Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/13

 ( 13 ) earteup to congratulate him on his miraculous escape rally around his standard, and bid defi- ance to the English arms. His friends used their most earnest entreadies to persuade him to remain at Riccartoun with his uncle. Their councils were, however; in vain; he longed to seek vengeange en Southron blood, for the death of his father and brother, for the dishonour done to his fallen country, and the injuries he had himself received. When his friends perceived that all their en. treaties could not prevail upon him to remain inactive at Riccartoun, those gentlemen who were present, and qualified to bear arms again the common foe resolved to accompany him, whether to victory or to death. Trong these were the three sons of Sir Ronald, Adam, Richard, and Simon; Robert Boyd Cleland, cousin to Wallace; and Edward Little 'his sister's son, along with several servants. With this brave little band: Wallace went to shelter in a wood. ar Loudon-Hill, until an opportu- nity should occur of attacking the English. A friend in this neighbourhood, having seen Wallace and his men enter the wood, carried provisions to them, kindly entertained them to the utmost of his power: and informed Wallace, that the servant of an English squire had rods past to Ayr and that his master, with a party, escorting some baggage from Carlisle to Ayr, were followings, and would soon pass this was on He immediately sent out one of his men to re- connoitre we approach oi' the enemy. who quickly B