rebuke and entreaty, »remember
you are speaking to one of his Majesty's officers high in the service.«
    »It is for that very reason, sir,« returned Henry, firmly, »that I desire to
know what right he has to detain me without a legal warrant. Were he a civil
officer of the law, I should know my duty was submission.«
    »Your friend, here,« said Claverhouse to the veteran, coolly, »is one of
those scrupulous gentlemen, who, like the madman in the play, will not tie his
cravat without the warrant of Mr. Justice Overdo; but I will let him see, before
we part, that my shoulder-knot is as legal a badge of authority as the mace of
the Justiciary. - So, waiving this discussion, you will be pleased, young man,
to tell me directly when you saw Balfour of Burley.«
    »As I know no right you have to ask such a question,« replied Morton, »I
decline replying to it.«
    »You confessed to my sergeant,« said Claverhouse, »that you saw and
entertained him, knowing him to be an intercommuned traitor: why are you not so
frank with me?«
    »Because,« replied the prisoner, »I presume you are, from education, taught
to understand the rights upon which you seem disposed to trample; and I am
willing you should be aware there are yet Scotsmen who can assert the liberties
of Scotland.«
    »And these supposed rights you would vindicate with your sword, I presume?«
said Colonel Grahame.
    »Were I armed as you are, and we were alone upon a hillside, you should not
ask me the question twice.«
    »It is quite enough,« answered Claverhouse, calmly; - »your language
corresponds with all I have heard of you; - but you are the son of a soldier,
though a rebellious one, and you shall not die the death of a dog; I will save
you that indignity.«
    »Die in what manner I may,« replied Morton, »I will die like the son of a
brave man; and the ignominy you mention shall remain with those who shed
innocent blood.«
    »Make your peace, then, with Heaven, in five minutes' space. - Bothwell,
lead him down to the courtyard, and draw up your party.«
    The appalling nature of this conversation, and of its result, struck the
silence of horror into all but the speakers. But now those who stood around
broke forth