I thought with considerable complacency that this exploit of mine would entitle me to something more than a mention of my name in the family chronicles, and that perhaps I might be counted as worthy the best traditions of our ancient house. In anticipation, I could feel my Lord clasp me in his arms when I had saved his life and bless me for my daring, although I well knew that he would have died rather than give his consent to such an amazing undertaking. The good meal, the wine, of which I drank but sparingly, pouring the rest out of the window when no one was looking, refreshed me greatly. With a new zeal, therefore, I mounted my horse, flung the landlord a guinea, at which he bowed himself nearly to the floor, and cantered down the street through the town and out upon the broad ocean highway. The sea breeze, with all its splendid freshness, lifted the close curls of my full wig, fanned my brow, and cooled my cheeks in the most exhilarating way. I rode rapidly enough, observing my horse possessed of all the qualities of speed and stamina that his appearance had indicated, and, without anything untoward or exciting happening, about five o'clock in the evening I drew up at the Black Douglas Inn, at Cockenzie. Cockenzie was merely a huddle of little houses, with nothing on earth to recommend it except the old inn pleasantly placed on a bluff headland overlooking the sea. It was the only house of any pretence whatever in the little fishing village, and before it I drew rein. Judicious inquiries elicited the fact that at the moment I was the only guest of the inn. I bespake the best chamber, ordered myself substantial supper, saw personally to the quartering and care of my horse, washed my own face and hands, went out of the rear door of the inn, walked to the edge of the high bluff, and sat down on a rude bench overlooking the sea, while waiting for my supper, and pondered carefully on my next step. I had address enough to find out from the inn-maid who saw me to my apartment that no such traveller as I suspected Sir Hugh Richmond to be had passed by within that day or the day before. Therefore, I was in time. I had no doubt that this very night he would appear on the scene. Master Dunner's information was such as to carry assurance to him, and I depended upon its accuracy. Sitting and watching the ocean, I tried to decide upon my best course when I should at last be confronted by mine enemy. _Chapter_ III _How I ate, drank, and gamed with Sir Hugh Richmond, under whom I would fain see Service_