It contained two others. One directed to Sir James
Douglas, at Paris, and the other to me. I read as follows:
"'Athol has persuaded Baliol to his ruin, and betrayed me into the
hands of Edward. I shall see Scotland no more. Send the inclosed to
my son at Paris; it will inform him what is the last wish of William
Douglas for his country. The iron box I confided to you, guard as your
life, until you can deposit it with my son. But should he remain
abroad, and you ever be in extremity, commit the box in strict charge
to the worthiest Scot you know; and tell him that it will be at the
peril of his soul, who dares to open it, till Scotland be again free!
When that hour comes, then let the man by whose valor God restores her
rights, receive the box as his own; for by him only it is to be opened.
Douglas.'"
Monteith finished reading the letter, and remained silent. Wallace,
who had listened to it with increasing indignation against the enemies
of Scotland, spoke first: "Tell me in what I can assist you: or how
serve these last wishes of the imprisoned Douglas."
Monteith replied by reading over again this sentence-"'Should my son
remain abroad, and you ever be in extremity, commit the box in strict
charge to the worthiest Scot you know.
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