[16] 'And what number of such gallant fellows have the happiness to call you leader ?' asked Waverley.
'In a good cause, and under a chieftain whom they loved, the race of Ivor have seldom taken the field under five hundred claymores.

But you are aware, Captain Waverley, that the Disarming Act, passed about twenty years ago, prevents their being in the complete state of preparation as in former times; and I keep no more of my clan under arms than may defend my own or my friends' property, when the country is troubled with such men as your last night's landlord; and Government, which has removed other means of defence, must connive at our protecting ourselves.' 'But, with your force, you might soon destroy, or put down, such gangs as that of Donald Bean Lean.' 'Yes, doubtless; and my reward would be a summons to deliver up to General Blakeney, at Stirling, the few broadswords they have left us: there were little policy in that, methinks .-- But come, Captain, the sound of the pipes informs me that dinner is prepared.

Let me have the honour to show you into my rude mansion.'.