But from
what they say, the Bairds suffered more. Had they not done so, there
would have been a hot pursuit; but as far as we know there was none."
"The Bairds will bide their time," Armstrong said gravely. "They are
dour men, and will take their turn, though they wait ten years for it."
"At any rate they won't catch us sleeping, Uncle; and come they however
strong they may, they will find it hard work to capture the Hold."
"Ay, ay, lad, but I don't think they will try to knock their heads
against your wall. They are more like to sweep down on a sudden, and
your watchman will need keen eyes to make them out before they are
thundering at the gate, or climbing up the wall. However, your father
knows his danger, and it is of no use talking more of it. What is done
is done."
"And how is your mother, Oswald?" Mistress Armstrong asked.
"She is well, Aunt, and bade me give her love to you."
"Truly I wonder she keeps her health, with all these troubles and
anxieties. We had hoped that, after the meeting last March of the
Commissioners on both sides, when the Lords of the Marches plighted
their faith to each other, and agreed to surrender all prisoners
without ransom, and to forgive all offenders, we should have had peace
on the border.
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