I have brought them to act as messengers and scouts.

They can carry orders whithersoever you may have occasion to send.

They can act as scouts to warn you of the approach of an enemy; or if you need news of the state of any of the enemy's garrisons, they can go thither and enter without being suspected, when a man might be questioned and stopped.

They are all sons of my father's vassals at Glen Cairn, and I can answer for their fidelity.

I will take them specially under my own charge, and you will ever have a fleet and active messenger at hand when you desire to send an order." "The idea is not a bad one," Sir William replied; "and in such a way a lad may well do the work of a man.