The English commander, in his zeal to prevent
provisions being conveyed to Wallace and his famishing garrison, had
stopped a procession of monks bearing a dead body to the sepulchral
cave of St. Columba. He would not allow them to ascend the heights
until he had examined whether the bier really bore a corpse, or was a
vehicle to carry food to the beleaguered Scots.
In the midst of this information, the prior and his friends were
startled by a shout, and soon after a tumult of voices, in which might
be distinguished the cry of "A gallows for the traitor!"
"Our brave Englishman has fallen into their hands," cried Murray,
hastening toward the door.
"What would you do?" interrupted the prior, holding him. "Your single
arm could not save the soldier. The cross has more power; I will seek
these violent men. Meanwhile stay here, as you value the lives of all
in the convent."
Murray had now recollected himself, and acquiesced. The prior took the
crucifix from the altar, and ordering the porter to throw open the
great doors (near which the incessant shouting seemed to proceed), he
appeared before a turbulent band of soldiers, who were dragging a man
along, fast bound with their leathern belts.
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