dreading that all would suffer from the vengeance of the fairies. Many complaints were made to the Governor of the unluckly offender, which were only smiled at, at the same time trying to dissuade them from their superstitious belief; however I always found an opportunity to strengthen them in their own fancy at parting. At dark, I proceeded to the scene of action with Popgun, taking an iron pot, a plaibeau, a kind of torch used sometimes in fishing at night, made of dried hay, besmeared with pitch or tar. This was lit and placed inside the pot, which was set on the mound. Popgun, who was dressed for the occasion in a red cap and a green glazed cotton dress, performed grotesque and strange antics in the gloomy and flickering light which escaped now and then from the pot. Indeed, the whole was produced in so perfect a manner, that, had I not been in the secret, my own faith would probably have been shaken. Having taken my station within hearing of the Cotters, what followed amply rewarded my pains. A commotion soon took place, and each boothy door was crammed with terrified spectators (the majority of whom, of course, expected such a visitation) giving vent to innumerable imprecations on the head of the unfortunate trespasser. But the best part was yet to come. When the light became nearly exhausted, Popgun, according to instructions, commenced to use the fireworks, which he let off in beautiful style. The result to me was truly gratifying. Women fainted, children screeched, old and young men prayed and moaned while they removed, as they thought, the dead and wounded to their beds.
"I was soon left alone and in my glory, at liberty to retire to my quarters, where I now sit penning my despatches. Early tomorrow morning, before the Governor becomes possessed of an account of my exploits, I shall have set out for Old Reekie, where I expect to meet you forthwith. "John Lom."
Every avenue which could have afforded Charlie Stuart amusement at his home was now closed; he therefore determined upon returning to the University, to resume his studies with renewed diligence, and drown his afflicting thoughts in the perusal of law books, a profession which his father wished him to follow, as the army held out no favourable prospects.
Charlie himself would have preferred the army, as his friend John Lom was about joining a regiment on his return to Edinburgh, but he had no influential patron to assist him; whereas one Mr. Forbes, an eminent lawyer, and friend of his father, promised to support him in that profession. He therefore took leave of his father, and his faithful servant, who, on this occasion, manifested more than ordinary sorrow at parting with his young master.
