You must prepare to attend me, either as a captive or a companion; if as the latter, you must give your parole of honour to attempt no escape.

Should you be so ill advised as to break your word once pledged, be assured that I will blow your brains out without a moment's scruple.' 'I am ignorant of your plans and purposes,' I replied, 'and cannot but hold them dangerous.

I do not mean to aggravate my present situation by any unavailing resistance to the superior force which detains me; but I will not renounce the right of asserting my natural freedom should it favourable opportunity occur.

I will, therefore, rather be your prisoner than your confederate.' 'That is spoken fairly,' he said; 'and yet not without the canny caution of one brought up in the Gude Town of Edinburgh.

On my part, I will impose no unnecessary hardship upon you; but, on the contrary, your journey shall be made as easy as is consistent with your being kept safely.