James answered this question when ‘posed’ by Mr. Bruce. His blood was up, and he said ‘Strike!’
‘The Earl likewise might, after he was stricken, have been preserved alive.’
Perhaps—by miracle; he died instantly.
The discrepancies as to the dagger and the opening of the window we have already treated, also the locking and unlocking, or leaving unlocked, of the chamber door, giving on the dark staircase, after Ruthven’s last hurried entrance (p. 69).
There follow arguments, to be later considered, about the relations between James and the Earl previous to the tragedy, and a statement, with no authority cited, that James had written to Gowrie’s uncle, to meet him at Perth on August 5, implying that James had made up his mind to be there, and did not go on Ruthven’s sudden invitation.
‘The Earl and Cranstoun were alone with the four in the fatal chamber. The others who were wounded there went up after Gowrie’s death.’
It may be so, but the bulk of the evidence is on the other side.
‘It is reported’ that Henderson was eating an egg in the kitchen, and went into the town when the fray arose.
It is also denied, on oath, by Gowrie’s cook, who added that he was ‘content to be hanged,’ if it could be proved. [114]
The Ruthven apologist (MS.) says that Henderson was waiting on the Lords who dined in the hall, and was there when the King’s servant brought the news that the King had ridden away.