A
thousand echoes returned the notes; and after a pause, which allowed
their last response to die away, the air was answered by a horn from
the heights of Cragnacoheilg. An armed man then appeared on the rock,
leaning forward. Ker drew near, and taking off his bonnet, called
aloud: "Stephen! it is William Ker who speaks. I come with the Lord
Andrew Murray of Bothwell, to the support of our commander, Sir William
Wallace."
At these words, Stephen placed his bugle to his mouth, and in a few
minutes the rock was covered with the members of its little garrison.
Women and children appeared, shouting with joy; and the men, descending
the side near the glen, hastened to bid their comrade welcome. One
advanced toward Murray, whom he instantly recognized to be Sir Roger
Kirkpatrick of Torthorald. The chiefs saluted each other; and Lord
Andrew pointed to his men: "I have brought," said he, "these few brave
fellows to the aid of Sir William Wallace. They should have been more,
but for new events of Southron outrage. Yet I am impatient to lead
them to the presence of my uncle's preserver."
Kirkpatrick's answer disappointed the eager spirit of the young
warrior: "I am sorry, brave Murray, that you have no better knight to
receive you than myself.
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