Waverley, after a few minutes' reflection, was convinced that his reposing confidence in Mr.Morton, so far as he himself was concerned, could hurt neither Mr.Bradwardine nor Fergus Mac-Ivor, both of whom had openly assumed arms against the Government, and that it might possibly, if the professions of his new friend corresponded in sincerity with the earnestness of his expression, be of some service to himself.He therefore ran briefly over most of the events with which the reader is already acquainted, suppressing his attachment to Flora, and, indeed, neither mentioning her nor Rose Bradwardine in the course of his narrative.
Mr.Morton seemed particularly struck with the account of Waverley's visit to Donald Bean Lean.``I am glad,'' he said, ``you did not mention this circumstance to the Major.It is capable of great misconstruction on the part of those who do not consider the power of curiosity and the influence of romance as motives of youthful conduct.When I was a young man like you, Mr.Waverley, any such hair-brained expedition (I beg your pardon for the expression) would have had inexpressible charms for me.But there are men in the world who will not believe that danger and fatigue are often incurred without any very adequate cause, and therefore who are sometimes led to assign motives of action entirely foreign to the truth.This man Bean Lean is renowned through the country as a sort of Robin Hood, and the stories which are told of his address and enterprise are the common tales of the winter fireside.He certainly possesses talents beyond the rude sphere in which he moves; and being neither destitute of ambition nor encumbered with scruples, he will probably attempt by every means to distinguish himself during the period of these unhappy commotions.''
Mr.Morton then made a careful memorandum of the various particulars of Waverley's interview with Donald Bean Lean, and the other circumstances which he had communicated.
The interest which this good man seemed to take in his misfortunes---above all, the full confidence he appeared to repose in his innocence---had the natural effect of softening Edward's heart, whom the coldness of Major Melville had taught to believe that the world was leagued to oppress him.He shook Mr.Morton warmly by the hand, and assuring him that his kindness and sympathy had relieved his mind of a heavy load, told him, that whatever might be his own fate, he belonged to a family who had both gratitude and the power of displaying it.
The earnestness of his thanks called drops to the eyes of the worthy clergyman, who was doubly interested in the cause for which he had volunteered his services, by observing the genuine and undissembled feelings of his young friend.
Edward now inquired if Mr Morton knew what was likely to be his destination.
``Stirling Castle,'' replied his friend; ``and so far I am well pleased for your sake, for the governor is a man of honour and humanity.But I am more doubtful of your treatment upon the road; Major Melville is involuntarily obliged to entrust the custody of your person to another.''
``I am glad of it,'' answered Waverley.``I detest that cold-blooded calculating Scotch magistrate.I hope he and I shall never meet more: he had neither sympathy with my innocence nor my wretchedness; and the petrifying accuracy with which he attended to every form of civility, while he tortured me by his questions, his suspicions, and his inferences, was as tormenting as the racks of the Inquisition.Do not vindicate him, my dear sir, for that I cannot bear with patience; tell me rather who is to have the charge of so important a state prisoner as I am.''
``I believe a person called Gilfillan, one of the sect who are termed Cameronians.''
``I never heard of them before.''
``They claim,'' said the clergyman, ``to represent the more strict and severe Presbyterians, who in Charles Second's and James Second's days, refused to profit by the Toleration, or Indulgence, as it was called, which was extended to others of that religion.They held conventicles in the open fields, and being treated with great violence and cruelty by the Scottish government, more than once took arms during those reigns.
They take their name from their leader, Richard Cameron.''
``I recollect,'' said Waverley; ``but did not the triumph of Presbytery at the Revolution extinguish that sect?''
``By no means,'' replied Morton; ``that great event fell yet far short of what they proposed, which was nothing less than the complete establishment of the Presbyterian Church, upon the grounds of the old Solemn League and Covenant.Indeed, I believe they scarce knew what they wanted; but being a numerous body of men, and not unacquainted with the use of arms, they kept themselves together as a separate party in the state, and at the time of the Union had nearly formed a most unnatural league with their old enemies, the Jacobites, to oppose that important national measure.Since that time their numbers have gradually diminished; but a good many are still to be found in the western counties, and several, with a better temper than in 1707, have now taken arms for Government.
This person, whom they call Gifted Gilfillan, has been long a leader among them, and now heads a small party, which will pass here to-day, or to-morrow, on their march towards Stirling, under whose escort Major Melville proposes you shall travel.Iwould willingly speak to Gilfillan in your behalf; but, having deeply imbibed all the prejudices of his sect, and being of the same fierce disposition, he would pay little regard to the remonstrances of an Erastian divine, as he would politely term me.---And now, farewell, my young friend; for the present, I must not weary out the Major's indulgence, that I may obtain his permission to visit you again in the course of the day.''
