GUY MANNERING, the second novel of the author of "Waverley" was composed during six weeks preceding Christmas 1814. It appeared in the following February in three small volumes, at the price of one guinea. The edition, consisting of 2000 copies, was sold the day after publication, and within three months, 5000 copies were circulated. The novel was founded on a tale which Scott had received from an old Highlander, a servant of his father, who related how that a grave and elderly person being benighted while travelling in Galloway, had experienced the hospitality of a country laird whose wife was on the eve of her confinement. The stranger being informed of the exact minute of the birth, made, by astrological signs, a remarkable augury respecting the fortunes of the young stranger. Though based on the supernatural, "Guy Mannering" embraces an interesting portraiture of Scottish life during the early portion of the eighteenth century. One of the more conspicuous characters is Dandie Dinmont, of Charlie's Hope, with his breed of terriers, Auld Pepper, Auld Mustard, Young Pepper, Young Mustard, Little Pepper, Little Mustard, and the others. From the fireside of the little inn of Mumps Ha', Dandie carried away some uncomfortable surmises. These were not removed by the several tall figures that appeared advancing towards him. He advised Brown (Harry Bertram) not to wait for their arrival, but to jump behind him on Dumple's back, and deprecated any declinature under the circumstances. "Dumple could carry six folk," said Dandie, "if his back were long enough; but, God's sake, haste ye, get on, for I see some folk coming through the slack yonder, that it may be just as weel no to wait for." Brown was of opinion that this apparition of five or six men, with whom the other villains seemed to join company, coming across the moss towards them, should abridge ceremony. He therefore mounted Dumple, en croup, and the little spirited nag cantered away with two men of great size and strength, as if they had been children of six years old. The rider, to whom the paths of these wilds seemed intimately known, pushed on at a rapid pace, managing with much dexterity to choose the safest route, in which he was aided by the sagacity of the Galloway, who never failed to take the difficult passes exactly at the particular spot, and in the special manner by which they could be most safely crossed. The scene of this adventure is graphically delineated in the engraving.

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In his present etching, Mr George Cruikshank is eminently characteristic. Dominie Sampson, as entreated by Mrs Bertram, had undertaken the task of watching little Harry in his rambles. The worthy Dominie was devoted to his charge, and was delighted with his success in having brought him so far in his learning as to spell words of three syllables. He dreaded the idea of the child being seized by gipsies; and though the occupation essentially differed from his former mode of life, he stalked about with young Harry, who, being only of five years, was constantly rambling into awkward situations. Twice was the Dominie pursued by a cross-grained cow, and at another time he plunged into a brook in crossing it at the stepping-stones. At length he fell into the peril depicted by the artist. In seeking to pluck a water-lily for the young laird he fell into the slough of Lochend, in which he was bogged up to the middle. In his plight he exclaimed as usual "Pro-di-gi-ous!" amidst the laughter of the village matrons, one of whom offered her hand to help him out. Another declared that "the laird might as weel trust the care of his bairn to a potato-bogle."