire. We hae, as . mony .heretics .under
the shadow o' oor ain braw Abbey as they are fit tae hae
10
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
•it Leith, an' I am no sure but mony o' thae lads that stand
sae steady waitin' tae do honour tae her landin' will be the
first tae turn again' her."
" Surely ye're mistaen," said Sir John, with something of
a smile. " I am sure the Abbey has been a gude mither
tae them; but I suppose the queen 'ill eather be gain' north
wi' the Earl o' Huntly, or she'll be gain' straught back
again!"
"I dinna ken," said the Laird; "an' indeed, tae tell the
truth, I dinna muckle care. Let her gae whate'er way she
will, there'll be naething but dool an' sorrow. But the ship
is comin' weel in sicht noo, and I maun 'send the fisher lads
oot tae tow her in."
Then giving his horse the spur, he trotted down to the
end of the pier, and shouted to two men who sat in a
boat—
" Hy, Tarn Cargill, ye'll get a dizzen o' men, an' three or
four boats, and ye'll awa' oot an' tow that ship in, an' ye'll
better tak' tent an' dae yer wark weel, for that ship hauds
the Queen, and mony lords and ladies."
"We'll tak' gude care, Laird, an' bring her in a' richt,"
cried Tarn.
In a short time the Laird saw the boats put off, and
then he wheeled his horse and trotted back again to the
group he had left. Hailing one of his servants, he ordered
him " tae ride up tae the Abbey, an' tell the Lord Abbot
an' the honourable company that the ship was wreel in
THE ABBOT OF ABERBllOTHOCK.
11
sicht, and that she wad sune be in." The man rode off to
deliver his message, leaving the Laird to resume his con-
versation with Sir John Carnegie.
" The ship 'ill be weel past the Bell liock noo," said Sir
John. "I maist think I hear the dowie clank o' the bell
as the water splashes ower it. Mony a braw fellow's life
lias been saved by that bell. Heaven saint the soul o' the
gude Abbot Ambrose that ordered it tae be made."
" What will be, will be," said the Laird, evasively, " but,
faith, she is makin' gude speed. Di-v you see yon boats
bobbin' up an' doon in the water ower be the East Neuk
o' Fife? Yon's the Dundee heretics fishin' in the Tay, an'
I'm thinkin', gin the Queen kent wha they war, she is
angry enouch tae about ship an' rin them doon."
"It is better as it is," said Sir John; "but see, the boats
hae got her in tow, an' they'll sune be in noo. I am glad
o't, for the men are lookin' gey wearyt like; an'—ha! ha!—
here comes the Lord Abbot an' a' his honourable com-
pany."
Down the long thinly-built street, now known as the
High Street, came a procession of monks, interspersed by
many a gallant in gorgeous apparel. At their head rode
the Lord Abbot and the Earl of Huntly, followed by the
Lords Ogilvie of Airlie and Lyon of Strathmore, while the
rear was brought up by the servants, with led horses for
the expected guests.
The people had poured in from the country in great
12
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
numbers, for the influence of the Abbey was paramount in
Angus and the Mearns, and many and contradictory were
the opinions expressed, but the great strength of the Popish
party prevented the Eeformers from creating any distur-
bance.
And they were in great numbers, for there were the
Ogilvies of Airlie, the Gordons of Aberdeenshire, the
Drummonds of Perth, and many other stubborn Highland-
men, met to do honour to the Queen Eegent, and show
their devotion to Mother Church.
But although the Eeformers were greatly outnumbered,
still their enthusiasm was intense and their audacity great,
for as the monks passed with the cross elevated, their
hootings and groans were distinctly heard.
One of their number was making himself very con-
spicuous by his disapprobation, when he was seized by a
vigorous arm and tumbled headlong into the kennel. Eis-
ing in wrath to inflict a summary vengeance upon his
assaulter, he perceived a tall young man, with blue eyes and
long brown curling hair. His velvet bonnet, set with the
crest of a bull's head and a sprig of hawthorn, proclaimed
him one of the Clan Ogilvie; while his dress of richly-
embroidered velvet, together with his silver-mounted broad-
sword and dagger, showed him entitled to the rank of
gentleman. Immediately behind him stood another man,
older in appearance and meaner in dress, who was evidently
his servant. As the Eeformer raised himself from the dirfc
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
13
and threatened hostilities, he caught his master by the arm
and said—
"Sant Andrew keep us, Maister Malcolm; surely ye're
no gaen tae file yer hands wi' that heretic! Let me till
him, an' 111 tie a knot on him in twa minutes."
"No. no, Tarn," said Malcolm, laughing; "you needna
meddle him, he has got plenty. He'll be quiet noo till he
gets himsel' washed."
"It's just like the bluidy Papists," cried the .Reformer—
" twa upon ane. Bit a time 11 come whan well see day
about wi' ye." Then seeing the attention of some of the
Highlanders attracted to him, he disappeared in the crowd.
The procession moved on, and Malcolm, accompanied
by Tarn, elbowed his way good-humouredly until he
reached the front." As they were now near the pier, they
could see the ship rapidly approaching, and hear the men-
at-&rms loudly cheering, and by the time they had taken
their allotted stations, the ship had been made fast, and
amidst musketry, and shouts, and cheers, and waving flags
and handkerchiefs, Mary of Guise, Queen Regent of Scotland,
landed at Aberbrothock on her last visit to the last Abbot
of that ancient monastery. The Earl of Huntly hastily
dismounted, and, with his jewelled bonnet in his hand,
gracefully knelt and kissed her hand, and then assisted her
and her ladies-in-waiting to mount their palfreys, amid the
renewed cheers of the assembled multitude.
The Queen Regent at this time would be about forty
14
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
years of age, a woman possessed of some intellect, and a
great deal of duplicity. Like all her race, she was a devotee,
a dupe, and a tool in the hands of the Romish priesthood.
Of her ladies, two were French and three Scottish. The
French ladies and one of the Scottish were aged, but the
two younger were in the bloom and glory of youth.
That one with the raven hair, the beautifully regular
features, and the pale white skin, was the Lady Elizabeth
Hamilton, daughter of the Duke of Chatelherault, but too
strict a Catholic to change sides with her father and brother.
That lady riding by her side is the sister of the Earl of
Huntly, and was well known in the north of Scotland as
the bonnie Jeannie Gordon. Her golden hair fell over her
shoulders in heavy ringlets, while the colour on her cheeks
came and went with the pleasure and excitement of the
scene. Below the middle height, so youthful was her
features, so pleasant her innocent sunny smile, so winsome
was the glance of her beautiful eyes, that all hearts warmed
to her—the men with ardent love, and the women without
envy..
Strong indeed must have been the feeling excited; for
even now, after three hundred years are past, the lassies
'yont the Tay sing o' " Bonnie Jeannie Gordon," and wish
they were like her. Up the " Auld Shore Head," and up
the long crooked High Street, went the goodly procession—
the trumpets sounding, and the bagpipes screaming, and
the people shouting—a hideous medley of uproar and con-
fusion.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
15
Near the present Kirk Wynd some of the horses took
fright, and, among others, those of the Queen's ladies reared
on their hind legs, and then dashed forward up the brae,
where stand now-a-days the Academy and the Gas Work.
Malcolm Ogilvie, fascinated by the radiant beauty of
Lady Gordon, had marched along unmoved by his sur-
roundings, when he saw her palfrey spring forward in
startled haste.
To pull a man-at-arms from his horse, mount in hot
haste—heedless of the exclamations of its rightful owner
—and gallop off at headlong pace, was the work of a
moment.
Past the Abbey, old and hoary, past the Hays Well, past
St. Vigeans went the terror-stricken animals, the ladies
pallid with fright, and the rescuers close at their heels.
Now one after another is caught and stopped, but still the
Lady Gordon is in danger, and still Malcolm Ogilvie dashes
on to her rescue. Yonder the Brothock meanders along,
singing on its pebbly bed, but the banks are high, and the
runaway horse is heading in that direction.
In vain does Malcolm use whip and spur; although he is
gaining fast, he will not be in time; then, desperate with
the danger that they cannot escape, he drew his dagger and
drove it into the animal he rode. The horse sprang for-
ward with a shrill scream of pain; and he had just time to
seize the bridle of the lady's palfrey and throw it on its
haunches, when his own fell dead under him.
2
16
THE ABBOT OF ABEKBROTHOCR.
To spring to his feet and assist her to dismount was
quickly done, and no sooner did Lady Jeannie find that
she was in safety than she fainted in his arms. Laying
her gently down on the grass, he ran down the precipitous
hank, and filling his bonnet with water, he returned and
sprinkled her lovely countenance, and chafed her hands,
until she recovered consciousness. . After a little time she
was able to rise, when he assisted her to mount her palfrey,
who had now recovered from its terror; and with his hand
on the bridle, he led the way to St. Yigeans, which he saw
in the distance, and where he hoped to procure assistance.
THE abbot of aberbrothock.
17
CHAPTER II.
LADY JEANNIE's ASTONISHMENT—ST. VIGEANS—THE MILLER'S HOUSE—THE
WELL—THE MONK AND THE SMITH'S WIFE—MALCOLM'S DOUBTS—YOUNG
JOHN CARNEGIE—THEIR DEPARTURE—MALCOLM LOVE STRUCK—THE
OLD ABBEY—MEETING WITH THE EARL OP HUNTLY.
When the Lady Jeannie recovered her sensibility, it was
some time before she could recollect what had happened.
Looking around, and seeing herself among the green fields,
and her horse quietly led by a stranger, she felt dazed and
confused; but, as < her mind began to recover its tone,
memory returned, and the whole scene of the frightened
horse and the rescue flashed on her brain.
Looking fixedly at her preserver, her eye was attracted
by his open, handsome countenance, while her prejudices
were soothed by his gentleman-like dress and bearing. He
looked up, and as their eyes met he took off his bonnet and
said-—
"Pardon me, lady, but I hope you are better now!"
"You should -rather pardon me, sir," said she, smiling;
" for I fear I have been the cause of much trouble to you.
But how were you able to stop my palfrey, and you on foot!"
" I was in the procession, lady, when I saw your horse
.take fright with the others, and I immediately seized an
^animal that stood beside me, and galloped after you.
18
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
There will be some noise about it, I fear, for I had to
kill the beast before I could save you. "We left it lying
where I caught up with you."
" How can I ever thank you ? for I feel you have saved
my life. As for the horse, my brother the Earl of Huntly
has plenty, and he will protect you."
"Lady," said Malcolm, drawing himself up proudly,
"Malcolm Ogilvie of Inverquharity needs no man's pro-
tection. The Ogilvies of Angus can protect themselves,
and queens ere now have begged their assistance, and if I
am not mistaken will do so again."
"Alas ! poor Queen, she does indeed need the assistance
of every true gentleman in these dark days that have come
upon Scotland. Heretics outraging the conscience, killing
the bodies and destroying the property of true believers,
desecrating our altars, and insulting our clergy. O that I
were a man, to be able to buckle on armour for Queen and
Holy Church! But I did not mean to insult you, sir. I
can never forget how much I owe you."
" Lady, you owe me nothing, although I am proud, and
O so happy, at being allowed to serve you. "Would that I
could always do so. I, too, will fight for Holy Church and
Queen, as all my race have ever done. But here are
houses, and we will get assistance."
On the banks of the Brothock at St. Vigeans stood the
mill belonging to the Monks of Aberbrothock, and close by
stood the miller's house. As Malcolm, leading the lady's
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
19
palfrey, halted at the door, it slowly opened, and a girl
looked out. Seeing her visitors were not of the ordinary
class, and evidently not in want of meal, she said—
" Hech, sirs, there's naebody at hame—they're a' awa' at
the toon seein' the Queen come, an' they wadna tak' me wi'
them, an' I wanted sae muckle tae see her. Is she as bonnie
as this leddy ?"
" Have you a room where this lady can rest awee 1 She
is sadly tired. No, my lass, there is no queen in this world
so beautiful as this lady."
" Aye, come in this way—this is the maister's ain room.
Gin ye're hungry I can gie ye St. Vigeans ale, a kebbock o'
cheese, an' a bit cauld beef; but I'm thinkin' that the leddy
needs rest mair."
Chattering in this way, the girl showed them into a low-
roofed, coarsely-furnished room. In one end stood an old-
fashioned box-bed with sliding lids, in the middle of the
room was a rough fir table, while round the walls were
ranged some heavy fir chairs.
Malcolm hastily placed two chairs together close to the
wall, then seizing a large covering that lay on the bed, he
carefully spread it over them, forming by no means an
uncomfortable lounge. After the Lady Jeannie was seated,
he asked her respectfully if she was better, and if she would
like any refreshment.
" 0, yes !" said she. " I have got over my fright now.
and I think if I had some water I should feel quite well."
20
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Malcolm and the girl, both anxious to servfe the beautiful
lady, hurried out of the room to get the water: ' The girl
dipped a wooden dish in a large bucket, and was for
running into the room with that, when Malcolm stopped
her.
"No, no, my lass," said he, "that is not the 'way to
serve a lady. Have you got a silver cup?"
" 'Deed, sir, the maister has ane in his kist, but I widna
like tae middle wi' it."
"Show me where it is," said Malcolm, "and we will
make free to use it."
She led the way into another room, behind the door of
which stood an enormous box, which evidently contained
the spare clothing of the family. Lifting the lid, and
burrowing for some distance among blankets and other
things, Malcolm came upon an old silver cup of good work-
manship, capable of holding "a pint.
"Now, show me the well, my lass, and :I will showryou
how a lady should be served."
She led the way out of the house down to the burn-side,
arid almost on the brink of the running water lay a crystal
spring of the purest kind. To this day that well is famed
throughout the country side, and often, " when the world
was young and everything was fair," the writer has walked
from Arbroath, " mine own romantic town," to drink of its
contents.
" Div ye fcee that muckle hole in the middle o' the burn!
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTJIOCK.
21
That's whar Father John, ane o' the monies, fell in last
week, whan the smith chased him wi' the liet aim."
"And what did the smith mean by chasing his reverence
with a het iron %" said Malcolm.
"Weel, ye see, sir, Father John hed been confessing
the smith's wife, whan the smith gaed in an' eatched
them. The first thing we saw wis his reverence rinin'
doon the brae tae cross the burn, an' the smith after
him, an' he slippit his fit an' fell in, an' oor Jock ran
an' lifted him oot, an' keepit the smith frae middlin' wi'
'm, an' they say that the smith's turn't a heretic, an' the
maister threatened us a' if we daured tae speak o't."
Malcolm was a sincere Catholic, but, in spite of his
duty to the Church, in spite of his loyalty to the Queen'
Kegent, in spite of his fidelity to his Clan, and the inci-
pient love that was gathering in his breast for the beautiful
Lady Jeannie, the first germ of doubt had- been planted
in his mind.
He had no reason to doubt the truth of the story told by the
chattering girl by his side. She evidently was unconscious
of anything being wrong, and he thoughtfully passed from
the spring to the house without saying anything farther.
On reaching the kitchen he pointed to a pewter plate
hanging oh the wall, and asked if there was a silver one
in the house like that.
"'Deed, no, sir, no ane that I ken'o'; but I'll gie ye
ane o' thae if ye like, They are braw an' clean,"
22
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Jumping on to a chair, she took down one of the articles
wanted, and, after rubbing it with her woollen apron till
it shone, she handed it to Malcolm, who set on it the
silver cup full of water, and then proceeded to the room
where the Lady Jeannie was.
She sat with her head resting on her arm, evidently
musing, hut the noise of his entrance disturbed her, and
she looked up with a smile.
He apologised for the length of time he had been, and
after she had drank the water, and praised its delicious
coolness, she declared her readiness to depart. Calling in
the girl, they both gave her substantial marks of their
gratitude for her readiness to oblige, and were on their
fetft when a loud trampling of horses' feet was heard.
Malcolm hurried to the door, where he perceived a
young gentleman, accompanied by two of the retainers
of thje Abbey. The young gentleman hurriedly accosted
him—
" Can you tell me if the Lady Jeannie Q-ordon is here ?
Her friends are very much alarmed about her."
"Yes, her ladyship is here," said Malcolm. "She is
rather shaken, but quite safe. Will I say who is inquiring
for her?"
"Say that John Carnegie, son of Sir John Carnegie of
Northesk, is one of many parties out in search of her, and
that he begs leave to pay his respects. Her friends are very
anxious about her, and the Queen is greatly agitated.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
23
" You had better come in. Her ladyship was on the
eve of departing, being completely recovered from her
fright."
Malcolm led the way, and, bonnet in hand, introduced
young Northesk to Lady Jeannie. Then the Lady Jeannie
introduced Malcolm as the preserver of her life, and was
proceeding to praise his intrepidity, when Malcolm very
modestly put in a disclaimer.
" 0, your ladyship thinks too highly of my poor endea-
vours to be of service. I attach more importance to what
I would wish to do than anything I have done."
"And what can be of more importance to poor me
than saving my life f said Lady Jeannie, laughing.
"I think, my lady," said young Northesk, "that the
gentleman has gained an enviable position from being able
to render you service. I would give my life for such an
opportunity."
" I would rather, gentlemen, that you would be careful
of your lives. The Queen and our holy religion require
the services of every gallant man, and the way to win
the esteem of Jeannie Gordon is to labour enthusiastically
in the good cause. Heresy is making sad havoc in our
poor countrj\"
"Duty weighs upon every gentleman," said Malcolm.
"Can your ladyship tell us if her Highness goes to the
north, or back to Leith 1 We are all anxious to learn."
"1 fancy that will be decided in the Council at the
21 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Abbey, but I think it most likely that she will go back.
I fear the French troops would be of little service without
her."
"Surely your ladyship will not go back to endure the
horrors of a siege!" said young Northesk. It cannot be
necessary that you should go to witness scenes that even
men might be excused from wishing to see."
"My place is beside my mistress," said Lady Jeannie,
" and I would be craven to hang back. The Lady Eliza-
beth and I are not likely to desert our posts so long as
the Queen is in danger. But I do wish for peace, for I
would like to retire from the Court to spend my life at
bonnie Castle Gordon."
"I can admire your courage," said Malcolm, "but,
lady, I doubt your wisdom. You were advising us to
be careful of our lives; might we not return the advice,
especially a life so valuable as yours ?"
"Now, sir, if you begin to flatter I shall get angry,"
said her ladyship gaily; "but it is wrong for us to be
trifling here and our friends so anxious about us. We will
go, gentlemen."
" Your ladyship's pleasure is our law," said Malcolm, as
he proceeded to the door, bonnet in hand, where he found
one of the Abbey men holding her ladyship's palfrey in
readiness.
He had the pleasure of assisting her to mount, and then
he mounted a horse himself that young Northesk ordered
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
25
one of the Abbey men to give up to him, and rode Bide by
side with her. He did not ask himself where this was to
end; he did not ask whether it was likely that the Earl of
Huntly, the King of the North, the most powerful noble-
man of his time, would ever consent to give his sister to
the son of a simple country gentleman; he did not ask if
she was well affected towards him herself, or whether she
was ever likely to love him; sufficient for him to be in het
presence, to be permitted to serve her, to speak to her, to
be near her, to worship her as men in the olden time
worshipped the stars. And yet he could not but see the
glances that she shot at him from her beautiful eyes, nor
the flush that would mantle her face and neck when she
caught his enraptured gaze, nor yet the kindly smile oh
her beautiful mouth when their eyes happened to meet.
0 those glances from love-lit eyes, what havoc do they
make on susceptible human hearts, how they tantalize the
love-lorn wight that is smitten by their lance-like thrusts!
On their way they met numbers of the country people
returning from the town to their homes, and it was easy
to see from the loudness of their voices and the animatioil
of their gestures that they were anything but unanimous in
their opinions. The Queen Regent and the object of her visit
to the Abbot, at a time when she was known to be besieged
in Leith, seemed the sole subject discussed, and it was
ominous for the continuance of the Papal power to notice the
boldness with which the Reformers enforced their arguments.
26
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Malcolm could not help noticing all this, and it jarred
with all his ideas, for as yet there were few heretics among
the Braes of Angus. Young Nortliesk heard all with a
smile which might mean approval or the reverse, while the
Lady Jeannie listened with supercilious scorn.
They had now got as far as the Windmill Hill, and there
before them stood in all its majesty and grandeur the Abbey
of Aberbrothock. How stately it looked with its lofty towers,
and noble columns, and Gothic windows, and beautiful design,
and faithful workmanship. Even now in ruins it towers
above the modern town like Gulliver among the Lilliputians.
Here the Earl of Huntly and a band of horsemen in search
of the Lady Jeannie met them, and Malcolm was introduced
by her ladyship to her brother as the saver of her life.
The Earl warmly shook hands with our hero, for he loved
his beautiful sister well, and said, "that he would be for ever
indebted to him for the gallant way that he had rescued his
sister," and invited him to the Abbey to be introduced to
the Queen Eegent. Malcolm bowed assent, and the cavalcade
swept on, and in a short time they all alighted at the Abbey
gates.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
27
CHAPTER III.
TAM GLEN ASSISTS THE MAN-AT-ARMS—THE THREE ANGELS—TAM AND
THE LANDLORD—THE COMPANY—THE REFORMERS—THE QUARREL—
LESLIE AND HENDERSON—THE CAULD KAIL—TAM ANDERSON'S PLAN
TO REDD A FIGHT—DEFEAT OF THE REFORMERS.
When Tam Glen saw his foster-brother, Malcolm Ogilvie,
so unceremoniously upset the man-at-arms and make off with
his horse, he stood and stared with astonishment.
"Lord save us," said Tam, "the man's red wud, an' 1
suppose this puir deevil 'ill hae broke his leg or his airm, or
something. Wait till I see."
Here Tam assisted the soldier on his feet, and then asked
him if he had " ony banes broken."
"No," said the man, in a sulry tone, "but if I had a grip
o' the fellow that threw me, there '11 maybe be some broken
bones."
" Na, na, ma man, ye maunna crack that way. Yon chiel
could wallop sax like you an' me, an' then he has a' Clan
Ogilvie at his back—sae lat that flee stick tae the wa'."
" But what will I say to the Lord Abbot about ma horse?"
"Hoots, man, the young laird's nae thief; he'll be back
belyve wi' the run-a-way leddies an' yer horse. Come awa',
see the fouks a' gain' up the street again."
And so they'were, and again the trumpets brayed, and the
28
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
bagpipes shrieked, and the people shouted, and in a short
time Mary of Guise and her retinue passed through the-gates
of the Abbey, and the crowd gradually dispersed.
When the Abbey gates were shut, Tam, being a stranger,
was rather at a loss what to do, until he recollected that his
master had spoken of taking lodging at the "Three Angels,"
a noted hostel situated at that time near the head of the
present Lordburn.
Hither, by the aid of a gude Scots tongue, Tam bent his
way; and, indeed, the outside was as worthy of remark as
anything inside could be. It was a one-storey house of great
length and breadth, the stones of which had evidently come
from the Ness Quarry; the roof was covered with an enormous
thickness of straw thatch, with holes here and there for the
purpose of lighting the garrets. The door was ornamented
with a porch, on the top of which was a sign that was intended
to be a wonder of decorative art. It represented three angels
holding a conversation with an old gentleman with an
immense long beard, who held a shepherd's crook' in his
hand, and seemed to have been painted by some individual
in the last stage of inebriety. The windows, which were all
open, were fitted with frames on leather hinges, in which
were fixed very thin pieces of horn.'
"When Tam made his way into this splendid and com-
modious hostelry he was deafened by the uproar inside. It
had been a declared holiday by all the servitors of the Abbey,
-and now that the pageant was past, and Queen and nobles
TIIE ABBOT OF AJBERBROTHOCK.
29'
housed in that building, the retainers had all been set at
liberty, and they were evidently resolved to make up in the
evening for the restraint they had been under during the
day. Pushing his way through the assembled groups who
were seated in the kitchen, he came to a small room, where
the landlord, landlady, and servants were busy arranging
refreshments for the guests. The landlord, a stout, burly
man, well up in years, seeing Tarn anxious-like to speak,
came forward, saying—
" Weel, friend, what's yer will?"
"Gude day, friend. Div ye ken that the young Laird o'
Innerquharity is gaen to pit up wi' ye the nicht?"
" The Laird himsel' sent ower word in the mornin', sae I
jalused as muckle."
"Weel, ye see I am his foster-brother an' servant; an' I a
kind o' lost him in the crood, but he'll be here belyve. Man,
I'm unco hungry an' drouthy; cud ye gie me a bit chack o'
meat an' drink till his Honour comes?"
"Aye, aye, just find a seat for yoursel', an' I'll send ye
something tasty."
Tarn found his way to a seat, and in a short time a girl
brought him a huge plate of cold beef, a platter of oatcakes,
and a bicker of ale.
Until he got his appetite satisfied, Tarn paid no attention
to the company or the conversation, but when he had ate
and drank to satiety he laid himself back in his seat and
scanned the scene before him. The company seemed divided
30
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
into groups, each one of which appeared only interested in
itself. One group was evidently composed of servants of the
Abbey,, and they were congratulating themselves on the
successful way in which the day had passed. Another group
seemed retainers of some of the gentlemen who had come at
the Abbot's bidding to do honour to the Queen Regent. A
third appeared to be country people, and among them, from
the cowed look and bated breath, there was more than a
suspicion of heresy. In a group at the far end of the kitchen,
Tarn discovered the Reformer that had attempted to disturb
the procession, and whom his master bad upset in the kennel,
and he determined to keep a watch on him and his friends.
They seemed to be talking very seriously together, and to be
oblivious to all around them.
As he was proceeding to the other side of the kitchen
on his self-imposed task, two men dressed in the garb of
fishermen hurriedly entered and called for some drink.
After they had quenched their thirst, one of them, turning
to the group next him, said—
" Has ony o' ye heard o' this awfu' wark that oor lads
fand oot the day near the Bell Rock 1"
"No," said a person near him, as several turned and
listened. " What was it ?"
"A boat's crew oot fishin' the day near the Bell Rock
saw a ship driftin' as if there wis naebody on board. The}'-
gaed and boarded her, and they fund the crew a' murdered,
and everything carried aff that wad carry, an' a'thing
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
31
broken, an' smashed, an' destroyed; and they towed her
in, an' she was at the quay whin we cam' awa\"
" An' wha' cud hae dune sic an' awfu' thing as that ?"
said Tarn Glen, with his mouth agape.
"This is the third in sax months, whaever did it. Some
says it's the heretics, an' some the Englishers; hut I'm
thinkin' there's fouk atween the Steeple Bock an' the
Kedhead that cud tell wha did it. But I'm sure if the Lord
Abbot an' the lairds dinna mind it, puir fouk like me
needna fash."
Here a strange-looking man, with long matted hair and
wild glittering eyes, started up from the table where Tarn
had noticed the Eeformer sitting, and said—
"Wha daur say that ony member o' the pure an' Eeformed
Kirk, a Kirk that is purged frae a' idolatry an' Papistry,
wad be guilty o' crimes like thae ? We tak' the Bible for
oor guide, an' no' the frail words o' mere men, wha are nae
better than they sud be; and it's mair likely tae be some o'
their ain dupes, blind ignorant men, wha did it, an' ye'll see
that yer braw Lord Abbot 'ill pay nae attention tae it."
" An' wha may ye be, frien', that's sae ready tae tak' the
names o' yer betters in vain? After the way that ye speak
o' the Lord Abbot an' a' true believers, I wadna be muckle
surprised if ye blamed Clan Ogilvie itsel' for killin' the
sailors," said Tarn stoutly.
Here some of the Abbey servants, on whom the North
Port whisky was beginning to tell, started to their feet,
3
32
THE ABBOT OF AJBERBROTHOCK.
while one, who seemed to have some authority, declared
that—
It was a disgrace for decent Christian fouk tae hae tae
sit an' listen tae sic awfu' like cracks; an' for his pairt, he
thocht that the suner a' heretics war in the Abbey dungeons
the better."
" It's no worth while," cried Tam, " tae tak sae muckle
trouble wi' gouks like thae; but if they hinna sense tae haud
their tongues, we'll gie them a thrashin', an' pit them oot."
" 0! blinded and perverse men, wha staned the pro-
phets, an' wha winna hear the' truth, though it be cried
frae the house-taps, will naething convince ye 1 Bit truth
is strong, an' will prevail; an' Popery an' Priests will be
driven frae dear auld Scotland. Only the toun o' Leith
is left in their grasp, an' the time comes sune whan not
only it, bit a' the houfs o' thae lazy drones the monks,
wha toil not, neither do they spin, will be destroyed, an'
their heritage given to another. Babylon is fallen, and
the saints will reign."
Here- the speaker, who was evidently a fanatic, and
something more, sank into his seat, while his features
wrought, and his mouth foamed, and his hands and feet
twisted as if he had been in an epileptic fit; and the
previous speakers, from being angry at the awful sight,
changed their mood, and stood astonished and, it may be,
frightened.
Ills companion, who had been tumbled in the kennel,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
33
and whose name was Henderson, took advantage of the
lull to try and make peace.
" He houpit that they wadna mind onything that Maister
Leslie had said; an', for his pairt, he didna think that ony
decent fouk, be they Papists or Reformers, wad commit
murder eather on sea or land."
This seemed to pacify the Papal party, for they took
their seats, and Tarn, on whom the story of the murdered
sailors had produced a great effect, proceeded to inquire
still farther at the fisherman.
"An' hae ye nae try at a' o' thae villains? Whaur
div ye think they can come frae ?"
"Weel, it's no easy sayin'," said Jock Smith, the fisher-
man; "there's sae mony coves aboot the heugh, an' when
we're oot at sea we see strange boats lioverin' aboot, but I
think gin Dickman's Den an' the Mason's Cove an' the
Lady's Cove were weel lookit, I think we wad find oot
something. It wadna be the first time that robbers had
been catch't 'there."
"An' what's the Lord Abbot an' the lairds aboot that
they dinna catch them?" said Tam. "Whin the Hielant
caterans cum doon the hills an' drive oor nowt, we sune
gie them their kail through the reek. I wad match Clan
Ogilvie again' ten thousand o' the limmers."
" The Lord Abbot an' the brethren are sae muckle ta'en
Up wi' their religious duties that they hinna time nor in-
clination tae meddle wi' sic worldly matters," said the
34
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
Abbey servant who spoke before; "but his honour the
Laird o' Auchmithie, wha has charge o' the coast for the
Abbey, sud look after them better. But he aye says there's
naebody tae catch."
"The wicked flee when no man pursueth," cried the
Reformer Leslie, again starting to his feet, "and Popery
will be expelled from oor ain dear country. The time
cometh when true religion, pure an' undefiled, will fill the
land. "Woe unto the followers o' the scarlet woman, for
they shall see sorrow."
"Noo, frien'," said Tam, "just stap yer gab, or we'll
hae tae pit ye oot. Ye're no fear't tae blether sae, under
the shadow o' the Abbey itsel'."
"I dinna think that ye'll pit Maister Leslie oot," said
Henderson. "I am no very sure, Abbey or no Abbey,
bit the Reformed Kirk has as mony frien's here as the
Papists has."
Tam made no reply to this, but stepping over to a shelf
on which stood a large wooden dish full of cold kail or
broth, he lifted it, and walking up to the table where
the Reformers were seated, he deliberately threw it in
Henderson's face; then, reversing the dish, he stuck it on
Leslie's head like a hat, and returned to his seat amidst
the guffaws of his own party.
Henderson and Leslie, astounded at the cool insolence of
Tam, sat for a moment in amazement, then rising to their
feet, they drew their swords, and, seconded by some men
THE ABEOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
35
behind them, advanced as if to attack Tam Glen and the
Papal party, who now began to group themselves around him.
At this critical moment, the landlord, who had evidently
been watching the progress of affairs, advanced into the middle
of the kitchen floor with a heavy oak stick in his hand, and,
signing to the Reformers to return to their seats, he said—
" Deevil tak' me, bit I'll brain the first man that strikes
a blow in this house. It's an awfu'-like thing that fouk
canna forgether an' tak' a dram in peace and quietness.
Noo, mind," said he, brandishing his stick, " the first ane
that strikes has me for an enemy."
" An' div you think, Tam Anderson o' the Three Angels,
that we are tae sit here an' hear heretics blaspheme baith
holy Kirk an' State 1 or will we hae tae tell the Lord Abbot
that ye hae turned heretic taeT said the Abbey servant.
"Ye needna fash tellin' the Lord Abbot ony sic story, for
he wadna believe ye. I served the Abbey afore ye were
born, an' I am no likely to change in my auld age; sae ye'll
better a' keep the peace, the hale o' ye," said the landlord,
as he left the kitchen and retired to his own little apartment.
The Reformers had moved back to their own table, but
they remained standing in a very dissatisfied attitude, with
their hands upon their swords. Grown cooler with the few
minutes of inactivity imposed by the landlord, Henderson
was busy calculating the chances of a struggle, when Tam
Glen seizing a bottle that stood handy, sent it flying within
a few inches of his head.
36
THE ABBOT OP ABEKBROTIIOCK.
" Noo, lads, batter them weel, an' syne pit them oot," cried
Tam, rushing forward and aiming a furious blow at Leslie's
head, who happened to be nearest.
" Help, for kirk an' covenant," cried Henderson, parrying
Tarn's blow with his sword, and in a few minutes the kitchen
was the scene of a general meUe. Tables and chairs were
overthrown, dishes were smashed, blows crashed, and the
wounded yelled, and still it was doubtful which side would
win the victory. Tarn and the Abbey servant fought with
fierce energy, but they were as stoutly opposed by Leslie and
Henderson, and they were in the midst of a tough tuzzle
when the landlord again appeared with his oaken stick, and
dealt out blows to both sides without fear or favour. The
Reformers at last saw that they were in danger of being
over-matched, and then they made for the door, followed by
Tarn and all the Papal party, who gave three lusty cheers as
they saw their opponents bounding down the street with the
speed of deer. On returning to the house they found the
landlord, landlady, and servants trying to put things in order,
while two of their own party were trying to lift Jock Smith,
the fisherman, who had been put hors de combat by an ugly
blow from the thick oak stick. They got him on a seat,
and were engaged examining his hurts when the door
opened, and Malcolm and the young Laird of Northesk
entered, and the former calling on Tam, they were shown
into a private room by the landlord.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
37
CHAPTER IV.
THE ABBEY—MALCOLM AND THE MAN-AT-ABMS—Gl'E ME MY HOKSE—WHO
PAYS FOR THE HOBSE—MALCOLM INTRODUCED TO THE QUEEN REGENT^-
IS ATTACHED TO HER SUITE—THE LORD ABBOT—LADY JEANNIE AND
LADY ELIZABETH—MALCOLM AND JOHN.
The Abbey of Aberbrothock was founded by William the
Lion, King of Scotland, in 1178, in honour of Thomas k
Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was assassinated
by order of one of the English Kings, while he was officiate-
ing at the altar, and who was canonised and promoted in
the great army of the saints by an obliging Pope of that
period. King William himself was interred here in 1214,
and his tomb is still shown by the custodian of the Abbey
buildings, at a small sum per head; so that you see that
the dead, although they are dead, can still afford the means
of living to the living.
Here Robert Bruce and the Scottish nobility met in 1320
to concert means and plans to enable them to resist the
claims of Edward II., King of England; and here, when in
the plenitude of his power, the Black Douglas used to come,
accompanied by a thousand horsemen, and live for weeks at
a time. Next to Holyrood in Edinburgh, the Abbey of
Aberbrothock was the most richly endowed monastery in
33
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Scotland. Its revenues were enormous for a poor country
like Scotland, while its power and influence extended over
the whole of the north-eastern counties. After the decay of
the Douglases, the Hamilton family managed to seize many
of their estates and dignities, and even at this time Lord
Arbroath is one of the titles of that clever, moral living,
respectable, half Bonaparte, the Duke of Hamilton and
Brandon.
When the Earl of Huntly and his sister, the beautiful
Lady Jeannie Gordon, accompanied by Malcolm Ogilvie
and the young Laird of Northesk, entered the great gate
of the Abbey, the courtyard was crowded with their
retainers.
On their being observed, a loud cheer burst from the
assemblage, while their body servants hurried forward to
hold their horses, and to assist them to dismouut. The
man-at-arms who had been so unceremoniously dismissed
from his seat on- horseback by Malcolm elbowed his way to
the front, but, awed by the company in which he found his
late antagonist, he spoke in a very different tone from what
he had done to Tarn Glen. Doffing his steel cap, he said—
"Wad yer honour tell me whaur I'll get my horseV'
" Indeed, my good fellow, you will find him easy enough,
but I am afraid he will not be of much use when you have
found him. 1" had to kill him to save the lady."
" Lord keep me, what will I say to the Lord Abbot 1 I
am sure to be severely punished, an' ye ken it wasna my faut.'*
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
35
Here Lady Jeannie laughingly whispered something to
her brother the Earl, who immediately turned and said—
" I will give you a better horse than the one you had,
and I will bear you skaithless with the Lord Abbot, and
here is a gold piece to pay for the trouble you got."
"Pardon me, my Lord," said Malcolm, with a little
hateur, "but this is a matter in which I alone am re-
sponsible. You would not wish to degrade me in my own
estimation and that of other people."
"Now, sir," said Lady Jeannie, shaking her hand at him
with a saucy smile, " you know that I, too, am responsible,
and that I only received the benefit and you the trouble,
so that it must be as my brother says. I am sure that your
friend Northesk will say with me."
"Your ladyship is doubtless right," said young North-
esk, "but I must say in honour that with me it would
destroy the pleasure of having been able to serve you
if you take the duty of repairing damages off my
shoulders."
"That is how I feel," said Malcolm, "and I hope that
her ladyship and the noble Earl will not destroy the
pleasure I feel in having been of service."
" If the gentleman," said Lady Jeannie haughtily, while
a flush spread over her lovely countenance, "disdains to
accept justice from the hand of one whose life he saved,
he can do so at the price of her friendship."
"I yield," said Malcolm, excitedly, while his lips quivered;
40
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"for the friendship of Lady Jeannie Gordon I would sacrifice
everything I have in this world."
"Now, then, that this little quarrel is comfortably
settled, I think we had better seek the presence of the
Queen," said the Earl.
Lady Jeannie looked wistfully at Malcolm, and extended
her hand, which he knelt and kissed, and then, feeling for-
giveness, he proudly followed up the great marble staircase.
This staircase was of immense width and of splendid work-
manship, and was lined from top to bottom with a double
line of gorgeously-dressed spearmen, who, with the
butt-end of their weapons resting on the ground, stood
immovable.
At the top of the staircase was the entrance to the great
hall, which was crowded with a great assemblage of the
northern nobility and landed gentry, and their principal
followers, who with their ladies and families had met by
invitation from the Lord Abbot to be presented to the
Queen Eegent, and share in the deliberations of the Council
that was to meet next day, and to be followed by a
sumptuous banquet.
When the Earl of Huntly and the Lady Jeannie, accom-
panied by Malcolm Ogilvie and young Northesk, appeared,
making their way to where the Queen sat, with the Lord
Abbot standing behind her seat, they became the magnet
that attracted all eyes, and a loud hum of gratification at
her ladyship's safety spread through the hall.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
41
When the Queen saw them, she hurriedly started from
her seat, and embracing the Lady Jeannie, she said—
" Oh, ma petite, how you have alarmed us. Are you safe,
unhurt? How did you escape?"
"Thanks to this gentleman," said Lady Jeannie, turning
to Malcolm, " who saved my life."
" And how shall we name the gentleman who has made
us so deeply his debtor?" said the Queen, as she again
resumed her seat.
"This is Malcolm Ogilvie, son of the fCnight of Inverqu-
harity," said the Earl of Huntly, as Malcolm knelt and
kissed her hand.
" It is pleasant, my Lord Ogilvie," said the Queen, " to
be able to say that your noble race is willing to render us so
many favours. How say you shall we reward this valiant
warrior, who rescues distressed damsels ?"
"Malcolm is a gude lad, your Majesty," said Lord
Ogilvie, a stately old man with long grey hair and- beard,
" but I fancy the best reward you can gi'e him is a chance o'
doing some service to holy Kirk and State."
"And what says Malcolm himself?" said the Q.ueen
Regent, smiling.
"His Lordship has spoken my dearest wishes, your
Majesty," said Malcolm. "I would like some position
wherein I could show my devotion to your Majesty and our
holy religion."
"And what do you think, my Lord Abbot, about this
42
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
matter?" said the Queen, turning to where he stood glitter-
ing in vestments of fine linen, gold, and jewels.
" It might be well for your Majesty to keep the gentle-
man attached to your person for a time. It is no mean
position that would be suitable for a relative of the Lord
Ogilvie."
When the Lord Abbot had spoken, Malcolm looked up
with some curiosity at the person whose advice chimed in
so well with his own wishes. To be attached to the Queen's
person was to be near the Lady Jeannie Gordon, and for
that, so deeply was he smitten, he was willing to sacrifice
all that this world could give.
The Lord- Abbot, that man who was more powerful than
many barons, whose word was life or death, weal or woe in
two counties, was of middle size, of florid complexion, and
whose body was the body of one who denied himself no
indulgence. He was a Hamilton on the left side of the
blanket, and his haughty, arrogant bearing showed him the
possessor of uncontrolled power. But, priest-like, he could
be courteous and plausible when it suited his purpose, and,
priest-like, he could make lavish promises and break them
without compunction when it suited his purpose. He was
known as a stern, cruel enemy of the Reformed doctrines,
and nothing enraged him more than to be told of the great
progress they were making throughout the country. Hence,
as none of those around him dared to tell him, he was
necessarily ignorant of much that was taking place around
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
43
him; he did not know how even in his own neighbourhood
they had grown so "bold as to offer battle to his own factor,
nor did he know how deeply infected with heresy many of
his vassals were on which he placed the greatest reliance.
" We think your advice good, my Lord Abbot, and will
adopt it. So Master Malcolm will consider himself attached
to our household, and we hope that the time is not far
distant when we will buckle on his heels the golden spurs of
Knighthood. Who is this gentleman beside him, your
Lordship?"
"This is John Carnegie, son of Sir John Carnegie of
Northesk, who desires to be presented to your Majesty,"
said the Earl of Huntly.
Young Northesk knelt and kissed the Queen's hand, and
then he and Malcolm retired behind her seat, where they
could be near her ladies, and see all the gorgeous scene that
was passing before them.
The meeting of the Lady Jeannie Gordon with the rest
of the Queen's ladies was of a very affectionate nature. She,
as the youngest, had been much petted; her beauty and her
gentle quiet ways, and her beautiful voice ever breaking
into song, had rendered her a general favourite.
But the Lady Elizabeth Hamilton was her especial
companion. They walked together, rode together, danced
and sang together, attended the Queen together, and were
seldom separate by night or by day. Their life was
anything but monotonous. They had been compelled to
u
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOOK.
move so often from place to place, and were sometimes,
as at Leith, in situations of no little danger. Tliey were
devoted to their mistress, and as she, the chief of the
State, was foremost in her devotion to the Papal hierarchy,
and as the Papal day-star was fast setting in Scotland, they
had come to look upon h.er cause as that of religion itself.
Lady Jeannie had to give her companions a whispered
and hurried account of the adventures she had come
through; and when she spoke of Malcolm, her fervid
language, and the heightened colour of her cheek, created
a general smile.
"Tell me, Jeannie, where is^tliis non-such?" said Lady
Elizabeth. "Is he anywhere near us?"
" There he is, with young Northesk, standing behind the
Lord Abbot,"
" What, is it he with the black hair and the dark eyes?
Well, he is a handsome fellow."
"No," said Lady Jeannie, pettishly, "that is him with
the long brown hair, and the bull's head crest in his bonnet.
See, he is always looking in this direction."
"And well he may," said Lady Elizabeth, laughing.
" Why, the poor fellow is over head and ears, and if you
don't take pity on him soon, you "will have his life to
answer for."
"Now, Elizabeth, you go too far," said Lady Jeannie,
with a slight quiver of her lip, "you forget that I have
only known him a few hours."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
45
"Aye, Jeannie, but these few hours have been hours of
danger, and he saved you when no one else thought it
worth their while to follow you. I was so terror-stricken
I could not even ask any one about you."
" Indeed, Elizabeth, I already love him dearly," said Lady
Jeannie, hiding her blushing face in her companion's breast.
" And, oh, I wish I was sure he loved me."
"He cannot help it, Jeannie. See how stealthily his
eyes wander ever in this direction."
" But, dearest, what will Allan say 1 How will the chief
of the great Clan Gordon, the most powerful nobleman in
Scotland, like the idea of a gentleman cadet, with nothing
but the sword by his side, becoming his brother-in-law 1"
" Oh, Elizabeth, I tremble when I think of it, he is so
proud and so passionate; and yet Allan has ever been a kind
brother to me. But I am not a child, and I think I have a
will of my own. However, we will not bode trouble;
things are too serious to look far before us."
" That is right Jeannie; it only brings sorrow. I wish
this reception was over, for I am tired. These sea voyages
don't agree with me."
While this whispered conversation was going on, Malcolm
Ogilvie and John Carnegie stood watching the pageant
before them.
The sun's rays flashing through the richly-stained glass
windows lit up the scene with a splendid light, that shone
upon " fair women and brave men," upon haughty pride
46
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
and splendid dress, upon children young and people old
and grey.
Suddenly John caught Malcolm by the arm, and
whispered—
"Who can that beautiful girl be who is standing with
the Lady Jeannie 1 I am dark myself, and I must confess
that I like dark beauty best. I would dare much to be able
to call that lady mine."
"And what i3 to hinder you, John? Ye ken the old
byword, 'Never venture, never win.' See, who is that
staring at the ladies so rudely T
" That is the Laird of Auchmithie, a man who bears but
an indifferent character, although I never heard what he
was accused of. Well, he does stare rudely, but, poor
deevil, it's all ever he can do," said John.
"I must ask Lady Jeannie who her beautiful companion
is," said Malcolm; "and I will likewise ask her to say a
good word for you. But, see, the reception is over, and the
Queen is going to retire. We will go over to the ' Three
Angels' and have some dinner, and prepare for the grand
doings to-morrow."
The Queen and her ladies retired to their private apart-
ments, and Malcolm, rendered supremely happy by a sunny
smile from Lady Jeannie, accompanied young Northesk to
the hostelry, where they met Tarn Glen, and retired to a
private room, as we have already narrated.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
4«
CHAPTER V.
malcolm's apartment at the "three angels"—something to eat
and drink—tam tells his version op the fight—and is ordered
to st. vigeans to look for his master's dirk—john denounces
the papal clergy—malcolm displeased—tam takes a walk—
the clump of trees—he hears voices—and overhears a plot—
informs his master—malcolm interested—they gather their
men, and proceed to the harbour.
The apartment into which our hero and his companions
were shown by the host of the " Three Angels,5' told at a
glance the comfortless way in which our ancestors lived.
The rough stone walls were covered with coarse woollen
hangings, which waved from side to side under the influence
of the night wind, which seemed to have free admittance.
The floor was strewn with rushes, as was the custom at
this period, and what with the dirt brought in by the feet
of the guests, and the refuse of the dishes and drinks on the
table, carelessly thrown down, presented the genteel smell
and appearance of a modern pig-stye.
On one side was a box-bed of fir-deals clumsily nailed
together, the sliding-lids of which were drawn close, while
here and there stood heavy stools and forms, keeping guard,
as it were, on the immense oak table that occupied the
centre of the floor.
"When Malcolm entered this handsome and comfortable
4
48
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
apartment, his first action was to take off his bonnet and
sword-belt and throw them carelessly into a corner, and then
to demand from the landlord what they could get to eat.
Tarn Anderson o' the " Three Angels " gave a grin as he
began to enumerate the names of the various dishes he had
prepared for the mastication of the numerous guests that he
expected would honour his hostelry with their presence
during the Queen Kegent's visit.
" There was a gude venison pasty frae Cononside," said
he; "there was baith beef an' mutton, roast, boiled, an'
fried; hares an' rabbits; a noble salmon frae Carnoustie; a
fine turbot frae Torrensha'en; an' herrin', haddock, mackerel,
and cod frae Auchmithie; an' labsters an' partans frae the
Auld Shore-head. As for drink, he had real French wines
an' brandy, Dutch gin, North Port whisky, and St. Vigeans
ale, an' in ony o' them he didna believe there was a sair
heid in a barrel-fu'."
Malcolm laughed at the parrot-like way in which the
landlord went over his culinary list, and then told him to
bring in what was readiest and handiest.
After being served and the landlord dismissed, he turned
to Tam Glen, who continued to stand behind his chair, and
asked him what had been the matter as they came in 1 Tam,
with a strange mixture of deference and familiarity, said—
" That some o' thae heretic bodies had been unco cheeky,
an', after standin' a heap o' impudence frae them, they had
just tae pit them oot."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
49
" Did they show fight T said young Northesk, anxiously.
" There wis twa deil's buckies, that ca'd themsel's Hender-
son an' Leslie, that wis awfu' misleard. An' it hadna been
for me they wad ha'e been in the Abbey dungeons afore noo."
" The reckless fools," muttered Carnegie to himself, " they
will ruin everything;" then speaking aloud, he said, " Was
anybody hurt!"
"Weel, there wis some clours gaun, but there wis nap-
body muckle the waur. Ane o' the fisher bodies got a
wallop on the heid wi' a stick; but I think they're geyan
thick in the skull thae fishers. But, lord, yer honours,
that same ane wis tellin's aboot a ship that had been fund
aff the Bell Bock a' broken an' smashed, an' a' body in her
lyin' wi' their throats cut. An' it wis that gomeril Leslie
roarin' oot that he thocht it wis the Papists that did it that
made a' the row. We wisna gaun tae stand that, ye ken,
an' that Henderson ane was the fallow yer honour tumbled
in the dirt the day, an' he kent me again."
"Weel, Tarn, I wad advise you to keep out o' a fight,
for if you get hurt, you know you would have to be sent
home, an' then what wad I do 1 But as long as I mind, I
may tell you something I want you to do. When I had
to kill that horse to-day to save the Lady Jeannie, I left
my dirk sticking in the brute's side. That dirk was my
grandfather's, who was killed at Flodden—a kind of an
heirloom—and I would not like to lose it. So you'll get
to bed soon to-night, and get up in the morning, and
50
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
inquire your way to St. Vigeans, and try if you can get it
back; if it's aniissing, promise anything reasonable, and
I'll pay it."
"Aye, yer honour, I sud ken that dirk weel, it's the
ane wi' the cairngorms, and the silver bull's head bedded
in thistles. Dinna fear, I'll bring it back, if I fecht a' St.
Yigeans for't."
"Now, mind what I told you," said Malcolm, laughing;
"no fighting. Fair words are better than hard blows."
"Weel, weel," said Tarn, as he was leaving the room,
" I'll bring the dirk, onyway."
" Do you think there is any truth, John, in Tarn's story
about these murdered sailors?" said Malcolm, when Tam
had made his exit.
"Indeed, I would not be surprised," said John, "if it
was true. If it is, that will be three in less than six
months, and I think you will say with me, that it leaves
a sad stain at somebody's door. What would you think
of any man who would monopolise all the power and
the revenues of two counties, and yet would permit de-
liberate murder to be regularly done at his own door,
without even inquiring, far less trying to find out the
perpetrators?"
"I would think that he was unfit for his position, and
that the sooner lie made room for a better man the better,"
said Malcolm.
"Well, that man is the Abbot of Aberbrothock," said
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCIC.
51
young Northesk; "he wallows in luxury and sensuality,
for which thousands have to pinch both back and belly.
He is more powerful than the Queen Regent, and yet he
will not exert himself to prevent murder from being done
within a few miles of the Abbey."
"Are you not rather rash, John, in speaking in this way
about one of the high dignitaries of our holy Church?"
"The higher the dignity the brighter the example he
ought to show," said John; "but this man is only a
sample of his class. The Romish Church is doomed in
Scotland."
" Surely things are not so bad as that," said Malcolm.
" But I fear you have a good deal of the heretic in you,
John. You should be cautious what you say when the
country is in such a state. All true men should join together
and try to reform without destroying. I see great room for
improvement, but I see no reason for destroying our holy
Church."
" But it is impossible "to reform the Romish Church. You
ought to know that she professes to be infallible, and that
she will cling to her wealth and power to the last. The
Apostles were poor fishermen who laboured with their hands
for their daily bread, but these men who claim to be their
successors are among the lords of this world, wearing purple
and fine linen."
" Well, well," said Malcolm, " we will drop this subject
oefore we quarrel. I have pledged my word to the Queen
52
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
to. fight for her and holy Church, and I will keep my word,
and you can keep your reasons. Come, I will give you a
toast in proof of our friendship. Here is the Lady Jeannie
Gordon, the loveliest, the purest, the noblest, and most perfect
of her sex, and confusion to the man who refuses to drink."
"I will drink your toast," said John, laughing, "if you
will drink mine; and that you may not promise in ignorance
I will tell you at once. Here is the Lady Elizabeth
Hamilton, who is lovelier than the loveliest, purer than the
purest, nobler than the noblest, and more perfect than the
most perfect of her sex."
"Well, you know, I cannot drink that," said Malcolm,
gravely, while John again laughed, "so I think the best way
will be to toast the ladies both together."
" That will be the best way," said John, " so here is the
Ladies Gordon and Hamilton, the loveliest, the purest, the
noblest, and the most perfect of their sex, and may we soon
be assured of their love."
" So be it," said Malcolm, drinking. "And now, how are
we to get you introduced to your fair mistress?"
" It is fashionable for great ladies living at the Abbey to
visit our Lady's Well, and* drink the water in the morning.
What do you say to strolling in that direction to-morrow
morning, and take chance of meeting them? If they are
not there, we will likely get a hint from somebody where
we are likely to see them. I thought of going home to
Eatliie to-night; but now I think I'll wait."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK
53
"A good plan," said Malcolm. "We will act on it. Pass
that wine flask; this brandy is too heady."
When Tam Glen left the presence of his master, he strolled
into the kitchen, where he found Jock Smith, the fisherman,
sitting propped up in a chair, with his head swathed in an
immense circumference of flannel, and a large goblet of
whisky-toddy in his hand. His companion was seated
beside him, with a goblet to match; and, while adminis-
tering consolation, he appeared equally anxious to get to
the bottom of it. The revellers were thinning off; but
there were still a few who had not their drouth thoroughly
quenched, and who were still engaged in that meritorious
operation. The landlord, landlady, and servants, were, still
on hospitable cares intent; and from the noise proceeding
from the rear, of the house, it was evident that the private
rooms were filling fast.
When the landlord got his eye on Tam, he saluted him
with—
" Weel, man, hoo are ye noo after yer fecht?"
"No bad ava, bit yon fallows wad hae provoked the
heart o' a stane."
;"Gudeness, frien'," said the host, "it's lucky that my
stick missed yer heid. Jock Smith oot there has got an
unco lick, but a fisher's head is no easy broken, an' he'll be
better belyve. What are ye gaun tae drink?"
" I dinna care if I tak' a drap whisky. What I got frae
ye last wasna ill tae tak'."
54
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
The landlord seized a wooden dish, and filled out a
quantity that bore a most suspicious resemblance to a
modern half-mutchkin, which Tarn took, and after wishing
the donor "Gude health," quietly sent down his throat,
with a hearty " Ha, ha" of gratification, and then giving
himself a shake, and laying hold of the landlord's oak stick,
he said " That he wad tak' a turn doon the street tae streek
his legs, but that he wadna be lang."
Passing through the kitchen and out into the street, he
sauntered slowly downwards, passing numerous groups
whose loud voices and quarrelsome tones showed that they
had been making acquaintance with John Barleycorn, and
that it was possible that fighting had occurred in other
hostelries besides the " Three Angels." At the foot of the
present Hill Street stood a clump of trees, the shade of
which threw a darkness round about. Hearing voices
speaking, sometimes loud and angrily, and sometimes low
and pleasant, he quickly approached and tried to listen what
was going on. But though he heard the murmur of the
voices, he failed to distinguish what was said, so, dropping
on his knees, he quietly wormed his way nearer the sound.
Getting in behind a tree, he loosened the dirk in his belt,
and with his oak stick in his hand, he waited to hear what
would come next. Then the loud noise broke out again,
and Tarn listened to the following colloquy:—" I tell ye,
Archie, that thae fishers has towed her in, an' I saw her
lyin' at the pier no an hour syne. An' I tell ye, man, twa
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
55
o' oor men's lyin' in the hold \vi' knives in them, an' they
are sure tae be kent by plenty o' fouk; an' ye ken we cudna
keep oor deevils frae the drink after the job was dune; and
when we saw the fisher boats in the distance, ye ken, we
had to cut an' run, and we had a narrow escape. Sae, ye'll
aff to Auchmithie, and bring twa boats an' their crews, an'
we'll cut her oot and scuttle her, an then 'ill be naebody
the wiser. .Noo, see hoo quick ye'll be, an' I'll be waiting
for ye."
" Weel, gin yer honour thinks sae, I'll gang, but I dinna
think there's muckle fear. Ye may expect us in'three or
four oors."
There was a rustling in the brushwood, and then Tarn
saw a human figure step out of the shade, and then make
its way up the Boulzie Hill, over the crest of which it soon
disappeared. Tarn now turned his attention to the move-
ments of the proprietor of the loud voice, for he felt that he
was on the eve of some discovery connected with the
murdered sailors. So he followed the footsteps cautiously
that he now heard crashing through the brushwood, and in
a short time he came out again on the High Street, when
he saw a tall, stalwart figure at some distance before him
walking in the direction of the Harbour.
To take the other side of the street and follow quietly
was the impulse of a moment, and in a short time Tarn
landed his game in a small hut beside the pier.
Then turning, he bounded up the street with the swift-
56
THE ABBOT OF ABEIIBROTHOCK.
ness of a hare, darted in through tlie kitchen of the "Three
Angels," and, dashing open the door of the private room,
hurriedly presented himself to the astonished gaze of hia
master and young Northesk.
" Well, Tam, what in all the world is the matter1?"
"Lord, yer honour, I hae fund it a' oot noo. I hae
catched the fallows that did it.
" What hae ye found out, Tarn1? Wha hae you catched?"
"The murderers o' tliae puir sailors; the ruffians that
kill an' rob honester folk than themsel's. I heard the hail
affair, an' we can catch them like rats in a trap."
Here Tam related what he had heard, and also that he
had followed the one that seemed to be master, and that
he could show them the place where he went.
"I think that Tarn's news is important," said young
Northesk, "and I will go and gather some of the Abbey
men, and try and capture these pirates."
"I will get some of my father's men," said Malcolm;
" and I think we should tell the landlord. He will be sure
to know where there are men who can be got speedily, for
there is no time to be lost."
"Well, you can do so, and I will be off, as I will have
farthest to go."
"Well," said Malcolm, "tell the landlord as you pass,
and be as quick as you can."
