And, as you persevere in your resolution not to
enter Scotland unaccompanied by me, and will share my attempt to rescue
Lady Helen Mar, we must direct our course immediately to the Continent."
"Yes, instantly, and securely, too, under the disguise of priests!"
returned Bruce. "I have in my possession the wardrobe of the confessor
who followed my father's fortunes, and who, on his death, retired into
the abbey which contains his remains."
It was then settled between the friends, that when it became dark they
should dress themselves in the confessor's robes, and by means of the
queen's signet, which she had given to Wallace at the banquet, pass the
guard as priests who had entered by some other gate, and were returned
from shriving her majesty. Once without the city, they could make a
swift progress southward to the nearest seaport, and there safely
embark for France; for they were well aware that the moment they were
missed suspicion would direct pursuit toward the Scottish border.
In these arrangements, and planning their future movements relative to
the rescue of Lady Helen, they passed several hours, and were only
interrupted by the arrival of a lute from the queen for her minstrel to
tune.
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