"The armed knight whom you saw attack me was Sir John Kerr, the slayer of my father and the enemy of my house.

Assuredly he will bring the news of my share in the fray to the ears of the governor." "I do not think that he will carry any news for some time," Sir William replied; "for that blow you gave him on the head must have well nigh brought your quarrel to an end.

It is a pity your arm had not a little more weight, for then, assuredly you would have slain him." "But the one with him was his son," Archie said, "and would know me too; so that I shall not be safe for an hour at my uncle's." "In that case, Sir Archie, you must needs go with me, there being no other way for it, and truly, now that it is proved a matter of necessity, I am glad that it has so chanced, since I see that your youth is indeed no drawback; and Sir John Grahame will agree with me that there is no better sword in my company." "Yes, indeed," the young knight said.

"I could scarce believe my eyes when I saw one so young bear himself so stoutly.

Without his aid I could assuredly have made no way through the soldiers who barred our retreat; and truly his sword did more execution than mine, although I fought my best.