The conversation at the upper end naturally turned on the foray, and a general disbelief was expressed, as to the chance of the Armstrongs retaliating.
"'Tis out of the question," one of the Bairds said, "they could not raise fifty men.

Doubtless they will send a complaint to Douglas, but he has his hands well full; and is not likely to quarrel with us about such a trifle, when he may want our aid, at any moment, either against Albany or against the English." "What do you intend to do with the girls ?" "I have not settled yet," William Baird said, shortly.

"At any rate, for the present I shall hold them as hostages.

I don't think that anything is likely to come of the affair; but if we should hear of any force approaching, likely to give us trouble, we could send word to them that, if an arrow is loosened at our walls, we will hang the girls out as marks for their archers.

I fancy that will send them trooping off again, at once." As soon as the meal was over, and the carousal began, the priest rose and, accompanied by Roger, retired to his chamber..