Page:Scott - Tales of my Landlord - 3rd series, vol. 4 - 1819.djvu/219

ready to close upon them. Even Montrose half repented the boldness of his attempt, as he looked down from the summit of the first eminence which he attained, upon the scattered condition of his small army. The difficulty of getting forward was so great, that considerable gaps began to occur in the line of march, and the distance between the van, centre, and rear, was each moment increased in a degree equally incommodious and dangerous. It was with great apprehension that Montrose looked upon every point of advantage which the hill afforded, in dread it might be found occupied by an enemy prepared for defence; and he often afterwards was heard to express his conviction, that had the passes of Strath Fillan been defended by two hundred resolute men, not only would his progress have been effectually stopt, but his whole army must have been in danger of being totally cut off. Security, however, the bane of many a strong country, and many a fortress, betrayed, upon this occasion, the dis-