Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/17

 (17) men, but as it is a time of peace, therefore there. is no cause to refuse us admission;" 1 grant," said the Provost," and men of peace, should always be well treated, but, pray tell me your name, and from what part of the country you are come?" Wallace answered, “My name is William. Malcom, we come from Ettrick Fotest, in the South to seek better em- ployment in the North, and to see the country.' The Provost apologised for his enquiries, and added, " That he meant no harm by his ques- tioning them, but that so many reports had been circulated about one William Wallace, born in the West, who was destroying and slaying the English where he could find them; therefore, as he was a tali stong man it was necessary to know those whom they admitted into the Town. Denying that he knew any thing of Wallace, and desiring him not to mention such a hated name. he was not only admitted into the town, but an inn provided for him and his men until they should find employment; and there they were quickly provided with plenty of every thing the place could afford. Wallace would often invite Englishmen to drink with him. in order to discover their num- ber and strength in the place, and also discover what other intelligence he could gather. What be spent with them. he did with great reluctance, bet lavished cheerfully upon any of his country- men, whom invitation or chance threw in his way. Often, while sauntering about the place, he would lament to himself, that he could devise no B 8