noons ago
`` Nay , '' said the youth , `` let it please your greatness , I am a servant of my Lord of Crichton , and come from his new castle in the Lothians . '' `` Doth the Chancellor abide there at this present ? '' asked the Earl . `` He came two noons ago with but one attendant , and bade us make ready for a great company who were to arrive there this very day . Then he gave me these two letters and set my head on the safe delivery of them . '' `` Sholto , '' cried the young lord , `` summon the guard and men-at-arms . Take all that can be spared from the defence of the castle and make ready to follow me .