Curiosity faintly stretched herself.

He turned into the inn, took a seat by a corner table, and called for a bottle of wine.

In addition to the soldiers the room had a handful of others--farmers, a lawyer's clerk from Stirling, a petty officer of the excise, and two or three village nondescripts.

From this group there now disengaged himself Robin Greenlaw, who came across to Strickland's table.
"Sit down and have a glass with me," said the latter.

"Who are they ?" "A recruiting party," answered Greenlaw, accepting the invitation.