"Notinmyhands，"answeredWestburnflat；"yemaysearchthetower，ifyemisdoubtme。"
　　"Youfalsevillain，youshallaccountforher，ordieonthespot，"saidElliot，presentinghisgun。
　　Buthiscompanions，whonowcameup，instantlydisarmedhimofhisweapon，exclaiming，allatonce，"Handandglove！faithandtroth！Haudacare，Hobbiewemaunkeepourfaithwi’
　　Westburnflat，werehethegreatestrogueeverrode。"
　　Thusprotected，theoutlawrecoveredhisaudacity，whichhadbeensomewhatdauntedbythemenacinggestureofElliot。
　　"Ihavekeptmyword，sirs，"hesaid，"andIlooktohavenaewrangamangye。Ifthisisnotheprisoneryesought，"hesaid，addressingEarnscliff，"ye’llrenderherbacktomeagain。Iamanswerableforhertothosethataughther。"
　　"ForGod’ssake，Mr。Earnscliff，protectme！"saidMissVere，clingingtoherdeliverer；"donotyouabandononewhomthewholeworldseemstohaveabandoned。"
　　"Fearnothing，"whisperedEarnscliff，"Iwillprotectyouwithmylife。"ThenturningtoWestburnflat，"Villain！"hesaid，"howdaredyoutoinsultthislady？"
　　"Forthatmatter，Earnscliff，"answeredthefreebooter，"Icananswertothemthathasbetterrighttoaskmethanyouhave；butifyoucomewithanarmedforce，andtakeherawa’fromthemthatherfriendslodgedherwi’，howwillyouanswerTHAT——Butit’syourainaffair——Naesinglemancankeepatoweragainsttwenty——A’themeno’theMearnsdownadomairthantheydow。"
　　"Heliesmostfalsely，"saidIsabella；"hecarriedmeoffbyviolencefrommyfather。"
　　"Maybeheonlywantedyetothinksae，hinny，"repliedtherobber；"butit’snaebusinesso’mine，letitbeasitmay。——Soyewinnaresignherbacktome？"
　　"Backtoyou，fellow？Surelyno，"answeredEarnscliff；"IwillprotectMissVere，andescorthersafelywhereversheispleasedtobeconveyed。"
　　"Ay，ay，maybeyouandherhaesettledthatalready，"saidWillieofWestburnflat。
　　"AndGrace？"interruptedHobbie，shakinghimselfloosefromthefriendswhohadbeenpreachingtohimthesanctityofthesafe-
　　conduct，uponthefaithofwhichthefreebooterhadventuredfromhistower，——"Where’sGrace"andherushedonthemarauder，swordinhand。
　　Westburnflat，thuspressed，aftercallingout，"Godsake，Hobbie，hearmeagliff！"fairlyturnedhisbackandfled。Hismotherstoodreadytoopenandshutthegrate；butHobbiestruckatthefreebooterasheenteredwithsomuchforce，thattheswordmadeaconsiderablecleftinthelintelofthevaulteddoor，whichisstillshownasamemorialofthesuperiorstrengthofthosewholivedinthedaysofyore。EreHobbiecouldrepeattheblow，thedoorwasshutandsecured，andhewascompelledtoretreattohiscompanions，whowerenowpreparingtobreakupthesiegeofWestburnflat。Theyinsisteduponhisaccompanyingthemintheirreturn。
　　"Yehaebrokentrucealready，"saidoldDickoftheDingle；"anwetakenathebettercare，ye’llplaymairgowk’stricks，andmakeyoursellthelaughing-stockofthehaillcountry，besideshavingyourfriendschargedwithslaughterundertrust。BidetillthemeetingatCastleton，asyehaegreed；andifhedisnamakeyeamends，thenwe’llhaeitouto’hisheart’sblood。Butletusgangreasonablytowarkandkeepourtryst，andI’sewarrantwegetbackGrace，andthekyean’a’。"
　　Thiscold-bloodedreasoningwentilldownwiththeunfortunatelover；but，ashecouldonlyobtaintheassistanceofhisneighboursandkinsmenontheirownterms，hewascompelledtoacquiesceintheirnotionsofgoodfaithandregularprocedure。
　　EarnscliffnowrequestedtheassistanceofafewofthepartytoconveyMissVeretoherfather’scastleofEllieslaw，towhichshewasperemptoryindesiringtobeconducted。Thiswasreadilygranted；andfiveorsixyoungmenagreedtoattendhimasanescort。Hobbiewasnotofthenumber。Almostheart-brokenbytheeventsoftheday，andhisfinaldisappointment，hereturnedmoodilyhometotakesuchmeasuresashecouldforthesustenanceandprotectionofhisfamily，andtoarrangewithhisneighboursthefartherstepswhichshouldbeadoptedfortherecoveryofGraceArmstrong。Therestofthepartydispersedindifferentdirections，assoonastheyhadcrossedthemorass。Theoutlawandhismotherwatchedthemfromthetower，untiltheyentirelydisappeared。
　　CHAPTERX。
　　Ileftmyladye’sbowerlastnight——
　　Itwascladinwreathsofsnaw，——
　　I’llseekitwhenthesunisbright，Andsweettherosesblaw。OLDBALLAD。
　　Incensedatwhathedeemedthecoldnessofhisfriends，inacausewhichinterestedhimsonearly，Hobbiehadshakenhimselffreeoftheircompany，andwasnowonhissolitaryroadhomeward。
　　"Thefiendfounderthee！"saidhe，ashespurredimpatientlyhisover-fatiguedandstumblinghorse；"thouartlikea’theresto’
　　them。HaeInotbredthee，andfedthee，anddressedtheewi’
