"To relieve them from such hard quarters, girded by a barrier
of English soldiers," continued the narrator, "is his first wish: but
that cannot be effected by our small number. However, he would make
the attempt by a strategem, could we be at all supported by succors
from the Earl of Mar!"
"My uncle's means," replied Murray, "are for a time cut off: but mine
shall be exerted to the utmost. Did you not meet, somewhere, a company
of Scots to the number of fifty? I sent them off yesterday to seek
your noble chief."
"No," rejoined the young man; "I fear they have been taken by the
enemy; for in my way to Sir William Wallace, not knowing the English
were so close to his sanctuary, I was nearly seized myself. I had not
the good fortune to be with him, when he struck the first blow for
Scotland in the citadel of Lanark; but as soon as I heard the tale of
his wrongs, and that he had retired in arms toward the Cartlane Craigs,
I determined to follow his fate. We had been companions in our boyish
days, and friends after. He saved my life once, in swimming; and now
that a formidable nation menaces his, I seek to repay the debt. For
this purpose, a few nights ago I left my guardian's house by stealth,
and sought my way to my friend.
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