``Why, pretty fair,'' said Oldbuck, willing to encourage this diversion, in hopes it might mitigate the feelings which seemed like to overset the poor man's understanding; ``honester men have stretched a rope, or the law has been sadly cheated--But this unhappy business of yours--can nothing be done? Let me see the charge.''
He took the papers; and, as he read them, his countenance grew hopelessly dark and disconsolate.Miss Wardour had by this time entered the apartment, and fixing her eyes on Mr.
Oldbuck, as if she meant to read her fate in his looks, easily perceived, from the change in his eye, and the dropping of his nether-jaw, how little was to be hoped.
``We are then irremediably ruined, Mr.Oldbuck?'' said the young lady.
``Irremediably?--I hope not--but the instant demand is very large, and others will, doubtless, pour in.''
``Ay, never doubt that, Monkbarns,'' said Sir Arthur;``where the slaughter is, the eagles will be gathered together.
I am like a sheep which I have seen fall down a precipice, or drop down from sickness--if you had not seen a single raven or hooded crow for a fortnight before, he will not lie on the heather ten minutes before half-a-dozen will be picking out his eyes (and he drew his hand over his own), and tearing at his heartstrings before the poor devil has time to die.But that d--d long-scented vulture that dogged me so long--you have got him fast, I hope?''
``Fast enough,'' said the Antiquary; ``the gentleman wished to take the wings of the morning, and bolt in the what d'ye call it,--the coach and four there.But he would have found twigs limed for him at Edinburgh.As it is, he never got so far, for the coach being overturned--as how could it go safe with such a Jonah?--he has had an infernal tumble, is carried into a cottage near Kittlebrig, and to prevent all possibility of escape, I have sent your friend Sweepclean to bring him back to Fairport _in nomine regis,_ or to act as his sick-nurse at Kittlebrig, as is most fitting.And now, Sir Arthur, permit me to have some conversation with you on the present unpleasant state of your affairs, that we may see what can be done for their extrication;''
and the Antiquary led the way into the library, followed by the unfortunate gentleman.
They had been shut up together for about two hours, when Miss Wardour interrupted them with her cloak on as if prepared for a journey.Her countenance was very pale, yet expressive of the composure which characterized her disposition.
``The messenger is returned, Mr.Oldbuck.''
``Returned?--What the devil! he has not let the fellow go?''
``No--I understand he has carried him to confinement; and now he is returned to attend my father, and says he can wait no longer.''
A loud wrangling was now heard on the staircase, in which the voice of Hector predominated.``You an officer, sir, and these ragamuffins a party! a parcel of beggarly tailor fellows--tell yourselves off by nine, and we shall know your effective strength.''
The grumbling voice of the man of law was then heard indistinctly muttering a reply, to which Hector retorted--``Come, come, sir, this won't do;--march your party, as you call them, out of this house directly, or I'll send you and them to the right about presently.''
``The devil take Hector,'' said the Antiquary, hastening to the scene of action; ``his Highland blood is up again, and we shall have him fighting a duel with the bailiff.Come, Mr.Sweepclean, you must give us a little time--I know you would not wish to hurry Sir Arthur.''