Kings of Carrick

HUNG FROM THE YETT. 171
On the return of Walter to the front of the Castle he
found Bargany, as he had left him, peering out into the night.
He had regained his composure, and, though deeply interested
and as deeply affected, he betrayed his feelings neither by
word nor look. The Bargany of a few minutes before had dis-
appeared ; the old Bargany, grim and resolute, hardened to
hard times, had taken his place.
" Let us sit here, Walter," he said, as he motioned the
servant of his late friend to a rude oaken seat close by the
doorway, " the night is fine."
Walter obeyed. He seated himself on the rough but not
uncomfortable bench, and without waiting permission from
Bargany told his story.
" It took place only this morning," he said, "just as the day
broke. Last evening the Master bade me harness his old
black charger. You know the horse. Many a time I have
told him he ought not to ride that horse. Six years ago when
he was in his prime he was a good, sound, speedy animal ; but
his best days were past, and in these times and in this country
a man, when he is mounted, ought to be well mounted. Else,
he should go on foot. I put the harness on the horse as he
bade me, and he rode away. By his order I went with him,
though I took care what horse it was that I bestrode. It was
that chestnut I rode to-night. He was at Auchensoul the
other day. You know the horse ? "
Bargany nodded assent.
" Well, we rode as far as the Yett of Craigneil, and had all
but completed our distance from home when, as we rounded
the sharp turn of the road below Craigneil, we were all at
once face to face with the Earl of Cassillis, and at least two
score of his men."
" Ah," said Bargany, warming in interest, " say you so ? "
"As soon as the Master saw them," continued the servant,
" he called to me to fly, and turned his horse's head as quickly
as he could. We had hardly got our horses well away ere the