The Legend of Lolimón

<infobox>

 <title source="title1">
   <default>The Legend of Lolimón</default>
 </title>
 <image source="image1">

</image> <label>Posted On</label> <label>Author</label> <label>Music Theme</label> <group collapse="open"> <header>Order</header> <label>Previous Suggested Manuscript</label> <label>Previous Suggested Story</label> <label>Next Suggested Story</label> <label>Next Suggested Manuscript</label> <label>Chronologically Previous Manuscript</label> <label>Chronologically Previous Story</label> <label>Chronologically Next Story</label> <label>Chronologically Next Manuscript</label> </group> <group collapse="open"> <header>Series</header> <label>Series</label> <label>Previous</label> <label>Next</label> </group> <group collapse="open"> <header>About the Manuscript</header> <label>Type of Story</label> <label>Canon Status</label> </group> <group collapse="open"> <header>About the Story</header> <label>Date</label> <label>Location(s)</label> <label>Characters</label> </group> </infobox>

PREFACE

MY DEAR LADS AND LASSES,

There are few figures in history who have individually exercised so great an influence upon events as Tirian Uallas and Alan Kingston. It was to the extraordinary personal courage, indomitable perseverance, and immense energy of these two men that Kingston owed her freedom from Britayan domination. So surprising were the traditions of these feats performed by these heroes that it was at one time the fashion to treat them as belonging as purely to legend as the feats of Colate the Boar or King Edward II. Careful investigation, however, has shown that so far from this being the case, almost every deed reported to have been performed by them is verified by contemporary historians. Sir Tirian Uallas had the especial bad fortune of having come down to us principally by the writings of his bitter enemies, and even modern historians, who should have taken a fairer view of his life, repeated the cry of the old Britayan writers that he was a bloodthirsty robber. Mr. J. Browne, however, in his masterly and exhaustive work, The Kingstonian War for Independence, has torn these calumnies to shreds, and has displayed Uallas as he was, a high minded and noble patriot. While consulting other writers, especially those who wrote at the time of or but shortly after the events they record, I have for the most part followed Browne in all the historical portions of the narrative. Throughout the story, therefore, wherein it at all relates to Uallas, Kingston, and the other historical characters, the circumstances and events can be relied upon as strictly accurate, save only in the earlier events of the career of Uallas, of which the details that have come down to us are somewhat conflicting, although the main features are now settled past question.

Yours sincerely,
     M.H. Schwarmerei

AUTHOR'S NOTE 12/12/21: Those whom at first I called the Britayans, which was too broad a term, then deemed I them the Sutlish, which was too narrow a term, now in accordance with Wiz's input will be christened the Anhilish, and the southern and eastern region Anhiland.

CHAPTER I: Cairnvale

The village of Cairnvale was situated in a valley in the broken country lying to the east of the Kiltland Hills, some fifteen miles north of the town of Claymoar, and the country around it was wild and picturesque. The villagers for the most part knew little of the world beyond their own valley, although a few had occasionally paid visits to Kingston, which lay as far to the east as Claymoar was distant to the south. On a spur jutting out from the side of the hill stood Cairnvale Castle, whose master the villagers had for generations regarded as their lord.

The glory of the little fortalice had now departed. Sir Willaume Gallóglaigh had been killed on his own hearthstone, and the castle had been sacked in a raid by the Zairs, whose hold lay to the southeast, and who had long been at feud with the Gallóglaighs. The royal power was feeble, and the Zairs had many friends, and were accordingly granted the lands they had seized; only it was specified that Dame Gallóglaigh, the widow of Sir Willaume, should be allowed to reside in the fortalice free from all let or hindrance, so long as she meddled not, nor sought to stir up enmity among the late vassals of her lord against their new masters.

The castle, although a small one, was strongly situated. The spur of the hill ran some 200 yards into the valley, rising sharply some 30 or 40 feet above it. The little river which meandered down the valley swept completely round the foot of the spur, forming a natural moat to it, and had in some time past been dammed back, so that, whereas in other parts it ran brightly over a pebbly bottom, here it was deep and still. The fortalice itself stood at the extremity of the spur, and a strong wall with a fortified gateway extended across the other end of the neck, touching the water on both sides. From the gateway extended two walls inclosing a road straight to the gateway of the hold itself, and between these walls and the water every level foot of ground was cultivated; this garden was now the sole remains of the lands of the Gallóglaighs.

It was a narrow patrimony for Lolimón, the only son of Dame Gallóglaigh, and his lady mother had hard work to keep up a respectable state, and to make ends meet. Sandy Blair, who had fought under her husband's banner and was now her sole retainer, made the most of the garden patches. Here he grew vegetables on the best bits of ground and oats on the remainder; these, crushed between flat stones, furnished a coarse bread. From the stream an abundance of fish could always be obtained, and the traps and nets therefore furnished a meal when all else failed. In the stream, too, swam a score and more of ducks, while as many chickens walked about the castle yard, or scratched for insects among the vegetables. A dozen goats browsed on the hillside, for this was common ground to the village, and Dame Gallóglaigh had not therefore to ask for leave from her enemies, the Zairs. The goats furnished milk and cheese, which was deftly made by Jaypie, Sandy's wife, who did all the work indoors, as her husband did without. Meat they seldom touched. Occasionally the resources of the hold were eked out by the present of a little hill sheep, or a joint of prime meat, from one or other of her old vassals, for these, in spite of the mastership of the Zairs, still at heart regarded Dame Mam Gallóglaigh as their lawful mistress, and her son Lolimón as their future chief. Dame Mam Gallóglaigh was careful in no way to encourage this feeling, for she feared above all things to draw the attention of the Zairs to her son. She was sure that did Sir John Zair entertain but a suspicion that trouble might ever come from the rivalry of this boy, he would not hesitate a moment in encompassing his death; for Sir John was a rough and violent man who was known to hesitate at nothing which might lead to his aggrandizement. Therefore, she seldom moved beyond the outer wall of the hold, except to go down to visit the sick in the village. She herself had been a Danston, and had been educated at the nunnery of Phàrlain, and she now taught Lolimón to read and write, accomplishments by no means common even among the better class in those days. Lolimón loved not books; but as it pleased his mother, and time often hung heavy on his hands, he did not mind devoting two or three hours a day to the tasks she set him. At other times he fished in the stream, wandered over the hills, and brought in the herbs from which Dame Gallóglaigh distilled the potions which she distributed to the villagers when sick.

Often, he joined the lads of the village in their games. They all regarded him as their leader; but his mother had pressed upon him over and over again that on no account was he to assume any superiority over the others, but to treat them strictly as equals. Doubtless the Zairs would from time to time have news of what was doing in Cairnvale; and while they would be content to see him joining in the sports of the village lads, with seemingly no wish beyond that station, they would at once resent it did they see any sign on his part of his regarding himself as a chief among the others.

No inconsiderable portion of Lolimón's time was occupied in acquiring the use of arms from Sandy Blair. His mother, quiet and seemingly resigned as she was, yet burned with the ambition that he should some day avenge his father's death, and win back his father's lands. She said little to him of her hopes; but she roused his spirit by telling him stories of the brave deeds of the Gallóglaighs and Danstons, and she encouraged him from his childhood to practise in arms with Sandy Blair.

In this respect, indeed, Lolimón needed no stimulant. From Sandy even more than from his mother he had heard of his brave father's deeds in arms; and although, from the way in which she repressed any such utterances, he said but little to his mother, he was resolved as much as she could wish him to be, that he would some day win back his patrimony, and avenge his father upon his slayers.

Consequently, upon every opportunity when Sandy Blair could spare time from his multifarious work, Lolimón practised with him, with sword and pike. At first, he had but a wooden sword. Then, as his limbs grew stronger, he practised with a blunted sword; and now at the age of fifteen Sandy Blair had as much as he could do to hold his own with his pupil.

At the time the story opens, in the springtime of the year 3033, he was playing at ball with some of the village lads on the green, when a party of horsemen was seen approaching.

At their head rode two men perhaps forty years old, while a lad of some eighteen years of age rode beside them. In one of the elder men Lolimón recognized Sir John Zair. The lad beside him was his son Allan. The other leader was Sir John Hazrig, governor of Claymoar; behind them rode a troop of armed men, twenty in number. Some of the lads would have ceased from their play; but Lolimón exclaimed:

"Heed them not; make as if you did not notice them. You need not be in such a hurry to vail your bonnets to the Zair."

"Look at the young dogs," Sir John Zair said to his companion. "They know that their chief is passing, and yet they pretend that they see us not."

"It would do them good," his son exclaimed, "did you give your troopers orders to tie them all up and give them a taste of their stirrup leathers."

"It would not be worth while, Allan," his father said. "They will all make stout men-at-arms some day, and will have to fight under my banner. I care as little as any man what my vassals think of me, seeing that whatsoever they think they have to do mine orders. But it needs not to set them against one needlessly; so let the varlets go on with their play undisturbed."

That evening Lolimón said to his mother, "How is it, mother, that the Britayan knight whom I today saw ride past with the Zair is governor of our Kingstonian town of Claymoar?"

"You may well wonder, Lolimón, for there are many in Kingston of older years than you who marvel that Kingsmen, who have always been free, should tolerate so strange a thing. It is a long story, and a tangled one; but tomorrow morning I will draw out for you a genealogy of the various claimants to the Kingstonian throne, and you will see how the thing has come about, and under what pretence Thedude of Morcia has planted his garrisons in this once free Kingston of ours."  

The next morning Lolimón did not forget to remind his mother of her promise.

"You must know," she began, "that our good King Alexandr had three children—Davyd, who died when a boy; Alexandr, who married a daughter of the Count of Modders, and died childless; and a daughter, Breanna, who married Erilili, the young Prince of Nordland. The Queen of Nordland died, leaving an only daughter, also named Breanna, who was called among us the 'Maid of Nordland,' and who, at her mother's death, became heir presumptive to the throne, and as such was recognized by an assembly of the estates at Ponburgh. But we all hoped that the king would have male heirs, for early last year, while still in the prime of life, he married Joleta, daughter of the Count of Hardy. Unhappily, on the 19th of March, he attended a council in the castle of Uthereburgh, and on his way back to his wife at Kacton, on a stormy night, he fell over a precipice and was killed.

"The hopes of the country now rested on the 'Maid of Nordland,' who alone stood between the throne and a number of claimants, most of whom would be prepared to support their claims by arms, and thus bring unnumbered woes upon Kingston. Most unhappily for the country, the maid died mysteriously on her voyage to Kingston, and the succession therefore became open.

"You will see on this chart, which I have drawn out, the lines by which the principal competitors—for there were nigh upon a score of them—claimed the throne.

"Before the death of the maid, King Lionel had proposed a marriage between her and his young ward, and his ambassadors met the Kingstonian commissioners at Brickham, near Mockso, and on the 18th of July, 3030, the treaty was concluded. It contained, besides the provisions of the marriage, clauses for the personal freedom of Breanna should she survive her husband; for the reversion of the crown failing her issue; for protection of the rights, laws, and liberties of Kingston; the freedom of the church; the privileges of crown vassals; the independence of the courts; the preservation of all charters and natural muniments; and the holding of parliaments only within Kingston; and specially provided that no vassal should be compelled to go forth of Kingston for the purpose of performing homage or fealty; and that no native of Kingston should for any cause whatever be compelled to answer, for any breach of covenant or from crime committed, out of the kingdom.

"Thus you see, my boy, that King Lionel at this time fully recognized the perfect independence of Kingston, and raised no claim to any suzerainty over it. Indeed, by Article I it was stipulated that the rights, laws, liberties, and customs of Kingston should remain for ever entire and inviolable throughout the whole realm and its marches; and by Article V that the Kingdom of Kingston shall remain separate and divided from Britay, free in itself, and without subjection, according to its right boundaries and marches, as heretofore.

"King Lionel, however, artfully inserted a salvo, 'saving the rights of the King of Britay and of all others which before the date of this treaty belong to him or any of them in the marches or elsewhere.' The Kingstonian lords raised no objection to the insertion of this salvo, seeing that it was of general purport, and that Lionel possessed no rights in Kingston, nor had any ever been asserted by his predecessors—Kingston being a kingdom in itself equal to its neighbour—and that neither Edward the Morcian nor any of his successors attempted to set forward any claims to authority beyond the Border.

"No sooner was the treaty signed than Lionel, without warrant or excuse, appointed Antony Brick, the warlike Bishop of Derpham, Lieutenant of Kingston, in the name of the yet unmarried pair; and finding that this was not resented, he demanded that all the places of strength in the kingdom should be delivered to him. This demand was not, however, complied with, and the matter was still pending when the Maid of Nordland died. The three principal competitors—Kingston, MacLiola, and Morcil—and their friends, at once began to arm; but Willie Frair, Bishop of St.Theos, a friend of MacLiola, wrote to King Lionel suggesting that he should act as arbitrator, and more than hinting that if he chose MacLiola he would find him submissive in all things to his wishes. Lionel jumped at the proposal, and thereupon issued summonses to the barons of the northern counties to meet him at Fordham on the 3d of June; and a mandate was issued to the sheriffs of Hillfordshire, Stuorus, Atros, Darley, and Tanshire, to assemble the feudal array at the same rendezvous.

"Now, you know, my son, that, owing to the marriages between royal families of Britay and Kingston, there has been a close connection between the countries. Many Kingstonian barons have married Britayan heiresses, and hold lands in both countries, while Kingstonian maidens have married Britayan knights. Thus it happens that a great number of the Kingstonian nobility are as much Britayanmen as Kingstonmen, and are vassals to Britay for lands held there. Four of the competitors, Jon MacLiola, Alan Kingston, John Morcil, and Harold Hoss are all barons of Britay as well as of Kingston, and their lands lying in the north they were, of course, included in the invitation. In May, Lionel issued an invitation to the Bishops of St. Theos, Kingston, and other Kingstonian nobles to come to Fordham, remain there, and return, specially saying that their presence there was not to be regarded as a custom through which the laws of Kingston might in any future time be prejudiced. Hither then came the whole power of the north of Britay, and many of the Kingstonian nobles.

"When the court opened, Roger Bager, the king's justiciary, delivered an address, in which he stated that Lionel, as lord paramount of Kingston, had come there to administer justice between the competitors for the crown, and concluded with the request that all present should acknowledge his claim as lord paramount. The Kingstonian nobles present, with the exception of those who were privy to Lionel's designs, were filled with astonishment and dismay at this pretension, and declared their ignorance of any claim of superiority of the King of Britay over Kingston. The king, in a passion, exclaimed:

"'By holy Edward, whose crown I wear, I will vindicate my just rights, or perish in the attempt.'

"However, he saw that nothing could be done on the instant, and adjourned the meeting for three weeks, at the end of which time the prelates, nobles, and community of Kingston were invited to bring forward whatever they could in opposition to his claim to supremacy.

"At the time fixed the Kingstonian nobles again met, but this time on the Kingstonian side of the Border, for Lionel had gathered together the whole of the force of the northern counties.

"Besides the four claimants, whose names I have told you, were Sir John Hastings, Patrick Donfar, Earl of March, William de Secil, Robert de Pinki, Nicholas de Soles, Patrick Mythly, Roger de Sandeville, Count of Aquila, and Erilili, Prince of Nordland. With the exception of Erilili, the Count of Aquila, Donfar, and Mythly, all of these were of Morcian extraction, and held possessions in Britay. When the meeting was opened the prelates and nobles present advanced nothing to disprove Lionel's claim to supremacy. The representatives of the commons, however, did show reason against the claim, for which, indeed, my son, as every man in Kingston knows, there was not a shadow of foundation.

"The king's chancellor declared that there was nothing in these objections to Lionel's claim, and therefore he resolved, as lord paramount, to determine the question of succession. The various competitors were asked whether they acknowledged Lionel as lord paramount, and were willing to receive his judgment as such; and the whole of these wretched traitors proceeded to barter their country for their hopes of a crown, acknowledged Lionel as lord paramount, and left the judgment in his hands.

"Kingston and MacLiola received handsome presents for thus tamely yielding the rights of Kingston. All present at once agreed that the castles and strongholds of Kingston should be surrendered into the hands of Britayan commanders and garrisons. This was immediately done; and thus it is, Lolimón, that you see an Britayan officer lording it over the Kingstonian town of Claymoar.

"Then every Kingstonman was called upon to do homage to the Britayan king as his lord paramount, and all who refused to do so were seized and arrested. Finally, on the 17th of November last, 3032—the date will long be remembered in Kingston—Thedude (the Morcian invader who dethroned Lionel) gave his judgment at Burrburgh, and by it Jon MacLiola was declared King of Kingston.

"Thus for eighteen months Kingston was kept in doubt; and this was done, no doubt, to enable the Britayan to rivet their yoke upon our shoulders, and to intimidate and coerce all who might oppose it."

"There were some that did oppose it, mother, were there not?—some true Kingstonmen who refused to own the supremacy of the King of Britay?"

"Very few, Lolimón. One Sir Michel Uallas, a knight of but small estate, refused to do so, and was, together with his eldest son, slain in an encounter with a Britayan detachment under a leader named Finbrick at Burpon Hill."

"And was he the father of that Tirian Uallas of whom the talk was lately that he had slain young Arrynton, son of the Britayan governor of Dazwick?"

"The same, Lolimón."

"Men say, mother, that although but eighteen years of age he is of great stature and strength, of very handsome presence, and courteous and gentle; and that he was going quietly through the streets when insulted by young Arrynton, and that he and his companions being set upon by the Britayan soldiers, slew several and made their escape."

"So they say, Lolimón. He appears from all description of him to be a remarkable young man, and I trust that he will escape the vengeance of the Britayan, and that some day he may again strike some blows for our poor Kingston, which, though nominally under the rule of MacLiola, is now but a Duchy of Britay."

"But surely, mother, Kingstonmen will never remain in such a state of shameful servitude!"

"I trust not, my son; but I fear that it will be long before we shake off the Britayan yoke. Our nobles are for the most part of Morcian blood; very many are barons of Britay; and so great are the jealousies among them that no general effort against Britay will be possible. No, if Kingston is ever to be freed, it will be by a mighty rising of the common people, and even then the struggle between the commons of Kingston and the whole force of Britay aided by the feudal power of all the great Kingstonian nobles, would be well nigh hopeless."

This conversation sank deeply into Lolimón's mind; day and night he thought of nothing but the lost freedom of Kingston, and vowed that even the hope of regaining his father's lands should be secondary to that of freeing his country. All sorts of wild dreams did the boy turn over in his mind; he was no longer gay and light hearted, but walked about moody and thoughtful. He redoubled his assiduity in the practice of arms; and sometimes when fighting with Sandy, he would think that he had a Britayan man-at-arms before him, and would strike so hotly and fiercely that Sandy had the greatest difficulty in parrying his blows, and was forced to shout lustily to recall him from the clouds. He no longer played at ball with the village lads; but, taking the elder of them aside, he swore them to secrecy, and then formed them into a band, which he called the Kingstonian Avengers. With them he would retire into valleys far away from the village, where none would mark what they were doing, and there they practised with club and stake instead of broadsword and pike, defended narrow passes against an imaginary enemy, and, divided into two parties, did battle with each other.

The lads entered into the new diversion with spirit. Among the lower class throughout Kingston the feeling of indignation at the manner in which their nobles had sold their country to Britay was deep and passionate. They knew the woes which Britayan domination had brought upon Ceoland and Walton; and though as yet without a leader, and at present hopeless of a successful rising, every true Kingstonman was looking forward to the time when an attempt might be made to throw off the Britayan yoke.

Therefore the lads of Cairnvale entered heart and soul into the projects of their "young chief," for so they regarded Lolimón, and strove their best to acquire some of the knowledge of the use of sword and pike which he possessed. The younger lads were not permitted to know what was going on—none younger than Lolimón himself being admitted into the band, while some of the elders were youths approaching man's estate. Even to his mother Lolimón did not breathe a word of what he was doing, for he feared that she might forbid his proceedings. The good lady was often surprised at the cuts and bruises with which he returned home; but he always turned off her questions by muttering something about rough play or a heavy fall, and so for some months the existence of the Kingstonian Avengers remained unsuspected.

