When I heard the awfu' threatenings o' the oppressors, I e'en took my cloak about me, and sate down by the wayside, to warn ony of our puir scattered remnant that chanced to come this gate, before they fell into the nets of the spoilers." "Have you a house near this ?" said the stranger; "and can you give me hiding there ?" "I have," said the old woman, "a hut by the way-side, it may be a mile from hence; but four men of Belial, called dragoons, are lodged therein, to spoil my household goods at their pleasure, because I will not wait upon the thowless, thriftless, fissenless ministry of that carnal man, John Halftext, the curate." "Good night, good woman, and thanks for thy counsel," said the stranger, as he rode away.
"The blessings of the promise upon you," returned the old dame; "may He keep you that can keep you." "Amen!" said the traveller; "for where to hide my head this night, mortal skill cannot direct me." "I am very sorry for your distress," said Morton; "and had I a house or place of shelter that could be called my own, I almost think I would risk the utmost rigour of the law rather than leave you in such a strait.

But my uncle is so alarmed at the pains and penalties denounced by the laws against such as comfort, receive, or consort with intercommuned persons, that he has strictly forbidden all of us to hold any intercourse with them." "It is no less than I expected," said the stranger; "nevertheless, I might be received without his knowledge;--a barn, a hay-loft, a cart-shed,--any place where I could stretch me down, would be to my habits like a tabernacle of silver set about with planks of cedar." "I assure you," said Morton, much embarrassed, "that I have not the means of receiving you at Milnwood without my uncle's consent and knowledge; nor, if I could do so, would I think myself justifiable in engaging him unconsciously in danger, which, most of all others, he fears and deprecates." "Well," said the traveller, "I have but one word to say.

Did you ever hear your father mention John Balfour of Burley ?" "His ancient friend and comrade, who saved his life, with almost the loss of his own, in the battle of Longmarston-Moor ?--Often, very often." "I am that Balfour," said his companion.

"Yonder stands thy uncle's house; I see the light among the trees.

The avenger of blood is behind me, and my death certain unless I have refuge there.