Therefore, lest any who knew me should speak with me, I drew the curtains of the litter, for I had much matter to think on, and was fain to be private.

But this was to be of no avail, for I heard loud voices in my own tongue.
"What fair lady is this who travels so secretly ?" and, with this, one drew the curtains, and there was the face of Randal Rutherford, with others behind him.

Then he uttered a great cry-- "Faith, it is our lady of the linen-basket, and no other"; and leaning within, he gave me a rough embrace and a kiss of his bearded lips.

"Why so early astir, our sick man ?" he cried.

"Get yourself healed anon, and be with us when we take Paris town, Norman, for there is booty enough to furnish all Scotland.