met his sight, his horror struck eye sought the face of Wallace; it was
dark as before, and he was now in earnest discourse with Graham.

Forbearing to interrupt him, Edwin continued to read over the
blood-registered names. In turning the page, his eye glanced to the
opposite side; and he saw at the head of "A list of prisoners in the
dungeons of Ayr," the name of "Lord Dundaff" and immediately after it,
that of "Lord Ruthven!" He uttered a piercing cry; and extending his
arms to Wallace, who turned round at so unusual a sound, the
terror-struck boy exclaimed, "My father is in their hands! Oh! If you
are indeed my brother, fly to Ayr, and save him!"

Wallace took up the open list which Edwin had dropped; he saw the name
of Lord Ruthven amongst the prisoners; and folding his arms round this
affectionate son, "Compose yourself," said he, "it is to Ayr I am
going; and if the God of Justice be our speed, your father and Lord
Dundaff shall not see another day in prison."

Edwin threw himself on the neck of his friend; "My benefactor!" was all
he could utter. Wallace pressed him silently to his bosom.

"Who is this youth?" inquired Graham; "to which of the noble companions
of my captive father is he son?"

"To William Ruthven," answered Wallace; "the valiant lord of the Carse
of Gowry. And it is a noble scion from that glorious root. He it was
that enabled me to win Dumbarton. Look up, my brother!" cried Wallace,
trying to regain so tender a mind from the paralyzing terrors which had
seized it; "Look up, and hear me recount the first fruits of your
maiden arms, to our gallant friend.