Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/11



LIFE OF KING ROBERT BRUCE. 11

little noise in rising, it was suffieient to awakon the king, who slept but lightly, and, starting to his feet, at the same time awakening his friend with a push of his foot, prepared to meet his dastardly compan- ions. Ere the king's foster-brother was fully awake, one of the villains slew him. Bruee was now plaeed in a hazardous situation —- three against one; but he overeame, and slew the three villains, one after the other. The day being far spent, he proeceded towards a farm louse, where he had arranged to  meet his men after their dispersion. Arriving at  the house, he entered, and found the hostess, an old, true-hearted Seotswoman, alone. Seeing a stranger enter, she inquired who he was. Bruee replied that he was a traveller journeying through the country. "All travellers," said the good woman, "are wel-  eone here for the sake of one." "And who is that  one," inquired Bruee, "for whom you make all trav-   ellers weleome?” “It is Robert Bruee, our law-   ful king," replied the good old woman; "and al-   though he is now pursued and hunted with hounds   and horns, I trust I shall be spared to see him king   over all Seotland.” “Sinee you love Robert Bruee   so well, good woman," replied the king, know that I am Robert Bruee." "You!” exclaimed the brave old lady; "and wherefore are you thus alone?  --where are all your men ?” “I have none with   me just now," answered Bruee, "and therefore I   must travel alone," "That shall not be," said his brave hostess, "for I have two stout and gallant  sons, who shall be your servants for life or death.”   The loyal old dame, having made her sons swear fi-   delity to their king, was preparing his supper, when   suddenly a trampling of horses was heard, which   they at first took to be some of the enemy; but when   they heard the voiee of Douglas and Edward Bruce,