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.
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