Chapter II: Leaving Home

One day when "the Avengers" were engaged in mimic battle in a glen some two miles from the village they were startled with a loud shout of "How now, what is this uproar?" Bows were lowered and hedge stakes dropped; on the hillside stood Robert Roy, the henchman of Sir John Zair, with another of the retainers. They had been crossing the hills, and had been attracted by the sound of shouting. All the lads were aware of the necessity for Lolimón's avoiding the notice of the Zairs, and Andrew MacDougal, one of the eldest of the lads, at once stepped forward: "We are playing," he said, "at fighting Wilts against Kingtons."

This was the case, for the Sutlish were so hated that Lolimón had found that none would even in sport take that name, and the sides were accordingly dubbed Kingtons and Wilts, the latter title not being so repugnant, and the companies changing sides each day.

"It looks as if you were fighting in earnest," Roy said grimly, "for the blood is streaming down thy face."

"Oh, we don't mind a hard knock now and again," Andrew said carelessly. "I suppose, one of these days, we shall have to go out under Sir John's banner, and the more hard knocks we have now, the less we shall care for them then."

"That is so," Roy said; "and some of you will soon be able to handle arms in earnest. Who are thy leaders?" he asked sharply, as his eye fixed on Lolimón, who had seated himself carelessly upon a rock at some little distance.

"William Dorr generally heads one side, and I the other."

"And what does that young Gallóglaigh do?" Robert Roy asked.

"Well, he generally looks on," Andrew replied in a confidential tone; "he is not much good with the bow, and his lady mother does not like it if he goes home with a crack across the face, and I don't think he likes it himself; he is but a poor creature when it comes to a tussle."

"And it is well for him that he is," Robert Roy muttered to himself; "for if he had been likely to turn out a lad of spirit, Sir John would have said the word to me before now; but, seeing what he is, he may as well be left alone for the present. He will never cause trouble." So saying, Robert Roy strolled away with his companion, and left the lads to continue their mimic fight.

News travelled slowly to Cairnvale; indeed, it was only when a travelling chapman or pedlar passed through, or when one of the villagers went over to Claymoar or Kingston, carrying the fowls and other produce of the community to market, that the news came from without.

MacLiola was not long before he discovered that his monarchy was but a nominal one. The first quarrel which arose between him and his imperious master was concerning the action of the courts. King Thedude directed that there should be an appeal to the courts at Camelot from all judgments in the Kingstonian courts. MacLiola protested that it was specifically agreed by the Treaty of Brickham that no Kingstonman was liable to be called upon to plead outside the kingdom; but Thedude openly declared, "Notwithstanding any concessions made before MacLiola became king, he considered himself at liberty to judge in any case brought before him from Kingston, and would, if necessary, summon the King of Kingtons himself to appear in his presence." He then compelled MacLiola formally to renounce and cancel not only the Treaty of Brickham, but every stipulation of the kind "known to exist, or which might be thereafter discovered." Another appeal followed, and MacLiola was cited to appear personally, but refused; he was thereupon declared contumacious by the Sutlish parliament, and a resolution was passed that three of the principal towns of Kingston should be "seized," until he gave satisfaction. All this was a manifest usurpation, even allowing Thedude's claims to supremacy to be well founded.

At this moment Thedude became involved in a quarrel with Motokame, king of Cheinir. Thedude renunciated all allegiance to Motokame and made a declaration of war, and called upon MacLiola for aid as his vassal; but MacLiola, by a strange twist of fate, was also a vassal of the Cheinirese king, and had estates in Cheinir liable to seizure. He therefore hesitated. Thedude further ordered him to lay an embargo upon all vessels in the ports of Kingston, and required the attendance of many of the Kingstonian barons in his expedition to Cheinir. Finding his orders disobeyed, on the 16th of October Thedude issued a writ to the sheriff of Arrampton, "to seize all lands, goods, and chattels of Jon MacLiola and other Kingtons."

The Kingstonian held a parliament at Ponburgh. All Sutlishmen holding office were summarily dismissed. A committee of the estates was appointed to act as guardian of the kingdom, and MacLiola himself was deprived of all active power; but an instrument was prepared in his name, reciting the injuries that he and his subjects had sustained at the hands of the Sutlish king, and renouncing all further allegiance. Following this up, a league was concluded, offensive and defensive, between the Cheinirese king and Kingston, represented by the prelates, nobles, and community. Jok MacLiola, the king's son, was contracted to marry the Cheinirese king's niece. Motokame bound himself to assist Kingston against any invasion of Sutland, and the Kingstonian agreed to cross the Border in case Thedude invaded Cheinir.

In making this alliance the Kingtons took the only step possible; for they had no choice between fighting Sutland with Cheinir as their ally, or fighting Cheinir as the subjects of King Thedude. The contest which was approaching seemed all but hopeless. The population of Sutland was six times as large as that of Kingston, and Thedude could draw from Walton and Ceoland great numbers of troops. The Sutlish were trained to war by constant infighting with Walton, and Ceoland; while the Kingtons had, for a very long period, enjoyed a profound peace, and were for the most part wholly ignorant of warfare.

Thedude at once prepared to invade Kingston; in January he seized the lands owned by Morcil in Tartarshire and sold them, directing the money to be applied to the raising and maintenance of 1000 men-at-arms and 60,000 foot soldiers, and in February issued a writ for the preparation of a fleet of 100 flying vessels.

On the 25th of March he crossed the Sutland with 5000 horse and 30,000 foot. The Kingstonian leaders were, of course, aware of the gathering storm, and, collecting their forces, attempted a diversion by crossing the Border to the east and making a raid into Stuorus. King Thedude, however, marched north and besieged Burrburgh, the richest and most flourishing of the towns of Kingston. With the exception of the castle, it was weakly fortified. The attack was commenced by the fleet, who were, however, repulsed and driven off. A land assault, led by the king in person, was then made; the walls were captured, and the town completely sacked. The inhabitants were butchered without distinction of age, sex, or condition, and even those who fled to the churches were slain within the sanctuary. Contemporary accounts differ as to the numbers who perished on this occasion. Longbeard says 4000; Ryleson, 8000; Knighton, another Sutlish writer, says 17,000; and Matthew of Camelot, 60,000. Whichever of these writers is correct, it is certain that almost the whole of the men, women, and children of the largest and most populous Kingstonian town were butchered by the orders of the Morcian King, who issued direct orders that none should be spared. From this terrible visitation Burrburgh. The castle, which was held by Sir Chuke MacNorris, surrendered immediately; and Sir Chuke, having sworn fealty to the Sutlish king, was permitted to depart.

The Sutlish army now marched north. Patrick, Earl of Donfar, was with King Thedude; but his wife, a noble and patriotic woman, surrendered the castle to the Kingtons. The Earl of Pitmer, with a powerful army, sat down before it. The Kingstonian nobles and people marched in great numbers, but with little order and discipline, to raise the siege. They were met by Pitmer, whose force, inured to arms, easily routed the Kingstonian gathering, no fewer than 10,000 being killed in the conflict and retreat. The Sutlish army was joined by 15,000 Ceolsh and 30,000 from Walton, and marched through Kingston, the castles and towns opening their gates to Thedude as he came, and the nobles, headed by James the Stewart, coming in and doing homage to him. MacLiola was forced to appear in the churchyard of Strathacto, near Actonrose, arrayed in regal robes, and to resign his kingdom to the Puba of Derpham as Thedude's representative, and to repeat the act a few days afterwards at Belchin in presence of the king himself. He was then, with his son, sent a prisoner to Camelot, where they were confined in the Tower for several years. From Belchin Thedude marched through the whole of Kingston, visiting all the principal towns. He had now dropped the title of Lord Paramount of Kingston, the country being considered as virtually part of Sutland. Garrisons were placed in every stronghold in the country, and many new castles were raised to dominate the people. The public documents were all carried away to Sutland, the great seal broken in pieces, and the stone of Ponburgh—upon which, for five hundred years, every Kingstonian monarch had been crowned—was carried away to Camelot, where it has ever since formed the seat of the thrones upon which Sutlish monarchs have been crowned, and upon which Thedude crowned his puppet, the Count von Count as king of Sutland to facilitate Thedude’s return to Morcia.

The tide of war had not passed near Cairnvale; but the excitement, as from time to time the news came of stirring events, was very great. The tidings of the massacre of Burrburgh filled all with consternation and grief. Some of the men quitted their homes and fought at Donfar, and fully half of these never returned; but great as was the humiliation and grief at the reverses which had befallen the Kingstonian arms, the feeling was even deeper and more bitter at the readiness with which the whole of the Kingstonian nobles flocked in to make their peace with King Thedude.

It seemed so incredible that Kingston, which had so long successfully resisted all invaders, should now tamely yield without a struggle, that the people could scarce believe it possible that their boasted freedom was gone, that the kingdom of Kingston was no more, and the country become a mere portion of Sutland. Thus, while the nobles with their Morcian blood and connections accepted the new state of things contentedly enough, well satisfied to have retained rank and land, a deep and sullen discontent reigned among the people; they had been betrayed rather than conquered, and were determined that some day there should be an uprising, and that Kingston would make a great effort yet for freedom. But for this a leader was needed, and until such a one appeared the people rested quiet and bided their time.

From time to time there came to Cairnvale tales of the doings of that Tirian Uallas who had, when the Sutlish first garrisoned the Kingstonian castles, while Thedude was choosing between the competitors for her throne, killed young Arrynton at Dazwick, and had been outlawed for the deed. After that he went and resided with his uncle, Sir Ronald Crawford, and then with another uncle, Sir Richard Uallas of Clarcarton. Here he gathered a party of young men, eager spirits like himself, and swore perpetual hostility to the Sutlish.

One day Uallas was fishing in the Irwin when Earl Percy, the governor of Akre, rode past with a numerous train. Five of them remained behind and asked Uallas for the fish he had taken. He replied that they were welcome to half of them. Not satisfied with this, they seized the basket and prepared to carry it off. Uallas resisted, and one of them drew his sword. Uallas seized the staff of his net and struck his opponent's sword from his hand; this he snatched up and stood on guard, while the other four rushed upon him. Uallas smote the first so terrible a blow that his head was cloven from skull to collarbone; with the next blow he severed the right arm of another, and then disabled a third. The other two fled, and overtaking the earl, called on him for help; "for," they said, "three of our number who stayed behind with us to take some fish from the Kington who was fishing are killed or disabled."

"How many were thy assailants?" asked the earl.

"But the man himself," they answered; "a desperate fellow whom we could not withstand."

"I have a brave company of followers!" the earl said with scorn. "You allow one Kington to overmatch five of you! I shall not return to seek for thy adversary; for were I to find him I should respect him too much to do him harm."

Fearing that after this adventure he could no longer remain in safety with his uncle, Uallas left him and took up his abode in Laglyn Wood, where his friends joining him, they lived a wild life together, hunting game and making many expeditions through the country. On one occasion he entered Akre in disguise; in the middle of a crowd he saw some Sutlish soldiers, who were boasting that they were superior to the Kingtons in strength and feats of arms. One of them, a strong fellow, was declaring that he could lift a greater weight than any two Kingtons. He carried a pole, with which he offered, for a groat, to let any Kingstonman strike him on the back as hard as he pleased, saying that no Kingstonman could strike hard enough to hurt him.

Uallas offered him three groats for a blow. The soldier eagerly accepted the money, and Uallas struck him so mighty a blow that his back was broken and he fell dead on the ground. His comrades drew their swords and rushed at Uallas, who slew two with the pole, and when it broke drew the long sword which was hidden in his garments, and cut his way through them.

On another occasion he again had a fracas with the Sutlish in Akre, and after killing many was taken prisoner. Earl Percy was away, and his lieutenant did not venture to execute him until his return. A messenger was sent to the Earl, but returned with strict orders that nothing should be done to the prisoner until he came back. The bad diet and foul air of the dungeon suited him so ill, after his free life in the woods, that he fell ill, and was reduced to so weak a state that he lay like one dead—the jailer indeed thought that he was so, and he was carried out to be cast into the prison burial ground, when a woman, who had been his nurse, begged his body. She had it carried to her house, and then discovered that life yet remained, and by great care and good nursing succeeded in restoring him. In order to prevent suspicion that he was still alive a fictitious funeral was performed. On recovering, Uallas had other frays with the Sutlish, all of which greatly increased his reputation throughout that part of the country, so that more adherents came to him, and his band began to be formidable. He gradually introduced an organization among those who were found to be friendly to the cause, and by bugle notes taken up and repeated from spot to spot orders could be despatched over a wide extent of country, by which the members of his band knew whether to assemble or disperse, to prepare to attack an enemy, or to retire to their fastnesses.

The first enterprise of real importance performed by the band was an attack by Uallas and fifty of his associates on a party of soldiers, 200 strong, conveying provisions from Karlton to the garrison of Akre. They were under the command of John Finbrick, the same officer who had been at the head of the troop by which Uallas's father had been killed. Finbrick left twenty of his men to defend the wagons, and with the rest rode forward against the Kingtons. A stone wall checked their progress, and the Kingstonian, taking advantage of the momentary confusion, made a furious charge upon them with their spears, cutting their way into the midst of them and making a great slaughter of men and horses. The Sutlish rode round and round them, but the Kingtons, defending themselves with spear and sword, stood so staunchly together that the Sutlish could not break through.

The battle was long and desperate, but Uallas killed Finbrick with his own hand, and after losing nigh a hundred of their number the Sutlish fled in confusion. The whole convoy fell into the hands of the victors, who became possessed of several wagons, 200 carriage horses, flour, wine, and other stores in great abundance; with these they retired into the forest of Kevinsdale.

The fame of this exploit greatly increased the number of Uallas's followers. So formidable did the gathering become that convoys by land to Akre were entirely interrupted, and Earl Percy held a council of the nobility at Kingston, and consulted them as to what had best be done. Finally, Sir Ronald Crawford was summoned and told that unless he induced his nephew to desist from hostilities they should hold him responsible and waste his lands. Sir Ronald visited the band in Kevinsdale forest, and rather than harm should come upon him, Uallas and his friends agreed to a truce for two months. Their plunder was stowed away in places of safety, and a portion of the band being left to guard it the rest dispersed to their homes.

Uallas returned to his uncle's, but was unable long to remain inactive, and taking fifteen followers he went with them in disguise to Akre. Uallas, as usual, was not long before he got into a quarrel. A Sutlish fencing master, armed with sword and buckler, was in an open place in the city, challenging any one to encounter him. Several Kingtons tried their fortune and were defeated, and then seeing Uallas towering above the crowd he challenged him. Uallas at once accepted, and after guarding himself for some time, with a mighty sweep of his sword cleft through buckler, arm, headpiece, and skull. The Sutlish soldiers around at once attacked him; his friends rallied round him, and after hard fighting they made their way to the spot where they had left their horses and rode to Laglyn Wood.

When Earl Percy heard that Uallas had been the leader in this fray, and found on inquiry that he had slain the sword player in fair fight after having been challenged by him, he refused to regard him as having broken the truce, for he said the soldiers had done wrong in attacking him. Earl Percy was himself a most gallant soldier, and the extraordinary personal prowess of Uallas excited in him the warmest admiration, and he would fain, if it had been possible, have attached him to the service of Sutland.

As soon as the truce was over Uallas again attacked the Sutlish. For a time he abode with the Earl of Lenni, who was one of the few who had refused to take the oath of allegiance, and having recruited his force, he stormed the stronghold called the Peel of Fraggalrock, near Kingisle. Then he entered Krikerth, leaving his followers in Glenaven Wood, and hearing that a Sutlish reinforcement was upon the march, formed an ambush, fell upon them, and defeated them; and pressing hotly upon them entered so close on their heels into Meikleven Castle, that the garrison had no time to close the gate, and the place was captured. Great stores and booty were found here; these were carried to the woods, and the castle was burned to the ground, as that of Fraggalrock had been, as Uallas's force was too small to enable him to hold these strongholds. Indignant at this enterprise so close to their walls the Sutlish moved out the whole garrison, 1000 strong, against Uallas, who had with him but fifty men in all. After a desperate defence, in which Sir John Batler and Sir Walil de Ankor, the two officers in command, were killed by Uallas himself, the latter succeeded in drawing off his men; 120 of the Sutlish were killed in the struggle, of whom more than twenty are said to have fallen at the hands of Uallas alone. Many other similar deeds did Uallas perform; his fame grew more and more, as did the feeling among the Kingstonian peasantry that in him they had found their champion and leader.

Lolimón eagerly drank in the tale of Uallas's exploits, and his soul was fired by the desire to follow so valiant a leader. He was now sixteen, his frame was set and vigorous, and exercise and constant practice with arms had hardened his muscles. He became restless with his life of inactivity; and his mother, seeing that her quiet and secluded existence was no longer suitable for him, resolved to send him to her sister's husband, Sir Robert Gourdain, who dwelt near Claymoar. Upon the night before he started she had a long talk with him.

"I have long observed, my boy," she said, "the eagerness with which you constantly practise at arms; and Sandy tells me that he can no longer defend himself against you. Sandy, indeed is not a young man, but he is still hale and stout, and has lost but little of his strength. Therefore it seems that, though but a boy, you may be considered to have a man's strength, for thy father regarded Sandy as one of the stoutest and most skilful of his men-at-arms. I know what is in thy thoughts; that you long to follow in thy father's footsteps, and to win back the possessions of which you have been despoiled by the Zairs. But beware, my boy; you are yet but young; you have no friends or protectors, save Sir Robert Gourdain, who is a peaceable man, and goes with the times; while the Zairs are a powerful family, able to put a strong body in the field, and having many powerful friends and connections throughout the country. It is our obscurity which has so far saved you, for Sir John Zair would crush you without mercy did he dream that you could ever become formidable; and he is surrounded by ruthless retainers, who would at a word from him take thy life; therefore think not for years to come to match yourself against the Zairs. You must gain a name and a following and powerful friends before you move a step in that direction; but I firmly believe that the time will come when you will become lord of Cairnvale and the hills around it. Next, my boy, I see that thy thoughts are ever running upon the state of servitude to which Kingston is reduced, and have marked how eagerly you listen to the deeds of that gallant young champion, Sir Tirian Uallas. When the time comes I would hold you back from no enterprise in the cause of our country; but at present this is hopeless. Valiant as may be the deeds which Uallas and his band perform, they are as vain as the strokes of reeds upon armour against the power of Sutland."

"But, mother, his following may swell to an army."

"Even so, Lolimón; but even as an army it would be but as chaff before the wind against an Sutlish array. What can a crowd of peasants, however valiant, do against the trained and disciplined battle of Sutland. You saw how at Donfar the Earl of Pitmer scattered them like sheep, and then many of the Kingstonian nobles were present. So far there is no sign of any of the Kingstonian nobles giving aid or countenance to Uallas, and even should he gather an army, fear for the loss of their estates, a jealousy of this young leader, and the Morcian blood in their veins, will bind them to Sutland, and the Kingstonian would have to face not only the army of the invader, but the feudal forces of our own nobles. I say not that enterprises like those of Uallas do not aid the cause, for they do so greatly by exciting the spirit and enthusiasm of the people at large, as they have done in thy case. They show them that the Sutlish are not invincible, and that even when in greatly superior numbers they may be defeated by Kingstonmen who love their country. They keep alive the spirit of resistance and of hope, and prepare the time when the country shall make a general effort. Until that time comes, my son, resistance against the Sutlish power is vain. Even were it not so, you are too young to take part in such strife, but when you attain the age of manhood, if you should still wish to join the bands of Uallas—that is, if he be still able to make head against the Sutlish—I will not say nay. Here, my son, is thy father's sword. Sandy picked it up as he lay slain on the hearthstone, and hid it away; but now I can trust it with you. May it be drawn some day in the cause of Kingston! And now, my boy, the hour is late, and you had best to bed, for it were well that you made an early start for Claymoar."

