Westmoreland, or Northumberland could endure the sway of the huge
two-handed sword which he wielded, and which few others could
even lift. This "awful sword," as the common people term it, was
as dear to him as Durindana or Fushberta to their respective
masters, and was nearly as formidable to his enemies as those
renowned falchions proved to the foes of Christendom. The weapon
had been bequeathed to him by a celebrated English outlaw named
Hobbie Noble, who, having committed some deed for which he was in
danger from justice, fled to Liddesdale, and became a follower,
or rather a brother-in-arms, to the renowned Laird's Jock; till,
venturing into England with a small escort, a faithless guide,
and with a light single-handed sword instead of his ponderous
brand, Hobbie Noble, attacked by superior numbers, was made
prisoner and executed.

With this weapon, and by means of his own strength and address,
the Laird's Jock maintained the reputation of the best swordsman
on the Border side, and defeated or slew many who ventured to
dispute with him the formidable title.

But years pass on with the strong and the brave as with the
feeble and the timid. In process of time the Laird's Jock grew
incapable of wielding his weapons, and finally of all active
exertion, even of the most ordinary kind. The disabled champion
became at length totally bedridden, and entirely dependent for
his comfort on the pious duties of an only daughter, his
perpetual attendant and companion.

Besides this dutiful child, the Laird's Jock had an only son,
upon whom devolved the perilous task of leading the clan to