Page:History of Sir William Wallace, the renowned Scottish champion.pdf/11

11 middle of his enemies, and when they ventured to taunt or assail him, found that they had to do with an assailant in full armour and of undaunted courage. While thus disguised, personal encounters with his enemies were of frequent occurrence. He slew a buckler-player at Ayr, and put to fight a number of soldiers, who attempted to rob him of his day's sport as he fished in Irvine water. He, repaid the rudeness of Squire Long-castle by a mortal thrust in the throat with his dagger; and by many such bold and daring adventures he slew many of his foes. In the spring of the year 1297, the people were suffering grievously from famine, to relieve the English garrison of Ayr, a large train of Waggons, under the protection of John de Fenwick took their journey from Carlisle to that town. Of this Wallace was informed, and although he could then only muster about fifty soldiers, he determined to attack it. Having occupied a strong position within a wood, he put up a temporary fortification, and passed the night. In the grey dawn of the morning, he and his men left their horses, and occupied a narrow valley which the convoy was to pass. Forward came Fenwick at the head of a force which far outnumbered them, and, confident in his own numbers,