him with liquor from that cup and flagon, if thee and I are to abide under one roof.'

"Conachar arose sullenly upon hearing this threat, and, approaching the Smith, who had just taken the tankard in his hand, and was raising it to his head, he contrived to stumble against him and jostle him so awkwardly, that the foaming ale gushed over his face, person, and dress. Good-natured as the Smith, in spite of his warlike propensities, really was in the utmost degree, his patience failed under such a provocation. He seized the young man's throat, being the part which came readiest to his grasp, as Conachar arose from the pretended stumble, and pressing it severely as he cast the lad from him, exclaimed,"Had this been in another place, young gallows-bird, I had stowed the lugs out of thy head, as I have done to some of thy clan before thee.'

"Conachar recovered his feet with the activity of a tiger, and exclaiming, "Never shall you live to make that boast again!' drew a short sharp knife from his bosom, and springing on Henry

Smith, attempted to plunge it into his body over the collar bone, which must have been a mortal wound. But the object of this violence was so ready to defend himself by striking up the assailant's hand, that the blow only glanced on the bone, and scarce drew blood. To wrench the dagger from the boy's hand, and to secure him with a grasp like that of his own iron vice, was, for the powerful Smith, the work of a single moment Conachar felf himself at once in the absolute power of the formidable antagonist whom he had provoked; he became deadly pale, as he had been the moment before glowing red, and stood mute with shame and fear, until, relieving him from his powerful hold, the Smith quietly said, "It is well for thee that thou canst not make me angry-thou art but a boy, and I, a grown man, ought not to have provoked thee. But let this be a warning.'

"Conachar stood an instant as if about to reply, and then left the room, ere Simon had collected himself enough to speak. Dorothy was running hither and thither for salves and healing herbs. Catharine

ST. VALENTINE'S DAY; THE FAIR MAID OF PERTH.

OR,

"(Continued from page 311.)

THE extracts in our last ended with an invitation from the Glover to Harry Smith, to put in practice a little stratagem, to secure the privilege of being the rightful Valentine of his fair daughter for the rest of the year. The next chapter opens with the preparations of our hero, Harry, for the campaign of Love, from which we shall extract rather copiously.

"The sturdy armourer was not, it may be believed, slack in keeping the appointment assigned by his intended father in ław. He went through the process of his toilette with more than ordinary care, throwing, as far as he could, those points which had a military air into the shade. He was far too noted a person to venture to go entirely unarmed in a town where he had indeed many friends, but also, from the character of many of his former exploits, several deadly enemies, at whose hands, should they take him at advantage, he knew he had little mercy to expect. He, therefore, wore under his jerkin a secret, or coat of chain-mail, made so light and flexible that it interfered as little with his movements as a modern under-waistcoat, yet of such a proof as he might safely depend upon, every ring of it having been wrought and joined by his own hands. Above this he wore, like others of his age and degree, the Flemish hose and doublet, which, in honour of the holy tide, were of the best superfine English broad cloth, light blue in colour, slashed out with black satin, and passamented (laced, that is) with embroidery of black silk His walking boots were of cordovan leather; his cloak of good Scottish grey, which served to conceal a whinger, or couteau de chasse, that hung at his belt, and was his only offensive weapon, for he car'ried in his hand but a rod of holly. His black velvet bonnet was lined with steel, quilted between the metal and his head

which might safely be trusted to.

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others.

66 Having attired himself in his best, the honest armourer next placed nearest to his heart (which throbbed at its touch) a little gift which he had long provided for Catharine Glover, and which his quality of Valentine would presently give him the title to present, and her to receive without regard to maidenly scruples. It was a small ruby cut into the form of a heart, transfixed with a golden arrow, and was inclosed in a small purse made of links of the finest work in steel, as if it had been designed for a hauberk to a king. Round the verge of the purse were these words

Love's darts Cleave hearts, Through mail-shirts.

"This device had cost the armourer some thought, and he was much satisfied with his composition, because it seemed to imply that his skill could defend all hearts saving his own. He wrapped himself in his cloak, and hastened through the stifl silent streets, determined to appear at the window appointed a little before dawn.

"With this purpose he passed up the High Street, and turned down the opening where Saint John's Church now stands, in order to proceed to Curfew Street; when it occurred to him, from the appearance of the sky, that he was at least an hour too early for his purpose, and that it would be better not to appear at the place of rendezvous till near the time assigned. Other gallants were not unlikely to be on the watch as well as himself, about the house of the Fair Maid of Perth, and he knew his own foible so well as to be sensible of the great chance

of a scuffle arising betwixt them. I have the advantage,' he thought, by my Father Simon's friendship; and why should I stain my fingers with the blood of the poor creatures that are not worthy my notice, since they are so much less fortunate than myself? No-no-I will be wise for once, and keep at a distance from all temptation to a broil. They shall have no more time to quarrel with me than just what it may require for me to give the signal, and for my father Simon to answer it. I wonder how the old man will contrive to bring her to the window? I fear, if she knew his purpose, he would find it difficult to carry it into execution.'

