A NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE There was a moment's pause when the whole party had got out of the hut; and the Highlander who assumed the command, and who, in Waverley's awakened recollection, seemed to be the same tall figure who had acted as Donald Bean Lean's lieutenant, by whispers and signs imposed the strictest silence.

He delivered to Edward a sword and steel pistol, and, pointing up the tract, laid his hand on the hilt of his own claymore, as if to make him sensible they might have occasion to use force to make good their passage.

He then placed himself at the head of the party, who moved up the pathway in single or Indian file, Waverley being placed nearest to their leader.

He moved with great precaution, as if to avoid giving any alarm, and halted as soon as he came to the verge of the ascent.

Waverley was soon sensible of the reason, for he heard at no great distance an English sentinel call out 'All's well.' The heavy sound sank on the night-wind down the woody glen, and was answered by the echoes of its banks.