INTERVIEW BETWEEN SECRETARY MURRAY AND THE MAGISTRATES.
In front of the Angel Inn, over the doorway of which hung a flag, a
number of young men were assembled, each being distinguished by a
white cockade. On horseback in the midst of these recruits were
Sergeant Dickson, Helen Carnegie, and Rollo.
Halting for a moment to give some instructions to the sergeant and
congratulate him on his success, Mr. Murray passed on to the
market-place, where a large concourse was collected. Cheers greeted
the party, and attended them to the Bull's Head, at the door of which
two sentries were now stationed.
On entering the inn, Mr. Murray was informed by Diggles that the
magistrates were waiting to see him; and he was then conducted to a
room on the ground floor, in which he found Mr. Walley and Mr. Fowden.
Courteously saluting them, he begged them to be seated at a table
placed in the centre of the room, furnished them with a list of the
houses he had selected, and, after they had examined it, he proceeded
to give them some further directions as to the arrangements necessary
to be made for the prince.
"His royal highness will not dine till a late hour," he said. "Only
the Duke of Perth, Lord George Murray, the Marquis of Tullibardine,
Lord Pitsligo, the Marquis d'Eguilles, Sir Thomas Sheridan, and myself
will have the honour of dining with him. The repast must be served in
private."
The magistrates bowed.
"Another sumptuous repast, with the choicest wines you can procure,
must be prepared at seven o'clock for forty of the principal
officers."
Again the magistrates bowed.
"We will do our best to content the prince," said Mr. Fowden. "As
regards the houses mentioned in this list, those for whom they have
been chosen will find them ready for their reception. For how many
men, may we ask, will quarters be required?"
"For five thousand; and rations for the like number. But the
commanding officer, on his arrival, will give you precise orders, in
obedience to which you will furnish the quarter-masters and adjutants
with the necessary warrants. Another important matter must be attended
to. As the prince's treasurer, I require that all persons connected
with the excise, and all innkeepers, shall forthwith bring me the full
amount of their imposts, and all moneys in their hands belonging to
the Government--on pain of military execution."
"Public notice to that effect shall immediately be given," said Mr.
Fowden; "but should the innkeepers or any others prove remiss we must
not be blamed for their negligence."
"All defaulters will be shot to-morrow. Make that known," said Mr.
Murray. "I trust, gentlemen," he added, rising, "that due honour will
be done to the prince on his arrival."
"It would be inconsistent with the office we hold, and might expose us
to serious consequences, were we to give orders for public
rejoicings," said Mr. Fowden; "but we will take care the town shall be
illuminated and bonfires lighted."
"That is all I could require from you, gentlemen. On the arrival of
the prince, if you will attend at head-quarters, I shall have the
honour of presenting you to his royal highness."
"We are fully sensible of the great honour intended us," said the
magistrates, hesitating; "but----"
"I see, gentlemen. You are afraid of compromising yourselves,"
remarked Mr. Murray, smiling. "Make yourselves quite easy. I have a
device that will obviate all difficulty. A silk curtain shall be hung
across the audience-chamber. Of course you won't know who may be
behind the curtain--though you may guess."
"An excellent plan," cried the magistrates.
Bowing ceremoniously to the secretary, they then withdrew.