"He was now passing slowly under the wall of St. Anne's Chapel, when a voice, which seemed to come from behind one of the flying buttresses of the chapel, He lingers that has need to

said,

run.

"Who speaks?' said the armourer, looking around him, somewhat startled at an address so unexpected, both in its tone and tenor.'

"No matter who speaks,' answered the same voice. Do thou make great speed, or thou wilt scarce make good speed. Bandy not words, but begone.' "Saint or sinner, angel or devil,' said Henry, crossing himself, your advice touches me but too dearly to be neglected. Saint Valentine be my speed!'

6

"So saying, he instantly changed his loitering pace to one with which few people could have kept up, and in an instant was in Couvrefew Street. He had not made three steps towards Simon Glover's, which stood in the midst of the narrow street, when two men started from under the houses on different sides, and advanced, as were by concert, to intercept his passage. The imperfect light only permitted him to discern that they wore the highland mantle.

"Clear the way, catheran,' said the armourer, in the deep stern voice which corresponded with the breadth of

his chest.

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They did not answer, at least intelligibly, but he could see that they drew their swords, with the purpose of withstanding him by violence. Conjecturing some evil, but of what kind he could not anticipate, Henry instantly determined to make his way through whatever odds, and defend his mistress, or at least die at her feet. He cast his cloak over his left arm as a buckler, and advanced rapidly and steadily to the two men. The nearest made a thrust at him, but Henry Smith, parrying the blow with his cloak,

dashed his arm in the man's face, and tripping him at the same time, gave him a severe fal! on the causeway; while al most at the same instant he struck a blow with his whinger at the fellow who was upon his right hand, so severely applied, that he also lay prostrate. by his associate. Meanwhile, the armourer pushed forward in alarm, for which the circumstances of the street being guarded or defended by strangers who conducted themselves with such violence, afforded sufficient reason. He heard a suppressed whisper and a bustle under the Glover's windows-those very windows from which he had expected to be hailed by Catharine as her Valentine. He kept to the opposite side of the street, that he might reconnoitre their number and purpose. But one of the party, who were beneath the window, observing or hearing him, crossed the street also, and taking him doubtless for one of the sentinels, asked, in a whisper, What noise was yonder, Kenneth ? why gave you not the signal?'

Villain!' said Henry, you are discovered, and you shall die the death!"'

"As he spoke thus, he dealt the stranger a blow with his weapon, which would probably have made his words good, had not the man, raising his arm, received on his hand the blow meant for his head. The wound must have been a severe one, for he staggered and fell with a deep groan. Without noticing him farther, Henry Smith spruug forward upon a party of men who seemed engaged in placing a ladder against the lattice window in the gable. Henry did not stop either to count their numbers or to ascertain their purpose. But crying the alarm-word of the town, and giving the signal at which the burghers were wont to collect, he rushed on the nightwalkers, one of whom was in the act of ascending the ladder. The Smith seized it by the rounds, threw it down on the pavement, and placing his foot on the body of the man who had been mounting, prevented him from regaining his feet. His accomplices struck fiercely_at Henry, to extricate their companion. But his mail-coat stood him in good stead, and he repaid their blows with interest, shouting aloud, Help, help, for bonnie St. Johnstoun !-Bows and blades, brave citizens! bows and blades!--they break into our houses under cloud of night.'

"These words, which resounded far through the streets, were accompanied by as many fierce blows, dealt with good effect among those whom the armourer assailed. In the meantime, the inhabitants of the street began to awaken and

appear on the street in their shirts, with swords and targets, and some of them with torches. The assailants now endeavoured to make their escape, which all of them effected excepting the man who had been thrown down along with the ladder. Him the intrepid armourer had caught by the throat in the scuffle, and held as fast as the greyhound holds the hare. The other wounded men were borne off by their comrades.

"Here are a sort of knaves breaking peace within burgh,' said Henry to the neighbours, who began to assemble; 'make after the rogues. They cannot all get off, for I have maimed some of them; the blood will guide you to them.' "Some Highland catherans-' said the citizens, up and chase, neighbours!'

Villain, thou hast done thou knowest not what ! But let me go, and I will fill thy bonnet with gold pieces.'

"I shall fill thy bonnet with a cloven head presently,' said the armourer, unless thou stand still as a true prisoner.' "What is the matter, my son Harry,' said Simon, who now appeared at the window. I hear thy voice in another tone than I expected.-What is all this noise; and why are the neighbours gathering to the affray?'

"There have been a proper set of limmers about to scale your windows, father Simon; but I am like to prove godfather to one of them, whom I hold here, as fast as ever vice held iron.'

"Hear me, Simon Glover,' said the prisoner; let me but speak one word with you in private, and rescue me from the gripe of this iron-fisted and leadenpated clown, and I will show thee, that no harm was designed to thee or thine; and, moreover, tell thee what will much advantage thee.'

"I should know that voice,' said Simon Glover, who now came to the door with a dark lantern in his hand. Son

Smith, let this young man speak with me. There is no danger in him, I promise you. Stay out an instant where you are, and let no one enter the house, either to attack or defend.

