Volume 1 - Electric Scotland

clii SIR JAMES JOHNSTONE OF JOHNSTONE, KNIGHT, 1587-1 G08.
back together. Sir Eobert Maxwell now desired Sir James tiud his frieud
to stop where they were until lie returned, or gave them a sign to come
forward by holding up his napkin upon the point of his riding switch.
Riding forward to Lord Maxwell he told him that Sir James was coining
accompanied by William Johnstone of Lockerbie. Sir Eobert regretted
that Lord Maxwell's attendant was Charles Maxwell, from whose character
he was apprehensive tliat trcacliery or mischief might arise. He, how-
ever, did not express his apprehensions, but again solicited Lord Maxwell
to renev,' his oath of strict fidelity, llis lordship having complied. Sir
Eobert left, and when about mid\^ ay between the two parties, he gave the
preconcerted signal by holding up his napkin on the point of his switch.
Sir James and his attendant thereupon rode forward to Sir Eobert, who told
Sir James that Lord j\Laxwell, accompanied by Charles ilaxwell alone, was
at the place aiipointed w'aiting for them. Sir James declared that he was
satisfied with Cliarles Maxwell in preference to any other person, because he
was John Murray of Cockpool's sister's son. Sir Eobert took Sir James's
oath of fidelity, for himself and his man, as he had done in the case of
Lord Maxwell, by his liaiid laid in his, v/liether an agreement were come
to or not.
Johnstone and Maxwell having joined company, tlie attendants of both
parties were commanded by their respective chieftains to ride off from
them and also from each other. Lord Maxwell and Sir James, after
mutual salutations, rode togetlier, Sir Eobert being in tl e middle, suit-
ably to his character as mediator between them. Their backs were turned
to the two attendants, but Sir Eobert upon looking behind saw Charles
Maxwell hurrying towards AVilliani Johnstone. Immediately an alterca-
tion arose. " Gif I had knawn of tliis tryist," said the former to the
latter, " the Lord Maxwell uather cidd nor suld half brocht me heir." " I
hoip iu God, Charlis," returned tlic other in a conciliatory tone, "ye sail
nocht rew of yonr cnmming heir! For thir twa noblemen hcs bene lang in