The mysterious appearance of Alice, in the cottage of the glen, immediately rushed upon his mind, and he was about to secure and examine the packet which she had deposited among his clothes, when the servant of Colonel Stewart again made his appearance, and took up the portmanteau upon his shoulders.
'May I not take out a change of linen, my friend ?' 'Your honour sall get ane o' the Colonel's ain ruffled sarks, but this maun gang in the baggage-cart.' And so saying, he very coolly carried off the portmanteau, without waiting further remonstrance, leaving our hero in a state where disappointment and indignation struggled for the mastery.

In a few minutes he heard a cart rumble out of the rugged courtyard, and made no doubt that he was now dispossessed, for a space at least, if not for ever, of the only documents which seemed to promise some light upon the dubious events which had of late influenced his destiny.

With such melancholy thoughts he had to beguile about four or five hours of solitude.
When this space was elapsed, the trampling of horse was heard in the courtyard, and Colonel Stewart soon after made his appearance to request his guest to take some further refreshment before his departure.

The offer was accepted, for a late breakfast had by no means left our hero incapable of doing honour to dinner, which was now presented.

The conversation of his host was that of a plain country gentleman, mixed with some soldier-like sentiments and expressions.