that it
should be said. Had the cities a voice in the matter of peace and war,
you may be right sure that we should hear no more of invasions and
troubles, from this side of the Border. I say not that there would be
peace, for the claims of the English kings to authority in Scotland,
although we have not heard so much of them since Bannockburn, are but
in abeyance; and the first time that there is really peace, between
them and France, you may be sure that we shall hear of them again, and
then the towns as well as the country would join, heartily, in
repelling an invasion."

"They never did so in the past time, Sanderson. They generally opened
their gates at once, or if they closed them, it was because there was a
strong garrison, under some knight or noble who, and not the
townspeople, had the say in the matter. Now, methinks I will to bed,
for I have had a long day's travel."

The next day passed without any message from the earl, but on the
following morning one of the retainers from the castle came in, with
the message that the earl desired the presence of Mr. Micklethwaite.

Oswald went up, at once. The earl was, as before, alone.

"I have been thinking, Master Forster, that it would be safer, both for
you and for me, were you to tarry here for a while. You came through
safely, it is true, but you might not have such good fortune on your
return; and even though I sent no written answer, it would be enough,
were Percy's signet found upon you, to ensure your imprisonment, and
perhaps death. At any rate, they would have the means of wringing from
you the mission of which you were in charge; while I could send equally
well a message by sea, as I did before."

"I see that there might be some slight danger, my Lord Earl," Oswald
said quietly; "but I, as well as another, might take passage down by
ship touching at Berwick, or other port."

The earl's brow clouded.

"'Tis a matter to be thought over," he said, moodily. "A ship might be
captured, seeing that there are often French freebooting vessels on the
coast. And what were your orders from Lord Percy?"

"That I was to return, immediately I had conveyed his message to you."

"I would gladly hasten your departure," the earl said, after a moment's
pause, "but you see, great issues hang upon this affair. However, I
will think the matter over again, and will see how it can be best
managed."

After leaving the castle, Oswald went to the convent where the monk wa