wards
dismissed and sent into Scotland.

James the Fourth having then ascended the Scottish throne, after the
murder of his predecessor, exceedingly resented this action, and
instantly sent ambassadors to Henry demanding satisfaction, on which the
king gave this memorable answer, "That the punishment of pirates was
never held a breach of peace among princes." King James, however, was
still dissatisfied, and from that time was never thoroughly reconciled
to the English nation.

Sir Andrew was descended from a good family in Scotland, and adopted a
seafaring life when very young. A motive of concealment might be the
cause of his erecting a mansion here, the roads being then almost
impassable; and the extensive woods, which lay in almost every direction
from this spot, together with its great distance from the sea-side,
might be additional recommendations in its favour. An opinion exists,
though now involved in much doubt and obscurity, that his immediate
descendant was the Sir Roger Barton whom we have already named, and unto
whom this pious servant of the truth was about to commit himself.

On venturing through the gate, Marsh observed several men standing by a
door on the left hand, being the principal entrance.

"What, ho!" said one, "art come to morning prayers?"

"Nay," replied another, "his cap cleaves to a heretic's sconce."

"'Tis Marsh," said the foremost of the group, who proved to be Roger
Wrinstone, the knight's prime minister, constable, and entrapper of
heretics. "Now, by my faith," he continued, "if this wily fox do not
think, by his coming, to take Justice by the nose, and outface her
through his impudence. But he will be sore mistaken if he think to
outwit our master by his cunning. Good friend, thy business?" said
Wrinstone, cap in hand, addressing the minister scornfully, and
thrusting his tongue into his cheek, to the great diversion of his
companions, who, with shouts of laughter, began to ape the buffoonery of
their leader.

"I would fain speak with the Justice," said the stranger, meekly.

"And suppose I were he," said Wrinstone, putting himself into an
attitude of great authority and importance, setting out his paunch, at
the same time, something like unto the knight himself. Another laugh, or
rather titter, went through the courtyard at this exploit; a suspicious
glance, however, was directed towards the casement above, some
apprehensions evidently existing lest Sir Roger should have been