I met no one of any importance, save yokels driving hay-wains and wagons of produce to the city, travelling pedlars, a little company of merchants, a stray soldier, to all of whom I gave good-day and passed on, none offering to molest me. My heart, which had beat high at the sight of the first-comer with all sorts of vague anticipation of disaster, at last became quite indifferent to any approaching traveller, and I flattered myself that I need be under no apprehension whatever of any one penetrating my disguise or seeking to harm me. Nevertheless, I was careful to see that my pistols were loose in the holsters; that the priming made them fit for instant discharge, and that my sword-hilt was pulled a little forward ready to hand, should anybody attempt to stop me. I was determined to show my mettle and not to yield until the last extremity. There were, of course, highwaymen abroad, but they rarely molested people in open daylight. By nightfall, please God, I would be safely sheltered in The Black Douglas at Cockenzie. It was noon when I cantered gallantly down the streets of Musselburgh. I had determined to rest there an hour to bait my horse, to get my dinner, and to consider further what my plans and future work should be. I drew up before the door of a comfortable-looking hostelry. Stable-boys came running; the landlord himself appeared in the doorway of his inn. I descended, called for a meal which I demanded should be of roast beef and other substantiate accompanied by a bottle of wine, thus doing violence to my natural dainty appetite, which would have preferred a fowl and cold water. I also engaged a private parlour and was accordingly served in private. I spent an hour thus very quietly and pleasantly without disturbance. Now, I had been brought up very unconventionally in a way that would have scandalised my female relatives, had I enjoyed any, and which doubtless did scandalise certain neighbouring dames whose seats adjoined our own, but, nevertheless, I was a woman and I had never been absolutely free, independent, and unrestrained before. I confess to a delightful sensation of excitement at my present situation. I think I must have had all the daring and adventurous spirit of the famous Clanranalds, and to be thus mounted on a good horse with money in my purse, a good sword by my side, a great adventure before me, filled me with joy. I had all the confidence of youth and inexperience, and all the hopefulness of woman, that somehow I should be able to bring about my desire, and that my romantic action in attempting this wild masquerade would result in the saving of the life of my noble father.