evils into which you have plunged Sir William Wallace, do not increase
it, by even hinting to him the present subject of your anxiety."

"My aunt is an oracle!" resumed Murray. "Allow me to be the happy
knight that is to bear the surrender of Dumbarton to my sweet cousin.
Prevail on Wallace to remain in this garrison till I return; and then
full tilt for the walls of old Sterling, and the downfall of Hughie
Cressingham!"

Both the countess and the earl were pleased with this arrangement. The
latter, by the persuasions of his nephew, retired into an inner chamber
to repose; and the former desired Lord Andrew to inform Wallace that
she should expect to be honored with his presence at noon, to partake
of such fare as the garrison afforded.

On Murray's coming from the citadel, he learned that Wallace was gone
toward the great tower. He followed him thither; and on issuing from
the postern which led to that part of the rock, saw the chief standing,
with his helmet off, in the midst of the slain.

"This is a sorry sight!" said he to Murray, as he approached; "but it
shall not long lie thus exposed. I have just ordered that these sad
wrecks of human strife may be lowered into the Clyde; its rushing
stream will soon carry them to a quiet grave beneath yon peaceful sea."
His own dead, amounting to no more than fifteen, were to be buried at
the foot of the rock, a prisoner in the castle having described steps
in the cliff by which the solemnity could easily be performed.

"But why, my dear commander," cried Lord Andrew, "why do you take any
thought about our enemies? Leave them where they are, and the eagles