The guest chamber was instantly prepared
for him and refreshments laid on the table, while the maids, under
the direction of the farmer's wife, at once began to cook a bounteous
meal in readiness for the arrival of the soldiers. A spot was chosen
on some smooth turf under the shade of trees for the erection of
the tents, and trusses of clean straw carried there for bedding.
Malcolm as he sat in the cool chamber in the farm house felt the
change delightful after the hot dusty journey across the plain.
There was quite an excitement in the little village when the wagon
drove up. The men lifted the arms and baggage from the wagon. The
women offered fruit and flagons of wine, and fresh cool water, to
the soldiers. There was not only general pleasure throughout the
village caused by the novelty of the arrival of the party from the
outer world, but a real satisfaction in receiving these men who
had fought so bravely against the oppressors of the Protestants of
Germany. There was also the feeling that so long as this body of
soldiers might remain in the village they would be able to sleep
in peace and security, safe from the attacks of any marauding band.
The tents were soon pitched by the peasants under the direction
of Sergeant Sinclair, straw was laid down in them, and the canvas
raised to allow the air to sweep through them.
Very grateful were the weary men for the kindness with which they
were received, and even the weakest felt that they should soon
recover their strength.
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