My brain is deadened by this terrible misfortune.

Had I my own will, I would ride straight to the Bairds' hold and challenge him and his brothers and sons to meet me, one after another, in fair combat; and should be well contented if I could slay one or two of them, before being myself killed." "I can quite understand that, Uncle.

But your death would be, in no way, an advantage to the girls; nay, would rather render them more helpless, therefore I pray you to let me carry things out as I have planned." His uncle nodded.
"I shall send out a dozen runners to my friends," he said, "and beg them to be here tomorrow morning, early.

Then, when I have talked matters over with them, I shall ride to Roxburgh and lay the matter before the governor.

I know that I shall get no help from him; but at least, when he hears of a gathering here, he will know that 'tis with no evil intention against the English." Ten minutes later, Oswald's messenger started for Yardhope, with a full account of the step he was taking, and of the arrangements that had been made.