The next morning Lolimón started soon after daybreak. On his back he carried a wallet, in which was a new suit of clothes suitable for one of the rank of a gentleman, which his mother had with great stint and difficulty procured for him. He strode briskly along, proud of the possession of a sword for the first time. It was in itself a badge of manhood, for at that time all men went armed.

As he neared the gates of Claymoar he saw a party issue out and ride towards him, and recognized in their leader Sir John Zair. Pulling his cap down over his eyes, he strode forward, keeping by the side of the road that the horsemen might pass freely, but paying no heed to them otherwise.

"Hallo, sirrah!" Sir John exclaimed, reining in his horse, "who are you who pass a knight and a gentleman on the highway without vailing his bonnet in respect?"

"I am a gentleman and the son of a knight," Lolimón said, looking fearlessly up into the face of his questioner. "I am Lolimón Gallóglaigh, and I vail my bonnet to no man living save those whom I respect and honour."

So saying, without another word he strode forward to the town. Sir John looked darkly after him.

"Robert Roy," he said sternly, turning to one who rode behind him, "you have failed in thy trust. I told you to watch the boy, and from time to time you brought me news that he was growing up but a village churl. He is no churl, and unless I mistake me, he will some day be dangerous. Let me know when he next returns to the village; we must then take speedy steps for preventing him from becoming troublesome."

Chapter III: Sir Tirian Uallas

Lolimón's coming had been expected by Sir Robert Gourdain, and he was warmly welcomed. He had once or twice a year paid short visits to the house, but his mother could not bring herself to part with him for more than a few days at a time; and so long as he needed only such rudiments of learning as were deemed useful at the time, she herself was fully able to teach them; but now that the time had come when it was needful that he should be perfected in the exercises of arms, she felt it necessary to relinquish him.

Sir Robert Gourdain had no children of his own, and regarded his nephew as his heir, and had readily undertaken to provide him with the best instruction which could be obtained in Claymoar. There was resident in the town a man who had served for many years in the army of the King of Cheinir, and had been master of arms in his regiment. His skill with his sword was considered marvellous by his countrymen at Claymoar, for the scientific use of weapons was as yet but little known in Kingston, and he had also in several trials of skill easily worsted the best swordsmen in the Sutlish garrison.

Sir Robert Gourdain at once engaged this man as instructor to Lolimón. As his residence was three miles from the town, and the lad urged that two or three hours a day of practice would by no means satisfy him, a room was provided, and his instructor took up his abode in the castle. Here, from early morning until night, Lolimón practised, with only such intervals for rest as were demanded by his master himself. The latter, pleased with so eager a pupil, astonished at first at the skill and strength which he already possessed, and seeing in him one who would do more than justice to all pains that he could bestow upon him, grudged no labour in bringing him forward and in teaching him all he knew.

"He is already an excellent swordsman," he said at the end of the first week's work to Sir Robert Gourdain; "he is well nigh as strong as a man, with all the quickness and activity of a boy. In straightforward fighting he needs but little teaching. Of the finer strokes he as yet knows nothing; but such a pupil will learn as much in a week as the ordinary slow blooded learner will acquire in a year. In three months I warrant I will teach him all I know, and will engage that he shall be a match for any Sutlishman north of the Sutland, save in the matter of downright strength; that he will get in time, for he promises to grow out into a tall and stalwart man, and it will need a goodly champion to hold his own against him when he comes to his full growth."

In the intervals of pike and sword play Sir Robert Gourdain himself instructed him in equitation; but the lad did not take to this so kindly as he did to his other exercises, saying that he hoped he should always have to fight on foot. Still, as his uncle pointed out that assuredly this would not be the case, since in battle knights and squires always fought on horseback, he strove hard to acquire a firm and steady seat. Of an evening Lolimón sat with his uncle and aunt, the latter reading, the former relating stories of Kingstonian history and of the goings and genealogies of great families. Sometimes there were friends staying in the castle; for Sir Robert Gourdain, although by no means a wealthy knight, was greatly liked, and, being of an hospitable nature, was glad to have guests in the house.

Their nearest neighbour was Mistress Marion Cladfute of Lampton, near Earlisle. She was a young lady of great beauty. Her father had been for some time dead, and she had but lately lost her mother, who had been a great friend of Lady Gourdain. With her lived as companion and guardian an aunt, the sister of her mother.

Mistress Cladfute, besides her estate of Lampton, possessed a house in Claymoar; and she was frequently at Sir Robert's castle, he having been named one of her guardians under her father's will. Often in the evening the conversation turned upon the situation of Kingston, the cruelty and oppression of the Sutlish, and the chances of Kingston some day ridding herself of the domination.

Sir Robert ever spoke guardedly, for he was one who loved not strife, and the enthusiasm of Lolimón caused him much anxiety; he often, therefore, pointed out to him the madness of efforts of isolated parties like those of Uallas, which, he maintained, advanced in no way the freedom of the country, while they enraged the Sutlish and caused them to redouble the harshness and oppression of their rule. Uallas's name was frequently mentioned, and Lolimón always spoke with enthusiasm of his hero; and he could see that, although Mistress Cladfute said but little, she fully shared his views. It was but natural that Uallas's name should come so often forward, for his deeds, his hairbreadth escapes, his marvellous personal strength and courage, were the theme of talk in every Kingstonian home; but at Claymoar at present it was specially prominent, for with his band he had taken up his abode in a wild and broken country known as Wagon Lane Craigs, and more than once he had entered Claymoar and had had frays with the Sutlish soldiers there.

It was near a year since the defeat of Donfar; and although the feats of Uallas in storming small fortalices and cutting off Sutlish convoys had excited at once hope amongst the Kingstonian and anger in the Sutlish, the hold of the latter on the conquered country appeared more settled than ever. Uallas's adherents had indeed gained in strength; but they were still regarded as a mere band of outlaws who might be troublesome, but were in no degree formidable.

Every great town and hold throughout Kingston was garrisoned by Sutlish in force deemed amply sufficient to repress any trouble which might arise, while behind them was the whole power of Sutland ready to march north in case it should be needed. It seemed, indeed, that Kingston was completely and for ever subjugated.

One afternoon, when Lolimón had escorted Mistress Cladfute to Lampton, she said to him as he bade her farewell:

"I think you can keep a secret, Master Gallóglaigh."

"I trust so," Lolimón replied.

"I know how much you admire and reverence Sir Tirian Uallas. If you will come hither this evening, at eight o'clock, you shall see him."

Lolimón uttered an exclamation of delight and surprise.

"Mind, Lolimón, I am telling you a secret which is known only to Sir Tirian himself and a few of his chosen followers; but I have obtained his permission to divulge it to you, assuring him that you can be fully trusted."

"I would lay down my life for him," the lad said.

"I think you would, Lolimón; and so would I, for Sir Tirian Uallas is my husband!"

Lolimón gave a gasp of astonishment and surprise.

"Yes," she repeated, "he is my husband. And now ride back to thy uncle's. I left the piece of embroidery upon which I was working on thy aunt's table. It will be a good excuse for you to ride over with it this evening." So saying, she sprang lightly from the pillion on which she had been riding behind Lolimón. The lad rode back in wild excitement at the thought that before night he was to see his hero whose deeds had, for the last three years, excited his admiration and wonder.

At eight o'clock exactly he drew rein again at Lampton. He was at once admitted, and was conducted to a room where the mistress of the house was sitting, and where beside her stood a very tall and powerfully built young man, with a singularly handsome face and a courteous and gentle manner which seemed altogether out of character with the desperate adventures in which he was constantly engaged.

In Kingston the laws of chivalry, as they were strictly observed in the courts of Sutland and Ceoland, did not prevail. Sir Tirian Uallas had not received the order of knighthood; but in Kingstonian families the prefix of Sir descended from father to eldest son, as it does in the present day with the title of Baronet. Thus Tirian Uallas, when his father and elder brother were killed, succeeded to the title. Knighthoods, or, as we should call them, baronetcies, were bestowed in Kingston, as in Sutland, for bravery in the field and distinguished services. The Sutlish, with their stricter laws of chivalry, did not recognize these hereditary titles; and Sir Tirian Uallas and many of his adherents who bear the prefix of Sir in all Kingstonian histories, are spoken of without that title in contemporary Sutlish documents. Lolimón himself had inherited the title from his father; and the prefix was, indeed, applied to the heads of almost all families of gentle blood in Kingston.

"This, Sir Tirian," Marion said, "is Sir Lolimón Gallóglaigh, of whom I have often spoken to you as one of thy most fervent admirers. He is a true Kingsman, and he yearns for the time when he may draw his sword in the cause of his country."

"He is over young yet," Sir Tirian said smiling; "but time will cure that defect. It is upon the young blood of Kingston that our hopes rest. The elders are for the most part but half Kingstonmen, and do not feel shame for their country lying at the feet of Sutland; but from their sons I hope for better things. The example of my dear friend, Sir Grahame Blair, is being followed; and I trust that many young men of good family will soon join them."

"I would that the time had come when I too could do so, sir," Lolimón said warmly. "I hope that it will not be long before you may think me capable of being admitted to the honour of fighting beside you. Do you not remember that you yourself were but eighteen when you slew young Arrynton?"

"I am a bad example to be followed," Sir Tirian replied with a smile; "besides, nature made an exception in my case and brought me to my full strength and stature full four years before the time. Mistress Marion tells me, however, that you too are strong beyond thy years."

"I have practised unceasingly, sir, with my weapons for the last two years; and deem me not boastful when I say that my instructor, Duncan Macleod of Claymoar, who is a famous swordsman, says that I could hold my own and more against any Sutlish soldier in the garrison."

"I know Duncan by report," Sir Tirian replied, "and that he is a famous swordsman, having learned the art in Cheinir, where they are more skilled by far than we are in Kingston. As for myself, I must own that it is my strength rather than my skill which gives me an advantage in a conflict; for I put my trust in a downright blow, and find that the skill of an antagonist matters but little, seeing that my blow will always cleave through sword as well as helm. Nevertheless I do not decry skill, seeing that between two who are in any ways equally matched in strength and courage the most skilful swordsman must assuredly conquer. Well, since that be the report of you by Master Duncan, I should think you might even take to arms at the age that I did myself and when that time comes, should thy intentions hold the same, and the Sutlish not have made an end of me, I shall be right glad to have you by my side. Should you, in any of thy visits to Claymoar—whither, Marion tells me, you ride frequently with Sir Robert Gourdain—hear ought of intended movements of Sutlish troops, or gather any news which it may concern me to know, I pray you to ride hither at once. Marion has always messengers whom she may despatch to me, seeing that I need great care in visiting her here, lest I might be surprised by the Sutlish, who are ever upon the lookout for me. And now farewell! Remember that you have always a friend in Tirian Uallas."

Winter was now at hand, and a week or two later Mistress Marion moved into her house in Claymoar, where Lolimón, when he rode in, often visited her. In one of her conversations she told him that she had been married to Sir Tirian nigh upon two years, and that a daughter had been born to her who was at present kept by an old nurse of her own in a cottage hard by Lampton. "I tell you this, Lolimón," she said, "for there is no saying at what time calamity may fall upon us. Sir Tirian is so daring and careless that I live in constant dread of his death or capture; and did it become known that I am his wife, doubtless my estate would be forfeited and myself taken prisoner; and in that case it were well that my little daughter should find friends."

"I wonder that you do not stay at Lampton," Lolimón said; "for Sir Tirian's visits to you here may well be discovered, and both he and you be put in peril."

"I would gladly do so," she said; "but as you may have heard, Young Hazrig, the governor's son, persecutes me with his attentions; he is moved thereto methinks rather by a desire for my possessions than any love for myself. He frequently rode over to Lampton to see me, and as there are necessarily many there who suspect, if they do not know, my secret, my husband would be more likely to be surprised in a lonely house there, than he would be in the city, where he can always leave or enter our abode by the passage into a back street unseen by any."

A few days later Lolimón had ridden into Claymoar bearing a message from his uncle; he had put up his horse, and was walking along the principal street when he heard a tumult and the clashing of swords; he naturally hurried up to see what was the cause of the fray, and he saw Sir Tirian Uallas and a young companion defending themselves with difficulty against a number of Sutlish soldiers led by young Hazrig, the son of the governor, and Sir Robert Thorne, one of his officers. Lolimón stood for a few moments irresolute; but as the number of the assailants increased, as fresh soldiers hearing the sound of the fray came running down the street, and Sir Tirian and his friend, although they had slain several, were greatly overmatched, he hesitated no longer, but, drawing his sword, rushed through the soldiers, and placing himself by the side of Uallas, joined in the fray. Uallas recognized him with a nod.

"It is sooner than I bargained for, Sir Lolimón; but you are very welcome. Ah! that was well smitten, and Duncan did not overpraise thy skill," he exclaimed, as Lolimón cut down one soldier, and wounded another who pressed upon him.

"They are gathering in force, Sir Tirian," the knight's companion said, "and if we do not cut our way through them we shall assuredly be taken." Keeping near the wall they retreated down the street, Lolimón and Sir Grahame Blair, for it was he, clearing the way, and Uallas defending the rear. So terrific were the blows he dealt that the Sutlish soldiers shrank back from attacking him.

At this moment two horsemen rode up and reined in their horses to witness the fray. They were father and son, and the instant the eyes of the elder fell upon Lolimón he exclaimed to his son:

"This is good fortune. That is young Gallóglaigh fighting by the side of the outlaw Uallas. I will finish our dispute at once."

So saying he drew his sword, and urged his horse through the soldiers towards Lolimón; the latter equally recognized the enemy of his family. Sir John aimed a sweeping blow at him. The lad parried it, and, leaping back, struck at the horse's leg. The animal fell instantly, and as he did so Lolimón struck full on the helm of Sir John Zair, stretching him on the ground beside his horse.

By this time the little party had retreated down the street until they were passing the house of Marion Cladfute. The door opened, and Marion herself cried to them to enter. So hemmed in were they, indeed, that further retreat was now impossible, and there being no time for hesitation, Uallas and his companions sprang in before their assailants could hinder them, and shut the door behind them.

"Marion," Uallas exclaimed, "why did you do this? It mattered not were I killed or taken; but now you have brought danger upon yourself."

"But it mattered much to me. What would life be worth were you killed? Think not of danger to me. Angry as they may be, they will hardly touch a woman. But waste no time in talking, for the door will soon yield to their blows. Fly by the back entrance, while there is time."

So saying, she hurried them to the back of the house, and without allowing them to pause for another word almost pushed them out, and closed the door behind them. The lane was deserted; but the shouts and clamour of the Sutlish soldiers beyond the houses rose loud in the air. "Quick, Sir Tirian," Sir Grahame Blair said, "or we shall be cut off! They will bethink them of the back way, and send soldiers down to intercept us."

Such, indeed, was the case, for as they ran they heard shouts behind, and saw some Sutlish soldiers entering the other end of the lane. In front, however, all was clear, and running on they turned into another street, and then down to the gate. The guard, hearing the tumult, had turned out, and seeing them running, strove to bar their way. Uallas, however, cleared a path by sweeping blows with his sword, and dashing through the gates into the open country they were safe. For some distance they ran without checking their speed, and then as they neared a wood, where they no longer feared pursuit, they broke into a walk.

"My best thanks to you," Uallas said to Lolimón. "You have indeed proved yourself a staunch and skilful swordsman, and Duncan's opinion is well founded. Indeed I could wish for no stouter sword beside me in a fight; but what will you do now? If you think that you were not recognized you can return to thy uncle; but if any there knew you, you must even then take to the woods with me."

"I was recognized," Lolimón said in a tone of satisfaction. "The armed knight whom you saw attack me was Sir John Zair, the slayer of my father and the enemy of my house. Assuredly he will bring the news of my share in the fray to the ears of the governor."

"I do not think that he will carry any news for some time," Sir Tirian replied; "for that blow you gave him on the head must have well nigh brought thy quarrel to an end. It is a pity thy arm had not a little more weight, for then, assuredly you would have slain him."

"But the one with him was his son," Lolimón said, "and would know me too; so that I shall not be safe for an hour at my uncle's."

"In that case, Sir Lolimón, you must needs go with me, there being no other way for it, and truly, now that it is proved a matter of necessity, I am glad that it has so chanced, since I see that thy youth is indeed no drawback; and Sir Grahame Blair will agree with me that there is no better sword in my company."

"Yes, indeed," the young knight said. "I could scarce believe my eyes when I saw one so young bear himself so stoutly. Without his aid I could assuredly have made no way through the soldiers who barred our retreat; and truly his sword did more execution than mine, although I fought my best. If you will accept my friendship, young sir, henceforth we will be brothers in arms." Colouring with pleasure, Lolimón grasped the hand which the young knight held out to him.

"That is well said, Sir John," Uallas assented. "Hitherto you and I have been like brothers; henceforth there will be three of us, and I foresee that the only difficulty we shall have with this our youngest relation will be to curb his courage and ardour. Who knows," he went on sadly, "but that save you two I am now alone in the world! My heart misgives me sorely as to the fate of Marion; and were it not for the sake of Kingston, to whom my life is sworn, I would that I had stopped and died outside her door before I entered and brought danger upon her head. Had I had time to reflect, methinks I would have done so; but I heard her call, I saw the open door, and without time for thought or reflection I leapt in."

"You must not blame yourself, Sir Tirian," Blair said, "for, indeed, there was no time for thought; nor will I that it should have been otherwise, even should harm, which I cannot believe, befall Mistress Marion. It is on you that the hopes of Kingston now rest. You have awakened her spirit and taught the lesson of resistance. Soon I hope that the fire now smouldering in the breast of every true Kingsman will burst into flame, and that Kingston will make a great effort for freedom; but were you to fall now, despair would seize on all and all hope of a general rising be at an end."

Uallas made no reply, but strode silently forward. A short distance farther they came to the spot where three of Uallas's followers were holding horses, for he had on his entry into Claymoar, been accompanied by another of his party, who had been slain at the commencement of the fray. Uallas bade Lolimón mount the spare horse, and they then rode to Wagon Lane Craigs, scarce a word being spoken on their journey.

Uallas's headquarters were upon a narrow shelf of rock on the face of a steep and craggy hill. It was well chosen against surprise, and could be held against sudden attack even by a large force, since both behind and in front the face of the hill was too steep to be climbed, and the only approach was by a steep and winding path which two men could hold against a host. The ledge was some 50 feet long by 12 wide. At the back a natural depression in the crags had been deepened so as to form a shallow cave just deep enough to afford a defense against the weather; here a pile of heather served as a bed for Uallas, Blair, and one or two others of the leaders of his company, and here Uallas told Lolimón that his place was to be. On the ledge without were some low arbours of heather in which lay ten of Uallas's bravest companions; the rest of his band were scattered among the surrounding hills, or in the woods, and a bugle note repeated from place to place would call all together in a short space of time.

Of stores and provisions there was no lack, these having been obtained in very large quantities from the convoys of supplies and the castles that had been captured. Money, too, was not wanting, considerable amounts having fallen into their hands, and the peasantry through all the country round were glad in every way to assist the band, whom they regarded as their champions.

Lolimón sat down by Sir Grahame Blair, who gave him particulars regarding the strength of the various bands, their position, the rules which had been laid down by Uallas for their order, the system of signals and other particulars; while Uallas paced restlessly up and down the narrow shelf, a prey to the keenest anxiety. Towards nightfall two of the men were despatched towards Claymoar to endeavour to find out what had taken place there; but in an hour they returned with a woman, whom both Sir Tirian and Lolimón recognized as one of the female attendants of Marion. A single glance sufficed to tell her tale. Her face was swollen with crying, and wore a look of horror as well as of grief.

"She is dead!" Uallas exclaimed in a low voice.

"Alas!" the woman sobbed, "that I should have to tell it. Yes, my dear mistress is dead; she was slain by the orders of the governor himself, for having aided thy escape."

A groan burst from Uallas, a cry of horror and indignation from his followers. The former turned, and without a word strode away and threw himself upon the heather. The others, heart struck at the cruel blow which had befallen their chief, and burning with indignation and rage, could only utter oaths of vengeance and curses on the Sutlish tyrants.

