So make proclamation, heralds, that, if any one will take his share with Clan Chattan of the honours and chances of this day, he shall have present payment of a gold crown, and liberty to fight to the death in my ranks." "You are something chary of your treasure, chief," said the Earl Marshal: "a gold crown is poor payment for such a campaign as is before you." "If there be any man willing to fight for honour," replied MacGillis Chattanach, "the price will be enough; and I want not the service of a fellow who draws his sword for gold alone." The heralds had made their progress, moving half way round the lists, stopping from time to time to make proclamation as they had been directed, without the least apparent disposition on the part of any one to accept of the proffered enlistment.

Some sneered at the poverty of the Highlanders, who set so mean a price upon such a desperate service.
Others affected resentment, that they should esteem the blood of citizens so lightly.

None showed the slightest intention to undertake the task proposed, until the sound of the proclamation reached Henry of the Wynd, as he stood without the barrier, speaking from time to time with Baillie Craigdallie, or rather listening vaguely to what the magistrate was saying to him.
"Ha! what proclaim they ?" he cried out.
"A liberal offer on the part of MacGillie Chattanach," said the host of the Griffin, "who proposes a gold crown to any one who will turn wildcat for the day, and be killed a little in his service! That's all." "How!" exclaimed the smith, eagerly, "do they make proclamation for a man to fight against the Clan Quhele ?" "Ay, marry do they," said Griffin; "but I think they will find no such fools in Perth." He had hardly said the word, when he beheld the smith clear the barriers at a single bound and alight in the lists, saying: "Here am I, sir herald, Henry of the Wynd, willing to battle on the part of the Clan Chattan." A cry of admiration ran through the multitude, while the grave burghers, not being able to conceive the slightest reason for Henry's behaviour, concluded that his head must be absolutely turned with the love of fighting.

The provost was especially shocked.
"Thou art mad," he said, "Henry! Thou hast neither two handed sword nor shirt of mail." "Truly no," said Henry, "for I parted with a mail shirt, which I had made for myself, to yonder gay chief of the Clan Quhele, who will soon find on his shoulders with what sort of blows I clink my rivets! As for two handed sword, why, this boy's brand will serve my turn till I can master a heavier one." "This must not be," said Errol.

"Hark thee, armourer, by St.Mary, thou shalt have my Milan hauberk and good Spanish sword." "I thank your noble earlship, Sir Gilbert Hay, but the yoke with which your brave ancestor turned the battle at Loncarty would serve my turn well enough.