"Are there many soldiers in the district?" asked Balfour. "Ah, that we cannot tell. They rise mysteriously, as it were out of the bowels of the earth, when least expected," replied Sir Robert. "But I heard on good authority that that miscreant--for I can call him nothing else--John Graham of Claverhouse is in the west." "Right well would I like to measure swords with him," said Balfour, with feverish eagerness. "Such a man is not fit to live." "It’s no’ very easy gettin’ at him," piped the shrill voice of Watty McBean. "I’m tell he rides a muckle black horse the deevil sent him, an’ that nae man can owertak’ him." Balfour immediately turned his piercing eyes on Watty’s face with a glance which covered him with confusion, for he had been surprised into speech without thinking. "Be quiet, Watty," said Adam Hepburn promptly, which rebuke caused Watty to slink behind the door, chiefly to escape the gaze of Balfour, whom he had regarded with terror ever since his entrance. "Those who are best acquainted with the district should be the fittest to choose a place of meeting," said Balfour. "What numbers have you at Loudon Hill?" "About three hundred, and at a short notice we could speedily double or treble the number. There having been no fighting of late, very many have returned to their homes. Indeed, those with us are chiefly men whose goods have been confiscated and their dwellings pillaged and burned." "I see no better spot than where our army now lies," said Adam Hepburn. "It is a sheltered and suitable place, and from the top of the hill our watchers could readily descry the enemy approaching from one side, while upon the other that wide and dreary morass is a bulwark in our defence." "I agree with you," said Sir Robert. "Then we can fix upon the place and day, and send word through the surrounding district." "Have you forgotten that the anniversary of the king’s restoration is to be celebrated throughout Scotland on the 29th of this present month?" asked Balfour. "No: we have had that under discussion likewise, John," replied Sir Robert, "and we intend to celebrate it in our own fashion. But of that more anon. And now we must separate for the night. My quarters in the meantime are here, John. You had better remain with me in case Rathillet should come hither seeking you. He should be here by the latest to-morrow." Balfour acquiesced, and, being much fatigued, gladly retired to rest, while the others separated to the various places where they were to obtain shelter for the night. *CHAPTER XX.* *DRUMCLOG.*