The landlord came, and after he had heard the story, he
entered into the thing with great spirit.
THE ABBOT OF ABERRROTHOCK-
57
"111 get a score o' men," said he, "an' I'll gae wi' ye
masel', an' I'll get a lot o' fishers at the Auld Shore-head,
whin we get there, an' I hope we'll catch the villains."
Malcolm hurried away for his father's men, and in an
'hour both he and young Northesk had returned, and in
that short time there were forty stout, able-bodied men
drawn up before the door of the "Three Angels," weii
armed, and ready to obey whatever orders they might
receive.
53
the abbot of aberbrothocx.
CHAPTER VI.
MALCOLM AND JOHN DIVIDE THE MEN—TAM ANDERSON COLLECTS THE
FISHERS—THEY BOARD THE DESERTED SHIP—TAM GLEN GOES TO SEE
THE INSIDE OF A SHIP—HIS TUMBLE—THE HORRIBLE SCENE BELOW—
THE PIRATE BOATS IN SIGHT—THEY ATTEMPT TO BOARD—BUT ARE
REPELLED BY OUR HEROES—JOHN CARNEGIE MADE PRISONER - TAM
GLEN AND THE IRISH PIRATE.
When they were all ready to move, young Northesk said
to Malcolm—
"I think we will divide the men into two companies.
You can take the command of the one, and I will take the
other. Tarn Anderson can manage the fishers he expects to
get at the Auld Shore-head, and he can surround the house
that Tarn Glen saw the fellow enter, and not allow any one
to leave. I would give the sole command to you, but I am
best acquainted with the localities, and will be able to guide
you right. I hope we will be able to catch the ruffians.
You know what you have to do, landlord V'
"Ay, ay, yer honour; I'm tae get a' the fisher lads I
can, an' surround the hoose, an' keep a' in that is in."
"Exactly. Now, lads, I know you will not be afraid to
follow where I lead. March." A loud murmur of assent
was heard from the men; then, with John Carnegie and
Malcolm Ogilvie at the head of their respective companies,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
59
and with Tam Anderson and Tam Glen as henchmen, the
little band marched down the High Street with a swift but
silent step, and were soon drawn up at the Auld Shore-head.
Tam Anderson set off, and in a short time returned with
a number of fishermen, armed hastily with all sorts of
weapons, with whom he surrounded the hut that Tam Glen
pointed out as the one that he had seen the tall figure enter.
Then young Northesk led the way to the vessel, where
he requested the men to stow themselves away under cover
the best way they could, to make no noise, and to be ready
with their arms when called on.
Having seen them all out of sight, he walked forward to
the bows, accompanied by Malcolm and Tam Glen, who
would not leave his master. Arranging a sail so that they
could see and not be seen, he said—
"If they are to come from Auchmithie, they cannot be
here for some time yet, and if the moon rises we will see
as far as the Steeple Kock. Our best plan will be to keep
quiet until they tow us out from the harbour, which they
will likely do before they board in anything like numbers,
and then we can make a rush, and capture as many of them
as we can."
"Yes, that will do well," said Malcolm; "but such
ruffians deserve no quarter. What a strange motion a
ship has to one who has not been accustomed to it. What
do you think of it, Tam?"
"Od, yer honour, it's a very funny feeling. I like tae
GO
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
find my legs sickar on the grand, sae I'm glad we hinna
mony ships on the braes o' Angus."
"That would be an od.d place for ships," said young
Northesk. "I hope that fellow did not leave the house
you saw him enter, Tarn, before we got down."
" I wadna think sae, by the way he spak, but I canna
say. Yonder's the mune risin' noo, and we'll be able taC
see the boats comin'."
Up rose the lady moon in glory and splendour, lavishly
scattering her silver sheen over the troubled sea, while
the reflection of the myriad stars flashed like the glitter of
innumerable diamonds.
Far to the east lay a brilliant pathway of liquid light,
right in the track of the expected boats, and patiently the
Avatchers watched, until Tarn Glen began to lose patience.
" Guidsake, Maister Malcolm, bit this is slow wark, an'
there's nae sign o' thae boats yet. I wonder what like a
place the inside o' a ship is. Cud I gae doon the stair
an' look aboot me? Ye cud cry whan ye see the boats
comin'."
"Well," said Malcolm, "I suppose you can do no harm
down there. Take care and not break your neck going
down."
" Nae fear o' that," said Tarn, hastily scrambling to his
feet, and walking in the direction of the hatchway.
Going down upon his knees, and craneing his neck as far
forward as he could, he cried softly—
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
61
"Hie, lads, are ony o' ye doon there?"
" 'Deed, aye, Tarn," said a voice. " The Ogilvies are a'
here, where Ogilvies never were afore. Are ye comin'
doon?"
"I wadna care. Bit, lord, lads, hae ye nae licht?"
" De'il a licht, Tam. Ye maun just graip."
Tam carefully put one foot inside the hatch, and feeling
the step he as carefully inserted the other. After getting
down several steps, Tarn's foot slipped, and down he went
in a heap, like a hag of coals. The men below heard the
crash, and knew that something had gone wrong, so the
one that spoke before said—
" Fat's wrang, Tam? hae ye fa'en?"
" 0, holy virgin, 0, lads, I've faun an' broken ma back, or
ma legs, or ma neck, or something. 0, guidsake, can some o'
ye no come an' help me oot o' this. 0, Lord, I'll be deid
afore mornin' ?"
"Wait till we get a licht, Tam, an' we'll help ye."
Soon the strokes of flint upon steel were heard, followed
by a spray of tiny sparks of light, then by the blue flame of
a sulphur match, and then a pine knot was lit, and then the
bearer moved over to where Tam was lying. He had
managed somehow to get his head fixed between two rungs
of the ladder, and there he lay as firmly held as a bull in a
stall. With some difficulty they got him extracted, and
after a draught from a whisky bottle, he got up upon his
feet and stared around him. Yery dark and dismal-looking
62 THE ABBOT OF ABEItBROTHOCK.
appeared that filthy den; everything was more or less
smashed and broken. The floor was wet, and the mens
feet splashed among it, as if a heavy sea had tumbled down
the hatchway, but the broken casks and the powerful smell
showed that it was spirits, and not water, that rolled from
side to side with the motion of the ship.
Several human bodies dressed in the garb of seamen, with
knives in their hands, lay stark and stiff, while great splashes
of blood here and there told how sanguinary had been the
conflict, how desperate the fight.
The men of Clan Ogilvie, with several of the Abbot's
followers, were clustered round the foot of the ladder,
evidently not at all satisfied with their surroundings, when
the irrepressible Tarn, ever foremost either in fighting or
talking, exclaimed—
"Michty, lads, bit this is an awfu' place; gin this be what
ye ca' a ship, gi'e me the hill-side an' the bloomin' heather.
Licht anither stick or twa, Archy, for it's unco eerie-like, an'
maybe ye'll get some place in the wa' tae stick them intae."
Here the voice of young Northesk on deck was heard
calling down—
" Be ready, lads; the boats are in sight."
" Ay, ay, yer honour," cried Tarn. " We're a' ready, an'
'ill be gled tae be a' oot o' this. Ca canny, lads, an' I'll gae
up an' see hoo they're comin' on."
Tam having learned wisdom from experience, made his
way safely on deck and crept to the bows beside his master.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
63
A little way past the Steeple Rock appeared two large
boats, crowded with men, swiftly impelled by four oars each,
steering directly for the ship. In a short time the clank 01
the oars was heard, and they pushed boldly on, as if they
expected to find the ship deserted, and nobody to oppose
them.
Malcolm Ogilvie and John Carnegie crept about under
cover warning the men to be silent, and to have their arms
ready when the signal was given.
Tarn Glen grew fidgetty at the prospect of a fight, and,
after staring long at the boats, he turned his eyes to the
pier, and, with a start and muttered shout, he seized his
master by the arm and whispered—
" Miohty, Maister Malcolm, gin that binna the big fallow
wi' the clock stannin' ower there like a crow in the mist.
As sure as death it's him."
"You are surely mistaken, Tarn," said young Northesk;
"that's the Laird of Auchmithie; I know him well."
"I dinna ken nor care wha it is," said Tarn, stoutly;
" I tell ye that's the chiel I saw amang the trees, an' that
I followed doon tae the wee hoose yonder. He's got oot
ere we cam', an' ye'll find he's worth watchin'."
" If he should be in league with these ruffians, it is easy
to see how they have never been caught. But, hush, ha'e
they come?"
The boats were now close in by the ship's side, when the
man on the pier cried—
5
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" Everything is quiet, so I'll let go the rope, and "you
ban lay hold; don't board till you' are outside, arid "when
you sink her, make for the Cove with what speed you can.
I'll see1 yoU in the morning." 1
"Ay, ay, yer honour," cried a voice, arid then the
clank of the oars was again heard, and those on hoard felt
by the motion that they were being towed out to sea.
With slow motion, impblled by the powerful arms of the
pirates, the vessel moved through the water, through
between the heads, and across the bar, right into the
heavy swell of the German Ocean. As she began to rock
uneasily, Tarn Glen, who had never before left terra firmaf
whispered to Malcolm—
" Faith, yer honour, gin this rowin' gaes on wrill be 2!
rowed intae the sea. .Hoo the deevil will we be able tae
fecht, gin we're no able tae standi"
" Hush, Tarn, it's time we had up the lads. John, you'll
better get your men up under cover, and while we attack
the fellows that board, try you and capture the boats. If
they escape we will have done nothing."
"A good plan, Malcolm," said John, "the in ore especially
as your Clansmen are not accustomed to a rolling ship. I
wish to God that we had Tam Anderson and his fishers
here. Could we not signal them 1"
"No, no," said Malcolm, "it would only alarm the
enemy. But we must get up the men, or we will be taken
unawares."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
G5
The word was passed in » whisper for the men to come
on deck, and one by one, as they appeared, they were
shown their allotted stations, where with set teeth, and
bated breath, and bared weapons, they awaited the signal
for the onset.
Under the cover of the sail, John seized Malcolm by the
hand, and said—
"May God bless you, Malcolm, and preserve you. I
have only known you a few hours, and I already love you
like a brother. Be careful of your life for lady Jeannie's
sake. One does not need to know you long to love you,
Malcolm."
" May the holy saints preserve you, John," said Malcolm,
as he wrung him by the hand; "for, danger or not, we
must do our duty as brave men. Lady Jeannie would
despise me, and these men would scorn me, if I were not
foremost in the fray. Here they come. Don e stir, Tarn,
till I give the word."
The clank of the oars ceased, and the boats bumped
against -the side of the ship, and then a voice was heard
crying—
" Speel up, some o' you lads, and strick a licht, an' tak
' yer axes wi' ye."
Several voices cried " Ay, ay," and soon men were seen
climbing over the sides of the ship. One of them, in
'throwing over his leg, struck' Tarn Glen on the jaw, to
which the irrepressible Tarn replied with a heavy blow
66
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
tliat felled the pirate to the deck. On perceiving the
attack on their comrade, the pirates cried, " Help,
help," and thinking that there was only a single man
opposed to them, rushed forward to cut him to pieces.
Malcolm and Tarn started to their feet, crying, "Clan
Ogilvie to the rescue, down wi' the pirates," and rushed
forward, sword in hand.
On hearing the shout, young Horthesk also sprang up,
crying "Hurra, lads o' the Brothock, follow me;" and
followed by all the Red Lichties, he dashed into the melee,
upsetting a tall pirate who had attacked Tarn Glen, and
with a spring he caught hold of the rigging, and threw
himself into one of the boats, followed by several of his
men.
But before the number necessary to cope with the pirates
could assist them, he was overpowered, and instead of
capturing the boats, he was himself a prisoner
It was evident that the number of pirates was greater
than was anticipated, and their attack became so fierce that
every man had to fight desperately for his own life.
When young Northesk so opportunely upset the pirate,
Tarn Glen threw down his sword, drew his dirk, and with a
shout threw himself upon his enemy. Raising his arm to
strike, he received a severe blow on the face, which, with
the struggling that ensued, had the effect of making him
lose his hold of his weapon. A regular rough-and-tumble
took place, first one and then the other coming uppermost,
THK ABBOT OF AEERBIIOTHOCK.
67
till at last the pirate, seizing the redoubtable Tam by the.
throat, planted his knees on his chest, and with a shout of
" \Vhoo, yer sowl, ye ruffin, wad yees tak' me precious life ?"
he drew his dagger, and raised it aloft to give him the coup
de grace. Tam, half-choked^with the grasp on his throat, and
horrified at the appearance of the long glittering dagger,
made a convulsive effort, and in his turn upset his opponent,
attempted to rise to his feet, was again seized by the Irish
pirate, and in the further struggle that ensued they both
disappeared down the hatchway.
68
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
CHAPTER VII.
ARRIVAL OF THE FISHER BOATS JUST IN TIME—CHASE OF THE PIRATES —
THEY ESCAPE—THE LANDING—THE KILLED AND WOUNDED—THE ALARM
IN THE TOWN AT THE BURNING SHIP—MALCOLM'S INTERVIEW WITH SIB
JOHN CARNEGIE—THEN TO BED IN THE " THREE ANGELS."
When young Northesk so bravely forced his way into
the boat, the press of the pirates became so great that the
bulk of his followers were prevented from following him.
So desperate was their onslaught, that the attack of the
Abbey men and Clan Ogilvie was turned into a defence, a
defence in which each man had sometimes to fight two, or
even three opponents.
Malcolm Ogilvie was attacked by a savage-looking fellow
with a huge red beard, who appeared to be either German
or Scandinavian, and a dapper little dandy who was
evidently a Frenchman. With one sweep of his claymore
he disabled the Frenchman; then turning to the red pirate,
he attempted by rapid and powerful blows to beat him to
the deck. But the pirate was no 'prentice hand; in many
a fierce encounter he had fought for his ain hand, and he
skilfully gave back blow for blow. Malcolm began to give
ground, in the expectation of catching his opponent un-
awares, when he perceived another pirate gliding into his
rear, with the evident intention of stabbing him behind.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
•69
With a spring he turned upon his new antagonist, and
\vjth,pne .blow he levelled him with the deck; then again
shouting (plan Ogilvie—help for Clan Ogilvie!" he turned to
th^ red^pirate^and^with; one desperate blow clove his skull,
Several' of his men, hearing, the rallying cry so dear to
theiy hearts, rushed. to his^aid, and, with loud shouts and
glancing swords, they forced the pirates -to the bow of the
vessel. At this moment Tam Glen's head appeared, in the
hatchway, and in a moment he sprang pn deck? crying—r
i /^Gude God! Maister Malcolm, the ship's a-£re."
When,, Tam apd thg Irish pirate -tumbled down the
hatchway, they upset some of the lights that had been
left burning when the men had ,been called on deek. The
fire caught the 'spirit that flooded the floor,.and in -a few
moments the whole interior of the vessel was in flames.
. Tam was frightened at the terrible sight, and hurriedly
leaving his antagonist, who was lying senseless from the
effect of the fall, he hastened on deck and- spread the fear-
ful news.
, And,their position was critical in the extreme—pressed
hard by a murderous band of pirates, who were not inclined
to give much quarter, and with a furna.ce glowing beneath
their fept, and the wide ocean around them !
Help there appeared to be none; Many had been
killed, many were helplessly wounded. There appeared
no resource but theu pirates' weapons—the fiery pit beneath
them, or an ocean grave.
70
THE AEBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Rendered, desperate with the danger, Malcolm and Tam, and
all their men who were able to move, retreated to the stern
of the vessel, determined to test the possibility of capturing
one of the boats, when the clank of oars and shouts of men
were heard. The pirates, too, had heard the shouts, and,
on a shrill whistle from one of the boats, they crowded to
the sides of the ship with the evident intention of making
their escape.
When Malcolm and the still unconquered Tam saw this
movement, they raised again their stirring war cry of " Clan
Ogilvie for ever," and again they rushed on the foe.
The shrill whistle was again repeated, and many of the
pirates had jumped into the boats, and the remainder were
forced to turn and fight for their lives. Again the whistle
was repeated; the boats began to move, and the remaining
pirates, flinging their weapons from them, precipitated
themselves into the sea, from whence they were picked up
by their comrades.
When the last of the pirates had left the deck, Malcolm
threw down his blood-stained sword, and piously crossing
himself, fervently thanked Our Lady and the saints that
there was a way of escape opened up. Then he looked
around in a confused, dazed sort of way, as if trying to
estimate the loss they had sustained, and then his mind
suddenly reverted to John Carnegie and his gallant attempt
to capture the boats. The excitement he had undergone,
the desperate nature of the struggle he had come through,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
71
Bad strung his faculties into a state of unnatural tension;
and now that the reaction had set in, he felt as weak and
feeble as a child.
Leaning with his back against the mast, he signed for
Tam to approach him. That worthy, who presented a most
dilapitated and disreputable figure, came running up, and
on seeing Malcolm's weak and weary look, burst out with—
" 0, michty, man! 0, holy saints!—dinna say that ony
o' thae runnagates hae stickit you! 0, guid keep me, if our
young laird is no sair hurt! Here, Jock, "Will, Angus,
Sandy—come and help the laird."
"Hold your tongue, you fool! There's nothing the
patter with me. Have you got any spirits—wine, brandy,
>-anything?"
"Is that a'? Thank the "Virgin. I thocht ye had been
stickit. Hae, that'll cure ye."
, As he said this, he handed him a large bottle that
appeared about half full of some potent liquor, and which
he might possibly have picked up on his visit downstairs
with the Irishman. Malcolm took a hearty drink, and
handed the bottle back to Tam, who coolly finished the
remainder, and then with all his strength threw the bottle
at the rear boat of the pirates, who were now in full re-
treat, and he evidently hit his mark, if the loud yell that
was heard could be taken as proof.
The crackling of the flames, and the terribly heated
state of the deck under their feet, began to render their
72
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
position very uncomfortable, and it was with many prayer?
and thanks that they saw three boats, in the stern of one
of which stood Tam Anderson, dash alongside, and throw
on board a rope.
Soon after Tam scrambled on board, and on viewing the
scene of horror that the deck presented, he threw up his
arms and ejaculated, "Lord preserve us, sic an awfu' Hke
place. There's nae time to be lost; we can crack when
we get ashore, yer honour. We'll hae tae get a' thae
wounded men intae the boat. Hurry, lads,"
Many hands make light work, and the wounded men of
their own party were soon removed, and it was significant
of the times we write of when we state that the wounded
and dead of the pirates were left to burn.
After the boats had pulled some distance from the
burning ship, the oars were shipped, and a consultation
held between Malcolm and Tam Anderson, the landlord
of the "Three Angels." After Malcolm had given a
recital of events, and of young Northesk and some of his
men being amissing, and about their doubts whether they
had been made prisoners or despatched and thrown over-
board, it was agreed to send one boat with the wounded
ashore, while the other two boats, with every man that
could be spared, should chase the pirates, and at least
ascertain where they went. Soon the two boats were on
their way, and, under the influence of four oars each, they
made good speed, and for some time kept the pirates in
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
73
sight. Bat when they had passed the Steeple Bock, and
passed, into the dark and sombre shadow of the cliffs, they
lost. the. chase, and although they kept a good. look out as
they passed Dickman's Den, and the Mason's Cove, and the
Forbidden Cove, and the Ladies' Cove, and Auchmithie.
they were baffled and forced to return as they went.
Malcolm, now that he was again in full possession ol
strength and vigour, was sorely grieved when he thought of
the probable fate of John Carnegie. He thought of their
conversation in the ship before the fight, the affectionate
friendship John had shone, the chance acquaintance of a few
hours' standing; and his heart was sad with a heavy
sadness, and yearned with a strange yearning.
What could he say to the old man whose idol he was:
whose only son and whose heir he was 1 Could he tell him
that he had led him on a wild and Quixotic expedition tc
fight pirates, and recklessly endanger a life that was so
valuable, that was so worshipped 1 Partly from curiosity,
and partly to distract his mind from painful thoughts, lie
asked Tarn Anderson how " he had been able to come so
fortunately to their rescue, when they were in such jeopardy
with fire and pirates ?"
"Weel, yer honour," said Tarn, "I'll tell ye a' aboot it.
Ye see, when ye left us wi' the order tae lat naebody oot or
intae the wee house, we stood awee, an' as we had naething
tae dae, we wearied-like, so I sent Sand Swankie, that
dacent fisher lad sittin' there, up tae the ' Tappit Hen' for a
74
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
wee drap o' whisky. Whan he cam' back we fand that we
riad naething to measure it wi'; an' the place wis sae quiet
I wis curious to see what like the inside wis, sae I just
stappit in an' speered for a gless. There was naebody there
but the auld wife o' the hoose an' the Laird o' Auchmithie;
and though I thought it odd tae see the like o' him sitting
there, as he was kent fouk, an' could be nae pirate, I ne'er
lat on, but juist telt ma erran', got fat I wanted, an' cam
awa'. The Laird cam' oot sune after, an' gaed awa' up the
toon; an' sune after we saw the boats towin' the ship oot
tae sea, an' then in a wee while we heard a routin' an' a
shoutin', an' then I began to grow uneasy, an' then I got
the lads tae pit aff in their boats; an' I'm gled we were in
time. Guidness, bit that's an awfu' bleeze."
The fire had now burst through the deck, and lit up the
whole sky from horizon to zenith. The sea, under the
glare of the moon and the fire, glittered and heaved like a
volcano of molten glass. The land line, and the houses,
and vegetation loomed up dark and sombre, and the sough
of the night wind moaned and sighed like the wail of a
lost spirit.
The steady pull of the experienced fishermen had brought
the boats to the harbour, and when they were all again on
solid earth, Malcolm inwardly thanked his Maker that he
had been preserved from all the dangers of that fearful
night.
How sorrowful he felt when he thought of all he had
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 71)
dared, and all that they had lost, and how complete the
failure had been. The men were mustered, and it was
found that there were ten killed or missing, and fifteen
jnore or less wounded. These were all taken away ; some
who had homes or friends were taken there; others, like
the men of Clan Ogilvie, to the places where they were
quartered.
Malcolm invited all to come to the "Three Angels,"
where they would he rewarded, but one and all protested
that they wanted no reward, but that they would come and
drink with his honour. As they turned to leave the
harbour, the sea burst through the burnt timbers of the
ship, and, with a loud hissing and clouds of steam, the
blood-stained craft sank to rise no more. The pirates were
still undiscovered; their haunts were still unknown. John
Carnegie and his men had disappeared, and their fate was s
mystery, and all the clue they had was a strong suspicion
against the Laird of Auchmithie.
As might have been supposed, all this could not have
occurred without the alarm being given in the town.
Bugles and bagpipes sounded the gathering, men ran hither
and thither, clothes and arms were in great request, and the
inside of the Abbey had the appearance of an overturned
beehive.
The Earl of Huntly, the Lord Ogilvie, and the other
chiefs hurriedly met, and after consultation, it was agreed
to send Sir John Carnegie with a body of armed men to the
76
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
scene of action. These met Malcolm and his broken and
dispirited followers near the foot of the High Street.
Malcolm, who was marching in front with folded arms and
hanging head, closely followed by Tarn Glen and the
landlord of the "Three Angels," was aroused from his
reverie by a cry of " Halt."
" Who goes there ?" cried Malcolm, looking up astonished
at the sight of the strong force before him.
"Leal friends of the Queen Regent and the Abbot of
Aberbrothock. Wha are ye1?"
"Malcolm Ogilvie and some of the Abbey men and Clan
Ogilvie."
" An' whar hae ye been at this time o' nicht 1" said Sir
John Carnegie, coming forward. " An' can ye tell us what
is the cause o' that flare o' licht in the sky!"
"That's Sir John Carnegie," whispered Tarn Anderson,
twitching Malcolm by the arm.
" I am very sorry to be the bearer of bad news to you,
Sir John," said Malcolm, dashing into the midst of his
subject; "but that is the pirate ship burning, and your son
and several of his men are missing."
" An' how comes it that my son is mixed up wi' a pirate
ship?" said Sir John. "An' surely stout men like you
wadna leave him to the mercy o' pirates and a burning
ship?"
"No, no," said Malcolm, excitedly; "I would have given
ray life to have saved that of John Carnegie. God and the
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
77
saints know how grieved I am. I have only known him a
few hours, and already he was dear to me as a brother.
David was not dearer to Jonathan, the son of Saul, than
your son was to me."
"But how did it happen!" said Sir John. "Was he
killed or drowned!"
"We cannot tell for certain, hut we hope that he is still
living, though a prisoner. But what I have to tell is for
your private ear alone," and walking some distance apart
from the men, followed by Sir John, Malcolm began at the
chase after Lady Jeannie's runaway horse, and told of his
meeting with John at the miller's house, of their interview
with the Queen Regent at the Abbey, of their adjournment
to the "Three Angels," of Tarn Glen's story of the pirate
ship, and what he overheard among the trees; of their
hurried gathering and occupancy of the ship, of the Laird
of Auchmithie's unloosing of the vessel at the pier, of the
attack of the pirates; of John's gallant attempt to capture
the boats, and his subsequent disappearance; of their long
chase after the pirate boats, and their vexation at losing
their track.
"Ay," said Sir John musingly, after Malcolm had
finished, "an' so he's at the head o' thae murderers an'
robbers, wha hae been sic a disgrace to oor countryside sae
lang. I'll rive it oot o' his foul throat afore the Queen
an' a' the chiefs. To think that the leader o' the Abbey
vassals, whase duty it was to keep the countryside hi
78
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
peace an security, should be in league wi' pirates. That
explains boo they never cud be fund oot, an' hoo be aye
cried that there was nae pirates to catch. Ye'll come ower
the morn, afore the Council sits doon, an tell a' ye ken, an'
I'll go up the noo an' let them ken."
Sir John wheeled his men, and they all marched up the
High Street, till they were near the " Three Angels," and
then Malcolm begged Sir John to excuse him, as he felt
greatly fatigued, and he would be in attendance on the
morrow, in time for the Council.
When they were housed, Tarn Anderson made an
enormous howl of toddy, of which they heartily partook,
after which Malcolm threw himself upon his couch without
indressing. and was soon lost in a dreamless slumber.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
79
CHAPTER VIII.
MALCOLM'S BREAKFAST—THE STREET—THE ABBEY—MALCOLM ACCUSES
THE LAIRD OF AUCHMITHIE—IS SNUBBED BY THE ABBOT—MALCOLM
WALKS IN THE GARDEN—HEARS LADY JEANNIE SINGING—RETIRES TO
PREPARE FOR THE BANQUET.
When Malcolm awoke in the morning the sun was well up
in the sky, and the noise and uproar in the " Three Angels"
showed that the day's business or pleasure had begun.
He started to his feet and cried on Tam Glen, who lay
coiled up on the floor.
Tam gathered himself together with a yawn, rubbed his
eyes, and slowly rose to his feet, exclaiming—
" Guid keep us, Maister Malcolm, if we liinna sleepit a
day. I declare, if ilka bane o' my body is no sair wi' yon
confundit tumble I got wi' the Irishman doon yon hole in
the ship. Puir deevil, I doot there's no muckle sair abooi
him the day—och, hey."
" Haste ye, Tam, an' bring me some water to wash, and
see if you can get a change of clothes for me, and when
you are ben tell the landlord to bring us something to eat,
and hurry, for I have to go up to the Abbey."
" Ay, ay, yer honour, I'll dae a' that," said Tam, hurry
ing from the apartment.
Although Tam professed to be in such a hurry, yet he
6
80
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
spared time to visit the little room where the landlord
\nd his assistants dispensed their creature comforts.
After passing the compliments of the morning, Tarn's
rirst duty was to imbibe an immense horn of unreduced
North Port whisky, after which he took in the water and
clothes, and then assisted the landlord to carry in the
breakfast.
This consisted of a great bowl of oatmeal porridge and
sweet milk, followed by a junk of boiled beef and oatmeal
cakes or bannocks, the whole washed down by draughts of
strong ale, aided by an occasional dram of French brandy.
After disposing of a quantity of this provender that
would have astonished some of our modern exquisites,
Malcolm rose, buckled on his sword and dirk, and after
repeating his instructions to Tam to proceed to St. Yigeans
?n search of his grandfather's dagger, he left the hostel, and
proceeded up the brae to the Abbey.
The way was thronged with people—horse boys, archers,
spearmen, townsmen, country people, and the usual amount
of women and children.
The whole topic of conversation seemed to be the terrible
events of the preceding night; and wherever there was one
of the Clan Ogilvie or the Abbey men who had been in the
fray, there was sure to be an eager group listening with
intense interest to the narrative.
Passing in through the great gate of the Abbey, he
passed the guards, and, mounting the great staircase, he
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
81
inquired for Sir John Carnegie. Sir John was sent for,
and when he appeared he said—
"Come awa', Malcolm, my man. I hae telt my story,
an' the Laird o' Auchmithie denies it black. The Abbot
backs him up, and professes no to believe a word o't. But
ne'er ye heed, but speak the truth an' shame the de'il."
"I will state nothing, Sir John, but what really hap-
pened, and what I can prove, and I am afraid to look no
man in the face."
" That's richt; come in."
He followed Sir John into the room, and was glad to see
that neither the Queen nor any of the ladies were present.
Huntly and the Abbot sat at the head of the table, and
the other gentlemen were ranged down the sides. When
they appeared, the Abbot, who was arrayed in a gorgeous
vestment, haughtily said—
"Who are you who dares to spread false reports
affecting the character of a gentleman well known to the
country side!"
"Who I am, your reverence! Lord Ogilvie, my kinsman
and chief, can tell you, and what I have said i am ready
and able to prove."
" He's a guid lad, Malcolm, an' come o' as guid blude as
ony in Scotland," said Lord Ogilvie.
"Tell us what occurred," said Huntly, "and then we
will be better able to judge."
"Yes, yes," cried several voices, "tell us what happened.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Malcolm began, and told all the events as they occurred,
and which we are already acquainted with. When he had
finished, the Laird of Auchmithie started to his feet and
exclaimed—
"It is false, every word of it that tries to connect me
with it. I was in Auchmithie, in bed, when it is said to
have happened. I have been mistaken for somebody else,
and I will challenge every one to fight who after this repeats
the story."
" I tell you that I am able to prove it," said Malcolm,
hotly, " and I will bring my witnesses, if you choose."
"And has it come to that?" said the Abbot, "that a
gentleman's word is to be balanced against that of any low-
borne kerne who chooses to speak falsely ?"
"I am no low-born kerne, your reverence; when you say
that, you insult Lord Ogilvie and his whole clan."
"I did not mean that you were," said the Abbot; "but
certainly your witnesses are."
" If evidence will not do, I am willing to fight the Laird
of Auchmithie to show that I have acted honestly," said
Malcolm.
" Naebody that kens you, Malcolm, can doubt your
honesty," said Lord Ogilvie; "but is it no possible that ye
micht be mista'en ?"
"Yes, yes," said several voices, "he must be mista'en.w
"I am not mista'en," said Malcolm; "and if John
Carnegie is yet alive he will be able to prove that I am not."
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
83
"I think we are agreed, gentlemen," said the Abbot,
looking round, "that it must be a mistake, and that the
Laird of Auchmithie has no stain on his name. It is more
likely to have been the work of some of the vile heretics
who at present distract the country."
"It is agreed," said Huntly, rising; "and while we think
that Malcolm has been mistaken in his charge, the Council
■unanimously thank him for the bravery that he showed last
night. And now that this is disposed of, let. the Queen be
informed that the Council is in attendance."
Malcolm took this as a signal that his company was no
longer required, so he bowed and retired, followed by Sir
John Carnegie.
When they were in the corridor Sir John seized his hand,
and, with tears in his eyes, said—
" I still believe that you are right, Malcolm, and that that
villain is guilty. I will have the whole Heugh searched by
the fisher boats; and if I can prove him in league with these
ruffians, I will have no mercy on him. Let me see you
soon again, or you might come and stay awhile at Ethie."
"I cannot well promise that," said Malcolm, "as you
know I will have to attend the Queen; but I will see you
again, as I am anxious about poor John."
Sir John wrung his hand again, and then retired into thf
Council Chamber, leaving Malcolm to go his way alone.
He descended the staircase in no enviable mood. He
was angry that his word of honour should have been treated
84
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
so lightly, that his offered proof should have been so
haughtily rejected, and that so black a villain should have
been permitted to triumph. He was shocked that the
Abbot had so scornfully refused to hear his witnesses because
they were poor—that a priest, professing a religion of love
and peace, whose great Exemplar had been a carpenter, and
his friends fishermen, should so arrogantly dictate opinions
to noblemen and gentlemen. And he began to think that
possibly the heretics were not so far astray after all.
Passing round by the north side of the Abbey, he entered
a walk shaded with trees, which suited the monks well
when they were troubled with meditation or indigestion,
and was soon in the well-kept garden of the Monastery.
The sun shone brightly, the little birds sang merrily in the
trees, fruits and flowers were in full bloom, and all nature
•rejoiced in the beautiful summer time.
Suddenly he heard cheerful voices, and gladsomelaughter,
and the pleasant tingling of a harp, and, looking between a
clump of trees, he saw what was to him the fairest scene in
creation. Beside a little well that glittered and murmured
drowsily in the sunshine, well known as the Heys Well, sat
the Lady Jeannie Gordon and the rest of the Queen's ladies,
attended by a number of the gentlemen in attendance on
the chieftains who were now assembled in Council. Beside
her stood a page with a harp, which he had evidently just
received, as the music was now silent, and which he now held
until it could be decided who was to be the next performer
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 85
Then he heard the silvery voice of Lady Jeannie in a
pretty little tone of command—
" Now, Glenmore, it is your turn, though you would have
been better employed in the Council."
" Nay, your ladyship, I am content to let his Lordship be
councillor for me, while I have the more congenial task of
attending la belles dames."
Then he sang a gathering song in Gaelic, and then one of
the French ladies sang a merry French chanson, and then
the general cry was for Lady Jeannie.
" No, no," said she. " I do not feel inclined to-day."
A general shout of laughter greeted the excuse. Then
Glenmore, doffing his plumed bonnet and sinking on his
knee, presented her with the harp.
"Well," said she, "since you are so urgent, you will be
rewarded." And then she sang the following
LINES.
He disna ken hoo weel I lo'e
His bricht blue een, bis bonnie broo;
His gallant form, bis sunny smile,
They did my maiden heart beguile.
His braw cockade, bis tartan plaid,
The little pride I bad has laid;
Sair, sair my heart beats in my side-—
O love, this love is ill tae bide.
O gin be kent boo weel I lo'e
His ain dear sel', he wad be true;
An' love for aye wad be oor fa',
An' time an' life wad slip awa\
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
A general chorus of "Bravo !" "Beautiful!" "Excel-
lent!" burst from both ladies and gentlemen, and Malcolm
forgot his angry thoughts in the rapturous adoration and
fervid worship with which he regarded the beautiful lady.
Long after, in other times and scenes, he thought on that
simple song, and that gloriously beautiful singer, and he
felt that it marked a period in his life's career.
And now, becoming alive to the delicate position he was
placed in, if he were caught eaves-dropping, he came boldly
forward from among the trees, and, bonnet in hand, bowed
low to Lady Jeannie, and then to the company generally.
His appearance was evidently a surprise, for as she looked
up she became embarrassed, and a deep red flush overspread
her brow and face and neck.
"With a great struggle she managed to recover herself, and
rising to her feet, she held out her hand, saying,
"Welcome!" Then turning to the company, she said,
"Permit me to introduce Master Malcolm Ogilvie, who
yesterday saved my life at the risk of his own."
"You do me too much honour, Lady Jeannie," said
Malcolm, again bowing. "Although I was sorry to see
you in danger, I was proud in having the chance of being of
service, as I am sure any gentleman would be."
" What is this dreadful adventure that you were engaged
in last night?" said one of the gentlemen standing by. "Is
it true that young Northesk was killed or drowned ?"
" Young Northesk killed or drowned?" said Lady Elizabeth
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
67
Hamilton. " Surely not. Is not that the young gentleman
we saw at the audience yesterday, Jeannie?"
"The same," said Lady Jeannie. "Is it true, Master
Malcolm?"
" He is amissing," said Malcolm, " hut as yet we cannot
say what his fate has "been."
"Tell us how it happened?" said Lady Jeannie, again
seating herself, with Malcolm standing by her chair.
To hear was to obey, so Malcolm, avoiding all allusion to
the Laird of Auchmithie, related circumstantially everything
as it happened. As he related the dreadful peril they were
in between the pirates and the fire before the boats came,
Lady Elizabeth laughed a soft low laugh, as. she watched
the colour come and go on Lady Jeannie's face. When
Lady Jeannie heard this she started to her feet, and, with
a tremor on her lip and a high'flush on her cheeks, she
declared that she had sat long enough, and now would
like to walk.
This brought the other ladies to their feet also, and, as
they strolled along, Lady Elizabeth rather maliciously
asked, "What fair lady he intended to escort to the
banquet and ball to-night?"
"I am too much a stranger here," said Malcolm, "to
dare to ask any lady, and even if I did, I fear I would be
refused."
Lady Jeannie looked up hurriedly, and gave him a glance
that flashed to the deepest recesses of his heart, while every
88
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
pulse beat fast and every nerve quivered, and the hope that
that glance gave was a very agony of bliss.
He unconsciously straitened himself, smiled a pleasant
smile, and then, afraid that every eye was upon him, W
held down his head and was silent, while Lady Elizabeth
again laughed a low sweet laugh.
"We will soon know when the Queen will return to
Leith," said Glenmore, " and who goes with her. I hope
we all go, for one good blow at the heretics will scatter
them like chaff."
" Be not so sure of that," said one of the French ladies;
" the arquebusiers are the finest soldiers in the world, and
they can do nothing against their overpowering numbers."
"Wait till the lads of Clan Gordon get at them with
target and claymore," said Glenmore.
"We will all do our duty," said Malcolm, "but it is
sad when men of the same country war with each other.
We should all keep our blows for the foreigner."
"The heretics would destroy our holy religion, and set
aside our lawful Kegent," said Lady Jeannie, "and they
ought to be put down. But here we are at the Abbey again.
Adieu, Master Malcolm, till we see you at the banquet,"
and with a bow they all passed in, leaving him to find his
way to the " Three Angels," to prepare for the evening.
the abbot of aberbrothoch.
CHAPTER IX.
CAPTURE OP JOHN CARNEGIE—THE CHASE—THE CLIFFS—THE CAVE—THB
DUNGEON—THE PRISONER—HIS STORY—JOHN'S ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE.
When John Carnegie sprang from the ship into the
pirates' boat, he stumbled and fell, and ere he could re-
cover himself he was seized, bound hand and foot, and
thrown into the bottom of the boat. Stung to madness at
the turn affairs had taken, he struggled desperately to re-
lieve himself, but in vain.
Above him in the storm of battle he heard the wild, war
cries of the men of Clan Ogilvie, the more homely shouts
of the men of the Brothock, and the deep, harsh curses of
the pirates.
Alternately the fight swayed backwards and forwards—
now his friends appeared to be making way, then the
pirates appeared to recover themselves; now the clank
of oars was heard, and then the pirates came tumbling
into the boat.
A heavily built man, who spoke with a Northumbrian
burr, and who seemed to be leader, cried—
"Be quick, lads, be quick; shove off. Be quick, Louis,"
he cried to the leader of the other boat. " Those priestly
90
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
slaves are upon us. What spy could have told them of our
errand1?"
" Oui, oui, mon ami, we veil be queek," cried Louis.
The pirates bent to their oars, and in a short time had
made considerable progress eastward.
The Northumbrian scanned their position narrowly.
Then rising to his feet he took a long, steady look behind.
"By heavens and all the saints, here they come," he
cried. "Pull, men, pull. Hans, keep your eye on the
Steeple Bock."
"Yaw, yaw," cried Hans, a stolid Dutchman, who sat
at the bow of the boat, " ve sail ze der Sdeeple Bock."
" Ha, ha," cried Musgrove, " how she burns. Our work
is as well done as if we had sunk her. Pull, men, pull.
They are gaining on us, and they must not learn our secret."
And now they pass the Steeple Bock, and plungp into
the sombre shadows of the cliffs, sweeping recklessly on
in the darkness. Suddenly Musgrove cried, "Back water
a moment."
The boats stopped, and Musgrove listened earnestly.
In a few moments, above the noise of the surf beating on
the shore, was heard the steady strokes of oars evidently
impelled by powerful hands.
"There they come," cried Musgrove. I thought they
would have turned back when they lost sight of us. Wo
must go up Dickman's Den, or we cannot escape. Pull,
lads, pull!—for your lives, pull!"
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
91
The pirate boats swept up Dickman's Den, a long narrow
rift in the cliffs that admits the tide, and lay on their oars.
They saw their pursuers sweep past the mouth of the
Den, and a low chuckle passed from man to man.
Had John Carnegie, with his local knowledge of the
coast, been in command instead of Malcolm Ogilvie, he
never would have allowed such a place as Dickman's Den
to have passed unsearched: but Malcolm was ignorant
of the very existence of such a place, and the men with
him paid too much deference to their superiors to express
an opinion unasked.
Quietly the pirates sat at their oars in that wild and
fearful place; for it is a wild and fearful place, and it
requires a strong nerve in the daylight to look from the
top of the cliff into that gruesome pit. Tradition relates
wild legends of it—how Dickman, the leader of a band of
pirates, made it his rendezvous, and when any ship was
sailing unsuspectingly by, how he and his band would
pounce out upon it, and murder all on board.
The pirates' patience was rewarded. They saw their
pursuers retrace their watery way, and after a time they
left their shelter and sought their hidden home. Past the
Mason's Cove, where the winds and waves assail the rocks
with wild monotonous roar; past the Forbidden Cove,
with its wild legends and horrible mysteries, went the
pirate band, until they swept into the rift of the rocks that
contained their secret haunt.
92
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Up a narrow passage, and then the boats grounded upoa
a sandy beach, and then they sprang ashore and bodily
carried them up into the cave.
After they were inside, torches were brought, John was
lifted out, and his bonds unloosed. His limbs were stiff
with impeded circulation, and it was some time ere he could
move with freedom, or find time to notice anything but his
own miserable position. But when at last he gazed around
him at the scene lit up by the lurid glare of the pirates'
torches he was struck with wonder and amazement. He, a
native of the coast, acquainted, as he thought, with all its
wonders, had never heard of this cave that spread around
in such immense proportions, rivalling in size the giant
temple of some strange divinity.
The floor was of reddish sand, mixed with stones, the
walls were of red sandstone, twisted into singular forms by
the action of the water, while from the lofty roof stalactites
hung in endless variety.
He was standing in a manner awe-struck, when he was
rudely seized by Musgrove, and ordered to go forward.
" Go on," cried he; " if I had not thought you worth some
broad pieces, I would have tumbled you overboard, but
prisoners bring money, and money brings pleasure."
Moving forward, they came to where the cave split into
two divisions, from one side of which, flaring with light,
came sounds of revelry and mirth, but the other was dark
and silent as the grave.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
93
" Go on, Hans, with the torch," said Musgrove, pointing
to the dark side of the cave; " let onr guest see the way to
his luxurious lodgings," and he laughed a harsh, mirthless
laugh.
Hans moved forward with the light, followed by John
and Musgrove and some more of the pirates, till they came
to a rocky aperture, into which was fixed a door, evidently
plundered from some unfortunate ship.
This door, strongly fastened, was at last thrown open,
and they all entered—John wondering, and the others
laughing.
The place was not large, evidently little more than a
niche in the wall, but it looked dismal and dreary enough.
"Water trickled down the walls, from which great masses
of stone stuck out here and there with a very eccentric
appearance.
The floor was covered with a strange mixture of seaweed,
grass, moss, heather, and other substances, which had
evidently been brought to form beds for the unfortunate
prisoners who were forced to pass their lives in such a place.
"Now," said Musgrove, turning to John, "here you
stop till we can get gold for you. If you are quiet and
obedient we will not treat you badly; but if you try any
tricks, look out. Come, comrades, this place is rather too
cold for me."
" But you do not think it too cold for better men than
yourself," said John, scornfully; "men whom you have
9i THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
robbed of liberty in a cowardly manner, and whom you
force to stop in a vile den like this. A day may come
when you will regret this.
"Threatened folk live long," said Musgrove coldly,
moving to the door. "Take my advice while you are
here, and say as little as possible."
John made no reply, and the clash of the door told him
they had departed.
He threw himself down on the heap at his feet, and
remained motionless, stunned by the terrible disaster that
had befallen him. Where now was his chance of being
useful to the party that he belonged to, to the Eeformed
Kirk, and so many important events about to be enacted1? and
then a small, still voice whispered, "What of Lady Elizabeth?''
He brooded thus when he thought he heard a rustling
at the other end of the place. He listened, but all again
seemed quiet. Again he brooded, and again he thought he
heard the sound, and this time he felt startled.
"Who is there?" he said.
"I was a man once," said a thin quivering voice. "I
know not what I am now."
"Have.you been here long?" said John.
"I have lost all record of time," said the voice, "but it
seems an eternity since I saw the sun by day, or the stars
by night."
''And did you never try to escape from this horrible
place?" said John.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
95
"I tried once, and nearly escaped after knocking some
of them senseless in my desperation. But they were too
many for me; I was struck to the earth, and when I re-
covered I was lying here chained hand and foot."
"How were you captured1?" said John.
"I had been a soldier in the Scottish Guard in France,
and after trading a pike for ten years I took home-sick,
and obtained a pass for a year. I took shipping at Caen
for Leithj in a storm we were driven out of our course,
and suffered a good deal of misery, and while beating up
again for Leith we were boarded by those ruffians. "We
were all weak and exhausted from our exertions, but, few
as we were, we fought bravely; but they boarded us on
all sides, and I was captured and thrown into a boat, and
when we landed dragged into this place, where I have
since been. I think I must have been insane part of the
time, for I used to hear voices speaking to me—voices of
loved ones that I have not seen for many years, and that
I will never, never see again."
"Take courage," said John, "and you will yet be free,
and see your friends at home. I assure you I do not in-
tend to stay here long, and I will never desert you. We
will go together. Oh, if the folks at Ethie or the fishers
at Auchmithie knew the way I am chained up in this den,
there would soon be broken heads. If we could only get
down to the water edge, we have only to swim round a
point and then we would be free."
7
00
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"But i cannot walk, far less swim. I would only be a
burden to you, and ensure tlie capture of both. No, no,
my friend, if you wish to help both you must make tlie
attempt yourself. Tell me to whom I am indebted for so
much hope, so much kindness? I feel like another man
already," and he attempted to rise, his chains jingling the
while, but he was too weak, and he fell back panting
where he had lain.
"When he had again settled himself, John told him of the
ship the pirates had robbed and deserted on the sea—how
the fishers had brought her into port, how the pirates had
attempted to cut her out to scuttle her, of the desperate fight
that had taken place, and how he had been made prisoner.
He also told him who he was, and where they were, and
then asked him to tell about himself.
"Alas," said he, "I never thought I should tell any friend
the history of my life in such a place as this. Oh, indeed, I
cannot; we must leave it until a happier time, if ever it
come, for my feelings overpower me. Oh, my native Clyde,
when will I see thy bonny banks again? When will I
wander on thy bonnie braes, among the heather wild?
When will I see the dark hills of Argyle, or speel the steep
hillside of Corlic ? Alas !"
"But tell me your name and family," said John. "If I
get out, I may be able to let them know."
"My name is Hugh Orr, second son of Sir John Orr o.
Dunrod, on the banks of the Clyde."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
97
Here the loud chorus of a drinking song rang through the
cavern, raising a strange weird echo, that seemed to mock
the misery of the prisoners.
" Is this way of spending their time common ?" said J ohn.
"Do they carouse long and deep1?"
"Every night when they are here," said Hugh Orr, "and
then they are sure to bring nothing to eat until late in the
next day."
" Then that will be my opportunity to escape," said John.
" They will never keep me here/'
After some more conversation, in which John urged
cheerfulness and hope on his fellow-prisoner, he said—
" They are quieter now, the drink will be taking effect;
I will make the attempt."
Stepping lightly over to the door, he minutely examined
all the fastenings with his hands, till he was satisfied that
unaided he could not open them.
Thinking for a moment, he clamb to the top of the door
and carefully felt all around. He was gratified to find an
open space between the top of the door and the irregular
trail of the cave, through which he thought he could
Squeeze himself; so he hastily descended, and' going over
to where Hugh Orr lay, he took him by both hands, and
said—
"I can get out, and I hope I shali get clear off; and if I
forget you, may God forget me. Now, keep good courage,
and farewell."
98
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"Farewell, and may God keep you.," said Hugh Orr,
sobbing loudly.
John Carnegie tightened his belt, drew his bonnet down
over his brows, and noiselessly clamb to the top of the door.
With some difficulty he managed to squeeze through, and
drop lightly on the loose sand on the other side.
He listened, but he heard no sound; but far down the
cave, where the two divisions joined, he saw as it were a
single ray of light thrown across the floor. He instinctively
felt that that was where the danger lay. If he could pass
that unseen, he would escape.
Moving slowly and noiselessly he came near to it, and
then he heard hoarse voices talking, and he knew that it
would not do to dally there. With one bound he sprang
over the light, and sped like a deer to the water edge.
Unfortunately he trod upon some gravel, which made a
clattering sound, and in an instant the alarm was given.
"Ware hawks, an escape," cried a voice.
An arquebuss was fired, the ball of which flattened itself
on the rock beside him.
Two men suddenly sprang up before him, one of whom
he struck down with a heavy blow on the face, but the
other seized him by the throat and threw him, falling
heavily on the top of him, at the same time crying loudly
for assistance.
Maddened by despair, John struck his antagonist's hand
from his throat and seized him in his turn, and had just
TIIE AEEOT 01-' ABEKIillOTKOCS.
succeeded in rolling liim over, when his eyes were blinded
by the flash of torches, and then he felt a stinging sensa-
tion in the back of the head, and then all was vacancy.
" Take that carrion and chain him beside the other." said
Musgrove. "I wonder what the Laird wants with that
fellow, that we cannot serve him as we do the others."
So John Carnegie was carried back senseless to nis
dungeon, and chained beside his unfortunate companion
in captiyity.
100
the abbot op aberbrothock.
CHAPTER X.
TAM GLEN'S BREAKFAST—THE PUBLIC-HOUSE—TAM MEETS FRIENDS—THE
HIGHLANDERS—TAM'S MISCHIEF—THE DOOKING IN THE BROTHOCK—
THE FIGHT—TAM WOUNDED—HIS JOURNEY TO ST. YIGEANS WITH THE
MILLER—TAM FAINTS.
We will now turn our attention from poor unfortunate
John Carnegie to our lively friend, Tam Glen, and narrate
the way in which he went to St. Yigeans to try and recover
his master's dirk.
Having seen Malcolm Ogilvie take his departure from
the "Three Angels" for the Abbey, Tam began to consider
the propriety of getting his breakfast. Proceeding to the
kitchen, he found that the landlord had not forgot him,
and that it was ready for him.
Tam first commenced operations on an immense wooden
bowl of oatmeal porridge and milk, large enough to have
taxed the energies of three Forfar weavers. Having made
a happy despatch of this, he next drew towards him a large
piece of boiled salt beef which stood on the table, flanked
on the one side by a huge pile of oat cakes and on the other
by a large bicker of double-strong ale. He finished the
beef and ale simultaneously; then advancing to the little
sanctum where the landlord dispensed the fluids that cheer
and still inebriate, he called for and ^wallowed a measure
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
101
of French brandy that bore a most suspicious resemblance
to a modern half-mutchkin.
Then remarking that "he thocht he wad dae noo for a
while;" he got the landlord to put him on the direct road to
St. Vigeans, then buckled on his broadsword and departed
—up the High Street till he came -to the Tower Nook,
down Guthrie Port till he came to the port or gateway,
at which was stationed a guard of the Abbot's retainers,
then out the Forfar Road till he came to the Brothock.
Now, Tarn had been expressly told by Tarn Anderson
that he was to turn up the burn and follow it till he came
to St. Vigeans. But there were other things in store. By
the roadside beside the burn there was a change-house
built very much after the model of the "Three Angels,"
only smaller; in fact, it contained only one apartment on the
ground floor, and the garrets above. As Tarn was passing
this spacious hostelry, mirth and laughter, and a Babel of
voices, rendered it out of his power to pass by. Then he
thought that he heard a voice that he knew, and then he
went in. It was a long, low-roofed apartment, with a
hazy cloud of smoke floating lazily and dreamily about.
There was a great crowd of people standing, sitting, or
leaning in all conceivable postures—here a group of
Abbey men, there a group of servants and retainers of the
Lords and gentlemen at the Abbey; while in yon corner,
by themselves, were eight or ten Highlanders, talking
earnestly in Gaelic. The mistress of the house and two
102 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
girls were busy serving refreshments, principally whisky,
to the thirsty customers, and the fun was going fast and
furious.
When Tarn appeared in the doorway, he naturally in-
terfered with the scanty light that was admitted in that
low-roofed dingy room, and this caused several of those
nearest the door to look round.
Among others was a tall, stalwart, broad-shouldered
young man with a heavy sword grasped in his left hand,
who the moment he espied Tarn started forward and ex-
claimed—
"Gudesake, Tarn, wha wad hae thocht o' meetin' yon
here!"
"Lord, Archy, man, is this you! Whaur did you come
frae? I thocht ye had slithered awa' hame tae Killie-
muir again.'"
" Na, 11a, Tarn. Hie, gudewife, bring a tappit hen. We
wis oot at a ploy at a place they ca' Cairnie wi' some o5 the
Abbey chields, sae in the mornin' we juist daundert in here,
an' here we are."
" Man, Archy, I wondert whaur ye wis last nicht whan
we had sic a row. The young Laird an' a gude frien' o'
his, the young Laird o' Northesk, an' a heap o' lads, had a
sair fecht wi' a gang o' pirates, an' we waur near a' burned
tae death. I got intae a tuzzle wi' an Irishman, an' we fell
doon a hole, an' I near got ma neck broken Puir fallow,
he'll never claw a sair heid again."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
103
Here Tam took a dram and shook his head solemnly.
"Lo'd, Tam, there wis a fallow in here a while syne
that was saying something aboot it, but we payed nae
attention."
" Noo," said Tam, eyeing the Highlanders in the corner,
and evidently meaning mischief, "Archy, I canna weel
forgi'e ye. Had ye been a wheen half-nakit Heelandmen
withoot a breek on yer hurdies, I wad hae thocht nae-
thing o' yer rinnin' awa'. But a decent Lawlant lad wi'
claes on yer back, an' meat in your wame, an' a gude sword
by yer side, no tae be at hand whin ye waur wantit disna
look weel."
" Tid you'll say tat a Heelan' shentlemans rins awa' in
a fecht?" said one of the Highlanders who had overheard
Tam, and who now stood up with a sheathed broadsword
under his arm.
"Noo, frien'," said Tam, looking as if with an air of
astonishment, "ye ken there wis naebody speekin' tae
you. Sit doon an' tak' yer dram, an' dinna meddle wi'
folk that's no meddlin' wi' you."
"Tid you'll say that a Heelan' shentlemans rins awa'
in a fecht1?" roared the Highlander, giving his broadsword
an ominous shake.
"Weel, frien', ye ken'I didna speak tae ye or meddle
wi' ye, but gin ye will hae an answer, I can tell ye that
I hae seen Heelanmen rin awa' mony time, an' glad tae
get."
104
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"It's a tam lee you tell; no Heelan' shentlemans rins
awa' in a fecht," said the Highlander wrathfully, while a
smart fire of Gaelic passed backwards and forwards among
his companions.
"Weel, weel, than, sit down, an' mak' nae din; only
you ken, Archy," said Tam, turning round, and laying
his hand on his friend's shoulder, "that we hae chased
them through Glenprosen mony time."
" Oo, ay, I ken, Tam," said Archy, " and sae dis Sandy
an' Jock, that's sittin' there, bit there's nae use in makin' a
row aboot it."
" I dinna want tae mak' a row," said Tam, " only it's a
bad sign tae see thae Heelan' buddies sae feered for being
thocht cowarts."
"Hersel' is no cowart," cried the Highlander, now un-
sheathing his broadsword, and giving it a swing that
seriously menaced the heads of his own friends; "she'll
fecht ye the noo, an' if ye winna fecht, she'll fecht every
tam Sassenach in ta hoose."
"Ha, ha! lads o' the Abbey, there's a chance for ye.
Ye hinna muckle skill in thrashing Heelanmen, an' here's
yer chance. Noo, Clan Ogilvie his tae gie some o' them a
lickin' about ance a month for stealing kye; sae it's naething
new to us. An' did ye no hear 1 he's willin' tae fecht ye a'
at ance."
The men of the Abbey looked rather askance at this
liberal offer, and after talking together, one of their number,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
105
a decently-dressed middle-aged man, passed over to where
Tam and his friends were seated, and touching him on the
shoulder, said—
"Noo, frien', I dinna suppose that ye mean muckle
wrang, hut dinna ye think that this has gane far eneuch ?
Ye ken hoo het thae Heelanmen are, an' hoo easily they are
angert, an' I suppose ye ken hoo strick the orders o' the
Lord Abbot an' the ither chiefs are against their followers
quarlin'; sae I wad advise ye no tae get yersel' an' ither folk
into trouble. Keep a calm sough, an' this 'ill blaw by."
" I dinna want tae quarrel," said Tam, purposely speaking
loud, "but wha can be bathered wi' a gouk like that ?"
"Gouk yersel'!" roared the Highlander, while his friends
rose to their feet and laid their hands on their swords.
"Will ye fecht, or are you a cowartf
Some of Tarn's friends, entering into the spirit of the
thing, commenced putting the tables and seats to one side,
and making a great appearance of preparation, whereas in
reality they intended to do everything they could to put a
stop to the whole proceedings. At last the Highlanders,
now with bared weapons, advanced to the middle of the
floor, when the landlady (who, probably from habit, did not
seem very much alarmed), cried—
" 0, sirs, gin ye maun fecht, ye shud gae oot tae the green
at the side o' the hoose, whar ye'll get plenty o' room an'
fair play, an no brak' a' ma bits o' plenishin'."
" The very thing," cried Tam. " Come awa' tae the side
106 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
o' the hoose, whar we'll get room," and he led the way
outside.
The green by the side of the house was a level piece of
velvety grass, and was within a few feet of the Brothock,
the bank of which at this particular place was rather high.
Hither they all came, though it is doubtful if they thought
anything would come of it. Tarn whispered to one of the
Ogilvie men " tae rin awa' owre tae the Port an' bring a'
the lads ye can get, an' I'll lat ye see a strange ploy whan
ye come back."
"Lo'd, Tarn, bit ye're in great spirits the day. I hope
this '11 end in nae mischief."
