or, as we should call them, baronetcies, were bestowed in Scotland, as in England, for bravery in the field and distinguished services.  The English, with their stricter laws of chivalry, did not recognize these hereditary titles; and Sir William Wallace and many of his adherents who bear the prefix of Sir in all Scotch histories, are spoken of without that title in contemporary English documents.  Archie himself had inherited the title from his father; and the prefix was, indeed, applied to the heads of almost all families of gentle blood in Scotland.

“This, Sir William,” Marion said, “is Sir Archibald Forbes, of whom I have often spoken to you as one of your most fervent admirers.  He is a true Scotsman, and he yearns for the time when he may draw his sword in the cause of his country.”

“He is over young yet,” Sir William said smiling; “but time will cure that defect.  It is upon the young blood of Scotland that our hopes rest.  The elders are for the most part but half Scotchmen, and do not feel shame for their country lying at the feet of England; but from their sons I hope for better things.  The example of my dear friend, Sir John Grahame, is being followed; and I trust that many young men of good family will soon join them.”

“I would that the time had come when I too could do so, sir,” Archie said warmly.  “I hope that it will not be long before you may think me capable of being admitted to the honour of fighting beside you.  Do you not remember that you yourself were but eighteen when you slew young Selbye?”

“I am a bad example to be followed,” Sir William replied with a smile; “besides, nature made an exception in my case and brought me to my full strength and stature full four years before the time.  Mistress Marion tells me, however, that you too are strong beyond your years.”

“I have practised unceasingly, sir, with my weapons for the last two years; and deem me not boastful when I say that my instructor, Duncan Macleod of Lanark, who is a famous swordsman, says that I could hold my own and more against any English soldier in the garrison.”

“I know Duncan by report,” Sir William replied, “and that he is a famous swordsman, having learned the art in France, where they are more skilled by far than we are in Scotland.  As for myself, I must own that it is my strength rather than my skill which gives me an advantage in a conflict; for I put my trust in a downright blow, and find that the skill of an antagonist matters but little, seeing that my blow will always cleave through sword as well as helm.  Nevertheless I do not decry skill, seeing that between two who are in any ways equally matched in strength and courage the most skilful swordsman must assuredly conquer.  Well, since that be the report of you by Master Duncan, I should think you might even take to arms at the age that I did myself and when that time comes, should your intentions hold the same, and the English not have made an end of