' 474 THE CHIEFTAIN AND HIS VASSAL. 



opposing party at this moment drew his sword, and aimed a blow at 

 the head of Innes which, but for the opportune interposition of Lind- 

 say, would have severed it in two. Lindsay not only parried the 

 blow, but plunged his own sword into the heart of his Chieftain's 

 opponent. The latter fell to the ground — his sword dropped from 

 his hand — and, after imprecating eternal curses on the head of Innes, 

 he heaved a deep groan and expired. 



The name of the slain warrior was Monteith. His father had 

 died some months before. He had cherished a mortal hatred to 

 Innes; and the last woi'ds he uttered were a solemn injunction to his 

 son that he should " avenge him of his adversary." His son had 

 given the expiring man a pledge that his last exhortation sliould be 

 scrupulously obeyed ; and it was to fulfil this pledge that he had that 

 day challenged Innes to battle. 



On perceiving that their leader had been killed, the adherents of 

 Monteith fled with the utmost haste. Innes had by this time turned 

 round to learn who his deliverer was ; and to his great astonishment 

 beheld Henry Lindsay. At first the Chieftain was so overpowered 

 with the discovery as to be unable to utter a word ; but, after the 

 lapse of some moments, he partially recovered himself, and grasping 

 his deliverer cordially by the hand, "Lindsay '." said he, " you are 

 not less generous than brave ! You have saved my life at the im- 

 minent hazard of your own I I have not merited such an interpo- 

 sition at your hand; but hereafter I shall prove myself worthy of it." 



He paused for a moment and then resumed, " But what fortunate 

 circumstance, Lindsay, has brought you here at this moment? And 

 who are those on yonder eminence ?" pointing to the party en- 

 trusted with the protection of Albertina. 



Lindsay hesitated for a moment to answer the question. 



" Heavens !" exclaimed Innes, suddenly breaking the temporary 

 silence that prevailed, "Heavens! Albertina is there." 



" She is," replied Lindsay, in a loud and firm tone, at the same 

 time assuming an attitude which bespoke a resolute determination 

 to resist, if resistance should become necessary, — " she is, and Alber- 

 tina shall be mine. Dare not,'' he continued in a still louder and 

 bolder tone, " dare not to lay hands on her; or I swear by that 

 moon and those stars,'' pointing to the firmament, " that your life 

 shall be the price of your temerity.'' 



" Lindsay,'' replied the Chieftain, in a tone in which the sorrowful 

 and the dignified were strikingly blended, " Lindsay, you have saved 

 my life — I heartily thank you for it; but to yield up Albertina is too 

 great a return for such a service, valuable as it is. Yet, brave and 

 generous young man, I shall be willing to submit to her decision. Let 

 her say whether she prefers for her husband Innes or Lindsay, and, 

 however agonizing to my feelings her award may prove, I pledge 

 my honour to abide by it." 



Confident of the warmth and constancy of Albertina's attach- 

 ment to him, Lindsay instantly consented to his Chieftain's proposal, 

 and both advanced to the disputed fair to hear her decision. During 

 the short absence of Lindsay her gentle breast had been agitated hy 

 a thousand fears for his personal safety ; and, when she beheld Innes 



