"
The men dragged the tree forward, and striking it against the iron, it
burst open with the noise of thunder. Shrieks from within followed the
sound. The women of Lady Mar, not knowing what to suppose during the
uproar of the conflict, now hearing the door forced, expected nothing
less than that some new enemies were advancing; and, giving themselves
up to despair, they flew into the room where the countess sat in equal
though less clamorous terror.
At the shouts of the Scots, when they began the attack, the earl had
started from his couch. "That is not peace!" said he; "there is some
surprise!"
"Alas, from whom?" returned Lady Mar; "who would venture to attack a
fortress like this, garrisoned with thousands?"
The cry was repeated.
"It is the slogan of Sir William Wallace!" cried he; "I shall be free!
O, for a sword! Hear, hear!"
As the shouts redoubled, and, mingled with the various clangors of
battle, drew nearer the tower, the impatience of the earl could not be
restrained. Hope and eagerness seemed to have dried up his wounds and
new-strung every nerve, while unarmed as he was, he rushed from the
apartment, and hurried down the stairs which led to the iron door.
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