Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/191

1307 A.D.] from their slumbers. Percy within his keep, heard the din of slaying, yet dared not come out in the dark, not knowing what was the strength of the enemy. The King, having collected what spoil and arms could be found, drew off to the hill country.

The exact date of this first success of the King of Scots is not known, but it was in the spring of 1307. Perhaps if we knew all, it would be proved that Bruce was acting in concert with his two brothers Thomas and Alexander, though with far different fortune. They landed from Ireland on February 9th in Loch Ryan, some five and twenty miles south of Turnberry, with Sir Rainald de Crauford and some hundreds of Irish kernes. They were attacked shortly after landing by Dougal Macdouall, a Galloway chief, and their party was cut to pieces. Thomas and Alexander de Brus, having been severely wounded, were taken to Carlisle, with de Crauford also, delivered to King Edward and instantly hanged. Macdouall was richly rewarded, and so were his men; and his son received from Edward the daughter and heiress of Hugh de Chaumpaigne in marriage.

Leaving his King in the fastnesses of the Galloway hills, Sir James de Douglas set off with two companions only, to reconnoitre his own estates in Lanarkshire. Coming in disguise to Hazelside, where lived Thomas Dickson, an old retainer of his father, he was joyfully welcomed and received to hiding. Others were found bearing enough goodwill to the family of Douglas, or enough ill-will to