The Waverley novels, by Sir Walter Scott, complete in 12 vol., printed from the latest English ed., embracing the author's last corrections, prefaces & notes.

634 — WAV E.RL EY NOVELS.
an escape. But, before resorting to such violent measures, I think it is
better to give the rabble leisure to disperse, by waiting this man's return
with our weapons within a reasonable time, when, if he does not appear, I
trust we shall find little difficulty in extricating ourselves." As he spoke
thus, the hangings were pulled aside, and from a small door which was concealed behind them, Major Bridgenorth entered the room.
I-le canle amongst them like a new raised spirit,
To speak of dreadful judgments that impend,
And of the wrath to come.
TIIE REFORMERP.
TuiE astonishment of Julian at the unexpected apparition of Bridgenorth,
was instantly succeeded by apprehension of his father's violence, which he
had every reason to believe would break forth against one, whom he himself could not but reverence on account of his own merits, as well as because he was the father of Alice. The appearance of Bridgenorth was not,
however, such as to awaken resentment. His countenance was calm, his
step slow and composed, his eye not without the indication of some deepseated anxiety, but without any expression either of anger or of triumph.
" You are welcome," he said, " Sir Geoffrey Peveril, to the shelter and hospitality of this house; as welcome as you would have been in other days,
when we called each other neighbours and friends."
" Odzooks," said the old Cavalier, " and had I known it was thy house,
man, I would sooner had my heart's blood run down the kennel, than my
foot should have crossed your threshold-in the way of seeking safety, that
"I forgive your inveteracy," said Major Bridgenorth, "on account of
your prejudices."
"Keep your forgiveness," answered the Cavalier, "until you are pardoned yourself. By Saint George, I have sworn, if ever I got my heels out
of yon rascally prison, whither I was sent much through your means,
Master Bridgenorth,-that you should pay the reckoning for my bad lodging.
- I will strike no man in his own house; but if you will cause the fellow
to bring back my weapon, and take a turn in that blind court there below,
along with me, you shall soon see what chance a traitor hath with a true
man, and a kennel-blooded Puritan with Peveril of the Peak."
Bridgenorth smiled with much composure. "When I was younger and
more warm-blooded," he replied, "I refused your challenge, Sir Geoffrey;
it is not likely I should now accept it, when each is within a stride of the
grave. I have not spared, and will not spare, my blood, when my country
wants it."
"That is when there is any chance of treason against the King," said
Sir Geoffrey.
" Nay, my father," said Julian, "let us hear Master Bridgenorth! WYe
have been sheltered in his house; and although we now see him in London,
we should remember that he did -not appear against us this day, when per*haps his evidence might have given a fatal turn to our situation."' "You are right, young man," said Bridgenorth; " and it should be some
pledge of my sincere good will, that I was this day absent from Westminster, when a few words from my mouth had ended the long line of Peveril
of the Peak: it needed but ten minutes to walk to Westminster Hall, to