But our nobles have always been ready to
turn traitors. They are mostly of Norman blood and Norman name, and no
small part of them have estates in England, as well as in Scotland.
Hence it is that our worst enemies have always been in our midst.
"And now it is time for bed, or you will be heavy in the morning; and I
know that you intend starting at dawn, with the dogs, and have promised
to bring in some hares for dinner."
Not only Oswald and Allan, but Janet also was afoot early; and, after
taking a basin of porridge, started for the hills, accompanied by four
dogs. They carried with them bows and arrows, in case the dogs should
drive the hares within shot.
Six hours later they returned, carrying with them five hares and a
brace of birds. These had both fallen to Oswald's bow, being shot while
on the ground; for in those days the idea that it was unsportsmanlike
to shoot game, except when flying, was unknown.
For a week they went out every day, sometimes with the dogs, but more
often with hawks; which were trained to fly, not only at birds in their
flight, but at hares, on whose heads they alighted, pecking them and
beating them so fiercely with their wings, that they gave time for the
party on foot to run up, and despatch the quarry with an arrow.
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