Chapter II: Book I: The Winning of a Husband (1)

_As set forth by the Lady of the Quest,
with a necessary Interlude by the
Gentleman in Person_

_Chapter_
I

_In which I, Lady Katharine Clanranald, come to
a desperate but manly Resolution_

"Time," said the councillor gravely, "is all that we lack."

"And money, sir," I added most disconsolately.

"True," was the somewhat amused answer of the grim old attorney. "The King hath very pressing need of money ever, and with the Stuart disposition there goeth always the itching palm of Cassius."

"That last need," I commented thoughtfully, "might be supplied in some measure. There are the jewels of the Countess, my lady mother, and my own as well."

"And though the estates be confiscate," returned Master Dunner, "there are certain moneys in my charge which the justiciaries wot not of, and which are available for any purpose that will serve my lord."

"Nay, sir, I would not have you jeopard your own savings," I burst out hurriedly, but he straightway checked me.

"Your ladyship," he said softly, "I am not only an attorney, but in a remote degree I am kin to your family and of your blood. My ancestors followed Clanranald in peace and war. They served him with the sword, I with the pen, 'tis true, but natheless..."

"Master Dunner," said I, vastly touched, "you say true, and for the Earl I accept your proffer. Think ye that together we could raise two thousand pounds?"

"With your ladyship's jewels and those of the family which you took precaution to remove before the troopers seized the house, I think with my own poor savings added thereto we might even compass three thousand."

"Scots?" quoth I.

"English, madam."

"'Tis a goodly sum."

"Ay, indeed, but as I had the honour to tell you a moment since, 'tis not money we lack but time."

"Will you explain that to me again, Master Attorney?"

Indeed, I had become quite bewildered by the sudden changes of fortune which had plunged us into this dire misery.

"'Tis true undoubtedly, madam, that your honoured father did conspire with the Duke of Monmouth or his partisans in Scotland to raise the country in revolt against King Jamie of England, his brother, but there were extenuating circumstances. He was in a manner forced into the enterprise, although his influence and voice were ever raised in restraint. I have prepared a brief here, well attested. Indeed, those of the meaner sort lately executed for treason have cheerfully borne testimony to the Earl's unwillingness, and I have here their depositions. Then, too, there is a recommendation from the Lord Chief Justice, together with a petition signed by various gentlemen praying the King to exercise his royal clemency. If we could get that into his hands backed by that sum of money of which we have spoke, I think there would be no doubt that His Majesty would be pleased to commute the sentence."

He smiled confidently as he concluded.

"Why not send it to him at once then?" I asked rather sharply. "Why delay and waste hours in idle talking?"

"But, your ladyship, I have told you there is no time."

"What mean you?"

"The proceedings in the trial, which was most unduly hurried despite our earnest protests and in which no proper opportunity was given to establish these facts, have been sent to His Majesty in London. On account of the Earl's rank and importance, a royal warrant is required for his execution."

I shuddered at that word, but Master Dunner ran on inflexibly, knowing that I was privy to the worst already.

"The findings of the court were approved with most unseemly haste, and a royal warrant issued which is even now on the way. I have had private advices from a correspondent in London, who hath interest at the Court, that the warrant is being despatched to Edinburgh in the personal custody of Sir Hugh Richmond, an officer of the Royal Army. My messenger coming post-haste hath outstripped him, in part because he hath been obliged to deliver other similar warrants, which hath made his progress slower than one who comes direct."

"But have you not appealed to the Lord Chief Justice to delay the execution of the warrant until we can communicate with the King?" I asked earnestly.

"Madam, I have, but he is inflexible. He says he hath no power, though with the best will in the world, to stay the execution of a royal warrant."

"But if I should appeal to him?"

"You might as well appeal to the Tolbooth itself."

"Then the case is hopeless?"

"Ay," said the old man gently enough, but with such decision as carried conviction to my sinking heart, "unless by some means the delivery of the warrant can be estopped until we have access to the King."

"Could the messenger be bribed?"

"I fear not. Sir Hugh Richmond is, I am told, a man of independent fortune, a proved soldier, a loyal gentleman."

"I meant not with money, old friend," I replied, smiling at him.

"By Heaven!" answered the advocate, looking me full in the eyes, "if any power could do it, it would be your fair face, my lady, and, given you time and opportunity, I believe you might win any man to your thinking, but here again 'tis impossible."

"But if some one took the warrant from him by force?"

"That would answer," said the advocate, "but who is to do it, madam? It would be high treason in the first place and certain death in the second, and in the present unsettled state of affairs, or rather settled in His Majesty's interest, you could not get a man to lift a hand."

He shook his head gloomily as he finished.

"Could I not?" I replied reflectively. "There are..."

And then I stopped.

I had plenty of friends to be sure, and I did not doubt that among them I might find some of sufficient devotion and daring to risk life and fortune to do me this service. Whoever did it, however, would want a reward commensurate with the risk incurred, and with the service rendered. I knew full well what that reward would be. It would be myself, and there was not one among the gay gallants who had paid me court--and who, I doubt not, even now would be at my side, or at my feet, were I not in close hiding, thinking to serve my father better at large than if I were with him in the prison--that I would marry. I was as heart-whole and fancy-free as any maid in Scotland, and would fain remain so; though, if it came to a pinch, I would of course sacrifice my own freedom to any gallant gentleman who would save my good old father's life.

