That wind, rain, and sunshine alternately ruled the day, was a matter of small importance; nor did it signify that English soldiers were returning victorious, with Scottish prisoners, being a thing now of most common occurrence.

Before the day was over, however, they found anticipation for once had been less marvellous than reality, and stranger things were seen and heard than they had dreamed of.
From sunrise till noon they waited and watched, and waxed impatient in vain.

About that time trumpets and drums were heard from the south, and there was a general rush towards the bridge, and hearts beat high in expectancy of they knew not what, as a gallant band of English archers and men-at-arms, headed by some few knights, were discovered slowly and solemnly advancing from the Carlisle road.

Where, and who was the prisoner?
A person of some consequence, of dangerous influence it must be, else why had the king made such extraordinary provision for confinement?
There were not wanting suggestions and guesses, and wondrous fancies; for as yet there was such a close guard in the centre of the cavalcade, that the very person of the prisoner could not be distinguished.

Nay, there were some who ventured to hint and believe it might be the excommunicated Earl of Carrick himself.