Some difficulties were now to be encountered,
inseparable from darkness, a narrow, broken, and marshy path, and the
necessity of preserving union in the march. These, however, were less
inconvenient to Highlanders, from their habits of life, than they would
have been to any other troops, and they continued a steady and swift
movement.
As the clan of Ivor approached the firm ground, following the track of
those who preceded them, the challenge of a patrol was heard through the
mist, though they could not see the dragoon by whom it was made--'Who
goes there?'
'Hush!' cried Fergus, 'hush! let none answer, as he values his life;
press forward'; and they continued their march with silence and rapidity.
The patrol fired his carabine upon the body, and the report was instantly
followed by the clang of his horse's feet as he galloped off. 'Hylax in
limine latrat,' said the Baron of Bradwardine, who heard the shot; 'that
loon will give the alarm.'
The clan of Fergus had now gained the firm plain, which had lately borne
a large crop of corn. But the harvest was gathered in, and the expanse
was unbroken by tree, bush, or interruption of any kind.
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