He and I were the last of the Clanranalds. Brother I had had, but he had died two years before, and my mother had long since preceded him. My father and I had been much together at Clanranald House, and I loved him with a devotion, I think, which passed that entertained by most Scottish maids for their fathers. I did not desire to marry anybody. I wanted my father's life saved. I wished to be back again at Clanranald House, the old, sweet, free life flowing on as it did before this bastard Monmouth and his futile ambitions came athwart our path. But that was not to be. Surely some other way might be found to stop the messenger. I strained my wits hard to devise one.

"Madam," said Master Dunner, who had been scrutinising me searchingly as these thoughts ran through my troubled brain, "you know how gladly I would assume the adventure myself, were it not..."

He looked down very sadly at his poor clubbed foot and shrunken limb, which had made him an attorney instead of a soldier. He was older than my father, too, and could with difficulty sit a horse.

"I know your will, sir," I interrupted quickly, catching him by the hand, "but that is not to be thought of."

"What, then?"

That he, with all his shrewdness and resource, should ask the question of me, a woman, proved as nothing else the hopelessness of the situation. Yet the question was a sharp spur to my imagination. It seemed to force choice among the men who had paid court to me at Clanranald House in happier days.

"Let me think," replied I, as I passed in rapid review the various young gentlemen of my acquaintance. There was not one of them who was acceptable as a husband in the least degree to me. There must be some other way, and yet... I came to a sudden decision.

"I will do it myself," I said boldly with a flash of inspiration.

"You, my lady?" exclaimed the attorney in great amaze.

"Why not I? I can use a small sword with most men of my acquaintance. My father hath given me much of his own skill, and I have never hesitated to cross blades in friendly bout with any of our guests at home. As for other weapons, I have often ranged moor and glen with the Earl; I have brought down a stag and know the use of small arms."

"But you are a woman."

"Can I not for the nonce be a man?" I asked. "What's to hinder, indeed?"

"And do you imagine that, even if you were to attempt to carry out this mad scheme, you could get the better of a tried soldier, an experienced man of the world as rumour accrediteth Sir Hugh Richmond to be?" asked the old man with a slightly ironic touch.

"Since time and the world began, Master Dunner, weak woman, backed by her wit and finesse, hath got the better of strong man," I replied with spirit.

"But you are proposing to approach him as a man."

"I shall be not less a woman for all that," I retorted triumphantly, veering to the other side of the argument, "and being all a woman and half a man..."

"Which half, madam?"

"The outward and visible shape thereof," I answered, blushing.

The little attorney laughed grimly.

"'Fore God," he said, "forgive me, madam, but the thought of you as..."

"Master Dunner," said I imperiously, "I am a tall woman as women go"--and I fervently thanked God for the first time in my heart for that fact, heretofore something of a grief to me, since your small women were the fashion then and thereafter--"and I doubt not I will make a braw man enough."

"But your face, madam ... your hair ... your voice?"

"I will cut my hair."

"Would you sacrifice...?"

"Peace, man! What is the loss of a few locks, that will grow again, beside my father's head. I will darken my face a bit--indeed, had it been summer instead of spring I should have been brown enough to pass muster--I will wear a wig, and my voice," it was a deep contralto, "will serve. You must get me a suit of clothes, boots, coat, and ... the other things; a sword, let it be a good one; pistols ... and, behold! I am transformed."

"And suppose that I fall in with this mad plan of yours, may I ask what further do you intend to assay?"

"Which way rides the messenger?"

"Madam, he comes through Berwick and the road along the shore."

"Will he go to Dalkeith?"

"I think not. Rather by way of Dunbar and Prestonpans."

"When do you expect him?"

"He should be here to-morrow."

"Good!" said I decisively. "'Tis yet early morning and there is time. Where will he lie to-night?"

"I should think perhaps at Cockenzie. There is an inn there, The Black Douglas, of much repute for travellers, and 'tis an easy journey thence to Edinburgh. He was to stop a night at Berwick, another at Dunbar."

He had the route pat enough, to be sure!

"Think you that your information is to be depended upon?"

"Madam, I believe so."

"I will meet him, then, at Cockenzie. What say you is the name of this famous hostelry?"

"The Black Douglas. But what are your plans then?"

"To act as circumstances may dictate."

"My dear lady," said the old man, coming nearer to me, "forgive my presumption. I have served your race long and well. You have no one left to advise you but me, humble though I am. I must ask to know more of your plans before I consent to aid you."

"And I cannot tell you just exactly what I hope to do."

"But in a general way?"

"In some way or other I shall take from him his despatch-bag, abstract therefrom the warrant for my father. You shall describe it to me so I may identify it easily."

"But..."

"Ask me no more!" I cried. "I am resolved upon it. If you will not help met I shall go myself without your aid."

"Misfortune may befall you."

"What of that? If I am to lose my father, I care not what becomes of me."

"But others care."

"Nay, for no others do I care."

"Madam," he said gravely, "I do think that a bit unkind."

