The lieutenant started, horror-struck. "It is now too late! We have
not made the first overture, and there sounds the death-bell of this
garrison! I saved your life, earl!" cried he, imploringly, to Lord
Mar; "when the enraged Cressingham commanded me to pull the cord which
would have launched you into eternity. I disobeyed him! For my sake,
then, preserve this garrison, and accompany me to the ramparts."
The chains were immediately knocked off the limbs of Lord Mar, and the
lieutenant presenting him with a sword, they appeared together on the
battlements. As the declining moon shone on their backs, Murray did
not discern that it was his uncle who mounted the walls; but calling to
him in a voice which declared there was no appeal, pointed to the
humbled colors of Edward, and demanded the instant surrender of the
citadel.
"Let it be, then with the pledge of Sir William Wallace's mercy?" cried
the venerable earl.
"With every pledge, Lord Mar," returned Murray, now joyfully
recognizing his uncle, "which you think safe to give."
"Then the keys of the citadel are yours," cried the lieutenant; "I only
ask the lives of my garrison.
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