Castle and the high hill called Arthur’s Seat.  A few days after his arrival he, with Jacob, who was now raised to the rank of major, and William Long, who was one of his lieutenants, entered the palace of Holyrood, where the king’s court was held.  Here were gathered a motley assembly.  A few English Cavaliers, many loyal Scotch nobles and gentlemen, and a large number of somber men of the Covenant.  Next to Charles stood a tall man, whom Harry instantly recognized.  Argyll, for it was he, stared fixedly at the young colonel, who returned his look with one as cold and haughty.

“This is Colonel Furness, my lord earl,” the young king said.  “One of my father’s bravest and most devoted followers.”

“I seem to have met the gentleman before,” the earl said.

“You have,” Harry replied coldly.  “At that time the Earl of Argyll threatened to torture me into betraying the secrets of his majesty, and would, I doubt not, have carried his threat into effect had I not escaped from his hands.  The times have changed, and the Earl of Argyll now stands beside his king, but I, sir, have not forgotten the past so easily.”  So saying, with a deep bow to the king, Harry passed on.

“Harry,” whispered Donald Leslie, a young Scotch officer who had joined the ranks of his regiment as captain at Hamburg, “hitherto I have thought you the wisest and most discreet of men.  I cannot say as much now.  It would have been safer to walk into a den of lions than to insult the old red fox.  He was never known to forgive, and those who offend him have a short life.  Beware, colonel, for henceforth you carry your life in your hand.”

“My sword is as sharp as his,” Harry laughed, as they issued into the open air.

“I doubt it not,” Leslie said, “but it is with daggers rather than swords that Argyll fights, and with secret plottings more than either.  Edinburgh swarms with Campbells, any one of whom would think no more of running you through at his lord’s command than he would of killing a rat.  Mark my words, before a week is out you will be engaged in some broil or other.”

Jacob and William Long heard with great disquietude the remarks of the young Scotch officer, which they knew sufficient of Argyll to be aware were perfectly true.  They resolved that they would maintain a careful watch over their friend, and that night they charged Mike, who was now a tall, active young fellow of seventeen, to keep the strictest watch as he followed his master in the streets, and to have pistol and sword always in readiness.

Two days later Harry had the first evidence of the truth of Leslie’s prediction.  He was walking up the High Street, accompanied by Jacob, while Leslie and two or three of his officers followed a short distance behind, when three or four Scotch nobles were seen approaching.  One of these, Colonel Campbell, of Arrain, a tall and powerful figure, in passing jostled roughly against Harry.