the belt rudely off, terrifying the prostrate bonnet maker still
more by the regardless violence which he used, as, instead of taking
the pains to unbuckle the strap, he drew till the fastening gave
way. But apparently it contained nothing to his mind. He threw it
carelessly from him, and at the same time suffered the dismounted
cavalier to rise, while he himself remounted his hobbler, and looked
towards the rest of Oliver's party, who were now advancing.

When they had seen their delegate overthrown, there was some laughter;
so much had the vaunting humor of the bonnet maker prepared his
friends to rejoice when, as Henry Smith termed it, they saw the
Oliver meet with a Rowland. But when the bonnet maker's adversary
was seen to bestride him, and handle him in the manner described,
the armourer could hold out no longer.

"Please you, good Master Bailie, I cannot endure to see our
townsman beaten and rifled, and like to be murdered before us all.
It reflects upon the Fair Town, and if it is neighbour Proudfute's
misfortune, it is our shame. I must to his rescue."

"We will all go to his rescue," answered Bailie Craigdallie; "but
let no man strike without order from me. We have more feuds on our
hands, it is to be feared, than we have strength to bring to good
end. And therefore I charge you all, more especially you, Henry
of the Wynd, in the name of the Fair City, that you make no stroke
but in self defence."

They all advanced, therefore, in a body; and the appearance of
such a number drove the plunderer from his booty. He stood at gaze,
however, at some distance, like the wolf, which, though it retreats