On hearing this, and that all avenues from the southern
parts of his country were closed upon him, Wallace determined to try
the north. Some bay in the Western Highlands might open its yet not
ungrateful arms to set its benefactor free! "If not by a ship,"
continued Edwin, "a fisher's boat will launch us from a country no
longer worthy of you!"
Their course was then taken along the Cartlane Craigs, at a distance
from villages and mountain cots, which, leaning from their verdant
heights, seemed to invite the traveler to refreshment and repose.
Though the sword of Wallace had won them this quiet, though his wisdom,
like the hand of Creation, had spread the lately barren hills with
beauteous harvest, yet had an ear of corn been asked in his name, it
would have been denied. A price was set upon his head, and the lives
of all who should succor him would be forfeited! He who had given
bread and homes to thousands was left to perish--had no where to
shelter his head. Edwin looked anxiously on him as at times they sped
silently along: "Ah!" thought he, "this heroic endurance of evil is the
true cross of our celestial Captain! Let who will carry his insignia
to the Holy Land, here is the man who bears the real substance, that
walks undismayed in the path of his sacrificed Lord!"
The black plumage of a common Highland bonnet, which Edwin had
purchased at one of the cottages to which he had gone alone to buy a
few oaten cakes, hung over the face of his friend.
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