CHAPTER XXVII.
If thou hast any love of mercy in thee, Turn me upon my face that I may die.
JOANNA BALLIE.
Our traveller hired a post-chaise at the place where he separated from Dinmont, with the purpose of proceeding to Kippletringan, there to inquire into the state of the family at Woodbourne, before he should venture to make his presence in the country known to Miss Mannering.

The stage was a long one of eighteen or twenty miles, and the road lay across the country.

To add to the inconveniences of the journey, the snow began to fall pretty quickly.

The postilion, however, proceeded on his journey for a good many miles without expressing doubt or hesitation.

It was not until the night was completely set in that he intimated his apprehensions whether he was in the right road.