My cousin set forth with a few followers to join him--a few against thousands." "They are in arms for their country, lady," returned the knight; "and a thousand invisible angels guard them; fear not for them! But for your father; name to me the place of his confinement, and as I have not the besiegers of Cartlane Craigs to encounter.

I engage, with God's help, and the arms of my men (who never yet shrunk from sword or spear), to set the brave earl free!" "How!" exclaimed Helen, remembering that she had not yet mentioned her father's rank, and gazing at him with astonishment; "do you know his name--is the misfortune of my father already so far spread ?" "Rather say his virtue, lady," answered the knight; "no man who watches over the destiny of our devoted country can be ignorant of her friends, or of the sufferers who bear injury for her sake.

I know that the Earl of Mar has made himself a generous sacrifice, but I am yet to learn the circumstances from you.

Speak without reserve, that I may seek the accomplishment of my vow, and restore to Scotland its best friend!" "Thou brother in heart to the generous Wallace!" exclaimed Lady Helen, "my voice is too feeble to thank thee." The hermit, who had listened in silent interest, now, fearing the consequence of so much emotion, presented her with a cup of water and a little fruit, to refresh herself, before she satisfied the inquiries of the knight.

She put the cup to her lips, to gratify the benevolence of her host, but her anxious spirit was too much occupied in the concerns dearest to her heart, to feel any wants of the body; and turning to the knight, she briefly related what had been the design of her father with regard to Sir William Wallace; how he had been seized at Bothwell, and sent with his family a prisoner to Dumbarton Castle.
"Proceed then thither," continued she.