George Campbell was introduced by Inverawe to the particular notice of Colonel Grant, and by him to the rest of the officers, among whom he soon found himself at his ease. The time for their embarkation approached, and all was bustle and preparation amongst them. George had much to do, and it was with some difficulty, but with great inward delight, that he at last found himself complete in all his arms, trappings, and necessaries. The night previous to their going on board of the ships appointed to convey them to their place of destination, was a busy one for him, and he was still occupied, at a late hour, in his quarters, when he was surprised by a knock at his door. "Come in!" cried George Campbell. The door opened, and a young man entered, whose fatigued and soiled appearance showed that he had come off a long journey. "Donald Campbell of Inverawe!" cried George, in utter astonishment; and the young men were instantly in one another's arms. "My dear fellow, what strange chance has brought you hither?" "I come to throw myself on your honour," said Donald. "I come to throw myself on the honour of him whom I have ever held to be my dearest friend;--on the honour of one who has never failed me hitherto, and who, if I mistake not, will not fail me now. Give me your solemn promise that you will keep my counsel, and do your best to assist me in my present undertaking." "Methinks you need hardly ask for my solemn promise," replied George Campbell; "for you might safely count on my best exertions to oblige you at all times. But what can I do for you? It would need to be something that may be quickly and immediately gone about, else cannot I stay to effect it. We embark to-morrow morning." "You will not require to stay behind the rest, in order to do what I require of you," said Donald of Inverawe. "I could not if I would," replied George Campbell. "Do you go in the same ship with my father?" demanded young Inverawe. "I wish I did," replied George Campbell; "but I regret to say that I go in a different vessel." "So much the better for my purpose," replied young Inverawe eagerly. "You will be the better able to take me with you without my being discovered." "Take you with me!" cried George Campbell, in great astonishment. "What in the name of wonder would you propose?" "That which is perfectly reasonable," replied young Inverawe. "Do you think that I could sit quietly at home, whilst my father, and you, and so many of my friends, are earning honour and glory abroad? Ask yourself, George, what would you have done under my circumstances?" "I have never thought as to how I might have acted, had I been so placed," replied George Campbell, much perplexed. "But I have no relish for having any hand in aiding you to oppose the will of your father."