character of a servant of the garrison.

The sentinel did not doubt the appearance of the boy, and Edwin,
holding out the flask, said that a pretty girl in the great tower had
not only given him a long draught of the same good liquor but had
filled his bottle, that he might not lack amusement, while her
companion; one of Lady Mar's maids-in-waiting, was tying up a true
lover's knot to send to his master in the garrison. The man believed
Edwin's tale, and the more readily as he thrust the flask into his
hand, and bade him drink. "Do not spare it," cried he; "the night is
chilly, and I shall get more where that came from."

The unsuspecting Southron returned him a merry reply, and putting the
flask to his head, soon drained its contents. They had the effect
Edwin desired. The soldier became flustered, and impatient of his
duty. Edwin perceived it, and yawning, complained of drowsiness. "I
would go to the top of that wall, and sleep sweetly in the moonbeams,"
said he, "if any goodnatured fellow would meanwhile wait for my pretty
Scot!"

The half-inebriated Southron liked no better sport, and regardless of
duty, he promised to draw nearer the tower, and bring from the fair
messenger the expected token.

Having thus far gained his point, with an apparently staggering, but
really agile step, Edwin ascended the wall. A leap from this dizzy
height was his only way to rejoin Wallace. To retread his steps
through the fortress in safety would hardly be possible, and, besides,
such a mode of retreat would leave him uninformed on the second object
of his enterprise-to know the most vulnerable side of the fortress. He