I paid but small regard, for he was ever a timorous, chicken spirited, though well meaning, man, and I held that he was speaking more from fancy than reality.

But I shall always account it for foul offence in myself that I did not give him my company, which he requested; and if I live, I will found masses for his soul, in expiation of my guilt." "Did he describe those from whom he received the injury ?" said the provost.
"Revellers in masking habits," replied Henry.
"And did he intimate his fear of having to do with them on his return ?" again demanded Sir Patrick.
"He alluded particularly to his being waylaid, which I treated as visionary, having been able to see no one in the lane." "Had he then no help from thee of any kind whatsoever ?" said the provost.
"Yes, worshipful," replied the smith; "he exchanged his morrice dress for my head piece, buff coat, and target, which I hear were found upon his body; and I have at home his morrice cap and bells, with the jerkin and other things pertaining.

He was to return my garb of fence, and get back his own masking suit this day, had the saints so permitted." "You saw him not then afterwards ?" "Never, my lord." "One word more," said the provost.

"Have you any reason to think that the blow which slew Oliver Proudfute was meant for another man ?" "I have," answered the smith; "but it is doubtful, and may be dangerous to add such a conjecture, which is besides only a supposition." "Speak it out, on your burgher faith and oath.

For whom, think you, was the blow meant ?" "If I must speak," replied Henry, "I believe Oliver Proudfute received the fate which was designed for myself; the rather that, in his folly, Oliver spoke of trying to assume my manner of walking, as well as my dress." "Have you feud with any one, that you form such an idea ?" said Sir Patrick Charteris.
"To my shame and sin be it spoken, I have feud with Highland and Lowland, English and Scot, Perth and Angus.