They have
many foes across the border, and some on this side, and are forced to
hold their own as they may. It was but two days ago that they were
obliged to punish a family that have long been at feud with them, and
who might well have fallen upon their holds, if they marched into
England with Douglas. However, they have brought off two hostages for
the good behaviour of these people."
"Yes, I heard a chance word, in the village, that a party had just
returned from a foray, and had brought back a number of prisoners."
"Not a number, brother, but two girls."
"I have seen no women in the castle," Roger said.
"No. William Baird lost his wife years ago, and cares not to have women
in the hold. There is not a married man among the garrison. If a man
takes him a wife, he must go and settle on the lands.
"The women are in a safe place of keeping. They are overhead. There are
wild young fellows among the Bairds, and the girls are good looking;
therefore he thought it best to place them in my charge, and that is
why you see two sentries marching on the battlements, one on each side
of this turret. He himself keeps the key of their chamber, handing it
over to me every morning, and receiving it again at night--a precaution
wholly unnecessary, methinks.
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