I rose to my feet and threw back my cloak. I must get accustomed, I thought, to these strange clothes and the world's scrutiny. No better opportunity presented itself for beginning than then and there. "Hast brought the sword?" I asked, struggling to forget my garb. For answer he handed it to me, belt and all. The hilt was richly chased and jewelled, but I had seen swords whose whole value consisted in that which rose above the scabbard. I drew it forth instantly and examined it critically. It was indeed a rare and beautiful blade, such as would have delighted the eye of a practised swordsman. I balanced the trustworthy weapon easily in my hand. It fitted my arm as if it had grown to my palm. "'Tis a rare and beautiful weapon, if I am a judge." "I think, from the way you handle it, that you are." I shot it back into its sheath, clasped the belt about my waist, and instantly felt a thousand times more manly than before. The steel dangling against my legs seemed to add the finishing touch of completeness to my disguise. I was now a man indeed. "Here," said the advocate, extending his hand with a purse, "is the money." I sought to thrust it, womanlike, into the bosom of my shirt beneath the ruffles. Master Dunner laughed. "You have a pocket, sir, where such things are kept by men." Once more I blushed. "Your reminder is a good one," said I in some confusion, searching in the breast of my coat until I found the receptacle. "I may appear manly enough, but I lack practice in the niceties of the masquerade." "That will come in time, madam," said the old man. "Ah, yes," was my smiling answer, "but, as you noted before, time is what we lack. Yet I must e'en do my best with what I have. Where is the horse, and the mails?" He pointed toward the door. "In the alley at the back of the house. The mails are strapped to the saddle. They contain a change of linen and various other articles. I saw to their bestowing." "Men's clothing or women's?" "Men's, of course. From Lord Carthew's wardrobe. What should a young gallant like you be doing with women's gear?" "True," said I. "You are right. May not the horse be brought around to the front of the house?" "I think it safer and more secluded in the alley. Suspicion is easily excited in Edinburgh now, and to see so splendid a cavalier as yourself issuing from so mean an abode as this might give rise to curious question. This is our only haven. I would hold it inviolate for your return until to-morrow night." "You are right, Master Dunner," said I. "And now I must go. I can think of nothing more. What's o'clock?" "'Twas on the stroke of nine as I entered the house." "If I ride carefully, I should be at Cockenzie before five. That will give me ample time. If our calculations fail not, I will meet Sir Hugh there." I paused. "And may God aid you and defend the right!" said the old man solemnly. "Amen," said I. "And now good-bye."