lves," the swarthy youth went on, "and we have
come to the conclusion that such holy palmers as you be, men from
Burgundy or the Midi, as I guess by your speech, Spaniards by your
cloaks and this good tax-gatherer's beard, ought long ago to have
taken the vows of poverty. If not, you shall take them now. For, most
worthy evangelistic four, be it known unto you that I am Saint Peter
and can loose or bind. So turn out your money-bags. Draw your blades,
limber lads!"

Whereupon his companions with one accord drew their swords and
advanced upon the Scots. These stood still without moving as if they
had been taken wholly unarmed.

"Shall I clout them now?" rumbled Malise the second time, with an
anxious desire in his voice.

"Bide a wee yet," whispered the Lord James; "we will try the soft
answer once more, and if that fail, why then, old Samson, you may
clout your fill."

"_His_ fill!" corrected Malise, grimly.

"Your pardon, good gentlemen," said James of Douglas aloud to the
spokesman, "we are poor men and travel with nothing but the merest
necessities--of which surely you would not rob us."

"Nay, holy St. Luke," mocked the swarthy one, "not rob. That is an
evil word--rather we would relieve you of temptation for your own
souls' good. You are come for your sins to Paris. You know that the
love of money is the root of all evil. So in giving to us who are
clerks of Paris you will not lose your ducats, but only contribute of
your abundance to Holy Mother Church. I am a clerk, see--I do not
deceive you! I will both shrive and absolve you in return for the
filthy lucre!"

And, commanding one of his rabble to hold a torch close to his head,
he uncovered and showed a tonsured crown.

"And if we refuse?" said Lord James, quietly.

"Then, good Doctor Luke," answered the youth, "we are ten to four--and
it would be our sad duty to send you all to heaven and then ease your
pockets, lest, being dead, some unsanctified passer-by might be
tempted to steal your money."

"Surely I may clout him now?" came again like the nearer growl of a
lion from Malise the smith.

Seeing the four men apparently intimidated and without means of
defence, the ten youths advanced boldly, some with swords in their
right hands and torches in their left, the rest with swords and
daggers both. The Scots stood silent and firm. Not a weapon showed
from beneath a cloak.

"Down on your knees!" cried the leader of the young roisterers, and
with hi