While he was yet speaking the thunder became more
tremendous, and the lightning rolled in volumes along the ground, the
horses of the troop became restive, and one of them threw its rider.
Cries of lamentation, mingling with the groans of the fallen person,
excited the compassion of Wallace. He rode toward the spot from when
the latter proceeded, and asked the nearest bystander (for several had
alighted) whether the unfortunate man was much hurt. The answer
returned was full of alarm for the sufferer, and anxiety to obtain some
place of shelter, for rain began to fall. In a few minutes it
increased to torrents, and the lightning ceasing, deepened the horrors
of the scene by preventing the likelihood of discovering any human
abode. The men gathered round their fallen companion bewailing the
prospect of his perishing under these inclemencies; but Wallace cheered
them by saying he would seek a shelter for their friend, and blow his
bugle when he had found one. With the word he turned his horse, and as
he galloped along, called aloud on any Christian man who might live
near, to open his doors to a dying traveler! After riding about in all
directions, he saw a glimmering light for a moment, and then all was
darkness; but again he called aloud for charity! and a shrill female
voice answered, "I am a lone woman, with already one poor traveler in
my house; but, for the Virgin's sake, I will open my door to you,
whatever you may be.
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