"But for thee," I answered quickly, discerning the trend of his thought. "But because I hold you in honour and you are my last, my only friend, the one being to whom I can appeal, I beg of you question me no further, but give me your aid. The risk is for my father's life and his peril justifieth anything."

"You have won me, madam," said the old man, deeply touched I could see. "Tell me what you wish me to do."

"Procure me clothes suited to my new emprise, a horse--and see that he be a speedy and spirited one, no ambling woman's pad for me, but the best that can be got; money sufficient for any possible wayside need, say a hundred pounds; a sword, an Andrew Ferrara if you can come at one in a hurry; pistols for the holsters; a saddlebag containing toilet necessaries; a horseman's cloak."

"They shall be here in an hour," said the old man. "I have a suit of your brother's, a riding-suit, which he left at my house when last he visited Edinburgh before his death. 'Tis complete in all points and will fit you, I doubt not, to perfection."

He was a year older than I, but he had been dead two years and I had had time to catch up with him.

"There is a sword that belonged to my father as well. 'Tis a tried blade," said the old man. "I could not give it into worthier hands, and 'tis well adapted to your size, for my father was a man of slight build and did not swing the ponderous claymores of your ancestors."

"I am greatly pleased by your willingness to entrust it to me, Master Dunner. I hope I may use it as worthily as your father did or any of our house."

"Madam, you do me proud," said the old gentleman, bowing like a courtier. "As for the rest, I will make shift somehow. Would that I could go with you myself!"

"Would that you could," replied I, "but 'tis not to be thought of, and there is work for you to do as well."

"What is that?"

"The ransom money," said I. "It must be raised and put in bills of exchange upon London. The papers must be prepared."

"Ay," was the answer, "and if God grant you be successful, they must be despatched to London at once."

"If I am successful, and I must be, I shall take them myself."

"You are your father's daughter!" cried the attorney.

"If you have these things here within the hour, I can reach Cockenzie by nightfall. You should see me back to-morrow. Where shall I meet you?"

"Here," said the advocate. "The woman who keeps the house is devoted to me. No one suspects what this mean dwelling harbours, and 'tis the safest appointment I can give you."

"All's arranged then," said I, giving him my hand.

He bent low over it, and I felt that it had never been pressed by worthier lips than those of the honest advocate.

_Chapter_
II

_Wherein worthy Master Dunner finds My Lord Carthew's Clothes vastly becoming to me as I ride away_

Master Dunner was as good as his word. In half an hour there was a huge package, carefully tied up, delivered at the door by one of his clerks. I took it to my own chamber and eagerly cut the lashings. It was a complete suit, of blue and silver. In my distraction, anxiety, and apprehension I had time to think how vastly it became my fair skin and blue eyes and bright hair. I had a wealth of the latter, and I confess, in spite of my brave words, that it was with a considerable pang that I had the woman who kept the house come into the room and, with clumsy, unskilful fingers, crop my long locks with her scissors. Fortunately my hair was curly, and, had it not been that the styles were otherwise, methought as I looked in the glass that the short ringlets were not unbecoming. With the suit were wig to go on one end of me and boots for the other. I was of my brother's height, but my feet were smaller than his; nevertheless, to my great satisfaction, the boots served well.

In my petticoats I was a tall woman; dressed as I found myself presently, I was rather an undersized man, yet not altogether insignificant. My face did look painfully fair: my cheeks pink and white, my upper lip innocent of the faintest suggestion of a moustache; yet, out of some paste from my toilet-table, I did contrive to dull the colour in my cheeks and to impart a brownish cast to my complexion that robbed it of a little of its femininity. My voice, which luckily happened to be a deep contralto, I could manage well enough.

With the suit was a riding-cloak, which I draped about me, and fancied that thus equipped no one could penetrate my disguise. I bore a striking likeness to my brother, too, thus apparelled. It went to my heart, when I looked at myself, to think of my father under sentence of death; alone, childless, save for one poor girl.

I had scarce finished adjusting my wig, clapping my hat upon it, walking up and down the room to accustom myself to the strange garb, when Master Dunner was announced. As he opened the door, he started back in great surprise at what he saw of me.

"'Fore God," he said, "did I not know, I should think it Lord Carthew"--my brother's courtesy title--"in life again."

His eyes travelled upward and rested upon my face. He shook his head.

"Save for that burning blush, the imitation is perfect."

"I think," said I, "that I shall not fly my colours in that way again. You see"--I sat down as I spoke and gathered my cloak about my legs, of which for the first time in my life I became acutely conscious--"you see, I expect that all others who look upon me will regard me as a man, while you know that I am but a woman, and..."

"I see," said the advocate, gravely smiling at my logic.

"It was foolish of me to blush," said I contritely, "seeing that you are older than my father."

"I held you in my arms when you were christened, my lady," remarked the old man simply, but with feeling.

"I know," I answered.

I rose to my feet and threw back my cloak. I must get accustomed, I thought, to these strange clothes and the world's scrutiny. No better opportunity presented itself for beginning than then and there.

"Hast brought the sword?" I asked, struggling to forget my garb.

For answer he handed it to me, belt and all. The hilt was richly chased and jewelled, but I had seen swords whose whole value consisted in that which rose above the scabbard. I drew it forth instantly and examined it critically. It was indeed a rare and beautiful blade, such as would have delighted the eye of a practised swordsman. I balanced the trustworthy weapon easily in my hand. It fitted my arm as if it had grown to my palm.

