of Thrieve, the Earl escorted the Lady Sybilla to the field of the
tourney, where, as Queen of Beauty, her presence could not be
dispensed with.

The Maid Margaret, the Earl's sister, remained also in the castle, not
having yet recovered from her fright of the preceding evening.

With her was Maud Lindesay and her mother--"the Auld Leddy," as she
was called throughout all the wide dominions of her son.

In spite of his weariness Sholto led his archer guard in person to the
field of the tournament. For this day was the day of the High Sport,
and many lances would be splintered, and often would the commonalty
need to be scourged from the barriers.

But ere he went Sholto summoned two of the staunchest fellows of his
company, Andro, called the Penman, and his brother John. Then, having
posted them at either end of the corridor in which were the chambers
occupied by the two girls, he laid a straight charge, and a heavy,
upon them.

"On your heads be it if you fail, or let one soul pass," he said.
"Stand ready with your hands on the wheel of your cross-bows, and if
any man come hither, challenge him to stand, and bid him return the
way he came. But if any dog or thing running on four feet ascend or
descend the stair, make no sound, ask no question, cry no warning, but
whang the steel bolt through his ribs, in at one side and out at the
other."

Then Andro the Penman and his brother John, being silent capable