It is sufficient to say that without once being sighted by their pursuers after they topped the hill beyond Carlinwark, Lochinvar and Kate, with thankful hearts, caught their first glimpse of the towers of York Cathedral, hull down in the broad plain, like the masts of a ship at sea.
[CHAPTER LIII]
WITHIN THE KING'S MERCY
As they came nearer to the city they began to pass groups of country folk, all hastening in to see the glories of the court. For the king had come so far from his capital to receive the homage of his northern province, before departing to Ireland on the great campaign which was to make him unquestioned monarch of the kingdoms three.
Soon Wat and Kate reached the ancient bar which spanned the northern road by which they had ridden.
"Whither-away so fast?" cried the sentinel to them.
"From Scotland to see the king!" said Wat, confidently, giving the man the salute in a manner only practised by the regiments in Holland.
"You are of his Highness's Scot regiments?" cried a much-surprised voice from the low doorway.
"Of the Douglas Dragoons," replied Wat, over his shoulder.