"Nae fear. I only want tae tak' some o' the pride oot o'
thae Heelanmen. They're as foo o't as an' egg's foo o' meat."
Sandy ran off to bring all the lads he could find, and Tam
turned to see how things were looking. The Highlanders
were all drawn up in a line, with their right flank to the
burn, evidently impatient to begin the combat. But this
did not suit the terrible Tam, so he cried—
"Stop, stop, that's no fair play; we hae nae room that
way," although he had the whole country side before him to
choose from; " this is a better way." So saying, with the
help of his friends, who seemed to suspect what he wouid
be after, he ranged the Highlanders with their backs to the
burn, and not more than two feet from it.
Had the Highlanders been sober, they would never have
submitted to be placed in that position. But they were
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
107
half drunk with whisky, and more than drunk with
wounded pride and passion, and so anxious were they to
fight that they did not care how they were placed.
There was no love lost between the Highlanders and
Lowlanders of that period, and it was generally a word
and a blow when they met. Hence the strict orders
given by the chiefs to their men during the Queen's visit
to Aberbrothock; and Tarn, reckless as he was, had more
sense than wilfully break them, so, instead of fighting, he
thought that he would play a trick upon them.
Tarn whispered to one or two; the whisper went round
with loud guffaws of laughter; then Tam cried, "Stop,
ye're no richt placed yet;" then to his own men, "Noo,
lads." Then there was a rush of some twenty men, and
in two minutes the Highlanders were tumbled over the
bank into three feet of clean cold water.
When Tam saw his kilted antagonists floundering in
the waters of the Brothock, his uproariousness knew no
bounds.
" Come, lads," he cried, " come and see the tartan mer-
maids risin' frae their watery beds. Hurrah! There's nae
difference atween a Heelanman an' a thief. Harrah, lads!
Ten Heelanmen, an' no ae pair o' breeks amang the clan!"
And he wildly danced a war-dance that would have done
honour to an American Indian.
When the Highlanders tumbled into the water the
Lowlanders laughed; when they rose up to their feet,
103
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
with the water dripping from them, the laugh went round
again; but when they drew their wet- bonnets down over
their brows, and charged up the bank, claymore and dirk
in hand, there was no laughing then. Very unwillingly
the Lowland swords were drawn, and very unwillingly they
met the impetuous onset of the outraged and maddened
Highlanders.
The one who had acted as spokesman made a fierce
attack on Tarn Glen, which Tarn with some difficulty
parried.
Again another heavy blow with the broadsword, and
again another difficult parry, and then Tarn dashed in and
struck him a severe blow in the face with his clenched fist
that again knocked the Highlander over the bank down
into his old quarters in the Brothock.
" Clan Ogilvie for ever! Doon wi' the Heelanmen, doon
wi' the thieves!" cried Tam, now fairly irritated and ready
to fight all and sundry. Not far from where he stood was
a strong, red-haired Highlander who was keeping three
Lowlanders at bay. Tam ran in behind him, and, before
he could turn, caught him by the long red hair and pulled
him over on his back.
Kneeling on his knee trying to disarm him, Tam felt a
sharp stinging pain in his left shoulder. Looking up he
saw his late antagonist fresh from the burn, with his
bloody sword, eager to repeat the blow, and in struggling to
rise to his feet he slipped, and fell prostrate on the sward.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCH.
109
Now he thought all was over, and ^he braced himself to
receive the fatal blow, for he felt that he had no mercy to
expect from his infuriated enemy.
After a moment he heard" the clash of swords, and on
looking up he saw his friend Archy astride his body,
waging a furious battle with the maddened Highlander.
Tarn drew up his legs, intending to rise, thereby nearly
capsizing his friend Archy, when loud shouts and cries in
the distance attracted the attention of all the combatants.
" Haud yont, ye stupid gomeril," cried Tarn, "div ye think
I'm gain' to lie here, at the mercy o' thae Heelan' trash."
" Gin I hadna seen ye, Tarn, ye wad hae been lyin' quiet
eneuch e!re this time," said Archy.
"'Deedthat's true, Archy; an' I'm raal obliged tae ye, an'
I'll dae as muckle for ye anither time," said Tarn, trying to
get up. "Od, man, gie me a hand/ I'm no able to rise;
there's surely something wrang wi' me." Archy seized him
unknowingly by the wounded arm, and, with a strong pull
that made him shriek with pain, dragged him to his feet.
On looking round he saw that all the Highlanders were
disarmed and guarded, and that his messenger, Sandy, was
at hand with a great crowd of Lowlanders at his heels.
The decent, middle-aged man who had given him a caution
in the house now came forward and said—
"Didna I tell ye that ye wad mak' mischief, an' noo here
ye are bluidin' like a sheep, forbye twa or three mae lads,
an' ye micht hae been killed, an' a' for a wheen nonsense.
110 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Thae Heelanmen are no for prankin' wi', an' what '11 the
Lord Ahbot say whin he hears o' this1? Bit tak' aff yer
coat, an' we'll see if we can stop the bluid."
" Hoots, there's nae use o' makin' a noise aboot a scart,"
said Tam, taking off his coat; "there's no muckle ill dune
if naebody's waur nor me."
" My name's Davie Munro, the miller o' St. Yigeans, an'
I hae sons an' dochters o' my ain," said Tarn's new friend,
" an' I wadna like tae see a decent-like chield like you hurt."
Archy brought some water and washed the wound, and
then the miller wrapped a handkerchief round it, and Tam
with some shrinking and grimace got on his coat again, and
then he declared that " gin he had a dram noo he wad be
a' richt."
Sandy here came up and asked, " Fat they wir gain' tae
do wi' thae Heelanmen ?"
"Gie them their soords an' pack them aff," said Tam.
" It was a' their ain blame."
" Od, Tam, I doot ye'll no try tae prank wi' Heelanmen
in a hurry again," said Sandy, laughing, as he went to set
them free.
When the Highlanders buckled on their swords and
prepared to depart, Tarn's antagonist shook his clenched
hand at him, and declared, "By tam, tat ta chief wad hang
tat tam Sassenach in a widdy."
A shout of laughter followed this threat, and the High-
landers departed with many invectives and curses in Gaelic.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCJL
111
The most of the Lowlanders, now that peace was re-
stored, made their way back to Guthrie Port; but Tarn
and his friends—some of whom had been slightly wounded
—re-entered the change-house in search of the dram that
Tam thought he would be the better of. In a short time,
Davie Munro, the miller, said "that he wad need tae be
gain' noo, as it was a gude bit tae St. Vigeans."
" Od, I am gain' tae St. Vigeans, tae," said Tam. " My
maister lost his dirk there savin' a leddy's life; an' he
killed a horse, tae, savin' her; an' I'm gain' tae see if I can
find it. But I doot it's like seekin' needles amang strae."
"No a bit o't," said the miller; "I skinned the horse
this mornin,' an' the dirk's in my hoose the noo. The
lassie telt us aboot the gentles comin' whan we cam' hame
frae the toon, an' I thocht it a pity tae lose the skin; it 'ill
mak' shoon for us for a hale winter."
Tam now cautioned his friends to say little about their
quarrel with the Highlanders, and to be sure and blame
them for all that had happened, and, after promising to
see them all again soon, took his departure with Davie
Munro. They proceeded up the side of the burn, and
Davie tried to lighten the length of the road by trying to
show Tam how superior were the doctrines of the Reformed
Kirk over those of the older but impurer faith.
But Tam did not trouble himself with such things; he
said that his maister's religion was gude eneuch for him,
and that if he got plenty o' meat an' claes, with an occa-
8
112 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCIZ.
sional fecht, he was quite content. Davie saw that it was
no use lecturing, so he gave it up, and as they came in
sight of St. Vigeans he saw Tain totter as he walked.
Looking up into his face he saw that he was white and
colourless, and laying his hand lightly on his shoulder he felt
it wet, and he knew that the bandage had come unloosed.
Cheering him with a few kind words, he got him the length
of his own door, and then Tarn dropped down senseless.
Throwing open the door quickly and noiselessly, Davie
cried, "Hie, gudewife; Sandy, Annie, haste ye, come here."
There was a hurried patter of hasty feet, and then a de-
cent, middle-aged woman, and a tall, active-looking young
man, followed by a brown-haired, handsome girl of about
eighteen, made their appearance.
" Ah, gudeman," cried the miller's wife, " is that a dead
man ye hae gotten at the door?"
"Oh, father, what is't?" said the girl, in startled accents.
" Is he deid? an' sic a weel-faured lad, tae."
" Gae awa' wi' yer havers. The chield's gotten a scart on
the arm, an' the clout's come aften't, an' it's been bluidin'.
Gie me a lift, Sandy, an' we'll put him on your bed."
They lifted him on to the bed, stripped him, and re-bound
his arm, bathed his brow with cold water till he recovered
his senses, then administered a glass of whisky, and left him
to rest; and when the shades of evening fell on the clachan
of St. Vigeans, Tarn Glen was fighting for life with the fever
demon, caused by loss of blood, drink, and excitement.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 113
CHAPTER XI
Malcolm's happiness—arrives at the "three angels"—his crack
with tam anderson—proceeds to the banquet—meets sir john
carnegie—" malcolm, ye should join the reformers "—glenogle
and lady jeannie—a brave reward—the banquet—the ball—
Lindsay's plot.
After Malcolm Ogilvie left tlie Abbey gardens, where he
had had an interview with Lady Jeannie Gordon, he
descended the brae to the "Three Angels" with a light
heart and light springy footsteps. He had heard her
beautiful voice tuned to song, and her familiar tones in
conversation had so upset him that he wove long webs of
poetic fancies, in which he was always performing valorous
deeds, in which she was always smiling and praising him
for his success.
And to think that all that evening he was privileged to
be beside her, where he could see her, perhaps speak to her,
perhaps even dance with her at the ball, was bless ineffable.
For this world does not contain a human being so happy as
a successful lover, nor one so miserable as he whose heart
has been given, and who can meet with no return.
Humming a merry air he entered the hostel, and was
obsequiously shown to his room by the landlord, who
assisted him off with his sword, and then retired to bring
114 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
refreshments. Throwing himself into a seat his mind
reverted hack to the events of the last two days, and his
conscience stung him as he thought on the fate of John
Carnegie. He had intended to have searched the cliffs that
very day with the aid of his clansmen, but now that was
not possible.
He had seen the lady of his love, he had been asked by
herself to be present at the banquet. No, he could not go
to-day, but to-morrow. Here the landlord entered the room
with the refreshments, and his reverie was at an end.
"Well, Tam, any word of the pirates to-day?"
"No a word, yer honour; I think we gied them a fricht
onyway; they'll no heed aboot cumin' sae near the harbour
again in a hurry."
"No, I think not. No word of the young Laird of
Northesk, I suppose?"
"Na," said Tam, shaking his head, "I doot we'll ne'er
hear mair o' him."
" 0, you must not say that; we will go to-morrow and
search the cliffs. When did Tam Glen go to St. Yigeansf
" Weel, he gaed away after parritch-time, bit he's no back
yet."
After he had refreshed himself, and partially changed his
dress, Malcolm set out to attend the banquet at the Abbey.
Ascending the Abbey Path, he met Sir Jolm Carnegie like-
wise going up.
" Weel, Malcolm, ye'll be for up-bye. Gie me yer arm,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
115
for Tm no sic supple as I ance was. Nae word o' John, I
suppose1?"
"No, Sir John, no word yet. I intend to search the
cliffs to-morrow."
"So do I," said Sir John; "it would be well if you would
search the land side, while we search on the sea-face. My
men are mair used wi' the watter than yours."
"Yery well, we will do so. What kind of an affair is
this banquet to be?" said Malcolm.
" It will be a very grand affair," said Sir John. " The
Queen's party are anxious to make certain of all their
adherents, and they will spare no expense. But they will
be wofully deceived with many of them. The rule of the
Papal party is nearly bye in Scotland, Malcolm."
"Do you think so, Sir John?"
"Yes, Malcolm; an' their conduct has dune mair harm
tae them than their doctrine. I wonder a smart lad like
you disna see that they're no likely to keep their possessions
an' power lang noo. There'ill be some nice pickings when
this Abbey land is a partin'. Ye shud join the Keformers,
Malcolm."
"I have been brought up a sincere Catholic, Sir John,
and it would be dishonourable to change without being
convinced."
"So it would," said Sir John; "but ye hae only tae look
around ye an' see the wanton lives the clergy live, wastin'
means that they never earned, while a' the country is in a
116
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
state of turmoil an' misery. Noo, ye're gettin' on fine wi'
Lady Jeannie, but boo cud ye ask her tae marry ye, when
ye hae naething but the sword by yer side? There's a bonny
place they ca' Glenogle up in yer ain country-side; if ye can
see yer way tae join the Reformers, I'll mak' ye sure o' being
laird o' it, an' then ye cud woo and win her as an equal."
"It would not dae to ask her," said Malcolm, almost
breathless at Sir John's offer.
"Oh, ye manna be sae hen-hearted, Malcolm; for
though ' love 'ill venture in whar it daurna weel be seen,'
the bold lover is likely to be the successful ane."
" What would her brother and her kinsman say?" said
Malcolm. " No, no. I dare not think of it."
"Weel, I'll tell ye hoo I cam' on," said Sir John.
"When I was a young man, I was at Edinburgh in the
Fourth James' time. When there, naething wad hinder
me frae fa'ing in love wi' Mary Douglass, daughter o' the
auld Earl, an' of course a' her kinsmen were dead against
me, an' even attempted my life, but Mary an' me cam to
an understandin', an' we ran aff, an' got married in spite
o' them. When they saw they cudna mak' a better o't,
they cam' round, an' we a' became friends, an' I got a
hantle of baith siller an' land. I never regretted, an' my
Mary has been, and is, a dear gudewife to me. Pluck up
a spirit, Malcolm, gain a position, an' there's nae fear o' ye.
But here we are at the Abbey."
They entered the great gate, and found the court and
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
117
passages crowded with the clansmen and retainers of the
Queen's party. The shrill scream of the bagpipers, who
strutted about with consequential air, deafened their ears
as they ascended the great staircase, the steps of which
were lined with stalwart spearmen.
The great hall, with the rays of the sun pouring like
molten gold through its painted windows, had a magni-
ficent appearance. Long tables, lined with the finest linen,
and covered with costly plate in gold and silver, filled the
noble apartment.
Many of the guests were assembled and chatted together
in groups, while the lay brothers of the Abbey moved
noiselessly about completing the arrangements.
At the upper end was a raised dais, behind which hung
the royal arms of Scotland and the House of Guise. At
the bottom of the hall stood a band of musicians, who
seemed to be under the orders of one of the monks.
Sir John, followed by Malcolm, made his way to the
upper end, not far from the table evidently intended for
the chief guests.
"We'll sit doon here, Malcolm," said Sir John, "whar
we'll see a' the noble lords and ladies gay. You wad
scarce believ't, there's mony ane here the nicht professin'
fealty and devotion to the Queen Regent wha are sworn
Reformers. If you wad come wi' me the nicht, I wad lat
ye see a sicht that wad open yer een to the weakness o'
the Papal party in Scotland,"
118 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"I would not object to go if I am not required to pledge
myself to anything."
"Ye dinna need to pledge yersel' to onything but yer
honour as a gentleman no tae tell onything that ye see or
hear."
"Well, I am willing to do that," said Malcolm, "and
if what I hear or see he satisfactory, I will join you hon-
ourably the meeting after."
"I am glad to hear you say sae," said Sir John, "an'
we'll soon be able to greet you Laird o' Glenogle. But here
comes the Royal party."
The folding doors were thrown open, and, amidst the
blare of trumpets and bugles, and the shouts and, cheers of
the assembled company, the Queen Regent, escorted by the
Earl of Huntly, and followed by a strange medley of ladies,
monks, Highlanders, and Lowlanders, entered and took
their seats.
Malcolm looked anxiously for the Lady Jeannie, and was
at length gratified to see her approach with the Lady Eliza-
beth Hamilton. The bright smile that illumined her
countenance when her eye fell upon him sent the blood
pulsing through his veins, and he felt as if in a seventh
heaven of happiness.
Lady Elizabeth whispered something to Lady Jeannie, at
the same time glancing saucily at Malcolm. Lady Jeannie
held down her head shyly, and then a bright smile lightened
up their beautiful faces.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
119
Sir John, who seemed greatly amused with all this by-
play, had spoken several times to Malcolm, but Malcolm, who
had neither ears nor eyes for any but the one voice and the
one countenance, let his words pass unheeded. At last Sir
John took him by the arm and shook him, saying—
"Are ye dreamin', Malcolm, that ye're no mindin' yer
dennerl See, here's a fine bit sammon fresh frae Carnoustie,
or there's a grand bit venison, pairt o' a deer that twa days
sine was boundin' through Magoungie woods. They say
that meat an' mass never hendered wark, an' I dinna think
that they'll hender love either. The lasses '11 no think less
o' ye for takin' yer meat weel."
Malcolm hurriedly withdrew his eyes from the opposite
table, and smiling at Sir John's remarks, he glanced around
the hall.
The tables groaned beneath the profusion of meats and
drinks that were spread upon them. Air, earth, and sea
had been ransacked to furnish that feast; France, and
Spain, and Germany contributed their finest vintages, in
return for gold wasted by these monkish drones—gold torn
from the miserable cultivators of the soil. Near the foot of
the Royal table, Malcolm espied the baleful glances of the
Laird of Auchmithie cast alternately at Lady Jeannie
Gordon and himself. He appeared to be drinking freely,
for his face was flushed, and his manner audacious, and his
loud laugh seemed cheerless and forced.
At last the most voracious were gorged to repletion, the
120
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
most tliirsty had quenched their thirst to satiety, and the
cry arose, " A ball, a ball," and by command of the Queen
Regent, the dining furniture was cleared away, and every-
thing prepared for the joyous dance.
The band took their places and struck up a strathspey,
and soon the floor was covered with smiling faces and light-
moving feet, and "joy was unconfined."
The Queen Regent and the Earl 'of Huntly led off the ball
with stately steps, and after the dance was over, they re-
seated themselves and smilingly watched the bustling
throng,
Malcolm Ogilvie had secured the hand of Lady Jeannie,
and, in a state of unspeakable happiness, danced through
the figures of a reel; then he danced with the Lady Elizabeth
Hamilton; and then, standing behind the ladies' seats, he
waited until it was their pleasure to dance again.
" This is a pleasant scene," said Lady Elizabeth, " though
somewhat crowded. One would need a faithful cavalier to
thread its mazes," said she, with just a glance at Malcolm.
"Lady Elizabeth Hamilton will not find it difficult to
obtain a cavalier," said Lady Jeannie, with mock hateur,
as she noticed the glance, which sent a flush to her
forehead.
" How would you like that man standing beside the Lord
Abbot for an escort?" said Lady Elizabeth, indicating the
Laird of Auchmithie, who stood with his shifty eyes fixed
upon them.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
121
"The saints keep us from such, a man as that," said Lady
Jeannie, with a shudder. " I cannot imagine anything but
evil in connection with him."
"The Virgin keep us from him," said Lady Elizabeth,
solemnly, " for he has an evil face."
" How would you like that pleasant old gentleman who is
speaking to Lord Ogilvie?" said Lady Jeannie. "Know
you who he is1?" said she, turning round to Malcolm.
"That is Sir John Carnegie," said Malcolm, "the father
of the young gentleman who met us at St. Vigeans, and who
disappeared so strangely last night during the fight with the
pirates."
"That is him, you know, that you admired yesterday,
when this gentleman was presented to the Queen," said
Lady Jeannie, with a sly laugh.
" I see many gentlemen I admire very much, but I can
meet no one that cares to admire me," said Lady Elizabeth.
" We have never yet got any account of the fight with the
pirates that we could believe. Can you tell us, Master
Malcolm?"
So Malcolm had to narrate the events of the preceding
night—of the desperate attack, and the not less desperate
defence; of the burning ship, and their awful position till
the arrival of the fishing boats; of the chase of the pirates,
and their escape with John Carnegie as a prisoner; and of
his own regret, and the sorrow of his father.
Lady Jeannie listened breathlessly to the story, and hfcr
122
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
colour came and went as incident after incident was told,
and she loved him for the dangers he had braved.
Then Malcolm begged for another dance, and then an-
other; and then he danced with Lady Elizabeth, and then
again with Lady Jeannie. On conducting her to her seat,
he wished her to tell him if he could see her before the
embarkation on the morrow, and she thought she might
be in the Abbey garden beside the well; and then perceiv-
ing Sir John Carnegie signalling, he bade them adieu,
leaving them in company of some other gentlemen.
On crossing the hall to where Sir John stood, that
gentleman said—
"Malcolm, my man, ye're doin' weel; nae less than four
dances. But we maun be gaein, or we'll be late."
Malcolm laughed, and they passed down the great stair-
case into the courtyard, and as they passed the outer gate
they saw two men in long cloaks, one of whom Malcolm
knew to be the Laird of Auchmithie, and heard him say
to his companion—
"Now, Louis, you know what to do. It is our last
chance, as they sail to-morrow. Take them at all hazards!"
Malcolm looked again to make sure of his man, and he
said to himself, as he followed Sir John, " What villany is
he planning now!"
THE ABBOT OF ABEREROTHOCK. 123
CHAPTER XII.
THE OLD HOUSE IN THE HIGH STREET—THE FACTOR'S SERVANTS—WHA'S
THERE?—THE GUARDS—THE CONSPIRATORS—THE LAIRD OF KINBLETH-
MONT—LORD LINDSAY OF THE BYRES—THE REFORMERS—THE LAIRD
OF CARNOUSTIE—LESLIE THE FANATIC—MALCOLM GETS TIME TO THINK
—NOT TIME TO FIGHT YET—THE QUEEN'S LADIES ARE MISSING—
MALCOLM'S SORROW.
As you go down the High Street of Arbroath you may
observe, or at least might have observed some twenty years
ago, on your right hand, a little below the White Hart
Hotel, a very old building that is popularly believed to have
been part of the Abbey.
Although this is not correct, as the distance between thb
two proves, still there can be no doubt that it was occupied
as a dwelling by some of the lay officials of the Monastery.
At the period we write of, it was the residence of the
Treasurer or Factor of the immense estates that fear, or
force, or fraud had bequeathed to the Abbey.
This official, knowing on which side his bread was baked,
was a furious partisan on the side of the Papal despotism.
The will of the Abbot was the only law that he would allow
any retainer of the Abbey to obey, and woe to the unlucky
wight who presumed to have an opinion of his own.
Such, however, were not the ideas of his domestic servants,
who, curiously enough, were zealous Reformers, and who
124
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
were carrying on a game the cool audacity of which would
have rather staggered him had he known it.
Underneath the mansion were a range of vaulted cellars,
designed probably for the reception of wines and other
liquors for the use of the Abbey, but which, from the greater
luxury now practised by the monks, had been removed to
the Abbey itself for greater convenience.
These cellars, now empty, had been granted by the
servants as the central meeting-place of a delegation or corn-
mittee of the Eeformers of the north-eastern counties, who
regularly met and organised a plot to capture and destroy
the Abbey of Aberbrothock, and divide its great wealth and
numerous estates among the most deserving and influential
men of their own party.
Such was the place, and such the occasion, that led Sir
John Carnegie to leave the festive company in the great
hall of the Abbey with Malcolm Ogilvie, who reluctantly
accompanied him, and whom he had great hopes of enrolling
in the fanatical and rapacious band.
Proceeding down the High Street, they soon arrived at
the house, which was enclosed by a wall, in the rearmost
part of which was a low door. Sir John made his way to
the back, and when he arrived at the door he whispered to
Malcolm—
"Do not speak; do as you see me do."
He then gave three rapid knocks in succession, then two,
and after a short pause, one sharp and loud.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
125
After a moment the door opened slowly, while the jangle
of a chain showed that the opener was not disposed to
admit them without their sufficiently proving their right.
At last a voice said—
"Wha's there1?"
" Number twenty-one and a friend."
" Wha sent ye?"
" Knox and pure doctrine."
" What's the word for this nicht ?"
" The sword of the Lord and of Gideon."
The door shut hastily, the jangle of the chain was agairl
heard, and then the door was thrown open, and the form of
a stout, able-bodied man was seen with a drawn sword in
his hand.
"Gude be wi' us," said he, "is this yer honour? I'm
sure I micht hae kent yer word; but ye ken it's best tae be
cautious. Gang forrit, ye'll find Sandy at the stair-head.
There's no mony in yet."
Sir John, accompanied by Malcolm, proceeded up the
garden walk and entered a low door, the inside of which
was as black as a wolfs throat. He hesitated, and then
stopping, said—
" There is a steep, stair in this passage that is not safe
without a light. Stand where you are for a little."
Then cautiously moving forward himself, Malcolm heard
him say—
"Hist, Sandy; are ye there?"
126
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"Deed, ay; wha's there?"
"Number twenty-one and a friend. Can you show me
a light?"
"Oj ij', bide a wee."
A sharp snap was heard, and then a light shown, revealing
an old man with grey hair, who was dressed in a sad-coloured
livery, and who had a sheathed broadsword tucked under
his left arm. In his left hand was a horn lantern, the door
of which was open, and there was a smile upon his frank
open countenance as he said, " I thocht it wis yer honour;
but ye ken it wasna my duty tae speak first."
" You have done yer duty, Sandy, as a trustworthy friend
of the Reformed Kirk. Will you light us down stairs ?"
"Wi' a' my heart, sirs; come awa'," and Sandy moved
slowly down stairs, throwing as much light as he could
on the time-blackened stairs and walls. On arriving at
the bottom he threw open a door, revealing a large low-
roofed, vaulted apartment, lighted with splints of bog fir
and pitch pine, and tenanted by a number of men, who sat
in small groups and conversed in whispers. Then Sandy
left them to return to his post, and Sir John walked up to
a-group at the far end of the apartment, followed by
Malcolm Ogilvie.
"How are you, cousin?" said be, shaking hands with a
robust-looking middle-aged man, who was clad in half
armour, and who held a sheathed sword lying across his
knees.
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
127
"I am quite well/' said he, rising to his feet. "I
hope you and yours are all well. Whom, have we here!
A stranger, I think."
"Yes," said Sir John, "this is Malcolm Ogilvie, son of
Sir John Ogilvie of Inverquharity, who has leanings in our
direction, and who would he invaluable to us in his district,
where you know we have been always weak. He is popular,
and could at any time bring a hundred men into the field;
and more, he saved the life of Lady Jeannie Gordon, and
she has fallen over head and ears in love with him, and he
with her, and if we could secure him he could do us great
service. I have ventured to hint that he might get
Glenogle if we were successful; and, as the Abbot insulted
him this morning, he has strong leanings to the Reformers."
"Yes, he would be useful," said his cousin; "will you
introduce meV'
"Certainly," said Sir John. "Malcolm, this is my
cousin, the Laird of Kinblethmont. He is an avowed
Reformer, and dares not be seen about the gude toon of
Aberbrothock in broad daylight. It is possible a time may
come when he will not need to care who sees him."
Kinblethmont shook hands with Malcolm, and then they
all sat down, and then Kinblethmont observed—
" I have just come from Leith from the besieging army
there, and it is certain the Queen Regent's forces cannot
long hold out. The men of Fife are gathering ships to
blockade them by sea, and then we will soon storm them
9
*28
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
out; and John Knox lias arrived at Perth, and the brave
Reformers there have burned the monasteries, and all the
rooks have fled. "VVe have just to root out this nest of lazy
drones in the Abbey here, who live on the labour of other
people, and then auld Scotland will be free. Troth, there
will be rare pickings for brave men who are willing to risk
something."
" Brave men with a conscience are the men who deserve
to own the land," said Sir John, "for they are likely to
favour the pure faith, and protect the people from the
tyrauny of the clergy."
Several people made their appearance at the door at the
bottom of the stair, and the noise of their entrance caused
Sir John and his cousin to look round.
" Who is this coming with the Laird of Carnoustie V' said
Sir John.
"Ha! I wonder what is the matter nowT said Kinbleth-
mont. " That is Lord Lindsay of The Byres. I left him ii|
the camp before Leith yesterday morning. But we shall
soon see."
People came now in goodly numbers, till there could not
have been less than sixty or seventy assembled. Malcolm
noticed many faces that he had seen in the Queen's retinue
and at the banquet; and what astonished him even more
was, that among the wealthy and highborn were to be seeij
numbers who evidently belonged to the lower grades of
society. That these were zealous men, who possessed great
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
129
influence among their fellows, he felt convinced, for he knew
the democratic nature of the Presbyterian Church govern-
ment, and the immense hold that it gave them among the
common people, and he could not but admire the cunning
policy that gave the mass of the people the seeming power,
while it reserved the reality to the landholders and the
clergy. While he pondered thus, the Laird of Kinbleth-
mont whispered to Sir John—
"Who was president at last meeting?"
"It was I," said Sir John, "and I think I will
propose the Laird of Carnoustie for this night, unless you
want it."
"0, no," said Kinblethmont; "'I wish to speak, to try
and hurry the time for harrying that confounded rookery.
You know that I can't live at home with my family till their
power is destroyed. You had better begin."
Sir John stood up and said—
"The brethren had better arrange themselves in their
seats, while the clerk calls the roll."
The clerk, who was none other than Henderson, the
worthy that Malcolm had tumbled in the kennel at the
landing of the Queen Regent, opened a roll of parchment'
and commenced to read off the names. When he had1
finished he turned to Sir John and said—
" There are sixty-five brethren present and two strangers,
and there are twenty-three absent."
"They will likely come soon," said Sir John; "and as it
130
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
is time to proceed to business, I propose that bis honour,
the Laird of Carnoustie, be president for this evening."
As there seemed no opposition to this proposal, the Laird
of Carnoustie proceeded to occupy the seat that Sir John
Carnegie vacated. When he had done so he said—
" It will be better to ascertain the business of the strangers
before we proceed farther."
Sir John here stood up and said—
"I have introduced Master Malcolm Ogilvie, son and
heir to the knight of Inverquharity, who has pledged
me his word as a gentleman that if he does not join
us he will maintain secrecy about what he sees and
hears here to-night."
" And I renew that pledge," said Malcolm, " and request
till next meeting night before giving a decisive and final
answer."
"How say you, brethrenV' said Carnoustie. "Will
blaster Malcolm Ogilvie of Inverquharity be allowed until
next meeting to decide whether he will join us or not!"
Leslie, the wild fanatic that Tarn Glen had handled so
roughly in the "Three Angels," here started to his feet,
and with wild rolling eyes, and flowing hair, and out-
stretched arms, he shrieked—
" Woe unto you, ye children of light, ye followers of a
pure doctrine and faithful preachers of the revealed Word,
if ye listen to the words of this child of the Evil One. He
comes of a race who are supporters of the priests of Baal,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
131
whose hands are red with the blood of the saints. • Sup-
porters are they of the woman that the priests have sat
up to he worshipped in the place of the living God. Th<?
law and the prophets enjoin sacrifices and blood to wash
away the sins of the people, and I say that this child of
utter darkness should be sacrificed to purify the children
of the covenant."
"And I support that pious proposal," cried Henderson,
rising with the roll of parchment in his hand and gesticu-
lating wildly.
"He comes of a race that neither fear God nor regard
man—a treacherous, cruel, blood-thirsty race—and he will
betray you to the vile priests of Eome, that have their
home nearbye."
"Now, brethren, listen," said Sir John Carnegie, rising
and speaking calmly. " Malcolm Ogilvie comes of a stain-
less, knightly race, and is himself the very soul of honour.
How are we to succeed, think you, if you drive the landed
gentlemen, your natural leaders, from your ranks, and
uol only from your ranks, but into the ranks of your
enemies, for who would stand aloof when his life was
threatened? No, no, brethren, welcome all true men that
are willing to come among us, for truly we will need all the
help we can get."
"How say you, brethren?" said the Laird of Carnoustie.
"Are ye willing that Malcolm Ogilvie get till next meeting
to decide, or not?"
132 the abbot of aberbrothock.
"Willing, willing," was heard on all sides, with only
ahout a dozen objectors. The influence of the landholders
was paramount.
"Now, brethren, that this is settled, I ask leave to in-
troduce to you the other stranger who was brought by me.
This is Lord Lindsay, who has been sent by the Lords
of the Congregation with a special message to the Central
Committee of the Reformers of the northern counties. Are
you willing that Lord Lindsay now deliver that message
that he was charged with]"
"Yes, yes," was the unanimous cry.
Lord Lindsay of The Byres, who was famous in his time,
was a tall, thin man, clad in back and breast plates, and
who wore a steel basinet on his head, stood up to deliver
his message. He said—
" I am charged by the Lords of the Congregation to say
to you that they have learned that you are organising a
force to capture and destroy the Romish Abbey of Aber-
brothock. Now, I am charged to say to you, that unless
you can show to me that you have sufficient force to under-
take this, you are not to make the attempt without their
orders, as failure would do a great deal of harm to the
Reformed cause in Scotland. The siege of Leith cannot last
long now, and when the French are driven out, the Lords
of the Congregation will be able to assist you with their
whole force, which might be the means of saving many
valuable lives. But if you can show me that you have
THE ABBOT OF ABEEBROTHOCIL
133
strength, enough, I am authorised not only to give you
permission, but also to assist you."
The Laird of Kinblethmont hurriedly started to his feet
and said—
" My Lord, in this district we can count upon five hundred
men. "We have good friends in Dundee, in Forfar, and
Brechin, in Montrose and Aberdeen, in Perth and Fife;
and we have the advantage in our friends being nearer and
able to muster quicker than our opponents. They trust in
the Abbey vassals, who are nearly all Reformers, and in the
Gordons and Ogilvies, and the Highland clans who are far
away."
" It is well that I have come to-night, for I can show you
that you would have failed. The men of Fife, Perth, Dundee,
and Forfar have all marched to the camp at Leith, and as
the Earl of Huntly is going north to harry his opponents,
you may be sure that the men of Aberdeen and Montrose
will not be able to spare you a man. Hay more, I have
learned that when the Abbey vassals, whom you say are
mostly Reformers, sail to-morrow with the Queen Regent to
fight for Popery against the Reformed brethren, a strong
force of Highlanders is to garrison the Abbey. Now, I
think you will allow that it will be better to wait."
"It may be something for your Lordship to learn and
report at headquarters," said Sir John, " that very few, if
any, of the Abbey vassals will embark to-morrow. We have
taken means to prevent that."
134 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" I am glad to hear it," said Lord Lindsay, " hut I hope
you will see that there is no chance of success at present,
and thf»t failure would do immense harm all over the
country."
" How say you, brethren ? Will we ohey the orders of
the Lords of the Congregation, and wait?" said the Laird
of Carnoustie.
" Yes, yes," was the unanimous cry, although Kinbleth-
mont grumbled a good deal, the Abbot and he being mortal
enemies.
After some routine business the meeting broke up, and in
groups of twos and threes they gained the street. Here
Malcolm parted from Sir John, it now being late, after
promising to meet him early on the morrow to begin the
search for John Carnegie.
When he reached the " Three Angls," Malcolm crossed
the kitchen on the way to his room, and was met by Tam
Anderson, the landlord, who ran forward with his arms
extended, crying—
"0, Maister Malcolm, the Lady Jeannie an' the Lady
Elizabeth hae been baith carried aff, an' naebody ken's
wiiat's become o' them."
Malcolm staggered, and clutched at the wall for support—
a film seemed to grow over his eyes, and a roaring sound in
his ears; and he was falling to the ground insensible, when
Tam Anderson seized him in his arms, carried him to his
room, and laid him on his bed.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XIII.
IELIi Ml AGAIN, TAM—THAT RUFFIAN, LINDSAY—WHERE'S TAM GLEN ?
—MALCOLM AT THE ABBEY—THE GALLANT GORDONS—THE HEYS WELL
*-.THE EARL OF HUNTLY—THE ACCUSATION—YOU'RE A LIAR, LAIRD
CT AUCHMITHIE—THE LAIRD A PRISONER—HELP FOR THE ABBEY—
WHA HELPS THE OGILVIES—THE LORD ABBOT—LINDSAY HANDED OVER
—MALCOLM LEFT AT THE HEYS WELL.
Malcolm having recovered himself, and swallowed a portion
of an immense horn of brandy that Tarn brought, he said,
in a dazed sort of manner—
"What was it you said, Tarn? Tell me again."
" I said that the Lady Jeannie an' the Lady Elizabeth,
the Queen's ladies, had been stown awa', an' that naebody
kens what's become o' them. They took a daunder doon
the Abbey garden in the munelicht, an' war seen stan'in' at
the Heys Wall, bit naebody has seen them sin' syne. There's
a bonnie hoo-dae-ye-dae gaun on amang the gentles up at the
Abbey."
"That ruffian, Lindsay," said Malcolm; "this is some more
of his work. It was my duty before now to unearth him,
but now every energy of body and mind that I possess will
be bent to unmask him and his ruffian gang, and set his
victims at liberty. How did you learn this, Tam ?"
" Weel, ye see, I cam' tae ken that the ship that cam' frae
136
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Leith the day had just landet frae France, an' that she had
an extra guid drap o' brandy on buird, an' as that's a thing
I liae a wakeness for, I gaed up tae the Abbey tae see the
captain an' secure twa or three barrels, an' afore I cud see
him the bonnie lassies war missed, an' the halloo began."
"Where's Tarn Glen? Is he up at the Abbey too?" said
Malcolm.
" 'Deed, yer honour, I hinna seen him sin' mornin'. He
gaed awa' tae St. Vigeans be yer ain orders, an' he's never
come back."
" He's a reckless, foolish fellow, but I would be sorry if
any ill came over him. If he is not back by morning send
some one for him, for I will not rest till I have discovered
the Queen's ladies. This is some of our friends the pirates'
work, Tam."
" I'm jalousin' as muckle, yer honour, an' I'm gey sure the
Laird o' Auchmithie kens something aboot it."
"I know he does," said Malcolm hotly; "and before
many hours elapse I will drag it from his ruffian throat. I
must away, and if I need assistance I will come to you,
Tam."
" I think yer honour sud wait an' tak' it wi' ye. It's no
cliancie gaun yersei'," said Tam, as Malcolm crossed the
threshold.
"No, no, Tam, I cannot wait," cried Malcolm, as he
hurried away, and with swift steps climbed the brae that led
to the Abbey
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
137
As lie strode along, his mind reverted to the happy
hours he had lately spent with the beautiful lady of his
love. He thought of the intensity of his passion, and the
disappointment, and the pain, and the loss that threatened
him in the disappearance of her he adored; and his anger
rose, and his brow clouded, and his hands involuntarily
clenched, when he thought how he had been reft alike
of the friend he respected and the lady whom he wor-
shipped.
When he arrived at the great gate of the Abbey, he was
not surprised to see torches flashing and hear men shout-
ing, and, amidst much bustle and confusion, to note the
signs of something very unusual having occurred.
The men of Clan Gordon, who were there in great num-
bers, appeared to be terribly excited, as they wandered
about in an aimless, purposeless manner.
As Malcolm sprang up the steps, they surrounded him
with loud cries and hoarse shouts.
"Has yer honour seen oor leddie1?"
"Ken ye whar the Leddie Jeannie Gordon isl"
" We'll ken noo. Here's his honour wha saved her life
yesterday."
"No, my men, I am sorry to say that I do not know
where your lady is. I have only just learned of her dis-
appearance; but I swear that I will not rest by night ol
by day until I have discovered both her and the Lady
Elizabeth."
138
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCR.
"Hurrah," cried a broad-shouldered Aberdonian;
cheers for the gallant Ogilvie."
And, with bared heads and waving bonnets, the Gordons
made the Abbey ring with lusty cheers.
When Malcolm could make himself heard, he asked where
" the Earl of Huntly was 1"
" He's doon in the garden lookin' whar the leddies wai
last seen," cried the Aberdonian. "Come awa' an' we'll
tak' ye till 'im. Bring torches, lads, and show his honour
the gaet."
Knowing the way quite well, Malcolm strode on for the
little well where he had heard the beautiful singing of her
he loved on the previous day, followed by the most of the
men who had greeted him so heartily.
By the Heys Well, free from the sombre shadows of the
Abbey hoar, in the silver rays of the "bonnie moon,"
stood a large group of men, evidently in earnest discourse.
On hearing the hurried tramp of Malcolm and his
followers, they opened out, and faced the new comers.
Suddenly a voice behind Malcolm cried, "A gentleman
for his honour the great Earl;" and then another voice
cried, "Hurrah for the gallant Ogilvie;" and then another
stentorian cheer made the welkin ring.
When the Earl observed who it was that wished him,
he advanced with outstretched hand, and cordially saluted
Malcolm, saying, "Welcome, Malcolm. You have a braw
following; what has made you so popular with themt"
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
139
"They seem to think, your honour, because I was so
fortunate as to he able to render assistance to the Lady
Jeannie yesterday, that I cannot do less to-day."
"And can you do so, Malcolm? We are at a loss to
know what to do. The Laird of Auchmithie here says
that some of the heretics have carried the ladies off as
hostages, so as to be able to dictate terms to the Queen
Regent and the Church."
" The Laird of Auchmithie, may it please your honour, is
a deliberate, wilful liar," cried Malcolm, hotly, his anger
gaining the mastery, " and I will push his vile falsehoods
down his knavish throat. I assert that they have been
carried off by him and his pirate followers."
"Now, by the Virgin," cried Lindsay, "I will allow no
upstart to traduce my good name. Draw," shouted he,
springing forward and drawing his sword.
" I do not know if it is right for a stainless gentleman to
cross swords with a ruffian and a pirate," said Malcolm,
sternly, as he drew his heavy sword; "but as I mean to
punish you, I will not baulk your wish. Defend yourself,
ruffian."
"Now, now," cried the Earl of Huntly, "put up your
swords; this is not a time for brawling. It will not help
us to find the ladies. You have made a serious charge,
Malcolm; are you prepared to prove it?"
" My Lord, to me the proof is so complete that were I the
great Earl of Huntly, instead of a simple country gentleman,
140
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
I would have the ruffian hung on the nearest tree. You
know my charge against him of being the leader of the
pirates, and you know how the Lord Abbot scouted the
charge, but I will yet prove that charge on his vile carcase.
This evening, as I left the banquet with Sir John Carnegie,
this man was standing outside the great gate, in conversa-
tion with another man, and as I passed he said—'Nov,
Louis, you know what to do. It is our last chance, as tiny
sail to-morrow. Take them at all hazards.' I said to
myself at the time, ' What villany is he planning now ?' and
when I heard of the ladies' abduction, the proof was plain
to me that he was at the bottom of it."
" This looks serious, Laird; what have you to say to this?"
said the Earl of Huntly.
"To say?" said Lindsay, with a sneer. "I have nothing
to say to the lying charges of every wandering braggart who
may turn up; my answer is here," cried he, brandishing his
sword. " But my Lord Abbot can prove that I was in his
presence at the time this busy body says I was outside of
the great gate. This much I may say in deference to you,
my Lord Earl."
"Now, you have proven yourself a liar, Laird of Auch-
mithie," cried a gigantic Highlander, evidently a dhunie-
wasle, clad in tartans, and glittering with barbaric ornaments
of silver and Cairngorm stones, "for I, too, was near the
great gate when this gentleman and Sir John Carnegie
passed out, and I saw you with a cloak on speak to another
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
141
mail with a cloak on, and I tell you plainly, Andrew Lindsay,
Laird of Auchmithie, that you are a liar; and I tell you that
I believe Malcolm Ogilvie when he says you are the leader
of the pirates, and that you have stown awa' oor Lady
Jeannie and the Lady Elizabeth Hamilton, and you have
injured and insulted the whole Clan Gordon."
"And I demand liberty from your Lordship and these
gentlemen to punish this villain. He has made away with
my dear friend John Carnegie; he has carried off two noble,
ladies whom we all revere; he and his vile gang have
murdered men, and burned and robbed ships at sea, and he
has foully insulted me," cried Malcolm, moving forward with
his drawn sword, and placing himself en gard.
"No, no, Malcolm," said the Earl of Huntly, raising his
head haughtily, and laying his hand on our hero's shoulder,
"the Clan Gordon allow no man to fight their battles.
Thank the Virgin, they are able to hold their own with any
man in broad Scotland, and if this man has been guilty of
what you assert, and what my kinsman can partly prove, it
is not an honourable fight with gentlemen he will get, but a
short shrift and a hempen cravat. Laird of Auchmithie,
yield up your sword as a prisoner quietly, and you will have
fair trial; resist, and you will be hacked to pieces."
" Let me fight,1" cried Lindsay, in a thin, shrill voice, at
the same time unsheathing his sword, and placing his back
to a tree; "do not disgrace me. Ho! help for the Abbey!
Help, help! rally, rally for the Abbey I"
142
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Every sword was drawn, and, with a wide sweep of liis
heavy weapon, Lindsay struck down one of his assailants,
when he was seized, and immediately disarmed. His cry of
•'Help for the Abbey" was, however, taken up by some of
the Abbey servants within call, and in a short time a dense
body of men were seen hurrying down the garden.
Loud cries of "Hurrah for the Abbey!" "Clan Ogilvie!"
" Strathmore!" " Keith Marshal!" etc., mingled with the
wild slogans of the kilted men, startled the Earl of
Huntly and the Gordons, who formed in a mass, with their
prisoner in the centre.
Malcolm Ogilvie sheathed his sword, and, with his plumed
bonnet elevated in his extended hand, advanced to meet the
new comers. On his coming within speaking distance he
halted and cried, " Inverquharity's here; wha helps the
Ogilvies ?" when a halt was cried, and about twenty men,
among whom was Tarn Glen's friend Archy, advanced and
formed by his side. Some of the other chiefs who were with
the Earl, seeing Malcolm's success, advanced likewise and
drew otf their men till there were none left but the vassals
of the Abbey.
They, being without a leader, stood irresolute and un-
certain what to do, when a cry was raised of—
" Here's the Lord Abbot."
Every eye was instantly turned to the Abbey entrance of
the garden, and in front of a crowd of priests appeared the
Abbot, accompanied by Sir John Carnegie.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBHOllEOCK
143
The Abbey men set up a loud cheer, and Lied into the
rear of their reverend masters, while the earl and his men,
accompanied by their prisoner, advanced to meet them.
" Can your Lordship explain the cause of this disturbance,
iu what ought to be an abode of peace, at this untimely
hour?"
" Your reverence is aware that my sister and the Lady
Elizabeth Hamilton have been forcibly stolen away from
this abode of peace," said the Earl, sarcastically, "and as
Shis man," pointing to Lindsay, " has been accused of their
abduction, I have thought proper to make and hold him as
a prisoner, until he either clears himself or is convicted."
" This man! Why, this Is the Laird of Auchmithie," said
She Abbot, stammering, "the leader of our vassals; who
has dared to accuse him of such a foul deed 1"
" I have, your reverence," said Malcolm, bowing respect-
fully, " and I think it will not be difficult to prove it."
" Why, it was you who made a ridiculous charge against
him before. This is monstrous] Your Lordship will set
him at liberty. It is absurd."
"Indeed I will not," said the Earl. "If he can.prove his
innocence I will be glad; but the thing looks altogether too
suspicious for him at present."
"Give him into my custody at present, and I will be
surety for his safe keeping. It is impossible that he can
he guilty," said the Abbot.
"Well, I will not object to that," said the Earl; "we can
10
144
THE ABBOT GB ABERBROTHOCK.
hold an examination in the forenoon, before they embark;
but recollect, if he be found guilty he will certainly be
hanged."
The Abbot made no reply, and the prisoner was handed
over to his keeping, and then the priestly party turned and
moved back to the Abbey. On their arrival, the vassals
were all dismissed, except the guards who returned to their
duty, while the Laird of Auchmithie accompanied the Abbot
to his private apartment. After some conversation as to
the probabilities of the ladies' fate, and the share that
Lindsay may have had in their disappearance, the Earl,
with his friends and retainers, retired to their quarters, and
Malcolm, with his twenty Ogilvies, were left standing in the
bright moonlight by the Heya "WelL
the abbot of aberbrothock.
145
CHAPTER XIV.
THE ABBOT'S APARTMENTS—LINDSAY'S STORY—THE PRIVATE DOOR—THE
BEAUTIFUL GIRL—LADY JEANNIE GORDON—WHERE'S MALCOLM NOW ?—<•
LINDSAY ON HIS TRAVELS—THE MURDER—THE CHASE—ESCAPE OF THE
MURDERER—ANOTHER MURDER.
The Abbot, accompanied by Lindsay, entered the sumptuous
apartment that he called his own; and after fastening the
heavy door, and drawing close the gorgeous hangings, he
seated himself in a large soft-cushioned chair, while Lindsay
stood respectfully by his side.
A rich silver candelabra hung from the roof, in which
were fixed candles of the finest wax, that flooded the
apartment with a strong white light, revealing the luxury
and gross sensualism in which this holy father passed his
existence.
The heavy tapestry on the walls portrayed a scene from
Grecian mythology, a bare description of which would be
sufficient to disgust any but those lost to honour and virtue.
The quaintly-carved table was covered with flasks of
wine, and dainty dishes from the hands of his French
cook, to stimulate the jaded appetite of this humble fol-
lower of Him whose kingdom was not of this world.
A large finely-carved crucifix, in ivory and gold, hung
146 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
over the fireplace, while suspended beside it was a rosary,
each head of which was a large and costly pearl.
The Abbot sat for some time in silence, which Lindsay
did not dare to interrupt; then, as if he had arrived at
some conclusion, he started from his seat and seized a
llask of wine, which he emptied into a golden goblet,
and after a deep draught he re-seated himself, saying—
" Now, sir, explain how you have managed to get your-
self into this dilemma 1"
"Please your reverence," said Lindsay, with a cringing
bow, "when you were gracious enough to express you*
wishes to me about the Lady Jeannie, and where you
wished her placed, and your gracious consent to my carry-
ing off the Lady Elizabeth Hamilton, and marrying her
with or without her consent, I descended to the great gate,
where I had requested some of my men to be in waiting,
and while speaking to them, this upstart Ogilvie passed out
with Sir John Carnegie, and, as you remember, he accused
of being the leader of the pirates. When he had heard
of: the ladies' disappearance, he came rushing down tho
garden with a mob of those Highland savages, and, with
insulting language, accused me of carrying them off."
•' Humph," said the Abbot, with a frown, " but did you
really succeed?"
"Yes," said Lindsay, with a grim smile, "your reverence
may know by this time that I never fail. Your bird is safe
in her nest."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 147
"And where she must remain," said the Abbot, sternly.
"Lovely as she is, she would be too dearly bought if
Huntly discovered what we had been at. Tell me how you
managed."
"I did not know at first how to proceed; but, from the
beauty of the evening, I thought it likely that the ladies
might take a breath of caller air after the dancing, so I
scattered my men through the garden, and had the horses
ready at the Heys Well. As luck would have it, they
did come, and in a twinkling we threw cloaks over their
heads, sprang on horseback, and carried them off. We
galloped as far as the Boulzie Hill, and then I sent Louis
and the other men tj Auchmithie Castle with La dy Eliza-
beth, while I turned and came back to the Abbey with
the Lady Jeannie, and, dismounting at the postern you
wot of, I conveyed her to the apartment designed for her.
From the long ride we had, she must think herself some
miles away. I then returned to the garden with all speed,
where I met Huntly and his kinsmen, and would have
convinced them that the heretics had carried her off, if that
cock o' the hills,' Ogilvie, had not appeared as he did."
"And how do you expect to get rid of him, and that
Highland friend of Huntly?" said the Abbot.
" I will either carry them off to the Cove, or put a dirk
in them," said Lindsay.
"Then to save my character and your own, you had
better go," said the Abbot. "You know you must be
148
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
here before midday; spare the steel if you can, it always
tells tales."
"Dead men tell no tales," said Lindsay, savagely; "and
that young fellow has crossed my path oftener than man
ever did before. I will track him like a bloodhound, and
woe be to him if I succeed."
"Well, drink, and we will go," said the Abbot, pointing
to the table, and shrugging his shoulders; "and whatever
you do, be secret and silent."
" Trust me, your reverence," said Lindsay, turning to the
table, and pouring out a copious libation, which he drank;
then laughing, he said—
"It is not the first time I have helped you in a like
matter, and I hope it will not be the last."
"We have certainly snared some beauties between us,"
said the Abbot, with a laugh, " but I fear me this Lady
Jeannie will be worse to manage than any of them. They
say she has a temper of her own."
"Her companions will soon break her in," said Lindsay;
" they have so long lost all hopes of ever being better than
they are that they will be glad to see her as bad as them-
selves."
" What would our guests say if they knew that the Lord
Abbot of Aberbrothock engaged in such pranks? But they
are not likely to know," said the Abbot, rising and again
imbibing a deep draught of the generous fluid.
"Ho," said Lindsay, "they are not likely to know. Is
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK. 149
it your Lordship's pleasure to leave by the private
door?"
"Yes, we will go," said the Abbot, hastily; "we are but
losing time."
Walking to the far end of the room, followed by Lindsay,
he threw up the hangings, and pressed his hand on a small
brass knob, which caused a door to open, revealing a dark
passage.
Turning to Lindsay, he said, "Bring one of the lights;
the place is very dark;" then, carefully muffling himself in a
large mantle, he slowly walked on, followed by Lindsay with
the light.
The floor was carpeted with some soft substance that gave
hack no sound, and they moved on in silence, till they saw a
light in the distance, and heard the tinkling of some musical
instrument.
The light they saw proceeded from a partially open door,
inside of which they found themselves behind silken hangings
that slightly waved in the soft night wind.
One beautiful voice was singing a plaintive Scottish
melody, while others, apparently at a distance from the
singer, were gossiping and laughing pleasantly, and without
restraint.
The Abb.ot gently parted the hangings, and peered into
the room. It was of large dimensions and brilliantly
lighted, and the hangings were gorgeously woven in crimson
and gold.
150
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Large Venetian mirrors of great price were placed at
equal distances, giving an appearance of immense size to the
apartment.
A beautiful girl, wbose raven hair hung in heavy ringlets
down her handsome shoulders, and whose thoughts were
evidently of a mournful cast, was seated at a harp, while
several others, evidently of a lighter temperament, were
lolling on a large sofa at some distance, but directly facing
the fair harper. Apart from all, in haughty dignity, sat the
Lady Jeannie Gordon.
A golden cross enarusted with precious stones rested on
her lovely breast, while her tiny hand grasped the handle of
a long keen glittering dagger. She was evidently in a state
of great excitement, for the saut, saut tears ran down her
cheeks, and her chest heaved, and her limbs shook, and her
mind was ill at ease.
And where was Malcolm now? where the zealous lover,
whose life was devoted to her service, whose every thought
by day and dream by night, was of the fair lady of his love?
where was he who would have gladly died to have saved her
an anxious thought ? where was he, now that the spoiler has
fluttering in his grasp the child of purity and light?
Malcolrq was standing at the Heys Well among his
Ogilvies, idly waiting for the dawn, idly waiting for light to
follow the track of the spoiler, while Lady Jeannie mourns
in captivity.
When the Abbot had scanned the scene to his heart's
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
151
content, he dropped the hangings, and, turning to Lindsay,
■whispered—
«'I am satisfied; go and act wisely."
Lindsay made a low obeisance, and, turning the opposite
way to that which they had come, quickly disappeared in
the darkness.
Shading the wax light with his hand, Lindsay silently
moved along the narrow passage built in the thickness of
the massive wall, until he had left the Abbot at a consider-
able distance behind him; and then, after scanning the
inside wall with some attention, he stopped at a brass knob,
which he pressed in a way similar to the Abbot in his
private apartment.
A door slowly opened, and Lindsay, holding the light
behind him, eagerly pushed his way through into a long
wide corridor, and carefully shut the private door.
Then standing quiet, he listened with bated breath, but
all was still. Then feeling that his dirk was loose in its
sheath, he slowly and quietly made his way along the
passage with the air and mien of a man confident of his
purpose and certain of his way.
Waving his light so that it fell on door after door as he
proceeded on his way, he at length came to one at which he
stopped. Stooping, he placed his ear close to the key-hole,
and smiled a grim smile as he listened to the deep breathing
of a sleeping man.
Cautiously he tried the latch, and somewhat to his sur-
152
THf- ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
prise found it unfastened, and yielding to the pressure that
he applied.
On entering the room, which seemed empty, excepting a
large bundle of straw, on which reclined the dark form of a
man clad tartans, he flashed the light, as if to make sure
that it was be sought.
The light seemed t :> affect the sleeping man, for he moved
uneasily, threw up one of his arms, and muttered something
in Gaelic.
As Lindsay moved nearer, the sleeper suddenly sat up,
revealing the countenance of the gigantic Highlander who
not long before had borne evidence against him in the
Abbey garden, and whose testimony on the morrow, assisted
by Malcolm Ogilvie, would convict him of falsehood,
treachery, robbery, and abduction. Kubbing his eyes
drowsily, he said—
" Fa's t'ere 1 Got for tarn, it's Lintsay!"
Then he attempted to struggle to his feet, when Lindsay,
dashing his light to the floor, drew his dirk, sprang upon
the still half-sleeping man, bore him to the ground, and
sheathed it to the hilt in his back.
The unfortunate man gave a horrible shriek that echoed
along the corridor like the blast of a trumpet, then Lindsay
seized him by the throat with both hands, and held him
in an iron grasp until the form that had once been a man,
large of body and powerful in strength, genial in manner,
and kindly in disposition, lay a mass of inanimate matter.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBRCtfHCW. 153
When the breast ceased to heave and the limbs to
struggle, Lindsay rose, and as he was afraid that fearful cry
of a strong man in his agony would waken others or alarm
the guard, he hastened to leave the spot.
Moving to the door, he remembered that he had left his
dirk in the body, and, afraid that it might be brought in
evidence against him, he groped his way back to get it.
Suddenly he heard the clang of a door at some distance,
which startled him, so he hurriedly seized the dirk, and
sped out of the room and along the cofridor.
In his blind hurry, he ran in the direction of the opened
door, and he had nearly reached it, when the noise of his
footsteps, now no longer cautiously softened, attracted
attention, and he heard voices shouting, and saw torches
flashing, and then he turned and fled in the opposite
direction.
Fast the footsteps sounded, loud the voices shouted,
bright the torches flashed in the rear of the red-handed
ruffian.
With the fleet steps of the hunted deer he bounded
along the broad steps of the corridor and down the main
staircase, and, meeting one of the night-guard, who stood
as if he would dispute the passage, he drove the dirk into
his breast, dashed him to the ground, sprang through the
wicket, and disappeared in the darkness.
154
the abbot of aberbrothgck.
CHAPTER XV.
THE ABBOT AND THE LADIES—HIS INTERVIEW WITH LADY JEANNE-
LADY JEANNIE FAINTS—THE ABBOT BAFFLED—DISCOVERY OF IllJ
WJJRDER—THE UPROAR—THE ABBOT MEETS THE QUEEN REGENT—
HUNTLY DEMANDS VENGEANCE—WHERE IS LINDSAY?
