The gate was thrown open, and Alexander of Lorne himself issued out with a number of retainers.
"Ah! Marjory!" he said, "I am glad to see your bonny face at Dunstaffnage.

It is three months since you left us, and the time has gone slowly; the very dogs have been pining for your voice.
But who have we here ?" he exclaimed, as his eye fell upon Archie.
"It is a wandering knight, uncle," Marjory said lightly, "whom I captured in the forest on my way hither.

He fought valiantly against Murdoch and your followers, but at last he surrendered to me on my giving him my pledge that his life should be safe, and that he should be treated honourably.

Such a pledge I am sure, uncle," she spoke earnestly now, "you will respect." Alexander MacDougall's brow was as black as night, and he spoke in Gaelic with his followers.
"What!" he said angrily to the girl; "he has killed four of my men, and is doubtless one of Bruce's party who slipped through my fingers the other day and killed so many of my kinsmen and vassals.
You have taken too much upon yourself, Marjory.

It is not by you that he has been made captive, but by my men, and you had no power to give such promise as you have made.