"I heard of it from Donald," said Lord Menteith, scarce able to suppress a smile.
"Devil take that old man," said M'Aulay, "he would tell every thing, were it to cost one one's life; but it's no jesting matter to you neither, my Lord, for I reckon on your friendly and fraternal benevolence, as a near kinsman of our house, to help me out with the money due to these pock-puddings; or else, to be plain wi' ye, the de'il a M'Aulay will there be at the muster, for curse me if I do not turn Covenanter rather than face these fellows without paying them; and, at the best, I shall be ill enough off, getting both the scaith and the scorn."
"You may suppose, cousin," said Lord Menteith, "I am not too well equipt just now; but you may be assured I shall endeavour to help you as well as I can, for the sake of old kindred, neighbourhood, and alliance."
"Thank ye—thank ye—thank ye," rei-
