It is a great trial to a poor woman like me, but the will of heaven be done!" The three Scots stood silent and transfixed, for it was an age of belief.

But the cripple lay back on the settle where Sholto had placed him, his lips white and gluey.

And as he lay he muttered audibly, "La Meffraye! La Meffraye! Oh, what will become of poor Caesar Martin this night!".