CHAPTER X

THE BRAES OF BALMAGHIE


By ten of the clock the braes of Balmaghie were a sight most glorious
to look upon. Well nigh twelve thousand men were gathered there, of
whom five thousand were well-mounted knights and fully equipped
men-at-arms, every man of them ready and willing to couch a lance or
ride a charge.

The line of the tents which had been set up extended from opposite the
Castle island of Thrieve to the kirk hill of Balmaghie. Every knight's
following was strictly kept within its own pale, or fence of green
wands set basket-wise, pointed and thrust into the earth like the
spring traps of those who catch mowdiewarts. Many also were the
quarrels and bickerings of the squires who had been sent forward to
choose and arrange the several encampments. Nor were rough and tumble
fights such as we have seen the MacKims indulging in, thought
derogatory to the dignity of any, save belted knights only.

Each camp displayed the device of its own lord, but higher than all,
from the top of every mound and broomy hillock floated the banner of
the overlord. This was the lion of Galloway, white on a ground of
blue, and beneath it, but on the same staff, a pennon whereon was the
bleeding heart of the Douglas family.

The lists were set up on the level meadow that is called the Boat
Croft. At either end a pavilion had been erected, and the jousting