at he had seen the spirit of MacTavish Mhor, warning him to
commence his instant journey to Dunbarton, without waiting till morning,
or again visiting his mother's hut.

In fact, so many accidents might arise to delay his journey, especially
where there were many ferries, that it became his settled purpose,
though he could not depart without bidding his mother adieu, that he
neither could nor would abide longer than for that object; and that
the first glimpse of next day's sun should see him many miles advanced
towards Dunbarton. He descended the path, therefore, and entering the
cottage, he communicated, in a hasty and troubled voice, which indicated
mental agitation, his determination to take his instant departure.
Somewhat to his surprise, Elspat appeared not to combat his purpose, but
she urged him to take some refreshment ere he left her for ever. He did
so hastily, and in silence, thinking on the approaching separation, and
scarce yet believing it would take place without a final struggle with
his mother's fondness. To his surprise, she filled the quaigh with
liquor for his parting cup.

"Go," she said, "my son, since such is thy settled purpose; but first
stand once more on thy mother's hearth, the flame on which will be
extinguished long ere thy foot shall again be placed there."

"To your health, mother!" said Hamish; "and may we meet again in
happiness, in spite of your ominous words."

"It were better not to part," said his mother, watching him as he
quaffed the liquor, of which he would have held it ominous to have left
a drop.

"And now," she said, muttering the words to herself, "go--if thou canst
go."

"Mother," said Hamish, as he replaced on the table the empty quaigh,
"thy drink is pleasant to the taste, but it takes away the strength
which it ought to give."

"Such is its first effect, my son," replied Elspat. "But lie down upon
that soft heather couch, shut your eyes but for a moment, and, in the
sleep of an hour, you shall have more refreshment than in the ordinary
repose of three whole nights, could they be blended into one."

"Mother," said Hamish, upon whose brain the potion was now taking rapid
effect, "give me my bonnet--I must kiss you and begone--yet it seems as
if my feet were nailed to the floor."

"Indeed," said his mother, "you will be instantly well, if you will sit
down for half an hour--but half an hour. It is eight hours to dawn, and
dawn were time enough for your father's s