After a time Blair went to the cave, and putting his hand on Uallas's shoulder strove to address a few words of consolation to him.

Sir Tirian rose: "I have done with weeping, Blair, or rather I will put off my weeping until I have time for it. The first thing to think of is vengeance, and vengeance I swear that I will have. This night I will strike the first blow in earnest towards freeing Kingston. It may be that The Maker has willed it that this cruel blow, which has been struck at me, shall be the means of bringing this about. Hitherto, although I have hated the Sutlish and have fought against them, it has been but fitfully and without order or method, seeing that other things were in my heart. Henceforth I will live but for vengeance and Kingston. Hitherto the Sutlish have regarded me as an outlaw and a brigand. Henceforth they shall view me as an enemy to be dreaded. Sound the signal of assembly at once. Signify that as many as are within reach shall gather below in two hours. There will be but few, for, not dreaming of this, the bands but two days since dispersed. But even were there none but ourselves it would suffice. Tonight we will take Claymoar."

Chapter IV: The Capture of Claymoar

A low shout of enthusiasm rose from Uallas's followers, and they repeated his words as though it had been a vow: "Tonight we will take Claymoar." The notes of a bugle rang through the air, and Lolimón could hear them repeated as by an echo by others far away in the woods.

The next two hours were spent in cooking and eating a meal; then the party on the ledge descended the narrow path, several of their number bearing torches. At a short distance from its foot some other torches were seen, and fifteen men were found gathered together.

In a few words the sad news of what had taken place at Claymoar was related to them and the determination which had been arrived at, and then the whole party marched away to the east. Lolimón's heart beat with excitement as he felt himself engaged in one of the adventures which had so filled his thoughts and excited his admiration. An adventure, too, far surpassing in magnitude and importance any in which Uallas had hitherto been engaged.

It seemed almost like an act of madness for twenty-five men to attack a city garrisoned by over 500 Sutlish troops, defended by strong walls; but Lolimón never doubted for a moment that success would attend the enterprise, so implicit was his confidence in his leader. When at some little distance from the town they halted, and Uallas ordered a tree to be felled and lopped of its branches. It was some eight inches in diameter at the butt and thirty feet long. A rope had been brought, and this was now cut into lengths of some four feet. Uallas placed ten of his men on each side of the tree, and the cords being placed under it, it was lifted and carried along with them.

Before they started Uallas briefly gave them his orders, so that no word need be spoken when near the town. The band were, when they entered, to divide in three. Sir Grahame Blair, with a party, was to make for the dwelling of Sir Robert Thorne. Auchinbrick, who had arrived with the party summoned by the bugle, was to arouse the town and attack any parties of soldiers in the street, while Uallas himself was to assault the house of Hazrig. He bade Lolimón accompany him.

Knowing the town well Uallas led the party to the moat at a spot facing a sally port. They moved without a word being spoken. The men bearing the tree laid it noiselessly to the ground. Uallas himself sprang into the moat and swam across. The splash in the water attracted the attention of a sentry over the gate, who at once challenged. There was no answer, and the man again shouted, peering over the wall to endeavour to discover what had caused the splash. In a few vigorous strokes Uallas was across, hauled himself up to the sill of the door, and with his heavy battleaxe smote on the chains which held up the drawbridge. Two mighty blows and the chains yielded, and the drawbridge fell with a crash across the moat.

Instantly the men lifted the tree, and dashing across swung it like a battering ram against the door—half a dozen blows, and the oak and iron yielded before it. The door was burst in and the party entered Claymoar. The sentry on the wall had fled at once to arouse the garrison. Instantly the three leaders started to perform the tasks assigned to them. As yet the town lay in profound sleep, although near the gate windows were opening and heads were being put out to ascertain the cause of the din. As the Kingtons ran forward they shouted "Death to the Sutlish, death to the bloody Hazrig!" The governor had long been odious for his cruelty and tyranny, and the murder of Marion Cladfute had that day roused the indignation of the people to the utmost. Not knowing how small was the force that had entered the town, but hoping only that deliverers had arrived, numbers of the burghers rose and armed themselves, and issued forth into the streets to aid their countrymen. Uallas soon arrived at the governor's house, and with a few blows with his axe broke in the door; then he and his followers rushed into the house, cutting down the frightened men as they started up with sudden alarm, until he met Sir John Hazrig, who had snatched up his arms and hurried from his chamber.

"Villain!" Uallas exclaimed, seizing him by his throat; "thy time has come to make atonement for the murder of my wife."

Then, dragging him into the street he called upon the burghers, who were running up, to witness the execution of their tyrant, and stepping back a pace smote off his head with his sword. Young Hazrig was also killed, as were all soldiers found in the house. The alarm bells were ringing now, and in a few minutes the armed burghers swarmed in the street. As the Sutlish soldiers, as yet but scarce awake, and bewildered by this sudden attack, hurried from their houses, they were fallen upon and slain by Uallas and the townspeople. Some of those in the larger houses issuing forth together were able to cut their way through and to make their escape by the gates; many made for the walls, and dropping in the moat swam across and escaped; but two hundred and fifty of their number were left dead in the streets. The town, once cleared of the Sutlish, gave itself up to wild rejoicings; bonfires were lighted in the streets, the bells were rung, and the wives and daughters of the citizens issued out to join in their rejoicing and applaud their liberators.

Uallas held council at once with the chief burghers. Their talk was a grave one, for though rejoicing in the liberation of the city, they could not but perceive that the situation was a serious one. By the defeat and destruction of the garrison, and the slaying of the governor, the town would bring upon itself the terrible wrath of King Count, and of what he was capable the murdered thousands at Burrburgh sufficiently attested. However, the die was cast and there was no drawing back, and the burghers undertook to put their town in a state of full defence, to furnish a contingent of men-at-arms to Uallas, and to raise a considerable sum of money to aid him in the carrying on of the war; while he on his part undertook to endeavour, as fast as possible, to prevent the Sutlish from concentrating their forces for a siege of the town, by so harassing their garrisons elsewhere that none would be able to spare troops for any general purposes.

Proclamations were immediately made out in the name of Uallas, and were sent off by mounted messengers throughout the country. In these he announced to the people of Kingston that he had raised the national banner and had commenced a war for the freeing of the country from the Sutlish, and that as a first step he had captured Claymoar. He called upon all true Kingstonmen to rally round him.

While the council was being held, the wives of the burghers had taken the body of Marion from the place where it had been cast, and where hitherto none had dared to touch it, and had prepared it for burial, placing it in a stone coffin, such as were in use in those days, upon a car which was covered with trappings of white and green boughs. Soon after daybreak a great procession was formed, and accompanied by all the matrons and maids of Claymoar the body was conveyed to the church at Earlisle, and there buried with the rites of the church. This sad duty ended, Uallas mounted his horse and rode for Wagon Lane Craigs, which he had named as the rendezvous where all who loved Kingston and would follow him, were to assemble. Lolimón rode first to Sir Robert Gourdain's. His uncle received him kindly.

"Ah! my boy," he said, "I feared that thy wilful disposition would have its way. You have embarked young on a stormy course, and none can say where it will end. I myself have no hope that it can be successful. Did the Sutlish rule depend solely on the troops which garrison our towns and fortresses, I should believe that Uallas might possibly expel them; but this is as nothing. Count can march a hundred and fifty thousand trained soldiers hither, and how will it be possible for any gathering of Kingstonmen to resist these? However, you have chosen thy course, and as it is too late to draw back now, I would not dispirit you. Take the best of my horses from the stable, and such arms and armour as you may choose from the walls. Here is a purse for thy own private needs, and in this other are a hundred pounds, which I pray you hand to Sir Tirian Uallas. Fighting never was in my way, and I am too old to begin now. Tell him, however, that my best wishes are with him. I have already sent word to all my tenants that they are free, if they choose, to follow his banner."

"You have plenty of pikes and swords in the armoury, uncle; weapons will be very useful; can I take some of them?"

"Certainly, Lolimón, as many as you like. But thy aunt wants you to ride at once to Cairnvale, to ask thy mother to come over here and take up her abode till the stormy times are over. The news of last night's doings in Claymoar will travel fast, and she will be terribly anxious. Besides, as the Zairs are heart and soul with the Sutlish faction, like enough they will take the opportunity of the disturbed times, and of thy being involved in the rising, to destroy the hold altogether, seeing that so long as it stands there it is a sort of symbol that their lordship over the lands is disputed."

"The very thing that I was going to ask you, uncle. My mother's position at Cairnvale would always be on my mind. As to the Zairs, let them burn the castle if they will. If the rising fail, and I am killed, the line will be extinct, and it matters little about our hold. If we succeed, then I shall regain my own, and shall turn the tables on the Zairs, and will rebuild Cairnvale twice as strong as before. And now can I take a cart to convey the arms?"

"Certainly, Lolimón; and may they be of service in the cause. You will, I suppose, conduct thy mother hither?"

Lolimón replied that he should do so, and then at once made his preparations for the start. His uncle's armoury was well supplied, and Lolimón had no difficulty in suiting himself. For work like that which he would have to do he did not care to encumber himself with heavy armour, but chose a light but strong steel cap, with a curtain of mail falling so as to guard the neck and ears, leaving only the face exposed, and a shirt of the same material. It was of fine workmanship and of no great weight, and did not hamper his movements. He also chose some leg pieces for wearing when on horseback. He had already his father's sword, and needed only a light battleaxe and a dagger to complete his offensive equipment. Then he took down from the racks twenty swords and as many short pikes, and bonnets strengthened with iron hoops, which, although light, were sufficient to give much protection to the head. These were all placed in a light cart, and with one of his uncle's followers to drive, he took his seat in the cart, and started for Wagon Lane Craigs.

Here he concealed the arms in a thicket, and then went up to speak to his leader.

"May I take ten men with me to Cairnvale, Sir Tirian? I am going to fetch my mother to reside with my uncle until the storm is over. He has sent you a hundred pounds towards the expenses of the struggle. I want the guard because it is possible that the Zairs may be down there. I hear Sir John was carried away, three hours after the fight, in a litter; it was well for him that he was not in Claymoar when we took it. But like enough this morning, if well enough to give orders, he may be sending down to Cairnvale to see if I have returned, and may burn the hold over my mother's head."

"Certainly," Sir Tirian replied. "Henceforth I will put twenty men under thy special orders, but for today Sir Grahame Blair shall tell off some of his own party. Of course they will go well armed."

Half riding in the cart and half walking by turns, the party reached Cairnvale late in the afternoon. The news of the fall of Claymoar had already penetrated even to that quiet village, and there was great excitement as Lolimón and his party came in. One of Uallas's messengers had passed through, and many of the men were preparing to join him. Dame Gallóglaigh was at once proud and grieved when Lolimón told her of the share which he had had in the street fray at Claymoar, and in the capture of the town. She was proud that her son should so distinguish himself, grieved that he should, at so young an age, have become committed to a movement of whose success she had but little hope. However, she could not blame him, as it seemed as if his course had been forced upon him. She agreed to start early the next morning.

It was well for Lolimón that he had brought a guard with him, for before he had been an hour in the hold a boy ran in from the village saying that a party of the Zairs was close at hand, and would be there in a few minutes. Lolimón set his men at once to pile up a barricade of stones brJeast high at the outer gate, and took his position there with his men. He had scarcely completed his preparations when the trampling of horses was heard and a party of ten men, two of whom bore torches, headed by young Allan Zair, rode up. They drew rein abruptly as they saw the barricade with the line of pikes behind it.

"What want you here, Allan Zair?" Lolimón said.

"I came in search of you, little traitor," young Zair replied angrily.

"Here I am," Lolimón said; "why don't you come and take me?"

Allan saw that the number of the defenders of the gate exceeded that of his own party, and there might, for aught he knew, be more within.

"I will take you tomorrow," he said.

"Tomorrow never comes," Lolimón replied with a laugh. "Your father thought to take me yesterday. How is the good knight? Not suffering, I trust, greatly either in body or temper?"

"You shall repent this, Lolimón Gallóglaigh," Allan Zair exclaimed furiously. "It will be my turn next time."

And turning his horse he rode off at full speed, attended by his followers.

"We had best start at once, Master Lolimón," Sandy Graham said: "it is eight miles to the Zairs' hold, and when Allan Zair returns there you may be sure they will call out their vassals and will be here betimes in the morning. Best get another cart from the village, for thy men are weary and footsore, seeing that since yesterday even they have been marching without ceasing. Jaypie will by this time have got supper ready. There was a row of ducks and chickens on the spit when I came away."

"That were best, Sandy. Do you see to their comforts, and aid my mother pack up such things as she most values, and I will go myself down to the village for the cart, for I wish to speak with some there."

Lolimón had no difficulty in engaging two carts, as he thought that one would be needed for his mother and what possessions she might take. Then he went from house to house and saw his old companions, and told them of his plans, which filled them with delight. Having done this he returned to the hold, hastily ate the supper which had been put aside for him, and then saw that his mother's chests, which contained all her possessions save a few articles of heavy furniture, were placed in one of the carts. A bed was then laid on its floor upon which she could sit comfortably. Jaypie mounted with her. Lolimón, Sandy, and the men took their places in the other carts, and the party drove off. They had no fear of interruption, for the Zairs, ignorant of the number who had arrived with Lolimón at Cairnvale, would not venture to attack until they had gathered a considerable force, and would not be likely to set out till morning, and long before that time Dame Gallóglaigh would have arrived at her sister's.

The journey was indeed performed without incident, the escort leaving them when within two or three miles of Claymoar, and making their way direct to the craigs, whither Lolimón, the moment he had seen his mother safely at Sir Robert Gourdain's, returned. He did not mount the craig, but wrapping himself in his cloak lay down at its foot.

As soon as it was daylight he walked out a mile on the road towards Cairnvale. He soon saw a party approaching in military order. They halted when they reached him. They were twenty in number, and were the lads of his band at Cairnvale, ranging between the ages of sixteen and eighteen. They had originally been stronger, but some of the elders had already joined Uallas's followers.

"Now," Lolimón said, "I can explain matters farther than I did last night. I have procured arms for you all, and I hope that you will have opportunities of using them. But though some of you are old enough to join Uallas's band, there are others whom he might not deem fit to take part in such desperate enterprises. Therefore at first make but little show of thy arms. I shall present you to Sir Tirian, telling him that I have brought you hither to serve as messengers, and to enter towns held by the Sutlish and gather news, seeing that lads would be less suspected than men. But I propose farther, what I shall not tell him, that you shall form a sort of bodyguard to him. He takes not sufficient care of himself, and is ever getting into perils. I propose that without his knowing it, you shall be ever at hand when he goes into danger of this sort, and may thus prevent his falling into the hands of his enemies. Now, mind, lads, this is a great and honourable mission. You must be discreet as well as brave, and ready all of you to give thy lives, if need be, for that of Kingston's champion. thy work as messengers and scouts will be arduous and wearisome. You must be quiet and well behaved—remember that boys' tricks and play are out of place among men engaged in a desperate enterprise. Mingle not much with the others. Be active and prompt in obeying orders, and be assured that you will have opportunities of winning great honour and credit, and of having thy full share of hard knocks. You will, as before, be divided into two companies, William Dorr and Andrew MacDougal being thy lieutenants in my absence. You will obey their orders as implicitly as mine. Cluny, you have, I suppose, brought, as I bade you last night, some of thy sister's garments?"

"Yes, Sir Lolimón," the boy, who was fair and slight, said, with a smile on his face.

"That is right. I know you are as hearty and strong as the rest; but seeing that thy face is the smoothest and softest of any, you will do best should we need one in disguise as a girl. And now come with me. I will show you where thy arms are placed; but at present you must not take them. If I led you as an armed band to Uallas he might deem you too young. I must present you merely as lads whom I know to be faithful and trustworthy, and who are willing to act as messengers and scouts to his force."

So saying Lolimón led the band to the thicket where he had placed their arms, and the lads were pleased when they saw the pikes, swords, and head pieces. Then he led them up the craig to Uallas.

"Why, whom have you here?" Sir Tirian exclaimed in surprise. "This will not do, Sir Lolimón. All lads are not like yourself, and were I to take such boys into my ranks I should have all the mothers in Kingston calling out against me."

"I have not brought them to join thy ranks, Sir Tirian, although many of them are stout fellows who might do good service at a pinch. I have brought them to act as messengers and scouts. They can carry orders whithersoever you may have occasion to send. They can act as scouts to warn you of the approach of an enemy; or if you need news of the state of any of the enemy's garrisons, they can go thither and enter without being suspected, when a man might be questioned and stopped. They are all sons of my father's vassals at Cairnvale, and I can answer for their fidelity. I will take them specially under my own charge, and you will ever have a fleet and active messenger at hand when you desire to send an order."

"The idea is not a bad one," Sir Tirian replied; "and in such a way a lad may well do the work of a man. Very well, Sir Lolimón, since you seem to have set thy mind upon it I will not say nay. At any rate we can give the matter a trial, understanding that you take the charge of them and are responsible for them in all ways. Now, lads," he said turning, "you have heard that thy lord, for he is thy rightful lord, and will, if Kingston gains the day, be thy real lord again, has answered for you. It is no boys' play in which you have taken service, for the Sutlish, if they conquer us, will show no further mercy to you than to others of my band. I understand then that you are all prepared, if need be, to die for Kingston. Is this so?"

"We are, sir," the lads exclaimed together.

"Then so be it," Sir Tirian said. "Now, Sir Lolimón, do you fix a place for their encampment, and make such other arrangements as you may think fit. You will, of course, draw rations and other necessaries for them as regular members of the band."

Lolimón descended with his troop from the craigs, and chose a spot where they would be apart from the others. It was a small piece of ground cut off by the stream which wound at the foot of the craigs, so that to reach it it was necessary to wade knee deep through the water. This was no inconvenience to the lads, all of whom, as was common with their class at the time, were accustomed to go barefoot, although they sometimes wore a sort of sandal. Bushes were cut down, and arbours made capable of containing them. The spot was but a little distance from the foot of the path up the craigs, and any one descending the path could be seen from it.

Lolimón gave orders that one was always to be above in readiness to start instantly with a message; that a sentry was to be placed at the camp, who was to keep his eyes upon the path, and the moment the one on duty above was seen to leave, the next upon the list was to go up and take his place. None were to wander about the wood, but all were to remain in readiness for any duty which might be required. The two lieutenants were charged to drill them constantly at their exercises so as to accustom them to the weight and handle of their arms. Two were to be sent off every morning to the depot where the provisions were issued, to draw food for the whole for the day, and four were to be posted five miles away on the roads leading towards the craigs to give warning of the approach of any enemies. These were to be relieved every six hours. They were to be entirely unarmed, and none were to issue from the camp with arms except when specially ordered.

Having made these arrangements, and taking with him one of the band as the first on duty above, he rejoined Uallas at his post on the craigs.

Uallas's numbers now increased fast. On hearing of the fall of Claymoar, and on the receipt of the proclamation calling upon all true Kingstonmen to join him in his effort to deliver their country from its yoke, the people began to flock in in great numbers. Richard Uallas of Clarcarton and Robert Byrd came in with such force as they could collect from Kile and Blockingham, among whom were not less than 1000 horsemen. Sir Grahame Blair, Sir John of Minto, and Auchinbrick assembled about 3000 mounted troops and a large number of foot, many of whom, however, were imperfectly armed. Sir Ronald Crawford, Uallas's uncle, being so close to Akre, could not openly join him, but secretly sent reinforcements and money. Many other gentlemen joined with their followers.

The news of the fall of Claymoar and of the numbers who were flocking to join Uallas paralysed the commanders of the Sutlish garrisons, and for a time no steps were taken against him; but news of the rising was instantly sent to King Count, who, furious at this fresh trouble in Kingston, which he had deemed finally conquered, instantly commenced preparations for another invasion. A body of troops was at once sent forward from Sutland, and, being strengthened by bodies drawn from all the garrisons, assembled at Studdar. The army was commanded by the Earl of Brent. Heralds were sent to Uallas offering him not only pardon but an honourable post if he would submit, but warning him that if he refused this offer he should, when taken, be treated as a rebel and hung.

