CHAPTER XVIII.
Cartlane Craigs, and Glenfinlass.
Guided by Ker, Murray led his followers over the Lanark Hills, by the most untrodden paths; and hence avoided even the sight of a Southron soldier.
Cheered by so favourable a commencement of their expedition, they even felt no dismay when, in the gloom of the evening, Ker descried a body of armed men at a distance, sitting round a fire at the foot of a beetling rock which guards the western entrance to the Cartlane Craigs.
Murray ordered his men to proceed under covert of the bushes; and then making the signal (concerted in case of such dilemma), they stuck their iron crows into the interstices of the cliff, and catching at the branches which grew out of its precipitous side, with much exertion, but in perfect silence, at last gained the summit.

That effected, they pursued their way with the same caution, till after a long march, and without encountering a human being, they reached the base of the huge rock which Wallace had made his fortress.
Ker, who expected to find it surrounded by the English army, was amazed at the death-like solitude.

"The place is deserted," cried he.

"My brave friend, compelled by the extremity of his little garrison, has been obliged to surrender." "We will ascend and see," was Murray's answer.
Ker led round the rock to the most accessible point; and, mounting by the projecting stones, with some difficulty gained the top.

Silence pervaded every part; and the rugged cavities at the summit, which had formed the temporary quarters of his comrades, were lonely.