When the Abbot had dismissed Lindsay, he turned again
to the hangings, which he now boldly lifted, and with
noiseless steps entered the apartment. The girl at the
harp was the first to notice him, and the sudden cessation
of the music drew the attention of the others towards her.
On perceiving the Abbot the group on the sofa left their
seat, and they advanced towards him. But he was in no
mood for idle dalliance then; he was excited by the presence
of Lady Jeannie, and the remembrance of the outrage that
he had committed, and the punishment that he was afraid
would follow—for he knew the power of the Earl of Huntly
and the confederate chiefs who looked up to him as their
leader, and he was aware that that power would be used in
no gentle manner on the discovery of his villany. Throw-
ing back his mantle, he said in a harsh low voice, very
unlike his usual tones—
"Go to your rooms, girls; I have no time for amusement
at present; I will see you again."
They retired quietly, while the fair harpist, after casting
a wistful look at Lady Jeannie, said—
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
155
"Does your reverence wish me to go also?"
"Yes, Alice," said the Abbot, in a soft gentle voice,
that was very unlike the harsh way he spoke to the others,
"go now, I would speak with this lady here; I will see
you again."
" She left the room in a different direction from what the
others had taken, and when the door was shut the Abbot
crossed the room to where the Lady Jeannie stood, and
bowing a courtly bow, he said—■
"Your Ladyship is welcome to our bower."
Lady Jeannie started to her feet, while her eyes glittered,
and her hand nervously grasped the dagger, and her voice
seemed choked. She struggled for utterance, and at last
she said—
"And is it possible that I see the Lord Abbot of Aber-
brothock in such a place? Surely with you I can be safe.
You, at least, can have no hand in this outrage. I place
myself under your protection."
"And I willingly accept the charge," said the Abbot,
evasively, while he laughed. Then throwing himself on
his knees, he said, "Behold me, Lady Jeannie, seeking
your love. Maddened by your beauty, it was I that caused
you to be carried off."
"Shame upon you, vile priest, forsworn and degraded.
How dare you insult a daughter of the house of Gordon?
Back, or I will sheathe this dagger in your breast! Alas!
it is no wonder that men wander from the true Church,
156 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
when her consecrated ministers wilfully break her holy laws,
and by their iniquities mock the Lord that bought them."
"Lady," said the Abbot, rising slowly and folding his
arms across his chest, " it is long since I saw through and
rejected that huge imposture that men call religion, and
purblind devotees the true Church; long since I discovered
that ambition, and wealth, and power, and pleasure were
the true pursuits of those called the clergy, and that self-
enjoyment and forgetfulness are the only objects worthy the
attention of a man of the world. I have thrown off the
cloak with you," said he, with a sneering smile, "because
you are in my power. You are beautiful, therefore I am
attached to you."
"Man, have you no shame? Had you no mother, have
you no sister, the recollection of whom might teach you to
show respect to virtue and innocence? 0, Lord of Aber-
brothock," said she, clasping her hands and sinking to her
knees, "lama poor weak girl, pure and innocent of aught
of evil; set me at liberty, and every night and morning I
will pray the Virgin for your welfare."
"Tut, tut," laughed the Abbot, "your prayers are of
none avail."
" Keep back," cried Lady Jeannie, as the Abbot made a
motion as if to approach her—" keep back, or in my despair
I will take my own life; I will not live to be dishonoured.
0, Holy Virgin, shield me," and the agonised girl felt her
eyes grow dim and her senses leaving her; and groping for
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
157
the sofa, slie sank insensible, with the name of Malcolm on
her lips.
In a moment the Abbot sprang forward and took the
dagger from her nerveless grasp; then opening the door by
which the fair harpist had retired, he called—
"Alice."
"Yes, your reverence," cried the fair girl, coming forward.
"See to this lady," said he gently; "she has fainted."
Then folding his mantle about him, he hastily quitted the
apartment.
Moodily he groped his way in the darkness back to his
own room; hastily he seized a flask of rare wine, which he
as hastily decanted into a richly chased goblet, and drank
until the purple blackness of suffocation suffused his
countenance.
Then, throwing himself into a couch, he nervously folded
his arms, and gave way to a train of thought. He thought
of the beauty of Lady Jeannie, and the audacious outrage
that had been perpetrated on her and the Lady Elizabeth
Hamilton. He thought of the swift vengeance that would
follow its discovery by the Earl of Huntly, whether by the
headlong enthusiasm of Malcolm Ogilvie, or the treachery
of the Laird of Auchmithie; and he felt at a loss what
to do.
If he released Lady Jeannie, she would likely inform her
brother; if he continued to hold her prisoner, it would out
put off the evil day, and infallibly increase the punish menu
158 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
While he thus cogitated, the great uproar caused by the
discovery of the crime of Lindsay reached his ears, and he
started to his feet, thinking that already discovery of his
own villany had been made, and that swift retribution
would follow.
Throwing open the door by which he and Lindsay had
entered, he saw one of the brethren of the Abbey hurrying
by. He cried to him, but his voice was drowned in the
shrill blast of a bugle that echoed through passage and
corridor, and then the wild battle-cry of the Clan Gordon
saluted his ear—a cry repeated again and again, till the
whole Abbey seemed to ring with the ominous sound.
Nerving himself by a great effort, and smoothing his
troubled countenance, he gained courage to pace the passage
slowly and enter the great hall. The lower end was crowded
with a dense mass of highly-excited men with bared
weapons, who shouted and gesticulated with strange
gestures that appeared sufficiently alarming under the lurid
glare of many torches.
Drawing himself up in his most dignified manner, he
passed on—the crowd making way for him in a most
respectful manner—till he reached the place where stood the
Queen Regent and a great number of ladies, the Earl of
Huntly, the Lord Ogilvie, and others of the confederated
chiefs.
Bowing lowly to the Queen Regent, he said in a gentle
voice, looking at the gentlemen—
TEE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
159
* What is the cause of this terrible uproar?"
"You ought to be able to explain that, Lord Abbot of
.\berbrothock," cried Huntly, impulsive1.^ starting forward
and extending his right arm; "and, jy Leaven, if your
ixplanation is not complete we will hold you responsible.
Last night, we had two of the Queen's ladies carried off—
aobody knows how or where; and now, in the middle of
the night, in this abode of holiness and peace, one of my
kinsmen has been foully murdered in his sleep. But
Donald Gordon of Glenbucket is not a man that can be
assassinated in this cowardly manner without somebody
being called to account for it, and I call upon you, Lord
Abbot of Aberbrothock, as chief of this community, for
explanation and vengeance."
" I am shocked to hear this," said the Abbot earnestly,
while his hand trembled, "and it is but just that the
murdirer should be punished; but have you any knowledge
who it is? When I left you in the garden, I went to my
owe apartment with the Laird of Auchmithie, and I did
not leave it since."
" My men surprised him beside Glenbucket's door," said
Huntly, " and chased him through the passages, and down
the stairs, out to the wicket of the great gate, where he
murdered one of your own men, but he got off. But where
is this Laird of Auchmithie—this Lindsay—that he has not
come with you? My kinsman supported M'afcolm Ogiivie
when he accused this Lindsay of carrying off the ladies,
ii
i i»0 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
and this plan of destroying evidence is just what I would
expect from such a man."
"Calm yourself, my Lord," said the Abbot, laying his
hand upon Huntly's arm, "recollect the presence of the
Queen and "the ladies. Whoever has done this murder—
be it Lindsay, the leader of our vassals,, or even our own
brother, if we had one—he dies the death, .But there is
error somewhere, for you say that your men chased Lindsay
out at the great gate, while I'm almost certain that but
now I left him in his couch within my own apartment.
Startled by the uproar, I left it hurriedly,; without looking
where he lay, but for our satisfaction we will send and see."
Then beckoning to a group of monks who stood at some
distance looking on at the unusual scene, he said to one
who advanced at his sign—
"Gro, Brother Ambrose, to our apartment, and tell the
Laird of Auchmithie, whom'you will find there, that we
Wish his presence in the great hall."
The monk made a humble obeisance, and noiselessly left
the hall. In a short time he returned, saying, as he bent
Low—
"Please your Lordship, his honour the Laird is not in
your reverence's apartment."
"Ha! said I not so?" said Huntly. "Now, my Lord
Abbot, you became surety for his safe keeping; how will
you redeem your pledge ?"
"I think, my Lord," said the Lord Ogilvie, turning tc
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 1G1
the Earl of Huntly, "that you are somewhat hasty. His
reverence's pledge was that Lindsay would be forthcoming
in the forenoon, whereas it is not yet much past midnight,
and there has not been time to examine into the unfortunate
occurrence. It would be better if her Highness and the
ladies would retire and seek some rest, while we try and
find out the meaning of all these outrages."
"But I object to quibble about words," said Huntly
passionately. "I am the sufferer; my dear sister has been
carried off, God knows where to or by whom; my kinsman
has been murdered, and my whole clan calls out for
vengeance. Suspicion points to one man as the criminal;
he is amissing, and yet we are told to wait. The Lord
Abbot of Aberbrothock is his surety; let him produce him,
or I will hold him responsible."
" My Lords," said the Queen Begent, " 1 am very sorry
that these unfortunate events should have happened, and, I
am sure, so is the Lord Abbot. He has evidently been
deceived by a villain who is both treacherous and cowardly.
I am sorry for my darling Lady Jeannie and the dear Lady
Elizabeth; sorry for the unfortunate kinsman of my Lord
Earl, who has been so cruelly slain; and sorry that my
woman's arm is so weak. I hope you may succeed in
tracing the ladies and punishing the evil-doer. Ladies, we
have much fatigue to undergo to-morrow, and as we can be
of no service here, we will retire, and pray the Virgin for
the safety of our lost ones."
162
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
When the Queen and the ladies had retired, Huntly, now
more enraged that ever, said^-
" If this Lindsay is not given up "by midday, I will leave
part of my followers to hold the Abbey in pledge, and seize
the revenues, and I will ship every one of your retainers I
can catch to Leith to fight the heretics. I will be repayed
in some shape, and if I can lay hold of the abductors of my
sister and the Lady Elizabeth, be they high or low, rich or
poor, I will rend them limb from limb."
" Gentlemen," said the Abbot, soothingly, " would it not
be better to go and examine for ourselves? I will show you
where he lay, and we can see the murdered man, and hear
what evidence our servants can give us, and then we will be
better able to judge."
"Yes," said Lord Ogilvie, "this is what we should do;"
while other voices shouted, "Yes, yes."
The Earl of Huntly yielded a reluctant assent, and the
Abbot led the way to his own apartment. Many an amazed
eye was cast on the sensuous appointments of that gorgeous
apartment.
The blaze of light from the noble chandelier, the thickly
scattered gold and silver plate, the tempting dishes, and the
many flasks of rich wines, were so many points of attraction
to the half-savage natures of the Highland chiefs.
Huntly and Ogilvie, and some of the Lowland nobility,
who had been in either France or England, had often seen
the like, and thought little cf it, and in sooth were more
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
163
taken up with the case in hand; but the Abbot, with rare
tact, watched the greedy eyes of the majority, and, after it
was evident that Lindsay was not there, pressed refreshment
upon them with great hospitality. But Huntly refused to
be seated, and refused to partake of anything; and so great
was his influence that, after a draught of wine, the others
declared themselves in readiness to proceed.
They next proceeded to the chamber of the murdered
maD, which was still in the state in which it had been found.
The straw was broken and scattered about the apartment,
while the long stains of still liquid blood showed the sinister
work that had been enacted there.
The dead man lay on his back with his hands folded over
his breast, and the stern scowl that rested on his rugged
features showed with what agony his life had been reft.
Huntly took the dead man's hand, and vowed revenge
upon the murderer, and then the cortege left the apartment
and returned to the great hall, satisfied that Lindsay yas
the culprit, and that the Abbot had been deceived with him.
Huntly ordered out a strong band to scour the country at
daybreak, in search of Lindsay and the ladies, and then they
all retired to rest.
164
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
CHAPTER XVI.
HAL^M WAITING FOB THE DAWN—HE HEARS OF THE MURDER—RUN
FOR TAM ANDERSON—THE OGILVIES TRACK THE ABDUCTORS—THE
BOULZIE HILL—THE^STEEPLE ROCK—TAM FINDS A BOAT, AND GOES
OFF CN A SEARCH—MALCOLM NONPLUSSED—THE WITCH OF THE DEN
—HER WARNING—THE PIRATES—MALCOLM A PRISONER.
We left Malcolm Ogilvie and his men waiting for the
dawn at the Heys "Well, near the bottom of the Abbey
garden. As it was evident that nothing could be done for
some time, they lay down on the grass in groups, chatting
to pass away the time, while Malcolm paced backwards and
forwards with hasty and unequal steps.
Thoughts crowded on him thick and fast of the strange
adventurous life he was leading, of the singular way in
which his fate had been interwoven with that of the Lady
Jeannie Gordon, of the fierce love for that lady that had
twined itself in the most hidden recesses of his heart, of her
strange disappearance and that of John Carnegie, and of the
vow he had taken to rest not night nor day until he had
restored them to these they loved.
Musing thus, he heard the wild bugle call, and the wilder
battle cry that had startled the Abbot, and calling to his
men, he said—
" Up, lads 1 I fear there is more trouble. What can be
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
165
wrong with the Gordons now? Archy, run up to the
gate and see."
Archy ran as only a Scottish mountaineer can run, and
speedily returned with the tidings that some person,
supposed to he the Laird of Auchmithie, had murdered
the Laird of Glenbucket, and had got off after likewise
murdering one of the Abbey vassals who was on guard at
the gate.
Malcolm was startled at this intelligence. He saw where
the blow was struck and how, and he felt assured that he
would be the next victim. Determined to take time by the
forelock, he sent off Archy to arouse Tarn Anderson, and
to request him to meet him as soon as possible with as many
men as he could muster.
Tarn speedily appeared, accompanied by Archy and eight
men, which he said " wis a' he cud get in sic a wee while,
but if Maister Malcolm wid wait a wee, he wad roose oot 3
wheen o' the fishers, lads wi' strong arms an' stupit heads,
that wid dae onything they war bidden."
But Malcolm was too impatient. He knew that the
Gordons would soon be out searching, and he had no
wish that they should be able to find either Lindsay or
tne ladies before him.
The first faint glint of the coming day began to peer
out of the eastern waters, when Malcolm set all hands to
search for the track of the abductors, and there were some
clever trackers among his men—men accustomed to trail
1GG THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
, tlie Highland caterans, as the sleuth-hound and the red
men of America trail their prey. The sun had shown
itself above the horizon, when a shout proclaimed that
the search had been a success, and then the hardy sons of
the Braes of Angus bent to their task, like hounds on the
trail of the deer.
Past Ponderlaw went that band of determined men,
following the horses' footsteps along the brow of the
Boulzie Hill and along the braes till they came to the little
Seaton Den, down the Den, and on to the beach, where the
tracks of the horses' feet were lost on the stones.
" Scatter, lads, and see if you can recover the trail," said
Malcolm; "they cannot have walked into the sea. We are
not going to be beat by a gang of ruffian pirates."
The men spread out on all sides, and penetrated even
into the Ness Quarry, but no sign of horses' footsteps could
be seen. At last, Tarn Anderson made his way to the
Steeple Rock, at the far end of which he espied a boat
made fast to a piece of the rock. Waving his hands, he
shouted aloud, and was answered by a rush of all the men
to the spot where he stood. At sight of the boat they
cheered with many cheers, till Malcolm ordered silence,
saying that if any of the gang were within hearing it
would put them on their guard.
The boat that lay rocking on the tide was empty, except
four rude oars that looked as if they had been tossed in in
a great hurry. There were no marks upon it by which
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
167
they could tell the owner, nor was it possible to tell from
whence it had come.
Not a sail was in sight on the heaving restless main,
while landward nothing could be heard but the sough of
the wind moaning through the bushes in the Den.
Malcolm was nonplussed, while his men stood and stared
vacantly around them. Among the heather wild, or among
the crags of the mountain precipices, they would have been
in their element, but the ocean presented a barrier that they
did not understand.
Tarn Anderson, seeing how matters stood, ventured to
say—
" 'Deed, Maister Malcolm, I think we shud a' gae an' lie
doon amang the bushes oot o' sicht, an' watch wha' comes
for the boat."
"No, no, Tam, that would never do," said Malcolm,
impatiently; "we might wait the whole day, and then
somebody might come that had nothing to do with the
matter we have in hand, and thus the whole day would be
lost."
"Weel," said Tam, "what will we dae? Gin we keep
stannin' here the day 'ill be lost tae."
"Well, I think, Tam, that you and your men should
take the boat and proceed slowly along the Heugh edge,
as near land as you well can, and examine every cove, and
den, and cranny that you can find, while we will take the
back track, and try and find where the horses went, for I
168 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTnOCK.
cannot think they were taken to sea. "Whether we succeed
or not, let us meet here in the afternoon."
" An' if I meet wi' thae wratches, will we fecht, or pass
on as if we didna see them?" said Tam.
"Try and find out where their haunt is, but keep out
of their clutches, for they will be too numerous for you.
If you meet Sir John Carnegie, tell him how you left us,
and put yourself under his orders."
"Aweel, yer honour, I'll dae yer bidding," said Tam,
getting into the boat, followed by his men. "But I'm
dootin' we'll no find muckle; thae rascals are owre cunnin'
for us."
Tarn's men took to the oars, and in a short time they
disappeared among the rocks at the base of the cliffs. When
they were out of sight, Malcolm said to his men—
"Now, lads, we will take the back track, and see if we
cannot find the return footsteps of these horses. Spread out
well, and let us go carefully to work."
The men spread out as far as their numbers would allow,
and retraced their steps up the little den and along the brae-
heads. They had not proceeded far when a shout from the
one that was farthest away inland caused them all to stop,
and when they all ran to the spot they saw the track of
horses deeply cut into the heath. Following the back track
here likewise, they soon found that it led into the main
track that they had followed to the sea. Here Malcolm
stationed two men, with orders not to leave till he returned.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
1GD
Then with the rest he resumed the search on the road lead-
ing to the Abbey. Another shout announced the finding of
the track by which Lindsay had returned to the postern-
door of the Abbey with the Lady Jeannie Gordon. Following
this, Malcolm was struck dumb with amazement when he
found where it led. Surely there must be some mistake; this
must be some other track—some of the Abbey officials, or
some of the servants! Back again to the junction with the
main track; and, from some peculiarity of one of the shoes,
they were all certain that it was one of the horses that had
started from the Abbey gardens.
Alas! what misery might have been spared, what
hypocrisy unmasked, what summary vengeance might have
been taken, could Malcolm have fathomed the monstrous
outrage. But it was too monstrous—it was too much out
of the common run of crime; and Malcolm, with doubts and
fears tugging at his heart-strings, was obliged to confess to
himself that it must be impossible.
Dismissing all the men except Archy, Malcolm retraced
his steps to the place where he had stationed the two men.
Following the track that led inland, they found that it
took a wide sweep and bent again to the sea. Scattering
his three men widely apart, with instructions to push on
for a considerable distance, and if they failed to see any-
thing of a suspicious nature, to return to the Steeple Rock
and wait for Tarn Anderson, Malcolm followed the track
himself along the brae-heads and along the Heugh.
170 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Steadily he -went almost in a straight line, unless when
some deep rift like Dickman's Den caused him to take a
detour to the left, until he came to the big Seaton Den,
that led down to the Masons' Cove. In this den there is
a small stream, and here the horses' tracks were lost.
With rare cunning, the horsemen had led the animals
either up or down the water, but although Malcolm tra*
versed the banks for a considerable distance, he could find
no trace.
Shaded by many trees and a dense undergrowth of
bushes, the Seaton Den even in the daytime had a dark
and solitary appearance. As Malcolm, at a loss how to
proceed, and out of sight and sound of his men, stood
musing, he caught sight at some distance of a small hut
that was built against a tree.
And even as he looked, the sky, which had darkened
unheeded, now began to send forth rain, and the thunder
pealed among the cliffs like the rattle of innumerable drums,
and the forked lightning lit up the scene with an inter-
mittent and hideous light. The little birds that had been
singing merrily were now silent, and the drowsy hum of the
bee was heard no more.
Malcolm ran rapidly down the bank to obtain shelter in
the hut, but when he reached it the door was shut. Knock-
ing loudly with his sword-hilt, he at length heard a shrill
voice cry—"Wha's there? Wha wants the witch o' the
den sae early."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
171
"A stranger wishing shelter from the storm. Open."
He heard a noise as if a stool or chair had been capsized,
and then the bolt was withdrawn, and a woman stood before
him—and such a woman ! Tall beyond the ordinary height
of woman, but bent until her head nearly touched her waist,
she stood before him leaning on a staff. Long elf-like locks
of grey hair, like water eels, dangled over her shoulders,
that seemed to have escaped from under the filthy woollen
cowl that she wore upon her head. Her skin was the colour
of dirty parchment; and having lost all her teeth, her nose
and chin had become near neighbours. He hastily crossed
the threshold, and looked around him. The floor was of
earth beaten hard, and the walls and low roof were bare and
rough as when the axe had left them.
A peat fire smouldered in a corner, while the smoke
lazily escaped through a hole in the roof. A block of wood
evidently used for a seat stood beside the fire, and a clumsy
stool lay on its side beside it. It was a squalid miserable
place, occupied by a squalid miserable woman.
" An' noo, frien', sin ye hae gotten in frae the weet and
the roarin' thunder an' the flashin' lichtnin', ye'll maybe tell
fat may be yer errand in the Seaton Den the day."
" I am in search of a ruffian who has carried off two ladies
from the Abbey gardens last night, and I have tracked his
horse's footsteps to the burn that runs past your door.
They are ladies of high rank, and you would be well re-
warded if you could give any clue to their whereabouts."
172 THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
Here a loud peal of thunder rattling among the cliffs
shook the little hut to its foundations.
"Ye hae little tae dae stravagin' the country in search o'
runaway ieddies. Tak' the advice o' ane wha is nae iron'
o' the Ogilvie, a ' awa' hame tae the braes a,s fast as ye can,
Ye little ken the danger ye are rinnin' intae."
" Hanger, woman. I would brave fire and sword to save
these ladies. How know you that I am an Ogilvie 1"
" I ken the black bull's head week I didna aye five in
Seaton Hen, amang wild beasts an' wilder men; Ihaenae
cause tae like yer race. Away!" she cried, stretching out
her arm and pointing to the door, " ere the avenger comes
wi' blood on his hands. I wis ance a happy wife an' mither,
an' I wis made a widow an' bairnless, an' burnt oot o' hoose
an' ha', an' a' because oor laird an' your chief had quarrelled.
Away!" she shrieked. "I widna like tae hae yer young
blood stainin' my soul, an' they're comin' sune wha wad
think naethin o' takin't," and she sank on the floor and
covered her head.
" And why should I go out into the storm, and leave my
tasked unfulfilled 1" said Malcolm. " 1 am prepared no face
any danger to rescue those ladies."
" Then yer blood be upon yer ain head. They ca' me the
witch o' the den, an' I am only a wretched starving woman,
bit I tell ye that ye'll never leave this place alive. Over
late, ower late; I hear their fitstaps comin' up the brae."
" If you are starving in this miserable place, go into the
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
173
town to the 4 Three Angels,' and tell them that I sent you,
and that you are to wait till I come. When I come back, I
will see that you are made more comfortable. Who are
these men that are coming?" said Malcolm, loosening his
sword in its sheath.
44 They are bluidthirsty pirates wha force me tae work
their will. An' as for yer offer, a mouthfu' frae an Ogilvie
wad chock me. Awa', awa'; ye may yet hae time."
Here voices were heard, and then a loud knocking at the
door, and a surly voice cried—
44Open, hag, witch, devil; and let us out of this storm."
The woman hastily rose to her feet, and hurried to the
door, which she threw open.
Three men, muffled up in large cloaks, entered; and when
the -foremost, who was no- other than; Musgrove," the
Northumbrian pirate, espied Malcolm, he cried—
44 Ho, ho! Who have we got here?"
44 A stranger who has taken shelter from the storm," said
the woman hastily.
44 One who is in search of a ruffian who has stolen away
two ladies, and whom I wish to bring to a reckoning," said
Malcolm, distantly.
44Ha, ha! my cock o' the hills, is this you? Surely the
devil is extra obliging to-day, as you are the very man I most
wish to see," said another of the men, stepping forward, and
throwing back his cloak and showing the sinister face of
Andrew Lindsay, Laird of Auchmithie. 441 have a long
174
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
account to settle -with you. Surrender your sword, and if
will be the better for you."
" I will never surrender my sword to a murderer, thief,
pirate, and coward," said Malcolm, drawing it, and placing
bis back to the wall, while the woman cowered in a corner.
" Come and take it, and recollect that the Earl of Huntly
and the Gordons are all out in search of the murderer of
their kinsman."
"We will settle your affair first, an' then we'll hae
time to look after the Earl of Huntly an' the Gordons,"
cried Lindsay, drawing his sword and moving forward,
while Musgrove likewise drew, and moved to the one side.
This had the effect of forcing Malcolm to retreat into the
far corner, where he could not be so easily taken at a dis-
advantage. Lindsay advanced and aimed a blow at
Malcolm, which he parried, and in his turn struck out at
Lindsay, which Musgrove caught on his sword-blade.
While this was going on, the third man (who was no
other than Louis, the French pirate) coolly took off his
cloak and threw it over Malcolm, enveloping in its folds
his head, arm, and sword. Before he could free himself,
Lindsay seized his sword arm, while Musgrove, holding
his sword by the blade, dealt him a severe blow on the
forehead with the hilt, which deprived him of sense and
motion.
As he fell in a heap on the floor, Lindsay, laughing loudly,
said—
THE ABBOT OF ABERBIIOTHOCK.
175
"By the Virgin, Louis, but you managed that cleverly.
He'll be easily disposed of now, Musgrove, afteT the tap you
gave him."
" Sacre," said Louis. " He one fool. He put his head in
de wolf's mouth."
"He's a brave lad," said Musgrove, "and might have
given us trouble. Is he to go to the cave1}"
" Yes, it will be better," said Lindsay. " I would put my
sword through him now, but Huntly thinks much of him,
and if the worst comes to the worst he will do for a
hostage. Louis, go to the head of the brae and signal the
men to come up and carry him to the boat. I thought he
would be tramping about to-day after his lost lady-love,
but I did not expect to catch him so easy, as he is a devil
to fight."
Louis went and signalled the men, who came up and
carried Malcolm down to the boat, and when he again
awoke to sense and reason he was lying chained in the
same dungeon cave that held John Carnegie and Hugh Orr.
12
17G
the abbot of aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XVII.
THE BALL—THE LAIRD O' IN VERQDHARTTT—THE GARDEN—THE ABDUCTION
—AUOHMITHIE CASTLE—LADY ELIZABETH A PRISONER—THE AdIRD Of
AUCHMITHIE.
The gentlemen who were left by Malcolm Ogilvie in the
company of Lady Jeannie and Lady Elizabeth strove to
make themselves agreeable by courteously pointing out all
the more notable characters who were present at the bail.
There was the Earl of Perth, the chief of the Drummonds;
yonder was the Keith Marshal of Dunnottar; and there
again was Sir David Ogilvie of Inverquharity, with his lady
leaning on his arm.
" Which one do you mean ?" said Lady Jeannie, hurriedly,
while Lady Elizabeth smiled a meaning smile. '""Is it the
gentleman with his arm1 in a sling"?" " ' "
"Yes," said the gentleman addressed, who was a Drum-
mond. "They had a skirmish with some of the Dundee
heretics, and it would have gone hard with him had his son
Malcolm not come to his assistance."
" Indeed, there is not a lad in Angus that is handier with
the.sword than Malcolm Ogilvie," said his companion, "asI
know. I remember, when some of us were hunting in
Glenisla, we came on a gang of caterans evidently on a
cattle-stealing foray. Before I could get near enough to
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
177
strike, Malcolm was in tlie midst of them, and the very
sound of the Ogilvie war-cry seemed to frighten them, for
they broke and scattered in all directions, and in a minute
he brought two of them to the ground. 0, he is a brave
lad, Malcolm, and a good."
" The band is going to strike up again," said the Drum-
mond; "will your ladyship favour us with a-dance 1"
Lady Jeannie, with her heart throbbing with pleasure at
the praise bestowed upon Malcolm, consented, with a smile
on her countenance, and Lady Elizabeth took her place
beside her cavalier, with fun beaming in every feature.
She looked at Jeannie as she etood demurely beside her
partner, and Jeannie, at the look,_ flushed up on neck, and
face, and brow. But she felt happy, and she went through
the dance with a lightness and a grace that drew from those
. around her much flattery and praise.
After the dance had finished, their companions escorted
them to their seats; then, taking their leave, departed with
a low bow.
"How beautiful the evening is," said Lady Elizabeth;
"it is a pity to waste it in this noisy crowd. Come,
Jeannie, let us walk in the garden, and sit by the well.
The saints only know when we may have another quiet
time. I shudder at the thought of going back to Leith."
"I would rather go to Castle Gordon with Allan," said
Jeannie, " but we cannot leave the Queen. But Malcolm is
going with us," said she, as she rose from her seat.
178
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" It is nothing but Malcolm now," said Lady Elizabeth.
" I do believe, Jeannie, that you dream of Malcolm."
" I never thought there was so much weakness in me,"
said Lady Jeannie, " but I suppose we never know ourselves
till we are tried."
They crossed the hall, and descended the great staircase,
bustling with people, and still lined with stalwart spear-
men.
The setting sun shone with a strong, garish light, and the
trees and bushes in the garden rustled with the soft evening
breeze.
With arms round each other's waists, the ladies strolled
along the walks, now silent and deserted. The little birds
were singing their evening song, and as they wandered on,
the noise and bustle of the Abbey grew less and less, until
it was finally lost in the distance.
And now they hear the murmur of the little well, as it
overflows its bounds and rattles the tiny pebbles that strew
its path.
Seating themselves on the green bank, with the trees and
bushes forming a thick fringe behind them, and the silence
and the early gloaming around them, the ladies chatted in
the easy, vapid way that young girls so much indulge in—
their dresses, their friends, what they hear, what they see,
and especially the unexpected new-found loves of Malcolm
and Lady Jeannie. To Lady Elizabeth, who had never felt
love's gentle pain, this was a subject of all-engrossing
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
179
interest. Her inquiries were endless, lier questions
incessant, her interest great. How did she know at first
that she loved him? what was it that she liked best about
him? would she tell him that she loved him if he asked her?
Engrossed in question and answer on this momentous
subject, the ladies had been oblivious to the tramp of horses
and the stealthy approach of men; and when in the most
deeply interesting part, cloaks were suddenly thrown over
their heads, stifling the startled shriek, the hurried sob of
terror that shook their feeble frames. They were seized by
strong arms and laid on the backs of horses, where they
were held by men already mounted. Then they heard a
voice say—
"Now, lads, as quick as you can. "We have all the devils
and all the luck on our side to-night."
The horses sprang forward, and Lady Elizabeth, struck
dumb with horror, found refuge in insensibility. When
she again recovered, the cloak had been partially withdrawn
from her face, and the night wind played upon her cheek,
and she saw that they were riding through a wood, and that
there was only one man and one horse with her. After a
time they rode up to a building that seemed made up of a
tower in the old Scottish style, surrounded by outhouses as
if for cattle, with the whole enclosed by a high strong wall
and a large thick oaken gate. Beyond the tower she could
see the open sea, as if far beneath, stretching away until it
was lost in the distance; while close by the tower, stretching
180
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
away on "either side, were steep precipices, with the sea
dashing and foaming among the rocks at their base.
This was Auchmithie Castle, which stood not far from the
present coastguard station, but the sea that for three
hundred years has been sapping and mining at it has swept
away both the castle and the ground on which it stood.
When they were within the courtyard, Lady Elizabeth's
conductor dismounted and lifted her down, and then said to
h nlan who made his appearance from an outhouse—>
"Moncher Andrew, vill you tell Shannet to attend de
laty."
"Ou, ay, Frenchy, I'll dae that," said Andrew, at the
same time going up to the door of the tower, and bawling—
"Janet—hie, Janet."
A decent-looking young woman, with reddish hair and a
freckled skin, appeared at the door, and when she saw a
lady standing weary-like beside tne Frenchman and the
horse, she walked over beside them. When Lady Elizabeth
saw the woman near her, she grasped her by the arm, and
dried—
" 0, save me from ruin; you are a woman, and will pity a
woman torn from her friends by strangers. 0, help me; my
friends are rich, and will reward you."
The woman looked at Lady Elizabeth and then at the
Frenchman, who shook his head sternly, and pointed to the
tdwer, saying—
" Ze lady vill go to de room."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
181
The woman laid her hand on Lady Elizabeth's arm, and
said—
"Ay, ay, come awa' tae yer room; there Ti uae wrung
befa' ye as lang as I am wi' ye."
Lady Elizabeth followed despairingly, and when they
came to the door of the tower, Janet said in a whisper—
" Dinna speak till we get up tae the room."
They went up the spiral stair that twisted and turned like
a corkscrew, until they reached the second storey, where
Janet threw open the door of the room. It was quite dark,
for the gloaming had settled down into darkness, and the
moon had not yet risen, and the old tower had a weird-like
appearance, and Lady Elizabeth was terribly frightened.
" Bide awee," said Janet, " till I get a crusie. It's unco
dark here."
" 0, do not leave me here alone," said Lady Elizabeth;
" let me go "with you, for I am excited and alarmed," and
she seized her by the arm.
" AYeel, weel, cum awa' doon or I get a licht," said Janet,
in kindly tones.
They again descended the stair, and were met at the
bottom by the Frenchman and Andrew, and on seeing them
the Frenchman said—
"Vy you no take de laty to ze room?"
"'Deed, it's unco dark," said Janet; "we cudna see a
styme, an' we cam' doon tae get a licht."
"You get ze lantern, Andrew, ver queek."
1S2
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"I'll sune dae that," said Andrew, groping along the
passage, from whence he returned in a short time with a
horn lantern, which gave a dim, feeble light that only
rendered the darkness visible.
With this they again ascended the stair, followed by
Louis, who saw them into the room, and took up his station
outside, seemingly alarmed at seeing them descending the
stairs.
When Janet saw Lady Elizabeth into the room, she
followed her, and carefully shut the door. Motioning the
lady, she proceeded to the far end of the room, where there
appeared to be something like a bed, as seen by the dim
light of the lantern. Janet whispered, "Speak low, the
Frenchy's at the door. Whaur did ye come frae? Hoo
did he get ye?"
" I am the Lady Elizabeth Hamilton, the daughter of the
Duke of Chatelherault, and one of the Queen Regent's ladies
of honour, and when sitting beside the well in the garden of
the Abbey of Aberbrothock, with my companion, Lady
Jeannie Gordon, and ere we could give an alarm, some men
threw cloaks over our heads, and carried us to some other
men on horseback. I fainted, and when my senses returned,
all had left us but the man who held me, and soon after we
arrived here. I do not know what they have done with
Lady Jeannie, nor why we were carried off, as we are
strangers in this part of the country. 0," continued she,
and she trembled with the excitement and terror of what
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
183
6he had undergone—" 0, if you would get word conveyed
to my friends, they would reward you with much wealth,
and I would be your friend for life."
"Ah, I daurna dae that," said Janet; "I'm only a puir
fisher lassie, an' if the Laird jaloosed the like, he would
throw me ower the Heugh, an' ne'er gi'e me time tae speak.
Sae sit doon an' rest ye, an' I'll bring something to refresli
ye; an' though I daurna send word tae onybody, after a
while I'll maybe try an' slip ye oot."
Janet trimmed the light in the lantern and left the room,
the Frenchman, who was still waiting, locking the door on
her departure. They descended the stair together, and
Janet made her way to the kitchen, where she collected food
and drink sufficient to make a tolerable supper. With this
she again ascended to the room of Lady Elizabeth, whom
she found sobbing in a manner that was painful to hear.
Janet, who was awe-struck with the high rank of her guest,
was at a loSfe what to do. Had it been one of her own rank
in life, she, by alternate coaxings and scoldings, would have
brought her to her senses; but she dared not do this with a
lady, the daughter of a Duke, and a Queen's attendant. So
she set down the dishes, and whispered that she " Shud try
an' tak' some supper an' gae till her bed, an' maybe she
wad try an' get her awa' the morn's nicht."
" 0, I cannot eat anything," said Lady Elizabeth, " and
I am afraid to lie down. Could you not stop with me all
night?"
184
THE ABBOT OE ARERBROTHOCK.
"Na, na, I cudna dae that," said Janet. "Gin the
Laird thocht we war growin' frien'ly I wadna he allowed
tae cum near ye, an' then ye wad ha'e nae chance o' gettin'
awa'. Sae tak' yer supper, an' gang tae yer bed—it's braw
an' clean—an' content yersel,' an' I'll see fat I can dae the
morn's nicht."
But the lady1 continued to sob and moan in a way that
appeared to Janet's more masculine nature to be childish;
so she muttered to herself, " E'en as ye like," and left the
room, the Frenchman carefully locking the door behind her.
Finding that she did not return, and unable to take any
refreshment, Lady Elizabeth threw herself on the bed,
where she sobbed herself to sleep.
"When she awoke in the morning the warm sunbeams
were pouring into the room, lighting up and enlivening
everything with their benign influence. So cheery was it
that her position, though unchanged, did not appear half
so gloomy as it did the previous evening. Rising hastily,
she threw open the little horn window, and hastily scanned
the scene. Immediately below her in the courtyard was a
flock of sheep and cattle noisily demanding egress to their
favourite pasture. At some distance on her right hand she
saw the miserable huts of a fishing village. Far in the front
and on either side was spread out an undulating expanse
of hill and dale, of heathy moors and wooded glens, of
sparkling streams and silent lochs, that lay glittering in the
sun. As she gazed in silent admiration, a noise behind her
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
185
attracted her attention. Turning round, she was alarmed
to see a stout, middle-aged man standing in the doorway
staring rudely at her. He was a stranger, and yet she
thought she had seen that sinister face before. Memory,
by a supreme effort, came to her assistance, and then she
recollected that she had seen him when Malcolm Ogilvie
and John Carnegie were presented to the Queen Regent,
and again at the banquet, and that this was the redoubtable
Laird of Auchmithie. After enjoying her confusion for a
time, he at last came forward, and taking off his bonnet
and bowing low, he hoped that " her ladyship would enjoy
her visit to his poor house."
Raising herself to her full height, Lady Elizabeth said
haughtily—
" Is it to you, sir, that I am indebted for this outrage!"
"Your ladyship must pardon the ardent vehemence of
my love for you; but your speedy departure rendered any
other course impossible. I have come now to throw myself
at your feet," said he, with easy insolence.
"And are you not afraid to expose yourself to the
vengeance of the Lord Abbot and the Queen Regent by
your unmanly conduct!"
" I fancy the Queen Regent has eneuch to do wi' hersel',"
said Lindsay, laughing, "and I have the express sanction
of the Abbot for what I have dune. He gets the Lady
Jeannie, and I get the Lady Elizabeth. A fair bargain, my
lady, an' a better ane for you than her, for I can marry
186 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
you an' mak' you an honest woman, but he canna marry
her."
"Shameless villain," said Lady Elizabeth, indignantly,
"and liar as well. "Would nothing suit you but traducing a
dignitary of our holy Church V'
" You will see that dignitary of our holy Church here for
the purpose of marrying you and me, some of these days,
my lady. Perhaps you will believe it then; and I would
not be surprised but you might be glad to be married, after
you have been here a short time."
Lady Elizabeth could not answer this horrible avowal, it
was so audacious, so shameful, and she sank into a seat
almost speechless with terror. If it was true that the
Abbot was indeed a consenting party to her abduction, and
that the Queen was so helpless as he asserted, and she had
too much reason to believe, then she was lost indeed. Over-
powered by her feelings, the barrier of her pride gave way,
the haughty look disappeared, and she found relief in a fit
of passionate weeping. Lindsay looked on for a moment in
surprise, then giving a harsh sneering laugh, he quitted the
apartment, muttering as he went, " By all the devils, she's
half tamed already."
The day passed slowly on, and her mind recovered its
tone, and she wearied for Janet's return. But the evening
fell, and the little stars came twinkling out, and a strange
woman brought her refreshments, but Janet did not return.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
187
CHAPTER XVIII.
BIB JOHN CABNEGIE COMMENCES HIS SEARCH FOB HIS SON—ANDREW
WAKENS THE WITCH O' THE DEN—SIB JOHN'S DARK THOUGHTS—THE
VILLAGE—THE FISHERS—THE CHASE—TAM ANDERSON—THE MASONS'
COVE—THE PIRATES' CAVE—THE EVIL SPIRITS—BAFFLED.
On the morning after- the banquet Sir John Carnegie,
fatigued with the turmoil of the preceding day, and
anxious and alarmed at the mysterious disappearance of his
son and the Queen's ladies, arose from his couch and pre-
pared to assist in the search. After breakfast he summoned
his tenantry, whom he had ordered into the town of Aber-
brothock to assist in the reception of the Queen Regent, and
putting himself at their head, commenced his march. He
was aware that he was acting in direct contradiction to the
orders of the Abbot and the leaders of the Queen's party, as
they intended that he and his men should embark that day
for Leith to fight against the Lords of the Congregation.
But he saw that the crisis so long expected had now come,
and as he had determined not to obey, he resolved to make
the search an excuse for his disobedience. He, as our
readers are aware, was an influential member of the Central
Reformers' Committee, and his retainers were Reformers to
a man. Indeed, it had been agreed amongst the vassal
lairds of the Abbey who were Reformers, that they should
188
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
carry off their men in some such manner when the time of
embarkation came, so that he felt certain of support and
assistance in case of the Abbot and his party attempting to
coerce him.
Marching gravely along on horseback, it was his intention
to proceed to Auchmithie, where he was almost worshipped
by the fishers, to man a sufficient number of fishing boats,
and thoroughly search the coast from the Redhead to the
Steeple Rock.
They passed over nearly the same ground as had been
traversed by Malcolm Ogilvie and his men earlier in the
day, and like them they noticed the deep horse tracks in the
ground.
When they came to the Seaton Den, the Witch's hut, of
which they were aware, attracted their notice, and there Sir
John determined to make inquiry. JTurning to one of his
Vnen, he said;—
" Knock at the door, Andrew, an' see if the Witch
is in."
" Ay, ay, yer honour," said Andrew, raising a tremendous
clatter on the rude door with his sword-hilt, at the same-
time crying—"Open, ye auld rudas jaud. Gi'e ower yer
cantrips for awee, an' open tae his honour the Laird."
After a brief space, the door slowly opened, and the same
miserable being whom we have described before appeared,
and slowly scanned the group. At length her eye rested
upon Sir John, and she said—" What's yer wull, Laird?"
THE -ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
189
" Have ye heard ony horses, or seen ony person aboot the
Den the day 1"
"Ay, the spoiler has been here, an' the young plant has
been drenched in bluid."
" Speak plainly, woman, for I am in great trouble. Tell
me what ye ken, an' I will give ye gold."
" He wis an Ogilvie, but he wis young an' innocent o' my
sair trouble;-an' yet his bluid is no on my head, for I
warned him."
. " I do not know what you mean," said Sir John, who was
not aware of Malcolm's capture, " and I do not think ye ken
what I mean. My son was carried aff by a band o' pirates
oot o' a ship in Aberbrothock harbour the nicht afore last,
an' twa o' the Queen's ladies were carried aff frae the Abbey
gardens last night, an' murder has been dune in the Abbey
itsel'. Tell me if ye ken ony thing aboot them^an' I. will
richly reward ye."
"What care I for yer gold an' yer rich rewards'?. Will
gold heal the broken heart, or soothe the crazy mind ?" cried
the mad woman shrilly, while the deep sobs shook her
bosom. " Will gold bring back the young lives that were
spent, or gi'e me back the lover o' my youth, wi' his manly
form, an' his bonny blue een, an' his gowden hair 1 A' lost,
a' lost," and the poor creature sank on the doorstep, and
buried her face in her lap.
The men looked at one another, and Sir John, with a
troubled look, said gently—
190
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" Poor woman, I am sorry for yer sair distress, an' I am
sure that ye that ken sorrow sae weel will help another in
trouble. Will ye tell me what ye ken?"
" Gin I war seekin' lost fouk, I wad speir for the Laird o'
Auchmithie," said the woman, rising slowly, and, looking at
Sir John with a meaning look, she shut the door.
" It is just as Malcolm said and as I suspected," muttered
Sir John to himself as he wheeled his horse and crossed the
Den; " that villain is mixed up in all this affair. We will
see if he is at home," and he rode on till he came within
sight of Auchmithie Castle. He then stopped his horse, and
explained to his retainers that he suspected Lindsay to know
something about his son John and the Queen's ladies,
and that he intended to search the Heugh and all the
Coves.
The men loudly expressed their wishes to assist, and
threatened what they would do if they found out the guilty
parties, for the Carnegies were as popular at that day as
they are in our own.
When they arrived at the Castle, they were received by
the same worthy who had assisted the Frenchman Louis
when he abducted the Lady Elizabeth, and who had evi-
dently seen them from a distance, and who now stood,
bonnet in hand, waiting for Sir John to speak.
" Is the Laird at hame ?"
"'Deed no, Sir John, he's awa' at the toon, an' I dinna
ken whan he'll be back," oblivious to the fact that he
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
191
knew that the Laird was watching them from one of the
windows.
"Had ye ony strangers here the day1?" said Sir John,
looking the man steadily in the face.
" There hisna been a livin' sowl here the day," said the
man.
Sir John turned his horse, and, without another word
or glance, he took the road for the village of Auchmithie.
Had he seen that handkerchief waving from that window,
had he seen that despairing look or heard those despairing
cries from that gloomy weather-beaten tower, how light
would have been his task, how much shortened would have
been the torture of those unhappy prisoners.
But wrapped up in his own dark thoughts—thoughts of
the dark and desperate plots in which he was engaged
against the ruling powers, involving the penalty of life
and property—thoughts of his missing son, his first-born
and his heart's pride—weighed him down, and prevented
him from seeing -the signal tnat would have set free the
weary hearts that groaned in captivity.
They soon arrived at the village, situated, like the eyrie
of an eagle, on the top of a precipitous cliff, with only a
narrow and steep pathway by which to reach the beach.
IJp this breakneck road the villagers have to carry all the
fish that they catch, and the water that they drink.
Sir John Carnegie appealed to the villagers for help to
search for his son, which help was willingly granted, for,
13
192
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
though tenants of the Laird of Auchmithie, he was as
much hated as Sir John Carnegie was loved. The one was
kind to them, and the other was harsh; they had to submit
to endless exactions from the one, while the other treated
them with kindly hospitality.
Sir John and his retainers descended the steep cliff,
accompanied by the whole of the villagers. Soon six large
boats were launched, and rowed by the fishermen, and
crowded by Sir John's retainers, they bent their course to
the eastward. They thoroughly searched the coast past
Torrensha'en and past the Red Head—an immense preci-
pice nearly a thousand feet in height in sheer descent—
hut they saw no signs of boats or pirates; back again
towards Auchmithie, when two boats were espied far out
at sea.
" They're nane o' oor boats," said Sandy Cargill, who was
steering the boat that Sir John was in; "an' they're no
fishin' boats ava."
" Spread oot, lads," cried Sir John, " an' tiy an' surround
them. Gin they be honest they'll wait when they see that
we want them, an' if they be rogues they'll rin."
The boats spread out in a half-circle, and with the strong
steady pull at the oars that only long experience can give,
they rapidly overhauled the strangers. These latter for a
time were unaware of the notice that they had attracted,
but by-and-by, as they came into closer proximity to each
other, a shout was heard, and in a moment the two boats
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
193
about-ship and hurriedly proceeded out to sea. A stern
chase is well known to be a long chase, and the lighter
beats and lighter crewTs of the pursued proved no exception
to the rule—they pulled rapidly with a short, quick stroke
until they had got their pursuers well scattered; then
taking a slant course, as if making for Aberbrothock, they
perceived another boat coming from that direction, when
they at once wheeled about and attempted to make the
snore between the pursuing boats that had followed them.
In was very evident that they were anxious to escape,
and the rearmost boats of the pursuers pulled hard, in
the magnificent way that the fishermen can pull, to cross
their bows, when they again doubled in such a way as would
bring them very near the solitary boat that was coming
eastward. This latter, which was no other than Tarn
Anderson and his men, perceiving that something was
wrong without knowing what, joined in the chase, and soon
approached the fugitives. Tam stood up in the stern of
the boat, with a long boat-hook in his brawny arms,
intending to stop at least one of the boats, when an
arquebus was fired, the ball of which struck him,on the
left arm, which caused him to drop the boat-hook rather
hurriedly.
" Pull, lads, pull," he cried, " it's thae bluidy pirates that
we peppered in the burnin' ship the ither nicht. After them,
lads, after them. Hurrah, hurrah, we hiv them noo," and
he waved his bonnet to the other boats, which were coming
19 4 TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
on with great speed. The pirates, seeing that they were
discovered, made desperate efforts to reach the land, and
with all the boats closing in upon them, they dashed into
the Masons' Cove, beached their boats, sprang on shore, and
fled up the green hill-side like deer before the hounds. One
after another the boats reached the shore, and Sir John and
his men got their feet once more upon the grass.
" A bonnet fu' o' gold to the man wha catches the leader
o' these ruffians, an' twenty rose nobles tae the ane wha can
tell whar they gae," he cried.
His men needed no farther urging, and soon the hill-side
was dotted with agile forms climbing with great speed.
Having seen them off, Sir John turned to examine the
pirate boats, which the fishermen had already emptied. But
there was nothing that would give a clue to their haunts,
nothing but the oars, a few swords and axes, and a keg con-
taining spirits, which was rapidly being tested by the thirsty
rowers.
Turning to where Tam Anderson was getting his arm
bound up by one of his men, Sir John, who knew him, asked
him " Hoo he happened to be there at that time]" Tarn
told him how Malcolm Ogilvie had sent for him, and how
they had tracked the horses' feet to the Steeple Bock, and
how Malcolm and his men had followed the tracks, while he
had carefully searched the coast until they " fell in wi' the
pirate boat. An' am sure," added Tam, " that their houf
maun be at ween the Masons' Cove an' Auchmithie."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
195
"I am somewhat o' yer opinion mysel'," said Sir John,
" an' if the lads were come hack, we'll try what we can do.
Will ye gae wi' us?"
"Ou, ay," said Tarn; "Maister Malcolm telt us that if
ye fell in wi' us, that we wis tae dae yer honour's biddin'."
" Then we will a' go thegither, and I hope we'll see some
sign o' Malcolm aboot the braes. But here come the men.
I doot they hinna dune muckle; they're ower sune back.'"'
The men soon arrived, and told their tale. When they
reached the top of the brae, they saw the pirates running
swiftly eastward along the edge of the cliff, and in a moment
they all seemed to vanish. When they reached the place
where they were last seen they could find no trace of
them, and so they had to return as they went. They
thought there must be some secret path over the cliff that
led to the sea. Sir John looked nonplussed, and ended by
taking his seat, and ordering all hands into the boats, and
to proceed slowly along till they reached Auchmithie.
They rowed slowly along, examining every cove and
cranny likely to contain a human being. At last they
reached the cove where the pirates made their rendezvous,
and sailed in till the boats struck the ground, but not a
fisherman or retainer would set foot ashore. It was the
haunt of evil spirits, they said, and no man who had been
known to enter it ever prospered or lived long after. Nay,
more, people who would enter it in defiance of all advice
had been seized and carried off to the 111 Place direct.
19G
TEE A.EEOT OF ABE1{ E ROT 11(»L'/C..
They were willing to fight open enemies sword in hand,
but unseen foes and evil spirits were best let alone.
Such were some of the superstitions of an ignorant age,
and Sir John himself was not free from an eerie feeling, so
that when the fishermen, unordered, rowed away from the
awful place, they did so without check or reprimand.
They soon reached Auchmithie, and Sir John, after
telling Tarn Anderson to tell Malcolm that he " wad see
him sune," wended his way home to Ethie, baffled and
disheartened. Tarn Anderson, after a hearty drink from
the pirates' keg, in which he was imitated by all his men,
bade goodbye to the fishermen, who were jubilant over the
capture of two good ships' boats, and bore away for the
Steeple Rock, where he met Malcolm's followers, as had
been agreed upon ; but, although they waited till first the
gloaming and then the darkness set in, there was no
appearance of the young laird, so, fatigued by hunger
and want of sleep, they all unwillingly trudged back to
Aberbrothock, sorrowing for ibe loss of their gallant young
leader.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
197
CHAPTER XIX
INDSAY IS WANTED—HUNTLT's RAGE—THE COUNCIL—THE ABSENTEES—
NO MEN FOB LEITH—THE PROCESSION—THE MOB—THE CHARGE OF THE
GORDONS—THE BARRICADE—THE FIGHT—FLIGHT OF THE REFORMERS
—DEPARTURE OF THE QUEEN—HUNTLY GARRISONS THE ABBEY—A
GENERAL SCATTER.
The bugle and the bagpipe broke the rest of the sleepers
at an early hour on the morning after the dreadful events
that had occurred at the Abbey of Aberbrothock.
The abduction of the Queen's ladies, and the murder of
the gallant Gordon, weighed on the spirits of high and
low, and left a vengeful, bad impression on the minds of
the clansmen. The Earl of Huntly, the moment he had
dressed, ordered out strong detachments to scour the whole
surrounding country, with orders to bring in the body of
Lindsay dead or alive. A large reward was offered to
any one who would give any clue to those who had carried
off the ladies, and a free pardon would be given to any one
but the principal offender.
It is needless to say that Lindsay was not caught, nor
the, ladies recovered, and that the men came back tired,
•hungry, and disappointed. The Earl paced the great hall
chafing like a caged tiger, and by the time that the Abbot
appeared he had lashed himself into a frenzy of passion.
198
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"Now, sir Abbot," cried he, while his face flushed and
his veins stood out like cords upon his forehead, "how
do you intend to redeem the pledge you gave last night
anent the production of that ruffian Lindsay? He is not
to be found."
" Your Lordship is aware that the pledge extends to mid-
day," said the Abbot persuasively, " and that it is yet early
morn. I cannot believe that the Laird of Auchmithie is a
guilty man."
" Then who in all this abode of peace can be the murderer
of my kinsman, or who can have carried off my sister and
her companion? Was it you or any other of the lazy drones
that sleep through life in this palace? Tore God and the
Virgin, I will have to burn down the whole place, and save
the heretics the trouble."
"Your Lordship is angry because you have been foully
injured," said the Abbot, in a humble tone that sat very ill
upon him; "but your anger has blinded your judgment.
Even if it can be shown that Lindsay is guilty, it would only
show that I have been deceived, and that I do not merit
your threats."
" I will not believe, sir Abbot, that you were deceived.
You were over-ready in asking custody of the prisoner, and I
was foolish in granting it. He could not have escaped with-
nut your knowledge, and I will hold you responsible. I will
garrison the Abbey, and lift the revenues until you produce
him."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
199
"You are over-severe," said the Abbot, "and I think these
gentlemen will agree with me," pointing with his out-
stretched arm to the Earl of Perth, Lord Ogilvie, and
several other chieftains who at that time entered the haVA.
After hearing the cause of dispute, it was agreed by the
new comers that it was premature before mid-day to come
to any decision, and that it would be better to let the Queen
embark before opening up the cause of quarrel.
Huntly agreed to this, and for the time being peace was
restored.
They then descended to the garden and again examined
the ground where the ladies had disappeared, but the silent
earth, trampled by many feet, could make no sign.
They paced about thoughtfully, each afraid to utter their
dreary forebodings, and it was a relief when an officer came
to inform them that the Queen was in waiting.
They again proceeded to the great hall, and after the
salutations of the morning they all sat down to a sumptuous
breakfast. Breakfasts in those days were very different from
what they are in our own day. History relates that Queen
Elizabeth of England and her maids of honour used to
breakfast off cold boiled beef, washed down by deep
draughts of home-brewed ale, and we do not doubt but that-
the Queen Eegent of Scotland ordinarily fared in like
manner.
But this was no ordinary occasion; it was not every day
that a Queen honoured the Abbey of Saint Tammas with a
200
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
visit, and, as at the banquet on the preceding day, every
influence that wealth and power could give had been used
to give Mat to the feast.
Profusion and luxury were apparent in every dish, and
on' looking at the dishes themselves the Highland chiefs
muttered to each other that the Abbey would be a glorious
place to plunder.
After breakfast the company dispersed, except the Queen
and the principal chiefs, who held a Council to decide upon
whose men were to be sent to Leith with the Queen.
Huntly said that he could not send any of his men, as he
had been threatened by the burghers of Aberdeen and the
heretic clans of Leslie and Grant, and that he would attack
the town of Aberdeen, and harry the Grants and Leslies
with fire and sword. This would prevent them sending any
men to assist the Lords of the Congregation, and draw any
of these clans home that were at Leith; and he was willing
to spare a hundred true Catholics to garrison the Abbey
of Aberbrothock, if the Abbot would send his vassals, who
were all reputed heretics, to fight for the true faith.
The Abbot, who saw in this plan a deep-laid plot by
Huntly to fulfil his threat of taking possession of the Abbey
revenues, vehemently denied the heresy of his retainers,
and ended a long speech by offering to send man for man
with Huntly, or any of the other chiefs. He then sent
for the Abbey treasurer, who soon appeared, with a large
*>11 of parchment in his hand, from which he was requested
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOClt 201
to read a list of those fighting men who could he sent to
Leith, and to choose those first whom he suspected to be
tinctured with heresy.
The treasurer, a tall thin man, with a long narrow head,
unrolled the sheet with a deep reverence to the Council,
and read as follows
"Sir John Carnegie, Laird of Northesk, 40 men—all
absent from the muster this morning; the Laird of Car-
noustie, 20 men—all absent; the Laird of Inverkeilor, 30
men—all absent; the Laird of Kinblethmont, 20 men—
all absent; the Laird of Carmylie, 20 men—all absent.
These are all suspected of heresy. Likewise, the Laird
of Auchmithie, the leader of your reverence's vassals, and
20 men—all absent. The rest of the vassals, whom I be-
lieve to be true to our holy faith, are at the muster with
their full number of retainers, but they one and all declare
that although they are willing to defend the Abbey and the
country side, they will not cross the sea to fight in a quarrel
with which they have no connection, and if any coercion be
used they will know how to meet it."
The councillors looked at each other blankly at this un-
looked-for message, and the Queen Regent seemed to feel
her position keenly.