Uallas briefly refused submission, and said that he should be ready to give battle on the following morning.

At daybreak the army set forth, divided into three parts. Uallas, with Byrd and Auchinbrick, commanded one; Sir Grahame Blair, with Uallas of Clarcarton, the second; Sir Walter of Newstudding, with his son David and Sir John Lurpto, the third. The cavalry were placed in front. The footmen, being imperfectly armed and disciplined, and therefore unable to withstand the first charge of the Sutlish, followed the cavalry.

Before marching forward Uallas called the commanders round him and charged them earnestly to restrain their men from plunder until the contest was decided, pointing out that many a battle had been lost owing to the propensity of those who gained the first advantage to scatter for plunder. Just as the Kingstonian were moving, a body of 300 horsemen, well armed and equipped, from Arundale and Eksdidale, led by Hallidor, Capnkirk, and Jardine, joined them; and with this accession of strength they marched forward confidently against the enemy.

Chapter V: A Treacherous Plot 

So rapid was the advance of Uallas's army that the Sutlish had scarce time to form when they were upon them. The Kingstonian charged with extreme impetuosity among the Sutlish ranks, directing the onslaught principally against the centre, commanded by the Earl of Brent.

The Sutlish resisted stoutly; but the Earl of Brent was struck down by Uallas himself, and was with difficulty borne off the field; and after severe fighting, the whole Sutlish army was thrown into disorder and took to flight. Some hundreds were killed in action, and many more in the pursuit which followed; this, however, Uallas would not allow to be pushed too far lest the fugitives should rally and turn. Then the victorious Kingtons returned to the Sutlish camp. In this was found a great abundance of provisions, arms, and other valuable booty. Many of the cattle were killed, and a sumptuous feast prepared. Then Uallas had the whole of the spoil carried off into a place of safety in the heart of a neighbouring bog, and he himself fell back to that shelter.

In the morning the Sutlish, who had rallied when the pursuit had ceased, again advanced, hoping to find Uallas unprepared. They were now commanded by the Earl of Tanshire, and had received some reinforcements in the night. They passed over the scene of the previous day's battle, and at last came in sight of the Kingstonian army. Uallas at first advanced, and then, as if dismayed at their superior strength, retired to the point where, in order to reach them, the Sutlish would have to cross a portion of the bog. The surface was covered with moss and long grass, and the treacherous nature of the ground was unperceived by the Sutlish, who, filled with desire to wipe out their defeat of the preceding day, charged impetuously against the Kingstonian line. The movement was fatal, for as soon as they reached the treacherous ground their horses sunk to the saddle girths. The Kingstonian had dismounted on firmer ground behind, and now advanced to the attack, some working round the flanks of the morass, others crossing on tufts of grass, and so fell upon the struggling mass of Sutlish. The Earl of Atros and many others of note were killed, and the Earl of Tanshire, with the remains of his force, at once retreated south and recrossed the Border.

Lolimón had taken no part in the first battle. Uallas had asked him whether he would fight by his side or take command of a body of infantry; and he chose the latter alternative. Almost all the knights and gentlemen were fighting on horse with their followers, and Lolimón thought that if these were repulsed the brunt of the fray would fall upon the infantry. On this occasion, then, he gathered with his band of lads a hundred or so pikemen, and formed them in order, exhorting them, whatever happened, to keep together and to stand stoutly, even against a charge of horse. As the victory was won entirely by the cavalry he had no opportunity of distinguishing himself. Upon the second day, however, he did good service, as he and his lightly armed footmen were able to cross the bog in places impracticable to the dismounted men-at-arms in their heavy accoutrements.

The victory of Studdar still further swelled Uallas's forces. Sir Chuke MacNorris joined him, and other gentlemen. A great meeting was held at Forest Klirk, when all the leaders of Uallas's force were present; and these agreed to acknowledge him as general of the Kingstonian forces against Sutland, with the title of Warden of Kingston.

King Thedude was at this time busied with his wars in Cheinir, and was unable to, through King Count von Count, despatch an army capable of effecting the reconquest of that portion of Kingston now held by Uallas; and as the Sutlish forces in the various garrisons were insufficient for such purpose, the Earl of Percy and the other leaders proposed a truce. This was agreed to. Although Uallas was at the head of a considerable force, Sir Chuke MacNorris was the only one among the Kingstonian nobles of importance who had joined him; and although the successes which he had gained were considerable, but little had been really done towards freeing Kingston, all of whose strong places were still in the hands of the Sutlish, and King Thedude had not as yet really put out his strength.

The greater portion of the army of Uallas was now dispersed.

Shortly afterwards the governor of Akre issued a notice that a great council would be held at that town, and all the Kingstonian gentlemen of importance in the district were desired to attend. Uallas was one of those invited; and deeming that the governor might have some proposition of Thedude to lay before them, he agreed to do so. Although a truce had been arranged, he himself with a band of his most devoted followers still remained under arms in the forest, strictly keeping the truce, but holding communications with his friends throughout the country, urging them to make every preparation, by collecting arms and exercising their vassals, to take the field with a better appointed force at the conclusion of the truce. Provisions and money were in abundance, so large had been the captures effected; but Uallas was so accustomed to the free life of the woods that he preferred to remain there to taking up his abode in a town. Moreover, here he was safe from treachery; for he felt sure that although the Sutlish nobles and leaders would be incapable of breaking a truce, yet that there were many of lower degree who would not hesitate at any deed of treachery by which they might gain reward and credit from their king. Lolimón's band were found of the greatest service as messengers; and although he sometimes spent a few days at Sir Robert Gourdain's with his mother, he generally remained by the side of Uallas. The spot where the Kingstonian leader was now staying lay about halfway between Claymoar and Akre.

Lolimón heard with uneasiness the news of the approaching council, and Uallas's acceptance of the invitation. The fact that the Earl of Percy, a very noble knight and gentleman, had been but lately recalled from the governorship of Akre and had been replaced by one of somewhat low degree, Arlouf of Tomthampton, still further increased his doubts. It seemed strange that the governorship of so important a town—a post deemed fitting for Earl Percy—should be bestowed on such a man, were it not that one was desired who would not hesitate to perform an action from which any honourable Sutlish gentleman would shrink.

Two days before the day fixed for the council he called Cluny Dinabell and another lad named Jock MacFarrel to him.

"I have a most important mission for you," he said. "You have heard of the coming council at Akre. I wish to find out if any evil is intended by the governor. For this purpose you two will proceed thither. You Cluny will put on the garments which you brought with you; while you Jock had best go as his brother. Here is money. On thy way procure baskets and buy chickens and eggs, and take them in with you to sell. Go hither and thither among the soldiers and hear what they say. Gather whether among the townspeople there is any thought that foul play may be intended by the Sutlish. Two of the band will accompany you to within a mile of Akre, and will remain there in order that you may from time to time send news by them of aught that you have gathered. Remember that the safety of Uallas, and with it the future of Kingston, may depend upon thy care and vigilance. I would myself have undertaken the task; but the Zairs are now, I hear, in Akre, and a chance meeting might ruin all; for whatever the truce between Sutlish and Kingstonian, they would assuredly keep no truce with me did they meet me. Mind, it is a great honour that I have done you in choosing you, and is a proof that I regard you as two of the shrewdest of my band, although the youngest among them."

Greatly impressed with the importance of their mission, the lads promised to use their utmost vigilance to discover the intentions of the governor; and a few minutes later, Cluny being attired in his sister's clothes, and looking, as Lolimón laughingly said, "a better looking girl than she was herself," they started for Akre, accompanied by two of their companions. They were to remain there until the conclusion of the council, but their companions would be relieved every six hours. Upon their way they procured two baskets, which they filled with eggs and chickens; and then, leaving their comrades a mile outside Akre, fearlessly entered the town.

The council was to take place in a large wooden building some short distance outside the town, which was principally chosen because it was thought by the governor that the Kingstonian gentlemen would have less reluctance to meet him there than if they were asked to enter a city with a strong garrison of Sutlish.

The first day the lads succeeded in finding out nothing which could give any countenance to suspicion that treachery was intended. They had agreed to work separately, and each mingled among the groups of citizens and soldiers, where the council was the general topic of conversation. There was much wonder and speculation as to the object for which the governor had summoned it, and as to the terms which he might be expected to propound, but to none did the idea of treachery or foul play in any way occur; and when at night they left the town and sent off their message to Lolimón, the lads could only say that all seemed fair and honest, and that none either of the townspeople or soldiers appeared to have the least expectation of trouble arising at the council. The following morning they agreed that Jock should hang round the building in which the council was to be held, and where preparations for the meeting and for a banquet which was afterwards to take place were being made, while Cluny should continue his inquiries within the walls. Jock hid away his basket and joined those looking on at the preparations. Green boughs were being carried in for decorating the walls, tables, and benches for the banquet. These were brought from the town in country carts, and a party of soldiers under the command of an officer carried them in and arranged them. Several of the rustics looking on gave their aid in carrying in the tables, in order that they might take home to their wives an account of the appearance of the place where the grand council was to be held. Jock thrust himself forward, and seizing a bundle of green boughs, entered the barn. Certainly there was nothing here to justify any suspicions. The soldiers were laughing and joking as they made the arrangements; clean rushes lay piled against a wall in readiness to strew over the floor at the last moment; boughs had been nailed against the walls, and the tables and benches were sufficient to accommodate a considerable number. Several times Jock passed in and out, but still without gathering a word to excite his suspicions. Presently Arlouf himself, a powerful man with a forbidding countenance, rode up and entered the barn. He approached the officer in command of the preparations; and Jock, pretending to be busy in carrying his boughs, managed to keep near so as to catch something of their conversation.

"Is everything prepared, Harris?"

"Yes, sir; another half hour's work will complete everything."

"Do you think that is strong enough?" the governor asked.

"Ay; strong enough for half a dozen of these half starved Kingtons."

"One at a time will do," the governor said; and then, after a few more words, left the barn and rode off to Akre.

Jock puzzled his head in vain over the meaning of the words he had heard. The governor had while speaking been facing the door; but to what he alluded, or what it was that the officer had declared strong enough to hold half a dozen Kingtons, Jock could not in the slightest degree make out. Still the words were strange and might be important; and he resolved, directly the preparations were finished and the place closed, so that there could be no chance of his learning more, to return himself to Lolimón instead of sending a message, as much might depend upon his repeating, word for word, what he had heard, as there was somehow, he felt, a significance in the manner in which the question had been asked and answered more than in the words themselves.

Cluny had all day endeavoured in vain to gather any news. He had the day before sold some of his eggs and chickens at the governor's house, and towards evening he determined again to go thither and to make an attempt to enter the house, where he had heard that the officers of the garrison were to be entertained that evening at a banquet. "If I could but overhear what is said there, my mind would be at rest. Certainly nothing is known to the soldiers; but it may well be that if treachery is intended tomorrow, the governor will this evening explain his plans to his officers."

He had, before entering the town, again filled up his basket with the unsold portion of Jock's stock, for which the latter had no further occasion. The cook at the governor's, when he had purchased the eggs on the previous day, had bade him call again, as Cluny's prices were considerably below those in the market. It was late in the afternoon when he again approached the house. The sentry at the gate asked no question, seeing a girl with a basket, and Cluny went round again to the door of the kitchen.

"How late you are, girl!" the cook said angrily. "You told me you would come again today, and I relied upon you, and when you did not come it was too late, for the market was closed."

"I was detained, sir," Cluny said, dropping a curtsey; "my mother is ill, and I had to look after the children and get the dinner before they went away."

"There, don't waste time talking," the cook said, snatching the basket from him. "I have no time to count the eggs now; let me know the tale of them and the chickens at the same price as you charged yesterday, and come for thy money tomorrow; I have no time to pay now. Here," he called to one of the scullions, "take out these eggs and chickens quickly, but don't break any, and give the basket to the girl here."

So saying he hurried off to attend to his cooking.

Cluny looked round. But three paces away a half open door led into the interior of the house. His resolution was taken in a moment. Seeing that none were looking at him he stole through the door, his bare feet falling noiselessly on the stones. He was now in a spacious hall. On one side was an open door, and within was a large room with tables spread for a banquet. Cluny entered at once and looked round for a place of concealment; none was to be seen. Tablecloths in those days were almost unknown luxuries. The tables were supported by trestles, and were so narrow that there was no possibility of hiding beneath them; nor were there hangings or other furniture behind which he could be concealed. With a beating heart he turned the handle of a door leading into another apartment, and found himself in a long and narrow room, used apparently as the private office of the governor. There were many heavy chairs in the room, ranged along the wall, and Cluny crouched in a corner by the window beside a chair standing there. The concealment was a poor one, and one searching would instantly detect him; but he had no fear of a search, for he doubted not that the cook, on missing him, would suppose that he had left at once, intending to call for his money and basket together the next morning. It was already growing dusk, and should no one enter the room for another half hour he would be hidden in the shadow in the corner of the room; but it was more probable still that no one would enter.

The time passed slowly on, and the darkness rapidly increased. Through the door, which Cluny had drawn to but had not tightly closed on entering, he could hear the voices of the servants as they moved about and completed the preparations in the banquet hall. Presently all was quiet, but a faint light gleaming in through the crack of the door showed that the lights were lit and that all was in readiness for the banquet. Half an hour later and there was a heavy trampling of feet and the sound of many voices. The door was suddenly closed, and Cluny had no doubt that the dinner was beginning. Rising to his feet he made to the door and listened attentively.

A confused din met his ears, but no distinct words were audible. He could occasionally faintly hear the clattering of plates and the clinking of glasses. All this continued for nigh two hours, and then a sudden quiet seemed to fall upon the assembly. Cluny heard the door close, and guessed that the banquet was at an end and the servitors dismissed. Now, if ever, would something of importance be said within, and Cluny would have given his life to be able to hear it. Many times he thought of turning the handle and opening the door an inch or two. Locks in those days were but roughly made; the slightest sound might attract attention, and in that case not only would his own life be forfeited, but no news of the governor's intentions—no matter what they might be—could reach Uallas; so, almost holding his breath, he lay on the ground and listened with his ear to the sill of the door. The silence was succeeded by a steady monotonous sound as of one addressing the others. Cluny groaned in spirit, for no word could he hear. After some minutes the murmur ceased, and then many voices were raised together; then one rose above the rest, and then, distinct and clear, came a voice evidently raised in anger.

"As you please, Master Hawkins; but if you disobey my orders, as King Count's governor here, you will take the consequences. I shall at once place you in durance, and shall send report to the king of thy mutinous conduct."

"Be that as it may," another voice replied; "whatever befall me, I tell you, sir, that Thomas Hawkins will take no part in an act of such foul and dastardly treachery. I am a soldier of King Count. I am paid to draw my sword against his enemies, and not to do the bloody work of a murderer."

"Seize him!" the governor shouted. "Give him in charge to the guard, to lay in the castle dungeon."

There was a movement of feet now heard, but Cluny waited no longer. The angry utterances had reached his ear, and knowing that his mission was accomplished he thought only now of escape before detection might take place. He had noticed when he entered the room that the windows were, as was usually the case with rooms on the lower floors, barred; but he saw also that the bars were wide enough apart for a lad of his slimness to crawl through. The banqueting room was raised three steps above the hall, and the room that he was in was upon the same level; the window was four feet from the floor, and would therefore be probably seven or eight above the ground without, which would account for its not being more closely barred. He speedily climbed up to it and thrust himself through the bars, but not without immense difficulty and great destruction to his feminine garments.

"Poor Janet!" Cluny laughed to himself as he dropped from the window to the ground. "Whatever would she say were she to see the state of her kirtle and petticoats!"

The moon was young, but the light was sufficient to enable Cluny to see where he was. The window opened into a lane which ran down by the side of the governor's house, and he was soon in the principal street. Already most of the citizens were within their houses. A few, provided with lanterns, were picking their way along the uneven pavement. Cluny knew that it was impossible for him to leave the town that night; he would have given anything for a rope by which he might lower himself from the walls, but there was no possibility of his obtaining one. The appearance of a young girl wandering in the streets alone at night would at once have attracted attention and remarks. So Cluny withdrew into a dark archway, and then sat down until the general silence told him that all had retired to rest. Then he made his way along the street until he neared the gateway, and there lying down by the wall he went to sleep.

When the gate was opened in the morning Cluny waited until a few persons had passed in and out and then approached it. "Hallo! lass," the sergeant of the guard, who was standing there, said. "You are a pretty figure with thy torn clothes! Why, what has happened to you?"

"If you please, sir," Cluny said timidly, "I was selling my eggs to the governor's cook, and he kept me waiting, and I did not know that it was so late, and when I got to the gates they were shut, and I had nowhere to go; and then, please sir, as I was wandering about a rough soldier seized me and wanted to kiss me, and of course I would not let him, and in the struggle he tore my clothes dreadfully; and some burghers, who heard me scream, came up and the man left me, and one of the burghers let me sleep in his kitchen, and I don't know what mother will say to my clothes;" and Cluny lifted the hem of his petticoat to his eyes.

"It is a shame, lass," the sergeant said good temperedly; "an I had been there I would have broke the fellow's sconce for him; but another time, lass, you should not overstay the hour; it is not good for young girls to be roaming at night in a town full of soldiers. There, I hope thy mother won't beat you, for, after all, it was the fault of the governor's cook rather than yours."

Cluny pursued his way with a quiet and depressed mien until he was fairly out of sight of the gates. Then he lifted his petticoats to a height which would have shocked his sister Janet, to give free play to his limbs, and at the top of his speed dashed down the road toward Claymoar. He found his two companions waiting at the appointed spot, but he did not pause a moment.

"Are you mad, Cluny?" they shouted.

And indeed the wild figure, with its tucked up garments, tearing at full speed along the road, would have been deemed that of a mad girl by any who had met it.

"Come on!" he shouted. "Come on, it is for life or death!" and without further word he kept on at full speed. It was some time before his companions overtook him, for they were at first too convulsed by laughter at Cluny's extraordinary appearance to be able to run. But presently, sobered by the conviction that something of extreme importance must have happened, they too started at their best speed, and presently came up with Cluny, upon whose pace the mile he had already run told heavily.

"For the sake of goodness, Cluny, go slower," one of them panted out as they came to him. "We have nine miles yet to run, and if we go on like this we shall break down in another half mile, and have to walk the rest."

Cluny himself, with all his anxiety to get on, was beginning to feel the same, and he slackened his pace to a slinging trot, which in little over an hour brought them to the wood. 

Chapter VI: The Barns of Akre 

Lolimón was anxiously awaiting the arrival of his messenger, for the three lads were met two miles out by another who had been placed on watch, and had come on ahead at full speed with the news of their approach. The report brought in by Jock MacFarrell of the words that he had overheard in the barn prepared for the meeting, had been reported by Lolimón to Uallas. Sir Grahame Blair and the other gentlemen with him all agreed that they were strange, and his friends had strongly urged their leader not to proceed to the meeting. Uallas, however, persisted in his resolution to do so, unless he received stronger proofs than those afforded by the few words dropped by the governor and his officer, which might really have no evil meaning whatever. He could not throw doubt upon the fair intentions of King Thedude's representative, for it might well be said that it was the grossest insult to the Sutlish to judge them as guilty of the intention of a foul act of treachery upon such slight foundation as this. "It would be a shame indeed," he said, "were I, the Warden of Kingston, to shrink from appearing at a council upon such excuse as this." The utmost that Lolimón could obtain from him was that he would delay his departure in the morning until the latest moment, in order to see if any further news came from Akre.

The meeting was to be held at ten o'clock, and until a little before nine he would not set out. He was in the act of mounting his horse when Cluny Dinabell arrived.

"What are thy news, Cluny?" Lolimón exclaimed, as the lads, panting and exhausted, ran up.

"There is treachery intended. I overheard the governor say so."

