"I deny that I do so," answered the Balafré. "Saint Martin! there is, I think, some difference between the execution of a criminal, and the slaughter of my own nephew?"
"Your nephew may be a criminal as well as another, Signor," said the Provost-Marshal; "and every stranger in France is amenable to the laws of France."
"Yes, but we have privileges, we Scottish Archers," said Balafré; "have we not, comrades?"
"Yes, yes" they all exclaimed together. "Privileges – privileges! Long live King Louis – long live the bold Balafré – long live the Scottish Guard – and death to all who would infringe our privileges!"
"Take reason with you, gentlemen cavaliers," said the Provost-Marshal; "consider my commission."
"We will have no reason at your hand," said Cunningham; "our own officers shall do us reason. We will be judged by the King's grace, or by our own Captain, now that the Lord High Constable is not in presence."
"And we will be hanged by none," said Lindesay, "but Sandie Wilson, the auld Marshals-man of our ain body."
"It would be a positive cheating of Sandie, who is as honest a man as ever tied noose upon hemp, did we give way to any other proceeding," said the Balafré. "Were I to be hanged myself, no other should tie tippet about my craig."
"But hear ye," said the Provost-Marshal, "this young fellow belongs not to you, and cannot share what you call your privileges."
"What well call our privileges, all shall admit to be such," said Cunningham.