then left open, he observed a considerable quantity of straw, and
in both were the relics of recent fires. How little was it
possible for Bertram to conceive that such trivial circumstances
were closely connected with incidents affecting his prosperity,
his honour, perhaps his life!

After satisfying his curiosity by a hasty glance through the
interior of the castle, Bertram now advanced through the great
gateway which opened to the land, and paused to look upon the
noble landscape which it commanded. Having in vain endeavoured to
guess the position of Woodbourne, and having nearly ascertained
that of Kippletringan, he turned to take a parting look at the
stately ruins which he had just traversed. He admired the massive
and picturesque effect of the huge round towers, which, flanking
the gateway, gave a double portion of depth and majesty to the
high yet gloomy arch under which it opened. The carved stone
escutcheon of the ancient family, bearing for their arms three
wolves' heads, was hung diagonally beneath the helmet and crest,
the latter being a wolf couchant pierced with an arrow. On either
side stood as supporters, in full human size or larger, a salvage
man PROPER, to use the language of heraldry, WREATHED AND
CINCTURED, and holding in his hand an oak tree ERADICATED, that
is, torn up by the roots.

'And the powerful barons who owned this blazonry,' thought
Bertram, pursuing the usual train of ideas which flows upon the
mind at such scenes--'do their posterity continue to possess the
lands which they had laboured to fortify so strongly? or are they
wanderers, ignorant perhaps even of the fame or power of their
fore-fathers, while their hereditary possessions are held by a