"As plainly as may be," replied Sauchie, with the coolest assurance; "and what of it?"
James thought of his dead queen, and controlled the gust of proper indignation that swelled within him at the insolent bearing of his subject.
"Am I to understand that you decline us entrance here?"
"I regret to say that your majesty surmises justly."
"Soldiers!" he exclaimed, "I am James, your king! Lieutenant-governor, Allan Cochrane of Dundonald, arrest the traitor Sauchie, and lower the bridge; arrest him, I command you all on your allegiance."
The Laird of Dundonald curled up his mustachios in silence, while Sauchie laughed aloud; but no man stirred upon the walls, though all gazed upon each other in evident doubt and trepidation.
"Will no man there desire the prince, my son, to appear before me," said the poor king.
Then Sauchie answered:
"The prince, your son, is with the lords, in arms, beyond the Torwood, and is birling his bicker in Callendar Hall."
This intelligence cut James to the soul, and he turned to Concressault, with a glance full of reproach and inquiry.