The gate was guarded by men similar in appearance to their guides, but dressed in better material, and with some attempt at uniformity.

Large numbers of these were gathered in the courtyard, and among them were men-at-arms attired in southern fashion.

The guides, having performed their duty of conducting these strangers from the borders of their country, now handed them over to an officer, and he, upon learning their errand, at once conducted them to the earl.
Montrose was a noble figure, dressed in the height of the fashion of the day.

His face was oval, with a pointed mustache; long ringlets fell round his head; and his bearing was haughty and majestic.

He rose from his chair and advanced a step toward them.
"Do I understand," he said, "that you are bearers of dispatches from his gracious majesty ?" "We are, sir," Harry said.