'It is my fate.' Athol sat knitting his black brows during this conversation; and at last throwing out some sullen remarks to Lord Douglas on exhorting the king to defy his liege lord, he abruptly left the room.
"As soon as he was gone, Baliol rose from his seat with a very anxious countenance, and taking my patron into an adjoining room, they continued there a few minutes, and then reentered.

Doublas brought with him this iron box.

'Monteith,' said he, 'I confide this to your care.' Putting the box under my arm and concealing it with my cloak--'Carry it,' continued he, 'directly to my castle in Lanarkshire.
I will rejoin you there, in four-and-twenty hours after your arrival.
Meanwhile, by your affection for me and fidelity to your king, breathe not a word of what has passed.' "'Look on that, and be faithful!' said Baliol, putting this ruby ring on my finger.

I withdrew, with the haste his look dictated; and as I crossed the outward hall, was met by Athol.

He eyed me sternly, and inquired whither I was going.