THE CONFLICT When Fergus Mac-Ivor and his friend had slept for a few hours, they were awakened, and summoned to attend the Prince.

The distant village-clock was heard to toll three as they hastened to the place where he lay.
He was already surrounded by his principal officers and the chiefs of clans.

A bundle of peas-straw, which had been lately his couch, now served for his seat.

Just as Fergus reached the circle, the consultation had broken up.

'Courage, my brave friends!' said the Chevalier, 'and each one put himself instantly at the head of his command; a faithful friend [See Note 26.] has offered to guide us by a practicable, though narrow and circuitous route, which, sweeping to our right, traverses the broken ground and morass, and enables us to gain the firm and open plain, upon which the enemy are lying.