"'Tis a rare and beautiful weapon, if I am a judge."

"I think, from the way you handle it, that you are."

I shot it back into its sheath, clasped the belt about my waist, and instantly felt a thousand times more manly than before. The steel dangling against my legs seemed to add the finishing touch of completeness to my disguise. I was now a man indeed.

"Here," said the advocate, extending his hand with a purse, "is the money."

I sought to thrust it, womanlike, into the bosom of my shirt beneath the ruffles.

Master Dunner laughed.

"You have a pocket, sir, where such things are kept by men."

Once more I blushed.

"Your reminder is a good one," said I in some confusion, searching in the breast of my coat until I found the receptacle. "I may appear manly enough, but I lack practice in the niceties of the masquerade."

"That will come in time, madam," said the old man.

"Ah, yes," was my smiling answer, "but, as you noted before, time is what we lack. Yet I must e'en do my best with what I have. Where is the horse, and the mails?"

He pointed toward the door.

"In the alley at the back of the house. The mails are strapped to the saddle. They contain a change of linen and various other articles. I saw to their bestowing."

"Men's clothing or women's?"

"Men's, of course. From Lord Carthew's wardrobe. What should a young gallant like you be doing with women's gear?"

"True," said I. "You are right. May not the horse be brought around to the front of the house?"

"I think it safer and more secluded in the alley. Suspicion is easily excited in Edinburgh now, and to see so splendid a cavalier as yourself issuing from so mean an abode as this might give rise to curious question. This is our only haven. I would hold it inviolate for your return until to-morrow night."

"You are right, Master Dunner," said I. "And now I must go. I can think of nothing more. What's o'clock?"

"'Twas on the stroke of nine as I entered the house."

"If I ride carefully, I should be at Cockenzie before five. That will give me ample time. If our calculations fail not, I will meet Sir Hugh there."

I paused.

"And may God aid you and defend the right!" said the old man solemnly.

"Amen," said I. "And now good-bye."

I extended my hand once more. Mine ancient friend bowed over it, but I prevented him. I stepped toward him. Indeed, I overtowered him quite on account of his diminutive stature and his lameness, so that I bent my head and kissed him on the forehead without ceremony or hesitation.

"Good-bye, true friend," I said.

He was mightily touched by this mark of condescension. His thin face flushed.

"I would to God," he cried, "that I were young and strong and whole that I might ride for you or with you. 'Tis I who play the woman's part."

"Nay," said I, touched in turn by his generous words. "Without you this could not be. Will you have access to my father?"

"Yes, by the favour of the Lord Chief Justice, who is well affected toward me. What shall I tell him?"

"Tell him everything. Tell him, on the faith of the last Clanranald, I will have the warrant, or..."

I paused.

"Or what, your ladyship?"

"Or I will await him on the other side," I answered, looking away.

"God forbid!" earnestly protested the old man, sinking down and burying his head in his hands by the table.

"Look for me with the warrant to-morrow night," said I, forcing a smile lest I should break down, with my hand on the door.

"Wait!" he cried. "Don't think of bringing me the warrant. Destroy it instantly, tear it up when you get your hands upon it, or, better still, burn it. Here!"

He drew from his pocket a flint and steel in a little case. He was one of the few who practised the new-fangled habit of smoking the Virginia weed. I never could see what pleasure he got from it.

"Take these. You can kindle fire with them. Burn the warrant, should you be fortunate enough to lay hands upon it. Scraps may be pieced; ashes tell no tales. You understand the use of these things?"

I had often seen him light his pipe.

"Entirely," said I. "You shall see me, then, to-morrow night, with the statement that the warrant is destroyed."

"I pray so, I pray so!" cried the old man as I passed out of the room.

Now, I had--I suppose I should say it to my shame--often ridden astride at home. While I ordinarily rode as was the habit of my sex, sometimes, in wild mountain excursions through the forest glens or on hunting trips and adventurous journeys in the Highlands with my father and some faithful servitors, I had perforce and of necessity been compelled to ride astride. Therefore, it was no novelty for me to have between my legs a good horse.

Advocate learned in the law though he might be, Master Dunner was a rare judge of horse-flesh, I thought, or else he had wit enough to employ unquestioned talent for that purpose, for I never saw a sweeter, better-bred steed than that led by a horse-boy in the alley. He was perhaps a trifle undersized for a full-grown man's charger, but for my weight and build he was admirable: a deep French bay in exquisite condition. The saddle and mails behind were new, and the horse was equipped _point device_.

You see from this that I had studied French. Indeed, I was much better educated than the majority of my sex, to whom all learning save the simplest was a sealed book. My father had taken interest in me to teach me things, and I even knew where that quotation from Master Shakespeare came which my advocate had used, for my Lord and I had read the plays together and liked them well.

Slipping a coin into the horse-boy's hand, I stepped by the side of my horse, patted him a few moments, fondled him to make his acquaintance, wished that I had brought a bit of sugar for him, but made up for that default by my tender usage of him. Then I sprang lightly to the saddle and cantered slowly down the alley.

