Bradwardine tells Edward about their Highland neighbors, and Edward is interested in these people he considers to be romantic figures. A messenger from Fergus comes to visit the Baron and tells him that the chief wishes for peace, to which Bradwardine agrees. The messenger—Evan Dhu Maccombich, the foster brother of the chief—sees Edward’s interest in him and invites him to spend the night in the Highlands. Edward hikes several miles with Evan and his companions, and he cannot help but notice the romance of the situation.

Edward and his companions arrive at a cave where a meeting is being held by Donald Bean Lean, the leader of the thieves. Edward is surprised by the warm welcome he receives, how gentlemanly the leader of the thieves is, and how much Donald knows about politics and the military. Edward peacefully spends the night in the cavern.

Donald’s company is gone when Edward wakes up, but his daughter Alice prepares breakfast for him and Evan. Edward notices that his Waverley family seal is missing. As they continue their journey, Evan tells Edward about how thieves like Donald think stealing from Lowlanders and English people is permissible.