The
king could not return any reasonable answers to the arguments which
were offered to induce him to remain, but continued to repeat, with
groans and tears. 'It is my fate.' Athol sat knitting his black brows
during this conversation; and at last throwing out some sullen remarks
to Lord Douglas on exhorting the king to defy his liege lord, he
abruptly left the room.
"As soon as he was gone, Baliol rose from his seat with a very anxious
countenance, and taking my patron into an adjoining room, they
continued there a few minutes, and then reentered. Doublas brought
with him this iron box. 'Monteith,' said he, 'I confide this to your
care.' Putting the box under my arm and concealing it with my
cloak-'Carry it,' continued he, 'directly to my castle in Lanarkshire.
I will rejoin you there, in four-and-twenty hours after your arrival.
Meanwhile, by your affection for me and fidelity to your king, breathe
not a word of what has passed.'
"'Look on that, and be faithful!' said Baliol, putting this ruby ring
on my finger. I withdrew, with the haste his look dictated; and as I
crossed the outward hall, was met by Athol. He eyed me sternly, and
inquired whither I was going.
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