n 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