He cautiously avoided any reference to the military operations or civil politics of the time: and to Waverley's direct inquiries concerning some of these points, replied, that he was not at liberty to speak upon such topics.
When dinner was finished, the governor arose, and, wishing Edward a good journey, said, that having been informed by Waverley's servant that his baggage had been sent forward, he had taken the freedom to supply him with such changes of linen as he might find necessary, till he was again possessed of his own.

With this compliment he disappeared.

A servant acquainted Waverley an instant afterwards, that his horse was ready.
Upon this hint he descended into the courtyard, and found a trooper holding a saddled horse, on which he mounted, and sallied from the portal of Doune Castle, attended by about a score of armed men on horseback.

These had less the appearance of regular soldiers than of individuals who had suddenly assumed arms from some pressing motive of unexpected emergency.

Their uniform, which was blue and red, an affected imitation of that of French chasseurs, was in many respects incomplete, and sat awkwardly upon those who wore it.