The Master approached the King, and entered into conversation with him. James’s account of what he had to say must be given later. For the present we may be content with the depositions on oath, which were made later, at a trial in November, by the attendants of the King and other witnesses. Among these was the Duke of Lennox, who swore to the following effect. They hunted their buck, and killed him. The King, in place of trotting back to lunch at the House of Falkland (to which the progress of the chase had led the sportsmen round in a circle), bade the Duke accompany him to Perth, some twelve miles away, ‘to speak with the Earl of Gowrie.’ His Majesty then rode on. Lennox despatched his groom for his sword, and for a fresh horse (another was sent after the King); he then mounted and followed. When he rejoined James, the King said ‘You cannot guess what errand I am riding for; I am going to get a treasure in Perth. The Master of Ruthven’ (‘Mr. Alexander Ruthven’) ‘has informed me that he has found a man with a pitcher full of gold coins of great sorts.’ James also asked Lennox what he deemed of the Master, whose manner he reckoned very strange. ‘Nothing but an honest, discreet gentleman,’ said the Duke. The King next gave details about the treasure, and Lennox said he thought the tale ‘unlikely,’ as it was, more or less. James then bade Lennox say nothing on the matter to Ruthven, who wanted it to be a secret. At about a mile from Perth, the Master galloped forward, to warn his brother, the Earl, who met the Royal party, on foot, with some companions, near the town. {14} This was about one o’clock in the afternoon. [Picture: Situation and topography of Gowrie House]