Kirkpatrick needed no other
stimulus than his almost idolatrous memory of Wallace, and he listened
with an answering ardor to Bruce's exhortation. The prince next
disclosed to his now zealously-pledged friends the particulars of the
Red Cummin's treachery. "He now lies at Dumfries!" cried Kirkpatrick;
"thither, then, let us go, and confront him with his treason. When
falsehood is to be confounded, it is best to grapple with the sorceress
in the moment of detection; should we hesitate, she may elude our
grasp."
Dumfries was only a few miles distant, and they might reach its convent
before the first matins. Fatigue was not felt by Bruce when in pursuit
of a great object; and, after a slight refreshment, he and his four
determined friends took horse.
As they had anticipated, the midnight bell was ringing for prayers when
the troop stopped at the Franciscan gate. Lindsay, having been in the
Holy Land during the late public struggles, alleged business with the
abbot, and desired to see him. On the father's bidding the party
welcome, Bruce stepped forward and addressed him: "Reverend sir, I come
from London. I have an affair to settle with Lord Badenoch; and I know
by his letters to King Edward, that he is secretly lodged in this
convent.
Pages:
1218
1219
1220
1221
1222
1223
1224
1225
1226
1227
1228
1229
1230
1231
1232
1233
1234
1235
1236
1237
1238
1239
1240
1241
1242