“Fortunately for our plans,” continued the King, “Roderic of Gigha is now out of our way.  He held one of the smallest of the islands, but he was assuredly the greatest rascal in them all.  Had it been otherwise we should have hesitated to authorize this bold attempt.  But there are many of the island kings who may be very easily won over from their fickle allegiance to the crown of Norway, while many have already given us hostages for their loyal behaviour.  Of these last is Earl John of Islay —­ one of the most powerful of the island chiefs.  We claimed a hostage from him, and he sent his son Harald —­ the youth who has but now been speaking with you, my lord of Bute.  Alas! the lad is a sorry scamp, and we can do naught with him.  He is ever trying to escape, for he has the heart and spirit of a viking, and naught will please him but to be roving the seas.  Now his father has of late shown a disposition to abandon all thoughts of King Hakon.  He has duly delivered tribute to us.  We would, therefore, have you visit him early, taking the lad with you, and on his solemnly engaging to maintain his faithful allegiance to Scotland you will permit his son to land.”

“Then this young viking returns with us, your Majesty?” said Kenric.

“Even so,” said the King.

At this point the lord warden of the castle entered the chamber and begged the King to repair to the banqueting hall, where the morning meal was now ready.  So the King signed to Sir Piers and Kenric to follow him.

“So please you, sire,” said Kenric, “we have with us a young man of Bute, one Allan Redmain, who, if I might be so bold as say so, would be passing well pleased could he have the honour of kissing your Majesty’s hand.”

“Bid the youth come in to breakfast with us,” said Alexander.

And Kenric went out to search for Allan, who had begun to fear that he would after all miss even a sight of the King.

“Who is this Redmain?” asked Alexander of Sir Piers de Currie.

And at that the knight told of how Allan had dived into the linn of the White Lady falls to save Earl Kenric’s life, and the King, who admired bravery in whatsoever form it was to be found, greeted Allan so kindly that the lad remembered that proud occasion all the rest of his days.

At noontide the men of Bute were again on board their galley, and when Kenric and his companions, together with young Harald of Islay, had come down from the high rock of the castle, the long oars were set in motion and the gallant ship swept down the Clyde, making the bay of Rothesay before nightfall.

CHAPTER XVII.  HOW ALLAN REDMAIN KEPT WATCH.