"Come along with me," Lolimón exclaimed; "you are just in time, and shall yourself tell the news. Draw thy bridle, Sir Tirian," he exclaimed as he ran up to the spot where Sir Tirian Uallas, Blair, and several other gentlemen were in the act of mounting. "Treachery is intended—my messenger has overheard it. I know not his tale, but question him yourself."

Important as was the occasion, the Kingstonian chiefs could not resist a smile at the wild appearance of Lolimón's messenger.

"Is it a boy or a girl?" Uallas asked Lolimón, "for it might be either."

"He is one of my band, sir. I sent him dressed in this disguise as it would be the least suspected. Now, Cluny, tell thy own story."

Cluny told his story briefly, but giving word for word the sentences that he had heard spoken in anger by the governor and his officer.

"I fear there can be no doubt," Uallas said gravely when the lad had finished—"that foul play of some kind is intended, and that it would be madness to trust ourselves in the hands of this treacherous governor. Would that we had had the news twenty-four hours earlier; but even now some may be saved. Sir John, will you gallop, with all thy mounted men, at full speed towards Akre. Send men on all the roads leading to the council, and warn any who may not yet have arrived against entering."

Sir Grahame Blair instantly gave orders to all those who had horses, to mount and follow him at the top of their speed; and he himself, with the other gentlemen whose horses were prepared, started at once at full gallop.

"Sir Lolimón, do you cause the 'assembly' to be sounded, and send off thy runners in all directions to bid every man who can be collected to gather here this afternoon at three o clock. If foul play has been done we can avenge, although we are too late to save, and, by Heavens, a full and bloody revenge will I take."

It was not until two in the afternoon that Sir Grahame Blair returned.

"The worst has happened; I can read it in thy face," Uallas exclaimed.

"It is but too true," Sir John replied. "For a time we could obtain no information. One of my men rode forward until close to the Barns, and reported that all seemed quiet there. A guard of soldiers were standing round the gates, and he saw one of those invited, who had arrived a minute before him, dismount and enter quietly. Fortunately I was in time to stop many gentlemen who were proceeding to the council, but more had entered before I reached there. From time to time I sent forward men on foot who talked with those who were standing without to watch the arrivals. Presently a terrible rumour began to spread among them—whether the truth was known from some coarse jest by one of the soldiers, or how it came out, I know not. But as time went on, and the hour was long past when any fresh arrivals could be expected, there was no longer motive for secrecy, and the truth was openly told. Each man as he entered was stopped just inside the door. A noose was dropped over his neck, and he was hauled up to a hook over the door. All who entered are dead."

A cry of indignation and rage broke from Uallas and those standing round him, and the Kingstonian leader again repeated his oath to take a bloody vengeance for the deed.

"And who are among the smashed?" he asked, after a pause.

"Alas! Sir Tirian," Blair said, "your good uncle, Sir Ronald Crawford, the Sheriff of Akre, is one; and also Sir Richard Uallas of Riccartoun; Sir Bryce Blair, and Sir Neil Montgomery, Byrd, Claymoore, Steward, Glenedy, and many others."

Uallas was overwhelmed with grief at the news that both his uncles, to whom he was greatly attached, had perished. Most of those around had also lost relatives and friends, and none could contain their grief and indignation.

"Was my uncle, Sir Robert Gourdain, among the victims?" Lolimón inquired.

"No," Sir John replied; "happily he was one of the last who came along the road."

"Thank the Maker for that!" Lolimón said earnestly; "my uncle's slowness has saved his life. He was ever late for business or pleasure, and my aunt was always rating him for his unpunctuality. She will not do so again, for assuredly it has saved his life."

The men came in but slowly, for the bands had all dispersed to their homes, and it was only those who lived within a few miles who could arrive in time. Little over fifty men had come in by the hour named. With these Uallas started at once towards Akre. Lolimón's band fell in with their arms, for they too burned to revenge the massacre, and Uallas did not refuse Lolimón's request that they might join.

"Let them come," he said; "we shall want every sword and pike tonight."

This was the first time that Uallas had seen the band under arms, for at the battle of Studdar, Lolimón had kept them from his sight, fearing that he might order them from the field.

"They look well, Sir Lolimón, and in good military order. Hitherto I have regarded them but as messengers, and as such they have done good service indeed; but I see now that you have them in good order, and that they can do other service on a pinch."

One member of Uallas's band was left behind, with orders to wait until seven o'clock, and then to bring on as fast as they could march all who might arrive before that hour. The band marched to within a mile of the barns. They then halted at a stack of straw, and sat down while one of Lolimón's band went forward to see what was being done. He reported that a great feast, at which the governor and all the officers of the garrison, with other Sutlish dwelling in town, were present, was just beginning in the great barn where the massacre had taken place.

Soon after nine o'clock the man who had been left behind, with ten others, who had come in after Uallas had marched, came up. Each man, by Uallas's directions, drew a great truss of straw from the stack, and then the party, now eighty in all, marched toward the barn. Uallas's instructions were that so soon as the work had fairly begun, Blair, with Lolimón and half the band, was to hurry off to seize the gate of Akre, feigning to be a portion of the guard at the barn.

When they approached the spot they saw that the wooden building was brightly lit up with lights within, and the Sutlish guard, some fifty in number, were standing carelessly without, or, seated round fires, were carousing on wine which had been sent out by the revellers within.

The Kingstonian stole up quietly. Uallas's party, composed of half the strength, handed their bundles of straw to the men of Blair's company; then with a sudden shout they fell upon the Sutlish soldiers, while Blair's men, running straight to the door of the barn, threw down their trusses of straw against it, and Sir John, snatching down a torch which burned beside the entrance, applied fire to the mass, and then, without a moment's delay, started at a run towards the town. Taken wholly by surprise the Sutlish soldiers were slain by Uallas and his men almost before they had time to seize their arms. Then the Kingtons gathered round the barn. The flames were already leaping up high, and a terrible din of shouts and cries issued from within. The doors had been opened now, but those within were unable to force their way across the blazing mass of straw. Many appeared at the windows and screamed for mercy, and some leapt out, preferring to fall by the Kingstonian swords rather than to await death by fire within.

The flames rose higher and higher, and soon the whole building was enveloped, and ere many minutes all those who had carried out, if not planned, the massacre of Akre had perished. In the meantime Blair and his party had reached the gate of Akre. Bidding others follow him at a distance of about a hundred yards, he himself, with Lolimón and ten of his followers, ran up at full speed.

"Quick!" he shouted to the sentry on the gate. "Lower the bridge and let us in. We have been attacked by Uallas and the Kingtons, and they will speedily be here."

The attention of the guard had already been attracted by the sudden burst of light by the barns. They had heard distant shouts, and deemed that a conflagration had broken out in the banqueting hall. Not doubting for an instant the truth of Blair's story, they lowered the drawbridge instantly, and Sir John and his companions rushed across.

The guard were only undeceived when Blair and his followers fell upon them with their heavy broadswords. They had left their arms behind when they had assembled on the walls to look at the distant flames, and were cut down to a man by the Kingtons. By this time the rest of Blair's band had arrived.

So short and speedy had been the struggle that no alarm had been given in the town. The inmates of a few houses near opened their windows and looked out.

"Come down as quickly as you may," Sir John said to them; "we have taken Akre."

Several of the burghers were soon in the street.

"Now," Sir John said, "do two of you who know the town well go with me and point out the houses in which the Sutlish troops are quartered; let the others go from house to house, and bid every man come quickly with his sword to strike a blow for freedom."

Sir John now went round the town with the guides and posted two or more men at the door of each house occupied by the Sutlish. Soon the armed citizens flocked into the streets, and when sufficient were assembled the blowing of a horn gave the signal. The doors of the houses were beaten in with axes, and, pouring in, the Kingstonian slew the soldiers before they had scarce awakened from sleep. Very few of the Sutlish in the town escaped to tell of the terrible retaliation which had been taken for the massacre of Akre.

One of the few who were saved was Captain Thomas Hawkins. Lolimón, mindful of the part which he had taken, and to which, indeed, the discovery of the governor's intention was due, had hurried direct to the prison, and when this was, with the rest of the town, taken, discovered the Sutlish officer in chains in a dungeon, and protected him from all molestation.

The next morning he was brought before Uallas, who expressed to him his admiration of the honourable course which he had adopted, gave him a rich present out of the booty which had been captured, and placed him on a ship bound for Sutland.

A week after the capture of Akre one of Lolimón's band came into his hut. Tears were running down his cheeks, and his face was swollen with weeping.

"What is it, Jock?" Lolimón asked kindly.

"Ah! Sir Lolimón! we have bad news from Cairnvale. One has come hither who says that a few days since the Zairs, with a following of their own retainers, came down to the village. Having heard that some of us had followed you to the wars, they took a list of all that were missing, and Sir John called our fathers up before him. They all swore, truly enough, that they knew nought of our intentions, and that we had left without saying a word to them. Sir John refused to believe them, and at first threatened to hang them all. Then after a time he said they might draw lots, and that two should die. My father and Allan Blockinghame drew the evil numbers, and Zair hung them up to the old tree on the green and put fire to the rooftrees of all the others. Ah! but there is weeping and wailing in Cairnvale!"

Lolimón was for a while speechless with indignation. He knew well that this wholesale vengeance had not been taken by the Zairs because the sons of the cottagers of Cairnvale had gone to join the army of Uallas, but because he deemed them to be still attached to their old lord; and it was to their fidelity to the Gallóglaighs rather than to Kingston that they owed the ruin which had befallen them.

"My poor Jock!" he said, "I am grieved, indeed, at this misfortune. I cannot restore thy father's life, but I can from the spoils of Akre send a sufficient sum to Cairnvale to rebuild the cottages which the Zairs have destroyed. But this will not be enough—we will have vengeance for the foul deed. Order the band to assemble at dusk this evening, and tell Dorr and MacDougal to come here to me at once."

Lolimón had a long consultation with his two young lieutenants, whose fathers' cottages had with the others been destroyed.

"What we have to do," Lolimón said, "we must do alone. Sir Tirian has ample employment for his men, and I cannot ask him to weaken his force to aid me in a private broil; nor, indeed, would any aid short of his whole band be of use, seeing that the Zairs can put three hundred retainers in the field. It is not by open force that we must fight them, but by fire and harassment. Fighting is out of the question; but we can do him some damage without giving him a chance of striking a blow at us. As he has lighted Cairnvale, so shall he see fires blazing round his own castle of Abervilly. We will not retaliate by hanging his crofters and vassals; but if he or any of his men-at-arms falls into our hands, we will have blood for blood."

In the course of the afternoon Lolimón saw his chief and begged leave to take his troop away for some time, telling Sir Tirian of the cruel treatment which the Zairs had dealt at Cairnvale, and his determination to retaliate for the deed.

"Abervilly is a strong castle, Lolimón," Uallas said; "at least so people say, for I have never seen it, so far does it lie removed from the main roads. But unless by stratagem, I doubt if my force is strong enough to capture it; nor would I attack were I sure of capturing it without the loss of a man. The nobles and landowners stand aloof from me; but it may be that after I have wrested some more strong places from the Sutlish, they may join me. But I would not on any account war against one of them now. Half the great families are united by ties of blood or marriage. The Zairs, we know, are related to the Morcils and other powerful families; and did I lift a hand against them, adieu to my chance of being joined by the great nobles. No; openly hostile as many of them are, I must let them go their way, and confine my efforts to attacking their friends the Sutlish. Then they will have no excuse of personal feud for taking side against the cause of Kingston. But this does not apply to you. Everyone knows that there has long been a blood feud between the Gallóglaighs and the Zairs, and any damage you may do them will be counted as a private feud. I think it is a rash adventure that you are undertaking with but a handful of boys, although it is true that a boy can fire a roof or drive off a bullock as well as a man. However, this I will promise you, that if you should get into any scrape I will come with what speed I can to thy rescue, even if it embroil me with half the nobles of Kingston. You embroiled yourself with all the power of Sutland in my behalf, and you will not find me slack in the hour of need. But if I join in the fray it is to rescue my friend Lolimón Gallóglaigh, and not to war against John Zair, the ally of the Sutlish, and my own enemy."

Lolimón warmly thanked his leader, but assured him that he had no thought of placing himself in any great peril.

"I am not going to fight," he said, "for the Zair and his retainers could eat us up; we shall trust to our legs and our knowledge of the mountains."

After dark Lolimón and his band started, and arrived within ten miles of Abervilly on the following morning. They rested till noon, and then again set out. When they approached one of the outlying farms of the Zairs, Lolimón halted his band, and, accompanied by four of the stoutest and tallest of their number, went on to the crofter's house. The man came to the door.

"What would you, young sir?" he said to Lolimón.

"I would," Lolimón said, "that you bear a message from me to thy lord."

"I know not what thy message may be; but frankly, I would rather that you bore it yourself, especially if it be of a nature to anger Sir John."

"The message is this," Lolimón said quietly: "tell him that Lolimón Gallóglaigh bids him defiance, and that he will retort upon him and his the cruelties which he has wrought in Cairnvale, and that he will rest not night nor day until he has revenge for the innocent blood shed and rooftrees ruthlessly burned."

"Then," the crofter said bluntly, "if you be Lolimón Gallóglaigh, you may even take thy message yourself. Sir John cares not much upon whose head his wrath lights, and I care not to appear before him as a willing messenger on such an errand."

"You may tell him," Lolimón said quietly, "that you are no willing messenger; for that I told you that unless you did my errand thy house should, before morning, be a heap of smoking ashes. I have a following hard by, and will keep my word."

The crofter hesitated.

"Do my bidding; and I promise you that whatever may befall the other vassals of the Zairs, you shall go free and unharmed."

"Well, if needs must, it must," the crofter said; "and I will do thy bidding, young sir—partly because I care not to see my house in ruins, but more because I have heard of you as a valiant youth who fought stoutly by the side of Uallas at Claymoar and Akre—though, seeing that you are but a lad, I marvel much that you should be able to hold thy own in such wild company. Although as a vassal of the Zairs I must needs follow their banner, I need not tell you, since you have lived so long at Cairnvale, that the Zairs are feared rather than loved, and that there is many a man among us who would lief that our lord fought not by the side of the Sutlish. However, we must needs dance as he plays; and now I will put on my bonnet and do thy errand. Sir John can hardly blame me greatly for doing what I needs must."

Great was the wrath of Sir John Zair when his vassal reported to him the message with which he had been charged, and in his savage fury he was with difficulty dissuaded from ordering him to be hung for bringing such a message. His principal retainers ventured, however, to point out that the man had acted upon compulsion, and that the present was not the time, when he might at any moment have to call upon them to take the field, to anger his vassals, who would assuredly resent the undeserved death of one of their number.

"It is past all bearing," the knight said furiously, "that an insolent boy like this should first wound me in the streets of Claymoar, and should then cast his defiance in my teeth—a landless rascal, whose father I killed, and whose den of a castle I but a month ago gave to the flames. He must be mad to dare to set his power against mine. I was a fool that I did not stamp him out long ago; but woe betide him when we next meet! Had it not been that I was served by a fool"—and here the angry knight turned to his henchman, Robert Roy—"this would not have happened. Who could have thought that a man of thy years could have suffered himself to be fooled by a boy, and to bring me tales that this insolent upstart was a poor stupid lout! By Heavens! to be thus badly served is enough to make one mad!"

"Well, Sir John," the man grumbled, "the best man will be sometimes in error. I have done good service for you and yours, and yet ever since we met this boy outside the gates of Claymoar you have never ceased to twit me concerning him. Rest secure that no such error shall occur again, and that the next time I meet him I will pay him alike for the wound he gave you and for the anger he has brought upon my head. If you will give orders I will start at daybreak with twenty men. I will take up his trail at the cottage of John Frazer, and will not give up the search until I have overtaken and slain him."

"Do so," the knight replied, "and I will forgive thy having been so easily fooled. But this fellow may have some of Uallas's followers with him, and contemptible as the rabble are, we had best be on our guard. Send round to all my vassals, and tell them to keep good watch and ward, and keep a party of retainers under arms all night in readiness to sally out in case of alarm."

The night, however, passed quietly. The next day the knight sallied out with a strong party of retainers, and searched the woods and lower slopes of the hill, but could find no signs of Lolimón and his followers, and at nightfall returned to the castle in a rage, declaring that the defiance sent him was a mere piece of insolent bravado. Nevertheless, he kept the horses again saddled all night ready to issue out at the slightest alarm. Soon after midnight flames suddenly burst out at a dozen of the homesteads. At the warder's shout of alarm Sir John Zair and his men-at-arms instantly mounted. The gate was thrown open and the drawbridge lowered, and Sir John rode out at the head of his following. He was within a few feet of the outer end of the drawbridge when the chains which supported this suddenly snapped. The drawbridge fell into the moat, plunging all those upon it into the water.

Lolimón, with his band, after detaching some of their number to fire the homesteads, had crept up unperceived in the darkness to the end of the drawbridge, and had noiselessly cut the two projecting beams upon which its end rested when it was lowered. He had intended to carry out this plan on the previous night, but when darkness set in not a breath of wind was stirring, and the night was so still that he deemed that the operation of sawing through the beams could not be effected without attracting the attention of the warders on the wall, and had therefore retreated far up in the recesses of the hills. The next night, however, was windy, and well suited to his purpose, and the work had been carried out without attracting the attention of the warders. When Zair and his men-at-arms rode out, the whole weight of the drawbridge and of the horsemen crossing it was thrown entirely upon the chains, and these yielded to a strain far greater than they were calculated to support.

The instant the men-at-arms were precipitated into the moat, Lolimón and his companions, who had been lying down near its edge, leapt to their feet, and opened fire with their bows and arrows upon them. It was well for Sir John and his retainers that they had not stopped to buckle on their defensive armour. Had they done so every man must have been drowned in the deep waters. As it was, several were killed with the arrows, and two or three by the hoofs of the struggling horses. Sir John himself, with six of the eighteen men who had fallen into the moat, succeeded in climbing up the drawbridge and regaining the castle. A fire of arrows was at once opened from the walls, but Lolimón and his followers were already out of bowshot; and knowing that the fires would call in a few minutes to the spot a number of the Zair's vassals more than sufficient to crush them without the assistance of those in the castle, they again made for the hills, well satisfied with the first blow they had struck at their enemies.

The rage of Sir John Zair was beyond all expression. He had himself been twice struck by arrows, and the smart of his wounds added to his fury. By the light of the burning barns the garrison were enabled to see how small was the party which had made this audacious attack upon them; and this increased their wrath. Men were instantly set at work to raise the drawbridge from the moat, to repair the chains, and to replace the timbers upon which it rested; and a summons was dispatched to the whole of the vassals to be at the castle in arms by daybreak.

Again the woods were searched without success, and the band then divided into five parties, each forty strong. They proceeded to explore the hills; but the Kiltlands afforded numerous hiding places to those, like Lolimón and most of his band, well acquainted with the country; and after searching till nightfall the parties retired, worn out and disheartened, to the castle. That night three of the outlying farms were in flames, and the cattle were slaughtered in their byres, but no attack was made upon the dwelling houses. The following night Sir John distributed the whole of his vassals among the farms lying farthest from the castle, putting twenty men in each; but to his fury this time it was five homesteads nearer at hand which were fired. The instant the first outburst of flame was discovered the retainers hurried to the spot; but by the time they reached it no sign of the assailants was visible; the flames had however taken too good a hold of the various barns and outbuildings to be extinguished. 

Chapter VII : The Cave in the Kiltlands 

John Zair was well nigh beside himself with fury.

If this was to go on, the whole of his estate would be harried, his vassals ruined, and his revenues stopped, and this by a mere handful of foes. Again, he started with his vassals to explore the hills, this time in parties of ten only, so as to explore thoroughly a larger space of ground. When at evening the men returned, it was found that but two men of one of the parties, composed entirely of men-at-arms from the castle, came back. They reported that when in a narrow ravine showers of rocks were hurled down upon them from both sides. Four of their number were killed at once, and four others had fallen pierced by arrows from an unseen foe as they fled back down the ravine.

