I am about to lodge in you the deepest and dearest secret that man ever confided to man.

But beware--end this conference how it will--beware how you ever breathe a syllable of what I am now to trust to you; for know that, were you to do so in the most remote corner of Scotland, I have ears to hear it even there, and a hand and poniard to reach a traitor's bosom.

I am--but the word will not out!" "Do not speak it then," said the prudent glover: "a secret is no longer safe when it crosses the lips of him who owns it, and I desire not a confidence so dangerous as you menace me with." "Ay, but I must speak, and you must hear," said the youth.

"In this age of battle, father, you have yourself been a combatant ?" "Once only," replied Simon, "when the Southron assaulted the Fair City.
I was summoned to take my part in the defence, as my tenure required, like that of other craftsmen, who are bound to keep watch and ward." "And how felt you upon that matter ?" inquired the young chief.
"What can that import to the present business ?" said Simon, in some surprise.
"Much, else I had not asked the question," answered.

Eachin, in the tone of haughtiness which from time to time he assumed.
"An old man is easily brought to speak of olden times," said Simon, not unwilling, on an instant's reflection, to lead the conversation away from the subject of his daughter, "and I must needs confess my feelings were much short of the high, cheerful confidence, nay, the pleasure, with which I have seen other men go to battle.