Page:Life of King Robert Bruce.pdf/9



LIFE OF KING ROBERT BRUCE. 9

felt towards him. It was agreed that, if they were favourable to him, he was to make a fire on a head- land, called Turnberry, facing the Island of Arran. Bruce and his companions eagerly watched for the signal, but for some time in vain. A fire on Turn- berry-head at length became visible, and the king and his men, about 300 in number, betook themselves to their galleys, and hastened over to Carrick coast. Landing on the beach about midnight, they found Cuthbert waiting their arrival, who informed Bruce that there was little chance of help from his subjects. Traitor!” cried Bruce, “why did you make the signal, then ?" “The fire was not made by me," replied Cuthbert; “but as soon as I perceived it, I hastened to warn you from the coast." Bruce de- termined to take such fortune as Heaven should be pleased to send him. He succeeded in taking the castle of Turnberry from Lord Percy, and in dis- missing the English from Carrick; he also took from the English the castle of Inverness, which was strongly situated on a high rock by the river Ness.  During these frequent skirmishes, Bruce was ex- posed to great dangers, and often ran the risk of losing his life by treachery or open violence. Sev- eral interesting incidents are related concerning bim at this period. Amongst others, it is related that, after being defeated by John of Lorn, he was obliged to separate himself from his friends, and flee with his foster-brother into the woods. Here he had no rest, for they brought a blood-hound, which originally belonged to Bruce, to trace his steps. He was accordingly hotly pursued, and whenever he at- tempted to take rest, though sorely fatigued, the cry of the blood-hound was heard behind him. At length he came to a small stream, when it occurred to Bruce that, by wading down the stream, he might