"Alas, alas," she moaned, "our holy religion and the
sacred rights of the Crown are' alike doomed in this
miserable country. I' must go back to Leith as I came
—and worse' than I came, for I have lost my faithful
202
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
companions—and live and die amongst its ruins with my
"brave countrymen."
"Nay, youi majesty," said Huntly, "you will not be so
ill off as that; we will find you some assistance. I will
make a heavy raid in the north, which will draw off a great
many of the heretics to defend their own properties; and
surely, Perth, Ogilvie, and Strathmore, among you, you can
send some men."
" 'Deed," said the old Lord Ogilvie, " I doot I canna send
ony, for I am in danger ilka day o' bein' harried by thae
Farfar an' Dindee heretics. My cusin Inverquharity that's
sittin' there has gotten a gey deep scart in a stramash wi'
them already, an' I can tell ye a' that for onybody o' less
rank than Her Majesty I wadna hae come a step here the
noo."
"You might spare fifty men," said Huntly, "if it was
only as an escort to young Malcolm."
"It wad be nae use," said Sir David Ogilvie, "for my son
Malcolm, an' a' the men I brocht, hisna been seen sin' the
rippet in the garden yestreen. Naebody kens whar they are."
" It is most singular," said Huntly. " Everybody that is
needed seems to be absent. Can you do nothing, Perth!"
" How can you expect it?" said the Earl of Perth. "You
know that that firebrand, Knox, has returned, and his
fanatical gang has destroyed every monastery in the Fair
City. Ye'll better look to yer braw Abbey, your reverence,
for they are sure to pay ye a visit before lang."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
203
" I hope not. But if they do, we will know how to meet
them," said the Abbot, on whom the difficulties of his
position were dawning in a hazy sort of a way. The
charge of heresy made against so many of his feudatories,
and their absence from the muster, seemed to have stunned
him.
"I hope, my lords and gentlemen," said the Queen
Regent, "that the day will never come when you will
discover that in deserting your Queen you are deserting
vou own interests. But it is no use remaining here," said
she; "we will go and prepare for our journey. Will your
reverence see that everything is in readiness V'
"I will, your Majesty," said the Abbot, gloomily, "and I
hope that you will believe that I was unaware of all this
treachery on the part of my vassals."
"We know your zeal, my Lord Abbot, and hold you
innocent. May you be more fortunate than we are like to
be/'
Mary of Guise gravely bent her head to the Council, and
retired to her private apartments with shattered hopes and
crus'hed heart. Her visit to Aberbrothock had been planned
in bright hopes, for she knew the power and wealth of the
Abbot; and, lo, his support had failed her in her utmost
need, and her hopes lay shattered in the dust. Huntly was
greatly annoyed at the turn things had taken, and had it
not been for his desire of vengeance on Lindsay and the
Abbot, and his wish to clutch the enormous revenues of the
204
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Abbey, he would certainly have gone himself with all his
forces. The influence of the Lady Jeannie, which was very
great over her brother, and which would have been certain
to have been exercised strongly in favour of the Queen, was
lost too at this critical time by her abduction.
"Was ever anything so unfortunate?" sighed the Abbot
to himself, as he went to give the necessary orders for the
Queen's departure. " I doubt my foolish passion is likely
to injure my interests. And if these Highland savages stop
here the risk of discovery will be tenfold increased. And if
Lindsay is caught he is certain to expose me to save his neck."
Orders were given, and in a short time a numerous group
of attendants were in waiting at the great gate of the Abbey.
Soon the shrill notes of the bugles and bag-pipes were heard
sounding the gathering, and cheerfully the armed clansmen
and retainers sought their places in the ranks. Already the
defection of the Abbey vassals had spread among the towns-
people, for a disorderly mob gathered close by, and shouted,
and groaned, and hissed, and hooted at the procession. The
Highland clansmen glared at the strange spectacle with
lowering brows, and hands grasping dirk and claymore,
while the Lowlanders stood impassive and careless.
The Queen Regent and her two aged ladies made their
appearance, escorted by the chiefs, and at the unwonted
sounds she cast an alarmed and startled look around her.
Huntly coolly turned to one of his dunewassles that stood
behind him, and said—
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOQK. 205<
" Glenmore, take your men and scatter these vermin."
Glenmore merely nodded. Then he turned to his men
and gave a hurried order; and in a moment the Gordons
were in the midst of the crowd, striking heavy blows with
their sheathed broadswords. Yells and shrieks of pain were
quickly heard, and in a few minutes the townspeople were
scattered in all directions.
The Queen and her ladies mounted their palfreys, and the
procession started; but although bugle, and bagpipe, and
kettledrum gave forth their martial sound, the cheers that
saluted them were few and far between. The change was
sudden and painful, and grated harshly on the feelings of
the unfortunate Mary of Guise, already depressed by the ill
success of her mission.
Slowly the procession moved down the High Street, and
again the crowd gathered in greater numbers than before,
and stones were thrown, and things in general had an
ominous appearance. Huntly sent forward a number of his
clansmen to clear the street, and, amidst a shower of stones,
they gallantly charged the mob. But they only ran some
distance, and then halted, and again resumed the stone-
throwing, again to be charged, and again to run. This con-
tinued until the procession arrived near about where the
present Town House stands, and here something very
different awaited them. A deep trench had been dug across
the whole street, on the lower side of which an immepse
barricade of rocks from the seashore, and great trunks oi
206
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTRDCK.
trees, with the branches and leaves intact, had been raised,
and which presented an insurmountable barrier. It had
evidently been planned by military men, for there were
houses on either side, all of which possessed large gardens
behind, with high strong walls, so that it could not be
flanked or turned.
On the very top, standing on the trunk of a large tree,
were Leslie and Henderson, the fanatical Reformers who
figured so largely in the early chapters of our narrative.
Leslie had an open Bible in his left hand, which he waved
over his head, while a heavy broadsword, borne in his right,
glittered in the rays of the noonday sun. Henderson, who
was likewise armed, bore aloft a large blue flag, which he
waved from side to side to encourage their followers, who
clustered up the side of the barricade like bees in a hive.
The procession was brought to a stand-still, and Huntly
dismounted and begged the Queen and her ladies to move
backwards with a guard for a brief space, then he drew his
claymore, and, putting himself at the head of his men,
ordered a charge. The agile Highlanders, seconded by the
other adherents of the Queen, leaped the trench, and, sword
in hand, attempted to storm the barricade. But they were
met by the stubborn Reformers, with wills as determined,
and arms as strong, and with greater military skill* and, in
spite of their fierce resistance, they were driven headlong
into the trench. The Reformers gave a loud cheer, and
streamed over the rocks and trees in great numbers to give
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
207
the coup de grace to their opponents, when the sound of a
bugle and loud cheering was heard in their rear. Some of
the Abbot's retainers, who, though they had refused to
embark for Leith, still remained faithful to their feudal
superior, came up at a run, and commenced a fierce attack.
The Reformers, thus assailed in front and rear, retreated
over the barricade, broke through the Abbot's retainers, and
scattered in all directions. When the fight was over, the
Queen's adherents removed the trees and stones, and partially
filled the trench, and then the procession resumed its course.
The Queen Regent appeared greatly excited, and the tears
streamed down her careworn cheeks, and her ladies wept
for sympathy. The rest of the way was passed in silence,
and at the harbour in silence they dismounted and entered
the vessel. Then the Queen waved her hand to the group
of gentlemen who had escorted her on board, and said—
"Farewell, my lords and gentlemen; you will never see
Mary of Guise again." And then with her ladies retreated
to the cabin, where she gave way to a fit of passionate
weeping. Her words were prophetic, for none of that band
of half-hearted adherents ever saw her again. The guard
that had come from Leith with her were drawn up on deck,
the chiefs went on shore, the towing-boats were ready, and
in a short time the ship was breasting the rough billows
of the German Ocean.
After standing for a time until the ship had made con-
6iderable progress 011 her voyage, the chiefs and their
14
208
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
followers returned to the Abbey, from whence they sent out
a strong force to scour the town and apprehend every man
who could not prove that he belonged to their party. But
the Reformers had fled; nor were they seen again in
Aberbrothock until that terrible day that ended in the
destruction of the Abbey. Then Huntly demanded of the
Abbot the redemption of his pledge in the matter of
Lindsay. The Abbot acknowledged Lindsay's guilt, but
pled that he had been deceived, and offered to pay any
reasonable sum to the family of the murdered man, but
Huntly would not consent to this, and he said that all the
Abbot's retainers were heretics, and that he would garrison
the Abbey for the Queen Regent and Holy Church. The
other chiefs feebly opposed this, but Huntly was resolute
and the Abbot helpless, so he had his will.
The Laird of Glenmore and 150 men were detailed as a
garrison, and Glenmore had orders to keep a strict watch,
to give no mercy to the heretics if they attacked him, to
lift all the revenues of the Abbey, and to use every effort to
discover the Lady Jeannie and her companion.
Next day the chiefs and their followers all departed,
and the Gordons bore away the body of the murdered
Gienbucket, with the pipers playing a lament.
THE abbot of aberbrothock.
209
CHAPTER XX.
MALCOLM'S DESPAIR—JOHN CARNEGIE—HUGH ORR—THE PRISONERS*
FOOD—HUGH'S NARRATIVE—LINDSAY THE PIRATE.
Dazed and dreamy was the return of Malcolm Ogilvie to
sentient life. First a low moan, as might be uttered by
one in sore distress, then the opening of the eyes, and then
a slow and feeble movement of the limbs.
Then a struggle to sit up, and then a wild stare of
astonishment at his hideous surroundings. Alone, as he
thought, in utter darkness, with heavy chains on ankles
and wrists, and with a racking pain in his head, caused by
the terrible blow he had received from the Northumbrian
pirate, his mind reeled under his unwonted position, and he
exclaimed aloud—
"God in heaven, where am IV'
Then he heard a voice near by him say—
" I must be either dreaming or going mad, for I thought
I heard the voice of Malcolm Ogilvie."
"I am Malcolm Ogilvie. Who speaks?"
Presently there was a rustling as if of straw, then a
clanking as if of iron chains, and then two arms loaded
with iron were laid upon his shoulders, and a voice said—
"I am both very glad and very sorry to hear you,
Malcolm—I am John Carnegie."
210 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
"Dear John," said Malcolm, ardently returning the
embrace, and speaking with sad irony, "I came out to
seek you, and I have found you. Have you any idea
where we are?"
"We are in a cave under Auchmithie Castle," said John,
" and that ruffian Lindsay has come here twice to taunt me
with my misery. I tried to escape, and got nearly killed,
and what little life was left is nearly destroyed by cold and
hunger. Tell me all that has happened since we parted in
that terrible fight?"
" Then Lindsay is the leader of the pirates ? I was sure of
it," said Malcolm, and, commencing at the battle in the
ship, he told John all that had occurred down till the
capture of himself by the three pirates in the hut of the
Witch of the Den. When he related the disappearance of
the ladies Elizabeth and Jeannie, his love-laden heart failed
him, and he burst into a passionate flood of tears.
"0, Jeannie, dear Jeannie, my lost, lost love! never,
never will I see you again."
"Courage, Malcolm," said John, "ye ken that it is aye
darkest just afore the dawn. I have been here longer than
you, and I do not despair of seeing Lady Elizabeth again.
We have a companion here. Are you sleeping, Hugh?"
"No," said Hugh Orr; "but understanding that you were
acquaintances, I did not want to disturb you."
" Malcolm," said John, " this is Hugh Orr—a gentleman
from the west country who was captured at sea, and who
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
211
has been in this vile den till he has lost all record of time.
Hugh, this is my dear friend Malcolm Ogilvie, of whom you
have heard me speak as being in the fight with me when I
was made prisoner."
" I am glad to make the gentleman's acquaintance," said
Hugh, " but I am sorry it should be in a place like this."
"And would it not be possible to escape?" said Malcolm.
" Our very chains would furnish weapons for us."
"We are too strictly watched," said John. "I tried to
escape before any chains were put upon rae, and I failed."
"I tried to escape likewise," said Hugh, "when I was
first brought here, and I too was baffled. Now I could not
stand on my feet."
A gleam of light flashed through the dungeon, and then
they heard the clank of an iron bar, and then the door was
thrown open, and one of the pirates entered carrying a
torch and some provisions, which he carelessly threw
towards the prisoners. They stared at him silently as he
filled a dish with water, which he placed beside the pro-
visions, and silently they beheld him turn and leave the
place, carefully fastening the door behind him. They eat
and drank of the poor provender, and relished it, for, after
all, hunger is the best of sauce.
After they had finished, John Carnegie said, " I think,
Hugh, that you ought to give us that sketch of your life
that you promised me lately. It will help to pass the
time."
212
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" It is a painful subject, as I told you before," said Hugh
Orr, " but if you think it will amuse you, I will try to over-
come the repugnance it causes me. I am the second son of
Sir John Orr, of Dunpod, near Inverkip, on the south bank
of the Clyde. I was born there about thirty years ago, and
during my whole life I have been the victim of circumstances
over which I had no control. I was not six months old
when a party of the broken clan M'Gregor crossed the Clyde
on a foray. They had managed to steal a great number of
cattle, and were retreating to their boats, which they had
left with a strong guard, when they came across my nurse,
who was walking with me in her arms. Afraid that she
would tell their pursuers the way they had gone, they killed
her, and carried me off with them. They gave me to an old
Highland calliach to nurse, and I have been told that under
her care I throve amazingly. Tempted by their success,
they again crossed the Clyde, but this time they were not so
fortunate. They were attacked by my father and his men,
and a number of them were killed, and one of their leading
men made prisoner. They were preparing to hang him
when he told them of the missing child, and offered to return
it if they would spare his life. My father, whose heart
yearned for his child whom he thought dead, consented, and
after some delay I was returned to my mother, who wept
over me as one returned from the grave. I grew up a strong
hardy boy, and was eternally out of one scrape into another,
the bare recital of which would weary you. When I was
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
213
about eighteen years of age I fell over head and ears in love
with bonnie Marion Shaw, the daughter of Sir John Shaw,
of Greenock. I was a warm wooer, and every night I either
walked or rode the six miles that divided her home from
mine, and returned well pleased if I could but exchange
a word or a smile with her, or even a glance from her bonny
black een. 0, Marion, Marion, I dearly loved you, and
dearly have I expiated the sad misfortune that befell me in
ten long years of exile and misery. One evening, in the
bright summer time, I rode over on my daily errand, and
after putting up my horse in the little village of Cartsdyke,
I walked up the hill that led to the mansion-house, when
who should I meet but bonny Marion, laughing and joking
with young Lord Lyle. I could tell at a glance that his
Lordship was as deeply smitten as myself, and as I had
accustomed myself to think that Marion really loved me,
her innocent daffing filled my jealous mind with rage. I
accosted them, and was not long in their company when I
knew that his Lordship was in as great a rage as myself.
Fortunately I managed to control myself while in Marion's
company, although his Lordship grossly insulted me more
than once. I thought she seemed more careless than usual,
though that might have only been my blind jealousy, and I
left them at the mansion-house gate, and walked away back
through among the trees to Cartsdyke. I had got about
halfway when, hearing a shout behind me, I turned and
beheld Lord Lyle running towards me. He had his
214 THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
sheathed sword in his hand, and on reaching me he
demanded what I wanted so often at the mansion-house.
" I answered him, somewhat hotly no doubt, ' that that
was a matter he had nothing to do with,' to which he
retorted by saying, ' that he had everything to do with it, as
she was his promised bride.'
"This I declared to be false, upon which he drew his
sword and made a lounge at me, at the same time calling on
me to defend myself. Nothing loath I drew, for by this
time I was in a towering passion, and after some passes my
sword pierced his side. As he fell, some men, no doubt
attracted by the clashing of our weapons, came running
through the trees, and assisted me to strip him and bind up
his wounds. They were servants of the Laird of Greenock,
and before he fainted he confessed that he had forced me to
fight, and that he deserved all he had got.
" As it was too far to carry him to Duchal Castle, where
he lived, we bore him up to the mansion-house, knowing
that Sir John Shaw was very intimate with his family.
"When we brought him in, there was great lamentation,
especially among the women, with whom he was a great
favourite. A ' leech' was sent for, who dressed his wound
properly, and brought him back to his senses, when he
again took blame to himself in forcing me to fight. This
raised my character a little among the Shaws, and they
treated me with more civility. In consequence of his
assertion that Marion was his promised bride, I determined
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
215
not to leave until I had learned from her personally
whether her heart lay with him or me. Watching
my opportunity, I signalled her that I wanted her, at
the sametime proceeding out of the house into the Well
Bark. Leaning against a tree, I waited till my heart's
idol came, slowly, and, as I thought, unwillingly. Oh,
how the hot blood coursed through my veins, how my
heart beat in my breast, how my brain throbbed in my
weary head. I know not what I said at first, but I will
never forget the answer my dear, dear Marion gave me.
She said, ' I love you truly, Hugh, and you alone, but '
I took her by the hand, and drew her head to my breast,
and my temper calmed down, and I said, 'But what,
dearestV 'But my father and mother, Hugh,' and she
looked up into my face with a faint smile, 'they have
settled with Lord Lyle's family that he is to be my husband,
and they are urging me sore to consent. I like him well
enough as an acquaintance, but I only love you, dear Hugh,
and you alone,' and she held up her beautiful mouth, and
gave me the first and last kiss that ever I got from my
darling. When I lie and toss in this horrible den, I often
think on the happiness I enjoyed on that memorable night,
on what I have lost, and how, through all my misfortunes,
my love for Marion has been my support and strength;
but now it is hopeless, for never, never will I see my
darling again. We stood long, and talked sadly enough,
and at last we parted, agreeing to meet next night
216 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
and settle upon some plan of escape. Next night I
left home sooner than usual in my impatience, and
bad not proceeded far when I was set upon by three men
unawares, tied hands and feet, thrown over my horse
like a sack, taken down to the Clyde and carried out
to a ship that lay off the Clocli. In about ten days I
was put ashore in France, with the intimation that if I
appeared in Scotland again my life would be taken. It
seems that a friend of Lord Lyle's had seen Marion and
me together, and had told him next day; and when his
lordship found that his life was not in danger, he and his
friend, with the assistance of Sir John Shaw, had planned
the scheme. I went to Paris and sought out a cousin of my
mother, who was an officer in the Scottish Guard. He
received me kindly, and sympathised with my misfortunes;
and I was preparing to return to Scotland again, unable
to endure the terrible uncertainty, even at the risk of my
life, when a man servant who had been sent to me with
money and intelligence (for I had managed to communicate
with my friends) arrived. The letters that he brought
intimated that Marion's parents had succeeded in forcing
her to marry Lord Lyle, by telling her that I had run off
with another and wilfully abandoned her; that when my
messenger arrived, they had found means to tell her the
truth, and that she had been very ill ever since; and that
my father was taking steps to punish both Lord Lyle and
Sir John Shaw for the insult they had put upon our family
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
217
in carrying me off. I told my cousin the whole story, and
he advised me to join his corps for a time, and he was sure
that the excitement of a campaign would banish my love.
" Sick at heart, and careless what became of me, I con-
sented, and in many a battle and broil I attracted attention,
even among those reckless men, at the foolish way in which
I exposed my life. But though I sought death, I could not
find it, nor did campaigning banish my love, so I had to
carry with me the fell burden of despair until I could bear
it no longer. After about ten years of self-imposed banish-
ment, I took shipping for Leith, when we were boarded by
these robbers, and, as far as I know, every one was killed
but myself. What they spared me for I do not know, unless
it be for a ransom, as my dress was of better quality than
that of my shipmates, and yet all the time I have been here
they have never spoken of it.
"Now, my comrades in misfortune, you know all my sad
story—how I have been a victim from my youth, how I so
dearly loved and lost, and how I am now a captive in the
hands of ruffian pirates. I do not wish to say any more."
"You have been very unfortunate, Hugh," said John
Carnegie, smiling; "but you have one consolation—things
cannot well get worse with you now."
"That is too true of us all, John, I doubt," said Malcolm,
gloomily; " but it should make us all the more anxious to
escape."
"We are all anxious to escape," said Hugh; "but it is
218
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
impossible. I cannot stand on my feet; and how are you
to get rid of that load of iron ?"
Voices were heard approaching, and lights glimmered
through the crevices and over the top of the door, and then
the bars were taken off, and Lindsay entered, accompanied
by Musgrove and Louis the Frenchman. Flashing the
torch he carried in the face of his prisoners, he exclaimed, as
he caught sight of Malcolm—
" Ha, ha, my cock o' the hills ! ye dinna craw sae crouse
as ye did in the Abbey gardens. This is a fine place to cool
het bluid in."
"Begone, ruffian, and release me from your hateful
presence."
"0, I dinna intend to stay lang here; I only wanted to
see the happy family. As for you that was ta'en in the
French ship, whenever ye tell how much ransom ye can pay,
and whar we will get it, ye can get free. I hadna time
before to attend to ye."
"You can get anything in reason from my father, Sir
John Orr of Dunrod, on the banks of the Clyde."
""Well, I will send a sure hand, an' see what we can do.
The other two I intend to keep as security for myself and
my free rovers, and I may give ye something to think about.
His reverence the Lord Abbot having ta'en a fancy for Lady
Jeannie Gordon, an' me for Lady Elizabeth Hamilton, I
managed to spirit them baith awa' from under a' yer noses.
Ye was very much ta'en up wi' Lady Jeannie, an' ye maun
THE ABBOT OF ABERBRQTHOCK.
219
be well pleased to ken that she has a priest for her admirer.
As for Lady Elizabeth, I intend to marry her. Her friends
will not see anything go wrang wi' her husband."'
"Liar as well as coward, thief as well as murderer,
begone. We do not believe your falsehoods," said Malcolm,
passionately.
"Ha, ha! who has succeeded now?" cried Lindsay as he
shut the door, leaving them in total darkness.
" Do you think it can be possible?" said John.
"0 God, 0 God! my dear lost Jeannie," cried Malcolm,
wailingly; "if it is true, I will make war with priests and
oriestcraft for ever.''
220 the abbot oe aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XXI.
tam olem delirious—tam's nurse and doctor—gets better, and
iai.ls in love—tam pops the question—his grief—tam departs
for the town—annie's grief—tam and the heelanman—murder
—tam anderson to the rescue.
"We will take leave for a time of our poor captives, who
deep in dungeon sit and moan, and return to Tarn Glen, of
whom in his critical state we have been rather neglectful of
late. Our readers will remember that Tarn, after his
encounter with the Highlanders, fainted at the miller's
door, at St. Vigeans, and was carried in and put to bed.
As the night wore on he got delirious and difficult to
manage, and David Munro sent Sandy to the Abbey to get
the assistance of Father Andrew, who professed to have
some skill in the healing art, but who was very loath to
leave the festivities at the Abbey to sit by a sick bed.
Annie Munro, who had been struck with Tam's appear-'
ance, stood by assisting with mournful countenance the
fever-stricken man, while at times she could not help
smiling at the strange conceits and strange scenes in which
he thought he was acting a part. Sometimes he was in the
midst of a fight, and then he was very difficult to hold;
sometimes he was courting and daffing with the lasses, and
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 221
here Annie listened most attentively; and sometimes he
was holding uproarious revelry in some public-house. But
in it all there was nothing degrading or bad, nothing but
the every-day life of a somewhat reckless but good-hearted
man of his period.
Father Andrew at last made his appearance, and nearly
finished poor Tarn with hot drinks and heaps of blankets.
But his strong constitution carried him through, and in a
few days the fever left him as weak and helpless as a child.
"When his eyes first opened sensibly to the light he could
not understand where he was. A thin cloth was laid over
his face, and he attempted to raise his hand to lift it off;
but he was powerless to move, and his mind was in such a
chaotic state that he could not concentrate his ideas nor fix
his memory on any subject. He attempted to speak loud
so that some one might hear, and his voice was weak and
feeble like the voice of a child. But he was not neglected,
for he had scarcely spoken when a light hand gently lifted
the cloth, and a woman peered into his face—a young
woman, with a pretty smiling face, framed in a braided
mass of beautiful dark brown hair. The light of reason
beaming from his eyes attracted her attention, and without
speaking she left the room, and in a short time returned
with a comely-looking, middle-aged woman, to whom he
neard her say in a hushed voice—
"Ay, mither, the fever's left him, an' I'm sure he's got
back his sense again."
222 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
The elder woman smiled, and approaching the bed looked
him steadily in the face, and then said—
" Ou, ay, lassie, hell dae brawly noo, thank the saints."
Then she gently raised him up, and gave him some drink
that stood on the table beside the bed, and then gently laid
him down again, when he almost immediately fell asleep.
Some days passed and Tam began to recover strength ana
to be able to sit up, and then he was naturally attractea
by his young and beautiful nurse. She was of middle
height, stout, and muscular, as country las?es who work
hard would need to be, and equally ready for meat or
work. She was standing by the window, and he without
moving took in the fair picture at a glance.
After a while he said "Annie," and she turned round
smilingly, and approached the bed.
"Noo," she said, "ye're no tae be speakin' muckle; ye
ken ye hinna strength yet."
"Hiv I been lang ill, Annie?"
"No very lang; just aboot a fortnicht."
" Guid keep me, I maun hae been a sair trouble
tae ye?"
"'Deed, no. My father an' mither an' Sandy an' me
took turn aboot, an' it wis nae bather."
"Hae ye heard onything aboot Maister Malcolm, the
young laird?"
" I didna hear onything, but my father 'ill ken."'
"Fat dae ye ca' this place, Annie?"
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
223
"This is St. Yigeans. Dae ye no mind o' comin' wi' my
father? He says ye war seekin' yer maister's dirk."
" Guide keep me, fat 'ill my maister say ? Has he no heen
speerin' after me ?"
"I dinna think it, bit Tarn Anderson, o' the 'Three
Angels,' has sent twa or three times."
" Lod, the maister 'ill be bleezin' wi' anger. Ay, he's no
a bad chiel', Tarn."
"Noo, ye maun lie doon, an' no speak anither word, or
ye'll mak' yersel' waur." He lay down wearily, with a smile
on his face, and she tucked the blankets carefully about him,
saying, " Noo, steek yer een an' fa' asleep, an' ye'll be better
whin ye wauken."
Time passed on, and Tarn was able to walk about, and
nothing pleased him so much as to stroll along the banks of
the Brothock, accompanied by his pretty nurse, who seemed
no ways loath to escort him, saying to her mother,
apologetically, "Ye see he's sae weak, an' no fit tae be
trusted be himsel', an' nane o' ye can be sae weel spared as
me," to which her mother smiled a meaning smile, saying,
" I see hoo it's gaun to be, an' him a stranger tae," which
made Annie colour a rosy red, as she replied that " Young
fouk wasna lang o' gettin' acquaint." When questioned, the
miller could give no information about Maister Malcolm,
" hit he wad be gain' intae the toon sune, an' he wad speer
at Tarn Anderson a' aboot him."
Tarn Glen considered himself recovered from the fever
*5
224
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK
when he began to discover that he was attacked by a
trouble that threatened to be even more dangerous—
Tam Glen was in love. He felt strong enough to depart in
search of his master, since his master did not seem inclined
to come in search of him, and yet he did not go. He had
met his fate, and the love that lay in Annie's eyes had been
his heart's undoing. With his mind harassed between love
and duty, Tam, now that his health was restored, felt
inclined to act in his accustomed headlong manner; so, ask-
ing Annie one day to " tak a daunder doon the. burn," Tam,
when they had got out of hearing, said—
"Did ye ken, Annie, that I'm gain' awa'?"
"No, Tam," she said, and her lips began to quiver, and
her cheek to colour, and the pearly drop to dim her eye.
" Whan are ye gain', an' whar?"
"Oo, I'm gain to seek Maister Malcolm, an' then we'll
either gae hame tae Inverquharity, or maybe tae the siege
o' Leith. Ye ken the young Laird's attached tae the Court
noo, an' he's daft aboot the Lady Jeannie Gordon."
"Did ye no ken, Tam, that the Queen's awa', an' that the
heretics wadna lat onybody bit her leddies gae wi' her, an'
twa o' them's stown awa', an' naebody kens what's become
o' them?"
"An' is the Leddie Jeannie ane o' them?" said Tam,
hastily.
"Deed is she, Tam, an' I.sair pity Maister Malcolm if he
is sae sair in love wi' her as ye say."
THE AEEOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
225
"An' cud ye pity ony ither body, Annie, if they war as
sair in love as the young laird ?"
"Ay, cud I, if their love wis honest," said Annie.
"An' cud ye return an honest love, Annie?"
"It wad depend whether I likit him or no?"
"Weel, Annie, I winna gae aboot the bush wi' ye. I'm
gain' tae leave ye, an' I lo'e ye dearly—I cudna tell ye hoo
dearly; an' I wad like tae ken gin there is ony hope that ye
wad return my likin' ?"
" Hoo mony lasses hae ye tellt that story tae, Tarn ?" £aid
Annie, with a faint smile
" I never said sae muckle tae ony lassie in this warla,
Annie," said Tarn simply.
"Ye hae lat the cat oot o' the pock 1100, Tain, for whan
ye war oot o' yer wits ye raved even on aboot lasses."
"Ye wadna surely tak' an unweel man's ravin's for truth,
Annie ? I'll no deny that I hae ha'en mony a ploy wi' the
lasses, but I never saw ain till I saw yersel' that I would
care to spend my life wi'. Ye're a bonnie lassie, an' better
nor that, ye're real kind hearted, an I ne'er lo'ed ane but
yersel'.
" You young chiels a' say that, an' whan ye get a lassie
tae confess her likin', ye turn aboot an' lauch at her," said
Annie nervously, with her eyes fixed on the ground.
" May all the saints forget me, Annie, if ever I forget you.
Ye hae been my first love, an' ye'll be my last," said Tarn
excitedly. Then, more calmly, he continued, "But we
226
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
canna control oor likin's, an' I'm sorry that I've put ye sae
muckle aboot; though ye may get a better joe than me,
Annie, an' it 'ill be weel for ye gin he lo'es ye as weel as I
lo'e ye. An', noo, fare-ye-weel, for I maun bid yer father
and mither gude-bye, an' gae tae the toon tae my maister."
Tarn moved slowly on towards the house, with his eyes
on the ground, and the hot tears raining down his cheeks.
He thought that Annie was walking beside him, but she
had stopped thunderstruck, speechless on the spot where
he had last spoken to her.
Had lie looked around, had he seen the grief that was
stamped on her beautiful face, he would have felt that he
had been too impulsive—that he was truly ignorant of
women's ways to take her at her first denial. But he had
been serious, and he thought that he had been refused,
whereas Annie had only been tantalising him, only trying
him.
As he entered the house, the miller was coming out, and
he saw Tarn's excited look, and he said—
"Fat's wrang, Tarn1? Ye're unco raised-lookin'."
" There's naething wrang," said Tam, " but I'm thinkin'
o' gain' into the toon the day, for I'm taen up aboot my
maister."
"Yer no fit tae gang yet; stop anither week, an' then
ye'll be stronger. I ne'er got time tae gae intae the toon
mysel'; but gin ye'll stop, I'll gae in in the afternoon an'
speer aboot him, an' tell him hoo ye are."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
227
"Na, na, I canna think o' pittin' ye tae sae muckle
trouble, sae I'll bid ye gude-bye till I see ye again. I
winna insult ye by offerin' ye siller, for ye hae saved my
life amang ye, but I'll mak' it up tae ye in anither way."
"Hoots, havers," said the miller. "We wadna tak'
onything frae ye; an' sin' ye maun gang, I houp ye'll be
nae stranger."
"I'll no be that," said Tam, seriously, "an' may God
an' the saints bless you and your family. I maun bid the
gudewife an' Sandy gude-bye."
" Dinna forget Annie," said the miller, as he passed out
to the mill, laughing.
" I'll ne'er forget Annie, God knows," said Tam huskily,
as he shook hands with the miller's wife and son, who had
been attracted by the conversation. The gudewife shook
her head as Tam passed out of the house and along the road,
and she muttered to herself, "Something's wrang atween
Tam an' Annie."
When Annie saw Tam pass down the road, she hurriedly
made her way home, sobbing like one distracted, and at
once went to her own room. Her mother, who saw her
excited state, and suspected the cause, hurried after her and
said—
"Losh, Annie, fat's wrang?"
Annie threw herself upon her mother's breast, and wailed
out—
"0, mither, he's awa', an' he thinks I wadna tak' him; I
228
TIL" ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
wis only daffin', an' he was in earnest, an' I'll never see him
mair."
" Hoots, lassie," said her mother, laughing, " he's no gain'
tae rin the country. I'm sair cheated if he's no as big a
gowk as yersel'; he'll sune be back. Wash your face, an'
lie doon in your bed a wee, for if ye let Sandy ken, ye'll ne'er
hear an end o't."
Poor Annie lay down on her bed and sobbed herself
asleep.
Meanwhile, Tarn slowly trudged along, still weak in body
and excited in mind. The liking for Annie had grown up
imperceptibly, and his impulsiveness had forced on the
avowal of his passion prematurely. The little god had stuck
his arrow deeply, and the wound seemed to have given an
earnestness to Tarn's character that it did not formerly
possess. He passed the little roadside public-house where
he had bad the tussle with the Highlanders, but he never let
his eyes light upon it; he passed the Abbot's guard at the
foot of Guthrie Port, but all was quiet; and, weak and
weary, he climbed the brae that led to the " Three Angels."
The majestic Abbey towered above him, with its gilded
spires and stained-glass windows glittering in the noonday
sun; but the bustle that attended the Queen's visit was gone
—warrior, and steed, and martial array had passed away,
and nought was left but the Highland guard on duty at the
great gate, and a few lazy monks basking in the sunshine.
Just before he came to the door of his hostel, who should
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
229
issue from it but the gigantic Highlander whom he had
tumbled into the Brothock a few weeks previously. As soon
as Donald espied his whilom tormentor, he sprang forward
and drew his sword, exclaiming as he did so—
"You tarn sassanach, ye ca'd her a cowart, an' trooned
her in a purn, an' ca'd her a kouk—kouk yersel', py tarn!
Traw yer claymore, ye cowart!"
Thoroughly done up with his walk, Tarn leant against the
wall of the house with his sheathed sword in his hand, but
totally unable to draw it, and cried—
" Gudesake, man, I'm no able tae fecht, an' ye'll surely no
stick a helpless body. Wait till I'm better, an' I'll fecht ye
any day ye like."
" She'll aye thocht ye a tam cowart, an' noo she's sure o't.
Traw, or I'll rin ye through," and the hot-headed Highlander
advanced with his levelled broadsword.
Tam felt that he was now in an extremely tight place, tor
he could neither fight nor flee, and, determined to protest
against being killed, he shouted—
"Help for Clan Ogilvie, help for the Lowlands, Saint
Andrew for Scotland," and as the Gordon was now within
striking distance, and evidently meaning it, Tam now
lustily roared " Murder."
As the blow was about to be struck that would have ended
Tam Glen and his love-dream together, Tam Anderson
rushed out of the house with his thick oak cudgel, and dealt
such a heavy blow with it over the knuckles of the gentle-
230
TTIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
man from the Highlands, that that worthy dropped his
sword instanter, stuffed his hand into his mouth, and danced
and houled in agony.
The landlord then seized the long broadsword and threw
it from him with all his strength, then, again seizing his
stick, he brought it smartly over the broad shoulders of the
clansman, exclaiming—
" Be aff, ye cowardly Heelant scoundril, or I'll brain ye.
Tae attack a man noo oot o' a fever 1 Gae aff, ye breekless
blackguard, an' ne'er shaw yer face here again."
The Highlander ran and picked up his sword, and went
off, roaring that he -"wad pring a' ta clan an' kill ilka tam
sassanach in ta hoose."
When he went off, the landlord took Tam Glen by the
arm, and assisted him into the house, and gave him a good
stiff horn of brandy, and urged him to go to bed, which he
did, and after getting a history of the disappearance of the
Queen's ladies and Maister Malcolm, and promising to him-
self to do great things to help them, he fell into a sound
sleep, and dreamed that he had married a big Highlander,
who was going to stab him with a broadsword.
the abbot of aberbrotitoof.
231
CHAPTER XXII.
TAM'S JOURNEY TO AUCHMITHIE CASTLE—THE FEED BY THE WAYSEDH—
WEE JAMIE—TAM FEES Wl' THE LAIRD—MARGET AND JANET—TAM*
COAXING WAYS—LADY ELIZABETH.
When Tam Glen awakened in the morning he felt weak
and exhausted from his exertions of the day before.
Momentarily forgetting his change of residence, he looked
around as if he expected his pretty nurse to enter the
room. "With a pang of regret memory returned, and, with
a deep sigh, he arose and wearily dressed himself.
Passing out to the kitchen, he made his way into the
landlord's sanctorum, where he found that worthy and his
better-half deep in the mysteries of breakfast.
As soon as the landlord got his eye upon him he started
to his feet saying, in a hearty tone of voice,
"Cum awa', Tam. I'm rael glad tae see ye. Ye're juist
in time for a share o' what's gain'. Fegs, yon Heelan' fule
gied ye a gey fricht yesterday. It was lucky me an' my
stick were sae handy. Hae, tak' a bit o' this beef an' a
scone, an' here's a wee drap o' gude thing tae gar ye eat."
Tam took a seat and attempted to eat; but even the wee
drap o' something gude did not give him an appetite.
What between love and fever, and the disappearance of
his master, Tam Glen appeared to be a different man He
232
THE ABBOT OF ABERBEOTHOCK.
was evidently ill at ease, and his brow was clouded, and his
face had a thoughtful, careworn look.
After struggling for some time, he at length pushed away
the dish, saying—
" It's nae use fechtin' against natur'. I canna eat. Do
ye think o' ony place whar Master Malcolm can be? I'll no
rest till I find him. Tat cud I say to the Laird if I gaed
hame wantin' him?"
"Weel, ye see, Tarn," said the landlord, "we're geyan
sure that the Laird o' Auchmithie is connected wi' the
pirates; an' I for ane am sure that he has stowan awa' the
leddies, an' as Maister Malcolm gaed awa' that way seekin'
them, I'm sure he's grippit him tae. Noo, the Heugh has
been searched frae end tae end, an' we cud get nae wittins
o' them; but I am sure they hae a houf near Auchmithie
Castle. Hoo, I'm ower weel kent tae try what I'm gain' to
tell ye; but ye cud easily manage't yersel'. Change yer
claes abit, and say that ye cam' frae the Dundee side, an*
ye're in want o' wark. This wad gie ye time tae look aboot
ye, an' ye're stupitter than I tak' ye tae be gin ye dinna find
oot something."
" Had ye no better lat the decent man rest for twa or three
days," said the landlady; "he's unco waik like."
"Ha, na," said Tam Glen hurriedly; "I cudna think o'
restin'—I wad freet mysel' tae death waitin' here. Hae ye
ony orra claes that wad dae for a change—maybe something
like a horsekeeper or a herd?"
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCE.
233
"Ou, ay," said Tam Anderson; "come ben tlie hoose, an'
we'll see what we can dae"
Tam followed the landlord into his bedroom, where he
produced from a press an armful of garments of many shapes
and fashions. After much planning and trying on, Tam at
last got habited as a farm servant, and a strange-looking
subject he appeared, with his thin pale face and his shaking
limbs. However, his mind was made up, and he was leaving
the house when the landlord said—
" It 'ill no dae tae tak' yer soord wi' ye, bit ye should hide
yer dirk whar it will be handy. I'll send wee Jamie wi' ye
a bit o' the road, as ye are no weel acquaint, an' it 'ill save
ye frae wanderin' aboot speerin' for the riclit gaet, an' tirin
yersel' oot."
"Eh, man," said Tam, "ye hae put me in mind o' my
maister's dirk that I gaed tae St. Yigeans for, an' I hae cum
awa' an' forgot it. Weel, weel, if I cum back I can gae for't
again. It '11 be an excuse tae see Annie again," he muttered
to himself, while he heaved a deep sigh.
Wee Jamie was soon in attendance, and, after good byes
had been uttered, Tam and his guide set out for Auch-
mithie Castle. They passed up by Ponderlaw, then a wild,
uncultivated waste, and the genial rays of the sun in-
vigorated Tarn's feeble limbs and put fresh life into him.
Then they came to a little well by the roadside, where
he sat down to rest, and wee Jamie unloosed a small
bundle that the landlord had given him, and disclosed to
234
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTflOCK.
view some slices of beef and oatcakes, and a little flask
of something gude.
The fresh air and the bright sunshine enlivened Tarn's
spirits, and, after giving his guide a piece, he set to work in
something of his old style, and, for a man in his condition,
made a hearty meal. Then, after an inspection of the con-
tents of the flask, and a drink from the well, he resumed
his journey through the bonnie Seaton woods, and was not
long in coming in sight of the place where he expected to
make some discovery. Here wee Jamie halted and said—
"Noo, there's Auchmithie Castle, an' I wis telt jnist tae
gang near eneuch tae lat ye see't; sae gude day wi' ye,' and
then he bounded back the road he came with the fleetness
of a hare. Tarn, now being left to his own resources, walk-
ed slowly onward until he arrived at the gate, where he
espied a man crossing the courtyard with a huge armful of
straw. "Waiting till this worthy had deposited his load in a
stable, and was making his way back for more, Tarn accosted
him—
" That's a gude day, neebor."
"'Deed is't," said the man, who was no other than
Andrew, who had cried for Janet when Lady Elizabeth
was brought there. " Whar may ye hae cum frae 1"
" Weel, I cum frae the Dindee side, an' I'm lookin' for
wark. I hinna been very weel, an' I wad like a licht kind
o' wark for a wee till I get better."
" Gin ye cud look after a wheen horses an' kye, an; sic
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
235
like, I think I cud get the maister tae tak' ye on. I'll be
hanged bit I'm tired slaisterin' after them, an' I winna daet
ony langer."
"I can dae ony kind o' country wark," said Tarn, "an'
I'm weel acquant wi' keepin' beasts. Fat kind o' pay dae ye
get here?"
" Ye'll get yer meat an' your bed in the Castle. Ony o'
the lasses 'ill wash a sark to ye, an' ye'll get ten pounds Scots
in the half year."
"Weel," said Tarn, "gin ye can get the Laird tae tak'
me, I'm willin'. Hiv I no seen ye aboot the Dindee side
yersel'?"
"Na, I liae never been there," said Andrew. "I wis
broclit up in the Smiddy Craft aside the auld Abbey. Cum
awa' in an' rest ye till I speak tae the Laird."
He led the way into the Castle along a dark passage, and
into a low-roofed, dingy room, with a hole in the wall for a
window that looked out upon the sea. This room, which
was the kitchen, was occupied by a tall, raw-boned woman,
about fifty years of age, and our old acquaintance Janet.
Andrew, by way of introduction, said to the big woman,
"Here's a decent man, Marget, seekin' wark; gie him a seat
twa or three minutes or I see the Laird. I think we cud
find wark eneuch for him in the yard."
When Andrew left the room the women cast inquisitive
glances at Tarn, and the verdict seemed to be favourable, for
Marget placed a large bowl of milk and some oatcakes before
236
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
him, and hospitably invited him to eat. Tam, for form's
sake, and because he wanted to make a good impression on
the women, set to work, and while eating, was so affable and
jokey that before he had been half an hour there he had
made them both his fast friends.
After some time Andrew returned and told Tam that "the
Laird wad like tae see him." Then he led the way up to
the first storey, where, in a small apartment, the Laird had
located himself. Seated in a deep straw-stuffed chair, with
a large goblet in his hand, he seemed in a state of intense
self-enjoyment. When Andrew appeared with our friend
Tam, Lindsay looked at him much in the same manner that
he would at a horse or cattle beast, and then he said—
" Well, my lad, where do you come from?"
"I come frae the Dindee side, yer honour," said Tam.
"Andrew tells me ye hae been used with horses and
cattle—can ye dae onything else?"
" Weel," said Tam, "I'm no bad at trackin' a deer, an' I
can haud my ain wi' the broadsword, an' in troth I wadna
heed muckle what I did gin the service pleased me."
"Ye're juist the lad for me," said Lindsay, slapping his
thigh, "an' gin ye turn out as weel as I think ye will,
we'll no quarrel aboot wages. Tak' him doon, Andrew,
an' lat him see what tae do, an' use him weel. He can
sleep in the garret."
They left the room and descended the stairs, and then
Andrew showed Tam through the byres and outhouses,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
237
after which they again went to the kitchen, when he ad-
vised him " tae tak' a gude rest, as there widna be muckle
tae dae till gloamin'," and left the place.
Tam took his advice and seated himself for a long chat
with the women, whom he flattered and coaxed in such a
manner that they did not know whether they stood on
their heads or their feet. Latterly, Marget had to go to
the village for some fish for the dinner, and Janet and Tam
were left together. Poor Janet had never had a lover, and
as Tam was determined at any cost to find out what she
knew, he piled on the flattery to an immense thickness.
"Ye'll no ha'e mony visitors here in this oot-o'-the-way
place, my bonnie lassie."
"'Deed no," said Janet, blushing at the unwonted name;
"there's some strange men cums and gaes, an' I often
winder far they cum fae, an' gae tae. Bit there wis a queer
thing happened here no lang syne, bit ye maunna tell ony-
body, or they wad kill us baith," and here she moved close
up to Tam, as if to whisper to him. Tam seized the oppor-
tunity given him, and put his arms about her and gave her
such a hearty embrace and a hearty kiss as raised poor Janet
to a seventh heaven of bliss, and a sight of which would
have plunged Annie Munro into the depths of despair.
Clearly Tam Glen was getting much better, for he was so
much pleased with his success that he repeated the operation
on a much more extended scale. This, however, Janet di 1
not seem to consider altogether proper, for she wrested her-
238
THE ABBOT OF ABJERBROTHOCK.
self from his arms, and moved back a short distance, while
she said—
"Noo, stop yer daffin'. Yer real misleart tae toozle a
lassie that way, that was gaen tae tell ye something real
serious," and here she was back again with Tarn's arms again
found her, and again she was kissed, and kissed again. This
time she made a feeble struggle to get free, but Tam, weak
as he was, held her without much trouble, so she gave in,
and nestling close to him, said—
" Weel, I'll stay here if ye be quiet till I tell ye my story.
Twa or three weeks syne, I was sittin' at the fireside real
tired, for I had had a sair daj's wark, when I heard a horse
gallop up tae the gate, an' in a minute Andrew cam' tae
the door cryin', 'Janet.' Sae I gaed oot, an' here was a
French body that's unco thick wi' the Laird stan'in aside a
horse, wi' a grip o' a braw leddy.
" She seemed in sair distress, an' Frenchy, as if he wis
maister and mair, ordered me tae tak' her in an' pit her in
a room. Sae she cam' awa' wi' me, an' gaed up the stair
tae oor best room, an' it wis thick gloamin', an' as I ne'er
thought to tak' a licht she wis frichted; so we cam' awa'
doon the stair again tae get a licht, an' here was Frenchy
watchin' us like a cat. He made us stop, an' sent Andrew
for a licht, an' when we gaed up again he followed us a' the
way up, an' when we gaed intae the room he steekit the
door an' stood a' the time I wis in at the back o't.''
"An' wha wis she?" said Tam, now all attention, while
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
239
he administered another squeeze and hearty kiss, which was
taken without remonstrance.
" Weel, she wis in a sair way, an' offered me siller, an'
promised me help for life gin I wad help her tae get oot an'
let her see the way tae the Abbey."
"For guidesake, tell me her name," said Tarn, interrupt-
ing Janet with another kiss.
"An' she telt me a' her story," said Janet, laughing at
the way she was tantalising Tarn; "an' I promised tae dae
a' I cud tae help her, but Louis the Frenchy had heard us
whin he was ahint the door, for after I took up some meat
till her, I never wis allowed tae gae back again."
"An' can ye no tell me her name ?" said Tarn; "dae sae,
like a dear bonny lassie."
"Weel, gin ye maun ken," said Janet, after another kiss,
"her name was the Lady Elizabeth Hamilton—ane o' the
Queen's ladies."
"Holy saints!" cried Tam, starting to his feet, and
nearly upsetting Janet in his hurry, " are ye sure o' that,
Janet ?"
"'Deed I am sure eneuch o't. Div ye ken her1?" said
Janet, suspiciously.
" Ay—no—that is—ye ken, I saw her i:i the procession
whin the Queen cam'," said Tam.
"Fouk wad think she wis a lass o' yours, be the loup ye ■
lat whan I telt ye her name."
"Na, na, my braw lass; I dinna look sae high," said Tam,
. 16
THE ABBOT OJ? ABERBROTIIOCK.
as lie again re-seated himself. " I wad rather hae a bonnie
lassie like yersel'. Ye ken a braw leddy like her wadna
look at the like o' me; but tae pleasure you, if ye wad
like tae help her oot, I wad dae the best I cud for
your sake."
" Weel, dae ye ken, I wad like tae help the leddy," said
Janet, again resuming her seat close beside Tarn, "an' ye
can help me gin ye like; but we'll need tae tak' tent, for if
we're fund oot the Laird 'ill think naething o' giein' us a
heese ower the Heugh. ISToo, ye'll wait or bed-time,
an' then we'll slip in an' speak tae her leddysliip. Eh,
there's Marget; dinna tell her, mind," said Janet, as she
hurriedly rose on hearing footsteps, and passed over to
the fireplace.
Marget entered with a tray of fish which she had got at
the village of Auchmithie,. and which she handed to Janet
to clean, an' then she set about preparing dinner. When it
was ready Andrew and other two farm servants made their
appearance, when they all sat down, and Tarn, well pleased
with the progress he had made, made a hearty meal. Then
he went out with the rest, and did as well as he could till
gloaming fell; then he went in and had supper, and Janet
was sent up with him to show him his bed. When they
were upstairs Janet whispered to him " tae tak aff his shoon
an' wait an' she wad slip up when the rest gaed tae their
beds." Tam gave her a kiss, and she went downstairs in a
tremor of delight.
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTE jCK.
241
Time went past, and at length Janet again m^de her
appearance, and noiselessly they slipped" down to the second
floor, where with some trouble they managed to i ndo the'
fastenings of the door, and Janet went in, and, after sb^
explained matters, Tarn Glen was introduced into the pre-
sence of Lady Elizabeth.
242
the abbot op aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XXIII.
iSADY ELIZABETH AND JANET—JANET TAKES A MESSAGE TO SIB JOHN—
TAM ON THE PBOWL—THE SECEET DOOR—THE UNDERGROUND STAIR—
THE DUNGEON—THE PIRATE BAND—LINDSAY, THE PIRATE CHIEF—
MUSGROVE AND HIS SONG—THE MURDER—TAM MEETS SIB JOHN.
Lady Elizabeth Hamilton paced the confined limits of her
prison chamber with a haggard countenance, and a mind ill
at ease. Lindsay of late had not obtruded himself upon her,
and his friend and patron, the Abbot, had had enough to do
at home without coming to marry them, as Lindsay had
threatened. Janet, from whom she had expected assistance,
had never come back, and the grim visage of Marget, who
now attended her, frightened and repelled her. Brooding
over her hard fate, and the horrible outrage to which she
had been subjected, she heard a rustling, muffled kind of
noise at the door, which startled her. Taking the dim light
that she was allowed, she was moving over to learn if
possible what it was, when the door suddenly opened, and
Janet made her appearance, and Lady Elizabeth greeted her
with a sad smile.
" Hush, my leddie," said she, " they dinna ken doon the
stair that I'm here. They thocht I pitied ye, an' they widna
lat me cum back, an' I didna ken hoo tae dae, bit there's t
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
213
decent lad that's cum to work here the day, an' he's willin'
tae help us."
"He's at the door the noo; will I tell him tae cum in?"
"Yes, certainly," said Lady Elizabeth, "let him come in."
Janet went to the door, and returned with Tarn, who
whispered, as they came in, that " she had better stand ahint
the door for a wee an' listen that naebody cam', an' he wad
hear fat the leddie wad like them tae dae."
He then went up to the Lady Elizabeth and whispered—
"I'm Maister Malcolm Ogilvie's servant, bit dinna tell
Janet; an' I have cum in disguise seekin' my maister, wha's
amissin', and we're sure that this Laird o' Auchmithie, wha
I'm sure is ane o' the pirates, has catched him. He kent
that ye was carriet aff, an' he was seekin' you an' Lady
Jeannie Gordon when he disappeared. Sae dinna pit
yersel' aboot, for I'll gie my heart's bluid tae set ye free."
"The saints guard us!" said Lady Elizabeth, clasping her
hands; "has Master Malcolm disappeared also? Alas,
alas! what shall we do?"
Here Janet came forward, and Tarn said—
"We canna dae naething the nicht, bit we micht try
an' lat Sir John Carnegie ken. I jalouse that his son an'
Maister Malcolm canna be far awa', for the hale coast has
been searched, an' there's nae word o' them; sae keep up
yer heart, my leddy, for a day or twa. Ye'll no ken whaur
the Leddy Jeannie is?"
"No," said her ladyship, "I do not. Lindsay boasted
244
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
that she was in the Abbey, a prisoner of the Abbot, but
that, I think, is only a lie, and an insult to our holy
religion."
"Weel," said Janet, "we'll no better stay ony langer
the noo; I'm feared ony o' them cums an' catches us here.
It wad pit an end tae us helpin' ye."
" Ay, we'll hae tae gang," said Tarn, moving to the door,
" an' we'll lat Sir John ken. An' dinna lat doon yer heart,
my leddy, for a' 'ill gae richt yet."
"Gude nicht, my leddy," said Janet; "an' dinna weary,
for we'll sune be back."
" Good night," said Lady Elizabeth, " and may the Virgin
keep ye."
They stealthily went out, and Janet quietly fastened the
door; and, after a slight struggle and a kiss, the sound of
which might have been heard in the kitchen, Tarn went up
and Janet went downstairs, to their beds.
Next day Tarn went regularly to work, and he was so
anxious to please that Andrew declared "he wis a grand
worker," and the Laird congratulated himself upon having
secured a willing instrument that he could easily mould to
his own purposes.
At dinner-time Tarn took an opportunity of asking Janet
if she knew " whar Sir John lived."
"Brawly that," said she. "He's the best friend the
fishers hae, an' they wad dae onything for him. I hae been
often at Ethie."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
245
It was then agreed that Janet should ask leave to see her
friends in the village, and that she should make her way to
Ethie as fast as she could, and tell Sir John the whole story,
and abide by his orders.
This she did, and brought back a message that he would
like to see Tarn Glen the next night, as soon as he could, at
the Seaton Den; but that he was to take care not to arouse
suspicion.
That night, when all was quiet, and everybody supposed
to be in bed, Tarn took off his shoes, felt that his dirk was
in easy reach of his hand, and cautiously descended the
stairs. He stopped at Lady Elizabeth's door and listened;
but all was quiet. Hesitating whether to go any faither,
or return and go back to bed, he saw the flash of a light
oa the stair beneath him, and heard the gentle opening of
a door, and the low sound of whispering voices. Then
he heard steps on tiptoe slowly descending the stair.
Cautiously looking over the stair, he saw Lindsay stooping
as if to open a door, while another man,, whose back was to
him, held a lantern, .as if to allow him to see. Then he
heard Lindsay say, "Now, Louis, the door is open, an' we'll
go doon. We'll leave it aff the sneck, as we'll maybe hae tae
come up in the dark, an' there's naebody here tae meddle."
Then they passed through and pulled the door close after
them, and Tarn was left in darkness. Standing for a little
till all sound had ceased, he slowly and cautiously moved
down to the passage and peered in. A long ray of light lay
246
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
for a moment on the floor, which enabled him to see that
it was a small room or closet, at the far end of which a
portion of the wall was absent, as if it had been slid aside,
or lifted out altogether. Suddenly the light disappeared,
and Tam silently crossed the room, and was just in time to
catch the last glimmer of the departing light as it descended
the damp slimy steps of an underground stair.
With his dirk between his teeth, and the cold sweat oozing
calmly from his brow, he ventured his way down that gloomy
pit, determined to risk his life to release and assist his
master. Groping step by step, with his arms outstretched,
he went lower and lower, now and again catching a sight of
the light, until at last he arrived on level ground. To his
amazement the place was piled with boxes and barrels, while
in the far distance he saw many lights, and heard the sounds
of revelry and song. Creeping cautiously along, shrouded
by the lumber stolen from many a ship. Tam at last
ensconced himself behind a barrel and surveyed the scene.
Seated at long tables, formed by placing planks on the ends
of barrels, sat the pirate band that so long had held the
coast in terror. About fifty in number, it contained
representatives of every European nationality. There was
the light, frivolous Frenchman, and the stolid, solemn
German; the plausible, treacherous Irishman, and the
pudding-headed, gluttonous Englishman; while the far-
seeing, greedy Scot seemed to be lord in the ascendant.
Not far from where Tam stood there blazed a large fire,
THE ABBOT 01)' ABERBROTHOCK.
247
oefore which swung huge masses of flesh in various stages
of cookery, superintended by three pirates with long knives
in their hands.
There was evidently abundance of liquor, for flasks and
cups of gold, silver, and copper were profusely scattered about
the tables, and the most of the company were under its
influence. At a table, over which was thrown a cloth, and
only gold and silver dishes placed, were seated Lindsay;
Louis, the Frenchman; Musgrove, the Northumbrian; and
other leaders of the gang.
It was with difficulty that they could make themselves
heard, for some were singing, some were disputing to the
verge of quarrelling, with strange oaths in many languages;
while others were indulging in boisterous hilarity, which
spent itself in uproarious laughter. But, withal, they made
no attempt to check the uproar around them, which showed
the feeble tenure of their power, and this forced them to
speak loud, so that Tarn Glen heard every word that they
said.
After they had spoken for some time about matters that
Tam neither understood nor cared for, Lindsay said—
"Well, what shall we do with those fellows we have
captured, and whom we have so snug at the other end!"
" Knock them on the head," said Musgrove, brutally, "and
throw them to the fishes."
"No, by Gar" said Louis, "ve sal ave ze gold anzesilvairas
de ransom "
243
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBIiOTIIOCK.
" I tliink with you, Louis," said Lindsay. " We have now
had some trouble with them, and we have done very little
for some time, and, from the stir that that burnt ship has
made, we are not likely to do much for some time to come.
We must have a hundred pieces of gold for each of them.
If we can't get that, let them rot."
" Who vill go for ze ransom of ze prisonair from La Belle
France 1" said Louis.
" Oh, you will go," said Lindsay; " you can say that you
were coming from France with him, and that you were both
captured by the pirates, the rascals. Don't be afraid to call
them plenty of names—anything, so that you bring the
money."
"I did not think that you would have let this fellow
Ogilvie off so easy," said Musgrove, " after the insults you
suffered from him."
"Nor would I," said Lindsay, "if it were not that,
between Huntly and Lord Ogilvie, they would make the
country too hot to hold me, if they discovered that I had
killed him. I will have trouble enough with that Highland
savage that I put my dirk into at the Abbey the other
night. I am cooler now, and will wait till I get another
chance at him."
