"This," added Grimsby, "is my story; and whoever you are,
noble lord, if you think me not unworthy your protection, grant it, and
you shall find me faithful unto death."
"I owe you that, and more," replied the chief; "I am that Wallace on
whose account you fled your country; and if you be willing to share the
fortunes of one who may live and die in camps, I pledge you that my
best destiny shall be yours." Could Grimsby in his joyful surprise
have thrown himself at the feet of Wallace, he would have done so; but
taking hold of the end of his scarf, he pressed it enthusiastically to
his lips, and exclaimed:
"Bravest of the brave, this is beyond my prayers; to meet here the
triumphant lord of Scotland! I fell innocently into disgrace; ah! how
am I now exalted unto honor! My country would have deprived me of
life; I am therefore dead to it, and live only to gratitude and you!"
"Then," replied Wallace, "as the first proof of the confidence I repose
in you, know that the young chief who is riding forward with Lady Helen
is Robert Bruce, the Prince of Scotland. Our next enterprise is to
place him upon the throne of his ancestors. Meanwhile, till we license
you to do otherwise, keep our names a secret, and call us by those we
may hereafter think fit to assume.
Pages:
944
945
946
947
948
949
950
951
952
953
954
955
956
957
958
959
960
961
962
963
964
965
966
967
968