Page:Robert the Bruce and the struggle for Scottish independence - 1909.djvu/203

1307 A.D.] two hundred of the enemy, carelessly bivouacked in Raploch Moss, whom he suggested they should attack at once. Falling on the sleeping soldiers before dawn, Bruce and his party took them by surprise, slew many of them, and dispersed the rest. A big stone in Raploch Moss is still pointed out as the King's resting-place after the fight.

During these events King Edward had been fretting on his sick-bed at Carlisle, wearying for news of the capture of "King Hobbe," as he called the Bruce. He had endeavoured to gain the good-will of the commonalty of Scotland by issuing a proclamation on March 13th addressed to all his officers in that country. It was to the effect that, understanding that some people interpreted his policy for restoring order as unduly harsh, which it was not his intention it should be, he now commanded that those who had been compelled by the abettors of Robert de Brus to take up arms, or to reset the said Robert by reason of his suddenly appearing among them, should be quit of all manner of punishment.

The olive branch was displayed in vain. Bruce's cause was beginning to win popular sympathy in Scotland, and his forces were increasing. De Valence determined to make a supreme effort to take the King. He employed a woman to enter Glentrool and find out the exact spot where Bruce was harboured. But the spy was taken and brought before the King, who frightened her into telling him her errand, and giving him information about the position and movements of the enemy.