it means loss, and may well mean ruin, if the
English army again marches through Scotland. We can discover no reason
why the two countries should not live peaceably together, each going
about its own business. I have heard it said, before now, that it would
be a good thing for both countries if the border districts on both
sides were stripped altogether of their people, and allowed to lie
desolate.

"Ay, it would be a rare thing, that. It is thieving loons, on both
sides of the border, that keep up the ill feeling; and the loss would
not be great, seeing that there are plenty of waste tracts where the
people might be bestowed, and pass their time more profitably, in
raising crops and cattle, than in destroying or carrying off those of
their neighbours. However, young sir, that is not like to be, in our
time."

"I am afraid not, Sanderson, and we must needs make the best we can of
things, as they stand. I think that 'twould be well, if the English do
come north again and capture Edinburgh, and ruin trade for years, to
cross the seas to France, and take service there."

"Scarce spoken like a peaceful trader," the landlord laughed; "but I
doubt not you would make a good soldier, and that a sword would suit
your hand to the full as well as a yard measure.

"Well, it makes not so much difference, to me. Men must eat and drink,
and though my wine would be drunk up without payment, and I should have
to run the risk of being killed on the walls, if the English came; I
should know that, in a short time, men would come and go as before, and
that they will drink good wine if they have money to pay for it, and in
six months my trade would be as brisk as ever; but men seem to think
that, this time, it will be the Scots who will invade England, for the
English barons have had enough of wars in France, and will be slow in
furnishing their quota when called on; and that we shall carry fire and
sword through the northern counties."

"That we may do, though Northumberland and Hotspur will doubtless have
something to say to it. I fear it will be as it has been, many a time
before. Our armies will march back with their plunder, the news of the
damage done will inflame all England, and then a great army will march
north. The nobles will hasten to make terms for themselves, and the
harm and damage will fall upon quiet people, who had nought whatever to
do with the invasion."

"True enough, young sir, true enough, though it is a shame