　　mineainhand，andwouldstthousnappernowandbreakmyneckatmyutmostneed？Butthou’rte’enlikethelave——thefarthestoffo’thema’ismycousintentimesremoved，anddayornightIwadhaeservedthemwi’mybestblood；andnow，IthinktheyshowmairregardtothecommonthiefofWestburnflatthantotheirainkinsman。ButIshouldseethelightsnowinHeugh-foot——Wae’sme！"hecontinued，recollectinghimself，"therewillneithercoalnorcandle-lightshineintheHeugh-footonymair！Anitwerenaformymotherandsisters，andpoorGrace，Icouldfindinmyhearttoputspurstothebeast，andloupowerthescaurintothewatertomakeanendo’ta’。"——Inthisdisconsolatemoodheturnedhishorse’sbridletowardsthecottageinwhichhisfamilyhadfoundrefuge。
　　Asheapproachedthedoor，heheardwhisperingandtitteringamongsthissisters。"Thedeevil’sinthewomen，"saidpoorHobbie；"theywouldnicker，andlaugh，andgiggle，iftheirbestfriendwaslyingacorp——andyetIamgladtheycankeepuptheirheartssaeweel，poorsillythings；butthedirdumfa’sonme，tobesure，andnoonthem。"
　　Whilehethusmeditated，hewasengagedinfasteninguphishorseinashed。"Thoumaundowithouthorse-sheetandsurcinglenow，lad，"hesaid，addressingtheanimal；"youandmehaehadadowncomealike；wehadbetterhaefa’eni，thedeepestpoolo’
　　Tarras。"
　　Hewasinterruptedbytheyoungestofhissisters，whocamerunningout，and，speakinginaconstrainedvoice，asiftostiflesomeemotion，calledouttohim，"Whatareyedoingthere，Hobbie，fiddlingaboutthenaig，andthere’sanefraeCumberlandbeenwaitinghereforyethishourandmair？Hasteyein，man；
　　I’lltakeoffthesaddle。"
　　"AnefraeCumberland！"exclaimedElliot；andputtingthebridleofhishorseintothehandofhissister，herushedintothecottage。"Whereishe？whereishe！"heexclaimed，glancingeagerlyaround，andseeingonlyfemales；"DidhebringnewsofGrace？"
　　"Hedoughtnabideaninstantlanger，"saidtheeldersister，stillwithasuppressedlaugh。
　　"Houtfie，bairns！"saidtheoldlady，withsomethingofagood-
　　humouredreproof，"yeshouldnavexyourbillyHobbiethatway。——
　　Lookround，mybairn，andseeifthereisnaaneheremairthanyeleftthismorning。"
　　Hobbielookedeagerlyround。"There’syou，andthethreetitties。"
　　"There’sfourofusnow，Hobbie，lad，"saidtheyoungest，whoatthismomententered。
　　InaninstantHobbiehadinhisarmsGraceArmstrong，who，withoneofhissister’splaidsaroundher，hadpassedunnoticedathisfirstentrance。"Howdaredyoudothis？"saidHobbie。
　　"Itwasnamyfault，"saidGrace，endeavouringtocoverherfacewithherhandstohideatonceherblushes，andescapethestormofheartykisseswithwhichherbridegroompunishedhersimplestratagem，——"Itwasnamyfault，Hobbie；yeshouldkissJeanieandtheresto’them，fortheyhaethewyteo’t。"
　　"AndsoIwill，"saidHobbie，andembracedandkissedhissistersandgrandmotherahundredtimes，whilethewholepartyhalf-
　　laughed，half-cried，intheextremityoftheirjoy。"Iamthehappiestman，"saidHobbie，throwinghimselfdownonaseat，almostexhausted，——"Iamthehappiestmanintheworld！"
　　"Then，Omydearbairn，"saidthegoodolddame，wholostnoopportunityofteachingherlessonofreligionatthosemomentswhentheheartwasbestopentoreceiveit，——"Then，Omyson，givepraisetoHimthatbringssmilesouto’tearsandjoyouto’
　　grief，asHebroughtlightouto’darknessandtheworldouto’
　　naething。Wasitnotmyword，thatifyecouldsayHiswillbedone，yemighthaecausetosayHisnamebepraised？"
　　"Itwas——itwasyourword，grannie；andIdopraiseHimforHismercy，andforleavingmeagoodparentwhenmyainweregane，"
　　saidhonestHobbie，takingherhand，"thatputsmeinmindtothinkofHim，baithinhappinessanddistress。"
　　Therewasasolemnpauseofoneortwominutesemployedintheexerciseofmentaldevotion，whichexpressed，inpurityandsincerity，thegratitudeoftheaffectionatefamilytothatProvidencewhohadunexpectedlyrestoredtotheirembracesthefriendwhomtheyhadlost。
　　Hobbie’sfirstenquirieswereconcerningtheadventureswhichGracehadundergone。Theyweretoldatlength，butamountedinsubstancetothis：——Thatshewasawakedbythenoisewhichtheruffiansmadeinbreakingintothehouse，andbytheresistancemadebyoneortwooftheservants，whichwassoonoverpowered；
　　that，dressingherselfhastily，sherandownstairs，andhavingseen，inthescuffle，Westburnflat’svizarddropoff，imprudentlynamedhimbyhisname，andbesoughthimformercy；thattheruffianinstantlystoppedhermouth，draggedherfromthehouse，andplacedheronhorseback，behindoneofhisassociates。
　　"I’llbreaktheaccursedneckofhim，"saidHobbie，"iftherewerenaanotherGraemeinthelandbuthimsell！"
　　Sheproceededtosay，thatshewascarriedsouthwardalongwiththeparty，andthespoilwhichtheydrovebeforethem，untiltheyhadcrossedtheBorder。Suddenlyaperson，knowntoherasakinsmanofWestburnflat，cameridingveryfastafterthemarauders，andtoldtheirleader，thathiscousinhadlearntfromasurehandthatnoluckwouldcomeofit，unlessthelasswasrestoredtoherfriends。Aftersomediscussion，thechiefofthepartyseemedtoacquiesce。Gracewasplacedbehindhernewguardian，whopursuedinsilence，andwithgreatspeed，theleast-frequentedpathtotheHeugh-foot，andereeveningclosed，setdownthefatiguedandterrifieddamselwithinaquarterofamileofthedwellingofherfriends。Manyandsincerewerethecongratulationswhichpassedonallsides。
