acquaintance, Mr. Falconer of Balmawhapple.
    Now, although the terms upon which Edward had parted with this gentleman
were none of the most friendly, he would have sacrificed every recollection of
their foolish quarrel for the pleasure of enjoying once more the social
intercourse of question and answer, from which he had been so long secluded. But
apparently the remembrance of his defeat by the Baron of Bradwardine, of which
Edward had been the unwilling cause, still rankled in the mind of the low-bred,
and yet proud laird. He carefully avoided giving the least sign of recognition,
riding doggedly at the head of his men, who, though scarce equal in numbers to a
sergeant's party, were denominated Captain Falconer's troop, being preceded by a
trumpet, which sounded from time to time, and a standard, borne by Cornet
Falconer, the laird's younger brother. The lieutenant, an elderly man, had much
the air of a low sportsman and boon companion; an expression of dry humour
predominated in his countenance, over features of a vulgar cast, which indicated
habitual intemperance. His cocked hat was set knowingly upon one side of his
head, and while he whistled the »Bob of Dumblain,« under the influence of
half-a-mutchkin of brandy, he seemed to trot merrily forward, with a happy
indifference to the state of the country, the conduct of the party, the end of
the journey, and all other sublunary matters whatever.
    From this wight, who now and then dropped alongside of his horse, Waverley
hoped to acquire some information, or at least to beguile the way with talk.
    »A fine evening, sir,« was Edward's salutation.
    »Ow, ay, sir! a bra' night,« replied the lieutenant, in broad Scotch of the
most vulgar description.
    »And a fine harvest, apparently,« continued Waverley, following up his first
attack.
    »Ay, the aits will be got bravely in: but the farmers, deil burst them, and
the corn-mongers will make the auld price gude against them as has horses till
keep.«
    »You perhaps act as quarter-master, sir?«
    »Ay, quarter-master, riding-master, and lieutenant,« answered this officer
of all work. »And, to be sure, wha's fitter to look after the breaking and the
keeping of the poor beasts than mysell, that bought and sold every ane o' them?«
    »And pray, sir, if it be not too great a freedom, may I