"Exactly," returned the lawyer. "You have been robbed of the King's warrant here in Scotland. The act is more than highway robbery; it is treason. The fact that the only warrant that is taken is Clanranald's points to some adherent of that house. It is possible there are those who will say that the resistance you offered was not so vigorous as you might have made, despite that bandage upon your forehead. You may have been observed. Indeed, I am sure you must have been, for you have admitted to me that you gave your full name and rank most imprudently at the city gate and at Musselburgh as well. Perhaps some one may have heard your conversation with Lady Katharine in the wood. In short, sir, I need not refrain from telling a soldier that you are in grave peril of being attainted for treason yourself as an accomplice--and, forgive me, that you certainly are--to a treasonable attack upon the King his privilege." "Even so," I replied. "But I can honestly give my word that the warrant was taken from me by force, and back it with my oath were that necessary; that I did not surrender it willingly; that I did everything that I could to retain and defend it, and that it was not until I was senseless from a bullet wound that I lost it. I have not failed in my duty." "Except," said Master Dunner, "you have not given up to justice the assailant whom you captured after the assault." "Lady Katherine?" said I. "Exactly," was the answer. "Well, my only defence for that is Lady Katharine herself." "And how far think you would that go in a court of justice?" "Before a jury of soldiers, a long distance," I laughingly replied. "But, jesting aside, I realise all that you say, and, were any harm to come to the King from my action, I should feel differently, and I should have acted differently. Lady Katharine Clanranald made a brave play for a few days' delay, and all I have done is to assure her that she shall have the time for which she struggled. If the King persists in his determination that the Earl shall pay the extreme penalty, why, no great harm will have been done by the few days' respite which he will enjoy. And if, on the contrary, his daughter's enterprise meet with its proper reward, a great harm will have been avoided. Therefore, I justify myself for what I have done, and hold it not inconsistent with my honour as a man, my obligation as a subject, or with my duty as an officer." The reasoning was specious, but, specious or not, it had to serve.