the proposal. But none of her arguments being admitted by her lord,
and as Wallace did not support them by a word, she was obliged to make
a merit of necessity, and consent to her husband being their companion.


Chapter XXVI.

Renfrewshire.



Toward evening the next day, Ker not only returned with the Earl of
Lennox's men, but brought with them Sir Eustace Maxwell of Carlaveroch.
That brave knight happened to be in the neighborhood the very same
night in which De Valence fled before the arms of Wallace across the
Clyde; and he no sooner saw the Scottish colors on the walls of
Dumbarton, than, finding out who was their planter, his soul took fire;
and stung with a generous ambition of equaling in glory his equal in
years, he determined to assist, while he emulated the victor.

To this end, he traversed the adjoining country, striving to enlighten
the understandings of the stupidly satisfied and to excite the
discontented, to revolt. With most he failed. Some took upon them to
lecture him on "fishing in troubled waters;" and warned him, if he
would keep his head on his shoulders, to wear his yoke in peace.
Others thought the project too arduous for men of small means; they
wished well to the arms of Sir William Wallace; and, should he continue
successful, would watch the moment to aid him with all their little
power. Those who had much property, feared to risk its loss by
embracing a doubtful struggle. Some were too great cowards to fight