cavern, so that they could not long remain concealed, they thought it best to show themselves boldly at once. Amherst advanced with his

gun in his hand, followed by his companion and O'Gollochar; and entering the grand cavern, they perceived four men, who seemed to be not a little surprised at finding the place preoccupied.

The first of these, tall, bony, and athletic, appeared to be of middle age. His air was of itself sufficient to mark him as master, even if his dress had not told the tale for him. He wore a small gold-laced cocked hat, from beneath which an enormous queue of black hair dangled between his broad shoulders. His single-breasted coat was green, and made with a low neck, large skirts, and ample sleeves, and the buttonholes and pocket-covers were garnished with broad gold lace, as was also a red waistcoat, with large flaps hanging over, and half hiding his breeches. These were of doe skin, made to fit very tight, and a pair of high jack-boots, armed with silver chained spurs, with immense rowels, rose above his knees. A long cut-andthrust sword, with a Spanish hilt and guard,

hung at his side, from a broad buff belt, passing diagonally across his breast, and under his coat; and in his hand he flourished a gold-headed cane. His neckcloth and his breast and wrist ruffles were of rich foreign lace, and his whole presence had something in it that bespoke the gentleman.

Amherst's attention was so much occupied in scanning him, that he had only leisure to remark, that his followers were dressed in the Highland garb, and that they were armed with the claymore, and with pistols stuck in their girdles.

On the sudden appearance of Amherst and his party from the recess, the leader started, and the Highlanders laid their hands on their pistols; but after surveying the two gentlemen with one comprehensive glance, he waved his hand to his followers, and gave some order in Gaelic that immediately stayed their hasty violence. He then advanced towards Amherst, with a manner partaking equally of dignity and of complaisance, seasoned with all the ease of a finished man of the world, though, at the same time, not without a tincture of suspicion.

"Your servant, gentlemen," said he with a

bow;

"who are you, may I make so bold as to ask? and what do you here, in this lonely place,

at such an hour?”

66

Perhaps," replied Amherst, "I ought to demand of you, Sir, by what authority I am thus questioned; but as I have no cause for concealment of any kind, I shall not hesitate to satisfy one, who has so much the manner and outward appearance of a gentleman." He then told him his name, and briefly added, that he and his companion were on a voyage of pleasure, and having landed in the neighbourhood, had been guided to the cavern by the light of the fire.

The stranger started involuntarily at the name of Oakenwold. He eyed Amherst keenly, and then, as if recollecting himself, he went up to him, and shaking him cordially by the hand,

"Sir,” said he, "I consider our poor country of Scotland as much beholden to you and your friend, for thus deigning to visit her bleak shores; for, dear as they are to those who have drawn their first breath of life upon them, I must admit, (Scotchman though I be,) that to a son of fertile Kent, they must appear bleak when contrasted with his native fields; though

we, too, have our plains, and to-morrow's sun will show you one almost vying with them in richness. But in return for the politeness with which you have just condescended to answer my perhaps rather impertinent, though, when your arms are considered, somewhat excusable interrogatory, I must tell you that my name is Macgillivray; that I am proprietor of a small estate in the Highlands, some fifty miles from hence; that I am at present on a visit in this neighbourhood; and being engaged to-night in company at a public-house hard by, I walked forth to take a little of the air of this fine evening on the shore, and was, like you, led by the light to enter this cavern. I have now reason to rejoice at my good fortune for thus accidentally bringing me to form so agreeable an acquaintance."

"Public-house, did you say, Sir!" exclaimed Cleaver, whose attention having been rivetted by the word, had followed the speaker no farther," I think you mentioned a public-house? By Heavens, I am glad there is an inn so near. Methinks I already, by anticipation, smell some veal-cutlets done in a nice brown sauce, seasoned

with a clove of garlic, and a little mace. Pray, my dear Sir, have the goodness to order one of your people to guide us to this same hostel; and you will do us the favour to bestow upon us your company at supper, you will add to the obligation."

if

"I will do myself the honour of showing you the way thither myself, gentlemen, with the greatest pleasure," said the stranger; "and my friends will, I am sure, thank me for presenting them with such an addition to their merry party."

So saying, he gave some orders in Gaelic to his men, who, much to the surprise of Amherst and his friend, remained in the cavern, and leading the way, he was followed by the two gentlemen and O'Gollochar.

The stranger first conducted them for a considerable way along the shore, by the foot of the cliffs, in a direction opposite to that leading to the landing-place, and then they wound up by one of those steep and narrow paths frequently found on such bold coasts, where the fishermen are compelled to avail themselves of every practicable breach in the rocky wall to make a pas