They have ever been a hardy race and, save the lad's father, have ever been prone to the giving and taking of blows.

I watched by his grandfather's bed, when he was in as sore a strait as this; but he came round, and was none the worse for it, though the blow would have killed any man with a softer skull.
"A curse upon the Bairds, I say.

They have ever been a race of thieves and raiders, and it is their doings that have brought trouble on the border, as long as I can remember." "Has any gone to bear the news to Adam Armstrong, father ?" "Yes.

I sent off a messenger on horseback, as soon as they had gone.
Adam left early, and the man will meet him on his way back." Half an hour later, indeed, Adam Armstrong rode in.

Oswald met him outside.