Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Volume 2Scott, Walter
History
Waverley; or, 'Tis sixty years since — Volume 2
Scott, Walter
Historical fiction; Jacobite Rebellion, 1745-1746 -- Fiction; Scotland -- History -- 18th century -- Fiction
'No; I thought so at first, and was astonished at the man's
audacity in daring to dog me. I called to him, but received no
answer. I felt an anxious throbbing at my heart, and to ascertain
what I dreaded, I stood still and turned myself on the same spot
successively to the four points of the compass. By Heaven, Edward,
turn where I would, the figure was instantly before my eyes, at
precisely the same distance! I was then convinced it was the
Bodach Glas. My hair bristled and my knees shook. I manned myself,
however, and determined to return to my quarters. My ghastly
visitant glided before me (for I cannot say he walked) until he
reached the footbridge; there he stopped and turned full round. I
must either wade the river or pass him as close as I am to you. A
desperate courage, founded on the belief that my death was near,
made me resolve to make my way in despite of him. I made the sign
of the cross, drew my sword, and uttered, "In the name of God,
Evil Spirit, give place!" "Vich Ian Vohr," it said, in a voice
that made my very blood curdle, "beware of to-morrow!" It seemed
at that moment not half a yard from my sword's point; but the
words were no sooner spoken than it was gone, and nothing appeared
further to obstruct my passage. I got home and threw myself on my
bed, where I spent a few hours heavily enough; and this morning,
as no enemy was reported to be near us, I took my horse and rode
forward to make up matters with you. I would not willingly fall
until I am in charity with a wronged friend.'
Edward had little doubt that this phantom was the operation of an
exhausted frame and depressed spirits, working on the belief
common to all Highlanders in such superstitions. He did not the
less pity Fergus, for whom, in his present distress, he felt all
his former regard revive. With the view of diverting his mind from
these gloomy images, he offered, with the Baron's permission,
which he knew he could readily obtain, to remain in his quarters
till Fergus's corps should come up, and then to march with them as
usual. The Chief seemed much pleased, yet hesitated to accept the
offer.
'We are, you know, in the rear, the post of danger in a retreat.'
'And therefore the post of honour.'
'Well,' replied the Chieftain, 'let Alick have your horse in
readiness, in case we should be overmatched, and I shall be
delighted to have your company once more.'
The rear-guard were late in making their appearance, having been
delayed by various accidents and by the badness of the roads. At
length they entered the hamlet. When Waverley joined the clan Mac-
Ivor, arm-in-arm with their Chieftain, all the resentment they had
entertained against him seemed blown off at once. Evan Dhu
received him with a grin of congratulation; and even Callum, who
was running about as active as ever, pale indeed, and with a great
patch on his head, appeared delighted to see him.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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