Page:History of the Scottish patriot, Sir Wm. Wallace, Knight of Ellerslie.pdf/8

8 no means to take the town, which was in possession of the English, as his men were too few in number; and to set it on fire was only placing himself and  followers in imminent danger. But it was not long ere an opportunity was afforded him for this daring enterprise. There was then one Sir James Butler in the town, an aged, cruel knight, who kept the strong castle of Kinklevin, residing with his son, Sir John, an under-captain of Gerald Heron, and a report was spread that Sir James, with his party, were to return to Kinklevin Castle. Wallace, with his followers, hastened to Methven-wood, blew his horn, and all his intrepid band were quickly by his side. Being well armed, they marched to Kinklevin, and lay in ambush among a few bushes in the valley on the banks of the Tay, meanwhile dispatching spies in different directions, some of whom soon returned, informing them that four men had passed, who appeared to be forerunners of the company. Wallace at length beheld 90 well-armed men on horseback, and prepared to attack them. The English perceived the hostile intention of Wallace, and, brandishing their spears, rushed upon them, thinking to trample them under; but they were: boldly repulsed, and several, both men and horses, were slain. Butler alighted from his horse, and marshalled his men in order to defend themselves. In the fierce contest which ensued, a few of the Scots fell by the captain’s strong arm, and 60 of the English, with their captain, were numbered with the slain; the rest escaping to Kinklevin, the gate was opened to receive them, but Wallace, with his men, followed so close that they entered along with them, seized the castle, shut the gate, and drew the bridge. The women and children he allowed to depart with such effects as they chose to take with them. Having removed all the provisions and necessaries, during five nights, from the castle to Shortwood-shaws, he set it in flames.

The captain’s wife hastened to Perth, and