Having obtained this permission, Archie went to the spot where his band were encamped.  “I have another expedition for you,” he said, “this time all together; when that is over you will be able to go home for a few days for a rest.  They will all be glad to see you, and may well be proud of you, and I doubt not that the spoil which you gathered at Ayr and elsewhere will create quite a sensation at Glen Cairn.  There are some of you who are, as I remember in the old days, good shots with the bow and arrow.  Do ten of you who were the best at home get bows and arrows from the store.  Here is an order for you to receive them, and be all in readiness to march at daylight.”

The next morning the band set out in a southwesterly direction, and after a long day’s march halted near Cumnock.  In the morning they started at the same time, observing more caution as they went, for by the afternoon they had crossed the stream and were within the boundaries of Carrick.  They halted for the night near Crossraguel Abbey.  Here for the first time Archie confided to his followers the object of their march.

“We are now,” he said, “within a few miles of Turnberry Castle, the residence of Bruce.  Sir William has a great desire to speak with him; but, seeing that Bruce is at present fighting for King Edward against Douglas, there is little chance of such a meeting coming about with his goodwill.  He has recently returned from Douglasdale.  Here, in the heart of his own country, it is like enough that he may ride near his castle with but a few horsemen.  In that case we will seize him, without, I trust, having to do him hurt, and will bear him with us to Lanark.  We may have to wait some time before we find an opportunity; but even if the ten days for which I have asked, lengthen to as many weeks, Sir William will not grudge the time we have spent if we succeed.  Tomorrow morning let those who have bows go out in the forest and see if they can shoot a deer; or failing that, bring in a sheep or two from some of the folds.  As each of you has brought with you meal for ten days, we shall be able to keep an eye on Turnberry for some time.”

The next day Archie, with Andrew Macpherson and Cluny Campbell, made their way through the woods until within sight of the castle, which was but a mile distant.  The strongholds of the lords of Carrick stood on a bold promontory washed by the sea.

“It would be a hard nut to crack, Sir Archie,” his lieutenant said.  “Unless by famine, the place could scarce be taken.”

“No,” Archie replied, “I am glad that our mission is rather to capture the earl than his castle.  It is a grand fortalice.  Would that its owner were but a true Scotchman!  This is a good place on which we are standing, Andrew, to place a scout.  Among the trees here he can watch the road all the way from the castle to the point where it enters the forest.  Do you, Cluny, take post here at once.  Mark well all that passes, and what is doing, and all bodies of men who enter or leave the castle.  There is no occasion to bring news to me, for it would be unlikely that we should meet in the forest; you have therefore only to watch.  Tomorrow I shall return with the band, and encamp in the woods farther back.  Directly we arrive, you will be relieved of your guard.”