“These are not as good as the pit,” the farmer said as they passed them; “but as we have to use the road sometimes we could not keep a pit here, which, moreover, might have given way and injured any one from a neighbouring village who might be riding hither.  We have made a strong stockade of beams among the underwood on either side, so that none could break through into the wood from the path.”

“That is good,” Malcolm said; “but were I you I would dig a pit across the road some twelve feet wide, and would cover it with a stout door with a catch, so that it would bear wagons crossing, but when the catch is drawn it should rest only on some light supports below, and would give way at once if a weight came on it.  It would, of course, be covered over with turf.  It will take some time to make, but it will add greatly to your safety.”

“It shall be done,” the farmer said.  “Wood is in plenty, and some of my men are good carpenters.  I will set about it at once.”

On arriving at the village Malcolm was cordially welcomed by the farmer’s wife and daughters.  The guest chamber was instantly prepared for him and refreshments laid on the table, while the maids, under the direction of the farmer’s wife, at once began to cook a bounteous meal in readiness for the arrival of the soldiers.  A spot was chosen on some smooth turf under the shade of trees for the erection of the tents, and trusses of clean straw carried there for bedding.

Malcolm as he sat in the cool chamber in the farm house felt the change delightful after the hot dusty journey across the plain.  There was quite an excitement in the little village when the wagon drove up.  The men lifted the arms and baggage from the wagon.  The women offered fruit and flagons of wine, and fresh cool water, to the soldiers.  There was not only general pleasure throughout the village caused by the novelty of the arrival of the party from the outer world, but a real satisfaction in receiving these men who had fought so bravely against the oppressors of the Protestants of Germany.  There was also the feeling that so long as this body of soldiers might remain in the village they would be able to sleep in peace and security, safe from the attacks of any marauding band.  The tents were soon pitched by the peasants under the direction of Sergeant Sinclair, straw was laid down in them, and the canvas raised to allow the air to sweep through them.

Very grateful were the weary men for the kindness with which they were received, and even the weakest felt that they should soon recover their strength.

In an hour two men came up from the farm house carrying a huge pot filled with strong soup.  Another brought a great dish of stew.  Women carried wooden platters, bowls of stewed fruit, and loaves of bread; and the soldiers, seated upon the grass, fell to with an appetite such as they had not experienced for weeks.  With the meal was an abundant supply of the rough but wholesome wine of the country.