The laird's buff-coat was hung on a pin behind him, and his broadsword and his pistols within reach; for he keepit up the auld fashion of having the weapons ready, and a horse saddled day and night, just as he used to do when he was able to loup on horseback, and away after ony of the hill-folk he could get speerings of.

Some said it was for fear of the Whigs taking vengeance, but I judge it was just his auld custom--he wasna, gien to fear onything.

The rental-book, wi' its black cover and brass clasps, was lying beside him; and a book of sculduddry sangs was put betwixt the leaves, to keep it open at the place where it bore evidence against the Goodman of Primrose Knowe, as behind the hand with his mails and duties.

Sir Robert gave my gudesire a look, as if he would have withered his heart in his bosom.

Ye maun ken he had a way of bending his brows, that men saw the visible mark of a horseshoe in his forehead, deep dinted, as if it had been stamped there.
'Are ye come light-handed, ye son of a toom whistle ?' said Sir Robert.
'Zounds! if you are'-- My gudesire, with as gude acountenance as he could put on, made a leg, and placed the bag of money on the table wi' a dash, like a man that does something clever.