"Methinks, sire, so long as he remains in the English hands your life will never be safe, for the dog will always lead the searchers to your hiding places; if one could get near enough to shoot him, the danger would be at an end." "I would not have him shot, Archie, for a large sum.

I have had him since he was a little pup; he has for years slept across my door, and would give his life for mine.

`Tis but his affection now that brings danger upon me." "I should be sorry to see the dog killed myself," Archie said, "for he is a fine fellow, and he quite admitted me to his friendship during the time we were together.

Still, sire, if it were a question between their lives and yours, I would not hesitate to kill any number of dogs.

The whole future of Scotland is wrapped up in you; and as there is not one of your followers but would gladly give his life for yours, it were no great thing that a hound should do the same." "I cannot withstand you in argument, Archie," the king said smiling; "yet I would fain that my favourite should, if possible, be spared.
But I grant you, should there be no other way, and the hound should continue to follow me, he must be put to death.