"Whither?" demanded Murray.

"To Ayr," answered Wallace; "this moment I will set out for Dumbarton,
to bring away the sinews of my strength. God will be our speed! and
then this arm shall show how I loved that good old man."

"Your men," interrupted Graham, "are already awaiting you on the
opposite shore. I presumed to command for you. For on entering
Dumbarton, and finding you were absent, after having briefly recounted
my errand to Lord Lennox, I dared to interpret your mind, and to order
Sir Alexander Scrymgeour, and Sir Roger Kirkpatrick, with all your own
force, to follow me to the coast of Renfrew."

"Thank you, my friend!" cried Wallace, grasping his hand; "may I ever
have such interpreters! I cannot stay to bid your uncle farewell,"
said he, to Lord Andrew; "remain, to tell him to bless me with his
prayers; and then, dear Murray, follow me to Ayr."

Ignorant of what the stranger had imparted, at the sight of the chiefs
approaching from the castle gate, Edward hastened with the news, that
all was ready for embarkation. He was hurrying out his information,
when the altered countenance of his general checked him. He looked at
the stranger; his features were agitated and severe. He turned toward
his cousin, all there was grave and distressed. Again he glanced at
Wallace; no word was spoken, but every look threatened, and Edwin saw
him leap into the boat, followed by the stranger. The astonished boy,
though unnoticed, would not be left behind, and stepping in also, sat
down beside his chief.

"I shall follow you in a hour," exclaimed Murray. The seamen pushed