Some one was good enough to convey to Sir Gideon a hint of what was on foot, and he at once took measures to give the thieves, when they came, a warm reception. After a sharp encounter, Willie Scott was taken prisoner, and thrown into the dungeon of the Castle, with his hands and feet securely bound. He knew quite well the fate which awaited him on the morrow. He would be led forth to the gallows, and there made to pay the forfeit of his life. A better lot, however, was in store for him. A good angel, in the person of Lady Murray, interfered on his behalf. She had been anxiously considering how she could save his life. Her plans were speedily formed, and in the morning she ventured to lay them before her irate husband. As Hogg has humorously described the scene-- The lady o' Elibank raise wi' the dawn, An' she waukened Auld Juden, an' to him did say,-- "Pray, what will ye do wi' this gallant young man?" "We'll hang him," quo Juden, "this very same day." "Wad ye hang sic a brisk an' gallant young heir, An' has three hamely daughters aye suffering neglect? Though laird o' the best of the forest sae fair, He'll marry the warst for the sake o' his neck. "Despise not the lad for a perilous feat; He's a friend will bestead you, and stand by you still; The laird maun hae men, an' the men maun hae meat, An' the meat maun be had be the danger what will." The plan thus suggested seemed feasable. It might really be the wisest course to pursue, at least so Sir Gideon was disposed to think, and no time was lost in bringing the matter to an issue. Young Scott was at once brought into the hall, the terms on which his life was to be spared were briefly stated, and he was afforded an opportunity of seeing the young lady whom fortune had thus strangely thrown in his way. One glance sufficed. The features of Sir Gideon's daughter, known to fame as "Muckle-mou'd Meg," were not attractive. The condemned culprit felt that even the gallows was preferable to such an objectionable matrimonial alliance. "Lead on to the gallows, then," Willie replied, "I'm now in your power, and ye carry it high; Nae daughter of yours shall e'er lie by my side; A Scott, ye maun mind, counts it naething to die."