A little behind, the young Douglases of Avondale, William, James, and Hugh, sat their horses, while the boy David, who had been left at home to keep the castle, looked forth disconsolately from the window of the great hall.

On the steps stood the little Maid Margaret and her companion, Maud Lindesay, who had come down to meet the returning train of riders.

And, truth to tell, that was what Sholto cared most about.

He did not wish to be disgraced before them all.
So as he knelt with an anxious countenance before his lord, the Earl took his cousin William's sword out of his hand, and, laying it on the shoulder of Sholto MacKim, he said, "Great occasions bring forth good men, and even one battle tries the temper of the sword.

You, Sholto, have been quickly tried, but thy father hath been long tempering you.
Three days agone you were but one of the archer guard, yesterday you were made its captain, to-day I dub you knight for the strong courage of the heart that is within, and the valiant service which this day you did your lord.