fellows, said nothing, but spat on their hands, smiled at each other
well pleased, and made the wheels of their cross-bows sing a clear
whirring note.

"I would not like to be that dog--" said Andro the Swarthy.

"Whose foul carcase I pray God to send speedily," echoed John the
Blond.

Sholto had hoped that whilst he was at the guard-setting, he might
have had occasion to see once more the tantalising mischief-maker whom
he yet loved with all his heart, in spite of, or perhaps because of,
the distraction to which she continually reduced his spirit by means
of her manifold and incalculable contrarieties.

Nevertheless, it was with an easier heart that Sholto wended his way
out of the castle yett, all arrayed in the new suit of armour his lord
had sent him. It was made of chain of the finest, composed of many
rings set alternately thick and thin, and the whole was flexible as
the deer leather which he wore underneath it. Over this a doublet of
blue silk carried the Lion of Galloway done in white upon it, and all
the cerulean of the ground was dotted over with the Douglas heart.
But, greatest joy of all, there was brought to him by command of the
Earl a suitable horse, not heavily armed like a charger for the tilt,
but light of foot, and answering easily to the hand. Blue and red were
the silken housings, fringed with long silver lace, through which
could be seen here and there as the wind blew the sheen of the glossy
skin. The buckles and bits were also of massive silver, and at sight
of them the cup of Sholto's happiness was full. For a space, as he
gazed upon his steed, he forgot even Maud Lindesay.