The Tarras divides Langholm from Canonbie parish, wherein once stood, in a position of great natural strength, washed on three sides by the Esk, Gilnockie Tower. Johnnie Armstrong, the famous Border freebooter, took his title from this place, whereof not a stone remains. A little higher up the river is Hollows Tower, also a nest of this bird of prey. Johnnie was summoned to appear before James V. when that monarch made a Border tour in 1539 to administer justice. Getting himself up in the most magnificent apparel, and with an easy mind and a clear conscience, he, accompanied by many of his name, whereof "Ill Will Armstrong" is specially noted, set forth to meet the king. On Langholm Holm, according to the Chronicle, "they ran their horse and brak their spears when the ladies lookit frae their lofty windows, saying, 'God send our men well back again.'" The fair dames' anxieties were well founded, for Johnnie's reception was scarce as cordial as he expected. "What wants yon knave that a king should have?" exclaimed James in angry amazement, as he ordered off Gilnockie and his companions to instant execution. The culprit's petition for grace was sternly refused. "Had I known, I'd have lived upon the Borders in spite of King Harry and you both," said Johnnie as they led him away. The trees whereon he and his followers were strung up are still shown at Carlenrig, and tradition still identifies their graves in that lonely churchyard. The ballads praise his honesty and lament the treachery which led to his end. James's was the violent act of a weak man; it had an unroyal touch of trickery; and no good results followed. [Illustration: RIVERS FLOWING SOUTH INTO SOLWAY FIRTH.] Of another romantic character it is written that he "swam the Esk river where ford there was none"--that, of course, was young Lochinvar, who "came out of the west" to run off with a fair daughter of Netherby Hall. The "west" in this case is a lake in Dalry parish, in Kirkcudbrightshire, containing an island which still has remains of the castle of the Gordons, knights of Lochinvar, one of whom was the hero of Lady Heron's song in "Marmion." Netherby is away by the Debatable Land, and Canobie Lee (perhaps) in the Dumfriesshire parish of Canonbie; but how idle to localise the incidents of the splendid ballad! Scott himself never touched the romantic note with truer hand or to better purpose-- "And now am I come, with this lost love of mine, To lead but one measure, drink one cup of wine." And then we know how the bride "... looked down to blush and looked up to sigh, With a smile on her lips, and a tear in her eye." And how they danced a measure, and how the charger stood near by the hall door, and 'twas but the work of an instant to swing the lady on its back, and so light to the saddle before her he sprung:-- "'She is won! We are gone over bank, bush, and scaur; They'll have fleet steeds that follow,' said young Lochinvar."