I was entirely familiar with Edinburgh and I easily avoided the main highways, taking alleys and by-streets, until I came to the gate in the city wall which gave out to the east, or Dunbar Road. Doubtless I made a fine sight with my handsome clothes, my easy bearing, my youthful face and my gallant steed. The soldiers at the gate, thinking they had to do with a wealthy gentleman, saluted as I passed, and I took some comfort in acknowledging, with a careless wave of my gauntleted hand, their respective duties.

By rights I should have been accompanied by a servant on another horse, but I did not stay long enough to let any question me for that lack, for so soon as I was clear of the town, and a turn of the road hid me from possible observation and scrutiny by the soldiers, I put spurs to my horse. Indeed a word would have been sufficient, but the spurs were upon my boots and I touched him with one. His bound nearly unseated me, by the way.

I was minded to distance possible pursuit by putting a long space between me and the town as soon as possible. There were two roads before me that led westerly; one crookedly along the shore, and the other inland a mile or so. The shore road was the more frequented, the broader and better highway; it was also somewhat longer, since it followed the windings of the coast, while that inland, through wooded and farming country and over the hills, was straighter, shorter, and more direct. It was also much less travelled, and therefore I was less apt to meet with question and more apt to avoid pursuit, should any be made. Accordingly, I chose the inland way. The two roads met at a place called Musselburgh, and from thence the way ran directly along the shore to the tavern where I confidently expected to meet my friend.

I was an astonishingly good horseman--how I dropped into the masculine in talking of myself, I thought!--and I knew that, if I pushed my horse too hard at the first, he would be spent for the rest of the day. Therefore, after going perhaps five or six miles at a rapid pace, I checked him, and thereafter proceeded in a more reasonable way.

I met no one of any importance, save yokels driving hay-wains and wagons of produce to the city, travelling pedlars, a little company of merchants, a stray soldier, to all of whom I gave good-day and passed on, none offering to molest me. My heart, which had beat high at the sight of the first-comer with all sorts of vague anticipation of disaster, at last became quite indifferent to any approaching traveller, and I flattered myself that I need be under no apprehension whatever of any one penetrating my disguise or seeking to harm me.

Nevertheless, I was careful to see that my pistols were loose in the holsters; that the priming made them fit for instant discharge, and that my sword-hilt was pulled a little forward ready to hand, should anybody attempt to stop me. I was determined to show my mettle and not to yield until the last extremity. There were, of course, highwaymen abroad, but they rarely molested people in open daylight. By nightfall, please God, I would be safely sheltered in The Black Douglas at Cockenzie.

It was noon when I cantered gallantly down the streets of Musselburgh. I had determined to rest there an hour to bait my horse, to get my dinner, and to consider further what my plans and future work should be. I drew up before the door of a comfortable-looking hostelry. Stable-boys came running; the landlord himself appeared in the doorway of his inn. I descended, called for a meal which I demanded should be of roast beef and other substantiate accompanied by a bottle of wine, thus doing violence to my natural dainty appetite, which would have preferred a fowl and cold water. I also engaged a private parlour and was accordingly served in private. I spent an hour thus very quietly and pleasantly without disturbance.

Now, I had been brought up very unconventionally in a way that would have scandalised my female relatives, had I enjoyed any, and which doubtless did scandalise certain neighbouring dames whose seats adjoined our own, but, nevertheless, I was a woman and I had never been absolutely free, independent, and unrestrained before.

I confess to a delightful sensation of excitement at my present situation. I think I must have had all the daring and adventurous spirit of the famous Clanranalds, and to be thus mounted on a good horse with money in my purse, a good sword by my side, a great adventure before me, filled me with joy. I had all the confidence of youth and inexperience, and all the hopefulness of woman, that somehow I should be able to bring about my desire, and that my romantic action in attempting this wild masquerade would result in the saving of the life of my noble father.

I thought with considerable complacency that this exploit of mine would entitle me to something more than a mention of my name in the family chronicles, and that perhaps I might be counted as worthy the best traditions of our ancient house. In anticipation, I could feel my Lord clasp me in his arms when I had saved his life and bless me for my daring, although I well knew that he would have died rather than give his consent to such an amazing undertaking.

The good meal, the wine, of which I drank but sparingly, pouring the rest out of the window when no one was looking, refreshed me greatly. With a new zeal, therefore, I mounted my horse, flung the landlord a guinea, at which he bowed himself nearly to the floor, and cantered down the street through the town and out upon the broad ocean highway.

The sea breeze, with all its splendid freshness, lifted the close curls of my full wig, fanned my brow, and cooled my cheeks in the most exhilarating way. I rode rapidly enough, observing my horse possessed of all the qualities of speed and stamina that his appearance had indicated, and, without anything untoward or exciting happening, about five o'clock in the evening I drew up at the Black Douglas Inn, at Cockenzie.

Cockenzie was merely a huddle of little houses, with nothing on earth to recommend it except the old inn pleasantly placed on a bluff headland overlooking the sea. It was the only house of any pretence whatever in the little fishing village, and before it I drew rein. Judicious inquiries elicited the fact that at the moment I was the only guest of the inn. I bespake the best chamber, ordered myself substantial supper, saw personally to the quartering and care of my horse, washed my own face and hands, went out of the rear door of the inn, walked to the edge of the high bluff, and sat down on a rude bench overlooking the sea, while waiting for my supper, and pondered carefully on my next step.

