These Rathliners neither knew of
Wallace nor his exploits; but the lower order of Scots, however they
might fear to succor his distress, loved his person, and felt so bound
to him by his actions, that Monteith durst not apply to any one of them
to second his villainy.
**The events of Wallace having dictated terms of peace with England,
and Monteith pledging himself to that country's emissary to betray
Wallace, having taken place in this church, are traditionary facts.
The hour of midnight passed, and yet he could not summon courage to
lead his men to their nefarious attack. Twice they urged him, before
he arose from his affected sleep--for sleep he could not; guilt had
"murdered sleep!" and he lay awake, restless, and longing for the dawn;
and yet, ere that dawn, the deed must be accomplished! A cock crew
from the neighboring farm.
"That is the sign of morning, and we have yet done nothing," exclaimed
a surly ruffian, who leaned on his battle-ax in an ssopposite corner of
the apartment.
"No, it is the signal of our enemy's captivity!" cried Monteith.
"Follow me, but gently. If ye speak a word or a single target rattle,
before ye all fall upon him, we are lost.
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