Even the roughest of them, and those who had been longest away from
their native country, were much moved by the service. The hush and
stillness, the air of quiet and peace which prevailed, the fervour
with which all joined in the simple service, took them back in
thought to the days of their youth in quiet Scottish glens, and many
a hand was passed hastily across eyes which had not been moistened
for many a year.
The armour and arms were now cleaned and polished, and for a short
time each day Malcolm exercised them. The martial appearance and
perfect discipline of the Scots struck the villagers with admiration
the first time they saw them under arms, and they earnestly begged
Malcolm that they might receive from him and Sergeant Sinclair some
instruction in drill.
Accordingly every evening when work was done the men of the village
were formed up and drilled. Several of the soldiers took their
places with them in the ranks in order to aid them by their example.
After the drill there was sword and pike exercise, and as most of
the men had already some knowledge of the use of arms they made
rapid progress, and felt an increased confidence in their power
to defend the village against the attacks of any small bands
of plunderers. To Malcolm the time passed delightfully. His kind
hosts vied with each other in their efforts to make him comfortable,
and it was in vain that he assured them that he no longer needed
attention and care.
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