"Malediction on my messenger—I must mount and ride without him. Hah! here comes the loitering rascal in time to save his shoulders from a stout truncheoning."
A horse's hoofs rang in the courtyard; Juden's heavy boots clattered on the pavement as he dismounted and ascended to the chamber-of-dais, puffing, panting, and looking very pale and disconcerted.
"So-so, fellow," said the irritated lord, "it has pleased you to return at last."
"With God's providence, my Lord."
"How, fool? What means this unwonted piety? Art drunk, fellow?"
"Fie, Juden!" said Mersington, "a fou-man' and a fasting horse, should hae come faster home hee, hee!"
"You saw this woman, Gilruth, and left my message, I presume:"
"Yes, my Lord, yes," gasped Juden.
"What the devil is all this? There is something wrong with thee, Juden."
"Then to be plain wi' your Lordship, I canna thole the auld Place after nightfa'? I aye think o'—think o'——"