The dying hand of the Prince was found to be clenched upon a lock of hair, resembling, in colour and texture, the coal black bristles of Bonthron.

Thus, though famine had begun the work, it would seem that Rothsay's death had been finally accomplished by violence.

The private stair to the dungeon, the keys of which were found at the subaltern assassin's belt, the situation of the vault, its communication with the external air by the fissure in the walls, and the wretched lair of straw, with the fetters which remained there, fully confirmed the story of Catharine and of the glee woman.
"We will not hesitate an instant," said the Douglas to his near kinsman, the Lord Balveny, as soon as they returned from the dungeon.

"Away with the murderers! hang them over the battlements." "But, my lord, some trial may be fitting," answered Balveny.
"To what purpose ?" answered, Douglas.

"I have taken them red hand; my authority will stretch to instant execution.