honour and life you have saved this morning."

"Let me but sheathe my weapon," said the smith, "let me but wash
my hands."

"There is not an instant to lose, she is up and almost dressed.
Come on, man. She shall see thee with thy good weapon in thy hand,
and with villain's blood on thy fingers, that she may know what is
the value of a true man's service. She has stopped my mouth overlong
with her pruderies and her scruples. I will have her know what a
brave man's love is worth, and a bold burgess's to boot."



CHAPTER V.

Up! lady fair, and braid thy hair,
And rouse thee in the breezy air,
Up! quit thy bower, late wears the hour,
Long have the rooks caw'd round the tower.

JOANNA BAILLIE.


Startled from her repose by the noise of the affray, the Fair Maid
of Perth had listened in breathless terror to the sounds of violence
and outcry which arose from the street. She had sunk on her knees
to pray for assistance, and when she distinguished the voices of
neighbours and friends collected for her protection, she remained in
the same posture to return thanks. She was still kneeling when her