They ran too fast to be actually the men of the Earl of Douglas." Douglas understood the sneer, but only replied to it by one of those withering looks with which he was accustomed to intimate his mortal resentment.

He spoke, however, with haughty composure.
"My liege," he said, "must of course know it is Douglas who must answer to this heavy charge, for when was there strife or bloodshed in Scotland, but there were foul tongues to asperse a Douglas or a Douglas's man as having given cause to them?
We have here goodly witnesses.

I speak not of my Lord of Albany, who has only said that he was, as well becomes him, by your Grace's side.

And I say nothing of my Lord of Rothsay, who, as befits his rank, years, and understanding, was cracking nuts with a strolling musician.

He smiles.