He delivered to Edward a sword and steel pistol, and,
pointing up the track, laid his hand on the hilt of his own claymore, as
if to make him sensible they might have occasion to use force to make
good their passage. He then placed himself at the head of the party, who
moved up the pathway in single or Indian file, Waverley being placed
nearest to their leader. He moved with great precaution, as if to avoid
giving any alarm, and halted as soon as he came to the verge of the
ascent. Waverley was soon sensible of the reason, for he heard at no
great distance an English sentinel call out 'All's well.' The heavy sound
sunk on the night-wind down the woody glen, and was answered by the
echoes of its banks. A second, third, and fourth time the signal was
repeated fainter and fainter, as if at a greater and greater distance. It
was obvious that a party of soldiers were near, and upon their guard,
though not sufficiently so to detect men skilful in every art of
predatory warfare, like those with whom he now watched their ineffectual
precautions.
When these sounds had died upon the silence of the night, the Highlanders
began their march swiftly, yet with the most cautious silence.
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