At any rate, lads, we will search every house from top
to bottom before we leave. So set to work at once; search every
room, cupboard, and shed. There may be foul play; though we see
no men about, some may be in hiding."
Malcolm heard the sound of footsteps, and the crashing of planks as
the men searched the cottages, wrenched off the doors of cupboards,
and ransacked the whole place. Gradually the sound ceased, and
everything became quiet. Presently he heard the sound of drums,
and knew that the regiment which formed the rear guard was passing.
It was bitterness indeed to know that his friends were within sound
of a call for aid, and that he was bound and helpless. The halting
place for the night was, he knew, but a mile or two in advance, and
his only hope was that some band of plunderers might in the night
visit the village; but even then his chances of being discovered
were small indeed, for even should they sack and burn it he would
pass unnoticed lying hidden in the straw yard. His captors were
no doubt aware of the possibility of such a visit, for it was not
until broad daylight, when the army would again be on its forward
march, that they uncovered him.
Brave as Malcolm was he could scarce repress a shudder as he looked
at the band of women who surrounded him. All were past middle
age, some were old and toothless, but all were animated by a spirit
of ferocious triumph.
Pages:
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203
204
205
206
207
208
209
210
211
212
213
214
215
216
217
218
219