to us that there will be no objection to our doing so, although
Christian intends to remain neutral, at any rate for a time. We
suffered very heavily at Lutter, and I need 500 men to fill up my
ranks to the full strength.

"Now, Graheme, I quite rely upon you. You were at college with
Hepburn, Hume, and myself, and it will be a pleasure for us all
to fight side by side; and if I know anything of your disposition
I am sure you cannot be contented to be remaining here at the age
of nine-and-twenty, rusting out your life as a Scotch laird, while
Hepburn has already won a name which is known through Europe."



CHAPTER II SHIPWRECKED


Upon the following morning Nigel Graheme told his visitors that
he had determined to accept their offer, and would at once set to
work to raise a company.

"I have," he said, "as you know, a small patrimony of my own, and
as for the last eight years I have been living here looking after
Malcolm I have been laying by any rents, and can now furnish the
arms and accoutrements for a hundred men without difficulty. When
Malcolm comes of age he must act for himself, and can raise two
or three hundred men if he chooses; but at present he will march
in my company. I understand that I have the appointment of my own
officers."