For
himself, Cummin told the kind he had secretly removed to the Franciscan
monastery at Dumfries, where he should most anxiously await his
majesty's pardon and commands."
Bruce closed the packet. To prevent his discovery being betrayed ere
he was ready to act, he laid his sword upon the shoulder of the man:
"You are my prisoner," said he; "but fear not. I only mean to hold you
in safety till your master has answered for his treason." The
messenger thought, whoever this imperious stranger might be, that he
saw a truth in his eyes which ratified this assurance; and without
opposition, he walked before him till they stopped at Torthorald.
Night had closed in when Bruce sounded his bugle under the walls.
Kirkpatrick answered from the embrasure over the barbican-gate with a
demand of who desired admittance.
"'Tis the avenger of Sir William Wallace," was the reply. The gates
flew open at the words; and Kirkpatrick, standing in the archway amid a
blaze of torches, received his guest with a brave welcome.
Bruce spoke no more till he entered the banqueting-hall. Three other
knights were seated by the table. He turned to Kirkpatrick.
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