The Highland monthly - National Library of Scotland

Scejies oj Lotto Ago. 483
Gillespie had not yet been seen to pass homewards, they,
apparently, made up their minds to spend the following
day at Logroy. They had gone out that morning, and
must have prowled about in the neighbourhood all day.
They did not enter the house until after dark, and they
were then aware that the two riders had sought shelter
under its roof. Before Bessie went to the byre, she had
observed that her master and mistress had retired along
with the Macilvaines to a private room, where she had no
doubt they were plotting mischief against their guests, and
she begged them tc keep a careful watch that night, adding
that she herself would be prepared to leave with them early
on the following morning.
Mark Teviot listened attentively as Gillespie told
his tale in a few hurried sentences. He perceived
that by his sudden ride from Teith Muir, he had
completely thrown the Macilvaines off his track, and
escaped the adroitness of their light-fingered friend, fie
also clearly saw that the constant presence of Gillespie,
who followed him like a shadow, had taken his enemies by
surprise, and disturbed their calculations. But he felt that
he had to do witli men who, in addition to the spirit of
revenge which they cherished against him, were now
rendered desperate by being repeatedly baffled in their evil
designs. He considered that, as the innkeeper of Logroy
was to leave in a day or two, he would be more ready to
become an accomplice in a scheme of robbery which might
replenish his own purse. Mark Teviot and his friend in
these circumstances saw urgent cause to remain all night
on the alert against attack, for the tempest now raged more
violently than ever, and it would have been folly to attempt
the Pass before dawn. As there were a number of drovers in
the house besides the Macilvaines, it seemed most likely
that the thieves would endeavour to carry out their purpose
with as little noise as possible. When it drew near the
hour when he was in the habit of retiring, Mark Teviot
desired some refreshment to be brought in. It was the