Murray regarded the pitiless indifference with which she gave this
order with amazement. "To do that, madam," said he, "is beyond my
power; the whole ceremony of the colors would be completed long before
I could clear the earth of half its bleeding load. I will seek a
passage for you by some other way."

Before the earl could make a remark, Murray had disappeared; and after
exploring the lower part of the tower in unavailing search for a way,
he met Sir Roger Kirkpatrick issuing from a small door, which, being in
shadow, he had hitherto overlooked. It led through the ballium, to the
platform before the citadel. Lord Andrew returned to his uncle and
aunt, and informing them of this discovery, gave his arm to Lord Mar,
while Kirkpatrick led forward the agitated countess. At this moment
the sun rose behind the purple summit of Ben Lomond.

When they approached the citadel, Wallace and Sir Alexander Scrymgeour
had just gained its summit. The standard of Edward was yet flying.
Wallace looked at it for a moment; then laying his hand on the staff,
"Down, thou red dragon," cried he, "and learn to bow before the Giver
of all victory!" Even while speaking, he rent it from the roof; and
casting it over the battlements, planted the lion of Scotland in its
stead.

As its vast evolvements floated on the air, the cry of triumph, the
loud clarion of honest triumph, burst from every heart, horn, and
trumpet below. It was a shout that pierced the skies, and entered the
soul of Wallace with a bliss which seemed a promise of immortality.

"O God!" cried he, still grasping the staff, and looking up to heaven;
"we got not this in possession through our own might, but thy right