"Well, my Lords, about this ring," observed Clermistonlee, with ill-disguised impatience, while endeavouring to waken His Majesty's advocate, who, oblivious of "His Majesty's interest," had fallen fast asleep. "We all know that the Lady Bruntisfield has a god-daughter, grand-niece, or something of that kind--a fair damsel, however; and 'tis very unlikely this young cock would run his neck under the gallows (whereon I doubt not his father dangled) for nothing. Fenton--harkee, sirrah, surrender the jewel forthwith, and say whence ye had it, or the thumbscrews may prove an awkward exchange for it." "Do with me as you please, my Lords, but ah! spare me the ring. It is the secret of my life--it is all that I possess in the world--all that I can deem my own:" pausing with sudden emotion the young man covered his eyes. "It was found on the hand of my mother--my poor mother, when she lay dead among the graves of the Grey Friars." "When, knave?" "In the year of Bothwell." A cloud came over the face of Clermistonlee. "In the year of Bothwell, my Lords," continued Walter, in a thick voice; "that year of misery to so many. I have been told my father died in defence of the bridge; and my mother--she--spare to me, my Lords, what even the poor soldiers who found me respected! It was preserved and restored to me by the good and noble Countess of Dunbarton when, three years ago, I marched against James of Monmouth." "The true pup of the crop-eared breed!" said Clermistonlee, scornfully; "false in blood as in name. Macer, hand up the ring! His mother (some trooper's trull) never owned a Jewell like that." The macer advanced, but hesitated. "Approach, wretch, and, by the God that beholds us, I will destroy thee!" cried Fenton, inflamed with sudden passion; and so resolute was his aspect, that Maclutchy retreated, and now Mersington and the king's advocate, who had been snoring melodiously, woke suddenly up. "My Lords, you trifle," said the Earl of Perth. "Halt, sirs!" added Claverhouse, who admired Walter's indomitable spirit; "I cannot permit this; let the lad retain his ring, but say, without parley, where those fugitives are concealed." "On the honour of a soldier, I solemnly declare to you, Colonel Grahame, that I know not." "It is enough," responded Claverhouse, whose deep dark eyes had gazed full upon Walter's with a searching expression which few men could endure. "Never saw I mortal man who could look me openly in the face, when affirming a falsehood." "This is just havers," said Mersington; "jow the bell for Pate Pincer to gie him one touch of the boot." "My Lords, you may tear me piecemeal, but I cannot tell ye; and, were it otherwise, I would rather die than betray them!" "Hush!" whispered Claverhouse, who admired his spirited bearing; but Clermistonlee exclaimed in triumph,