Year: 1860

In one OF the most Sequestereu SieuS VI
the rugged and serrated Lomond hills, was
an extensive cave, so admirably concealed
by irregular rocks from the prying eye of
curiosity, that, except to those who had a
previous knowledge Of its existence, it would
have been almost an impossibility to have
discovered its situation. Whether it had
been formed by the hand of nature, or ex-
cayated by the laborious toll of man, there
was no record left to give information; but
it was evident that the invention of art had
been called into aid, to deceive the optics
of any stray wanderer who might chance to
roam in that direction. The shelving ridge,
that formed platform before the entrance,
was almost level, but covered by brambles,
moss, and other wild alpine plants, indigo
nous to that elevated region whilst the in
terstioes between the craigs were entirely
overgrown with thick and tangled shrub
berry, and onlyat one place was there clear
space, which seemed to be caused by some
sterile defect in the soil, and here number
of rocky mounds were thrown up to the
height of several feet.


There was nothing, however, remarkable,
or that could attract attention in their ap-
pearance, although it was evident that the
feet of man had tattooed a pathway amongst
the masses from the general line of road -;
and On careful examination passage might
be discovered between the assures of the
rocks, which, taking several short turnings
at right angles with each other, led to an
abrupt descent into the bowels Of the earth.
Ingenuity, too, had been called into action
for after passing through the first of these
passages, an obstruction appeared to further
progress by means of a strong oak door, the
outside of which was faced with rough.
hewn stone of considerable thickness, so as
to make it resemble the rest of the rocky
apertures.


The great cavern itself was very capa-
cious. A large lamp was suspended from
the centre, which was kept constantly light
ed; but the rays only shed misty dimness
upon remote objects, so as to make them ap.
pear, in the dusky gloom, like mis.shapen
masses of hideous distortion. A number
of torches, however, in iron brackets were
fixed around the walls, which, upon partic-
ular occasions, when the whole were illumi-
mated, formed scene of so great brilliancy
that it would have been difficult for a paint
er to do the justice to it demanded. Be-
yond this cave was a smaller one, also light
ed up, and in the middle stood table,
whilst others of less magnitude stretched
away to the extreme end along the sides.
In each of these caves there was a number
of recesses containing bedding, of such
materials as suited the fancy of the oceu-
pant.


This was the abode of the lawless band
of freeboo.ers-cattle stealers, and LEVERS Of
black mail-whose name inspired terror
from Kirkcaldy to Berwick, and whose
cry was spoil and rapiue.' The chief had
been absent some days, and the second in
command, who was jealous of the captains
power, had taken advantage of the moment
to gain strong party in his own favor
The call to the Cavern had been sounded,
and the whole band assembled in the large
apartment, where every lamp emitted its
red glare, and seemed to create an artificial
day. They were all dressed alike and ready
armed, and their stern looks plainly told
they would back friend sword in hand, OF
come to his rescue in any desperate emer-
gency At this time, they were lounging
about as if disquiet had crept among them,
and certain jealo1s look and aspect con-
veyed suspicion of each other when con-
6dence was all that was necessary to ensure
loyalty.


lis the muster roll called p asked the
lieutenant at length, with visible agitation.


Yesv replied Donald, 'and every man
is present!


A pause ensued, during which the lieu
tenant paced the cavern hastily and then
suddenly stopping, he exclaimed:


Comrades! the lazy life We lead, but
poorly suits with the bold daring that has