The trunks of several trees had been wattled across , the intervals strengthened with stakes , and the ground behind this barricade levelled up with earth to make the floor . A tree , which grew out from the hillside , was the living centre-beam of the roof . The walls were of wattle and covered with moss . The whole house had something of an egg shape ; and it half hung , half stood in that steep , hillside thicket , like a wasp 's nest in a green hawthorn . Within , it was large enough to shelter five or six persons with some comfort . A projection of the cliff had been cunningly employed to be the fireplace ; and the smoke rising against the face of the rock , and being not dissimilar in colour , readily escaped notice from below . This was but one of Cluny 's hiding-places ; he had caves , besides , and underground chambers in several parts of his country ; and following the reports of his scouts , he moved from one to another as the soldiers drew near or moved away . By this manner of living , and thanks to the affection of his clan , he had not only stayed all this time in safety , while so many others had fled or been taken and slain : but stayed four or five years longer , and only went to France at last by the express command of his master . There he soon died ; and it is strange to reflect that he may have regretted his Cage upon Ben Alder . When we came to the door he was seated by his rock chimney , watching a gillie about some cookery . He was mighty plainly habited , with a knitted nightcap drawn over his ears , and smoked a foul cutty pipe . For all that he had the manners of a king , and it was quite a sight to see him rise out of his place to welcome us . `` Well , Mr. Stewart , come awa ' , sir ! '' said he , `` and bring in your friend that as yet I dinna ken the name of . '' `` And how is yourself , Cluny ? '' said Alan . `` I hope ye do brawly , sir . And I am proud to see ye , and to present to ye my friend the Laird of Shaws , Mr. David Balfour . '' Alan never referred to my estate without a touch of a sneer , when we were alone ; but with strangers , he rang the words out like a herald . `` Step in by , the both of ye , gentlemen , '' says Cluny .
`` I make ye welcome to my house , which is a queer , rude place for certain , but one where I have entertained a royal personage , Mr. XXXXX -- ye doubtless ken the personage I have in my eye .
Alan Balfour Cluny Stewart awa cutty gillie hiding-places nightcap wattle