you; and he told me, at last, that I could bring you up
to see him. So come along, at once."

"Thanks, comrade," Oswald said, as he slung his long two-handed sword
from his shoulder.

"A likely-looking young fellow, indeed," Baird said to Rotherglen, whom
he had sent for to be present; "over six feet and, I should fancy, has
not attained his full width.

"So you would fain take service with me?" he said.

"I want a master," Oswald replied, "and from what I hear, I am more
likely to see fighting, under you, than under any other on the border."

"And you were with George Dunbar?"

"I was," Oswald replied. "But indeed, the service was not altogether to
my taste, for we were always pent up in Dunbar; and, save in a street
broil, there was no need to draw a sword. I was glad enough to leave
his service, though in truth, I have fared but badly, since."

"Now do you question him, Rotherglen."

A number of questions were put to Oswald, concerning the names of the
streets, the direction, the name of the principal inns, and the
approaches to the castle. All these were satisfactorily replied to.

"He knows Dunbar, there is no question about that.

"And you can use your arms?"

"I think so."

"We will have a trial," Baird said. "A man is no use to me, who cannot
use his weapon. Send Robert here."

In a minute, one of the young Bairds entered. He was a man of about
twenty-five, tall and sinewy, and was accounted the best swordsman of
his family.

"Cousin Robert," William Baird said, "this young fellow would enter our
service; but before I take him, I must see that he knows his business.
Do you take a turn with the sword with him.

"No, no, not a two-handed sword; I don't want him to be slain. Take a
couple of swords from the wall. Give him another steel cap, and full
body armour. That of his own would not keep out a good, downright
stroke."

By the time that Oswald was armed, a number of the Bairds and their
friends had assembled in the hall, hearing of what was going to take
place.

"A fine young fellow, truly," Rotherglen said. "In height and width, he
matches Robert well, though of course your cousin must be the more
powerful, seeing that he is some four or five years older than this
young fellow; who, when he reaches his age, bids fair to be well-nigh
as strong a man as that monk."

Roger had just entered, with the priest.

"Well, monk," Baird said, "we are going to try the mettle of your
companion of y