Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/10

 10         LIFE OF KING ROBERT BRUCE.

cause the dog to lose the scent. This was completely successful, for the dog was puzzled when he came to            the banks of the stream, and the king succeeded in             making his escape. His adventures, however, were not yet ended. His foster-brother and he having rested themselves in the woods, pursued their jour- ney in the hopes of soon reaching a habitation where they might get some refreslıment. In the midst of            the forest they met three men, who had the appear- ance of ruffians or thieves, and were all well armed. One of them had a sheep on his back, which they had just stolen from a neighbouring field. Having civilly saluted the king, he inquired whither they were going; “We are seeking for king Robert,"            answered the ruffians, "for we intend joining his standard." "If you will go with me," said Bruce,             "I will conduct you to the Scottish king; but as we             are strangers to each other, you will have the good- ness to go first, and we will follow." " You have no occasion to dread any harm from us," replied            the man. "I do not suspect any," said Bruce,             “but this is the way in which I choose to travel." They walked on till they reached a ruinous cottage, where the ruffians proposed dressing part of the sheep. Having kindled two fires, one at each end of the house, they broiled part of the sheep, which proved very acceptable to the king and his foster- brother. After partaking of the sheep, a            drowsiness came upon the king, and, having desired his companion to keep his eye on their new ac- quaintances, fell asleep; but his foster-brother, having undergone as much fatigue as the king, soon also fell into a deep slumber. The three villains ob- serving the king and his companion asleep, made signs to each other, and drew their swords, intend- ing to kill them both. Although the ruffians made