I will be answerable that this galliard meant but some StValentine's jest.' "So saying, the old man pulled in the prisoner, and shut the door, leaving Henry a little surprised at the unexpected light in which his father-in-law had viewed the affray.

The party of citizens, who made chace after the runagates, return unsuccessful, for they have made good their retreat. In this scene we are introduced to Oliver Proudfute, a bonnet maker and burgher of the city-a character which serves as a foil to the undaunted bravery of Harry the Smith, of whose prowess Master Oliver is a great admirer, but a very indifferent and inefficient imitator. Oliver discovers, on the ground where the onset lately took place, the hand of a man, and, apparently, of a gentleman, by the jewelled ring on one of its fingers. This was the hand struck off in the affray, by the whinger" of the Smith;" and much apprehension of the consequences is entertained by the burghers. After the matter is duly discussed, the neighbours retire to finish their night's rest.

"They were scarce gone ere the door of Glover's house opened, and seizing the Smith by the hand, the old man pulled him in.

"Where is the prisoner?' demanded the armourer.

"He is gone-escaped-fled-what do I know of him?' said the Glover. "He got out of the back door, and so through the little garden-Think not of him, but come and see the Valentine, whose honour and life you have saved this morning.'

"Let me but sheathe my weapon," said the Smith-"let me but wash my hands.'

"There is not an instant to lose, she is up and almost dressed.-Come on, man. She shall see thee with thy good weapon in thy hand, and with villain's blood on thy fingers, that she may know

what is the value of a true man's service, She has stopped my mouth over long with her pruderies and her scruples. I will have her know what a brave man's love is worth, and a bold burgess's to boot.'

"Startled from her repose by the noise of the affray, the Fair Maid of Perth had listened in breathless terror to the sounds of violence and outcry which arose from the street. She had sunk on her knees to pray for assistance, and when she dis

tinguished the voices of neighbours and friends collected for her protection, she remained in the same posture to return thanks. She was still kneeling when her father almost thrust her champion, Henry Smith, into her apartment; the bashful lover hanging back at first, as if afraid to give offence, and on observing her posture, from respect to her devotion. "Father,' said the armourer, 'she prays I dare no more speak to her than to a bishop when he says mass.

"Now, go thy ways, for a right valiant and courageous blockhead," said her father; and then speaking to his daughter, he added, Heaven is best thanked, my daughter, by gratitude shown to our fellow creatures. Here comes the instrument by whom God has rescued thee from death, or perhaps from dishonour worse than death. Receive him, Gatharine, as thy true Valentine, and him whom I desire to see my affectionate son.'

"Not thus-father,' replied Catharine. I can see-can speak to no one now. I am not ungrateful-perhaps I am too thankful to the instrument of our safety; but let me thank the guardian Saint who sent me this timely relief, and give me but a moment to don my

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Nay, good and brave Henry, whose warm heart is at such variance with thy reckless hand, thrust thyself into no farther quarrels to-night; but take the kindest thanks, and with these, try to assume the peaceful thoughts which you assign to me. To-morrow we will meet, that I may assure you of my gratitude-Farewell.'

"And farewell, lady and light of my heart! said the armourer, and descending the stair which led to Catharine's apartment, was about to sally forth into the

street, when the Glover caught him by the arm.

"I shall like the ruffle of to-night," said he, better than I ever thought to do the clashing of steel, if it brings my daughter to her senses, Harry, and teaches her what thou art worth.

"So saying, he drew Henry, nothing loath, into the same apartment where they had supped, and where the old woman, who was on foot, disturbed as others had been by the nocturnal affray, soon roused up the fire.

"And now, my doughty son,' said the Glover, what liquor wilt thou pledge thy father in ?"

'Henry Smith had suffered himself to sink mechanically upon a seat of old black oak, and now gazed on the fire, that flashed back a ruddy light over his manly features. He muttered to himself half audibly-" Good Henry-brave Henry,-Ah ! had she but said, dear Henry!'

"What liquors be these?' said the old Glover, laughing. "My cellar holds none such; but if sack, or rhenish, or wine of Gascony can serve, why, say the word and the flagon foams,—that is all.'

"The kindest thanks,' said the armourer, still musing; that's more than she ever said to me before—the kindest thanks-what may not that stretch to ?'

"It shall stretch like kid's leather, man,' said the Glover, if thou wilt but be ruled, and say what thou wilt take for thy morning's draught.'

"Whatever thou wilt, father,' answered the armourer carelessly, and re-. lapsed into the analysis of Catharine's speech to him. She spoke of my. warm heart but she also spoke of my reckless hand. What earthly thing can I do to get rid of that fighting fancy? Certainly I were best strike my right hand off, and nail it to the door of a church, that it may never do me discredit more.'

"Harry is still depressed with despair. of succeeding in his heart's dearest hope, but receives every encouragement that his admiring father and friend can suggest, and they part.

"The Glover retired to his bed, and, it is to be supposed, to rest. The lover was not so fortunate. His bodily frame easily bore the fatigue which he had encountered in the course of the night, but his mind was of a different and more delicate mould. In one point of view, he was but the stout burgher of his period, proud alike of his art in making weapons, and wielding them when made; his pro