of so great a support, are such aliments that-we must go forward."

"Ay, to be sure," joined Kirkpatrick; "Dumbarton was not taken during
our sleep; and if we stay loitering here, the devil that holds Stirling
Castle may follow the scent of De Valence; and so I lose my prey!"

"What?" cried the countess, "and is my lord to be left again to his
enemies? Sir William Wallace, I should have thought-"

"Everything, madam," rejoined he; "that is demonstrative of my devotion
to your venerable lord! But with a brave garrison, I hope you will
consider him safe here, until a wider range of security be won, to
enable you to retire to Braemar."

As the apostrophe to Wallace, in the latter part of the countess'
speech, had been addressed to himself in rather a low voice, his reply
was made in a similar tone, so that Lord Mar did not hear any part of
the answer, except the concluding words. But then he exclaimed, "Nay,
my ever-fearful Joanna, art thou making objections to keeping garrison
here?"

"I confess," replied Wallace, "that an armed citadel is not the most
pleasant abode for a lady; but at present, excepting perhaps the
church, it is the safest; and I would not advise your lady to remove
hence, until the plain be made as free as this mountain."

The sewer now announced the board in the hall; and the countess leading
the way, reluctantly gave her hand to the Earl of Lennox. Lord Mar
leaned on the arm of Wallace, who was followed by Edwin and the other
chieftains.