　　Astheseemotionssubsided，lesspleasingconsiderationsbegantointrudethemselves。
　　"Thisisamiserableplaceforyea’，"saidHobbie，lookingaroundhim；"Icansleepweeleneughmyselloutbybesidethenaig，asIhaedonemonyalangnightonthehills；buthowyearetoputyoursellsup，Icannasee！Andwhat’swaur，Icannamendit；andwhat’swaurthana’，themornmaycome，andthedayafterthat，withoutyourbeingabitbetteroff。"
　　"Itwasacowardlycruelthing，"saidoneofthesisters，lookinground，"toharryapuirfamilytothebarewa’sthisgate。"
　　"Andleaveusneitherstirknorstot，"saidtheyoungestbrother，whonowentered，"norsheepnorlamb，noraughtthateatsgrassandcorn。"
　　"Iftheyhadonyquarrelwi’us，"saidHarry，thesecondbrother，"werewenareadytohavefoughtitout？Andthatweshouldhavebeena’fraehame，too，——aneanda’uponthehill——Odd，anwehadbeenathame，WillGraeme’sstamachshouldnahaewanteditsmorning；butit’sbidinghim，isitna，Hobbie？"
　　"OurneighbourshaetaenadayattheCastletontogreewi’himatthesighto’men，"saidHobbie，mournfully；"theybehovedtohaveita’theiraingate，ortherewasnaehelptobegotattheirhands。"
　　"Togreewi’him！"exclaimedbothhisbrothersatonce，"aftersiccananactofstouthrifeashasnabeenheardo’inthecountrysincetheauldridingdays！"
　　"Verytrue，billies，andmybloodwase’enboilingatit；butthesighto’GraceArmstronghassettleditbrawly。"
　　"Butthestocking，Hobbie’"saidJohnElliot；"we’reutterlyruined。HarryandIhaebeentogatherwhatwasontheoutbyland，andthere’sscarceaclootleft。Ikennahowwe’retocarryon——Wemauna’gangtothewars，Ithink。Westburnflathasnathemeans，e’enifhehadthewill，tomakeupourloss；
　　there’snaemendstobegotouto’him，butwhatyetakeouto’
　　hisbanes。Hehasnaafour-footedcreaturebuttheviciousbloodthingherideson，andthat’ssairtrash’dwi’hisnightwark。
　　Weareruinedstoopandroop。"
　　HobbiecastamournfulglanceonGraceArmstrong，whoreturneditwithadowncastlookandagentlesigh。
　　"Dinnabecastdown，bairns，"saidthegrandmother，"wehaegudefriendsthatwinnaforsakeusinadversity。There’sSirThomasKittleloofismythirdcousinbythemother’sside，andhehascomebyahantlesiller，andbeenmadeaknight-baronetintothebargain，forbeinganeo’thecommissionersattheUnion。"
　　"Hewadnagieabodletosaveusfraefamishing，"saidHobbie；
　　"and，ifhedid，thebreadthatIboughtwi’twouldstickinmythroat，whenIthoughtitwaspartofthepriceofpuirauldScotland’scrownandindependence。"
　　"There’stheLairdo’Dunder，aneo’theauldestfamiliesinTiviotdale。"
　　"He’sinthetolbooth，mother——he’sintheHeartofMid-LoudenforathousandmerkheborrowedfromSaundersWyliecoatthewriter。"
　　"Poorman！"exclaimedMrs。Elliot，"canwenosendhimsomething，Hobbie？"
　　"Yeforget，grannie，yeforgetwewanthelpoursells，"saidHobbie，somewhatpeevishly。
　　"TrothdidI，hinny，"repliedthegood-naturedlady，"justattheinstant；it’ssaenaturaltothinkonane’sbluderelationsbeforethemsells；——Butthere’syoungEarnscliff。"
　　"Hehasowerlittleo’hisain；andsiccananametokeepup，itwadbeashame，"saidHobbie，"toburdenhimwi’ourdistress。
　　AndI’lltellye，grannie，it’sneedlesstositrhymingowerthestyleofa’yourkith，kin，andallies，asiftherewasacharmintheirbrawnamestodousgood；thegrandeeshaeforgottenus，andthoseofouraindegreehaejustlittleeneughtogangonwi’
　　themsells；ne’erafriendhaewethatcan，orwill，helpustostockthefarmagain。"
　　"Then，Hobbie，memauntrustinHimthatcanraiseupfriendsandfortuneouto’thebaremoor，astheysay。"
　　Hobbiesprunguponhisfeet。"Yeareright，grannie！"heexclaimed；"yeareright。Idokenafriendonthebaremoor，thatbaithcanandwillhelpus——Theturnso’thisdayhaedungmyheadcleanhirdie-girdie。IleftasmucklegowdlyingonMucklestane-MoorthismorningaswouldplenishthehouseandstocktheHeugh-foottwiceower，andIamcertainsureElshiewadnagrudgeustheuseofit。"
　　"Elshie！"saidhisgrandmotherinastonishment；"whatElshiedoyoumean？"
　　"WhatElshieshouldImean，butCannyElshie，theWighto’
　　Mucklestane，"repliedHobbie。
　　"Godforfend，mybairn，youshouldgangtofetchwaterouto’
　　brokencisterns，orseekforrelieffraethemthatdealwi’theEvilOne！Therewasneverluckintheirgifts，norgraceintheirpaths。AndthehaillcountrykensthatbodyElshie’sanuncoman。O，iftherewasthelaw，andthedoucequietadministrationofjustice，thatmakesakingdomflourishinrighteousness，thelikeo’themsuldnabesufferedtolive！Thewizardandthewitcharetheabominationandtheevilthingintheland。"
　　"Troth，mother，"answeredHobbie，"yemaysaywhatyelike，butI
　　aminthemindthatwitchesandwarlockshavenahalfthepowertheyhadlangsyne；atleast，sureamI，thataeill-deviser，likeauldEllieslaw，oraeill-doer，likethatd——dvillainWestburnflat，isagreaterplagueandabominationinacountry-
