My cousin
set forth with a few followers to join him-a few against thousands."
"They are in arms for their country, lady," returned the knight; "and a
thousand invisible angels guard them; fear not for them! But for your
father; name to me the place of his confinement, and as I have not the
besiegers of Cartlane Craigs to encounter. I engage, with God's help,
and the arms of my men (who never yet shrunk from sword or spear), to
set the brave earl free!"
"How!" exclaimed Helen, remembering that she had not yet mentioned her
father's rank, and gazing at him with astonishment; "do you know his
name-is the misfortune of my father already so far spread?"
"Rather say his virtue, lady," answered the knight; "no man who watches
over the destiny of our devoted country can be ignorant of her friends,
or of the sufferers who bear injury for her sake. I know that the Earl
of Mar has made himself a generous sacrifice, but I am yet to learn the
circumstances from you. Speak without reserve, that I may seek the
accomplishment of my vow, and restore to Scotland its best friend!"
"Thou brother in heart to the generous Wallace!" exclaimed Lady Helen,
"my voice is too feeble to thank thee.
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