He kens brawly, in such a case, when to turn his head and look upon the hills and the woods and the bonny sleeping waters." The Earl laughed and shook his head.
"Na, na, Malise," he said, "were I indeed on such a quest the sight of your grey pow would fright a fair lady, and the mere trampling of that club-footed she-elephant of yours put to flight every sentiment of love.

Remember the Douglas badge is a naked heart.

Can I ride a-courting, therefore, with all my fighting tail behind me as though I besought an alliance with the King of England's daughter ?" Silently and sadly the strong man watched the young Earl ride away to the south along that fair lochside.

He stood muttering to himself and looking long under his hand after his lord.

The rider bowed his head as he passed under the rich blazonry of the white May-blossom, which, like creamy lace, covered the Three Thorns of Carlinwark, now deeply stained with rose colour from the clouds of sunset.
[Illustration: WILLIAM OF DOUGLAS REINED UP DARNAWAY UNDERNEATH THE WHISPERING FOLIAGE OF A GREAT BEECH.] "Aye, aye," he said, "the Douglas badge is indeed a heart--but it is a bleeding heart.