Carry the youth to the presence, and I will remain
here, with bridle in hand, ready to strike the spurs up
to the rowel-heads, in case the hawk flies my way. — I
will soon put Soltraedge, I trow, betwixt the Eegent
and me, if he means me less than fair play."

" Come on then, my lad," said Michael, " since thou
must needs take the spring before canny Yorkshire."
So saying, he led the way through winding passages,
closely followed by Roland Graeme, until they arrived
at a large winding stone stair, the steps of which were



296 WAVERLEY NOVELS

SO long and broad, and at the same time so low, as to
render the ascent uncommonly easy. When they had
ascended about the height of one storey, the guide stepped
aside, and pushed open the door of a dark and gloomy
antechamber; so dark indeed, that his youthful com-
panion stumbled, and nearly fell down upon a low step,
which was awkwardly placed on the very threshold.
