Page:Allan the freebooter, or, The witch of Glenross (2).pdf/16

16 the brave William Wallace?" "The same," he replied, "the Soldiers of the English king were sent to seize him in his paternal dwelling; he escaped, but his innocent wife fell a victim to the unrelenting fury of the merciless fiends, who persecuted him, they plunged their daggers in her heart and departed. My father had been idolized by his clan, no wonder then, seeing in me his living image, that their attachment was enthusiastic.

As I grew to manhood the oft-told story of my father's wrongs, and the remembrance of my oath, inspired me with ideas of revenge, I trained my followers and waged war on all who had been enemies of my father, both far and near.

Whilst attacking the castle of Ruthven, who had been one of Wallace's most deadly enemies, I was conquered, and wounded by the hand of the laird of Glenross, who with true magnanimity giving me my life and liberty, I foreswore my enmity, and returned to this retreat; the shame of being conquered, made me resolve to decline warfare in future, and since that time, I have acted on the defensive only: the game of the neighbouring forests chiefly supply us with food, nor do my men ever molest the traveller, but when necessity compels them to exact a small return of that which lawless power has deprived us of." He ceased, and the tears of Helen was the best eulogium she could bestow on the memory of the brave, but unfortunate Wallace. In the course of the day it was resolved that their union should take place, before the expiration of the week, in the little chapel of the forest, and father Austin undertook to procure female habiliments for the bride, who was on that occasion to assume, for the first time, the dress of her sex, and in forming plans for the felecity of the future, the day flew away unheeded.

As soon as the shades of twilight wrapt their steps in security, Allan threw a large mantle around the form of Helen, and taking her hand, led her from the cavern, followed by father Austin and several of the band, all well armed, but to Helen's great disappointment, Bridget was not suffered to attend her farther than the entrance