Violent tumults were the
consequence; but Loch-awe's litter being guarded by a double rank of
armed chieftains, and the keep being hemmed round by his men prepared
to put to the sword every Scot hostile to the proposition of their
lord, the insurgents at last complied, and forced Badenoch to
relinquish the royal packet. This effected, Loch-awe and his train
returned to the monastery. Wallace refused to resume the dignity he
had resigned, the reinvestment of which had been extorted from the
lords in the citadel.
"No," said he to Loch-awe; "it is indeed time that I should sink into
shades where I cannot be found, since I am become a word of contention
amongst my countrymen."
"He was not to be shaken," continued Ruthven; "but seeing matter in the
French dispatches that ought to be answered without delay, he yet
remains a few days at Falkirk."
"Then we will await him here," cried the countess.
"That cannot be," answered Ruthven, "it would be against ecclesiastical
law to detain the sacred dead so long from the grave. Wallace will
doubtless visit Braemar, therefore I advise that to-morrow you leave
Falkirk."
Edwin seconded this counsel; and fearing to make further opposition,
she silently acquiesced.
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