suing from the chimney in a considerable volume, and the marks of recent hoofs were visible around the door. They could even hear the murmuring of human voices within the house. But all the lower windows were closely secured; and, when they knocked at the door, no answer was returned. After vainly calling and entreating admittance, they withdrew to the stable, or shed, in order to accommodate their horses, are they used farther means of gaining admission. In this place they found ten or twelve horses, whose appearange of fatigue, as well as the military yet disordered appearance of their saddles and accoutrements, plainly indicated that their owners were, fugitive insurgents in their own circumstances.
"This meeting bodes gude luck," said Cuddies "and they hae walth o' beef, that's ae thing certain, for here's a raw hide that has been about the hurdies o' a stot not half an hour syne—it's warm, yet."
Encouraged by these appearances, they
