There was a sight, however, before the gate, which perhaps would have afforded the first owner of Blenheim more pleasure than the finest view in the domain assigned to him by the gratitude of his country.  This consisted of about a hundred Highlanders, in complete dress and arms; at sight of whom the Chieftain apologised to Waverley in a sort of negligent manner.  ‘He had forgot,’ he said, ’that he had ordered a few of his clan out, for the purpose of seeing that they were in a fit condition to protect the country, and prevent such accidents as, he was sorry to learn, had befallen the Baron of Bradwardine.  Before they were dismissed, perhaps Captain Waverley might choose to see them go through a part of their exercise.’

Edward assented, and the men executed with agility and precision some of the ordinary military movements.  They then practised individually at a mark, and showed extraordinary dexterity in the management of the pistol and firelock.  They took aim, standing, sitting, leaning, or lying prostrate, as they were commanded, and always with effect upon the target.  Next, they paired off for the broadsword exercise; and, having manifested their individual skill and dexterity, united in two bodies, and exhibited a sort of mock encounter, in which the charge, the rally, the flight, the pursuit, and all the current of a heady fight, were exhibited to the sound of the great war bagpipe.

On a signal made by the Chief, the skirmish was ended.  Matches were then made for running, wrestling, leaping, pitching the bar, and other sports, in which this feudal militia displayed incredible swiftness, strength, and agility; and accomplished the purpose which their Chieftain had at heart, by impressing on Waverley no light sense of their merit as soldiers, and of the power of him who commanded them by his nod. [Footnote:  See Note 20.]

’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.’