They dragged him along, and in the confusion outside the gang got separated.  A noise as of a body of horse advancing seemed to add to the disturbance, the press became furiously agitated, shots were fired, and the glittering swords of dragoons began to appear.  Now came the warning whisper:  “Shake off that fellow, and follow me!”

Bertram, exerting his strength suddenly, easily burst from the other man’s grasp, and dived through a narrow lane after his guide, at the end of which stood a postchaise with four horses.

“Get into it,” said the guide.  “You will soon be in a place of safety.”

They were driven at a rapid rate through the dark lanes, and suddenly stopped at the door of a large house.  Brown, dizzied by the sudden glare of light, almost unconsciously entered the open door, and confronted Colonel Mannering; interpreting his fixed and motionless astonishment into displeasure at his intrusion, hastened to say it was involuntary.

“Mr. Brown, I believe?” said Colonel Mannering.

“Yes, sir,” said the young man modestly but firmly.  “The same you knew in India, and who ventures to hope that you would favour him with your attestation to his character as a gentleman and man of honour.”

At this critical moment appeared Mr. Pleydell, the lawyer who had conducted the inquiry as to the disappearance of Harry Bertram, who happened to be staying with Colonel Mannering, and he instantly saw the likeness to the late laird.

Bertram was as much confounded at the appearance of those to whom he so unexpectedly presented himself as they were at the sight of him.  Mr. Pleydell alone was in his element, and at once took upon himself the whole explanation.  His catechism had not proceeded far before Dominie Sampson rose hastily, with trembling hands and streaming eyes, and called aloud: 

“Harry Bertram, look at me!”

“Yes,” said Bertram, starting from his seat—­“yes, that was my name, and that is my kind old master.”

* * * * *

When they parted for the night Colonel Mannering walked up to Bertram, gave him joy of his prospects, and hoped unkindness would be forgotten between them.  It was he who had sent the postchaise to Portanferry in consequence of a letter he had received from Meg Merrilies; it was she who had sent back the soldiers so opportunely, and through her the next day Dirk Hatteraick was captured; but, unhappily, she was killed by that ruffian at the moment of the fulfilment of her hopes for the family of Ellangowan.

Glossin also met the fate he deserved at the hands of Hatteraick, who had claims to no virtue but fidelity to his shipowners.

* * * * *

Mr. Pleydell carried through his law business successfully, and we leave him and the colonel examining plans for a new house for Julia and Bertram on the estate of Ellangowan.  Another house on the estate was to be repaired for the other young couple, Lucy and Hazlewood, and called Mount Hazlewood.