The interest which this good man seemed to take in his misfortunes,—­above all, the full confidence he appeared to repose in his innocence,—­had the natural effect of softening Edward’s heart, whom the coldness of Major Melville had taught to believe that the world was leagued to oppress him.  He shook Mr. Morton warmly by the hand, and assuring him that his kindness and sympathy had relieved his mind of a heavy load, told him, that whatever might be his own fate, he belonged to a family who had both gratitude and the power of displaying it.

The earnestness of his thanks called drops to the eyes of the worthy clergyman, who was doubly interested in the cause for which he had volunteered his services, by observing the genuine and undissembled feelings of his young friend.

Edward now inquired if Mr. Morton knew what was likely to be his destination.

‘Stirling Castle,’ replied his friend; ’and so far I am well pleased for your sake, for the governor is a man of honour and humanity.  But I am more doubtful of your treatment upon the road; Major Melville is involuntarily obliged to entrust the custody of your person to another.’

‘I am glad of it,’ answered Waverley.  ’I detest that cold-blooded calculating Scotch magistrate.  I hope he and I shall never meet more:  he had neither sympathy with my innocence nor my wretchedness; and the petrifying accuracy with which he attended to every form of civility, while he tortured me by his questions, his suspicions, and his inferences, was as tormenting as the racks of the Inquisition.  Do not vindicate him, my dear sir, for that I cannot bear with patience; tell me rather who is to have the charge of so important a state prisoner as I am.’

’I believe a person called Gilfillan, one of the sect who are termed Cameronians.’

‘I never heard of them before.’

‘They claim,’ said the clergyman, ’to represent the more strict and severe Presbyterians, who in Charles Second’s and James Second’s days, refused to profit by the Toleration, or Indulgence, as it was called, which was extended to others of that religion.  They held conventicles in the open fields, and being treated, with great violence and cruelty by the Scottish government, more than once took arms during those reigns.  They take their name from their leader, Richard Cameron.

‘I recollect,’ said Waverley; ’but did not the triumph of Presbytery at the Revolution extinguish that sect?’

‘By no means,’ replied Morton; ’that great event fell yet far short of what they proposed, which was nothing less than the complete establishment of the Presbyterian Church, upon the grounds of the old Solemn League and Covenant.  Indeed, I believe they scarce knew what they wanted; but being a numerous body of men, and not unacquainted with the use of arms, they kept themselves together as a separate party in the state, and at the time of the Union had nearly formed a most unnatural league with their old enemies,