I had address enough to find out from the inn-maid who saw me to my apartment that no such traveller as I suspected Sir Hugh Richmond to be had passed by within that day or the day before. Therefore, I was in time. I had no doubt that this very night he would appear on the scene. Master Dunner's information was such as to carry assurance to him, and I depended upon its accuracy. Sitting and watching the ocean, I tried to decide upon my best course when I should at last be confronted by mine enemy.

_Chapter_
III

_How I ate, drank, and gamed with Sir Hugh Richmond, under whom I would fain see Service_

For all my cogitations, I had settled upon nothing, and I was not only surprised but confused when there stepped out on the porch and made toward me--the clatter of his boots upon the pavement caused me to turn my head--a cavalier, whom I instantly divined to be the bearer of our evil tidings. Abstractly, I had a welcome in my heart for him such as Pharaoh of old entertained for similar messengers, and I purposed to meet him in much the same way, too; concretely, my first thought was one of pleased surprise at his appearance.

He was tall, well-knit, well-bronzed, of darker skin and eyes than mine. His face was handsome in a stern and somewhat martial way. His bearing was that of a soldier and accorded well with the rich uniform he wore. I observed that he made directly to me, and, therefore, I inferred that he had come to seek me. I was annoyed at myself that I had enjoyed no more time for preparation for the meeting. I must have been deeply absorbed in my thoughts, I decided, not to have heard the clatter he made riding up to the door of the inn on the other side.

I had taken off my hat--heavy, clumsy felt thing that it was!--but, as the new-comer approached, I clapped it firmly on my head and rose, resisting with difficulty a wild inclination to wrap my riding-coat about my legs like the skirt of a dress.

My officer stopped a few paces from me, clapped his heels together, removed his hat with a sharp military gesture, and bowed quite gracefully before me.

"Sir," said he in a firm, authoritative voice, due perhaps to his habit of command, "may I introduce myself? I am Sir Hugh Richmond, captain in the King's Guards."

"My name is..." replied I, bowing in my turn, "is..."

What was my name? In my hurry it had not occurred to me to fix upon any. I paused stupidly enough while the gallant captain fixed his dark eyes upon me in surprised inquiry. I blurted out the first that came into my mind.

"Henry Carthew," I said.

"I am glad to have the honour of your acquaintance, Mr. Carthew," continued the soldier agreeably.

As he spoke, he smiled slightly. His face changed at once, and I thought, when he smiled, I had never seen a pleasanter-looking man. It was as if the real man had given a glimpse of himself behind the cloud with which habit and military discipline had shrouded him. Oh, but he was good to look on then!

"The pleasure, sir, is mine. I am honoured in the acquaintance of so distinguished a soldier as Sir Hugh Richmond."

Another look of surprise came to the face of the officer.

"You have heard of me, sir?" he asked, not without a certain pride.

"Your charge at Sedgemoor hath been told of even in Scotland."

"'Twas naught," he said carelessly. "I take it, sir, that you are not a soldier?"

"Only by inclination," replied I bravely. "I am contemplating service, however, and indeed, sir, 'twas for that I came hither in the hope of meeting you."

"Of meeting me?"

"Even so," I answered boldly, feeling that by happy chance I had stumbled upon an excellent excuse for my presence and interest. "We have heard in Edinburgh that you were on your way hither with warrants for the execution of the Earl of Clanranald and other rebels against His Majesty."

"Faith, sir," was the reply, "my name, my history, and business seem well enough known in these parts. And how, may I ask, was this news bruited abroad?"

"Express riders from the south have stated that you were charged with the delivery of the King's warrants for those high enough for His Majesty to take personal interest in," I answered promptly.

"'Fore God, sir," exclaimed Sir Hugh, laughing lightly, "with that rumour running ahead of me, I wonder some one did not endeavour to despoil me of my warrants in the interest of the condemned!"

"Sir," said I, "we are all loyal men in these parts."

I smiled as I spoke.

"Since Sedgemoor," returned the captain, sharing in my amusement.

"Ay, since Sedgemoor, and I believe there is no man in Scotland would molest you."

"But the adherents of Clanranald? I mention him since he is of the greater rank," he asked curiously.

I shrugged my shoulders. 'Twas excellent well done i' faith. I doubt if Mistress Nell Gwynn herself could have acted better. Although my heart was beating like to choke me, I gave no outward sign.

"He hath made his bed," I said, with what affectation of indifference I could muster, "let him lie upon it."

"'Tis like to be a long sleep then," returned my captain grimly, "for the warrant spells his death."

"So we have heard," said I.

I had to bite my lip and turn away for the moment, but I put such iron constraint upon myself as enabled me to awaken no suspicion in the captain's mind.

"Poor gentleman!" he said, after a little pause. "I never had errand that I liked less to discharge. But this work does not interest you, young sir."

Oh, did it not? I never was so interested in all my life.

