May it be drawn some day in the cause of Scotland! And now, my boy, the hour is late, and you had best to bed, for it were well that you made an early start for Lanark." The next morning Archie started soon after daybreak.

On his back he carried a wallet, in which was a new suit of clothes suitable for one of the rank of a gentleman, which his mother had with great stint and difficulty procured for him.

He strode briskly along, proud of the possession of a sword for the first time.

It was in itself a badge of manhood, for at that time all men went armed.
As he neared the gates of Lanark he saw a party issue out and ride towards him, and recognized in their leader Sir John Kerr.

Pulling his cap down over his eyes, he strode forward, keeping by the side of the road that the horsemen might pass freely, but paying no heed to them otherwise.
"Hallo, sirrah!" Sir John exclaimed, reining in his horse, "who are you who pass a knight and a gentleman on the highway without vailing his bonnet in respect ?" "I am a gentleman and the son of a knight," Archie said, looking fearlessly up into the face of his questioner.