One day, about three hundred years ago as all good Scottish stories go, the King was traveling from London to Edinburgh.

It was a fine Spring day and there was nobody about, so the King asked his royal coachman if he could take a turn at commanding the strong train of spirted horses pulling the coach. The coachman reluctantly turned the reins over; his Majesty climbed up and urged the team on -- first walking, then into a fast gallop and finally into a dead run.

Soon both horses and carriage were completely out of control. Yet, the King had a broad excited smile upon his face, for he was having the time of his life.

Meanwile the coachman was terrified, for if the king was killed while in his care he would certainly be executed! The coachman begged the king to slow the carriage down, but the king and urged the horses faster. Out of fear for his life, the coachmen passout in the carriage below.

At just that moment, a squad of Dragoons or Scottish Cavalry spotted the carriage. It was moving so fast the officer in command did not recognize the royal carriage. He thought it must be someone in danger or a carriage that has been stolen by reevers. So the officer sent a young cadet after the carriage to investigate.

When the young cadet finally reach the carriage he immediately recognized the king. Somewhat confused, the cadet allowed the carriage to continue on its way and returned to unit.

Upon his return the officer asked, "Who was in the coach, a thief or bandit?"

The cadet replied, "No, sir, someone of great importance"

The officer then asked, "Who then, the local Sheriff?"

"Oh no, sir," replied the cadet, "someone much more important."

"More important?" asked the officer. "Was it the Earl?"

"Oh no, sir," trembled the cadet, "someone even more important the the Earl."

"I give up," growled the officer. "Who was it?"

The cadet nervously said "I dunna know, but the King is his coachman!"