I looked at the man thoughtfully. He was a stoutly-built knave, of medium age, with a dependable honest look out of his eyes that promised well. "Have you a weapon?" "I have at the farm." "Get it, then." "But my wife?" "Have you any children?" I asked. "None; we were married a few weeks since," he answered, smiling. "Bring her along if she will come," I answered, "and make haste." He saluted, turned, and ran back through the trees. "Surely you are not going to encumber yourself with a woman in this desperate venture?" protested Lord Clanranald. "First hear my plan. With some of this money you, sir, are to get a ship; buy it, charter it, steal it if necessary. You will find what you want in Leith, doubtless. You can also enlist a half-dozen sturdy Scotsmen who can be depended upon, and you will make the best speed you can to Sunderland Harbour and wait there for me. If I do not bring Lady Katharine off to you, it will be because I am a dead man." "We shall do as you say without fail," said the Earl. "Ours is the easier part, but how will you recognise us?" "We must arrange upon some signal," I answered, reflecting. "I have it," said the Earl. "We'll paint upon the mainsail my device,--a bleeding heart pierced by a long sword." "Excellent; but if it should be night?" I queried. "Three lanterns set as a triangle--a red one at the top, the others white." "Admirably devised." "But the woman, gentlemen?" said Master Dunner. "Lady Katharine might need the assistance and companionship of a female in a ship full of men; she shall go with you, and the man I will take with me. "Would that I could go with you instead," said Lord Clanranald. "Nay, my lord, you have not the physical strength to ride as fast or as far as I." "My wife, your honour!" cried the man who had given us such valuable information, now coming back to the road, while following close behind him tramped a young and pretty country wench, tearful and excited. "I am Sir Hugh Richmond," I began, inclining my head politely toward her as I spoke. I have ever believed in treating women with courtesy, whatever their rank. "My wife hath been abducted by King James; the man who insulted you has taken her to him, and I ride forward to take her from his hands and to avenge the insult that hath been put upon us. The Earl of Clanranald here is to take ship at Leith and meet us at Sunderland, where King James awaits my wife. You, dame, will go with him. What is your name, friend?" "Macleod, sir," he answered, "and this is Alison, my wife." "Lady Katharine's horse is yonder; he is something light for you, but he will carry you well, I have no doubt. Now let us be about our business quickly." "I shall be off Sunderland before you come," said the Earl. "I'll follow hard on the heels of yonder vessel." "And I shall board you with your daughter and my wife, or you will know that I am a dead man and she is past saving."