Of such loiterers, the prudent took the longer and circuitous, but more open route, to attain their place in the march, by keeping at some distance from the infantry, and making their way through the enclosures to the right, at the expense of leaping over or pulling down the dry-stone fences.

The irregular appearance and vanishing of these small parties of horsemen, as well as the confusion occasioned by those who endeavoured, though generally without effect, to press to the front through the crowd of Highlanders, maugre their curses, oaths, and opposition, added to the picturesque wildness what it took from the military regularity of the scene.
While Waverley gazed upon this remarkable spectacle, rendered yet more impressive by the occasional discharge of cannon-shot from the Castle at the Highland guards as they were withdrawn from its vicinity to join their main body, Callum, with his usual freedom of interference, reminded him that Vich Ian Vohr's folk were nearly at the head of the column of march, which was still distant, and that 'they would gang very fast after the cannon fired.' Thus admonished, Waverley walked briskly forward, yet often easting a glance upon the darksome clouds of warriors who were collected before and beneath him.

A nearer view, indeed, rather diminished the effect impressed on the mind by the more distant appearance of the army.

The leading men of each clan were well armed with broadsword, target, and fusee, to which all added the dirk, and most the steel pistol.

But these consisted of gentlemen, that is, relations of the chief, however distant, and who had an immediate title to his countenance and protection.