Sholto kept his company very close behind him as they rode up the High-street, a gloomy defile of tall houses dotted from topmost window to pavement with the heads of chattering goodwives, and the flutter of household clothing hung out to dry.

At the first defences of the castle Douglas called Sholto and said:  “Your fellows are to be lodged here on the Castle Hill.  The Chancellor hath sent word that there is no room in the castle itself.  For the tutor’s men and King’s men have already filled it to the brim.”

These tidings agonised Sholto more than ever.

“My lord,” he said, in a tortured whisper, “turn about your rein and we will cut our way out even yet.  Do you not see that the devils would separate you from all who love you?  And I shall be blamed for this in Galloway.  At least, let me accompany you with half a dozen men.”

“Nay,” said the Earl, “such suspicion were a poor return for the Chancellor’s putting himself in our hands all the days we spent with him at his Castle of Crichton.  To your lodgings, Sholto, and give God thanks if there be therein a pretty maid or a dame complaisant, according to the wont of young squires and men-at-arms.”

In this fashion rode the Earl of Douglas to take his first dinner in the Castle of Edinburgh.  And Sholto MacKim went behind him, no man saying him nay.  For his master had eyes only for one face, and that he could not see.

“But I shall find her yet,” he said over and over in his heart.  It was but a boyish heart, and simple, too; but all so brave and high that the gallantest and greatest gentleman in the world had not one like to it for loyalty and courage.

CHAPTER XXXIII

THE BLACK BULL’S HEAD

The banqueting-hall of Edinburgh Castle, but lately out of artificers’ hands, was a noble oblong chamber reaching from side to side of the south-looking keep, begun by James I. It was decorated in the French manner with oak ceilings and panellings, all bossed and cornered with massive silver-gilt mouldings.

Save in the ordering of the repast itself there was a marked absence of ostentation.  Only a soldier or two could be seen, mostly on guard at the outer gates, and Sholto, who till now had been uneasy and fearful for his master, became gradually more reassured when he saw with what care every want of the Earl and his brother was attended to, and if possible even forestalled.

The young King was in jubilant spirits, and could scarcely be persuaded to let the brothers Douglas remain a moment alone.  He was resolved, he said, to have his bed brought into their chamber that he might talk to them all night of tourneys and noble deeds of arms.  Never had he met with any whom he loved so much, and on their part the young Lords of Douglas became boys again, in this atmosphere of frank and boyish admiration.