Page:History of the Scottish patriot, Sir Wm. Wallace, Knight of Ellerslie.pdf/10

10 disguised in a Friar’s gown, paid frequent visits to Perth, in order to receive what intelligence he could procure; but some individuals, observing his repeated visits and robust and warlike appearance, communicated their suspicions to the governor, Sir Gerald Heron. The house which he frequented was beset with the enemy; and being informed of their design he quickly dressed himself in female apparel, went and informed the English that Wallace was locked in a certain room,— they flew to seize their supposed prey, while he effected his escape with all possible speed. Two soldiers, suspecting him as being rather a strong and fierce-like female, followed; but Wallace, suddenly turning upon them, drew his concealedeoncealed [sic] sword, levelled them with the ground, and hastened to acquaint his comrades of his escape. The English, provoked at such a disappointment, marched 600 men by the South Inch road, and had not proceeded far till they beheld the slain bodies of their companions, which confirmed them in their suspicions of Wallace having taken this route. Surrounding the wood, they entered in search of Wallace, accompanied with a staunch bloodhound to trace the slayer’s steps. Hemmed in on every side, the hardy few resolved to conquer or to die; the noble chieftain unsheathed his conquering sword, offered up a prayer, and led his warriors, to the fierce attack. Fifteen of the Scots were slain before they retreated to the banks of the Tay, where they sought a place to cross: many of them could not swim, and rather than lose one drop of Scottish blood unrevenged, Wallace again resolved to face the foe. This little band, which was only 40 at the commencement of the battle, was now reduced to 16, while the English had been strongly reinforced. They now closed with redoubled fury, Wallace seeking everywhere for the English chief. The Scots had to flee before the wearied English to a place of safety, and were out of sight before the enemy was able to pursue them.