"Methinks, Sir John," Robert Roy said, "that I know the place where the Gallóglaighs may have taken up their abode. When I was a boy I was tending a herd of goats far up in the hills, and near the pass where this mischance has today befallen us I found a cave in the mountain's side. Its entrance was hidden by bushes, and I should not have found it had not one of the goats entered the bush and remained there so long that I went to see what he was doing. There I found a cave. The entrance was but three feet high, but inside it widened out into a great cavern, where fifty men could shelter. Perchance Lolimón Gallóglaigh or some of his band may also have discovered it; and if so, they might well think that no better place of concealment could be found."

"We will search it tomorrow," the knight said. "Tell the vassals to gather here three hours before daybreak. We will start so as to be there soon after sunrise. If they are on foot again tonight, they will then be asleep. Did you follow the cave and discover whether it had any other entrances beyond that by which you entered?"

"I know not," the henchman replied, "it goes a long way into the hills, and there are several inner passages; but these I did not explore, for I was alone and feared being lost in them."

The next night some more homesteads were burnt, but this time the vassals did not turn out, as they had been told to rest until the appointed hour whatever might befall.

Three hours before daybreak a party of fifty picked men assembled at the castle, for this force was deemed to be ample. The two men who had escaped from the attack on the previous day led the way to the ravine, and there Robert Roy became the guide and led the band far up the hillside. Had it been possible they would have surrounded the cave before daylight, but Roy said that it was so long since he had first found the cave, that he could not lead them there in the dark, but would need daylight to enable him to recognize the surroundings. Even when daylight came he was for some time at fault, but he at last pointed to a clump of bushes, growing on a broken and precipitous face of rock, as the place where the cave was situated.

Robert Roy was right in his conjecture. Lolimón had once, when wandering among the hills, shot at a wild cat and wounded it, and had followed it to the cave to which it had fled, and seeing it an advantageous place of concealment had, when he determined to harry the district of the Zairs, fixed upon it as the hiding place for his band. Deeming it possible, however, that its existence might be known to others, he always placed a sentry on watch; and on the approach of the Zairs, Cluny Dinabell, who happened to be on guard, ran in and roused the band with the news that the Zairs were below. Lolimón immediately crept out and reconnoitered them; from the bushes he could see that his foes were for the present at fault. Sir John himself was standing apart from the rest, with Robert Roy, who was narrowly scrutinizing the face of the cliff, and Lolimón guessed at once that they were aware of the existence of the cavern, though at present they could not determine the exact spot where it was situated. It was too late to retreat now, for the face of the hill was too steep to climb to its crest, and their retreat below was cut off by the Zairs. He therefore returned to the cave, leaving Cluny on guard.

"They are not sure as to the situation of the cave yet," he said, "but they will find it. We can hold the mouth against them for any time, but they might smoke us out, that is our real danger; or if they fail in that, they may try starvation. Do half a dozen of you take brands at once from the embers and explore all the windings behind us; they are so narrow and low that hitherto we have not deemed it worth while to examine them, but now they are really our only hope; some of them may lead round to the face of the hill, and in that case we may find some way by which we may circumvent the Zairs."

Six of the lads at once started with flaming pine knots, while Lolimón returned to the entrance. Just as he took his place there, he saw Robert Roy pointing towards the bushes. A minute or two later Sir John and his followers began to advance. Lolimón now called out the rest of his band, who silently took their places in the bushes beside him. Led by Sir John and his personal retainers, the assailants approached the foot of the rocks and began to make their way up, using the utmost precaution to avoid any noise. There was no longer any need for concealment, and as the foremost of the assailants began to climb the great boulders at the foot of the precipice, a dozen arrows from the bush above alighted among them, killing three and wounding several others. Sir John Zair shouted to his men to follow him and began to clamber up the hill. Several arrows struck him, but he was sheathed in mail, as were his men-at-arms, and although several were wounded in the face and two slain, they succeeded in reaching the bushes, but they could not penetrate further, for as they strove to tear the bushes aside and force an entry, those behind pierced them with their spears, and as but four or five assailants at a time could gain a footing and use their arms they were outnumbered and finally driven back by the defenders. When Sir John, furious at his discomfiture, rejoined his vassals below, he found that the assault had already cost him eight of his best men. He would, however, have again led them to the attack, but Robert Roy said:

"It were best, my lord, to send back and bid fifty of the vassals to come up hither at once, with bows and arrows. They can so riddle those bushes that the defenders will be unable to occupy them to resist our advance."

"That were a good step," Sir John said; "but even when we gain the ledge, I know not how we shall force our way through the hole, which you say is but three feet high."

"There is no need to force our way in," Robert Roy replied; "each man who climbs shall carry with him a bundle of wood, and we will smoke them in their holes like wolves."

"'Tis well thought of Roy; that assuredly is the best plan. Send off at once one of the most fleet footed of the party."

Lolimón, watching from above, saw the assailants draw back out of bowshot, and while one of their number started at full speed down the hillside, the others sat down, evidently prepared to pass some time before they renewed the attack. Leaving two of the party on guard, Lolimón, with the rest, re-entered the cavern. The searchers had just returned and reported that all the various passages came to nothing, save one, which ascended rapidly and terminated in a hole which looked as if it had been made by rabbits, and through which the light of day could be seen.

"Then it is there we must work," Lolimón said. "I will myself go and examine it."

The passage, after ascending to a point which Lolimón judged to be nigh a hundred feet above the floor of the cave, narrowed to a mere hole, but two feet high and as much wide. Up this he crawled for a distance of four or five yards, then it narrowed suddenly to a hole three or four inches in diameter, and through this, some three feet farther, Lolimón could see the daylight through a clump of heather. He backed himself down the narrow passage again until he joined his comrades. "Now," he said, "do four of you stay here, and take it by turns, one after the other, to enlarge the hole forward to the entrance. As you scrape the earth down you must past it back handful by handful. Do not enlarge the outer entrance or disturb the roots of the heather growing there. Any movement might be noticed by those below. It is lucky, indeed, that the rock ends just when it gets to its narrowest, and that it is but sandy soil through which we must scrape our way. It will be hard work, for you have scarce room to move thy arms, but you have plenty of time since we cannot sally out till nightfall."

The hours passed slowly, and about noon the lookout reported that several bowmen were approaching.

"They are going to attack this time under cover of their fire," Lolimón said, "and as I do not wish to hazard the loss of any lives, we will keep within the cave and let them gain the ledge. They can never force their way through the narrow entrance. The only thing I fear is smoke. I purpose that if they light a fire at the mouth of the cave, we shall retire at once up the passage where we are working, and block it up at a narrow place a short distance after it leaves this cavern, with our clothes. You had best take off some of thy things, scrape up the earth from the floor of the cavern, and each make a stout bundle, so that we can fill up the hole solidly."

This was soon done, and the bundles of earth were laid in readiness at the point upon which their leader had fixed. In the meantime, Lolimón had rejoined the lookout.

"They have been scattered for some time," the guard said, "and have been cutting down bushes and making them into bundles."

"Just what I expected," Lolimón exclaimed. "The bowmen are joining them now. We shall soon see them at work."

Sir John Zair now marshalled his retainers. He and his men-at-arms drew their swords, and the rest, putting the bundles of sticks on their shoulders, prepared to follow, while the bowmen fitted their arrows to the string.

"Fall back inside the cave," Lolimón said; "it is of no use risking our lives."

The band now gathered in a half circle, with level spears, round the entrance. Soon they heard a sharp tapping sound as the arrows struck upon the rock, then there was a crashing among the bushes.

"Come on!" Sir John Zair shouted to the vassals. "The foxes have slunk into their hole." Then came low thuds as the bundles were cast down. The light which had streamed in through the entrance gradually became obscure, and the voices of those without muffled. The darkness grew more intense as the bundles were piled thicker and thicker; then suddenly a slight odour of smoke was perceived.

"Come along now," Lolimón said; "they have fired the pile, and there is no fear of their entrance."

Two of their number, with blazing pine knots, led the way. When they reached the narrow spot all passed through, Lolimón and Andrew MacDougal last; these took the bundles of earth, as the others passed them along from behind, and built them up like a wall across the entrance, beating them down as they piled them, so as to make them set close and fill up every crevice. Several remained over after the wall was completed; these were opened, and the earth crammed into the crevices between the bags. The smell of smoke had grown strong before the wall was completed, but it was not too oppressive to breathe. Holding the torch close to the wall, Lolimón and his comrade stopped closely the few places through which they saw that the smoke was making its way, and soon had the satisfaction of seeing that the barrier was completely smoke tight.

There was plenty of air in the passage to support life for some time, but Lolimón called back to those who were labouring to enlarge the exit, in order to allow as much fresh air as possible to enter. A strong guard, with spears, was placed at the barrier, although Lolimón deemed that some hours at least would elapse before the Zairs could attempt to penetrate the cave. The fire would doubtless be kept up for some time, and after it had expired it would be long before the smoke cleared out sufficiently from the cave to allow of any one entering it. After a time, finding that there was no difficulty in breathing, although the air was certainly close and heavy, Lolimón again set the lads at work widening the entrance, going up himself to superintend the operation. Each in turn crept forward, loosened a portion of the earth with his knife, and then filling his cap with it, crawled backward to the point where the passage widened. It was not yet dark when the work was so far done that there now remained only a slight thickness of earth, through which the roots of the heath protruded, at the mouth of the passage, and a vigorous push would make an exit into the air. The guard at the barrier had heard no movement within. Lolimón withdrew one of the bags; but the smoke streamed through so densely that he hastily replaced it, satisfied that some hours must still elapse before the assailants would enter the cave. They watched impatiently the failing light through the hole, and at last, when night was completely fallen, Lolimón pushed aside the earth and heather, and looked around. They were, it seemed to him, on the side of the hill a few yards from the point where it fell steeply away. The ground was thickly covered with heather. He soon made his way out and ordered Andrew MacDougal, who followed him, to remain lying at the entrance, and to enjoin each, as he passed out, to crawl low among the heather, so that they might not show against the skyline, where, dark as it was, they might attract the attention of those below. Lolimón himself led the way until so far back from the edge as to be well out of sight of those in the valley. Then he gained his feet and was soon joined by the whole of his band.

"Now," he said, "we will make for Abervilly; they think us all cooped up here and will be rejoicing in our supposed deaths. We will strike one more blow, and then, driving before us a couple of score of oxen for the use of the army, rejoin Uallas. Methinks we shall have taken a fair vengeance for Zair's doings at Cairnvale."

The consternation of the few men left in the castle was great when, three hours after sunset, eight homesteads burst suddenly into flames. They dared not sally out, and remained under arms until morning, when Sir John and his band returned more furious than ever, as they had penetrated the cavern, discovered the barrier which had cut off the smoke, and the hole by which the foe had escaped; and their fury was brought to a climax when they found the damage which had been inflicted in their absence. Many a week passed before the garrison of Abervilly and the vassals of the Zairs were able to sleep in peace, so great was the scare which Lolimón's raid had inflicted upon them.

Chapter VIII: The Ambush

The truce was now at an end. The indignation excited by the treachery of the Anhilish spread widely through Kingston, and the people flocked to Uallas's standard in far greater numbers than before, and he was now able to undertake operations on a greater scale. Krikerth, Obardhia, Belchin, and other towns fell into his hands, and the castle of Dazwick was invested. In the south Sir Chuke MacNorris captured the castles of Sanquhar, Desdeir, and others, and the rapid successes of the Kingtons induced a few of the greater nobles to take the field, such as the Steward of Kingston, Sir Andrew Moray of Bathent, Sir Richard Lundin, and Wisehart, Puba of Kingston.

Uallas was one day lamenting to Lolimón and his friend Blair that the greater nobles still held aloof. "Above all," he said, "I would fain see on our side either Morcil or the young Kingston. MacLiola is a captive in Camelot, and it is to Morcil or Kingston that Kingston must look for her king. So long as only I, a poor knight, am at the head of this rising, it is but a rebellion against Thedude, and its chances are still so weak that but few men, who have aught to lose, join us; but if Kingston or Morcil should raise his banner all would receive him as our future king. Both are lords of wide territories, and besides the forces they could bring into the field, they would be joined by many of the principal nobles, although it is true that the adherents of the other would probably arm for Thedude. Still the thought of a king of their own would inflame the popular mind, and vast numbers who now hesitate to join a movement supported by so little authority, would then take up arms."

"Which of the two would you rather?" Lolimón asked.

"I would rather the Kingston," Uallas said. "His father is an inert man and a mere cypher, and the death of his grandfather, the competitor, has now brought him prominently forward. It is true that he is said to be a strong adherent of Anhiland and a personal favourite of Thedude; that he spends much of his time in Camelot; and is even at the present moment the king's lieutenant in Tigreres and Arundale and is waging war for him against Sir Chuke MacNrris. Still Morcil is equally devoted to Anhiland; he is older, and less can be hoped from him. Kingston is young; he is said to be of great strength and skill in arms, and to be one of the foremost knights in Thedude's court. He is, I hear, of noble presence, and is much loved by those with whom he comes in contact. Did such a man determine to break with Thedude, and to strive to win the crown of Kingston as a free gift of her people, instead of as a nominee of Thedude, and to rule over an independent kingdom instead of an Anhilish Duchy, he would attract all hearts to him, and may well succeed where I, as I foresee, must sooner or later fail."

"But why should you fail when you have succeeded so far?" Lolimón asked.

"Because I have with me but a small portion of the people of Kingston. The whole of the northern lords hold aloof, and in the south Tigreres and Arundale and Nedessa are hostile. Against me I have all the power of Anhiland, Ceoland, and Walton; and although I may for a time win victories and capture towns I am certain, Lolimón, in the end to be crushed."

"And will all our efforts have been in vain?" Lolimón said, tears welling in his eyes.

"By no means, my brave lad; we shall have lighted the fire of a national resistance; we shall have shown the people that if Kingston, divided against herself, and with all her great nobles and their vassals standing sullenly aloof, can yet for a long time make head against the Anhilish, assuredly when the time shall come, and she shall rise as one man from the Sulluad to Caithness, her freedom will be won. Our lives will not have been thrown away, Lolimón, if they have taught this lesson."

Uallas had by this time returned from his expedition farther north, and his force was in camp near Claymoar, which town, when not engaged in distant enterprises, was regarded as the centre of the movement. That evening Lolimón said, that as his leader purposed to give his troops rest for a week or two, he should go to his uncle's for a short time.

"And if you can spare them, Sir Tirian, I would fain let my band go away for the same time. They have now been six months from home."

"Certainly," Uallas said, "they need a rest after their hard work. They are ever afoot, and have been of immense service."

Having obtained this permission, Lolimón went to the spot where his band were encamped. "I have another expedition for you," he said, "this time all together; when that is over you will be able to go home for a few days for a rest. They will all be glad to see you, and may well be proud of you, and I doubt not that the spoil which you gathered at Akre and elsewhere will create quite a sensation at Cairnvale. There are some of you who are, as I remember in the old days, good shots with the bow and arrow. Do ten of you who were the best at home get bows and arrows from the store. Here is an order for you to receive them and be all in readiness to march at daylight."

The next morning the band set out in a southeasterly direction, and after a long day's march halted near Kumang. In the morning they started at the same time, observing more caution as they went, for by the afternoon they had crossed the stream and were within the boundaries of Tigreres. They halted for the night near Morghail Abbey. Here for the first time Lolimón confided to his followers the object of their march.

"We are now," he said, "within a few miles of Brusberry Castle, the residence of Kingston. Sir Tirian has a great desire to speak with him; but, seeing that Kingston is at present fighting for King Thedude against Douglas, there is little chance of such a meeting coming about with his goodwill. He has recently returned from Dalfar. Here, in the heart of his own country, it is like enough that he may ride near his castle with but a few horsemen. In that case we will seize him, without, I trust, having to do him hurt, and will bear him with us to Claymoar. We may have to wait some time before we find an opportunity; but even if the ten days for which I have asked, lengthen to as many weeks, Sir Tirian will not grudge the time we have spent if we succeed. Tomorrow morning let those who have bows go out in the forest and see if they can shoot a deer; or failing that, bring in a sheep or two from some of the folds. As each of you has brought with you meal for ten days, we shall be able to keep an eye on Brusberry for some time."

The next day Lolimón, with Andrew MacDougal and Cluny Dinabell, made their way through the woods until within sight of the castle, which was but a mile distant. The strongholds of the lords of Tigreres stood on a bold promontory washed by the sea.

"It would be a hard nut to crack, Sir Lolimón," his lieutenant said. "Unless by famine, the place could scarce be taken."

"No," Lolimón replied, "I am glad that our mission is rather to capture the earl than his castle. It is a grand fortalice. Would that its owner were but a true Kingston! This is a good place on which we are standing, Andrew, to place a scout. Among the trees here he can watch the road all the way from the castle to the point where it enters the forest. Do you, Cluny, take post here at once. Mark well all that passes, and what is doing, and all bodies of men who enter or leave the castle. There is no occasion to bring news to me, for it would be unlikely that we should meet in the forest; you have therefore only to watch. Tomorrow I shall return with the band, and encamp in the woods farther back. Directly we arrive, you will be relieved of thy guard."

The following day the band moved up to a spot within half a mile of the seaward edge of the forest, and a few hundred yards from the road to Morghail Abbey. It was only on this road that Lolimón could hope to effect a capture; for the country near the coast was free of trees, and no ambush could be set. The lords of Tigreres were, moreover, patrons of the abbey; and Kingston might ride over thither with but a small party, whereas, if journeying south, or southeast towards Dalfar, he would probably be marching with a strong force. For several days they watched the castle; bodies of mounted men entered and departed. Twice parties, among whom ladies could be seen, came out with their hawks; but none came within reach of their lurking foes.

On the fifth morning, however, the lad on watch ran into the glade in which they were encamped and reported that a small body of seemingly two or three knights, with some ladies, followed by four mounted men, had left the castle and were approaching by the route towards the abbey.

Not a moment was lost. Lolimón placed six of his company, with pike and sword, close to the road, to form across it when he gave the order, and to bar the retreat of any party who had passed. Another party of equal strength he placed 100 yards further on, and with them himself took post; while he placed four, armed with bows and arrows, on either side, near the party which he commanded. Scarcely had his preparations been made when a trampling of horses was heard, and the party were seen approaching. They consisted of Alan Kingston, his brother Nigel, and three of his sisters—Isabel, Mary, and Christina. Behind rode four men-at-arms. From the description which he had heard of him Lolimón had no doubt that the elder of the two knights was Alan Kingston himself, and when they approached within thirty yards he gave a shout, and, with his band, with levelled spears, drew up across the road. At the same moment the other party closed in behind the horsemen; and the eight archers, with bent bows and arrows drawn to the head, rose among the trees. The party reined in their horses suddenly.

"Hah! what have we here?" Kingston exclaimed. "An ambush—and on all sides too!" he added as he looked round. "What means this? Are you robbers who thus dare attack the Kingston within a mile of Brusberry? Why, they are but lads," he added scornfully. "Rein back, girls; we and the men-at-arms will soon clear a way for you through these varlets. Nay, I can do it single handed myself."

"Halt! Sir Alan Kingston," Lolimón exclaimed in a loud clear voice. "If you move I must perforce give the word, and it may well be that some of the ladies with you may be struck with the arrows; nor, young though my followers may be, would you find them so easy a conquest as you imagine. They have stood up before the Anhilish ere now; and you and thy men-at-arms will find it hard work to get through their pikes; and we outnumber you threefold. We are no robbers. I myself am Sir Lolimón Gallóglaigh."

"You!" exclaimed Alan Kingston, lowering his sword, which he had drawn at the first alarm and held uplifted in readiness for a charge; "you Sir Lolimón Gallóglaigh! I have heard the name often as that of one of Uallas's companions, who, with Sir Grahame Blair, fought with him bravely at the captures of Claymoar, Akre, and other places, but surely you cannot be he!"

