He indeed knew of more motives than Waverley was privy to for the peremptory order that he should join his regiment.

But that, without further inquiry into the circumstances of a necessary delay, the commanding officer, in contradiction to his known and established character, should have proceeded in so harsh and unusual a manner was a mystery which he could not penetrate.

He soothed our hero, however, to the best of his power, and began to turn his thoughts on revenge for his insulted honour.
Edward eagerly grasped at the idea.

'Will you carry a message for me to Colonel Gardiner, my dear Fergus, and oblige me for ever ?' Fergus paused.

'It is an act of friendship which you should command, could it be useful, or lead to the righting your honour; but in the present case I doubt if your commanding officer would give you the meeting on account of his having taken measures which, however harsh and exasperating, were still within the strict bounds of his duty.