"Oh, well, I suppose you know best," said the North-
umbrian, " but taking prisoners is all a mistake."
Here Musgrove seized a large goblet of wine that stood
before him, and after taking a deep draught, he rose to his
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
249
feet with the goblet in his hand, and shouted out the
following
PIRATE'S SONG.
No lazy lugger, my lads, for me,
Nor a King's craft in bondage to rove;
But a low black hull in a foaming sea,
And the black flag flying above.
Not a soul on deck but the daring band,
With pikes and with cannon in store,
And a letter of marque from the Devil's own hand,
To plunder and burn galore.
The decks all dyed with the red, red blood,
And the waters all red below,
For the living we kill, and throw into the flood,
As merrily onward go.
Then, huzza, my lads, for the low black hull,
For women, and gambling, and jvine;
For an open sea, and the sails all full,
And a cruize in the bright sunshine.
Loud bursts of applause followed these rude lines from
the pirates who were within hearing, for Musgrove was
popular from his daring savage character, and the senti-
ments of the song were so congenial to their barbarian
natures. They were pressing him to sing it over again,
when a great uproar in the lower end of the cavern attracted
their attention. Musgrove and his admirers hastened to the
scene of action, but Lindsay and Louis remained seated in
close conversation, and drinking "deeply. After some time,
they returned with one of the band guarded by two men a
250
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
prisoner. Musgrove said briefly to Lindsay, "Terrace
Flynn has murdered Hans Tuyfill." Lindsay, after draining
a goblet of wine, rose to his feet and said, " Men, you know
the laws of the band—life for life; take him away, and
bury them both in one grave;" then he sat down again,
and proceeded to refill his goblet. The abject, craven
wretch whom he had so coolly condemned threw himself
on the floor, and grovelling at his feet, implored mercy,
and he would be his slave for life. Lindsay's only answer
was a severe kick in the face, that momentarily stunned
him, but suddenly he sprang to his feet, seized the long
knife that hung at the waist of one of his guards, and before
any one could interfere he darted at Lindsay, and raised the
long knife to strike. Louis, the Frenchman, promptly
seized the uplifted arm, wrenched the knife from him, and
plunged it into his side. In a minute after, twenty knives
were sheathed in his body, and he fell like a log, a lump of
inanimate matter.
Lindsay started to his feet, pale and frightened, and
shouted, " Take him away," and his teeth chattered as ho
held the goblet again to his lips and drank deeply. This
event seemed to put a stop to the revelry of the night, for
the pirates were now all on their feet, moving uneasily
about.
Tarn Glen, horror-stricken at what he had heard and what
he had seen, now thought that it was time for him to get off,
so he crept silently away on hands and knees. When he
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOUK.
251
arrived at the stairs leading up to the Castle, he assumed
the perpendicular, and soon climbed up, and luckily reached
his bedroom without interruption. Throwing himself upon
his bed, he lay as if stunned with amazement. His weakened
body had reacted on his mind, and he was totally unable to
form any plan of action further than to wait and tell Sir
John Carnegie what he had found out. He was satisfied
that his master and John Carnegie were immured in that
horrid cavern, and heart-broken, as he thought, at Annie
Munro's rejection of his love, he determined to sacrifice him-
self with a foster-brother's fidelity to rescue them from
captivity. Pondering thus, he fell asleep, and slept so
soundly that he was only awakened by the sun's rays
beaming on his face, through the hole in the wall that the
simple people in Auchmithie Castle termed a window.
When he feebly descended the stairs he was met by Janet,
who was evidently deeply love-struck, and who appeared
anxious about his pale careworn looks. After a hurried kiss
(for Tarn, though suffering, as he thought, from the pangs of
unrequited love, did not appear to care about inflicting like
pangs upon another), she whispered him " tae come into the
but hoose for a wee; Marget's no up yet;" and then ran and
brought a large wooden luggie full of hot new milk, of which
she pressed him to drink freely. Tarn took one hearty
drink, and then another, and it seemed to do him good, for
a better colour came to his cheeks, and he felt refreshed.
Janet was as proud of her first lover as a young mother is of
252
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
her first baby, and she looked at his tall shapely figure with
undisguised admiration, and she could not resist putting her
arm through his and clasping her hands together, while she
looked up confidingly in his face.
" Noo," said she, " ye maunna work ower hard the day,
an' gin ye want onything, juist lat me ken, an' if it's tae he
got, ye'll get it."
Now, Tam had been used with a good stiff horn of whisky
or brandy the first thing every morning for years, and he
thought that it was a good sign of returning health to feel a
strong desire for it this morning; so, after a running fire of
cuddles and kisses, he said that " he thocht that he wad be
a heap better if he had a gude dram o' something strong."
. Janet, after such a course of love-making—so new to her,
and yet so natural—and who would have run to the ends of
the earth to serve him, said, "there was plenty ben the
hoose, bit she thocht anither drink o' milk wad be better for
him in his onweel state, an- she houpit he wadna drink
muckle till he got stronger."
She left the kitchen, and returned in a few minutes with
a large flask of French brandy, and a horn quaich, which
*he handed to him. Tam filled the horn, which might hold
about a gill, and sent it out of sight; then he refilled it,
and, saying that " it was unco gude," sent it after the other.
Janet, pretending to be frightened at the anti-teetotal
tendencies of her lover, laughingly seized the flask and
horn, declaring that " he wad mak' a beast o' himsel' afore
THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
253
parritch time, an' forget that he had tae meet Sir John the
nicht," and carried them hack to the place where she got
them.
When she came back she said that " there was Andrew
comin', behave yersel', an' mind that my brither 'ill lat ye
see the Seaton Den the nicht," and shoved him out of the
kitchen.
When evening came, Tam was on his way to the ren-
dezvous, accompanied by Janet's brother, who seemed a
duplicate of his sister, with the same red hair and pale
freckled skin, only younger, smaller, and dressed in a suit
of indescribable tatters. He seemed vaguely to understand
that he was engaged in some mysterious affair, for he
blinked his owl-like eyes, and grinned from ear to ear, and
said that " oor Janet said I wisna tae tell onybody whar I
was gaun wi' ye," and seemed to hint that " something tae
himsel'" would be useful. Tam gave him a trifle, and then
he trotted along quite cheerful, until they came in sight of
the Den, where two men could be seen standing beside two
horses. When the boy saw them he said, " Lod, there's Sir
John, an' his man Andrew, noo; ye'll hae tae speak tae 'im
yersel'," and then stood stock-still.
Tam advanced, and in a few minutes stood in thf
presence of Sir John Carnegie.
254
the abbot of aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XXIY.
NAM 01 EN MEETS SIB JOHN—THE GATHERING!—SIB JOHN AND HIS MEN
IN AUCHMITHIE CASTLE—THE ATTACK ON THE PIBATES—THBIB DEFEAT
—BS22AS3 OP THE PRISONERS.
When Sir John Carnegie saw Tarn Glen approach within
ppeaking distance, he stepped towards him, and said—
" Well, my man, was it yon that sent the lassie to Auch-
mithie last night?"
" 'Deed it wis, Sir John/' said Tarn. "I hinna been weel,
and I thocht ye wad like tae ken fat 1 hae fund oot."
" Well, tell me what ye ken, that ye think I sud ken,"
said Sir John.
"Weel, ye see, yer honour, that I'm Maister Malcolm
Ogilvie's foster brither an' servant, an' the day after the fecht
wi' the pirates I gaed tae St. Yigeans tae find the dirk that
my maister lost fin he saved the life o' the Leddy Jeannie
Gordon, an' on the road I had a collie-shangie wi' some
Heelanmen, an' I got a sair scart on the shouther that fever't
me, an' I lay for a fortniclit; an' when I cam round, an' wis
able tae crawl tae the toon, Tarn Anderson, o' the ' Three
Angels,' telt me that the twa leddies had disappeared, an'
that in seekin' for them my maister had disappeared tae.
Sae ye see, as Sir David an' a' the clan had gane hame, no
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
255
kennin' that onything wis wrang, I thocht I wid try a search,
mysel', sae wi' Tam Anderson's help I cheenged my claes;
an' as we a' jaloused the Laird o' Auchmithie to be ower
thick wi' the pirates, I gaed there seekin' wark, an' wis
taen on."
Then Tam proceeded to narrate his discovery of Lady
Elizabeth Hamilton, and his strange discovery of the con-
cealed stair leading to the pirates' haunt, and of what he
heard and saw there.
When he had finished, Sir John Carnegie, amazed and
horrified, exclaimed—
" Good God! is it possible that such monsters can exist ?
Hoo can we get in ?"
"Weel," said Tam, "I wis thinkin' that if ye were tae
come the morn's nicht at twal o'clock, I cud let ye in. But
ye'll need a hunder men, an' they'll hae tae tie wisps o' strae
roond their shoon no tae mak' a noise; an' ye wad need tae
hae some boats tae get round tae the mooth o' the Cove."
"Ha, ha!" said Sir John, "that explains all aboot the
ghosts an' deevils that frichtet the fishers in that cove, an*
a' the castawa' ships an' murdered sailors which have been
sae rife this while. It'll no be my blame gin ane o' the
ruffians is left alive. Weel, Tam, we'll be at the castle gate
at twal o'clock the morn's nicht; but I'm no sure aboot the
boats, for thae thick-headed fishers 'ill no gae near't. Ony-
way don't disappoint us, an' We'll set free oor frien's and
scatter the byke."
17
25 6 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
*• I'll no disappoint ye," said Tam, as he turned to depart.
" I wid gie my heart's bluid for my leddy an' my maister."
When Tam departed Sir John stood for a time lost in
thought, then, gathering up the reins of his horse and
beckoning to his servant, he slnwiv walked down the Den.
When he arrived at the hut of the witch he knocked, and
on her appearance he said—
" Will you tell me truly what you know of the Laird of
Auchmithie? Does he knew anyttnng about my son?"
" Ye're a gude man, Laird, an' a kind-hearted," cried the
witch shrilly, " an' gin I be killed for't, I'll tell the truth.
Search the Cove aneath the Castle an' ye'll find him," and
she slammed the door in their faces.
That night Sir John and his servant rode hard—from
Aberbrothock to Carnoustie, to Kinblethmont and Inver-
keillor—in short, to ail the lairds that professed to favour
the cause of the Reformers; and by next afternoon
upwards of a hundred armed men clustered in groups
at Ethie.
Conspicuous among them was Tam Anderson, who had
with him a large number of the men of the Brothock. The
fishers of Auchmithie were willing enough to assist in an
attack on the Castle, but not one of them would venture tc
approach the entrance of the Cove in a boat. Meat and
drink were served out to them, and they patiently waited
till their services would be required.
On the evening of the intended attack Tam Glen was
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
257
uneasy and excited. He did not let Janet know that
anything more was intended than the release of Lady
Elizabeth, and when bedtime came he whispered to her
" tae be sure tae gae up, an' tell her tae be ready." Janet
reacniy promised, and then Tarn wanted to know if the
Laird "had ony soords bit the ane he wore?" and Janet
wondered what he wanted " wi' a soord, and hoped he
«hna gaen intae ony mischief."
Tarn put it off with a laugh and a kiss, and Janet pro-
mised to bring him one, so he ascended to his bedroom,
where he drew on a pair of stockings above his shoes, to
deaden the noise of his footsteps.
•Tanet soon appeared with a stout blade, which Tarn drew
Crom its sheath, and after a minute inspection expressed liis
approval. She also told him that she had seen Lady Eliza-
beth, and that she would be ready at the time appointed.
Tam then told her that when he opened the gate to Sir
dohn she was to go up to Lady Elizabeth's room, and fasten
the door in the inside, and to be sure not to open to any one
hat him. She looked dubiously at him, as if she did not
understand him; but after some love passages between them
she was induced to take her departure.
The appointed time now drawing nigh, Tam leisurely
descended the stairs, stopping every now and again, as he
did not know whether Lindsay had descended to the sub-
terranean regions or not, and it was well he did so, as when
he was near the door of his room he heard voices. To draw
258
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
back and listen was the work of a moment, and after
waiting some time, the door opened and footsteps descended
the stair.
Tarn cautiously followed, and saw three men pass through
the secret passage, which they carefully closed behind
them.
After some trouble he was able to find the spring, which
he gently pressed, and then the door opened; and he looked
in, but all was dark and quiet. Leaving the place open,
Tarn quietly made his way by the outer door to the heavy
gate, which he opened slightly and peered out, when he heard
a low voice cry " Hist." Then he saw a figure advancing to
him, and in a moment Tarn Anderson stood beside him.
The landlord whispered—
" Are ye ready, Tam 1"
" A'thing is unco favourable," said Tam, " bit we maunna
lose a minute."
Tam Anderson moved back a few" paces into the moon-
light, and taking off his bonnet, he raised it on the point
of his sword. His signal had evidently been observed, as
a black mass that stood at some distance immediately be-
came in motion, and in a few minutes Sir John Carnegie
and his men were in the courtyard of Auchmithie Castle.
Silently they entered, and then torches were lit, and Tam
Glen and Sir John began to descend the secret stair, fol-
lowed by their men, Tam Anderson remaining to bring up
the rear. As they neared the level ground at the bottom
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
259
the torches were extinguished, and the men silently wound
their way between the boxes and barrels that contained the
plunder of the pirates.
Sir John whispered " to have the torches ready to light
and to keep quiet till he gave the signal," but as soon as
they got near the lights of the pirates, who were busy
carousing, unsuspicious of danger, Tam Glen, raising a most
tremendous yell of " Clan Ogilvie for ever," dashed forward
and transfixed a pirate with his sword. Sir John Carnegie
and his men rushed forward after the impetuous Tam, and
they cut down a considerable number of the pirates before
they had recovered from their stupefaction. Those who
were at some distance in the cavern came rushing forward,
headed by Lindsay, Louis the Frenchman, and Musgrove
the Northumbrian pirate, and a desperate fight commenced.
Torches were passed by both sides to the front, and the
pirates, thinking that only a few had penetrated into their
haunt, fought desperately with loud cries of "No quarter.
Kill them all, or our secret will be discovered."
Tam Glen, with great resolution, pressed forward m the
very front of the fight, and was soon espied by Lindsay,
who immediately attacked him, at the same time crying—
"Ah! spy, it is you we have to thank for this!"
Tam valiantly crossed swords with him, and, if the will
could have been taken for the deed, would assuredly have
killed him; but at the critical moment Tarn's strength
failed him, and his sword was beaten from his hand, and he
260
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
thought his time had come, when Tarn Anderson, who had
hurried from the rear, attacked Lindsay, and with a fierce
blow broke his sword in pieces. Lindsay, with a dreadful
oath, flung the handle at the two Tarns, but missed them
both, and struck a big fisher who was pressing on behind
them an ugly blow on the nose, which made the blood fly
in torrents, and him to roar in a manner that overtopped
every other noise in that frightful place.
But torch after torch was lit by the attacking party, and
the pirates were pressed back to where the two divisions of
the cave met, and then the invaders had room to spread,
and their numbers began to tell. Steadily the pirates were
borne down the cave towards the water, losing men at
every step, when suddenly a cry arose among them, "To
the boats! to the boats!" and then their torches were
thrown down, and numerous rapid steps were heard.
Sir John, who was wounded in the arm, cried, " Follow,
men, follow; do not let them escape," and rushed forward,
followed by his men. The two Tarns were hurriedly running
without looking where, in the semi-darkness, when Tarn Glen
stumbled over a stone and fell, and in a moment Tam
Anderson fell ovep him, and then three or four more on the
top of them.
Great was the uproar that ensued, as each of the capsized
party, thinking the tripping they had got was the work of
an enemy in the darkness, commenced to belabour the rest
with their fists, their other weapons not being available.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
261
Tam Glen being undermost, naturally came in for more
squeezing and blows than his enfeebled body could well
bear, and he kicked and swore till his breath and strength
entirely failed him.
Some behind who carried torches, attracted by the noise,
came forward, and then the tumblers, seeing who were their
opponents, burst out laughing and scrambled to their feet.
Tam was assisted to the perpendicular, and after a short
application of his mouth to the mouth of a flask carried by
one of the party, they recovered their weapons, and made
their way down to the water edge. Sir John and his men
clustered thick on the beach, and in the distance the clank
of oars was heard, and by the bright moonlight, and the fit-
ful glare of the torches, two boats were seen swiftly shooting
out of the narrow entrance that led to the Cove. Leaving
a few men to watch against the possible return of the
pirates, Sir John returned to the Cove, where some of the
men had discovered some kegs of spirits, and were dealing
them, out to all and sundry. Sir John cautioned them
against taking too much, and then detailed a party to collect
the killed and wounded. Tam Glen and the landlord in
the meanwhile had collected a party to explore the dark
passage, and Sir John, naturally anxious for the safety of
his son, assumed the command, and they cautiously proceed-
ed with bared weapons to discover the prison-house of the
pirates. When they reached the door that we have already
discribed, Tam Glen struck it a heavy blow with a stone
262
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
that he had picked up, at the same time crying—" Is there
anybody there?"
"Yes, Tarn," cried a voice; "help us, if you can."
"0 Lord! I'll soon dae that. Holy virgin, saints, an'
angels, it's Maister Malcolm," and he seized the door in his
arms as if he would have torn it out bodily, thereby imped-
ing the efforts of those who wished to assist him. At length
the fastenings were unloosed and the door thrown open, and
the party entered, to be horrified and enraged at the spectacle
before them. Lying prostrate, loaded with irons, in that
filthy den, were the three prisoners.
Hugh Orr seemed utterly unconscious of the presence of
those who had come to deliver him; John Carnegie was
conscious of their presence, but totally unable to express his
feelings; and Malcolm Ogilvie, though conscious and able to
speak, was yet unable to rise to his feet.
When Sir John appeared, and Malcolm got his eyes upon
him, he said—
" Thank God, Sir John, you have discovered us. I hope
you yet may be in time for some of us. 0, keep back that
light, it pains our eyes."
Sir John by this time had caught sight of his son, and his
fatherly feelings overcame him. Sinking on his knees
beside him, he sobbed out, " 0, John, my son, my son."
John attempted to speak, but failed, and the tears rained
down his cheeks.
Tarn Anderson was the first to recover from the feelings
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
2G3
of horror and disgust that overcame them all at first, and he
set about giving the unfortunate prisoners some brandy, and
then tried to get off their manacles. In this, however, he
was not successful, and he declared that " they wad need tae
carry them upstairs at ance, an' get them sorted richtlike"
—a proposal that seemed so reasonable that it was im-
mediately acted on.
Plaids were opened out and the men laid on them, and
gently carried out by willing hands, through the cavern,
and up the stairs to the Castle, where they were laid on
beds, and one of the men, a smith, removed the irons. An
express was sent to the Abbey for one of the monks who
understood medicine, and food in small quantities was given
them. When the victors knew that the object of the
expedition had been attained, and that the missing had
been found, they made the dull echoes of the cave ring with
their acclamations, and deep libations were poured in
honour of their victory.
When Tarn Glen had seen his master properly taken care
of, he bethought himself of Lady Elizabeth. Proceeding to
her room, he knocked at the door, and cried "It's me, Janet,"
and after some delay he got admittance. Running up to
Lady Elizabeth, without noticing Janet, who had opened
the door to him, he cried, " Hurra, yer leddieship, we hae
fund Maister Malcolm an' Maister John Carnegie, an' we
hae killed the maist o' the pirates, an' yer leddieship 'ill
come awa' an' see them, an' ye are free as the wind."
264 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" I am so glad," said her ladyship, " and I will never
forget what you two have done for me. "We will go down,
for I will be glad to leave this hateful room."
Tarn turned to Janet, who stood looking, first at him and
then at her ladyship, in amazement, and said laughingly,
"I hae put the blinders on ye a wee bit, Janet, but when
we hae mair time I'll tell ye a' aboot it," and then coolly
turned to guide her ladyship to where the invalids lay.
Janet saw that there was a change in his manner, and that
all her high hopes were dashed in pieces, but she bridled up,
with a moist eye and quivering lip, and retired behind Lady
Elizabeth.
They descended to where the invalids lay, and which had
been Lindsay's own room, and Lady Elizabeth sat down
beside Malcolm Ogilvie's bed. He struggled on to his
elbow, and taking her ladyship's hand respectfully, which
she extended to him, he kissed it, and said—
"I am glad to see your ladyship well and at liberty.
Can you tell me how the Lady Jeannie is?"
" Indeed I cannot," said she, " for I have not seen her
since we were carried off from the Abbey."
And she told him the whole story of the abduction, and
of the infamous proposals and threats of Lindsay, and his
boastings of the friendship the Abbot had for him, and his
assertion that the Abbot had Lady Jeannie in confinement.
All this greatly excited Malcolm, who had some idea of the
friendship existing between Lindsay and the Abbot, and
THE ABBOT OF ABERB&OTHOCK.
265
who had too mucli cause to fear that the latter assertion
was true. He thought, too, of the footsteps that he had
tracked to the postern door of the Abbey, and he registered
a vow to search into it the moment he was able to walk.
"Now," said Lady Elizabeth, "you should try and sleep.
You are too weak to speak more at present. I will remain
till you are out of danger."
"But, your ladyship, I could not rest till I learn from
Tam how we have been rescued. Will you call him?"
"Yes, I will," said she; "only I am afraid that it may
fatigue you too much."
Tam was called, and, as requested, related all his ad-
ventures since he had been sent to St. Yigeans—how he
had effected an entrance into the Castle by deceiving
Lindsay; what he had witnessed underground; how he
had sent Janet to Sir John, but without telling how he
had deceived the poor girl; of the attack, and the flight
of the pirates.
"Was Lindsay or the other leaders killed or taken?"
said Malcolm.
"I dinna think it," said Tam, "but I'm no sure; I'll
ken the morn."
" Now," said Lady Elizabeth, " you must rest, or you will
he worse to-morrow. I intend to nurse you all till you
recover."
" God bless your ladyship," said Malcolm, wearily; "I am
indeed fatigued."
2GG THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Lady Elizabeth moved over to John Carnegie's bed,
at the side of which was Sir John. He was sleeping
calmly, and her ladyship said, after she had looked at
him—
" He will do nicely now. He has a better colour in his
cheek. Who is the other unfortunate prisoner?"
" He is a gentleman from the banks of the Clyde. He
has lost all recollection, Malcolm says, how long he has been
in these villains' hands. You should retire to rest now.
You are in perfect safety."
"No, no," said she, "I am too excited to rest; I intend
to nurse our patients till they recover."
"God bless you, my dear lady," said Sir John; "my wife
and daughter will come to-morrow and assist you."
"I will be so glad," said she simply; "I have spent a
weary time here."
" Well, we ought to be thankful," said Sir John; "it is all
over now, and we are in safety."
Tarn Glen left the room and proceeded down stairs. At
the kitchen door he met Janet, but she turned her back to
him and walked into the kitchen.
" E'en as ye like, Miss Dorts," said he to himself; " it's
maybe just as weel."
Opening the secret door, he proceeded down to the cave,
where he found the men turning and breaking up boxes and
bales, and trying the qualities of the various liquors. Tam
proposed that " they shud carry a'thing up tae the courtyard,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
567
an* mak' an' equal divide," which proposal was carried un-
animously, and immediately acted upon. He then proceeded
to where the dead and wounded lay, and he found that there
had been ten of his own party killed and thirteen wounded,
while of the pirates thirty-three lay dead. To them no
quarter had been given, as they had proclaimed that they
would give none. Poking about in many a hidden nook, he
came upon a man lying in agony, where he had crawled to
be out of the way, evidently a pirate from his dress and
appearance. When he heard Tarn he begged for mercy and
water, and as a reward he would tell him a secret. Tarn
brought him water, and raised him up and gave him to
drink. The pirate then told him to u dig under the stair
leading up to the Castle, three feet from the wall;" gave a
spasmodic shiver, and expired. Tarn got help, and laid him
among the other dead, and being now very tired with his,
exertions, he went to bed. The monk leech came in the
morning from the Abbey, and then the invalids were in real
danger, as Tarn Glen had discovered before them. Lady
Carnegie and her daughter also arrived from Ethie to assist
the Lady Elizabeth in nursing; and their soft hands
and gentle manners did much to soothe the unfortunate
sufferers.
268
the abbot cf aberbrothoo&.
CHAPTER XXV.
RECOVERY OP LADY JEANNIE—ALICE'S ROOM—ALICE'S STORY—LADI
JEANNIE'S CONFESSION—THE ESCAPE FRUSTRATED.
Long continued was the swoon; still and deathlike was the
appearance of the Lady Jeannie Gordon when the Abbot left
the room. Alice, the beautiful harpist, tried every means
within her knowledge to promote her recovery, but without
effect; then, alarmed, she called upon the other girls, who,
whatever might have been their faults or misfortunes, were
undeniably very feeling hearted. They very willingly
assisted to loosen her dress; one brought cold water,
another brought feathers, which she burnt and held to her
nose, while a third laved her brow with brandy. At last,
when they had almost given up hope, a deep sigh burst
from the beautiful lips, the eyelids tremulously fluttered,
and then the bright blue eyes opened wide—opened with a
startled, frightened gaze. Aimlessly and vacant was the
stare that she cast around, and then, like a flash of electri-
city, her terrible surroundings burst upon her, and she
sprang convulsively to her feet. Groping like one in the
dark, she felt for the long, thin dagger on which she had
hitherto relied for protection, carefully felt her dress and
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
269
the sofa on which she had lain, and then she gave way to
despair.
"0, holy Virgin!" she cried, "holy saints and angels,
guard an innocent maiden that puts her trust in thee."
Then clasping her hands fervently, and raising her eye
aloft, she again sank hack on the sofa, with a great cry of
"Malcolm! Malcolm!" welling up from the inmost recesses
of her heart.
Her companions, awed by her distress and high rank,
stood listlessly by.
As the feeling of awe gradually wore off, some of the
more reckless began to exhibit the vapid frivolity of their
every-day life, when Alice, who seemed of a different class
from the rest, said—
"Would your ladyship come into my room, and lie down!
It is smaller and quieter than this, and I will sit beside you."
" I shall be glad," said Lady Jeannie wearily, while she
cast a shuddering look around her. " I would so wish to
be alone."
" Come, then," said Alice, " and I will assist you."
She languidly rose and followed Alice slowly from the
room, into another that was furnished with every comfort
and luxury that the age could produce. Everything in it
was purity itself, rivalling the drifted snow in whiteness.
The hangings on the walls, the covers of the tables and
chairs, the coverlid and curtains on the magnificent bed
were of the finest silk; a great mirror framed in ivory lay
270
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
upon a gorgeously inlaid table, while combs and knives and
dishes of finely engraved silver were scattered around.
Lady Jeannie looked around her in wonder at the profu-
sion and wealth that were displayed, and she said to Alice,
looking meanwhile steadily in her face,
" Was it all this wealth and gaudy display that tempted
you?"
"No, lady," said Alice, mournfully; "believe me that I
am innocent. I was cruelly, shamefully deceived," and
she held down her head, and the tears coursed down her
beautiful face.
"Tell me how it happened," said Lady Jeannie.
" It is a common tale," said Alice. " I loved devotedly,
and I implicitly trusted him I loved. He has repayed ray
love and devotion with treachery and betrayal."
"It is indeed too common a tale," said Lady Jeannie,
becoming more interested; "but I was torn from those I
loved by force."
"I can easily believe that," Said Alice; "the men who
live here are fit for any villany. No wonder that men
turn heretics."
"Did you never try to escape," said Lady Jeannie.
" Ah, yes, many a time; but we are too strictly watched.
They even watch one another. 1 All hope abandon ye who
enter here,' might be written on every door. But you will
take some refreshment;" and Alice brought wine and
venison pasty. After some urging, she induced Lady
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
271
Jeannie to eat a little of the pasty and drink some of the
wine, and a better colour came to her cheek, and more
firmness into her voice, and she saw things in a more
cheerful aspect. After leaning with her head upon her
hand for a little, she looked up and said—
"Alice, will you be my friendV'
"Yes, your ladyship, your true and faithful friend; if
indeed you can accept the friendship of one so lost as I am.
But believe me, lady, that it is not my own will that I am
here, for indeed I am innocent of all intention of evil."
"I do indeed believe you, Alice," said Lady Jeannie
warmly, while she took her hand; "and I take you as my
true friend and equal," and then she took her head between
her hands and softly kissed her forehead.
" Oh, lady," said Alice, leaning her head on Lady Jeannie's
shoulder, "your kindness is great and very dear to me.
You give me new hopes and new wishes, and who knows I
may see my dear parents once again. When they know how
I have been deceived they will not refuse to take me to their
hearts again; will they, my lady ?"
"Indeed, they will not," said Lady Jeannie; "for when
we escape from this hateful place I will go with you myself
as your true and faithful friend. And we must try to
escape, dear Alice," added she caressingly.
"We can but try," said Alice, while she shook her head,
"but I fear we will fail. You will stay in this room with
me, lady, and I will guard you."
iS
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" I was about to ask it as a favour, for I will feel so much
more confidence. Tell me the story of your life and love,
Alice, and then I will tell you mine. That is if you are not
sleepy."
"Oh, no, I am not at all sleepy, so I will fasten the
door, and we can undress while I am talking. I am the
daughter of the Laird of Kinfauns, near Perth. I was
educated by the nuns in the Convent of the Sacred
Heart, and when my eighteenth birthday arrived my
father came and escorted me home to Kinfauns. They
were proud of my appearance, and talked incessantly of
my proficiency in music and embroidery; and, to cele-
brate my return, my father gave a great party in the
Castle. Among the many guests that fluttered in the ball-
room, none attracted so much attention as Lord Eonald
Drummond, the youngest son of the Earl of Perth. Intro-
duced to him by my mother, he paid me particular attention,
insisting on dancing with me every dance, bringing me
refreshments enough to have served a dozen, and making us
the observed of all the company. Tall and elegant in
appearance, with an air and manner acquired at the Court
of France, he soon gained upon my inexperience and sus--
ceptibility. I can understand now that my parents were
very anxious for a match between us, and I felt flattered at
the evident desire he showed to win my favour. Day after
day he came to Kinfauns, day after day we strolled together
by the bonnie braesides, or floated in his boat on the beauti-
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
273
ful Tay, till, either from affection or habit, I began to prefer
his company, and weary for his coming. Some months
passed away very happily with me, and I began to look for'
some formal declaration of his love, when we were all
invited to a great party at his father's at Drummond Castle.
With a bright heart 1 prepared for the occasion, and I must
have been very happy, for all my friends complimented me
on my appearance, and declared that I would be the belle of
the party. Among the company were some of the French
noblesse who had come from Edinburgh on a visit to the
Earl. One of them, the Duchess de Laval, was said to be
the most beautiful woman in France, and I was informed
that Lord Konald had known her intimately when he
resided in Paris. I must have loved him, for on being told'
I felt a pang shoot through my heart, and now I fear I was
too exacting,, for I watched him jealously, but I must say
that he gave me plenty of cause, for with the exception of a
few words when we entered, he never came near me the
whole night. The whole night he followed her like her"
shadow, and she seemed flattered, for beyond all doubt he
was the most handsome man in the party. Whether she
knew the terms on which he and I stood I cannot tell, but I
think if she had known the agony I suffered all that miser-
able night, she would have sent him away. Over and over
again, with tears in my eyes, I urged my mother to hasten
our departure, but my father, who was a prominent member
of the Queen Regent's party, was deep in conversation with
274
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
the Abbot of Aberbrothock, the Earl of Perth, and others
of like mind with himself, and he would not move. At last
my mother, who could see my trouble and pitied me, took
me by the hand, and approaching my father, urged my
sudden illness as a reason for our immediate departure. On
looking up, he remarked that I indeed looked ill, and in a
short time we took our leave of the Earl and his family,
with the exception of Lord Eonald, who was so infatuated
with his new love that he had no time to bestow on the old.
All that night I tossed on my bed, or paced my room like
one distracted, thinking that the morning would never
come. It came, however, and the day passed on, but Lord
Ronald never came, and the long, long agony wore on, till
I heard that he had sailed for France with the Duchess de
Laval. As he had never declared himself, my parents could
not interfere, and the fierce fires of love, and jealousy as I
thought, had time to burn themselves out, when he came
back again, alone and unmarried. Whether he had asked
her and had been refused I never knew, but his conduct
was very different, and liis language very insolent, from
what it had been when we strolled together hand in hand.
But I soon discovered that my love for him was not dead,
and gradually it grew, till caution and prudence and reason
went down before it. I wandered to every place where I
thought I was likely to meet him, and we often met together.
Gradually his manner became kinder, and the tones of his
voice softer, and he became the devoted lover of old, and I
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
275
was happy. Such happiness as I enjoyed at this time I will
never again experience in this world, for I loved him with
my whole heart, and I thought that love was as truly re-
turned. Alas! I have lived to know how far it is possible
for a man to deceive a weak, trusting woman, relying upon
liis honour and truth, and upon his passionate promises of
marriage. This went on for some time, then little by
little his love seemed to cool, and he became careless and
inattentive. He had never come much to Kinfauns since
his return from France, and now he ceased coming alto-
gether. Then I pressed him to fulfil his promises, some-
times with tears and entreaties, sometimes with reproaches
and threats, for the fear of exposure was terrible to me.
At last he proposed a secret marriage, to which I yielded a
willing assent, blindly trusting even yet to his good faith.
So it was agreed that we should proceed to a friend's house
on the north east coast and get married, and come back
happy together. The next day I accompanied him in his
boat to a small vessel that lay in the river, and was handed
down to the cabin by a sinister-looking man, whom I have
learned since to be Lindsay, Laird of Auchmithie. The
ship sailed almost immediately, and it was not long till I
learned that Lord Ronald had left me, and gone ashore in
his boat. I have been told since that he had hired Lindsay
to take me out to sea and throw me overboard; but that
ruffian knew that he could make more money by bringing me
here. So here I was brought at midnight, half smothered
276
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
in cloaks, and since then I have lived a life of remorse.
But oh, lady, believe me, I have acted foolishly, and been
very, very headstrong; hut I have loved Lord Ronald with
a. pure and honest love, and he has visited me with a
dreadful punishment. If I have erred much, I have suffered
much; and if my poor parents only knew how I am placed,
I,would he released, and hide my head in some convent,
where I would have time for repentance."
. "Courage, dear Alice," said Lady Jeannie. "We must
escape from this vile den. I wish I had something to defend
myself with. I had a dagger, but I lost it when I fainted."
Alice rose and opened a drawer in the inlaid table, and
brought forth several daggers. They were richly orna-
mented, and of different lengths and shapes. There was
the Italian stiletto, short and sharp; the vile glass dagger
that broke in the wound, likewise an Italian invention;
the Spanish knife, with a long broad blade, that both cut
and thrust; and the French poignard, without which no
gentleman in Scotland was in full dress at that period.
When Lady Jeannie was examining the weapons, Alice
said with a faint smile—
" These things were not brought here for me. I found
them there by accident. • I fancy they had been forgot, or
they would have been taken away. The time was not long
since when I would have shuddered at the sight of a naked
dagger, but now I will take one myself. I will take life
before I remain here," and she snatched at the first that
THE ABBOT OF AEERBItOTHOCK.
277
came, and when Lady Jeannie had made her choice, she
carelessly tossed the rest back into the drawer, and then
resumed her seat.
"Now," said she, "your ladyship promised to tell me
something of your own love. I hope it has been happier
than mine."
"Who can tell?" said Lady Jeannie, mournfully, shaking
her head. " I believe him to be all that is noble and true,
and he is so handsome, and he saved my poor life at the
risk of his own. Oh, Malcolm, Malcolm, better would it
have been for me now if you had let me go to death than
live to such a fate as this," and here she broke down, and
wept bitterly.. Alice consoled her with hopes of escape and
kind words, and when Lady Jeannie had recovered her self-
control, she told Alice all the little events of her innocent life,
of her sudden and deep love for our hero, and her earnest
beljef that he dearly loved her in return, and she minutely
related the events of the last few days, with all of which the
reader is already acquainted.
They then retired to bed, and next day it was agreed that
Alice, as being best acquainted with the rooms, should
quietly look around her as to the best means of escape. So,
when all were taken up either as actors or spectators in the
procession of the Queen's departure, she, unknown to any one,
slipped into the secret passage. This she had done before,
but without being able hitherto to find out any of the secret
doors. Now, with a wax-taper in her hand, she patiently
378
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
searched the wall to the end of the passage, and was about
to give up the search as useless as she had done before, when
in the light of the taper she saw the glitter of a bright brass
knob. This she carelessly pressed, not thinking that any
result would follow, when a door opened with such force as
to dash the taper from her grasp, and nearly upset her.
Startled by this reception, which she thought must have been
the work of some one inside, she stood irresolute, but hear-
ing no noise she looked in, and saw that the room was empty.
Taking courage from this, she ventured to enter, and on
looking round was amazed at the rich and sensuous appoint-
ments of the Abbot's apartments. Proceeding to the
opposite door she opened it, and peered out into the long
corridor, which to her was the way to liberty, purity, and
peace. Startled by the sound of some laughing voices which
were approaching, she softly shut the door, hastily crossed
the room, picked up her taper, shut the secret door, and
hastened back to Lady Jeannie, to whom she communicated
the joyful news, receiving from her a kiss and an embrace as
a reward. Then she tried the other end of the passage, and
now, with the experience of the brass knob on her mind,
she soon found out the door by which Lindsay had left when
he murdered Glenbucket. Opening the door only for a
moment to satisfy herself where it led to, she again hastened
back to Lady Jeannie, who, now satisfied of the possibility
of escape, assumed a cheerful tone, and spoke of their future
with certainty.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOO tC
270
The long day passed wearily, and they had not been dis-
turbed, for the Abbot, in the position that he stood with
Huntly, was afraid to absent himself from the public apart-
nients of the Abbey, and the other girls did not come near
them. At last the great bell of the Abbey tolled the hour
of midnight, and all being quiet, they noiselessly quitted
their room with dark cloaks thrown over them, entered the
secret passage, crept slowly along, and as they pressed the
knob of the secret door, a heavy hand caught them by the
ami.
280 the abbot of aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XXVI.
THE ESCAPE FRUSTRATED—THE ABBOT AND LINDSAY—THE QUARREL—
THE COWARDLY BLOW—THE BOBBERY—LINDSAY'S BANK—THE PIRATES
AT SEA—THE DESTRUCTION OP THE BELL—THE CHASE—THE CAPTURE
—RETURN TO THEIR HAUNT.
Turning hastily to see who had caught them in the
darkness, they beheld, by the light of the little taper that
Alice carried, the sensual-looking face of the Abbot leer-
ing on them with a satisfied, triumphant-looking smile.
Snatching the taper from Alice, he said, in a sneering
tone—
"It is too late for ladies to venture out to-night; the
air is unwholesome so late. Return to your rooms until
you get a proper escort."
Lady Jeannie deigned no reply; but, taking Alice gently
by the arm, she slowly walked along the passage, crossed
the great room, entered the little white chamber, and gently
closed and barred the door; then, throwing herself into
Alice's arms, she burst into a passion of tears. Poor Alice,
though greatly disappointed, strove to calm her excitement,
but without effect; indeed, the excitement proved so
infectious that, dressed as they were, they both threw
themselves on the bed, and sobbed themselves to sleep.
THE ABBOT OF ABEBBROTHOCK.
2S1
Meanwhile, the Abbot continued to pace the secret
passage, alternately smiling a satisfied smile at having been
able to intercept the ladies' flight, and frowning a savage
frown that would overspread his countenance, and a curse
that would escape his lips, as he waited for his man-of-all-
work—Lindsay. At last the low, sharp snap of the secret
door announced his arrival, and in another minute he stood
bowing before his master. Motioning him to silence, the
Abbot passed through the ladies' sitting-room down a long
passage, and in a short time returned, accompanied by a
grim, iron-faced woman of middle age, to whom he said—
"You are greatly to blame. Had I not been accidentally
in the passage, they would have escaped. You and the
others must keep watch night and day. See that it is
done;" and, turning haughtily, he proceeded along the
secret passage towards his own room, followed by Lindsay.
When he had entered and seated himself, he said—
" You did well to absent yourself to-day—Huntly would
have hung you without hearing your defence."
"I thocht as much after I gied that Highland meddler
his kail through the reek last nicht. That settles his
account, and as I caught that upstart Ogilvie in the Seaton
Den the day seekin' Leddie Jeannie Gordon, I'll tak the
liberty o' giein' him lodgings tae, for a while."
"Did you get your own lady safe home!" said the
Abbot.
"Oh, she's safe eneuch," said Lindsay; "I would like you
282
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
fco come ower and marry us some night soon. It "will bring
me safety, and the presence of your reverence will shut her
mouth."
"I come over and marry you!" said the Abbot, with a
sneer. "Surely you forget yourself. Anything that can
be hid is well enough, but you could not keep your wife a
prisoner, and she would tell everything the first time she
got a chance. And, recollect, she is a kinswoman of my
own, too."
" I think your reverence micht do that much for me. I
liae dune mony a queer job for you."
"And why'else would the like o' me take up with the
like o' you. Hand me a goblet o' wine, and then sit down,
and I will tell you a story. Some years ago, there was a
man brought before the Lord Abbot of Aberbrothock
on a charge of robbery and murder. The Abbot believed
him guilty, but, judging from his bold, insolent manner,
that he would not stick at trifles, and being in want
of a man of that sort, he declared him innocent, and
took him under his protection. This man had been a
soldier—a hired stabber—a pirate—anything or every-
thing that would enable him to lead a life of debauchery,
and the Abbot found him to be a pliant and useful
tool. He made him Laird of Auchmitliie and the leader
of the Abbey vassals, and, when he gathered a band of
his old piratical companions in the cave under Auch-
mithie Castle, the Abbot shut his eyes and ears, and
THE ABBOT OF ABERJBROTHOCK.
283
neither saw nor heard, although they made the coast a hye-
word in the country with their robberies and murders. But
the Laird of Auchmithie should recollect that this can only
continue so long as he yields a blind obedience, and that the
hand that made the tool can break it, so that in future he
must not urge that he has been once refused." And the
Abbot stretched out his hand and took the rich goblet from
the table, and drained a deep draught of the generous wine.
"It was of little use telling me that story," said Lindsay,
"seeing that I knew it before. Could I not induce your
reverence to come over to Auchmithie Castle and save the
reputation of your kinswoman V
"Take your master's advice, Lindsay, and hold her to
ransom. Her father, or the Queen Regent, will pay any-
thing reasonable, and, if you must have a wife, there are
plenty of fisher jauds in the village beside you."
"You are no master of mine, Abbot of Aberbrothock.
Yon have done me many a good turn, but I have done you
many a good turn as well, and so we are quits," said Lindsay.
" As to your sneer about marrying a fisher jaud, it did not
come well off your hand. My blood is at least as good as
your own."
" You must drop your absurd notion of marrying the Lady
Elizabeth Hamilton," urged the Abbot.
" I will marry her now, if it was only to annoy you," said
Lindsay, savagely. " When I am son-in-law to the Duke of
Chateauherault, he will shield me for his own sake, and then
284
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
I may "be more powerful than the Lord Abbot of Aber-
brotliock."
" You will never marry her," said the Abbot, starting to
his feet. " If you do not satisfy me that you will hold her
at ransom, I will open the door and call on the Gordons to
arrest you."
" Open that door and call on the Gordons, and I will tell
them where the Lady Jeannie Gordon is, and who caused
her to be carried off," said Lindsay, with a scowl.
" But they would not give you time to speak, and, besides,
they all think that you deceived me," said the Abbot,
laughing; "as if the like of you could deceive me."
"You are, indeed, an unprincipled villain," said Lindsay,
lifting a goblet as if to drink, " and will have to answer for
the crimes of many a lesser villain. But mind this," said
he, slowly rising, "that no man ever yet insulted or injured
me with impunity, and that you are not able to do it
unpunished. So take that as proof," and he struck the
Abhot a terrific blow on the forehead with the goblet, that
felled him like an ox. Then he softly went to the door
and looked out into the corridor, but he heard no sound.
Then taking a heavy cloak that lay on a chair, he spread it
on the floor and gathered into it all the gold utensils that
lay so profusely scattered about. After a heavy draught of
wine, he coolly went over to where the Abbot lay and laid
his hand upon his heart.—it beat quickly and hurriedly, and
there were signs of a speedy revival of sense and reason,
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
2S5
and Lindsay took Ms long keen dagger from its sheath, and
drove it through his side into the floor beneath.
" That will keep you quiet till I get clear off, and it will
be a lesson to you. May the devil take me if I have aught
to do with a priest again; there is no getting over them. I
think I will try the heretics next ; there are rare pickings to
be got among them," muttered he with a laugh, as he
drained another goblet; then he lifted the cloak with its
heavy burden, and threw it over his shoulder, and left the
room by the secret door.
Issuing from the little postern by which Lady Jeannie
was introduced into the Abbey, lie made his way to the
Steeple Rock, where a boat lay manned by some of his
followers. Wearily tossing the heavy load into the boat, he
entered himself and took a seat at the stern, and ordered
them to give way with speed to the cave, as there was a
goodly prize chat would soon be waiting them. When they
arrived, he again shouldered the cloak with its burden, and
wended his way up to the castle to his own room.
After resting for some time, and drinking copiously from'
a flask that stood on the table beside him, he passed over
to the bedstead, lifted it in his arms, and by sheer strength
carried it to the other side of the room. Then kneeling
beside the wall, he introduced the point of his sword into a
seeming crack, and instantly a large portion of the floor slid
to one side, revealing a cavity of considerable dimensions.
Here could be seen numerous bags evidently containing
23G THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
coin, while lying loose were gold sword-hilts, crosses,
goblets, and many rings glittering with jewels. Unloosing
the cloak, he carelessly tumbled the precious heap amongst
the others, slid back the floor, replaced the bed, and with
a mocking laugh of triumph left the room. Proceeding
down to the cavern, he found the usual riotous scene going
on that usually terminated each day's proceedings, unless
when work was to be done. Louis the Frenchman, Musgrove
the Northumbrian, and others who had influence and
authority, were seated as usual by themselves when Lindsay
appeared. With a smile on his face, he seated himself
beside them, and said, "You will be glad to hear that
I have learned something in the town to-night that will
bring grist to our mill. The Abbot has taken the notion
into his head that he can do without us, and threatened to
destroy us root and branch, but you know threatened folk
live long, and by Saint Andrew we have got a chance to
begin the war. A large lugger laden with wine, brandy,
silks, and other valuables for the use of the Abbey, is daily
expected from France, and I would propose that we go out
and take her, and, instead of destroying her as we have
been in the habit of doing, that we keep her as a refuge in
case the prievstly knave tries to carry out his threat. And
I say," cried he, bringing down his clenched fist with a
crash on the bench before him, that attracted the attention
of nearly all the gang, " we must do him all the injury we
can, so when we are out watching this lugger we will knock
T1IE ABEOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
287
away the stupid old bell that keeps up such a clatter on the
rock oot bye, and that the hypocrite t^kes such a pride in,
because another of his vile clan put it up. Hurrah, my
lads, for pleasure, wine, and destruction."
„ A loud burst of cheers and laughter saluted this harangue,
and the orders were given for all hands to embark in the
hoats, with provisions and water for three days. This was
obeyed, and four boats were put off, and were soon well out
at sea, and with the bright rays of the rising sun well above
the horizon, they keenly surveyed the surface of the water,
but not a sail was in sight. The boats were piloted for the
Bell Rock, and soon the monotonous clang of the bell wa»
beard, as it clashed to and fro with the splash of the waves.
The crest of the rock was bare, and as the boats ranged up
by its side, Lindsay sprang ashore, and taking off his hat he
waved it round his head, while he cried—
" Hurrah for the free rover, whose hand is against every
man. It is not for any ill-will that I have to this old bell
that I destroy it, but because it belongs to a knave with
whom I have declared war to the knife—yes, war to all
priests, eternal war, without quarter and without remorse.
Row, lads, get your axes and hack away."
Several pirates sprang ashore, with axes in their hands,
and after a few heavy blows the bell which, by its steady,
solemn clang, had saved many ships and much property
.and many lives, sank to the bottom of the sea.
The dirge that it sang so monotonously is heard no more;
19
288
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
the wild requiem that floated so steadily o'er the wild waves
of the German Sea is stilled for ever; and the tired mari-
ner, resting in fancied security, thinking perchance of home
and family, without a moment's warning is dashed on the
rock, and hurled to destruction.
Their work done, the pirates again embarked on their
career of destruction. Amidst laughter and obscenity and
song they bent their oars, while the leaders in each boat
carefully scanned the horizon. After a long and steady
look, with his hands shading his eyes, Lindsay shouted—
"Here she comes, by all the devils!" Then seizing the
helm, he again shouted—
"Pull, men, pull! Hurrah, lads! we are in luck.
Follow me."
.The -boats-, swept. over the. water with _great speed, and
soon the brown sails, and then the hull of a large lugger
was observed steadily making for the land. For some
time it was evident that the crew of the lugger did not
observe the boats; but as she approached, the cluster of
men at her bows showed that they were both anxious
and surprised. Suddenly she bore away as if making for
the Tay, and Lindsay, bursting into a loud laugh, shouted—
■" Scatter, lads, scatter, and keep her the way that she
ia going. If we should miss her, the Dundee or Perth
heretics will be sure to grab her. Either way she'll be lost
to the Abbot."
The pirates, inspired by the hope of plunder, puliecr
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK,
289
with tremendous vigour, and before long they were within
hail of her. The crew were keeping her well into the
land, and it soon became evident that she was in danger of
running ashore on some of the numerous sandbanks that
ornament the river.
Then a boat was swung over the side, and the whole crew
tumbled into her, and were seen pulling hard ashore. When
the pirates saw this, they burst into shouts of laughter, and
one boat followed them, while the others pulled steadily for
the vessel. On the helm being abandoned by the crew, she
yawed hither and thither, and if the pirates had not quickly
reached her, the chance is that the masts would have gone
by the board, or she would have capsized. But they soon
reached her, and climbing on board, one ran to the helm and
bore her up to the wind, while the others quickly stript the
sails from her, and lowered an anchor. Then they turned
to watch the chase between the crew and their comrades,
both boats being now well in shore. They ran ashore
simultaneously,. and then the pirates made a fierce attack
upon the crew with their weapons, and as the latter were
almost unarmed the greater part of them were inhumanly
butchered. Some of them, however, escaped, and when the
pirates gave chase they were immediately recalled by their
leader, the ruthless Lindsay, with the remark that "they
Would do for messengers, to let the Abbot know where his
ship had gone to." When they had robbed the dead of all
that they deemed worth taking, they pulled on board to
290
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
find their comrades busily engaged in breaking loose the
whole cargo in search of what was most valuable, while a
cask of brandy with the head knocked in supplied them with
one of their most coveted pleasures.
After they had apportioned the more valuable part of the
cargo, the pirates commenced gambling to while away the
time, as they did not intend to lift anchor till the darkness
of the night would hide their destination from any eyes that
might be watching them. Lindsay descended to the cabin
to see what he could discover, and had been fortunate
enough to light on a heavy bag of gold, when the clash of
weapons on the deck alarmed him, and he hastily ascended
to find a desperate battle going on among the gamblers,
which he had some difficulty in putting a stop to. This so
alarmed him that he ordered up the anchor, and, taking the
helm himself, he boldly steered the lugger into Dickman's
Den, where he safely moored her; and, after leaving a
portion of his gang as a guard, and seeing the boats heavily
laden with a part of their ill-gotten stores, he returned with
them to their secret haunt under Auchmithie Castle.
the abbot of aberbrothock. 291
CHAPTER XXVII.
EARLY VISITORS—JANET AND ARCHY GREY—DIVISION OF THE SPOIL—
THE OGILVIES IN THE CAVE—TAM GLEN DIGS FOR GOLD—AND FINDS IT
—THE PIRATES—CLAN OGILVIE TO THE RESCUE—THE CONFLICT—
DEFEAT OF THE PIRATES.
The morning was yet young when the captors of Auch-
mithie Castle were startled by a tremendous clatter at the
strong oaken gate. Tarn Glen, who had slept a death-like
sleep from the effects of over-fatigue and weakness, drew
himself slowly out of an empty barrel into which he had
thrown himself after all was quiet, under the impression
that the pirates had again returned, and that the fight had
to be fought over again. Seizing his broadsword he made
for the scene of action, guided by the noise, and followed by
some of the men who had been left on guard. Standing
upon one of the boxes that had been brought up from the
cave, he peered over the top of the gate, and politely
enquired "Wha the deevil had the impidence tae reshill
at sleepin' fouks' doors in that gaet ?"
" St. Andrew keep us, if it binna Tarn Glen. Open the
door, Tarn—we're a' Ogilvies thegether."
"Lord save us a'," roared Tam, "gin it binna Archy
Grey! Lat me doon, lads," and here Tam slipped his foot,
292
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
and came down to the ground in a bundle. Quickly gather-
ing himself up again, he rushed at the gate, and, after some
considerable trouble, caused by his excitement, at length
threw it open, and disclosed to view about thirty men,
whose hawthorn and bull-head badges showwl that they
belonged to the Clan Ogilvie. Their leader, Archy Grey,
the moment the gate opened, rushed forward, and seizing
Tarn Glen by the hand, shook it with a fervour that threat-
ened to dislocate it. Then looking Tarn in the face, he said,
" Losh keep me, Tam, if I didna ken ye wis as hard as nails,
I wad think ye hadna been weel."
" An' ye wadna think wrang, Archy, for 1 hae haen a sair
time o't. Yon day that we had sic a splore wf the Heelan'-
men, I took the fever, an' hae been maist deid. An' I lost
my heart, tae, Archy; an' the lassie wadna hae me, an' that
wis waur than the fever;" and here Tam screwed up his face
in a most lamentable manner, and nearly sent Archy into
fits with laughter. After he had somewhat recovered him-
self, he said—
Come awa' in, lads, an' get something tae eat an' drink,
an' I'll tell ye the drollest story ye ever heard in a' yer life."
The men, who all knew Tam intimately, followed him into
the kitchen, and seated themselves upon chairs, benches,
boxes, or anything else that came handy. Then from the
pirates' stores he brought a keg of brandy and plenty of cold
beef and mutton, and after urging them all to help them-
selves, he told them all about the capture of Maister
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
203
Malcolm, and how he had hired himself to the Laird
of Auchmithie, and all about his' discovery of the pirates4
haunt and the fight and release of the prisoners.
"An' Maister Malcolm is rael onweel," continued he,
,{an' young Maister Carnegie is a heap waur, an' a puir
soul frae the wast country is maist deid."
" Guidsake, what a pity we wer'na a while shuner," said
Archy Grey. "Ye see, Tam, the laird wis rael oneasy at
no hearin' frae aither Maister Malcolm or you, an' sae he
sent me an' the lads tae find ye oot, an' we are no tae leave
ye or ye cum liame to Inverquharity."
Here Janet entered the kitchen, and was somewhat
startled at seeing so many strange men; but, catching a
glance of Tam in the midst of them, she' commenced to
toss her head and look as if she did not care. However,
she made such a failure of it that she attracted the notice
of Archy Grey, who was as great a wag in his way as Tam
Glen, and who started and clasped his hands, saying
loudly—
"Gude save us a', what a bonnie lassie; as sure as death
she's the" bonniest lassie that ever I saw. Hey, lassie, will
ye gie me a kiss V and Archy rose to his feet. Janet made
out of the kitchen and down the passage, and Archy after
her, and from the scuffling noise that was heard it w£s
evident that Archy intended to take a kiss if he could.
Then the sound of a firm slap with the open hand waa
heard, and then the voice of Janet, exclaiming, "Ye
294 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCTL
misleart loon, tae toozle a strange lassie that -way! You
men are only a pack o' deceitfa' rascals a'thegither; lat mo
abee, or I'll tear yer hair!"
" Juist gie me anither ane, my bonnie lassie," said Archy,
coaxingly. "Losh, -woman, bit they're gude; as sure as
death, they are far better nor cauld beef an' brandy."
Here the laughter of the men became uproarious, and after
another scuffle Janet succeeded in escaping upstairs, while
Archy returned to the kitchen, rubbing his mouth with his
coat sleeve. Coolly reseating himself, he said to Tam—
"Is that yer dearie? Losh, man, ye're no worth yer lugs
gin ye cudna mak' that lassie ower head an' ears wi' ye in
twa days' time. I'll wager onything that she'll be daft
aboot me afore nicht."
" Na, na, Archy," said Tam, with a groan and a lugubrious
twist of his face, "my lassie is worth twenty o that ane; an'
ye ken," added the rascal, " I cudna think o' makin' love tae
ane fin my heart wis fu' o' anither."
Archy laughed dubiously, and then Tam added—
"Man, there wis a lass that wis hoosekeeper here that
wid hae fitted ye fine; she's been missin' sin' last nicht, an'
I'm dootin' she kent mair o' the pirates' doings nor she let
on; bit she wisna muckle abune fifty, an', big as ye are, I
think she wid hae thrashed ye. I canna tell ye whether
she wis bonny or no, for, in troth, I ne'er lookit. But I
maun awa' up the stair an' tell Maister Malcolm that ye're
come, an' hear fat he says."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 295
Tam proceeded up stairs, and on entering the room found
Malcolm able to be up, though weak, while Lady Elizabeth
and Janet were sedulously attending John Carnegie and
Hugh Orr. "When Malcolm caught sight of Tam, he said—
"Well, Tam, what great noise was that some time ago,
and who are the strange men that Janet tells me are in the
castle in great numbers ?"
" 'Deed, Maister Malcolm, it's some o' the lads an' Archy
Grey, that his honour, yer father, has sent tae see what's cum
ower you an' me."
"And how did they ken that we were here?" said Mai-
colm.
"Od, I didna tak' thocht tae speer," said Tam; "but I
suppose they'll hae fund oot at the 'Three Angels.'"
" Well, Tam, ye must just make them as comfortable as ye
can for some days. I am too weak yet to be much troubled
with anything."
" Ne'er fash your thoom, Maister Malcolm; get weel as
sune as ye can, an' I'll see tae the lads. Gude be thankit,
there's plenty in this robbers' den," said Tam, leaving the
room.
Tho men were now all stirring, and after the pirates' gear
had been fairly divided, great numbers of them set off home,
leaving Sir John's men and the Ogilvies the sole garrison of
Auchmithie Castle.
With the exception of Janet, every one belonging to
Lindsay seemed to have fled, so Tam Glen constituted him-
296
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
self major-domo for the time being, and with the help and
experience of his confrere, Tam Anderson, saw to the food
and lodging of the sixty men that formed the present garrison.
After they had fed heartily, Tam invited all the Ogilvies to
visit the pirates' cave under the castle, and see the wonderful
place where they lived and held high revelry, and the
horrible place where they kept their prisoners.
