"
"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."
Half an hour later, Roger and Oswald mounted. His uncle sent two of his
men with them, saying that it would look strange were one man to come,
with two horses, to Parton; but that two, saying that their masters
would follow, would seem a more probable tale.
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