"EDINBURGH CASTLE, TOWER, AND TOWN" It was with an anxious heart that Sholto rode out behind his master over the bald northerly slopes of the Moorfoots.

For a long time David Douglas kept close to his brother, so that the captain of the guard could speak no private word.

For, though he knew that nothing was to be gained by remonstrance, Sholto was resolved that he would not let his reckless master run unwarned into danger so deadly and certain.
He rode up, therefore, and craved permission to speak to the Earl, seizing an occasion when David had fallen a little behind.
"Thou art a true son of Malise MacKim, whatever thy mother may aver," cried the Earl.

"I'll wager a gold angel thou art going to say something shrewdly unpleasant.

That great lurdain, thy father, never asks permission to speak save when he has stilettos rankling where his honest tongue should be." "My lord," said Sholto, "bear a word from one who loves you.