Lighting some torches, Tam threw open the secret door,
expatiating the while on the dangers he ran in following
Lindsay on the memorable night when he discovered their
secret haunt. Down the long slimy stair, mildewed and
damp, out into the great cavern, vaulted like some immense
corridor, went Tam with his torch, followed by the wonder-
struck Ogilvies, till they came to the edge of the moaning,
restless sea.
The tide was full in, and as the water struck with resist-
less force over rock and beach, drenching them with its
thick white foam, and the great cliffs threw down their dark
sombre shadows like a pall, the simple men of the braes of
Angus felt awe-struck, terrified before the stern majesty of
nature. Then Tam, proud of his office of guide, swung his
torch round his head to make it shine, and gravely stalked
up the division of the cave that contained the prison-house.
Throwing open the ship's door that blocked the entrance, lie
said, waving his torch to give light, and let his friends see
the horrors of the place—
" Isna this a bonnie place for a wheen trash o' pirates tae
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCIC.
297
keep the like o' oor Maister Malcolm 1 Dagone tliem, lads,
bib I'm bleezing mad when I think aboot it."
" It's awfu'—it's dreedfu'—it's fearfu'!" came in a murmur
from the clansmen; while Archy Grey declared that—"Sorra
tak' him, if he wadna juist like tae hae the pirates afore him
for ten minutes or sae."
Then they slowly retraced their steps down the cave to
where the two divisions met, when Archy asked—"If they
wer'na feared that the pirates micht come back again and
kill them a' in their beds ?"
"They hae gotten ower big a fricht tae cum back again,"
said Tarn Glen, with a laugh; but the possibility of it
struck him, and he resolved to speak to Sir John Carnegie
about it, but the day wore on with drink and daffin', and
Tarn forgot all about it.
Night came, and Tarn resolved to test the truth of the dying
pirate's last words by going down to the cavern with a lantern,
and digging beneath the stair. Sometimes his belief in the
story would waver, and then he thought of telling Archy Grey
and offering him a half; then his cupidity would strengthen
his belief, and he would resolve to make the attempt himself.
Finally, he lit a horn-lantern, got a spade from one of the
outhouses, and quietly crept down the secret stair; and
then, covering the lantern with his plaid, he stood still in
the darkness, but he heard no sound. Then he walked
under the stair as near to the place where the pirate had
told him as he could guess, and, opening the lantern, he
298
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCIL
seized the spade and commenced to dig. To say that Tam
was frightened might be saying too much, but there was no
doubt that he was eerie and nervous, which might he the
result of his late illness, and from time to time he would
stop and listen. Did his ears deceive him, or was that the
sound of oars rattling in the rowlocks? No, he must be
deceived, so he dug again, and again he stopped and
listened; and then his spade struck some soft substance
that gave out a hard metallic sound under the blow, and
soon after he unearthed a huge bag made of skin, stuffed
with coin. For Tam to throw down his spade, to draw his
dirk, and to cut open the mouth of the bag, was but the
work of a moment; then he thrust in his arms to the elbow,
and literally bathed them in gold.
In an ecstacy of delight, with the thoughts of all the
possible happiness lying dormant there, he forgot all about
the supposed sounds, and dreamed bright day dreams of
travelling life's journey in wealth and comfort with his
beloved Annie. Then he slowly rose to his feet, wonder-
ing how he could get it all conveyed to a secure place in
secrecy, when he heard unmistakable sounds, and far in
the distance saw the twinkling of many lights. A cold
sweat broke out all over him, and his hand trembled as
he closed the lantern and hid it under his plaid. Taking
Jiis stand on the lower steps of the secret stair, he watched
with bated breath the proceedings of the intruders. From
the distance they appeared to move slowly at first but
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
209
by-and-by, as they approached nearer, Tam recognised
the faces of Lindsay and some others of the pirates that
he had seen on the eventful night when he had discovered
their se.cret haunt. Recovering himself, he turned and
sprang up the stair, two, and sometimes three steps at a
time, slipping often, and sometimes falling on the clammy
ouse that lay dank and green on the perilous pathway. To
spring out of the secret passage, to hastily close the door,
and barricade it with the boxes and barrels that had been
brought up from the cave, was for Tam Glen but the work
of a moment. Then standing quiet for a moment to recover
his breath, he rang out on the solemn quietness of the mid-
night, with a voice that was heard in every nook and cranny
of Auchmitliie Castle, the wild battle cry of Clan Ogilvie,
—that slogan that has so often sounded in the van of battle,
so often startled the Highland cateran in his career of
robbery and murder.
"Help for Clan Ogilvie! Help for the black bull's-head!
Inverquharities, here. Help, help!" shrieked Tam, as the
blows of the pirates' axes smashed the inside of the secret
door.
Men dressed and undressed, armed and unarmed, came
running with alarm printed on their faces, only to find Tam
Glen heaping boxes and barrels on each other in wild con-
fusion, while yell after yell issued from his capacious throat.
Archy Grey and the Ogilvies, being located in the kitchen,
were the first at the scene of action, and, seeing Tarns
300
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCIv.
frantic endeavours to pile box on barrel, with no one near
liim, were inclined to think that he had been dipping too
deep in the brandy barrel. Seeing them beginning to laugh,
Tarn pointed to the secret door, and yelled louder than
before, "The pirates—the pirates!" and then again gave
voice to the war cry of Clan Ogilvie.
The blows of the pirates' axes were now distinctly heard,
and Archy Grey, at once guessing what he had before sur-
mised the possibility of, shouted, "Bring torches, lads—
bwords and torches; rouse every man; arm, arm!" Then he
said to Tarn Glen, who was standing now with his dirk in
his hand, " Whar's yer sword, Tarn? Yer dirk 'ill be nae
use."
Tarn run upstairs to the room that he had occupied, and
seized his broadsword, and quickly retraced his steps, meet-
ing on the stair Malcolm Ogilvie feebly descending with a
heavy sword in his hand. Tarn immediately grasped him
by the arm, and cried—
" Keep me, Maister Malcolm, far are ye gaun? Ye're no
able tae fecht, an' there's mair than 'ill get room tae wield
their soords. It's Lindsay and the pirates; but we're mair
nor a match for them, sae awa' back tae the room, an' ye
ken ye'll be able tae protect the leddies gin they win up the
stair;" and he led him back to the room he had left, and
seated him on a chair, and urged Lady Elizabeth, who with
Lady Carnegie and her daughter and Janet were greatly
agitated, " tae be sure an' no lat Maister Malcolm out, for
THE ABBOT OF ABERBBOTHOCK.
301
he wisna able tae fecht, an' the lads wad sune gie an account
o' Lindsay an' a' his pirates," and then he hurriedly left the
room.
When he again reached the scene of strife he found Sir
John Carnegie directing operations, and a large hole broken
in the secret door, from which several pikes and swords
protruded, while an occasional clumsy arquebus or pistolet
was fired by the desperate pirates.
The bulk of Sir John's followers had been quartered in
the outhouses, and hearing the uproar and the shots, they
were now knocking clamorously at the hall door for ad-
mittance. But the passage was packed by the Ogilvies, and
there was no room for them, nor any one disposed to pay
attention to them, so that they got leave to rattle away.
Still the.pirates' axes struck at the splintering wood, and
then they shouted a great "Heave, 0!" and then door
and boxes and barrels were prostrated and scattered in the
passage. Then the voice of Lindsay was heard crying,
"Now, lads, a rush up the stairs, and then hurrah for the
women, and my hidden siller! There's nane to oppose us
but Carnegie's men."
He had evidently heard of the greater number of the men
leaving, though he had not heard of the Ogilvies' arrival.
Then there was a great rush of the pirates, and sword
clashed on sword, and wounds were freely given and taken
in the fitful glare of the torches, and in that narrow passage
there was no room for numbers, and the pirates pressed each
302
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
other forward and gained the stairs, pushing Sir John and
Tam Glen, and some half dozen more before them. Their
long pikes kept the clansmen's broadswords at bay, and they
slowly but certainly moved up step by step till they readied
the first landing. Here a blow from Lindsay's knee burst
open the door, and they rushed in as if acting on some pre-
arranged plan, then they seized the bedstead on which lay
John Carnegie, and unceremoniously tossed it to the other side
of the room, amidst the shrieks of the ladies and the struggles
of Malcolm Ogilvie, whom they tried to prevent attacking the
pirates or being attacked by them. Lindsay had inserted his
sword into the crack in the wood, and had laid his hand
upon his hidden treasure, while the others were attempting
to seize the ladies, when, with a rush, Tam. Glen, Sir John,
and the few that were with them, forced their way into the
room, and fiercely attacked the pirates. Very quickly
they laid three of them prostrate, and then, uniting their
forces, they made a desperate attack on those remaining,
when a loud crash, and a louder cheering, startled the
pirate leader and his followers. This was the breaking
open of the outer door by Sir John's men, and their loud
cry of "A Carnegie—Carnegie to the rescue," created a
panic among the pirates, who then began to shout,
"Back, lads, back to the cave—we are outnumbered"
and immediately commenced a hurried retreat. Down
the stairs they struggled, while the dull stab and duller
hack of the swords, and the loud groans and shrieks of the
THE ABBOT OE ABERBEOTHOCK.
303
wounded made the fighters shudder while they hacked
and stabbed amain. One by one as the pirates reached
the secret door, they had to run the gauntlet of a
forest of swords, and the dead soon formed a rampart
that the living had some difficulty in scrambling over.
At last came Lindsay, and Musgrove, and Louis the
Frenchman, fighting desperately, every man for his own
hand, along with a few of their more trusted followers.
At the foot of the stair they turned back to back, while
some of them attempted to clear a passage among the
dead and dying. Streaming with blood, they at last ac-
complished that, and then they staggered into the secret
staircase one by one, only to be followed by their victorious
opponents—followed impetuously in the darkness down to
the cavern by the now maddened, excited Ogilvies and
Carnegies, seeking no quarter and giving none, hewing,
hacking, and stabbing wherever they suspected a pirate
to be; then torches were brought, and the clansmen spread
out and made a. thorough search, till they swept them all
down to the water's edge, and here the last desperate
struggle took place. The backing of the tide had left their
boats aground, for the pirates had made so sure of taking
the castle by surprise that they had left no guards, and
while a few of them attempted to float them, the others
fought with the blind fury of despair.
Tam Glen,' who from his terrible exertions was fagging
dreadfully, tried to keep up with the front rank of his clans-
20
304
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
men, but was falling steadily into the rear, when Archy
Grey handed him a flask, with the injunction "tae tak' a
guid sup o' that, an' it wad pit pith intae him." Tam
speedily put the flask to his mouth, and after steadily gazing
at the roof of the cave for some minutes, he withdrew it
with a gasp of satisfaction. Then again yelling out the war-
cry of Clan Ogilvie, he dashed forward with renewed vigour!
on the foe. As he arrived, Lindsay, who had been wounded
afresh in many places, tottered and staggered to and fro, and
Tam, with a heavy blow of his broadsword over the head,
laid him senseless at his feet. Then he drove his sword
through his body, crying at the same time—
" Tak' that, ye ruffian, an' I'm thinkin' ye'll ne'er rob or
murder ony mair, nor torture better men nor yersel' in yer
filthy den."
He next attacked Louis the Frenchman, but that cunning
swordsman might have been, too much for him if . his . friend
Archy had not by a dexterous sweep of his sword completely
severed his head from his body, and sent it rolling several
yards.
With desperate exertions the pirates got one of their
boats afloat, and as they scrambled in, the greater number
of them fell to the bottom, where they lay utterly exhausted.
Musgrove with great energy covered the retreat, and went
back step by step with his face to the foe, until he was
breast high in the water, when he was seized by his men
and hauled into the boat, which then made off with what
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
805
speed they could, leaving upwards of forty of their number
dead or dying behind them. The clansmen did not follow,
but after killing all the wounded pirates they could find,
threw themselves down anywhere to rest till daylight.
Meanwhile the pirates cleared the entrance of their
haunt, secret no longer, and hearing no sound of pursuit,
they lay. on their oars and counted their losses. Very small
appeared that little band of sixteen men, all more or less
desperately wounded—the sole survivors of a daring and
dangerous gang who had so long held the countryside in
terror.
: Musgrove, having the dog-like principle of fidelity, swore
Strange oaths that, dead or alive, he would have the body
of their leader. So they quietly pulled the boat in again,
and four of them leaped into the water and waded ashore;
and groping in the darkness, and judging by the feeling of
tlie dress, they lifted the body of Lindsay, laid it carefully
into the bottom of their boat, and silently departed without
being discovered.
308
THE ABBOT 0* ABERBROTJIOCK.
CHAPTER XXYIII.
THE CASTLE AFTER THE BATTLE—SIR JOHN'S FRIGHT—A MOTHER'S LOVE
—THE TREASURE TROVE—DIVIDING THE SPOIL—THE LUGGER—THE
FATE OF THE PIRATES—TAM GLEN'S HUGGER—REMOVAL TO ETHIE—
THE END OF AUCHMITHIE CASTLE—THE WEDDING.
The desperate struggle was over, and the bleeding rem-
nant of the piratical band had escaped to the open sea, when
Sir John Carnegie, after washing himself and his sword in
the tide, bethought himself of the dear ones he had left
wailing and horror-stricken in that fearful room in the castle.
Carefully stepping over the bodies of the dead that still
lay as they fell, he proceeded up the cavern to where some
men stood with lighted torches, and requested one of them
to light him up the secret stair.
This was willingly complied with, and as they proceeded
every step bore witness to the fierce nature of the strife.
Here little pools of blood caught in the hollow cavities of
the time-worn steps; there some corpse lying stark and stiff
with the death-agony stamped on the immobile countenance.
At the door that led into the passage of the castle, hacked
and splintered as it was by the axes of the pirates, lay a
great pile of bodies, gashed and mutilated by axe, and sword,
and pike.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
307
Carefully proceeding up the stair among those whose sleep
would know no waking, they entered the room where the
sick men and the ladies were. The first view was sufficiently
alarming, for the silence of the grave reigned in that apart-
ment. One single taper burned on the mantlepiece, while
the floor was strewn with bodies
When the pirates tossed the bedstead that John Carnegie
lay on to the other side of the room, it had upset, and John
was violently ejected with such force as to render him
insensible. His mother observing this, and thinking him
killed, had thrown herself upon him with a shriek, and with
such excitement that she too became insensible. Lady
Elizabeth and Mary Carnegie, with Janet for assistant,
knowing Malcolm's weak state and total unfitness to oppose
the pirates, had got him into a corner, and by standing in
front of him, tried to prevent them from seeing that he was
there at all.
But Lindsay's cry of " my hidden gold and the women,"
had put other thoughts than Malcolm into their heads, and
they attempted to seize the ladies with fierce oaths and
dastardly insults.
Malcolm, in his rage, forgot his weakness, and boldly
attacked a savage-looking fellow that was struggling with
Lady Elizabeth. Another ruffian struck at Malcolm's head
with an axe, but missed his dome of thought and severely
wounded him on the shoulder, which at once rendered him
hors de combat Staggering back into the corner, with his
SOS THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
wound bleeding freely, he sank to the ground, and for a time
found refuge in insensibility. Then the pirates again seized
the ladies, and were bearing them off, when Tam Glen and
Sir John and their companions dashed into the room and
cleared it of the pirates, as has already been narrated.
When the tide of battle again surged down the stair,
Lady Elizabeth and Mary Carnegie, thankful for their un-
expected rescue, but nervous and excited at the dreadful
position into which they had been thrown, looked around
them for their friends, and seeing them all prostrate, and
thinking them all killed, grew hysterical, and ultimately
fainted, while Janet took refuge beneath Hugh Orr's bed.
Sir John hurriedly advanced into the room, and seeing
those who were nearest and dearest to him lying prostrate
and seemingly dead, he ejaculated—
"Father in heaven, help me!" Then he clasped his wife
in his arms, and laid his hand upon her heart. Then he
cried—
"Kun for water, Sandy; for God's sake run!"
Sandy, who stood beside him holding the torch, with
horror-stricken face and mien, espying a pewter dish with
water, quickly brought it; and after Sir John had sprinkled
the brow and face and neck freely, the quivering lip and
slightly heaving chest of Lady Carnegie showed returning
consciousness. Soon her eyes opened, and the sight of her
husband brought a faint smile to her countenance and a
slight colour to her cheek, and she was able to swallow a
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
309
little of the water; and then that aged man tenderly clasped
the partner of his life to his bosom, and muttered audibly—
w My God, I thank Thee truly for my dear, dear Mary."
Then Janet quietly crept out from under the bed and
loosened Lady Carnegie's dress, then she assisted Sandy to
put the upset bed to rights, and Sir John laid her thereon.
As Sir John and Sandy turned to raise John again upon
the bed, Lady Carnegie started up, and throwing herself
upon him, wailed out with a sorrowful cry, " My son, my
son!" Then she staggered to where her daughter lay, and
raised her tenderly in her arms, sobbing as if her heart
would break.
Janet assisted her to loosen Mary's dress, and then she
soon revived, and they laid her on the bed beside her brother,
who had likewise recovered. Then they turned their atten-
tion to Lady Elizabeth, who soon recovered, and then they
turned to where Malcolm Ogilvie lay with the blood oozing
from his wound. Stripping his shoulder, they bathed it
gently in cold water, bound it tightly, and laid him on his
bed; and then their eyes fell on the broken flooring, and
the mass of gold that lay glittering in the flickering light of
the torch.
"Get anither licht, Sandy," cried Sir John, excitedly;
"here's wealth eneuch to mak' us a' rich."
They cleared away a table, and golden vessels and coin
and jewels were heaped up in great profusion, exciting both
wonder and amazement. Who could tell how much crime
310
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTnOCK.
had been perpetrated to accumulate that wealth, how much
blood had been spilled, how many tears had been shed, how
much misery endured]
Conspicuous among the pile shone the vessels that Lindsaj
had stolen from the Abbot during their last interview, and
Sir John smiled to himself as he glanced at the coat of arms
deeply engraved on their sides Five bags of coin, with
tickets on them telling that they each contained a thousand
pieces, were divided as follows:—One bag to Sir John, one
to Malcolm Ogilvie, and one to Hugh Orr, while one bag
was to be divided among Malcolm's followers, and the other?
among Sir John's. It was agreed that the vessels and jewel?
should be divided among the ladies, and that, as Malcolm's
followers had been of such assistance, an equal share should
be apportioned to Lady Jeannie Gordon. The mention of
her name excited Malcolm somewhat, but it was evident
that the unexpected finding of so much wealth had at least
done the invalids no harm. Even Hugh Orr sat up in bed
and spoke cheery words in lew tones, under the stimulus of
gold, the ruler of the world.
Then Sandy brought assistance, and they cleared the
room, passages, and stairs of the dead pirates, throwing
-hem carefully down into the cavern. When the excitement
had settled down a little, Lady Carnegie implored Sir John
to leave that horrible place and go back to Ethie, and as Sir
John had had more than enough of Auchmithie Castle, he
willingly consented, and then thej1- tried to take some rest.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
311
The morning sun was high in the heavens, and the little
birds were singing merrily when the war-battered inmates
awakened from their slumbers in the rooms and cavern of
the castle. Sir John ordered out the boats well manned
that the pirates had left in their flight, and they had barely
cleared the rift in the cliffs when they saw a lugger dash out
from Dickman's Den and proceed swiftly to sea. That they
were noticed was certain, for they saw a puff of white smoke
spring up from her stern, and a ball skip from wave to wave
till it crashed among the rocks not far from where they lay.
This sent the boats back to the cave in a hurry, and then
the men ascended the secret stair to the top of the cliff,
where they watched her until she disappeared in the distance.
That this was the remnant of the pirates was certain, and,
strange as it may appear, Lindsay was not killed after all,
but recovered through the devotion of Musgrove, and
lived to become a terror to the shipping of all nations.
Years elapsed, and his crew had been killed off and re-
cruited several times, and his vessel was literally laden
with gold when the home sickness seized both him and
Musgrove, and they returned to Scotland, thinking to
purchase some resting place wherein but to spend the
evening of their dreadful lives. But the Nemesis which
haunts the guilty was watchful, and, as they made the
east coast, a fearful storm arose that rendered their ship
ungovernable, and after tossing about for a time at the
mercy of the wind and waves, she ultimately dashed with
312
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
great violence on the now silent Bell Rock, and was shat«
tered in pieces, and every one on board perished.
As often after these great storms, the sun rose bright the
next day, and the ocean resumed its placidity, and the
fishermen were out plying their vocation, when they came
upon fragments of the blood-stained vessel, and little they
recked when they rifled a floating corpse, that that was all
that remained of the once-dreaded Lindsay, the leader of
the Abbey vassals and the pirates of the cave.
When the lugger disappeared Sir John gave orders for a
general removal to Ethie.
The men gladly left the dreary cavern, and ascended to
the higher regions to assist in the exodus, and when the
finding and proposed division of Lindsay's treasure was
announced, the tidings were received with shouts of joy.
When Tarn Glen was sure that he had got the cave to
himself, he again lit his horn lantern, and quietly crept
underneath the stair to see how his hidden treasure had
fared during the recent stirring events. Finding it just as
he had left it, he carefully replaced it into the skin bag in
which he had found it, rolled it into his plaid, lifted the
heavy load upon his shoulders, and with a joyous heart bade
farewell to the cave beneath Auchmithie Castle, left it to the
ghastly corpses of the pirates to moulder in peace; for the
recollection of the terrible deeds committed there struck the
peasantry with horror, and superstitious stories of ghosts and
spirits wandering there prevented the boldest from entering.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
The steady onward march of the restless sea has sapped
and mined at the cliffs, till now there is not a-vestige left of
either cave or castle.
"When Tam reached the upper earth, he met his friend
Archy Grey, who had just learned that they were all to
share in the treasure trove, and who was quite jubilant
thereat.
"Weel, Tam," said he, "hoo are yet That's an awfu'
aurden ye've gotten on yer shouthers. Fat is't?"
" Oo, it's some fairies an' curious things I found doon
there," said Tam, edging away as Archy put out his hand
to touch it. "It's no muckle worth."
" 'Od, man, they hae found an' unco heap o' siller up the
stair," said Archy, smiling; "an' we're a' tae get a share o't.
Maybe yer lassie 'ill' think mair o' ye when she kens ye hae
something to gie her."
"Na, na," said Tam, showing very little pleasure, as Archy
thought, at the news. "My lassie wadna value me ony mair
for gear. But I maun awa' up an' see Maister Malcolm." '
"Bide awee, min," said Archy; "I want tae speak tae ye.
I hae taen an awfu' notion o' that lassie, Janet, an' if she'll tak'
me I'll tak' her; sae, Tam, I hope that she's no yer dearie."
"Na, na," said Tam, moving up the stair; "my lassie's
miles awa frae here, an' I wadna gie her for twenty Janets."
"She maun be a nonsuch," said Archy, scratching his
head after Tam disappeared. " An' ye're as saucy as if ye
had fund siller yersel' this morhin'."
314;
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
When Tam was told that Malcolm had been again wounded
he was raging mad, and nearly discovered the secret of his
new-found treasure. He begged Sir John for "Gudsake
tae flit," and was pacified when told that the order, was
already given.
Proceeding down stairs he set his clansmen to make
litters to carry the sick, and, amidst the tuimoil and hustle
of removal, got them carefully carried down on the beds
they lay on, and as carefully carried on men's shoulders to
Ethie.
Sir John and the ladies followed, and the sheep and cattle
and everything of value, was borne off by the Ogilvies and
Carnegies, who likewise became possessors of more than
thirty pieces of gold each.
Tam Glen refused his share, to the amazement of his
friends, and he insisted that it should be given to Janet for
the assistance she had been to Lady Elizabeth and the
prisoners. When Janet was told of this liberal offer by
Archy, she tossed her head, and declared that she " wud tak'
naethin' frae sic an impident fellow."
Archy was glad to hear this, for he had been a little afraid
of Tam in that quarter, so, with a hug and a kiss, he popped
the question, and, after some maidenly hesitation, was graci-
ously accepted. This put him into great good humour, so
he put Tarn's share into his own pocket, and broaching a
keg of the pirates' liquor, he set them all a-drinking the
health of his promised bride, which they did with such
THE ABBOT OF ABEKBROTHUCK.
815
hearty good-will that they set fire to Auchmithie Castle, in
which everything was burned but the massive stone walls.
These remained in a ruinous state for many years, and the
ivy crept up the walls and formed festoons in the glassless
windows, until it was engulphed by the raging sea.
Next day, Tarn Glen, still carrying his heavy burden,
which he would let no one touch, entered the room in
Ethie house where Malcolm Ogilvie lay pale and suffer-
ing from his imprisonment and wound. Tarn dearly
loved his master and foster-brother, and he was truly
grieved to see him thus, and he eagerly asked—
"If he wadna bring a doctor, or somebody that wad
dae his honour gude1? There wis a feckless body o' a
monk at the Abbey, that cam' an' saw him whin he had
the fever, bit he wisna o' muckle use."
But Malcolm would not hear of any one being sent for,
as all he required was rest and nourishment. He ordered
Tam to send home the clansmen; said that Archy was to
tell what he knew, and that he was getting better now;
and then he wanted to know how many had been injured
in the late fight.
"Weel," said Tam, "there's six killed outricht, an'
there's aught, mair or less, hurt. Three canna be lifted,
bit the rest 'ill be able tae crawl hame; an' there's a
hantle siller o' Lindsay's tae divide amang them, an' the
lads are unco weel pleased. Sir John has had four men
killed, and a' wheen scarted, an' the dead's a' tae be
31,6 THE ABBOT OF. ABERBROTHOCK.
buried the .day; an,' they hae a lot o' baith siller, an
sheep an' kye, and the budies are unco hearty."
Malcolm was sorry at so many of his father's men being
killed and injured, and told Tarn to give the families ,of
the dead twenty pieces of gold each, and the wounded
ten pieces, which he would get from Sir John from his
share of Lindsay's gold.
Tarn promised to do this, and then said—"Losh, the
budies 'ill be as rich as Jews. I'm sure they ne'er had as
muckle siller in a' their lives afore. I canna dae ye -ony
gude, Maister Malcolm, sae - lang as ye're lying here.
"Wad I daur gae wi' the lads the morn tae gi'e- them a con-
voy 1 An', ye ken, I hae ne'er got the dirk frae St. Vigeans-
yet; the miller his't safe."
Tarn got leave, with many cautions not to get into danger;
and, giving his precious burden another hitch on his shoulder,
be left the room with a smile on his face.
.The dead were buried, and . a general invitation was given
by Archy to the Carnegies to the wedding,. which was to
take place at Aberbrothock . on the day after the. morrow,
and which was joyfully accepted by all the young men and
women. Janet danced about.like one bewitched, and she
fairly struck Lady Elizabeth dumb, "with amazement when
she told her the state of affairs.
" But I thought that it was Tarn Glen," said that lady
When she recovered her speech; " you can't have known this
man many hours."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOOK.
"Tarn Glen's an impident fellow," said Janet, giving her
head a toss, " an' he used me rael ill, an' Arcliy Grey's worth
twenty o' him; an' ye ken, my leddie, I michtna get anither
chance, an' it disna tak' lang for fouk tae fa' in love fin
they're willin'."
"Well, Janet, I hope you will be happy," said her lady-
ship; " and as you did me good service, I will see that you
are well rewarded."
"Yer leddieship's very kind," said Janet, "an'asl hae
a heap tae dae, I'll e'en tak' my leave."
Janet, with her pale, thin face glowing with excitement,
went over to Auchmithie that night, and, proud of her good
fortune, invited all her relations, which was every one in
the place, and so pleased were they at the prospect of a
wedding, that all that could walk convoyed her back again
to Ethie.
316
THE ABBOT OE ABEHBliOi'IiOCiC.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE WEDDING PARTY—TAM GLEN AT ST. VIGEANS—MUTUAL EXPLANATIONS
—TAM'S BUNDLE—HAPPINESS—ANNIE AND JANET—THE WEDDING.
Ring the joy-bells! Ring in mirth and jollity, dancing
and singing; ring out battle and broil, pain and sickness,
sorrow and care.
The active lads and lasses assembled at Ethie House were
early astir next morning.
After a hearty breakfast, at which the pirate's spirit kegs
suffered somewhat, they took the road for Auchmithie to
meet Janet's friends. But the Swankies and Cargills had
been up as early as themselves, and before they were half-
way they were met by the whole clan, with boisterous
hugging, and tumultuous cheering. From fiddles, and
trumpets, and cow-horns, and bagpipes the noise was terrific,
and the road through the Seaton Woods was rendered
hideous by the frightful sounds, both vocal and instrumental,
that greeted the ears of all and sundry. Flasks passed
round, and the fun waxed fast and furious, and a merrier
party never passed down Ponderlaw than passed on the
morning of the wedding day of Archy Grey and Janet, the
fisher lassie.
I HE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
319
As they proceeded up the High Street, the Highlanders
sounded the gathering and stood to their arms, convinced
that the heretics were again in insurrection, and that the
Abbey was in danger. By the time they had reached the
"Three Angels," where they intended to stay, their numbers
had been increased by the townspeople to such an extent
that no house could hold them. The appearance of Tarn
Anderson was greeted with tumultuous applause; and when
the Ogilvies and Carnegies, rich with the pirates' gold, ordered
meat and drink for every one, the scene defied description.
The crowd took possession of the green field opposite the
hostel, and Tarn Anderson, with numerous assistants, rolled
out huge barrels and kegs, and scoured the town for food.
The bridal party took possession of the great kitchen, and
sent to the Old Shorehead for all the fishers, and every one
else who had fought either at Auchmithie Castle or in the
pirate ship.
And their invitation was not sent in vain, for ere a long
time elapsed a long procession of men and wives, lads and
lasses, were seen advancing up the High Street, accompanied
by more fiddles, and cowhorns, and bagpipes.
By this time the uproar had become so alarming that
Glenmore, who was in command of the Abbey, sent down
fifty men to ascertain the cause of it and disperse the crowd.
When the sound of their bugles and bagpipes was heard,
Tam Anderson, afraid of disturbance, ran out and explained
the reasop of the merrymaking, and Archy Grey, presenting
21
320 THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCTC
a quaich of brandy to the officer, asked, " Gin they were
mad eneuch tae think they cud fecht the Ogilvies and
Carnegies baith 1"
The Highlander laughed good-naturedly when the Ogilvies
were mentioned, and before two hours were passed, both
he and his men had to be carried back to the Abbey to
sleep themselves sober.
All this time Tarn Glen sat in the kitchen hugging his
heavy burden and drinking dram after dram, with his head
bent and a gloom on his countenance. When Archy came
back from treating the Highlander, he got his eye upon him,
and slapping him on the shoulder, he said—
"Gudesake, Tarn, fat's the matter wi' ye? Ye're no like
the Tarn Glen I use to ken ava. Hae, tak' a gude drink o'
that, and cheer up; we never dee'd in winter yet."
" Man, Archy, dae ye ken that a' yer happiness is like tae
brak' my heart. I never thocht that ony woman that ever
gaed on twa feet cud hae dumfoundered me this way; an' I
canna' help it."
"Tarn, ye're a gouk, sittin' snoolin' there. Pluck up
some o' yer auld cheek, an' awa' an' tell her that she maun
tak' ye. The marriage 'ill no be or the morn, an' ye're no
the man I tak' ye tae be gin ye dinna mak' it a' richt, an' be
here in time the morn for her to be ane o' the best-maids." ^
"Weel, Archy, I'll tak' yer advice," said Tarn, slowly
rising, " for I canna stand this ony longer. I'll rather droon
mysel' or get her."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
321
<:Nae fear o' ye," said Archy. "But ye shud leave that
heavy burden ahent ye, an' no be gaun cadging it aboot the
country like a packman."
"Na, na," cried Tam, " whar I gae, it maun gae. I'll see
ye sune again, onyway," and he made for the door.
"De'il tak' the man," said Archy, as Tam disappeared,;
"lie's either fund a heap o' siller, or lost his wits."
Leaving the marriage guests to their rejoicings, Tam Glen
wended his way down Guthrie Port with slow steps and
heavy heart. He thought on the light heart he had the last
time he went to St. Yigeans; but then he was fancy free,
while now he toiled along like one that bore a weight oi
care.
He passed the little public-house where he had the battle
with the Highlanders, but though he heard the loud voices
and the merry laugh as before, there was no temptation now,
and he never even turned his head to look at it. Soon the
humble chimneys of St. Yigeans began to show in the
distance; then Tam got into a quandary, and thought he
would turn back. This man, who would have attacked a
dozen men single-handed, who, unaided and alone, had
penetrated into the haunt of remorseless and bloodthirsty
pirates, was afraid to meet a young girl. What is this
strange trait in human nature—this complete prostration
of physical strength and courage before—what ? Tam stood
and pondered, and then thinking to himself that he would
go on without thinking any more about it, he went on.
322
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Near the door lie met the miller, who came forward with
outstretched hand and a broad smile upon his kindly face.
" Keep me, Tarn, is this you 1 I needna speer hoo ye
are, for ye are lookin' weel, an' you wis sae ill no sae lang
sine. Cum awa' intae the hoose."
Tarn gave a smile something like what a sick cat might
be expected to give, and, muttering that " he wisna that ill
ava," followed David Munro into his dwelling.
When the miller opened the door, he cried—
" Hie, gudewife, here's a friend cum tae see ye. Bring
ben the bottle an' the cheese."
Annie, who had been busy near the kitchen door, sud-
denly looked out, and, seeing who it was, gave a low
shriek, and immediately disappeared. Her mother, with
welcome smiling on her comely face, now came forward,
and, opening the door of the room Tarn occupied when
sick, bade them enter.
"'Deed, Tarn, I'm gled tae see ye," said she, shaking
him by the hand. "Yer mendin' finely. Pit doon that
heavy bundle ye're carryin'; fouk wad think it was a
littlin, ye're sae carefu' o't."
Tam put down his precious bundle by the side of his
chair, and after swallowing a horn of mountain dew, he
said—
"Weel, ye see, though I cam here seekin' my maister's
dirk, an' stoppit lang eneuch, gude kens, yet I gaed awa1
withoot it. Sae I had tae cum back for't. An' I wanted
THE ABBOT OF ABERBIIOTJIOCK.
323
tae ken gin ye wad keep this bundle for me. If I never
cum back, ye're tae keep it a' tae yersel."
"Oo, ay, Tam," said the miller, "we'll dae onything tae
help ye. It wis an odd way we fell acquaint, but I liket ye
the first look I got o' ye. Noo, tell us hoo ye hae got on sin'
ye gaed awa'."
So Tam told them the whole of his adventures, except his
love passages with Janet, and what he had in his bundle,
and the worthy miller and his dame were much amazed at
the recital. Then the housewife quitted the room to make
some preparations for dinner, and on entering the kitchen
was. met by Annie, who was sobbing bitterly.
" Oh, mither, mither!" she wailed, " my heart '11 brak.
Hoo cud he cum back here again T
"Whisht, Annie, dear; dinnaye think ye maun hae made
some mistak'l" I'm aulder than you, an' I tell ye he wadna
hae cum back gin he wadna hae ye."
" 0, mither, gin that wis true; but na, na, it's no true!"
" Bide or ye see," said her mother, as she left the room.
. When she came back she found Tam giving the miller a
description of the great doings of the wedding party at the
town, and in the name of the bridegroom he gave them all
an invitation to the ceremony on the morrow. Then he
inquired for Sandy, and last of all asked " Hoo Annie wis?"
Her mother replied that " She was weel, but that she
wis unco busy in the kitchen," and then she added with a
smile—" Gin he Wad stap ben he would see her."
324
THE ABBOT OF ABERBBOTIIOCK.
Tain looked at the roof, and then out at the window;
then at his bundle, and then at the sleeve of his coat; and
then he rose slowly to his feet and went into the passage.
The kitchen door was open, and he went in about as active
as if he was to be hung when he arrived, and then he stood
in the presence of her who had been torture to his mind
since he left her. Not knowing who it was, she suddenly
turned and faced him, and then as suddenly back again,
holding down her head. Tarn came forward, making a
desperate attempt to appear as if he was quite at ease, and
then said in a quivering kind of a voice, as if he could have
cried—
"Weel, Annie, hoo are ye?"
"A—a—fine. Hoo are ye yersel'?"
"No that ill, consithering. Hoo's yer lad?"
" I hae nae lad," said she, still holding down her head.
" Is it true that ye'er gaun to be marrit?"
" Weel, I hinna speered yet; but gin the lassie 'ill take
me it'll no be lang."
" I houp ye may be as weel as I wish ye, and then ye'll
be weel eneuch."
" Weel, Annie, sin' I maun come tae the point, I'll dae't.
Afore I gaed awa' I speered gin ye wad hae me, an' ye said
ye wadna, an' sae I gaed awa' thinking tae bear my sorrow
by mysel'; but I canna dae't, an' sae I hae come back tae see
whether I hae ony chance wi' ye, or whether 1 maun pit an
end tae my life. It's come tae that, Annie."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
325
"Tarn Glen!" said Annie, suddenly turning round and
looking him steadily in the face. " As sure as I stand here
I never refused ye, for ye never riclitly speered at me, an'
by yer way I thocht ye didna want me. But I houp ye'll
be happy wi' her ye're gaun tae seek."
"I'm sure I wad he real happy gin she'll tak' me. An'
sae, Annie, as ye say that I didna richtly seek ye, will ye
tak' me nool—for ye're the only lassie I'm seekin', an' the
pnly lassie in a' the world I wad hae for a wife."
Annie gave a sob as if something had snapped in her
inside, and then a flush suffused her countenance, that
rendered her for the time actually beautiful, and Tarn, at last
taking courage, clasped her in his arms and kissed her again
and again.
Her mother, who had been uneasy as to the probable
result of the interview, had slipped out to the kitchen door
just in time to see Annie clasped in Tarn's arms, and silently
retired unheard, with a tear in her eyes and a contented
smile on her face.
Then Tarn, laying his rough-bearded face to her smooth
cheek, whispered—
" Noo, dear Annie, just tell me wi' yer ain bonnie moo'
that ye'll tak' me."
"Ye dinna deserve tae be telt onything o' the kind, ye
rascal," said Annie, clinging closer to him, " after the way
ye left me."
" Dear Annie, we maun hae made an awfu' mistak', for I
326
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
gaed awa' wi' a sair heart, thinkin' ye wadna hae me, an' I
ran intae a' kind o' danger, like ane demented, tae get mysel'
killed. Noo, just tell me ye'll tak' me."
"Ay, Tarn," said Annie, in a low voice, at the same time
throwing har arms round his neck, and giving him a hearty
kiss—"I'll tak' you an' ye'll tak' me, an' we'll lo'e ane
anither a' oor days."
" That we will," said Tam, and another fusilade of hugging
und kissing took place, and then Tam said, " We'll gae ben
the hoose noo; the auld fouk 'ill think we're tint," and
taking Annie by the hand, he led her into the presence of
her father and mother.
When they entered the miller was engaged in refilling
Tarn's horn and his own, and his wife was standing at the
window with her back to them. The decent man was
evidently ignorant, as most fathers are, of the bye-play that
was going around him, while the mother was afraid that her
face would too plainly show her satisfaction at the turn she
knew affairs had taken.
"Cum awa', Tam," said the miller, when that worthy
made his appearance; "I was beginnin' tae think that
ye had gane aff, the way ye did the last time ye wis here."
" Na, na," said Tam, leading forward Annie by the hand,
" things hae ta'en an unco turn sin' that time. Ye see I
had an awfu' notion o' Annie, an' at that time I thocht she
Wadna hae me, an' I wis clean wud; but it seems I had
blundered that, as I hae blundered mony a thing else. So
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTIIOCK.
327
you see, baith you an' her mither, that we hae redd up
things awee, an' noo I hae cum tae speer gin ye wad he
willin' for me tae get her. I hinna maybe muckle gear, but
dear Annie's willin' tae tak' me, gin ye'll lat her."
"Gude keep me, Tarn Glen, fat's this ye hae been aboot?"
said the miller, laughing. " Lod, lad, ye wadna need tae
tak' the fever aften. An' are you willin', Annie, tae mak' a
gouk o'yersel' tae? But I suppose I needna speer. Fat
dae you say, gude wife?"
" I'm willin' for my pairt," said the gudewife, " for I am
sure Tarn Glen's a decent lad, an' 'ill be gude tae oor Annie.
Are you sure yer heart lies there, Annie?"
" Mither and faither," said Annie, hiding her face on her
mother's breast, " I like him better nor my ain life."
" Weel, I'm very willin', for I believe ye tae be rael decent,
though ye are awee througliither, Tam," said the miller,
seriously; "but hoo dae ye intend tae live fin ye're
marrit? It winna dae tae be stravaigin' up an' doon the
country fechtin' Heelanmen an' pirates wi' a wife, and
maybe a family, tae keep."
"'Deed no," said Tam, laughing, "that wadna dae; but
ye see I'll hae mair ballast noo. My mither has aye the
bit grund that my faither wrocht whan he was leevin', an'
I hae something here that I got by fechtin' pirates, that I'll
lat ye see, an' that Annie maun tak' care o' noo."
Tam lifted his heavy bundle up on to the table, and un-
loosed the plaid which he carefully spread over it. Then
328
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
unsheathing his dirk, he proceeded to cut the fastening of
the skin bag, while Annie and her mother came over close
Reside him with true womanly curiosity. One sharp cut of
the dirk, and then a stream of bright, glittering gold spread
oyer the surface of the plaid, while the onlookers held their
breath in sheer amazement.
"G»ude keep us!" "Preserve us a:!" burst from the old
peqple, while Annie, laying her hand upon his arm, and
looking in his face, said simply, " Is't a' yer ain, Tam?"
" Ay, is't, Annie, dear," said Tarn, with a smile, "an' it's
a,' yours tae."
"An' hoo did ye manage tae grab sic a lot o' siller, Tam ?"
said the miller.
"Od, I got it easy eneuch," said Tam. "After the
stramash we had first in the cave, I gied a puir deevil o' a
pirate that wis deein' a drink o' water, an' he telt me whaur
it wis lyin', but I had an unco bather tae get it awa' withoot
bein' seen."
"An' whaur 'ill ye keep it noo, Tam?" asked the miller's
wife. " I wad be fear't tae bide in the hoose wi' sae muckle
goold. Gin some fouk kent, we wad be a7 murdered in oor
beds some nicht for't."
" Weel," said Tam, "I mak' it a' ower tae Annie, an' ye
maun tak' care o't for her sake."
"I think, gudewife," said the miller, "that we'll tak' an'
bury't in the mill aside oor ain wee hugger. Lod, Annie,
bit ye'll be a rich man's wife after a'."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
329
"Dae as ye like wi' it," said Tam, " for it's a' dear Annie's.
An' noo, wull ye a' gang tae the, waddin' the morn?"
" Oo, ay, we may as weel gang," said the miller.
"We'll start braw an' sune in the mornin'."
Tam now looked at Annie, and then Annie looked at
Tam, and then they rose and quietly made for the door,
Annie's mother crying after them "no tae be lang awa',
for the denner wad sune be ready."
Hand-in-hand they walked by the burn-side, and now
they walked as if in another world. The sky was brighter,
the grass was greener, and the birds sang sweeter, and their
own hearts were lighter—for they loved, and were beloved^;
they adored, and were worshipped. The girl, who had
moped about with heavy eyes and pain-wrinkled brow, now
walked erect, with her eyes aglow with happiness, and a
radiant smile adding beauty to her already pretty face.
Tam, yho had walked to St. Yigeans with the appearance
of one whose days were numbered, now strolled along with
an easy insouciance (reminding one of the Tam Glen that
was first introduced to the reader), with a careless smile,
and an evident disposition for fun and frolic.
Oh, the happy, happy time—the time of first love.
When the shoulders are bowed with the weight of years,
and the silver threads begin to glitter in the hair, that
time is marked with a white stone in the path of life; the
mind reverts to it as to a holiday in the dull routine of
existence.
330
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Next morning they all proceeded to the town to he
present at the wedding, and when they arrived they found
the revellers more uproariously inclined, if that were
possible, than they had been the day before. The whole
Highland garrison of the Abbey seemed to have found
their way to the festivities; and many of the country
people also appeared, who seemed willing to rejoice with
them that did rejoice.
Tam, with his arm round Annie, and followed by the rest
of her friends, elbowed his way into the kitchen, and was
received by Archy Grey with a burst of merry laughter, and
by Janet with a stare of astonishment. The first glance she
got of Annie showed her how inferior she was herself in
personal charms, and she was afraid that Archy might see it
likewise. She had really loved Tam Glen, and had only
accepted Archy through pique, and now her love had turned
into something very like hatred, when she thought on the
way he used her to suit his own purpose, and then thrown
her aside when that purpose was accomplished. But she
was too politic to show this, and when Tam introduced the
party, she welcomed Annie like a sister, and made much of
her. Archy made many ironical remarks about the
difference that a few hours made upon some people, which
Tam, seated beside Annie and with her hand clasped in his,
received with philosophic indifference.
After they had eaten and drank till they refused to eat
and drink any more, Archy said that he " thocht they wad
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
331
be stappin' up tae the Abbey, an' get the job ower, an' it
wad be aff their minds."
This proposal was received with great alacrity, and in a
short time the procession was formed, and in a long array
they marched up the Abbey path to make Archy and Janet
man and wife. This was soon accomplished, and the noisy
gathering was soon back again at the " Three Angels."
We need not enlarge upon what followed; suffice it to say
that the orgie lasted for seven days, and the most of the
gold that the Ogilvies and Carnegies received as their share
of Lindsay's hoard passed into the hands of Tarn Anderson.
Tarn Glen and Annie went home the night of the wedding
with her father and mother. Engrossed with their own
loves, so new and strange, they felt no happiness in the
ruder pleasures that they moved among; and in the quiet
life that they led at St. Vigeans, Tarn recovered perfect
health, and then after the lapse of a month he went back
to Ethie to see his master.
332
the abbot of aberbrothock.
CHAPTER XXX.
PREPARING FOR THE STORM—THE LAST SECRET MEETING—TAM GLEN'S
DEBATE—THE EIGHT—THE PREPARATIONS—TAM AND ANNIE—THE
MARCH OP THE OGILVIES.
Gone is autumn with her falling leaves, past is old winter
with his hoary crown of snow; young spring has gone trip-
plingly by, closely followed by the bright genial summer,
fairest of the seasons.
Mary of Guise, the Queen Regent, is dead; the siege of
Leith is over, and the Abbey of Aberbrothock is the only
place in the Lowlands where Papacy may find a refuge.
The Abbot has recovered from the wound inflicted by
Lindsay, and, convinced at last of the inroads of heresy, he
is energetically preparing for the coming storm. He has
called in all his vassals not in rebellion, and, including
Huntly's Highlanders, has now a garrison of seven hundred
men tp protect him.
The Reformers are also vigorously at Work, but apart
from their own leaders, no man knoweth the day nor the
hour when the last shelter of the Scarlet Lady may be
girdled by fire and sword. Sir John Carnegie had acted
with great energy, as became so prominent a member of
the Central Reformers' Cbfnmittee for the North-Eastern
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
333
Counties, and he was as much feared by the one party
as he was beloved by the other. Malcolm, though now
well in health, was ill at ease for the lost lady of hi's
love, and now thoroughly in the belief of the Abbot's
guilt in connection with Lady Jeannie's abduction, he
had thrown himself into the arms of the Keformers, and
was intrusted with an important command in the coming
struggle. He had been several times at the Abbey urging
Glenmore to make a search through the building, but
his story Appeared so absurd that Glenmore only laughed
at him. Had it been even suspected that he was leagued
with the heretics, the Abbot would soon have silenced him,
but the Ogilvies had so uniformly acted in the interest of
the Papacy that there was no suspicion attached to him.
Young John Carnegie had also recovered his health,
and during the long tedium of convalescence had so far
succeeded in gaining Lady Elizabeth's favour that he was
now her accepted lover. As might be expected, he too
was deep -in the conspiracy, and such is the power of love
that Lady Elizabeth had become more than half a heretic
herself. Hugh Orr had recovered sufficiently to return
home to Dunrod, and he had sent a messenger-to inform
his friends at Ethie that he was slowly getting better,* but
that his lost love Marion, Lady Lyle, now a widow, had
disappeared from that part of the country, and that he
could Pot find out where she had gone. Such was the
position of affairs when we resume our chronideu
334
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCIL
The shades of evening were closing, when three men
on horseback, accompanied by numerous attendants, halted
near the High Street of Aberbrothock. The month of July
was drawing to a close, and the weather was hot and sultry;
and as the riders dismounted, one of them, a young man of
stately appearance, wiping his brow, said—
"Now, Tam, be cautious. Take the horses up to the
' Three Angels,' and come back with Sir John's men imme-
diately."
"I'll dae that, Maister Malcolm; an' the lads an' me '11 no
be lang."
" Be sure and not interfere with any of the Abbey men,"
said Sir John to his own men. " Be speedy and quiet till
the right time comes."
"We'll take care," said Andrew, his body servant, "an'
we'll be doon by maist as sune as yerselV
When they had ridden off with the led horses, Sir John
and Malcolm Ogilvie and John Carnegie walked over the
street, and round to the little door in the back wall that
gave admittance to the Secret Committee.
Unlike the last time we accompanied them there, the door
was open, and fhe whole garden filled with armed men.
Without pausing, as if accustomed to the sight, they walked
down the stair, and were soon in the low vault that we have
already described. The place was crowded nearly to suffoca-
tion, and the steady hum of voices, generally talking in excited
tones, showed that the time for action was nigh at hand.
THE ABBOT OF ABEBBIIOTIIOCK.
335
Close beside the Chairman's seat, in which sat the Laird
of Kinblethmont, were several rows of the landed gentry of
the district, and the delegates from other towns. Immedi-
ately behind them sat many earnest faces, burgesses and
ministers, and others who could influence their fellow-men,
and who were graciously allowed to take part in the
deliberations. How many strange passions were represented
in that low vault, honest conviction, grasping greed, and
dire revenge.
When our friends were observed making their way
towards the chair, the steady hum of voices was changed
into something like a shout of welcome, and the front rows
rose to a man, and shook hands with the new comers.
"I am glad you have come, cousin," said Kinblethmont,
"for you are late, and I began to fear that you might have
been attacked." Then speaking to Henderson, the clerk,
he said, " Now read the roll."
Henderson, who was seated beside his friend Leslie, who
glared savagely at Malcolm, rose and read the list of names,
and, after a pause, declared that every member was present.
The Chairman then said—"We will now hear the re
ports of how many men we can depend on. How many
from Dundee?"
"Four hundred men," said a voice.
"How many from Fife?"
"Two hundred."
"How many from, this district?"
22
336
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" Six hundred and fifty."
" How many from Inverquharity and the Braes?"
" About a hundred," said Malcolm.
Here our old friend Leslie started up, as unkempt and
insane-looking as ever, and cried, "Woe to the Reformed
Kirk gin we tak' the help o' sic reivers as the wild Ogilvies
o' the Braes. Wi' the Gordons in front o' us, and the
Ogilvies amang us, we will be cut tae bits."
The landed gentry laughed, but a low sullen murmur
from the back benches showed that he had some who were
of like opinion.
Sir John Carnegie rose and said—"You are all aware that
I have acted consistently and energetically in the gude cause,
and I have pledged ye my word that Malcolm Ogilvie will
act in honour to his pledgeWworct. "What more* can you
seek from a man than his word ?"
" I have said that I will aid the Reform cause honestly
and sincerely. I will do so, and the Ogilvies will obey their
leader," said Malcolm seriously.
"We are wasting time," said Kinblethmont, "so I propose
that the gathering take place four days from this, at the
Elliot Burn, where it crosses the Dundee Road. Let every
one do his duty, and may God protect the right."
A loud sound of ascent broke upon the ear, the Chairman
declared the meeting dissolved, and then every one rose and
left the place amidst the violent gesticulations of Leslie and
Henderson and some others.
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
337
On the party reaching the upper air, they found the
attendants in a state of great commotion. Tarn Glen
had got into an argument with some others who pro-
fessed to be much better Keformers than either he or his
clan, and, after many words had been bandied about,
Tam rather abruptly ended the debate by first pulling
his opponent's nose and then knocking some of his teeth
down his throat. This was naturally resented, and just
as Sir John and his son and Malcolm appeared, swords
were drawn, and serious work evidently going to take
place. Sir John, who was greatly annoyed by this appear-
ance of disunion, ordered them to sheath their weapons,
which they did, and the whole affair would have blown
over if Leslie and Henderson and their adherents had not
unfortunately appeared. _
The aggrieved party happened to be a relation of Hender-
son's, and when he somewhat volubly narrated the maltreat-
ment he had met with, and who did it, the rage of the
fanatics knew no bounds. Leslie, and then Henderson,
declared that it was what they might expect for admitting
Papists into their company, where only the expectation of
plunder would bring them, and urged all who were on the
Lord's side to draw their swords and cut off the children of
sin.
These foolish speeches were the means of bringing a
number of swords from their scabbards, and a hot fight
ensued, in which wounds were both given and taken. Tam
338 THE ABBOT OE ABERBROTHOCK.
Glen was especially singled out as being the aggressor, and,
attacked as he was by three at once, he was in greater
danger than even when he was set upon by the irate High-
lander at the door of the "Three Angels." But Tam
managed to get his back to the wall, and, assisted by some
of Sir John's retainers, with whom he was rather a favourite
from his free and easy manner, fought bravely for his own
hand. Henderson (who had never forgiven the tumble he
got in the kennel on the day of the Queen's arrival) and
Leslie both attacked Malcolm before he could draw his
sword, and, if he had not been speedily succoured by
Sir John and his son, would assuredly have been slain.
The shouts and curses, the clash of the weapons and the
groans of the wounded, and all the turmoil of a free fight in
a confined space, were not the only danger to the Reformed
cause; there was a chance of the garrison at the Abbey
being alarmed, and the whole Committee and their attendants
being made prisoners. The Lairds of Kinblethmont and
Carnoustie were evidently of this opinion, for, with the
assistance of their retainers, they struck up the swords of
Leslie and his friends, and finally disarmed them. Then
they drove them all down again into the vault, and placed
a guard of their own men at the door, with instructions to
keep them all in till morning. Then they all fastened upon
Tam Glen for beginning the disturbance, but Tam turned at
bay, and declared that, Papist or heretic, he " wad fecht a'
braid Scotland for the honour o' Clan Ogilvie." Malcolm
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
339
was greatly annoyed, and yet he could not be angry with
the foolish, faithful fellow for upholding the name of his
family in season and out of season.
When they reached the street they found all quiet, as
if the Abbot was either ignorant of their meetings or
afraid to provoke disturbances. The horses were brought,
and they all galloped back to Ethie, to prepare for the
final struggle between light and darkness—between mental
despotism and mental liberty. When the ladies were
informed of the crisis that had arrived they were very
sorrowful. Earnest Reformers were the wife and daughter
of Sir John, but amid their hopes of success for their
Church were mingled fears for the safety of the dear
loved ones who would be exposed to the wild storms of
battle, and they hung mournfully about the husband,
father, and brother, while Lady Elizabeth wandered about
like one distracted. Love had only begun to dawn upon
her pure young soul; the loved one was only begun to be
worshipped with the intensity of a first love, when the
chalice was being rudely dashed from her lips, and the
untasted joys were being reft from her. And Malcolm, too,
with the weight of despair crushing his noble spirit, with the
dear love of his heart only living there as a memory—the
thought of battle and of danger was to him the thought of
rest, of possible death and freedom from carking care. But
there was no time for unmanly regrets \ preparations had to
be made, arms to be seen to, and the retainers warned.
340
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Malcolm next morning sent off Tarn Glen to the Braes to
raise the clans, and he was authorised to offer gold and
plunder at will to every man who would fight under the
banner of Inverquharity. Now, Tarn's mode of travelling
to the Braes of Angus was a little out of the ordinary course,
for, instead of taking the road direct to Forfar, he thought
it would be a speedier plan to go to St. Vigeans, and stop
half a day there. So he put his horse to the gallop across
the country, and soon arrived at the miller's house, where
he found that decent man busy at the grindstone, with a
great bundle of swords and spears lying beside him.
Springing from his horse, he cried—"Gude preserve's,
miller; fat's a' this ye're aboot?"
"Lod, Tarn, is that you ? We're gain' to hae some wark
in a day-or twa. Thae lazy drones the priests, wha live on
ither fouk's wark, 'ill get a fricht noo. But I suppose ye
wad rather fecht for them?"
"I fecht for the Laird o' Inverquharity," said Tam,
laughing; "an' I think we're tae be on your side this
time. I'm for the Braes tae raise the clan, an' bring
them doon tae help tae batter the auld Abbey; an' I
cudna weel pass, ye ken, withoot seein' ye a'."
" Ye're unco kind," said the miller, with a grin. " I think
Annie's in the hoose. I'll see "ye afore ye gae awa'," and,
lifting another sword, he turned again to the grindstone.
Tam took the hint, and soon found his way to the
kitchen, where, as might be expected, he was a welcome
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
341
guest. Here, after some conversation, the gudewife re
collected that she had forgot something in another room,
and then Tarn and Annie were left to themselves. The
miller and his family, being genuine Reformers, were of
course aware of the intended insurrection, and Annie was
full of doubts and fears. She knew that her father and
brother were preparing for the struggle, and now here
was her lover, too, hurrying headlong into the middle of
it; but although she hung much about him, and was
extra affectionate, and although her lip would quiver, and
the moisture would bedew her bonnie een, she never once
hinted that he should not go. No; her father and
brother, and almost every man in the district, would be
there, and the chosen of her heart must be able to stand
in the front rank among men; and then she was so glad
that he was to fight by their side, and not against them.
So she urged him to depart, and at last, after many a
kiss and many a vow, Tarn did again start on his journey.
When he reached Inverquharity and delivered his mes-
sage, Sir David fumed and fretted a good deal, but the
gold and plunder did the work, and the tales that Archy
Grey-and his men had circulatad about the immense wealth
obtained in the pirates' cave brought in the clansmen, and
when marching time came one hundred and twenty men
were in readiness. These Tarn brought by a roundabout
way to Ethie on the morning before the muster, and when
evening fell Sir John's men and the fishers from Auchmithie
had brought the number up to two hundred men.
342
the abbot of aberbuothock.
CHAPTER XXXI.
THE GATHERING—THE GORDONS—THE MEN OF FIFE—THE DUNDEE
REFORMERS—THE MARCH TO THE ABBEY—THE ATTACK—THE GARRISON
DRIVEN IN.
