On his becoming master of such a place, it should be the signal for all to declare themselves; and, rising at once, overwhelm Edward's garrisons in every part of Scotland.
"This is the knight's plan; and for your sake, as well as for the cause.

I hope the first fortress he gains may be that of Dumbarton.
It has been always considered the key of the country." "May Heaven grant it, holy father," returned Helen, "and whoever this knight may be, I pray the blessed St.Andrew to guide his arms!" "If I may venture to guess who he is," replied the hermit, "I would say that noble brow was formed to some day wear a crown." "What!" cried Helen, starting, "you think this knight is the royal Bruce ?" "I am at a loss what to think," replied the hermit; "he has a most princely air; and there is such an overflowing of soul toward his country, when he speaks of it, that--Such love can spring from no other than the royal heart, created to foster and to bless it." "But is he not too young ?" inquired Helen.

"I have heard my father say that Bruce, Lord of Annandale, the opponent of Baliol for the crown, was much his senior; and that his son, the Earl of Carrick, must be now fifty years of age.

This knight, if I am any judge of looks, cannot be twenty-five." "True," answered the hermit; "and yet he may be a Bruce.

For it is neither of the two you have mentioned that I mean; but the grandson of the one, and the son of the other.