　　sidethanahaillcurnieo’thewarstwitchesthatevercaperedonabroomstick，orplayedcantripsonFastern’sE’en。ItwadhaebeenlangorElshiehadburntdownmyhouseandbarns，andI
　　amdeterminedtotryifhewilldoaughttobuildthemupagain。
　　He’sweelkendaskilfu’manowera’thecountry，asfarasBroughunderStanmore。"
　　"Bideawee，mybairn；mindhisbenefitshavenathrivenwi’
　　a’body。JockHowdendiedo’theverysamedisorderElshiepretendedtocurehimof，aboutthefa’o’theleaf；andthoughhehelpedLambside’scowweelouto’themoor-ill，yetthelouping-ill’sbeensaireramane；hissheepthanonyseasonbefore。AndthenIhaveheardheusessicwordsabusinghumannature，that’slikeafleeinginthefaceofProvidence；andyemindyesaidyoursell，thefirsttimeyeeversawhim，thathewasmairlikeaboglethanalivingthing。"
　　"Hout，mother，"saidHobbie，"Elshie’snothatbadachield；he’sagrewsomespectacleforacrookeddisciple，tobesure，andaroughtalker，buthisbarkiswaurthanhisbite；sae，ifIhadanessomethingtoeat，forIhavenahadamorselowermythroatthisday，Iwadstreekmyselldownfortwaorthreehoursasidethebeast，andbeonandawa’toMucklestanewi’thefirstskreigho’morning。"
　　"Andwhatfornothenight，Hobbie，"saidHarry，"andIwillridewi’ye？"
　　"Mynaigistired，"saidHobbie。
　　"Yemaytakemine，then，"saidJohn。
　　"ButIamaweethingweariedmysell。"
　　"Youwearied？"saidHarry；"shameonye！Ihavekendyekeepthesaddlefour-and-twentyhoursthegither，andne’ersicawordaswearinessinyourwame。"
　　"Thenight’sverydark，"saidHobbie，risingandlookingthroughthecasementofthecottage；"and，tospeaktruth，andshamethedeil，thoughElshie’sarealhonestfallow，yetsomegateIwouldrathertakedaylightwi’mewhenIgangtovisithim。"
　　Thisfrankavowalputastoptofurtherargument；andHobbie，havingthuscompromisedmattersbetweentherashnessofhisbrother’scounsel，andthetimidcautionswhichhereceivedfromhisgrandmother，refreshedhimselfwithsuchfoodasthecottageafforded；and，afteracordialsalutationallround，retiredtotheshed，andstretchedhimselfbesidehistrustypalfrey。Hisbrotherssharedbetweenthemsometrussesofcleanstraw，disposedinthestallusuallyoccupiedbyoldAnnaple’scow；andthefemalesarrangedthemselvesforreposeaswellastheaccommodationsofthecottagewouldpermit。
　　Withthefirstdawnofmorning，Hobbiearose；and，havingrubbeddownandsaddledhishorse，hesetforthtoMucklestane-Moor。Heavoidedthecompanyofeitherofhisbrothers，fromanideathattheDwarfwasmostpropitioustothosewhovisitedhimalone。
　　"Thecreature，"saidhetohimself，ashewentalong，"isnoneighbourly；aebodyatatimeisfullymairthanheweelcanabide。Iwonderifhe’slookedouto’thecribo’himtogatherupthebago’siller。Ifhehasnadonethat，itwillhaebeenabrawwindfa’forsomebody，andI’llbefinelyflung。——Come，Tarras，"saidhetohishorse，strikinghimatthesametimewithhisspur，"makemairfit，man；wemaunbefirstonthefieldifwecan。"
　　Hewasnowontheheath，whichbegantobeilluminatedbythebeamsoftherisingsun；thegentledeclivitywhichhewasdescendingpresentedhimadistinct，thoughdistantview，oftheDwarf’sdwelling。Thedooropened，andHobbiewitnessedwithhisowneyesthatphenomenonwhichhehadfrequentlyheardmentioned。
　　Twohumanfigures（ifthatoftheDwarfcouldbetermedsuch）
　　issuedfromthesolitaryabodeoftheRecluse，andstoodasifinconversetogetherintheopenair。Thetallerformthenstooped，asiftakingsomethingupwhichlaybesidethedoorofthehut，thenbothmovedforwardalittleway，andagainhalted，asindeepconference。AllHobbie’ssuperstitiousterrorsrevivedonwitnessingthis’spectacle。ThattheDwarfwouldopenhisdwellingtoamortalguest，wasasimprobableasthatanyonewouldchoosevoluntarilytobehisnocturnalvisitor；and，underfullconvictionthathebeheldawizardholdingintercoursewithhisfamiliarspirit，Hobbiepulledinatoncehisbreathandhisbridle，resolvednottoincurtheindignationofeitherbyahastyintrusionontheirconference。Theywereprobablyawareofhisapproach，forhehadnothaltedforamomentbeforetheDwarfreturnedtohiscottage；andthetallerfigurewhohadaccompaniedhim，glidedroundtheenclosureofthegarden，andseemedtodisappearfromtheeyesoftheadmiringHobbie。
　　"Sawevermortalthelikeo’that！"saidElliot；"butmycaseisdesperate，sae，ifhewereBeelzebubhimsell，I’seventuredownthebraeonhim。"
　　Yet，notwithstandinghisassumedcourage，heslackenedhispace，when，nearlyupontheveryspotwherehehadlastseenthetallfigure，hediscerned，asiflurkingamongthelongheather，asmallblackrough-lookingobject，likeaterrierdog。
　　"HehasnaedogthateverIheardof，"saidHobbie，"butmonyadeilabouthishand——lordforgiemeforsayingsicaword！——Itkeepsitsgrund，bewhatitlike——I’mjudgingit’sabadger；butwhaekenswhatshapesthaebogieswilltaketofrightabody？itwillmaybestartuplikealionoracrocodilewhenIcomenearer。I’see’endriveastageatit，forifitchangeitsshapewhenI’mowernear，Tarraswillneverstandit；anditwillbeowermuckletohaehimandthedeiltofightwi’baithatance。"
