Page:History of King Robt. Bruce (1).pdf/8

8 THE HISTORY OF of his men, and were now amusing themselves with hunting in the island. Bruce, having caused himself to be guided to the woods where they most frequented, blew his horn and was instantly surrounded by James Douglas and his companions, who well knew the king's manner of blowing. Being now within sight of his family possessions, he immediately began to form plans with Douglas how they might best renew their enterprise against the English. The king now opened a communication with the opposite coast of Carrick, by means of one of his followers of the name of Cuthbert, whom he sent over to ascertain how his countrymen were feeling towards him. It was agreed that, if they were favourable to him, he was to make a fire on a headland, called Turnberry, facing the island of Arran. Bruce and his companions eagerly watched for the signal, but for some time in vain. A fire on Turnberry-head at length became visible, and the king and his men, about 300 in number, betook themselves to their galleys, and hastened over to Carrick coast, concluding that their friends were favourable. Landing on the beach about midnight, they found Cuthbert waiting their arrival, who informed Bruce that there was little chance of help from his subjects. "Traitor!" cried Bruce, "why did you make the signal then?" "The fire was not made by me, replied Cuthbert; "but as soon as I perceived it, I hastened to inform you how the matter stood, knowing that you would take it for my signal." Bruce determined, after some hesitation, to take such fortune as Heaven should be pleased to send him. He succeeded in taking the castle of Turnberry from Lord Percy, and in dismissing the English from Carrick; he also took the castle of Inverness from the English, which was strongly situated on a high rock by the river Ness. Many interesting incidents are related of Bruce about this time. Among others we relate the following:—

A near relation of Bruce's, in whom he confided, was, by English bribes, induced to attempt his death. This traitor, along with his two sons, watched Bruce one morning, till he observed him separated from all his companions, excepting a little boy, who waited on him as a page. The villain had a sword in his hand, one of his sons had a sword and a spear, and other had a sword and a battle-axe. When Bruce perceived them so well armed, and no English near, he recalled some hints which had been given him, that these men intended to slay him. Bruce had only his sword, and his page had a bow and arrow. Taking the bow and arrow from the boy, he desired him to stand at a distance; "for," said Bruce, "if I overcome these villains, you shall have plenty of weapons; but if I am murdered by them, you may escape,