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had an extraordinary sense of honour. So much so, that if a 
clansman was found guilty of breaking his troth, or pledged word, 
he was hanged by his own people. A French writer of the period, 
giving an account of the battle of Otterburn, says: ‘“‘ English and 
Scotch are excellent men at arms, and when they meet in battle 
they do not spare each other so long as their weapons endure, but 
when it is over, they ransom their prisoners instantly, and so 
courteously that they return them thanks; but, when in battle, it 
is no child’s play.” 
During the twelfth and thirteenth centuries the lawlessness of 
the borders became so unbearable to both countries that they 
decided to divide the borderland into three marches—east, west, 
and middle. A warden was set on each border in each march, 
who was held responsible. A chain of watchers was drawn across 
; the country, and others set at the bridges, fords, waths, and passes. 
At certain periods and places these wardens met from the opposite 
marches to settle disputes and punish culprits. Great ceremony 
characterised these proceedings, as the wardens were accompanied 
by numerous henchmen, who were sworn to peace and good 
behaviour during truce. 
They were governed by certain laws, of which the following is a 
summary :— 
All found guilty of murder, robbery, and fire-raising with 
violence, to be hanged. 
All guilty of maiming and MOPS to be confined in a 
dungeon for six months or more. 
Receivers of stolen property treated as thieves. 
_ For pasturing over the border the cattle impounded. 
Ploughing, sowing, and hunting in the opposite realm prohibited. 
No shelter to be given to a murderer. 
All guilty of perjury to be burned on the face with a red-hot key 
and outlawed. 
A pass given from one realm to another to all peaceable persons. 
The value of live stock stolen was fixed as follows: An ox, 13s. 
4d ; a cow, tos.; an old sheep, 2s.; a goat, 16d., an old swine, 
6s.; a young swine, 2s. 
