disaster having befallen the garrison (which Wallace did not choose
immediately to mention), he also stole out of the apartment.

After seeking the object of his anxiety for a long time, without avail,
he was returning on his steps, when, attracted by the splendor of the
moon silvering the beacon-hill, he ascended, to once at least tread
that acclivity in light which he had so miraculously passed in
darkness. Scarce a zephyr fanned the sleeping air. He moved on with a
flying step, till a deep sigh arrested him. He stopped and listened:
it was repeated again and again. He gently drew near, and saw a human
figure reclining on the ground. The head of the apparent mourner was
unbonneted, and the brightness of the moon shone on his polished
forehead. Edwin thought the sound of those sighs was the same he had
often heard from the object of his search. He walked forward. Again
the figure sighed; but with a depth so full of piercing woe, that Edwin
hesitated.

A cloud had passed over the moon; but, sailing off again, displayed to
the anxious boy that he had indeed drawn very near his friend. "Who
goes there?" exclaimed Wallace, starting on his feet.

"Your Edwin," returned the youth. "I feared something wrong had
happened, when I saw you look so sad, and leave the room abruptly."

Wallace pressed his hand in silence. "Then some evil has befallen
you?" inquired Edwin, in an agitated voice; "you do not speak!"

Wallace seated himself on a stone, and leaned his head upon the hilt of
his sword. "No new evil has befallen me, Edwin; but there is such a
thing as remembrance, that stabs deeper than the dagger's point."