‘Another adventure, which had nearly cost James his life, is said to have taken place at the village of Cramond, near Edinburgh, where he had rendered his addresses acceptable to a pretty girl of the lower rank. Four or five persons, whether relations or lovers of his mistress is uncertain, beset the monarch, as he returned from his rendezvous. Naturally gallant, and an admirable master of his weapon, the king took post on the high and narrow bridge over the Almond river, and defended himself bravely with his sword. A peasant, who was threshing in a neighbouring barn, came out upon the noise, and, whether moved by compassion or by natural gallantry, took the weaker side, and laid about with his flail so effectually as to disperse the assailants, well threshed, even according to the letter. He then conducted the king into his barn, where his guest requested a basin and towel, to remove the stains of the broil. This being procured with difficulty, James employed himself in learning what was the summit of his deliverer’s earthly wishes, and found that they were bounded by the desire of possessing, in property, the farm of Braehead, upon which he laboured as a bondsman. The lands chanced to belong to the Crown; and James directed him to come to the Palace of Holyrood, and enquire for the Gudeman of Ballangeigh. The poor man came as appointed, and, as the king had given orders for his admission, he was soon brought into the royal presence. James, still dressed in his travelling attire, received him as the Gudeman of Ballangeigh, conducted him from one apartment to another, by way of shewing him the palace, and then asked if he would like to see the king. John Howison—for such was his name—said that nothing would give him so much pleasure, if he were only sure that he might be brought into the king’s hall without giving offence. The Gudeman of Ballangeigh, of course, undertook that the king would not be angry. ‘But,’ said John, ‘how am I to know his grace from the nobles who will be all about him?’ ‘Easily,’ replied his companion, ‘all the others will be bareheaded—the king alone will wear his bonnet.’ ‘So speaking, King James introduced the countryman into a great hall, which was filled by the nobility and officers of the crown. John was a little frightened, and drew close to his attendant, but was still unable to distinguish the King. ‘I told you that you should know him by his wearing of his hat,’ said his conductor. ‘Then,’ said John, after he had again looked round the room; ‘it must be either you or me, for all but us are bareheaded.’