s of my old companion in
arms."

"Not with the purpose of going through the ceremonial of interment?"
said the Marquis, who did not know how far Sir Dugald's enthusiasm might
lead him; "consider our brave fellows themselves will have but a hasty
burial."

"Your Excellency will pardon me," said Dalgetty; "my purpose is less
romantic. I go to divide poor Gustavus's legacy with the fowls of
heaven, leaving the flesh to them, and reserving to myself his hide;
which, in token of affectionate remembrance, I purpose to form into
a cassock and trowsers, after the Tartar fashion, to be worn under my
armour, in respect my nether garments are at present shamefully the
worse of the wear.--Alas! poor Gustavus, why didst thou not live at
least one hour more, to have borne the honoured weight of knighthood
upon thy loins!"

He was now turning away, when the Marquis called after him,--"As you
are not likely to be anticipated in this act of kindness, Sir Dugald,
to your old friend and companion, I trust," said the Marquis, "you will
first assist me, and our principal friends, to discuss some of Argyle's
good cheer, of which we have found abundance in the Castle."

"Most willingly, please your Excellency," said Sir Dugald; "as meat
and mass never hinder work. Nor, indeed, am I afraid that the wolves or
eagles will begin an onslaught on Gustavus to-night, in regard there is
so much better cheer lying all around. But," added he, "as I am to meet
two honourable knights of England, with others of the knightly degree in
your lordship's army, I pray it may be explained to them, that now, and
in future, I claim precedence over them all, in respect of my rank as a
Banneret, dubbed in a field of stricken battle."

"The devil confound him!" said Montrose, speaking aside; "he has
contrived to set the kiln on fire as fast as I put it out.--'This is
a point, Sir Dugald," said he, gravely addressing him, "which I shall
reserve for his Majesty's express consideration; in my camp, all must
be upon equality, like the Knights of the Round Table; and take their
places as soldiers should, upon the principle of,--first come, first
served."

"Then I shall take care," said Menteith, apart to the Marquis, "that Don
Dugald is not first in place to-day.--Sir Dugald," added he, raising his
voice, "as you say your wardrobe is out of repair, had you not better go
to the enemy's baggage yonder, over which there is a guard placed? I saw
them take out an excell