The first faint glimmer of the coming day had begun to
peer up from the eastern horizon, when lights were seen
flashing from the windows of Ethie House. Then voices
were heard shouting loudly, and then the martial sound of
a bugle rang out the gathering song of the Carnegies. This
was re-echoed by the wild pibroch of Clan Ogilvie, and the
busy hum of men, mingled with songs and laughter, gave
animation to the scene. Fires were lit in the fields beside
the house; sheep and cattle were killed, and spirit flasks
were filled, for the men, besides their breakfast, were to
carry provisions enough to last them two days. At the
period we write of there were no baggage waggons, nor any
of the impedimenta of a modern army. Each man carried
all he needed, took by the strong hand all that he wanted,
and at night the grass and his plaid served him for a bed;
the moaning of the wind sang him to sleep, and the merry
song of the birds wakened him again to march and fight.
Sir John and his family met at breakfast with sad
countenance and gloomy forebodings; and a wandering
preacher, with a lugubrious look, who had taken up his
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
343
residence with them, by his long prayers and miserable
sing-song voice, nearly destroyed what little courage they
had left. But time and tide wait for no man, and amidst
the tears and cautions of the ladies, Sir John and his son
and Malcolm Ogilvie descended to commence what was likely
to prove the most momentous day of their lives. The men
were mustered and the arms examined, scouts were thrown
out, and then the little band commenced their march with
light hearts and light springy footsteps. Sir John and his
son were on horseback, but Malcolm preferred to march on
foot at the head of his clansmen. Archy Grey and Tarn
Glen led the scouts, who, spread out like a fan, and far in
advance, prevented any chance of a surprise.
Swiftly sped the little band through the Seaton woods;
and when they had cleared the Heugh, they marched along
the margin of the tide, to escape, if possible, the notice of
the garrison of the Abbey. But when the scouts approached
the Old Shorehead they came in sight of a band of men,
whom from the;r badges and tartans they knew to belong to
the Clan Gordon.
They retreated on the main body, and then Malcolm,
ordering a halt, proceeded with Tarn Glen and Archy Grey
to see whether they meant war or peace.
It seemed that rumours of an attack on the Abbey had
been prevalent for some time, and the Abbot, feeling uneasy,
had requested Glenmore as a favour to make a reconnaissance
in force.
344
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
When they met, Malcolm and Glenmore shook hands,
and the cheers that burst from the tartaned ranks showed
that Malcolm was still a favourite.
" An' where in a' the world are ye gain', Malcolm, here-
aboot," said Glenmore, " wi' a' the Clan Ogilvie at yer heels 1"
" Glenmore," said Malcolm, with some excitement, " I am
nearly insane with suspense. We are searching for the
Lady Jeannie."
" An' have ye fund ony try o' her aboot the Heugh, or
the coves, or the pirates' howff'
" No," said Malcolm warmly, " she is neither in the coves
nor the pirates' howf. I tell you, Glenmore, that the Lady
Jeannie Gordon is a prisoner in the Abbey of Aberbrothock.
I have urged you repeatedly to make a search, and you but
laughed at me; but now I will wait no longer, and before this
day is at an end I will search the Abbey from floor to roof."
"Malcolm," said Glenmore, again taking him by the
hand, " I honour you for the deep interest that you take in
our kinswoman; but ye're mistaken. The Abbot himself
assured me that that was a false story, got up by the
heretics to degrade our holy religion."
" Then why would he not let you search?" said Malcolm,
now losing temper. " Had he been honest, he would rather
have assisted you. But he is false sworn, and I tell you,
Glenmore, that either with the assistance of you and your
clansmen, or opposed to them if need be, I will search for
Lady Jeannie."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCIC.
345
"Now, Malcolm," said Glenmore soothingly, "ye winna
do that. Ye ken that I am placed there by the Earl of Huntly.
and, mind ye, I will defend my trust to the lasp gasp."
"I should be very sorry to have to fight with you, Glen-
more," said Malcolm with deep feeling, " and it will be a sad
sight to see the Clan Gordon fighting to keep their chief's
sister a prisoner."
"That they winna dae, Malcolm," said Glenmore. "By the
Virgin and the great army of the Saints, if it were possible that
the Abbot could be guilty of what you accuse him, I would
burn down the whole place, and roast every monk alive."
" I will pledge my life that he is guilty," said Malcolm;
"and—what is all this1?" said he, turning sharply round and
seeing Tam Glen and Archy Grey, standing back to back,
wielding their broadswords as blacksmiths wield their fore-
hammers, while they were surrounded by an $ngry mob of
the Gordons, who with drawn weapons were evidently
trying to cut them down.
To rush to their assistance was the first impulse of
Malcolm, while Glenmore, with his claymore flashing in the
rays of the morning sun, fiercely ordered his men back to
their ranks.
" By heaven!" he cried, " I will cut down the first man
that lifts a sword."
The men sullenly retired to their ranks, and then both
Glenmore and Malcolm demanded the cause of the dis*
turbance.
346
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
" Ta tarn Sassanach," said one of the Gordons, "ka'd a*
ta Gordons tiefs an' cowarts."
"Thae Heelan' budies are unco fond o' fechtin'," said
Tarn Glen, with a forced laugh.
This was how it came about. When Malcolm and
Gleumore were in earnest converse, Tarn and Archy were
scanning minutely the ranks of those with whom they
had every reason to believe they would soon be engaged
in mortal struggle. Suddenly Tarn espied the gigantic
Celt whom he had thrown into the Brothock, and who
had given him such a fright when he arrived fatigued and
weak at Tarn Anderson's door. Strolling quietly up to
him, Tarn shook his fist in his face, and told him that " he
was a cooart an' a Heelan' thief, an' that he wad pit his
soord through him the very first chance he got."
This very plain language was quite enough for the hot-
headed Highlander, who quickly unsheathed his claymore,
and made a fierce lounge at Tarn, who only escaped being
transfixed by nimbly leaping back. In a moment his
sword was out, and a very pretty combat commenced,
when Archy, seeing Tarn's predicament, rushed to his
assistance, sword in hand. This was taken by the High-
lander's companions as a challenge, and promptly accepted,
and they were posed back to back in a general mtUe when
their leaders interfered.
Malcolm angrily ordered Tarn and Archy back into the
ranks of their own clansmen, and hoped that Glenmore
would overlook the quarrelsome temper of his follower.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
347
"He is my foster-brother, and there has been some ill-
blood between him and some of your men already."
"I have no doot but the one is as quarrelsome as the
other," said Glenmore, with a laugh; "an' to prevent the
chance of any more, I will move up the brae to the
Abbey. Gude-bye, Malcolm. I wad be sorry tae hae tae
oppose ye, sae I hope ye won't attack us."
" I will appear before the Abbey to-day," said Malcolm,
"and demand leave to search for the Lady Jeannie, and
if it is not granted I will pull down the place stone by
stone till I find her. Gude-bye, Glenmore; I have no
ill-will towards you."
Glenmore waved his sword, and the Gordon pipers struck
up a march, and then they all departed up the street, and
Malcolm turned and walked back to where Sir John was
waiting. After explaining to him what had passed, the
word was given to march, and they arrived at the rendezvous
without any more interruption. The Elliot Burn ran wimp-
ling to the sea, and far and near the eye rested upon nothing
iut sand and heath. They were first on the ground, and
while the men threw themselves carelessly upon the heather,
Sir John and his son dismounted, and with Malcolm took a
seat beside a small spring that bubbled rusty red from among
the whinstone that cropped up from the surface. After they
had rested awhile, and partaken of some refreshment, Tara
Glen came running up and told them that " there wis an
unco heap o' boats on the water, an' they war a' cumin'
this way."
348
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
They started to their feet, and beheld some thirty or forty
boats crowded with people crossing from Fife, evidently in-
tending to land where they were. They walked down to
the edge of the water, and in a short time a large blue flag
on a pole was set up in one of the boats, and then they
heard the loud blast of a bugle, and then the Carnegies and
Ogilvies took off their bonnets, and waving them round
their heads, cheered loud and long.
Then came a return cheer from the men of "the Kingdom,"
and the boats were run into the sand. Upwards of two hun-
dred stalwart men sprang ashore, and, forming into something
like military order, took up a position beside the others.
They were headed by an immense fellow nearly seven feet
high, who carried the flag, and who bore upon his shoulder
a great forehammer instead of a sword. They were also
accompanied by several ministers, in their; short Jgowns. and
Geneva bands, who had thought it their duty to be present
at this last assault upon the Scarlet Lady.
Lord Lindsay was their leader, and he was soon in com-
pany with Sir John and Malcolm, and, after the usual
salutations, was asked to assume the chief command of the
whole force.
"How many men do you count on?" said he.
"From twelve to fifteen hundred," said Sir John, "and
there will only be about seven hundred opposed to us, and
of them only the Gordons will be dangerous."
Here the shouting of men, mingled with the blast oi
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
349
bugles and the scream of bagpipes, was heard, as if coming
from the east, and in a short time a tumultuous crowd, with-
out order or leaders, came pouring down the road that led
from Dundee. They were closely followed by several bodies
of Highlanders, whose steady, martial hearing formed a
strange contrast to their advanced guard.
Lord Lindsay cast a startled glance at the noisy mob as
they came plunging on, and said hurriedly, " Who are these]
Get the men in order."
Sir John Carnegie and Malcolm put themselves at the
head of their men, who formed three deep; while Lord
Lindsay drew up his men, who were mostly spearmen, in a
circle, with their weapons pointed in all directions.
The gentlemen from Dundee, seeing so many preparations
made evidently for their benefit, suddenly came to a halt,
and attempted to form into'some thing like order, and several
men left them and proceeded to where Sir John Carnegie and
his men were standing. These proved to be the delegates
who had represented Dundee in the Central Committee, and
as soon as Sir John knew them he advanced to meet them.
"What men are these?" said he, when he was within
speaking distance.
" They are the Reformers frae Dundee," said one of the dele-
gates, "an' they hae gotten a dram owre muckle this mornin'."
" Who are these Highlanders with them?" said Sir John.
" They are a party of Grants, Leslies, an' Munroes that
war comin' hame frae the siege o' Leith, an' they are willin'
tae gie a helpin' hand."
350
THE ABBOT OF ABERBIIOTHOCK.
" Tell their leaders to come and speak with Lord Lindsay,
an' cum yersel'," said Sir John.
Lord Lindsay, Malcolm, and Sir John Carnegio were
soon in council with the leaders of the new comers, an'
as Lord Lindsay had known them at Leith, after some
conversation they were directed to take rank on the right
hand of the first comers.
The Dundee men were enjoined to try and bring their
men into something like order, and see that both men and
weapons were ready for use. By this time the Fife
ministers were hard at work addressing all and sundry,
urging their hearers to bravely finish the " gude wark, an'
pit a swift end tae the Mother o' Abominations."
One of them, in the height of his zeal, was making his
way, Bible in hand, to where the Ogilvies were standing,
when Tam Glen shouted to him " tae gae the road he cam',
or he wad pit a dirk in him," and the worthy man hastily
decamped, amid much laughter.
Then the Laird of Carnoustie rode into the camp, fol-
lowed by the men of Broughty, Monifieth, Barry, and
his own estate; and, as they had no more to expect
in that direction, it was agreed to march to the Common
and wait there some time. Here they were joined by the
Lairds of Inverkeillor, Kinblethmont, and some others—
making now nearly the whole of their expected force. A
general order was now given to march direct to the
Abbey, and they were already in motion, when the
TIIE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
351
corner of Tuttie's Nook was turned by Tam Anderson,
and a motley assemblage of townsmen and fishers, armed
with all sorts of weapons, and followed by a noisy set of
women and children. Sir John Carnegie, who was again
on horseback, trotted towards them, and demanded to
know what they were going to do.
"We're a' cum tae help ye tae ding doon the auld
Abbey," said Tam, waving his sword round his head,
while his followers cheered loudly.
" Bit I thocht ye was a great supporter o' the Abbey,"
said Sir John, jocosely.
" Sae I wis," said Tam, " for they drank weel—111 say
that for them; bit, ye see, this while I cudna get a
bawbee frae a monk o' them. Bit deevil tak' me if I
dinna tak' it oot o' their banes," and Tam again bran-
dished his sword.
"Ye shud send a' thae wimen an' bairns hame; they 11
juist be in the road, an' maybe'll get themselves hurt," said
Sir John.
" The thickest skin maun juist haud langest oot," said
Tam, "for de'il a ane o' them wad gae hame fin I wanted
them. But whar in a' the world are they gain' noo?"
Tarn's followers had already fraternised with the men of
Dundee, and after much handshaking and exchanging of
bottles, they all struck off from the line of march, and with
loud cries of "To the Abbey!" "Burn oot the lazy drones 1"
etc., went off along the Lady Loan. The others, with Sir
23
352 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
John's men as advance guard, marched over Dishland Hill,
and crossed the Brothock not far from the present Bridge
Street. As they approached the Abbey, the Fife men struck
up a psalm, which was taken up earnestly by the other
bodies of Reformers, and singing thus they reached the scene
of expected conflict. Then the pipers of the Highlanders
struck up, and, unopposed, they proceeded to surround the
building. At the great gate they found the motley crowd
had smashed in all the windows, and were proceeding to set
fire to a great pile of wood that they had heaped up against
the door, when the gate was suddenly thrown open, and the
wood scattered in all directions. Then Glenmore, at the
head of the garrison, burst into the midst of the mob, and
with axe and sword and spear cut and hewed with terrible
force. The miserable wretches fled in all directions, tramp-
ling each other down in their headlong flight, and then the
garrison were face to face with the army of the Congregation.
The Fife spearmen, fresh from the siege of Leitli, and headed
by the veteran Lord Lindsay, chanced to be nearest, and they
proved very different opponents to the rabble of Dundee and
Arbroath. They coolly formed into the favourite circle, with
their spear points bristling in all directions, and then they
were impervious to the Highland broadsword or the Lowland
arquebusier.
The Grants, Munroes, and Leslies, who had marched
beside the Fife men, and who hated the Gordons with a
bitter hatred, came on with a rush, claymore in hand, and a
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
353
desperate battle ensued. The Laird of Kinblethmont, who
led the revolted tenantry of the Abbey, and with whom were
the miller of St. Vigeans and his son, and Henderson and
Leslie, dashed forward at the head of his men to get in
between the garrison and the great gate, with a view of
trying to prevent them getting in again, or probably of
getting in themselves. "But they had been observed by a
portion of the garrison who had been left on guard, and ere
they reached it the gate was shut with a loud clang. This
was evidently heard by Glenmore and his men, for they
turned, and began to fight their way step by step, with fierce
valour and desperate energy. But surrounded in front and
rear by double their force, they were beginning to despair,
when something like a panic seized a portion of Kinbleth-
mont's men and left an opening, of which they speedily
availed themselves. Hotly pursued by their hereditary
enemies, and with the Fife spearmen goring their flanks,
they managed to reach the gate, which was now quickly
opened, and, their numbers augmented by those inside, they
again turned and hewed a red passage in the ranks cf their
foemen, and then, as if by some signal, they all dashed
inside, and the gate was shut in their opponents' faces.
Loud cheers burst from the ranks of the Reformers, the
psalm was again commenced by the spearmen, and once
more the scattered mob began to rally, and again to pile the
Wood around the great gate, preparatory to setting it on fire.
S54 the abbot of aberbrothock.
CHAPTEK XXXII.
THE ATTACK OH THE ABBEY—NO ADMITTANCE—THE MUCELE SMITH—
THE WAY OPEN—THE PIGHT IN THE PASSAGE—THE BESCDE OF LADY
JEANNIE—GLENMOBE'S VOW—THE BIDE TO ETHIE—THE BUBNINO
ABBEY.
Instead of making for the principal entrance of the Abbey,
as the greater number of the Keformers were doing, Malcolm
Ogilvie led his clansmen and the Carnegies up the Abbey
Path into the garden, determined to force an entrance by
the little postern door, to which he had tracked the footsteps
on the memorable morning of Lady Jeannie's abduction.
With his drawn sword in his hand, with Sir John and his son
by his side, and two hundred stalwart men at his back, he was
determined to search the Abbey, or perish in the attempt.
He could no longer endure the hope deferred that maketh
the heart sick, and he resolved to dare all, and if need be to
lose all. Under the trees, not far from the little well where
he had heard the lady of his love sing the little song, were
drawn up in military order a large body of men, evidently
vassals of the Abbey. When Sir John perceived them he
said—"We will halt a little. I am sorry to draw blood
if it can be helped, and I will try what a parley will do."
Then the men were ordered to halt, and he moved for-
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
355
ward to where they stood, and said:—"Men, I must be well
known to the most of you, and you know that I will speak
the truth. Fifteen hundred men are now before the Abbey,
determined to drive out the lazy drones that eat up all our
substance, and for you to resist will only be to get yourselves
killed, so I have come to give you the chance of either join-
ing us or of dispersing to your homes. And I likewise men-
tion that all the plunder will belong to the victorious party."
Here a burst of cheering interrupted Sir John, and a large
number broke their ranks and came over to where he stood,
while the others sullenly retreated in the direction of the
postern door. Sir John pointed to the retreating party, and
waved his hand, and then Malcolm and his party ran swiftly
in the same direction, to try and cut off their retreat; but
. they had but a short distance to go, and when the Ogilvies
reached the door it was only to see it shut in their faces, and
hear the heavy bolts hurriedly clashed into their sockets.
Malcolm was dreadfully enraged at this rebuff, and with
clenched hand and stern brow he cried to his men—<
"Be quick, lads, hew down one of those trees, and we
will batter it down."
Tarn Glen and Archy Grey, and many more than could
get near any single tree, made a rush, and after some rough
and tumble work the axes and swords got to work, when,
with some hacking and hewing, a tall tree fell to the ground,
nearly hitting a number of the besiegers in its fall. Then
the branches were lopped off, and fifty or sixty men seized
356
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
it, battering-ram fashion, and made a dash at the little door.
The garrison inside by this time had somewhat recovered
their breath and their courage, and they threw open the
windows, and began to shower arrows and bullets at their
opponents.
Tarn Glen, bending to get a better hold of the tree,
received an arrow in his seat of honour, accompanied by a
loud guffaw of laughter from one of the windows, that
made him swear awfully, and threaten terrible vengeance
when he got in. Archy Grey and several of the more
daring were wounded by bullets, and the tree was thrown
down before they came near the door. This caused great
cheering in the Abbey, and they plied their bows and
arquebuses with more vigour, and with such effect that the
assaulters, who were armed only with swords and axes,
cowered before it, and sought shelter among the trees. In
a short time, Malcolm, waving his bonnet, and with a shout
of "Clan Ogilvie's here—wha helps the Ogilviel" dashed
forward to where the log lay, and was speedily followed by
all the men. The log was again lifted, and, with an
impetus given by nearly a hundred men, was driven with
terrific force against the door. But they might as well
have struck the solid rock, for it never even shook, and
the rebound was so great that the log and more than half
of the men fell to the ground.
Malcolm turned with a despairing look to Sir John and
his son, and said, "Will we try fire?"
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
357
Tam Anderson, who had kept with the Carnegies since
his troop ran off with the Dundee mob along the Lady
Loan, here came forward and said—
"'Deed, Maister Malcolm, the best way '11 be tae gae
for the muckle smith o' St. Andrews, wi' his forehammer.
He's an unco strong chield, an' he'll sune batter it in."
Malcolm consented to this, and Tam ran off in search of
the muckle smith, accompanied by several of the men, who
were glad of any excuse to get out of the way of danger.
During his absence various attempts were made to force open
the stubborn little door, but after several men had been
killed and wounded, they gave it up in despair. At length
Tam returned with the muckle smith, and their appearance
was greeted with a general cheer. On being told what they
wanted him to do, he gave a good-natured laugh, and said
that he " ne'er saw the door that cud keep him oot, if he
wanted to get in."
On his appearance, the garrison seemed to divine what he
had come for, and they did him the honour to make him a
special target, but he walked coolly forward to the postern,
and, amid a shower of missiles, struck it a blow that made
it creak and shiver. Again he struck, and an ominous rent
made its appearance where the mighty hammer had fallen.
Then, turning to the Ogilvies and Carnegies, who were
breathlessly watching the herculean hammerman, he said—
"Noo, lads, be ready; the next blow 'ill be a sattler."
Here the men commenced to cheer, and amidst loud cries
358
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
of "Weel dune, burn tbe win," "Anither clieer for St.
Andrews," the powerful arms upreared the heavy weapon,
and with a crash that was heard above every other noise in
that meUe, the door was torn from its hinges, and driven a
considerable distance into the passage. With a bound like
a hunted deer, Malcolm Ogilvie leaped into the passage,
sword in hand, and with a great cry of " Jeannie, Jeannie,
thy love or death," welling up from his heart, he threw him-
self upon a great body of men with the madness of despair.
Staggered by his impetuous rush, they gave ground, and then
with wild cries of " Clan Ogilvie," " Help for Inverquharity,"
" Carnegies here," etc., Tarn Glen, Archy Grey, Sir John and
his son ran to his assistance.
Kallying again to the voices of their leaders, the defenders
of the Abbey now contested the passage with great
resolution, but as the assaulters poured in in great numbers
their weight began to tell, and slowly but surely they rolled
their opponents back. The muckle smith o' St. Andrews
strode to the front, and with his hammer levelling a man
at every stroke, he cried, " Oot o' the road, an' lat decent
fouk win by."
By this time they had penetrated to the corridor in which
was the room wherein Lindsay had murdered Glenbucket;
and here, the alarm being given, a great number of the
Gordons, with Glenmore at their head, came rushing from
the front, and renewed the attack with great impetuosity.
But the Ogilvies of the Braes were accustomed to fight
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK. 359
Highlanders, and while the more peaceful Carnegies gave
ground, they crowded in and boldly gave back blow for
blow. The muckle smith also gave no ground, but with
terrible coolness trampled his way up to where Glenmore
himself fought, and aimed a blow at him, that, if it had
struck, would have killed him on the spot. But Glenmore
saw it coming, and, with the agility of the mountaineer, he
leapt back in time to save his life. The blow struck,
nevertheless, and most important on the influences of the
struggle were its results. It struck a panel of the secret
door that led to the apartments where the Lady Jeannie
and Alice and the other women were immured, and knocked
it into splinters, revealing a dark cavity that no one cared
about penetrating. By-and-by, however, lights were seen
at the far end, and then the figures of women were perceived
carrying them. Malcolm gave a great cry of "God in
heaven! it is Lady Jeannie!" and rushed up the secret
passage towards them, followed by a number of his clans-
men. On seeing armed men hurrying towards them, some
of the women shrieked, and ran back to their apartments;
hut Lady Jeannie and Alice stood still, and Alice cried,
"Oh, gentlemen, protect us!" and as Malcolm approached
them, Lady J eannie recognised him, and throwing up her
arms, she cried—
"Oh, Malcolm, save me! dear, dear Malcolm!" and fainted
in his embrace.
To clasp her in his arms and carry her down the passage
3G0
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
was but the work of a moment, and with Alice by his side,
and his men around him, he burst into the struggling,
fighting crowd in the corridor. The combat was proceeding
with stern determination on both sides, although the defenders
of the Abbey were steadily losing ground when Malcolm
appeared with the Lady Jeannie. To put an end to the
fighting for her sake was now his aim, and to this end he
cried, " Men of Clan Ogilvie, fall back," and then he cried,
" Glenmore, Lady Jeannie is found. Stop fighting. I was
right after all." Glenmore lowered his sword, and stood
panting and astonished at the sight of Lady Jeannie lying
motionless in Malcolm's arms, and her long beautiful hair
streaming over his shoulder. Then he cried, "Gordons,
fall back till I see what this may be," and as he came for-
ward Lady Jeannie slowly recovered her consciousness, and
struggling to her feet, and with an amazed startled gaze
looked around her. Then her eyes rested upon Malcolm,
and a bright smile illumined her beautiful countenance; she
clasped his right hand in both of hers, and then said to
Glenmore—
"This fighting must end. Malcolm Ogilvie has again
saved my life at the risk of his own, and it is my orders
that the Clan Gordon assist him to the utmost of their
power I was carried off, and grossly insulted by the
Lord Abbot of Aberbrothock, and you will see to it that he
is punished for this outrage." Then she turned to Malcolm
ana said, " 0, Malcolm, lead me out of this horrible place.
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
361
I will never be able to believe that I have been rescued till
I see the blue sky above me/'
As Malcolm turned to lead Lady Jeannie down to the
postern door, Glenmore seized him by the hand and said—
"Forgive me, Malcolm, for you had more sense than I
had. It is awful to think that I have been so near dear
Lady Jeannie so long, and not to know how she was being
insulted. But I swear that I will exact a fearful reckoning,
for by the eternal majesty of heaven I will leave a
monument of the vengeance of the Gordons that will stand
in this place for hundreds of years." Then turning to his
clansmen, he said—
"No more fighting. Throw open every door and window
—carry off everything you can. Kill every monk you find,
and fire the Abbey everywhere."
With shouts and yells and -wild cries, the Ogilvies, and
Gordons, and Abbey vassals spread themselves over the
building, and, with their ears ringing with the noise,
Malcolm and Lady Jeannie and Alice, and Sir John
Carnegie and his son, escorted by Tarn Glen and the
landlord of the "Three Angels," issued from the little
postern and walked over to the Heys Well."
"I will be uneasy until Lady Jeannie is safe at Ethie,"
said Malcolm. "You would need to stop here and see
the other leaders, and John and I will escort the ladies.
We will not stay long."
"That's as much as to say that I am not wanted," said
362 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Sir John, laughing; "hut indeed, Malcolm, I do think that
you deserve some indulgence, so I will do what you say.
Tarn, bring the horses."
The two Tams ran off, and speedily returned with the
horses that Sir John and his son had ridden from Ethie;
and then Sir John whispered, laughingly, to Malcolm—
"There's only twa horses, Malcolm. This 'ill suit ye
finely, for ye'll hae to tak' her up in front o' ye, wi' yer
arms aboot her."
And so it was. Malcolm Ogilvie, the cadet of a noble but
poor family, rode to Ethie House with the sister of the most
powerful nobleman in Scotland in his arms, clasped in a
loving, willing embrace, her avowed and accepted lover—
her promised husband.
Under the deep shadow of the then noble Seaton woods
he told the tale of his search for her, of his capture by
Lindsay, of his sufferings and mental agony, of his promised
lairdship, and his hoard of the pirates' gold, and of his great
love and devotion. She then told him of her abduction by
Lindsay, of the insults of the Abbot, of the friendship shown
by Alice; and, with her hand clasped in his, she vowed
before God and the saints that in riches or in poverty, in
life and in death, and with or without the consent of her
friends, she would be unto him a true and faithful wife.
And then she held up her beautiful mouth, and, with heart
beating on heart, they sealed their love with one long,
fervent kiss. Malcolm was radiant with happiness, and
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
363
Lady Jeannie's bright eyes beamed with heartfelt joy.
Through many trials and much sorrow they had found
peace; in mutual love and mutual trust they would now
find a great reward.
John Carnegie, with great tact, had ridden a good way in
advance, and arrived in Ethie a long time before them.
Poor Alice had little to say; her heart was too full, and to
all John's questions she replied with little else than mono-
syllables.
They were seen long before they arrived, and when he
dismounted and assisted Alice down, he was nearly smother-
ed by the embraces and kisses of his mother and sister, and
Lady Elizabeth. Then he introduced Alice as a companion
of Lady Jeannie's in captivity, and announced the coming of
Malcolm and his fair charge, and the capture of the Abbey.
After waiting for some time, the lovers were at last in
sight, and, as they approached, their glad, smiling faces told.
their tale to the onlookers. Lady Jeannie dismounted, to
be clasped in the arms of Lady Elizabeth, and, as their lips
met, she whispered—
"You are happy at last, dear Jeannie."
"Oh, so happy, dear Elizabeth; and he rescued me again
at the risk of his life. Dear Malcolm, how I love him."
"And I also, dear Jeannie; John loves me, and has
asked me to be his dear wife."
"I am so glad, Elizabeth. Thank the saints, all our
troubles are over."
364
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Lady Jeannie was introduced to Lady Carnegie and her
daughter, and they all retired to the house, where refresh-
ments were served up and partaken of, and then Malcolm
and John announced the necessity of their return to the
Abbey. After embraces and endearments enough to turn
their heads, and cautions and advices out of number to be
careful of their safety, they were at last permitted to depart,
and they reached the Abbey to find the hurly-burly still
going on. The gardens were strewn with large piles of
furniture, silks, linens, barrels of liquors, and piles of
provisions, and the industrious hooters were still busy
requisitioning more. In a group stood Lord Lindsay, Sir
John Carnegie, and the other leaders of the insurgent forces,
gazing at the now burning building.
Glenmore and the Gordons were still inside, and the
frightful yells and shrieks that burst from the Abbey
told that the work of murder and destruction was still
going on. The miserable girls that had been so long im-
mured in that horrible sensual den sat huddled together
by the Heys Well, and the scared, frightened looks they
wore showed the terrors they had undergone. Tarn Glen
and a number of his clansmen were seated on the grass
fraternising with a number of the Gordons and the
Abbey vassals, and it was evident that the party was on
the high road to be a merry one. Seated in something
like a circle, with a large keg of brandy in the middle,
%nd a drinking horn in the hand of each man, the
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
3G5
wild scene of confusion around them, and the huge burn-
ing building before them—all formed a picture that could
only be seen in a period of strife.
Tarn had taken an immense drink, and was trying to
make his quondam antagonist, the huge Highlander, under-
stand that the tumble in the burn was all a mistake.
But as Donald understood little Lowland Scotch, and
Tam understood little Gaelic, it seemed likely that Tarn's
explanation would end in a fresh fight. The miller of St.
Vigeans stood looking on with a grin on his face, and as
he had now a great interest in Tam for his daughter's
sake, he had sent Sandy to look for some acquaintances
to prevent possible mischief. On Malcolm and John
making their appearance, Sir John accosted our hero
with—"Weel, Malcolm, ye'll be unco weel pleased wi'
yersel' noo. I suppose ye fund a'thing richt at Ethie ?"
"Every one is happier than another," said Malcolm.
" I myself am in a very heaven of happiness."
"I can mak' ye a wee happier yet, Malcolm. I was
tellin' Lord Lindsay aboot oor promise to ye, an' he says
that, as yer men an' you did sae weel the day, ye can tak
possession o' Glenogle when ye like."
" I am very grateful to the Lords of the Congregation,
and my future conduct will show it," said Malcolm.
"How did your Lordship succeed in your attack on the
front?"
"We had some severe fighting after the mob were
366 THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
scattered," said his Lordship, " but we succeeded in drn-ing
the garrison inside. Then we were proceeding to fire the
door, when it was suddenly thrown open, and Glenmore
demanded to speak with me. I went to him thinking he
was going to surrender, when he told me you had forced an
entrance, and in some strange way had rescued the Lady
Jeannie Gordon, who had been carried off and hidden by
the Abbot; and that if I would stop the fighting, my men
were free to enter and do what they pleased, as he had no
quarrel now with any one but the Abbot. As you may
believe, I was well pleased—so, giving orders to burn and
plunder, and seeing my zealous Beformers well into their
work, we came over here to rest a little."
Party after party came staggering under the weight of
their plunder out of the Abbey. The fire spread over the
noble pile; till it glowed like a furnace. The barrels of
wine and spirits were broached, and the rabble became
uproarious; and when the day waned, and the lurid flames
lit up the sky, the great garden became like a pandemonium.
the abbot of aberbrothock.
367
CHAPTER XXXIII.
fHE ABBOT'S SUSPICIONS—HIS TERROR—GLENMORE AND THE ABBOT—
THE DISPERSION OP THE REFORMERS—THE TRIPLE MARRIAGE—THE
CONCLUSION.
We will now retrace our steps to an earlier time in the day
on which the Abbey of Aberbrothock was destroyed, and
narrate what took place in the interior of that building.
For some time the Abbot had been aware of the gathering
cloud that was destined to overwhelm him, and he was very
uneasy in his mind, and very suspicious of all around him.
He appeared to have completely recovered from the attack
made upon him by Lindsay, but a long white seam made by
the blow from the goblet was no improvement to his appear-
ance. Without confidence in his own vassals, and in terror
almost to the verge of insanity at the thought of Gordon
discovering his abduction and imprisonment of Lady
Jeannie, and without his unscrupulous hireling to destroy
both her and the evidence together, his punishment for a
life of hypocrisy and sensuality and crime had already com-
menced. To drown thought he drank; and in his sleep
he dreamed hideous dreams, from which he awakened
enervated and prostrated in body and mind.
24
368
THE ABBOT OP ABERBROTHOCK.
That morning he had dreamed that he had been attacked
by the heretics, who, with a hundred swords at his breast,
were forcing him to confess his crimes, and he awakened
shrieking with terror. Hastily clothing himself, he hurried
to Glenmore, and speaking as if he had received private
intelligence, urged him to make a strong reconnaissance.
Then he retired again to his private apartment, where he
nearly drank himself insensible; then he threw himself on
his bed, where he slept a deathlike sleep for several hours.
The noise of the returning soldiery awakened him, and he
again sought Glenmore, who told him of his meeting with
the Ogilvies and Carnegies, and the certainty of the Abbey
being attacked that day. Then he sought the secret apart-
ment of the women, but Alice and Lady Jeannie fastened
themselves into their room, and the others were not able
to arrest his attention; so he wandered back to his own
room, where he again drank and brooded, till the noise of
the rabble in advance of the armed Eeformers aroused him.
Then he proceeded to the great hall, where all the monks,
fear-stricken and trembling, had assembled, and opening a
pane in one of the illuminated windows, he looked down
on the heaving, struggling mass below. Struck with the
certainty of his fate, he sank in despair into a large
cushioned chair, and thought of suicide. But bold as he
was in vice and crime, reckless and unscrupulous as he had
been with the persons and property of others, he shrank
from this resource. He heard the fierce battle at the great
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
369
gate; lie heard the garrison driven back, and the loud
clang of the great gate as they secured their retreat, and he
never lifted his head or moved in the chair. He heard the
smashing in of the postern door, the wild combat in the
corridor, the chrashing blow of the muckle smith on the
secret panel, and the cry that Lady Jeannie was found;
and then he started hurriedly to his feet, for he knew that
his hour had come The door of the great hall was dashed
open, and a great number of the Gordons, mad with battle
and wounded pride, swarmed into the noble apartment,
and without warning commenced cutting and stabbing at
the monks. They were followed by Glenmore, who
instantly stopped them by crying—
"Hold, my lads, that is too easy a death for such
ruffians;" then he hurriedly advanced to where the Abbot
stood, and boldly confronting him, roared at the top of his
voice—
"Assassin, robber, hypocrite, answer me, who caused
the murder of the Laird of Glenbucket ? who insulted tne
whole clan Gordon by grossly outraging their Lady?"
The Abbot drew up his portly form with something
like dignity, then seizing the cross that hung at his girdle,
he held it aloft and shrieked out—
" Stand back, blasphemous man, or dread the wrath of
an offended God. If you and your men do not instantly
quit this apartment, I will excommunicate you, and con-
demn you to eternal punishment in the next world."
370
THE ABBOT OF ABERBllOTHOCK.
Some of the Gordons, ignorant and superstitious, cowered
and drew back at this tremendous threat, but Glenmore
shook his clenched hand in the Abbot's face, and hissed
out—
"I will show you the excommunication of the clan
Gordon, and their punishment in this world;" then turn-
ing to his men he cried, "Bring ropes, lads, and bmd
them."
Ropes were soon brought, and one by one the monks were
bound hand and foot, and thrown carelessly on the floor.
The Abbot was then seized last of all and stript of all the
insignia of his office and rank, tied neck and heel, and
thrown contemptuously among the rest. Then Glenmore
turned to his men and said—
"Lads, see if you can find among the stores of these
knaves some barrels of spirits or oil. I will make the
vengeance of the Gordons remembered in Aberbrothock for
hundreds of years."
A number of the men hurried away, and soon returned
rolling in several barrels of spirits and oil. Glenmore
then ordered the heads to be smashed in, and the contents
poured on the floor, thoroughly saturating the bound and
prostrate monks. Then Glenmore cried—" Now, lads, you
have done well, and deserve to be rewarded. Carry off
everything you can, for I intend to fire this accursed den,
and give those rascals to the devil they have served so
long."
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCIZ.
371
The Gordons hurst into a loud cheer, and, with all the
acquisitiveness of the Highlander, commenced annexing
all and sundry. Nothing came amiss to these gentry—
plate, priests' dresses, bed-clothes chairs, or barrels of wine
or spirits—all that was worth taking was taken.
Meanwhile Glenmore slowly lit a torch, and coolly applied
it to the spirits on the floor and the hangings on the walls,
amid the yells and shrieks of the horror-stricken monks.
Then he ordered about a dozen of his more immediate
attendants to different parts of the building to make a
general blaze, and faithfully his orders were obeyed. The
fire in the great hall crept slowly up the gorgeous hangings,
and spread in a long blue wave along the floor of the noble
room. Then the saturated clothes of the wretched monka
ignited, and the lurid flames ate in through skin and flesh
and bone; and the howls and cries of the tortured sufferers
were terrible to hear. Glenmore looked on with grim de-
termination until the place flamed like a furnace, and every
cry was hushed, and it became impossible to remain any
longer and live. He slowly retired down the great stair-
case, and when he reached the courtyard he ordered the
bagpipers and buglers to sound the rallying song of the clan,
to bring out any of his men who might still remain in the
burning building. Then he walked down the garden to
where the leaders of the Eeformers were, and stood with
them watching the destruction of the noble pile. The sun
slowly sank beneath the horizon, and as the grey shades of
572
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
gloaming deepened into darkness, the fierce blaze lit up all
the surrounding country. On the East Neuk of Fife, the
people gathered in groups, -wondering at the strange, un-
wonted sight. Far out on the trackless ocean, the lonely
mariner saw the reflection stamped blood-red in the sky, and
shuddered as he thought of violence and crime. High up on
the Grampian Hills, the Highland marauder saw the flames,
and laughed as he thought of the foray and the prey. The
grim Reformer, as he calmly looked on, talked of God's
judgment on the ungodly, and of thh destruction of the
Scarlet Woman; while the poor ignorant Papist made the
sign of the cross, and shuddered at the profanity of the
unbelieving heretics. Floor after floor fell in with a mighty
crash, and then a great flame would light up the scene with
vivid brightness, to be succeeded by clouds of smoke and
thick darkness. At last preparations were made for a march,
and with many torches lit, and amid cheers, and songs, and
laughter, the destroyers of the lordly Abbey of Aberbrothock
took their departure, laden with plunder. The Fife spear-
men, the best-disciplined and most soldier-like men there,
headed by the muckle. smith and Lord Lindsay, after much
hand-shaking and many farewells, took their departure for
their boats, where they embarked. The Grants, and Leslies,
and Munroes encamped on the ground till morning, when
they took their departure northwards, struggling under the
weight of their spoil.
The rabble from Dundee, after a deep carouse with the
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
373
rabble of Arbroath, which ended in a free fight, were
chased by the brave men of the Brothock till near the
Castle of Claypots. The neighbouring lairds, after taking
leave of Glenmore, and Sir John, and Malcolm, took their
homeward way; and the Gordons, Ogilvies, and Carnegies
marched for Ethie, leaving the ruins still smouldering and
smoking.
Three centuries have passed away, and during all that
time the interior of the noblest ruin in Scotland has been
used as a place of interment for the sacred dead. There
are few natives of Arbroath but have some of their
heartstrings firmly fastened about the lowly headstones
that stud the ample floor of the auld Abbey.
Before Sir John and his companions left the Abbey,
they saw the dead buried and the wounded cared for, and
then they followed their clansmen to Ethie House. It
would be difficult to describe the reception they received
from the loved ones there—such embracing and kissing
and handshaking, such laughter and tears and excitement.
The clansmen were encamped in the fields in front of the
house, and feasting and revelry became the order of the day.
Messengers with letters were sent to the Earl of Huntly and
Sir David Ogilvie, giving details of the destruction of the
Abbey and the liberation of Lady Jeannie, and a private
letter to the Earl bore Lady Jeannie's unalterable resolve to
marry Malcolm, with his sanction if possible, without it if
necessary. The Earl, who was fighting a losing battle with
374
TILE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
the Keformers in the north, felt himself powerless to oppose,
so he gave a reluctant consent to what he could not prevent.
Sir David Ogilvie, as proud as Lucifer at the thought of his
son's marriage with the sister of the great Earl of Huntly,
came down from the braes with his lady and every man
that owned the sway of the Clan Ogilvie in Angus. Cavalier
and Catholic, he rather boggled at the idea of the marriage
ceremony being performed by a heretic preacher, hut both
Malcolm and Jeannie had had more than enough of Popery,
and so he had to give way.
As everything was settled, it was agreed to have the
double wedding within the week, and after much blushing
and hesitation, the Ladies Jeannie and Elizabeth consented.
The evening before it took place Tarn Glen wanted "tae
see if Maister Malcolm wad speak a wird." Malcolm,
radiant with happiness, gladly consented, and Tarn, looking
very sheepish and scratching his ear, told Maister Malcolm
that he wis gain' tae be marrit tae a bonnie lassie, an' he
wad like if Maister Malcolm wad lat him an' his lassie be
marrit alang wi' him an' his leddie."
Malcolm laughed heartily, and shook Tarn by the hand,
saying " that he was glad to hear that there was so much
good sense in him, and that both him and Lady Jeannie
would be very glad to have them, and that he was sure
neither John nor Lady Elizabeth would object, and ended
by inquiring if Tarn needed any assistance?"
"'Deed no," said Tam; "ye see I got a gude heap o'
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
375
siller frae thae pirate ruffians, an' the lassie's father is
geyan weel gathered."
Malcolm again renewed his good wishes, and then Tarn
set off, first for Aberbrothock, where he ordered Tarn
Anderson to make immediate preparation to take to Ethie
all the meat and drink that he could either buy, beg,
borrow, or steal; then he set off to St. Yigeans, and after
a night of drinking, dancing, and sometimes fighting, he
next day arrived at Ethie with every man, woman, and
child in the village.
Such a scene as Ethie presented on the wedding-day was
never seen there before nor since. Such a medley of
confusion, such shouting, and dancing, and singing, such
playing of bagpipes and bugles and fiddles, such eating and
drinking, were never before heard of. The country for
many miles was emptied of its population. Men, women,
and children, old and young, married and single, flocked
to Ethie to share in the good things there. Malcolm
and Lady Jeannie were married first, then John and Lady
Elizabeth, and then Tarn Glen and his Annie. Annie,
nervous as became the occasion, and uneasy at being in
presence of so many above her in station, was soon put at
her ease by the ladies, who were attracted by her beauty
and modest bearing.
Tarn, who did not seem to know whether he stood on
his head or his heels with joy, was rather taken aback by
overhearing his old flame Janet—Archy Grey's wife—
376
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
saying to some one, "that, for as fine as it wis the noo,
she wadna he surprised tae see her thrash him wi' a stick
yet." Tarn looked at the pretty, blushing face of his new-
made wife, and then at the pale, freckled, sharp-featured
countenance of the speaker, and thought, as he laughed,
that Archy had a far better chance of being thrashed than
he had.
During the banquet that succeeded the weddings, Sir
John Carnegie made a speech, in which he congratulated the
Eeformers on the victory they had won, and eulogised the
boldness and bravery of Malcolm Ogilvie, and, before the
whole assembly, presented him with the title-deeds of Glen-
ogle, signed by the Estates of Scotland in Parliament
assembled, and finished by proposing the health of the Laird
of Glenogle and his lady, the lovely Jeannie Gordon. The
whole party sprang to their feet, and with enthusiasm rent
the air with their cheers. The clansmen feasting outside
took up the cheer, and peal after peal gave forth their joy,
while bugles and bagpipes and drums lent their martial aid.
For fourteen days the revel continued, and then the chiefs
began their homeward march.
The Gordons were the first to move, for a rumour had
arrived with news that Huntly had lost a battle with the
Eeformers, and that Glenmore and his men were to return
at once, as he needed every man. Then the neighbouring
lairds went hojne with their men, and Malcolm, wishful to
see his new possession, after consulting Lady Jeannie,
HIE ABBOT, OF ABERBROTHOCK.
377
announced his departure. So one morning the horses were
brought, and after bidding farewell to Sir John and his
lady, Malcolm and Lady Jeannie, Sir David and his lady,
and John Carnegie and Lady Elizabeth and his sister, and a
number of armed attendants, set out for Inverquharity and
Glenogle. The clansmen who were on foot were to return
at their leisure, led by Tarn Glen and Archy Grey, accom-
panied by their wives, and the miller and his son, who were
the custodians of Tarn's gold, and who were determined to
see it and Annie safely conveyed to their new home.
There is little more to tell. Some of the Carnegies, com-
ing through the Seaton Den shortly afterwards, noticed that
the roof of the hut of the witch of the den had fallen in,
and curiosity prompted them to look inside, when they
were shocked to find her lying across the hearth dead. They
buried her where she lay, and passed on their way, none
knowing who she was or where she came from.
Tam Anderson continued to keep the " Three Angels"
for some years, hut after the destruction of the Abbey
the town dwindled for many years, as the monks were
the sole cause of the trade that was done; but latterly,
having saved a good deal of money, he built a house for
himself on the Boulzie Hill, to which he retired with his
family. He lived to be a very old man, and was often
heard to declare that the greatest pleasure he had was to
" tak' a stap up the length o' Glenogle, an' fecht the pirates
ower again wi' Tam Glen." His wife always said that " fin
378
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
he cam' back frae thae daunders his nose was aye unco red,
an' she dooted that there wis mair brandy gain' than she wad
like tae drink," to which Tam would laugh and say that
" wimen wis aye girning aboot something."
Ten years have elapsed since the foregoing events took
place, and for a brief space we will again lift the curtain
and transfer our readers to Glenogle. The mansion is
evidently new, probably built with Malcolm's share of
the pirates' gold, and a fine garden well laid out is en-
tirely surrounded by a very high, strong parapet wall. On
a balcony in front of the house are seated several people,
whom our readers will recognise as old acquaintances. That
old grey-liaired man leaning on a staff beside the pleasant
old lady with the smiling face is Sir David Ogilvie of Inver-
quharity, and his wife. That tall, stout man, who is looking
so earnestly down the glen, is Malcolm Ogilvie of Glenogle,
and that beautiful woman who is hanging so affectionately
on his arm, and who looks so happy, is the Lady Jeannie
Ogilvie. She is stouter and more matron-like than of yore,
but that is the same lovely face, the same innocent trustful
look, and the same beautiful golden hair that we admired
so much during the progress of our tale. At the bottom of
the garden, near the gate, is a pony led by a tall man with
a pleasant countenance, on which are seated two handsome
children, whom he evidently watches with the greatest care.
A nurse maid strolling on the path between them and the
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
379
house, carrying an infant, will show our readers the family
of Malcolm and Lady Jeannie. The man leading the pony
is Tarn Glen, and the nurse Mary Munro, Annie's sister,
the little girl who so hospitably entertained Malcolm and
Lady Jeannie when he rescued her from the runaway
horse.
"I do not see any signs of them, Jeannie," said Malcolm,
still gazing steadily down the Glen, " and I was so certain
that they would come to-day."
"It is not late yet, my Malcolm," said Lady Jeannie;
"you are over impatient."
Tarn had by this time come within hearing distance, and
Malcolm cried—
" Tarn, put down the children, and ride to the mouth of
the glen and see if they are coming yet."
Tarn set down the children, and, telling Mary to look
after them, he mounted and set off at a sharp trot—through
the gates, and through the clachan that lay sheltered in the
glen at some distance from the mansion, until he reached
the entrance of the estate, from whence he had a view of a
great sweep of country. Stopping his pony, he raised
himself in his stirrups and shaded his eyes with his hands;
then, reseating himself with a dump in the saddle, he gave
his thigh a tremendous slap with his hand, at the same
time exclaiming—
" Lord keep us a5!—sic a crood; an' the lads no oot, nor
naething."
380
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
Digging his heels into the pony's side, he galloped up the
glen till he came to a house of a much better class than the
rest. Dismounting, he threw open the door, crying, as he
did so—
"Annie, lassie, they're a' comin', an' there's nane o' the
fouk oot yet. Bring the little anes wi' ye, for I hae nae
time." Then he seized a bugle that hung on the wall,
and running out and remounting, blew a blast that could
have been heard a mile away. The people of the little
village or clachan came running out at the sound, and
Tarn cried out—
" The laird's frien's are a' comin', sirs. Haste ye up taa
the gate; an' mind ye cheer weel, an' there will be plenty o
yill gaun."
When he again reached the gateway, he met his friend
Archy Gr*y with about a dozen armed men, who were to
be th«v guard of honour, to whom he said—
*Noo, Archy, they're a' comin'; set the lads weel, an'
keep the road clear."
"Oo, ay, Tarn, we ken fat tae dae; this is no the pirates
cove, ye ken?"
Tarn trotted up the garden amidst the laughter of the
men, and delivered his message, and then he dismounted
and walked down to the gate.
He was followed by Sir David and his lady, and Malcolm
carrying his son and daughter, while Lady Jeannie followed,
accompanied by Alice with the infant. Poor Alice, after her
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
381
liberation from the Abbey, had been disowned by her
relatives, and Lady Jeannie had acted a sister's part to her
as she had promised. When they arrived at the gate the
fouk o' the clachan had all assembled, and the retainers were
busy arranging them into something like order. Annie
Munro, as pretty as ever, but grown very stout and matron-
like, with a little girl in her arms and three sturdy boys by
her side, had taken up a position beside the Laird's family,
while not far from her could be seen the sharp, thin
features of Janet, Archy Grey's wife. Janet had no
children, and what between her envy of Annie's pretty face
and sturdy weans, and the slight that Tarn put upon her at
Auckmithie Castle, it is certain that she had little love to
spare for any of them."
And now at the mouth of the glen appeared a great
cavalcade of ladies and gentlemen and armed retainers,
riding along in an easy, careless way. Soon they passed
the clachan and approached the gate, where they were
received by a loud, long cheer, which was repeated again
and again. Who is that old gentleman who sits his horse
so well, and who is more vigorous than many younger menl
That is Sir John Carnegie, now about seventy; and that
lady beside him is his daughter, who is married to the
young Laird of Carnoustie.
There is young John, now stout and muscular; and see,
that is Lady Elizabeth who has sprung off her horse, and
is now clasped in the arms of Lady Jeannie. Then there
382
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
is the young Laird of Carnoustie, and who are those behind
him? Strangers surely. Malcolm looks dubiously at them,
and then inquiringly at young John Carnegie, who laughs,
and takes the strange lady and gentleman by the hand, and,
with mock ceremony, says—
"Permit me to introduce to the Laird of Glenogle Sir
Hugh Orr of Dunrod and his lady. Sir Hugh and Lady
Orr, this is the Laird of Glenogle, formerly Malcolm
Ogilvie, our fellow-lodger in the pirates' cave."
" Indeed," said both, clasping each other by the hand, and
scanning each other's ample proportions, "who would have
thought it?"
" Forgive my rudeness, Lady Orr, but I was so astonished,"
said Malcolm. " Sir Hugh and John and I had some rough
experience lodging in that same cave."
" Sir Hugh is never tired telling of the misery he endured
there, and the comfort you were," said Lady Orr. "But if
you had not been captured he would have died there."
"You see, Sir Hugh, one should never despair," said
Malcolm. "Your story has ended very differently from
what you exoecrerf."
"That is true," said Sir Hugh, laughing to his wife; "but
he' ladyship led me a pretty dance, and nearly refused me
fiftOT all. TVe are only now on our wedding jaunt."
Here Lady Jeannie came forward and begged to be
introduced. After the introduction it was shameful to
see the amount of kissing that the ladies wasted on one
THE ABBOT OF ABERBROTHOCK.
383
another, while so many gentlemen were present who might
have been.the recipients. However, it came to an end, and
amidst the shouts and cheers of the retainers, in which Tarn
Glen acted so enthusiastically that he nearly burst a blood
vessel, the company moved on to the mansion.
Here a banquet awaited them. Barrels of ale and joints
of meat were sent out to the retainers and their families, and
in the evening a great bonfire on the hill above the glen told
all the countryside the meeting of the Laird and Lady of
Glenogle with their dearest friends.
Need we say more ? "We think not.
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Crown 8vo, cloth gilt, gilt edges, price 7s. Gd.
Contents:—
Tatting Patterns.
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Crochet Patterns.
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Monogram & Initial Patterns.
Berlin Wool Instructions.
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Crochet Instructions.
Knitting and Netting Instruc-
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Lace Stitches.
Point Lace and Guipure Pat-
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Crewel Work.
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MADAME GOUBAUD'S
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1 Tatting Patterns. With 66 Illustrations.
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6 Cuipure Patterns. With 71 Illustrations.
7 Point Lace Book. With 78 Illustrations.
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1 Berlin Wool Instructions. With 18 Illustrations.
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HOME NEEDLEWORK. With 80 Diagrams. Price Is.
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ART NEEDLEWORK. A Complete Manual of Embroidery
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«s
REFERENCE BOOKS FOR THE PEOPLE.
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*i Beeton's British Gazetteer: A Topographical and
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2 Beeton's British Biography: From the Earliest Times
to the Accession of George III.
3 Beeton's Modern Men -and Women: A British Bio-
graphy, from the Accession of George III. to the Present Time.
*4 Beeton's Bible Dictionary : A Cyclopaedia of the
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GEIKIE'S SCHOOL HISTORY OF ENGLAND.
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Modern research in the Record Office, and study of the ancient
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Child's First Treasure of English Verse. Fcap. 8vo,
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2od
GEIKIE'S SCHOOL SERIES.
Pric
Messrs. Ward, Lock & Co. beg to state that they have
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Approved by the School Boards of London,
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GEIKIE'S SCHOOL SERIES.
Edited by CUNNINGHAM GEIKIE, D.D.
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[Continued on next page. •
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GEIKIE'S READING BOOKS (continued).
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PEPPER'S
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GREAT BODILY STRENGTH,'
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Occasionally used, Greyness impossible.
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DR. J. DOLUS BROWNE'S CHLORODYNE^
The Original and'only Genuine.
IJR 1 onnn\Jf Ell El *s admitted by the Profession to be the most
UnLUnUU V IB In wonderful and valuable remedy ever dis-
All! nnAniffllP is the best remedy known for Coughs, Con-
- E ■ H I IIKIIElYEy r sumption, Bronchitis, Asthma.
UIILvllwl' I ■■"■effectually checks and arrests those too often
&■■■ AnAniflllP fatal diseases, Diphtheria, Eever, Croup, Ague.
I U I llUIIIIwfUII" acts like a charm in Diarrhoea, and is the only
U n LU nUU IllL specific in Cholera and Dysentery.
_____ ____________ effectually cuts short all attacks, of Epilepsy.
P U I II 0 ll B1 II la Hysteria, Palpitation and Spasms.
|j ffl III |1 IIII ¥ la d is the only palliative in Neuralgia, Rheumatism,
Gout, Cancer, Toothache, Meningitis, See.
Earl Russell communicated to the College of Physicians that he had received
a despatch from Her Majesty's Consul at Manilla, to the effect that Cholera has
been raging fearfully, and that the only remedy of any service was Chlotouyne.
—See Lancet, ist Dec., 1864.
CAUTION.—Vice-Chancellor Sir W. Page Wood stated that Dr. J. Collis
Browne was undoubtedly the Inventor of CHLORODYNE ; that the story of
the Defendant Freeman was deliberately untrue, which, he regretted to say, had
been sworn to."—See Times, 13th July, 1864.
Sold in Bottles at is. ijd., 2s. 9d., 4s. 6d., and lis. each None is genuine
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Caution.— Beware of Piracy and Imitations.
Sole Manufacturer:
J. T. DAVENPORT, 33, Great Russell Street, London.
CEMENT for BROKEN ARTICLES, &c.
IEO.U LKES*CE M E NT*
j#AS USED IN ALLTHECOVERNMENT MUSEUMS#
May be used to almost any Substance from Glass and China to Leather,
Wood, or Iron, and the" articles joined bear washing in boiling water.
The large range to which this is applicable, its strength, transparency,
facility and neatness in use, and the readiness with which it adheres,
renders it, without doubt,
THE MOST USEFUL EVER INVENTED
It is equally suited to articles of th£ coarsest or of the most delicate
construction, and will retain its virtues in any climate.
PROFESSOR ARCHER, Edinburgh.
" I have invariably found yours superior to all others^ and have extensively recom-
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Sold by Chemists, in Bottles at 6d. and is. (equalto three small)
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RICHARD SMITH & CO.,
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These Catalogues contain an immense amount of information, and the prices will be'
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VALUABLE FAMILY MEDICINE.
Whelpton's Vegetable Purifying Pills
Are one of those rare Medicines which, for their extraordinary
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and Kidneys; also in Rheumatism, as may be seen from the
ntn-mcnim ! Testimonials published from time to time. By the timely use
edv many of the seriously afflicting disorders, which result from proper
means being negfected, might be avoided and much suffering saved, for "Prevention
is Better than Cure."
Sold in Boxes, price 7id., is. 1 %d., and 2*. gd., by G. WHELPTON & SON,
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Gold Medal, New Zealand, 1882.
pupsi
° i |li Jbniiii^ .THii i )|f
^ ^ SQNEtH
fburi^s
flR
'WGHl
id Tins^anifPacJeetsi
SOLD^EVER YWHERE\
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strongly recom-
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and easily
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COUGHS, COLDS, BRONCHITIS.
FENNINGS'
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Sola in B ixesat is. i|. and"2s. 9d. with
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Direct A. FENNINGS, WestCowes, I.W.
00 NOT LET YOUR CHILD DIE!
Fennings' Children's Powders Prevent
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0 ARE cooling and soothing. Dl
Z FENNINGS' >
jCHiLPoEH'S POWDERS5?
r~ For Children Cutting their Teeth. ■
For Children Cutting their Teeth.
" To prevent Convulsions.
Do not contain Calomel Opium, Morphia,
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twins. i, Sent post free, 15 stamps.
Dirfec* ,V Alfred Fennings,
J-?.1"/ West Cowes, I.W.
Re>'?'FENNINGS' EVERY MOTHER'S
' ' which contains valuable hints on
1 GiSrrjateTeething, Weaning, Sleeping, etc.
"^jMfjroyr^Clieniist for a' Free copy.
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lsJ DO NOT UNflK'/' DIE ! ^ cj
SORE THROATS CURED WITH ONE DOSE ™ O
j=FENN!NC3' FEVER SURER! |o
I± BOWEL COMPLAINTS ourfcd with One Dose. 2 C
PYPHU3 or Low Fever eriretf with Two Doses. «<£« -0
CD JYPrHBEIA eured with T£* e Doses m ™
^ SCARLET FEVER cured with ifvour Doses. O
•-*.> DYSENTERY cured. with Five D : ps.
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