　　Hethereforecautiouslythrewastoneattheobject，whichcontinuedmotionless。"It’snaelivingthing，aftera’，"saidHobbie，approaching，"buttheverybago’sillerheflungouto’
　　thewindowyesterday！andthatotherqueerlangcreaturehasjustbroughtitsaemucklefartheronthewaytome。Hethenadvancedandliftedtheheavyfurpouch，whichwasquitefullofgold。"Mercyonus！"saidHobbie，whoseheartflutteredbetweengleeattherevivalofhishopesandprospectsinlife，andsuspicionofthepurposeforwhichthisassistancewasaffordedhim——-"Mercyonus！it’sanawfu’thingtotouchwhathasbeensaelatelyintheclawsofsomethingnocanny，Icannashakemyselllooseo’thebeliefthattherehasbeensomejookery-
　　paukeryofSatan’sina’this；butIamdeterminedtoconductmyselllikeanhonestmanandagoodChristian，comeo’twhatwill。"
　　Headvancedaccordinglytothecottagedoor，andhavingknockedrepeatedlywithoutreceivinganyanswer，heatlengthelevatedhisvoiceandaddressedtheinmateofthehut。"Elshie！FatherElshie！Ikenye’rewithindoors，andwauking，forIsawyeatthedoor-cheekasIcamowerthebent；willyecomeoutandspeakjustaglifftoanethathasmonythankstogieye？——Itwasa’
　　trueyetell’dmeaboutWestburnflat；buthe’ssentbackGracesafeandskaithless，saethere’snaeillhappenedyetbutwhatmaybesufferedorsustained；——Wadyebutcomeoutagliff；man，orbutsayye’relistening？——Aweel，sinceyewinnaanswer，I’see’enproceedwi’mytale。YeseeIhaebeenthinkingitwadbeasairthingontwayoungfolk，likeGraceandme，toputaffourmarriageformonyyearstillIwasabroadandcamebackagainwi’
　　somegear；andtheysayfolkmaunnatakebootyinthewarsastheydidlangsyne，andthequeen’spayisasma’matter；there’snaegatheringgearonthat——andthenmygrandame’sauld——andmysisterswadsitpeengin’attheingle-sideforwanto’metodingthemabout——andEarnscliff，ortheneighbourhood，ormaybeyourainsell，Elshie，mightwantsomegoodturnthatHobElliotcoulddoye——andit’sapitythattheauldhouseo’theHeugh-footshouldbewreckeda’thegither。SaeIwasthinking——butdeilhaeme，thatIshouldsaysae，"continuedhe，checkinghimself，"ifI
　　canbringmyselltoaskafavourofanethatwinnasaemuckleaswareawordonme，totellmeifhehearsmespeakingtillhim。"
　　"Saywhatthouwilt——dowhatthouwilt，"answeredtheDwarffromhiscabin，"butbegone，andleavemeatpeace。"
　　"Weel，weel，"repliedElliot，"sinceyearewillingtohearme，I’semakemytaleshort。SinceyearesaekindastosayyearecontenttolendmeasmucklesilleraswillstockandplenishtheHeugh-foot，Iamcontent，onmypart，toacceptthecourtesywi’
　　monykindthanks；andtroth，Ithinkitwillbeassafeinmyhandsasyours，ifyeleaveitflungaboutinthatgateforthefirstloonbodytolift，forbyetherisko’badneighboursthatcanwinthroughsteekitdoorsandlockfastplaces，asIcantelltomycost。Isay，sinceyehaesaemuckleconsiderationforme，I’sebeblithetoacceptyourkindness；andmymotherandme（she’salife-renter，andIamfiar，o’thelandso’Wideopen）
　　wouldgrantyouawadset，oranheritablebond，forthesiller，andtopaytheannualrenthalf-yearly；andSaundersWyliecoattodrawthebond，andyoutobeatnaechargewi’thewritings。"
　　"Cutshortthyjargon，andbegone，"saidtheDwarf；"thyloquaciousbull-headedhonestymakestheeamoreintolerableplaguethanthelight-fingeredcourtierwhowouldtakeaman’sallwithouttroublinghimwitheitherthanks，explanation，orapology。Hence，Isay！thouartoneofthosetameslaveswhosewordisasgoodastheirbond。Keepthemoney，principalandinterest，untilIdemanditofthee。"
　　"But，"continuedthepertinaciousBorderer，"wearea’life-likeanddeath-like，Elshie，andtherereallyshouldbesomeblackandwhiteonthistransaction。Saejustmakemeaminute，ormissive，inonyformyelike，andI’sewriteitfairower，andsubscribeitbeforefamouswitnesses。Only，Elshie，Iwadwussyetopitnaethingin’tthatmaybeprejudicialtomysalvation；
　　forI’llhaetheministertoreaditower，anditwadonlybeexposingyourselltonaepurpose。AndnowI’mgangingawa’，forye’llbeweariedo’mycracks，andIamweariedwi’crackingwithoutananswer——andI’sebringyeabito’bride’s-cakeaneo’
　　thaedays，andmaybebringGracetoseeyou。YewadliketoseeGrace，man，forasdourasyeare——Eh，LordIIwishhemaybeweel，thatwasasairgrane！or，maybe，hethoughtIwasspeakingofheavenlygrace，andnoofGraceArmstrong。Poorman，Iamverydoubtfu’o’hiscondition；butIamsureheisaskindtomeasifIwerehisson，andaqueer-lookingfatherIwadhaehad，ifthathadbeene’ensae。"
　　Hobbienowrelievedhisbenefactorofhispresence，androdeblithelyhometodisplayhistreasure，andconsultuponthemeansofrepairingthedamagewhichhisfortunehadsustainedthroughtheaggressionoftheRedReiverofWestburnflat。
　　CHAPTERXI。
　　Threeruffiansseizedmeyestermorn，Alas！amaidenmostforlorn；
　　Theychokedmycrieswithwickedmight，Andboundmeonapalfreywhite：
　　AssureasHeavenshallpityme，Icannottellwhatmentheybe。CHRISTABELLE。
