The council-room was full of people when I was taken thither, and the Lord Kelburne, who sat at the head of the table, was abetted in the proceedings by Murray, an advocate from Edinburgh. They were sitting at a wide round table, within a fence which prevented the spectators from pressing in upon them. There were many papers and letters folded up in bundles lying before them, and a candle burning, and wax for sigillation. Besides Lord Kelburne and his counsellor, there were divers gentlemen seated at the table, and two clerks to make notations. Lord Kelburne, in his appearance, was a mild-looking man, and for his years his hair was very hoary; for though he was seemingly not passing fifty, it was in a manner quite blanched. In speech he was moderate, in disposition indulgent, and verily towards me he acted in his harsh duty with much gentleness. But Murray had a doure aspect for his years, and there was a smile among his features not pleasant to behold, breeding rather distrust and dread than winning confidence or affection, which are the natural fruit of a countenance rightly gladdened. He looked at me from aneath his brows as if I had been a malefactor, and turning to the Lord Kelburne, said,-- "He has the true fanatical yellow look." This was a base observe; for naturally I was of a fresh complexion, but my long illness, and the close air of the prison, had made me pale. After some more impertinences of that sort, he then said,-- "Ringan Gilhaize, you were at the battle of Bothwell-brigg." "I was not," said I. "You do not mean to say so, surely?" "I have said it," was my answer. Whereupon one of the clerks whispered to him that there were three of the name in the list. "O!" cried he, "I crave your pardon, Ringan; there are several persons of your name; and though you were not at Bothwell yourself, maybe ye ken those of your name who were there,--Do you?" "I did know two," was my calm answer; "one was my brother, and the other my son." All present remained very silent as I made this answer; and the Lord Kelburne bending forward, leant his cheek on his hand as he rested his elbow on the table, and looked very earnestly at me. Murray resumed,-- "And pray now, Ringan, tell us what has become of the two rebels?" "They were covenanted Christians," said I; "my son lies buried with those that were slain on that sore occasion." "But your brother; he was of course younger than you?" "No; he was older." "Well, well, no matter as to that; but where is he?" "I believe he is with his Maker; but his body lies among the rocks at the bottom of the Orkney seas." The steadiness of the Lord Kelburne's countenance saddened into the look of compassion, and he said to Murray,-- "There is no use in asking him any more questions about them; proceed with the ordinary interrogatories." There was a murmur of satisfaction towards his Lordship at this; and Murray said,--