"
"I am not come here," replied Wallace indignantly, "to betray my
country! I know you, Lord Athol: and your conduct and mine will this
day prove who is most worthy the confidence of Scotland."
"This day," cried Athol, "shall see you lay down the power you have
usurped."
"It shall see me maintain it, to your confusion," replied Wallace, "and
were you not surrounded by Scots of too tried a worth for me to suspect
their being influenced by your rebellious example, I would this moment
make you feel the arm of justice. But the foe is in sight; do your
duty now, sir earl, and for the sake of the house to which you belong,
even this intemperate conduct shall be forgotten."
At this instant, Sir John Graham, hastening forward, exclaimed:
"The Southrons are bearing down upon us!"
Athol glanced at their distant host and turning on Wallace with a
sarcastic smile, "My actions," cried he, "shall indeed decide the day!"
and striking his spurs furiously into his horse, he rejoined Lord
Badenoch's legion.
Edward did indeed advance in a most terrible array. Above a hundred
thousand men swelled his numerous ranks; and with these were united all
from the Lothians and Teviotdale, whom the influence of the faithless
March and the vindictive Soulis could bring into the field.
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