　　Thecourseofourstorymusthererevertalittle，todetailthecircumstanceswhichhadplacedMissVereintheunpleasantsituationfromwhichshewasunexpectedly，andindeedunintentionallyliberated，bytheappearanceofEarnscliffandElliot，withtheirfriendsandfollowers，beforetheTowerofWestburnflat。
　　OnthemorningprecedingthenightinwhichHobbie’shousewasplunderedandburnt，MissVerewasrequestedbyherfathertoaccompanyhiminawalkthroughadistantpartoftheromanticgroundswhichlayroundhiscastleofEllieslaw。"Tohearwastoobey，"inthetruestyleofOrientaldespotism；butIsabellatrembledinsilencewhileshefollowedherfatherthroughroughpaths，nowwindingbythesideoftheriver，nowascendingthecliffswhichserveforitsbanks。Asingleservant，selectedperhapsforhisstupidity，wastheonlypersonwhoattendedthem。
　　Fromherfather’ssilence，IsabellalittledoubtedthathehadchosenthisdistantandsequesteredscenetoresumetheargumentwhichtheyhadsofrequentlymaintaineduponthesubjectofSirFrederick’saddresses，andthathewasmeditatinginwhatmannerheshouldmosteffectuallyimpressuponherthenecessityofreceivinghimashersuitor。Butherfearsseemedforsometimetobeunfounded。Theonlysentenceswhichherfatherfromtimetotimeaddressedtoher，respectedthebeautiesoftheromanticlandscapethroughwhichtheystrolled，andwhichvarieditsfeaturesateverystep。Totheseobservations，althoughtheyseemedtocomefromaheartoccupiedbymoregloomyaswellasmoreimportantcares，Isabellaendeavouredtoanswerinamannerasfreeandunconstrainedasitwaspossibleforhertoassume，amidtheinvoluntaryapprehensionswhichcrowdeduponherimagination。
　　Sustainingwithmutualdifficultyadesultoryconversation，theyatlengthgainedthecentreofasmallwood，composedoflargeoaks，intermingledwithbirches，mountain-ashes，hazel，holly，andavarietyofunderwood。Theboughsofthetalltreesmetcloselyabove，andtheunderwoodfilledupeachintervalbetweentheirtrunksbelow。Thespotonwhichtheystoodwasrathermoreopen；still，however，emboweredunderthenaturalarcadeoftalltrees，anddarkenedonthesidesforaspacearoundbyagreatandlivelygrowthofcopse-woodandbushes。
　　"Andhere，Isabella，"saidMr。Vere，ashepursuedtheconversation，sooftenresumed，sooftendropped，"hereIwoulderectanaltartoFriendship。"
　　"ToFriendship，sir！"saidMissVere；"andwhyonthisgloomyandsequesteredspot，ratherthanelsewhere？"
　　"O，theproprietyoftheLOCALEiseasilyvindicated，"repliedherfather，withasneer。"Youknow，MissVere（foryou，Iamwellaware，arealearnedyounglady），youknow，thattheRomanswerenotsatisfiedwithembodying，forthepurposeofworship，eachusefulqualityandmoralvirtuetowhichtheycouldgiveaname；butthey，moreover，worshippedthesameundereachvarietyoftitlesandattributeswhichcouldgiveadistinctshade，orindividualcharacter，tothevirtueinquestion。Now，forexample，theFriendshiptowhomatempleshouldbeherededicated，isnotMasculineFriendship，whichabhorsanddespisesduplicity，art，anddisguise；butFemaleFriendship，whichconsistsinlittleelsethanamutualdispositiononthepartofthefriends，astheycallthemselves，toabeteachotherinobscurefraudandpettyintrigue。"
　　"Youaresevere，sir，"saidMissVere。
　　"Onlyjust，"saidherfather；"ahumblecopierIamfromnature，withtheadvantageofcontemplatingtwosuchexcellentstudiesasLucyIldertonandyourself。"
　　"IfIhavebeenunfortunateenoughtooffend，sir，IcanconscientiouslyexcuseMissIldertonfrombeingeithermycounsellororconfidante。"
　　"Indeed！howcameyou，then，"saidMr。Vere，"bytheflippancyofspeech，andpertnessofargument，bywhichyouhavedisgustedSirFrederick，andgivenmeoflatesuchdeepoffence？"
　　"Ifmymannerhasbeensounfortunateastodispleaseyou，sir，itisimpossibleformetoapologizetoodeeply，ortoosincerely；butIcannotconfessthesamecontritionforhavingansweredSirFrederickflippantlywhenhepressedmerudely。
　　SinceheforgotIwasalady，itwastimetoshowhimthatIamatleastawoman。"
　　"Reserve，then，yourpertnessforthosewhopressyouonthetopic，Isabella，"saidherfathercoldly；"formypart，Iamwearyofthesubject，andwillneverspeakuponitagain。"
　　"Godblessyou，mydearfather，"saidIsabella，seizinghisreluctanthand"thereisnothingyoucanimposeonme，savethetaskoflisteningtothisman’spersecution，thatIwillcall，orthink，ahardship。"
　　"Youareveryobliging，MissVere，whenithappenstosuityoutobedutiful，"saidherunrelentingfather，forcinghimselfatthesametimefromtheaffectionategraspofherhand；"buthenceforward，child，Ishallsavemyselfthetroubleofofferingyouunpleasantadviceonanytopic。Youmustlooktoyourself。"
　　Atthismomentfourruffiansrusheduponthem。Mr。Vereandhisservantdrewtheirhangers，whichitwasthefashionofthetimetowear，andattemptedtodefendthemselvesandprotectIsabella。
