Page:Life of the celebrated Scottish patriot Sir Wm. Wallace.pdf/11

Rh English had once more recourse to their blood-hound, and they were soon in sight of each other. The Scots had two miles of rising ground to climb before they reached a place of defence; and the night, which was fast approaching, filled them with the hope of reaching a place of safety. One Fawdon, who was wearied with fatigue, declared his inability to proceed; and as he was formerly suspected of treason, WallaeeWallace [sic] put an end to his existence, his followers eoncurringconcurring [sic] in the justice of the act. The English were fast gaining upon them, so they dispersed, the mantle of night protecting them against the foe, and the blood of Fawdon stopping their hound. On the following morning, as Wallace was lamenting the fate of his country, an English leader rode up to him, and demanded what he was doing there; but his only answer was the unsheathing of his sword; and the Englishman fell to rise no more. Wallace mounted his victim's horse, rode across the plain, and the road being everywhere beset with the English, who had witnessed the deed, he fearlessly dashed through their ranks, slew 20 of them, and made his escape. Arriving on the banks of the Forth, though wearied and bleeding, he plunged into the river, and arrived at the house of a widow, an old acquaintance. Next day he sent to some of his friends at Dunipace for money and other necessaries which he required, and instantly his uncle delivered them in person. The patriotic band now consisted of Kierly, Stephen, the widow's two sons, and Wallace, who bent their way to Sir John Graham's at Dundaff heath, whose son, a brave youth, volunteered to join them, but Wallace declined his services for the present, promising however to inform him when he had gathered sufficient force to face the foe.

Arriving at his nephew's at Kilbank, he sent information to his numerous friends throughout the