How did you become
master of a secret, which I believed out of the power of treachery to
betray?"
"No one betrayed your secret to me. I came by my information in an
honorable manner, but the means I shall not reveal till I see the time
to declare my name, and that, perhaps, may be in the moment when the
assumed brother of yon young Frenchman," added the stranger, turning to
Bruce, and lowering his voice, "again appears publicly in Scotland, as
Sir William Wallace."
"I am satisfied," replied he, well pleased that whoever this knight
might be, Bruce yet remained undiscovered; "I grant your request. Yon
brave youth, whose name I share, forgives me the success of my sword.
I slew the red Reaver, and therefore would restore a brother to Thomas
de Longueville, in myself. He fights on my right hand, you shall be
stationed at my left."
"On the side next your heart!" exclaimed the stranger, "let that ever
be my post, there to guard the bulwark of Scotland, the life of the
bravest of men."
This enthusiasm did not surprise any present; it was the usual language
of all who approached Sir William Wallace; and Bruce, particularly
pleased with the heartfelt energy with which it was uttered, forgot his
disguise in the amiable fervor of approbation, and half arose to
welcome him to his cause; but a look from Wallace (who on being known
had uncovered his face), arrested his intention and the prince sat down
again, thankful for so timely a check on his precipitancy.
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