tter done," the other said, "before the young
duke married; for many of the nobles, who would have otherwise
supported him, would hold aloof, seeing that the accession of Rothesay
would be but handing over the real power of the state from Albany to
Douglas. Men say that the feud between March and Douglas grows hotter
and hotter, and that the boldness with which March upbraided the king,
for the breaking off by Rothesay of his marriage with Elizabeth of
Dunbar, has so angered him, Rothesay, and Albany, who had aided in
bringing about the match with Elizabeth Douglas, that 'tis like that
March will, ere long, be arraigned for his conduct, and the threats
that he uttered in his passion."

"Well, gossips, it matters little to us," an elderly man said. "Whether
king or prince or duke is master, we have to pay; and assuredly, were
Rothesay king, our taxes would not abate; seeing that he is extravagant
and reckless, though I say not that he has not many good qualities. But
these benefit, in no way, men like ourselves; while the taxation to
support extravagance touches us all."

There was a murmur of assent from the little group who were talking,
who struck Oswald as being farmers, who had come in from the country to
sell cattle to the butchers of the town. They were interrupted in their
talk by the landlord, who came across to them.

"My good friends," he said, "I pray you talk not so loudly concerning
princes and nobles. It is true that we are a royal city, and that the
burghers of Edinburgh have their rights and their liberties;
nevertheless, it were dangerous to talk loud concerning nobles. We are
quiet people all, and none here wear the cognizance of Douglas or
Albany. Still, it would do me much harm, were it reported that there
had been talk here concerning such powerful nobles; and though the
Douglas might care little what was said of him, methinks that there are
others--I name no names--who would spare neither great nor small who
incurred their resentment."

"I knew not that we were talking loudly, John Ker; and methinks that
none, save the two men at the near table, have heard our words; and
they look honest fellows enough. Still, what you say is right, and
while we may talk of these things by our firesides, 'tis best to keep a
silent tongue, while abroad."

"You need not disquiet yourself about us," Roger broke in. "We have no
communion with lords or princes; and, so that we can drive our herds
safely down into