"Now, madam," said he, "'tis but a rough soldier's dressing, but the bleeding is checked, and 'twill serve until we can have it properly bandaged and attended to by a more skilful chirurgeon or apothecary." There were a few small pieces of his sleeve lying by my side. I sat up and used them to wipe my tear-stained face and heavy eyes. Sir Hugh surveyed me thoughtfully yet most kindly while I did so. "I believe," said he, "that, with my assistance, we can manage to get your waistcoat and coat on you. The wound is fortunately high up on the shoulder, and you can bend your arm with but little pain. I take it that you do not wish to be recognised as a woman, at least by chance wayfarers, and it will be necessary for you to make this effort." "With your assistance, I am sure I can manage it," I said, rising to my feet. He extended me a friendly hand during the endeavour, and I was very glad to take it. I was shaky still in my knees, but I had no doubt I could manage all that was necessary. It was an operation of some difficulty to get the coat and waistcoat on without hurting me too greatly, and indeed, although the pain was severe, I set my teeth together and it was presently managed. Next he mixed me a draught of spirit, well diluted with cool water, in the little cup around the bottom of the flask. After I had partaken of this, I felt ready for whatever fortune had in store for me. "You will be quite yourself in a few moments, I think. Meanwhile, I will allow you to rest at your ease while I inquire into this strange proceeding." He indicated a fallen tree. I threw myself down on the grass and rested my head and unwounded arm upon it. Sir Hugh stood with folded arms by my side, quite in the attitude of a judge. "Now," said he with ceremonious politeness, "that you are quite comfortable, will you kindly relieve my natural curiosity as to your extraordinary procedure?" I hesitated as to how to begin the answer to this entirely natural request. Sir Hugh prompted me. "First," he said, "it would be well for you to tell me your name and condition." I could see no reason for concealing it. He had but to produce me in Edinburgh as his prisoner and a thousand people would tell him who I was. "My name," said I, "is Katharine Clanranald." The soldier started. "What!" he exclaimed. "Are you the daughter of the Earl of Clanranald?" "His only daughter," I returned. "Lady Katharine Clanranald?" "The same, sir." "Is he your father whose warrant I was fetching from the King?" "You speak truly, sir." "The warrant; where is it?" This was my one moment of triumph in all the interview now proceeding. I pointed to the remains of the fire off to one side. "You will find what remains of the seal in that heap of ashes yonder," I said, smiling triumphantly. Sir Hugh deliberately stepped over to it, carefully examined the heap of ashes, stirred it up with his foot, lifted the shapeless mass of wax in his hand.