 And so much did military experience
at that moment overbalance all other claims to consequence, that even old Edie,
instead of being left, like Diogenes at Sinope, to roll his tub when all around
were preparing for defence, had the duty assigned him of superintending the
serving out of the ammunition, which he executed with much discretion.
    Two things were still anxiously expected - the presence of the Glenallan
volunteers, who, in consideration of the importance of that family, had been
formed into a separate corps, and the arrival of the officer before announced,
to whom the measures of defence on that coast had been committed by the
commander-in-chief, and whose commission would entitle him to take upon himself
the full disposal of the military force.
    At length the bugles of the Glenallan yeomanry were heard, and the Earl
himself, to the surprise of all who knew his habits and state of health,
appeared at their head in uniform. They formed a very handsome and well-mounted
squadron, formed entirely out of the Earl's Lowland tenants, and were followed
by a regiment of five hundred men, completely equipped in the Highland dress,
whom he had brought down from the upland glens, with their pipes playing in the
van. The clean and serviceable appearance of this band of feudal dependants
called forth the admiration of Captain M'Intyre; but his uncle was still more
struck by the manner in which, upon this crisis, the ancient military spirit of
his house seemed to animate and invigorate the decayed frame of the Earl, their
leader. He claimed, and obtained for himself and his followers, the post most
likely to be that of danger, displayed great alacrity in making the necessary
dispositions, and showed equal acuteness in discussing their propriety. Morning
broke in upon the military councils of Fairport, while all concerned were still
eagerly engaged in taking precautions for their defence.
    At length a cry among the people announced, »There's the brave Major Neville
come at last, with another officer;« and their post-chaise and four drove into
the square, amidst the huzzas of the volunteers and inhabitants. The
magistrates, with their assessors of the lieutenancy, hastened to the door of
their town-house to receive him; but what was the surprise of all present, but
most especially that of the Antiquary, when they became aware, that the handsome
uniform and military cap disclosed the person and features of the pacific Lovel!
A warm embrace, and a hearty shake of the hand, were necessary to assure him
that his eyes were doing him justice. Sir Arthur was no
