The young Highlander was repeatedly dispatched by his comrades as if to collect intelligence.  At length when he had returned for the third or fourth time, the whole party arose, and made signs to our hero to accompany them.  Before his departure, however, he shook hands with old Janet, who had been so sedulous in his behalf, and added substantial marks of his gratitude for her attendance.

‘God bless you!  God prosper you, Captain Waverley!’ said Janet, in good Lowland Scotch, though he had never hitherto heard her utter a syllable, save in Gaelic.  But the impatience of his attendants prohibited his asking any explanation.

CHAPTER XXXVIII

A NOCTURNAL ADVENTURE

There was a moment’s pause when the whole party had got out of the hut; and the Highlander who assumed the command, and who, in Waverley’s awakened recollection, seemed to be the same tall figure who had acted as Donald Bean Lean’s lieutenant, by whispers and signs imposed the strictest silence.  He delivered to Edward a sword and steel pistol, and, pointing up the tract, laid his hand on the hilt of his own claymore, as if to make him sensible they might have occasion to use force to make good their passage.  He then placed himself at the head of the party, who moved up the pathway in single or Indian file, Waverley being placed nearest to their leader.  He moved with great precaution, as if to avoid giving any alarm, and halted as soon as he came to the verge of the ascent.  Waverley was soon sensible of the reason, for he heard at no great distance an English sentinel call out ‘All’s well.’  The heavy sound sank on the night-wind down the woody glen, and was answered by the echoes of its banks.  A second, third, and fourth time, the signal was repeated, fainter and fainter, as if at a greater and greater distance.  It was obvious that a party of soldiers were near, and upon their guard, though not sufficiently so to detect men skilful in every art of predatory warfare, like those with whom he now watched their ineffectual precautions.

When these sounds had died upon the silence of the night, the Highlanders began their march swiftly, yet with the most cautious silence.  Waverley had little time, or indeed disposition, for observation, and could only discern that; they passed at some distance from a large building, in the windows of which a light or two yet seemed to twinkle.  A little farther on, the leading Highlander snuffed the wind like a setting spaniel, and then made a signal to his party again to halt.  He stooped down upon all-fours, wrapped up in his plaid, so as to be scarce distinguishable from the heathy ground on which he moved, and advanced in this posture to reconnoitre.  In a short time he returned, and dismissed his attendants excepting one; and, intimating to Waverley that he must imitate his cautious mode of proceeding, all three crept forward on hands and knees.