.

"'Tis hard, master, after it has grown so well to match the rest.
Still, for so good a purpose I must even give in."

On hearing what was wanted, Armstrong mounted and rode off at once and,
while he was away, one of the villagers shaved the top of Roger's head
again. In an hour, Armstrong brought back a monk's gown.

"He was loath to let me have it even, for such a purpose, though I told
him that you were once a monk of the order. Finally he said that his
conscience would not allow him to lend it, but that he would sell it to
me for six pennies, which I gladly gave him."

"It is dark now," Oswald said, "and I know not the road. Can you give
me some man to put me on the way? We will not make straight for the
Bairds', but will strike the road from Glasgow, some ten or twelve
miles north of his place, so that we can come down from that direction.
Then our guide, after taking us on to the road, had best take charge of
the horses and lead them to Parton, there to remain with them until
your messenger, and the one from Yardhope, arrive. It would be as well
to have the horses there, for we cannot know what need we may have of
them."

"That I will arrange at once, Oswald. Is there aught else?"

"Yes, Uncle, I must leave my armour and clothes here, and borrow others
that will pass as a disguise."

"How would you go, Oswald?"

"In truth, it is a difficult matter. That of a minstrel would be the
best passport, but I know nought of harp or other instrument. I might
go as a vendor of philters and charms, a sort of half-witted chap,
whose mother concocted such things."

"They would never let you into the Bairds' castle, Oswald."

"Then I must be a rough man-at-arms, one who had been in the service of
the Earl of March; and who, when he turned traitor and went over to the
English, found himself without employment; and asked nothing better
than to enter the service of someone who will give him bread and meat,
in return for any services that he can render, whether in hunting up
any cattle among the hills, or striking a shrewd blow in the service of
his employer, if needs be."

"That must do, if we can think of nothing better, Oswald. I will
speedily bring you the things you require, as they will be found in
every house in the village; and some, alas! will be needed no more by
those who wore them."

"They must be of good size, Uncle."

"Ay, ay, lad. There must have been some tall fellows, among those they
slew today."