"The friar is right," said Falconer; "and such was perhaps his reason for avoiding me in the Torwood."
"Moreover, I am a friend of the Lord Drummond, bound on a peaceful mission to two gentlemen of the king's ships," said the friar, the upper and lower parts of whose face were concealed by his hood.
"We know most of the men in the king's ships, father," said Barton, in an altered tone; "and for whom may your message be?"
"Robert Barton, captain of the Yellow Frigate, and Sir David Falconer, captain of the king's arquebussiers."
There was a pause, during which the persons mentioned gazed at each other and then at the friar.
"Priest, thou gibest us," said Barton, bluntly; "for we are the men you speak of."
"How shall I be assured of that, sirs?"
"Ask our names of the boat's crew, if you doubt us," said Falconer.
"It is enough—I now recognise ye both, sirs."
"A sudden recognition!"