“As they hav’na’ taken the oaths,” answered Breadalbane, “we are within the law—yet I’m no’ saying that precautions are onnecessary.”
“Unnecessary or not I’ll no’ move without the King’s name,” said Argyll stubbornly.
“My lord, I will obtain it,” flashed the Master of Stair. “Consider it done.”
His father lifted his brows.
“Are you so certain of His Majesty?” he asked.
“I am certain of myself,” answered Sir John superbly. “I shall, my lord, obtain the King’s consent.”
“At the audience I had when I made my report,” said Breadalbane, “it looked to me that the King kenned little o’ Scotland. He seemed glad that so many of the clans had come in—and opposed to violence in dealing wi’ the Hielands; but wi’ his cough and his strange English I kenned little enow o’ what he said. I wasna’ thinking ower muckle of him till when I took my leave, I discovered then his wits were where they should be.”
“What did he say?” asked Argyll, half-anxiously.
Breadalbane wore an amused smile.
“He gave me a straight look, ‘I’m blithe to hae seen you,’ he said dryly, ‘for the appearance o’ your lordship is a sure sign o’ the winning cause and as lang as I see you I ken I’m prosperous.’”