, in the fascination of that wonderful
unearthly countenance, and in the inertness of faculties stunned by
fatigue and excitement, but James summoned him by a touch, and he again
followed him.

'O Sir!' he began, when they had turned away, 'I repent me of my falling
away to the world! I give all up. Let me back to my vows of old.'

'We will talk of that another time,' said James, gravely. 'Neither you
nor I, Malcolm, can think reasonably under such a blow as this; and I
forbid you rashly to bind yourself.'

'Sir, Sir!' cried Malcolm, petulantly. 'You took me from the straight
way. You shall not hinder my return!'

'I hinder no true purpose,' said King James. 'I only hinder another rash
and hasty pledge, to be felt as a fetter, or left broken on your
conscience. Silence now. When men are sad and spent they cannot speak
as befits them, and had best hold their peace.'

These words were spoken on the way up the stair that led to the
apartments of the King of Scots. On opening the door of the larger room,
the first thing they saw was the tall figure of a distinguished-looking
knight, who, as they entered, flung himself at King James's feet,
fervently exclaiming, 'O my liege! accept my homage! Never was vassal so
bound to his lord by thankfulness for his life, and for far more than his
life!'

'Sir Patrick Drummond, I am glad to see you better at ease,' said James.
'Nay, suffer me,' he added, giving his hand to raise the knight, but
finding it grasped and kissed with passionate devotion, almost
overpowering the only half-recovered knight, so that James was forced to
use strength to support him, and would at once have lifted him up, but
the warm-hearted Patrick resisted, almost sobbing out--'Nay, Sir! king of
my heart indeed! let me first thank you. I knew not how much more I owed
you than the poor life you saved--my father's rescue, and that of all
that was most dear.'

'Speak of such things seated, my good friend,' said James, trying to
raise him; but Drummond still did not second his efforts.

'I have not given my parole of honour as the captive whose life is again
due to you.'

'You must give that to the Duke of Bedford, Sir Patrick,' said James. 'I
know not if I am to be put into ward myself. In any case you are safe,
by the good King's grace, so you pledge yourself to draw no sword against
England in Scotland or France till ransom be accepted for you.'

'Alack!' said Patrick, 'I have neither swor