"We must spare this good old man," returned he, "and have him conducted
to his home before I declare it publicly; but the Earl of Mar is again
a prisoner, and in Stirling."
Murray, who instantly comprehended his uncle's danger speeded the
departure of Sir Richard; and as Wallace held his stirrup, the chief
laid his hand on his head, and blessed him. "The seer of Ercildown is
too ill to bring his benediction himself, but I breathe it over this
heroic brow!" Wallace bowed his head in silence; and the bridle being
in the hand of Lord Andrew, he led the horse out of the eastern gate of
the town, where, taking leave of the veteran knight, he soon rejoined
his commander, whom he found in the midst of his chieftains.
He had informed them of the Earl of Mar's danger, and the policy as
well as justice of rescuing so powerful and patriotic a nobleman from
the threatened execution. Lord Ruthven needed no arguments to
precipitate him to the assistance of his brother and his wife; and the
anxieties of the affectionate Edwin were all awake when he knew that
his mother was a prisoner. Lord Andrew smiled proudly when he returned
his cousin's letter to Wallace.
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