470 THE CHIEFTAIN AND HIS VASSAL. 



the clan, in consideration of some important services he had done 

 him. 



There was something peculiarly prepossessing in the present ap- 

 pearance and previous conduct of the gallant youth ; and no sooner 

 had he entered the lists, clad in the armour of a combatant, than 

 there was a universal feeling of apprehension entertained by the spec- 

 tators, lest a conflict should ensue and his life be the price of his 

 chivalry. 



Henry Lindsay boldly advanced to the person who acted as herald 

 on the occasion, and instructed him to proclaim in the hearing of all — 

 "The loveliest and the best of Caledonia's daughters is the beautiful 

 Albertina. In her there is a union of all that is virtuous and en- 

 gaging. Confident in the truth of this, Henry Lindsay fearlessly 

 defies all the champions in the land to name her equal." 



On this announcement, a death- like silence pervaded the surround- 

 ing multitude. The utmost anxiety was felt by every spectator to 

 know whether or not the challenge so gallantly given would be ac- 

 cepted; while the brave youth, mounted on his steed, rode about in 

 the most majestic manner. In a few moments a knight, likewise 

 mounted on a spirited black charger, and dressed in black armour, 

 but without any insignia on his shield, entered the lists, and com- 

 manded the herald to proclaim aloud — "An unknown chieftaiti, but one 

 whose rank is not inferior to that of any individual present, advances, 

 not for the purpose of questioning the charms of Albertina, but with 

 a determination to inflict merited chastisement on him who has the 

 consummate presumption to offer himself as her champion — he is ut- 

 terly unworthy of so high an honour.'' 



This announcement was a sufficient signal for the commencement 

 of the combat. The piercing glance which the fiery eyes of the 

 hostile parties instantly darted at each other bespoke the supreme 

 indignation and daring bravery with which the bosom of either com- 

 batant was actuated ; but still Henry Lindsay was entirely ignorant 

 of the character of his antagonist, as the visor of the latter eflectu- 

 ally covered his face. Both parties now spurred on their rampant 

 steeds. They met ; and each thrust his spear with mortal intent at 

 the body of his opponent, but without eft'ect. A desperate conflict 

 ensued ; and for some time victory seemed to incline in favour of 

 the masked knight, but Henry Lindsay, with admirable presence of 

 mind, suddenly checked the impetuosity of his horse, drew him back 

 a few yards, and then, by an application of his spurs to the animal's 

 sides, made him spring forward, while the brave rider, thrusting his 

 spear at his opponent, infixed it in his arm and brought him to the 

 ground. The galUmt youth instantly alighted, and raised his pros- 

 trate foe. He lifted the visor from his face, at the same time utter- 

 ing an exclamation of the utmost astonishment: his opponent was 

 none other than his own Chieftain! — the lord of Fnnes castle! 



It is one of the essential attributes of love, that it is "^jealous as 

 the grave." Innes had cherished the susp'cion that, amidst the festi- 

 vities and rejoicings attendant on the celebration of the anniversary 

 of his birth-day, some one might avow himself the champion of 

 Albertina, and thus make an impression on her young and susceptible 



