castle.

"I have a secret to disclose to you," said he, "which cannot be
divulged on any other spot."

Unwilling to deny so small a favor, Wallace, as has been said before,
consented; and accordingly was conducted by Monteith toward Douglas.

While descending the heights which led to the castle, Monteith kept a
profound silence; and when crossing the drawbridge toward it, he put
his finger to his lips, in token to the servants for equal caution.
This was explained as they entered the gate and looked around. It was
guarded by English soldiers. Wallace would have drawn back; but
Monteith laid his hand on his arm, and whispered, "For your country!"
At these words, a spell to the ear of Wallace, he proceeded; and his
attendants followed into the courtyard.

The sun was just setting as Monteith led his friend into the absent
earl's room. Its glowing reflection on the distant hills reminded
Wallace of the stretch he had to retread to reach his home before
midnight; and thinking of his anxious Marion, he awaited with
impatience the development of the object of his journey.

Monteith closed the door, looked fearfully around for some time; then,
trembling at every step, approached Wallace. When drawn quite near, in
a low voice he said, "You must swear upon the cross that you will keep
inviolate the secret I am going to reveal."

Wallace put aside the hilt of the sword which Monteith presented to
receive his oath. "No," said he, with a smile; "in these times I will