Her words increased the bitter
gall which was arising in the young man's own
spirit, as be observed the unfriendly speed with
which his late comrades were eagerly making towards
him, like hounds towards the stag when he
is at bay. The untamed and angry passions which
he inherited from father and mother, were awakened
by the supposed hostility of those who pursued
him; and the restraint under which these passions
had been hitherto held by his sober judgment,
began gradually to give way. The sergeant now
called to him, ``Hamish Bean MacTavish, lay down
your arms and surrender.''
``Do _you_ stand, Allan Breack Cameron, and
command your men to stand, or it will be the worse
for us all.''
``Halt, men''---said the sergeant, but continuing
himself to advance. ``Hamish, think what you do,
and give up your gun; you may spill blood, but
you cannot escape punishment.''
``The scourge---the scourge---my son, beware
the scourge!'' whispered his mother.
``Take heed, Allan Breack,'' said Hamish. ``I
would not hurt you willingly,---but I will not be
taken unless you can assure me against the Saxon
lash.''
``Fool!'' answered Cameron, ``you know I cannot.
Yet I will do all I can.
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