God's help, it's my friend the marksman!" I did not like that naked bit of steel, but there was nothing for it but to see the thing through.

When he saw that I was unarmed he returned his weapon to its sheath, and smiled broadly down on me.
"What brings my proud gentleman up these long stairs ?" he asked.
"I saw you entering the close and three men following you.

It looked bad, so I came up to see fair play." "Did ye so?
And a very pretty intention, Mr.What's-your-name.

But ye needna have fashed yourself.

Did ye see any of our friends on the stairs ?" "I met a big man rolling down like a football," I said.
"Ay, that would be Angus.