human
You are not a married man, I think you told me?
gpt
No, I am not. There's time enough for that yet, returned the other with a smile.
human
You see, I am new to my situation of responsibility, and it's as well not to take in the wife till you are sure you can support her.
gpt
What like a house have you got, and how far is it from Stirling?
human
The house is well enough in its way; there's more room in it than I care to occupy. It's strongly built of stone, and could stand a siege if necessary, as very likely it has done in days long past, for it's a stout old mansion. It's near enough to Stirling for me to come in and see my friend the cobbler in the evening, and sleep in my own bed that night, if I care to do so.
gpt
Is it in a lonely place?
human
I can hardly say that. It is at the top of a bit hill, yet there's room enough to give you rest and retirement if you should think of keeping retreat from the busy world of the town. What's on your mind, Flemming? Are you swithering whether you'll turn farmer or no? Let me inform you that it's a poor occupation.
gpt
I'll tell you what's on my mind, Ballengeich, if you'll swear piously to keep it a secret.
human
Indeed, I'll do nothing of the sort, replied the young man decisively.
gpt
An honest man's bare word is as good as his bond, and the strongest oath ever sworn never yet kept a rascal from divulging a secret intrusted to him.
human
You're right in that; you're right in that, the cobbler hastened to add,
gpt
Then I venture to say you are engaged in some nefarious business. What is it? I'll tell nobody, and mayhap, young as I am, I can give you some plain, useful advice from the green fields that will counteract the pernicious notions that rise in the stifling wynds of the crowded town.
human
Well, I'm not at all sure that we don't need it, for to tell the truth I have met with a wild set of lads, and I find myself wondering how long my head will be in partnership with my body.
gpt
Is the case so serious as that?
human
Aye, it is.
gpt
Then why not withdraw?
human
Ah, that's easier said than done. When you once shut a spring door on yourself, it isn't by saying 'I will' that you get out. You'll not have forgotten the first night we met, when you jumped down on my back from the wall of the Grey Friars' Church?
gpt
I remember it very distinctly, but which was the more surprised, you or I, I have never yet been able to settle. I know I was very much taken aback.
human
Not so much as I, interrupted the cobbler dryly,
gpt
I was going to say, went on Ballengeich,
human
Oh, no more than mine, that I was there to catch a thief. It was none of my business to learn why you were in the kirkyard.
gpt
By the way, did you ever hear any more of the thief you were after?
human
That's just the point I am coming to. The man we were after was his youthful majesty, James the Fifth, of Scotland.
gpt
What, the king!
human
Just him, and no other, replied the cobbler,
gpt
I never heard the like of this!
human
You may well say that. You see it is known that the king in disguise visits a certain house, for what purpose his majesty will be able to tell you better than I. He goes unattended and secretly, and this gives us our chance.
gpt
But what in the name of the god of fools whoever he happens to be, would you do with Jamie once you got him?
human
And supposing he doesn't agree, are you going to cut his throat?
gpt
I don't know what would happen if he proved stubborn. The moderate section is just for locking him by somewhere until he listens to wisdom.
human
And it is in your mind that my house should become a prison for the king?
gpt
It seems to me worth considering.
human
There seems to me very little worth considering in the matter. It is a mad scheme. Supposing the king promised under compulsion, what would be his first action the moment he returned to Stirling Castle? He would scour the country for you, and your heads would come off one by one like buttons from an old coat.
gpt
That's what I said. 'Trust the word of a Stuart,' says I, 'it's pure nonsense!'
human
Oh I'm not sure but the word of a Stuart is as good as the word of any other man,
gpt
You're not such an enemy of the king as you let on at first, commented the mender of shoes.
human
I doubt if I should have told you all this.
gpt
Have no fear. I can pledge you that my word is as good as a Stuart's at least.
human
I hope it's a good deal better.
gpt
Your plan is not only useless, but dangerous, my friend. I told you I would give you my advice, and now you have it. Do you think James is a lad that you can tie to your bench stool here, lock your door, and expect to find him when you came back? You must remember that James has been in captivity before, when the Earl of Angus thought he had him secure in the stronghold of Falkland, and yet, Jamie, who was then but a lad of sixteen, managed to escape. Man Flemming, I must tell you about that some day.
human
Tell me about what?
gpt
Oh well, it may not be true after all, said young Ballengeich in confusion,
human
Oh, that's soon said, cried the cobbler with some impatience.
gpt
I see your difficulty, said the laird;
human
Does the toad want to get from under the harrow?
gpt
When is your next meeting, and where?
human
The meetings are held in this room, and the next will be on Wednesday night at eleven o'clock.
gpt
Bless my soul! cried Ballengeich.
human
Would nothing content you but to drink the whole bucketful? The rendezvous in your shop! Then whoever escapes, your head's on a pike.
gpt
Aye,
human
It isn't taking very many of you to overturn the House of Stuart,
gpt
There's just one less than a dozen,
human
Then we'll make up the number to the even twelve, hoping good luck will attend us, for we will be as many as the Apostles. Between now and Wednesday you might confer with your leaders, Flemming. Tell them you know a young man you can trust, who owns exactly the kind of house that James can be kept fast in, if he is captured. Say that your new conspirator will take the oath, or anything else they like to give, and add, what is more to the purpose, that he has a plot of his own which differs from theirs, in giving at least as much chance of success, and possesses the additional advantage of being safe. Whether his plan miscarries or not, there will be no need to fear a reprisal, and that is much to say in its favour.
gpt
It is everything in its favour,
human
Very well, then, I will meet you here on Wednesday night at this time, and learn whether or no they agree to have me as one of their number. If they refuse, there's no harm done; I shall say nothing, and the king will know no more about the matter than he does now.
gpt
I could not ask better assurance than that,