"The Bairds had been down our way, but a short time before, and lifted all the cattle and horses that they could lay hands on, for miles round." "That is true enough.

We all know the thieving loons.

But men remember the injuries they have suffered, better than those they have inflicted; and they will count Allan Baird's death as more than a set-off for a score of their own forays." "If we have only the Bairds to settle with, we can hold our walls against them," Oswald said; "but if the whole of the Scotch army come our way, we must do as you are doing, drive the cattle to the hills, and leave them to do what harm they can to the stone walls, which they will find it hard work to damage." "Aye, I have heard that they are stronger than ordinary; and so they need be, seeing that you have a blood feud with the Bairds.

Well, they are not like to have much time to waste over it, for our sheriff has already sent word here, as to the places where we are to gather when the beacon fires are lighted; and you may be sure that the Percys will lose no time in marching against them, with all their array; and the Scots are like to find, as they have found before, that it is an easier thing to cross the border than it is to get back." Late that evening, Oswald returned home.

After the first greetings, his father said: "It is high time that you were back, Oswald.