"He is afraid of nothing save perhaps the strength of his father's right arm.

He is cool enough in danger.

Nothing daunts him except the flutter of a farthingale.

But then my lord knows well that is a fault most commendable in this castle of Thrieve.

Sholto will be an honest captain of your house-carls, if you see to it that the steward locks up his loaves of sugar and his most toothsome preserves." "Faith," cried the Earl, heartily, "I know not but what I would join Master Sholto in a raid on these dainties myself." In this fashion was Sholto MacKim placed in command of the house-guard of the castle of Thrieve..