Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/18

 ( 18 ) no method to take the town, which was in the possession of the English. His men were to few in number to make the daring items, and he could not set it in flames without uninent danger to himself and greater to his men; for though he could swim over the river, yet perhaps 16orae of them could not. But though unable to achieve this much- desired work, yet another soon occurred. There was then in the town one Sir James Butler an pored cruel knight, who kept the strong castle of Kinklevin, residing with his son Sir John, an under-captain to Sir Gerard Heron and a report was spread that Sir James, with his party, were to return home to Kiralchevin Castle. Wallace no sooner received this intelligence, than:with his followers, he hastened to Methven- wood blew his horny and all his intrepid band were quickly around him flourishing in good health and ready for action. Well armed, they marched from the wood towards Kinklevin' and in the valley upon the bank of Tay they lay in ambush among a few bushes meanwhile, sent spies in different direc- tinns. Some of them soon returned bringing the information, that four men on horseback had passed, who appeared to be for runners of the company. The prudent Wallace com- manded his men still to remain concealed, while he himself went to obtain more çertąin intelli gene etilerigth the tespied fourscore and ten men, well armed walshorse-back, chosen man of valours Having