As soon as we were past the Hawes -LRB- where I recognised the landlord smoking his pipe in the door , and was amazed to see him look no older -RRB- Mr. Rankeillor changed the order of march , walking behind with Torrance and sending me forward in the manner of a scout . I went up the hill , whistling from time to time my Gaelic air ; and at length I had the pleasure to hear it answered and to see Alan rise from behind a bush . He was somewhat dashed in spirits , having passed a long day alone skulking in the county , and made but a poor meal in an alehouse near Dundas . But at the mere sight of my clothes , he began to brighten up ; and as soon as I had told him in what a forward state our matters were and the part I looked to him to play in what remained , he sprang into a new man . `` And that is a very good notion of yours , '' says he ; `` and I dare to say that you could lay your hands upon no better man to put it through than Alan Breck . It is not a thing -LRB- mark ye -RRB- that any one could do , but takes a gentleman of penetration . But it sticks in my head your lawyer-man will be somewhat wearying to see me , '' says Alan . Accordingly I cried and waved on Mr. Rankeillor , who came up alone and was presented to my friend , Mr. Thomson . `` Mr. Thomson , I am pleased to meet you , '' said he . `` But I have forgotten my glasses ; and our friend , Mr. David here '' -LRB- clapping me on the shoulder -RRB- , `` will tell you that I am little better than blind , and that you must not be surprised if I pass you by to-morrow . '' This he said , thinking that Alan would be pleased ; but the Highlandman 's vanity was ready to startle at a less matter than that . `` Why , sir , '' says he , stiffly , `` I would say it mattered the less as we are met here for a particular end , to see justice done to Mr. Balfour ; and by what I can see , not very likely to have much else in common . But I accept your apology , which was a very proper one to make . '' `` And that is more than I could look for , Mr. Thomson , '' said Rankeillor , heartily . `` And now as you and I are the chief actors in this enterprise , I think we should come into a nice agreement ; to which end , I propose that you should lend me your arm , for -LRB- what with the dusk and the want of my glasses -RRB- I am not very clear as to the path ; and as for you , Mr. David , you will find Torrance a pleasant kind of body to speak with . Only let me remind you , it 's quite needless he should hear more of your adventures or those of -- ahem -- Mr. Thomson . '' Accordingly these two went on ahead in very close talk , and Torrance and I brought up the rear . Night was quite come when we came in view of the house of Shaws . Ten had been gone some time ; it was dark and mild , with a pleasant , rustling wind in the south-west that covered the sound of our approach ; and as we drew near we saw no glimmer of light in any portion of the building . It seemed my uncle was already in bed , which was indeed the best thing for our arrangements .
We made our last whispered consultations some fifty yards away ; and then the lawyer and Torrance and I crept quietly up and crouched down beside the corner of the house ; and as soon as we were in our places , XXXXX strode to the door without concealment and began to knock .
Alan Breck Hawes Highlandman Rankeillor Shaws Thomson day lawyer-man smoking