What one hand--ay, and one head can do--methinks I can boldly count upon.

I have seen my father's house on fire, and he and my brothers lying dead amongst the flames--I gave not an inch back, but fought it out to the last.

Now I am two years older, and have the best and fairest cause to bear me well that ever kindled mettle within a brave man's bosom." Acting upon this resolution, the attention and activity which Quentin bestowed during the journey had in it something that gave him the appearance of ubiquity.

His principal and most favourite post was of course by the side of the ladies, who, sensible of his extreme attention to their safety, began to converse with him in almost the tone of familiar friendship, and appeared to take great pleasure in the naivete, yet shrewdness, of his conversation.

Yet Quentin did not suffer the fascination of this intercourse to interfere with the vigilant discharge of his duty.
If he was often by the side of the Countesses, labouring to describe to the natives of a level country the Grampian mountains, and, above all, the beauties of Glen Houlakin, he was as often riding with Hayraddin in the front of the cavalcade, questioning him about the road and the resting places, and recording his answers in his mind, to ascertain whether upon cross examination he could discover anything like meditated treachery.