

WHITEHOUSE 



received him dressed in the same rustic disguise 

 as before. Having shown John Howieson round 

 the palace, he asked him whether he would like 

 to see the King. "Aye, that wad I" exclaimed 

 John, "if nae offence be gi'en or ta'en. But hoo' 

 will I ken his grace 1 amang the nobeelity?" 



"Oh, youll ken him fine, John/' replied the 

 King, "for hell be the only man covered amang 

 them a'." 



Then the King brought his guest to the great 

 hall where were assembled many peers and officers 

 of state, bravely attired in silk and velvet of 

 many hues, passmented with gold and silver lace. 

 John had on the best clothes he had, but felt 

 abashed amid so great splendour, and tried in vain 

 to distinguish the King. 



"Wasna I having ye telt that ye wad ken 

 his grace by his going covered/' said James. 



John took another look round the hall; then 

 turned to his guide, saying: 



" God, man ! it maun either be you or me that's 

 King o' Scots, for there's nane ither here carryin' 

 his bonnet." 



Then the secret came out, followed by the 

 promised guerdon, which was no less than a grant to 

 John Howieson and his descendants of the farm of 

 Braehead, to be held of the Crown for ever, on 



J The title of "Majesty" was first assumed in England by Henry VIII., and 

 in Scotland was first applied to the monarch in Queen Mary's reign. Some may 

 be disposed to regret the change, holding that grace is a more kingly attribute 

 than majesty. 



37 



