And when they were through , the King -LRB- for all he was a rank usurper -RRB- spoke them fair and gave each man three guineas in his hand . Now , as they were going out of the palace , they had a porter 's lodge to go by ; and it came in on my father , as he was perhaps the first private Hieland gentleman that had ever gone by that door , it was right he should give the poor porter a proper notion of their quality . So he gives the King 's three guineas into the man 's hand , as if it was his common custom ; the three others that came behind him did the same ; and there they were on the street , never a penny the better for their pains . Some say it was one , that was the first to fee the King 's porter ; and some say it was another ; but the truth of it is , that it was Duncan Stewart , as I am willing to prove with either sword or pistol . And that was the father that I had , God rest him ! '' `` I think he was not the man to leave you rich , '' said I. `` And that 's true , '' said Alan . `` He left me my breeks to cover me , and little besides . And that was how I came to enlist , which was a black spot upon my character at the best of times , and would still be a sore job for me if I fell among the red-coats . '' `` What , '' cried I , `` were you in the English army ? '' `` That was I , '' said Alan . `` But I deserted to the right side at Preston Pans -- and that 's some comfort . '' I could scarcely share this view : holding desertion under arms for an unpardonable fault in honour . But for all I was so young , I was wiser than say my thought . `` Dear , dear , '' says I , `` the punishment is death . '' `` Ay '' said he , `` if they got hands on me , it would be a short shrift and a lang tow for Alan ! But I have the King of France 's commission in my pocket , which would aye be some protection . '' `` I misdoubt it much , '' said I. `` I have doubts mysel ' , '' said Alan drily . `` And , good heaven , man , '' cried I , `` you that are a condemned rebel , and a deserter , and a man of the French King 's -- what tempts ye back into this country ? It 's a braving of Providence . '' `` Tut ! ''
says XXXXX , `` I have been back every year since forty-six ! ''
Alan France Hieland King Providence deserter guineas left right shrift