"Nor did I break upon your solitude to discuss the King's business or my own. I learned from the landlord that a guest had preceded me, and that a gentleman had ordered supper who sat in loneliness out here, whence I made bold to interrupt your reverie and propose that we should share the table. I have had so little society since entering Scotland that I pine for a little free intercourse with my equals. Most gentlemen have avoided me, due perhaps to the rumour of which you speak."

"You are very welcome to such poor companionship as I can give you," said I. "And indeed, as I told you, I had come here to seek you with view to entering the King's service. I'm a gentleman of some small fortune. They call me the Laird of Lochnaven."

"Your age, young sir?" said the captain, surveying me thoughtfully.

"My age!" I exclaimed, with a woman's natural reluctance to declare it. "Is it necessary that I...?"

The captain threw back his head and laughed boisterously.

"You are as timorous about giving it as if you were a girl."

"Twenty!" exclaimed I in my deepest voice and most imperious manner. "And, sir, I would thank you to modify your allusion to any timidity you may falsely suspect me of."

I laid my hand on my sword and was glad to feel the touch of the hilt. It gave me something to still my agitation.

"Thou art a good lad," said the captain genially, clapping me heavily upon the shoulder, "if but a slight one. I like your pluck, Master Carthew, and I have no doubt we will turn you into a brave soldier yet."

"I have, I trust, interest enough to procure me a cornetcy."

"Interest is well enough, but, hark ye, a word in your ear. What you Scots call siller is about the most interesting appeal any one can make to King James."

"I will e'en have a supply of that."

"Well, then," returned the captain, "the matter can be easily arranged, I make no doubt. We shall take further counsel on 't to-morrow. If agreeable to you, I should like to have you in my own company of guards. There's a vacancy or two since Sedgemoor, and I'll own my heart warms to you, lad."

"Nothing would please me better," said I, delighted at the success of my ruse, "than the prospect of service under so distinguished a master of the art as yourself."

"You talk like a book, boy," said the captain, not ill-pleased, however, at the compliment. "I foresee we shall get along vastly well. I had been pining for the sight of a woman in all these lonely rides, but you will take the place of one as well as any man on earth could."

Could he suspect me?

"Sir, sir!" I cried, "do I infer that you think me womanish?"

"What a tinder-box it is!" laughed the captain. "I only meant your wit and your spirit would go far to render other company unnecessary. Come," he resumed, "loose your hold upon your sword. I am too old to fight with you, and in too peaceful a mood for quarrel to-night, especially about nothing."

"Gentlemen," said the landlord, coming out of the door and approaching us, "your supper is served. Not hearing to the contrary and seeing you together, sirs, I have ventured to set it at one table."

"You have done well," I replied.

"Excellent i' faith," commented my companion genially.

And together we turned toward the house. It was, indeed, a noble supper that was set before us. My fellow-traveller insisted that, as I was the first-comer and had done the ordering, to me appertained the head of the table. He proved a good trencherman likewise, and made much mock of my small appetite, alleging that all good soldiers were of necessity good feeders. I did my best to follow his generous example, but I am afraid I minced more as a woman than ate vigorously as a man.

It had been dusk outside when Sir Hugh had approached me. The dim light of the candles in the big parlour in which we supped was not more favourable to a disclosure of my secret than the twilight outside. I felt confident that no suspicions had been awakened in the soldier's mind, although how I could have borne his keen scrutiny in the full blaze of day was a doubtful question. I did not mean to bear it, so far as I was concerned, under those conditions if it could in any wise be helped.

"If I be not indiscreet, Sir Hugh," said I, during a pause in the meal, "I take it that you are an unmarried man?"

"You take it right, Master Carthew. A soldier loves all ladies; he marries none."

"A poor lookout for womankind if the best men are in the army," said I, bridling.

"'Tis the stern necessity of the trade," he returned coolly. "Wedlock and the sword go not well together. Have you a sweetheart, young sir?" he asked in his turn.

"I?" I exclaimed indignantly. "Certainly not. No. Yes.... That is..."

"Keep thy secret, lad. Do you come soldiering with me, you will have one in every town where you are stationed longer than a fortnight."

"Are soldiers, then, so fickle?"

"They are truth itself," he paused, "to the nearest fair," he added.

He lifted his glass and surveyed it a moment with half-shut eyes.

"I give you a toast. To the nearest fair!"

He drank his. I sipped mine. He noticed my abstemiousness.

"When you love harder, you drink deeper and fight better," he said sagely.

"Doubtless," said I. "And yet," I ran on, "the romances tell us of the constant devotion of the knight to his lady. Of how the soldier adventures far and wide and yet remains true to his one ideal at home."

"Such hath not been my experience. War and soldiering you will find are not as they are writ of in books."

"You have questioned me; I have no doubt that you will permit me to question you," I said in my turn.

"You are not under my command yet," said the captain, smiling at my presumption. "Ask what you will."

"Then there is no especial lady to whom your thoughts revert?"

"None, or rather there are a dozen," was the prompt reply.

I do not know why I should have felt glad at this, or what particular interest I had in Sir Hugh Richmond's love affairs, but he had rather flouted the idea of my sex, and, although I wore the trews for the time being, I could not forget that I was yet a woman. I should have liked to teach this red-coated Sassenach a thing or two, and I really longed for an opportunity to show him that we girls of Scotland were not to be so lightly dismissed as all that.

