But Habby of Cessford will be here belive; and we shall soon know if he will permit an English churl to occupy his hostelry." Having uttered these words, accompanied with a lowering glance from under his shaggy black eyebrows, he turned on his heel and left the house with his two followers; they mounted their horses, which they had tied to an outer fence, and vanished in an instant.
"Who is this discourteous ruffian ?" said Lord Lacy to the franklin, who had stood in the most violent agitation during this whole scene.
"His name, noble lord, is Adam Kerr of the Moat, but he is commonly called by his companions the Black Rider of Cheviot.

I fear, I fear, he comes hither for no good; but if the Lord of Cessford be near, he will not dare offer any unprovoked outrage." "I have heard of that chief," said the baron; "let me know when he approaches.

And do thou, Rodulph," to the eldest yeoman, "keep a strict watch.

Adelbert," to the page, "attend to arm me." The page bowed, and the baron withdrew to the chamber of the lady Isabella, to explain the cause of the disturbance.
No more of the proposed tale was ever written; but the Author's purpose was that it should turn upon a fine legend of superstition which is current in the part of the Borders where he had his residence, where, in the reign of Alexander III.

of Scotland, that renowned person, Thomas of Hersildoune, called the Rhymer, actually flourished.