As the cave was dry, and filled with clean straw and withered fern, 'it made,' as he said, coiling himself up with an air of snugness and comfort which contrasted strangely with his situation, 'unless when the wind was due north, a very passable GITE for an old soldier.' Neither, as he observed, was he without sentries for the purpose of reconnoitring.

Davie and his mother were constantly on the watch, to discover and avert danger; and it was singular what instances of address seemed dictated by the instinctive attachment of the poor simpleton, when his patron's safety was concerned.
With Janet, Edward now sought an interview.

He had recognized her at first sight as the old woman who had nursed him during his sickness after his delivery from Gifted Gilfillan.

The hut, also, though a little repaired, and somewhat better furnished, was certainly the place of his confinement; and he now recollected on the common moor of Tully-Veolan the trunk of a large decayed tree, called the TRYSTING-TREE, which he had no doubt was the same at which the Highlanders rendezvoused on that memorable night.

All this he had combined in his imagination the night before; but reasons, which may probably occur to the reader, prevented him from catechizing Janet in the presence of the Baron.
He now commenced the task in good earnest; and the first question was, Who was the young lady that visited the hut during his illness?
Janet paused for a little; and then observed, that to keep the secret now, would neither do good nor ill to anybody.