Запретный лес

           Itwasmylord’snotionthatIshouldthrowmyselfonyourcompassion,forit’saqueerthing,Iown,foracavaliertobeseekingahiding-placeinamanse,thoughMarkKerrhashadsomeuncoportsinhisday.ImindinSilesia--Butthere’snotimeforsoldiers’tales.You’llbewantingmeoutofthisassoonasIcanputfoottoground,andit’sblitheI’llbetohumouryou.Mylegissettingbrawly,saysthatauldwifewhoismychirurgeon,andinlessthanaweekI’llbefittogohirplingonmyroad."

           "Thatwillbetowalkintothefire,"saidDavid."IfMontrose’sarmyisscatteredthroughoutthehills,therewillbesuchahuntcriedaswillleavenosheilingunsearched."

           "Justso.I’llnotdenythatthiscountrysideisunhealthyforfolklikeme.You’llbewelladvisedtoburyorburntheclothesIhadonlastnight,andifyoucanlendmeapairofgreybreeksandanauldcoat,I’lldepartwithalightermind."

           "You’llbefortheseaandtheabroad?"

           "Nome.It’satthecoastthatthey’llbeseekingme,andawisemanthat’sintroublewillgowherehe’snoexpected.IthinkI’lljustbidehereaways.PutmeinafriezejacketandI’lldefyDavieLesliehimselftoseeMarkKerr,thegentleman-cavalierofMackay’s,inthedoucelandwardbodythatcracksofsheepandblacknowt.You’llmaybehavemeinyourcongregation,Mr.Sempill.I’mthinkingoftakingatackofCrossbasket."

           Davidstared."Areyoumad?"heasked.

           "Notso--onlypolitic,asisthewayofussoldiersoftheLowGermany.