"She was," replied Murray; "and I thank the holy St. Fillan, she is now
in the sanctuary of his church."

Murray then recounted to his relieved uncle every event, from the
moment of his withdrawing behind the arras, to that of his confiding
the English soldier with the iron box to the care of the prior. Lord
Mar sighed heavily when he spoke of that mysterious casket. "Whatever
it contained," said he, "it has drawn after it much evil and much good.
The domestic peace of Wallace was ruined by it; and the spirit which
now restores Scotland to herself was raised by his wrongs."

"But tell me," added he, "do you think my daughter safe, so near a
garrison of the enemy?"

"Surely, my lord," cried the countess, too well remembering the
enthusiasm with which Helen had regarded even the unknown Wallace:
"surely you would not bring that tender child into a scene like this!
Rather send a messenger to convey her secretly to Thirlestan; at that
distance she will be safe, and under the powerful protection of her
grandfather."

The earl acquiesced in her opinion; and saying he would consult with
Wallace about the securest mode of travel for his daughter, again
turned to Lord Andrew, to learn further of their late proceedings. But
the countess, still uneasy, once more interrupted him.

"Alas! my lord, what would you do? His generous zeal will offer to go
in person for your daughter. We know not what dangers he might then
incur; and surely the champion of Scotland is not to be thrown into
peril for any domestic concern! If you really feel the weight of the