"The Highlanders!" cried the Pensassenach. "Heaven defend me, what shall I do without the protection of my husband? What!--what shall I do?" and she burst into a flood of tears, from the nervous excitement to which she had been subjected. "Troth, she be sinkin' tat its as weel tat ta master's no at hame," said he. "But fat need she fear as lang as Shon Smiss be here?" "Will you protect me?" cried the Pensassenach, eagerly. "Will you really be true to me?" "Fat has Shon Smiss toon to mak ta Pensassenach sink tat she'll no be true till her ain mistress?" cried Smith, in a whimpering tone, betokening vexation, so sincere, as, in a great measure, to restore the lady's confidence in him. "Why did you drive away the cattle this morning, and what have you done with them?" demanded she. "Trots she was dootin', a' nicht, tat ta Hillantmen wad come after a' yon mockel fires," replied John, "an' sae she just trave tem, coos, cattal, sheeps, an' staigs, an' awtegitter, a' awa' ower to ta glen, whaur she's sinking tat tey'll no be gettin' tem at 'tis turn." "Faithful creature, after all, then!" cried the Pensassenach. "How can I sufficiently thank you?" "Did she no tell her tat Shon Smiss was nae feefs nor rubbers neither," said Morag, entering triumphantly at that moment. "Is she no a prave ponny man? But uve, uve, memm, fat way is tat to be stannin'? Fye, Shon Smiss! hoo could ye stand glowerin' tere?--get oot, man, till she gets ta leddy dressed." "Fod, she has nae time, noo!" cried John. "Fod, but she hears ta pipes 'tis blesset moment. Hoot, toot!--Hurry, hurry!--Fod, but ta Hillantmens comin' noo!" and snatching a blanket from the bed, he threw it over his mistress, and whipping her up in his arms ere she wist, he strode down stairs with her in a moment. "Where are you carrying me? Where are you carrying me to, John Smith?" cried the Pensassenach, much alarmed. "Dis she no hear ta pipes?" cried John. "She be carrying her to hide her in ta auld killogie to be sure. Dinna be fear. She mak' her safe eneugh, she swarrants her o' tat."