When she left the lodgings of Cromwell, she glanced hastily round for her henchman, who in an instant was by her side. ‘Aweel, my lady,’ said John, ‘what will the bodach do?’ ‘He will do nothing, John; but he has given me this pass, which would be all that would be required if we only could get his lordship outside the prison walls, and that, I fear, is impossible.’
‘Prut, my lady, ilka thing is possible.’
‘But how will it be done, John?’
‘Ah, it’s easy durkin’ the turnkey body inside, and the twa sentries at the door.’
‘Ah, John, John, we must have no blood, and still less murder, whatever happen; besides, you yourself would suffer death.’
‘Aweel, that’s little for Mackay’s sake.’
‘Promise me, John, that not a hair of these men’s heads shall be hurt, whatever we attempt; remember they are only doing their duty. Promise me.’ And John promised.
Lady Reay and her servant had free access to his lordship at all times. Outside the prison door was a wicket, guarded within by a turnkey, who generally lolled against it, or rested himself upon a form beside.
Outside the main door were two sentries placed as guards, who either crossed each other in their steady walk, or stood at ease, one on each side of the doorway. As Lady Reay was a favourite with the turnkey, on account of the politeness which she daily showed him, he did not think it necessary to lock his lordship’s cell during the time of her ladyship’s visit, and at last got into the habit of allowing his lordship to accompany Lady Reay till she passed through the wicket, on her leaving for the night.
On the day following her visit to Cromwell, Lord Reay, as usual, accompanied her ladyship, and while she was stepping beyond the wicket, he suddenly laid hold of the turnkey, and, laying him down in the passage, placed the form above him, seized his keys, and passing through the wicket locked him in. The lady having effected her part so far, of which John was perfectly aware by sound, though he could not turn round to see, he at once seized the sentries, one in each hand, and laying one down, placed the other above him, kicking their arms to a distance, while Lord Reay sprang over them and rushed down the street. Addressing the soldiers, who had ceased to struggle in the grip of their powerful opponent, he said—‘Now, lads, you will just be good and be quiet, or if you no be quiet, I will just have to shake your pickle brains out of their pans, and so you’ll see what you shall see; but if you are good, I’ll give myself quietly up to be put into the jail instead of his lordship.’