"I am he," he answered. "If your business is with me, let these go their way."
"You are the king's prisoner," said one of the gang, as he laid hands on him.
Then, to our great surprise, the aged wife rose and stood beside her husband.
"Forty-and-five years have we bided happily together," said she. "Let not death divide us. Where he goes I will go."
"Take the auld wife awa; we dinna want her," said the leader.
But she refused to leave her husband's side.
"Harl her awa!" said the same voice.
Her son advanced and entreated her.
"Be it so," said she. "It will be only for a wee while. Fare ye weel, Donald, till we meet in the kingdom of our God."
"Hae ye onything to settle wi' your Maker, Ramsay?" asked the leading voice. "If ye hae, ye maun be aboot it, for we'll mak quick wark wi' ye."