He said nothing of his project to Bruce, who would probably have refused to allow him to undertake it; but the next morning when he parted from him —­ for it was considered advisable that the fugitives should be divided into the smallest groups, and that only one or two of his retainers should remain with Bruce —­ he started with his own followers in the direction of Pembroke’s camp.  He presently changed clothes with one of these, and they then collected a quantity of firewood and made it into a great faggot.  Archie gave them orders where they should await him, and lifting the faggot on his shoulders boldly entered the camp.  He passed with it near the pavilion of Pembroke.  The earl was standing with some knights at the entrance.

“Come hither, Scot,” he said as Archie passed.

Archie laid his bundle on the ground, and doffing his bonnet strode with an awkward and abashed air toward the earl.

“I suppose you are one of Bruce’s men?” the earl said.

“My father,” Archie replied, “as well as all who dwell in these dales, were his vassals; but seeing that, as they say, his lands have been forfeit and given to others, I know not whose man I am at present.”

“Dost know Bruce by figure?”

“Surely,” Archie said simply, “seeing that I was employed in the stables at Turnberry, and used to wash that big hound of his, who was treated as a Christian rather than a dog.”

“Oh, you used to tend the hound!” Pembroke said.  “Then perhaps you could manage him now.  He is here in camp, and the brute is so savage and fierce he has already well nigh killed two or three men; and I would have had him shot but that he may be useful to us.  If he knows you he may be quieter with you than others.”

“Doubtless he would know me,” Archie said; “but seeing that I have the croft to look after, as my father is old and infirm, I trust that you will excuse me the service of looking after the hound.”

“Answer me not,” Pembroke said angrily.  “You may think yourself lucky, seeing that you are one of Bruce’s retainers, that I do not have you hung from a tree.

“Take the fellow to the hound,” he said to one of his retainers, “and see if the brute recognizes him; if so, put him in charge of him for the future.  And see you Scot, that you attempt no tricks, for if you try to escape I will hang you without shrift.”

Archie followed the earl’s retainer to where, behind his pavilion, the great dog was chained up.  He leapt to his feet with a savage growl on hearing footsteps approaching.  His hair bristled and he tugged at his chain.

“What a savage beast it is!” the man said; “I would sooner face a whole company of you Scots than get within reach of his jaws.  Dickon,” he went on as another soldier, on hearing the growl, issued from one of the smaller tents which stood in rear of the pavilion, “the earl has sent this Scot to relieve you of your charge of the dog; he is to have the care of him in future.”