His wrists gave him great pain, being both terribly burned, and every movement of the hand sent a thrill of agony up the arm.

He persisted, however, in frequently opening and clenching his hands, regardless of the pain, for he feared that did he not do so they would stiffen and he would be unable to grasp a sword.
Fortunately the wounds were principally on the upper side of the thumbs, where the flesh was burned away to the bone, but the sinews and muscles of the wrists had to a great extent escaped.
He had not journeyed very far when he saw a light ahead and presently perceived the houses of a village.

A fire was lit in the centre, and a number of figures were gathered round it.
"Something is going on," Malcolm said to himself; "as likely as not they have got some unfortunate prisoner.

Whatever it be, I will steal in and try to get some food.

I cannot go much further without it; and as their attention is occupied, I may find a cottage empty." Making his way round to the back of the houses, he approached one of the cottages in the rear.