The chief of ruined Ellerslie recognized his servant; and, with
redoubled indignation, his followers heard the history of the moldering
ashes before them."
"Brave, persecuted Wallace!" exclaimed the earl; "how dearly was my
life purchased! But proceed, Halbert; tell me that he returned safe
from Lanark."
Halbert now recounted the dreadful scenes which took place in that
town; and that when the governor fell, Wallace made a vow never to
mingle with the world again till Scotland should be free."
"Alas!" cried the earl, "what miracle is to effect that? Surely he
will not bury those noble qualities, that prime of manhood, within the
gloom of a cloister!"
"No, my lord; he has retired to the fastnesses of Cartlane Craigs."
"Why," resumed Mar, "why did he not rather fly to me? This castle is
strong; and while one stone of it remains upon another, not all the
hosts of England should take him hence."
"It was not your friendship he doubted," returned the old man, "love
for his country compels him to reject all comfort in which she does not
share. His last words to me were these: 'I have nothing now to do but
to assert the liberties of Scotland, and to rid her of her enemies.
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