　　Butwhileeachofthemwasengagedbyanantagonist，shewasforcedintothethicketbythetworemainingvillains，whoplacedherandthemselvesonhorseswhichstoodreadybehindthecopse-
　　wood。Theymountedatthesametime，and，placingherbetweenthem，setofataroundgallop，holdingthereinsofherhorseoneachside。Bymanyanobscureandwindingpath，overdaleanddown，throughmossandmoor，shewasconveyedtothetowerofWestburnflat，wheresheremainedstrictlywatched，butnototherwiseill-treated，undertheguardianshipoftheoldwoman，towhosesonthatretreatbelonged。NoentreatiescouldprevailuponthehagtogiveMissVereanyinformationontheobjectofherbeingcarriedforciblyoff，andconfinedinthissecludedplace。ThearrivalofEarnscliff，withastrongpartyofhorsemen，beforethetower，alarmedtherobber。AshehadalreadydirectedGraceArmstrongtoberestoredtoherfriends，itdidnotoccurtohimthatthisunwelcomevisitwasonheraccount；andseeingattheheadoftheparty，Earnscliff，whoseattachmenttoMissVerewaswhisperedinthecountry，hedoubtednotthatherliberationwasthesoleobjectoftheattackuponhisfastness。Thedreadofpersonalconsequencescompelledhimtodeliveruphisprisonerinthemannerwehavealreadyrelated。
　　AtthemomentthetrampofhorseswasheardwhichcarriedoffthedaughterofEllieslaw，herfatherfelltotheearth，andhisservant，astoutyoungfellow，whowasgaininggroundontheruffianwithwhomhehadbeenengaged，leftthecombattocometohismaster’sassistance，littledoubtingthathehadreceivedamortalwound，Boththevillainsimmediatelydesistedfromfarthercombat，and，retreatingintothethicket，mountedtheirhorses，andwentoffatfullspeedaftertheircompanions。Meantime，DixonhadthesatisfactiontofindMr。Verenotonlyalive，butunwounded。Hehadoverreachedhimself，andstumbled，itseemed，overtherootofatree，inmakingtooeagerablowathisantagonist。Thedespairhefeltathisdaughter’sdisappearance，was，inDixon’sphrase，suchaswouldhavemeltedtheheartofawhinstane，andhewassomuchexhaustedbyhisfeelings，andthevainresearcheswhichhemadetodiscoverthetrackoftheravishers，thataconsiderabletimeelapsederehereachedhome，andcommunicatedthealarmtohisdomestics。
　　Allhisconductandgestureswerethoseofadesperateman。
　　"Speaknottome，SirFrederick，"hesaidimpatiently；"Youarenofather——shewasmychild，anungratefulone！Ifear，butstillmychild——myonlychild。WhereisMissIlderton？shemustknowsomethingofthis。ItcorrespondswithwhatIwasinformedofherschemes。Go，Dixon，callRatcliffehereLethimcomewithoutaminute’sdelay。"Thepersonhehadnamedatthismomententeredtheroom。
　　"Isay，Dixon，"continuedMr。Vere，inanalteredtone，"letMr。
　　Ratcliffeknow，Ibegthefavourofhiscompanyonparticularbusiness。——Ah！mydearsir，"heproceeded，asifnoticinghimforthefirsttime，"youaretheverymanwhoseadvicecanbeoftheutmostservicetomeinthiscruelextremity。"
　　"Whathashappened，Mr。Vere，todiscomposeyou？"saidMr，Ratcliffe，gravely；andwhiletheLairdofEllieslawdetailstohim，withthemostanimatedgesturesofgriefandindignation，thesingularadventureofthemorning，weshalltaketheopportunitytoinformourreadersoftherelativecircumstancesinwhichthesegentlemenstoodtoeachother。
　　Inearlyyouth，Mr。VereofEllieslawhadbeenremarkableforacareerofdissipation，which，inadvancedlife，hehadexchangedforthenolessdestructivecareerofdarkandturbulentambition。Inbothcases，hehadgratifiedthepredominantpassionwithoutrespecttothediminutionofhisprivatefortune，although，wheresuchinducementswerewanting，hewasdeemedclose，avaricious，andgrasping。Hisaffairsbeingmuchembarrassedbyhisearlierextravagance，hewenttoEngland，wherehewasunderstoodtohaveformedaveryadvantageousmatrimonialconnexion。Hewasmanyyearsabsentfromhisfamilyestate。Suddenlyandunexpectedlyhereturnedawidower，bringingwithhimhisdaughter，thenagirlofabouttenyearsold。Fromthismomenthisexpenseseemedunbounded，intheeyesofthesimpleinhabitantsofhisnativemountains。Itwassupposedhemustnecessarilyhaveplungedhimselfdeeplyindebt。
　　Yethecontinuedtoliveinthesamelavishexpense，untilsomemonthsbeforethecommencementofournarrative，whenthepublicopinionofhisembarrassedcircumstanceswasconfirmed，bytheresidenceofMr。RatcliffeatEllieslawCastle，who，bythetacitconsent，thoughobviouslytothegreatdispleasure，ofthelordofthemansion，seemed，fromthemomentofhisarrival，toassumeandexerciseapredominantandunaccountableinfluenceinthemanagementofhisprivateaffairs。
　　Mr。Ratcliffewasagrave，steady，reservedman，inanadvancedperiodoflife。Tothosewithwhomhehadoccasiontospeakuponbusiness，heappeareduncommonlywellversedinallitsforms。
　　Withothersheheldlittlecommunication；butinanycasualintercourse，orconversation，displayedthepowersofanactiveandwell-informedmind。Forsometimebeforetakinguphisfinalresidenceatthecastle，hehadbeenanoccasionalvisitorthere，andwasatsuchtimestreatedbyMr。Vere（contrarytohisgeneralpracticetowardsthosewhowereinferiortohiminrank）
