This effected, he claimed and
received his reward. Waverley's illness was an event which deranged all
their calculations. Donald was obliged to leave the neighbourhood with
his people, and to seek more free course for his adventures elsewhere. At
Rose's entreaty, he left an old man, a herbalist, who was supposed to
understand a little of medicine, to attend Waverley during his illness.
In the meanwhile, new and fearful doubts started in Rose's mind. They
were suggested by old Janet, who insisted that, a reward having been
offered for the apprehension of Waverley, and his own personal effects
being so valuable, there was no saying to what breach of faith Donald
might be tempted. In an agony of grief and terror, Rose took the daring
resolution of explaining to the Prince himself the danger in which Mr.
Waverley stood, judging that, both as a politician and a man of honour
and humanity, Charles Edward would interest himself to prevent his
falling into the hands of the opposite party. This letter she at first
thought of sending anonymously, but naturally feared it would not in that
case be credited. She therefore subscribed her name, though with
reluctance and terror, and consigned it in charge to a young man, who at
leaving his farm to join the Chevalier's army, made it his petition to
her to have some sort of credentials to the adventurer, from whom he
hoped to obtain a commission.
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