"But not," said he, "to the house. We
will go into the barn, and there, on the dry earth, my Edwin, we may
gratefully repose."
Monteith did not oppose him further, and pushing open the door, Wallace
and Edwin entered. Their conductor soon after followed with a light
from the cottage; and pulling down some heaped straw, strewed it on the
ground for a bed. "Here I shall sleep like a prince!" cried Edwin,
throwing himself along the scattered truss.
"But not," returned Monteith, "till I have disengaged you from your wet
garments, and preserved your arms and brigandine from the rust of this
night."
Edwin, sunk in weariness, said little in opposition; and having
suffered Monteith to take away his sword and to unbrace his plated
vest, dropped at once on the straw in a profound sleep.
Wallace, that he might not disturb him by debate, yielded to the
request of Monteith; and having resigned his armor also, waved him a
good-night. Monteith nodded the same, and closed the door upon his
victims.
Well known to the generals of King Edward as one who estimated his
honor as a mere counter of traffic, Sir John Monteith was considered by
them all as a hireling fit for any purpose.
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