this morning he hath carried me off. Wherever you are when
you receive this, turn instantly and ride with all speed to
one of your strong castles. As you love me, go! We can never
hope to see one another again. Forget an unfortunate girl
who can never forget you."

There was no signature saving the impression of the joined serpents'
heads, which he remembered as the signet of the ring he had found and
given back to her on the day of the tournament.

"I will never give her up. I must see her," cried the Earl of Douglas,
"and this very day. Aye, and though I were to die for it on the
morrow, see her I will!"




CHAPTER XXXII

"EDINBURGH CASTLE, TOWER, AND TOWN"


It was with an anxious heart that Sholto rode out behind his master
over the bald northerly slopes of the Moorfoots. For a long time David
Douglas kept close to his brother, so that the captain of the guard
could speak no private word. For, though he knew that nothing was to
be gained by remonstrance, Sholto was resolved that he would not let
his reckless master run unwarned into danger so deadly and certain.

He rode up, therefore, and craved permission to speak to the Earl,