"You see, lad, I have campaigned in many countries, and have seen many women. God bless them all! I have liked an eye here, a cheek there, a foot and ankle yonder, a fine figure in this place, a merry laugh in another, spirit in a third, meekness in a fourth, but I have never seen one, that had all these traits and characteristics blended, that measured up to my own ideal."

"And what is your ideal, may I ask? You will forgive my curiosity. I am less a man than I seem." It was verging on the truth with a vengeance. "I have lived sequestered most of my life, and you cannot think how it interests me to have the views of so experienced a man of the world and so veteran a soldier as yourself upon this subject."

He looked sharply at me as I sat at the head of the table toying with my glass, as if he suspected some hidden meaning in my words, but I never appeared more innocent and guileless in my life than at that moment.

"Well," said he, "'tis a strange turn the conversation hath taken, but I know not why I should not humour you. My ideal maid, then, will be a woman who is first of all tall, about your own size. She shall have hair of sunshine colour and eyes of blue, and her cheek shall be fair to contrast with my own dark visage. In shape she shall be plump, not slender. Her hands shapely and white, but strong. I want none of your puling, lackadaisical, sentimental misses. She shall be a woman of spirit, one with courage enough not to run a-squeak at the sight of a mouse, one that can handle a sword or press the trigger of a weapon and discharge it without shutting her eyes at the report, one who can ride by my side if need be. As for learning, I want none of your dull and stupid minxes. Let her be read so that she can talk about something beside fallals, furbelows, children, and housewifery; one who could meet me on some terms of equality, who can preside gracefully over my establishment and mother my many children."

I thanked God that the candle-light did not disclose the furious colour in my cheek.

"Think you," said I, "that such a woman would be a good mother?"

"She would bring forth a race of soldiers," was the answer, "which is what I should like best to father."

"And what have you," I asked, forgetting that I was not a man in my indignation at his unbounded and condescending assurance, "to offer in exchange for this female paragon you have described?"

"What have I to offer?" He started to his feet violently and leaned over the table. "This is past endurance, sir," he said in sudden temper, striking the board hotly with his fist. "What do you mean?"

"Nothing, nothing offensive," I returned quickly, endeavouring to keep my temper and be calm as his anger rose. "'Tis but a jest. I meant no offence."

His temper subsided as suddenly as it had arisen.

"As you say," he answered, after a moment's reflection; "'tis idle talk. You ask what I have to offer? Truth to tell, I never thought of it in that way."

"But would it not be fair," I asked, "to take stock of the qualities to be exchanged for those you have demanded?"

"Fair, yes; but a man hardly likes to appraise himself; in fact, I doubt that he can do it truthfully. Yet I'll try. I am thirty-two, heart-whole and fancy-free, the possessor of a rentroll of five or six thousand a year, hold a commission in the King's Guards, am sound in wind and limb, good in temper, possess some small learning which I got at Oxford, and--faith, that's all."

I laughed. I could not help it.

"That's the assurance of mankind," I said at last. "Do you give me leave to speak frankly about you?"

"I invite you to do so," returned the captain complacently.

"Here you are, just an ordinary, commonplace soldier approaching middle life, of good birth and reasonable fortune, declaring that nothing can suit you but the never-to-be-realised ideal you have described."

"You are, indeed, frank," returned Sir Hugh resentfully.

"I am," I answered, "and I will be more so. If you wish, I will give you my own ideal of womankind."

"I should like to hear what your vast experience has evolved," returned the other, somewhat sarcastically.

"She shall be small, tender, meek, adoring, dark of hair and eye, dainty and nice of taste and appearance. She shall hang upon my words, attempt no equality with me, come to my hand, and..."

"You want a dog, not a woman," said the captain, laughing. "When you have seen more, your views will differ."

"It may be."

"And what, pray, is your ideal man?" he asked lightly.

"He shall be tall and strong and brave and true, with bright hair and blue eyes, a soldier by profession, and fierce to all the world but reserving his tender side for me.... I mean for the woman that he loves," I added hastily to cover my slip. "He shall worship her and think her as far above him as the stars."

"You ought to marry your ideal man to your ideal woman," interposed the captain jocosely, "and see what the result would be. 'Fore God, sir, I'd like to observe such a union. Meanwhile, give me leave as an older man. We have talked enough sentiment for a boxful of French romances. It hath made me thirsty. Another bottle of wine, pray." He rapped on the table as he spoke, and bade it brought. "And then, when the remains of our supper shall be cleared away, I propose that we pass an hour in play before we retire for the night. I at least must make an early start to-morrow."

"I am agreeable," said I. "We have exchanged views upon our ladies and their cavaliers, and I am willing to back my luck against your own."

"With what shall we play?"

"With dice," I answered. "At any game of skill with such a veteran as you I would be at too great a disadvantage."

"True," said the captain, looking me over carefully. "Thou art a queer lad, but I like thee."

"The regard is mutual," said I. "What shall the stakes be?"

"Let us play for shillings," he said after a thoughtful moment.

His intent was so obvious that I could not bear the imputation.

"Nay, for guineas!" I cried.

"Done," said the captain. "Here's rare sporting blood, I see."