"Tush, I am a Douglas.—Ask Gavin."
"What news, my tall grenadier?—You have the rix-dollars, I hope."
"My Lord Earl, the devil a tester. This English burgomaster was not a whit dismayed by my threats, but assailed me with a band of tip-staves; so, with drawn rapier, I was glad to beat a retreat and gain Finland's band with my skin whole."
"And what think you inspired him to beard us thus?" asked Walter.
"By the head of the King, I care not!" said Dunbarton, setting his teeth and rising in his stirrups. "I will hang him from yonder steeple and inquire after."
"Jeddart justice all the world over," muttered old Wemyss.
"He had received news that Sir John Lanier, with his regiment of Dragoon guards and Langstone's horse, have already reached Saffron Waldron, in which case it were madness in us to tarry."
"Gavin, must we then retreat?" said the Earl, colouring with passion. "Who brought these evil tidings?"
"An English gentleman."
"Pshaw—I don't think he can be relied on."