A short time before Metcalf and the spy left the ’Change-house at Linlithgow, some of the van guard of the rebels came in, and called for whiskey; and it was supposed that they dropped there a silver-mounted pistol, which, on their setting out, the spy picked up, and offered to Metcalf; but he refused it, saying, he thought it not proper to have fire-arms about him, as he expected to be searched: so they pursued their journey and presently fell in with the rebels out-guard, several of whom, accosted Metcalf, and as all seemed well, they were allowed to pass, and arrived at Falkirk, where he inquired for Lord George Murray’s cook, to deliver his present, and was afterwards introduced to and conversed with his Lordship, Secretary Murray, and other gentlemen. Lord George gave him part of a glass of wine, an article at that time of great value; for as the rebels had been there three times, and the English twice, they had almost _swept the cupboard clean of its crumbs_. Whilst conversing with them, he was very circumspect, knowing that his life was in danger, if the real purpose of his journey should be discovered. He then made his way towards the market-place, where a number of Highlanders were assembled.—This was on Wednesday the 22d; but it happened that his master had left the place that morning, about four hours before his arrival. We will now return to Captain Thornton, whom we left on Friday in the closet, in close neighbourhood with the Highland Chiefs, who every day transacted business in the room. The Quarter-Masters of the rebel army having taken the house, had given the woman to whom it belonged a small apartment backward; but every night she took care to carry him such provisions as she could convey through a crevice at the bottom of the door; and this mode she used for fear of alarming these who slept in the adjoining rooms. The closet was only a yard and a half square; and the Captain’s cloathes being wet when he entered, made his situation the more uncomfortable, as he had got a severe cold, and sometimes could not forbear coughing, even when the rebels were in their room. Once in particular, hearing a cough, they said one to another “what is that?” but one of them answered, that it was somebody in another room;—not in the least suspecting a door in the place where the closet was.