"I George, Earl of Dunbarton, Lord of Douglas, Knight, Baronet, and Knight of the Thistle, Lieutenant-General, and Commander-in-chief of the Scottish forces, by virtue of the power and authority given to me by His Most Sacred Majesty James VII., do hereby constitute you, Walter Fenton, Gentleman, an Ensign of the Royall Regiment of Ffoote in that companie wheroff his Honor the Laird of Drumquhazel, Chevalier of St. Michael, is captain. You are therefore to obey such orders as you may receive from His Majesty and your superiors, as you expect to be obeyed by your soldiers according to the Rules and Discipline of War.
"Given under my hand and seal at the Bristo Port.
"DUNBARTON."
Though astonished at all this unusual formality, Walter bowed in pleased and grateful silence, and then he heard the stern voice of Major-General Dalyel.
"Maister Fenton, you will please to repeat after me, and sign your oath of Fealty to this Council and the three estates of the realm."
"Oath of Fealty, Sir Thomas?" reiterated Walter, equally surprised and offended at this new proposal, which accompanied the long-wished-for gift. "My Lords, though deeply grateful for this mark of your favour, I deplore that you should suspect me——"
"Sir," interrupted Lord Clermistonlee, hastily and haughtily, "at present we suspect you of nothing; but the corruption of these times, when the very air seems infected with treason and disloyalty, have made an oath of fealty necessary from this time forth."
"To the King?"
"No—to the Officers of State and the Parliament of Scotland—and woe unto those who shall break it! An Act of Council previous to one of the House, made it law an hour ago. Art satisfied, sirrah?"
"My Lords, I like it not, for it implies a suspicion a man of spirit cannot thole," replied Walter, in an under tone, as he advanced to the table; and Clermistonlee, seized by a sudden fit of passion, was about to pour forth some of his furious and abusive ebullitions, when Dunbarton said mildly: