Page:History of Sir William Wallace (1).pdf/22

 ( 22) the ranks, that both commanders were slain, the remaining leaders, with their troops, assembled at the south side of the wood, to consult what was proper to be done in the present emergency. Meanwhile Wallace, tak- ing advantage of this circumstance, rushed out at the north side, and led his men to a neigh- bouring wood. Entering, Short-wood in search of Wallace and his men they found the they had fed; and they found the bodies of Butler and Lora, but their horses and gold were safe in the hands of the victorious Scots. Convinced, at last, that Wallace had escaped, the English, under the command of Sir Gerard Heron, returned to Perth with the news of their dis- honourable and sad defeat. If the terror of Wallace was great before, this battle rendered it ten-fold greater. Wallace, with his heroic band, of whom five had fallen on that memorable day, sheltered and refreshed themselves in the neighbour- ing wood for two days; they then returned and conveyed their concealed property from Short-wood to Methven-wood; where they either deemed that they would be in greater safety, or sooner have another opportunity to attack the English. They soon after removed to Echo Park, in the environs of Perth. During their stay in this place. Wallace used frequently to go to the town, to receive intel- ligence, or discover the force of the enemy.-- This disguise was usually that of a felar's gown. Some