leader, you must know them
well enough to traverse them on the darkest night, or through the
thickest mist."

"I think that I do know most of them, Father."

"Yes, I think you do, on this side of the border; but you must learn
those on the other side, as well. They are, indeed, of even greater
importance in case of pursuit, or for crossing the border unobserved.
Hitherto, I have forbidden you to cross the line, but in future Mat
Wilson shall go with you. He knows the Scotch passes and defiles,
better than any in the band; and so that you don't go near the Bairds'
country, you can traverse them safely, so long as the truce lasts."

For years, indeed, Oswald, on one of the hardy little horses, had
ridden over the country in company with one or other of the men; and
had become familiar with every morass, moor, fell, and pass, down to
the old Roman wall to the south, and as far north as Wooler, being
frequently absent for three or four days at a time. He had several
times ridden into Scotland, to visit the Armstrongs and other friends
of the family; but he had always travelled by the roads, and knew
nothing of the hill paths on that side. His life had, in fact, been far
from dull, for they had many friends and connections in the villages at
the foot of the Cheviots, and he was frequently away from home.

His journeys were generally performed on horseback, but his father
encouraged him to take long tramps on foot, in order that he might
strengthen his muscles; and would, not infrequently, give him leave to
pay visits on condition that he travelled on foot, instead of in the
saddle.

Constant exercise in climbing, riding, and with his weapons; and at
wrestling and other sports, including the bow, had hardened every
muscle of his frame, and he was capable of standing any fatigues; and
although his father said that he could not hold his own against men, he
knew that the lad could do so against any but exceptionally powerful
ones; and believed that, when the time came, he would, like himself, be
frequently chosen as leader in border forays. He could already draw the
strongest bow to the arrowhead, and send a shaft with a strength that
would suffice to pierce the light armour worn by the Scotch borderers.
It was by the bow that the English gained the majority of their
victories over their northern neighbours; who did not take to the
weapon, and were unable to stand for a moment against the English
archers, who not only love