Of all his trials, this journey of submission to Dublin was the bitterest to Ludar; and I, as I walked at his heels that day in Dublin city, could see that every step was a pang. The old man chose to bring Ludar and not his elder brothers for this very reason; and never a duty taxed the lad's courage and loyalty more. So to me the pleasure of marching once again under the royal flag of my Queen was tempered by the concern I felt for my master. A vast rabble lined the roads to see the doughty Sorley Boy--the hero of the North, against whose arms England had fought in vain--march thus, to the tune of English trumpets, to her Majesty's Castle. But if any looked to see a hanging head or a meek demeanour they were sore mistaken. For, as the procession moved on and the shouts grew louder, the spirit seemed to come back into the old warrior, and he walked rather as one who marches to war than to peace. Perhaps, had the way been a mile longer, or had the smirking Lord Deputy looked round oftener, this notable treaty would never have come about; for, by the time Sorley Boy reached the Castle gate, he was glaring round him defiantly, and the hilt of his sword was an inch out of the scabbard. At the gate the Deputy stood and bade him enter. The old fox gave a suspicious look round, like one that suspects a trap, and then beckoned to Ludar. "Stay here with the men. Let your squire follow me." So Ludar stayed with the McDonnells at the gate, while I followed Sorley Boy, amid shouts and flourish of trumpets, into the Castle. All was prepared to do the old Chief honour. Attendants bowed, guards saluted, and my Lord Deputy's womenkind waved handkerchiefs from the windows. Sir John Perrott himself, all smiles, chatted affably. But never a word spake Sorley Boy. He stalked on at a pace which made the Deputy trot at his side, and, heedless of lackeys, guards, ladies and all else, flung into the great hall. I followed as in duty bound; and beside me no man but Sir John and Sir John's secretary. Then followed a strange scene. "Sir Sorley Boy," began the Deputy, motioning his guest to a high chair on the dais, "this is a happy occasion; and I would her Majesty had a Deputy more--" "Enough of this," said the Chieftain impatiently. "I came not from Dunluce to make speeches or bandy words with you. I owe _you_ naught-- or if I do, 'tis a debt you had rather I paid not." "I," said Sir John, pulling himself up, "as representing her gracious Majesty--" Here Sorley Boy stalked off to where a miniature picture of her Majesty hung on the wall. "Is this Elizabeth?" demanded he. "That is a presentment, far short in splendour, of her Majesty's admirable presence," said the Deputy. Sorley Boy took the picture in his hand and mused on it in silence. At length: "Pray heaven she be no worse favoured in the flesh! Yet, being a woman, I do her homage." And, like an old gallant, he doffed his hat, and raised the picture to his lips.