a small decent habitation, apparently the abode of a man considerably above the common rank.  After much knocking, the proprietor at length showed himself at the window, and speaking in the English dialect, with great signs of apprehension, demanded their business.  The warrior replied that his quality was an English knight and baron, and that he was travelling to the court of the King of Scotland on affairs of consequence to both kingdoms.

‘Pardon my hesitation, noble Sir Knight,’ said the old man, as he unbolted and unbarred his doors—­’Pardon my hesitation, but we are here exposed to too many intrusions to admit of our exercising unlimited and unsuspicious hospitality.  What I have is yours; and God send your mission may bring back peace and the good days of our old Queen Margaret!’

‘Amen, worthy Franklin,’ quoth the Knight—­’Did you know her?’

‘I came to this country in her train,’ said the Franklin; ’and the care of some of her jointure lands which she devolved on me occasioned my settling here.’

‘And how do you, being an Englishman,’ said the Knight, ’protect your life and property here, when one of your nation cannot obtain a single night’s lodging, or a draught of water were he thirsty?’

‘Marry, noble sir,’ answered the Franklin, ’use, as they say, will make a man live in a lion’s den; and as I settled here in a quiet time, and have never given cause of offence, I am respected by my neighbours, and even, as you see, by our FORAYERS from England.’

’I rejoice to hear it, and accept your hospitality.  Isabella, my love, our worthy host will provide you a bed.  My daughter, good Franklin, is ill at ease.  We will occupy your house till the Scottish King shall return from his northern expedition; meanwhile call me Lord Lacy of Chester.’

The attendants of the Baron, assisted by the Franklin, were now busied in disposing of the horses, and arranging the table for some refreshment for Lord Lacy and his fair companion.  While they sat down to it, they were attended by their host and his daughter, whom custom did not permit to eat in their presence, and who afterwards withdrew to an outer chamber, where the squire and page (both young men of noble birth) partook of supper, and were accommodated with beds.  The yeomen, after doing honour to the rustic cheer of Queen Margaret’s bailiff, withdrew to the stable, and each, beside his favourite horse, snored away the fatigues of their journey.

Early on the following morning the travellers were roused by a thundering knocking at the door of the house, accompanied with many demands for instant admission in the roughest tone.  The squire and page of Lord Lacy, after buckling on their arms, were about to sally out to chastise these intruders, when the old host, after looking out at a private casement, contrived for reconnoitring his visitors, entreated them, with great signs of terror, to be quiet, if they did not mean that all in the house should be murdered.