The Scottish Chiefs | Page 9

lifted her husband's hair from his temple-that
hair which had so often been the object of her admiration, as it hung in
shining masses over his arching brows!-when the clotted blood met her
fingers, a mist seemed to pass over her sight; she paused for a moment;
but rallying her strength, as the cheerful sound of his voice conversing
with his guest assured her fear was needless, she tied the fillet; and,
stealing a soft kiss on his cheek when she had finished, she seated
herself, yet trembling, by his side.
"Gallant Wallace!" continued the stranger-agitation had prevented her
hearing what had preceded this-"it is Donald Earl of Mar, who owes his
life to you."
"Then blessed be my arm," exclaimed Wallace, "that has preserved a
life so precious to my country!"
"May it indeed be blessed!" cried Lord Mar; "for this night it has made
the Southrons feel there is yet one man in Scotland who does not fear to
resist oppression, and to punish treachery."
"What treachery?" inquired Lady Wallace, her alarmed spirit still
hovering about her soul's far dearer part; "is any meant to my
husband?"
"None to Sir William Wallace, more than to any other brave Scot,"
replied the earl: "but we all see the oppression of our country; we all
know the treachery by which it was subjugated; and this night, in my
own person, I have felt the effects of both. The English at Lanark
dispatched a body of men to Bothwell Castle (where my family now
are), on a plea, that as its lord is yet absent, they presume he is adverse
to Edward, and therefore they must search his dwelling for documents
to settle the point. Considering myself the representative of my
brother-in-law, Lord Bothwell, and suspecting that this might be only a
private marauding party, I refused to admit the soldiers; and saw them
depart, swearing to return next day with a stronger force, and storm the

castle. To be ascertained of their commission, and to appeal against
such unprovoked tyranny, should it be true, I followed the detachment
to Lanark.
"I saw Heselrigge the governor. He avowed the transaction; but awed
by the power which he thinks I possess in the country, he consented to
spare Bothwell while I and my family remain in it. It being nearly dark,
I took my leave, and was proceeding toward my servants in the
courtyard when a young man accosted me. I recognized him to be the
officer who had commanded the party I had driven from the castle.
Heselrigge having told me that he was his nephew, I made no hesitation
to go back with him, when he informed me that his uncle had forgotten
something of importance, and begged me to return. I followed his steps;
but instead of conducting me to the room in which I had conversed
with Heselrigge, he led me along a dark passage into a small apartment,
where telling me his uncle would attend me, he suddenly retreated out
of the door, and before I could recollect myself I heard him bolt it after
him.
"I now saw myself a prisoner; and alarmed at what might be intended
to my defenseless family, I made every essay to force the door, but it
was in vain. Driven to despair, I remained in a state of mind not to be
described, when the bolt was withdrawn, and two men entered, with
manacles in their hands. They attempted to seize me, telling me I was
the prisoner of King Edward. I did not listen further, but wounding one
with my dagger, felled the other to the ground; and darting past him,
made my way through what passages I cannot tell, till I found myself in
a street leading from behind the governor's house. I ran against some
one as I rushed from the portal; it was my servant Neil. I hastily told
him to draw his sword and follow me. We then hurried forward; he
telling me he had stepped out to observe the night, while the rest of my
men were awaiting me in the house, wondering at my delay.
"Rejoiced at my escape, and fearing the worst of consequences from
the treachery of Heselrigge, I was hastening onward, determined to
pursue my way on foot to the protection of my family, when, at the
turning of an angle which leads to the Bothwell road, we were suddenly

surrounded by armed men. The moon shone full on their faces, and I
discovered they were Southrons, and that young Heselrigge was at their
head.
"He aimed a blow at my head with his battle-ax, and in a voice of
triumph exclaimed to his soldiers, 'The plunder of Bothwell, my lads!
Down with its lord! All but the lady Helen shall be