He took his flageolet from his pocket, and played a simple melody. Apparently the tune awoke the corresponding associations of a damsel, who, close beside a fine spring about half-way down the descent, and which had once supplied the castle with water, was engaged in bleaching linen. She immediately took up the song:
"Are these the Links of Forth, she said, Or are they the crooks of Dee. Or the hannie woods of Warroch Head That I so fain would see?"
"By heaven," said Bertram, "it is the very ballad. I must learn these words from the girl."
"Confusion!" thought Glossin; "if I cannot put a stop to this, all will be out. Oh, the devil take all ballads, and ballad-makers, and ballad-singers! and that d-d jade too, to set up her pipe!--You will have time enough for this on some other occasion," he said aloud; "at present"--(for now he saw his emissary with two or three men coming up the bank),--"at present we must have some more serious conversation together."
"How do you mean, sir?" said Bertram, turning short upon him, and not liking the tone which he made use of.
"Why, sir, as to that--I believe your name is Brown?" said Glossin.
Glossin looked over his shoulder to see how near his party had approached; they were coming fast on.
"Vanbeest Brown? if I mistake not."
