charter are also
alternative, - exuere, seu detrahere; that is, to undo, as in the case of
sandals or brogues; and to pull off, as we say vernacularly, concerning boots.
Yet I would we had more light; but I fear there is little chance of finding
hereabout any erudite author de re vestiariâ.«
    »I should doubt it very much,« said the Chieftain, looking around on the
straggling Highlanders, who were returning loaded with spoils of the slain,
»though the res vestiaria itself seems to be in some request at present.«
    This remark coming within the Baron's idea of jocularity, he honoured it
with a smile, but immediately resumed what to him appeared very serious
business.
    »Bailie Macwheeble indeed holds an opinion, that this honorary service is
due, from its very nature, si petatur tantum; only if his Hoyal Highness shall
require of the great tenant of the crown to perform that personal duty; and
indeed he pointed out the case in Dirleton's Doubts and Queries, Grippet versus
Spicer, anent the eviction of an estate ob non solutum canonem, that is, for
non-payment of a feu-duty of three pepper-corns a-year, whilk were taxt to be
worth seven-eighths of a penny Scots, in whilk the defender was assoilzied. But
I deem it safest, wi' your good favour, to place myself in the way of rendering
the Prince this service, and to proffer performance thereof; and I shall cause
the Bailie to attend with a schedule of a protest, whilk he has here prepared
(taking out a paper), intimating, that if it shall be his Royal Highness's
pleasure to accept of other assistance at pulling off his caligæ (whether the
same shall be rendered boots or brogues) save that of the said Baron of
Bradwardine, who is in presence ready and willing to perform the same, it shall
in no wise impinge upon or prejudice the right of the said Cosmo Comyne
Bradwardine to perform the said service in future; nor shall it give any
esquire, valet of the chamber, squire, or page, whose assistance it may please
his Royal Highness to employ, any right, title, or ground, for evicting from the
said Cosmo Comyne Bradwardine the estate and barony of Bradwardine, and others
held as aforesaid, by the due and faithful performance thereof.«
    Fergus highly applauded this arrangement; and the Baron took a friendly
leave of them, with a smile of contented importance upon his visage.
    »Long live our dear friend the Baron,« exclaimed the Chief