　　withmarkedattention，andevendeference。Yethisarrivalalwaysappearedtobeanembarrassmenttohishost，andhisdeparturearelief；sothat，whenhebecameaconstantinmateofthefamily，itwasimpossiblenottoobserveindicationsofthedispleasurewithwhichMr。Vereregardedhispresence。Indeed，theirintercourseformedasingularmixtureofconfidenceandconstraint。Mr。Vere’smostimportantaffairswereregulatedbyMr。Ratcliffe；andalthoughhewasnoneofthoseindulgentmenoffortune，who，tooindolenttomanagetheirownbusiness，aregladtodevolveituponanother，yet，inmanyinstances，hewasobservedtogiveuphisownjudgment，andsubmittothecontraryopinionswhichMr。Ratcliffedidnothesitatedistinctlytoexpress。
　　NothingseemedtovexMr。Veremorethanwhenstrangersindicatedanyobservationofthestateoftutelageunderwhichheappearedtolabour。WhenitwasnoticedbySirFrederick，oranyofhisintimates，hesometimesrepelledtheirremarkshaughtilyandindignantly，andsometimesendeavouredtoevadethem，bysaying，withaforcedlaugh，"ThatRatcliffeknewhisownimportance，butthathewasthemosthonestandskilfulfellowintheworld；andthatitwouldbeimpossibleforhimtomanagehisEnglishaffairswithouthisadviceandassistance。"SuchwasthepersonwhoenteredtheroomatthemomentMr。Verewassummoninghimtohispresence，andwhonowheardwithsurprise，mingledwithobviousincredulity，thehastynarrativeofwhathadbefallenIsabella。
　　Herfatherconcluded，addressingSirFrederickandtheothergentlemen，whostoodaroundinastonishment，"Andnow，myfriends，youseethemostunhappyfatherinScotland。Lendmeyourassistance，gentlemen——givemeyouradvice，Mr。Ratcliffe。
　　Iamincapableofacting，orthinking，undertheunexpectedviolenceofsuchablow。"
　　"Letustakeourhorses，callourattendants，andscourthecountryinpursuitofthevillains，"saidSirFrederick。
　　"Istherenoonewhomyoucansuspect，"saidRatcliffe，gravely，"ofhavingsomemotiveforthisstrangecrime？Thesearenotthedaysofromance，whenladiesarecarriedoffmerelyfortheirbeauty。"
　　"Ifear，"saidMr。Vere，"Icantoowellaccountforthisstrangeincident。Readthisletter，whichMissLucyIldertonthoughtfittoaddressfrommyhouseofEllieslawtoyoungMr。Earnscliff；
　　whom，ofallmen，Ihaveahereditaryrighttocallmyenemy。
　　Youseeshewritestohimastheconfidantofapassionwhichhehastheassurancetoentertainformydaughter；tellshimsheserveshiscausewithherfriendveryardently，butthathehasafriendinthegarrisonwhoserveshimyetmoreeffectually。Lookparticularlyatthepencilledpassages，Mr。Ratcliffe，wherethismeddlinggirlrecommendsboldmeasures，withanassurancethathissuitwouldbesuccessfulanywherebeyondtheboundsofthebaronyofEllieslaw。"
　　"Andyouargue，fromthisromanticletterofaveryromanticyounglady，Mr。Vere，"saidRatcliffe，"thatyoungEarnscliffhascarriedoffyourdaughter，andcommittedaverygreatandcriminalactofviolence，onnobetteradviceandassurancethanthatofMissLucyIlderton？"
　　"WhatelsecanIthink？"saidEllieslaw。
　　"WhatelseCANyouthink？"saidSirFrederick；"orwhoelsecouldhaveanymotiveforcommittingsuchacrime？"
　　"Werethatthebestmodeoffixingtheguilt，"saidMr。
　　Ratcliffe，calmly，"theremighteasilybepointedoutpersonstowhomsuchactionsaremorecongenial，andwhohavealsosufficientmotivesofinstigation。SupposingitwerejudgedadvisabletoremoveMissVeretosomeplaceinwhichconstraintmightbeexerciseduponherinclinationstoadegreewhichcannotatpresentbeattemptedundertheroofofEllieslawCastle——WhatsaysSirFrederickLangleytothatsupposition？"
　　"Isay，"returnedSirFrederick，"thatalthoughMr。VeremaychoosetoendureinMr。Ratcliffefreedomstotallyinconsistentwithhissituationinlife，Iwillnotpermitsuchlicenseofinnuendo，bywordorlook，tobeextendedtome，withimpunity。"
　　"AndIsay，"saidyoungMareschalofMareschal-Wells，whowasalsoaguestatthecastle，"thatyouareallstarkmadtobestandingwranglinghere，insteadofgoinginpursuitoftheruffians。"
　　"Ihaveorderedoffthedomesticsalreadyinthetrackmostlikelytoovertakethem，"saidMr。Vere"ifyouwillfavourmewithyourcompany，wewillfollowthem，andassistinthesearch。"
　　Theeffortsofthepartyweretotallyunsuccessful，probablybecauseEllieslawdirectedthepursuittoproceedinthedirectionofEarnscliffTower，underthesuppositionthattheownerwouldprovetobetheauthoroftheviolence，sothattheyfollowedadirectiondiametricallyoppositetothatinwhichtheruffianshadactuallyproceeded。Intheeveningtheyreturned，harassedandoutofspirits。Butotherguestshad，inthemeanwhile，arrivedatthecastle；and，aftertherecentlosssustainedbytheownerhadbeenrelated，wonderedat，andlamented，therecollectionofitwas，forthepresent，drownedinthediscussionofdeeppoliticalintrigues，ofwhichthecrisisandexplosionweremomentarilylookedfor。