THE CHIEFTAIN AND HIS VASSAL. 473 * 



that difference should be both widened and prolong-ed, the rival 

 Chieftain instantly consented to afford Lindsay all the assistance in 

 his power. With a promptitude almost incredible, he mustered his 

 clan — placed Lindsay at their head — and strictly enjoined them to 

 consider him for that day as their leader, as he himself, in conse- 

 quence of a wound he had recently received in single conflict, was 

 unable to lead them on to battle, victory, glory. 



With a body of men, numerous, powerful, brave, Henry Lindsay 

 fearlessly advanced to his Chieftain's castle, resolutely determined 

 either to rescue Albertina or to perish in the attempt. He ap- 

 proached ; and to his utter surprise met with no resistance on enter- 

 ing the gates which led to the lordly mansion. With a select party 

 of followers, while the rest were stationed in front of the castle, 

 Lindsay entered the princely edifice, and proceeded direct to the 

 apartment in which Albertina was wont to reside. He found her 

 there, in the company of the wives and daughters of others of Innes' 

 superior vassals. He rushed to her — embraced her — seized her in 

 his arms — carried her to the outside, and then placed her on a 

 charger he had provided for the purpose. 



while all this was going on, no opposition, no resistance was offered 

 to the gallant Lindsay, nor was Innes or any of his superior male 

 retainers to be seen. Lindsay was greatly surprised at this; and, 

 when the whole party had got a little distance without the gates of 

 the castle, he enquired of Albertina the cause of so singular a circum- 

 slance. She informed him that about two hours previously the 

 whole of the effective portion of the clan had been summoned to 

 arms by their Chieftain, and that in a ifiw moments they had left the 

 castle on some warlike errand with which she was unacquainted. 



The evening was by this time far advanced — the sun had an hour 

 before gently descended into the western horizon — and was suc- 

 ceeded in his oflBce of giving light to the world by the "queen of 

 heaven." The latter shone brightly, and, by the propitious fight she 

 emitted, Lindsay, Albertina, and their party directed their course to 

 the estate of the former. All at once, on making a sudden turn of 

 the road, the clashing of arms was distinctly heard, and two parties, 

 apparently engaged in battle, were visibly seen in the distance. 



" Halt !" exclaimed Lindsay, in a voice sufficiently loud to be 

 heard by the whole party. 



A pause immediately ensued. Lindsay listened for a moment, 

 and recognized the voice of Innes urging on his men to deeds of 

 valour. 



" He is my Chieftain still! and the honour of the clan is at stake!" 

 exclaimed the brave Lindsay. 



So saying, he entrusted the care of Albertina to those who sur- 

 rounded her — enjoined them not to move from the spot on which 

 they then stood, until he should return — and then hurried to the 

 scene of conflict. 



He arrived, and found Innes and his followers the weaker party. 

 He rushed into the hottest part of the i)attle, where his Chieftain was 

 fighting, alinost exhausted. Lindsay fought with more than human 

 bravery, slaying the enemy in every direction. The leader of the 



