It is a being of
supernatural might, not a mere man, whom ye go to encounter. He that
first disables him shall have a double reward."
"Depend upon us," returned the sturdiest ruffian; and stealing
cautiously out of the cottage, the party advanced with noiseless steps
toward the barn. Monteith paused at the door, making a sign to his men
to halt while he listened. He put his ear to a crevice--not a murmur
was within. He gently raised the latch, and setting the door wide
open, with his finger on his lip, beckoned his followers. Without
venturing to draw a breath, they approached the threshold. The
meridian moon shone full into the hovel, and shed a broad light upon
their victims. The innocent face of Edwin rested on the bosom of his
friend, and the arm of Wallace lay on the spread straw with which he
had covered the tender body of his companion. So fair a picture of
mortal friendship was never before beheld. But the hearts were blind
which looked on it, and Monteith gave the signal. He retreated out of
the door, while his men threw themselves forward to bind Wallace where
he lay; but the first man, in his eagerness, striking his head against
a joist in the roof, uttered a fierce oath.
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