"Now, another favour," I continued. "My man, here, is from the north and is unfamiliar with the shops of Sunderland; would you execute a small commission for me?" "With pleasure, your excellency." "We have ridden hard on the King's service and have left our mails behind,"--which was true enough, by the way,--"I want a suit of apparel. Canst get it for me among the shops of thy friends in Sunderland?" "I have a brother in the trade and all the gentry of the county buy..." "Say no more," said I. "There are ten guineas,"--again more of King James'!--"get me the best you can, something quiet and unobtrusive, rather suited for out-door use than for the court, yet rich and elegant, such as a gentleman should wear. You are about of my own build, although somewhat stouter; what fits you will doubtless suffice for me." "The amount is ample for the purpose, your excellency," said the landlord, taking the money; "indeed, much more than..." "Whatever is unexpended you may keep for your trouble." "Your excellency overwhelms me," returned the delighted man. "They shall be here within the hour. I am proud to be much of a size with your honour." "Very good," said I, "and, mind, no talking--by order of the King." "I shall be silence itself," returned he, turning to do my errand. The rain of golden guineas which I had produced so generously on every occasion was having tremendous effect upon him. Only the very great or the very noble could, in his mind, thus indifferently dispose of precious treasure. It was money well spent, however, since it made him entirely submissive to my will. "Go now, then," said I, "for I am in something of a hurry." The landlord instantly bowed himself out, and I could hear him bustling about in the public room, bawling for his coat and hat with vast importance, while making ready to execute my commission. "What think you, Macleod?" said I, rising from the table and bidding him take my place and fall to on the ample remains of the meal; "is the man true?" He was a shrewd observer, this Scotsman, I had found, and I wanted his judgment on this important point. "A good deal depends upon this landlord," I added. "So long as you rain guineas upon him, you've got him body and soul, your honour," he answered drily. "Thanks to the King," laughed I, lifting the still rather full purse, "the fountain has not yet run dry." We had divided it equally between Lord Clanranald and myself ere we parted at Cockenzie, and, though I had spent of my share freely, much still remained. "But it likes me ill," said Macleod covetously, "to see such good gold lavished on such a wastrel." "There will be plenty for us all," said I, "can I once win away with my wife." "I care not how plenty they be, sir," was his courteous answer, "a guinea's a guinea, whether there be one or a thousand." "Here's one for you then," said I, "since you like them so well."