UPON THE SAME SUBJECT Fergus Mac-Ivor had too much tact and delicacy to renew the subject which he had interrupted.

His head was, or appeared to be, so full of guns, broadswords, bonnets, canteens, and tartan hose, that Waverley could not for some time draw his attention to any other topic.
'Are you to take the field so soon, Fergus,' he asked, 'that you are making all these martial preparations ?' 'When we have settled that you go with me, you shall know all; but otherwise, the knowledge might rather be prejudicial to you.' 'But are you serious in your purpose, with such inferior forces, to rise against an established government?
It is mere frenzy.' 'LAISSEZ FAIRE A DON ANTOINE--I shall take good care of myself.

We shall at least use the compliment of Conan, who never got a stroke but he gave one.

I would not, however,' continued the Chieftain, 'have you think me mad enough to stir till a favourable opportunity: I will not slip my dog before the game's afoot.

But once more, will you join with us, and you shall know all ?' 'How can I ?' said Waverley; 'I who have so lately held that commission which is now posting back to those that gave it?
My accepting it implied a promise of fidelity, and an acknowledgement of the legality of the government.
'A rash promise,' answered Fergus, 'is not a steel handcuff; it may be shaken off, especially when it was given under deception, and has been repaid by insult.