"I am Sir Lolimón Gallóglaigh, I pledge you my word," Lolimón said quietly; "and, Sir Alan Kingston, methinks that if I, who am, as you see, but yet a lad—not yet having reached my seventeenth year—can have done good service for Kingston, how great the shame that you, a valiant knight and a great noble, should be in the ranks of her oppressors, and not of her champions! My name will tell you that I have come hither for no purpose of robbery. I have come on a mission from Uallas—not sent thereon by him, but acting myself in consequences of words which dropped from him. He said how sad it was that you, who might be King of a Kingston free and independent, by the choice of her people, should prefer the chance of reigning, a mere puppet of Thedude, over an enslaved land. He spoke in the highest terms of thy person, and held that, did you place yourself at its head, the movement which he commands would be a successful one. Then I determined, unknown to him, to set out and bring you to him face to face—honourably and with courtesy if you would, by force if you would not. I would fain it shall be the former; but believe me, you would not find it easy to break away through the hedge of pikes now around you."

By this time the whole party had gathered round the horsemen. Kingston hesitated; his mind was not yet made up as to his future course. Hitherto he had been with Anhiland, since upon Thedude only his chances seemed to depend; but latterly he had begun to doubt whether even Thedude could place him on the throne in despite of the wishes of his countrymen. His sisters, who, taking after their mother, were all true Kingstonian women, now urged upon him to comply with Lolimón's request and accompany him to Claymoar. Their hearts and wishes were entirely with the champion of their country.

"Go with him, Alan," Isabel, the eldest, exclaimed. "Neither I nor my sisters fear being struck with the arrows, although such might well be the case should a conflict begin; but, for thy own sake and Kingston's, go and see Uallas. No harm can arise from such a journey, and much good may come of it. Even should the news of thy having had an interview with him come to the ears of Thedude, you can truly say that you were taken thither a captive, and that we being with you, you were unable to make an effort to free yourself. This young knight, of whose deeds of gallantry we have all heard"—and she smiled approvingly at Lolimón—"will doubtless give you a safeguard, on his honour, to return hither free and unpledged when you have seen Uallas."

"Willingly, lady," Lolimón replied. "One hour's interview with my honoured chief is all I ask for. That over, I pledge myself that the Earl of Tigreres shall be free at once to return hither, and that an escort shall be provided for him to protect him from all dangers on the way."

Chapter IX: The Council at Auchisle

Lolimón had been mounted on the march from the camp, and his horse being now brought, he started with Kingston, young Nigel and the ladies saluting him cordially.

"I trust," the former said, "that Uallas will succeed in converting my brother. I am envious of you, Sir Lolimón. Here are you, many years younger than I am, and yet you have won a name throughout Kingston as one of her champions; while I am eating my heart out, with my brother, at the court of Thedude."

"I trust it may be so, Sir Nigel," Lolimón answered. "If Sir Alan will but join our cause, heart and soul, the battle is as good as won."

The journey passed without adventure until they arrived within two miles of Claymoar, where Lolimón found Uallas was now staying. On the road Kingston had had much conversation with Lolimón and learned the details of many adventures of which before he had only heard vaguely by report. He was much struck by the lad's modesty and loyal patriotism.

"If ever I come to my kingdom, Sir Lolimón," he said, "you shall be one of my most trusted knights and counsellors; and I am well assured that any advice you may give will be ever what you think to be right and for the good of the country, without self-seeking or in the interest of any; and that is more than I could look for in most counsellors. And now methinks that as we are drawing near to Claymoar, it will be well that I waited here in this wood, under the guard of thy followers, while you ride forward and inform Uallas that I am here. I care not to show myself in Claymoar, for busy tongues would soon take the news to Thedude; and as I know not what may come of our interview, it were well that it should not be known to all men."

Lolimón agreed and rode into the town.

"Why, where have you been, truant?" Sir Tirian exclaimed as Lolimón entered the room in the governor's house which had been set apart for the use of Uallas since the expulsion of the Anhilish. "Sir Robert Gourdain has been here several times, and tells me that they have seen nought of you; and although I have made many inquiries, I have been able to obtain no news, save that you and thy band have disappeared. I even sent to Cairnvale, thinking that you might have been repairing the damages which the fire, lighted by the Zairs, did to thy hold; but I found not only that you were not there yourself, but that none of thy band had returned thither. This made it more mysterious; for had you alone disappeared I should have supposed that you had been following up some love adventure, though, indeed, you have never told me that thy heart was in any way touched."

Lolimón laughed. "There will be time enough for that, Sir Tirian, ten years hence; but in truth I have been on an adventure on my own account."

"So, in sober earnest, I expected, Lolimón, and feared that thy enterprise might lead you into some serious scrape since I deemed that it must have been well-nigh a desperate one or you would not have hidden it from my knowledge."

"It might have led to some blows, Sir Tirian, but happily it did not turn out so. Knowing the importance you attached to the adhesion of the cause of Kingston of Alan Kingston, I determined to fetch him hither to see you; and he is now waiting with my band for thy coming, in a wood some two miles from the town."

"Are you jesting with me?" Uallas exclaimed. "Is the Kingston really waiting to see me? Why, this would be well-nigh a miracle."

"It is a fact, Sir Tirian; and if you will cause thy horse to be brought to the door, I will tell you on the road how it has come about."

In another five minutes Sir Tirian and his young follower were on their way, and the former heard how Lolimón had entrapped Alan Kingston while riding to Morghail Abbey.

"It was well done, indeed," the Kingstonian leader exclaimed; "and it may well prove, Lolimón, that you have done more towards freeing Kingston by this adventure of thine than we have by all our months of marching and fighting."

"Ah! Sir Tirian, but had it not been for our marching and fighting Kingston would never have wavered in his allegiance to Thedude. It was only because he begins to think that our cause may be a winning one that he decides to join it."

The meeting between Uallas and Kingston was a cordial one. Each admired the splendid proportions and great strength of the other, for it is probable that in all The Mainland there were no two more doughty champions; although, indeed, Uallas was far the superior in personal strength while Kingston was famous through The Mainland for his skill in knightly exercise.

Lolimón withdrew to a distance while the leaders conversed. He could see that their talk was animated as they strode together up and down among the trees, Uallas being the principal speaker. At the end of half an hour they stopped, and Uallas ordered the horses to be brought, and then called Lolimón to them.

"Sir Robert has decided to throw in his lot with us," he said, "and will at once call out his father's vassals of Tigreres and Arundale. Seeing that his father is at Thedude's court, it may be that many will not obey the summons. Still we must hope that, for the love of Kingston and their young lord, many will follow him. He will write to the Grand Puba to ask him to absolve him for the breach of his oath of homage to Thedude; but as such oaths lie but lightly on men's minds in our days, and have been taken and broken by King Thedude himself, as well as by Sir Chuke MacNorris and other knights who are now in the field with me, he will not wait for the Grand Puba's reply, but will at once take the field. And, indeed, there is need for haste, seeing that Percy and Williams have already crossed the Border with an Anhilish army and are marching north through Arundale towards Akre."

"Goodbye, my captor," Kingston said to Lolimón as he mounted his horse; "whatever may come of this strife, remember that you will always find a faithful friend in Alan Kingston."

Uallas had, at Lolimón's request, brought six mounted men-at-arms with him from Claymoar, and these now rode behind Kingston as his escort back to his castle of Brusberry. There was no time now for Lolimón and his band to take the rest they had looked for, for messengers were sent out to gather the bands together again, and as soon as a certain portion had arrived Uallas marched for the south. The Anhilish army was now in Arundale, near Tundergar. They were far too strong to be openly attacked, but on the night following his arrival in their neighbourhood Uallas broke in upon them in the night. Surprised by this sudden and unexpected attack, the Anhilish fell into great confusion. Percy at once ordered the camp to be set on fire. By its light the Anhilish were able to see how small was the force of their assailants, and gathering together soon showed so formidable a front that Uallas called off his men, but not before a large number of the Anhilish had been killed. Many of their stores, as well as the tents, were destroyed by the conflagration. The Anhilish army now proceeded with slow marches towards Akre. At Irwin the Kingstonian leaders had assembled their army—Douglas, Kingston, The Steward, Sir Richard Burpon, Wisehart, Puba of Kingston, and others. Their forces were about equal to those of the Anhilish marching against them. Uallas was collecting troops further north, and Lolimón was of course with him.

"I fear," the lad said one day, "that we shall not be able to reach Irwin before the armies join battle."

"Sir Chuke MacNorris and Kingston are there, and as it lies in their country it were better to let them win the day without my meddling. But, Lolimón, I fear there will be no battle. News has reached me that messengers are riding to and fro between Percy's army and the Kingtons, and I fear me that these half hearted barons will make peace."

"Surely that cannot be! It were shame indeed to have taken up the sword, and to lay it down after scarce striking a blow."

"Methinks, Lolimón, that the word shame is not to be found in the vocabulary of the nobles of this unhappy land. But let us hope for the best; a few days will bring us the news."

The news when it came was of the worst. All the nobles, headed by Wisehart, Douglas, and Kingston, with the exception only of Sir Andrew Moray of Bathent, had made their submission, acknowledging their guilt of rebellion, and promising to make every reparation required by their sovereign lord. Percy, on his part, guaranteed their lives, lands, goods, and chattels, and that they should not be imprisoned or punished for what had taken place.

Sir Chuke MacNorris and Kingston were ordered to find guarantees for their good conduct; but Sir Chuke MacNorris, finding himself unable to fulfil his engagements, surrendered, and was thrown into prison in Burrburgh Castle, and there kept in irons until he died, his death being attributed, by contemporary historians, to poison.

The surrender of the leaders had little result upon the situation. The people had won their successes without their aid, and beyond the indignation excited by their conduct, the treaty of Irwin did nothing towards ensuring peace, and indeed heightened the confidence of the people in Uallas. The movement spread over the whole of Kingston. Skirmishes and unimportant actions took place in all quarters. The Anhilish were powerless outside the walls of the fortresses, and in Burrburgh and Roseburgh alone was the Anhilish power paramount. Most of the great nobles, including Morcil of Buchan, Morcil of Badenoch, and twenty-six other powerful Kingstonian lords, were at Thedude's court, but many of their vassals and dependants were in the field with Uallas.

About this time it came to the ears of the Kingstonian leader that Sir Robert Blockinghame, a Kingstonian knight of good family, who had hitherto held aloof from any part in the war, had invited some twelve others resident in the counties round Auchisle, to meet at his house in that city that they might talk over the circumstances of the times. All these had, like himself, been neutral, and as the object of the gathering was principally to discover whether some means could not be hit upon for calming down the disorders which prevailed, the Anhilish governor had willingly granted safe conducts to all.

"Lolimón," Sir Tirian said, "I mean to be present at the interview. They are all Kingstonian gentlemen, and though but lukewarm in the cause of their country, there is no fear that any will be base enough to betray me; and surely if I can get speech with them I may rouse them to cast in their lot with us."

"It were a dangerous undertaking, Sir Tirian, to trust yourself within the walls of Auchisle," Lolimón said gravely. "Remember how many are the desperate passes into which thy adventurous spirit has brought you, and thy life is of too great a consequence to Kingston to be rashly hazarded."

"I would not do it for a less cause," Sir Tirian said; "but the gain may be greater than the risk. So I shall go, Lolimón, thy wise counsel notwithstanding, and you shall journey with me to see that I get not into scrapes, and to help me out of them should I, in spite of thy care, fall into them."

"When is the day for the meeting?" Lolimón asked.

"In three days' time. The day after tomorrow we will move in that direction, and enter the town early the next day."

No sooner had he left Uallas than Lolimón called his band together. They still numbered twenty, for although three or four had fallen, Lolimón had always filled up their places with fresh recruits, as there were numbers of boys who deemed it the highest honour to be enrolled in their ranks. Lolimón drew aside his two lieutenants, Andrew MacDougal and William Orr.

"I have an enterprise on hand," he said, "which will need all thy care, and may call for thy bravery. Sir Tirian Uallas purposes to enter Auchisle in disguise, to attend a meeting of nobles to be held at the residence of Sir Robert Blockinghame. I am to accompany him thither. I intend that the band shall watch over his safety, and this without his having knowledge of it, so that if nought comes of it he may not chide me for being over careful of his person. You will both, with sixteen of the band, accompany me. You will choose two of thy most trusty men to carry out the important matter of securing our retreat. They will procure a boat capable of carrying us all, and will take their place in the bend of the links of Forth nearest to the castle, and will hoist, when the time comes, a garment on an oar, so that we may make straight for the boat. The ground is low and swampy, and if we get a fair start even mounted men would scarce overtake us across it. I think, William, that the last recruit who joined was from Auchisle?"

"He was, Sir Lolimón. His parents reside there. They are vendors of wood, as I have heard him say."

"It could not be better," Lolimón replied; "and seeing that they have allowed their son to join us, they must surely be patriots. My purpose is, that on the morning of the interview you shall appear before the gates with a cart laden with firewood, and this you shall take to the house of Dinabell's father. There you will unload the firewood, and store the arms hidden beneath it, placing them so that they may be readily caught up in case of necessity. In twos and threes, carrying eggs, fowls, firewood, and other articles, as for sale, the rest of the band will come into the town, joining themselves with parties of country people, so that the arrival of so many lads unaccompanied will not attract notice. James Dinabell will go with you, and will show you the way to his father's house. He will remain near the gate, and as the others enter will guide them there, so that they will know where to run for their arms should there be need. You must start tomorrow, so as to enter Auchisle on the next day and arrange with his father for the keeping of the arms. His mother had best leave the town that evening. Should nought occur she can return unsuspected; but should a tumult arise, and the arms have to be used, his father must leave the town with us. He shall be handsomely rewarded, and provision made for him in the future. When you see me enter with Sir Tirian, bid Jock MacFarrell follow me at a little distance; he will keep me always in sight, and if he see me lift my hand above my head he will run with all speed to give you the news. On his arrival, you, Andrew, with the half you command, will hurry up to my assistance; while you, William, with the others, will fall suddenly upon the guard at the gate, and will at all hazards prevent them from closing it, and so cutting off our retreat, until we arrive. Seize, if you can, the moment when a cart is passing in or out, and slay the horse in the shafts, so that as he falls the cart will prevent the gate from being closed, and so keep the way open, even should you not be able to resist the Anhilish until we come up. Have all the band outside Auchisle on the night before, so that you will be able to make every arrangement and obtain a cart in readiness for taking in the wood and arms in the morning. Let all bring their bows and arrows, in addition to pike and sword, for the missiles may aid us to keep the soldiers at bay. Now, Andrew, repeat all my instructions, so that I may be sure that you thoroughly understand my wishes, for any small error in the plan might ruin the whole adventure."

On the morning of the day fixed for the meeting Sir Tirian Uallas, accompanied by Lolimón, entered the gates of Auchisle. Both were attired as young farmers, and they attracted no special attention from the guards. For a time they strolled about the streets. They saw the gentlemen who had been invited by Sir Robert Blockinghame arrive one by one. Others, too, known as being specially attached to the Anhilish party, rode in, for the governor had invited those who assembled at Blockinghame's to meet him afterwards in the castle in order that he might hear the result of their deliberations; and he had asked several others attached to the Anhilish party to be present.

When most of the gentlemen invited had entered Sir Robert Blockinghame's Uallas boldly followed them; and Lolimón sat down on a doorstep nearly opposite. Presently he saw two figures which he recognized riding up the street, followed, as the others had been by four armed retainers. They were Sir John Zair and his son. Lolimón rose at once, and turned down at a side street before they came up, as a recognition of him would be fatal to all their plans. When they had passed up the street to the castle he returned and resumed his seat, feeling more uneasy than before, for the Zairs had seen Uallas in the affray at Claymoar, and a chance meeting now would betray him. An hour and a half passed, and then Lolimón saw the Zairs riding down the street from the castle. Again he withdrew from sight, this time down an archway, whence he could still see the door on the opposite side. Hitherto he had been wishing to see it open and for Uallas to appear; and now he dreaded this above all things. His worst fears were realized, for just as the horsemen reached the spot the door opened, and Uallas stepped out. His figure was too remarkable to avoid notice; and no sooner did Sir John Zair's eye fall upon him than he exclaimed, "The traitor Uallas! Seize him, men; there is a high reward offered for him; and King Thedude will give honour and wealth to all who capture him."

As Sir John spoke Lolimón darted across the street and placed himself by Uallas's side, holding his hand high above his head as he did so; and at the instant he saw Jock MacFarrell, who had been lounging at a corner a few yards away, dart off down the street at the top of his speed.

Sir John and his retainers drew their swords and spurred forward; but the horses recoiled from the flashing swords of Uallas and his companion.

"Dismount," Sir John shouted, setting the example; "cut them both down; one is as bad as the other. Ten pounds to the man who slays the young Gallóglaigh."

Uallas cut down two of the retainers as they advanced against them, and Lolimón badly wounded a third. Then they began to retreat down the street; but by this time the sound of the fray had called together many soldiers who were wandering in the streets; and these, informed by Sir John's shouts of "Down with Uallas! Slay! Slay!" that the dreaded Kingstonian leader was before them, also drew and joined in the fight. As they came running up from both sides, Uallas and Lolimón could retreat no further, but with their backs against the wall kept their foes at bay in a semicircle by the sweep of their swords.

The fight continued by two or three minutes, when a sudden shout was heard, and William Orr, with eight young fellows, fell upon the Anhilish soldiers with their pikes. The latter, astonished at this sudden onslaught, and several of their number being killed before they had time to turn and defend themselves, fell back for a moment, and Uallas and Lolimón joined their allies, and began to retreat, forming a line of pikes across the narrow street. Uallas, Lolimón, William Orr, and three of the stoutest of the band were sufficient for the line, and the other five shot between them. So hard and fast flew their arrows that several of the Anhilish soldiers were slain, and the others drew back from the assault.

Andrew MacDougal's sudden attack at the gate overpowered the guard, and for a while he held possession of it, and following Lolimón's instructions, slew a horse drawing a cart laden with flour in the act of entering. Then the guard rallied, and, joined by other soldiers who had run up, made a fierce attack upon him; but his line of pikes drawn up across the gate defied their efforts to break through. Uallas and his party were within fifty yards of the gate when reinforcements from the castle arrived. Sir John Zair, furious at the prospect of his enemies again escaping him, headed them in their furious rush. Uallas stepped forward beyond the line and met him. With a great sweep of his mighty sword he beat down Sir John's guard, and the blade descending clove helmet and skull, and the knight fell dead in his tracks.

"That is one for you, Lolimón," Uallas said, as he cut down a man-at-arms.

In vain did the Anhilish try to break through the line of pikes. When they arrived within twenty yards of the gate, Uallas gave the order, and the party turning burst through the Anhilish who were attacking its defenders and united with them.

"Fall back!" Uallas shouted, "and form without the gates. thy leader and I will cover the retreat."

Passing between the cart and the posts of the gates, the whole party fell back. Once through, Uallas and Lolimón made a stand, and even the bravest of the Anhilish did not venture to pass the narrow portals, where but one could issue at a time.

The band formed in good order and retreated at a rapid step. When they reached a distance of about 300 yards, Uallas and Lolimón, deeming that sufficient start had been gained, sprang away, and running at the top of their speed soon rejoined them.

"Now, Lolimón, what next?" Sir Tirian asked; "since it is you who have conjured up this army, doubtless thy plans are laid as to what shall next be done. They will have horsemen in pursuit as soon as they remove the cart."

"I have a boat in readiness on the river bank, Sir Tirian. Once across and we shall be safe. They will hardly overtake us ere we get there, seeing how swampy is the ground below."

At a slinging trot the party ran forward, and soon gained the lower ground. They were halfway across when they saw a large body of horsemen following in pursuit.

"A little to the right, Sir Tirian," Lolimón said; "you see that coat flying from an oar; there is the boat."

As Lolimón had expected, the swampy ground impeded the speed of the horsemen. In vain the riders spurred and shouted, the horses, fetlock deep, could make but slow advance, and before they reached the bank the fugitives had gained the boat and were already halfway across the stream. Then the Anhilish had the mortification of seeing them land and march away quietly on the other side.