"But for thee," I answered quickly, discerning the trend of his thought. "But because I hold you in honour and you are my last, my only friend, the one being to whom I can appeal, I beg of you question me no further, but give me your aid. The risk is for my father's life and his peril justifieth anything." "You have won me, madam," said the old man, deeply touched I could see. "Tell me what you wish me to do." "Procure me clothes suited to my new emprise, a horse--and see that he be a speedy and spirited one, no ambling woman's pad for me, but the best that can be got; money sufficient for any possible wayside need, say a hundred pounds; a sword, an Andrew Ferrara if you can come at one in a hurry; pistols for the holsters; a saddlebag containing toilet necessaries; a horseman's cloak." "They shall be here in an hour," said the old man. "I have a suit of your brother's, a riding-suit, which he left at my house when last he visited Edinburgh before his death. 'Tis complete in all points and will fit you, I doubt not, to perfection." He was a year older than I, but he had been dead two years and I had had time to catch up with him. "There is a sword that belonged to my father as well. 'Tis a tried blade," said the old man. "I could not give it into worthier hands, and 'tis well adapted to your size, for my father was a man of slight build and did not swing the ponderous claymores of your ancestors." "I am greatly pleased by your willingness to entrust it to me, Master Dunner. I hope I may use it as worthily as your father did or any of our house." "Madam, you do me proud," said the old gentleman, bowing like a courtier. "As for the rest, I will make shift somehow. Would that I could go with you myself!" "Would that you could," replied I, "but 'tis not to be thought of, and there is work for you to do as well." "What is that?" "The ransom money," said I. "It must be raised and put in bills of exchange upon London. The papers must be prepared." "Ay," was the answer, "and if God grant you be successful, they must be despatched to London at once." "If I am successful, and I must be, I shall take them myself." "You are your father's daughter!" cried the attorney. "If you have these things here within the hour, I can reach Cockenzie by nightfall. You should see me back to-morrow. Where shall I meet you?" "Here," said the advocate. "The woman who keeps the house is devoted to me. No one suspects what this mean dwelling harbours, and 'tis the safest appointment I can give you." "All's arranged then," said I, giving him my hand. He bent low over it, and I felt that it had never been pressed by worthier lips than those of the honest advocate. _Chapter_ II _Wherein worthy Master Dunner finds My Lord Carthew's Clothes vastly becoming to me as I ride away_