There was a hook at the back of the axe, which the ancient Highlanders used to assist them to climb over walls, fixing the hook upon it, and raising themselves by the handle.

The axe, which was also much used by the natives of Ireland, is supposed to have been introduced into both countries from Scandinavia.] and the other a long ducking-gun.

Evan, upon Edward's inquiry, gave him to understand that this martial escort was by no means necessary as a guard, but merely, as he said, drawing up and adjusting his plaid with an air of dignity, that he might appear decently at Tully-Veolan, and as Vich Ian Vohr's foster-brother ought to do.

'Ah!' said he, 'if you Saxon Duinhe-wassel (English gentlemen) saw but the Chief with his tail on!' 'With his tail on!' echoed Edward, in some surprise.
'Yes--that is, with all his usual followers, when he visits those of the same rank.

There is,' he continued, stopping and drawing himself proudly up, while he counted upon his fingers the several officers of his chief's retinue--'there is his HANCH-MAN, or right-hand man; then his BARDH, or poet; then his BLADIER, or orator, to make harangues to the great folks whom he visits; then his GILLY-MORE, or armour-bearer, to carry his sword and target, and his gun; then his GILLY CASFLIUCH, who carries him on his back through the sikes and brooks; then his GILLY-COMSTRIAN, to lead his horse by the bridle in steep and difficult paths; then his GILLY-TRUSHHARNISH, to carry his knapsack; and the piper and the piper's man, and it may be a dozen young lads besides, that have no business, but are just boys of the belt, to follow the laird, and do his honour's bidding.' And does your Chief regularly maintain all these men ?' demanded Waverley.
'All these!' replied Evan; 'aye, and many a fair head beside, that would not ken where to lay itself, but for the mickle barn at Glennaquoich.' With similar tales of the grandeur of the Chief in peace and war, Evan Dhu beguiled the way till they approached more closely those huge mountains which Edward had hitherto only seen at a distance.